wanted the church rebuilt. Why else would the steeple stand pointing toward heaven? James hoped that perhaps John would agree to add a new and larger sanctuary.
James had already approached Agnes with the idea of the Darby's funding the rebuilding and she seemed interested.
'Gud dee priest.'
James looked up to see a well dressed gentleman who he didn't recognize, but beside him was Agnes Darby.
'Gud dee sir,' James replied and then said, smiling at Agnes, 'Gud dee me lady.'
'I am John Darby and am one of the parishioners of this church. I 'ave comb to see the damage for meself. Agnes tells me that you are James from Saint Leonard's Priory and 'ave been assigned to oversee its rebuilding.'
'Aye, I am James, a 'umble servant of God. I am from the priory with the commission as you 'ave stated.'
'Agnes also tells me that you 'ave nay 'ad success in securing the funds for the rebuild.'
'Aye, you are well informed sir, boot God will provide, in that I 'ave faith.'
'Faith does nay build churches,' observed John.
'Excuse me impertinence sir, boot faith is exactly whot builds churches,' retorted James gently.
John thought for a moment and realized that the priest was right.
'It is damaged sir, boot God left your fine new steeple,' offered James, attempting to break the awkward silence. He didn't wish to offend his potential benefactor, but he knew that his ultimate benefactor was God.
Looking up at the steeple, John replied 'Praise be to God.'
'Aye,' replied James and Agnes together.
John walked in silence amongst the rubble and observed that, while many of the timbers could be reused, the roof would need to be reconstructed entirely. The north wall was the only wall that had sustained significant damage, but the other walls would need to be studied carefully to ensure that they were sound. The glass of the north wall was gone, and the stress of the fallen roof had severely damaged the glass on the south wall and it would need to be replaced.
As John studied the damage, James stayed near Agnes. 'Do you suppose that 'e will consent to funding the rebuilding of the church?' asked James.
Agnes smiled at James and said, 'Oh, I suspect that 'e will, boot 'e may 'ave a bigger plans yet.'
'And whot may they be?' asked James.
'I can nay say, boot you can ask 'im.'
John returned and stated, 'We must rebuild this church. If you will oversee the construction, I will fund it entirely. God 'as been gud to me. Do you nay agree, Agnes?' Agnes smiled in agreement.
James smiled broadly and clasped his hands toward heaven. 'God be praised. Lord Darby, your name will surely be writ'en in 'eaven.'
'I 'ope you are right priest,' said John with a smile as he hugged Agnes. Agnes was very pleased.
'James, there is sumething else that I want you to do,' said John still looking at Agnes with a smile on his face. 'I 'ave determined to also build an alms 'ouse for the elderly just to the east of this church. I will 'ire a man to oversee both, boot 'e will answer to you.'
'An alms 'ouse Sir Darby!' replied James with surprise. 'You will be a blessing to many. God bless you.'
'Work will begin within the fortnight,' promised John.
'This is indeed wonderful news,' said James with excitement. 'I must tell the Prior right away.'
Turning to Agnes after they had left the church, John said to Agnes, 'I must take me leave and go to Easton-on-the-'ill to speak with Richard. Will you ride with me or shuld I fetch you 'ere lat'er?'
'It is a beau'iful dee, I will ride with you.'
Margaret was outside gathering eggs when she saw a gentleman and lady ride up on fine horses. It was unusual for anyone to be on the lane near the cottage since it was the last cottage before the road ended. It was even more unusual for a gentleman and a lady to come calling. She straightened her dress and ran her fingers through her hair and walked to the lane to greet them, but she waited to first be greeted by them.
'Gud dee, I am John Darby and this is me wife, Agnes. We 'ave comb to speak with Richard.'
'Gud dee, me Lord and Lady. Me 'usband is inseed the cot'age. I will fetch 'im for you.'
'Aye, you are Margaret then,' said John. 'I am pleased to meet you.'
'And I you, me Lord. I will fetch me 'usband.' With that, she disappeared inside the cottage and Richard came