Part 49: By Surprise

Powder fine as lace dotted the meadows, which Henry thought such a good description he committed it to paper immediately before turning back to the almanac open on his desk. It was his first Advent at Woodston and the opening services successfully closed. That left three more, Christmas itself, and Epiphany, not counting the numerous other days set aside for saints and prayers. He was determined not to neglect the parish after the previous years' desultory attendance during this season. He was just as determined to pay a call on the Morlands at least once during that same span of time.

"It is the snow I am uncertain about," he admitted in consultation with his curate that afternoon. "If the weather continues as it did last winter, I may be able to leave and return within a few days. However, if something more substantial were to blow in, I might be delayed till the next evensong."

"Or later, sir, and the risk would not warrant your returning in that case," Mr. Jones answered with dependable good sense. "Of course I stand ready whenever you have need."

"You have served very admirably. But tell me, when did you last enjoy leisure to attend your parents or kin during this time?" After a moment's consideration, Jones admitted it may have been close to a decade, which confirmed Henry's suspicions on the matter. "It is out of my power to grant an entire month, but you should have some reward for your faithfulness. I pray you would name the week most convenient for your own travels ere I make any plans for mine."

This boon was clearly unexpected and gave the rector all the satisfaction of delivering at least one gift in person, and with all the desired results. It was a most auspicious start.

Title from Chapter 26 of Northanger Abbey: "And it all ended, at last, in his telling Henry one morning that when he next went to Woodston, they would take him by surprise there some day or other, and eat their mutton with him."