#the narrow gate

Audrey had only met Sidney a handful of times, and most had been very brief pleasantries apart from her statement to Geordie almost two months ago. He’d looked much happier then he did now. She’d be lying if she said she was completely immune to his charms, if it hadn’t been for the murder she may have even gotten flustered. He was at least a foot taller with broad shoulders and strong arms. His strong jaw was one actors in Hollywood could only dream of! But it was his kind eyes and sunny disposition that really attracted her to him.

She’d admittedly did watch him and Geordie despite her best efforts. How odd to see someone like him in the middle of a homocide case. His rapport with Geordie was amusing enough and cut through the heavy atmosphere, it was an odd friendship, miss matched almost but endearing just the same.

Sidney grinned at her ”Congratulations Miss Houghton, Granchester could use a few more people like you around here”.

“People like me?” She asked with an arched eyebrow. She’d started setting up the savouries and flowers she’s brought and a small lemon cake.

“You know, progressive” he said sheepishly. He started setting the table trying to be helpful.

“Young you mean?” She smirked. As charming as Granchester was its demographic did lean on the older side. The youth didn’t tend to settle down back here after university.

“Ah yes, younger” he rubbed the back of his neck.

Audrey allowed a beat before her curiosity got the better of her. “I do hope you forgive Mr Chambers but I couldn’t help but notice...” she paused to find the right words. “...some tension, when I came in”.

Sidney stalled for a second but just as quickly brushed it off with an easy smile.

“You know how Mrs Chapman is, though between you and me I do deserve it”. He said guiltily “but I will be around more, especially now to welcome you to the village”. He said brightly grinning at her.

“God he can be charming” she flushed inwardly and lowered her eyes to the quiche she was trying to plate up.

“Have you been to service yet? I don’t think I’ve seen you” he inquired, if integrating into the community was what she wanted, that was probably the way forward.

“Probably because you haven’t led mass in weeks!” Mrs C made her self known grumpily with an embarrassed Leonard in toe.

“Well I’ll be around much more Mrs C I promise” Sidney said sweetly hoping to quell her. He’d been missing out on mass recently, last week with Geordie solving a yet another case and the week before he was with Amanda.

The Narrow Gate

Matthew 7:13-14 NLT

The Narrow Gate