Rev. John Fenwick Kitto's Arc

Chapter 1 of 2

Rev. John Fenwick Kitto knelt in the dim chapel, hands pressed together. His knees ached against the cold stone floor. He prayed for Lord Ashworth's soul. The wealthy patron funded the church, but his heart remained empty. Kitto had tried sermons, scripture, and gentle words. Nothing reached the man. He stood and walked to the altar. The polished chalice gleamed in the candlelight. The white cloth beneath it was spotless. St. Mary's Church depended on Ashworth's money for everything. The roof repairs, the candles, even the coal for winter. But Kitto wanted more than coins. He wanted to save the man's soul before it was too late. A letter had arrived that morning. Lord Ashworth was sick at his country estate. He refused to see doctors or priests. Kitto made his choice. He would go to him. Outside, he found a wagon and grey horse waiting in the courtyard. He loaded bread, wine, and his prayer book into the back. The journey would take most of the day. Lord Ashworth might turn him away at the door. But Kitto had to try. Some souls were worth the roughest roads.