Amelia looked at the small church, feeling a longing stir within her. Emerson would have called twenty kinds of fool for considering the notion, but Amelia knew her own heart and did not share her beloved's ideas of religion. While not quite an atheist, Emerson scorned all concepts of religion. He was a scientist, of a sort, and his views were greatly influenced by his work as well as his nature. Knowing, as they both did, the extent of the ancient gods of Egypt, living among the Muslims, many of them hired annually by the couple, they both had a widened view of what religion meant and how diversified it could be. Therefore, Emerson was quite sure everyone had it wrong and wouldn't waste his time on any of it.
His wife saw things differently. Her father may not have been much of a church-goer, but Amelia knew it was what was expected of all properly bred women, so she started attending before she was in her teens. Now, as a woman who was approaching middle age, she was firmly planted in her Christian roots. As Emerson wouldn't hear of it, they never attended church, but Amelia prayed privately and was doing her best to ensure Ramses received as much religious training as she could give him. He had already memorized several versions of the bible- he was such a bright child, to his parents consternation- and she had no doubt that despite her best efforts, he was following his father's viewpoint.
So while Amelia may occasionally wear ancient amulets of the Egyptian gods they found in their expeditions, it was more for show and an added sense of protection, than idolatry. She understood her friend Abdullah's firm belief in Allah, but saw it more as an extension of her own beliefs. While Emerson thought no one got it right, Amelia thought they all got it right. Her faith, and the comfort and strength she received from it, were all the proof she needed.
She entered the church, seeking some of that comfort. Her world, as she knew it, was gone, but she was doing her best to make the most of a difficult situation until she could figure out a way to get home to her loved ones. It was small and unfinished, but still had the appropriate atmosphere that spoke of this being a House of God. She instantly felt calm, and walked in uncharacteristic piety toward one of the pews, choosing a seat directly opposite from where the only other person was sitting. As she approached, she glanced at the man, simple human curiosity impelling her. Only her proper Victorian manners prevented her from stopping in her tracks.
So much for a peaceful communion with her god.
He was unlike any man she had ever seen before, and she continued to watch him out of the corner of her eye, as inconspicuously as she could. She didn't want to disturb him, or appear to be outright staring, but she couldn't stop looking at the strange man. She bowed her head to pray, continuing to cast furtive glances his way, until she was no longer even going through the motions. Her mind was anywhere but on the appropriate task.
Once she got passed the obvious differences-those ears!- that had to be some sort of birth defect- those eyebrows!- she was sure, she noticed he seemed to be in some sort of turmoil. The light in the church must be a bit unforgiving, she thought, noting his pallor. Amelia decided to wait until he got up to leave, then she would approach him. He looked like he needed someone to talk to, and she could only imagine how the poor man must have been shunned since birth with unique features like that. She, however, would never deem to judge people on their appearance, and would be happy to lend him an ear..er...a gesture of friendship and listen should he need a friend.
Emerson would call it meddling. She preferred to think of it as her Christian duty to help all fellow humans in need.