Who is Parson Brown and why does he want to know if everyone is married?!
Question: Good question.... I always wondered!
Answers: Good question.... I always wondered!
He is a pastor and wants to be the one presiding over wedding ceremonies for couples who are not yet married.
Parson Brown is the town's busybody and just doesn't know to mind his own beeswax; that, however, is only part of the explanation. As a member of the local clergy, he earns money on the side for performing wedding cermonies, so he has a financial interest in finding unmarrieds. The conversation goes something like this:
Parson Brown: "I do weddings for a reasonable fee. Are you married?"
You: "No, man, but you can do the job when you're in town."
Parson Brown: "Here's my card and list of services that I offer. Call anytime."
Weddings are a business bonanza for Parson Brown because after the ceremony, he mingles and finds more new business contacts who, by virtue of the ceremony, are now personally acquainted with his services.