Read Online Timepiece by Richard Paul Evans - Free Book Online Page B

child’s world of stuffed dolls and menagerie animals sculpted in the clouds. The employees of the Parkin Machinery Company were informed on a daily basis of the baby’s progress and were happily amused with this new side of their boss’s personality. It was said at the office that David seemed happily distracted, though, in fact, he had just become more focused on the child, and, lest he miss her childhood, spent more time at home.
    In late spring, necessity forced an extended business trip back East, which David returned home from a week early. Catherine met him at the door and took his coat and attaché case.
    â€œWelcome home, sir.”
    â€œThank you, Catherine. Where are MaryAnne and Andrea?”
    â€œThey are in the gazebo. May I take your shoulder bag?”
    â€œThank you, but no. These are gifts.”
    David passed through the house and out into the garden, where MaryAnne sat on the gazebo swing, gently rocking the baby she nursed at her breast. The yard was littered with the white popcorn blossoms of apricot trees, the crisp air filled with the perfume of the garden and the sounds of MaryAnne’s hummed lullabies. MaryAnne, absorbed in a different world, looked up only when he was a few feet off.
    â€œDavid!”
    He smiled wide, laid down the heavy shoulder bag, kissed her, then, sitting down, pulled the blanket back, exposing the suckling child.
    â€œWhat wonderful animals we are,” he said. “It is so good to be home. You two have made my life very difficult. You have exposed me to the malady of homesickness.”
    â€œThen it is contagious,” MaryAnne replied. “We have missed you so. How was the journey?”
    â€œIt is done.” He leaned over and kissed Andrea on her head. “In my absence, I have thought a great deal about my business. I have decided that I miss my secretary.”
    â€œYes?”
    â€œI was hoping I could get her back.”
    â€œIf you could accommodate two ladies for the position I may consider it.”
    He leaned back and breathed in the rich scent of lilac and apple blossom. “Spring breathes such life into this desert. I concluded the business faster than I, or they, planned.”
    â€œWas it productive?”
    â€œAdequate.” He suddenly smiled. “I have something to show you,” he said excitedly. He released the straps of the shoulder bag, then extracted a gold-papered box from inside. He lifted the top of the boxand parted the tissue. Inside lay a burgundy velvet dress with a black silk sash and white lace collar.
    MaryAnne gasped. “It is beautiful!”
    â€œI think we should try it on her,” David suggested.
    MaryAnne covered her mouth, then turned, trying to conceal her amusement.
    â€œWhy are you laughing?” he asked innocently.
    â€œI am sorry.” She chuckled. “David, it won’t fit her for years!” With one hand, she lifted the dress out of the box.
    He examined the garment then looked back down at the infant.
    â€œOh.”
    â€œIt is a lovely dress. She will look beautiful in it.” Her mouth lifted in a teasing smile. “When she is four or five.” She laughed again.
    â€œI am not much with sizes,” he confessed. He reached again into his bag. This time, he lifted out a miniature woodencrate, then carefully extracted from its cotton boll packing a small porcelain music box, a carousel, hand-painted in pastel-and-gold adornment. He wound the instrument then held it out in the palm of his hand. It plucked a simple carnival tune as the carousel revolved and its intricate horses rose and fell in clockwork mechanism. At the sound of the music, Andrea turned from MaryAnne’s breast to see the toy. She cood happily, reaching out to touch the tiny, prancing horses.
    â€œIt is wonderful! Where did you find such a toy?!”
    â€œAt a clock shop in Pennsylvania. The proprietor, a Mr. Warland, creates the most intriguing