Timepiece by Richard Paul Evans Read Free Book Online

down at my stomach.”
    â€œI would be disappointed in her if she had not noticed.”
    â€œWhy does she act so?”
    â€œBecause Victoria is the worst kind of society.She is not old money or new money, but somewhere in between, so she is forever trying to prove that she belongs somewhere in society. You, my love, simply are not of their caste. Of course, neither am I, but as I am richer than they, and as money is their God, or at least their idol, they must bow. But they despise doing it.” David smiled indulgently. “Money, as they say, is always chic.”
    MaryAnne suddenly looked down and leaned back against the railing. “David, how will marrying me affect your social standing?”
    David laughed. “Very well, I think, now that I have someone I care to socialize with.” He paused, studying her sad countenance. “MaryAnne, you are thinking of your mother and father. It is similar in a way, is it not?”
    MaryAnne nodded.
    â€œExcept our story has a happy ending. Besides, I believe the ‘Victorias’ of myworld are happy for my decision. I am certain they believe a woman, if not able to civilize me, will at least round off the rough edges.”
    MaryAnne kissed his cheek. “How goes it downstairs?”
    â€œAwful. When the mayor entered, he handed Lawrence his coat.”
    â€œOh, my. What did you do?”
    â€œI had just entered the foyer, so I greeted Lawrence as a war hero, flattered the coat he held, and asked if I could hang it for him.”
    â€œOh, my,” she repeated. “What did the mayor do?”
    â€œHe was florid. My only regret is that Victoria was not present. A good fainting is guaranteed to get a party into the social column.”
    MaryAnne laughed again.
    â€œHow was your first day off work?” David asked.
    â€œI missed you.” She sighed. “. . . But not Gibbs.”
    David smiled. “You know, he is to be my best man.”
    â€œAs long as I get you at the end of the day, I do not much care.” MaryAnne clasped her hands on her stomach and smiled dreamily. “Catherine and I found the most elegant wedding dress. It was quite expensive.”
    â€œShall I sell the business?”
    â€œDo not tease me. I feel awkward spending your money. It is improper of me to even speak of it.”
    â€œMaryAnne, it is wonderful having someone I care to spend it on. As your husband, I insist that you always allow me the luxury of spoiling you.”
    MaryAnne draped her arms around her fiancé. “What makes you think that I do not already have everything?”
    â€œThe proper answer,” he replied. “Always the proper answer.”

    â€œIf the heavens were to open and a host of Angels descend, they could not have produced such an effect on my soul as MaryAnne descending the chapel staircase for our wedding.”
    David Parkin’s Diary. August 11, 1908
    It was common knowledge, if anything among the city’s social elite was to be deemed common, that David Parkin was not one for ostentatious display. So the extravagance of the wedding was a surprise to all, and even the most jaded admitted to being suitably impressed.
    The preparation for the wedding had taken five weeks of daily attention from the time of the engagement announcement to the nuptial day, and Catherine, as instructed by David, saw to it all, conducting a symphony of florists, servants, and caterers. At one point, a florist wryly remarked,“Madam, I was told this was to be a wedding, not a coronation.”
    â€œThis wedding will want for nothing,” Catherine retorted. “Mr. Parkin expects an affair unlike one this city has ever witnessed. And nothing less.”
    The florist prudently apologized.
    In the days leading up to the event, David considered MaryAnne’s bridal gift with great care. Jewelry was customary, so in addition to the wedding ring, he had purchased a large diamond pendant,