Timepiece by Richard Paul Evans Read Free Book Online Page A

which, in afterthought, he found unsatisfying, as he thought gems generally cold, and the bauble’s beauty easily outdone by MaryAnne’s. Only two days before the wedding, the second gift arrived from a New York City brokerage and was promptly sequestered in the upstairs parlor behind a locked door. David was pleased by this gift most of all, and looked forward to its giving.
    The morning of the wedding, Gibbs arrivedearly at the house to take David for breakfast. The florist and his assistants, under Catherine’s watchful eye, were already busy wiring flowers to the chandeliers, railings, and brass hardware as David greeted Gibbs at the door. David was dressed in a high-necked, white linen shirt with a twelve-button silk vest. His tailcoat was pinstriped and cut at the waist. He wore charcoal trousers and a black silk top hat.
    â€œGibbs! Nice to see you, old man.”
    Gibbs embraced him in the open doorway. “He was warned against the woman, She was warned against the man, And if that won’t make a weddin’, why there’s nothin’ else that can!’”
    â€œSo there you have it, you are responsible for this affair.”
    â€œI do not take responsibility.”
    â€œIt would be a good thing for you to do.”
    Gibbs smiled. “I am happy for you, David.”
    â€œI am happier for myself.”
    â€œI confess more than once I have been reminded of scripture about coveting a man’s wife.”
    â€œYou still have a few hours before it will be sin. Have you the license?”
    Gibbs pulled the elaborate scrolled parchment from the breast pocket of his coat.
    â€œThen you are an accomplice. And the ring?”
    Gibbs nodded. “What a ring, David!” he exclaimed as he lifted the small box from his pocket. “Has MaryAnne seen it?”
    David shook his head. “Not yet. It is one of the day’s surprises.”
    Gibbs replaced the box and took two cigars from the breast pocket of his coat and offered one to David, as he turned looking out to his motorcar. “Well, David, we best be off. Your single carefree moments are fleeting.” He grinned sardonically.“And with a new wife, perhaps your fortune as well.”

    At the dictate of English custom, the wedding was scheduled for twelve noon. Ten minutes before the hour, David, with Gibbs by his side, entered the chapel and proceeded directly to the altar.
    As the last noon strike of the steeple’s clock resonated in a metallic echo, the church organ erupted in brilliant sforzando. MaryAnne appeared at the top of the circular staircase, and the entire congregation rose to their feet as much in collective awe as ceremony. She was radiant in a hand-embroidered ivory dress that laced down the front, corseting her narrow, though expanding, hourglass figure. Delicate lace gloves rose past her elbows and a cathedral-length veil cascaded down her back, held in place by a simple orchid wreath.
    David could not take his eyes off his bride as she descended the stair, flanked by Catherine and preceded by Catherine’s five-year-old niece, who dropped white rose petals before them as they passed beneath the great floral arches of white peonies and apple blossoms.
    For the first time in his life, David truly felt fortunate. When MaryAnne reached the altar, he leaned close.
    â€œYou look stunning, my bride.”
    MaryAnne blushed as they knelt together before the clergyman on a silk pillow facing an altar of white-and-gold-leafed alderwood.
    The organ ceased and MaryAnne handed the robed priest a prayer book. He thanked her, opened the book, and cleared his throat.
    â€œWho giveth this woman to be married to this man?”
    There was a sudden and uncomfortable silence. It had been discussed previouslythat there was no one to give MaryAnne away. It was an error, born of habit, on the clergyman’s part, and he instantly recognized his blunder.
    MaryAnne looked up. “God does, Your