The Hauntch Shop
Dinnertime came quickly after a polite conversation with Mrs. Perking. The dining area had various animal heads mounted on the wall. After the soup was done and the main course had been laid out, Mr. Perking looked up from his meal.
“I should like,” he began in a regal tone, “to inspect your shop. For my own peace of mind. As you may be aware, there are terrible rumors flying about on the wind.”
I glanced over at Cynthia, who was meekly eating her peas while sitting with perfect posture. Then I glanced out the window just behind Mr. Perking, dusk was falling quickly. Before even dessert was served, it would be dark. “As you wish, Sir.”, I picked up my fork and began to dine.
The rest of the meal which was served in silence, was delectable. As the chocolate cake was being served, night descended. By the time I had taken my final bite of the seven layer cake, the stars shone brightly in the sky.
The gold and white carriage pulled up to take us into town. I noticed the light of the candles on the outside seemed muted somehow. It was impossible to tell what color the inside was, but it was larger than one I rode in earlier. The drapes were drawn on the inside, so there was no way to see out as we sped quickly to downtown ‘Nary Town.
We stopped in front of the Hauntch Store, and I pulled the key from my drawstring purse.
The door opened the first time.
The inside of the Hauntch store was basically bare. There was a chair by the fireplace, and a few books settled in on shelves. An oil lamp stood by the door, which Mr. Perking graciously lighted for us all. Cynthia darted upstairs and moments later squealed with delight, as if in all her life she had never experienced true happiness till just that moment.
Everyone rushed up the stairs.
I saw for the first time little perfect Cynthia Perking, weep for joy.
I glanced down on the floor, there was a doll-house on the ground. It resembled Perking manor, though it was not a large estate it did hold ten rooms. Every room was perfect, every painting replicated, every throw rug in place. In the cabinets, in the kitchen, were removable pots and pans. In the space room, in the curio cabinets, were all the dinner ware and tea implements. Everything usable in miniature, all the way down to Cynthia’s room. Where her doll stood looking in the mirror, wardrobe door wide open showing her interchangeable clothes.
“Oh!” Mrs. Perking exclaimed and stooped down to hug her daughter.
“It’s perfect.” they both said unison.
Mr. Perking was not amused, “Is this some sort of ploy. Your shiny trinkets will not hold sway with me.”
“I haven’t been up here since I first inherited this shop, I assure you I didn’t even see this here. I have never been to your house before tonight, so I could not have known the details.”
“Your aunt has!” he quipped.
“Then maybe she meant it as a gift.” I offered. “We never spoke, so I wouldn’t know. But it obviously makes your little girl very happy, so I say she can take it home with her.”
Cynthia screamed and ran over to me, hugging me as tightly as she could.
“Oh you Dear Woman.” Mrs. Perking was moved by the act of kindness.
Mr. Perking was moved too now, in a different direction. “I want to search the shop top to bottom.”
“Then do so.” I gestured to the bottom of the stairs and got out of his way.
I watched Cynthia playing happily, with her mother watching on and smiling.
The banging from downstairs became louder, Mrs. Perking looked up. “I do apologize, he has a terrible temperament at times.” She drew in a breath, and said nonchalantly, “I’m afraid when he’s right, he’s absolutely right. There is simply no proving him wrong.” She glanced towards the stairway and then back at me, “My first impression of you was quite nice actually, and you have proven it was rightly so. Your aunt as well was a generous and loving spirit, it has always been my husband and not I that are against you. Of course, your dear aunt died before she could meet Cynthia.” Mrs. Perking played with her daughters’ hair lovingly, “She was just a toddler then.”
“That does it!” Mr. Perking bellowed. He pounded the stairs with all his might as he came upwards. He addressed his family, “We are leaving, there is nothing here.” He then turned his angry reddened face towards me, “I do not know how you have done it, maybe you are a magician of some sort. This is by no means over.”
“Come now Stephen! That is quite enough!” Lacy interjected. “This woman has shown you nothing but courtesy and kindness. I will not have this sort of behavior in front of our daughter. What virtues have you shown here today?”
Mr. Perking’ demeanor slowly began to change, he watched his daughter cuddling the small Cynthia. “You are right, what a fool I have been.” He glanced at me, “My apologies, we must take our leave. We have taken up enough of your time.”
“It’s alright, take the doll-house. I’m sure it was for Cynthia.” I urged.
They left quietly, with the doll-house, and I sat by the cold fireplace. As I fell asleep I realized, I never did get that watch.