Kathleen Y'Barbo by Millie's Treasure

Author:Millie's Treasure [Treasure, Millie's]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Fifteen

January 18, 1889

Memphis

The next morning Millie escaped down the back stairs to walk to Parker’s Jewelry. Only when she turned the corner onto Second Street did she realize how early it was. Thankfully, Mr. Parker was unlocking his store when the building came into view.

“Has my repair not held?” the elderly jeweler said when she arrived at the door.

“Yes, it’s fine, but I am afraid I have another repair for you.”

Millie followed him inside and showed him the locket. “Hmm, you do have a problem. Who is this lucky gentleman whose face you carry with you?” He gave the piece another look. “The portrait is old, is it not? So my guess is your grandfather? Perhaps great-grandfather?”

“I don’t know. Mama said she was never told.”

“I see.” He shrugged. “May I?” he asked as he gestured to the back of the store.

“Yes, please.”

“As my assistant is not yet here, I fear you will have to entertain yourself while I work.” He paused. “Unless you would like me to deliver this later today?”

“No,” she hurried to say. “I do not mind waiting at all.”

Mr. Parker disappeared into the back room, leaving Millie to wander over to the window. Watching the traffic heading up and down the street amused her until the jeweler’s assistant arrived.

“Did not Mr. Parker deliver your necklace, Miss Cope?”

“Yes, I did,” the jeweler called from the back.

Millie smiled. “I received the necklace yesterday as promised. However, I have another problem that needed addressing. Mr. Parker is...” She noticed the elderly man coming toward her. “It appears he has already made the repair.”

Holding the locket in his outstretched hand, Mr. Parker came around the counter to gesture toward the front window. “Come over here to where the light is best. I want you to see something.”

She did as he asked and then accepted the locket when he offered it to her. The frame was no longer bent, and the portrait had been removed completely.

“This is what I wanted you to see.” The jeweler retrieved the miniature from his pocket and placed it facedown in her palm. “You said you did not know who this man is? His name is Julian.”

She looked down at the tiny scribble of words and marveled at the old man’s ability to decipher them. As if he had guessed at her surprise, Mr. Parker reached into his pocket again and pulled out a magnifying device.

“Here. You will see it much clearer through this.”

Millie lifted the glass to her eye and then edged closer to the sunlight now streaming through the front window. Indeed, there were several lines of miniscule letters, though the print was quite blurred.

“How did they make this so small?”

“The same way the portrait was painted. With a tiny brush and much patience.” He gestured to the portrait. “Go on, read it. You may have to lift your head a bit or even move closer to get the words to focus.”

“All right,” she said as she brought the glass again to her eye. And then she saw them.

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