The Family Grace: An Extraordinary History By Barry Reese
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EnglishVoice Age
Middle Aged (35-54)Accents
North American (General)Transcript
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In the 12 years since my uncle Frederick had crossed paths with me. Much had changed the last time he had visited had been scarce months after my discharge from the military, and I had been nursing a badly injured leg. Thankfully the army medics had managed to save the limb before Gangrene had set in, but it was still a long road back to its full usefulness. I had been shot in the upper portion of the leg during the final days of that sad state of affairs, known to most as the war between the States. But I have never regretted my decision to join the Union Army. It had been a war full of causes to which I could pledge both my body and soul. With no hesitation, It had been 12 September, if I recall correctly, I was sitting out in the garden reading a dreadful little novel about ghosts and such. When my maid Evelyn had stepped in and courteously attracted my attention upon hearing that I had a familial visitor, I bade her bring him in, and tried to make myself look as presentable as possible. Truth be told, I failed miserably in the months since returning from the war I had let myself go a bit, putting on weight and avoiding the barber judiciously. Still my uncle did not comment on my disheveled appearance. He merely hugged me tightly and bade me remain seated, noting the slightly bloodied bandage on my leg. Frederick had always embodied the best of the Grace clan, capturing the look that remains classically representative of our noble line. Tall and thin, with curly blond hair and piercing blue eyes, Frederick could have turned heads of women throughout the world. Such was not in his interest, however, and thus he was fated to remain a bachelor. Dear uncle! I exclaimed, eagerly, sharing tea with him, Tell me how things are going at the museum. Any startling new fines? My uncle paused before answering, which killed me somewhat as director of the Museum of Pagan Antiquities and Salem. He was always full of charming stories about lost civilizations and ancient relics, but on this day I noted that he seemed a bit more gaunt than usual in his eyes, normally full of a unique zest for life were dulled. It's actually a bit of museum business that brings me here. He began steadfastly avoiding my gaze. You know that I hate to ask favors of anyone, especially family, but you don't even have to ask, I replied with genuine affection. My uncle had helped raise me after my father's accident, and I would never turn him away as a result. Tell me what I can do to help. I'm a bit slow to get around these days, but if it's within my power, I'll assist you. Frederick seemed touched by my words and he relaxed, somewhat, sinking back into the comfortable chair Evelyn had provided for him. The sun was shining brightly above, but there was obviously something of a cloud about my relative, and my heart act to soothe his concern. Your body! You have always been like a son to me. He finally caught my eyes and I saw such warmth that I leaned forward in my own seat, eager to hear what had moved him. So I have something to give you a tome. If you will. I want you to hold it for me until such a day as it is needed. I could scarcely hide my surprise all of this over a book. Why not put it into the museum's collections? There are some things that should be kept hidden from the eyes of man. I am ashamed to say that I laughed at his words as they seemed so full of melodrama, that it was hard to avoid the temptation. When I saw the look on his face I quickly recovered and said, Forgive me. Go on. Frederick opened his overcoat and retrieved a small, leather bound book. I immediately took note of the fact that the cover was sealed with a small lock, and that my uncle wore a silver key on a chain about his own neck. He held the book in his hands idly rubbing a thumb over its smooth surface. I want you to lock this away your bed. Promise me that you will do not attempt to open it. Not unless I tell you to again. The peculiar urged to laugh came upon me, but I stifled the impulse for fear of driving my uncle away. Despite the ludicrous nature of the whole affair, he was still near to my heart, and I would do nothing to harm him.