Sigmund Shaw: A Steampunk Adventure Read Free

Jamison met Alexis, Sigmund was with her. It was night and they were just leaving the theatre, having seen The H.M.S. Pinafore. Sigmund had walked to the street with the many others desperately trying to hail a cab in the cold wet weather of that evening. Alexis had stayed near the entrance to fend off the light drizzle. While she was standing alone, or as alone as one can be among a small crowd of people, Jamison approached her, introduced himself, and complimented her smile. Alexis blushed, smiled larger, and then looked away. But when she looked back at him there was no smile. It had been replaced with a serious, yet sad look. Jamison was a little taken aback by this but smiled kindly and calmly waited for an explanation.
     
    Other theatre-goers continued to mill around them but were not relevant to this private moment. She lowered her gaze, not being able to look him in the face, unable to bear the inevitable disappointment he would show, and said, “I’m widowed. I have a young daughter at home.”
     
    There was a pause. Alexis wanted to turn away, wanted the moment to be over and go home. What had been a charming night with her brother was turning into another dreadful evening of rejection. But to her great surprise, Jamison said, “I would like to meet her sometime.”
     
    Alexis raised her eyes to his. People were crowding the sidewalk, moving all around them, but she couldn’t see anyone except Jamison. Her eyes glistened – Jamison recalled they sparkled – as she tried to keep her emotions in check. Barely able to speak, she managed a quiet, “I would like that too.”
     
    Over the next several months, Jamison and Alexis spent much time together, falling in love, and finally marrying. Jamison’s family was not completely happy about his decision – marrying a woman who already had a child from a previous marriage, but given time, the kindness of Alexis, and the happiness of Jamison, they eventually welcomed her sincerely to the family. The two years since have been the happiest that Sigmund could every recall his sister being. Maybe Sigmund was intimidated because Jamison took as good care of his sister and niece as he ever did, and perhaps better.
     
    Raising his fist to knock a second time, he halted as he heard rapidly approaching footsteps. When the door opened, his sister nearly flew out of it to give him a hug. “Sigmund! Right on time, as always.” She exclaimed
     
    “Well, you know what father always said…”
     
    Together they said, for an uncountable time, “‘Time is precious.’”
     
    Alexis gave him another quick hug before guiding him into her living room. On the wall opposite the door was a fireplace, unused on this nice summer day, the mantle holding a vase with bright yellow flowers along with two picture frames. There was a brown couch, a matching brown wing chair, and two wooden chairs with floral upholstery, one of them occupied by Alexis’ husband. Jamison’s ears stuck out prominently on his narrow face but he had an overall intelligent look. He was similar in age to Sigmund but had the concentration lines of one who thought deeply on matters, a person who had a job that was more analytical than driving a cab. As Sigmund entered, Jamison smiled, stood up, and said, “Sigmund, welcome!”
     
    Sigmund took two steps across the dark wood floor and shook hands with Jamison. “Always a pleasure to be here Jamison. You look well.”
     
    “As do you.” Extending his hand to a chair, Jamison continued, “Please, have a seat. How was the ride today?”
     
    “The ride was quite lovely. The warm weather has permeated even the coldest hearts and has won the citizens over to happiness. But I will have to decline your offer to sit for now, as you know I can’t delay another moment without visiting Sarah.” Sigmund gave a mock look of great concern. “Can’t have her be angry with me. Plus, I have a gift to deliver.”
     
    Alexis put her hand on his shoulder and said,