“We’re leaving on the morning ferry, will you be there to see us off?” questioned the merchant’s daughter.
“Of course I will. I would never miss saying farewell to my little adventurer,” replied her father.
Thomas Templeton had married late in life. Thomas had devoted his youth to acquiring wealth as a merchant of rare antiquities.
“You won’t forget, will you?” the girl asked.
“I will be waiting at the foot of the stairs to carry your bags to the coach. Will that set your mind at ease?” Thomas answered.
The merchant rose early to ensure that several shipments set sail on the morning tide.
“I’ll double-check the paperwork and come straight home,” he told the housekeeper.
To his word, Thomas checked the documents, then headed straight for home.
“Thomas, a word,” came a voice from behind.
“Lord Fraser, what a surprise! To what do I owe the honor of this visit?” inquired Thomas.
“I must speak with you about that shipment you sent over. Several items seem to be missing, and I would like to know why?” replied the Lord.
Thomas checked his pocket watch and saw he had plenty of time. The merchant invited Lord Fraser into his office to check the shipping manifest.
“Due to a lack of availability, the items were not shipped,” Thomas explained to the angry Lord.
“I’ll post a letter insisting they ship at their earliest convenience,” Thomas offered.
Lord Fraser finally agreed to wait until the merchandise was available.
Thomas glanced at his watch, then apologized to his Lordship. “I have an important engagement I can’t be late for,” said Thomas, then left.
Reaching the front door, he noticed the housekeeper waiting in the hall.
“Where are the bags?” asked Thomas.
“I’m sorry to say, sir, the wife and daughter have left at half past the hour,” said the woman.
Thomas raced outside to see if he could see the coach in the distance. “My watch says it’s quarter past now,” he cried out.
“No, sir, it’s three-quarters past the hour,” said the housekeeper.
Thomas realized he had forgotten to wind his watch in the morning, causing it to run slow. “What have I done?” said Thomas.
“Not to worry, sir. I’m sure little Miranda will understand when she gets back from holiday.
“Thank you for the kind words. I’m sure you are correct,” the merchant said.
Thomas decided to work from home that morning. He hoped to ease his guilt by surrounding himself with reminders of his daughter.
“What the devil is that racket?” said Thomas when a shriek came from the front of the house.
“Martha, tell those rabble-rousers to be on their way,” called Thomas to his housekeeper.
Moments later, Martha stood in the doorway holding a slip of paper in her shaking hands.
“What is it, woman? Don’t stand there, tell me what is going on,” Thomas said.
“It’s the Mrs. and your daughter, sir. Their ferry capsized and sank with all hands,” said the woman.
Martha handed Thomas the telegram, then slunk out of the room.
Thomas stared at the telegram and saw nothing but the words “I shan’t be late” and nothing more.
“What have I done?” muttered the man.
Thomas Templeton had married late in life, placing wealth over a family. Alone in his study, the merchant had once again placed wealth over family, but at what price?
Folksburywoods 
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