Harriet watches as Percy operates the cotton candy machine with expert efficiency. Thin strands of candy rope out from the machine's tiny holes. Percy uses one hand to spin a large spool, upon which the candy strands are deposited. Harriet's fascination grows along with the size of her presumed cotton candy treat. She lets out a tiny giggle as the spool of soft candy becomes ridiculously large, the top tilting like the leaning tower of Pisa. Lightly touching Percy's right forearm, Harriet's giggle becomes a full-blown laugh.

  "Ha. That's enough, Percy! Thank you," Harriet says between a genuine laugh. "Believe me, that's enough. I could never eat all of that. I'll probably give the rest to my kid. If I don't, she'll just rob me of it anyway. Thank you, Percy. Really. It was nice of you to show me the machine."

  Percy shuts off the machine and hands Harriet her spool of cotton candy. She takes the sugary treat with a shy smile, avoiding Percy's gaze. He is a nice enough gentleman. Compassionate too. However, she has always been distrustful of clowns.

  Percy studies Harriet very carefully, sensing her discomfort. He reaches out a hand and touches Harriet's shoulder. With his other hand, Percy removes the red clown nose on his face. Harriet visibly relaxes. At this point, Percy is certain it isn't him she is wary of. It is his costume. If only the master did not make him wear it. Then, Harriet might open up to him. She might even allow him to kiss her. They could be fleeting lovers.

  "I can make another," Percy says. "For your daughter."

  "Don't trouble yourself, Percy," Harriet politely objects. "Irene is only four. She shouldn't be eating that much candy, anyway. She can share mine. Thanks for the offer."

  Harriet is surprised when Percy takes her hand and kisses it for the second time. Her heart thunders in her ribcage as she studies Percy's face. Without the big red nose, the clown actor is not bad looking. Harriet is sure he would look even better without the white pancake makeup.

  "How long have you two been in business?" Harriet asks, shifting her gaze. "In the circus biz, I mean."

  "The master has been in business much longer than I have. I do not know the exact amount of time. I joined the circus at her request."

  "Oh. Okay," Harriet says.

  Harriet takes a small nibble of her cotton candy, letting the confection melt on her tongue. She closes her eyes and moans with childlike satisfaction.

  "Mmmm...That is good. Much better than store bought. Thank you."

  "It was my pleasure," Percy replies.

  Harriet offers Percy a warm smile, which he reciprocates. The ice is finally melting.

  =====================================

  Harriet walks toward where Melvin and the ringmaster are holding conference. Harriet's mouth is full of cotton candy. She uses an open hand to prevent candy pieces from flying out of her mouth when she speaks.

  "I love it, Melvin. And it tastes so good. Thank you so much, Ma'am," Harriet exclaims around the cotton candy in her mouth.

  Melvin laughs, watching Harriet attempt to contain her excitement and her mouthful of sugary temptation. He strolls to his wife and takes her other hand. Harriet meets his gaze, before pecking him on the cheek with her bright red lips.

  "Thank you, Melvin. I love you," Harriet whispers.

  "Anything for you, hon," Melvin replies.

  The ringmaster observes this exchange with an arched eyebrow. Her upper lip twitches and she turns her head to glare at Percy. The clown once again has the purple cleaning towel in his hand. Percy shrugs and shrinks back, bumping against the side of the cotton candy machine. He did everything he was instructed to do. The spell should have worked.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  "There's lots more to see," the ringmaster shouts in a voice tinged with energy and danger. "Come with me. Have you ever walked the tightrope, Harriet?"

  Harriet's eyes grow wide and she shakes her head in a negative fashion. She hands her cotton candy off to Melvin, motioning for him to try some.

  "No. Never. You want me to go up there? How high up is it, if you don't mind my asking?"

  "It's probably best if I don't tell you," the ringmaster says, twisting her mouth into a sarcastic smirk. "However, there is nothing to fear. I will have Percy walk behind you. He is an expert on the tightrope. And there is also the trampoline. Guests sometimes fall off of the ropes on purpose. The trampoline is quite fun, and it makes the other guests roar with laughter."

  "I don't think I'll be doing that," Harriet chuckles uneasily. "But I think I will try the tightrope."

  Melvin's eyes light up with pleasure and he grips Harriet's hand tightly.

  "You sure, hon? You're really gonna try the ropes?"

  "Yes. I want to try it," Harriet exclaims.

  "Okay," Melvin says with a grin. He leans forward and kisses Harriet's cheek. "Have fun, Harriet. But be careful. We still have a dinner engagement."

  "I know. I haven't forgotten. How can I? You promised me a good close to the evening."

  Harriet politely removes her hand from Melvin's and grins from ear to ear. Melvin winks and exaggerates taking a bite out of Harriet's cotton candy. She giggles softly.

  The ringmaster watches their shenanigans with a blank expression. Hopefully, Percy won't screw things up this time. But she won't count on it.

  Percy is already standing beneath the tightrope when Harriet approaches. He looks down at Harriet's evening gown and then at his master. He eventually returns his gaze to Harriet's face.

  "Maybe you should change first? You are not wearing the correct clothes or shoes for walking the tightrope. I will grab you something more appropriate to wear. I hope you don't mind...The clothes belong to a performer who is no longer with our troupe. They should fit you fine though."

  "Oh sure. Yes, I guess my clothes are rather inappropriate for such an activity."

  "No," Percy says reassuringly. "Not inappropriate...I simply want you to be safe. That's all."

  "So...In other words, inappropriate," Harriet insists with a laugh. "Don't worry. I understand."

  Percy motions for Harriet to follow him. He nods to the ringmaster and Melvin.

  "I will give the lady her new clothes and show her where she may change. We'll be back very shortly."

  A tiny tug on Melvin's subconscious encourages him to follow Harriet and the purple clad clown. Yet, a part of him also warns against crowding his wife. Let Harriet enjoy her night. Let her have fun. Stop being the overbearing husband.

  ===================================

  When the pair return, Melvin can scarcely believe his eyes. Is that his wife? Is that really Harriet?

  Harriet now wears a very attractive pants suit. The outfit is reminiscent of something Jeannie, from the old television show about a female genie, might wear. Harriet's borrowed pants suit is sky blue in color, with vertical white stripes, the top of the suit very open and revealing. Melvin nearly licks his lips at the sight of her. She is just as gorgeous as she was the day they first met. More gorgeous even. Giving birth to Irene has filled her out more in certain places. And he is loving the sight of every inch of her.

  The ringmaster appears beside Melvin and offers him a glass of red wine. She watches him with her piercing green eyes.

  "Would you like some refreshment before we begin, Mr. Deels? Wine perhaps...Or beer?"

  Melvin barely glances at the tray in the ringmaster's hand. His mind is too occupied with Harriet. By now, Percy has led Harriet back to the tightrope. Melvin follows their path with thirsty eyes.

  "No. No, thank you. I have to drive. Thank you anyway," Melvin says in a distracted voice.

  It is a good thing Melvin is distracted. Otherwise, he might have observed the furious expression which alters the ringmaster's formerly placid visage.

  That fool! Why can't he ever do anything right? Who would believe that, even now, the essence of her great fallen lover dwells within the bumbling idiot? The unforeseen corruption of her transfer spell, which made it possible for Percival to enter Desmond, also complicates Percival's removal. She risks leaving very crucial pieces of her lover behind. What made Percival...Percival. There is only one remedy for that. But now, is not the time. So, she will wait.

  "Very well," the ringmaster says in a dry voice. "Then, we'll start the show."

  To be continued........