Punch's Cousin, Chapter 2

The air seemed cool as Julian drew in a long, deep breath. Arthur had left. Julian was glad of that. He wasn’t too fond of his valet. The man had an unctuous quality that left something to be desired. He smiled too knowingly for a valet. Julian sighed, resolved that there was little he could do about it. Arthur was the “first footman” and therefore was assigned as valet to the eldest son of the household. Not only was Julian the eldest, he was the only son of the household. To be more accurate, for a long time he was the only child. He had lived twenty-two years before Barbara came along. Barbara’s birth, in many ways, had been a relief. At least she took Mother’s attention away long enough for Julian to leave for the townhouse he had leased in Belgrave Square. How long ago that seemed. What had happened to all of those plans?


Julian twirled the diamond ring on his left index finger—the first he had designed. Would there be more?

The clock chimed the half-hour. Julian knew he’d best hurry downstairs before Jackson came looking for him. It wouldn’t do to leave the Duchess waiting. Her Grace looked favorably on promptness. That, at least, Julian knew he could provide. He couldn’t think of much else he could do that his mother would look at with favor.

Julian took one last look in the glass. He smoothed his wavy, chestnut hair and paused to study the lines of his face—pale alabaster planes at sharp, almost Roman, angles. He looked just like his mother. When he was a boy, she declared him, “All Fallbridge” and took pride in the fact that he didn’t favor the Molliner side of the family.

Something glimmered behind Julian—a fast flicker reflected in the glass. Julian turned around. The door to the curio cabinet was ajar. Had he opened it? Walking quickly to the cabinet, Julian shut and locked the glass door with one swift motion.

“Sorry to shut you in, Punch, old pal.” Julian said under his breath. “Can’t have you wandering into the Drawing Room during tea. Mother wouldn’t approve.”

Julian shut his eyes and sighed again. “Talking to a puppet…”

Why had the curio door been opened? Julian studied the array of artifacts and objects inside. Nothing seemed out of place.

Punch grinned at him from behind the panes of the cabinet’s door.

“I’ll be late.” Julian said briskly and rushed out of his room.

For some reason, Julian found the sound of his own footsteps echoing throughout the long passage to be unnerving. His heart raced. Leaving his rooms was becoming increasingly difficult. Suddenly, he found himself longing for the comfort of the aubergine chair by his fireplace, the familiarity of the paintings on his walls, and, yes, even the company of Punch.

“Steady on.” Julian thought to himself. “You’re still in your ancestral home.”

When did the Drawing Room get to be so far away? The walk seemed interminable. Julian paused on the stairs, looking over the balustrade to the gleaming marble floor below.

His hands were sweating.

Click, click, click…Julian rushed down the stairs.

Arthur stood stiffly outside the Drawing Room door.

“Lord Fallbridge,” Arthur smiled as he opened the door.

Julian tried not to grimace.

“You’re late!” The Duchess of Fallbridge bellowed as Julian entered.

“I’m terribly sorry, Mother.” Julian said bowing his head to his mother.

“Six minutes late…” His mother continued. She waved her hand to Jackson who stood attentively in the corner of the room. “Take the tea away, Jackson, no doubt, it’s cold. I simply can’t abide cold tea. Bring fresh!”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Jackson said quickly, taking the tea tray.

“And remove the sandwiches and cakes. I’m sure they’re dry.” The Duchess sniffed. “Bring new.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Julian, do sit down.” His mother hissed. “I won’t have you standing there like some gaping buffoon.”

“Yes, Mother.” Julian sat.

The room grew silent, and cold despite the roaring fire in the hearth.

“Rather difficult to take tea when the tea is ruined, don’t you think?” The Duchess of Fallbridge growled.

“Yes, Mother.” Julian nodded. “I am terribly sorry.”

“You’re just like your father.” The Duchess said breathily. “So ready with apologies.”

Julian nodded.

“I suppose you’re wondering why you’ve been asked down here today?” His mother said after a few painful moments.

“Well, you do usually prefer Barbara’s company at teatime.” Julian replied softly.

“I did, yes.” The Duchess frowned. “Here!” She held up a letter. “Take this.”

Julian rose and took the letter. He returned to his seat and read it with ever-widening eyes.

“What do you think of that?” His mother demanded.

“It’s too terrible.” Julian replied quickly.

“What do you intend to do about it?” The duchess barked.

“I?” Julian asked.

“Yes, you. She’s your sister. You want her to make a smart marriage, don’t you? Surely, you want this for your family!”

“I do.” Julian answered, “but…”

“Your sister has run off. And, you’re to find her!”

Julian read the letter again.

Dearest Mother,


I do not to wish to be disagreeable, however, circumstances necessitate my abrupt departure. I cannot marry Baron Marsden. I will not.


I shall leave. Do not seek me out. You will be unsuccessful.


Your Barbara

“Find her how?” Julian asked.

“That’s rather your concern, isn’t it?” His Mother laughed. “You will return her to me within the week!”

Julian sat and looked at his mother.

“Stop staring!” The Duchess spat. “Now, go!”

Julian rose, pausing long enough to bow his head to his mother and hurried to the door, reaching for the high, bronze knob with shaking hands.

The door opened before he could turn the knob. Jackson had returned with a tiered tray of teacakes and sandwiches and Arthur followed with the gleaming silver tea service.

“Lord Fallbridge will not be staying for tea.” The Duchess purred as Julian raced up the stairs.

Once inside his room, Julian leaned against the door—his heart pounding in his chest. He shook his head.

“I can’t.” Julian said aloud, nervously turning the ring on his index finger. “I can’t.” His mind raced with thoughts…thoughts that stopped when he noticed something curious toward the rear of the room.

The door to the curio cabinet was open again.

Did you miss Chapter 1?  Read it here.