“Pauline? The Duchess of Fallbridge?” Laughter spilled from Julian’s mouth as Punch became wildly amused. “That one? She’s Julian’s mother! Not mine.”
“Punch, earlier you referred to your father being Sir Collin Molliner. You and Julian share more than a body, it seems you believe that you share a father.” Robert said in an even tone of voice so as not to upset Punch.
“That’s right. Molliner is my father for he’s the one what got me in the first place.” Punch said. “But, it were the other one who’s my mother.”
“Who?” Robert asked.
“Nanny, of course.” Punch winked. “The old cow.”
“Julian’s former Nanny is on this ship?” Robert leaned forward.
“Course she is. I smelled her, I did. Smelled of roses that one—rotting roses. By the time I’m done with her, she’ll smell of the sea. She wants to see me, she does. Well, to be fair, she wants to see Julian. But, it’ll be me that she sees. Julian wouldn’t open the door when she came. See, I will.” Punch continued.
“Why do you hate this woman so? Especially since you refer to her as your mother…”
“She’s the one what made me come up. She’s the one what made me be in two places at once. I was just a puppet…once. But, no. That bloomin’ sow lets little boys get eaten. So, now the sea will eat her! I’ll show her what it’s like to be eaten. She’s the naughty one, she is.”
“Mr. Punch, I wish to speak to Lord Fallbridge.” Robert said nervously.
“I already told you this isn’t no bleedin’ parlor trick,” Punch sighed. “Julian’ll be back when it’s time for him to be back. Not before.”
“Have some more sandwiches,” Robert said, handing another plate to Punch in the hopes that he could be distracted.
“Don’t mind if I do.” Punch said.
“At least he’s eating.” Robert thought. He took a deep breath. How could he make Punch subside and Julian reappear? Punch was of no use to Robert. He watched Julian eat to feed the puppet’s hunger. And what was this nonsense about his nanny. Could she really be on the ship?
They sat in silence for several minutes while Punch ate his sandwiches. Robert hoped that Julian might resurface if Punch was kept very calm.
The quiet in the room was shattered by a knocking on the door.
“Roses…” Punch hissed.
“Lord Fallbridge, I must see you…” A woman’s voice whispered through the door. “It’s a matter of the utmost urgency.”
“Let her in,” Punch grinned.
Robert sat still.
“Let her in, you!” Punch demanded.
Robert shook his head as the woman knocked on the door again. “Mr. Punch, I can’t. Not while you’re here. I’m sorry. However, I’ll only open the door if it’s Julian who’s in the room with me.”
“Lord Fallbridge?” The woman whispered again.
Robert stared at Punch whose eyes widened in anger. Suddenly, the doctor had an idea. Perhaps it was the only way to rid themselves of Punch—if only for a moment.
“I’m sorry to do this to you, Punch.” Robert said as he walked toward Julian’s body and Punch’s face. “I don’t mean to shock you.” Robert extended his arms.
Punch stepped back—suddenly not so tough—“What are you going to do?”
The woman knocked on the cabin door again—this time more frantically. “Sir, I know you’re in there. I hear you.”
“You’ll choke me!” Punch howled at Robert. “You’ll split my head!”
Robert took Julian’s arms and stared into Punch’s eyes.
“Unhand me! Julian don’t like to be touched!” Punch wriggled.
“Stop squirming, Punch, old chap.” Robert smiled. “You’ll only make this more difficult.”
Did you miss Chapters 1-22? If so, you can read them here.
4 comments:
If Robert isn't on the up and up, he's putting up with quite a lot. Jekyll and Hyde have nothing on this pair of people in one body. Have got to find out who the woman is.
Oh I want to know who she is too!
Hello, Dashwood. Robert is certainly being patient. You're correct. However, maybe he has a good reason to be so tolerant. Thanks for reading!
Hi Darcy, the woman's identity will be revealed tomorrow. But, is she friend or foe? Have a great night!
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