Punch's Cousin, Chapter 157

When Mr. Punch opened his eyes, he expected to see the soaring ceiling of the cathedral’s vestibule above him. He was surprised, however, to see the blue-painted plaster above his bed at Dr. Biamenti’s Royal Street house. He looked around, his eyes settling upon Robert who sat in a rigid, wooden chair next to the bed.


“Feel like I’m floatin’.” Mr. Punch mumbled.

“That’s to be expected,” Robert smiled. “I’ve given you some medicine.”

“What kind of med’cin?” Mr. Punch asked.

“Something which will help with your pain.” Robert replied.

“Can’t feel me shoulder or chest.” Mr. Punch said, trying to raise Julian’s hand.

“It would be better if you just lay still.” Robert said quickly, standing up.

Mr. Punch blinked rapidly. It seemed as if Robert had a twin for a moment—that two Roberts stood above him. His vision returned to normal.

“Thought there were two of ya.” Mr. Punch muttered.

“No—just the one.” Robert smiled.

“If there were two of ya, then you’d match me. Then Julian could have a chum and I could have a chum.”

“As it is, you both have me. There doesn’t have to be two of me for that.” Robert chuckled.

“So, I ain’t dead?” Mr. Punch asked.

“No.” Robert shook his head. “Not hardly.”

“Thought for a spell that we wouldn’t make it. Even if one of us did, I feared the other would be lost.”

“What do you mean, dear Punch?” Robert asked.

“When we was at Iolanthe’s house, that other one—what’s her name—Marie Laveau, she told Barbara that she couldn’t save a man what’s got two folk inside him. She could only save one. Thought for a bit that we’d have to chose between me and me master.”

“Marie Laveau tried to help you?” Robert asked.

“Yes.” Mr. Punch said quietly. “Sorta. I don’t think she were doin’ it to be nice. Think she had other reasons. See, Barbara Allen—she gave herself up, like a sacrifice to Marie. That were strangely generous. Didn’t think she had such a kind bone in her, that one. But, she were quite upset, she was, what with Arthur shootin’ me.”

“Arthur shot you?” Robert asked, his eyes widening. “I thought Iolanthe had done it.”

“No.” Mr. Punch responded absently. “It were Arthur. ‘Spose it’s what I had comin’ to me after tryin’ to throw him into the sea like I done. Only it weren’t his idea, I don’t think. Seems to me that the red-headed girl with shoulders like a man thought o’ it.”

“Hmmmm…” Robert grumbled. “We shall discuss all of this in great detail. However, not tonight. You’ve been through quite an ordeal. You need to rest so that you might regain your strength.”

“Did you fix me up, then?” Mr. Punch continued to chatter in his medicinal haze.

“I did.” Robert nodded.

“Ain’t the first time you done it.” Mr. Punch sighed. “You fix me up regular.”

“No more than is necessary.” Robert smiled. “Thankfully, though you lost a lot of blood, there was no damage to any of your…” he paused. “It doesn’t matter. The important thing is that you’ll be quite recovered soon enough. Don’t worry about it now. Just rest.”

“Funny how we all lose our blood ‘round Iolanthe. Me master’s ma—she did. And…” Punch coughed for a moment. “You know, you’d not have found me had Marjani not carried me off.”

“So you mentioned.” Robert smiled.

“I want to thank her.” Punch said.

“And, so you shall.” Robert nodded.

“Can you bring her here?”

“I would, however, she’s not in the house.”

“Where is she?” Punch asked.

“I don’t know.” Robert shrugged. “To be quite honest, dear Punch, she wasn’t in the cathedral with us. We saw no sign of her. And, when we got you back here, she was nowhere to be found.”

“Oh.” Mr. Punch frowned.

“It’s nothing to worry about.” Robert continued.

“Will worry if I want.” Mr. Punch grunted.

“Go on, then.” Robert chuckled. “However, there are some people who wish to see you. Would it be all right with you if Adrienne and Cecil popped their heads in for a moment?”

“Sure.” Mr. Punch answered, his frown fading. “Here, where’s me dog and me puppet?”

“Your puppet is over there,” Robert pointed toward the armchair by the fire. “And Toby is sitting on the floor next to the bed. He’s not left your side since you’ve returned.”

“Will you put ‘em both up here with me in the bed?”

“No.” Robert said. “You need to lie perfectly still.”

“They ain’t gonna bother me.” Mr. Punch sighed. “Here, what do ya think? The puppet’s not gonna crawl all over me.”

“No, but Toby will. He’ll want to cuddle. And, I can’t have you disturbed right now.”

“Oh, come on.” Mr. Punch pleaded.

“Very well.” Robert sighed, fetching the puppet and placing at the foot of the bed. He picked up Toby and gently put him next to Mr. Punch. The dog wagged his tail, but settled down quietly as if he knew not to jump on his master.

“See, he’s bein’ good.”

“I don’t know why I’m surprised. It seems everyone is smarter than I think.” Robert laughed to himself.

“Chum?” Mr. Punch began.

“Yes?”

“Did I miss the new year?”

“No.” Robert shook his head. “We’ve got five minutes until midnight.”

“Coo.” Mr. Punch sighed.

“In fact,” Robert smiled. “I’ll go fetch Adrienne and Cecil. If you promise to be still, we can see in the new year together.”

“I promise.” Mr. Punch answered.

“I’ll return forthwith.” Robert nodded.

Alone with Toby and his puppet, Mr. Punch sighed. “Even if I got a hole in me, it’ll still be a good year. It’s got to be.”

At that very moment, Marjani walked up the staircase at Iolanthe Evangeline’s house. She’d simply walked in the front door and marched past Mala who—as usual—was standing guard in the front hall. Even though Mala had shouted at Marjani, she continued on her mission—unheeded.

Without knocking, she opened the door to Iolanthe’s room.

Iolanthe, who had been talking with Ulrika and Arthur, looked up from their huddle of three.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Iolanthe spat.

“I got a present for ya, Miss Evangeline.” Marjani grinned. “Somethin’ for to make sure you start 1853 the way you deserve.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-156? If so, you can read them here. Come back on Monday, January 31 for Chapter 158 of Punch’s Cousin.