Reminder: "Punch's Cousin" Will Return on Monday

The New Year’s Masquerade Ball at Edward Cage’s waxworks was anything by jolly last week in Punch’s Cousin. In their attempt to bring Iolanthe Evangeline to justice, Mr. Punch and Adrienne launched a dangerous pantomime in which Adrienne (as Iolanthe) exposed the ogress’ litany of crimes. Enraged, Iolanthe stormed the stage and held a knife to Adrienne’s throat. Mr. Punch offered himself instead, pleading with Iolanthe to spare Adrienne for the sake of Fuller. As the crowd in the ballroom began to rumble with declarations to capture the Elegant Ogress, the gathering was parted by an unexpected arrival. Everyone gasped as Marie Laveau, The Voodoo Queen, strode into the ballroom. Marie and Iolanthe argued, and, then, suddenly, in a puff of smoke, the two women were gone—along with Mr. Punch.

Mr. Punch imagined that he was once again locked in his cabinet at Fallbridge Hall, but soon, he realized he’d been taken back to Iolanthe’s house. As he came to, he saw that Barbara Allen was standing guard over him. Barbara and Mr. Punch bonded a bit, and Barbara considered releasing her brother. However, their conversation was interrupted. Ulrika Rittenhouse and Arthur entered—having followed Marie and Iolanthe from the ball. Ulrika ordered Arthur to withdraw his pistol. As the gun was fired, Barbara Allen leapt in front of Mr. Punch.

This week, we’ll see that someone has been shot. We’ll also explore the strange relationship between Iolanthe and Marie Laveau. As Robert, Adrienne and Cecil try to find Mr. Punch, we’ll discover some dark secrets from Julian’s past. Naasir will reach a turning point, and Marjani will face a new challenge as she attempts to help those who have been so loyal to her.

Many thanks for all of your kind comments and your support. This week promises to be truly shocking.