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

Last week, Punch’s Cousin introduced a new character—Charles Van Eyck. Charles has quickly become a friend of Julian’s sister, Barbara Allen, who suggested that the man would be the perfect candidate for the role of valet to her brother. Charles arrived at the Royal Street mansion where Julian/Punch and his companions were staying and swiftly impressed Cecil and Adrienne with his charm and good looks. Robert’s introduction to the man was less than positive when Robert deftly realized that Charles’ references had been forged. Mr. Punch/Julian—still recovering from his gunshot wound—ventured downstairs (much to Robert’s chagrin) and was introduced to his potential new valet. Mr. Punch made a case to employ Charles, later explaining to Robert that he saw it as an opportunity to get through to Barbara Allen. Robert agreed to hire the man. Later, alone with Charles, Mr. Punch pointed out that he knew the man was lying about his name—noticing that Charles’ cuff buttons bore another set of intials. Charles confessed that his real name was Carlo Iantosca and remarked that he, too, had a troublesome sibling.


Meanwhile, Ulrika Rittenhosue received quite a shock when she arrived in her bedroom to find a bloody note left in the bed where Arthur had been. It seems Iolanthe Evangeline had shanghaied Arthur, kidnapping the man and sending him to work on as a hand on a ship. Iolanthe’s terms were simple. Return the diamond and Arthur will be returned. Ulrika rushed to Iolanthe’s house to do battle with the Elegant Ogress, but soon found that she was out-matched. Or was she? Ulrika found herself in a seedy shop where she intended to have a glass copy of the Molliner Blue made. Will Ulrika’s ruse fool Iolanthe? If not, how will “The Ogress” react to yet another deception from the ginger-haired troublemaker.

This week, we’ll learn more about Charles as he grows closer to Barbara Allen. How will Barbara react when she learns about her husband’s abduction? Will she accept Ulrika’s offer to join forces against Iolanthe? What of Marie Laveau? Marie’s got plans for Charles and Barbara? How will the interference of the Voodoo Queen affect Mr. Punch and his companions? Meanwhile, Punch explains to Robert why Julian can never know the secret that Punch has been keeping for nearly thirty years. Robert gets word that his practice in London is failing. Will they return to Blighty? Similarly, Marjani has some troubles of her own as she finds herself called in a direction she hadn’t counted on.

Punch’s Cousin will begin another exciting week on Monday. I can’t wait to share it all with you.