“You’re hungry.” Charles laughed.
“Terribly sorry,” Barbara looked up, embarrassed. “My mother would have had apoplexy if she saw me being so greedy. I was taught to pick at my food. But, yes, I am hungry. I’m not ashamed of it. Food is in short supply these days. It’s a far cry from the groaning sideboards at Fallbridge Hall.”
“Eat up,” Charles winked. “I like to see a girl with a healthy appetite.”
“Good to know,” Barbara grinned before taking another bite of the fried pastry that Charles had bought for her on their walk.
“Here,” Charles said, sitting down next to her. “Take mine, too.”
“Are you sure?” Barbara asked. “You must be hungry, too. When’s the last time you’ve eaten?”
“Don’t worry about me, Miss Allen,” Charles shook his head. “I had breakfast. Besides, I’m not very hungry. I’m too excited.”
“You’re happy, then? You’re pleased to have the position with my brother?”
“Quite.” Charles said. “His Grace and his companion have afforded me a far more interesting life than I thought I’d have.”
“It will be interesting. I’ll give you that.” Barbara nodded.
“He’s a shrewd fellow, your brother—if not a bit strange.”
Barbara nodded. “Even in the grips of his lunacy, he’s still quite sharp.”
“I don’t think he’s a lunatic.” Charles shook his head. “A lunatic isn’t aware that he’s ill. Your bother seems quite aware that he’s different and seems to have embraced it. He makes no apologies for it, but he also doesn’t try to hide it.”
“Who were you dealing with?” Barbara asked. “Was he acting as a Duke should or was he affecting the rough voice and mannerisms of this persona they call ‘Mr. Punch.’”
“I don’t believe that is an affectation.” Charles sighed. “He is Mr. Punch. He’s also the Duke of Fallbridge. My conversations were with the one who calls himself Mr. Punch. I found him to be quite fair and pleasant. And very alert and observant. Whoever he is, he’s a kind and just man. I can’t help but like him.”
“And, that’s the trouble. He’s very likeable. Looking back at my life—my girlhood at the Hall—I think I grew up with Mr. Punch. I think he has all of the finest parts of Julian without any of the fear.” She began eating the other beignet. “Thank you for this. Charles, I do hope that this turns out to be a good experience for you.”
“I believe you mean that.” Charles said.
“I do.”
“I don’t think you’re the inherently wicked girl that your brother’s companion and his family have painted you as being.” Charles sighed.
Barbara sputtered a little bit, swallowing her beignet.
“I hope that doesn’t offend you.” Charles added.
“No.” Barbara shook her head. “I know what they think of me. And, in many ways, they’re not mistaken.”
“You know, you still haven’t answered my question.” Charles smiled. “You’ve done a very good job of avoiding it, in fact. So, don’t you think it’s time you are completely honest with me?”
“You want to know why I recommended that you inquire about the valet position with my brother.”
“I actually do believe that you wanted to see that your brother was looked after properly, and I suspect you’re sincere that you thought the position would be good for me, but I can’t help but think…”
“That I have some other reason. Some motive.” Barbara nodded. “I don’t blame you for thinking that. And, frankly, you’re correct. I did have another motive, but I don’t know what it is. You see, Marie Laveau suggested that I tell you about the position.”
“I thought as much.” Charles nodded. “But, what could she want from me?”
“For some reason, she wished to remove you from your present post. I’m to further insinuate myself into the life of Miss Harelda.”
“She’s after Dr. Odil, isn’t she?” Charles nodded.
“There’s some connection to Iolanthe Evangeline.” Barbara replied.
“Oh yes,” Charles nodded, chuckling. “I should say so.” He paused, looking up distractedly.
“What is it?” Barbara asked.
“Speak of the Devil.” Charles pointed forward with his chin.
Barbara brushed the powdered sugar from her hands and looked up to see Iolanthe Evangeline leading a red-headed woman toward the dock.
“Do you know that ginger woman?” Charles asked.
“Yes. I do.” Barbara answered softly. “It’s Ulrika Rittenhouse. I used to work for her.”
“Whatever is she doing with The Elegant Ogress?” Charles asked.
“Nothing good, I can assure you.”
“Do you think she’s in trouble?” Charles said.
“Most likely.” Barbara sighed.
“Shouldn’t we help her?” Charles wondered.
Meanwhile, at their borrowed house on Royal Street, Robert closed the door to Julian’s room.
“Can I give you something to help you relax?” Robert asked.
“No, Chum.” Mr. Punch shook his head. “I don’t want nothin’ that’ll weaken our thinkin’.”
“Fair enough.” Robert said. “How? Well, I mean…can you simply retreat into yourselves and commune with Julian?”
“I ‘spect so.” Punch nodded.
“Where is he now?” Robert wondered.
“There’s a room—not a room really, but a place inside us—that’s where me master stays. I was in there with him. I can’t describe it.”
“I think I understand.” Robert nodded. “Is he in there now?”
“Yes.” Mr. Punch said. “He’s waitin’ for me. He has been.”
“Has he got the key?” Robert asked.
“He does.” Punch sighed.
“Are you ready for this?”
“No.” Mr. Punch grumbled. “But, it ain’t my place to be ready. I think Julian’s ready. And, he’s the master.”
“I won’t leave your side.” Robert replied gently.
“I know.” Mr. Punch said nervously.
“You’re doing the right thing.” Robert smiled.
“Then why does it feel so terrible bad?”
“Sometimes the right thing often does.” Robert responded.
Did you miss Chapters 1-182? If so, you can read them here.
2 comments:
I hope Charles turns out to be a good guy.
Right now Mr. Punch is struggling to do what he feels is the right thing and the last thing they need is viper in their midst.
You're right, Darcy. They're already in the middle of a snake pit. They don't need one more. Thanks for reading!
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