Coming this Week at "Stalking the Belle Époque" and Punch's Cousin

Last week, Stalking the Belle Époque, was all about the Royal wedding and the history of other British Royal nuptials from the traditions to the gifts to the magnificent jewels. This week, we’re celebrating two wonderful events. We’ll be taking a look at Mother’s Day related objects and events as well as being our celebration of the 349th birthday of Mr. Punch.


Speaking of Mr. Punch, he’s still front and center in Punch’s Cousin. Last week, we saw the struggle over Barbara Allen’s child intensify as Edward Cage declared that the child that he purchased would be returned to him. Meanwhile, Punch, Robert and their friends staged their own murder, framing Iolanthe Evangeline. That, of course, didn’t go quite as they had planned. Barbara—who had her hands already full with Charles’ amorous and murderous brother, Giovanni, was crushed to learn of the “death” of her brother and son. What will she do when she learns it isn’t true?

Marjani has some problems—at the top of the list is Marie Laveau who seems to have worked some of her famous magic on our friend. Will Marjani survive Marie’s attack. And, what about Iolanthe Evangeline? She’s been taken to jail for a murder she didn’t commit. Still, she can’t complain. Iolanthe is guilty of many murders and assorted crimes against humanity. Will she finally get the punishment she’s earned or will this new complication only enrage her further? Iolanthe has also got some other things on her mind—namely her ill son, Egil. With Egil temporarily in Ulrika’s hands, will Iolanthe’s son ever get medical attention? Will he even be returned to his mother? Expect some complications as Ulrika schemes to get Colin returned to Edward Cage in exchange for a weird trade which would serve, really, to only benefit Ulrika.

Furthermore, Arthur is on his way back to his wife. This isn’t good news for Barbara who was finally back on the path of a good life. As the fate of her son hangs in the balance, Barbara has to do something desperate which will change the lives of everyone forever.

If you’ve missed any chapters of Punch’s Cousin, you can read them in our complete Chapter Archive. My continued thanks to all of you who have been reading Stalking the Belle Époque and Punch’s Cousin for the last year. You’ve made this a wonderful and rewarding experience.