“Ain’t nothin’.” Mama Routhe shrugged. Marjani, she say you and your kin be very kind to her and Columbia. That makes us like family. Ya gotta look out for your family.”
“Well, please know how appreciated it is. I hope that when all of this has passed, we’ll be able to do some kindness for you.”
“In time, it all evens out,” Mama Routhe smiled. “That baby wants feedin’.” She added.
“Yes.” Adrienne nodded, thinking for a moment of her own child and hoping that Merdian was looking after him well.
“You want for me to take him?” Mama Routhe asked.
“Would you?” Adrienne asked.
“If you wouldn’t mind,” Adrienne said softly.
“Not at all. I love feedin’ babies.” Mama Routhe nodded.
Adrienne handed the baby to Mama Routhe and sighed as she watched them walk away. She walked the length of the shot-gun apartment and studied her surroundings. They had so little, yet, they seemed quite happy. Adrienne recalled her own childhood—an upbringing of wealth and opulence. When she had had her misfortune and was sold to Iolanthe Evangeline, she missed the wealth of her girlhood, certainly, but most of all she missed her freedom and the ability to be truly loved by someone. “That’s why they’re contented,” Adrienne thought. “They are free—unlike so many here, they are free.”
Adrienne looked up as she heard footsteps, thinking that Charles was returning. The footsteps on the stairs were certainly those of a man in boots. Actually, two men or more. Adrienne heart began to race. Had someone found Charles when he went out to help Mr. Routhe? Had someone followed him back to the flat?
As the door from the stairs creaked open, Adrienne held her breath. And, then she saw the men—their faces obscured by brightly-feathered Mardi Gras masks.
“Who are you?” Adrienne asked quickly.
“Where’s the baby?” One of the three men gasped.
“He’s not here.” Adrienne said bravely.
“Then, you’ll have to come with us,” Another of the men said.
Meanwhile on Royal Street, Mr. Punch found that Julian’s legs were a bit wobbly. He clasped the banister as he hurried down the stairs.
“Steady on, Punch.” Robert said. “That sedative was quite powerful.”
“I’d say it was.” Punch grunted. He leaned over the banister and called out, “Barbara!”
“What does he care about her?” Cecil whispered to Robert. “She’s quite awful.”
“Awful or not, she’s still his sister—or Julian’s at least. You know how loyal Punch is.” Robert replied quietly as they followed Puch down the stairs.
“The back parlor?” Punch asked as he reached the floor below.
“Yes,” Robert nodded.
Punch rushed down the corridor and yelped, hurrying back to the stairs. “They’re gone! That Arthur and Barbara and even the rascal’s companion! He took her, he did!”
Did you miss Chapters 1-267? If so, you can read them here.
2 comments:
With evil and treachery all around them it's a good thing our chums have friends like Mama Routhe and Merdian.
That's true, Darcy. Good to see you. Thanks for reading!
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