“Never you mind about that,” Ulrika winked. “All you need to know is that it’s mine now. But, it can be ours—if you’re a good boy.”
“I’m not a child.” Giovanni frowned.
“Clearly.” Ulrika laughed.
“What is it that you want me to do?”
“It’s really quite simple, darling.” Ulrika whispered. “I want you to use your hands.”
Giovanni smiled.
“As an artist.” Ulrika continued.
“I learned long ago that my other line of business is far more profitable.” Giovanni grinned.
“In the short-term, perhaps. But, my dear, with my patronage, you can achieve fame—immortality!”
“And, so can you, yes?”
“Yes.” Ulrika nodded. “Leave behind your bloody work and let me make you famous!”
“You think you can do that?” Giovanni squinted.
“Really, I can do anything,” Ulrika cooed. “Especially with you.”
“What about your other men?”
“What other men?” Ulrika teased.
“That one you just dreamed of.”
“Arthur?” Ulrika shrugged. “He won’t be a problem.”
At that very moment, Robert crossed Arthur’s arms over his chest and covered the man’s lifeless body with a clean blanket.
“Good riddance,” Robert grunted.
“He died in filth—just like he done lived.” Marjani shook her head. “At least now he won’t bother us no more.”
“No.” Robert sighed. “You know, Marjani, this is the second time that I’ve seen this man ‘die.’ At least this time, I know he’s really gone. He won’t come back to hurt Julian again. He’s only a memory now.”
“Memories can be painful, too, Sir.” Marjani took a deep breath. “Do you think there’s any truth in what Arthur said ‘bout the Duchess?”
“I don’t know.” Robert shook his head. “We’ll just have to help His Grace forget all about it. All about Arthur if we can.”
Gerard tapped on the stable door and poked his head inside. “Can I come in now?”
“Certainly, Gerry.” Robert nodded. “We’ve put him to rest. He’s clean now. Do you wish to see him?”
“No.” Gerry shook his head quickly. “I just wanted to thank you.”
“No need.” Marjani raised her hand.
“I guess I need to figure out where I’m goin’.” Gerard sniffed.
“You’re going to the servants quarters.” Robert smiled.
“I am?” Gerard raised his eyebrows.
“Yes.” Robert nodded.
“What for?”
“His Grace has a valet—Charles. But, I have no one to assist me. If you’d like the position, you may have it. We’re traveling in two days to England. I’ll need help on the voyage. Just know that we’re traveling incognito and I’ll need you to be discreet.”
“You can count on me, Sir.” Gerard said eagerly. “I won’t disappoint you!”
“You’d better not.” Robert smiled. “We have a way of getting rid of bad valets at sea.”
Marjani chuckled.
“I can go back to my family.” Gerard smiled. “My brother and sister and their kin in Wales.”
“That’s right.” Robert nodded.
“Why you don’ this for me?”
“Because Mr. Punch—there’s no denying to you that His Grace has different personas—promised he’d help you if you were sincere. You seem sincere, so, we’ll help you. But, you’ve got to stick to your word.”
“I will, Sir.” Gerard smiled. “I won’t ruin this chance. Coo! Seems Arthur brought some good to me after all.”
“Sometimes wondrous things come from the darkest places.” Robert replied. “Now, off to bed for you. We’ve much to do tomorrow.”
“What ‘bout Artie?” Gerard pointed.
“We’ll take care of his remains in the morning.” Robert answered.
“Thank you, Sir.” Gerard said with relief. “Thank you, Miss.”
Marjani chuckled. “Miss? Well, then. Go to the house and ask one of the men to show you to a room. Tell ‘em you’re Dr. Halfax’s new man. They’ll show you what to do and Meridian will give ya whatever ya need.”
With no other words, Gerard hurried off.
“That was right kind of you, Sir.” Marjani patted Robert’s shoulder.
“It’s what Punch wanted.” Robert sighed.
“I’m sure he’s safe, Sir. I’m sure he’ll be home shortly.” Marjani said.
“I hope so, Marjani.” Robert frowned.
Meanwhile, Mr. Punch scowled at Mala’s hideous face. “That woman’s here now?”
“The maid—Agnes?” Mala squawked. “She’s up with Miss Barbara.”
“I want to see her.”
“Which one?” Mala asked.
“Both, actually.” Punch squinted.
“Can’t see neither.” Mala croaked.
“Why’d you ask me, then?” Punch bellowed.
“Oh, do let him in!” Iolanthe called from behind Mala as she came down the stairs. “And, the other man, too. I’m sure that Miss Allen would welcome a visit from these two gentlemen.”
“Why you bein’reaonable?” Punch asked over Mala’s shoulder.
“Who says I’m being reasonable?” Iolanthe guffawed. “Maybe I want to get you in this house so I can finally do away with you. The choice to enter is yours. What I do once you get in, however, is my choice.”
Did you miss Chapters 1-311? If so, you can read them here.
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