“I don’t see why not.” Robert nodded.
“Only it’s addressed to me master.” Punch said sincerely.
“I think that the law would agree that anyone occupying Julian’s body may open his post.” Robert smiled nervously.
“Oh.” Punch replied, opening the letter.
He read the contents, looked up at Robert, frowned and read them again.
“Well?” Robert asked.
“I don’t understand it.” Punch frowned.
“May I?” Robert asked.
“Sure,” Punch handed the missive to Robert.
“Your Grace,” Robert read aloud. “This is to inform you that I—Marie Laveau—am inviting you to a celebration given in the honor of my unborn child. You are to attend. Come to the Place Congo at sunset tomorrow evening. I remain your humble servant…Marie Laveau.”
“What’s it mean?” Punch asked.
“It means that Marie Laveau is going to have a baby.” Robert scowled.
“For what? Supper?” Punch grunted. “Here, ain’t she a little old to have a baby?”
“I don’t think so.” Robert shook his head. “Marie is still young enough.”
“Don’t she have a lot of babies already?”
“I’ve heard she has at least a dozen, maybe more.” Robert nodded.
“I think she’s got fourteen, Sir,” Marjani nodded.
“Coo!” Punch shouted. “She ain’t got no husband!”
“I don’t believe she does.”
“Folk frown on that.” Punch said gently. “I almost feel sorry for her.”
“I wouldn’t.” Robert smirked.
“As you say,” Punch shrugged. “Here, even if we could, I wouldn’t go to no fete for Marie Laveau’s baby. But, we’re gonna be on that ship tomorrow. And, I’m not lettin’ anything stop us.”
“You may not have a choice, Sir,” Marjani spoke up.
“What do you know about this?” Robert wondered.
“Not much,” Marjani sighed. “Long, it’s been told that one day Marie would have a child that would have all of her power and then some, but also be given over to pure evil. I always thought it was her daughter—that little Marie—but, seems that this may be the child that’s been spoke of.”
“And, why invite us? What does this have to do with us?” Robert asked.
“She means you harm, Sir. Much harm!” Marjani shook her head.
At that very moment, Charles, who had been listening just outside the parlor door, quietly retreated down the corridor. He stopped in the library, and from the desk drawer took Cecil’s revolver.
With that, he crept out of the back door.
“Everyone applauds His Grace for his rash actions and violence. Perhaps, now, I’ll find some favor with my employers.” He muttered to himself.
Did you miss Chapters 1-323? If so, you can read them here.
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