Punch’s Cousin, Chapter 327

Charles felt the heavy cold of the wet pavement seep into his coat before he opened his eyes. He knew that he had been wounded. His stomach burned and a drowsy warmth spread across his stomach in stark contrast to the chill he felt beneath him.


He moaned, “Barbara.”

His vision was blurred by pain as he studied his dark surroundings. Wooden crates were piled up around him and he heard the sharp skittering of rats close to his head.

“Barbara,” he repeated.

Yet, the only answer was the chirping of vermin.

“God help me,” he croaked.

Meanwhile, Marjani opened the front door of their borrowed Royal Street mansion to find a messenger poised to knock.

“Got a message for a Charles Van Eyck. He live here?”

“He’s a servant.” Marjani said. “You shoulda brought this to the back.”

“You gonna take it or not?” The man asked.

“Sure.” Marjani nodded.

The man left without another word.

Marjani slowly walked into the house.

“Here, what’s that?’ Punch asked as he and Robert joined Marjani in the front hall.

“A letter.” Marjani sighed.

“Not another for me?” Punch squinted.

“No. For Charles.” Marjani shook her head, holding the letter in front of her face. She handed it to Mr. Punch. “Here. He’s your man.”

Punch sniffed the letter. “Comes from Iolanthe’s. I can tell by the scent, I can.” He studied the handwriting carefully. “You were right ‘bout evil on our doorstep. It’s from Barbara.”

“You gonna give it to him?” Marjani asked.

“He’s probably asleep.” Robert added, unaware that Charles had left the house.

“I don’t know if we need Barbara continuin’ to try to witch that poor man.” Punch sighed.

“If you don’t give it to him now, he’ll be quite angry tomorrow.” Robert shook his head.

“I ‘spose.” Punch said.

“Want me to bring it to him?” Marjani asked.

“Sure,” Punch nodded. “Maybe she changed her mind and is ready to leave Iolanthe. I hate to think I didn’t do everything I should have to help the poor wretch. A promise is a promise, even if it is made to a witch.”

Marjani took the letter and smiled at Punch and Robert. “You two best get some sleep.”

“Shortly,” Robert nodded.

“Want I should bring you up some warm milk and brandy?” Marjani asked.

“Please,” Punch said happily.

“I’ll be back in a clock’s tick.” Marjani winked.

Robert and Punch silently settled in front of the parlor fire and Punch felt his eyes begin to grow heavy. He wasn’t sure how long Marjani had been gone, but when he opened his eyes again, he saw Marjani run into the room.

“He’s gone, isn’t he?” Punch grumbled.

Marjani nodded, “Yes.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-326? If so, you can read them here.