Reminder: "Punch's Cousin" Will Return on Monday

I’m sure Mr. Punch is wondering how he managed to come to be tied up in front of a bonfire in the Place Congo on the eve of his departure (with the whole family) back to England. Well, the easiest answer to that is that it’s Marie Laveau’s fault. But, it’s also Barbara’s. And, partially Charles’. Even, a little bit of the blame can go to Iolanthe—since it usually does anyway.


You see, after the death of Arthur from Yellow Fever, Robert decided to hire Arthur’s dimwitted friend, Gerard, as his valet. There we see another case of Robert’s big heart being a problem. Gerard went out to look for Charles who had crept out of the house upon hearing that Marie Laveau had somehow managed to conceive a child which she knew would one day take over the world. Charles, of course, had other reasons. He was miffed that Barbara chose to stay with Iolanthe instead of coming home with him, and, still, he was worried about her since he couldn’t help but loving here.

While looking for Charles, Gerard saw a ghastly scene at the Place Congo as Marie and her gang of Voodoo pals danced around the bonfire upon which she had burned some corpses (notably Arthur, Nellie and her own brother-in-law) and upon which she was pouring Charles’ blood while Barbara Allen loudly lost her mind nearby.

At first, Gerard wasn’t too keen on the idea of telling his masters. He didn’t want to interfere with their plans to leave. After all, they had been very nice to keep him on. However, Meridian convinced Gerry to spill what he knew. This, of course, alarmed Mr. Punch and Robert who met with opposition from Cecil who thought it best not to get involved and just leave as planned the next day.

Mr. Punch, however, wasn’t going to listen and slipped out of the house with Marjani while the two brothers quarreled. A visit from Agnes Rittenhouse didn’t make matters any easier. And, by the time Punch arrived with Marjani at the Place Congo, Marie was in no mood to be tricked. She captured Punch and his friend and sent Marjani off with Ulirka and Iolanthe and tied Punch up with Barbara.

So, will Punch and Barbara escape? Will Agnes prove to be more trouble than she’s worth? Will Marjani accept the suspicious offer of help from Iolanthe and Ulrika. Will Marie kill Charles? And what of Robert and Cecil? Will they free their friends in time to make it to their ship?

All these questions will be answered next week as Punch’s Cousin continues. In fact, they’ll be answered just in time to raise a few more.