Coming this Week at "Stalking the Belle Époque" and Punch's Cousin

Next week, I’ve selected a dazzling array of paintings, objects and jewels to show you as we continue to stalk the Belle Époque. We’ll also have a few appearances by Bertie, so, Bertie fans, get ready for some fun.



Of course, Punch’s Cousin will continue. Last week, we saw Mr. Punch come to Julian’s rescue as he journeyed through his own thoughts and memories. Punch reminded Julian that not all of his memories were bad ones as they revisited the moment when Julian allowed Punch to become a part of his thoughts. However, that warm moment was interrupted when Punch brought Julian back to a particularly painful moment from their shared past. How will Julian react? You’ll find out next week.

Meanwhile, as Marie Laveau’s odd ritual continued at the Place Congo, Charles realized that Barbara had completely lost her mind. After Iolanthe Evangeline had her hands burned by Marie, Ulrika and Giovanni wondered what Marie had in store for them.

But, worst of all, Agnes Rittenhouse was up to no good when she took both Julian’s nephew and little Fuller Halifax from their nursery. Agnes fled to a nearby house where she was found by Edward Cage who was thrilled to have “his son” returned to him. Edward rewarded Agnes with a great deal of money and she fled to a hotel where she declared that she would offer Fuller to Barbara Allen to replace the son that she lost.

Edward’s joy was cut short when he presented the child (called “Holt,” once again) to his wife whose reaction did not please him. Edward quickly realized that his wife, Corliss, was ill and it was soon discovered that she had contracted the Yellow Fever. Edward ordered his man, Odo, to fetch Robert and Marjani to nurse his wife—stating that he’d kill Odo if he returned without them. Odo panicked when Marjani and Robert refused to come with him and nervously admitted that he knew the whereabouts of the Duke’s nephew.

Robert and Marjani followed Odo who insisted that they look at Corliss before seeing the child. At that moment, Odo decided that he couldn’t risk letting Robert get near the boy and vowed to hide the child.

Will Robert and Marjani get the baby back before Odo flees with him? Will Corliss die? Will Julian regain consciousness? Will Agnes’ plan to give Barbara the Halifax’s baby come to pass? You’ll find the answers to all of these questions and more in this week’s Punch’s Cousin.