“Yes, Mr. Punch.”
“Well, I wanna say somethin’, only I don’t know how to say it.”
“I’ve found in these cases, the best way is the simplest way.” Cecil responded.
“Oh.” Punch nodded. “Right then. I’m sorry.”
Cecil glanced over quizzically at Mr. Punch. “You’re sorry?”
“That means I wanna ‘pologize.” Punch whispered.
“For what are you apologizing?”
“This whole kerfuffle.” Punch replied.
“What’s a kerfuffle?” Cecil squinted.
“You know…” Punch muttered.
“I’m afraid I don’t. Not exactly.” Cecil smiled. “I had a Scotch friend once who used the word with considerable frequency.”
“Here, you’re teasin’ me.” Punch frowned.
“I am—but, only a little.” Cecil nodded. “You’ve nothing to apologize for, Mr. Punch. This chaos is not your doing.”
“Is a bit.” Punch sighed. “See, your brother—he was comin’ here to see you, he was. Then, he met me on the ship and got all wrapped up in all this kerfuffle what spilled over onto you.”
“Dear Punch,” Cecil smiled. “Robert was wrapped up with you long before you met on the ship, if you’ll recall.”
“Well, that’s true.”
“And, secondly,” Cecil continued. “A lot of this kerfuffle—as you call it—predates my friendship with you. Iolanthe Evangeline has long been the enemy of my family. Her feud with Marie Laveau has lasted longer than you’ve been alive. Edward Cage has forever been a thorn in my side. Ulrika Rittenhouse has always been a queer one. In many ways, you’ve become wrapped up in my chaos.”
“Only, well, were it not for me, Fuller would be home in his little bed, getting’ watched over by them angels Marjani talks ‘bout.”
“He’s still being watched over by those angels. And, he’ll soon be in his own little bed. Mr. Punch, none of this is your doing. Your sister…pardon me…Julian’s sister stole from you, she was a round-heeled girl who made a pact with the devil. You came here to right her wrongs. And, look what you’ve done. Colin is safe, and we’re sure to find Fuller. Perhaps you’ve not regained your father’s diamond, but no matter. You’ve protected what matters most. And, in the process, you’ve been nothing but a benefit and joy to my family. We’re better for knowing you.”
“Coo!” Punch exclaimed. “I ain’t never heard you talk like that.”
“I’m not one to gush, Mr. Punch.” Cecil cleared his throat. “I’ve never been a master of expressing my emotions. Robert’s better at it than I.”
“Well, you done a good job of it.”
“Thank you,” Cecil mumbled. “Besides, I’ve been wanting to take Adrienne and Fuller back to England with me for some time. Now, we have a reason to do so. And, we owe it to you.”
“So, you like me, then?”
“Yes.” Cecil chuckled.
“Even when I do things like what I did to the officer? You know, when I hit folk on the head and such?”
“Especially when you do things such as that.” Cecil teased again. “After all, you are Mr. Punch. You’d be a poor Punch if you didn’t indulge in some Pulcinello antics now and again.”
“That’s the way to do it,” Punch whooped.
“Indeed.” Cecil nodded.
“So, you’re like me brother, then?” Punch asked.
“Yes.” Cecil smiled. “I am.”
“Coo!” Punch repeated. “That’s fine.”
“Whoa…” Cecil pulled the reins, slowing the horses.
“What is it?” Punch asked.
“Look ahead…” Cecil whispered.
Adrienne stuck her head out of the window.
“Why’ve we stopped?” She asked.
“Shhh…” Cecil hushed her.
Adrienne looked ahead, her eyes widening. Suddenly, she burst from the carriage, screaming. “My baby!”
Did you miss Chapters 1-411? If so, you can read them here. Come back on Monday, December 12, 2011 for Chapter 413 of Punch’s Cousin.
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