Announcing Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square

On July 26, 2010, I introduced readers of Stalking the Belle Époque to a new online novel Punch’s Cousin.  The story, as of this week entering 491 chapters, is set in 1852 and follows the life of Julian, Duke of Fallbridge and his companion Dr. Robert Halifax.  Julian, a jeweler for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, has traveled to New Orleans in search of his sister, Lady Barbara, who fled England with her illegitimate baby and the family’s priceless blue diamond—looking to sell her child and begin a misguided life as a prostitute. 

Along the way, Julian discovered quite a lot about himself—most especially that within him, another personality (or personalities) dwelled.  The dominant personality—in this time before Dissociative Identity Disorder was understood—was that of Mr. Punch, the long-beloved puppet anti-hero who this year will celebrate his 350^th birthday.  As a boy, Julian’s only friend was his puppet figure of Mr. Punch.  Years of confiding in the puppet caused agoraphobic and abused Julian to develop an alternate personality called “Mr. Punch” who was stronger and braver (albeit a little rougher and more prone to hitting).

Throughout their journey, Mr. Punch/Julian and Robert endured many tortures at the hands of a murderous “madam” called Iolanthe Evangeline, Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, and an insidiously evil man named Edward Cage.  When Punch/Julian began to develop a relationship with his sister’s son, he realized that he wanted to raise the child as his own.  However, Mr. Cage had already purchased the child from Iolanthe Evangeline.  Punch, Robert, Robert’s family and their servants then battled to rescue the boy as well as regain the missing diamond.

This week, with Chapter 491, we’ll begin the conclusion of their long battle. Punch’s Cousin will conclude with Chapter 500 on March 29, 2012.  All five hundred chapters will remain permanently in the Punch’s Cousin Chapter Archive which includes two summaries up to Chapters 100 and 200 respectively.

In its place, a new story will debut on April 2, 2012—Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square.  The story will begin with the return of the Duke of Fallbridge/Mr. Punch and Dr. Robert Halifax to London where they will take up residence in Julian’s posh London townhouse in Belgrave Square.  Though a Duke, Julian is a favorite of the Queen, and therefore, will be required to return to his post as an advisor to Their Majesties, Victoria and Albert—working with Prince Albert especially on his many jewelry projects.

Life in the Royal Court will not be easy for Julian/Mr. Punch who will continue to struggle with the personalities within their shared body.  They’ll also have to contend with unexpected prejudices and rivalries as they struggle to maintain their place in the Court without losing their right to live free and comfortable lives.

I look forward to sharing this story with all of you.  I have been so touched with all of the support I’ve received from Punch’s Cousin’s many faithful readers.  Punch’s Cousin had many literary and plot ties to my first novel,The Garnet Red.  So, if you enjoyed Mr. Punch’s time in New Orleans, The Garnet Red would be a fun read for you.

I’m also very glad to continue the story of our Mr. Punch, Julian and Robert.  I’ve grown very fond of Mr. Punch—my version of the character.  Since I’m one of the few “Punch & Judy Men” in the U.S., it’s been a joy for me to adapt the traditional puppet story into this work and I am quite excited to see how his tale continues.

I hope you all enjoy the conclusion of Punch’s Cousin.  I assure you that Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square will be a gripping and emotional ride that will keep you coming back for more.  This story, like the last, will be posted every day except Sunday.  Look for more information in coming days…