“I understand,” Mr. Punch nodded. “Me boy—he ain’t really me own son. His mama is my sister. See, she weren’t fit to be a mother to poor Colin, and, so, I took him to live with me and me chum here. But, when I thought I had to give him up, I was…well, it were like me heart was broken, it was. So, I understand that you don’t want to give your own son away.”
Robert smiled. “Lily, we do appreciate that you’ve taken the time to speak with us today.”
“You don’t understand.” Lily shook her head. “I’ll let you have the boy. I just won’t give him ‘way.”
Marie Laveau scowled. “I think what the girl means is…”
“Oh, I know what she means, magic Chum.” Punch sighed. “She wants somethin’ in return.”
“That’s right.” Lily nodded firmly.
“What did you have in mind?” Robert asked.
“Your clothes are dirty,” Lily smiled. “But, Marie says that’s from the fire ya’ll was in. But, I see on this man’s hands two gold rings sparklin’ with diamonds. And, I know diamonds is what rich folk wear. I see all them ladies in their fine houses with their brooches and rings and them gentlemen with their pins and buttons. I know you got money. You’re a Duke, ain’t ya? Don’t that mean you’re like a prince or somethin’.”
“Do it?” Punch looked at Robert.
“It’s complicated, actually. However, even though His Grace is not a member of the Royal family, his rank is just below that of a prince. Yes. Still, I don’t think you appreciate that we have no money with us. Anything that we had—with the exception of the Duke’s jewels—were lost in the fire aboard the ship.”
“You can get some money, can’t ya?” Lily asked.
“I have access to much wealth,” Mr. Punch smiled. “But, it’s all in England. It’ll take time and we don’t got time to waste. I can promise you anything that you want.”
“Promise me?” Lily scoffed.
“These are honest men,” Marie interjected. “They’re good, decent men and their word is gold. If they make you a promise, they’ll keep it.”
“Ain’t these the same two men you was tryin’ to punish all this time, Marie?” Lily frowned.
“Well, yes.” Marie replied uncomfortably. “But, I done realized I was wrong for to do that. We made our peace. And, the doctor here, and Mr. Punch—errr…His Grace…they done saved my life in that fire. I know that if they make you a promise, they’ll be true to it.”\
“No.” Lily said.
“Perhaps we can raise the money you might want.” Robert said. “What is your price?”
“I don’t know.” Lily grunted. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s best to get that boy away from you.” Mr. Punch snapped. “Any woman willin’…” He paused. “It’s one thing to want to find a better life for him and to let him have a chance. That’s what we wanted for him. But, you…you want to sell him!”
“Do you think I want to do that?” Lily hissed. “You sit there in your diamonds and judge me? Do you know what it’s like for me?”
“I think they do,” Marie said softly. “If any two white men ever knew what you was going through, it’s these two.”
“Sure.” Lily smirked.
A knock on the parlor door interrupted the conversation. Young Marie entered. “Mama?”
“We’re in the middle of somethin’, honey.” Marie answered her daughter.
“I know, Mama. But, there’s a woman here.
”
“Who’s she want?”
“You and the Duke.”
“Who is this woman?”
“Her name is Barbara Allen.” Young Marie answered.
Did you miss Chapters 1-483? If so, you can read them here. Come back on Monday for Chapter 485 of Punch’s Cousin. We’re counting down to the exciting conclusion of our tale. Punch’s Cousin will conclude with Chapter 500. So, all of you who have followed for the last year will want to keep reading as Mr. Punch and Robert find out whether their journey was a success or a tremendous failure.
A new online novel, Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square will debut in this place in three weeks. You’ll find out more about this new story on Sunday.
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