Mr. Punch couldn’t help but flinch as Barbara Allen and Marie Laveau returned.
“Steady on, dear Punch,” Robert said gently, but his words fell on deaf ears as Mr. Punch hurried nervously toward the two women—one his sister, the other his new, unlikely ally.
“Did ya…” Punch began.
“It’s all fine, Your Grace,” Marie interrupted. “Miss Allen was true to her word.”
“And, Mr. Cage—he didn’t think nothin’ of it?”
“He had no idea that the boy that I brought to him was not the same child who had previously lived in his home.” Barbara sighed.
“A fine parent, indeed.” Robert grunted. “Still, I’m glad it’s done.”
“Where’s Lily?” Marie asked.
“She’s gone.” Punch answered. “Said she had to work.”
“Ah, yes. She’s a good girl—a good worker, at least. She remembers her appointments better than the others.”
“I gave her a letter.” Punch said. He blushed. “Me chum wrote it, he did. But, I signed it. It said I gave Lily the diamond to sell and that I would answer any questions.”
“I’ll go with her to Mrs. Cloutier tonight. I’m sure we won’t have no problems.” Marie nodded.
“So,” Punch turned back to Barbara. “That man—Mr. Cage what claimed to love Colin so much—did not know he was looking at a different child?”
“No.” Barbara responded.
Punch noticed how tired she looked.
“What of Mrs. Cage?” Robert asked.
“Oh, she knew.” Barbara sighed. “She seemed relieved. She didn’t say a word.”
“So, it’s really finished?” Robert smiled, putting his arm around Punch’s waist.
“Seems it is.” Punch exhaled. “Only now we gotta get everyone on a ship and back to England.”
“You all intend to still leave?” Barbara asked.
“Yes.” Robert responded.
“Even your brother and his family, Doctor?”
“Of course.” Robter squinted. “Why?”
“Mr. Cage sent me with a message. Two actually.”
“What are they?” Punch asked.
“First, he told me to thank you, Julian. I convinced him that you’d ‘come to your senses.’” Barbara smiled.
“I had.” Punch laughed.
“What was the other message, Miss Allen?” Robert wondered.
“Mr. Cage told me specifically to convey to your brother, Cecil, that he is welcome to return to the Cage Waxworks whenever he likes and at any salary.”
“He certainly will not!” Robert spat.
“You speak for your brother as well as mine?” Barbara smirked.
“In some cases, yes.” Robert frowned.
“Well, perhaps you should at least tell your brother that an invitation has been extended.” Barbara chuckled.
“Thank you for your advice.” Robert scowled.
“Not to interrupt,” Marie Laveau said quickly, “but, Miss Allen, won’t Iolanthe be wonderin’ where you got to?”
“Probably. I’m sure Mala has reported my absence by now. Besides, the evening is nigh and…”
“That’s your busiest time.” Marie muttered. “Well, you’d best get on, then. I don’t want Iolanthe or any of her goons nosin’ ‘round here lookin’ for ya. She’s already done enough to all of us.”
Barbara nodded.
“If she questions you, just do as we done talked ‘bout when we was walkin’. Mr. Cage—though he didn’t know it—gave ya a good idea. Let Marie think you brought the same baby to Mr. Cage. She’ll treat ya like royalty for keepin’ her deal for her.”
“I shall.” Barbara sighed. She added, muttering, “At least someone will treat me like royalty.”
“You could have always been,” Punch shook his head sadly. “You could have always been Lady Barbara of Fallbridge Hall. You could have always been comfortable.”
“Well, if I had, Julian, you wouldn’t have your handsome family. So, I can’t mourn too much for my loss…losses. There have been many.”
Mr. Punch looked at Robert who shook his head.
“Don’t bother asking me.” Barbara smiled softly.
“Here, what ya mean?” Punch frowned.
“You were going to suggest that I could come back with you.”
“Maybe.” Punch grumbled.
“Oh, Julian. You truly are mad, and it is beautiful that you are. Even after all I’ve done, you’re willing to forgive me and try to help me.”
Punch nodded.
“Incidentally,” Barbara added, “I know you’re not Julian. Julian’s in there somewhere. You’re someone else, yet still him. I don’t know how it all works, but it does. And thought I don’t know who or what you are, I’ve always known you. You were the lovely, dear creature who sang to me when I was a little girl, the man who humored me even when I was being beastly—which was usual. Perhaps you—and Julian both—were the only person to ever really love me.”
Punch shrugged.
“I wish I could say that I loved you, too. But, I didn’t. And, I don’t. I’m not capable of loving anyone. However, and I do mean this honestly, I am sorry for the pain I caused. I only hope that whatever good that’s come from it is enough to combat any bad memories you may have of me.”
Mr. Punch began to speak, but Barbara raised her hand and shook her head. “Say nothing except ‘farewell.’”
Punch’s lip quivered. “Farewell.”
“Goodbye, Julian.” Barbara nodded. “And goodbye to Mr. Punch.” She looked at Robert. “Take care of him—them. And, my…your boy, Colin.”
“I will spend my life doing so.” Robert nodded.
Without another word, Barbara walked out of Marie Laveau’s house and disappeared into the misty street.
“She didn’t even want to see Colin again before she left.” Punch sniffed, wiping away a tear.
“She couldn’t,” Marie shook her head.
“I can’t blame her.” Robert whispered.
Did you miss Chapters 1-488? If so, you can read them here.
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