Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 115

Chapter 115: 
Up Close 


“Oh, pardon me,” A plump woman said softly as she wandered onto the veranda. She was dressed in a grand, shimmering gown of sapphire blue encrusted with pale green beads and lush golden embroidery dotted with coral-colored spangles and hung with passementerie of metallic gold and coral threads. On her head she wore an unusual tiara constructed of stalks of coral from the sea and, around her throat hung a necklace of sparking pink topaz and diamonds. Her gloved arms were stacked with bracelets of gold and diamonds and, in her hand, she held a fan painted with a bucolic scene.

Gerard and Gamilla broke their embrace and Gamilla quickly turned away.

“Am I interrupting something?” The woman asked.

“Not at all.” Gerard bowed slightly.

“Young lady,” The woman spoke up. “Please turn toward me so that I might see your gown.”

Gamilla, terribly embarrassed, turned slightly toward the woman.

“Stunning.” The woman smiled. “Truly, stunning.”

“Thank you.” Gamilla nodded.

“How ever did you get your face to be that color? And, your hands? How fascinating. You look so exotic.”

Gamilla looked at the tile of the veranda. “I…” She took a deep breath. “This is the color that I am.”

“Oh.” The woman grinned pleasantly. “You must be His Grace’s governess.”

“Only temporarily.” Gamilla nodded.

“I do hope I’ve not offended you, young lady.” The woman stepped forward. “It’s just that I’ve never seen someone like you before. Not up close. There once was that man with the peg leg who played the violin outside of the Drury Lane Theatre. He had skin like yours. I remember being a young girl and always wanting Mummy to take me past him so that I could put a coin in the hat that his dog held up in his mouth. But, I’ve never seen a woman of your kind before. Your skin is so beautiful—so flawless. I thought surely that it must be some sort of make up. You’re so fortunate to have such beautiful skin. I always struggle so with mine. Would that patches were still in fashion, I’d have them all over my face. So, please accept my apology. I just think you’re simply stunning.”

“Thank you…” Gamilla smiled, realizing that the woman was genuine. “I’m sorry, I don’t know how to address you.”

“That, I’m afraid, is my fault as well.” The woman chirped. “I am the Baroness Lensdown.”

“Oh, my lady.” Gamilla said quickly.

Gerard stiffened his back.

“I don’t mean to interrupt you, truly.” The baroness continued. “I was simply looking for my husband. He tends to slip away from me at events such as this. It’s terribly tiresome. You’ve not seen him, have you? He’s thin and tall with dark hair and a rather stony expression on his face most of the time.”

“I’ve not seen him, Baroness.” Gerard replied.

“You’re the Duke’s man?” Baroness Lensdown asked.

“No, Lady Lensdown. I’m Dr. Halifax’s man, Gerard Gurney.”

“Ah, yes.” The baroness replied. She smiled. “Well, I’ll leave you to your chat. The moonlight is so lovely. You’re very fortunate, Gerard, your companion is, doubtlessly, the most lovely woman at the ball.”

“She is, Baroness. Thank you.”

“Good evening, then.” She nodded. Pausing, she sighed. “If you happen to see the baron, would you please tell him that I’ll be waiting for him near the fireplace?”

“Yes, Lady Lensdown.” Gamilla replied.

“Thank you so much.” The baroness replied politely.

Just as she was about to turn to go into the castle, Robert and Punch—still carrying Colin—emerged.

“There you are, Gamilla, Gerard.” Punch grinned. He had already noticed the baroness and was careful to speak as Julian. “Baroness, good evening. I trust you’re enjoying yourself.”

“Very much so.” The baroness responded. “Thank you so much for including us. Your father, I’m sure, would have been most proud of this evening.”

“I’m pleased to know it, Lady Lensdown.” Mr. Punch answered.

“Oh, now…” The baroness sighed. “Let’s dispense with those burdensome formalities. Do call me Gertrude.”

“As you wish.” Mr. Punch nodded. “You’re welcome to refer to me as Julian. Allow me to introduce you to my companion…”

“Ah, Dr. Halifax.” The baroness smiled. “What a pleasure to meet you finally. I’ve heard so much of you. You’ve become the physician of choice in Belgravia and Mayfair.”

“That’s very kind of you, Gertrude. My Christian name is Robert.”

“My friend the Countess Hamish—oh, she can be such a burden sometimes—does not care for you at all, Robert. But, truly, I can’t see why. Even in this brief amount of time, I find you most agreeable.”

“Most people do.” Mr. Punch spoke up.

“Don’t let Hamish bother you.” Gertrude clucked her tongue. “She’s really a bore and, frankly, her only delight is complaining and gossiping. If I didn’t feel so obligated to her, I wouldn’t bother with her at all.”

Robert and Punch both nodded.

“And, you son, Julian.” Gertrude grinned. “What a beautiful boy. How wonderful for you to have found him.”

“Thank you.” Punch smiled proudly. “He’s our greatest joy.”

“I can see why.” Baroness Lensdown cooed. “Oh, but listen to me prattle on when you’ve clearly come out with purpose. I’ve already intruded on your handsome valet and this gorgeous young lady. You see, I’ve been looking for the Baron. Have you seen him?”

“Not in the last hour or so.” Robert shook his head. “However, I’m sure he’s in there somewhere. With everyone milling about, it’s difficult to keep track.”

“I think I last spotted him talking to Finlay Donnan—the footman here at the Grange.” Punch said.

Gertrude’s pleasant face fell into a frown. “Oh?”

Robert noted her change in attitude. “Yes. They were standing near the wine cooler. I suspect the Baron was trying to convince Finlay to show him how it works.”

“Oh, Victor is always so slow with new things. I’m sure that’s it.”

“We’re about to gather everyone so we can cut the great cake.” Mr. Punch smiled. “I’m sure you’ll find him, then. In fact, that’s why we came out to find Gerard and Gamilla.”

“The cake is so beautiful.” The baroness began to smile again. “And, it smells so delightful.”

“Please join us,” Robert nodded.

“I think I shall.” Gertrude replied.

“If you’ll allow us, Colin and I will escort you inside,” Mr. Punch volunteered.

“How kind. You’re all so kind.” Gertrude nodded, joining the Duke.

With his back to the baroness, Robert smiled at Gerard and Gamilla.

Gerard shrugged as Robert stifled a chuckle.

“Shall we?” Robert asked.

“Yes, Dr. Halifax.” Gamilla answered.

“You can get back to your moonlight after the cake is cut.” Robert winked.

“Sir…” Gerard blushed.

“Come now…” Robert laughed. “We want you two and Charles to have the first pieces.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-114? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 116 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square.