As we reached the one hundredth chapter of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, we learned a bit more about Julian's past as Mr. Punch recalled how a young man, possibly a cousin to Finlay, used to visit the kitchens are the grange to sell berries. The man, Punch recalls, was called "Roger." Robert is curious about the boy who shared the name of Ellen's mentally challenged brother, but Punch can remember no more about it. Of course, Punch doesn't know that Ellen and Finlay are related nor that Ellen Barrett is actually the Duke's half-sister. But, what does this memory of Roger mean? Was it the same man? If so, could it be that Punch has found a connection that could lead to answers about his previous memory of a young man being thrown from the tower at the Grange?
With the household gearing up for the Servants' Ball, Robert has become keenly aware that--despite his cheerful demeanor and his kind assistance with the servants' costumes, Punch is troubled by the memories he's had recently as well as worried about the mess that they left behind in London. So, Robert has been careful to be especially upbeat with Punch--a posture which Gerard and Charles have also affected.
Gerard's been a little gloomy since he and Gamilla have both been too busy to see much of each other. He decided to wait in the passage outside the nursery in order to have a few moments with Gamilla. While waiting, he encountered Ellen and Finlay--demanding to know why they, especially Ellen who'd been in bed "sick", were upstairs. Finlay and Ellen lied as Ellen explained that the doctor had told her to take exercise when she could and that the nighttime was the only time she had enough energy. Ellen's fib continued as she said that Finlay was helping her to walk around the castle.
Gamilla came out to find Gerard with Ellen and Finlay. Ellen was, at first, rude to Gamilla, but quickly covered her tracks before she and Finlay left. Afterwards, Gerard and Gamilla argued as Gerard tried to tell Gamilla that Ellen was taking advantage of her. Gerard stormed off, leaving Gamilla alone in the hallway where Robert encouraged her to find Gerard and work things out.
The next morning, Mr. Punch awoke early, excited about the ball later that evening. He woke Robert with happy chatter about the coming events. However, their comfortable morning was interrupted when Charles came to tell them that Gamilla was missing.
As the staff prepared to look for Gamilla, Violet came screaming in, telling everyone that she'd found the girl. Punch and Robert followed Violet to Gamilla who was passed out in the cellars, quickly concluding that the girl was drunk. Finlay accused Gerard of getting Gamilla drunk, pointing out that the mug found with her was Gerard's and that he knew that Gerard also took drugs from Dr. Halifax. As Gerard defended himself, Gamilla awoke and, when asked, said that Gerard had given her the whiskey.
Could it be true? Well, of course not. What actually happened to Gamilla? We'll find out this week.
Furthermore, as the guests begin to arrive for the ball, Ellen and Finlay put their plan into motion. Little do each of them know, but they're both secretly working with the Baron Lensdown against the other. Poor Mr. Punch--who only wants, really, to be nice to his friends--is in for a tremendous shock this week. And, Robert will find himself in as thick of a nightmare as Gerard, Charles and Gamilla.
It's going to be an exciting week. You won't want to miss a chapter. If you have missed any chapters, you can find a summary of each as well as a link to the full chapter in the Chapter Archive.
Thanks for reading!
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