Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 148


Chapter 148: 
Happy Things 


Gamilla grasped Gerard’s large hand in both of her small hands. Sitting in a chair which she’d pulled as close to the bed as possible, she leaned slightly over onto Gerard’s pillow. Her eyelids had grown heavy and she fought to keep them open. She didn’t dare fall asleep for fear that she’d miss even the smallest sign that Gerard needed her.

She could hear the voices from the nursery. Every so often, she heard the names of Ellen and Finlay. The Duke’s voice was clear and strong. This pleased Gamilla who had seen the worry and fear on Dr. Halifax’s face while he was sewing up Gerard’s stab wound. Dr. Halifax had said only that the Duke had been unconscious. However, Gamilla knew that more had happened. She was relieved the hear the Duke through the wall. Perhaps, finally, things would return to normal.

Gamilla sighed and dreamed of returning to Belgrave Square where she could sleep in her own bed and they could eat in their own kitchen. The trip to Scotland had seemed such a treat at first, but, Gamilla longed to be back at their usual home. She shut her eyes and tried to picture the Servants’ Hall at No. 65 Belgrave Square. She could imagine Mrs. Pepper at her range and Mr. Speaight at his desk in the pantry. Charles would sit at his usual spot at the table, polishing the silver, and Gerard would sit on his stool by the fire with his kit—doing the boots—strong and ruddy cheeked. Violet would be curled up with her mending in the corner, trying to think of an excuse to go to the mews to see Hutchinson. Ethel and Jenny would be giggling in the scullery and Georgie would be trying to sneak into the larder for an extra wedge of cheese. Everything would be right again.

What would the masters do now that they knew of Miss Barrett’s treachery? Gamilla wondered what else the group in the nursery was discussing. From the bits and pieces she could hear, Gamilla knew that Miss Ellen and Finlay had done more than just threaten her.

Gamilla didn’t let herself dream of being Colin’s nanny. Nevertheless, she thought quickly, it would be a natural decision for the masters to make. She frowned. Miss Ellen wasn’t going to go peacefully—especially not with Finlay to aid her in her schemes.

Again, Gamilla’s eyes grew heavy and the room around her seemed fuzzy and amber and, then…dim.

Opening her eyes, Gamilla wasn’t sure if she’d been asleep for a few seconds or a few hours. The conversation still continued in the adjoining nursery. However, those voices soon seemed very distant when Gamilla looked down.

“Hullo, love.” Gerard said in a gravely voice. He looked up at her.

“Gerry.” Gamilla replied. “You’re talkin’.”

“What’s come of me?” Gerard asked. “I got a terrible pain in my side.”

“You were stabbed, Honey.” Gamilla answered. “Don’t you ‘member?”

“No.” Gerard replied.

“It’s that med’cin.” Gamilla smiled. “Doctor gave ya med’cin for the pain.”

“I wish he hadn’t.” Gerard sighed. “You know how I like it. Difficult to stop takin’ it.”

“I’ll help ya. Ain’t no use in you bein’ in pain though.”

“I s’pose.” Gerard grunted. “So, I was stabbed? By who?”

“We don’t know.” Gamilla responded.

Gerard tensed with a spasm of pain for a moment. “So I gotta hole in me?”

“Dr. Halifax done sewed ya together like some linen what needed mendin’.” Gamilla smiled slightly. “I helped him.”

“That’s my girl.” Gerard whispered. “Where’s everyone?”

“In the nursery.” Gamilla replied. “Most of ‘em.”

“What ‘bout that governess and the Scots footman?”

“They’re not here.”

“Oh…” Gerard moaned.

“What is it, Honey?” Gamilla chirped. “You got more pain?”

“No. I just remembered the Countess.” Gerard coughed. “Oh, it were awful. And…” His eyes filled with tears. “Mrs. North…”

“Don’t think of it,” Gamilla shook her head. “Think of happy things.”

“I’ll try.” Gerard rasped.

“Think of goin’ home.” Gamilla continued.

“Never thought I’d have a home.”

“Me neither.” Gamilla smiled.

“Funny thing is—now I think that wherever you were is my home.”

“Me too.” Gamilla replied.

“You’re real important to me, Gamilla.” Gerard said softly.

“And you to me.” Gamilla blushed. “That’s why you gotta get better.”

“As long as you’re with me, I know I will.” Gerard replied.

“Then, you will, Gerry.” Gamilla nodded. “You will.”





Did you miss Chapters 1-147 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 149.


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