Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 202

Chapter 202
This Place 



“What is he doin’?” Punch whispered.

“He’s getting himself dismissed.” Robert replied.

“Please, Sir.” Hutchinson spoke through the trapdoor at the top of the carriage.

“No.” Robert spat. “Proceed to the palace at once!”

“We won’t be long, Sir.” Hutchinson shook his head. He, then, climbed down from the top of the carriage.

Hutchinson then opened the carriage door.

“Your Grace,” Hutchinson offered his hand to the Duke.

“I’m not getting out.” Mr. Punch shook his head, affecting the voice of the Duke of Fallbridge.

“I think you are, Sir.” Hutchinson smiled coolly.

“What is this place?” Robert asked.

“Just a brief delay. Then you can be on your way.”

Robert peered out of the carriage door and his face went white.

“Look familiar, Sir?” Hutchinson asked.

“Close that door at once!” Robert shouted. “And, then, take us to the palace! After that, you’re dismissed!”

“No, I ain’t.” Hutchinson shook his head.

“Where are we?” Mr. Punch asked Robert.

“Eudora Stover’s hovel.” Robert growled.

Mr. Punch’s eyes widened with anger. He turned to Hutchinson. “Just who the hell to you think you are? Is this meant as some kind of joke?”

“No, Your Grace.” Hutchinson replied. “Not at all.” He looked over his shoulder as Eudora Stover swept out of the mean, filthy house—followed by Hortence.

“Well, look who come to see us!” Eudora shouted.

“If it ain’t me ol’ employers.” Hortence snarled.

Mr. Punch reached forward to close the door of the carriage before the women could get to him and to Robert. Hutchinson grabbed the Duke’s arm.

“You’re hurting!” Punch shouted.

“Don’t mean to, Sir, only there’s some what wants to see ya.”

“We’ve seen them.” Robert snarled.

“No, no, not these ladies. Another one.”

“Who?” Robert asked.

“The Duke’s former sister.” Eudora grinned.



Did you miss Chapters 1-201? If so, you can read them here. Come back on Monday for Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 203.