Chapter 205
A Little Sick
“Stop this at once!” A stern female voice called from a recessed archway in the courtyard at Buckingham Palace where the Duke’s carriage had stopped.
At first, Mr. Punch thought that the Queen herself had deigned to come down. However, judging by the responses of the guards, he knew that the voice belonged to another lady.
“You must understand,” Mr. Punch pleaded with the guards. “I’m the Duke of Fallbridge. Our driver is dangerous, and he must be apprehended.”
Hutchinson smirked from atop the carriage.
“Do as His Grace orders.” The female voice shouted.
Punch and Robert turned to see a woman, slightly disheveled and panicked, racing into the courtyard. Punch knew her at once as Jane, Marchioness of Ely—one of the Queen’s more recently appointed Ladies of the Bedchamber—upon whom Her Majesty relied greatly , especially since the Baroness Lehzen had been banished to Germany by Prince Albert.
“You have your orders,” The marchioness commanded.
“That we do, Mum,” one of the guards replied. “Orders from Prince Albert himself.”
“Who is your Sovereign?” Marchioness Ely snapped. “Not the Prince Consort! I come with strict instructions from Her Majesty.”
The guards stood still.
“Do you hear me? Your mistress has instructed that His Grace and Dr. Halifax be taken to the Yellow Drawing Room. They’re to be made as comfortable as possible.”
Two footmen emerged into the courtyard.
“Your Grace, Her Majesty begs your forgiveness for this misunderstanding and asks that you, please, retire to the Yellow Drawing Room where she will join you forthwith. I shall escort you.”
“Thank you, Marchioness.” Mr. Punch bowed, affecting his best Julian voice. “We do have, however, a bit of a dilemma. Our driver, it seems, has shown his true traitorous colors.”
“Come down here at once,” The guards ordered Hutchinson.
Before Hutchinson could react, two of the guards climbed atop the carriage and seized Hutchinson.
“Hold him,” The marchioness ordered, “until you’re given further instructions.” She turned to Mr. Punch. “Your Grace, if you’ll please follow me.”
Robert and Punch followed the woman through the winding, vaulted corridors of the lowest floor of the palace.
“I’m afraid that Your Grace has been somewhat caught in the middle of a marital discussion between Their Majesties.” The marchioness continued.
“I see.” Punch nodded. “I take it that the Prince Consort was somewhat put out by our tardiness.”
“I imagine so.”
“We were forced to be late,” Robert spoke up.
“I’ve no doubt of that. Her Majesty understands completely.” The marchioness replied airily. “One believes that the Prince Albert was irritated by the fact that he must entertain a merchant.”
“So, the gemologist is still here?” Robert asked.
“Oh, certainly. His Grace is to meet with him at his convenience.”
When they reached the Yellow Drawing Room, the marchioness bowed her head slightly. “Gentlemen, your queen will join you shortly. Do make yourselves comfortable. I’ve taken the liberty of having a light luncheon brought up for you. I hope it will be to your liking.”
“Thank you,” Mr. Punch smiled.
“Of course,” the marchioness replied before departing.
Alone in the drawing room with Robert, Punch relaxed. “For a minute there, I thought we was done for.”
“As did I.” Robert sighed.
“It’s a constant struggle between them, it is.” Mr. Punch shook his head.
“What’s that?”
“The struggle for power. Albert is torn. It’s the only household in Britain where the husband must defer to his wife.”
“The prince’s temper doesn’t help matters.” Robert replied.
“No, it does not.” The Queen smiled as she entered the room.
“Your Majesty,” Robert and Punch said together, bowing in unison.
The Queen moved across the room and sat in a plush, golden chair. She gestured for Robert and Punch to sit as well.
“I hear we’ve had some chaos this morning.” Her Majesty said.
“Indeed, we have, Your Majesty.” Mr. Punch replied.
“Oh, I do wish you’d speak in your adorable manner. You can be unguarded with me, Mr. Punch.” the Queen smiled.
“Sure,” Mr. Punch nodded.
“We’ve had considerable chaos on this floor as well.” The Queen sighed. “My dear Albert, sometimes…well, he’s imbued with the Coburg stubbornness.”
“’Course, he is, Your Majesty.” Mr. Punch said.
“While he’s considerably more English than he was when we married, the Coburg blood does swell in his veins. It does in mine as well, I suppose. However, I have control of it.”
“You must pardon our being late,” Robert said softly.
“I’m sure you’ve a good reason for it.” Her Majesty replied. “In fact, you both look a little sick.”
“In a way,” Mr. Punch sighed.
“Then, you must tell your Queen all about it.”
Did you miss Chapters 1-204 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 206.
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