Chapter 215
Quite Simply
“What do you propose, dear Pu…” Robert began. He caught himself and decided not to refer to the Duke as “Dear Punch” in front of Lady Lensdown and Lady Constance.
Punch noticed Robert’s pause and smiled slightly despite the serious circumstances around them.
“Quite simply,” Punch began, still speaking as he thought Julian might, “that we see that Lady Lensdown and Lady Constance receive the same sort of protection and aid that we have.”
“How will we do that?” Lennie asked.
“We shall send a message to the palace at once.” Punch nodded.
“Oh, good thinking.” Lennie smiled with relief.
“To the palace?” Constance sputtered.
“Yes.” Mr. Punch replied. “Dr. Halifax recently explained a situation to the Queen regarding the continued efforts of the woman who impersonated my sister to make our lives difficult. She’s recently begun blackmailing us and has threatened harm to our son as well as infiltrated our household. Dr. Halifax and I went to the Queen and told Her Majesty our dire situation, and, in her infinite wisdom, Her Majesty offered her assistance. I’ve not doubt that you would receive the same.”
Constance’s head began to spin. She couldn’t have the Duke going to Queen Victoria with her lies. Furthermore, she hated the thought of the Queen knowing that she had conceived a child without benefit of marriage.
“We couldn’t.” Constance sputtered.
“I don’t see that we have any other recourse.” Mr. Punch replied. “We cannot rely on the Baron Lensdown to cooperate with the abductor’s scheme. So, something else must be done.”
“But, not the Queen.”
“You’ve come to us for help,” Robert spoke up. “And, this is how we are able to help.”
“I think it’s a fine idea,” Lady Lensdown said with an unusual firmness to her voice.
“The letter stated quite clearly that the authorities should not be involved.” Constance argued.
“And they shan’t be.” Mr. Punch shrugged.
“The Queen is the ultimate authority.” Constance replied.
“Her Majesty is a friend.” Mr. Punch answered.
“To you,” Constance argued. “The Crown has long had a distaste for the Hamish family.”
“Not for you, Lady Constance,” Lennie smiled. “Surely not. I’m sure Her Majesty would not judge you for the actions of your ancestors.”
“The Queen hated my mother.”
“She hated mine, too.” Mr. Punch grumbled. “But, she likes me well enough.”
“Well, Her Majesty liked my mother very much, as did her two uncles.” Lady Lensdown interrupted. “Despite my husband’s reputation, my name is still held in high regard in the court. I agree with the Duke, we should send word to the palace at once.”
“And tell the Queen of my…shame?” Constance stammered.
“What else can we do, Connie?” Lady Lensdown moaned.
Suddenly, Lady Constance felt as she might faint. She hadn’t expected the Duke to suggest such a thing. Furthermore, she quickly began to wonder why Orpha had insisted that she go to the Duke in the first place. Hadn’t Orpha promised that, if Constance agreed to cooperate, she’d leave the Duke alone?
Guilt and fear overwhelmed Lady Constance and she feared she would be sick.
Robert stood up and went to the woman. “You don’t look well.”
“I’ll ring for Speaight.” Lennie suggested.
“No!” Constance shouted. “I’ll be fine. I…”
“What is it, Lady Constance?” Punch asked.
“I’ve something more to tell you.” Constance confessed.
Did you miss Chapters 1-214 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 216.
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