Chapter 251
Blessings
Lady Lensdown wept. She wept through the service at St. Peter’s. She wept through the small graveside gathering at Highgate as Jenny was laid to rest. She wept in the carriage on the way back to Belgrave Square and she wept through the modest luncheon which Mrs. Pepper had prepared. She wept for Jenny, she wept for Ethel, she wept for the Duke and the doctor, she wept for her own children and she wept for herself.
Lennie already had her hands full with Ethel. The Duke’s sister never once let the scullery maid out of her sight, and, when they returned home from the funeral, she took the girl—still in shock—upstairs and sat with her.
That left Punch and Robert to see to Lady Lensdown, and, frankly, neither of them was too keen on comforting their houseguest. They, of course, understood her grief. Her children were missing. Her husband didn’t seem to care that his offspring were in peril nor that his wife had not returned home in days. They knew that, at the best of times, Gertrude was sensitive and skittish. And, so, they tried to be patient and kind despite the fact that they, too, were burdened by their own grief, and their own fears.
“I am so terribly ashamed,” Gertrude sniffed as she joined Punch and Robert in the library of No. 65.
“You needn’t be,” Robert shook his head. “You’re in the middle of a terrible ordeal. We’re all tired and worried. It’s only natural that we should be emotional.”
“Sure,” Punch nodded. “If Colin was taken from us, we’d surely be beside ourselves.”
“Still,” Lady Lensdown inhaled. “I…” She began to cry again.
“Perhaps,” Robert suggested, “you might go upstairs and take some rest.”
“I couldn’t.” Lady Lensdown replied. “I can’t bear to be alone.”
“Very well,” Robert nodded.
“Do carry on with whatever you’d be doing. I shan’t intrude.” Lady Lensdown waved her hand.
Robert and Punch exchanged weary glances.
“I think the services were lovely, dear Punch,” Robert began. “You did well by our Jenny.”
“I didn’t do a thing,” Punch shrugged. “It were really Speaight what arranged it all. He and the undertaker.”
“Jenny’s family was most grateful.” Robert continued. “You gave their daughter a beautiful tribute which they otherwise could not have afforded.”
“I felt so terrible bad for ‘em, Chum.” Punch shook his head. “To see the mum, ‘specially. It…” He looked up at Lady Lensdown who’d begun to weep again.
Punch twitched slightly and scratched the back of his neck. “I…uhhh…I gave the staff the afternoon and evenin’ to rest.”
“It’s only right that you should.”
“Mrs. Pepper wanted to see we were given dinner. I told ‘er we weren’t so hungry and that if we needed anything, we’d raid the larder.” Punch shook his head. “As it is, she’ll be makin’ downstairs dinner, and she told me that she’s aimed to make plates for us.”
“Working, I think, is her way of coping.” Robert nodded. “She wants to see everyone fed and well.”
“I reckon everyone wants to keep goin’. Charlie even said he’d stand guard in the ‘all. I told ‘im there was no need.”
Robert continued. “Her Majesty was most kind to see that the house was guarded today.”
Punch nodded. “Did I tell you…” he began, “I received a letter from the palace before we went to the church?”
“No.” Robert shook his head.
“Her Majesty volunteered to send a kitchen maid from Sandringham. I’ve not responded yet, but, I think it might be a good idea, Chum. We know she ain’t gonna let no one who ain’t a decent girl into one of her ‘omes. So, we should find her well enough for our own.”
“How kind of her.” Robert nodded.
They both cautiously looked out of the corners of their eyes to see if Gertrude was still sobbing. She was.
Robert and Punch were relieved to hear a knock on the library doors which, after a few seconds, slid open as Gerard and Gamilla entered, arm-in-arm.
“Gerard,” Robert spoke up. “I said you could go to the services if you’d return to your bed thereafter.”
“I know, Sir. Only, Gamilla and I wanted to talk with you.” Gerard answered.
“Is somethin’ wrong?” Punch asked.
“No, Your Grace.” Gamilla responded. “We done spoke with Mr. Speaight already and he done said if it was well by you that…” She looked at Gerard. “Gerry…you tell His Grace.”
Gerard blushed.
“What is all this?” Robert raised an eyebrow.
“Well, Sir, Your Grace…Gamilla and me. Well, I asked Gamilla if she’d be my bride.”
“Did you, then?” Robert smiled.
“And, well, Sirs, we seek your blessing.” Gamilla added.
“Of course, you have it.” Mr. Punch exclaimed.
“I know it’s not regular, Your Grace for the nurse to marry a footman. Most men in Your Grace’s place wouldn’t allow such a thing.”
“Nonsense.” Punch shook his head.
“Sir?” Gamilla looked to Robert.
“You certainly have my consent. We’ll have to sort out the living arrangements. We’ll need you, Gamilla, to remain in the nursery suite until Colin’s more grown.”
“I s’pose we could convert the storage cupboard by the nursery to make a private sittin’ room for you both and you could share the chamber.”
“I wouldn’t want you to go to any trouble, Your Grace.” Gerard smiled.
“It’s no trouble.” Punch replied. “In fact, we’re grateful, we are. Grateful for some joy in the midst of all this horror.”
“We thought since we had the day, we might go and post our banns.” Gerard continued. “With your permission, of course.”
“I thought it might be...somehow…what with Jenny’s funeral just today….” Gamilla stumbled over her words.
“It’s not inappropriate.” Robert interrupted. “Life goes on, and, truly, I think Jenny would have been thrilled for you.”
“Sure, she would.” Punch grinned.
“However, Gerard,” Robert said sternly, “when you return, it’s straight abed. You’re not entirely healed yet.”
“Yes, Sir.” Gerard nodded eagerly.
“Then go,” Punch said finally, “knowing you got our blessin’.”
“Surely,” Lady Lensdown sniffed. “Surely you’re not going to allow this…”
Four pairs of eyes turned to look at the tear-stained face of Lady Lensdown who flushed with excitement.
“You…you simply can’t allow this, Your Grace.” She repeated.
Did you miss Chapters 1-250? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square Chapter 252.
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