A Recipe for Punch, Chapter 118

Chapter 118
The Promise of Home


"Morgana!"  Robert gasped as Maudie and George Pepper led Morgana into the passage outside of Lennie's room.  He quickly embraced her, still trying to be gentle so as not to hurt her back, tears springing into his eyes.  "However did..."

"Three of the young men from the g...g..gardens helped me to escape."

"Are you harmed?"  Robert released the woman.  He looked at her arms which were raw from the canvas ties which had bound her.  "You are..."

"No, it's no...nothing with which I can't cope.  I had far worse in the traveling show, I assure you."

"Still...I'll call for Gamilla or Violet...we..."  Robert began.

"Not now,"  Morgana shook her head.  "We must look after Lennie.  Please tell me that you were able to save her."

"I hope that I have,"  Robert answered sadly.  "But, however did you know?"

"When those kind young men carried me out, we came upon Mr. Jackson and Ivy who taunted me with the news that Lennie had tried to...to...take her own life."  Morgana gulped. "Robert, why...why would she do such a thing?"

"The state of affairs in our household, the ordeal she'd been subjected to thanks to Jackson, everything...she was quite depressed by it all."

"But, it's not like her.  Is it?"

"No, not at all.  Nonetheless, what's gone on would be enough to drive the strongest of us to such an act.  She confessed to Gamilla earlier that she felt as though she was responsible for the whole thing."

"This is talk for family,"  Maudie interjected from where she and George still stood behind Morgana.  "We should take our leave, Sir."

"Do stay."  Robert said  quickly.  "We have all suffered together.  That, more so than blood,"  he winced at the word, thinking of the state in which he'd found Lennie--the life pouring thick and red from her arms into murky pools on the floor.  "That, makes us family."

"George was long my companion in our captivity."  Morgana looked affectionately at the young man behind her.  "Without him, I'd be quite lost."

"I still wish to know how you escaped."  Robert leaned in.  

"I shall tell  you all about it.  For now, th...though, let's only say that I'd managed to attract the attention of those kind gardeners who carried me back to the house."  Morgana answered softly.  "They were shy to take me to the formal entrance, feeling they weren't worthy to knock, even in my company.  They br...brought me instead to the kitchens where I was given over to Maude and Georgie."

"We left the men in the kitchens with my mum.  She's givin' them quite a feast, I should say."  George nodded.

"I'm glad.  When they've finished, I want them to come upstairs to me so I might offer them further reward, something worthy of their heroism."  Robert responded.  "They deserve our deepest thanks for returning our Aunt Morgana to us safely."

"We...we...we are not yet safe, Robert."  Morgana shook her head.

Robert's shoulders sagged.  "I know, but, still--you're safer now than you were."

"None of us are away from danger until we've stopped those who are working to restore my sister.  Where is Punch?"

"Gone out to look for you.  His man, Charles, and Lord Cleaversworth are with him."

"So, h...he's not alone?"

"No."  Robert replied.  

"Thank the stars."  Morgana exhaled.  "We must find a way to restore him to the Hall immediately."

"I could go..."  George volunteered.

"I'd go, too."  Maudie nodded.

"No, no.  You've both been well enough in harm's way."  Robert said firmly.  "I won't have it. I shall go myself, with Gerard."

"What of Lennie?"  Morgana asked.  

"Violet and Gamilla are looking after her.  I've done all I could do for now."  Robert answered quietly.  "Without Punch, we cannot attempt the transfusion of blood which we'd..."

Robert stopped speaking when he saw Morgana's look of confusion.  "You've not known of much of what has gone on here--just as I do not know all you have had to suffer through."

"We will soon be able to tell all."  Morgana nodded.  "For now, I shall help the girls with Lennie."

"If you would."  Robert took Morgana by the elbow.  "If you're not too exhausted from your ordeal."

"I would endure any fatigue for Lennie or any one of you."  Morgana smiled.

"I am also rather concerned for Gamilla for reasons which I can't explain now.  Perhaps..."

"I shall entreat her to rest a b...b...bit."  Morgana responded.

"I can be of help, Miss Morgana."  Maude offered.

Morgana looked to Robert who nodded.  "That would be appreciated, Maude.  And, George, if you would return to the kitchens and ask the men who saved our Aunt Morgana to please come upstairs and wait for me.  When they've finished their meals, please take them to the library and ask them to be comfortable.  Offer them whatever they wish to drink and tell them it would mean much to me if they'd truly act as if this was their home as well."

"I'll go now, Lord Colinshire."  George nodded, hurrying off.

"If I may, I'll look in on Miss Lennie."  Maudie bowed her head.  

"Yes, do."  Robert stepped aside so Maudie could enter the room.

Alone with Morgana, Robert sighed.  "I hate to leave you now, only my dear Punch is..."

"Go, Robert."  Morgana held up a pincer without a hint of self-consciousness.  "Go and bring our Punch home to us.  He is our heart.  We need him.  You more so, even, than the rest of us.  He is, a...af...after all, your..."  She paused to think of the right word.  "He's really your husband."

Robert nodded.  

"Find him, bring him and Charles and Lord Cleaversworth home so Punch may be reunited with you and your son, so His Lordship may take his place at Lennie's side and so Charles might one day find the happiness that Gerard has found.  I ha...have heard the way Violet speaks of him."

"I will return."  Robert hugged Morgana again.

"Do so quickly and safely and with your beloved and your friends."

Robert went off to find Gerard so they might search for Punch and the others as Morgana quietly entered Lennie's room.

In the darkened suite, Morgana squinted.  Draped limply across the bed, Lennie looked pale and phantom-like--her arms bandaged to each elbow.

Gamilla sat on one side of the bed, holding one of Lennie's hands.  Violet stood at attention at Gamilla's shoulder.

The two servants turned as Morgana entered, and, gasped.  

Gamilla leapt to her feet with a surprising nimbleness given her state of tiredness and her pregnant condition.  Closely followed by Violet, Gamilla rushed to Morgana.

"Oh, Miss, they done let you go!"  Gamilla cried, putting her hands on Morgana's shoulders--setting aside rules of servants and the family of the house.  

Violet, too, reached for Morgana, and, took a pincer in her delicate hand.

Normally, Morgana would have pulled her claw away in embarrassment.  Yet, she felt so at ease and was so touched by the welcome that she received, she did not feel the need to do so.

"They did not let me,"  Morgana answered.  "But, go, I did--with considerable he...help."

"We're ever-so glad you're with us again.  I'm only sorry that you had to come home to more sadness."  Violet began.

Morgana glanced at Lennie.  "My poor niece..."

"Been driven mad by those horrible folk,"  Violet spat.  "This is their fault."  She noticed the welts on Morgana's arms.  "We shall all soon show the scars of their wickedness."  Releasing Morgana's pincer, Violet dabbed her eyes as she began to cry.  "This...what she done...this ain't my mistress.  This ain't the way Lady Fallbridge acts or things.  This house, and those people...they did this to her."

"We're all under the spell of this house and the wickedness of those vipers who done made it their nest.  The whole place should be pulled down stone by stone and the earth sown with lavender and salt and sage."  Gamilla added.  "We done all ought to leave her, throwin' torches behind us to burn the disease off the land, and, go home."

"His Grace had the right idea,"  Violet nodded.  "We was our happiest when we kept to Number 65, kept the doors and windows locked and took our joy in one another.  Now, it's all..."

"Honey,"  Gamilla said gently to Violet.  "We shall again.  We'll spend out our days in peace, guided by His Grace and Lord Colinshire.  Takin' delight in Master Colin growin' up, seein' Miss Lennie wed, watchin' Dog Toby and his rascally tricks, tellin' stories to one another, eatin' Mrs. Pepper's fine vittles, and...and, even watchin' my own child--mine and Gerry's--grow strong and smart.  We'll let the evenings fill our hearts with gladness of a day well spent instead of fear and dread.  We done got that for to look forward.  Evenin's spent by our hearth downstairs, listenin' to Mr. Speaight read to us, lettin' our eyes fill with the beauty of the upstairs when we go.  Fillin' our bellies with laughter at His Grace's jokes..."

"And, Miss Morgana's tales o' the circus and her time in the show.  We'll all be a fine, quiet family."  Violet nodded.  

"Today, I'd even be grateful to see Miss Fern."  Gamilla sighed.

"We only need to get away from here,"  Violet agreed.  "Now, we got Miss Morgana back."

"Soon, my dears,"  Morgana smiled, feeling a maternal sensation she'd never felt before.  "And, we shall all go home soon."

Suddenly the idea of a home seemed real to her.

"First, w...we must keep up our strength for Lennie."  Morgana looked to the bed again.  "Is she conscious?"

"Off an' on."  Violet answered heavily.

"She might rally to hear your voice, Miss."  Gamilla suggested, guiding Morgana to the bed.  "Sit and talk with her."

"I'll s...st...stand."  Morgana shook her head.  "I'd rather you sit so you and your baby can rest."

"I couldn't."  Gamilla protested.

"You must.  I insist."  Morgana answered affectionately.  "For well over six decades these mismatched legs ha...have supported me.  Sit, please."

Gamilla nodded and returned to her place in the chair.

Morgana stood at the foot of Lennie's bed, gently placing her pincer on the blanket which covered her niece.

"Lennie,"  She said softly.  "I'm here."

Lennie's eyes fluttered and she looked to Morgana.  Suddenly, she began to scream in abject terror.  "Stay away from me, foul demon!  Stay away!  You've gotten what you wanted from me.  My blood was spilled just as yours was!  I did what was asked of me!"

Morgana was shocked for a few seconds, and, then she realized that Lennie thought that she was the specter of her mother.

"Lennie, dear,"  Morgana said quickly.  "It is I...Auntie Morgana."

Lennie fell back onto her pillows.  "I will not fall for your trickery.  Not you nor the succubus you promised would punish me for the sins you prescribed to me."

Morgana held up her claws.  "Look, my d...dear.  I am your Auntie."

"Auntie?"  Lennie gasped.

"Yes."  Morgana nodded.  

"Oh..."  Lennie wept.  "Auntie, I wish to go home!"

Morgana sat on the bed.  "We soon shall, my darling niece.  We soon shall."


Did you miss Chapters 1-117 of A Recipe for Punch?  If so, you can read them here.  Come back on Monday for Chapter 119.

Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 118

Chapter 118:
History Repeated 



Upon seeing Ellen’s signal,the Baron Lensdown crept from the spot where she’d told him to hide and hurried back into the castle through the Servants’ Hall. While the regular staff of the Grange and those from Belgrave Square were attending the ball, the Servants’ Hall was filled with servers and attendants which the Duke (or, more technically, Mrs. North) had hired from nearby households and from the village. They took no notice of the Baron as he walked briskly toward the service staircase. He bounded upstairs and found Ellen standing near the window from which she had beckoned to him.

“Were you spotted?” Ellen asked, the petals of her floral bonnet fluttering as she spoke.

“No.” Lensdown replied.

“Not even by Finlay?”

“Your brother is carrying out your instructions—tempting the youngsters.”

“That’ll occupy him for awhile, at least.” Ellen nodded, glancing down at Colin who slept in her arms.

“He’s sure to realize soon enough that he’s been given a fool’s errand.”

“No.” Ellen grinned. “That’s only the first leg of his assignment.”

“Oh?”

“You needn’t know more than that.” Ellen answered curtly. “It’s a family affair.”

“My dear, I know you both intimately.” Lensdown replied dryly. ‘I don’t think you need have any secrets from me.”

“Where Finlay is concerned, I do.” Ellen sighed. “However, you can be of some assistance to me in regards to my half-brother.”

“Explain.”

“Have you spoken with him this evening?” Ellen asked.

“No.” Lensdown replied.

“Liar.”

“Ellen…” Lensdown began.

“You forget that I was downstairs all evening? I saw you with Finlay.”

“He and I exchanged pleasantries. Nothing more.”

“Is that so?” Ellen asked.

“I assure you.”

“So, you’re not conspiring with him against me?” Ellen laughed.

“Ellen.” Lensdown shook his head. “How could you ask me that? You know that my commitment to you is unwavering. I’ve done all that you’ve asked. I’ve made Finlay think that I’m cooperating with him.”

Ellen nodded. “I’m glad of it. And, you’ve told me all that he’s said of me?”

“Of course.” Lensdown lied.

“Good.” Ellen answered. “Then, you’ll have no problem completing this last task for me.”

“Not at all.” The baron answered. “Let’s deposit the child in the nursery and then we’ll go to the Duke’s chamber.”

“That’s not necessary.” Ellen shook her head.

“I don’t understand.” The baron squinted. “We need to take that baby and put him in his cradle.”

“Suddenly you care for the welfare of a child?”

“He’s just a baby.” Lensdown replied. “I’m a father myself. I’m not so heartless as to negate the importance of a young life.”

“Since when?” She frowned. “Isn’t it sweet—this change in you?” Ellen chuckled. “But, you don’t need to concern yourself with the Duke’s sister’s bastard.”

“Our plan was for you to take the child up here so that you’d have easy access to the Duke’s chamber.”

“And, I do.”

“So, let’s carry on.”

“I have changed my mind.” Ellen snapped.

“You’re not going to do something with that boy, are you?” Lensdown asked cautiously.

“I’m his governess.” Ellen snarled.

“All the more reason to deposit him in his cradle.”

“I’m also his auntie.”

“Partly.” Lendown corrected her. “Only three of us know that.”

“Nevertheless.”

“Ellen, you were governess to my own children. I know you to be many things, but the sort of monster who’d harm a child is not among them.”

“Then you need not worry about it.” Ellen laughed.

“Ellen, tell me you’re going to bring the baby to his nursery.” Lensdown demanded.

“If I were to tell you that, would you believe me?”

“I trust you.” Lensdown nodded. “Isn’t that why I’ve done for you all that I have?”

“All the better. I need you to do something else for me.”

“Precisely why I’m telling you that we should bring the child to his nursery so that we can go to the Duke’s chamber and search for…”

“I don’t need you for that after all.” Ellen shook her head.

“I thought you needed me to put the jewels in…”

“No.” Ellen interrupted. “I can do that.”

“You’ve got the child.”

“Technically, I don’t.” She chuckled. “Mrs. North has the child.” Ellen corrected him.

“Ellen, have you gone mad? You know as well as I do that Mrs. North is dead. She’s just where Finlay left her.”

“Quiet, darling.” Ellen cooed. “As far as the Duke is concerned, the woman who took his child is Mrs. North. By the time I’ve finished….” She paused. “None of it will matter. Many other tragedies will divert His Grace’s attention.”

“So, you intend to put the child in the nursery, steal the Duke’s jewels and place them on Gerard and Charles without my assistance?”

“I do.” Ellen smiled. “Though I said nothing about taking the child to the nursery. That, Victor, seems to be your concern. Remember, everyone thinks that beneath this costume is Mrs. North. Mrs. North has been charged with watching the child. Therefore, I should keep him with me. As for the rest, as I’ve said, I don’t need you as it turns out. It should be very easy for me to do.”

“Then, why involve me at all?”

“I’ve decided I need you to handle another matter for me.”

“What’s that?”

“When Finlay has finished his task, I’ve told him to wait for me atop the central tower.”

Lensdown frowned slightly.

“You’re familiar with the central tower, aren’t you?” Ellen teased.

“You know that I am.” Lensdown muttered.

“I want you to meet him there.”

“Why?”

“So that history might repeat itself.” Ellen said firmly.



Did you miss Chapters 1-117 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 119.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 118

Ulrika Rittenhouse pushed her way through the throngs of merrymakers which lined the streets of the French Quarter. The cold night air stung her face through her veil and she cursed as drunken men stumbled into her path. Growling when a pink-faced man pinched her, she pushed him aside and walked briskly toward an open space in the crowd. Panting, she paused and looked behind her. Arthur limped toward her.


“Hurry up, you fool!” She shouted.

Arthur staggered forward. “Where’s Barbara? Are we going to find Barbara?”

“No, idiot!” Ulrika spat. “Listen to me. You will help me find Lord Fallbridge and his companions. Did you hear nothing? Have you no idea where they were going?”

“I can’t very well hear through walls, can I?” Arthur answered flatly.

“Useless.” Ulrika muttered.

“I did hear some of the men say something about Iolanthe’s girl—Mala. Seems she came by the house where Lord Julian and the others are staying. Got his valet to go with her.”

Ulrika raised her hand as she intended to slap Arthur across the face. She stopped herself and, instead, lifted her veil. Frowning she gazed at Arthur whose face went pale. He stepped backward.

“Don’t fear me, Arthur,” Ulrika grinned finally. “We are going to see Barbara, after all.”

Meanwhile, Cecil, Robert and Mr. Punch hurried toward Jouette Street.

“Are you sure this is the way?” Cecil asked, picking up his pace to keep up with Robert.

“This is the way I went when I followed Punch and Naasir here the last time.” Robert answered.

Mr. Punch frowned and bit Julian’s lip. He stopped in his tracks.

Robert noticed that Punch wasn’t keeping up with them. He, too stopped and gently touched Cecil’s arm so that he would pause.

“Dear Punch, is something troubling you?” Robert asked.

“Here,” Mr. Punch said softly, “this ain’t no pantomime, it isn’t.” He drew in a deep breath. “This is real. Can’t just charge in and start slappin’ folk with a stick—knowin’ that the man beneath ya is goin’ to make sure it comes out all right in the end. We ain’t got no one hidden below—makin’ us move. Ain’t no professor this time. We’re in charge of what we’re doin’. Can’t rely on no one to make sure it works out right in the end.”

“You’re correct, Punch,” Robert nodded, “we have to ensure that when this is finished, we are the victors. We’re in control of what we do.”

“So, what are we doin’?” Mr. Punch asked. “Ain’t you two always talkin’ ‘bout makin’ plans? What’s the plan, then? Are we gonna charge into that monster’s house and demand she give Naasir back to us? She won’t do that. We gotta think ‘bout what we’re doin’.”

Cecil grunted, “Demanding that Naasir be returned to us is rather what we’d planned to do.”

“Do ya think that’ll happen?” Mr. Punch shook Julian’s head.

“I…I don’t know.” Cecil shrugged. “But, it’s all we can do.”

“She ain’t a woman what does what she’d told.” Punch sighed. “She’s the kind of person who only gives when she’s getting’ somethin’ better in return. Like a trade.”

“We’re talking about human lives,” Cecil frowned.

“She don’t care nothin’ ‘bout lives.” Mr. Punch responded. “She puts no stock in the value of a life beyond what good it is to her.”

“I’m prepared to pay for Naasir,” Cecil said. “It’s undignified for him, but I’m willing to pay for his release.”

“She don’t want your money.” Mr. Punch grumbled. “She’s got money. She wants somethin’ more, she does.”

“Such as?” Robert asked.

“Me.” Mr. Punch said plainly. “Offer her a trade—me for Naasir.”

At that very moment, Barbara Allen met Iolanthe in the sitting room which adjoined the ogress’ bed chamber.

“You called for me, Miss Iolanthe?” Barbara said obsequiously.

“I did.” Iolanthe grinned.

“Is my mother still here?” Barbara asked cautiously.

“Never mind about that,” Iolanthe answered. “Tell me, how did you enjoy your first day of work?”

Barbara’s shoulders sagged.

“That much?” Iolanthe laughed. “You’ll get used to it. Mala tells me you done entertained five gentlemen today. I knew you’d be worth your weight. Now, you rest. Ain’t no use you getting lines on your pretty face all in one day. I gotta treat for you. Something right special.”

“Is Arthur here?” Barbara asked eagerly.

“No, honey, this ain’t no place for husbands.” Iolanthe laughed. “I’ve got something better for you.”

“Oh.” Barbara frowned.

“Don’t look so sad, honey.” Iolanthe smiled. “This is going to be a lot of fun. You remember when you were in Marionneaux and you stopped Leon from burning that priest that works for your lunatic brother?”

“I do.” Barbara said softly.

“Well, honey, why’d you do that?”

“I didn’t…I…it didn’t seem right. I may be a lot of things, but I didn’t see the point of killing an innocent man.”

“And didn’t you think I’d find out, honey?” Iolanthe continued to smile. “I always find out. I don’t want you thinkin’ that I don’t.”

“I wasn’t thinking about you at the time.” Barbara whispered.

“You’re gonna have to learn to always think about Miss Iolanthe,” The ogress winked. “First and above all else. Haven’t I helped you, honey?”

“Yes.” Barbara nodded weakly.

“Didn’t you think maybe I had a reason for wanting that man to burn?”

“What reason could you have?” Barbara asked. “How could the life of my brother’s servant mean anything to you?”

“You’re about to find out, Miss Allen.” Iolanthe chuckled. “But, first, I got a present for you. Come with me.”

Iolanthe took Barbara’s hands and led her to the bedchamber.

“Open the door.”

Barbara nervously did as instructed. Her face fell when she saw her mother’s lifeless body on the bed—pale and drained.

“Mother!” Barbara shrieked. “Is she…”

“Dead?” Iolanthe smiled. “Not quite.”

“What have you done to her?” Barbara shouted.

“I didn’t do anything to her except what she was meant for.”

“You’re talking nonsense!” Barbara said, rushing to her mother’s side.

“She’ll live, honey.” Iolanthe laughed. “And, so will my son.”

“Your son?”

“Yes, but there’s one thing we gotta do first. And, you’re gonna do it for me. See, you gotta put right what you stopped. You gotta make it right for me. Then, I’ll reward you. I’ll let you go see your husband. And, when you do, you can get that diamond for me, and we’ll forget all about this nasty business.”

“What do you want me to do?” Barbara asked anxiously.

“Gonna need you to start a fire.” Iolanthe winked.



Did you miss Chapters 1-117? If so, you can read them here.