Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 135

Chapter 135: 

Beat the Devil 

“You think…you think Miss Barrett stabbed Gerard?” Robert asked Gamilla.

“Yes, Sir. Either her or Finlay or both. I reckon they killed the Countess, too.”

“I, as you know, have a low opinion of both of them, but I’d not pegged them as murderers. What makes you say this?”

“I saw ‘em talkin—Finlay and Miss Barrett. They was sayin’ awful things and when they spotted me, Sir, they told me that they’d kill me or, worse, hurt the baby or the Duke if I done tol’ anyone. They ordered me to make sure that you dismissed Gerard. That’s…that’s…”

“Why you became intoxicated and stated that Gerard had given you the whiskey.”

Tears rose in Gamilla’s eyes. “They tol’ me they’d kill Gerard if he stayed. Looks like they done stabbed him cuz I couldn’t get ya to dismiss him. It’s my fault. It’s all my fault.”

“No, it’s not.” Robert shook his head. He spoke softly to her so that Gerard wouldn’t hear, and, certainly so that—in the next room—Punch and Charles would not overhear. “Of course, I wish you’d come to us long ago, but I understand why you didn’t.”

“I was only tryin’ to protect ya, Sir.”

“I know.”

Robert narrowed his eyes. “But, why would…well, why? Why would Miss Barrett, or Finlay for that matter, want Gerard dismissed. And, why would they kill the Countess?” He coughed. “And, Mrs. North? Was it they who…”

“I think so.” Gamilla nodded.

“But, why?”

“I couldn’t say, Sir. I don’t know why they done none of it. Lookin’ back, I can see how Miss Barrett’s been tryin’ to find out things ‘bout the Duke—even given me that journal so I could write down what I heard.”

Robert nodded. “This rather changes everything. To think…for weeks, she was with our Colin. All that time in London…” He paused.

“What is it, Sir?”

“William Stover.” Robert said angrily. “Did she kill Mr. Stover and try to pin the murder on me?”

“Could be, Sir.”

“But, why?” Robert muttered. “And…what of her brother, Roger? Was that all a hoax or is he truly ill?”

Gamilla wiped her eyes. “I don’t know, Sir.”

“Thank you for telling me, Gamilla.” Robert said gently. “I know it was difficult for you, and I know you’ve been frightened. I only wish I could have helped you sooner.”

“But, you can’t help, Sir. That’s why I don’t want ya to leave the room.”

“Gamilla, I can help. I’ll protect our household.”

“How?”

“Somehow.” Robert said firmly. “First, I must tend to Gerard before he loses more blood.”

“Ain’t there another way?”

“No. I must get my surgical bag.”

“But…”

“Gamilla, we can’t be held prisoner here and let a man die. I know how you care for Gerard. You must, surely, understand that I have to leave this room in order to help him.”

Gamilla rubbed her forehead. “They’re out there, Dr. Halifax. They’re in this house, with all them folk, waitin’ to do somethin’ awful to you and the Duke, and, maybe even Colin. They been in this room and took the Duke’s jewels—I’m sure of it—to put ‘em in Gerard’s pocket so you’d not want him in the house no more, and, just to be sure, they cut him and made him bleed so he couldn’t defend himself.”

“I won’t let them hurt anyone else again.”

“Sir, I know you think you can…”

“I can stop them.” Robert nodded.

“I’m scared.” Gamilla whimpered.

“I know you are. But, with each passing second, Gerard’s chances of surviving grow narrower. I couldn’t save the countess, but I can save Gerard. I don’t want to see the look of agony on your face that I saw on those of Lady Constance and the Baroness Lensdown when they discovered that the countess had been…” He trailed off.

“What ya thinkin’, Sir?”

“Miss Barrett had an improper relationship with the Baron when she was in his employ.”

“Yes.”

“Who’s to say that it’s not continuing?”

Gamilla’s eyes widened.

“The scope of this tragedy is greater than what Finlay and Ellen could accomplish on their own.”

“And the baron—he makes the Duke uncomfortable for some reason.” Gamilla added.

“We have much through which we must sort, Gamilla.” Robert scowled. “Please, however, don’t mention any of this to His Grace until I’ve finished with Gerard.”

“I understand.” Gamilla nodded. “I won’t say a word.”

“It’s too late,” Punch said from the doorway. “I heard all what ya said.”

“Dear Punch…”

“I didn’t mean to be listenin’. Truly, I didn’t. I was worried ‘bout Gerry, I was. Wanted to see how he was doin’.”

“I only wanted to spare you a few more minutes of this confusion.” Robert said gently.

“I know it, Chum.” Punch nodded.

“It’s best that you know, I suppose.” Robert sighed.

Punch entered the room. “Chum, go get your needle and thread or whatever it is that ya use to sew up a bloke what’s been opened up.”

“Of course, my dear.” Robert nodded.

“And, while ya do it, I’m gonna do somethin’, too.”

“What?” Robert asked.

“I’m gonna beat the Devil.” Punch growled.



Did you miss Chapters 1-134? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 136 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 135

Marjani pressed a cool, damp cloth against Gamilla’s head. The young woman moaned. “Where am I?”


“You’re in your room, Honey.” Marjani smiled. “Dr. Halifax done carried ya down here himself. Don’t try to talk. You just rest.”

“What happened?” Gamilla croaked.

“You done drank some poison.” Marjani said softly. “The doctor gave you a syrup so that you’d spit it all up. And you did. Your throat’s gonna hurt and you’re gonna be real tired for a few days, but we got the poison out of ya.”

“Who’d want to poison me?” Gamilla began to cry.

“Ain’t nobody wants to poison ya, Honey.” Marjani held Gamilla’s hand. “That poison was meant for Lord Fallbridge. Why anyone’d want to hurt him, I don’t know. He’s a fine man. Fine couple a men, to be true. But, Honey, there’s folk that’ll do anything they can when they got a hunger in ‘em and I think that when good people get in their way, they’re gonna do whatever they want to try to get all they can from ‘em.”

“My throat…” Gamilla whimpered.

“Don’t talk, Honey.” Marjani repeated. “There’s enough talkin’ upstairs already.”

Cecil barged into Adrienne’s room, followed by Mr. Punch and Robert.

“Where’s Nellie?” Cecil barked.

“She’s in her room,” Adrienne said, turning around quickly.

Mr. Punch gasped upon seeing Adrienne in her fancy dress. “Coo!”

Robert was stunned for a moment as well. In the dark wig, the purple gown, the spangles and feathers, and the pale, waxy makeup, Adrienne—at first glance—looked shockingly like Iolanthe Evangeline.

“I know, it is startling, isn’t it?” Adrienne sighed. “I rather frighten myself. But, this is what we wanted. N’cest pas?”

“It is.” Cecil nodded.

“Why do you want Nellie?” Adrienne asked.

“I have some questions for her.” Cecil said.

“Such as?” Adrienne asked nervously.

“Who poisoned the water in Mr. Punch’s room?”

“Dear Punch!” Adrienne gasped. “You’ve not been…”

“No.” Punch shook his head. “But, we coulda been—Robert and me both. Sad to say, it were Gamilla what drank the water.”

“No!” Adrienne shouted. “Where is she?”

“I gave her a Syrup of Ipecac.” Robert said. “We managed to get the poison out of her, but I don’t know exactly what it was or how it will affect her in the long-term. Marjani is with her now.”

“You don’t think that Nellie…” Adrienne said.

“Don’t I?” Cecil asked. “Who else? She’s the only person aside from our family and our trusted staff who has been in this house. She’s been in contact with Ulrika Rittenhouse who is known to have dabbled in potions and strange spiritualism and who is in league with Arthur who we know poisoned Julian and Robert once before. Furthermore, Nellie has spent a good many years with Iolanthe Evangeline whom we all know has a considerable knowledge of poison.”

“She was always so kind to me,” Adrienne shook her head. “I just can’t believe that she’d do such a thing.”

“You don’t want to believe it, darling.” Cecil said, sharply at first, but becoming gentler. “You’re too sweet of spirit to think ill of people.”

“She went to her room. I think seeing me dressed like this was upsetting for her. She seemed distraught.” Adrienne said.

“Most likely, it was guilt that made her distraught.” Cecil spat, heading for the door. “Come along, men.”

“I’d best go with you.” Adrienne said, hurrying after them. “This is too much. And, we need to leave for the ball shortly…” She looked nervously at Mr. Punch. “Poor Gamilla.”

“She’ll be fine, she will.” Mr. Punch smiled. “She’s got lots of folk what’ll help her.”

“True.” Adrienne nodded.

Cecil knocked on Nellie’s door and paused. There was no answer.

“Perhaps she’s gone downstairs.” Adrienne said.

“Or run outta the house, knowin’ she’s in trouble,” Mr. Punch mumbled.

Cecil tried the door handle and found it to be unlocked. Opening the door, he grunted. Even in the dark room, he could see immediately what had happened. The silhouette of Nellie’s body still twitched as it dangled by a noose made from knotted bed sheets which Nellie had looped around the finely carved ceiling beams.

“Robert…” Cecil whispered, “Go to her.”

Robert hurried into the room as Cecil pushed Adrienne away from the door. Not knowing what to do, Mr. Punch raced downstairs in search of Meridian and Marjani.

“What’s happened?” Adrienne asked.

Cecil didn’t answer.

“Cecil!” Adrienne screamed.

“She’s hanged herself, my dear.” Cecil said softly.



Did you miss Chapters 1-134? If so, you can read them here.