Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 209

Chapter 209
Made of Worry



“You’re awful quiet, Chum.” Mr. Punch smiled across the library of No. 65.

“I’m sorry, dear Punch.” Robert sighed.

“Usually, you’re full of conversation over tea.”

“I know.” Robert smiled slightly. He gently placed his teacup on the small pietra dura table to his right. “I suppose I’ve slipped into my own mind.”

“Well, no one understands that more than me, Chum.” Punch winked.

Robert chuckled.

“What ya thinkin’ ‘bout?”

“I was just replaying the events of the day in my thoughts.”

“It didn’t start out so good.” Mr. Punch shook his head. “But, it ended best it could.”

“I’d say so.” Robert nodded slowly. “I never thought that I would be sitting with the Queen, chatting of my life with Her Majesty as if we were the oldest of friends.”

“Her Majesty is our friend, Chum.” Mr. Punch said reassuringly.

“I’d always thought that your relationship with the Crown was your own, something upon which I’d dare not intrude. Yet, I felt so comfortable today.”

“Her Majesty likes ya. Coo! You helped bring Prince Leopold into the world. You’re always gonna enjoy a spot in Her Majesty’s favor.” Mr. Punch exclaimed.

“I just never imagined…”

“Lots o’ things we don’t ‘magine.” Punch shrugged. “Don’t make ‘em any less true.”

“I just hope that we didn’t add too much weight to the Royal shoulders.”

“If the Queen didn’t think she could help us, she wouldn’t have offered.” Mr. Punch replied. “We shall return tomorrow to hear of Her Majesty’s scheme to end this mess with Miss Stover, Hortence and that horrible Orpha Polk.”

“Yes.” Robert nodded.

“What’s troublin’ ya?”

“Well, when Hutchinson doesn’t return to them, they will become aware that something is amiss.”

“But, they ain’t got no way of knowin’ that Hutchinson was taken by the palace guards.”

“They may not be educated, but they’re no fools. They’re sure to realize. Ellen…or Orpha or whatever she’s called…she’ll be the first to realize.”

“They can’t get to us, Chum.” Mr. Punch said soothingly. “Her Majesty’s got men hidden in the square, all of ‘em watchin’ this house. Furthermore, all the doors is locked and we already ‘xplained to the staff not to let no one in tonight. No one is to come in and no one is to go out. Furthermore, Gamilla’s gonna stay with Colin all night and Georgie’s sittin’ in the passage keepin’ watch.”

“Yes.” Robert replied softly.

“Chum…” Mr. Punch began.

“Dear Punch,” Robert smiled. “I understand that you’re correct. It’s only that sometimes worry gets the better of me.”

“Oh, I know how that is. Maybe not even so much for me-self, but remember, I live in the same body as Julian what is, most of all, a true creature made of worry.”

“Of course.”

Punch decided it best to distract Robert slightly without entirely changing the subject. “You know, I were concerned ‘bout Violet. But, she took the news of Hutchinson’s treachery well ‘nough.”

“At least she appeared to.” Robert nodded.

A knock on the door prevented the two from further discussion. Punch squinted, wondering who would be knocking. Were it Speaight or Charles come to clear the tea things, they’d have just entered the library.

“Come.” Robert said loudly.

“Sirs,” Violet answered softly as she entered the room.

“Vi.” Mr. Punch smiled. “We was just talkin’ ‘bout you.”

“Oh?” Violet mumbled. “Your Grace, do you mind if I have a word with you and Dr. Halifax?”

“Of course not.” Robert shook his head. “Come in and sit.”

“I couldn’t sit, Sir.”

“Go on,” Punch nodded.

Violet reluctantly sat in one of the armchairs.

“Your Grace, I know I shoulda talked to Mr. Speaight first only I knew what he’d tell me and I thought maybe if I came to Your Grace…”

“What’s in your thoughts?” Mr. Punch asked gently.

“With all respect, Your Grace, I’d like to leave my position.” 

Did you miss Chapters 1-208? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 210.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 209

“You’ve been very naughty, Barbara.” Iolanthe taunted.


“Not now,” Barbara sniffed, sitting up again. Charles kept his arm around her and the feel of him made her feel a bravery that she would not have possessed had she been alone.

“Not now?” Iolanthe hissed.

“Really, Barbara,” Ulrika grinned. “I hardly think you’re in any position to make demands. The law doesn’t look too kindly on abduction.”

“Nor does it have a high opinion of young ladies who order people’s murders, or, even those round-heeled lasses like you whose recreation leads to procreation.” Barbara spat.

“There, we’re very much alike, aren’t we?” Ulrika frowned.

“Only you give your ‘comfort’ away for free, don’t you? With you, it’s not a profession as much as it is a hobby.”

“Miss Allen,” Charles whispered. “This isn’t helping.”

“Your handsome young man is correct,”” Iolanthe growled. “That’s all I ask—just a little assistance.”

“With what, exactly?” Barbara asked.

“You may not put much stock in the sanctity of a business arrangement, but I do. I’m not here to school you in the importance of keeping your word. To be sure, part of me is quite proud of your loose code of moral conduct. I certainly can’t fault you for that. But, you see, dear girl, I made a deal with Edward Cage. Coins exchanged hands and a product was delivered as promised. Now, think ‘bout that for a minute. If I were selling dresses, I’d be tarred and feathered if I snatched the very dress I just sold off the back of the woman to whom I sold it. Wouldn’t I?”

“You’re comparing my son to dry goods?” Barbara responded stiffly.

“Ain’t nothin’ dry about him.” Iolanthe smiled. “Nevertheless, a deal is a deal. I’ve got to make sure that Mr. Cage gets what he paid for. Now, Barbara, you don’t have the child anymore. Do you? So, what does it matter to you where he is if you’re not the arms he falls asleep in at night?”

“I don’t want him with the Cages.” Barbara answered.

“It ain’t up to you.” Iolanthe replied. “And, I don’t want you thinkin’ that it is.”

“Of course it’s my decision!” Barbara said angrily. “I want my son to be in a good home.”

“They don’t get much better than the home of one of the wealthiest men in the state of Louisiana.” Iolanthe answered cooly.

“Wealth isn’t the determining factor of quality.” Barbara said in frustration. “If that were the case, don’t you think I’d have turned out differently?”

“You were born a wild whore.” Iolanthe winked. “Just like me. Ain’t nothin’ to change that. But, not this boy, he was born a prince and deserves to be treated as such.”

“I agree.” Barbara nodded. “And, so, that’s what he shall have.”

“With Edward Cage.” Iolanthe said firmly.

“No.” Barbara shook her head.

“The Cages were good enough when you first wanted to sell the boy!” Iolanthe hissed again.

“That was before I knew him!” Barbara said furiously.

“Knew him?” Iolanthe laughed. “You mean the two hours you spent running around New Orleans with the child? I don’t think that quite qualifies as knowin’ him!”

“A mother knows her child. Don’t you?” Barbara smiled.

Iolanthe’s face flushed. “You don’t go talkin’ about my child!”

“Isn’t your boy as much of a prince as mine? Would you want him raised by the likes of an irrational and angry man such as Edward Cage?”

Iolanthe pressed her hands together.

“Miss Allen,” Charles cautioned Barbara.

“It’s fine, Charles,” Barbara murmured.

“Listen, you.” Iolanthe croaked. “I’m going to return that child to his owner!”

“People aren’t owned like livestock. Thank God, my son is with someone who will teach him that people are free! For all of his faults, my brother…” Barbara stopped, clamping her hands over her mouth.

“So, he is with the mad Duke?” Ulrika chuckled.

“Where is he?” Iolanthe spat.

“Long gone.” Barbara sputtered.

“Couldn’t be!” Iolanthe shouted. “He ain’t the sort of man that travels quickly. He’s here. And, my dear girl, The Quarter ain’t so big that I won’t find him!”

“Just tell us where he’s gone, really, Barbara.” Ulrika cooed.

“Never.” Barbara shook her head.

Ulrika glanced at Charles. “Not to worry, I have my ways of finding the information I seek.”

Meanwhile in their hotel room, Mr. Punch fidgeted with his hands while Marjani fed the baby. The child say happily on Robert’s lap as Marjani fed him. He hungrily consumed the mixture of apples, carrots and milk that Marjani had made for him.

“Poor little lamb’s hungry.” Marjani smiled. “Well, Marjani’s just gonna make sure you get all filled up.”

Robert looked to Mr. Punch. “Are you well, my dear?”

“No.” Mr. Punch shook his head.

“I assure you that we’ll be safe here,” Robert smiled.

“I’d like to believe that,” Mr. Punch nodded. “I would. Only I can’t help but think them folk ain’t done with us.”

“No, Your Grace, they are not.” Marjani said softly, continuing to feed the baby.

“How will we keep them away?” Mr. Punch asked.

“Well, Mr. Punch, there may be a way, but you may not care for it much.” Marjani answered.





Did you miss Chapters 1-208? If so, you can read them here