Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 229

Chapter 229 

Tea 



Mr. Punch tried his best not to glance at the lovely tea trolley, laden as it was with little sugared cakes and inviting wee sandwiches. He could smell them—chicken and thyme and dill, cucumber and sharp cheese, something like a lobster paste—he thought. Lovely things. He wanted them. Tea be damned, Punch wanted the feel of one of those winking glazed cakes, each adorned with a sugared violet, in his mouth. He yearned to snatch up one of the perfectly round cream scones and hold it to his nose and inhale.

There it was, the tea trolley—right in the middle, glistening in front of him and Robert and on the other side of Her Majesty. Her Majesty wasn’t eating. She hadn’t even looked at the trolley. Couldn’t she smell it? Didn’t she want any of it?

Punch knew he couldn’t take a thing until Her Majesty did, and, then, only what she took. He rubbed his hands together.

“Will Prince Albert be joinin’ us, Your Majesty?” Punch asked. At least he could speak as himself in front of the Queen. There was some consolation in that.

“Not for awhile, dear Mr. Punch.” Queen Victoria smiled. “Though I’m eager for him to be present so I might see the little bauble…” Her Majesty was referring to the Molliner Blue. “…this is His Majesty’s time with the children, and he won’t be distracted from it for a moment.”

“His Majesty is a devoted father,” Robert nodded.

“That he is.” Queen Victoria nodded. “My husband has decided that the children must learn about the world as others do. He’s even orchestrated a miniature farm at Sandringham for the purposes of demonstrating a realistic life for them. They’re each to have their assigned tasks and complete them.”

“Quite ingenious.” Robert smiled.

“Presently, he’s watching their lessons. My Albert and his brother, Ernest,” she frowned slightly at her own mention of her brother-in-law/cousin, “were very carefully tutored. It’s my husband’s wish that each of his children receive such an education.”

“Only fitting for the children of the Queen.”

“Yes, but I think they grow weary of it at times.” Queen Victoria sighed. “How were you educated, Your Grace?”

“Well, I weren’t, not ‘xactly.” Punch blushed. “But, Julian—he had many tutors. He were always interested in art, and the study of the earth and history. I were there, too, Your Majesty. Inside, o’ course. I listened some, but not as much as I oughta. See, I didn’t think I’d ever be the one doin’ the livin’, so I didn’t think I needed to learn all that. Still, I guess, I learned some. And, I know what Julian knows.” He shrugged.

“My apologies, Mr. Punch,” I’d forgotten that you are independent of the Duke.

“Independent, but not. As independent, Your Majesty, as a man can be when he’s in the same body as another man. My job were to keep Julian safe.”

“And, you’ve done remarkably well.” Queen Victoria nodded. “We still cannot reconcile this person I see before me with the timid man I last saw at the Crystal Palace. So timid. I don’t think you realized it, or, rather, Julian…that he was making an effort—consciously or not—to hide behind my gown when we looked at the exhibits that day. He didn’t want to be seen, but he wanted to see all that he could.”

“Were a splendid day, Your Majesty…while there.” Punch sniffed, recalling how Julian had been attacked later that day.

“He was seen, however. Both of you were.” She winked at Robert. “Wasn’t he, Dr. Halifax?”

“Very much so.” Robert grinned.

“I trust your household is safe, Dr. Halifax? My men report no trouble—only the arrivals of Lady Hamish and Lady Lensdown. That and much activity on the part of your young page.”

“We are very grateful for your protection, Your Majesty.” Robert replied.

“Just say the word, and we can see to it that those who torture you are taken into custody. Your former driver has already been dispatched to Newgate.”

“His Grace and I have something of a scheme.” Robert answered.

“Please, Doctor, take no risks.”

“We shall not.”

“I cannot withstand the thought that either of you or your little son would be harmed.”

“Our first priority is the safety of young Colin.” Robert nodded.

“I’ve no doubt of that.” Queen Victoria nodded. “Please, however, know that we will do all we can.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Mr. Punch,” the Queen began, “Prince Albert is most pleased with your proposals for the South Kensington Museum.”

“I’m eager to talk with him ‘bout it.”

“When you do, however,” The Queen sighed, “You might wish to speak more…” She paused.

Mr. Punch nodded.

“While I find your natural state quite charming…” Victoria shook her head.

“I understand, Your Majesty.”

She cleared her throat. “I do hate to mention this, especially since you are both attending to the safety of your household. However, a matter has been brought to our attention, and I hoped that you might somehow advise us.”

“We will do whatever we can,” Robert answered.

“One of my ladies informed me of a scene caused by the Baron Lensdown. It seems that his children have been taken.”

Punch and Robert exchanged glances.

“You know of this already?”

“We do.” Punch confessed.

“I thought you might.” The Queen nodded. “Since Lady Lensdown is presently at your home.”

“Yes.” Punch answered.

“You also know, then, that the Baron is a peculiar and dangerous man?”

“Very much so.” Robert replied.

“We should certainly like to see the children repaired to their mother.” Queen Victoria began. “However, Prince Albert sees the baron as an unpleasant nuisance. We need to be rid of him—for a host of reasons.”

“Understandably.” Robert said.

“Can you help us? The Queen asked.

Punch took a deep breath and glanced again at the trolley. There’d be no tea cakes for him that afternoon.



Did you miss Chapters 1-228? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 230.

Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 228

Chapter 228 

As it Should Be 



“Dear Punch,” Robert said nervously, “can you…my hair, I can’t get this bit in the back to stay flat…”

“Steady on, Chum.” Punch smiled, walked to stand behind Robert who sat anxiously at his desk in his study. He held a small hand-mirror and was studying his appearance.

Punch deftly ran his fingers through Robert’s dark hair, and as he did, each gentle wave fell neatly into place, framing the doctor’s face—a pleasing mosaic of smooth planes set at appealing angles and punctuated with sapphire eyes.

“Sometimes…” Punch said softly, looking over Robert’s shoulder at the reflection in the mirror. “Sometimes, I simply can’t understand how any one man can be as thoroughly beautiful as you are.”

Robert blushed. “I could say the same of you.”

“Eh…” Punch shrugged. “It’s only now I begun to recognize me-self in the mirror. I only just started to think of Julian’s body and face as me own. But, still, in my thoughts, I’m Mr. Punch--hunchback and red nose and all.  Even when I do accept Julian's face as me own, I still know it's borrowed, even if he doesn't want it back.  I ain't a handsome Duke, just a Punchinello.”

“Well, you’re not. But, even if you didn’t possess those big brown eyes and the soft flips of your auburn hair and that straight nose…even if you were a Punchinello is physical form with a hump and rigid, hooked chin, I’d still love every bit of you and think you most attractive.”

“I…umm…” Punch stammered. “Thank you.”

“I only speak the truth.”

“Chum…” Punch began. “When all this foolishness is done, can we lock out the world for awhile?”

“The entire world?” Robert smiled.

“Well, not Colin and Dog Toby. And…the staff. Just other folk. No other folk. Not a one.”

“I think we should, dear Punch. You and I haven’t had any time alone in too long.” Robert replied.

“No.” Mr. Punch shook his head. “We haven’t. Here, I know you gotta go back to doctorin’ soon, but, maybe we could take just a few days.”

“We can take as long as you want. Dear Punch, you’re…you and Colin…are the only things that really matter to me. Of course, I value my profession, as you do yours, but…”

“Say no more,” Punch grinned. “That were perfect.” He sighed. “Speaking of me profession, we’d best get downstairs. Blake’s waitin’ with the carriage.”

“How do I look?”

“Like perfection.”

“No, really.” Robert shook his head.

“Really.” Punch smiled.

“Because I couldn’t get my hair to stay right and…”

“Chum…” Punch began. “You look very handsome.”

“You think I’m being silly.” Robert chuckled. “Nervous as I am. It’s just so…unreal to me.”

“Oh, well, I understand that, I do. Everythin’s unreal to me.” Punch teased.

“I’m serious.”

“So’m I.”

“Cecil and I ate in the streets. We…we had nothing.”

“And you made yourself into somethin’, both of ya. How many boys like you and Cecil would’ve just given up? We see ‘em on the streets. Boys who got nothin’ and no one. They turn to stealin’ and worse. And…I ‘ate to say it, they meet sad ends. But, you and Cecil, you learned. You taught yourselves and you worked to pay for more education. Now, look at ya. He’s an artist with sculptures in fine museums and you’re the favored physician of Belgravia—a man what helped bring a Royal babe into the world. You deserve all the good in the world.”

“I’m so grateful that you think so.”

“You ain’t no poor, lost boy no more. You’re Dr. Robert Halifax who’s goin’ to see the Queen and Prince Consort because they like ‘im.”

“They like you.” Robert shook his head. “I’m merely your companion.”

“No. They like you as you are. Me notwithstanding. Queen Victoria likes you so much she preferred you to her regular surgeon.  Yes?  And, the Prince, I know, prefers you to me.  You know, you worry that I’m the Duke of Fallbridge and you’re a doctor and that I belong at the palace and you don’t. But, don’t forget, Chum, I ain’t been a Duke long. I been a wild puppet man longer. It were Julian what were born to palaces. Not me. But, now I’m in the body, I gotta be, too. And, it’s ‘cause of you that I seen it’s possible for me to do all them things what Julian did. I want you to see that you can, too.” Punch said firmly. “You don’t gotta be anxious. You’re intelligent and handsome and well-liked. You belong at the side of the Crown just as much as I…maybe more.”

“I needed to hear that.” Robert said. “Thank you.”

“Well, it’s true. Besides, what’s to be nervous for, Chum? You seen the Queen without her clothes on, ain’t ya?”

“In part.” Robert furrowed his brow.

“Well, then, you know as well as anyone that she’s just a person like the rest of us.”

“True.”

“Now, if you’re gonna worry ‘bout anythin’, worry that Lady Constance and Lady Lensdown are gonna kill one ‘nother while we’re gone.”

“I do hope they keep away from one another. I’m sure Gertrude will be patient, but I fear that Constance will act rashly.”

“See, you got ‘nough to worry ‘bout without spendin’ thoughts on frettin’ that your handsome face ain’t handsome enough.”

“How did I ever function before knowing you?”

“Quite well, I’d reckon. But, I’m glad you don’t gotta no more.”

“You have no idea how glad I am.” Robert answered.

“Now, come on, Chum. Their Majesties may like us, but we saw what happened last time we were late. Ain’t no sense settin’ off Prince Albert ‘gain.”

“No.”

“And, when we get back, we’ll work on seein’ those poor little ones returned to their mamas.”

“And, then we’ll lock the door behind them all.”

“Right.” Punch winked. “And, it’ll be just you and me and our boy.”

“As it should be.” Robert replied. “That and nothing more.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-227? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 229 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 228

“Soon, Little Chum,” Mr. Punch whispered to the baby. “We’ll be on a great big ship headin’ for your home what you never saw.” Punch squinted. “Or have you? I suppose your mama did take you to Fallbridge Hall. But, I’m sure you don’t remember it. No, Little Chum, you’ll see it right and proper this time. There’s so much what you’ll love there. Paintings and horses and long marble passages and jewels. So much to see and so many places where you can play and explore. You’ll be able to play, you will. You’ll play in ways what me master never got to. And, we won’t have no nannies nor evil people there to pinch you and make you cry. We’ll have nothin’ but cakes and tea and things what you’ll enjoy. You’ll see.”


Adrienne smiled, taking off her wig and sighing. “He’s quite fortunate to have you as his uncle.”

“He’s fortunate to have all of us.” Mr. Punch smiled. “Chums, I can’t thank you enough for what you just done.”

“Well, don’t thank us until we get you to the ship.” Cecil nodded, glancing out of the carriage’s partially shaded window. “I say, but the driver is taking a rather peculiar route.”

Robert lifted the shade on the window to his right and frowned. “He seems to be taking us in the opposite direction.”

“Perhaps he senses we’re being followed.” Adrienne suggested. “Maybe he’s trying to lose someone who is in pursuit.”

“He’s taking us back into town.” Robert grunted. “We’re headed toward Royal Street.”

“That’s exactly what we don’t want.” Cecil grumbled. He banged on the roof of the carriage and shouted. “What are you about, man?”

The baby began to cry.

“Here, Colin,” Mr. Punch whispered. “Ain’t nothin’ what needs to scare ya. Uncle Cecil’s just a loud bloke, he is. No reason to cry.”

“What’s he doing?” Cecil said angrily as he saw them pull up to Edward Cage’s house. “He’s brought us exactly where we don’t wish to be.”

The horses stopped and the driver stepped down, opening the carriage door.

“Your destination,” Odo smiled as he opened the door.

“You?” Cecil hissed. “You’re Edward’s man!”

“Of course,” Odo grinned, “I’ve brought his son home.”

Meanwhile, Marjani clutched her stomach as she lay on the floor.

“Mrs. Caruthers.” Charles whispered as he leaned over him. “Whatever is the matter?”

“Marie” Marjani gasped as the pain swelled within her.

“Please,” Charles said softly. “You must tell me what’s wrong.”

“Take her out of here,” The hotel manager bellowed. “We have enough trouble without a histrionic colored woman writhing around on the floor of my lobby.”

“She’s upset to see the massacre that’s taken place upstairs. She was very close to His Grace and the doctor.”

“I don’t care.” The manager spat.

“Can you take my arm?” Charles whispered to Marjani.

“Marie,” Marjani repeated.

“I don’t understand what’s happening.” Charles mumbled.

At that very moment, Barbara Allen screamed as Giovanni Iantosca pulled her closer to him and tried to kiss her.

“Don’t struggle, Girl.” Giovanni purred.

“Let me go!” Barbara screamed.

“Come on, then,” Giovanni growled. “You’ve got to welcome me. I’m sure my little brother would want to share what he’s got with his beloved eldest sibling.”

Barbara beat her fists against Giovanni’s chest.

“You wild beat,” Giovanni laughed. “Don’t you see that fighting me isn’t going to help?”



Did you miss Chapters 1-227? If so, you can read them here.