Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 239

Chapter 239 

As She Asks


“I do not question your wisdom, Your Grace,” Lady Lensdown began, “however, I fear that now that you’ve ejected Constance that her more…primitive side will show itself.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Robert shook his head. “All the more reason to remove the woman from our home and away from our child.”

“Isn’t it awful?” Gertrude continued, “But, when I found her mother’s poor, mutilated remains, I thought, ‘Constance has finally done it. She finally silenced the Countess.’”

“I’d never have thought her capable.” Robert sighed. “Until dear Punch told me what she’d confessed to his man, Charles, I thought her too mousy, too much under the thumb of others to act so violently.”

“That’s why she done what she done, my Robert.” Punch interrupted. “We seen many murderers, we have. Ain’t they all different? Seems to me that a body who is so much controlled, so much abused, would be one of the first what’s gonna act in a violent way. It’s a pity that any of it has to come to pass. Cruelty’s only gonna breed more cruelty.”

“And, we’re surrounded by it.” Gertrude pressed her hands together. “I’m all the more worried for my children. You saw what the letter from that mad Polk woman said. Next would be an ear…”

“Orpha’s quarrel isn’t so much with you as it is Constance. I reckon now she’s got the notion that by stayin’ here too long and not deliverin’ your husband, Constance has betrayed her.” Punch replied.

“It’s neither Constance nor Gertrude with whom Orpha has a quarrel.” Lennie said softly. “It’s me.”

“Lennie…” Punch began.

“It’s me, Punch. You read the letter. She’s asked for me. I betrayed her. I revealed her charade. It is because of me that she now feels trapped. It’s because of my admission that she lost her stronghold. It’s because of me that she felt the need to toy with the lives of innocent children.”

“No.” Punch shook his head. “No matter what, she’d have done all she could to make a miserable life for all. Lennie, Orpha Polk, as we’ve learned, is capable of all sorts o’ horrid things. Weren’t you what pushed her to any o’ ‘em. You are just as much a casualty of her wretched campaign as those innocent children of which you speak.”

“Your brother is correct, Lennie.” Robert nodded.

“I concur.” Gertrude added.

“He’s sweet and gentle, my brother is. And, so kind to not only say what he has, but also to believe it. But, Punch, I made a bargain with that devil when I allowed her to use my name and take over my life. I was the one who agreed, and I was the one who broke the agreement. She has every right to want to make me suffer.”

“Surely you don’t believe that.” Robert spoke up.

“I do, Robert.” Lennie responded.

“Well, I certainly don’t.” Mr. Punch frowned. “We’ll have no more talk of it.”

“No, we shan’t.” Lennie stood up.

“I question your meaning, Lennie.” Robert narrowed his eyes.

“I’ve made up my mind. I need to set this right again.”

“What’re you sayin’?” Punch asked.

“I shall do as she asks.” Lennie continued.

“What?”

“I shall give myself over to her.” Lennie answered.



Did you miss Chapters 1-238 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 240. 

 

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 239

“He agreed to that awful fast,” Mr. Punch grumbled as he settled into his favorite spot in front of the fire in the parlor.


Cecil stumbled into his preferred arm chair and groaned. “Are you surprised?”

“Not ‘specially—dirty rotter.” Punch mumbled, patting his leg so Toby would join him by the fire. Toby trotted forward, wagging his tail at Mr. Punch who couldn’t help but smile at the terrier. His smile faded a bit. “Arthur will do anything what benefits Arthur.”

“Do you think we can trust him?” Cecil asked.

“No.” Mr. Punch sighed. “But, what have we got to lose? I wonder if he’ll have his way with that wretched Ulrika. She’s not too keen on us, she isn’t.”

“We’re going to have to do something soon.” Cecil barked. “People are going to begin to realize you’re not dead.”

“True,” Punch nodded, rubbing the dog’s stomach. “Not as if I’ve done a very good job of hidin’. ‘Sides, Ulrika and Edward know and I’m sure they ain’t gonna keep their silence—specially Ulrika since we didn’t hear her out.”

“No.” Cecil shrugged. “This didn’t quite go as we planned.”

“I’d say not,” Punch yawned.

Cecil bolted upright and slammed his fists on the arms of the chair. “Damn it!”

“What?” Punch responded, quite startled.

“Where are Adrienne and Robert?” Cecil bellowed. “For once, I’m at a loss. I don’t know what to do.”

“Well, you’ll get no help from me, I’m ‘fraid. Me head is all full of nonsense and chatter. Julian’s got a lot to say ‘bout all this, he does.”

“I have no doubt.” Cecil grumbled. “Perhaps he might have something constructive to add.”

“From what I’m hearin’, there ain’t nothin’ goin’ on inside us what’s worth repeating.” Punch shrugged.

“Pity,” Cecil sighed.

Meridian knocked on the parlor door and poked her head inside. “Gentlemen, there’s a man named Jedidiah at the back door with dresses for Missus Adrienne.”

“Just collect them and bring them upstairs.” Cecil said, waving his hand at Meridian. “Please.”

“He wants to see you, Sir.” Meridian explained.

“Wants payment, does he?” Cecil scowled, standing up.

“I think it will be worth seein’ him.” Meridian smiled. “Mr. Punch, too.”

“What do I care ‘bout dresses?” Mr. Punch shrugged.

“You’ll care about these, Your Grace.” Meridian winked.

“If you say so,” Mr. Punch rose and followed Cecil and Meridian to the back of the house.

Jedidiah Routhe was a lean, dark man with a pinched face and calloused hands. He didn’t smile when he saw Cecil and Punch, but he didn’t grimace either.

“Which one of you two is Mr. Cecil?” he asked as the men approached.

“I am.” Cecil nodded.

“These are for you.” Jedidiah nodded to the bundle of gowns which hung over his arm.

“What is the bill?” Cecil asked.

“Here.” Jedidiah responded, forcing a scrap of paper into Cecil’s hand. He then handed the gowns to Meridian and turned to leave, muttering “See you ‘round” as he walked away.

“But…” Cecil began, unfolding the paper. He read it. Relief passed over his face. “They’re safe, Mr. Punch. They’re safe!”

Meanwhile, Arthur and Gerald were lingering around the back garden of Edward Cage’s house, hoping to catch a glimpse of Ulrika.

“So tell me ‘bout this one,” Gerald whispered. “She ain’t your wife.”

“No, she’s some ginger bitch with too much money and too much time.” Arthur laughed. “But, she fancies me and she’ll be able to give us the help we need.”

“And, she’s got this diamond what that Halifax bloke wants?”

“She does.” Arthur smiled. “Among many other valuable things.”

A flash of red near the house caught Arthur’s attention and he sprung into action, calling, “Ulrika.”

Ulrika gasped as she rushed toward Arthur. “You’ve returned.”

“I have, Miss.” Arthur grinned. “And, I’m all for you.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-238? If so, you can read them here. Come back on Monday, May 9, 2011 for Chapter 240 of Punch’s Cousin.