Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 312

Chapter 312 
The Heroine



“How’re you feeling?” Charles asked softly as he came into Violet’s rom. He stood with his hands behind his back. Violet lay on her bed, her bandaged arms at her sides. She looked pale and pained.

“Not so good,” Violet replied quietly. “Feels like me arms are still burnin’.”

“Did that salve that Dr. Halifax help you at all?”

“Oh, sure it did.” Violet nodded. “Only it smells like the docks when the boats from India come in.”

Charles smiled. “Well, maybe this will help.” He revealed from behind his back, a small posy of pink and red carnations.

“Oh.” Violet smiled.

“Now, I don’t know what these mean. I’m not like Miss Lennie’s suitor. I’m not sure of all the meaning of all the flowers, but, I thought they were pretty and that they might make you smile when you looked at them. And, the smell nice.” He looked away bashfully, and added. “I almost bought you a bunch of violets, but I figured that since your name is violet…well, I didn’t know.”

“They’re very pretty.” Violet replied. “Thank you.”

“I’ll get you some water for them.”

“Oh, not yet.” Violet shook her head, sitting up slightly. “If you don’t mind, I’d like you to stay for awhile.”

Charles nodded. “Mr. Speaight will have my head if he knows I’m in here. I’m not supposed to be on the girls’ side at all, not to mention in your room with you abed and all.”

“I won’t tell.” Violet shook her head, settling back onto the cushions. “I’m a wee lonely. And…scared.”

“That girl’s not here. She’s not going to hurt anyone here again.” Charles replied. “You’ve no cause to be frightened now. Still, I can see how you’d be rather shaken by what happened.”

“Horrible girl.” Violet frowned. “She made me feel sorry for her and then when I saw that fire on the bed, all I could think was that the nursery was just next door and that Master Colin and Gamilla and Ruthy…”

“You’re the heroine, Vi.” Charles said. “You kept them safe. All of us. Had you not acted as quickly as you did, the whole house would have caught ablaze. All these fine mansions attached to one another. Can you imagine what could have happened?”

“I don’t dare think ‘bout it.” Violet sighed. “I try not to think about her at all. But, I can’t help wonder what she’s doin’. Least when she was in the house, we could sort of tell where she was. Now, she’s out there with them two witches and who can tell what’ll happen?”

“I’d still rather her there than here where she has access to the masters and young Colin.” Charles answered.

“What did the Duke say when Dr. Halifax told him that Fern was at Hamish House?”

“I don’t know exactly.” Charles shook his head. “I wasn’t in there. All Dr. Halifax said was that I wasn’t to try to get Fern back and that the His Grace took it quietly.”

“I thought for sure he’d say we should go get her.”

“I think when Dr. Halifax told the doctor you’d been hurt and that there was a fire, he realized that she couldn’t come back here.”

“It’s sad, really. She’s just a child. I know how the Duke wanted to help her.”

“I’m sure His Grace will do something to try to help. Just because he’s that way. Gerry was sent with a message for the Queen just now. I passed him when I came back from the flower seller.”

“What was in the message?” Violet asked.

“That I don’t know. Gerry didn’t know either. I imagine His Grace will ask the Queen for help somehow. Not just with Fern but with Orpha Polk and the American woman who snared my brother—not that he doesn’t deserve it.”

“Do you think Her Majesty will help?”

“Oh, I do,” Charles nodded. “The Queen has offered her aid in the situation with Orpha Polk before, but His Grace preferred to address the problem on his own so as not to put the Crown in any danger. Knowing how fond she is of the masters, I’ve no doubt she’ll do whatever she can to help.”

“Let’s just hope that the girl doesn’t set the whole square ablaze meanwhile.” Violet shook her head. “You know, this ain’t the first time she’s started a fire.”

“Ethel told me what Maude said.” Charles nodded.

“Poor child.” Violet shook her head.

“That’s what Miss Lennie said.” Charles replied.

“Don’t you feel sorry for her?” Violet asked.

“If I ever do, I remember how she hurt the Duke, how she made Gamilla cry, and, now, how she hurt you, and I just can’t feel pity for her.” Charles clenched his fist. “I…when I heard that she…”

“What?”

“Well, when she said she’d gotten away from you, I feared that she’d killed you. And, she could have, Vi. I don’t know what I’d have done.”

“Help train the new maid, I s’pect.” Violet smiled.

“Don’t joke.” Charles shook his head.

“Don’t tell me that you…” Violet paused. “It’s just Gerard and Gamilla…hinting at making a match of us. They’ve tricked you into thinking you like me.”

“I do like you.” Charles looked away. “I always have.”

“You sure never did anything about it, if you do.” Violet replied.

“I’ve thought about it.” Charles blushed.

“Have you?” Violet blushed as well.

“I’d best go before Mr. Speaight has my hide.” Charles stood up.

“Probably best.” Violet smiled. “Thank you for the flowers.”

“It’s my pleasure.” Charles nodded. “May I come back and visit you again later?”

“I hope you do.” Violet answered.

“Can I bring you anything?” Charles asked

“No.” Violet responded. “You’ve brought me quite a lot already.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-311 If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 313 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square.

Punch’s Cousin, Chapter 312

“Where’d you get this?” Giovanni asked as he studied the huge blue diamond closely.

“Never you mind about that,” Ulrika winked. “All you need to know is that it’s mine now. But, it can be ours—if you’re a good boy.”

“I’m not a child.” Giovanni frowned.

“Clearly.” Ulrika laughed.

“What is it that you want me to do?”

“It’s really quite simple, darling.” Ulrika whispered. “I want you to use your hands.”

Giovanni smiled.

“As an artist.” Ulrika continued.

“I learned long ago that my other line of business is far more profitable.” Giovanni grinned.

“In the short-term, perhaps. But, my dear, with my patronage, you can achieve fame—immortality!”

“And, so can you, yes?”

“Yes.” Ulrika nodded. “Leave behind your bloody work and let me make you famous!”

“You think you can do that?” Giovanni squinted.

“Really, I can do anything,” Ulrika cooed. “Especially with you.”

“What about your other men?”

“What other men?” Ulrika teased.

“That one you just dreamed of.”

“Arthur?” Ulrika shrugged. “He won’t be a problem.”

At that very moment, Robert crossed Arthur’s arms over his chest and covered the man’s lifeless body with a clean blanket.

“Good riddance,” Robert grunted.

“He died in filth—just like he done lived.” Marjani shook her head. “At least now he won’t bother us no more.”

“No.” Robert sighed. “You know, Marjani, this is the second time that I’ve seen this man ‘die.’ At least this time, I know he’s really gone. He won’t come back to hurt Julian again. He’s only a memory now.”

“Memories can be painful, too, Sir.” Marjani took a deep breath. “Do you think there’s any truth in what Arthur said ‘bout the Duchess?”

“I don’t know.” Robert shook his head. “We’ll just have to help His Grace forget all about it. All about Arthur if we can.”

Gerard tapped on the stable door and poked his head inside. “Can I come in now?”

“Certainly, Gerry.” Robert nodded. “We’ve put him to rest. He’s clean now. Do you wish to see him?”

“No.” Gerry shook his head quickly. “I just wanted to thank you.”

“No need.” Marjani raised her hand.

“I guess I need to figure out where I’m goin’.” Gerard sniffed.

“You’re going to the servants quarters.” Robert smiled.

“I am?” Gerard raised his eyebrows.

“Yes.” Robert nodded.

“What for?”

“His Grace has a valet—Charles. But, I have no one to assist me. If you’d like the position, you may have it. We’re traveling in two days to England. I’ll need help on the voyage. Just know that we’re traveling incognito and I’ll need you to be discreet.”

“You can count on me, Sir.” Gerard said eagerly. “I won’t disappoint you!”

“You’d better not.” Robert smiled. “We have a way of getting rid of bad valets at sea.”

Marjani chuckled.

“I can go back to my family.” Gerard smiled. “My brother and sister and their kin in Wales.”

“That’s right.” Robert nodded.

“Why you don’ this for me?”

“Because Mr. Punch—there’s no denying to you that His Grace has different personas—promised he’d help you if you were sincere. You seem sincere, so, we’ll help you. But, you’ve got to stick to your word.”

“I will, Sir.” Gerard smiled. “I won’t ruin this chance. Coo! Seems Arthur brought some good to me after all.”

“Sometimes wondrous things come from the darkest places.” Robert replied. “Now, off to bed for you. We’ve much to do tomorrow.”

“What ‘bout Artie?” Gerard pointed.

“We’ll take care of his remains in the morning.” Robert answered.

“Thank you, Sir.” Gerard said with relief. “Thank you, Miss.”

Marjani chuckled. “Miss? Well, then. Go to the house and ask one of the men to show you to a room. Tell ‘em you’re Dr. Halfax’s new man. They’ll show you what to do and Meridian will give ya whatever ya need.”

With no other words, Gerard hurried off.

“That was right kind of you, Sir.” Marjani patted Robert’s shoulder.

“It’s what Punch wanted.” Robert sighed.

“I’m sure he’s safe, Sir. I’m sure he’ll be home shortly.” Marjani said.

“I hope so, Marjani.” Robert frowned.

Meanwhile, Mr. Punch scowled at Mala’s hideous face. “That woman’s here now?”

“The maid—Agnes?” Mala squawked. “She’s up with Miss Barbara.”

“I want to see her.”

“Which one?” Mala asked.

“Both, actually.” Punch squinted.

“Can’t see neither.” Mala croaked.

“Why’d you ask me, then?” Punch bellowed.

“Oh, do let him in!” Iolanthe called from behind Mala as she came down the stairs. “And, the other man, too. I’m sure that Miss Allen would welcome a visit from these two gentlemen.”

“Why you bein’reaonable?” Punch asked over Mala’s shoulder.

“Who says I’m being reasonable?” Iolanthe guffawed. “Maybe I want to get you in this house so I can finally do away with you. The choice to enter is yours. What I do once you get in, however, is my choice.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-311? If so, you can read them here.