Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 336

Chapter 336
Ignorance and Want



"Really," Ulrika purred.  "I'm so thrilled to have a servant available again.  And, he's so perfectly ugly as well.  It's just too, too marvelous."

"Yes,"  Orpha answered.

"Dear, you seem doubtful."

"I am doubtful of most things."

"I can't see anything wrong with the man.  When I spoke with him he was so deliciously dejected and broken.  It's what one wants in a servant."  Ulrika smiled.

"I concur,"  Orpha said dryly, "still, I can't help but feel wary."

"Of course."  Ulrika replied.  "However, we must think of the good things.  After all, from the way you describe the man, he's a veritable brute.  Really, it couldn't be more delightful.  Furthermore, he's an imbecile, I'm sure.  So, really...well, if he proves unreliable, he's no match for us."

"That's most assuredly true."

"Now, don't let it trouble your chalky head.  You've so much more to press upon your mind, I can't approve of you spending a moment of worry on such a lowly, wretch."

"You're such a comfort to me, Ulrika."

"I try."  Ulrika smiled.

"Tell me.  Any trouble with the girl?"

"No."  Ulrika shook her head sadly.  "Fern's barely said a word since we retrieved her.  And, really, I have tried to get her to speak.  She won't even come down to see Marduk."

"That's probably for the best.  Marduk is not themselves today."

"I noticed,"  Ulrika nodded.  "At first I found the pallor of their little faces to be of considerable charm, but, I must confess, now I feel...oh...what's the word, really?  Oh, yes.  Concern."

"I'm rather concerned myself."  Orpha sighed.

"You don't think that he's ill?"  Ulrika raised an eyebrow.  Surely not.  After all, he's the messiah.  He's not subject to mortal ailments."

"Yet, he is.  Just as the one that those other people call 'messiah,' ours is also part man, part..."

"I know, really.  But, ours has two heads."  Ulrika interrupted. "That must count for something."

"Of course."  Orpha replied.

"Orpha,"  Ulrika began, "as Marduk's earthly representative, it's my obligation to see to it that he is given all that he needs in order to stay at his most powerful.  To that end, really, I would give up my own body for him."

"We needn't do that."  Orpha shook her head.

"Giovanni, then.  Perhaps we could sacrifice him.  He wouldn't mind."

"It's kind of you to offer."  Orpha sighed.  "Still, we need Giovanni in other ways."

"Oh, I know.  It's just that he's so wretchedly relieved to have a servant again that I find him insufferable today."

"I'm sure it will pass, this sense of joy."

"You're so kind to say it."  Ulrika cooed.  She smiled.  "Really, you are worried about Marduk?"

"Something's wrong.  He's withering.  I can feel it."

"We just need to feed him more."  Ulrika suggested.

"I fear that won't be enough.  He may need to..."

"What?"

"See a doctor."

"My dear, you can't let those other little voices influence you.  When people have said that, it's only been out of jealousy."

"I suppose."  Orpha nodded, rubbing her stump with her one remaining hand.

"Now, let's change the wrap on that."  Ulrika stood up.  "And, let you rest."

"I can do it."  Orpha shook her head.

"Oh, no.  I enjoy it.  really."  Ulrika smiled.


Did you miss Chapters 1-335 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square?  If so, you can read them here.  Come back tomorrow for Chapter 337.

Punch’s Cousin, Chapter 336

“I’m gonna push you in the fire. I’m gonna push you in the fire. I’m gonna push you in the fire,” Punch thought repeatedly as he walked steadily into the crowd at the Place Congo. He approached Marie Laveau who stood triumphantly in front of the bonfire.


“I’m gonna push you in the fire. I’m gonna push you in the fire.” Punch continued to run the thought through his mind. He had no intention, of course, of pushing Marie into the fire though he didn’t think it was such a bad idea, really. He hoped--if Marjani’s assertion was correct—that his thoughts of a threat would distract Marie from learning why he’d really come to that frightening, wriggling circle.

“Look,” Marie exclaimed eagerly with a great amount of glee. “The Duke of Fallbridge has come to throw me in the fire.”

Punch smiled as a throng of dark-skinned men, some holding snakes, came toward him.

“Who was correct?” Marie grinned as Mr. Punch grew closer.

He tried to mask his frustration as he realized that Marie had recognized his thought that Marjani had been correct about Marie’s ability to read minds. Mr. Punch quickly filled his mind again with ideas he hoped would distract Marie from what was about to happen behind him.

“So, you’ve come?” Marie laughed. “I don’t suppose you’re gonna offer your congratulations?”

“What for?” Punch narrowed his eyes.

“For the birth of my son!” Marie howled.

“Ain’t been born yet. No reason to congratulate you.” Mr. Punch responded slowly as he continued his chant from within. “Here, tell your men to back away.”

“Boys!” Marie clapped her hands.

The men stepped backward.

“He can’t do nothin’ to me. As much as he wants to.” Marie smirked.

“Come talk to me, Marie.” Mr. Punch said firmly.

“Why?” Marie grinned. “So you can trick me and push me into the flames?”

“No.” Mr. Punch shook his head. “We have much to discuss.”

“Such as how you think you can fool me while your servant, Marjani, frees Charles and Barbara Allen?”

Punch frowned.

“Bring her to me!” Marie demanded.

Within seconds, two men with feathered masks escorted Marjani toward the bonfire.

“Let her go!” Punch shouted.

Marjani shook her head.

“Now, why’d I want to go and do that?” Marie chortled.

Punch tried to charge toward Marjani, but he was stopped by some of the snake handlers.

“I’m sorry, Marjani,” Punch called out to his friend.

Marjani nodded.

“You wanted to talk with me?” Marie snarled. “Do you still?”

“I just want you to let them folk what are innocent go. This ain’t got nothin’ to do with Marjani or Barbara or Charles or even Iolanthe or Ulrika.”

“Ever the hero, aren’t you?” Marie sniffed. “I’m glad you mentioned Iolanthe and the red-headed girl. Boys, bring the Duke’s servant to Iolanthe. She’ll know what to do with this Marjani.”

“Don’t take her anywhere!” Punch screamed.

“You have no authority here.” Marie said. “You’re in my kingdom now. And, here, I’m the Queen. If you cherish your life and the life of your friends, you’d best bow before me.”

“Never.” Mr. Punch spat.

“You’ll regret that.” Marie sighed. “As you’ll soon see.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-335? If so, you can read them here.