Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 385

Chapter 385
First



"You look tired, Chum."  Punch leaned over the table and patted Robert's hand.

"Perhaps,"  Robert smiled thoughtfully, "though I am enjoying watching Gamilla and Gerard."

"They are so sweet.  Aren't they?"  Punch smiled.

"Still, I'm a little envious of Colin having gone up to bed."  Robert nodded, stifling a yawn.

"It has been a long day, it has."  Punch replied.  "Full of lots of feelings from the worst to the best."

"Indeed."  Robert sighed.  

"Gamilla and Gerard'll will have to be leavin' for their weddin' trip in about an hour."  Punch glanced at the tallcase clock across the room.  Then, we'll retire."

"I'm not in a particular hurry to see them leave.  Isn't that selfish>  It's not that I can't dress myself, and I'm sure Ethel can keep the nursery very well on her own for awhile, but..."

"It's not selfish."  Punch answered.  "It's nice, it is.  They're part o' the family, and, it's only right we'll miss 'em while they're gone."

"I imagine we won't have too much time to miss them, I suppose.  After all, we've a trip of our own to plan."

"Yes."  Punch sighed.  "You'll have to help me tomorrow to write to Jackson.  Just to make sure I don't leave out anythin' we might need."

"Dear Punch,"  Robert began.

"It's all right, Chum.  I'm fine with the decision, really, I am.  I wouldn't 'ave suggested it if I didn't think it was a good idea."  Punch shook his head.

"We both know that you decided to take us all to Fallbridge Hall for Lennie's sake."  Robert whispered.  "To not only give her a primer in her family history, but more so to stall for time before Matthew presses her again to set a date for their wedding."

"The poor dear is 'appy with life as it is.  I know she wants to marry Matthew, but I understand she ain't in a hurry."

"Still, you're going to have much on your mind while we're there.  I think it very kind of you to sacrifice that for your sister."  Robert replied.

"There's no use hidin' from it.  I can't stay away from the place forever.  Besides, Colin needs to know his family home, too.  He's already been to Grange Molliner, we owe it to our son to see 'im introduced to Fallbridge Hall.  Besides, if you don't know the place, it is peaceful and it'll give you plenty o' time to think 'bout your book--a book, I might add, what'll 'elp a lot of folk."

"That doesn't take away my worry."  Robert inhaled.

"Now, my dear, is not the night for worry.  This is the night for celebratin' Gerard and Gamilla."

"Do you ever put yourself first?"

"All the time, Chum.  I'm doin' it right now."  



Did you miss Chapters 1-384?  If so, you can read them here.  Come back tomorrow for Chapter 386 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square.

Punch’s Cousin, Chapter 385

Mr. Punch slammed the door of the room he, Robert and Marjani had just searched.


“Nothin’,” Punch muttered.

“He done stalled long ‘nough to get those boys hidden,” Marjani grumbled.

“I wouldn’t doubt that Ulrika Rittenhouse did it for him.” Robert added.

“We been everywhere, we have.” Punch mumbled. “Looked in every room up here—even the attics, we did.”

“Everywhere except one place.” Robert pointed to a closed door at the end of the darkened corridor.

“Surely even that Ulrika wouldn’t put those babies in with a woman who got the Yellow Jack.” Marjani shook her head.

“Don’t you think?” Robert sighed.

“Sad to say, she probably would.” Marjani frowned.

“Come on, then.” Punch grunted, heading for Mrs. Cage’s door.

“No, Punch.” Robert took Mr. Punch by the shoulder. “Marjani and I will go. We’ve already been exposed to it. Julian’s body has been through enough and, even though you’re feeling strong, I don’t doubt that the body has been weakened. There’s no point in putting you in harm’s way.”

“Here, we’re together in all things, ain’t we?”

“Well, yes, but we must be sensible.” Robert argued.

“Ain’t no use bein’ sensible now in the face of all this nonsense.” Punch smiled.

Marjani smiled, too.

“Very well,” Robert shrugged.

They approached Mrs. Cage’s door and knocked softly. Hearing no response, Robert opened the door slowly. “Mrs. Cage?”

They were greeted by a soft gurgle.

Cautiously, the three entered the room.

“Coo!” Punch whispered as the smell of the sickroom filled his nose.

In her bed, a strange, dry, sad figure, Corliss Cage strained helplessly to look up.

“I’ll talk to her while you two look.” Punch whispered.

“We’ll be quick.” Robert replied.

“Hullo, Mrs. Cage.” Punch said, approaching the bed. “’Member me? I’m…well, I ‘spose, I’m the Duke of Fallbridge. That’s the easiest way to say it.”

Corliss Cage could not respond, but she looked up at him with frightened, miserable eyes.

“Sorry to burst in on ya, like this.” Punch continued. “Only, we’re lookin’ for two little boys what’s been taken from their home. I know you understand.”

Corliss blinked.

“It’s terrible sad, it is, that you’re so sick.” Punch nodded. “Ain’t right for nobody to suffer so.”

“Help,” Corliss rasped.

“That’s what we’re tryin’ to do, it is.” Punch smiled. “Me chums told me what you said ‘bout wantin’ me nephew to stay with me. That’s awful kind of ya—all things considered. We’ll get him back, little Fuller, too.”

“Help,” Corliss repeated.

Punch nodded. He glanced over his shoulder at Robert and Marjani who obviously were finding no trace of the children.

“We’ll leave ya, now.” Punch said softly. “I hope you feel better.”

“No.” Corliss gurgled, reaching forward.

“What is it?” Punch asked.

“Help me.”

“Marjani,” Mr. Punch called to his friend. “Is there anything we can do to make this lady more comfortable?”

“Sure,” Marjani nodded gravely.

Corliss coughed in protest.

“Here, what’s she want?” Punch whispered to Marjani.

“Release me,” Corliss sputtered.

“Oh.” Punch shook his head. “Ain’t my place.”

“Please,” Corliss rasped.

“What’s she wantin’?” Punch asked, clearly alarmed. “Is she askin’ us to kill her?”

“Yes.” Robert nodded. “She is.”

Meanwhile, in Edward Cage’s workshop, Ulrika Rittenhouse smiled as Barbara Allen’s body slumped to the floor. Ulrika laughed heartily as she unspooled the rope she had wrapped around Barbara’s throat.

“That,” Ulrika said aloud, “went far better than I could have imagined. Isn’t it wonderful how conveniently all of this went. Now, I’m one step closer to the Fallbridge fortune and…” She reached for the child who lay screaming in a wooden box. “I can return this little thing to Mr. Cage and go off to meet…”

She gasped as she felt a hand clasp around her ankle.

Looking down, Ulrika screamed when she saw Barbara Allen’s eyes—mad with rage.



Did you miss Chapters 1-384? If so, you can read them here.