A Recipe for Punch, Chapter 39

Chapter 39
Fallbridge Blood


"William's gotten her settled,"  Mr. Punch nodded as he returned to the drawing room, "in the Vermillion Suite.  "Mrs. Pepper was very kind in lending her one of her very own sleeping dresses, she was.  I must say, Morgana took quite quickly to Mrs. Pepper and she to her."

"Our Mrs. Pepper is a gentle soul,"  Lennie smiled.  "It doesn't surprise me."

"We should have the staff in to discuss this.  By that, I mean our staff from London."  Robert muttered.

"Robert, dear, shouldn't we wait until morning?"  Lennie asked.

"It's already morning.  Everyone's already awake, and they're already discussing it anyway."  Robert said. 

"I do think we should send 'em all back to bed for a spell, though, we should.  After.  That'll give 'em a chance to get some rest while I sort out what to do with the staff here.  Same for you and Lennie."  Punch continued.  

"Nothing is going to keep me from you side, dear Punch,"  Robert shook his head.  "I've had many nights with no sleep.  One more will not harm me."

"I concur."  Lennie replied.

"Lennie, Matthew's due this afternoon..."  Punch protested.  "We can't 'ave 'im seein' ya on no sleep."

"Brother, dear, the man's going to marry me.  He'll see me at worse than this.  Furthermore, I'm not the most disturbing thing he's going to encounter here today."

"In an understaffed country estate."  Robert added.  "Once we get through with the Hall's native staff."

"I don't know that we need to sack all o' 'em."  Punch sighed.  "Let's first deal with our folk from London and make sure they know that we're all safe."

"Do we know that?"  Robert asked.

"Sure, we do."  Punch raised his eyebrows.  "You sat here and talked with Morgana same as I did.  You can see that she's harmless."

"She's killed two people.  If not more.  And, carried off Violet."  Robert replied.

"She got confused."  Punch replied softly.  He looked at Lennie.  "Sister, you don't think she's dangerous, do you?"

"Brother, dear, I...see that she's so grateful for the kindness.  I find her rather charming, in a way.  When she's not frightened, she's rather dear."

"But, that's the problem.  When she's frightened.  What's to say what will rattle her."  Robert shook his head.  "And, then what."

"So you think she's dangerous?"  Lennie asked.

"You do, don't you?"  Punch raised his eyebrows.

"Dear Punch,"  Robert began, "Truth be told, she's got Fallbridge blood in her..."

Punch's eyes widened with hurt.  "So do I!"  He stood up.  "So does Lennie!"  He looked away.  "So does Collin for that matter."  "That don't mean that Lennie and me are like our mother.  That don't mean that Morgana is like 'er neither.  And, it don't mean that Colin is like my 'orrid slut of a sister.  Chum...how...how could you say that?"

"Robert, need I remind you that my father is also Johnny Donnan?"  Lennie looked away with tears in her eyes.

"Chum, I don't mean to be hurtful, truly, I don't, have you forgotten that your own mum died in a madhouse?  Does that mean the same for you and Cecil?  Your own pa gambled 'way your family's money and drank himself to death.  Will you do the same with my fortune and my whiskey?"

Robert's face flushed with shame.  "I wasn't thinking."  Tears welled in his eyes.  "I'm so ashamed.

"Morgana's hurt folk, yes.  She's killed folk.  She's been mistreated because she's...she's deformed and sick and ugly.  Well, Chum, I'm deformed and sick--inside.  Lucky for me I ain't ugly.  You love me for my handsome face and my strong body, but those are borrowed.  Do you love the sick and deforemed part of me, too?"

"You know I do!"  Robert exclaimed.  "I've left my practice to make a study of people like you--to understand you.  I adore you!  All of you!  Not just because you're handsome, but because you're...you!  All of you!"

"Part of me is Fallbridge!"  Punch spat.  "And, part of me 'as done some o' the same things Morgana's done.  Maybe I don't got pincers and a...hunchback..."  He paused.  "Good God!  She LOOKS like what I really am!"

"Brother dear, calm down."  Lennie said.

"Morgana is my aunt."  Punch said flatly.  "Just as Lennie is my sister.  Just as Colin is now my son.  If I, Punch, could be tamed into a gentleman, Morgana can be tamed into a lady, she can.  Her appearance won't make it easy.  But, I ain't gonna hide her 'way.  I ain't!  And  I ain't gonna leave 'er behind nor lock 'er in no attic.  Not for you, Chum, nor no one else!  The cruelty ends now!"

Punch walked to the door of the Drawing Room.  "And, that, Chum, is that it now means to be a Fallbridge.  All the rest of 'em are dead and gone.  I'm what's left and I'm the head of this family.  The Fallbridge name will forever onward be associated with kindness, charity and the arts.  Lord Colinshire, if you do not wish to remain with us, make your decision before we return to London.  But, Morgana stays.  We don't abandon our own."

"Punch, where are you going?"  Lennie asked.

"I'm going to address my London staff.  Lennie, I suggest you retire for awhile and try to rest, if you can."  Punch replied.

"Brother, dear, let me speak to the staff with you."  Lennie urged.

"If you wish. I don't mind."  Punch nodded.

"Why don't you gather them here?"  Lennie smiled.

"I wouldn't want to bother Lord Colinshire with Fallbridge business, I wouldn't."  Punch sniffed.

"Dear Punch, please.  I'm tired.  I wasn't thinking...  I didn't mean..."  Robert began.

"I ain't like them!"  Punch shouted.  "I ain't!  I ain't like Mother and Barbara!  I ain't like Grandfather was!  I don't do them things like burn little boys in boilin' water and twist their ears and...tell them that they're going to hell and...and I don't...and don't hit them with whips...I don't lock them in boxes or poke them with needles...I don't..."  He feel to his knees and sobbed.  "Chum!  I ain't like them!  I ain't like them!  I don't pull their hair and cut their skin!  I...I ain't..."  He sobs became louder.

"Oh, my dear brother."  Lennie rushed to his side.

"Dear Punch."

"I ain't like Barbara neither!"  Punch screamed.  "I'd never 'ave put our baby boy in a sack and sold 'im.  I'd never 'ave hurt 'im not never.  And, I ain't like our ma.  If I'd known 'bout Lennie, I'd 'ave held onto 'er tight and made sure she grew up loved and knew she was me sister.  And, if Morgana'd been me sister, I'd not 'ave sold her to a curiosities show where she'd been treated bad, I'd 'ave given her toys and made her special forks and spoons to use in her claws so she could eat at table.  My name's not even Fallbridge!  Me name is Molliner!  Fallbridge is just a part of me.  It's me title, Chum.  But, it's in all of us here.  All of us, but you, Chum!"  He continued you sob.

"I'm so, so sorry."  Robert cried.

"How...how could you say such a hurtful...horrid thing to me.  When, when I...all...all I ever done was loved ya?  All I ever done was held ya and loved ya?  I never let ya hurt?  I never threw it at ya that your pa was a drunkard and your ma a loon!  And, now, ya made me do it.  And, now I hurt all the more for it.  Why'd ya say it, Chum?  Why?  Why'd ya do it?  Why'd you make me bad?"

"Punch, you're not bad."  Lennie whispered.

"My father was a drunkard."  Robert nodded.  "And, my mother was a lunatic.  It's true."  He helped Punch to his feet.  "Darling, dear Punch, I didn't intend to hurt you.  I would never wish to hurt you.  I would never intend to imply that you were anything like the late Duchess nor that Lennie was nor Colin.  I forget that you are part of them.  I do consider you Molliners.  I know you're called 'Fallbridge,' yet I consider that such a separate thing--a creature unto itself.  I misspoke.  I was wrong.  I see that I was hurtful and I am deeply, most sincerely sorry.  You're right to be upset with me."

"I am right to be."  Punch sniffed.

"Yes, you are."

"I ain't like them."  Punch shook his head.

"Neither is Lennie."

"No, she isn't."  Robert smiled.

"Nor Collin."

"No."  Robert nodded.

"And, I don't think Morgana is neither."  Punch said firmly.  "And, if she is, if she is...well, then, we'll...we'll love her, and tame her, and fix her and protect her.  Or at least try!"

"Yes, we will."  Robert nodded.

"I don't care if she is a monster."  Punch coughed.  "We're all monsters in our own way."

"That we are."  Lennie whispered.

"We are."  Robert agreed.

"We gotta try."  Punch said.

"We will."  Robert nodded.

"I'll go gather the staff."  Lennie said softly.

"Thank you."  Punch replied.

"Dear Punch,"  Robert embraced his companion tightly.  "Can you forgive me?"

"Of course."  Punch giggled.  "Coo!  Never been angry at ya before."

"Yes, you have."

"Have I?"

"Once before."

"When?"

"Well, a few months ago, when Fern was poisoning you, you thought I was treating you like a child and not telling you everything..."  Robert paused.  "Let's not get into that again."

"Best to not."  Punch laughed.

"I am terribly sorry."  Robert said sincerely.

Punch nodded, kissing Robert.

They hugged again.

"Chum?"

"Yes, my dear."

"I just realized something."  Punch whispered.

"What's that?"

"Our budget for gloves is going to be outrageous."



Did you miss Chapters 1-38 of A Recipe for Punch?  If so, you can read them here.  Come back tomorrow for Chapter 40.

Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 39

Chapter 39:

An Accident

Robert hurried into the wide wooden doors of the Stover Porcelain Company.  The front display room was empty, and, so, Robert continued through the shop-front toward a noisy draped opening which led to a long, narrow room populated with equally long, narrow tables.

At each of the three tables sat, hunched over, half a dozen women (and a few men)—paint brushes in hand.  Some were painting figurines, others were adding color to vases, others still labored over toilet sets.  The object didn’t matter, it seemed, for each worker looked as miserable as possible.

The occupants of the room all looked up at Robert as he rushed in.

“Pardon me.  I was summoned.”  Robert said quickly.  “I was told that an accident had occurred.”

The workers all looked at one another, falling silent.

“Is someone hurt?” Robert asked.

No one responded.

“A messenger came to my home and told me that I was needed.” Robert continued, growing angry.  “I’m Dr. Halifax.”

Still, no one responded.

“Is Mr. Stover here?”  Robert asked with considerable exasperation.

“Yes, Sir.” A woman finally spoke up.  “He’s in the back, sir.”  She pointed to a glassed-in enclosure at the rear of the long workroom.

“Thank you,” Robert nodded.

Storming through the work room, Robert didn’t even knock when he approached the rear office.  Instead, he quickly opened the door to find William Stover seated at a cluttered desk.  William looked up and smiled.

“Robert.  Or…should I say, “Dr. Halifax?”  What a nice surprise.  And, here I thought you didn’t wish to see me again.”  William exclaimed.

“Surprise?” Robert growled.  “I was told to come here.”

“By whom?”

“A messenger!” Robert snapped.  “I was told that there’d been an accident here and that I was needed.”

“There’s been no accident.” William shook his head.  “And, if there were, why would I send for you?  At least three physicians have signs on this street alone.”

“That’s rather what I wondered.” Robert snapped.

“I’m sure there’s been some error.”  William shrugged.

“Oh, there’s certainly been an error.” Robert narrowed his eyes.  “Are you telling me that you had no idea that I’d been sent for?”

“That’s what I’m telling you.” William nodded.  “Though I’m not sad to see you.”

“Who, then, if not you?  Who sent for me?”

“I’ve no idea.”  William shook his head.  “Perhaps your Duke was having a little fun with you.  Maybe he sent the message.”

“What?  Why would he…”

“You know what people are saying about him.”  William smirked.

That was enough for Robert.  “I don’t know what’s going on here, but, I’m sure you’re behind it, Mr. Stover!  You sent that letter to get me here.  I won’t stand for it!”

“I truly didn’t.”

“Liar!” Robert snarled.  “You listen to me, William Stover.  This is the last I ever want to see of you.  Do you understand me?  I thought I was clear before, but obviously not, so let me be certain that you understand me.”

William’s eyes widened.

“Did you think that I didn’t see you in Covent Garden?”

“Were you there?”

“You know very well that I was.  You followed me.  Did you not understand what I said to you the other evening?”

“I certainly did.”

“Let me be sure!  I want nothing to do with you.  I don’t want to see you.  I don’t want to even remember that you exist.  If I’m reminded of you, you will most assuredly regret it.  If I see you, you will be destroyed.  Do not contact me.  Do not come near me.  Do not even think about me!  And, by no means have any communication or contact with the Duke of Fallbridge.  If you do, William, so help me God!”

William grinned.

“I am deadly serious.” Robert snapped.  “There’s nothing that I would not do to protect the peace of my home life!”

“Of course, Dr. Halfiax.” William nodded.

Shaking with rage, Robert turned on his heel and stormed out of the office and through the work room.  Suddenly, he became aware that all eighteen people in the room had heard every word that he said.  Flushing a hot pink, Robert staggered to his carriage and ordered Hutchinson to drive him home.

Back in the porcelain concern’s office, William rose from his desk and shut the door to the work room, shaking his head.  At the rear door which lead to the mews, he hear a soft tapping and he opened it—unsurprised to find Hortence and his sister, Eudora, there.

“You’re behind this, no doubt?” William grumbled.

“Course we are, brother dear.”

“Oh, but did ya hear the high and mighty Dr. Halifax?”  Hortence cackled.  “Not so cool and pretty now is he?”

“Why’d ya do it, Dora?” William asked.

“Well, Willy, that’s not your concern, now is it?” Eudora grinned.

“I’m the one who had to sit here and be blasted, then, ain’t I?  Now, I’ve done all you’ve asked.  I’ve followed them ‘round.  I’ve told you what I’ve seen.  Tom has, too.  Why bring the man all the way here?”

“We had to,” Hortence snarled.

“Why?”

“You’ll see, William.” Hortence winked.

“That you will, Willy.”  Eudora added.  “Now be a dear and get us some tea, would ya?”

Did you miss Chapters 1-38?  If so, you can read them here.  Come back tomorrow for Chapter 40 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square. 

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 39

Robert knew immediately that Mr. Punch would soon be out. As they disembarked from The Hyperion, he could sense Julian’s anxiety. With wide eyes, Julian surveyed the clattering throng on the dock. He fidgeted nervously with the ring on his left hand.


Robert paused for a moment and looked at Julian. Lord Fallbridge seemed thinner than when he had boarded the ship, yet, he also seemed taller. Cutting a handsome figure in his dark suit, Julian anxiously ran his right hand through his chestnut hair. The blue diamond on his right hand sparkled violet against the earth-colored strands of his hair. Julian had taken to wearing the blue diamond ring every day in remembrance of his father.

“You’re stopping. Why are you stopping?” Julian said quickly.

Robert smiled. “Just waiting for Naasir to catch up with us.”

“Ah.” Julian nodded. He glanced back at the ship. “Do you think the captain will report Arthur’s disappearance to the authorities?”

“He said there was no need to.” Robert shrugged. “The man had no family, no home. You are the person responsible for him. We’ll send word to Fallbridge Hall once we get settled in. They did all they could to look for him. As the captain said, people disappear from ships regularly. He suspects Arthur got himself intoxicated and fell overboard.”

“I wish I knew what happened that night. You’re correct about one thing. I was responsible for him. And I may have been responsible for what happened to him. You heard what that rough-looking man said—the “professor.” I came to fetch Arthur from his cabin that night.”

“Mr. Punch came for him. Not you.”

A hurried man bumped into Julian, startling him.

“My apologies,” The man mumbled before racing off.

Robert watched Julian carefully, looking for signs of Mr. Punch.

“Look there,” Robert pointed, trying to distract his friend. He coughed for a moment. “See those spires?”

Julian looked toward the land. “I do.”

“That’s St. Louis Cathedral.” Robert said. “Cecil sent me a watercolor that he painted of it once.”

“It’s quite beautiful.” Julian nodded. “Though not quite as grand as Westminster Abbey.”

“Grand in a different way.” Robert smiled. “Everything is different here.”

“I can already see that.” Julian sighed. He furrowed his brow.

“What is it, old friend?” Robert asked.

“Are you sure that your friend won’t mind my staying in his home. I can just as easily go to the hotel as I had planned.”

“We’ve been over this already.” Robert coughed. “I had already planned to stay there before I left for Marionneaux. I was told I could stay for as long as I needed. We’ll have the whole house to ourselves. Isn’t that preferable to staying in a noisy, crowded hotel?”

“Yes.” Julian agreed. “I just don’t want to impose on Doctor...I’ve forgotten his name.”

“Dr. Joseph Secondo Biamenti.” Robert said. “And, I’m sure he won’t mind. He’d probably be happy to show the place off to another person. He’s just had the whole house redone. He’s written that he’s very pleased with the transformation. Apparently, it’s quite ala mode. He spent a fortune at it. But, that’s the sort of man he is. He’s even talked about erecting a wrought iron fence around the place—shaped like cornstalks!”

“Cornstalks?” Julian laughed.

“Cornstalks.” Robert chuckled. “These Americans.” He shrugged. “It’s just on Royal Street. We’ll get a carriage as soon as Naasir joins us with the bags. Joseph will be away for the season. He’s left his staff behind with orders. We’ll be quite comfortable there.”

Someone else bumped into Julian—this time a woman in a violet gown. She wore long purple gloves. Her face was shockingly white—masked in wax and powder. Her dark hair was pulled back in a chignon into which a long, aubergine feather had been tucked. The feather fluttered in the breeze.

She stopped and looked Julian. Her lips were painted a brilliant red which made Julian think of Punch’s cap.

“Pardon me, Sir.” The woman cooed. “I wasn’t watchin’ where I was going. Now, I don’t want you thinkin’ I’m just the sort of woman who rudely walks into people.”

“No matter.” Julian answered sheepishly. He’d never seen a woman with a painted face like that. Something in her eyes unsettled him.

“You see, I’m lookin’ for someone. A lady…” She grinned, her eyes glinted coldly.

“I hope you find her, Miss.”

“Thank you.” She nodded. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

“Of course.” Julian said quickly, relieved to see Naasir approaching them.

The woman walked slowly away

“Here’s Naasir,” Julian tilted his head in Naasir’s direction. “I do wish he’d hurry. I want to be gone from here before Nanny Rittenhouse emerges from the ship.”

“Ah, Great Man of the Rocks,” Naasir laughed as he approached. “Is the lady, New Orleans, making you feel ill-at-ease?”

“Yes.” Julian nodded.

“Listen, Naasir, I’d appreciate it if you’d refer to Lord Fallbridge as, ‘Your Lordship’ and dispense with this ‘Man of the Rocks’ business.” Robert interjected.

“As you wish.” Naasir smiled. “Not to worry. I will keep you quite safe, Your Lordship. Now, I shall go fetch a carriage.

As they rode toward Royal Street, Julian took in the sights and smells of the Vieux Carré. The whole of the city seemed to have an aroma unto itself—a potent perfume of spices, spirits and the sea. The land itself was strange and magical—a city surrounded by trees from which hung ghost-like swags of moss which blew in the breeze like tattered shrouds.

All the while, Robert watched Julian. He was surprised that Mr. Punch had not yet made his appearance.

“I believe this is it,” Robert pointed toward a large, welcoming house. Four Corinthian columns supported a wrought iron balcony in front of a grand cream-colored mansion. On the left a turreted stone tower rose proudly. On the right, a handsome gable surrounded the glittering light from a leaded-glass window.

“What a lovely house.” Julian smiled as he stepped from the carriage. “Quite extraordinary.”

“It’s exactly what Joseph said it would be.” Robert said.

Naasir removed their luggage from the carriage as Robert approached the door which was flanked by columns like the ones on the porch. Before they could knock, the door swung open and a stout African woman emerged—her arms open wide.

“Welcome, welcome, Dr. Halifax.” She said with honey in her voice. “And, I see you done brought someone with you. I’m called Meridian! I’m the housekeeper.”

“Good evening,” Robert nodded politely. “This is Julian, Lord Fallbridge. I’ve invited him to stay here as my guest. I do hope we’ll extend Dr. Biamenti’s hospitality to him.”

“Oh, well,” Meridian bowed her head. “A Lord. We are honored to have you here, Your Majesty.”

Julian smiled. “Thank you. I’m not, however, due the courtesy of ‘majesty.’”

“What do I call you, then?” The woman laughed.

“Lord Julian will do nicely.” Julian answered.

“Well, then, Lord Julian and Dr. Halifax, do come in and rest your aching bones. I will make sure the finest rooms are made ready for you.” She pointed to Naasir. “Who’s that?”

“My man, Naasir.” Julian answered.

“He will plum want to stay here, too?” Meridian asked.

“Yes.” Robert answered.

“We’ll put him out back with Cal.” Meridian said firmly. “It’ll be good for ol’ Cal to have someone for to talk to.”

Robert and Julian walked into the house through a grand archway. “Such a beautiful passage.” Julian smiled at the ornate woodwork and cornices.

“Pride of Royal Street, this house is.” Meridian beamed proudly. “Now, you two go in the parlor and set yourselves down for a spell. I’ll be bringin’ some nice things for you to eat.” With that, she hurried off, shouting for “Cal!”

“The people here are quite different than what we’re used to.” Robert said as they walked into the rich, red parlor. “I don’t know how Cecil understands a word they say.”

Julian stretched his arms and shoulders. “It’s a wonder that we did.” He looked to the black marble fireplace. “Perhaps we should stir that fire a bit. It’s rather chilly in here.”

He put his hands into the pockets of his coat and felt something that he hadn’t noticed before—a small, folded piece of paper.

Julian took the paper from his pocket and opened it.

“What is that?” Robert asked, his voice becoming raspy as it did toward the end of the day.

Julian read the message and sighed. “A message.”

“From whom?”

“See for yourself.” Julian handed the note to Robert.

Robert read aloud. “I got her, and I aim to keep her. “ Robert shivered. “Regards, Iolanthe Evangeline.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-38? If so, you can read them here.