A Recipe for Punch, Chapter 63

Chapter 63
A Lovely Welcome


"Matthew,"  Punch forced a smile, extending both of his hands as he and Robert descended the tremendous staircase.  "How glad we are to see you."

"I say, I'm glad to finally be here.  It's been a brutal journey to be sure."  The Earl of Cleaversworth nodded.  

"You must be weary."  Robert replied as he and Punch reached Matthew.  "I trust your man has been shown to your rooms so he might get you settled in."

"Yes."  Matthew replied.  "Perkins was taken up by two of your men.  Must have been two from the Hall.  I've never seen them before."  He studied Punch and Robert.  "To answer your question, I am weary, but, not nearly as weary as the two of you look.  Is everything in order here?  Has something happened?  Where is Lennie?"

"My sister's just upstairs and she's quite well."  Punch smiled.

"We're running a tad behind schedule."  Robert added.

"She's just changin' her gown.  She wants to look most beautiful for you."  Punch continued.

"Lennie always looks beautiful to me."  Matthew answered sincerely.  "Still, I've known this family well enough to know when something is amiss.  I've spent too many evenings with you, too many dinners at your table to be fooled by your welcoming smiles, gentleman.  Those many weeks before you left, I was as much a fixture of No. 65 Belgrave Square as the bust of Columbine above the Morning Room door.  I say, lads, you can tell what it's all about."

"Why don't you join us in the drawing room?"  Robert said.  "Whilst your man prepares your rooms so you may refresh yourself, we can tell you a bit about what we've..."  He paused looking for the right words.

"Discovered..."  Punch suggested.  "...since we've returned to my ancestral home."

"Very good."  Matthew nodded.

"This way."  Robert guided the earl toward the drawing room.

Punch took a deep breath.  While Matthew was aware of his Punchinello nature, he did try to monitor himself around the earl.  There was no need to startle him.  Matthew was, after all, especially accepting of their particularly unusual family--owing largely to his tremendous affection for Lennie.  So, Punch did try to speak in a more gentlemanly manner when Matthew was about.  Nevertheless, as exhausted as he was, he wasn't sure if he could keep it up.

"So..."  Matthew smiled, once he'd been seated.  "Your first day in your boyhood home hasn't been filled with fond memories, Punch, old man?"

Punch shook his head.  He was pleased, however, that Matthew had taken to calling him "Punch" instead of "Julian."  

"No."  Punch responded.  "Yet...we have made some interesting discoveries."

"Such as?"  Matthew asked.

"Well,"  Punch paused.  "To begin with..."  He cleared his throat.  "I've learned I have an auntie about whom I never knew."

"Is that so?  A...half-aunt?"  

"Yes."  Robert replied.

Matthew smiled.  "On whose side?"

"The Fallbridge side."  Punch answered.

"Many of these old families have aunties and uncles like that."  Matthew chuckled.  "Goodness knows mine does.  Pity you never could have known her.  As--oh, what's the word?  As...accepting as you are about these things, I'm sure you would have welcomed her into the family.  I think your way is better than the old way.  You're a good example to the peerage, Punch, old man.  Just look what you've done with Lennie.  And, the way her Majesty has supported it.  I'm all for it--well, I say, you can see that I am.  Pity, yes, I say, it's a pity that the old girl couldn't have benefited from it, too."

"Oh, but she has."  Robert interrupted.  "She's here."

"Is she?"  Matthew grinned.  "How lovely.  Don't know why, I thought she was dead.  Well, however did you find her?"

"She's been here."  Robert responded.

"Kept on as a servant or something?"  Matthew asked.

"No."  Punch answered.  "She's...she had been...living here..."  He winced.

"How unusual."  Matthew's smile faded.

"She's an unusual woman."  Punch inhaled.  "A lovely, lovely woman.  Isn't she, Chum?"

"She is."  Robert nodded.  "Very sweet-natured.  Very gentle.  And, such a lovely face."

"I look forward to meeting her."  Matthew said cheerfully.

"We look forward to introducing you to her."  Punch replied.  "Only, there's something you should know about Morgana.  Oh, that's her name--Morgana.  You see--she's a little different?"

"Well, I saw, chap.  That's to be expected.  The whole family is a little...different."  Matthew laughed.

"Yes, yes, we are."  Punch nodded.  "Yet...Morgana is different in a different way."

"Oh?"  Matthew's smile faded.

"She really is a lovely woman."  Robert added again.

"So you said."  Matthew nodded.  "How is she different?"

"Coo!  She's a Lobster Woman."  Punch blurted out.  "Don't know no other way to say it.  That's what she is.  Pincers and all.  Ain't got no proper hands.  Got a hunchback, too.  That's not so strange compared to the rest.  Oh--and her leg and foot on the one side--like a tree, it is.  Oh, poor thing. It is pitiable once ya get past the shock of it all.  So, that's it really.  Lobster Woman.  That's what she is."  He panted.  "Otherwise, she's just like the rest of us.  And, she really is very sweet and very shy.  So, when ya meet 'er, don't try to take 'er hand or nothin'--cause she don't got any to speak of.  She won't take 'er meals with us.  We want 'er to, only she won't.  I think 'cause she can't 'old the fork and I'm ever so tired and maybe I'd best stop talkin' now.  Lennie'll be down in a minute."

"Shall I show you to your rooms?"  Robert smiled weakly.


Did you miss Chapters 1-62 of A Recipe for Punch?  If so, you can read them here.  Come back tomorrow for Chapter 64.  

Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 63

Chapter 63:
Inside 


“Bugger.” Mr. Punch snorted when he opened his eyes. “This again.” He looked around the too-familiar room—that room inside the body that he shared with Julian, the room that only the two of them could see, the elegant apartment where “Julian” passed his time as “Mr. Punch” lived life.

The room had changed slightly since the last time Punch had been called to it—it was cozier and more richly appointed than it had seemed previously. That had been before he and Robert left New Orleans for London. Since that time, Punch had lived with little interruption from Julian who seemed content to watch from inside their body, pausing every so often to make a comment which only Punch could hear.

“Well, well. That’s not the reaction that I expected. Aren’t you glad to see me?” Julian asked.

At first, Mr. Punch couldn’t see the Duke of Fallbridge. Julian was seated in a darkened corner of the ethereal “room” within their shared shell. Punch looked up and saw the Duke. He looked older than Punch remembered. He certainly looked older than the face which looked back at Punch each day when he studied his reflection in the glass.

“Here, what do I look like in here?” Punch asked.

“Don’t you remember?” Julian smiled.

“No…well, I dunno. I guess I don’t recall ever seein’ me-self when we were both together.”

“There.” Julian pointed to a mirror which Punch hadn’t noticed before. Perhaps it wasn’t there before. Maybe it was. It seemed that in that magical space of their own, whatever either could imagine could be true.

Punch grinned at his reflection. “Humpy-back.” He chuckled. “Red nose, curvy-chin.”

“See?” Julian nodded. “In here, you look as you ought to. You look exactly as you feel. In here, you are Mr. Punch.”

“Big belly.” Punch giggled, running his imaginary hands over his stout gut. “I gotta say, I enjoy lookin’ like you, Your Grace. I truly do. You got such a nice face. And, Robert likes it so, he does. But, every so often, it’s nice to look like me-self.”

“I’m glad,” Julian replied.

“Only, you look different.” Punch squinted, turning around. “You look older, you do. Older than our body looks. Why’s that?”

“I’m ill.” Julian sighed.

“We’re both ill.” Punch nodded slowly. “Well, at least, the body is, then. What’s it all ‘bout?”

“I don’t know, Punch.” Julian replied. “Not exactly. However, I have my suspicions.”

“What are they?” Punch’s eyes widened. “What you think, then?”

“Do you recall when we went to America?”

“Course.” Punch smiled.

“When we first met Robert…and he told us, well…he told us about “us”?”

“Certainly.” Punch nodded again.

“Arthur was still alive.” Julian frowned.

“Horrible man. I’ll never forgive him what he done. I hope he’s rottin’ in hell, that one.”

“I have no doubt that he is.” Julian sighed. “Do you recall, Punch, when he poisoned me--Arthur?”

“I do.” Punch answered. “How could I forget…oh…” Punch grunted. “You don’t think?”

Julian nodded.

“But, who?”

“That I cannot tell you, Mr. Punch, as I’m not entirely aware of all which happens outside of here. The longer you remain in control, the more comfortable I am. I don’t really care to pay too much attention, my dear. You’ve done quite well by us. I have no complaints—except for this illness. However, I recognize that this isn’t your doing. I’ve merely called you in here to see me so that I might share my idea. I leave it to you to sort out the details.”

“I see.” Punch sniffed. “Tell me, then. What do ya think?”

“About?”

“’Bout our life?”

“What exactly about it?”

“Are ya happy?”

“Punch, I’ve never been happy. However, for the first time, I’m content. As I said, I approve of what you’ve been doing. Robert certainly was a wise choice for you, and, I must say he’s…” Julian paused, blushing slightly. “To be sure, he keeps things interesting. He has very nice hands and he’s quite gentle, which I appreciate. He’s quite handsome. I also rather like the way he smells. I know that must seem odd, but…well…it’s something that I notice. He smells quite good to me. His scent—it’s like soap, but also a bit like dinner. I can’t explain it. He has a nice scent about him.”

“I reckon he does.” Punch said slowly.

“Let’s not dwell on it.” Julian took a self-consciously deep breath. “As I was saying, I’m proud of the direction you’ve taken raising the child, my nephew. The household runs smoothly. Your designs and work are, frankly, more creative than anything I ever devised, and, you’ve found the continued favor of the Queen. So, I approve. Yes.”

“I ‘spose that’s all I can ask.” Punch shrugged.

“Let me ask you this, Mr. Punch.” Julian grinned. “Are you happy?”

“Oh, very…” Punch beamed.

“Then, we have no issues.” Julian nodded. “Now, you must awaken.”

“Why?” Punch asked. “I’ve not seen ya in months. Sure, I hear ya sometimes, I do, but it’s nice to chat with ya—like we did when you were a wee boy.”

“Charles and Gerard are concerned about you. They’ve summoned Miss Barrett.” Julian shook his head. “You must open your eyes and return to them.”

“As you wish.” Punch mumbled.

“You know I’m always in here with you,” Julian said quickly. “Never feel that you can’t speak with me.”

“Sure,” Punch winked.

“Mr. Punch?”

“Yes?” Punch asked.

“I’m proud of you.” Julian said softly. “I know I said it already, however, it’s worth repeating.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” Punch chirped.

“Now, open your eyes.” Julian whispered.

Punch opened his eyes. Gone was the room—that private, phantom room—replaced with the sight of his own bedchamber in the house on Belgrave Square. Gone was Julian… Charles and Gerard stared down at their master, looking concerned.

“Oh, Your Grace,” Charles gasped. “Thank goodness.”

“You had us worried, Sir.” Gerard grinned down at Punch as he blinked his eyes quickly.

“Were you asleep, Your Grace?” Charles asked.

“No,” Punch mumbled. “I was inside.”

“Pardon?” Gerard tilted his head.

“Nothin’, Gerry.” Punch rasped. “Ain’t nothin’. I…were…I were really sleepy.”

“We’ll let you rest, Sir.” Charles smiled.

“No.” Punch answered. “Please, stay with me. Least ‘til Dr. Halifax comes.”

“Yes, Sir.” Gerard agreed. Charles nodded, too.

“I wanna talk with you two ‘bout somethin’.” Punch began.

“What’s that, Sir?” Charles asked.

“Poison.” Punch coughed. “I wanna talk ‘bout poison.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-62? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 64 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 63

Marjani rushed into the room. Panicked, Punch bellowed at her—his words incomprehensible as he pointed to Robert who lay on the bed. Marjani hurried to the man’s side.


Mr. Punch moaned loudly. “Not got any air in ‘im.” He shook Julian’s hands in the air frantically. “Help us.”

Marjani placed her hands firmly on Robert’s chest and pushed on it. “Holy Mother, protect this man. Protect him.” She pushed again, and again, rhythmically. “Protect him.”

“Help.” Punch whimpered.

“Say it with me, Your Lordship.” Marjani said quickly. “Say it with me. ‘Holy Mother, protect him.’”

“Protect ‘im.” Punch sobbed. “Protect ‘im.”

Marjani continued to press on Robert’s chest.

“Protect him!” Punch shouted. He grabbed a glass from the bed stand and smashed it against the wall. “Can’t do nothin’!” Mr. Punch groaned. “Gotta hit somethin’!”

“No, Sir. You gotta keep yourself at ease.” Marjani said, still compressing Robert’s torso. “There’s much you can do for to help.”

“I’d do anything, I would.” Punch said, shaking. “Does your holy woman know that? Does she know that I’d do anything? Here!” Punch looked up to the ceiling. “Let me take his pain. Don’t matter to me. I ain’t no stranger to it. I’m two men, I am. I can take the pain what’s killin’ me chum. Holy Mother, hear me. I’ll do anythin’ ya ask only let me chum have breath in ‘im. Can’t lose him. Can’t!”

A slow, deep rattling came from within Robert’s chest. He man sputtered weakly.

“Help me, Lord Fallbridge, help me for to sit him up.” Marjani called.

Mr. Punch rushed to Robert’s side and gently bent the man forward.

“Did you fix ‘im?” Mr. Punch rubbed Robert’s back. Punch whooped! “You did. You fixed me chum He’s got life in him again.”

Marjani smiled, arranging pillows behind Robert’s back so that he could recline slightly, but still remain upright. “I’d nothin’ ta do with it.”

“Julian…” Robert whispered.

“Sir, he wants Julian.” Marjani said. “Now, tell me for true, is that you?”

“No.” Mr. Punch said quietly. “Isn’t. Only his body. It’s me mind what’s in here. But, you knew that.”

“Yes, sir.” Marjani nodded. “Seems to me your companion’s wantin’ Julian.”

Mr. Punch let the tears roll down Julian’s cheeks. “Can’t look after ‘im from inside here.”

“Can’t ya?” Marjani whispered.

Punch wiped Julian’s eyes with the back of his hand.

“Julian…” Robert gasped feverishly. “I know…”

Suddenly, a flurry of activity filled the room as a short, portly man with frizzled gray hair entered.

“Clear the way,” the man barked.

He was followed by Carling Rittenhouse, Cecil and Adrienne.

“You there! You, get out of my way.” The man snapped at Mr. Punch.

“Come over, here, dear brother.” Adrienne said. “We will wait together while Dr. DeCuir examines Robert.”

“Julian…” Robert moaned.

Mr. Punch grunted and looked to the ceiling. “I promised I’d do whatever was asked o’ me.”

Robert coughed violently.

“Is it?” Carling Rittenhouse fluttered about. “Is it ‘Yellow Jack?’”

“Hush up, woman!” Dr. DeCuir spat. He listened to Robert’s breathing. “You!” He hollered to Marjani. “Help me get him out of his coat and shirt.”

Marjani did as instructed.

“Merciful heavens,” Carling Rittenhouse gasped.

“Mrs. Rittenhouse, if the sight of a bare-chested man scandalizes you, then, perhaps you should leave the room.” Cecil growled.

“Not until I know what form of contagion your brother has brought into my house along with his lunatic friend.”

“Pardon me?” Cecil stepped forward. “You’re speaking of a member of my family. Lord Fallbridge is one of us.”

“Lord Fallbridge? Ha! This man is no Lord. Have you heard the way he speaks? He’s obviously some sort of imposter. You’re all trying to trick me!”

“I assure you, Madam, I am no imposter.” Julian said plainly. “I am Julian Molliner, Lord Fallbridge.”

Cecil and Adrienne looked at the man they had only known as Mr. Punch. The voice that came from the man was much like the manner in which Mr. Punch spoke when he was impersonating Lord Julian, but clearer and less forced.

“I will confess,” Julian continued. “I have no idea who you are or what you think you’re doing. But, I can plainly see that my friend is in a terrible way and I will thank you not to interfere. I get the sense that this is your home. If it is, kindly be a good hostess and allow your guests some privacy.”

“You’re all a lot of savages!” Carling Rittenhouse gasped. “Savages in silk and diamonds are still savages.” She rushed from the room.

Marjani had stripped Robert to the waist and stepped aside while the doctor continued his examination. Adrienne turned her back slightly.

Julian looked around the room, trying to figure out where he was and how he’d gotten there, who he was with, and just what had happened to Robert.

Marjani silently walked past Julian and whispered. “He’s done been askin’ for ya. I see the other fella went away for a spell. My name’s Marjani Caruthers. I’m your friend.”

Julian smiled.

“Girl!” Dr. DeCuir bellowed. “Come here at once.”

Marjani hurried to the doctor’s side.

Cecil extended a hand to Julian, but quickly withdrew it as he remembered that Julian didn’t like to be touched.

“We meet at last, Lord Fallbridge.” Cecil smiled.

“I take it that you’re Cecil.” Julian nodded.

“And this is my wife…”

“Adrienne.” Julian finished the sentence. “I’d know you anywhere. When he awakened me, I heard Mr. Punch’s voice clearly for the first time. He said that I would speak to an angel ‘what was’ his sister. That would be you, of course.”

Adrienne smiled. “I am happy to know you.”

“I only wish our introduction occurred under better circumstances. Is Robert ill? What is the matter?”

“We don’t know. He’s been coughing.” Adrienne said.

“Blood. And, a fever.” Cecil added.

Julian blanched. “I must sit with him.”

Julian walked over to the bed and stood next to the doctor.

“Get back there with the others.” Dr. DeCuir snapped.

“No.” Julian shook his head, surprised at his own assertiveness. “I shall not. Mr. Halifax, I’m told, has been asking for me. I shall not disappoint him now that I’m here.”

Robert’s eyes fluttered. “Julian?” He croaked.

“Yes, my friend.” Julian smiled. “I’m here.”

From deep inside Julian—somewhere—Mr. Punch listened to the whole scene. “You’re out for now, me master, but I gotta go back, too. Can’t be too far from me chums, I can’t. Look after them for me, won’t ya? For now…”

As Julian took Robert’s hand in his, he smiled—smiled for the feeling of Robert’s fingers relaxing and smiling because he could still hear Mr. Punch speaking clearly.

“Well, then.” The doctor cleared his throat.

“What is it, Dr. DeCuir?” Cecil asked.

“Exactly what I thought it was.” The doctor shook his head.



Did you miss Chapters 1-62? If so, you can read them here.