A Recipe for Punch, Chapter 76

Chapter 76
I'll See to It


"My Georgie,"  Mrs. Pepper wiped her eyes on the corner of her apron.  

"Mrs. P.,"  Maudie said gently.  "I'm sure George will be on his way back just now, and he'll be that sorry for makin' you worry.  Ain't like he's a bad boy, Mrs. P.  In all the time I known 'im, he ain't done one thing what's wrong.  Now, you know how boys are.  Weren't it just a matter o' time before he done somethin' like this.  It's in their nature to go out and carouse.  He'll be back just now, you'll see, and all red in the cheeks for feelin' guilty."

"You're a love, dearie."  Mrs. Pepper shook her head.  "You tryin' to cheer me, I love ya for it."

"You'll see, Mrs. P.  You know I'm right.  That man of the earl's, he just...he and all his talk...it were too much temptation.  When I think o' all the tears and worries me own cousins brought my auntie--well, it makes me sure how lucky we are that George is a good boy."  Maudie continued.  "Listen, Mrs. P., you got yourself all weak with worry.  Let me finish breakfast, then.  Why don't ya go to your room and have a nice lie down?  I can manage here."

"Now, not another word like that, Maudie.  I can't very well leave ya to finish upstairs breakfast on your own."  Mrs. Pepper shook her head.

"Upstairs breakfast is easy, Mrs. P."  Maude smiled.  "We got the hard one done with.  We got 'em all fed downstairs.  You--all brave and strong--you got the whole lot o' 'em with a fine warm breakfast in their bellies--more than they deserve, too, I'd like to add.  They've not had one kind word for us, have they?  Yet, you give 'em better food than they've had here--likely ever.  There ain't nothin' to upstairs breakfast.  You know the Duke likes his eggs and a slab o' bacon.  Her Ladyship  don't eat much at all, and I got the fruit she likes all nice and clean, ready for her salad.  Lord Colinshire's kedgeree is all set and the earl will eat anything we put in front of 'im provided there's a cream sauce on it.  I can manage that, and, servin' up the cinnamon cakes.  I even got the copper o' oatmeal ready for Miss Morgana--I just need for William to bring it to her room."

"But, what of our lot?"  Mrs. Pepper asked, her eyes filling with tears again.  "Our folk haven't had their's yet with Charles and Gerard out lookin' for my George and, now...and, what of nursery breakfast?"

"Mrs. P., I already sent up nursery breakfast with William.  I got a nice bit o' gammon and some eggs set aside for Charlie and Gerry and our Violet run down before she set out for Her Ladyship's rooms and had a bit o' toast and butter."

"You do have it, then, don't you?"  Mrs. Pepper shook her head.  

"I learned how to manage a kitchen from the best,"  Maudie smiled.  "Now, dont' go thinkin' I can handle it on me own all the time, but for one mornin', I think I can.  So, please, go rest.  After all, you gotta get the luncheon ready soon."

"I think I will, then."  Mrs. Pepper nodded.  "Oh!  That boy.  How could he be so foolish?  If 'is father were alive, what a dressin' down he'd get."

"He'll get it from you, no doubt."  Maude winked.  

Mrs. Pepper took off her apron and folded it neatly on the sideboard.  "Just a bit o' rest, then."

"I'm glad."  Maudie smiled.

"Oh, my girl, I couldn't 'preciate ya more if you were my own daughter.  When our Jenny was taken from us so young, I...I didn't think we'd 'ave another angel in our kitchens, but, it's as if she sent ya here herself."

"I think maybe she did."  Maude replied thoughtfully.  "Sometimes I feel like I knew 'er.  Ain't that silly?  Sometimes, I feel as if this girl what I never knew is standin' right beside me."

Mrs. Pepper became emotional again.  "I can't lose my George."

"Nor will ya."  Maudie shook her head.  "Now, go on, Mrs. P."

"Send a boy for me if you need me, then?"  Mrs. Pepper nodded.

Maude nodded.

"Right."  Mrs. Pepper nodded absent-mindedly as she left the kitchens.  She didn't eve notice William as she walked past him.

"Poor lady,"  William shook his head.  

"She's strong, our Mrs. P."  Maudie snapped.  "You don't need to pity her."

"Sorry,"  William looked down.

Maudie sighed.  "No, no.  I shouldn't 'ave been sharp with ya.  I s'pose I'm worried, too.  Ain't like George to go off.  Only, it ain't your fault.  You're the only kind one here.  Forgive me."

"It's nothing."  William answered softly.  "I know how the others are.  They ain't all bad.  It's just they're scared.  Mr. Jackson and Miss Blessum had them all trained to be silent."

"I wish Gregory'd been silent.  You know this is his doin'?  I don't say I think that Perkins man is ain't at fault, too.  But, this is that Gregory's wickedness."

"I agree with you."  William inhaled.  

"You've come for Miss Morgana's tray, then?"  Maudie nodded.  "I'll get it prepared.  Oh, and with Gerard and Charlie off lookin' for George, we'll gonna need ya in the mornin' room for upstairs breakfast.  I was meant to tell you that."

"Charles told me."  William nodded.  

Maude smiled.  "You're a good man, thank you.  I know Charles and Gerry like ya.  They're gonna ask His Grace if maybe you can't come back with us to London."

"Cor, I'd love that."  William sighed.  

"Maybe you could get yourself a nice lad.  There's others like ya in London.  Just look at the masters."

"I'd like to just be free of the...of this place.  That's all I'd like.  Such hypocrisy here."

"Oh?"  Maude asked as she prepared Morgana's tray.

"Well, sure.  Take Mr. Quick."

"Who's that?"

"The vicar."  William replied.  "Many's the time I caught him takin' glimpses at me.  Once, when I went for a swim in the...he even..."  He shook his head.  "Yet, he's the first to shout 'sinner' at me.  He's a strange one, he is.  Then, there's those beastly two--Hargrave and Causer.  The things I've heard they done in the village, and around.  Yet, both o' 'em have roughed me up a few times--callin' me, 'sick.'  Makes my skin crawl.  This one time, they brought me to Mr. Quick's--to the vicarage.  They'd bloodied me somethin' awful and they were gonna bring me to him to take away my sin."  He paused.  "They're just a rough lot."

Maude squinted.  "They're like Gregory, then?"

"Don't you know they are."  William shook his head.

"I'm awful sad to hear they treated ya poorly."  She clucked her tongue.  "William?"  Maude put the cover on Morgana's tray.  "About our George..."

"I know what you're gonna ask."  William nodded.  "I thought the same thing."

"What's the parson's name?"

"Quick."  William answered.  

"You don't suppose that he--that they maybe done the same to him like what they done to you before?"

"Could be."  William leaned in.  "Maudie, I hear what they say about His Grace and Lord Colinshire.  Mr. Causer and Hargrave and Quick--they think all of you are tainted by their 'sins.'  I've heard 'em talkin' in the orchard.  I thought maybe they got their hands on George.  I even asked Gregory if it were true.  But, he won't say anything as he hates me so."

"Did ya tell Gerard and Charles?"

"No."  William shook his head guiltily.  "I was scared to.  If them three found out I'd said somethin', they'd come after me."

Maude nodded.  "Listen, William, I can promise ya that the Duke would take ya back to London if you'd help bring George back to us."

William looked frightened.

"They ain't gonna let nothin' happen to ya.  The masters are kind and they take good care of us."

"I should tell them, then."  William nodded nervously.  "Only, I can't just walk into their rooms and..."

"Here,"  Maude handed the tray to William.  "Bring this up to Miss Morgana, and come straight back.  I'll see to it you get an audience with the masters."

"I don't know..."  William shook his head.

"Could those men you spoke of--could they harm our George?"

William looked down.  "They could."

"Then, you gotta talk to His Grace and Lord Colinshire!"  Maude hissed.

"Very well, I will."  William said softly.

"Just leave it to me, then."

"What can you do, Maude. You're just a kitchen maid."

"Ain't no such thing as 'just' anything!"  Maude said.  "The Duke and His Lordship always let us know that we're all free to speak, especially when it's important.  We can't think of ourselves as bein'...less."

William took the tray and nodded.  

"Come right back here, then.  You understand.  I'll see to it."  Maude said firmly.



Did you miss Chapters 1-75 of A Recipe for Punch?  If so, you can read them here.  Come back tomorrow for Chapter 77.

Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 76

Chapter 76: 
Fits 



“Whatever do you mean, Miss Barrett?” Gamilla asked, stepping forward. “Where you been? The whole household’s gone out their heads lookin’ for ya. The masters and all.”

“Don’t come near me!” Ellen yelped, pressing her back against the door. “Don’t bring the baby near me!”

“Why-ever not?” Gamilla asked, stopping in her tracks.

“I’m ill, terribly, terribly ill.”

“Is ya?” Gamilla asked. “Poor dear, you did look poorly in the carriage. What’s troublin’ ya?”

“Everything. I think I have a horrible fever.” Ellen moaned.

“I’m so sorry for to hear it.” Gamilla said gently. “But, if you been sick, why not come to me or Mr. Speaight or Mrs. Pepper. Don’t ya think goin’ out on the moors would make it worse, Miss Ellen?”

“I don’t understand,” Ellen coughed.

“You done went out, Miss.” Gamilla answered.

“No. No, I didn’t.”

“Sure ya did.” Gamilla squinted. “That’s why everyone’s been lookin’ for ya.”

“I was in my room.”

“They done searched your room, Miss Ellen.” Gamilla shook her head.

“Are you calling me a liar?”

“Well, no, Miss Ellen. But, Mrs. North done looked in your room. Mrs. Pepper did, too.”

“Did they look under the bed?”

“Under the bed, Miss?” Gamilla raised her eyebrows.

“I must have fainted and rolled under the bed. That’s where I awoke.”

“That don’t make sense.” Gamilla frowned thoughtfully. “I done fainted before and I don’t recall fallin’ and rollin’.”

“Well, that’s what happened!” Ellen howled.

“As you say, Miss.” Gamilla nodded. She placed Collin in his cradle and walked forward.

“I told you not to come near me!” Ellen wailed.

“I ain’t, Miss Ellen. I’m goin’ for the bell for to ring for Mr. Speaight.”

“Why?” Ellen asked.

“So folks know to stop lookin’ for ya. The boys and Finlay are out roamin’ the estate. The stablemen is lookin’ for ya. The maids done crawled all over the castle and, even the masters is out lookin’.”

“I’m so sorry to have put everyone to so much trouble.” Ellen whispered. “If only they’d just looked under…”

“Yes, under the bed.” Gamilla nodded, ringing the bell. “Miss, I don’t wanna be impolite, but if you is ill, maybe you’d ought not be in the nursery.”

“Of course,” Ellen nodded, turning around the open the door. “How is Colin?”

“He’s a good boy, Miss.” Ellen smiled. “You heard him—he done said his first word. His pappy’s name.”

“Yes, I heard.” Ellen sniffed. “He must love his father very much.”

“Most folk do, Miss.”

“Most.” Ellen scowled.

“Why don’t we go out in the corridor, Miss?” Gamilla nodded.

“We?” Ellen shook her head. “You can’t leave Colin. With me in this condition, you’re going to have to look after him for awhile.”

“Oh, I know.” Gamilla smiled. “That’s fine, Miss. Only, I’m gonna step out into the corridor and stay with ya ‘til Mr. Speaight comes.”

“What if Colin needs something?”

“I’ll hear him through the door, Miss.” Gamilla said brightly.

“You don’t have to watch me.”

“Well, Miss Ellen, if you’re this poorly, I think I’d best. Mr. Speaight can help ya back to your room and, then, we can fetch Dr. Halifax to have a look at ya.”

“He can’t.” Ellen shook her head as Gamilla essentially forced her out into the passage.

“Why not?” Gamilla squinted. “The doctor done examines ladies all the time. You don’t think he’s gonna look at ya? Even if he did, he’s…well, it won’t be nothin’ to him.”

“It’s not that.” Ellen puffed. “If Dr. Halifax examines me, he could become contaminated. The Duke is just recovering. He’s already weakened. We can’t afford to spread this to His Grace.”

“I’m sure the doctor knows what to do.”

“Good Heavens!’ A man’s voice bellowed from the end of the passage. “Miss Barrett, what in the name of God have you been doing?”

Ellen and Gamilla turned around to see the Duke and the doctor followed by Speaight.

“Speaight said you’d rung, Gamilla.” Mr. Punch said as they got closer. “Dr. Halifac and I thought we’d come and check on Colin since we’d given up the search for Miss Barrett.”

“With good reason,” Robert growled. “How long have you been here.”

“Dr. Halifax,” Gamilla began. “Miss Ellen says she’s sick, Sir.”

“So you come to my infant son’s room?” Robert snapped. “Are you aware that every member of the staff has been searching for you?”

“I am now, Sir.” Ellen lowered her head.

“Where on Earth have you been?” Robert demanded.

“In my room, Sir.”

“The hell you were.” Robert scowled.

“Chum…” Punch whispered.

“Your Grace!” Robert moaned. “She’s lying…”

Punch shook his head. “Miss Barrett, you know your room was searched.”

“She says she fainted, Sirs, and rolled under the bed.” Gamilla explained.

Ellen frowned, but nodded.

“Is that so?” Punch asked. “I’ve fainted and I don’t think I rolled after I fell.”

“Honestly…” Robert shook his head.

“I know it sounds strange, Sir. But, I’m dreadfully ill.”

“We shall see if you are.” Robert snorted. He turned to Speaight. “Speaight, I’d like to borrow Gamilla for a few moments. I’d like her to attend while I examine Miss Barrett. Will you please ask Charles to sit with Colin?”

“Charles, Gerard and Finlay are still out looking for Miss Barrett, Sir.” Speaight answered softly.

“Oh, I’d forgotten…” Robert muttered.

“I’ll stay with me boy.” Punch chirped.

“Oh, thank you, my dear.” Robert nodded.

“He done said his first word, Your Grace.” Gamilla said proudly.

“Did he?” Punch whooped. “What was it?”

“It was ‘Punch,’ Sir.”

“How ‘bout that.” Punch beamed.

“I couldn’t be prouder.” Robert blushed. “I hate to think that we missed it. Actually,” he glowered at Ellen, “had we not been on a fool’s escapade, we wouldn’t have.”

“Dr. Halfax,” Ellen moaned. “I’m sorry to have caused this trouble, but…” Suddenly, her eyelids began to flutter.

“Miss Barrett…” Punch narrowed his eyes.

“I…” Ellen rasped just before she fell in a heap on the cold, stone floor. Her body shuddered for a moment, and with a great spasm, she rolled slightly to the right.

“Very dramatic.” Robert mumbled, stepping out of the way.

“Maybe she got that illness what gives a body fits. Ya know—all shakin’ and thrashin’ and such. Had an uncle like that on the Molliner side. Used to flop about like fish, he did. The Duchess hated him. But, it could ‘xplain why she found herself under the bed.”

“That’s interesting thinking, dear Punch. However, this is not quite how that illness presents itself, my dear.” Robert sighed.

“Oh.” Punch shrugged. “I got no idea, then.”

Punch, Speaight, Robert and Gamilla all stood looking at one another for a few seconds.

“Perhaps we should move her, Sir.” Speaight said after a bit.

“I suppose so.” Robert sighed.

“I’ll take her feet, Sir.” Speaight nodded. Together, he and Robert picked up the woman.

“Gamilla, will you come with us, please?” Robert asked.

“Of course.” Gamilla nodded.

“I’ll be with Colin,” Punch shrugged. “What you gonna do with Miss Barrett?”

“I’m going to examine her.” Robert said over his shoulder as they slowly carried her off. “And, if she’s ill, I will help her. If she’s not, she’s going to have to find her way back from Scotland on her own.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-75? If so, you can read them here. Come back on Monday for Chapter 77 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 76

Naasir crouched in the hedgerow behind the stables on the Rittenhouse estate. A rustling in the thicket behind him startled him. He smelled the air and relaxed his shoulders. He knew Marjani was nearby.


“I done hurried,” Marjani whispered as she approached Naasir. “Is the man in there?”

“Arthur is there, yes.” Naasir responded softly. “However, he’s not alone.”

“That Barbara’s with him?” Marjani frowned.

“No.” Naasir shook his head. “Listen.”

Marjani paused and cocked her head to one side. She heard a deep laugh come from the stables—a laugh that was almost feminine.

“Can’t be.” Marjani shook her head.

“Yes.” Naasir nodded.

“Let’s take ourselves over to the front and tuck ourselves behind the oaks.” Marjani whispered. “Then, we can see inside through one o’ them doors.”

Naasir nodded again. Very quietly, they made their way toward the row of thick oak trees which stood in front of the stables. The trees were hung with Spanish moss which tickled their heads with rough gray fingers as they hid.

Inside the stable, they could see Ulrika Rittenhouse tossing her flaming hair back as she laughed.

“Oh, Arthur, really.” Ulrika growled. “You are terrible.” She pressed her body against the man who lay against a mound of disheveled hay.

“Get off me, would ya?” Arthur barked.

“You didn’t tell me to get off of you the other night.” Ulrika grinned.

“That was only for one time. You know that. That were the deal we struck.” Arthur said roughly.

“It doesn’t have to be.” Ulrika said, running her hand across Arthur’s shoulder.

“Sure does.” Arthur said. “I wasn’t so happy ‘bout it at the first. But, that’s the bargain you made with Barbara and I wasn’t goin’ to make a liar of her.”

“You’re awfully loyal to Barbara.” Ulrika frowned.

“I am.” Arthur nodded.

“It seems to me that your loyalty is misplaced.” Ulrika crossed her arms.

“How do ya figure?” Arthur spat.

“Well, it’s simply that a woman who would hire you out the way she did—really, is she worthy of your love? Now, I could give you my love and so much more. My family is very wealthy.”

Arthur laughed cruelly. “And, Barbara’s isn’t? She’s a lady for God’s sake!”

“Not here she isn’t.” Ulrika said angrily. “Here, she’s a servant and a whore!”

“So am I, Love.” Arthur laughed. “So am I. So, ya see, we’re well matched Barbara and I.”

Ulrika opened the front of the lace dressing gown she was wearing and exposed her bosom to Arthur. She cooed. “Are you telling me that you don’t want me?”

Arthur grabbed a fistful of hay and threw it in Ulrika’s face, laughing.

“That’s exactly what I’m tellin’ you.”

Ulrika sputtered angrily, but made no effort to cover herself.

“Now, get outta here and leave me in peace.” Arthur barked. “Go play with your dolls.”

“I aim to play with you.” Ulrika shouted.

From outside the stable, Naasir gently placed his hand on Marjani’s shoulder.

She smiled at him gently. “These folk are nothin’ better than animals.” She whispered. “Ya see all sorts a things ‘round here. All sorts a things. Ya gotta watch these folk. They take what they want and don’t care nothin’ ‘bout who it hurts. Just ask my girl. She knows. Sometimes, though, blessings come of it. I got me a granddaughter, ya see. She came from pain, she did. But, she’s a right fine girl. Columbia’s her name. She’s more of a lady—even at her tender age—than that hightone rich girl in there.”

Marjani stopped talking when they heard footsteps approaching. Naasir and Marjani hid themselves deeper in the shadows of the oaks.

They watched as Barbara strutted into the stables.

“What is going on in here?” Barbara shrieked. “What is this display?”

“Oh, look. It’s my maid.” Ulrika cooed, still making no effort to cover herself.

“Get away from him.” Barbara shouted. “This is not part of our arrangement.” She drew in a deep breath. “You got what you were promised. Now leave.”

“I give the orders around here, maid.” Ulrika said, finally closing her gown. “In case you’ve forgotten, really, you are subservient to me.”

“We made each other a promise, Ulrika.” Barbara said angrily.

“That’ll be ‘Miss Rittenhouse,’ if you don’t mind.” Ulrika grinned. “Don’t you know that you shouldn’t make promises to strangers? You’ll never be sure how they’ll act. I don’t pretend that I’m a virtuous young thing. I couldn’t be and still get what I want. So, I suspect you’ll want to do what I say.”

“Why should I?” Barbara hissed.

“You don’t want me to tell your attractive, lunatic brother where you’ve hidden that big, beautiful diamond, do you?”

Barbara grunted.

“And, you don’t want your brother’s companion to know that the wicked, wicked footman didn’t die on that ship.” Ulrika continued, unaware that Arthur’s presence was already known to Robert and Mr. Punch. “And, I would hate to have to expose my cousin—the mousy nanny. That would cause such pain—not only for you, but for my family. After all, if it weren’t for her, you wouldn’t be here. You do want to remain here, don’t you? Or do you want your brother to take you back to England?”

“You’re a sorry, little…” Barbara began.

“Tut, tut, maid.” Ulrika grinned. “Remember who your master is.”

“I have but one master.” Barbara said. “And you aren’t she.”

“Yes.” Ulrika tossed her hair. “I am.” She walked over to Barbara. “I am. Now, I don’t want much, really. I merely want the use of your footman. I don’t see why that should bother you.”

“Because he’s my husband!” Barbara hissed.

“Barbara!” Arthur shouted. “Enough!”

From outside the stable, Naasir whispered. “It only gets worse.”

“Always does.” Marjani responded gently. “We can make it stop.”

“When?” Naasir asked, twisting the glass vial of red powder between his long fingers.

“When they settle down, we’ll take ‘way their pain.” Marjani answered.

Meanwhile, upstairs in the mansion, Robert began snoring softly. Mr. Punch listened to his friend’s breathing. His intake of air was less encumbered. Mr. Punch smiled. He walked over and grabbed a flannel off of the washstand—draping it over Julian’s uninjured hand.

Mr. Punch very carefully tucked part of the flannel into the crook of Julian’s thumb and forefinger so that it resembled a mouth.

“That’s the way to do it,” he whispered gleefully, making Julian’s thumb and finger move back and forth like lips.

Punch chuckled to himself.

“Good evening, Mr. Punch.” He whispered in a comic voice, moving his fingers again to make Julian’s hand “speak.” “Have you any sausages?”

“I have no sausages.” Punch giggled.

Mr. Punch paused and sighed. “Here…sausages.” He licked his lips. “Wouldn’t mind some sausages.”

He glanced over at Robert who was still sleeping peacefully.

“Wonder where the larder is in this place.” Mr. Punch mumbled to himself. “Got a hunger, I do.”

He looked at Robert again and considered the possibility of sneaking out in search of a snack.

“Hmmm.” Punch grunted.

Punch’s thought process was interrupted by a loud, sharp noise from outside.

Robert awoke with a start.

The noise repeated—cutting through the silent night sky.

“Shots?” Robert squinted.

“Sounds like when that Cage bloke fired his pistol at us!” Mr. Punch said nervously.

Another shot rang out.

From outside, they heard wild shouting. In the chaos, they heard Marjani scream. “Mr. Halifax!”



Did you miss Chapters 1-75? If so, you can read them here.