A Recipe for Punch, Chapter 84

Chapter 84
Their Own Power


"Help her, Dr. Halifax!  Please!" Gerard pleaded, tears streaming down his cheeks.  "Oh, I mean...Your Lordship.  Oh."

"Now ain't the time to worry 'bout titles, Gerry."  Mr. Punch gently patted the man's shoulder.  "Now, step over here with me so Robert can look Gamilla over.  Come on, Gerry."

Gerard nodded.  "Your Grace," he gulped, "is she... I mean...will she be..." He began to sob.

"Oh, now..."  Punch put an arm around Gerard's shoulders.  "I known Gamilla a long time.  Longer than you even.  And, I know she's a strong lady, your wife is.  Just let Robert look her over.  She'd not want you to fret, she wouldn't."  He led gerard toward the nursery fire.  "Come over here and sit by Dog Toby 'n' me.  We'll talk to young Colin whilst Robert helps Gamilla."

"I don't wanna leave her."  Gerard shook his head.  

Robert looked up from where he knelt by the chair in which Gamilla had slumped.  "Gerard, my good man, she's going to be fine.  Her heart is strong and her breathing is good and steady.  She's got no fever.  I think she's just exhausted and, as you described, she was overwhelmed by the...visions she was having.  As soon as Charles gets back here with Ethel and Violet...you, and His Grace and I will help her to your room and Violet can tend to her.  All Gamilla needs is some cold compresses and a good bit of massaging to her legs."

"Are you sure?"  Gerard panted.

"Quite."  Robert nodded.  

"What of the baby?"  Gerard asked emotionally.

"It's rather the baby's doing that Gamilla has taken a bit of a 'rest.'"  Robert replied.  "Gamilla's body has gone into a temporary mode of, shall we say...hibernation...in order to protect the child growing within.  Both mother and child are well."

"Sir?"  Gerard began.  "I..."

"Mmmm..."  Gamilla began to murmur.

"There now,"  Robert smiled, patting Gamilla's hand.  "Your wife agrees with me."

"Gerry?"  Gamilla mumbled.

"I'm right here, Love!"  Gerard rushed forward.

"They're under the earth..."  Gamilla whispered.

Robert and Punch exchanged glances.

"Gerry,"  Gamilla continued weakly.  "Did you tell the masters?"

"I did."  Gerard nodded.

"I saw 'em...clear.  Miss Morgana and Georgie and William.  Deep under the earth."

"Gamilla,"  Punch stepped forward.  "For now, just let's get you to your room."  He looked to Robert.  "Maybe you and Gerard can take her.  I'll stay with Colin until Charles comes back with Ethel and..."  He paused as Charles came into the room.

"Ah, there you are."  Robert said with relief.  He looked behind Charles.  "Where are Violet and Ethel?"

Charles took a deep breath.  "I don't know, Your Lordship."

Robert raised his eyebrows.

"I went down to the kitchens, as instructed, Sir."  Charles continued.  "Neither Maude nor Ethel were anywhere to be found.  Not in the kitchens.  Not in the servants' hall.  Not in the courtyard.  No one had seen them--not that any of those Yorkshire fools would have said so if they had.  I thought perhaps they'd gone to speak with Violet and Her Ladyship, so, knowing I had to fetch Violet as well, I went straight to Her Ladyship's rooms.  I could not find Violet either.  I've been all over the Hall, Sir."

"Does Her Ladyship know where Violet is?"  Punch asked.

"That's just it, Your Grace."  Charles answered.  "I cannot find Her Ladyship either.  I came across Lord Cleaversworth.  He, too, was looking for Lady Fallbridge."

"Dammit!"  Punch shouted, alarming Colin and causing Dog Toby to bark.  "I...I'm sorry, little chums," he said quickly.

Robert put his hand to his forehead and rubbed his temples.  "Charles, will you help Gerard carry Gamilla to their room, please?"

"Yes, Lord Colinshire."  Charles replied.

"I don't need to..."  Gamilla began to protest, but seeing the look in her husband's eyes she stopped quickly.

Robert hurried to Punch's side as the two other men helped Gamilla from the room.  "Dear Punch, you don't suppose that whomever has carried off Morgana, has also..."

"No."  Punch shook his head.  "This ain't abduction nor even ghostly interference.  This is them headstrong women.  My sister and her maid.  Neither o' them could sit still, they couldn't.  Ya know Lennie's been dyin' a bit inside wantin' to go look for Auntie Morgana and Georgie.  And, ya know how Ethel and Maudie care for George.  I'm sure they've all gone off to try to  help."

"I'm surprised at Ethel--given what happened the last time she went off on a mission such as this.  You know...with Jenny."

"I know."  Punch sighed.  "Bugger!"  He hissed.  "I pleaded with Lennie not to do nothin' rash.  A house divided and such..."  He bit his thumb nervously.

"None of it makes sense, my dear."  Robert shook his head.  "Lennie is rash, yes, but, she wouldn't endanger Violet.  And...given what had happened with Jenny, as headstrong and impetuous as Ethel is, I don't think she'd risk Maudie's life."

Punch's shoulders sagged.  "I want to think they've gone off on their own power, Chum."

"I know."  Robert agreed.

"They could have, ya know."  Punch continued.

"They could."  Robert replied.  "But, dear Punch, I don't think that they did."




Did you miss Chapters 1-83 of A Recipe for Punch?  If so, you can read them here.  Come back tomorrow for Chapter 85.

Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 84

Chapter 84: 

Competition 

Gerard bounded through the corridor, smiling when he saw the Duke and Dr. Halifax with Finlay.

“Mr. Speaight said you wanted me, Sirs.” Gerard grinned.

Mr. Punch and Robert looked at one another, and, then, at Finlay.

“How are you feeling, Gerard?” Robert asked.

“Very well, Sir.” Gerard nodded. “Why do you ask?”

“I’d told the masters,” Finlay began, “that I thought you looked a little groggy this mornin’.”

“Why’d you tell them that?” Gerard tilted his head to one side. “I feel fine.”

“Just thought you seemed a little off, lad.” Finlay smiled. “Can’t be too careful ‘round the baby. I figured you might have had gotten a bit of the governess’ fever. I noticed you stumble after breakfast.”

“Oh, that.” Gerard chuckled. “I tripped on the leg of me chair. Not used to the chairs in the Servants’ Hall here. They stick out more than the ones at home.”

“Have you been tripping often lately, Gerard?” Robert asked.

“No, Sir.”

“I ask only because after a head injury, a man can often find his balance compromised. You’ve not had any troubles keeping your balance since you were hurt?”

“Not at all.” Gerard shrugged.

“I must have mistaken his little stumble, then.” Finlay added quickly. “I was jus’ tryin’ to keep an eye open for everyone’s good.”

“Sorry if I alarmed you, Finlay. I ain’t the most graceful bloke. But, I feel quite well.”

“I’m glad you’re well, Gerard.” Punch said, still speaking as Julian.

“Very much so,” Gerard nodded.

“Excellent.” Robert smiled. “Well, thank you, Finlay, that will be all.”

“Sir.” Finlay bowed his head. “I don’t mind walking with you.”

“Perhaps another time,” Mr. Punch interrupted. “Presently, we thought it might be nice for Gerard and Gamilla to accompany us.”

“I see.” Finlay smiled stiffly. “As you wish, Your Grace. Should you need me, just ring.”

“Very good, Finlay.” Robert said firmly.

With that, Finlay walked briskly off.

“That’s the second time today what he’s been a little bit…” Punch whispered when Finlay was out of earshot.

“Overly interested?” Robert suggested.

“Yes.” Punch sighed.

“Can you shed any light on that, Gerry?” Robert asked.

“Well, Sir.” Gerard shrugged. “Best I can figure it, Finlay’s used to bein’ the only man ‘bout the house. The other blokes on the estate work outside. Finlay’s pa and the other men are mostly on the grounds or in the stables. They only come inside when somethin’s broken. So, with Charlie and me here, I guess Finlay feels a bit…well…dunno.”

“Threatened, I s’pose.” Punch smiled. “Now he’s got to compete with you and Charles for the attention of the masters.”

“That’s it, Your Grace.” Gerard nodded.

“That makes sense.” Robert sighed. “Well, we’ll make a point of praising him at tea. In fact, Gerard, why don’t you and Charles let Finlay serve with Speaight at tea. You can tell Speaight that I said so.”

“I will, Sir.”

“In the meanwhile,” Punch said brightly, preparing to open the door to the nursery. “We thought you might like to take a walk with Gamilla. Dr. Halifax and I will push Colin in his pram, but we’d like you and Gamilla to follow—at a reasonable distance—behind. It’s been forever since you two had a chance to talk by yourselves.”

Gerard grinned broadly. “Thank you ever-so much, Sir.”

“Just don’t stay too far behind us,” Robert teased.

“I won’t, Sir.” Gerard blushed. “By the way, Sir, when Mr. Speaight was lookin’ for me he mentioned to Mrs. Pepper that you and His Grace were takin’ a walk, so Mrs. Pepper’s puttin’ together a basket of all sorts of lovely things to eat. I’ll pick it up as we leave and carry it for ya.”

“How kind!” Punch chirped. He glanced back at Gerard and noticed that the footman’s smile had faded.

“What’s botherin’ ya?” Punch asked.

“Oh…” Gerard shook his head.

“Come on, Gerard.” Robert said gently. “You needn’t worry about telling us anything.”

“Well, Sir. It’s just…did Finlay tell ya I tripped?”

“He said you looked groggy.” Punch shook his head.

“He didn’t say I been drinkin’, did he?”

“He suggested it.” Robert answered softly.

“That ain’t right.” Gerard frowned. “He’s the one what offered me whiskey last night. I refused and all. He were the one drinkin’ it down.”

“You shouldn’t let it bother you too much, Gerard.” Punch patted Gerry on the shoulder. “You remember how men can be when they think they’re competin’. Wasn’t ‘til long after you met what you and Charlie got to be friends. I s’pect Finlay will settle down in a few days and you two will get on like ol’ chums.”

“I’m sure you’re right, Your Grace.” Gerard nodded. “Only…he had to really go out of his way to come up here without seein’ me when you asked Speaight to fetch me. I wasn’t but in the pantry. He could easily have gotten me.”

“It’s best not to dwell on it.” Robert smiled.

“Sure.” Gerard nodded.

“Sides, you got a nice mornin’ ‘head of ya.” Punch said. “Now, let’s go tell Gamilla ‘bout our plans and get Colin ready to go.”

“Thank you again, Your Grace, Sir.” Gerard began to grin again. “I…I feel like I’m part of a family. Haven’t felt that way in almost thirty years.”

“We are a family, Gerry.” Punch nodded. “Ain’t nothin’ gonna change that.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-83? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 85 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square.  

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 84

Marjani rose to her full height and put her hands on her hips. “Go on, now! Git!”


“Come on, then.” Arthur grinned—his slick yellow teeth making Marjani look away. “Show us a little Christian charity, what.”

“Ain’t got no charity for the likes of you. Besides, this place is under quarantine. Don’t want the Yellow Fever, do ya?”

Arthur frowned. “Just because you’re thick with barmy Lord Fallbridge and his ‘chum,’ you ain’t gonna even offer me a helpin’ hand.”

“I’ll give you my hand.” Marjani said, raising her arm high above her head.

“Fine, then.” Arthur grinned. “I know when I’m not welcome.”

“And, if I ever catch you sniffin’ ‘round this child again, I’ll make it so you got nothin’ but a hole where your nose oughta be.” Marjani shouted.

“Say, I could like you.” Arthur winked. “Fancy havin’ a bit of whiskey with me?”

“Git!” Marjani bellowed.

Arthur laughed and left the shack.

Marjani hurried over to Columbia and knelt down beside her granddaughter. “Now, chil’ if you see that man comin, you jus’ run the other way. You hear?”

Columbia nodded. “Can I see Mama and Papa now?”

“No, Honey. Ya can’t.”

“I just wanna give ‘em a kiss for Christmas.” Columbia lowered her head.

“I’ll give it to ‘em for ya, Honey.” Marjani said softly. “See, your mama and papa, they’re sick and the sickness they got, it’s very catchin’. I can’t have you getting’ sick on me, too. Now, can I? Who would help me feed the pups and grind the stones for my colors.”

“Can I help with the colors tonight?” Columbia asked.

“Yes, Chil’, you can. We’re gonna mix up a big buncha colors. See, we’re gonna have to dye whole bunches of cloth next year. The ladies are wearin’ all their best dresses to the big ball in New Orleans when the year changes. Well, you know, after that, they’re all gonna want new gowns cuz folk done already seen ‘em in the ones they got already.” Marjani said.

“I’ll help.” Columbia nodded. “We gonna make them ladies pretty.”

“That’s right, Columbia.” Marjani continued to force herself to smile. “But, you can only do that if you don’t get sick. So, let me give kisses to your mama and papa for you and you run ‘long back to my place. I’ll tell ‘em both that you love them.”

“Will you get sick, Grandmama?” Columbia asked.

“Me?” Marjani faked a laugh. “Honey, you know your grandmamma. Ain’t nothin’ ever gonna get me sick. Now, go on. See if them pups are wantin’ their supper.”

“I love you, Grandmama.” Columbia hugged her grandmother.

“Oh, I love you, too, my lamb.” Marjani squeezed the girl. Tears welled up in her eyes. She broke the hug and turned away. “Now, go on.”

Marjani listened until she heard the door to the shack close, and, then, she wept bitterly.

At that very moment, Arthur wandered lazily through the sugar cane, grabbing at it with his dirty hands as he walked along and hummed.

He was shocked when he heard a hissing from the cane and thought he’d stumbled upon a snake.

“Oh, it’s you,” Arthur sighed as Barbara Allen approached him.

“Is that how you greet your wife?” Barbara asked.

“It is when she’s dressed like that.” Arthur frowned. “With all them fine clothes that girl’s got, you’d think she could have given you something decent to wear.”

“I don’t dare ask Ulrika for anything else. Haven’t I already paid her enough?”

“I don’t mind.” Arthur grinned. “It’s not bad work.”

Barbara put her hands around Arthur’s throat and squeezed.

Arthur continued to smile. “Jealous?” He gasped. “Don’t you think I will be when you get to work tomorrow?”

“No.” Barbara released her husband’s neck. “Frankly, I don’t.”

“So, then, pet, any luck?” Arthur asked, rubbing his throat.

“No. I can’t get near the place. Mr. Rittenhouse has a whole army of men cleaning up the debris. What about you? Did you get anything to eat?”

“Not a morsel.” Arthur laughed.

“Is this amusing to you?” Barbara shook her head.

“It rather is, Barb’ry Allen.” Arthur continued to walk along, humming. Barbara chased after him.

“Listen to me,” Barbara whispered fiercely. “We’re leaving for New Orleans when it gets dark. If I don’t have something to eat before then I’m going to die.”

“They already all think you’re dead anyway—just like they done me.” Arthur shrugged.

“If I die, you will, too. You need me. I’m you’re sole supporter. You should count yourself very fortunate that I forgave you for leaving me in that blaze.”

“I do, pet, I do.” Arthur winked. “Want us to show you our gratitude?”

“No.” Barbara frowned. “I can still smell Ulrika on you.”

“Least she’s got food.”

“Fine lot of help you are,” Barbara grumbled.

“You know who’d love to help ya?” Arthur smirked. “Your loony brother. He’d be ever-so-pleased to see you alive. I fancy he’d even give you a few shillings.”

“And force me to go home.” Barbara narrowed her eyes.

“No.” Arthur shrugged. “Don’t have to be that way. We can still go off as we planned. Just let him think you’ve reformed your wicked ways. Get what you can, then, tonight slip out.” Arthur pointed down the red hill to Cecil and Adrienne’s house. “Think of him and his companion all nice and warm in that big, yellow house. Think of the diamonds on his fingers—then. Think of him stuffin’ his skinny face with food and talkin’ in strange voices and bein’ all wild and understanding all at once. Don’t you hate him? Think what that hate can get us.”

“He’d never accept you in that house.”

“Tell ‘im I’m gone—abandonned you.” Arthur winked. “He’d believe. Just picture it, Pet, your barmy brother—the grand Lord Fallbridge—thrilled to have his wayward sister back in the family bosom at last. Then, think of the pain he’ll feel when he awakens on Christmas morning to find you’ve gone!” Arthur laughed.

“What about his companion?” Barbara asked. “That butcher is no fool. He has no sentiment when it comes to me. He’d not believe a word of it. Julian is very much in that man’s control, you know. He’s not going to do anything unless the doctor approves of it. Furthermore, what if Julian’s playing one of his games? He’s not terribly reasonable when he’s putting on his little charade with the rough voice and manner.”

“Isn’t it better than freezing and starving for the next few hours?” Arthur smiled.

“And, what will you do?” Barbara asked.

“Oh, I got somewhere to go.” Arthur smiled.

Barbara looked away. “I’m sure that you do.”

Meanwhile, Julian was cuddled up in bed with Toby who snored in the sweet way that only a dog can snore.

“I do like him.” Julian grinned.

“So does Mr. Punch.” Robert nodded from the soft upholstered chair where he sat. “You’re looking better, I must say.”

“I’m feeling better.” Julian answered. “These burns still hurt like the devil. Do we have any more of that salve?”

“Yes.” Robert said, “But let’s wait a bit. I’ve only just put some on.”

“Very well.” Julian sighed.

A faint knock on the door interrupted their conversation.

“It is I.” Adrienne said through the door.

“Enter,” Robert smiled.

Adrienne came into the room. She looked pale and worried.

“Is something wrong?” Robert asked.

“A visitor has come to the rear door. Someone for Lord Fallbridge.” Adrienne explained.

“A visitor for me?” Julian sat up. “Who on Earth would wish to see me? I don’t know anyone here except for the people in this house and the Rittenhouses. And, I know that Mrs. Rittenhouse would not want to visit with me.”

“Julian,” Adrienne said softly. “It’s your sister.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-83? If so, you can read them here. Come back on Monday, November 1 for Chapter 85 of Punch’s Cousin.