Punch's Cousin, Chapter 241

Cecil and Mr. Punch tried—as best they could—to explain the series of events that had led them to that moment. Barbara listened—wide-eyed—as she was told of Edward Cage’s demands, the danger from Marie Laveau and Iolanthe Evangeline, and, finally, of Ulrika Rittenhouse’s interference.


“It’s all too horrible,” Barbara whimpered.

“It is,” Mr. Punch said softly. “Here, I know you’re upset with what we done—takin’ Colin from you, but you got to know that we only want the best for the boy. That’s why we done what we did.”

“I was upset, Julian.” Barbara began.

Charles interrupted. “Miss Allen,” he began.

“You don’t have to pretend, Charles.” Barbara smiled. “I’m sure that Mr. Halifax and my brother know that we’ve become close.”

“’Spected so.” Mr. Punch nodded.

“Very well,” Charles blushed, “Barbara, perhaps we should make an effort to call this gentleman by his proper name. Though he looks like the Duke of Fallbridge and though they share a body, he is not the Duke. I don’t understand how it works, only that it does.”

“I know,” Barbara nodded slowly. “But, it’s quite a lot to take, isn’t it?”

Mr. Punch grinned. “I’d say so.”

“What do you prefer to be called?” Barbara asked.

“Mr. Punch. Or, just Punch.”

“Punch, thank you for all that you’ve done.” Barbara said, her eyes welling up with tears.

“You’re thanking me?”

“I am.” Barbara nodded. “Your love for my son is astounding. And, that you continue to offer me familial comfort despite all I’ve done to you and your friends and…well, if you’re two different people, to Julian.”

“I s’pose we are kin.” Mr. Punch sighed. “That’s the way to do it. Isn’t it?”

“It is.” Barbara said. “I never thought that I would admit it, but I admire you. Who would have imagined that I’d learn how to be human from…”

“A puppet?” Mr. Punch chuckled.

“Yes.” Barbara smiled softly. “I do not wish to be diverted from it, either. This is my chance—perhaps my final one. I will never be able to blot out the horrible things I’ve done, but I can improve my circumstances and those of the people around me, from this point forward.”

Charles patted Barbara’s shoulder. “That’s wonderful, Barbara.”

“I wish to assist you in rescuing Colin.” Barbara said.

“Why should we trust you?” Cecil interrupted.

“Because I am changed. I am sincere.” Barbara responded, her eyes widening.

“I recall a Christmas visit to my house in Marionneaux when you filled my wife’s head with such claims and then left with our silver and jewels.” Cecil scowled.

“Then, I will have to prove my sincerity to you.” Barbara replied softly.

“Will you be able to do it in the presence of your husband?” Cecil snorted.

“My husband is at sea.” Barbara replied quickly. “Or possibly dead.”

“No, he ain’t.” Mr. Punch shook his head. “He’s up the street with Ulrika Rittenhouse right this very minute.”

Barbara coughed.

“Does that change things, Miss Allen?” Cecil snarled.



Did you miss Chapters 1-240? If so, you can read them here.

Goal for the Day: Figure Out What Relaxes You

We’re a society of people who are always “on.” We are called upon to be ever-alert, ever-vigiliant and ever-engaged. But, sometimes, we need to be “off.” A human body and mind can only go so long without rest.


Because we’re so accustomed to constant stimulation, very often, we forget how to relax. We bombard ourselves with continuous information which can make our minds race. Today, do yourself a favor and remove yourself from some of the barrage of feelings and actions which we face each day. Remember how to relax. Spend some time revisiting the ways in which you can relax. Moderate exercise, arts and crafts, music, reading, meditation. Give yourself a chance to breathe so that, tomorrow, you can be at the top of your game.

Object of the Day: A Moonstone Stickpin

Mystical and mysterious, the moonstone was a popular gem of the Victorian era. It was prized for its milky blue glow and the way in which it seemed to absorb light. Moonstone was frequently used with other stones in elaborate settings, but it often found itself center stage.


Such is the case of this lovely English stickpin of 9 karat gold. The large moonstone is set into a sterling silver bezel which has been chased with a minute pattern of laurel leaves. A stickpin such as this would have been used by a gentleman in less-formal situations such as daily business or trips to the country.

Just as appealing as the day it was set, this moonstone stickpin continues to demonstrate the ethereal refraction which made this simple stone a super star.

Painting of the Day: The Governess, 1844

The Governess
Richard Redgrave, 1844
The Victoria & Albert Museum

When Richard Redgrave exhibited this painting in 1844, he asked that the following quotation accompany the canvas: “She sees no kind domestic visage here'” Redgrave was sympathetic to the lives of governesses. His own sister was a governess and died young. She often told him of the awkwardness of the position—not quite a servant, not quite a member of the family. The role was lonely and ambiguous, but it was also one of the few acceptable means by which a middle class girl might earn a living.


Redgrave painted this scene of a distracted governess holding a letter which seems to have recalled unhappy emotions. The canvas was well-received, but deemed a trifle depressing. When it was purchased, the buyer asked if it couldn’t be “made cheerier.” And, so, Redgrave added the scene of the children in the background, while refusing to alter the countenance of the poor central figure.

Person of the Week: Mr. Punch

He has been known as many things: a loveable rascal, a rogue, a murderer, an adulterer, an innocent, a father, a husband, an abuser, a friend and foe of animals, a sausage-maker, an ornery neighbor, a scamp, an imp, a national icon and an international celebrity. He’s Mr. Punch. And, today is his 349th birthday.


No, he’s not technically a person, but he’s an enduring personality who has been repeatedly brought to life by thousands of artists all over the world for centuries. Throughout the past few months, we’ve explored Mr. Punch’s history—from his Italian roots, to his “birth” in England’s Covent Garden to his many cousins worldwide. This plucky puppet has inspired countless literary works (including Punch’s Cousin), a magazine named in his honor, grand works of art and humble folk arts. Interestingly enough, he’s risen above his origins to become something of a symbol of Britain and the people who inhabit it. He gets away with the things that we all wish we could do. He beats the devil! He triumphs over his problems! And, he does it all with a great amount of confidence and humor.

We shouldn’t really consider Mr. Punch to be a role model. Some of his behavior is quite questionable. But, we do have to admire his attitude and we can all adapt some of his unrelenting spirit into our own lives. He’s the best and the worst part of each of us—represented in figures of wood and felt. He encourages us to be the puppeteers of our own lives and to always be prepared to say, “Huzzah, I beat the Devil.”

For his 349 years of entertainment and enlightenment and for becoming more than the wooden-headed hunchback that first appeared in Covent Garden, Mr. Punch is our “Person of the Week.” Or, at the very least, “The Puppet of the Week.”

Happy Birthday, Mr. Punch.

Gifts of Grandeur: Tsar Nicholas II’s Imperial Presentation Box, 1900

Imperial Presentation Box
Made for Tsar Nicholas II, 1900
Carl Blank for K. Hahn Co.
Two-color gold, guilloché enamel,
rose-cut diamonds, and seed pearls.
Queen Mary, by whom given to
King George V
The Royal Collection

This gorgeous box created of two-color gold, guilloché enamel, rose-cut diamonds, and seed pearls appears, at first glance, to be the work of Fabergé, but it isn’t. Crafted in 1900, the box bears the mark of Carl Blank of K. Hahn. Hahn was one Fabergé’s main competitors for imperial commissions and Blank was one of his chief artisans.


Of the 370 Russian Imperial Presentation boxes, 150 were made by Fabergé and 50 were made by Hahn. This box is one of Hahn and Blank’s finest. Within a field of sky-blue enamel, the cipher of Tsar Nicholas II has been set in diamonds and accented by pearls.

One of several items from the Revolution that Queen Mary acquired, she purchased the box from a dealer, recording it in the Royal Collection as an Imperial Presentation Box made for Tsar Nicholas II. Mary of Teck did make one error in her recording of the piece. She attributed the work to Fabergé. She later gave the box to her husband, King George V.

Treat of the Week: Mother’s Day Special

Though my mother is the Queen of Cuisine, every year my father tries his hand at creating a special dinner for Mother’s Day and my mother’s birthday. It must be a daunting task for him, considering the skill and artistry my mother brings to every dish she prepares. However, each year, he outdoes himself and serves up dishes which make for a perfect celebration and give my mother a day off from the kitchen.


This year brought a lovely, puffy cheese soufflé which was a tasty as it was attractive. Rising high above it’s dark blue dish, the soufflé had a wonderful crust and was delightfully creamy. Served with a salad of fresh greens, fruit, nuts and blue cheese, the soufflé was large enough for two servings each, and then some.

The meal was accompanied by a lovely homemade bread. Made from scratch and coated with sesame seeds, this bread was really quite delicious and would have done any baker proud.

The meal concluded with a beautiful lemon meringue pie. Meringue is tricky stuff, but my father managed to make it perfectly. The creamy, lemon filling atop the homemade crust was light and flavorful.

Hats off to my father and thanks for a delightful meal in honor of my mother. For someone who only cooks twice a year, he does a great job.