Makes a Bloke Dizzy
Robert flopped down onto the long sofa in the handsome parlor just off of the Great Hall of Grange Molliner. “I haven’t walked that far in months.” He panted.
“Ummm…Chum.” Punch pointed at Robert’s legs—sticking immodestly out from his disheveled kilt.
“Oh.” Robert blushed, adjusting the plaid garment. “You see, that’s why I was hesitant to wear it.”
“I think you done quite well, Chum.” Punch smiled. “You’re gettin’ to be a true Scotsman.”
“I’ve quite a way to go before I can say that.” Robert laughed.
Punch searched the walls of the darkly-paneled room, studying each bit of wall.
“What are you looking for, Dear Punch?”
“Bell-push…or pull…as the case may be.” Punch squinted.
“It’s over by the…” Robert looked up. “Oh…no, it isn’t.”
“There it is,” Punch smiled, walking toward the entrance to the room—to the right of which hung the bell-pull. Mr. Punch gave the bell a good yank and stepped back. “Odd place for it.” He turned around and grinned. “Some tea, then?”
“Yes. I’d like that.” Robert nodded. “I’m quite starved.”
“I did walk ya quite a long way.” Punch laughed. “But, ya kept up with me. Bet you’d never know I been ill. Huh?”
“No one could ever tell.” Robert smiled. “Thank you for showing me the estate, my dear.”
“Were me pleasure.” Punch nodded. “What’d you think of it?”
“It’s beautiful country. And, the air is so clear and crisp. I’d become so used to the soot of London that I’d forgotten what it was like to breathe clean air.”
“Almost makes a bloke dizzy.” Punch grinned.
“I can see why your father loved this place so.” Robert continued.
“He certainly did.” Punch sighed. “I should have brought ya here sooner, I should. Next we’ll go to Fallbridge Hall.”
“Are you sure you want to?” Robert asked.
“Well,” Punch replied thoughtfully. “Maybe after awhile. It’s a pity, it is, really. Such fine land, it is there. And, the house is so grand and lovely—twice the size of the Grange. It’s only that…”
“I know.” Robert nodded. “The memories…”
“Yes.” Punch frowned. “It’s not so much that I’m worried ‘bout me-self. I’ve had time to understand them thoughts, but Julian…he hasn’t. See, I been keepin’ them memories for ‘im so he wouldn’t have to. I fear that going back there might…”
“I understand completely.” Robert smiled. “I think, my dear, that we should not worry about a thing right now. Let’s just enjoy our holiday.”
“I’m for that, I am.” Punch replied, sitting down next to Robert.
Speaight arrived a moment later—looking slightly pale and pinched.
“Your Grace,” Speaight nodded his head.
“Here, Speaight…I think we’re ready for tea…” Punch squinted. “Hold on…you don’t look so very good. Are you feelin’ poorly?”
“No, Sir.” Speaight shook his head.
“You can’t expect us to believe that all is right,” Robert protested. “Is there trouble in the servants’ hall?”
“No, Sir.” Speaight replied. “Not trouble exactly.”
“I kinda figured Mrs. North might give ya a little trouble,” Punch answered thoughtfully. “She’s used to bein’ the sole voice of authority. I wondered if she might fight ya.”
“We had a bit of a disagreement, Your Grace, but that has passed.” Speaight explained.
“I’m glad of it.” Robert nodded. “We can always count on you, Speaight, to be level-headed and politic.”
“I should also point out that Mrs. North, Sir, has been asking questions about certain family business.”
“Such as?” Robert asked.
“Can’t ya guess?” Punch laughed. “I got no doubt that she wonders who you are, Chum.”
“Well, Your Grace, that’s not what I was told.” Speaight said softly.
“What did she want to know?” Robert asked.
“Master Colin’s parentage.” Speaight replied stiffly.
“What?” Robert’s eyes widened.
“Wait, now.” Punch said quickly. “Before we get too bothered, I must say, I knew that Mrs. North would notice that Colin’s all Molliner.”
Speaight looked uncomfortable.
“You didn’t know, did ya?” Punch asked.
“It wasn’t my place to know, Sir. It’s not my place to discuss my betters.”
“I respect ya for it, Speaight. Truly, I do. Only you might as well know, too. Colin’s adopted, sure. But, he’s actually me nephew—the son of me sister and…some bloke. It ain’t somethin’ I want folk outside to know, but I don’t mind the staff bein’ told. Not, at least, the staff what we got with us here. Perhaps Ethel and Jenny and some o’ the younger ones at home—they’d not be able to keep it to themselves, but trusted, close staff like you and Mrs. Pepper. Charles and Gerard and Gamilla—they was there, of course. So, they know. But, it’s like me own secret—you know, bein’ Mr. Punch and all. If you can know that, you can know ‘bout Colin.”
Speaight nodded.
“I agree with His Grace.” Robert smiled. “I trust Mrs. North knows not to speak of this.”
“I’m sure of it, Sir.” Speaight replied.
“So, you don’t gotta look so upset, then.” Punch answered cheerfully.
“Or is there something else?” Robert asked.
“Well, Sir.” Speaight replied. “There is.”
“What is it, Speaight?” Robert raised one eyebrow.
“It’s Miss Barrett, Sir. We can’t seem to find here anywhere.” Speaight frowned.
Did you miss Chapters 1-71? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 73 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square.
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