When we began the week, Mr. Punch was really quite ill, and no one knew exactly what was wrong with him. Even Robert couldn’t figure out what was causing Punch’s dizziness, queasiness and overall weakness. Thankfully for Mr. Punch, the staff gathered around to support him. Charles and Gerard spent the evenings playing games with Punch and Robert spent as much time with his companion as he could. Mrs. Pepper made special meals, hoping that the Duke would be able to keep something down. Gamilla prayed in her own way. Even the younger staff members made drawings for their master. Miss Barrett visited when she could and everyone tried to keep Punch’s spirits up.
One evening, exhausted, Mr. Punch passed out—much to the terror of Charles and Gerard. While unconscious, Punch had a vision of Julian who warned him that it was possible that he’s been poisoned. When Robert returned from helping deliver Queen Victoria’s next child, he was told about Punch’s theory and he reacted quite violently, insisting that Charles fetch Miss Barrett. Robert concluded that the Duke’s sugar cubes had been poisoned. Robert asked Miss Barrett what she knew about it. She responded that she knew nothing of it and Robert accused Miss Barrett’s brother of being the culprit. A very upset Mr. Punch put an end to the discussion and declared that they would soon leave for Scotland.
Robert urged Punch to call for the beadle and report the poisoning, but Punch insisted they had no evidence, and, given what had just happened with William Stover’s murder, they didn’t need to involve the police. Punch also suggested that it was Tom, not Roger, who had poisoned him. Punch tried to calm Robert with talk of their impending trip.
Before they knew it, Punch, Robert, Colin, Dog Toby, Ellen, Mr. Speaight, Mrs. Pepper, Gamilla, Charles and Gerard were on their way to Scotland to Grange Molliner. As they traveled, Ellen—who had been acting suspiciously since Robert accused her brother of poisoning the Duke—chatted with Gamilla who found Ellen to be reluctant to talk about her past in Scotland and her family. Ellen seemed confident that everything would improve when they arrived at Grange Molliner.
One thing certainly did improve—Punch’s health. Upon arriving at the Grange, Punch was filled with eager energy. He talked about the history of the land and recalled his father and mother and a time when his parents had left him at Fallbridge Hall to come to the Grange for months without him. Punch presented Robert with a kilt and the appropriate accessories—much to Robert’s embarrassment. However, Robert couldn’t resist Punch’s charm and agreed to wear the costume.
Meanwhile, the staff of No. 65 Belgrave Square and the staff of the Grange became acquainted. The Grange’s housekeeper, Mrs. North, was quite interested in Colin and noted that he looked a lot like a Molliner. Eventually, Mrs. North concluded that Colin must be the Duke’s nephew. Did Gamilla answer the old woman’s questions?
And, just what, exactly, is going on with Ellen? She has been acting oddly. Has she more knowledge of Punch’s poisoning than she lets on. And, why is she so excited about being at Grange Molliner. A shocking truth will be revealed this week that you won’t want to miss. Meanwhile, Robert and Punch stumble upon a new mystery that has long been hidden at the Molliner’s ancestral home. And, Gerard finds himself in an awkward position when he encounters some competition from the Grange’s footman, Finlay. Don’t forget, if you miss a chapter of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, there are links to each chapter and summaries of each in the Chapter Archive. Thanks for reading!
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