A Recipe for Punch, Chapter 102

Chapter 102
The Chain


Violet hurried into Lennie's room.  "I think I've got everything you asked for.  I have the egg shells and...well, everything you wrote down, including the brick dust which I took myself from grinding a rock into some of the bricks in the back of the stable."

"Thank you, Vi."  Gamilla nodded seriously.  She took the cloth-wrapped parcel from Violet.  

"Oh, and Mrs. Pepper had a red ribbon."  Violet took a short coil of silk ribbon from her apron pocket, "And, I had some blue.  It's not a lot, but..."

"It's perfect."  Gamilla replied.

"What else can I do?"  Violet asked.

"You can put the brick powder, the egg shells and them herbs in the middle of one o' Miss Lennie's handkerchiefs and tie it with that string."  Gamilla said.  "Then place the sachet, gently, under her pillow."

Violet nodded.  "Sure."

"You've done this before, then, Gamilla?"  Matthew asked from across the room.

"Well, not exactly, Lord Cleaversworth."  Gamilla answered honestly.  She turned around quickly, and, then returned her attention to preparing the other items Violet had brought from downstairs--hair from a horse's tail, wax from a white candle, the peel of a lemon, some crumbles of earth, some wood shavings, a rusty bit of chain, and a short  length of rope.

"Then, I say, how do you know what you're doing?"  Matthew asked.  He looked around.  "How do we know that she knows what she's doing?"

Punch interjected.  "Gamilla knows what she's doing, Matthew."

"We trust her."  Robert agreed.

"Lord Cleaversworth,"  Gamilla continued, "I may not have done this myself, but I seen my mama and my grandmama done this many times.  When I was a little girl, I saw my mama do this with ladies who done got weak and lost blood from childbirth.  They'd seem like they was dead, and lost, and Mama would do this, and go on to the other side and find 'em and bring 'em back.  She done so with ladies who was sick with fever, too.  My grandmama, it was said, even done it with ladies who were thought to have been lost to demons.  She brought 'em all back."

"Only with ladies?"  Violet asked curiously.

"Only a woman can help another woman, and a man another man.  That's why when his Grace was sick after Miss Fern gave him too much o' that sleepin' tonic, and he was like dead to us for so long, I couldn't do the same.  Somethin' about this gris-gris--only works with the same gender."  Gamilla explained.

"'Milla?"  Gerard asked.  "Is there any danger in it?  Goin' to the other side?"

"Don't worry, Honey."  Gamilla smiled.

"But..."  Gerard came closer.

"Only a little,"  Gamilla whispered.  "Only if the chain is broken."

"The chain?"  Gerard picked up the bit of rusty chain from the table.

"Not that chain."  Gamilla shook her head.  "Here, Honey, grab that bit o' burlap and help me wrap this up.  We'll tie it with the length o' rope and place it at Miss Lennie's feet.  Then, I'll explain how this works."

Gerard nodded uncomfortably.

As Gerard did that, Gamilla walked over to Lennie and gently tied the red ribbon, in a bow, around her left wrist, and, then went to Violet.  

"Vi...can you tie this 'round my right wrist?"  She asked.

"Sure,"  Violet nodded, doing as Gamilla asked.

"Now,"  Gamilla said, once everything was in place, "we're gonna need everyone to be quiet and still.  I'll need His Grace and His Lordship to be near."

"Of course,"  Robert nodded.

"Whatever I need to do."  Punch came forward.

"What happens is, I will sit on the bed next to Miss Lennie and hold her left hand in my right hand.  The person who's closest to her in life will need to sit on her other side and hold her right hand in his left hand.  Then, he must reach  over her body and take my left hand in his right hand.  We will make a triangle over her."  Gamilla continued to explain.  "I figure that the person closest to Miss Lennie in life is His Grace, bein' her brother, and good friend."

From across the room, Matthew made a slight snorting sound.  Otherwise the room was silent.

"Will you do it, Your Grace?"  Gamilla asked.

"I'd do an'thing."  Punch replied quickly.  

"I will say words, slow and soft, and you will need to repeat what I say.  We will both need to keep our eyes shut.  At some point, I'm gonna stop chantin'.  When I do, that means, I reached the other side, and it means I got to Miss Lennie to help her fight her battle.  When I stop, I still need you, Your Grace, to keep your eyes closed, and I need you to concentrate on us.  Think only of us--of Miss Lennie and of me.  If the concentration is broken--if the chain is broken--one or the other of us might not come back."

"Is that so?"  Gerard asked.  "Can that happen?"

Gamilla nodded slowly.  "I'm told it happened once.  My grandmama told me that it happened to her sister.  She was lost on the other side.  The lady she was helpin' made it back, but, her sister didn't."

Gerard put his hand over his eyes and rubbed his temples.

"That's why we need the room to be silent, and we can't have no distractions."  Gamilla said.  "Your Lordship, if you would make sure Miss Lennie's breathin' is good and strong and that we're both safe.  If you see that we're in physical danger, wake me first, please, then, His Grace."

Robert nodded.

"Maybe it'd be better to clear the room."  Gerard suggested.

"I'm not leaving."  Matthew shook his head.

"I suppose Violet and I could..."  Charles volunteered.

"I don't think you have to."  Gamilla replied.  "It'd be good to have all the healin' energy in the room, we just gotta be quiet."

"At least, then, I'll stand outside the door."  Charles whispered to Violet.

"Oh, stay with me, Charlie."  Violet asked.

Charles nodded affectionately.

Gamilla nodded at Mr. Punch who sat down on the bed next to Lennie.  Gamilla sat down on the other side.  "Let's begin."

Meanwhile, downstairs in the Servants' Hall, George Pepper, sweating and panting, ran past Gregory, into the hall.

"Oy, George!"  Gregory shouted, trying to stop him.  "Wait!  Where've you been?"

"As if you didn't know!"  George coughed.

"Here, come talk with me."  Gregory reached out in an attempt grab the lad's arm.

"Let me go!"  George shouted loudly enough to attract attention.

From the kitchens, George's mother heard her son's voice and came running.

"Georgie!"  Mrs. Pepper sobbed.  

She ran toward her son.  "You're alive!  You're safe and alive!  Thank heaven!"

Gregory stepped backward and retreated, slipping away to go and tell Mr. Quick what was happening.

"Mum!"  George broke down in heaving sobs.

"What 'appened to ya, dearie?  We've been beside ourselves!  The whole estate is lookin' for ya!  You and William and Miss Morgana and, now, Fred Perkins!"

"William's dead, Mum!"  George wept.  "Miss Morgana's in danger and so is Fred.  Mr. Jackson and some wicked men have 'em, and that Miss Blessum--she killed William.  They...they want to use us to...to bring the Duchess back to life!  It's awful sick, Mum!  They're under the vicarage in some kind of cellar!  I escaped, but...they're gonna come after me!  It were afwul, Mum!  They were gonna kill me like they done William and they're gonna cut off Miss Morgana's head and flay Fred alive!"

"What?"  Mrs. Pepper took her son by the arms.  

"We gotta get His Grace right now!  We gotta get to them before they kill Miss Morgana and Fred, too!  Where are they?  The Parson Quick said Miss Lennie's hurt--are they with her?"

"She is hurt."  Mrs. Pepper nodded, wiping her eyes.  "They're all in her room.  We'll go there right now."



Did you miss Chapters 1-101 of A Recipe for Punch?  If so, you can read them here.  Come back tomorrow for Chapter 103.

Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 102

Chapter 102: 

Your Perspective 



Gerard narrowed his eyes and repeated himself. “I asked you what you’re doin’ up here.”

Ellen shivered, continuing to feign illness. She reached over and placed her hand, dramatically, on Finlay’s arm.

“Are you all right, Miss?” Finlay asked formally.

“Yes, yes,” Ellen rasped. “Gerard startled me.”

“Lower your fist, man.” Finlay clucked his tongue. “You’re upsetting Miss Barrett.”

“She ought to be upset.” Gerard shook his head. “I thought you were sick, Miss. If you are, why are you up here with Finlay? Here where you can spread your illness to the Duke, the doctor and Master Colin.”

“Doctor Halifax told me that I must take some exercise. It’s far too chilly for me to go outside at this hour. So, Finlay kindly volunteered to walk with me around the house.”

“How do you even know the man?” Gerard squinted. “You took to your room the very moment we arrived here. Can’t see how you’d have had a chance to even meet the staff here.”

“Finlay’s been very kindly bringing me my tea. We’ve gotten a few opportunities to chat and I must say, he’s quite a sympathetic and caring man.” Ellen lied.

Gerard nodded slowly. “So, you’re takin’ exercise? This late at night?”

“One of the great mysteries of the human body.” Ellen sighed. “I find myself stricken with fatigue during the day, and, then, at night, I feel a bit stronger.”

Finlay nodded. “Aye, Miss. The body is a curious thing. Let’s continue our walk, then, and leave Gerard to his…” Finlay grinned. “Silver.”

Ellen smiled slightly. “Gerard, I might ask why you’re up here as well. Were you on your way to the Doctor’s room?”

“No.” Gerard responded.

Looking up, Ellen pointed as the nursery door opened and Gamilla entered the passage. “Or perhaps, you’re here to see someone.”

Gamilla smiled as she came out. “I thought I heard voices. Figured it was Dr. Halifax. Miss Ellen! You’re out of your room. How good! You must be feelin’ better, then.”

“Yes,” Ellen whispered. “I’m getting up a bit as Dr. Halifax suggested.”

“That’s right nice.” Gamilla replied.

“We should be moving on.” Ellen said quietly.

“Is Finlay helpin’ ya?” Gamilla continued.

“Obviously,” Ellen frowned. She caught herself, however, and tried to affect a more pleasant demeanor.

Gamilla looked hurt.

“Oh…” Ellen moaned softly. “I think I’m feeling light-headed.”

“Perhaps I should take you back downstairs.” Finlay suggested.

“I think so.” Ellen nodded weakly.

“I can help.” Gamilla volunteered.

“Thank you, Gamilla.” Ellen shook her head. “You’re so sweet and kind. But, Finlay will take me. You should really take advantage of this chance to see Gerard. I’m sure you’ve not had much time together. Poor Gamilla—you’ve been stuck in the nursery doing my work all this time.”

“I don’t mind. I love bein’ with Master Colin.” Gamilla smiled.

“You’re an angel.” Ellen fluttered. “An angel.” She coughed again.

“I’ll take you now, Miss.” Finlay said. “Good night, all.”

“Good night, Miss. Good night, Finlay.” Gamilla said sweetly.

Gerard was silent.

Once Finlay and Ellen had walked off, Gamilla walked up to Gerard, making sure not to get too close.

“You know, Gerry, you shoulda done said good night.”

Gerard shrugged. “I don’t like that Miss Barrett.”

“Still no reason for to be rude.”

“She don’t deserve any kindness. ‘Milla, I don’t see why you’re so good to her when she’s always talkin’ down to ya.”

“She ain’t doin’ no such thing, Gerry.” Gamilla sighed. “She’s my friend.”

“Is she?” Gerard sniffed. “Dearie, she’s as false as paste. She’s don’t care one lick ‘bout you.”

“How can you say that?” Gamilla asked. “She been so good to me. She gave me a journal and flowers and all.”

“And, makes you do her work for her while she pretends to be sick.”

“Pretends? She ain’t pretendin’. She’s really sick. Dr. Halifax done looked her over and all.”

“Dr. Halifax don’t like her neither.”

“Maybe so, but he ain’t rude to her.” Gamilla replied.

“Only ‘cause the Duke is just like you…always givin’ folks a chance.”

Gamilla’s eyes filled with tears. “You don’t think I should? I gave you a chance, Gerry. You was no good once. You and that Arthur! You hurt the Duke and Dr. Halifax. But, they gave you a chance and so did I.”

“Do you regret it?” Gerard frowned.

“Maybe I do.” Gamilla replied softly.

“After I been standin’ here waitin’ for ya? Just to see ya. Just to maybe have a word from ya.”

“I didn’t ask you to.” Gamilla whispered.

“Don’t worry, girl. I ain’t gonna do it again.”

With that, Gerard stormed off.

Gamilla watched him go—her face contorted in a combination of anger, confusion, fatigue and sorrow. She let her tears fall.

“Gamilla,” A voice said from behind her. She turned around to see Robert—wrapped in his dressing gown.

“Oh, Dr. Halifax.” Gamilla sobbed.

“Now, don’t cry.” Robert smiled. “Everyone fights with the person they love from time to time.”

“You don’t, Sir.”

Robert chuckled. “Do you think His Grace lets me get away with anything?”

Gamilla giggled quietly, wiping away her tears. “Did ya hear us?”

“Only partly.” Robert replied. “I assume you were arguing about Miss Barrett.”

Gamilla nodded.

“Sometimes, Gamilla, two people who agree on almost everything will disagree about one thing in particular. When this happens, instead of butting heads, it’s often best to just let the other person have his opinion. Just as you have your reasons to like Miss Barrett, Gerard has his reasons to dislike her. I don’t think you’ll ever come to a mutual opinion. Nonetheless, you needn’t let it drive a wedge between you.”

“I reckon so.” Gamilla said.

“Now,” Robert nodded. “If I know Gerard, and I’m sure that I do, I’m fairly certain you’ll find him sulking in the courtyard. Why don’t you go talk with him?”

“Thank you, Doctor.” Gamilla smiled.

“Go on, now.” Robert replied.

As Gamilla hurried off, Robert joined Mr. Punch in his bedchamber.

“Hullo, Chum!” Punch chirped from under the desk in the corner of the room where he sat with Dog Toby. “Thought I heard voices out in the passage. Everythin’ all right?”

“It will be.” Robert grinned. He knelt on the floor and, crawling on his hands and knees, joined Punch and the dog under the desk.

“What ya doin?” Punch asked.

“Seeing things from your perspective.” Robert winked as he put his arm around his companion.





Did you miss Chapters 1-101? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 103.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 102

“Gamilla,” Adrienne said hurriedly, “Have you given Chidi the list that I wrote out earlier?”


“Yes, Mrs. Halifax.” Gamilla nodded.

“Have you gotten all of Fuller’s…oh…what about his blue blanket? He needs his blue blanket if he’s going to sleep.”

“I’ve packed everything he will need, Mrs. Halifax,” Gamilla smiled.

“Oh,” Adrienne shook her head.

“And, all of your things are packed, too. I’ll carry your jewel-case myself.” Gamilla nodded.

“Thank you, Gamilla,” Adrienne said. “You are a treasure. I’m so terribly sorry that we’re leaving so unexpectedly. But, Mr. Halifax insists. What about you? Are you prepared?”

“Yes, ma’am. This is so exciting! I’ve never been to New Orleans.”

“You haven’t?” Adrienne asked.

“Well, no. Not counting when I was brought here from the docks there, Mrs. Halifax.” Gamilla said softly.

“No, I suppose you wouldn’t have been.” Adrienne responded quickly.

“Are His Lordship and Dr. Halifax ready? Mr. Halifax will want to depart very shortly. I had to convince him not to leave at daybreak.”

“Naasir has already packed His Lordship’s things and he’s just finishing up with Dr. Halifax, Ma’am.”

“Now, you and Naasir will ride in the carriage with Fuller and Toby while my husband and I will ride in the first carriage with Dr. Halifax and Lord Fallbridge.”

“Of course.” Gamilla smiled.

“I know I’ve forgotten something.” Adrienne shook her head.

“It’ll be fine, Ma’am.” Gamilla nodded. “We ain’t got nothin’ here that we can’t get in New Orleans.”

“I suppose not.” Adrienne sighed. “Where’s Mr. Halifax?”

“Out back in the studio, Ma’am. He’s tellin’ the men how to load them statues in the cart.”

“Ah, good.” Adrienne smiled. “That will keep him occupied for awhile. I’m going to look in on His Lordship and Dr. Halifax. Will you mind Fuller?”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Gamilla nodded.

“Thank you,” Adrienne said as she fluttered up the stairs.

The door to Julian’s room was wide open. She peeked inside and saw Mr. Punch sitting on the bed muttering to himself and staring at the floor.

“Good morning, Mr. Punch.” Adrienne smiled. “Are you prepared for our trip?”

“Huh.” Mr. Punch grunted. “I’d like to say I am, I would, only I got a problem, I do.”

“What’s that?” Adrienne asked.

Mr. Punch pulled back the quilt on the bed to reveal the puppet which he’d tucked in like a sleeping child. “Me wooden chum, here.” Mr. Punch sighed. “Was gonna leave him here to rest while we was away, see. Only, now I’m thinkin’ it might do to bring him with us. Ain’t nobody gonna talk to him while we’re in New Orleans. Don’t want him to be lonely.”

“I see.” Adrienne grinned. “Well, then, I see no reason why we shouldn’t bring him along. We’re already bringing Toby so he won’t be lonely without you.”

“But, how we gonna bring me puppet?” Mr. Punch sighed. “Wouldn’t do to put him in a trunk, and I don’t think Cecil’s gonna be too friendly to the idea of lettin’ him ride in the carriage with us like a people. Cecil ain’t in such a good humor today.”

Adrienne nodded and thought for a moment. “Are you sure we can’t place him—very gently, of course—in your trunk? I don’t think it’s uncommon for a puppet to be in a trunk. I’m fairly sure that’s how Punch and Judy Men and Guignol Men carry their figures.”

Mr. Punch frowned. “But, I don’t ‘spect the puppets like it too much. Wouldn’t want to be in a trunk me-self.”

“That’s because you’re more man than you are puppet. See, Mr. Punch, your wooden friend doesn’t need air or light the way you do now.”

“No.” Mr. Punch continued to frown.

“I have an idea,” Adrienne said. “I have a large hamper in the kitchen that Cecil and I used to take on picnics. It’s made of wicker and opens at the top. Why don’t we put your Mr. Punch puppet in that? The wicker will allow him some light through the weaving and he’ll have plenty of air. That way, he can ride with Naasir, Gamilla, Fuller and Toby in their carriage. I’m sure Naasir will give him a kind word or two as we travel.”

Mr. Punch grinned. “Here, that’s why you’re me angel, it is. Cuz you’re such a smart lady!”

“I have my moments,” Adrienne laughed.

“Say!” Mr. Punch whooped. “Then, I’m ready to go, I am!” He gently took his puppet from the bed and lifted it up in the air—spinning around for a second.

“Careful of your hands,” Adrienne said gently.

“Me master’s hands are getting’ better every day. By the ball, they’ll be all healed up. I’ll say this for people bodies, they do fix themselves.”

“Very often, Mr. Punch.” Adrienne nodded.

“Not like when you’re made of wood.” Mr. Punch chattered. “Then you gotta get a whole new set o’ hands or a new head. Ain’t no fixin’ that. Wood don’t heal itself, it don’t. Not once it’s off the tree, and even, then…” He paused. “Here, wood comes from trees, don’t it?”

“Yes.” Adrienne answered.

“Ought to say some kind things to trees, then.” Mr. Punch continued. “Never know who they might be. Here! Houses are made of wood, they are.” Mr. Punch furrowed Julian’s brow. “It’s all sort of confusin’.”

“Many things are.” Adrienne said. “Now, if you’ll give me your wooden ‘chum’, I’ll see to it that Gamilla rests him in that hamper.”

“Very well.” Mr. Punch said, handing the puppet to Adrienne.

“May I come in?” Robert asked from the doorway.

“Yes, of course.” Adrienne smiled. “Mr. Punch and I were just deciding on the best way for his puppet to ride with us.”

“Have you worked it out satisfactorily?” Robert chuckled.

“I do believe we have.” Adrienne grinned. “Now, listen, boys, I want you both in the front hall in ten minutes. Cecil is in a most dreadful hurry and I know that he can only be detained in his studio for so long before he becomes impatient.”

Robert nodded. “I understand completely.”

“Ten minutes,” Adrienne repeated before leaving the room.

“Off we go on another adventure,” Robert smiled at Mr. Punch.

“Seems like it.” Mr. Punch said. “Maybe this time we won’t get sick, poisoned or burnt.”

“That’s generally a healthy goal.” Robert laughed.

“We’re leavin’ some of the bad things behind us here.” Mr. Punch said hopefully.

“Temporarily. They’ll catch up with us. Furthermore, we’ll encounter some new ‘bad things,’ as you say, along the way. Are you prepared?”

“Sure I am!” Mr. Punch whooped. “Ain’t no devil I can’t beat.

“I know that to be quite true.” Robert smiled.

Meanwhile, further up the hill, Ulrika Rittenhouse stood on colonnaded balcony of the Rittenhouse Mansion and gazed at the scene in front of the Halifax’s house. She watched as Chidi and his son loaded the carriages with trunks and cases.

“Where are they going?” She muttered to herself. “It’s too soon to leave for the Masquerade. This won’t do. This won’t do at all.”

Ulrika hurried back into the house and burst into her bedchamber where Arthur and Barbara Allen still sat—slack-jawed and drooling—on the settee.

She clapped her hands in front of them. They both opened their eyes and moaned.

“I need the two of you.” Ulrika growled. “So, get your wits about you.”

Barbara struggled to speak.

“Your brother is leaving,” Ulrika interrupted. “Stop him!”



Did you miss Chapters 1-101? If so, you can read them here. Come back Monday, November 22, for Chapter 103 of Punch’s Cousin.