Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 276

Chapter 276 
Invitations 


With her eyes as wide as saucers, Maudie felt certain that they’d pop right out of her head as the staff gathered in the front hall of No. 65 Belgrave Square. She tried to take everything in without looking as if she was staring, but she couldn’t help it. From the sparking marble floors to the majestic staircase to the glass dome high above her head, she felt certain that that hall was how the entrance to heaven must look. Every corner of the hall found something to catch her attention. Porcelain figurines, lush paintings, bronze statues, soft chairs, small glittering figures of animals with sparkling eyes, and twinkling crystal chandeliers all enchanted her. Standing in her new uniform she felt important for the first time in her life as the other staff members, in their finest, gathered in front of Mr. Speaight.

“You all right, honey?” Gamilla whispered.

“Oh…oh, yes.” Maude nodded.

“I felt the way you do when I first came here.” Gamilla smiled.

Maudie studied Gamilla’s face. She’d never seen an African woman before. Maude thought her quite beautiful as if she was one of the bronze statues which stood on the pedestals along the passage.

“We’re all here?” Speaight nodded. “Right. Upstairs then.”

As they climbed the winding staircase, Maude feared she’d trip because she was looking around so much. The upper hall was as splendid as the lower one—all coral and turquoise and gold and cream.

And, then, Mr. Speaight opened the tall doors to the drawing room. Maudie was sure that, if the front hall was the entrance to heaven, the drawing room was heaven itself, and the family inside were the angels and saints of which her mother had once told her.

In the center of the magnificent room sat three people side-by-side. They were the most stunning people Maudie had ever seen. In the center sat a regally handsome man with deep auburn hair. She knew he must be the Duke of Fallbridge. He wore a coat and breeches of plum-colored velvet with a waistcoat of gold silk and, set against his brilliant white shirt, a tie of shocking scarlet. In his lap, the Duke held a beautiful, fair, baby. The baby reached for the Duke’s hands, interested in the man’s rings: one on his left hand of multi-colored stones, and two on his right hand…one large diamond on his index finger and a large violet-blue stone on his ring finger.

To the right of the Duke sat another man who must have been, Maudie thought, Dr. Halifax. He was slightly younger and very athletic looking. His wavy dark hair had been brushed back to reveal his handsome, chiseled face. He wore a suit of deep blue linen and a cravat the color of the sky which made the blue of his eyes stand out. He, too, wore a ring on his left hand—a simple band of gold set with small diamonds. He had one of his hands on the Duke’s arm.

To the Duke’s left was a woman who Maudie figured was the one they called “Miss Lennie” or “Miss Molliner”—the Duke’s sister. She was slightly plainer than the two men with hair that wasn’t blonde and wasn’t brown. Her face was pale, but she had the same dark eyes as the Duke, eyes which weren’t entirely brown, but were almost the color of wine. She was dressed beautifully in a pale pink gown. Her arms were stacked with glimmering bracelets of gold and pearls and around her throat hung a small pendant of corral with a pearl drop.

Seated nearby, but away from the family was an older woman with graying hair. She wore a gown of buff-colored silk and jewels of shimmering green. She looked weary but content. Two children, both looking rather bored, sat next to her.

Finally, a distance away, by herself in a chair, was the girl Maude had seen come into the kitchens of Hamish House from time to time. The girl called Fern. She wore mourning gray and her light brown hair hung limply around her shoulders. She looked at the floor, seeming to count the flowers in the pattern of the carpets.

“Everyone gather around,” The Duke spoke up. His voice was gentle and his eyes sparkled as if he was thinking of a joke that only he knew. Though he spoke like a nobleman, he seemed to wish to say things differently, almost as if he was aware that someone new was in the house and that he should be on his best behavior.

“I’m so glad that you all could join us today,” The Duke continued. “We have all been through trying times of late, yet, we mustn’t forget that we’ve much to celebrate as well.” He looked to the doctor.

“To begin with, we’d like to officially welcome Fern Halifax, my niece, to our household.”

Fern didn’t look up.

“His Grace and I are very thankful to all of you for making her feel at home, and we know that in the coming weeks, as Miss Fern settles into her new surroundings, you’ll all continue to do what you can to see that she’s comfortable.”

The staff smiled. Maudie studied their faces, and, they all looked so sincere.

“Furthermore,” Dr. Halifax continued. “Lady Lensdown has something to say.”

“Thank you, Robert.” The older woman nodded. “I also wanted to thank you for looking after us during the terrible days which have just passed. Though my children and I will soon be departing to the north to our country home, we will always be cheered by thoughts of your kindness.”

Maudie looked around again. Everyone was still smiling, and, they truly seemed to mean it.

“We also want to welcome,” The Duke spoke again, “a new member to our family downstairs. Maude…”

“Step forward.” Gamilla whispered.

Nervously, Maude stepped forward.

“Say, ‘yes, Your Grace.’” Gamilla whispered.

“Yes, Your Grace.” Maude repeated.

“Dr. Halifax and I do hope that you’ll be very happy here.”

“Thank you.” Maude replied, blushing. “I am happy to be here. It’s the nicest place I’ve ever seen. And, everyone is so pretty.”

The Duke chuckled, and, then, did the oddest thing. He whooped. “Coo!”

The others chuckled…except Fern and the Lensdown children.

The Duke cleared his throat. “I’m glad you’re pleased. Well, then, you may return to the others.”

Maude hurried back to Gamilla’s side.

“Finally, it’s no secret,” the Duke continued, “that there’s a wedding coming very soon.” He grinned. “Our Gamilla and Gerard will soon be man and wife.”

Gamilla and Gerard looked to one another.

“As our gift to you…”

“Oh, Sir…” Gamilla interrupted. “You’re already doin’ so much. You done hired them men to make the nursery quarters bigger and…”

“Now, you can’t tell us how to give gifts,” The Duke waved a hand. “Again, his voice seemed different, more casual, and again, he caught himself.

“As I was saying,” he continued. “As our gift to you, we’ve made sure that the church is all arranged for the wedding, and, then…Lennie…”

“May I?” The Duke’s sister smiled. “It was, after all, your idea…”

“No, go on, tell ‘em.” The joke laughed, again, in the casual voice.

“Well, His Grace, Dr. Halifax and I would like to give you a reception here after the service in the church. It’ll just be us, and whomever else you might like to invite. Everyone downstairs, of course, is invited. We’ll have a cake, thanks to Mrs. Pepper who has also planned a wonderful menu for the party.”

“And champagne,” The Duke nodded. “For all ‘cept the young ones and you, Gerry,”

“Right, Sir.” Gerard grinned.

“And flowers, and music and everything.” The Duke continued. “And, Dr. Halifax has a special surprise.”

“One of my patients,” The doctor nodded, “works in the medium of photography. So, the day after the wedding, you shall once again put on your marriage clothes and pose for him so that he may take your photograph. That way, you will have a permanent record of the way you looked on the day you became man and wife.”

“Oh!” Mrs. Pepper clapped her hands. “Fancy that!”

“Your Grace…” Gamilla’s lips trembled. “Dr. Halifax! Miss Lennie…” She shook her head. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You can say that you’ll allow me to walk you down the aisle to your groom.” The Duke nodded. “For it would be my great honor to stand proxy for your father.”

Tears trickled down Gamilla’s cheeks. “It is my honor, Your Grace. Of course!”

“Well, then, that’s settled.” Dr. Halifax nodded.

“Gamilla, I shall help you with your trousseau, if you like.” Miss Molliner volunteered. “Violet and I have been scheming a bit.”

“I’d be so happy, yes.” Gamilla nodded.

“What ‘bout me?’ Gerard joked.

“Oh, not to worry.” Dr. Halifax grinned. “Charles, His Grace and I have some plans for you, too.”

“And, they may just be some more surprises on the day.” Mr. Punch winked.

And, then…in Maudie’s estimation…the oddest thing happened. The staff walked forward and began to chat with the masters. And, no one seemed to think anything of it—all of them, even Mr. Speaight, chattering gaily together.

Maudie looked at Ethel.

“That’s the way it is here,” Ethel said softly.

“But, it’s…”

“The Duke says we’re a family.” Ethel replied.

Maudie was silent, overwhelmed.

“Listen,” Ethel said softly, “maybe you and me…well…Jenny and I talked once that if ever Gerard finally did ask Gamilla to marry him…well, that we’d make her some orange blossoms out of some nice paper I saved and some ribbon. I think…I think Gamilla’d like it. But…” She shook her head.

“I’d like to help.” Maude spoke up. “I was makin’ somethin’ like that for me sister. She was gonna be married when she…died.”

“Oh.” Ethel’s shoulders sagged. “So…so…you know. You know how it is?”

“I do.” Maude nodded.

“Maude! Ethel!” Miss Lennie called to them. “Come talk with us. His Grace would like to get to know you better, Maude.”

“And, you’ve not met our Colin.” The Duke called out.

Maude looked to Ethel who nodded.

Together, they joined the others.

“That’s the way to do it!” The Duke cheered.

Both girls giggled.



Did you miss Chapters 1-275 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square? If so, you can read them here. Come back on Monday for Chapter 277.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 276

“Ya done well, Girl.” Marie Laveau whooped as she pounded Nellie on the back.


“I know.” Nellie smiled, her scar crinkling like an angry snake as she pulled her lips back. “I did.”

Nellie gently handed the baby to Marie who held it, wriggling, in the air. “He’s a fine lookin’ little one, ain’t he?”

“He looks like his uncle—all that chestnut hair.” Nellie shrugged.

“How’d the boys do?” Marie asked.

“Surprisingly well.” Nellie nodded as she poured herself a glass of wine and sat down at Marie’s table. “You’d never have guessed that they were colored. They sounded for all the world like two Englishmen.”

“I done taught ‘em well. See, I don’t just dress the hair of them wealthy women in the Garden District for nothin’. What they don’t realize is that Ol’ Marie is studyin’ them but good. What I learn, I pass down to my folk. Ain’t no harm in that?”

“They’re quick studies.” Nellie replied, talking another swig of wine.

“So, what of that Mama Routhe and the French woman? Did you cut ‘em?” Marie asked.

“No need.” Nellie laughed. “Adrienne fell like a sack of gravel the moment I pushed her. As for the other one, she was too frightened to put up a fight.”

“So, they’re both livin’?” Marie frowned.

“Sure, they are.” Nellie shrugged. “I didn’t see any reason for bloodshed.”

“Them folk got a way of coming back at ya.” Marie shook her head.

“Believe me, they’ll never find this child.” Nellie smiled. “Or me.” She gulped another mouthful of wine. “You aim to keep your promise to me, don’t ya?”

“I do.” Marie said. “I ain’t never gone back on a promise.”

“Good.” Nellie sighed.

“Right now, though,” Marie continued. “You gotta finish the remainder o’ your end of it.”

“I will.” Nellie nodded.

“No. Right now.” Marie said firmly.

“Fine,” Nellie snorted. “Where is the Italian man?”

“He’s in the far back bedroom. Got the bleedin’ stopped. He’ll be expectin’ ya.” Marie winked.

“Very well,” Nellie grunted, rising from the table.

“That’s my girl.” Marie grinned.

Once Nellie had left the room, Marie sat in the already warm chair that the scarred woman had just vacated. She cradled the baby in her arms.

“Poor little thing,” Marie cooed. “Don’t know that ya got the blood of a lunatic in your veins. Well, we’ll just get all the sickness right out of you.”

At that very moment, in the mists of the French Quarter, Mr. Punch took a deep breath and threw up his hands helplessly. “What do you mean that Arthur ain’t Colin’s father? Who else?”

“Not Arthur,” Barbara wept.

“Well, Good Lord, Barbara! How many men were you with?” Punch moaned.

Barbara looked at Arthur who grinned.

“Coo!” Punch shouted. “What’s goin’ on? You’re startin’ to make me angry, you are. And, you know how I get when I’m angry. I wanna hit people with sticks and such. So, let’s just get to talkin’ so I don’t have to find somethin’ to hit you with.”

“It was a game to her, Your Grace.” Arthur said with a mock respectfulness in his voice.

“What was, Arthur?” Punch hissed.

“I’d bring fellas to her.” Arthur nodded. “She loved it. They’d give me a little somethin’ for my trouble and for the pleasure of…”

“I understand.” Punch interrupted him. “At least, I think I do. Hell, I don’t know how all that sort of thing works. My head was carved from wood. But, that don’t got nothin’ to do with this, I ‘spose.” Punch sighed. “Well, if I am understandin’ this correctly, what you describe ain’t no game, it’s what’s called…errr…what’s it? What that Ogress does. Whorin’! Was you a prostitute even before you came to America?”

Barbara sobbed loudly.

“In your mum’s house?” Punch shook his head. “With all the servants watchin’.”

“Not all of the servants.” Arthur winked.

“Shut yer gob!” Punch spat. He cleared his throat, “but among them men, you also…well, didn’t you Arthur?”

“Sure, often.” Arthur nodded.

“So how do you know you ain’t the baby’s father?” Punch asked. “Not that I’m eager for you to be. In fact, I’d like it better if you weren’t.”

“See, Your Grace,” Arthur began.

“Oh, quit callin’ me, ‘Your Grace,’” Punch growled. “You know well enough I ain’t nobody’s grace. You know I’m not the Duke, but someone jus’ usin’ his body, so don’t demean me with your false charm! Just tell the truth for a change!”

“Fine, you loon.” Arthur shrugged. “I can’t father no children. Got kicked by a mule when I was…”

“Never mind.” Punch waved his hand in the air. “I don’t want to know ‘bout your soft parts.” He looked at Barbara. “So, why’s this a problem for you? Ain’t like you didn’t know what he was doin’ when he brought men to visit ya. So what if he ain’t the baby’s father? Only serves to make sure the little fella ain’t gonna grow up to be evil.”

“Don’t you understand?” Barbara moaned.

“Now, would I be standin’ here in the fog askin’ you questions if I understood?” Punch mumbled.

“He lied to me!” Barbara cried.

“And this is surprising why?” Punch squinted.

“Oh, I know he’s a cad and no good. But, the one thing that I always thought was that he’d tell me the truth. Me! Well, when I became with child, he insisted it was his and told me that if I loved him, I’d follow his directions. He’s the one that insisted that I sell the child because he couldn’t raise it.”

“Ah.” Punch nodded sarcastically.. “So, if you’d thought the baby was someone else’s, you’d have not put him in a sack and brought him to America to sell?”

Barbara looked at Mr. Punch, dumbfounded.

“Well, that’s what you did! No sense in usin’ pretty words to describe it.” Punch shook his head. He turned to Arthur, “And you? Why? Why tell her such a thing now?”

“She kept calling it ‘our’ baby. I just couldn’t bear to hear it any longer.”

Punch’s cheeks flushed with anger and he took a step backward.

“I’m gonna start hittin’ people.” Punch muttered to himself. “I just know I am.” He raised his voice. “Listen to me! I’m done with the whole lot of ya! Arthur, you’re just a monster! You there—whatever your name is. I don’t know you, but you just look stupid and I don’t like you. And, you, Barbara. This is all your fault in the first place! If you weren’t so wild and reckless, we’d not be here. But, no. You had to go be a slut and a thief! And, all this time, I been sayin’ that I gotta keep the promise that me master made to his dead beast of a mum. Well, I don’t! Rot here! The lot of ya! I’m goin’ to get that baby whether he’s born of Arthur or jolly Prince Albert! I don’t care! He’s mine now, see! Mine and Robert’s. I’m through with all of this!”

Punch continued to rant, turning his attention to Arthur. “Very well, you rascal. You tell your ginger girl that she can bloody well keep that diamond. I don’t care! Me master’s got a trunk full of diamonds, and most of ‘em aren’t even blue! Which—I don’t know—must mean somethin’, I guess. Keep it! Kill each other over it! Do whatever you want! Barbara, get out of my house. I want you gone by the time I get back!”

“If that’s what you want,” Barbara said, wiping her eyes.

“Yes!” Punch shouted. “Now, get out of my sight all of ya before I rip a tree from the ground and start hittin’ people with it!”

With that, Mr. Punch turned and walked in the direction he suspected Marjani and Robert had gone. As he walked, he muttered, “All I wanted was to be nice and kind. Came all the way to America and got burned and shot and cut and sick and treated badly. Meanwhile, them fools are all cryin’ over stuff they done to themselves and makin’ trouble where there don’t need to be any.”

Arthur, Barbara and Gerry stood in silence, listening to Punch chatter as he walked away.

“He really is barmy,” Gerard muttered.

“Shut up.” Arthur spat. He looked at Barbara. “Looks like you don’t got nowhere to go. Wanna come with us, Pet?”

“Why would I want to do that?” Barbara said stiffly.

“You’re still my wife.” Arthur nodded.

“I have something else entirely in mind.” Barbara hissed.



Did you miss Chapters 1-275? If so, you can read them here.