Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 319

Chapter 319 

Sure Enough 

“You’re sure?” Lennie asked, touching the back of her elaborate coiffure.

“You look like a picture,” Mr. Punch smiled.

“I agree.” Robert nodded.

“I did it without Violet’s help.” Lennie shook her head. “I should have asked Gamilla to dress my hair. But, she’s still training Ruthy, and…well, with Violet recovering I…I…had to do it myself.”

“You did a splendid job.” Robert affirmed her.

“I still can’t believe it.” Lennie fluttered past the men toward the pier mirror in between the two tall windows in Punch’s library.

“That’s just the way I felt when I first went to the palace.” Robert replied.

“But, why…why would Her Majesty request that I come?” Lennie shook her head.

“Because she wants to meet me sister.” Punch answered.

“Did the letter say that?”

“Her Majesty said that since we were coming, we should bring you because she’d like to make your acquaintance.” Robert chimed in.

“How does she even know I exist?” Lennie mumbled.

“We’ve told Their Majesties of you.” Robert responded.

“What’s there to tell?” Lennie shook her head again.

“Much. Much good.” Punch replied.

“Oh…this dress. I’m not sure about this dress. I wish the dove grey one had arrived. I…I don’t know.”

“It’s a beautiful dress.” Punch interrupted.

“The color. I’m not sure about the color. This… It’s probably too bright for court.”

“It’s a lovely color.” Robert smiled.

“But, it’s so…green!” Lennie sighed.

“Lennie.” Punch began.

“I know.” Lennie sat down. “I’m sorry.”

“Ain’t nothin’ to be sorry for. I understand, I do. You’re nervous. It’s daunting, it is, to go the palace at any time, but the first time is always the most frightenin’. But, Her Majesty wants to meet ya because of the good things we said ‘bout ya.”

“What if I act a fool?”

“You won’t.” Robert shook his head.

“Listen, Lennie, if she don’t think me a fool, she’s not gonna think you one.” Punch joked. “Just think of it as meetin’ an old friend of your brother’s.”

“Who happens to be the Queen.” Lennie replied.

“We showed ya what to do and you know how to address Her Majesty.” Punch said gently. “Otherwise, just talk to her as you would a trusted lady.”

Speaight entered the library. “Your Grace, the carriage is at the ready.”

“We’ll be down in a moment.” Punch nodded.

After Speaight exited, Lennie shivered. “I think I may be sick. My corset is too tight.”

“You will not be sick.” Punch shook his head. “What your’e gonna be is brilliant. I’m sure of it.”

“I wish I could be so sure.”

“You don’t gotta be sure.” Punch smiled. “I’m sure ‘nough for both of us.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-318 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 320. 

 

Punch’s Cousin, Chapter 319

Marie Laveau waved as she walked through the “Place Congo.” Her face, however, remained stone as she passed the silent crowd who had gathered to witness another “miracle” from their beloved Marie.

In the center of Congo Square, Marie’s men had set a huge bonfire ablaze. Resting on two low tables in front of the fire were the bodies of Marie’s brother-in-law and Nellie both of whom had been dressed in brilliant orange robes.

Marie stopped between the two bodies and placed a hand over each of their un-beating hearts.

“We’re ready to begin!” Marie called out triumphantly. “Bring the offerings to me!”

Shirtless, dark-skinned men carried long, wriggling snakes toward Marie who finally grinned upon seeing the scaly beasts.

“Within you,” She began, “A new life will be born.” She took one of the snakes and held it high above her head—shrieking loudly as she spun in a circle.

She slowly stopped spinning and handed the first snake back to one of the men.

“Where is the other man?” Marie bellowed.

“Here, Miss.” Another of the men responded, indicating behind himself with his chin.

Marie looked on as three other men—also stripped to the waist—carried the lifeless, pale body of Arthur.

As they approached the fire, the lead man smiled. “We brought him like you done asked.”

“Good.” Marie nodded. “Did anyone see you?”

“No.” The man shook his head.

“Place him between these two.” Marie ordered. “Then, we shall start our creation!”

At that very moment, Marjani hurried into their borrowed house on Royal Street, panting as she ran into the parlor where Robert sat rubbing his head.

“What is it, Marjani?” Robert asked. “Has His Grace returned with Charles?”

“No.” Marjani shook her head.

“And, the child? Is he safe?” Robert rose from the couch where he sat.

“I saw Meridian before I went to the stable, Sir. Both children are well.” Marjani responded.

“Why did you return to the stable?” Robert asked.

“I had a feelin’.” Marjani panted.

“About what?”

“Arthur.” Marjani answered, trying to catch her breath.

“He can do us no harm now.” Robert said. “Not even Arthur can triumph over death. Not twice at any rate.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Marjani frowned. “He’s gone.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s gone. His body is gone.”

“Someone took the man’s poor, diseased body?” Robert gasped. “Why? To carry that man’s corpse through the city—it’ll only spread the contagion.”

“The folk that took him don’t care none ‘bout no Yellow Jack!” Marjani said quickly.

“Is there evidence as to who took the remains?”

“No.” Marjani sighed. “But, I can only think of one person who’d want him.”

“Ulrika?” Robert asked. “I know she’s something of an odd young woman, but I doubt even she would want Arthur’s corpse.”

“Not Ulrika.” Marjani said. “Marie Laveau.”

“What could she possibly want with the body of a dead footman?”

“To create new life, Sir.” Marjani exclaimed. “A life that will offer up only wickedness.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-318? If so, you can read them here.