Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 373

Chapter 373
Something Wise



The ride to Eaton Square was short, and as he and Gamilla sat in happy silence in the carriage that they shared, Mr. Punch considered what he would say to her when they arrived at St. Peter's.  Surely he had to say something, Punch thought.  Something wise, something fatherly--that would be best.

Before Mr. Punch had a chance to draw a conclusion, he saw the columns of St. Peter's, Eaton Square.  As the carriage pulled up, Punch could see Robert beneath the handsome portico.  Robert smiled broadly at the approaching carriage.  

Before everyone had left Belgrave Square, Punch and Robert had agreed that they'd give one another a sign upon arrival at the church, to let the other know that all was well.  The sign was simply to be a smile.

Punch sighed with relief and nodded at Robert, returning the smile.

Turning his back, Robert happily returned to Gerard who waited at the altar.

Lennie and Violet hurried from the central door to greet the bride and help her from the carriage.  Punched descended first and offered a hand to Gamilla while the girls fussed over her wedding gown.

"Oh, you do look beautiful."  Lennie sniffed.

"It's thanks to you, Miss Lennie, for takin' me for this dress and Vi for all ya done.  Well, it's thanks to all of you."

"Sister, dear; Violet, would you leave me with Gamilla for a moment.  I just want to walk in with her."  Mr. Punch said.

"Certainly, dear Mr. Punch."  Lennie said.  "Violet and I will queue in the vestibule."

"That dress will want arranging some more."  Violet protested.

"Once, His Grace escorts Lennie to the vestibule, we shall do just that."  Lennie smiled demurely.

"Yes, my lady."  Violet agreed.

Watching the girl climb the stairs, Punch offered his arm to Gamilla.

"Here," He began, "I ought to say somethin' grand and wise just now.  Only, Gamilla, I got nothin' to teach ya.  Coo!  It's you what's been teachin' me.  All this time we known each other, it's you what's been givin' me things to learn.  We survived a good many wicked things, we have.  And, yet, you always been the picture of beautiful grace, loyalty and innocent affection."

"Oh, Your Grace."

"No, no.  It's true."  Punch shook his head.

"You got no idea what I done learned from you.  You and Dr. Halifax alike.  I think whatever good you see in me is just the good in yourself reflected back."  Gamilla answered.

"See?  That's just what I mean."  Punch smiled.  "Listen, Gamilla.  I'm terrible proud of you and the best I can say is that I hope you and Gerry is as happy as I am with my Robert."

"I can only hope that we come a mite close to that."  Gamilla said softly.

"Well, then."  Punch said after a moment.  "Let's go inside and get you married."



Come back on MONDAY, August 26, 2013, for the long awaited wedding of Gerard and Gamilla!

Punch’s Cousin, Chapter 373

Gerard laughed when he’d realized what he’d done. He’d been so accustomed to being ordered around by Arthur that he’d forgotten that he could act on his own. Still, he knew he’d better get moving. Taking one last glance at the two men that he’d knocked out—each with one punch—he rushed toward Charles and untied him.


“Get the girl,” Gerard grunted as Charles weakly rose.

“You fools!” Marie shrieked, realizing that two of her men had been felled. “Stop them!”

Ulrika hastily untied Giovanni and took his hand. They ran out together, happily abandoning the others.

“Barbara, listen,” Charles rasped as he untied the woman. “You’ve got to come with me.”

“Not now, Arthur,”” Barbara scolded. “Can’t you see I’m resting?”

“Arthur is dead!” Charles spat. “He’s ashes!”

Gerard hurried over and picked up Barbara, flinging him over his shoulder. “Come on, then!”

Marie watched in horror as they hurried off.

“Miss Marie?” Several of her followers said, rushing forward. “Want we should get them back.”

Marie Laveau shook her head and grinned. “No. I don’t need them after all.”

“But?” One of the man chirped.

“Let them go.” Marie sighed. “I have other plans now. Nothing can ruin this night.”

Meanwhile, Charles stumbled along after Gerard who still carried Barbara.

“Where are we going?” Charles panted.

“Back to the Duke,” Gerard replied breathlessly.

“He won’t take Barbara in.” Charles protested.

“Sure he will. She’s his sister. Ain’t she?”

“You don’t understand.” Charles moaned.

“You got a better idea?” Gerard snapped.

Charles was silent.

“That’s what I thought.” Gerard grunted.

Further the other direction, Ulrika Rittenhouse shrieked with glee. “Wasn’t that delicious?”

“I didn’t find it so.” Giovanni muttered. “I don’t think I would call being bound and threatened a good time.”

“It was so exciting! All of those dancing beasts and the fire! It was positively savage!” Ulrika continued.

“You’re a queer girl,” Giovanni laughed.

“Aren’t I?” Ulrika mooed. “Now, come my darling. We shall return home.”

“Home?” Giovanni snorted. “Do you really think that Edward Cage is going to let me continue to stay in his house with an unmarried girl?”

“Not his home, my dear. My home! Marionneaux.”

“Where is this?”

“You’ll love it.” Ulrika grinned. “Fields of sugar cane. The bayou—it’s deep, warm, red like blood. The moss in the trees and our house—oh, our beautiful house. It’s all so perfect.”

“What of your family?”

“They’ll do what I tell them to do.” Ulrika winked.

“You’re sure of that?”

“Of course, darling.” Ulrika spun around and embraced Giovanni. “Everything you ever desired will be yours.”

“I approve.” Giovanni smiled.

“There’s just one little detail we need to take care of before we leave.” Ulrika pouted.

“What’s that?”

“It should be simple enough for you to do.”

“Go on.”

“I just need you to murder Barbara Allen for me.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-372? If so, you can read them here.