“He sure does like you,” The young girl smiled.
“He seems to,” Barbara nodded.
“Are you here waitin’ for someone?” The girl asked.
“Yes. Odo has gone to tell Miss Rittenhouse that I’m here.” Barbara answered.
“You a friend of Miss Rittenhouse?” The girl smiled.
“Not really.” Barbara chuckled, cuddling the child. “What’s your name?”
“Zettie.” The girl smiled. “Oh, ain’t I just in a tizzy?”
“What is it?” Barbara asked.
“I done forgot his little blanket. He won’t take his supper without it. Always clutchin’ at the thing.”
“If you’d like to go get it, I can watch him for you.” Barbara said quickly.
“You wouldn’t mind?” Zettie asked.
“Not at all.”
“I won’t be but a minute.” Zettie said eagerly. “It’s awful nice of ya.”
“It’s not a problem, Zettie.” Barbara answered.
“I won’t be but two shakes.” Zettie said rushing up the stairs.
Barbara looked at the baby, “So, they call you ‘Holt,’ do they?” She sighed. “I’d have not called you ‘Holt.’ Can I tell you a secret?”
The baby cooed.
“When I carried you, I had some strange fantasy.” Barbara continued. “Oh, I knew it wouldn’t come to pass, but I thought maybe—just maybe—I’d have called you Colin. That was your grandfather’s name.”
The baby reached for Barbara’s long dark hair.
“You’re mine, you know.” Barbara whispered, clutching the baby closer.
She looked toward the staircase. There was no sign of neither Odo nor Zettie. She then looked to the door.
Without thinking, Barbara Allen rose—the child still in her arms—and did something she’d never planned on doing.
Meanwhile, Marjani and Adrienne were taking a stroll along Royal Street. Marjani’s granddaughter, Columbia trailed behind, holding onto Marjani’s hand. Adrienne pushed her own child, Fuller, in a perambulator, pausing for a moment to make sure her son was properly covered.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” Adrienne smiled. “How warm it is for January.”
“That’s New Orleans, for ya.” Marjani said.
“It’s a fine place.” Adrienne grinned. “You know, in its way, it does remind me a bit of Paris.”
“Do you miss bein’ in France,” Marjani asked.
“Not really. Not anymore. Since I married Mr. Halifax, I’m content being wherever he is.”
“That’s sweet.” Marjani answered.
“Perhaps things will finally get back to rights,” Adrienne sighed.
“One day, soon.” Marjani said quietly. “We done had a lot of loss, Missus. We sure done had a lot of loss.”
“Yes,” Adrienne replied thoughtfully.
“I miss my little girl and even her husband, Gilbert.” Marjani continued. “It’s awful to be apart from your child—even when you know you’ll be reunited in Heaven one day. I miss Naasir, too.”
“You and Naasir had become quite close.” Adrienne said.
“We had, Missus.” Marjani nodded.
“You took good care of him.” Adrienne smiled.
“I done tried my best.”
“What do you think of the new fellow—Charles?” Adrienne asked as they walked.
“I think he’s fine to look at.” Marjani grinned. “I think he’s gonna be loyal to His Grace, but I think he’s a man that’s brimmin’ over with his own lot of mystery.”
“Of course he is.” Adrienne laughed. “Heaven forbid we should attract anyone simple.”
Marjani chuckled.
“Mon Dieu!” Adrienne gasped as she saw a frenzied figure rushing toward them.
“Holy Mother,” Marjani muttered. “It’s the Barbara Allen.”
“What’s she got?” Adrienne asked.
“Looks like a child.” Marjani said.
“You don’t think…” Adrienne trailed off as Barbara approached them.
“Please,” Barbara panted. “I know I don’t deserve your kindness. But, as a mother, you surely must understand…”
“Quickly!” Adrienne said, turning the pram around. “Come home with us.”
“You done took your baby back?” Marjani exclaimed.
“I had to.” Barbara gasped.
“Hurry.” Adrienne said. “Come with us.”
At that very moment, Charles wiped the sweat from his brow with his handkerchief.
“I wasn’t aware, Your Grace,” Charles shook his head, “that you knew my brother.”
“Would that I could say I did not.” Julian sighed. “He’s a most sour and disagreeable chap.”
“I should say so.” Charles nodded.
“Iantosca…” Robert squinted. “I can’t say that I know the man. Cecil must. Before he came to America, he often associated with other sculptors.”
“I’m sure your celebrated brother knows Giovanni.” Charles said.
“If I recall correctly, the Iantosca family is quite influential and not without their own fortune.” Julian continued. “So, why is it that you’re her working as a valet?”
“For much the same reason that your own sister has fled to a new country with a new name—preferring to work as a servant—and other things—than living the life which should have been her rightful inheritance.” Charles answered.
“Do sit down, man.” Robert said. “You look quite shaken.”
“I am.” Charles said. “However, Dr. Halifax, I shan’t sit. It would not be right.”
“Good Heavens, man.” Robert grunted. “There’s a time to stand on ceremony and a time to let it go.”
Charles nodded his head and sat in a nearby armchair.
“Now, isn’t it time, Charles, that you tell us your tale?” Julian asked. “If we’re to all live comfortably together, we must know one another. You are aware of my…” Julian smiled. “My unusual circumstances. Perhaps my companion and I can be of some assistance to you.”
“I don’t think anyone can help me, Your Grace.” Charles sighed. “But, I’ll gladly tell you all I can.”
Did you miss Chapters 1-192? If so, you can read them here. Come back on Monday, March 14, for Chapter 194 of Punch’s Cousin.
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