Thursday, March 22, 2012

Punch’s Cousin, Chapter 494

 Edward Cage smiled though his eyes registered confusion as he watched Iolanthe Evangeline rock with laughter on the tufted settee in his parlor.  His wife, Corliss, looked even more troubled than usual—that fact, at least, brought joy to Mr. Cage, but he was beginning to become annoyed with Iolanthe.  After all, she’d just looked upon his new “son.”  There was nothing so amusing about that.  Was there?

“I find,”  Edward Cage began, “that I, too, am overcome when I look at him.  He’s the picture of perfection.  I know he will grow up to be a fine young man.”

“Oh, yes, he will.”  Iolanthe snorted, wiping her eyes. 

“You can be sure of it.”

Iolanthe drew in a deep breath and looked at Corliss Cage, slumped in her chair—nervously ringing her hands.  She could feel the weight of the leather case in her pocketbook—and in that case, that glimmering diamond necklace which she knew Edward had given to her without Corliss’ consent.  Looking deep into Corliss’ eyes, Iolanthe knew at once that Corliss was aware that the child in Zettie’s arms was not the son of Barbara Allen.  Iolanthe could also, easily, deduce that Edward was unaware.

Trying to compose herself, Iolanthe considered the situation.  As long as Edward Cage was content, he would be no threat to her.  He was happy.  He had rewarded her.  Her reputation—such as it was—was safe.  Still, she itched to tell the man that he’d been duped by the Duke and his companions.  Mr. Cage was always so pompous.  Iolanthe longed to be the one to knock him down.  Still, high upon his pedestal he was more use to her than if he was crushed.

“You’ll have to forgive me,”  Iolanthe said, still grinning.  “I’m just so happy for you that I was overcome with joy for a moment.”

“I see.”  Edward replied, genuinely touched by her lie.  “How kind.  You were saying that there was something I should know.  What is it?”

“Just that.”  Iolanthe shook her head.  “I just want you to know how overjoyed and relieved I am by this conclusion.”

“You surprise me, Iolanthe.”  Edward smirked with satisfaction.

“How is that?”

“All this time, I thought you were without a heart.  But, I see now that you are, indeed, a woman.”

“I most certainly am.  I don’t want you thinkin’ I’m not.”  Iolanthe sniffed, again wishing to tell him of the Duke’s deception.  Still, she held her tongue.

“I forget, I think, that you are a mother yourself.”

“I am.”  Iolanthe nodded.  “Would that my boy were as handsome and healthy as yours—both of yours.”

“Perhaps one day he shall be.”  Edward nodded.

“No.”  Iolanthe shook her head sadly.

“I am sorry.”  Edward replied.

“Never mind.”  Iolanthe muttered.  “Now, I must really be going.  Congratulations to you, Mr. Cage.”

“Thank you, Miss Evangeline—for all that you did.”

“You’ll forgive me, then, if I deny ever having met you.”  Iolanthe teased.

“I would expect you to do so, and…”

“And want me to do so.”  Iolanthe smiled.  “Isn’t it queer?  Every man wishes to know me until they do, and, then, they want only to forget—or, at least deny.”

Edward bowed his head.

“Mrs. Cage,” Iolanthe glanced at Corliss.  “Thank you for allowing me in your home. I know it must have been torture to entertain me.  I shall be discreet in my leaving.”  She walked closer to Corliss.

“I think,”  Iolanthe said softly, “you are a good woman.  Weak, but good.  In many ways, I envy your character.  Would that I were as weak.  Still, beneath that frothy layer, I know there is pure stone.  I would not trade lives with you.  Not for all the wealth in the world.”

Corliss nodded slowly.

Speaking loud enough for Edward to hear, Iolanthe added.  “I hope you continue to mend, Mrs. Cage.  Your family needs you.”

Announcing to the room, “Farewell,” Iolanthe left—content to forget about the residents of that house, content to return to Mala and her “girls” and the next order of business, whatever it might be.

Corliss slumped further in her chair after Iolanthe left.

“Mrs. Cage,” Zettie whispered.  “You want I should help ya?”

“Never mind her, Zettie!”  Edward snapped.  “Bring Holt back to the nursery and make sure that he’s well-fed.”

“Master Orman, too?”  Zettie replied coyly.

“Well, of course!”  Edward snorted, irritated by the fact that the maid seemed to need to remind him of his other son.

Once Zettie and the child had left, Edward Cage knelt in front of his wife.

“My dear?”  He grinned falsely.

“Yes, Edward?”  Corliss inhaled.

“Was it true what Iolanthe said?  Did you suffer while she was here?”

“You know that I did.”  Corliss sighed.

“I’m glad.”  Edward stood.  “You should know that this is just the beginning.  God spared you from that fever so that I could make sure that each breath you take, for the rest of your life, is agony.”

“I have no doubt that it will be, Edward.”  Corliss nodded.  “I’m sure you’ll see to it.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-493?  If so, you can read them here.  

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