Page 2 of A Marriage for the Marquess

He guided Glenraven to his spot, handed him his script, and then returned to address the audience.

Glenraven glanced at the paper and burst into laughter, the sound echoing for all to hear.

“Are you all right, my lord?” the puppet master called out.

“Quite. I see you are also a magician. For us mortals, the script is blank.”

The audience laughed along with him, clearly in on the jest.

“Well, my lord. I am a poor puppet master. I only had one script and, as a gallant puppet master, gave it to your Judy as I know you would want me to. After all, you are a gallant hero.”

“Yes, I am.” Glenraven chuckled. “I accept the challenge. You, my friend, may have to suffer the consequences.”

“Very well, my lord. I am certain your quick wit and heroism will come to the fore.” Again, the audience chuckled.

The puppet master turned to the audience.

“I will set the stage. Punch has brought back a treasure and must convince his Judy to let him keep it.” The puppet master paused. “Punch. You can begin whenever you are ready.”

Glenraven took a moment, cleared his throat, and began with a theatrical flair.

“Oh, Judy, my love.” Glenraven’s voice, a warm whiskey baritone, rang out. “I have fought hard and long. I’ve brought back a treasure. It must be protected at all costs.” He paused a heartbeat and continued, his voice a bit lower, “I won’t let anyone take it from us!”

“But Punch, dear, we must be careful.” His Judy’s voice was sweet and slightly breathless. “There are those who covet what we have.”

“Fear not, my sweet Judy.” Glenraven’s Punch declared with theatrical bravado. “I’ll stand against them all, even if it means facing the darkest of contenders.”

He imagined Judy gazing at Punch as she went on, her voice sweet and a touch unsteady, “Then let us be strong together, my Punch. Our love will guide us through.”

Glenraven stared at the curtain separating him from his Judy and put the papers down. He focused all his attention on his unseen partner.

“And when the storm clouds gather,” Punch continued, his tone filled with anticipation, “and the world around us seems uncertain…” A dramatic pause lingered. “We’ll find shelter in each other’s arms, and our hearts will be our fortress. But, Judy, my love,” Punch’s voice softened, “there’s one thing you must know. Our journey won’t always be easy.”

The puppet master skillfully moved Punch to Judy’s side, his puppet arm around her.

“I understand, Punch. I’m prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead.”

“Then, my dear Judy, let us embark on this adventure together, hand in hand.” The puppet master had Punch take Judy’s hand.

“Together, we’ll find the strength to conquer all,” Judy declared.

“And as we travel through life’s mysterious twists and turns…” Punch turned his head and looked around. “We’ll uncover the secrets hidden in the shadows, and they shall not hold us back. Judy, my love,” Punch’s tone deepened with passion, “desire burns within me like an unquenchable fire.”

Judy delicately touched Punch’s face. “And what of commitment, Punch? Will your flames endure, or will they be snuffed out?”

“Fear not, dear Judy,” Even the audience could hear the smile in Punch’s voice, “for desire may kindle our passion, but it’s a commitment that fuels our eternal flame.”

“Then let our love burn brighter than the stars, Punch, for we are bound by both desire and commitment.”

This little game excited Glenraven in ways he hadn’t anticipated. The essence of sincerity he heard in ‘Judy’s’ voice warmed him. The more he spoke, the more the line between him and his Punch blurred.

Absurd. He gave himself a mental shake. This puppet performance is only a game. Judy isn’t the only one capable of playing a believable game.

“So, my love,” Punch said tenderly, “let us dance through the pages and write our own story, bound by fate and love.”

“Forever entwined, together we’ll craft our own destiny. It awaits, Punch, my dearest.” There was a pause. “Forever,” was Judy’s breathless reply.

Glenraven’s Punch took Judy in his arms, dipped her backward, and kissed her to the laughter of the crowd. The puppets then parted, each taking a bow as the curtain closed.

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