Diederich's teeth were clenched so hard it was a miracle any sound was passing them at all.
"You. Want. Me. To. Entertain. Your. Boy. All. Evening, Vincent?"
Vincent beamed at his companion. "Oh yes. I think you'll do a fine job. My wife and I are going out tonight- important business, you understand- and I need someone reliable to watch my son. You don't mind, do you?"
"The boy already has a dog, Vincent. Surely he does not need another one."
"One can always use another dog, Diederich," Vincent said reasonably. His eyes were twinkling with that impish light that drove Diederich mad. "You of all people should know this, there being so many varying breeds of dogs in this household."
"I daresay my own breed of canine is imminently unsuitable for babysitting, Phantomhive."
Vincent's smile grew. "I think you will do a fine job. Besides, Ciel has taken such a liking to you. I hear he's begun calling you 'Uncle Diederich'?"
Diederich closed his eyes. "Yes."
Vincent made a 'so-what's-the-problem' gesture. "Wonderful! Or, as you would say, wunderbar."
"I am, as always, your loyal German dog, Vincent." Diederich's lips twitched slightly. "And as such, I feel obligated to tell you that your accent needs work."