Author's Notes: I don't have much of a plot planned for this story; there's a little at the beginning and certain developments sprinkled throughout, but it's mostly just gonna be cute fluffy stuff.

Obviously, I don't own Black Butler or any of its characters. I do, however, own my OCs. Many of whom may or may not be thinly veiled references to Sweeney Todd.

Enjoy the prologue!

To: The Baroness Sweeney

Baroness Isabel Sweeney,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. It's been much too long since last I saw you.

I know that you are not one for idle pleasantries, so I'll get right to the point. I am writing you to request your assistance. I'm sure the news has reached you by now regarding the recent string of kidnappings plaguing London. Her Majesty has ordered me to investigate the matter but it has been taking longer than I had hoped it would. I'm afraid I cannot divulge much more at this time except to say that we do have a prime suspect. I believe this case will benefit greatly from the assistance only a Sweeney can provide. I do hope that you will at least consider.

With all respect,

Earl Phantomhive

To: Baroness I. Sweeney

My dear friend,

I write to you this day with disquieting news. There have been multiple cases of young women going missing in London. Thus far, Scotland Yard has yet to turn up any significant leads and even Earl Phantomhive has been having trouble with the case. My heart aches more each passing day for the families of these poor women and I want to see this matter resolved as soon as possible. To that end, I was hoping you might offer your family's skill set to the Earl. I believe your family's talents will be of great help.

I do hope to hear from you soon. You simply must come for tea the next time you find yourself in London, my dear.

Victoria

"So the young Earl needs our help, does he?" the old woman, Isabel, asked with a chuckle as she set the letters down and looked up at the young man and woman seated on either side of her.

"What shall we do, grandmother?" the man asked. "If the Queen herself is asking for help, this case must be a serious one."

"Aye," the girl agreed with a nod. "I'd heard tell of women going missing but I didn't think it was getting to be this much of a problem. They've got to be pretty clever too if they've managed to stump Ciel Phantomhive."

"Naturally, I shall do as my Queen and the Earl request and send some help. By the sounds of it, this is a job that will only require one of you," Isabel replied. A mischievous smile took over her face and she turned her gaze toward the girl. "I assume it won't take much to convince you to make a trip to London, will it, Johanna?"

The girl, Johanna, smiled as well. "Do you even have to ask? I'll begin preparing immediately!"

"Very good. See that you do as quickly as possible," Isabel said. "I shall have to send replies to both my Queen and the Earl."

To: Earl Phantomhive

Earl Ciel Phantomhive,

I have been made aware of the situation and I would be more than happy to lend you some assistance. At present, I still have a few things that need to be taken care of so I am a bit limited as to the amount of assistance I can provide. With that said, my granddaughter has eagerly volunteered to offer you her support. I assume that only one of the Twin Vipers of Belfast will be sufficient enough to end this case quickly. She will be arriving in London in half a fortnight.

I. Sweeney

"Sebastian," Ciel began as he read over the letter. "We will be receiving an important guest a week's time. See to it that everything is ready by the time she arrives."

"Of course, my Lord," Sebastian replied with a bow.

To: Her Royal Majesty, Queen Victoria

Dearest friend,

I would be more than happy to lend the young Earl my family's assistance. Coincidentally, he wrote to me requesting help around the same time that you did. Regrettably, I am unable to send both of the Vipers. We have a number of cases left to clear up in both Ireland and Wales and this old body isn't as spry as it once was, so I need to keep my grandson around to do the legwork. Just the same, my dear sweet Johanna will be making her way to London very soon. She seemed more than eager to assist the Earl; I have no doubts that she missed the boy. I hope the limited help I can provide will be a boon to the case and I look forward to seeing you the next time I find myself in London.

Isabel

Queen Victoria couldn't help the smile that overtook her features, her two butlers ever present at her side and looking on curiously. "It's always lovely to hear from Isabel. It's nice to know the years haven't dulled her sense of wit."

"Forgive me for asking, Your Majesty, but who is Baroness Sweeney?" inquired Charles Phipps. "I know that the family owns a number of clothing shops throughout Britain, but from what I understand nobody has ever actually seen the members of the family."

"And what's this about the Vipers?" asked Charles Grey. "I'm assuming she meant the Vipers of Belfast. Does she have ties to those assassins?"

"Of course she does," Victoria chuckled. "The Vipers are her grandchildren. As for who Isabel is, all you need to know for the moment is that she is one of my oldest and most trusted friends and that her granddaughter is coming to assist Earl Phantomhive with his latest case. I imagine things are going to get interesting."

Ending Notes: I have no idea if I got the format and wording right for Victorian era letters.

We're going to see more of Johanna in the next chapter and figure out more about her family, profession, and her ties to Ciel.

Please feel free to let me know what you think! Feedback and constructive criticism are always welcome! Thank you so much for reading! Geekinthepink, out!