Here is chapter 4. Hope you enjoy!

As usual, Ghost Hunt isn't mine


Lady Hara would have been proud of her daughter. Not only Masako had to spend the night at Netherfield to avoid the rain pouring heavily outside, but she and Mai had arrived so drenched at the mansion that they managed to caught a cold, thus prolonging their stay.

Madoka had been the most charming and entertaining host, and a very considerate friend. When it had become evident that her guests were beginning to fall ill after their ride in the rain, she had immediately made arrangements so that they would be provided warm rooms and beds, and nourishing catering to help them overcome their cold. She had even apologized for not being able to send them home, the men having use of her only mean of transportation for their own journey. Although she had been obviously surprised by the girls' state when they had passed the Netherfield's gates, she had tactfully avoided any remark about the foolishness of coming over by horse in an uncertain weather, to Mai and Masako's relief. The two had been reluctant to follow their mother's orders, and felt now utterly ashamed of this deliberate attempt to impose on their caring host. Madoka's levelheadedness, elegance and generosity was making the pettiness of Lady Hara's scheme even more blatant.

Following the day of their arrival, after a good night's rest, Mai's health had been completely restored. Masako, however, was of a far more delicate constitution, and had begun to show alarming symptoms. The same evening, the local doctor was fetched, and Mai and Madoka were patiently waiting in the salon for his diagnosis when the men came back from their trip.

The ladies soon heard the worried voice of Yasuhara booming through the hall.

"Madoka? Are you alright? I saw the doctor's chaise in front of the main door and I was wondering if you were…"

The man stopped short when he realized his sister was seated next to a familiar face, and Lin, who was following behind in large strides, nearly bumped into him. Shibuya appeared the next second, his eyes widening when he took notice of Mai, but his schooled features betraying nothing of his thoughts about her presence.

The two women got up from their couch to greet the men, and Mai was startled to see relief flooding Lin's face when her host explained why the doctor actually was at the mansion. Could it be that he was worried about Madoka? Infatuated maybe? As surprising as it was, the somber man had a heart, after all.

Yasuhara, on the other hand, became frantic when he heard about Masako's state, and was already speaking about sending word to their physician in London. Mai had to calm him down, assuring that Dr. Lambert's reputation was excellent, that he had watched over her friend's health since the day she was born and was perfectly able to handle what probably was a simple cold.

Just on cue, the old doctor entered the room to release Yasuhara from his anguish. The diagnosis wasn't worrying. The young lady was ill, her fever was high and she needed rest above all, but her life wasn't endangered in any way. A few days of bed rest and some medication, and she would be as good as new.

After profusely thanking the physician, who promised to come back the next day to check on his patient, Yasuhara went to inform his house staff that the guests were prolonging their stay, and proposed to Mai to send word to the Haras, so that they do not worry uselessly about their daughter and provide the two ladies with necessary supplies.

"Yes, thank you vey much, sir. That would be very kind of you," replied Mai with a sincere smile.

"Miss Hara is resting, we should let her get some sleep for now. But I suggest we keep her company for dinner later," said Madoka kindly. "I am sure she would welcome some distraction, and your presence will certainly help her feel better at home."

Mai opened her mouth to express her gratitude, but a light coughing came out instead, to her utmost embarrassment. Madoka immediately rang for a maid.

"Oh dear, I forgot you were unwell yourself, are you feeling cold? Molly,"she addressed the servant, "please, fetch a shawl for Miss Taniyama. And a cup of tea."

"I am fine, I assure you," Mai lied. "And I am really sorry that our foolhardy ride caused you trouble."

"Nonsense! I was the one who insisted you visit. I regret immensely that you and Miss Hara have fallen ill because of my selfishness. However, I would be lying if I were to say I do not appreciate having some female companionship under this roof," Madoka replied.

The efficient Molly rapidly brought a thick shawl and a scalding cup of black tea, and helped Mai to settle in a couch. Unexpectedly, Lin and Shibuya stepped aside from the hearth to let her benefit from its warmth. She was touched by the gesture, and her defiance against them plummeted. These people were undoubtedly considerate towards Masako and her, despite the fact that she had done nothing but offend them since their encounter. The frown appearing on Lin's features each time their eyes met told her that she wasn't entirely forgiven, and the smug handsomeness of Shibuya was still infuriating. But the kindness of their actions singularly contrasted with the cold personality she had pictured them with.

" I thought ladies had more discernment than riding haphazardly in this weather. I guess I gave them too much credit," suddenly said a low velvety voice.

Mai blushed to the roots in irritation, her previous magnanimity toward the blue-eyed man now totally forgotten. The rude comment earned Shibuya a vicious look that didn't make him falter in the least.

"Mr Shibuya, I beg you not to dismiss my entire sex for my one error of judgement. Besides, people are entitled to learn through their mistakes, are they not?"

"People in general, certainly, miss Taniyama. But my brains works differently than yours, I hardly make what you call mistakes. That is why I find it hard to forgive stupidity and ignorance," agreed the man with total aplomb.

Mai's own eyebrow twitched in annoyance. Could this man be even more full of himself? What an insufferable narcissist! She decided to dub him Naru the narcissist on the spot. But the young woman was even more disturbed by the fact that despite his rudeness, she still found him so very attractive. It was the first time she heard his voice, and she had to admit it was very seductive, matching his stupidly beautiful features. Having so many assets was totally unfair.

"I beg to differ, mister Shibuya. I personally find that unkindness is a much more unforgivable trait. But I guess we are partial to our own faults," she added scathingly.

"Indeed, miss Taniyama. Ordinary minds are blind to their defects."

The brown-haired girl saw red. Ordinary minds? Who did that Shibuya think he was? And how dare he persistently call her stupid?

"I am very sorry that my ordinary self is unable to catch up with such perfection that you seem to be the embodiment of. I do make mistakes, I admit, so am I prone to forgive those of my peers. And if I recall correctly, pride is a sin, and forgiveness a virtue. I may have found your biggest fault there, Mr Shibuya."

The young gentleman raised an eyebrow, before a smirk grew on his ridiculously beautiful face.

"You are mistaken. It is not pride on my part, I was merely stating a fact."

"If you say so, I rely upon your word. But that fantastic brain of yours is regretfully unable to prevent you from being disdainful."

" It is only logical that I look down on something which is inferior in quality."

"Looking like Adonis and being smarter than average does not give you the right to act so prideful!" she flared.

"So you think I am handsome?" the young man stated with aloofness.

The brown-haired girl gasped, realizing what exactly she had said during her bout of temper.

"Is…is it not that everyone's thinking? Half of the ladies at the ball were fawning over your looks," she snorted.

"Indeed. They have good taste."

"That is, if they like conceited characters, Naru."

Suddenly the air grew cold. The nickname had escaped her lips without notice, and Mai gulped nervously. Even the unflappable Lin seemed shocked, and Shibuya's features hardened considerably. His voice came out tense and dry as he asked almost menacingly:

"Where did you hear that?"

"Uh?" was all Mai uttered, confused. "So… you mean I am not the only one thinking of you as a narcissist? Well, that was to be expected with an attitude like yours!"

"Naru…like narcissist?" Madoka exhaled in what resembled relief.

An uncomfortable silence ensued, finally broken by the older lady.

"Well, it suits you, Shibuya," she mocked in an obvious attempt to cut down some of the tension. "Miss Taniyama saw through your biggest imperfection."

"Is that so?" murmured the young gentleman, still miffed.

Nevertheless, his stiff stance relaxed significantly, and the atmosphere definitely took a lighter turn when Yasuhara came back into the room obliviously cheerful, followed by his footman announcing that dinner was ready.

Shibuya walked to stand in front in a dumbfounded Mai, and offered her his arm in the most charming manner.

"Miss Mai," he simply said with relaxed familiarity, his unreadable blue gaze set on her.

The young lady accepted his arm, eyes wide, wondering what on earth had just happened. One moment they were verbally sparring heatedly, then this weird moment occurred, and the second after he behaved like they were old acquaintances…And he called her Mai! What exactly was going on his mind?

The dazzling man was really full of contradictions and mysteries. And as irritating as it was, she felt herself far too interested. Damn her curiosity. It would probably be the end of her.