Jeremy Rathbone, was the name of this new comer here now in the manor. Or as Lau put it the 13th guest, who just happened to show up in weather like this was beyond your thoughts. No one would be caught dead in such a storm, but, your suspicious thoughts where put to ease. Ciel filled you in quickly about him, this man apparently is a Father in better terms a pastor. A popular advisor to a local church (Ciel didn't disclose the name of the church). This Jeremy is somewhat famous, so you where told. He was cleared from the list of suspects of the surrounding murders. Showing proof through a ticket for the play The Lady of the Lake at the Lyceum Theatre from yesterday. Which was vouched by Irene and Grimsby. Another he had Sebastian's owl with a letter sent to Jeremy by the butler having anticipated he going be killed. Even so, with his name cleared you still had your doubts but kept them low, for now. And welcome him to the manor.

Jeremy is quickly filled in about what has happened since the first murder. Right away he asked to see each body, though asked if they could each be moved to separate rooms. As the scent might give a clue to the crime. Ciel accommodated his request and tells the servants to move the bodies from the cellar.

You watch the three leave and stand. "Excuse me." Bow out and leave.

Down in the cellar the Mey-Rin, Baldory, and Finnian went to get the bodies. Baldory though wasn't to keen on Jeremy.

"What's up with that guy. Showing up like that and acting all important!"

Mey-Rin concurred. "Even though he's a priest he's more like a policeman what a strange guy."

As they shared their similar dislike for him, it was unshared by Finnian. "Yeah...But. I get the feeling that he will be able to do something about all of this for sure."

"Huh?"

"How come?"

Finnian wasn't just sure, besides a feeling. "I don't really know why but...I feel we can trust that man."

"You believe that much Finnian?" you said appearing a few feet behind them, smiling at Finnian's thoughts. Their heads whirled around surprised finding you here. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle any of you."

That wasn't it all, that wasn't why their faces screamed. It was the fact you where here. In such a place. "Baroness, what-what are you ya doing here?" Baldory questions.

A silly question you thought calmly walking over, decide to add a bit of humor. "I thought I come and enjoy a bit of pleasure of liquid. But," you put a finger to your lips winking at them. "don't tell Ciel okay?"

They didn't follow even as you giggled, such stiffs they where. Sighing you honestly tell them. "I said that I there was anything I can do to make it well, for you, all of you," you look at each one. "then I would do so. Now," turn to the large doors. "what is that you were tasked with? Moving the bodies, well we should get started shouldn't we?"

Your hand reaches for the handle, Baldory grabs your wrist. "Baroness, I-I don't think you should..."his eyes drop just like his voice, filling with sorrow. Just like the others.

Understanding rest a tender hand on his shoulder lightly, his eyes lift meeting your thoughtful ones and your kind smile. You shared with the others. "I know it can understand how each of you feel, to lose someone close. Someone you respect and admire. It's hard and the feeling is beyond agony at first, unbearable if you ask me." A mourning thought came. Sighing deeply smile past its pain that it caused. "But, we must remember their absence is not gone, we must carry on with what is they left us. None of you or being dishonorable to the task you must do. In fact it quite the opposite, I know for a fact Sebastian would want you to do this, to solve this. You want to put all to rest, so let's do it. Alright."

Neither of them knew what to say, your words where kind and giving. "Thank you." Finnian comes and hugs you. This time you take it. "You're so warm." He smiles.

You softly chuckle. "So I've been told. Now," you two separate. "Let's do this."

Baldory opens the door, though before he fully does told you that if it's too much for you that could leave. Thanking him for his concern walk in, they follow behind. Mey-Rin goes to Sebastian's body first. Her words came out like an apology telling him he was going to moved. The sight of Sebastian's body was still the same, motionless. Slowly you walk over and just stare. Dead, you where use to them, it didn't bother or phase you, but this was unnerving. Was he actually gone? Kneeling down lean in a little closer, the others where taking care of Georg, turn your head ever so slightly lower your ear to his heart...

"Okay, let's go!" Baldory's voice jolts you back up.

Quickly you rise and hurry over. It took some time but soon all the bodies where moved, the last of course was Sebastian's. Gently as carefully as you could lay his head on the floor. Your eyes lingered upon him for a moment, a soft sigh parted them slightly. Intending to say something close them and rise. It was nothing but a simple dead body, you've seen them before so...it shouldn't be...your steps slowed coming to a complete stop at the door. Your lips quivered but you fight against them and words pressing to be released. Even those of Harmony's that ached as you resisted. There was no need to say them, it was nothing but a dead body after all.

Right?

Drawing a breath leave shutting the door behind you. Expecting your feet to keep walking they remained firmly still, gripping the knob refuse to all your head to drop and cast your eyes upward take another breath this one was deeper and shutter. How pathetic, a smile trembled on your lips. How greatly pathetic. Letting the knob go draw another breath and walk away.

Back in the drawing room Jeremy conversed with Arthur and Ciel now out of his wet clothes in dryer ones. Sebastian's old ones that oddly fit him well. His approach remain the same, starting in the order each person was killed, starting with Lord Georg first. Grey included himself on the investigation, Jeremy didn't mind. With a plan it could began, though before he started noticed another who just entered he believed would be of help, watched them walk over to Baldory.

"Ah, Baroness," he comes over to you hold out a proper hand. Your eyes instantly narrow at him, but quickly fade feeling Ciel's eye on you. "would please do me the pleasure and providing your company?"

That was out of nowhere and the words where read rather forward if not from what you presumed...suggestive..ly. Instantly your eyes widen and brows lift shocked. Feel your cheeks warm over just a bit when his eyes met yours, they remained held locked with his. There was something about the way his eyes...they looked despite their small crow wrinkles in the corner. The way they glinted, was rather familiar. For a moment you thought you saw a flash of red or it was just your eyes. Blinking a few times see nothing but normal eyes still waiting for your answer.

Your hand involuntary lifted and rested in his and the moment his fingers closed it, sent a brisk tingle through your body. That was...alright. Smiling softly inside nod.

"Yes." You answer finally after what seem like a minutes which was actually just a couple of minutes. "Though," you raise a quizzing brow. "why do you need me?"

Jeremy tucks your hand under his arm pulling you close. "I have been informed that you have a rather high knowledge in area materia medica." You didn't fully follow he chuckles to himself lightly patting your hand. Grey's eyes narrow hard. "In the medical area, you have extensive knowledge about the workings of plants and herbs of earth. "

"You mean an apothecary?"

He nods. "Yes, as the daughter of the prestige Madam Red I am not surprised her knowledge has been given to you. I believe your expertise will suit well."

How did he know about your medical background? "Yes," your eyes slide back to Baldory and the others. "whatever I can do to help."

"Wonderful, now that we have everyone, let us proceed."

Jeremy walks off with you, Ciel, Arthur, and Grey follow...closely. Despite your uncertain about this...man it was rather pleasant exchanging light talk. That you nearly forgot about your thoughts of before. Arthur watched the two enjoying the others company.

"The Baroness and Father Jeremy are certainly are getting along well." Arthur observes his eyes move from the man to you. It amazed him. "One would think they where a match made. Not once has she dropped her smile and not once has his eyes left her."

"So it would seem." Ciel said, paying no mind really. "My cousin is known for being rather charming when presented." He coughs a bit mumbling something to the side.

That was picked up by you and you snap your eyes back to him. He flashes a quick victory smile. Grey remained quietly watching. The room where Georg's body came and everyone enters. Right away Jeremy leaves your side though of course politely and examines the body. You stay by Ciel's side watching, finding your eyes on Jeremy instead of Georg. Observing his mannerism, it was very fine if not perfect really. A slight nudge on your side brought you back with everyone.

"Hmm? Yes?" You blink a few times, feel the swift nudge again in your side, find it was Ciel. "Yes?" You asked annoyed.

He gestures to Jeremy, who gestures for you to come. Not sure why go over. "Do you smell this, Baroness?" He asked holding up a handkerchief, the same one he used to stick in Georg's mouth. He wanted you to smell it?!

Shuttering a bit cursing yourself inside give it a quick whiff, there it was, it was faint but you could smell it. Jeremy smiles. "Thank you very much." He stands and returns Arthur back his borrowed item. "Come no, Baroness," he takes your arm in his and walks out. "Well then...next was Mr. Phelps right?"

In the room where Phelps was laid, Jeremy does the same thing. Arthur explains about the wounds on his neck where he believe poison to be injected. Again Jeremy left your side, leaving standing alone. A cold chill ran down your spine seeing the marks on Phelps's neck, you couldn't shake it. But did your best to keep it hidden. Though not from another. You needed to search the room where Phelps's died then...

"Can you show me the room he died in?" Jeremy asked. To you luck.

Agreeing to show him head to the room. Just as Jeremy came to gather you, a hand slices down and grabs your wrist. "I hope you don't mind," Grey steps in pulling and looping your hand under his arm. "I'd like to escort, my Darling. This time." He coldly lock with Jeremy's.

"I'm not your darli-"you refute, to be sliced by Grey's steeled look.

Jeremy just smiles. "Yes, of course, how rude and selfish of me to keep such a lovely young lady to myself."

With that Grey walks out with you. "Come on."

Holding his arm was beyond aggravating for you. You cursed in your mind the things you wish to do and scream, if not react. Something Grey either noticed or felt because his squeezes your hand ever so slightly. Slowing his steps whispers your assentive in your ear.

"Now, behave." His breath licks your skin with a burning shiver. Sickened your stomach. A wry smile touched his lips.

Climbing the stairs with the others, not a single exchange of words passed between you or Grey. More on your part, you just didn't bother to respond if he tried. Honestly you rather be...anywhere but here. Where was Jeremy, crossed your mind. Actually, where was Jeremy, he wasn't with anyone.

You weren't the only who noticed his absence. "Huh?" Grey stops and peers over the rail. "That old guy's not following you know."

Ciel looks too. "Jeremy?" He calls the same time you did.

There was no indication of him at first, though in a few seconds he came. Patting his winded self. "I'm coming, I'm coming." He reaches everyone. "I'm sorry for being late. Let's go."

"Mr. Jeremy." you said noticing something. He turns to you, you politely take his handkerchief and pat the rest of his perspiration away gently. "There," you smile finishing. "Much better." Hand it back.

He was stunned for a moment. "Thank you." He gratefully smiles.

You weren't able to return it, Grey tugged on you lightly to follow. If you could just rip off his arm. Reaching the room, Ciel's room enter. Finally, back at the scene of the crime. Right away your eyes swiftly scour the room for anything. It had to be in here somewhere, but where was the question, a good one indeed. Unable to fully walk the room, with Grey as your leash you could only go so far, that and his watching eyes that quickly glanced upon you. Which you pay no mind. All you could do was watch Jeremy inspect the room. Mainly over by the bed. Right away a flush stung your cheeks.

"What's wrong, darling," Grey quips with a smirk. "remembering a moment? Or getting ideas?"

Your nose flips up right away. "Neither. I wonder if Mr. Jeremy has found anything." Turn your attention to the man.

He was still thoroughly going through crime scene, stumbles upon something. "Well, what is this?" His picks up two very thin, almost translucent thin needles up. Two of them.

Everyone comes around to see, if not for his white gloves they would remain naked to the eye. "What are those?" Arthur asked puzzled.

"Baroness," Jeremy said, eyes fall on you. "your knowledge is needed. Please inform us what these are."

The words came in a manner one would have thought you saw a ghost. "Barbs. They're barbs." Shaking the feeling away focus. You knew what barbs where, though the kind this one was, was well crafted. Sleek and smooth. Sharp at the end for easy and swift entry. Clearly who ever it was missed, but they clearly got their mark the next time around. If too much pressure is applied it would snap the bard.

A delicate touch was needed, steady hands. These where handcrafted it not specially ordered. The kind of material used was, it looked like glass, maybe not. Whatever it was, it only had only had on purpose.

Death.

A sense of dread rolled through the pit of your stomach, where they...did they? How? The windows where tightly shut, how in the world could they? The trajectory in this kind of weather was nearly impossible. Only a shadow could so something like this...one highly...no. There was no way. Was there.

"It would seem," Jeremy's voice brings you back. "the substance used is still upon them. There is," he sniffs a bit. "yes I can smell a faint aroma of some sort. What do you say, Baroness?"

You didn't want to smell it. Having already done it before. You well what you smelled and saw. From the symptoms. The red, the swelling, there was on doubt about it.

Tucking a bit of hair behind your ear, turn to the side. Giving a thought. "Yes, well..." you tongue didn't want to move. But you made it. Searching your mind for the right words. "it's clearly..the scent is..." Nothing was coming out.

The Ciel and the others where baffled, this didn't seem like you. Jeremy though was fine. "That is alright," he wraps the barbs away in another handkerchief tucks them away. "I've asked too much of you. Forgive me. Now, the reason for the murder." His eyes land on Ciel. "Though of course it will have to wait till nightfall to the catch the killer and second, your cooperation."

"My cooperation?" Ciel questioned. Along with you, instinctively you slip from Grey and over to Ciel standing behind him, resting protective hands on his shoulders.

Your eyes glare at the man. "What do you mean, by this?" You demand more so than ask.

Jeremy notices your light grip on Ciel, meets your eyes. "There is not need to worry, Baroness. I assure I will not allow any harm to befall the young lord."

"Even so, what is it?"

He hadn't answered your question. Jeremy simply smiles. "I'll tell you everything when night has fallen."

For some reason you felt his words where meant for Ciel. Your arms wrap around Ciel's shoulders holding his body close to yours, he could feel your heart beat on his back. Move Ciel away from the man.

Arthur laughs nervously scratching his head. "Sorry, she is just well...umm..."

Done with that, next was Sebastian's body. Following everyone there to the room enter. You had released Ciel after he bickered about your hold being rather unnecessary. His way of fussing, so you let him go.

Back in the room...again. Sent all sorts of dampness through you, a part of you screamed not to go in, but the other part just pushed it aside and walked in. Though you stood to the back of the room. And kept your eyes to the chair in the corner. There was enough of seeing the same thing over and over again that was quite annoying. Though every so often your eyes glanced over to Jeremy examine the body. Made your skin slightly crawl. Harmony's words echoed in your mind, only caused you to bite your quivering lip. To snap out of it hearing the faintness of Ciel who nearly fainted. Arthur caught him. Apparently the sigh of Sebastian was still too much for him.

Grey didn't believe it, you where just shocked for a moment than understood go over and take him from Arthur. "Thank you, I have him." Softly cradle him in your arms. Shield him away from the sight. Turning him around, your back to Jeremy and the body. Once Jeremy was done, it was time to join the others. Taking Ciel you hurry him out the room with Arthur.

He wiggles out of your hold coughing a bit. "I'm fine." He kept his back to you straitening himself out. Arthur noticing something on Ciel's rather flustered face smiles looking back at you laughs to himself.

Walking back to join the others, Jeremy stayed behind saying he had some preparations to go over. Not thinking much of it, you and the others head back. Though you asked Ciel a few times if he was alright, which he slightly snapped back that he was and for you stop fussing. Barely two minutes after everyone started to walk back, Grey suddenly whirls back around and runs back to the room. Enters and snatches the sheet off Sebastian's body finding it there.

With wrinkled brows, Grey's eyes look over the body. "As if. Right." Though just to make sure and with a personal reason, raises a foot kicks Sebastian in the face. There was no reaction. Tosses the cover back over him, slides his eyes back to the person standing at the door. Glaring at him. A smile creased his face. "Why, darling," he turns around to you. "this is most unexpected. Have you come to grab my sword?" He notices your eyes on the hilt of his sword. Gives it a light tap. "I wouldn't mind, though not so fast this time, I didn't feel your soft touch last time. Though I'm sure it is tantalizing."

Your eyes snarl darkly at him. His smile thinned further. "What are you doing in here?" your voice icily demands. Waiting for him to say the wrong thing so you had a reason to just..to just.."Why is Sebastian disturbed?" Your eyes fall to the messy cover covering his body.

Grey saw the anger rise in your eyes. "My who knew gold could turn into rubies. Such a dangerous look you have. I dare say," he steps closing the distance between you both. You could feel his breath on your skin making prick and spine to stiffen from his fingers lightly walking up your arm. "that look is rather against the vows exchanged, darling."

Right away your eyes release the anger and fill with fear. He chuckles a bit. "Good, darling." His fingers crawl up your neck, under your chin grip it tightly. Forcing you to look at him. His eyes steadily search yours for any sort he found worthy of break the vows. He found none, to his pleasure, sort of. "You've been living with that Earl for to long. He's starting to rub off on you." He sneers. His grip on you tightens. "It shouldn't rub off too much, look what happened to his family."

Harmony filled your thoughts. A soft gasp slipped from your lips. Grey's smile stretched further. Lifts your chin, pulling you closer. All you needed to do was just knee him right in stomach, it'd send him crashing into the wall. Of course if you included more pressure his body would break through the wall and he'd be gone. But, of course you couldn't despite the desire to do so. There was always...that way. But, that you couldn't do. No. Even if every part of you wanted to.

"You know," Grey whispers in your ear. "you never did provide me with your sweet touch." A sudden chill sweep through you body. You knew what he meant and pull away. "Ah!" His hand shoots out grabbing your wrist restraining you. Pulls you back. Shakes his head lightly. "I don't think so, isn't it the Phantomhive's way to provide hospitality?"

You weren't a Phantomhive.

"Oh, that's right," he purrs. "you're not one. Nor is your sister. So, I guess that lets you off the hook." His hold on you slips off. "Then again," he grabs you back. "you are cousins, so that's close enough. What? No witty banter? How unfair." He chuckles softly on your neck. "I do look forward to our little...duals. It is quite thrilling. Then again..." his voice trails up to your ear. "Who knew the Earl's tender cousin could be so...thriving. That display you pulled in the drawing room was beyond anything. Quite the woman you are."

Your eyes narrow like blades. "..." A low growl rises from your throat. Quickly falls. Enough was enough, lift your free hand and shove him back. "I ask you again, Lord Grey," you furrow. "what is your business here?"

Letting you go, he walks around you with a smile and shrug. "Nothing. What is yours? To come all the way back for a mere servant, quite frankly I thought you detest him."

Your lips remained sealed the same as your eyes refusing to show or answer, he arches a brow that drops and leaves.

Waiting a bit till his footsteps where gone, turn back to Sebastian and drop to his side. Taking the cover straighten it out. His face had dirt from a kick. Sighing use a bit of the cover and clean it off.

"There," you gently straighten out his hair the way it should be. Smile softly with a equal sigh. Silence filled the space and time. "Harmony wants to know if you're having a good time, on your vacation. She's hopes," you laugh lightly. "you're picking a lot of flowers. But," your smile falls with your eyes. "she does miss you terribly. There is no need to worry, I'll take care of the ..."

There was no need for those words, this was ridiculous. Standing dust yourself and cover him well. Leave.

In the kitchen Baldory,, Mey-Rin, and Finnian where trying to figure out what to do for a meal, for food for that matter. There was nearly nothing they could serve really, that is until Jeremy came and offered his assistance on the problem. Suggesting the use of soy beans, turning them into hamburger steaks. Using herbs to add flavor. All three of them became elated by the idea, especially if could feed up to thirty people. With a plan formed, they got to work to prepare the food. Nearly twenty minutes in a knock came to the door.

"I've go it!" Finnian hurries and answers it, opening it finding you. "Baroness!" He smiles from to ear to ear seeing you. Automatically knew your reason for being here. "Have you come to help?"

Smiling back nod. "Yes, I have. I hope that's okay?"

"Sure!" He exclaims allowing you. Quickly he fills you in on what going on. Soybeans, being made into some what hamburgers steaks, apparently. "And it's all thanks to Mr. Jeremy, he thought of the idea." He brings you over to his station.

"Mr. Jeremy?" you where surprised and look at the man, he turns and smiles back. Your head turns back around fast. Just what was with that man and why did you...why did he seem so...that smile too. There was just so much that was...sighing. Push it aside.

Soybeans into hamburger steaks, who would have thought? Not you, surely. Following the instructions from Finnian which weren't really helpful get assistance from Jeremy. Began making them, proudly. You missed being the kitchen, you started to hum. Stop hearing an intrigued laughter from Jeremy.

"Oh, forgive I didn't mean to make you feel flushed." He apologizes.

"No, that's alright. I hope it isn't a bother."

He shakes his head. "No. Not all, in fact quite the opposite. Though I am surprised one such as yourself Baroness would be doing work of a servant. Considering your status."

"I could say the same about you Mr. Jeremy."

His brows rise astound at your little quip, never the less laughed which you shared. The others working away notice it. Mey-Rin stops and smiles, Finnian looked at first confused then smiled the same as Mey-Rin. Baldory rolls his eyes.

"Mr. Jeremy and the Baroness get along well." Finnian expresses enthusiastically. "That's really good."

Mey-Rin nods. "Yes, good indeed. I haven't seen the Baroness smile or laugh like that before. It looks quite nice on her."

"You two are reading too much in to 'dat." Baldory said. "Besides, he's a Father and she's a Baroness, not to mention the far age between them. Besides, ain't the master's cousin interested in her. And the prince too?"

They nearly forgot. "Yeah, you're right." Mey-Rin agrees.

"So," Finnian didn't share their thoughts, he kept looking at the two. His smile widening. Turns to the others, eyes glimmering. "I think they fit well." Looks back at Jeremy and May, who slowly spun her around. He watched the way Jeremy's hand caught her by the waist carefully. "Yeah, they do."

All the chattering and noise awoke a certain sleepy head. Having already had their dinner earlier took to bed again right afterward. To be woken by the hustling from the kitchen, Harmony sits up rubbing her sleepy eyes and climbs out from the hold of Snake (taking her rabbit with her). Carefully her feet hit the floor. Whining a bit walks to the door, opens it and leaves. Following the noise it became louder and louder. Her whines increased, entering the kitchen rubbing her eyes cries loud enough all heads turn to her.

"Harmony?!"

"Lady Harmony!?"

Sniffling Harmony holding her rabbit, her eyes hadn't processed where she was or who was there. Nor the voices. Not even her sister's touch. Which she shook off and hollers.

"I want a story!" she cries.

Story? What story? Just around two hours ago, she was sleeping and now woke up wanting a story. She was just sleep walking, she did that some times. A drag but that what she did. Sighing try to call out to her again. She paid no mind and demanded a story once again.

"Harmony, sweet heart, please.." you try to reason with her. "Harmony please list-"

A hand rest on your shoulders. "Allow me, I know a good story to help this sleeping princess sleep." Jeremy said. "If you don't mind of course." Turns to you for permission.

You weren't sure why, but you allowed it. Trusted him, because when bent down scooped up Harmony she calmed down and rest her head on his shoulder. Watching him carry her back to bed was amazing, let you at ease. Resting a hand on your chest smile for a moment. "Alright," you turn to the others. "let's get this dinner out to everyone."