"I must insist that you not go out, especially in this weather."
Sebastian watched Lily put on her coat. Her voice was a bit hoarse. "I am well enough. I am not going to let a little sore throat deter me."
The butler sighed but said nothing.
They arrived in the city shortly afterward and stopped in front of a building. Lily and Sebastian stepped out of the carriage and knocked on the door. A couple of minutes later, a skinny man answered the door, opening it only a little. He wore glasses with round frames. His hair was dark brown and tied in the back. "Yes? May I help you?" he asked, timidly.
Lily responded, "Are you Grell Sutcliffe?"
"Y-yes, I am. Who are you, young lady?"
Sebastian answered for Lily. "She, my good sir, is Lady Lillith Athelward, current owner of the Athelward Shipping Company."
"Oh, I have heard of that company. What can I do for you?"
"I would like to discuss my late aunt, Helen Radcliffe. Did you know her?"
Grell's expression changed. He now seemed very nervous.
Sebastian bowed slightly. "We are just curious. You see, her brother, Lady Lillith's father, disappeared a year ago along with Lady Lillith's mother. You were mentioned in a document that concerned the family, and we would like to receive as much information as we can about them all. Any information you can provide will help us greatly."
"You poor child. Of course, I'll do anything I can to help. Do come in."
The butler and young lady entered the apartment. It was simply furnished and poorly lit. Grell invited them to sit down, and he poured all three of them a cup of tea. Lily wasted no time asking Grell questions, and as a result, he squirmed uncomfortably and looked down.
"Forgive my mistress," said Sebastian. "She is quite a blunt person and gets straight to the point."
"It's quite alright," replied Grell. "I suppose it is a useful quality to have in business. I am usually a quiet man who rarely interacts with others."
"But you knew my aunt."
"Indeed, but not well. Perhaps more than I know others."
"What were you to her?"
"I was her bookkeeper. I kept track of her finances."
"So you interacted with her often, then?"
"From time to time to keep her updated on her spending and earnings."
"Did you notice anything out of the ordinary before she died?"
Grell seemed to become more nervous. "I saw her a week before, to discuss regular business. I saw nothing odd."
"Did she ever give you anything of value? Any personal items, papers, etc.?"
"No. I'm afraid not. All of her items have been lost in that dreadful fire."
"Thank you. I apologize for the intrusion," Lily said, standing up. Sebastian stood up with her.
Grell went to the door and opened it. "Not at all. Again, I am sorry for your loss."
"Thank you. Best of luck to you."
Lily and Sebastian went outside, and Grell quickly closed the door.
Sebastian said, "My lady, we should make a couple of stops before going home."
"I have no need to go anywhere else today."
"You need a new pair of shoes and hair ribbons. The ball at Vicount Druitt's is next weekend."
Lily sighed. "I don't care. I have other things to concentrate on."
"If I may, I must remind you that this is a very important ball. If you do not attend, it will damage your social standing and damage your family's name."
"Then I have little choice. Let us get this over with."
That evening after dinner, Lily sat in the study and called for Sebastian. He entered, and the young lady said, "He is hiding something."
"Mr. Sutcliffe?"
"Yes. I believe he knows more than he is letting on. His manner changed the more personal my questions became."
"I sensed that, as well."
"I need to know more, but I doubt he would let us come back for another visit." She looked at the butler, and he bowed.
"I will investigate his dwelling myself," Sebastian said.
Lily nodded, then coughed harshly. Sebastian said, "I implore you to rest, my lady. You won't be able to accomplish anything if you are ill. You seem to be feeling worse than you were earlier."
"I feel so weak. Please, Sebastian, carry me to bed. I fear I am unable to stand at the moment."
Sebastian did as she asked. As soon as Lily was under the covers, she fell asleep. The butler didn't even have a chance to say good night. "Sleep well, my persistent lady."
My lungs no longer have water in them. I am breathing. I can feel my heart beat fast, then the motion slows. I am calm.
I am alive.
My vision completely restores, and I can see the figure in front of me clearly. He is a tall, thin man with black hair. He is wearing a black suit and white gloves; his outfit is that of a butler's. I have never seen him before, yet…
"Who are you?" I ask.
He smiles slightly; it is more of a smirk. He bows. "You summoned me, Lady Lillith Athelward."
"How do you know my name?"
"I know many things. For now, let us discuss our new contract."