Chapter 11: Of Cat and Mouse
The cobblestone streets illuminated under the white moon and the fog that all London's inhabitants knew so well appeared to cover the boulevards completely. It was nights like this one that were perfect for the cowardly to do their dastardly deeds. Save for several or so house lights the whole city block was dark, ready to turn in for the night. The cloaked figure leaned against the stone wall of the dock side tavern, listening to the loud and boisterous noises coming from inside.
These nights are perfect for many other things as well, philandering with pretty women, smoking opium and spending a lot of money…
However, the cloaked man was doing none of those activities he would much rather be doing at the moment. He was extremely bored, watching the sailors and deck men load and board cargo for two hours was no entertaining chore. Since early evening, he had lurked in the shadows of the dock, carefully noting the goings-on that took place. Nothing important had happened, save for two men getting into a drunken brawl. Now that he thought about it, it was a drunken brawl that landed him here in the first place…
That Earl Phantomhive drives a hard bargain and an even harder left swing…not even going soft on a friend he's known for years!
Lau frowned as he continued watching the men load wooden boxes on the ships. Absolutely nothing exciting was going on at the dock, yet the honorable Earl Phantomhive had said he received a "tip" from "John Doe" that some black marketing was taking place tonight…
How droll…the Earl sure does know how to make one's day gloomy…and boring…
A commotion near one of the large merchant boats caught his attention. Several men sat on old beer barrels, apparently arguing over some information that was in their knowledge. Lau stepped closer, but clung to darkness as they continued speaking.
"Have you heard? There have been a lot more murders around here…seem strange though don't it? Just the other day, the lady in the inn on Second Street told me a young noble woman almost got kidnapped!"
"Bunch of tomfoolery! Who in der' right mind would raid a noble's home? Jus going near the gates is 'nough to be arrested!" A second man said, leaning towards the first speaker.
"You never know, people are desperate these days." The men grunted their agreement and mumbled among themselves. Lau noted that all the men were Indians, dressed like any other street rats and smelled horribly. Apparently, these men were just spreading some town gossip…nothing too important or juicy.
"But…I heard from Thomas…it's because of those things…" At this new statement, Lau's ears perked up…now this could be interesting.
"The tales say…there are these magical creatures that will grant you one wish no matter what the wish is…" Lau heard another man say.
"They say… one wish for one's soul…or them creatures will make something like a contract…you all know about old Joe don't ya?" The men nodded.
"Well…my lass tend the tavern near here and I know my girl never tells lies…neither do most of the good paying patrons. So one day, she comes up and tells me that old Joe Rathbourne starts spending cash like he's the King of England! Now you know…old Joe is poorer than a rat's ass…" The man quieted his voice and nervously looked around the dock, fearful if someone might find out his next words.
"He wouldn't open up about how he stumbled upon such a fortune…so we's get em drunk…says he made a bond…with one of them…next thing you know couple a months later ole' Joe is six feet under…"
The men shook their heads, as if slightly mourning the dead man.
"But that's not all to da story is dere? I hear that somethings going on them hospitals…that some of the Indians are being…well…ya know…doctors are testing on them…" Lau walked closer to the men, until he was just several yards from them. His ears perked up at the mention of testing…could the men be talking about trafficking? Perhaps black market slave trading? They were extremely on edge and scared, two men kept looking behind their backs into the darkness towards the street. One man, who sat on a barrel nodded.
"I was dere' just yes'erday…theys givin out money to any poor soul who volunteer…somethin'g strange is goi'n on fer sure…" Lau smiled and slithered back into the darkness.
Hm…the Earl will be happy to know this information…I suppose I should engage these fine men in friendly conversation, ne?
"Excuse me…" Lau stepped from the darkness of the alleyway and into the dim light. The Chinese man grinned slightly and tilted his head to the side.
"Would ya'll so kindly tell me everything I want to know? Whose volunteering for what?"
Ciel's head rested his head on his hand as he read the morning newspaper. Five men brutally murdered in the course of two weeks, the headline read. He leaned back against the office chair and glanced outside the window at the lush green courtyard. The summer day was hotter than usual, causing his patience and irritability to fluctuate like a flickering blaze. The young man reached for a cigarette and lighted it casually, allowing the smoke to flow through his nostrils. He grabbed the latest report from the Yard and scanned over its contents, greedily taking in every bit of information.
All five men had come into a great amount of wealth and fortune before their deaths…one man had experiences abnormal strength as witnessed by people placing boxing bets…is this the work of a regular demon? It does not seem so…no demon I know of so flamboyantly disposes of its previous masters.
"Society has monsters lurking that are far nastier than a demon like me. A child such as the young master would be perfect prey."
He thought about Sebastian's words from several years ago. Was there a monster nastier than his demon?
"Tsk, of course not…"
"Are you troubled young master?"
"No." Ciel took another long drag of the cigarette, slowly puffing out smoke rings. He watched the demon butler place the silver tray on his desk and poured the tea.
"Your snack is a custard tart with berry filling. Today's tea is White tea; I hear it is quite popular in China this time of year, young master." Ciel nodded and lifted the cup to his nose. The smell was certainly strong, but not overwhelming. Ciel glanced at his butler from the corner of his eye.
"Have you found Helen Eckard's whereabouts?" Sebastian breathed deeply and bowed.
"I apologize, young master. I have not. It appears that Helen is a queer sort of demon…" Ciel set his cup down, staring at his butler. His impatience rose every minute.
"I'm waiting."
"Miss Helen appears to be an l'ombre vides type, an empty shadow demon. Young master, Helen was once human and now only a shadow of what she once was. Now, she is only an empty shell clawing at what her body no longer has." Ciel leaned forward on his arms, his mind taking in the new material.
"She lacks a soul… so then…Elizabeth…made a contract with her?" Ciel asked his voice so low Sebastian could scarcely hear him. Sebastian observed his young master's posture…he was rigid, his hands clasped to each other tightly.
"Lady Elizabeth made no binding contract. However, Helen has hunted her."
"Is that so…"
"Yes, young master." Ciel reached for a piece of paper and a pen nib. He casually began writing on the paper, his face bestowed calmness. After he was done, he handed the paper to Sebastian.
"Deliver this to the Middleford estate; give it only to my uncle no one else. Also contact the Royal London Hospital that Elizabeth is ill and will need several or so weeks to improve..." Sebastian took the letter from the young man and nodded.
"Yes, young master." Sebastian picked up the empty cup and tray, and left the office. Ciel stood and walked around the desk to the window. He leaned against the class, slowly inhaling the cigarette smoke.
"Lo'ombre vide…reluctant humans who turned to demons and murder other's because of the empty void they created…" Ciel stared at the window, over the wine yard and the great courtyard that was his.
"How foolishly circular they are…Any wish, eh?"
Elizabeth blankly stared outside the window, her thoughts silent and forbidding. Her mind was completely empty, save for the small realization that Helen…was not the person she thought she was…
"Darling…" Elizabeth's father sat on a chair next to the bedside. He grasped her hands and looked her softly in the eyes. He seemed to want to burst something out and get the affair over with, but his eyes showed anxiety.
"Father…what happened? Where is Helen? What happened?" Alexis Middleford looked out the window and sighed heavily.
"Elizabeth…Helen is…you see…she is trouble with the authorities…"
Elizabeth pulled her knees into her chest and rhythmically rocked back and forth. She did not know what to think…whether to be saddened or shocked. It seemed that both darkly clouded her feelings like an oncoming storm.
Can I trust no one? I…I don't know what to think about it all…but why do I feel so angry at Helen's betrayal? I can't believe….Helen would try to harm me or steal from me! She was so gentle and so kind to me…
"Why…are humans such evil creatures?" Elizabeth pushed the sheets back and sat on the edge of the bed. Slowly, she placed her foot on the warm carpet, allowing her cold toes to fell the soft fabric. Elizabeth walked to the vanity and sat on the cushioned stool, longing gazing at herself in the mirror. Her blonde hair was scuffled and tangled and her eyes were slightly red.
"I...I've been fooled again…" Elizabeth watched as her eyes watered, revealing her inner feelings. She felt as if she were about to burst with sorrow.
I feel so alone!
Suddenly, a soft knock sounded on her door. Elizabeth rushed to her bed and jumped in, pulling the comforters up to her chin.
"Come in."
The door opened to show her mother and two maids. Marchioness Middleford looked gently at her daughter and smiled faintly.
"Your cheeks are finally becoming rosy again, Elizabeth. Has your fever broken?" Elizabeth's mother sat on the bed and pressed her hand against Elizabeth's forehead.
"I'm doing quite alright mother. I just need some rest is all…" The Marchioness's gaze fellow upon the desk in the corner of the room. It was stacked with papers and books and many files.
"I thought you were resting, Elizabeth?" Elizabeth turned her face away from her mother's sharp stare, turning her attention to the vanity.
"I am mother. You can't possibly expect me to just sit around all day and do nothing…" Marchioness Middleford nodded. She gestured to the two maids. The young women began opening Elizabeth's trunks, closet and drawers.
"What are you doing?" Elizabeth expressed. She watched the maids gather her clothing and place them in trunks and cases. She turned to her mother, irritation etching her face.
"Mother! What is the meaning of this?" Marchioness Middlesford stood from the bed, her face stern.
"I never thought I would say this to my own daughter…but Elizabeth…you are going on vacation!" Elizabeth's mouth gaped as the words from her mother registered in her mind.
Vacation?
"Mother!"
"Ciel has invited you to spend a month at his country lodge. I told him the nature of your health…he was concerned. Elizabeth…why don't you take him up on this offer?"
The country side was just enough to significantly bring Elizabeth's spirits up. Country air was so much fresher and sweeter than any city air…it filled her lungs and cleared her mind. The carriage lolled along the dirt path, passing beautiful yellow wheat fields and lush green fields. Elizabeth supposed…such a vacation was not a terrible idea after all. Already she was looking forward to seeing him…Earl Phantomhive…
I never thought that he would ever send me an invitation to anything, let alone his country house. I'm nervous…if only Helen…no…not Helen…
"Ciel…" Elizabeth watched the fields and laborers go past as the carriage rolled along the road. Everything seemed to be falling apart…she was not sure of herself any more. She felt like she was walking a winding path through a dark forest…
"Ma'am! We're here!" The coachmen called. Elizabeth looked out the left side of the carriage to see the black gates that encircled the huge estate. The estate stood looming, beautiful and yet intimidating. The courtyard was green, with patches of flowers here and there. Elizabeth smiled as the Iron Gate opened and the carriage rolled along the stone pavement up to the house. Sebastian stood at the top of the marble steps leading up to the front door. He smiled brightly as Elizabeth's carriage pulled up the front of the estate.
"Lady Elizabeth."
"Sebastian! Hello!" Elizabeth could feel her mood lighten at the butler's greeting. Sebastian opened the carriage door, and held out his hand to Elizabeth. The young woman smiled and allowed Sebastian to help her out of the carriage.
"I'll bring Lady Elizabeth's things inside, sir." The coachman called.
"Ah, do not worry. I'll send the servants out to assist you." Sebastian assured the elderly man.
"Lady Elizabeth, please follow me. I have your room prepared and everything is in order for your arrival."
"Thank you, Sebastian! I'm really looking forward to staying here…" Sebastian smiled.
"As is the young master, come this way please." Sebastian led Elizabeth through the main lobby and up the stairs leading to the east wing of the house. Elizabeth took in all the rooms that she remembered in her youth. There was the nursery that she and Ciel had played in their first Christmas together. Across from the nursery was the rest room where she had watched her very pregnant Aunt Angelina read her books. It had been over a decade since she had last been in the Phantomhive country home…with her uncle Vincent and Aunt Rachael.
Ciel and I were just children ourselves…children with no thought of the outside world. I remember…playing in the lobby and watching Aunt Angelina play the piano for us. I remember how she would play with Ciel and I in the gardens. Oh, how…I would give anything to be an innocent child again!
"It's funny though…your name Sebastian was the same as our dog's name…" Elizabeth mused out loud. She watched as Sebastian's face turned slightly sour, but transgressed into a grin.
"Is that so?"
"Oh! Sebastian I didn't mean it like that! It's just I have not been in this house for so long…so many memories…"
"Don't worry Lady Elizabeth. I found it interesting." Sebastian stopped at door and slowly opened it. The smell of fresh flowers filled Elizabeth's nostrils as the door opened completely. She rushed into the room, to see vases full of flowers of all kinds sweetly all over the room. Elizabeth giggled and ran to the vanity, where a large bouquet of red roses stood in a beautiful pink glass vase. A small card was attached to a rose, signed in golden ink. Elizabeth opened the card, her eyes lit up with excitement.
Elizabeth,
I can only imagine how beautiful your eyes must be now as you walked into the guest room. I only hope that you find the floras exceptionally striking and pleasing to the eye. I look forward to spending time with you, dear cousin. Please do not be afraid to call on me for anything. I desire to make your next several weeks perfect and restful.
-Ciel Phantomhive
"Oh Sebastian he did not have to do this!" Elizabeth bawled. She held the card to her chest and twirled around the room. Oh it was lovely! It was like walking into a fairy garden! Sebastian smiled and gestured to the white irises on the window seat, taking one out of the vase and handing it to Elizabeth.
"The young master wanted to make sure your stay here was beyond comfortable. The white irises just came in today. Does this arrangement please you?" Elizabeth smiled widely and sighed.
"Yes, yes Sebastian it does very much! Everything is so wonderful!" Sebastian bowed slightly.
"I am happy then, Lady Elizabeth." Out in the hallway, loud voices echoed across the walls of the servants hauling her things. Elizabeth grinned as she heard Bard and Finnian bickering outside the hall.
"Oi, careful Finnian! You'll break that trunk and then Mr. Sebastian will have our hides!" Bard yelled.
"I know!" Elizabeth moved to the side of the door, as the two men carried in her belongings. Bard grimaced as he sat the large wooden trunk down on the middle of the bedroom and leaned back, breathing heavily.
"Well now, Lady Elizabeth! All your stuff is here! And in one piece I might add." Bard winked.
"We brought in everything! See, Mr. Sebastian? We got everything done just the way you wanted it!"
"Yes, yes you all have done marvelously." Sebastian sighed. He clapped his hands together eagerly, rushing the two men out of Elizabeth's room.
"The young master is in the drawing room, Lady Elizabeth. Would you like to see him?" Elizabeth felt her heart skip a beat at the mention of Ciel. How she wanted to see him so badly! It had been weeks since the last time she saw him…but what would she say to him? How would she react when she saw him?
Should I ask him about his work? No…he wouldn't tell me anything that's the worst possible thing to ask him! Oh, perhaps how his summer is going? No! Um…maybe, maybe I can ask how his candy company is doing? No! All those questions are ridiculous! Oh!
Hello and long time no see! I am so sorry I have not updated in such a long time. Anyway, here is the next chapter! I hope you guys are enjoying it! My finals start tomorrow so I've been focusing on just studying and not even thinking about my stories. But I'm feeling pretty confident so I am going to go ahead and update! Please review! Thank you all for reading! Thank you all! Since my finals end next weekend you can expect me to actually update each week or even more! For now, wish me luck on my finals!