"The young master appears to be out of sorts," Tanaka noted as the coach was loaded Thursday morning, to set out for Easter holiday at the Midfords. I had charged Finny to securing the luggage to the imperial overhead of the coach and harnessing the horses. I stood to supervise and Tanaka was having a last cup of tea before the trip. He stood with a demeanour that suggested easiness, but within that wrinkled face a look of concern was buried.

"Oh? And what has given you that impression?" I asked with calm indifference.

Tanaka's weary eyes possessed that faraway look of deep contemplation. "He has always been a withdrawn young man, but his mood has been so erratic these past weeks."

It was true, since my flight from the manor, Ciel remained distant and aloof. He would not look me in the eye. He did not call on me. He busied himself with work in silence, and would even go so far as to refuse meals. When I gave the slightest insistence that he needed to eat something, he would simply order me away, in that calm, low voice. I would not press him, but rather allow him to stew in his own self-imposed sadness.

"A lot weighs on the young master's mind. I do what I can to ease his burdens."

"I have no doubt you do, and I sincerely hope that none of us would be a source of strife for the young master."

This comment caused me to whip back to look at Tanaka. He occupied himself with his tea and seemed he was finished speaking.

I had always admired Tanaka for having keen perception, and it was for this reason he remained at the Phantomhive estate. His knowledge of the family through the generations, all their secrets, could have been a powerful weapon, if it were not for the fact that Tanaka was a humble man who lived for servitude.

I considered why the Midfords insisted that Tanaka should accompany us for the holiday, and my only conclusion was that they wanted to glean some insight into the Earl's assets, knowledge Tanaka was very privy to… but one would never know that just looking at the old man. They may have used the explanation that they missed a family friend who was such a close confidant of the boy's predecessor, but it did not explain why they never called for him in the past.

With luggage stowed, the Earl and Tanaka settled in the carriage and ready for the travel, I sat at the front perch and waved back to the servants who saw us out the gates. The travel to the Midford manor would be a leisurely one, for the sky was clear and the sun warm. Even the horses appreciated the work of driving the coach after being cooped in a stable for the better part of winter.

Road trips such as this were appropriate occasions for reflection and sorting one's thoughts. It was the only thing for sitting on the box of a brougham with no other company but the pair of beasts in front of me. I recalled my flight from the manor, how it had wounded my young master. When I had returned in the early hours of the morning, I found he had not even bothered to dress in his bed clothes. He sprawled over his bed, smelling of bourbon. In the very least he had the sense to remove his shoes before falling into unconsciousness. I watched him for a time before the sun rose. He mumbled in his sleep in that way so familiar to me, but I did not care to wake him from a troubled sleep.

My initial reaction to his feeling was that it was an assault against me. I dismissed this notion, because his feelings did not come from a place of wrath. There was gentleness to them, and I was certain that an acceptance of them would lead to my own destruction, the destruction of our contract. I could not tolerate such a prospect, after all the effort I had placed in Ciel.

He was my broken project, my magnificent masterpiece. Call me proud, but I considered myself the master sculptor, his desecrated soul my magnum opus. This intrusion could potentially sully the landscape of his condition. Things such as hope of happiness have the potential to break through the darkness of the heart.

I resolved that this illumination would not come to pass. In fact, denying my master of this dim salvation would only benefit me. I considered the effect it would have on the boy if he were unrequited in his affections. The despair could only lead to a much more depraved condition, a soul filled with bitterness.

I would not force this reality on him with cruelty. There was no malice in my decision, or my course of action. This was a matter of self-preservation, as well as priority in my investment, as it were. I would continue to be patient, keeping a close eye on the boy's condition to guarantee that every action I took would be a further blight on him. As far as his own depressed state, he would pull himself out of it eventually, I reasoned. He found such melancholy to be irritating (I found it distasteful) and preferred to be in a state of mind where he had the energy to project his anger for the world outward instead of turning it inward.

Is there any need for me to state that I found him more charming this way?

While we were slightly north and west of London, we merely had to travel two hours south to arrive at the Midford estate. A well paved road inclined slightly and from the quarter lights on the side of the coach Ciel could see the French-style gardens and luxurious fountains that led to the manor at the top of the hill.

The manor ascended from the ground in strict Neo-Classical glory. We pulled into the drive in the front to be greeted at the hexa-style portico, its Ionic columns framing a central entrance and grand windows. I looked up and saw the balustrade running around the roof of the building, supported by a decorative cornice. Quoins accented the corners of the structure, giving the mansion a sense of stern structure. For all the order and symmetry, there was a gleaming opulence to the architecture, and such qualities exemplified the essence of what it meant to be Midford.

Upon our arrival, I gave instruction for the luggage and a stable boy was eager to tend to the coach and horses. I was not accustomed to following the master around with nothing to do, but the way he tugged at my sleeve, such a brief gesture, as we clicked across the chequered foyer, suggested he wanted me near. For what purpose, I did not know. Francis met him in the parlour. Light poured into the room from the windows across from the doorway. She stood at his arrival, the tightest of smiles on her face. "How was your trip, nephew?"

Ciel sat straight and proper on his couch, wishing to appeal to the Marchioness's preference for discipline. "It was well, thank you for your hospitality, Aunt Francis."

I stood in the corner with head bowed. The Marchioness would say nothing on the matter, but she glared sideways at me, considering that I had little reason to be in the room. She had no justification to dismiss a servant that was not hers, and while she always found it strange, she was convinced of a friendship between me and the young master. I concluded this trip would leave me with little to do, for the Midfords employed a sizeable staff: A full kitchen, several footmen, and legions of maids, a Silverman and of course, their Butler.

A footman entered the room with refreshment. His dress was impeccable, pressed and tucked. Until I noticed he had recently scuffed his shoe in a hurry to serve. How careless.

After moments of tea sipping and talk of the weather, the boy asked, "My dear Francis, pardon me if I sound too forward, but I would have expected Elizabeth to join us."

"She is indisposed at the moment. She will join us for dinner." Her demeanour was terse. The Marchioness sighed and set down her tea cup. Straightening herself, she changed the subject. "I am most delighted that you will have an extended holiday with us, Ciel. It is so rare that you visit us anymore."

"The pleasure is mine, Aunt Francis. I have been in need of a holiday from work. And I admit; I cannot be opposed to any request from Elizabeth."

The boy's aunt smiled at this comment. "I have something of a surprise for you, my dear nephew." The footman refilled her tea without a word and with no comment she accepted the cup. I watched this exchange with some curiosity. Her level of nobility was such that she would not even look her domestic workers in the eye. "Alexis and I have planned something of a small dinner party for tomorrow night, oh, just a modest gatherig of close associates and the like. We wanted to take full advantage of your visit with us."

I noticed how Ciel's eye widened momentarily, but he kept his surprise in check, probably not wanting to alert his aunt of just how much he despised these sort of occasions. It was one thing to host a party and have months to prepare for it; it was quite another to attend with little warning. He summoned his warmest smile. "I am truly flattered, ma'am."

She must have noticed the slight hesitancy in his statement, for she continued, "I hope you are not unsettled by this, Ciel."

"Not at all!" His reassurance seemed a little too quick to respond.

"There are a few associates we would like you to meet. You would only benefit from a chance to network, and I think it's safe to say that there are quite a few would like acquaintance with you."

Ciel chose his words carefully. "Aunt, I cannot imagine who would have interest in meeting me."

"The expansion of your business over the past year has been the talk of London, Ciel!" Her laugh was precise and crisp. "Honestly, your products have been seen in every gift shop and toy store. Common folk and the aristocracy alike cannot get enough of your brand."

"I know what the people like."

"Precisely. I daresay I know a few who would be interested in doing business with you."

When Ciel set down his tea cup, he raised his hand to stop the footman from refilling his cup, not breaking his gaze with the Marchioness. "Please correct me if I am being presumptuous, ma'am, but it sounds as though someone has asked you to make their acquaintance with me."

She was terse. "That is partially true, Ciel, but keep in mind that my primary motivation is my nephew's success." She sipped her tea. "Even though my late brother may have started the business, I am amazed with how it is you that has brought Funtom Company to international acclaim. Your shrewd business savvy may just incite jealousy among other entrepreneurs."

"To that I have no doubt. On that note, I do hope you are not inviting these jealous types to the party."

"Ciel, you know I do not invite nouveau riche to my dinner parties. For all the money they have accumulated, the wealth fails to buy them proper etiquette."

I spent the evening during their dinner in the servant's hall, really at a loss of what to do with myself. There was no work to be had at Midford manor, and I realized just how routine it was to constantly have to wait on my master. Not having to depend on that regularity left me uneasy. The staff, which in fleeting moments had occasion to sit, seemed rather interested in me. Many of the tenured staff knew of Tanaka personally, having met him when the predecessor of the Phantomhive name had come to visit his sister. They had shared their stories to the maids of a Phantomhive butler that knew how to throw a party. I had never really thought of Tanaka as being so spry, but I dreaded the idea of the wait staff having similar expectations of me.

It was shortly after dinner that Ciel had politely excused himself from the table. Alexis invited him to the smoking room for digestif. Prior to that, Ciel made a trip to the washroom to freshen himself after a rather rich meal of pheasant. His request for me rang in my ears, cacophonous after what felt as a week of silence.

With haste, I appeared in his personal wash room, a dark blight on an otherwise gleaming interior. "You have need of me, young master?" He regarded my appearance with weariness.

"There's something my aunt and uncle are hiding from me." His arms folded, he leaned against the porcelain sink. The gas lamps over the mirror shone on a pale face. I had just noticed the dark circles under his eye. "Are there any strange rumours among the household staff?"

"I have had little occasion to speak with them. Most have been too preoccupied with their own duties, young master." It was partially true; When one did have a moment to talk, they were more interested in me, rather than speaking of the goings on of their employer's house.

Ciel rubbed his chin in contemplation. "The Midfords are planning something, and it's not just a dinner party. And Elizabeth is acting very strange."

"How so, my lord?"

He stared down at the floor, as if trying to divine some undetectable piece of information from the chequered tiles. "I do not think I have ever seen her more reserved. I think the only time she said anything of length to me was when she greeted me in the dining room and asked me about my trip. Then when Marquis Alexis and I excused ourselves from the table, she bid me a good night."

"And she kept silent for most of the meal?"

"Yes, she only raised her head to speak when there was a question directed to her."

"And what questions were asked of her, young master?"

He rubbed his chin. "It was simple things really. Her mother asking about her lessons, asked her to recite something from her reading, all really boring, honestly."

I did not find this information to be dull in the slightest. "And can you recall what she was wearing?"

Ciel lifted his head. "You know, I thought that was rather strange too. She seemed a little too formal, as if she would have to entertain guests."

"You are the guest in this house, young master."

He waved his hand as if to dismiss the notion. "Oh come off it, I am family." Then he reconsidered my comment. "Although, Aunt Francis has been especially accommodating. And there's this party tomorrow..." For the first time in a week, he stared me in the eye. "There's something going on here, Sebastian. Find out what you can. Be subtle about it. Do not give anyone reason to suspect you of snooping."

I bowed low. "Yes, I shall be as a shadow, my lord." I was so grateful, grateful to have something to do, grateful for this normalcy of being given a task by my master.

"You will report your findings to me when I retire for the evening," he added. "That is all." He was depending on me for something once more, and I realized just how much it ached to not have that. I cursed at my own weakness, how I so wanted him to have need of me, and yet when he wanted me I could only recoil.

I noticed that a smoking jacket was hanging was hanging by the door. "Might I assist you with your coat, young master?" I inquired as I saw him flip the buttons of his evening attire.

In a clipped tone, he replied. "I have grown accustomed to helping myself, Sebastian. Do as I have told you. That is all." His last statement felt forced.

I decided it would be best to check into Elizabeth's quarters first. I found her in her lavish bedroom, sitting at a white vanity, staring into the mirror as Paula, her maid, brushed her long golden locks. There was an uncomfortable silence between the two. I peered through the cracked doorway, noticing a blank and forlorn expression on the young woman's face. The gas lamps were turned low; they would not see that I had cracked the door, and they most certainly could not see me lurking in the dark hall.

Paula said in her usual cheerful voice, "You looked positively radiant, this evening, my lady."

Elizabeth sighed, looking away from herself in the mirror. "Ciel did not give me any compliment." She huffed. "He was too preoccupied with talking with Edward."

"Well, they had not seen each other in quite some time. Also, I hear talk that he is interested in the Earl's philanthropic efforts."

Elizabeth said in a low voice, "Do not repeat this Paula, but I'll have you know that it was my idea that Ciel have a ball at the beginning of the season, and it was my idea that he should turn it into a charity event. I suggested it during Valentine's."

"Oh my lady!" Paula gave her mistress a warm hug around the shoulders. "Please do not begrudge the Earl!"

"Oh Paula, I do not, you know I don't. You know I love Ciel very much... it's just..." she was fighting back tears. "Some acknowledgment would be nice. Even just a mention of me, even in passing. It would have made me so happy if he had told Edward that it was my idea, even if I am not in a position to be hostess."

"But Lady Elizabeth, one day you will. Think of it!" Paula raised her arms with dramatic flair. "One day you'll be the Countess Elizabeth Phantomhive! There will be a day when you are the one who can receive all the credit for holding these sorts of functions! And to think, all of London's posh society will be clambering over themselves for an invitation to one of your events." Elizabeth smiled up at her maid. Paula seemed to have an effortless way to cheering up her mistress. "And I'll have you know, the staff have overheard your parents speak of the Earl. He is all the Marquis talks about. I do not know much about these sorts of things, but your father is privy to the Phantomhive's investments and his "equity," whatever that means. In short, his estate is wealthier than your family's at the moment."

"Paula you shouldn't engage in rumours like that!"

"I'm sorry my Lady, don't misunderstand me! I can't help what I overhear! Please don't think I'm speaking untruths!"

"No, Paula, out of everyone I know, you're probably the most truthful with me." She sighed. "Do you think that is why my parents have decided to go ahead with... the plans?"

It was at this point my eyes widened.

"I suppose they think it's a wise decision."

"Yes... since there really is so little inheritance for me."

"My Lady, you'll be marrying into more wealth than your family has."

"It won't even matter if I'm marrying below my station. And it is Ciel..."

"He is making a reputation for himself; you can't deny that, my Lady." Paula situated Elizabeth's hair down her back and squeezed the young woman's shoulders. "You have such a bright future ahead of you. My Lady, I only hope that you can take me with you to be a small part of it."

The two women gazed teary-eyed at each other in the looking glass. An unspoken happiness was exchanged between them, a silent solace that understood that those patches of good fortune had to be plucked quickly when their lives were always steered by someone else's influence. I turned from the scene, having no taste for such sentiment, and decided that I had heard quite enough.

Ciel had no idea that the Midfords were planning the marriage, and very soon. If he had been told during dinner time, he would have been the first thing to come from his mouth during our discussion after dinner.

I slipped down the stairs to the main floor, past the drawing rooms to the smoking room towards the back of the manor. I kept my ear close to the door, for I knew that in such a small room they would surely notice me peaking if I opened the door. There was no staff in the hall, for most, save for a few personal servants, were in the servant's hall taking a late supper and a possible night cap.

It was not difficult to distinguish the Marquis's booming voice. "Ciel, I know that Francis is not going to come right out and say it, but she is very proud of you."

"Oh please sir, I am not accustomed to all this flattery," the master replied, sounding rather boyish and beneath himself.

"It's hardly flattery, my boy. Just look at what you have accomplished, and at the age of fifteen! It is astounding, and there are gentlemen in your station twice your age that do not have claim to the success that you have made for yourself." I could hear the sound of more spirits being dispensed. "You have every right to celebrate your hard work, nephew."

"Thank you, uncle." There was a pause, Ciel no doubt accepting the Marquis's offering most graciously. "It is all I can do, for my name, my birth right."

"Spoken like a true nobleman." Glasses clinked. "But truthfully, I have had enough talk of business for one day. I make it a point to not discuss or engage in financial matters after a certain hour."

"Perhaps that is something I need to consider myself, uncle."

"And now you would take advice from me? Who is doing the flattering now, boy?" Marquis Alexis chuckled. "No, I have other matters to discuss, something more important than business."

I could feel Ciel's heart pounding, his nerves on high. The boy was putting on airs again, and was doing a rather convincing job of it. Even with a door between us I could still sense his nervousness, a feeling of not knowing what was to come but a certainty that he was not going to like it. The Marquis was none the wiser.

Alexis's tone grew gruff and serious. "It is my daughter. As you know, she is sixteen now. A marriageable age." There was a calculated pause. "Despite your betrothal since birth, we have had others, in poor taste I might add, make offers for her hand."

"...is that so?" Ciel's voice sounded rather thin. "Does Lizzie... I mean, Lady Elizabeth know of this?"

"No need to be formal, Ciel. And no, she doesn't. The very idea, the prospect of her being married to anyone but you, however slim that may be, it would cause her too much distress. You know how sensitive she is."

"Yes, sir, I am aware."

"And I will have you know, that while we, her parents, strive to keep much from her, she is very open with us, as an honest young woman should be." Alexis took a sip from his glass. "She told us the events of her last visit."

Ciel replied in haste, "Sir, please forgive my shameful advances, I knew not-"

"My boy, please sit. I'm not here to chastise you. Although your aunt was not too happy about it, between you and me, it's water under the bridge. You are old enough to know what you want… and not quite old enough to control your passions." He refilled glasses. "Let me be honest with you, Ciel. In my eyes, you are a grown man. You comport yourself as a gentleman; even my own son did not possess such maturity at your age. But I can excuse your err in judgment, for it was minor, and you have gone to great lengths to atone for it.

"I can see the devotion you have for my daughter. I can see the unwavering determination to protect her, to keep her safe and happy. In the end, that is all a father wants for his daughter. I know you will provide that and a lot more. So I propose that- Ciel, are you alright?"

"Yes, yes, uncle, I-I'm fine, just dreadfully tired." I heard the young master's glass clatter as he set it on a table. "Please, please continue."

"Well, I think you already know what I am going to say."

There was a silence, the long, uncomfortable silence of expectancy. I could hear Ciel give a deep breath. "This... this is rather sudden."

"Oh, I beg to differ, you have only had, what... fifteen years to consider this?"

"Sir, I'm sorry, you misunderstand me, it's just that I was considering that you would not wish to go forward with..." another pause "the marriage... until..."

"I have given my reasoning, Ciel. It's as good a time as any, and I think the sooner the better."

I could feel his heart hammering in his chest. Any more strain and his nerves would get the better of him. In the silence he picked up his glass and emptied it in one gulp. The stillness was punctuated by the glass clapping against the wood table.

"Uncle, I could not ask for a greater honour."

There was much laughter as Alexis filled the glasses again, and he toasted to his daughter and to the Earl who was already as close as a son.