Kuroshitsuji fic- Cleveland Street 04
Shout out to neocloud9 for stepping up to the plate to beta. Without her, this chapter would continue to collect dust.
Title: Cleveland Street 04- Unexpected Allies
Fandom: Kuroshitsuji- manga-verse
Pairings: Eventual Sebastian/Ciel, possible Agni/Soma?
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Complete abuse of historical figures. Churchill is going to be rolling in his grave.
Summary: The queen's frantic letter sends Ciel into London to investigate a world he might not be ready for.
Previous Chapters: 1, 2, 3
Historical Notes:
1. Opening quote from Preface of The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde.
2. The prime minister's residence in London is at 10 Downing Street. Lord Salisbury's personal home was Hatfield House in Hertfordshire.
3. Lady Randolph Churchill, originally Jennie Jerome was Winston's Churchill's mother. She was the daughter of an American millionaire and born in New York.
4. Marlborough Club was started by the Prince of Wales. Membership was limited to 450, and the entrance fee and annual subscription were high.
5. Rochambeau is better known as Rock, Papers, Scissors (thanks neocloud!)
6. As a note, a lot of small details in here are based on history. If you don't understand something, let me know.
-
Cleveland Street 04
Unexpected Allies
-
In the Morning...
"All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril." Ciel huffed and let the magazine slip out of his hand and onto the duvet. He took a deep breath, catching a faint sweetness in the air. He turned onto his side and gazed at a small vase filled with tea roses on his bedside table. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to push away the memory of last night. His dreams had been troubled and it was with a growing heaviness that he realized where this case would lead him.
Ciel fortified himself with the inhalation of that rosy scent. He pushed himself upwards and slipped out of the bed, his bare feet warm against the chill wooden floor. He rummaged through the wardrobe searching for a robe, wondering where Sebastian kept anything of practical use. He was unaccustomed to walking about in his bedclothes and was relieved when he found something that would suffice. He pulled the material off the hanger and threw it around his shoulders. His bedroom door opened just as he had tied the waist.
Sebastian paused in the doorway. His face betrayed a moment's caution when his eyes lit upon the empty bed. He turned, visibly relaxing, when he noticed Ciel standing by the wardrobe.
"Pardon me, young master. I neglected to mark your early rising this morning. Shall I deliver breakfast to your study?" Sebastian lowered his head, offering the silver tray before him.
"It can wait. Certain other matters cannot." Ciel grabbed his patch off the bedside table. He held it up to Sebastian and the butler paused for a moment, glancing about the room before setting the tray on the side board. He tied on the patch, adjusting it in place.
"I believe the prince has already risen. Mr. Agni strictly enforces a daily exercise regime. One I fear puts my own efforts to shame."
Ciel wrinkled his nose remembering his morning ride down the Row and Lady's Mile.
"Leave the tray. Take me to the prince."
Sebastian bowed, pausing with his waist bent low enough to reveal a glimpse of the pale neck beneath his long dark hair. He rose smoothly and momentarily held the door open for Ciel, closing it behind him and setting off briskly down the hall. Ciel could hear the faint sounds of rushed activity drifting from the recreation room. During the day, Soma transformed the room into his art gallery and Ciel had learned to avoid it at all costs.
Sebastian rapped sharply on the door with his gloved knuckles until the sounds within ceased. The door opened and Agni glanced down at them in surprise, his breathing slightly heavy and a sheen of sweat visible on his dark skin. Ciel paid him no heed, pushing him aside as he stepped through the door. Soma smiled and threw himself forward, clasping his arms around Ciel despite his equally sweaty state.
"Ciel, you're just in time! Have you come to spar with me?" he asked enthusiastically. Ciel grimaced and shrugged out of the prince's embrace.
"No," he said, his hands coming away slick with Soma's sweat. He glanced at his palms and shook them in the air, wiping them down the side of his robe when his first method proved ineffectual. "About the dinner this evening," he began.
Soma paused and stood up straight.
"You cannot go," Ciel said sternly. Soma turned away and picked up a cloth left on the floor. He dabbed at his forehead and at the edge of his dark damp locks. "You will write to Lord Salisbury to beg his pardon and make your excuses. Do you understand?"
Soma turned to him with an idiotic smile. "On one condition!" he said. He hunched forward, meeting Ciel at eye level. "I challenge you to a duel - and only if you win will I do as you say."
Ciel's irritation spiked with Soma's confidence. "What's the game?" Ciel asked, pulling off his robe. He dropped it to the floor, wishing he had put on some clothes before leaving his bedchamber.
"Agni! Make sure we are not interrupted!" Agni nodded and stepped in front of Sebastian. He spread his arms to prevent the butler from stepping forward.
"Forgive me Mr. Sebastian, but as my master commands, I cannot allow you to interfere." Sebastian inclined his head and took a step back.
"The game," Soma continued, standing at his full height and circling him slowly, "is Rochambeau. You know it, right?" Soma asked excitedly. "I have been practicing with Agni and my instincts have become quite good! If I win, then it proves it, right?"
"Proves what?" Ciel said, lifting his chin.
Soma's eyes narrowed, his smile hardly containing his delight. "That I am clever enough to help you with this case."
They paused and for a moment Soma's face was uncharacteristically serious.
Ciel looked away first, picking up his robe and turning while he pulled it back on. "I refuse. Your job is to care for this house. Nothing more, nothing less. Your involvement in my present work will cause me great trouble and I therefore request, sir, that you cease this endeavor."
"Cieeel," Soma whined. "Just one game! If you win, you will not hear another peep from me."
Ciel snorted, pausing when he reached the giant road block named Agni. Agni had abandoned his watch over Sebastian and turned to prevent Ciel from moving forward instead.
"Unlikely," Ciel said. He tried to push Agni aside with his arm only to be scooped up by the giant and carried back to the prince. Ciel shoved away Agni's arms as soon as he was back on his own two feet. "Soma! Stop this nonsense at once. You are out of line. You cannot attend dinner tonight or you will ruin all my efforts."
Soma's bottom lip quavered. He lowered his eyelids, hands still clenching the cloth. "But I thought of a story and everything." Soma flopped onto the floor, his legs curled up beneath him. He crossed his arms over his chest and pouted.
"Story?" Ciel asked glancing from Soma to Agni. Agni smiled sheepishly.
"Lord Salisbury inquired after your business associate in the letter. I told him Mr. Michaels dined frequently at your townhouse. That is you, Sebastian, is it not?" Soma asked.
Ciel glanced at Sebastian whose momentary surprise melted into an amused twist of his mouth. He inclined his head to acknowledge Soma's conjecture.
"Soma, what did you tell him?" Ciel barked angrily. Soma turned up his nose.
"I won't tell you unless you let me go to the dinner."
"Soma!" Ciel stalked forward, but Agni scooped him up and pulled him away kicking before he could touch the prince.
"I'm sorry, Lord Ciel," Agni whispered. "The prince only did it because he worries."
Soma's shoulders slumped. His arms relaxed and he allowed his hands to fall into the dark material covering his legs.
"I just wanted to help," Soma muttered. "Little boys should have friends to help them. They shouldn't have to work so hard trying to do everything by themselves."
Ciel's kicking ceased. Watching the prince, he exhaled and let his body relax in Agni's arm. He wondered why Soma always had to choose the most inopportune times to take care of him.
"I have Sebastian to help me, like you have Agni to help you. That should suffice, should it not?" Soma crossed his arms again and turned away. The stubborn wrinkle between his brow returned. "Soma," Ciel tried again, "this is as much for your protection as it is for mine. Now tell me what tales you've told in these letters."
"No!" he said. "I want to go!"
Ciel clenched his teeth. "Fine, have it your way. I'll not speak to you until one of us decides to be reasonable." Ciel wiggled and turned until Agni was forced to let him go or drop him. Soma huffed and refused to look at him. The prince stubbornly pouted on the floor and Ciel turned on his heel in a fury. Even Sebastian jumped out of the way as Ciel stormed out the open door.
In the evening...
Ciel scowled out the window.
"What do you think?" Soma asked with a smile that reached from ear to ear. He looked odd with his dark hair combed back and pinned beneath the tall hat perched upon his head. "I even drew sketches of the toys you are to propose!" The prince held up his dreaded sketch pad with gloved hands. He flipped the pages and stopped on a familiar looking elephant, its nose reaching for the air. "This time there's a small figure you can place on the elephant's back!" He tried to hold it up and flip pages at the same time, grimacing and angling his shoulders. "Cieeel, why are British clothes so stuffy? I can hardly move."
Ciel snorted and stared out the window as the carriage rattled on. A few lamps had been lit, their orange glow spreading among the streets like fog. The streets were bustling with carriages and men lining the clubs of Pall Mall. Ciel ignored the prattle inside the carriage, tuning out Soma's high pitched whine about this or that and allowed Mister Michaels to attend to him. Sebastian was dressed sharply in trousers and a dinner coat. His hair was slicked back and the silly fake mustache was glued to his lip. Ciel snorted at his servant's ridiculous parody of a gentleman and turned to glance out the window once more. It was just one night, he reminded himself, a sense of panic gripping his heart when he acknowledged that it also meant just one chance. The cast was right. All he needed to do was move the pieces correctly into place.
Ciel's blue eye sidled carefully over to Soma. He was flipping pages again and Sebastian nodded politely. If only certain pawns would stop moving out of place, he thought.
The carriage crawled through the evening traffic across the popular avenue. He ignored the animated conversation about drawings and business plans, snorting when Sebastian complimented the prince on his improved skills. The trip to Downing Street was decidedly long, and Ciel was almost too relieved when he could make out the hands on Big Ben's face, the high walls of Westminster Palace a dull gold against the darkening skies.
"Remember to behave yourself," Ciel said as the carriage pulled onto Downing Street. Soma huffed and clapped his sketch book shut.
Ciel had never set foot in 10 Downing Street, but upon exiting the carriage he looked up at the rather plain, flat brick facade and found himself disappointed. He had heard wonders about Hatfield House, but this simple brick lump of a place was not what he had expected. The footman bowed as they exited while another servant held open the famous black door. Ciel glanced up the three storied building, noting certain windows were lit up from within. He entered the building, handing his coat and cape to a servant, who readily accepted them. He paused when a slight commotion arose from the back. Prince Soma was still outside, speaking to Agni and reassuring him that he would be fine with Ciel and Sebastian. Agni was reluctant to go, but one stern command from the prince had him jerking the reins and sending the horses to clop along the stones. Soma handed his hat to the doorman like nothing was wrong.
"Oh my, this room is quite narrow," Soma said, glancing around. Ciel caught the exchange of looks between servants and smiled tersely.
"The drawing room is this way sir," an elderly gentleman gestured with a gloved hand before setting out along the corridor. They were led to a drawing room, and the small company of guests paused, heads turning as the door opened. Ciel paused just inside the door as the butler announced them.
"My Lord, Earl Phantomhive, Prince Soma Asman Gandal of Bengal and Mr. Michaels to see you." Ciel glanced inside the room and carefully observed the small company assembled. He recognized the Churchills from their occasional picture inside the paper, and judging by the marked family resemblance, a member of Lord Salisbury's own family.
Lord Salisbury rose from his chair by the fireplace, stepping forward to clap Ciel's hand in his own. "Lord Phantomhive, how very kind of you to join us." His smile was all teeth framed by his bushy brown beard. "We so seldom have the honor of enjoying your company."
"The honor is all mine," Ciel said.
The Marquess released his hand and turned to regard the other two men. "I do not believe I've had the pleasure." He smiled at Soma. "You must be Prince Gandal." Soma looked down at the Marquess' extended hand before looking up owlishly. Lord Salisbury extracted his hand with a quick grin.
"You can call me Soma," he said, golden eyes already distracted by the room and the large paintings hanging on the wall. "These are rather interesting," he muttered, beginning to investigate a pair of statues on the mantel. A small group of ladies covered their smiles with their gloved hands.
The Prime Minister smiled. He turned and held out a hand to Sebastian. "And you must be Mr. Michaels. The prince has written to say you dine quite frequently with the Earl. You are very welcome here, sir."
"You are much too kind, my lord," Sebastian said, shaking the prime minister's hand firmly. "It is a rare pleasure indeed for one so lowly as myself to dine with giants. You must forgive my intrusion."
The prime minister laughed, holding the waist of his wine-colored vest. "Any friend of the Earl is welcome here. Come gentlemen, let me introduce you to the rest of our company." The prime minister clapped his hand on Ciel's shoulder. Ciel tensed, shaking his head slightly to Sebastian. He was pushed farther into the drawing room, his boots silent against the woven Persian carpet.
Lord Salisbury held out his hand to an elderly woman, who rose smoothly. Her gray silk skirts rustled as she stood from the plush brown chair. "My wife," Lord Salisbury said. Ciel accepted her hand.
"Marchioness," he said. She smiled at him softly.
"Oh please, don't be so formal. Call me Charlotte," she said. Ciel received the impression that she wanted to pinch his cheeks and he forced a smile, inclining his head.
She turned to Sebastian and he accepted her hand, pressing his lips to her glove.
"Charmed, my lady," he said.
They turned their attention to the seated ladies and few gentlemen standing around. "Gentlemen, Lord Randolph Churchill and his wife, Lady Randolph.” Ciel noted the famed beauty, nodding politely. The prime minister moved on, gesturing toward an older woman in dark silks. “Lady Gray, her daughters Isabelle and Juliana, and their companion, Miss Sanders. This young man is my son Hugh and his school chum Mr. Townsend. They're on leave from Oxford," Lord Salisbury said jovially. Ciel nodded and even Soma seemed to pay attention to the string of introductions. "And last, but not least, Lady Howard." A young woman with her dark hair pulled back smiled demurely. Ciel nodded, trying not to sneer when she raised her dark eyes to view Sebastian. "The Colonel Hargrave has a most unfortunate habit of tardiness, but he assures me he shall appear with the Missus," Lord Salisbury continued. "The old rascal will undoubtedly show up in time for port. I should consider ourselves lucky he could be persuaded to leave the club. It seems all gentlemen nowadays can hardly be seen outside the clubs."
Lady Salisbury feigned shock, a high pitched laugh hardly muffled by her fan.
"Now dear, you are being most unkind to our old friend. Mrs. Hargrave says he dines away not more than twice a week and always in the company of friends."
"Why, he is the very model of moderation," Lady Randolph spoke up. "Did you not say the Prince himself dines at Marlborough quite often?" she asked her husband.
"I do not think there has been a single night when I did not see him there. Must be terribly convenient, what with Marlborough House not a stone's throw away."
"There now," Lady Randolph smiled at Lord Salisbury. "You must not be so harsh on Colonel Hargrave."
"What is Marlborough House?" Soma asked, a small porcelain figure in his hands.
"Forgive the prince, he does not know the neighborhood," Ciel spoke up. Lady Randolph shook her head, turning to smile at Soma.
"Marlborough House is where the crown prince lives. It's his London residence, and quite conveniently located a walk away from Marlborough Club, where he often dines. Mr. Chuchill is quite inclined to dine there himself when he tires of us ladies."
Soma listened attentively. "Ciel, why don't we dine at the club?" Soma asked. A private conversation between the ladies Gray paused and the room was silent, save the crackling of the fire. All eyes were on Ciel and the prince and he felt his cheeks warm up.
"Because I imagine it's terribly dull," Lady Randolph stepped in. "A lot of old fussy men with their cigars. I hear you have an Indian butler and that Phantomhive's cook is quite remarkable. I imagine the gentlemen would flock in droves to your household, given a chance." Soma flushed with delight.
"Agni makes the best curry in all of my country! And yours too!" he said excitedly.
"Then you shall have to invite me some time to try it," Lady Randolph pressed. "My son Winston is just about the Earl's age," she glanced at Ciel, "and I am most certain he would be delighted to visit."
Ciel inclined his head to acknowledge the request. He was spared from giving a definitive invitation when the butler entered and cleared his throat.
"Dinner is ready," he said.
"Oh my," the Marchioness rose from her chair in a flurry of silks and ribbons. "What a terrible hostess I've been. I've neglected to inform you of the seating arrangements. Hugh, my boy, escort Ms. Juliana. Where are you running off to, Mr. Townsend? You must be a proper gentleman and give Miss Sanders a hand. Ciel my dear, will you do me the honor?" Ciel offered her his arm.
"If I may impose upon you, Prince Soma," Lady Randolph offered her hand. Soma smiled and clasped her hand, pulling her up delicately. He entwined their arms together, standing closer than was decent, but she didn't mind.
Americans, Ciel thought.
Mr. Churchill offered his hand to Mrs. Gray and, little by little, the company paired off. Lord Salisbury began to escort Lady Isabelle, the youngest lady of the party, leaving Lady Howard to make eyes at Sebastian. The demon smiled, crossing the room smoothly. She did not look away once, smiling as she lifted a gloved hand for him to accept. "Lady Howard," he said, accepting her hand, placing it smoothly on his forearm as they joined the line of couples.
"Well then, shall we?" Lord Salisbury said, leading the dinner party while Lady Salisbury took up the rear.
Ciel kept an eye on the demon, whose quick smiles were not unnoticed by the blushing lady next to him. They whispered close to one another, short bursts of conversation he could not hear.
"You can't imagine what a surprise it was when you accepted our invitation," Lady Salisbury said. Her pink ribbons jounced with her steps, the scent of roses slightly overwhelming. "And when your friend the Prince Soma wrote, asking to join, you can't imagine how shocked dear Robert was. He spent a good deal of time in India during the campaign. He never chanced to visit Bengal, but I imagine he's itching to ask the prince all about it."
"Prince Soma will be delighted," Ciel said, catching a familiar laugh echoing down the corridor.
-
Ciel waved away the servant as he lowered a tray of removes. He nodded when the next tray was offered, allowing the servant to place a piece of quail upon his plate. He tried not to wrinkle his nose at the vegetables that came with it. He glanced up, but Sebastian’s attention was not focused on him. He appeared animated in conversation with his dinner partner Lady Howard. Lady Randolph smiled at them from across the way, lowering her fork and leaning forward.
"Pray, is there a Mrs. Michaels?" Lady Randolph inquired. The ladies slowed their conversations, heads turning to the gentleman in question.
Sebastian smiled, dabbing his mouth carefully with the linen napkin. He swallowed his mouthful of quail and shook his head. "No, ma'am. I fear the nature of my work had not allowed me the liberty to pursue the company of ladies. Such a connection with one like myself would entail a rather arduous lifestyle I am loathe to press upon Britain's gentlewomen."
"But surely the officers must bring their wives. We are not all so delicate as your sex would have yourselves believe," Lady Randolph smiled, turning to glance at her husband.
"Forgive me madam, I meant only that I am not yet at liberty to settle down. I would be a poor companion indeed to abandon one to whom I am connected simply because certain unreasonable tasks demanded the whole of my attention."
Ciel choked on a mouthful of quail. He took a hurried gulp of water, clearing his throat.
Lady Randolph arched a slender brow, a playful smile on her lips. "Then ladies, you shall not make eyes at Mr. Michaels tonight or he will most surely break your hearts," she lowered her dark lashes conspiratorially at the ladies dispersed around the table.
Ciel didn't miss Lady Howard's flush. She raised her napkin to her lips, lowering her face to her lap.
"Now now, my dear," Lord Churchill lowered his fork to his plate, "now you've set the chase. You should be the first to know that common sense has no bearing on certain determined young ladies." Lady Randolph erupted into a high laugh. She inclined her head to concede the point. "I warn you gentlemen, you best be on your toes. Ladies these days like to make us out to be the hounds chasing the fox, but oftentimes it is quite the other way around."
Lady Randolph lowered her gaze to Sebastian, a look he did not miss.
Soma glanced around the table, tilting his head. "We do not have foxes in my country, but we have great tigers! And elephants! But one must be very careful when hunting tigers." Everyone paused to look at the prince, a few stifling giggles behind napkins and careful bites.
Ciel tightened his grip on his fork.
Lord Salisbury hurriedly glanced around the table before opening his mouth. "Why yes! I saw a tiger during my time in India. Beautiful, fearsome creature! Tell me Prince, have you ever had the pleasure of hunting one?"
Ciel sighed in relief, grateful for the prime minister's tact. The table settled into less scandalous conversation and Ciel continued his meal without fear of choking.
A servant came by with the next course, lowering a tray of side dishes. Ciel took once glance and waved him away. He decided to wait for the main courses.
"Tell me Earl, are you not yet of school age?" Lady Randolph inquired. "My son Winston is presently at Harrow. You will attend Harrow, will you not?"
Ciel glanced across the table at Mr. Michaels, picked up his glass and took a sip.
"My father was an Eton man," he said.
"And what a fine school it is," the prime minister guffawed. "I sent my boys to Eton, and I'm sure your father would have done the same."
Ciel smiled ambiguously into his cup. He avoided the puppy dog look Soma directed at him from the end of the table.
"My father did not have a business to run," Ciel said quickly. "Business demands my attention." He met the pitying looks around the table. "I'm sure you all know of the fire at Phantomhive Estate. Rebuilding is a costly endeavor."
"I saw the report in the paper," Mrs. Salisbury said, pressing her hand against her bosom. "A terrible tragedy," she murmured. The prime minister glanced at his wife uncomfortably.
"Tell me, Prince Soma, what is your home like?" Lady Randolph changed the subject. Soma leapt to attention, allowing his fork to clink against his plate. His eyes lit up and for the first time that evening, Ciel was quietly grateful to have Soma there.
-
Ciel took one more bite of dessert, chewing carefully and noting the rather traditional flavors. Lord Salisbury's cook was indeed fine, but nothing would ever taste quite like his own butler's creations. He paused when Lady Salisbury addressed the other girls. Their napkins slowly lined along the table, each lady rising. Ciel's mouth twitched into a smile.
"But where are you ladies going?" Soma asked. Lady Salisbury betrayed a moment's surprise, looking at Ciel pleadingly.
"In this country it is traditional for the ladies to retreat to the drawing room so that the men may indulge in their drink and cigars. These activities are not suitable before ladies and it is for our convenience that they so graciously leave us to our bad habits." The ladies giggled at Sebastian's small speech.
Soma stuck out his tongue. "Then I prefer to join the ladies," Soma said, rising from his seat. Ciel smiled a little to himself.
"Perhaps you should show the ladies your drawings," Ciel said and Soma beamed at him. That would keep the prince out of his hair, he thought. The other men made no complaint, smiling a little as Soma babbled with Lady Randolph as they exited the dining room.
"Well then, gentlemen, shall we?" the prime minister asked, gesturing a servant forward. Ciel hastily finished his tart, tossing down his napkin. The servant moved ahead of them while the gentlemen rose, wooden chairs scraping along the floor. They filed out of the dining room to a smaller room where a bar had been set out. The butler held up a tray, a wooden box placed upon it, and Lord Salisbury lifted the lid and pulled out a thick cigar. Ciel made himself comfortable in a high backed chair, settling in for the long evening ahead. He watched his servant accept a cigar and turn to comment on the quality to Lord Churchill. The older gentleman smiled, laughing at some quick-witted quip Sebastian muttered.
"Might I offer you some refreshment, Earl?" the prime minister asked. Ciel shook his head, crossing his legs as he leaned back into the chair.
"I believe the ladies are having tea downstairs," Hugh smiled, elbowing his friend when he snorted with amusement.
Both men quieted down with a stern look from their host. "Forgive him," the prime minister said. "He has not yet mastered how to hold his liquor." Hugh quickly sobered at his father's tone.
Sebastian whispered something to the servant, smiling congenially when he noticed Ciel's attention. He settled onto a sofa next to Lord Churchill and accepted a drink from the butler.
"Mr. Michaels, I hear you are in town for business. Business is going well?" Lord Randolph directed his looks from Sebastian to Ciel.
Sebastian smiled over the rim of his cup. "Funtom Company is thriving. Lord Phantomhive is quite the innovator."
"Why yes, I did not realize there were so many variations of bunny rabbits and dolls," Mr. Townsend commented. Ciel smirked, clasping his hands together.
"You've done your father a credit," the prime minister said pointedly.
"If a peer of the realm working for a living can be deemed a credit," Ciel said tartly. "Yes, I know my reputation," he turned to glance at the youngest of the crowd.
Lord Randolph chuckled, blowing a small cloud of smoke above his head. "Better to improve upon one's fortune than to squander away what's left of the family coffers. Had they not done away with debtors prison, I believe over half the peerage would be locked up today. There's a reason why the horse races are the biggest event of the season." Lord Churchill pointed his cigar at Hugh and Mr. Townsend. "And watch out for Somerset. He may be manager of Marlsborough's horses, but he's been known to make bad bets. Who knows how he spends it so quickly. You are wise to stay away from the lot of them." Lord Randolph smiled at Ciel.
"I fear I am unacquainted with Lord Somerset," Sebastian said. "What manner of gentleman is he?"
"None at all," Lord Churchill laughed. "That rascal is always the first to empty your pockets onto the card table and the first to spend it before you can win any of it back. He's a third son and therefore fares no chance of taking the family title. His love of good card games helped him work his way into the Prince's favor. At present, he is head of Marlborough's stables. I wouldn't trust the man further than I could toss this cigar."
"Then he holds membership at Marlborough Club?" Ciel asked.
"They allow him," Lord Randolph said, taking another puff of his cigar.
The men quieted as the butler entered, bearing a small tray of iced strawberry drink. He set it down next to Ciel without a word and Ciel glanced up in surprise. The butler excused himself with a bow, exiting the room just as quietly. Sebastian smiled at him from across the room.
-
When Ciel entered the parlor, he was startled by a large circle of women crowded around one corner.
"I think it's a wonderful likeness!" Lady Howard commented and the young ladies erupted into a fit of giggles.
"Ciel!" Soma sprang from the couch, his sketch book in hand. The ladies parted to allow him room to pass and Soma bound forward, tossing one arm around Ciel carelessly. "Look at the portraits I've drawn! Would you like me to draw yours too?" Ciel glanced down at a series of squiggles and circles that vaguely resembled a human face. "This is Lady Howard," he said excitedly.
"Perhaps later," Ciel said politely, smiling tersely at the ladies. "The hour is late. We should relieve our hosts of our company so that they may retire." Soma's face fell.
"But you haven’t spent time with us at all,” Soma pouted.
Lady Randolph rose from her seat. “You must be kind to the Earl. He is still young. Why, I would not dream of keeping my Winston up so late.” She smiled at him. “Still, I am terribly sorry to see you all go. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance,” she spoke to Soma, pressing her hand against his arm. He smiled broadly and nodded. “I do hope,” she deliberated, “that we might see one another again.”
“I’m sure that could be arranged,” Ciel said. “Prince, if we may. Agni will be waiting.” Soma nodded. Ciel bowed to the ladies and made his excuses. Sebastian thanked their host and hostess. Ciel turned to leave the drawing room, trying to make his escape before Soma could dally any longer. Soma followed behind, pausing when Lady Randolph called after him.
“Prince, if I may,” she said. She pressed a card into his hand, whispering something that made Soma break out into a smile. He nodded at her enthusiastically, pocketing the small slip.
He thanked her, turned to smile at Ciel and skipped ahead of him.
Ciel glanced behind him, noting her rather coquettish smile as Sebastian bid her farewell. Ciel made note of this, accepting his hat and cloak. Agni greeted him as he entered the carriage.
“That was delightful,” Soma said as Ciel settled into the cushions. “Why don’t we attend dinners more often?” he asked Ciel, glancing through his sketches for the night.
Ciel huffed as Sebastian climbed into the carriage, allowing the door to be shut behind him.
The carriage lurched forward and they were off, back into the dark London night. Ciel rubbed at his eyes, attempting to look alert when Soma caught this small action.
“The night was a failure,” Ciel said. “We may indeed have to go through this awful business again.” He glared at his servant.
Soma glanced from Ciel to Sebastian. “Failure? What failure? We made many friends tonight!”
“What need have I for new friends?” Ciel asked. “We need an invitation to that infernal club. Sebastian failed tonight. We must try again when the next opportunity presents itself.”
Soma tilted his head. “What club?”
“Marlborough Club. Membership is highly exclusive. One cannot simply waltz in without an invitation, or a recommendation. Status is not enough.”
Soma bit his lip, rummaging his pocket. “You mean something like this?” Ciel paused when Soma held up a small calling card. Lady Randolph’s name and address were written upon it. “Lady Randolph said if I showed this at the club they would let me in.” Ciel paused, his mouth falling open slightly. “She said the Prince would be delighted to meet me.” Soma beamed at him. “So Ciel, do you admit it now? Do you admit that I might be clever enough to help you?”
Ciel covered his face with one hand. He had a feeling cleverness had very little to do with Soma’s success tonight.
Title: Cleveland Street 04- Unexpected Allies
Fandom: Kuroshitsuji- manga-verse
Pairings: Eventual Sebastian/Ciel, possible Agni/Soma?
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Complete abuse of historical figures. Churchill is going to be rolling in his grave.
Summary: The queen's frantic letter sends Ciel into London to investigate a world he might not be ready for.
Previous Chapters: 1, 2, 3
Historical Notes:
1. Opening quote from Preface of The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde.
2. The prime minister's residence in London is at 10 Downing Street. Lord Salisbury's personal home was Hatfield House in Hertfordshire.
3. Lady Randolph Churchill, originally Jennie Jerome was Winston's Churchill's mother. She was the daughter of an American millionaire and born in New York.
4. Marlborough Club was started by the Prince of Wales. Membership was limited to 450, and the entrance fee and annual subscription were high.
5. Rochambeau is better known as Rock, Papers, Scissors (thanks neocloud!)
6. As a note, a lot of small details in here are based on history. If you don't understand something, let me know.
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Cleveland Street 04
Unexpected Allies
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In the Morning...
"All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril." Ciel huffed and let the magazine slip out of his hand and onto the duvet. He took a deep breath, catching a faint sweetness in the air. He turned onto his side and gazed at a small vase filled with tea roses on his bedside table. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to push away the memory of last night. His dreams had been troubled and it was with a growing heaviness that he realized where this case would lead him.
Ciel fortified himself with the inhalation of that rosy scent. He pushed himself upwards and slipped out of the bed, his bare feet warm against the chill wooden floor. He rummaged through the wardrobe searching for a robe, wondering where Sebastian kept anything of practical use. He was unaccustomed to walking about in his bedclothes and was relieved when he found something that would suffice. He pulled the material off the hanger and threw it around his shoulders. His bedroom door opened just as he had tied the waist.
Sebastian paused in the doorway. His face betrayed a moment's caution when his eyes lit upon the empty bed. He turned, visibly relaxing, when he noticed Ciel standing by the wardrobe.
"Pardon me, young master. I neglected to mark your early rising this morning. Shall I deliver breakfast to your study?" Sebastian lowered his head, offering the silver tray before him.
"It can wait. Certain other matters cannot." Ciel grabbed his patch off the bedside table. He held it up to Sebastian and the butler paused for a moment, glancing about the room before setting the tray on the side board. He tied on the patch, adjusting it in place.
"I believe the prince has already risen. Mr. Agni strictly enforces a daily exercise regime. One I fear puts my own efforts to shame."
Ciel wrinkled his nose remembering his morning ride down the Row and Lady's Mile.
"Leave the tray. Take me to the prince."
Sebastian bowed, pausing with his waist bent low enough to reveal a glimpse of the pale neck beneath his long dark hair. He rose smoothly and momentarily held the door open for Ciel, closing it behind him and setting off briskly down the hall. Ciel could hear the faint sounds of rushed activity drifting from the recreation room. During the day, Soma transformed the room into his art gallery and Ciel had learned to avoid it at all costs.
Sebastian rapped sharply on the door with his gloved knuckles until the sounds within ceased. The door opened and Agni glanced down at them in surprise, his breathing slightly heavy and a sheen of sweat visible on his dark skin. Ciel paid him no heed, pushing him aside as he stepped through the door. Soma smiled and threw himself forward, clasping his arms around Ciel despite his equally sweaty state.
"Ciel, you're just in time! Have you come to spar with me?" he asked enthusiastically. Ciel grimaced and shrugged out of the prince's embrace.
"No," he said, his hands coming away slick with Soma's sweat. He glanced at his palms and shook them in the air, wiping them down the side of his robe when his first method proved ineffectual. "About the dinner this evening," he began.
Soma paused and stood up straight.
"You cannot go," Ciel said sternly. Soma turned away and picked up a cloth left on the floor. He dabbed at his forehead and at the edge of his dark damp locks. "You will write to Lord Salisbury to beg his pardon and make your excuses. Do you understand?"
Soma turned to him with an idiotic smile. "On one condition!" he said. He hunched forward, meeting Ciel at eye level. "I challenge you to a duel - and only if you win will I do as you say."
Ciel's irritation spiked with Soma's confidence. "What's the game?" Ciel asked, pulling off his robe. He dropped it to the floor, wishing he had put on some clothes before leaving his bedchamber.
"Agni! Make sure we are not interrupted!" Agni nodded and stepped in front of Sebastian. He spread his arms to prevent the butler from stepping forward.
"Forgive me Mr. Sebastian, but as my master commands, I cannot allow you to interfere." Sebastian inclined his head and took a step back.
"The game," Soma continued, standing at his full height and circling him slowly, "is Rochambeau. You know it, right?" Soma asked excitedly. "I have been practicing with Agni and my instincts have become quite good! If I win, then it proves it, right?"
"Proves what?" Ciel said, lifting his chin.
Soma's eyes narrowed, his smile hardly containing his delight. "That I am clever enough to help you with this case."
They paused and for a moment Soma's face was uncharacteristically serious.
Ciel looked away first, picking up his robe and turning while he pulled it back on. "I refuse. Your job is to care for this house. Nothing more, nothing less. Your involvement in my present work will cause me great trouble and I therefore request, sir, that you cease this endeavor."
"Cieeel," Soma whined. "Just one game! If you win, you will not hear another peep from me."
Ciel snorted, pausing when he reached the giant road block named Agni. Agni had abandoned his watch over Sebastian and turned to prevent Ciel from moving forward instead.
"Unlikely," Ciel said. He tried to push Agni aside with his arm only to be scooped up by the giant and carried back to the prince. Ciel shoved away Agni's arms as soon as he was back on his own two feet. "Soma! Stop this nonsense at once. You are out of line. You cannot attend dinner tonight or you will ruin all my efforts."
Soma's bottom lip quavered. He lowered his eyelids, hands still clenching the cloth. "But I thought of a story and everything." Soma flopped onto the floor, his legs curled up beneath him. He crossed his arms over his chest and pouted.
"Story?" Ciel asked glancing from Soma to Agni. Agni smiled sheepishly.
"Lord Salisbury inquired after your business associate in the letter. I told him Mr. Michaels dined frequently at your townhouse. That is you, Sebastian, is it not?" Soma asked.
Ciel glanced at Sebastian whose momentary surprise melted into an amused twist of his mouth. He inclined his head to acknowledge Soma's conjecture.
"Soma, what did you tell him?" Ciel barked angrily. Soma turned up his nose.
"I won't tell you unless you let me go to the dinner."
"Soma!" Ciel stalked forward, but Agni scooped him up and pulled him away kicking before he could touch the prince.
"I'm sorry, Lord Ciel," Agni whispered. "The prince only did it because he worries."
Soma's shoulders slumped. His arms relaxed and he allowed his hands to fall into the dark material covering his legs.
"I just wanted to help," Soma muttered. "Little boys should have friends to help them. They shouldn't have to work so hard trying to do everything by themselves."
Ciel's kicking ceased. Watching the prince, he exhaled and let his body relax in Agni's arm. He wondered why Soma always had to choose the most inopportune times to take care of him.
"I have Sebastian to help me, like you have Agni to help you. That should suffice, should it not?" Soma crossed his arms again and turned away. The stubborn wrinkle between his brow returned. "Soma," Ciel tried again, "this is as much for your protection as it is for mine. Now tell me what tales you've told in these letters."
"No!" he said. "I want to go!"
Ciel clenched his teeth. "Fine, have it your way. I'll not speak to you until one of us decides to be reasonable." Ciel wiggled and turned until Agni was forced to let him go or drop him. Soma huffed and refused to look at him. The prince stubbornly pouted on the floor and Ciel turned on his heel in a fury. Even Sebastian jumped out of the way as Ciel stormed out the open door.
In the evening...
Ciel scowled out the window.
"What do you think?" Soma asked with a smile that reached from ear to ear. He looked odd with his dark hair combed back and pinned beneath the tall hat perched upon his head. "I even drew sketches of the toys you are to propose!" The prince held up his dreaded sketch pad with gloved hands. He flipped the pages and stopped on a familiar looking elephant, its nose reaching for the air. "This time there's a small figure you can place on the elephant's back!" He tried to hold it up and flip pages at the same time, grimacing and angling his shoulders. "Cieeel, why are British clothes so stuffy? I can hardly move."
Ciel snorted and stared out the window as the carriage rattled on. A few lamps had been lit, their orange glow spreading among the streets like fog. The streets were bustling with carriages and men lining the clubs of Pall Mall. Ciel ignored the prattle inside the carriage, tuning out Soma's high pitched whine about this or that and allowed Mister Michaels to attend to him. Sebastian was dressed sharply in trousers and a dinner coat. His hair was slicked back and the silly fake mustache was glued to his lip. Ciel snorted at his servant's ridiculous parody of a gentleman and turned to glance out the window once more. It was just one night, he reminded himself, a sense of panic gripping his heart when he acknowledged that it also meant just one chance. The cast was right. All he needed to do was move the pieces correctly into place.
Ciel's blue eye sidled carefully over to Soma. He was flipping pages again and Sebastian nodded politely. If only certain pawns would stop moving out of place, he thought.
The carriage crawled through the evening traffic across the popular avenue. He ignored the animated conversation about drawings and business plans, snorting when Sebastian complimented the prince on his improved skills. The trip to Downing Street was decidedly long, and Ciel was almost too relieved when he could make out the hands on Big Ben's face, the high walls of Westminster Palace a dull gold against the darkening skies.
"Remember to behave yourself," Ciel said as the carriage pulled onto Downing Street. Soma huffed and clapped his sketch book shut.
Ciel had never set foot in 10 Downing Street, but upon exiting the carriage he looked up at the rather plain, flat brick facade and found himself disappointed. He had heard wonders about Hatfield House, but this simple brick lump of a place was not what he had expected. The footman bowed as they exited while another servant held open the famous black door. Ciel glanced up the three storied building, noting certain windows were lit up from within. He entered the building, handing his coat and cape to a servant, who readily accepted them. He paused when a slight commotion arose from the back. Prince Soma was still outside, speaking to Agni and reassuring him that he would be fine with Ciel and Sebastian. Agni was reluctant to go, but one stern command from the prince had him jerking the reins and sending the horses to clop along the stones. Soma handed his hat to the doorman like nothing was wrong.
"Oh my, this room is quite narrow," Soma said, glancing around. Ciel caught the exchange of looks between servants and smiled tersely.
"The drawing room is this way sir," an elderly gentleman gestured with a gloved hand before setting out along the corridor. They were led to a drawing room, and the small company of guests paused, heads turning as the door opened. Ciel paused just inside the door as the butler announced them.
"My Lord, Earl Phantomhive, Prince Soma Asman Gandal of Bengal and Mr. Michaels to see you." Ciel glanced inside the room and carefully observed the small company assembled. He recognized the Churchills from their occasional picture inside the paper, and judging by the marked family resemblance, a member of Lord Salisbury's own family.
Lord Salisbury rose from his chair by the fireplace, stepping forward to clap Ciel's hand in his own. "Lord Phantomhive, how very kind of you to join us." His smile was all teeth framed by his bushy brown beard. "We so seldom have the honor of enjoying your company."
"The honor is all mine," Ciel said.
The Marquess released his hand and turned to regard the other two men. "I do not believe I've had the pleasure." He smiled at Soma. "You must be Prince Gandal." Soma looked down at the Marquess' extended hand before looking up owlishly. Lord Salisbury extracted his hand with a quick grin.
"You can call me Soma," he said, golden eyes already distracted by the room and the large paintings hanging on the wall. "These are rather interesting," he muttered, beginning to investigate a pair of statues on the mantel. A small group of ladies covered their smiles with their gloved hands.
The Prime Minister smiled. He turned and held out a hand to Sebastian. "And you must be Mr. Michaels. The prince has written to say you dine quite frequently with the Earl. You are very welcome here, sir."
"You are much too kind, my lord," Sebastian said, shaking the prime minister's hand firmly. "It is a rare pleasure indeed for one so lowly as myself to dine with giants. You must forgive my intrusion."
The prime minister laughed, holding the waist of his wine-colored vest. "Any friend of the Earl is welcome here. Come gentlemen, let me introduce you to the rest of our company." The prime minister clapped his hand on Ciel's shoulder. Ciel tensed, shaking his head slightly to Sebastian. He was pushed farther into the drawing room, his boots silent against the woven Persian carpet.
Lord Salisbury held out his hand to an elderly woman, who rose smoothly. Her gray silk skirts rustled as she stood from the plush brown chair. "My wife," Lord Salisbury said. Ciel accepted her hand.
"Marchioness," he said. She smiled at him softly.
"Oh please, don't be so formal. Call me Charlotte," she said. Ciel received the impression that she wanted to pinch his cheeks and he forced a smile, inclining his head.
She turned to Sebastian and he accepted her hand, pressing his lips to her glove.
"Charmed, my lady," he said.
They turned their attention to the seated ladies and few gentlemen standing around. "Gentlemen, Lord Randolph Churchill and his wife, Lady Randolph.” Ciel noted the famed beauty, nodding politely. The prime minister moved on, gesturing toward an older woman in dark silks. “Lady Gray, her daughters Isabelle and Juliana, and their companion, Miss Sanders. This young man is my son Hugh and his school chum Mr. Townsend. They're on leave from Oxford," Lord Salisbury said jovially. Ciel nodded and even Soma seemed to pay attention to the string of introductions. "And last, but not least, Lady Howard." A young woman with her dark hair pulled back smiled demurely. Ciel nodded, trying not to sneer when she raised her dark eyes to view Sebastian. "The Colonel Hargrave has a most unfortunate habit of tardiness, but he assures me he shall appear with the Missus," Lord Salisbury continued. "The old rascal will undoubtedly show up in time for port. I should consider ourselves lucky he could be persuaded to leave the club. It seems all gentlemen nowadays can hardly be seen outside the clubs."
Lady Salisbury feigned shock, a high pitched laugh hardly muffled by her fan.
"Now dear, you are being most unkind to our old friend. Mrs. Hargrave says he dines away not more than twice a week and always in the company of friends."
"Why, he is the very model of moderation," Lady Randolph spoke up. "Did you not say the Prince himself dines at Marlborough quite often?" she asked her husband.
"I do not think there has been a single night when I did not see him there. Must be terribly convenient, what with Marlborough House not a stone's throw away."
"There now," Lady Randolph smiled at Lord Salisbury. "You must not be so harsh on Colonel Hargrave."
"What is Marlborough House?" Soma asked, a small porcelain figure in his hands.
"Forgive the prince, he does not know the neighborhood," Ciel spoke up. Lady Randolph shook her head, turning to smile at Soma.
"Marlborough House is where the crown prince lives. It's his London residence, and quite conveniently located a walk away from Marlborough Club, where he often dines. Mr. Chuchill is quite inclined to dine there himself when he tires of us ladies."
Soma listened attentively. "Ciel, why don't we dine at the club?" Soma asked. A private conversation between the ladies Gray paused and the room was silent, save the crackling of the fire. All eyes were on Ciel and the prince and he felt his cheeks warm up.
"Because I imagine it's terribly dull," Lady Randolph stepped in. "A lot of old fussy men with their cigars. I hear you have an Indian butler and that Phantomhive's cook is quite remarkable. I imagine the gentlemen would flock in droves to your household, given a chance." Soma flushed with delight.
"Agni makes the best curry in all of my country! And yours too!" he said excitedly.
"Then you shall have to invite me some time to try it," Lady Randolph pressed. "My son Winston is just about the Earl's age," she glanced at Ciel, "and I am most certain he would be delighted to visit."
Ciel inclined his head to acknowledge the request. He was spared from giving a definitive invitation when the butler entered and cleared his throat.
"Dinner is ready," he said.
"Oh my," the Marchioness rose from her chair in a flurry of silks and ribbons. "What a terrible hostess I've been. I've neglected to inform you of the seating arrangements. Hugh, my boy, escort Ms. Juliana. Where are you running off to, Mr. Townsend? You must be a proper gentleman and give Miss Sanders a hand. Ciel my dear, will you do me the honor?" Ciel offered her his arm.
"If I may impose upon you, Prince Soma," Lady Randolph offered her hand. Soma smiled and clasped her hand, pulling her up delicately. He entwined their arms together, standing closer than was decent, but she didn't mind.
Americans, Ciel thought.
Mr. Churchill offered his hand to Mrs. Gray and, little by little, the company paired off. Lord Salisbury began to escort Lady Isabelle, the youngest lady of the party, leaving Lady Howard to make eyes at Sebastian. The demon smiled, crossing the room smoothly. She did not look away once, smiling as she lifted a gloved hand for him to accept. "Lady Howard," he said, accepting her hand, placing it smoothly on his forearm as they joined the line of couples.
"Well then, shall we?" Lord Salisbury said, leading the dinner party while Lady Salisbury took up the rear.
Ciel kept an eye on the demon, whose quick smiles were not unnoticed by the blushing lady next to him. They whispered close to one another, short bursts of conversation he could not hear.
"You can't imagine what a surprise it was when you accepted our invitation," Lady Salisbury said. Her pink ribbons jounced with her steps, the scent of roses slightly overwhelming. "And when your friend the Prince Soma wrote, asking to join, you can't imagine how shocked dear Robert was. He spent a good deal of time in India during the campaign. He never chanced to visit Bengal, but I imagine he's itching to ask the prince all about it."
"Prince Soma will be delighted," Ciel said, catching a familiar laugh echoing down the corridor.
-
Ciel waved away the servant as he lowered a tray of removes. He nodded when the next tray was offered, allowing the servant to place a piece of quail upon his plate. He tried not to wrinkle his nose at the vegetables that came with it. He glanced up, but Sebastian’s attention was not focused on him. He appeared animated in conversation with his dinner partner Lady Howard. Lady Randolph smiled at them from across the way, lowering her fork and leaning forward.
"Pray, is there a Mrs. Michaels?" Lady Randolph inquired. The ladies slowed their conversations, heads turning to the gentleman in question.
Sebastian smiled, dabbing his mouth carefully with the linen napkin. He swallowed his mouthful of quail and shook his head. "No, ma'am. I fear the nature of my work had not allowed me the liberty to pursue the company of ladies. Such a connection with one like myself would entail a rather arduous lifestyle I am loathe to press upon Britain's gentlewomen."
"But surely the officers must bring their wives. We are not all so delicate as your sex would have yourselves believe," Lady Randolph smiled, turning to glance at her husband.
"Forgive me madam, I meant only that I am not yet at liberty to settle down. I would be a poor companion indeed to abandon one to whom I am connected simply because certain unreasonable tasks demanded the whole of my attention."
Ciel choked on a mouthful of quail. He took a hurried gulp of water, clearing his throat.
Lady Randolph arched a slender brow, a playful smile on her lips. "Then ladies, you shall not make eyes at Mr. Michaels tonight or he will most surely break your hearts," she lowered her dark lashes conspiratorially at the ladies dispersed around the table.
Ciel didn't miss Lady Howard's flush. She raised her napkin to her lips, lowering her face to her lap.
"Now now, my dear," Lord Churchill lowered his fork to his plate, "now you've set the chase. You should be the first to know that common sense has no bearing on certain determined young ladies." Lady Randolph erupted into a high laugh. She inclined her head to concede the point. "I warn you gentlemen, you best be on your toes. Ladies these days like to make us out to be the hounds chasing the fox, but oftentimes it is quite the other way around."
Lady Randolph lowered her gaze to Sebastian, a look he did not miss.
Soma glanced around the table, tilting his head. "We do not have foxes in my country, but we have great tigers! And elephants! But one must be very careful when hunting tigers." Everyone paused to look at the prince, a few stifling giggles behind napkins and careful bites.
Ciel tightened his grip on his fork.
Lord Salisbury hurriedly glanced around the table before opening his mouth. "Why yes! I saw a tiger during my time in India. Beautiful, fearsome creature! Tell me Prince, have you ever had the pleasure of hunting one?"
Ciel sighed in relief, grateful for the prime minister's tact. The table settled into less scandalous conversation and Ciel continued his meal without fear of choking.
A servant came by with the next course, lowering a tray of side dishes. Ciel took once glance and waved him away. He decided to wait for the main courses.
"Tell me Earl, are you not yet of school age?" Lady Randolph inquired. "My son Winston is presently at Harrow. You will attend Harrow, will you not?"
Ciel glanced across the table at Mr. Michaels, picked up his glass and took a sip.
"My father was an Eton man," he said.
"And what a fine school it is," the prime minister guffawed. "I sent my boys to Eton, and I'm sure your father would have done the same."
Ciel smiled ambiguously into his cup. He avoided the puppy dog look Soma directed at him from the end of the table.
"My father did not have a business to run," Ciel said quickly. "Business demands my attention." He met the pitying looks around the table. "I'm sure you all know of the fire at Phantomhive Estate. Rebuilding is a costly endeavor."
"I saw the report in the paper," Mrs. Salisbury said, pressing her hand against her bosom. "A terrible tragedy," she murmured. The prime minister glanced at his wife uncomfortably.
"Tell me, Prince Soma, what is your home like?" Lady Randolph changed the subject. Soma leapt to attention, allowing his fork to clink against his plate. His eyes lit up and for the first time that evening, Ciel was quietly grateful to have Soma there.
-
Ciel took one more bite of dessert, chewing carefully and noting the rather traditional flavors. Lord Salisbury's cook was indeed fine, but nothing would ever taste quite like his own butler's creations. He paused when Lady Salisbury addressed the other girls. Their napkins slowly lined along the table, each lady rising. Ciel's mouth twitched into a smile.
"But where are you ladies going?" Soma asked. Lady Salisbury betrayed a moment's surprise, looking at Ciel pleadingly.
"In this country it is traditional for the ladies to retreat to the drawing room so that the men may indulge in their drink and cigars. These activities are not suitable before ladies and it is for our convenience that they so graciously leave us to our bad habits." The ladies giggled at Sebastian's small speech.
Soma stuck out his tongue. "Then I prefer to join the ladies," Soma said, rising from his seat. Ciel smiled a little to himself.
"Perhaps you should show the ladies your drawings," Ciel said and Soma beamed at him. That would keep the prince out of his hair, he thought. The other men made no complaint, smiling a little as Soma babbled with Lady Randolph as they exited the dining room.
"Well then, gentlemen, shall we?" the prime minister asked, gesturing a servant forward. Ciel hastily finished his tart, tossing down his napkin. The servant moved ahead of them while the gentlemen rose, wooden chairs scraping along the floor. They filed out of the dining room to a smaller room where a bar had been set out. The butler held up a tray, a wooden box placed upon it, and Lord Salisbury lifted the lid and pulled out a thick cigar. Ciel made himself comfortable in a high backed chair, settling in for the long evening ahead. He watched his servant accept a cigar and turn to comment on the quality to Lord Churchill. The older gentleman smiled, laughing at some quick-witted quip Sebastian muttered.
"Might I offer you some refreshment, Earl?" the prime minister asked. Ciel shook his head, crossing his legs as he leaned back into the chair.
"I believe the ladies are having tea downstairs," Hugh smiled, elbowing his friend when he snorted with amusement.
Both men quieted down with a stern look from their host. "Forgive him," the prime minister said. "He has not yet mastered how to hold his liquor." Hugh quickly sobered at his father's tone.
Sebastian whispered something to the servant, smiling congenially when he noticed Ciel's attention. He settled onto a sofa next to Lord Churchill and accepted a drink from the butler.
"Mr. Michaels, I hear you are in town for business. Business is going well?" Lord Randolph directed his looks from Sebastian to Ciel.
Sebastian smiled over the rim of his cup. "Funtom Company is thriving. Lord Phantomhive is quite the innovator."
"Why yes, I did not realize there were so many variations of bunny rabbits and dolls," Mr. Townsend commented. Ciel smirked, clasping his hands together.
"You've done your father a credit," the prime minister said pointedly.
"If a peer of the realm working for a living can be deemed a credit," Ciel said tartly. "Yes, I know my reputation," he turned to glance at the youngest of the crowd.
Lord Randolph chuckled, blowing a small cloud of smoke above his head. "Better to improve upon one's fortune than to squander away what's left of the family coffers. Had they not done away with debtors prison, I believe over half the peerage would be locked up today. There's a reason why the horse races are the biggest event of the season." Lord Churchill pointed his cigar at Hugh and Mr. Townsend. "And watch out for Somerset. He may be manager of Marlsborough's horses, but he's been known to make bad bets. Who knows how he spends it so quickly. You are wise to stay away from the lot of them." Lord Randolph smiled at Ciel.
"I fear I am unacquainted with Lord Somerset," Sebastian said. "What manner of gentleman is he?"
"None at all," Lord Churchill laughed. "That rascal is always the first to empty your pockets onto the card table and the first to spend it before you can win any of it back. He's a third son and therefore fares no chance of taking the family title. His love of good card games helped him work his way into the Prince's favor. At present, he is head of Marlborough's stables. I wouldn't trust the man further than I could toss this cigar."
"Then he holds membership at Marlborough Club?" Ciel asked.
"They allow him," Lord Randolph said, taking another puff of his cigar.
The men quieted as the butler entered, bearing a small tray of iced strawberry drink. He set it down next to Ciel without a word and Ciel glanced up in surprise. The butler excused himself with a bow, exiting the room just as quietly. Sebastian smiled at him from across the room.
-
When Ciel entered the parlor, he was startled by a large circle of women crowded around one corner.
"I think it's a wonderful likeness!" Lady Howard commented and the young ladies erupted into a fit of giggles.
"Ciel!" Soma sprang from the couch, his sketch book in hand. The ladies parted to allow him room to pass and Soma bound forward, tossing one arm around Ciel carelessly. "Look at the portraits I've drawn! Would you like me to draw yours too?" Ciel glanced down at a series of squiggles and circles that vaguely resembled a human face. "This is Lady Howard," he said excitedly.
"Perhaps later," Ciel said politely, smiling tersely at the ladies. "The hour is late. We should relieve our hosts of our company so that they may retire." Soma's face fell.
"But you haven’t spent time with us at all,” Soma pouted.
Lady Randolph rose from her seat. “You must be kind to the Earl. He is still young. Why, I would not dream of keeping my Winston up so late.” She smiled at him. “Still, I am terribly sorry to see you all go. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance,” she spoke to Soma, pressing her hand against his arm. He smiled broadly and nodded. “I do hope,” she deliberated, “that we might see one another again.”
“I’m sure that could be arranged,” Ciel said. “Prince, if we may. Agni will be waiting.” Soma nodded. Ciel bowed to the ladies and made his excuses. Sebastian thanked their host and hostess. Ciel turned to leave the drawing room, trying to make his escape before Soma could dally any longer. Soma followed behind, pausing when Lady Randolph called after him.
“Prince, if I may,” she said. She pressed a card into his hand, whispering something that made Soma break out into a smile. He nodded at her enthusiastically, pocketing the small slip.
He thanked her, turned to smile at Ciel and skipped ahead of him.
Ciel glanced behind him, noting her rather coquettish smile as Sebastian bid her farewell. Ciel made note of this, accepting his hat and cloak. Agni greeted him as he entered the carriage.
“That was delightful,” Soma said as Ciel settled into the cushions. “Why don’t we attend dinners more often?” he asked Ciel, glancing through his sketches for the night.
Ciel huffed as Sebastian climbed into the carriage, allowing the door to be shut behind him.
The carriage lurched forward and they were off, back into the dark London night. Ciel rubbed at his eyes, attempting to look alert when Soma caught this small action.
“The night was a failure,” Ciel said. “We may indeed have to go through this awful business again.” He glared at his servant.
Soma glanced from Ciel to Sebastian. “Failure? What failure? We made many friends tonight!”
“What need have I for new friends?” Ciel asked. “We need an invitation to that infernal club. Sebastian failed tonight. We must try again when the next opportunity presents itself.”
Soma tilted his head. “What club?”
“Marlborough Club. Membership is highly exclusive. One cannot simply waltz in without an invitation, or a recommendation. Status is not enough.”
Soma bit his lip, rummaging his pocket. “You mean something like this?” Ciel paused when Soma held up a small calling card. Lady Randolph’s name and address were written upon it. “Lady Randolph said if I showed this at the club they would let me in.” Ciel paused, his mouth falling open slightly. “She said the Prince would be delighted to meet me.” Soma beamed at him. “So Ciel, do you admit it now? Do you admit that I might be clever enough to help you?”
Ciel covered his face with one hand. He had a feeling cleverness had very little to do with Soma’s success tonight.