The Earl's Kitten

Chapter XXIV

July 18th 1887, 1:00 PM

Alois slapped the paper down on the table, scowling. We were having dinner outside today, both of us just wanting to relax as we had gotten in late last night. I raised my eyebrow, opening my eyes to gaze at the blond.

"Is something wrong, Alois?"

"Tch. That slu-" My gaze hardened, and Alois rethought his words. "That girl, the one who works for Phantomhive." I softened my gaze again and nodded.

"What about her?"

"Scotland Yard believes she has murdered someone last night." I blinked in fake surprise, then sat forward and picked up the paper that Alois had put down. I read over the title and then quickly read the article before shaking my head and putting the newspaper down.

"Terrible shame." I murmured, returning to my tea. I soon finished the cup and put it down on the table, looking up to the sky and spotting a murmuration of Starlings passing over the estate. I hummed softly, smiling.

"Ciel should get her under control before she goes crazy." Alois muttered in disgust.

"I am sure she is quite controlled, Alois. After all, Ciel is not one who will allow something bad to happen to his name and reputation." I smiled before standing.

"Thank you for allowing me to stay this week, Alois. It's been an absolute delight to spend time with you." Alois put his cup of tea down and stood, smirking as he pulled me in for a hug. My eyes widened, but I accepted the hug and chuckled as I rested my head on his shoulder. "Perhaps, at the end of next month, you should come and stay at my manor?" I suggested.

"That sounds wonderful, Rose. I shall make sure that the last week of the month is free from business." I hummed softly.

"Make sure to bring your servants. They all need a break too." Alois scoffed and I rolled my eyes, pulling away from him. "Will I see you at Sir Woodward's ball in a fortnight?" I asked, looking up to Alois. He shook his head in response. I sighed but nodded. "Alright. Goodbye, Alois." I tiptoed and pressed my lips to his cheek before making my way out of the manor to the front, where Timber was waiting for me. He had Diamante's reins in his hand and was smirking softly. Jackson had collected my trunk of clothes and other items this morning, so all that was left was for me to ride home. I had my peasant's outfit on for that precise reason, and my hair tucked up into my hat.

Timber shook his head as he saw me, helping me up into the saddle. I chuckled and took the reins.

"Will you miss me?" I asked cheekily. Timber and I had grown close over the week I had been here.

"Perhaps." He shrugged his shoulder, smirking softly. "You should not be teasing a servant, M'Lady." I smirked in response and leaned down, placing a kiss on top of his hair.

"I'll see you at the end of next month, Timber. Tell your brothers I said goodbye." Timber nodded, and then slapped Diamante's hindquarters to get her going. I chuckled, directing Diamante out of the estate. I was meant to be going home, but I had decided to stop off to see Ciel first.

I allowed myself to get lost in my surroundings as I travelled, smiling at everything I saw. It was easy to tell that summer was here. The trees were greener than I had ever seen them in my life, flowers bloomed in fields and along the edges of the road, birds flew about in the sky and there were no rain clouds in sight. I hummed softly, closing my eyes and relaxing as Diamante continued on.

I soon opened my eyes and found that we were fast approaching the Phantomhive estate. I frowned. Surely there was more distance between Alois' and Ciel's manors? Perhaps I had missed most of the journey due to my thoughts... I shook my head and spurred Diamante on, jumping off her when we neared the entrance. I patted her shoulder and let her be as I walked up and knocked the door. Sebastian soon answered, his eyes widening as he saw me. He smiled and led me to Ciel, whom was working in his office. Ciel raised his head from his paperwork as the door opened. When he spotted me, he chuckled and stood up. I smiled, bowing my head to him and walking over to stand at the windows behind his desk.