The Hunt for Jack the Ripper (The Phantomhive Diaries #1)

6. Sebastian Michaelis

Once the young master entered the mansion with the guest, Sebastian let out a breath in relief. For a moment, he thought the plan wouldn't work. Dinner was almost ruined. But thankfully, everything worked out just fine. For the moment. They still had actual dinner to get through. He hoped that Tanaka's choice of meal wouldn't turn the guest away.

"Well, that was fun," Niall said with a little giggle.

Baldroy wiped the sweat off his brow. "Well, that was a close one. Who would have thought a dozen boxes of gravel would make a good rock garden."

"For the record, I help," Niall said while raising his hand.

"I can see that, Niall," Baldroy said as he ruffled the little boy's curly hair.

Niall responded by smacking his hand away. "Oi."

Sebastian approached the two and smiled. "Naturally, we were able to handle the situation without any more trouble. We serve the Phantomhive family after all. Now, look sharp. There's still work to be done. Let's take care of it while the master is discussing business with our guest."

"Right," Both Baldroy and Niall said.

However, Sebastian turned his attention to the little boy. "Not you, Niall."

"Awww why not?" Niall asked.

"You did exceptionally well today. But it's almost dark," he pointed out. "It's time for you to return home before it gets too late. I'll call your boss tomorrow to let him know you were here the entire time so you don't get into trouble."

Niall scoffed in annoyance. "Fine."

"Here," Sebastian paid him some extra shillings. "A token of gratitude for your assistance here at the gardens."

The little boy's mood quickly changed from annoyance to contentment. "Woah, thanks Sebastian - I mean, Mr. Michaelis."

Sebastian smiled slightly before patting him on the shoulder. "Now, run along."

Niall nodded and went off to find him bicycle. "Goodnight, Mr. Michaelis! Goodnight, Bard!"

Sebastian soon noticed Baldroy stare at him with a stern look on his rugged face. He even had his arms crossed over his chest. Sebastian knew he had something to complain about. He always did.

"What is it now, Bard?" he asked while trying not to sound irritated. "If you have something to say, I suggest we do it quickly."

"You know, you could have offered Niall to stay for the night," Baldroy pointed out. "It's not right to let him go home by himself. Especially when wolves and bears come out at night to hunt."

"It wouldn't be right to keep him here and not let his mother know where he is either," Sebastian said bluntly. "From what I heard, they have no telephone."

"Still doesn't make it right to send him off by himself like that. He's nine."

"He'll be fine, Bard. He's a smart boy. He knows to avoid the woods at this hour. Besides, he still has a few minutes before the roads get too dark for him to see. He'll make it home in time for supper."

Baldroy rolled his eyes. "If you say so."

"Now, that's enough arguing, Bard. After dinner, I need you to perform an important task for the young master."

Baldroy sighed. "What does the young master want this time?"

"He requests for the painting from above the foyer to be removed."

"What? But isn't that the one where he's with his parents?"

"...Yes, it is."

"Why on earth would he want to take down his own family portrait? Seems a little insensitive, if you ask me."

Sebastian gave Baldroy a stern glare. "Mr. Gibbons, you were hired to follow orders, not question them. And these are the young master's orders. Understood?"

"...Fine."

Sebastian could tell Baldroy didn't like the idea of taking down the family portrait. He understood why, but it didn't matter to Sebastian. If the young master wanted something to be done, it was the job of the Phantomhive servants to obey.