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

31. Baldroy Gibbons

Okay, remember what Sebastian told you. Don't let anyone go near the young master's bedroom. Do that and you should be perfectly fine, Baldroy thought to himself as he served the guests in Sebastian's absence. Sebastian was known for his flawless execution and never faltered. Baldroy knew that any slip-up on his part could jeopardize his position, or even worse, his own life. The thought of Sebastian potentially being capable of such drastic measures lingered in Baldroy's mind, but he wasn't sure he wanted to find out.

Once Sebastian departed from the mansion, Baldroy headed to the kitchen to whip up a delightful treat for the visitor. It was there that he stumbled upon a scrumptious deep dish pie brimming with apples and raisins, resting on the lengthy table alongside a note tucked under its plate. Baldroy picked up the note and read it carefully: "Offer this to the guests while I'm gone. It's already cooked. Don't use the flamethrower. And DON'T eat it."

Baldroy couldn't help but release a heavy sigh. It was just like Sebastian to make such a statement. As if he would ever engage in such disrespectful behavior...Come to think of it, he already did. The incident from last year's Happy Easter, when Baldroy devoured one of the chocolate rabbits intended for the young master's guests. They ended up with a shortage of rabbits, much to the young master's annoyance. And true to form, Sebastian scolded Baldroy for it. Maybe that was why Sebastian left him the note. All right, all right. Fine.

After he carefully set the deep dish pie on the cart, accompanied by a selection of earl grey tea cups (as per Sebastian's request), he wheeled it into the parlour where Madam Red, Chlaus, Lau, and his sister Ran-Mao eagerly awaited. The second he entered the room, all eyes turned towards him. Baldroy couldn't help but gulp nervously as their gazes locked onto him.

"Ah, finally, you brought tea," Lau said.

"And pie," Chlaus said. "That should go lovely with the tea."

Baldroy flashed a hesitant grin and nervously rubbed the back of his head. The presence of many upper-class individuals made him uneasy, as he couldn't help but feel out of place. Sebastian, on the other hand, seemed to effortlessly blend in with the elite crowd, thanks to his impeccable attire. In comparison, Baldroy felt like he was better suited for the kitchen rather than the lavish setting, which left him feeling a tad embarrassed.

"Sebastian made the pie," he said. "He asked me to bring it to ya'll while he was out doing errands."

"I suppose that's fine," Madam Red said plainly. Baldroy could tell by her face that she wasn't entirely happy about not being able to see the young master. Being her nephew, it was only natural for her to be concerned about his safety and welfare. Baldroy couldn't hold it against her, as her worries were justified.

Baldroy carefully served the guests their pie and tea. Lord, don't make me mess this up.

"Mr. Gibbons," Madam Red spoke up after she took a sip of her tea. "If you don't mind me asking, what does 'ya'll' mean?"

"Oh um," Baldroy said, "it means 'you all'. We just say it in a different manner."

"And what is that accent?" Chlaus asked curiously. "American?"

"Um, yeah," Baldroy nodded. "American. I'm actually from Minnesota."

"Huh, Minnesota," Chlaus, "I've been to New York and California and it seems that many Americans have different accents depending on the states they live in."

"Yeah," Baldroy said, "Well, I was born in Minnesota, then I moved to the West Mississippi where I got my accent."

"Then I'm sure eventually you'll have a British man once you get used to their accent," Lau pointed out with a mischievous chuckle. "Ran and I are still adjusting to it."

Madam Red scoffed. "No matter how many years you live here, you'll never be a true British man. You can't even be called Chinese, either. You'll always be a snake."

Chlaus chuckled with amusement while Lau burst into laughter. Baldroy couldn't believe Lau wasn't offended by Madam Red's comment. It seemed like he was either accustomed to such remarks or under the influence of some kind of drug. Baldroy caught a whiff of poppy scent emanating from Lau. Most likely opium. If he was indeed drugged, then it made sense why he wasn't taking anything seriously.

"It's a pity Lord Phantomhive won't be eating dessert with us," Chlaus said as he ate his pie. "It's quite delicious. My compliments to the chef."

Baldroy nodded. "I'll tell Sebastian of your compliments."

"I do worry for Ciel though," Madam Red said. "Perhaps I should go to his chambers and see how he's doing. I am a doctor, after all. If he has a headache, I can give him medicine that will help get rid of it -."

"NO!" Baldroy exclaimed. Everyone stared at him with bewildered expressions on their faces. Ah fuck, I could get in trouble for snapping at the nobles. He immediately corrected himself. "I mean, no, as in no you can't really can't go upstairs. You see, the young master gave us strict instructions to not allow anyone upstairs while he sleeps. And if Sebastian and I disobey him, we could get in a lot of trouble with him. You know how strict the young master can be. If he finds out I disobeyed his and the young master's orders, I could get fired."

"I mean," Chlaus said, "He might be right, my lady. It doesn't seem very fair risking this young man's job simply because you want to see your nephew. He already told me, at least, that it's only a minor headache. Perhaps it might be best to wait until dinner. He might feel better beforehand."

Madam Red sighed. She obviously didn't like the idea of not being able to see her own nephew. "Oh very well. It can't be helped, I'm afraid. Ciel has always been stubborn as a mule. But I never imagined him pushing everyone away like this. I just wish I could help him."

Baldroy could understand the frustration. He couldn't bear the idea of not being able to see his own son if he got sick with the flu. Of course, this situation was completely different. The young master didn't have the flu. He got kidnapped. And now Baldroy had to distract the guests while Sebastian was out looking for the young master, engaged in who knows what. If their deceit is uncovered, Baldroy knew he would be in deep trouble. Sebastian, being the butler and the young master's confidant, might be pardoned. But Baldroy? He was just an unseasoned cook turned soldier, with nothing else to offer except his skill with a gun and occasionally subpar stew. If he couldn't prove his worth with a firearm, he would be utterly useless.

He could only hope that Sebastian got to the young master and would be able to bring him home soon. Come on, Sebastian, move your ass!