Sebastian's Mate (Book 1)

Act 14: Dinner's Darker Delights

Sowton was still fawning over Louisa's every word when Ciel appeared at the parlour door.

"Ah, Sowton, I see you have met my cousin. Quite enchanting, isn't she?"

"Earl Phantomhive, she is the most beautiful creature I have ever been entertained by."

Ciel smiled, creature indeed, if only he knew the truth behind those words. At that moment Sebastian appeared behind him.

"My Lord, dinner is ready."

"Excellent," replied Ciel. "Louisa would you escort our guest?"

"Of course, cousin, I would be honoured."

She glanced briefly at Sebastian as they passed him. His expression cautioned patience, but it was also tinged with pain and anger. She smiled, acknowledging his warning and continued to the dining room with Sowton who had missed the whole exchange. He was engrossed in his new plan to destroy the Phantomhive family and rebuild it in his own image.

Ciel moved to the head of the table and directed Sowton to the seat on his left, Louisa took the empty seat to Ciel's right. Sowton looked confused, and Ciel grinned.

"Forgive me for not following protocol and seating you on the right. We have business to discuss, and it is easier to converse when I can see you clearly." He gestured to the patch that covered his right eye as he spoke.

Satisfied with the answer and ignoring the implied slight of being sat in a lower position to a woman, Sowton took his seat. At least with Louisa being directly opposite him, he had a clear view of her assets.

Sebastian served the first course, removing the vial from Sowton's pocket while his attention was firmly fixed on Louisa. Sebastian always enjoyed his young master's business dinners, but he was going to take extra pleasure in closing this particular transaction. Louisa saw the slight movement of Sebastian's hand, but her face betrayed no hint of what she had seen. She continued to smile sweetly as Sowton showered Ciel with compliments over his care and devotion to Louisa.

As Sebastian poured the wine, Ciel took up the conversation.

"As head of the family, the welfare of all Phantomhives is my responsibility, and I take all my duties very seriously."

"Yes, of course, my Lord," said Sowton taking a sip from his glass, "you have a great deal of responsibility on your young shoulders."

"Are you saying that I am unable to manage due to my age?"

Sowton stopped; he had forgotten how prickly Ciel could be when his age was mentioned. Yet he was still just a child and had a tendency to act like one so often.

"No, far from it, my Lord. I marvel at how you shoulder your responsibilities so well and have created such good fortune for the company." Sowton fiddled with his collar it was getting very hot and uncomfortable in the room.

"Yes, good fortune indeed, and with Louisa at a marriageable age, it will present an enticing dowry for the right suitor will it not? A position on the board and a place at my right hand?"

"The one you choose would be very lucky, your Lordship. Louisa is very beautiful and will make a wonderful wife." Sowton was becoming more uncomfortable and sweat was beginning to drip from his temples.

"I was hoping you may be able to suggest some suitable candidates, Sowton."

"My Lord, I am honoured, but I can think of no one."

"No one, not even yourself, after you made such an effort to see me tonight to ask for a position on the board. That is what you wanted wasn't it, a place at my right hand?"