AUTHOR: FOXPROSE1
RATING: T

GENRE(S): Supernatural, Romance

CHARACTERS: (Sebastian/OC)

DISCLAIMER: All characters and settings from Kuroshitsuji belong to their respective owners. No infringement intended or financial remuneration received for this work.
FEEDBACK: Always appreciated!

SUMMARY: Ciel decides that the newly-introduced typewriting machine is just what the Funtom Company needs, and Sebastian discovers that typewriting machines come with typists - and sometimes a delightful cat!

The Ailuro-Files

Chapter 1 of 7

"You will find Mr. Browne to be a conscientious and discreet man of affairs. He is conversant in double-entry bookkeeping and has recently become proficient in the use of the automated typewriting machine . . ."

"Miss Thornhill is most efficient and accurate in the production of correspondence using the latest methods, including the recently introduced typewriting machine . . . "

"I can recommend Miss Winifred Books without reservation. Her skill on the modern typewriting apparatus is unparalleled and her personal qualities are those becoming a discreet and modest young woman . . . "

"Our association with Miss Webster was most satisfactory. Aside from her admirable skills, she was a pleasant and refreshing presence on our staff. Even her cat, Millie, was a welcome addition to our household . . . "

Sebastian read no further. Miss Webster it would be.

Ciel, Earl Phantomhive, had attended a demonstration promoting the wonders of the newest business technology, specifically, the typewriting machine.

"Phantomhive must not remain in the past," he had declared. "Machines such as this are the future of business. Find someone who can handle all my correspondence this way."

"Yes, my lord," replied the butler. "Is my master displeased with my handling of his correspondence?"

"Don't be daft, Sebastian. You know as well as I: you do not use the queen to perform a pawn's job. You use each piece to its maximum advantage. It is foolish to have you spend your time inking out letters and replies."

"As you wish, my lord."

A message had been sent Mr. Manfred, owner of the employment agency used for the more routine Phantomhive needs, and a sheaf of glowing references had arrived with the next post. However, Sebastian hadn't read past the fourth entry. When it appeared that a certain Miss Webster would be accompanied by her cat, the die was cast. The only questions that wafted through the demon butler's mind concerned what color the estimable Millie might be.

The coach bearing Miss Caroline Webster bounced along the road from London toward the Phantomhive estate. She attempted to focus her thoughts on the future. Just one more year of these private assignments, two at the most, and she would have enough saved to purchase a cottage in Dorset. Perhaps in Poole, not too far from the sea, or maybe in a small rural community. She mentally decorated her imaginary cottage and daydreamed of a life where her time would be her own and her secrets would be safe.

"Fine opportunity, Miss Webster," promised Mr. Manfred when he told her of the position in the Phantomhive household. "Absolutely first-rate client!"

"Dare I ask what to anticipate in the way of problems," Caroline had replied dryly. "Am I likely to be chased around my desk by the master or his heir? Or is there a jealous governess out to undermine newcomers, perhaps?"

Caroline knew from hard experience that enthusiasm on Mr. Manfred's part seldom translated into a trouble-free assignment for her. Still, these private jobs paid exceptionally well and included room and board. It was the fastest way to accumulate the savings she needed, even if she was occasionally called upon to douse the ardor of a male member of the household or remind everyone concerned that she was a professional, not a servant.

"Nothing of the sort, Miss Webster! Nothing at all!" he paused, and Caroline waited for Mr. Manfred's propensity for gossip to fill in the blanks. "Although I'll grant you, it's an unusual household."

"Unusual in what way?"

"Odd story about the Phantomhives. Landed family, you know. Always enjoyed a special relationship with Her Majesty. A few years ago, the family seat burnt to the ground. Killed Lord Phantomhive, his wife, and everyone assumed, their son."

"And . . . ?" Caroline prompted, willing him to get to the point.

"Well, a few months later, the son returned, accompanied by a butler. More than a butler, really. A combination butler and man of affairs. The son was barely out of childhood, but he took over the management of the estate as if he were an adult. Most amazing, it was. Assisted only by the butler and a handful of servants. Rebuilt the place and regained control of the family's holdings."

"That does sound extraordinary," Caroline agreed.

"Yes, yes indeed. most extraordinary," Mr. Manfred concurred as he warmed to the tale. "Still, an odd household. Lord Phantomhive is barely in his teens. Very odd indeed. But nothing for you to worry about, my dear. Of course, you realize your options would be much greater were you to give up this ridiculous requirement that your cat accompany you?"

Caroline sighed, not for the first time.

"Oh, I'm quite aware, Mr. Manfred. But as I've explained, I'm afraid it's simply impossible. I can only accept positions where Millie will be accommodated."

After Miss Webster departed, Mr. Manfred took out a small chit, dipped his pen in the inkwell, and composed a short message. He wished that he had better news for the men who were pressuring him. He would have preferred to send that idiot Browne or even Celia Thornhill, whose better judgment could be easily overcome with a spot of gin. Leave it to Phantomhive to select the most headstrong and independent typist on his roster. Sighing, he placed the note in an envelope and summoned a young boy from the outer office to deliver it.

Sebastian lined up the staff to greet the new arrival and opened the door as Caroline alighted from the coach. Finnian was dispatched to aid the coachman, and an elbow to Mei-Rin jolted her into helping the Caroline with her cloak.

"Good day, Miss Webster," Sebastian said smoothly, "you must be tired. Please have some tea in the drawing room before settling into your chambers."

"Thank you . . . ," began Caroline, placing her reticule on the floor and releasing the ties of her small hat.

"Sebastian. Sebastian Michaelis. I am butler to the Earl Phantomhive and see to his comfort. Please call me Sebastian."

"Oh. Well, thank you. Most butlers use their last names. This household must be rather progressive."

"I believe you will find the Phantomhive household unique in many ways. Mr. Manfred said you would be traveling with your cat. Is she still on the coach?"

"Yes. I hope there was no misunderstanding. I make it clear to the agency that my cat comes with me, but there have been times when the qualification for my employment was not carefully communicated."

"On the contrary, we are delighted to welcome your cat," said Sebastian, his smile filled with uncharacteristic warmth.

Assisted by Mei-Rin and with only a small exercise of demonic magic to avoid a myopia-induced disaster, tea was served with a gateau.

"The master of Phantomhive and the head of the Funtom Company, Ciel, Earl Phantomhive, will be joining you in a few minutes to discuss your duties. However, I would like to review a few details of your employment first," Sebastian explained as he poured the tea.

Sebastian looked at her carefully for the first time. Apparently modern machinery required modern young women to operate it. Rather than the severe style set by Her Majesty, Caroline was dressed and coifed more in the manner of an American. Her chestnut chignon was loosely tethered to the crown of her head, and the hair around it was full. Her clothes were of a modern style, too. Rather than a bustle, Caroline wore a navy skirt that accentuated her waist and fell to the floor with enough fabric to allow quick movement. Her cream blouse buttoned to the neck and was tucked into the skirt, the diaphanous fabric both hiding and hinting at what lay beneath. Her eyes were a deep green and seemed a bit too large for her face. Her mouth was small and pink.

"Of course," Caroline replied, daintily taking a sip of tea.

"Quarters have been prepared for you. There is a governess's suite that I thought might be suitable. It has a sitting room as well as a bed chamber. I believe such an arrangement might be beneficial for your cat," Sebastian said. "As you are no doubt aware, my master is quite young, but he is well past the stage of a governess, and therefore the suite is available."

"Why, um, yes. That is most kind of you to consider my cat," Caroline replied.

"You will work in a private office near that of my master. I am afraid that I must ask you to leave your cat in your quarters during your work. My master seems to have allergies."

"Ah, yes. Allergies. Terrible things. Please don't concern yourself. As you know from my references, I am used to accommodating my cat very discreetly. Your master need never encounter her."

A knock sounded, Mei-Rin opened the door somewhat grandly, and Ciel, Earl Phantomhive entered.

Ciel Phantomhive wore a blue coat in an old-fashioned style that accentuated the vivid blue of his left eye. His right eye was patched, Caroline noticed. Perhaps this injury was sustained in the tragic fire that Mr. Manfred mentioned. She suddenly wished she had listened more carefully to Mr. Manfred's gossip. It might have given her a bit of insight into this preternaturally somber teenager and his odd butler, who seemed more concerned about the comfort of her cat than anything else.

"Lord Phantomhive, may I present Miss Caroline Webster, who has been highly recommended for the job of transcribing your correspondence," said Sebastian, formally.

"Lord Phantomhive, at your service," Caroline replied, curtsying.

"Please. Let us be seated. I am sure you are tired from your journey, and I have much work to do as well," Ciel began, neither smiling nor asking after her cat.

After a perfunctory and entirely predictable interview with Lord Phantomhive about the various correspondence and documents she would be called upon to prepare, the Earl took his leave. To her extreme surprise, the butler Sebastian had remained at the Earl's side, just a few feet behind, throughout the conversation. As Mr. Manfred had alluded, Sebastian was clearly a great deal more than a butler.

However odd this master, his butler, and the bumbling maid might be, Caroline was relieved. None of the men had leered at her when they thought she wasn't looking. No one had found a way to accidentally brush against her or offer up a double-entendre. As a private correspondence secretary, Caroline had plenty of experience in households where a new young female employee - especially one occupying that indistinct rung between servant and master - was considered a choice morsel on which male members of the household might feast. The master, the steward, the butler, the footman, and even the stable boy would all try their luck, attempting a stolen kiss, a grope, or even more forceful attentions.

"May I show you to your quarters, Miss Webster?" Sebastian asked, interrupting her reverie.

"Thank you. That is most kind of you. Your footman - Finnian, I believe you called him - took my trunks and carrier?"

"Yes. Everything is in your quarters. I ordered him not to disturb your cat, however, but to simply place her carrier in your rooms."

Again with the cat, Caroline thought.

Sebastian led her up the staircase and to the end of the corridor, where he opened a wide, beveled door. It led to a large sitting room. A bed chamber could be seen through a door in one corner. The furniture looked new and the room smelled fresh. Several windows were thrown open, and Sebastian hurried to close them.

"This won't do," he said, half talking to himself. "It would be terrible if the cat escaped or were injured because of an open window."

"Thank you. Your kindness and attention to detail shows that you are dedicated to the highest ideals of your profession," Caroline responded, intentionally formal. She had long ago learned to avoid any effusive enthusiasm. Friendly but distant was the best course.

"I am merely . . . ," Sebastian trailed off, "I will leave you to see to your cat. She is no doubt distressed by her new surroundings. May I send a dish of cream or perhaps a bit of chicken from the kitchen?"

"Thank you, but that will not be necessary. I can see to her needs."

"Very well, then. I will see that you are summoned for dinner."

At last, the butler took his leave, shutting the door to the corridor. Caroline went directly into the bed chamber, where the rattan cat carrier had been placed carefully on her bed. She opened the top and removed a stuffed grey cat, which she jammed unceremoniously under the bed.

A Phantomhive butler who couldn't manage a bit of covert surveillance wouldn't be worth his salt, and Sebastian was easily capable of doing a little routine spying. If he were merely one hell of a butler, then Miss Caroline Webster was merely one hell of a typist. In fact, Sebastian wasn't yet certain what she was, precisely. She was not an ordinary human. He had smelled the faint magic pulsing beneath the honeysuckle soap she apparently used.

Sebastian told himself that responsibility to his master was behind his curiosity about Carolyn, but that was not entirely true. While he could sense the magic coming from her, he was quite certain she wasn't a threat. After all, many humans possessed an element of magic. It was almost always latent and harmless.

No, it was the thought of that cat, perhaps with soft paws and a pink nose, that was so distracting to him.

However, a butler must be flexible, and a series of loud crashes emanating from the kitchen suggested that this wasn't the time to pry into Miss Webster's secrets or press for an audience with Millie.