The day of the tea party arrive all too soon for the Moriarty brothers who woke up and prepared for a day full of loud chatter and brattish demands. Albert hesitated at the mere thought of the riot of colour and perfumes which would harass them right until late afternoon.

Coupled with persistent hints and coquettish invitations from the overly excited women, he sighed witheringly, ready to be done with the day already.

"There are far too few men in ratio to the flock of women present." Albert mumbled ruefully to himself, as he secured his cravat with a studded pin. Sweeping his hand down his coat his studied his appearance in the mirror. Dressed in a fine cut black suit with a white shirt, a deep green vest, and matching cravat finished the look.

The oldest Moriarty looked dashing and attractive, the ladies would no doubt swoon at the sight of his handsome figure. Grabbing his gilded cane, he exited his room holding his top hat in his other hand.

"The man is dressed like fine honey, ready to attract the heady bees waiting outside." Bond commented with an amused laugh, leaning against the wall outside Albert's room.

"C'mon we're expected as well." Moran commented with an eye roll patting Bond on the back.

Outside in the manicured gardens, Louis stood with a clipboard, going over last minute details. He peered through his spectacles with a concentrated frown.

The youngest Moriarty was a handsome sight to behold, his pale blonde hair shone in the late morning sun. His eyes sparkling with intelligence and a mysterious wonder that women would no doubt aspire to unveil.

"Louis, don't exit the mansion or kitchen area, again today. Please." William implored with a small smile despite his eyes reflecting how nervous he was.

"Right, brother." Louis said with a small nod and cheerful smile.

With that he turned and made his way back into the mansion. Joining Albert at the entrance of the rose garden, William grouped up with Fred, Moran, Bond and Albert.

"Seeing as Renfield couldn't make it today, it's just us in the forefront. Herder is in his usual designated spot." Albert confirmed, standing tall with his weight balanced on the cane he held in front of him.

"We'll be fine. The added activities will definitely help." Bond reassured them in a deepened voice. Exhaling sharply, William straightened his stance.

"Right, it's time. Good luck everyone." He said to the team, before everyone moved to their post.

Within minutes young ladies bustled through the gates, all of them pushing and shoving at each other in an unladylike manner. With a sigh Albert stepped forward and calmed them down, placating them to walked in and be seated in a single neat file.

'You think they'd pick up from last time...' He thought to himself.

Louis stood at the head of the table in the kitchen. The waiters stood shoulder to shoulder in a single straight line, awaiting the word go.

Glancing at his pocket watch he watched the seconds tick by in his fair hand. Placing it back he lifted his head up. Teapots and trays of cakes, scones and savories were lined up waiting to be delivered to the guests outside.

"Alright then everyone, do your best. You may go." He said in a soft honeyed voice. The maids who added the final touches to the trays, swooned at the humble, attractive man who showed his strength without having to boast it.

Standing tall with his arms locked behind him, Louis watched as the waiters exited, carrying the silver trays out into the garden.

Bond stood in the shady parts of the hedges watching the crowds intently. Crystal blue eyes scanning the tables for any sign of menacing women.

Seeing as it was now autumn the choice of style and material used for their dresses differed. Warmer colours with patterns and cuts that flattered their neckline and sat over their feet were in season.

The sleeves of their dresses were sewed to help them combat the chill in the air. Most of them wore their hair down to keep their ears and neck warm from the cold breeze. William caught Bond's gaze and nodded discreetly at him who returned the nod.

The Professor made his rounds around the different tables, greeting the females with a soft, enigmatic smile. His pale hair caught the dull sunlight of the autumn day, making him look like an angel on earth. Women inquired about his health and his work. Some asked him for help in tutoring them one-on-one.

"I must decline, although I will be happy to assist anyone after classes at the University. My hours do not permit me the leisure of one-on-one tutelage." He said with a kind smile. The mathematics Professor quickly changed the topic directing their attention to the food.

"Are the snacks to your liking? Would you like a another tart? They are extremely delicious." He said with a charming smile that made his face glow. The women swooned and all reached for another tart.

Seeing the women jump to do anything that seemed like it would relatively please William, made Bond snicker from his post.

"Psht! Women will do anything to gain the favour of the man they fancy."

A few tables down, Albert was engaged in a conversation with a group of ladies who were determined to outdo each other in regard of flirting with him.

"Why if I didn't know better, I'd say this season paired beautifully with your eyes, Lord Albert." A young lady said batting her eyes at him.

"Yes, yes but nothing can compare to his sturdy stature. Like that of a tree. Oh my!" Another said, clasping her hands.

'Bachelor, I am remaining a bachelor...'

He vowed to himself in that moment. Internally squirming at all the naked attention he received, Albert made a polite excuse and left the group of overbearing women.

Back at their table, William sat down and plucked a sandwich from the silver tray that was brought to him a few seconds ago. It was arranged in a neat line whereas the other sandwiches were artfully set to overlap one another.

The sandwiches were set differently for his table as a coded message from Louis that told him all was going smoothly inside the mansion. He smiled to himself and bit into the cress and cucumber sandwich.

Glancing up he noticed that most of the women had moved over to the garden to admire the flowers in season.
They cheered and clapped with delight as Fred enlightened them on each flower and its origin. Albert sat down next to William with a sigh and took a deep sip from his cup.

"All okay there my Lord?" Moran asked through the side of his mouth.

"Ah, yes. Not too bad. I just had a lovely conversation with a rather delightful woman. She was so breathtaking." Albert said with a small smile.

"Oh, what's this?" William teased with a raised brow.

"Is our Lord finally thinking of taking a wife and extending the future line?" William prodded playfully.

"No, no. But she really was a delight to speak with, best from all the ladies present today." Albert replied softly to William with a small laugh.

Two hours into the tea party William excused himself to meet with Louis, to check on him.

'I don't want him straining himself, he pushes himself far too much.' William thought, as he quickened his steps. Hastily exiting the garden he bumped into a soft figure he didn't hear or notice.

"Oh good Lord! Please pardon me dear lady..." His words trailed off as he caught scent of the perfume that lingered. Turning his head he found that the woman had disappeared in the blink of an eye. Scanning the area, he caught the back of a woman briskly clicking off back to her table.

She wore a simple white dress with royal blue trimmings and borders. A simple top hat with small fragrant flowers tucked into the side sat on her head. It was a simple but undoubtedly beautiful choice.

Turning in his heel he forged on to check on Louis, a secretive smile tugging his mouth upward. After checking on his younger sibling he approached Albert, inquiring who the woman he bumped into was.

"Oh! That's the lady I mentioned. Extremely charming lady, daughter of Baron Devonshire." Albert explained with a fond smile.William frowned at the Lord who was behaving far too familiar with the lady for his liking.

'Let's try and spin your story out of you little killer.' William thought with a smirk.

He watched her daintily sip from her cup, her eyes lifted up to secretively glance at him. They widened at seeing he already was looking at her. A crimson tinge bloomed on her cheeks and she looked away swiftly. Getting up from her seat she walked off to the garden, the natural feminine sway to her hips, not going unnoticed to William who pinned her with his eyes.

He bit into a cake in order to give himself something to do, but a bitter taste rolled over his tongue instead of a sugary sweetness. He watched her slip her hand into Bond's outstretched palm. Bond winked at her which made her look away and chuckle bashfully.

"Will? Will? William!?" Albert placed his hand on Williams arm, rousing him from his vile storm of jealousy.

"Are you okay? You've crumpled your napkin mercilessly it's extremely violent of you." Albert said, glancing down at the semi-battered napkin in Williams lap.

A/N: Credit to artist <3