[He watches Vincent sort his thoughts, wishing he could help, despite having left near everyone else to their own devices in his time, but Vincent is special to him. He always has been. There's no doubt in his mind that if he hadn't been what he is to the man, his dedication to the Phantomhive line would not have been nearly as involved as it was now.]

You've put me through nothing, milord. If anything, I failed you in that I didn't see your tragedy coming. I'd like you not to blame yourself for anything here what befalls me. We both know there isn't anything you could have done to prevent it.

[The look, while not lost on him, isn't acknowledged either. He takes his own seat and reaches for one of the cookies Vincent had set out a few moments before and shrugs.]

You might be surprised. Your boy has managed it time and time again. [One bite of that cookie later.] As I've said, you needn't do this alone. Your persistence is admirable, but I have my concerns that you'll stumble. Nothing against your character, of course, but this isn't anything that you've been prepared for at any point in your educated and sophisticated life. You were murdered, your wife stolen from you. For all we know, the Queen herself arranged it, but still, here we are.