Disclaimer: Kuroshitsuji and its characters belong to Yana Toboso.

Author's Note: Let me start off by saying that this is probably the biggest story I've ever undertaken. Every chapter is planned out (if not already written) and I know everything that is going to happen in the story. I have quite a big buffer of chapters, so updates should come pretty regularly. This story does revolve around some original characters, but they merely serve to present a different side to things. Since this story happens to be very much my baby right now, reviews are not just appreciated, they are begged for. Any feedback you have would mean the world to me.

Honestly, I didn't plan this to follow any particular timeframe of the anime or manga. I've only seen the anime and am just now beginning the manga, so I wanted to refrain from making any chronological mistakes as much as possible, although I did do my research where it was needed. So, please let me know if there are any glaring chronological mistakes, that would be greatly appreciated.

A huge thank you to my good friend Eris not Eros for beta-reading and helping me work out the kinks in the plot. Also, for kicking my ass into finishing this project.

Rose of May

© Deceptive Flower, January-February 2012

01. That Countess, Returning

The Midford estate was exactly as she had remembered it. It stood proudly surrounded by an array of flora that she had no doubt had been hand-picked and critically surveyed by the Marchioness herself before it had even reached the property, let alone the hands of the gardener. Its pristine structure reflected the noble standing of the family that owned it, and as the carriage pulled up to the front, she could see a startlingly familiar head of blonde curls waiting anxiously by the front steps.

Corinne hadn't seen Elizabeth since before… Well, Corinne hadn't seen Elizabeth in a while; at least two years.

As the carriage pulled to a stop, Corinne had barely been helped out by her footman before she was thoroughly enveloped in a tight hug. She inhaled sharply, choking on the strands of blonde hair being forcibly shoved in her face.

Elizabeth hadn't changed at all since the last time she had seen the girl. She had been about nine or ten and Corinne had just turned twelve. They'd met at a gala hosted by her own family in Paris and the Marquis and Marchioness had brought along their two children to keep her company. Since then, they had kept up with each other's lives through letters every now and then and finally Corinne felt like she was ready to see her old friend. Her parents had thought spending the summer with Elizabeth would be good for her and she agreed entirely.

About the only things that really shook Corinne as different about Elizabeth were the positively alarming shade of yellow she wore and the few inches of height she had acquired in the years since they had seen each other. Her enthusiasm for guests had obviously stayed well intact, if the way the girl was clinging to her as if they had gone more than a few years without seeing each other was anything to go by.

"Oh, Corinne! It's been so long! I've missed you!"

Corinne gave a soft laugh, returning the hug with slightly less vigour. She stood a few inches above the girl, being three years older, but she could already guess that by next summer she and Elizabeth might very well stand nose to nose. They would have already, if Elizabeth had been wearing heels. Corinne had never quite understood her aversion to them. "I've missed you too, Lizzy. How is your mother?"

Elizabeth stepped back from Corinne, the brightness of her smile matching her flowing dress. She clapped her gloved hands together in excitement. "Mama is well. She's at a garden party with a few friends right now, but she'll be so glad to see you when she returns!"

Something in Corinne wanted to disagree, but she said nothing and turned to the maid climbing out of the carriage behind her. "Olivia, would you get my bags, please?"

The maid looked up with warm eyes and nodded. "Of course, my lady."

While the maid attended to the luggage with the help of some of the Midford staff, Elizabeth tilted her head to the side and studied Olivia. "I don't remember her. Is she new?"

Corinne nodded and her jaw clenched a little. It seemed to go unnoticed by Elizabeth which she was grateful for. "Yes. You remember my previous maid, Edith, right?" Elizabeth nodded, so she continued, "She left my family's service after getting married." It was a partial truth. Edith did leave to be with the one she loved. However, the lover she had left with was, in fact, a she. It was a scandal she would rather keep between herself and her family.

Elizabeth seemed content with the answer, so she grabbed Corinne by the hand and led her inside the manor. "Edward is out with friends and Father has an audience with the Queen, so I'm afraid I'm the only one here to greet you. I hope you don't mind," she flashed an apologetic smile back to Corinne.

"Oh, it's fine, Lizzy. Really. There's no need to fuss over me." Corinne was actually a bit thankful she didn't have to deal with the entire family just yet. Edward wasn't exactly someone she liked to keep company with. He'd been awfully argumentative the last time she had visited and she didn't think her nerves could take a debate right now. As for the Marchioness and her husband, well, she got along far better with Elizabeth and that was just fine with her.

Truthfully, before the investigation had occurred and the kidnappings had started, she'd been quite close to the Marchioness, Frances Midford, but then she came back and suddenly she was damaged goods and unworthy of her time. She didn't exactly blame the woman. Even her own staff had been odd around her and it took a good year before things had finally found a sense of normalcy again. She had been the centre of controversy for ages back in France.

As Elizabeth disappeared to find Paula, Corinne sat down in the foyer on one of the plush couches. She folded her hands in her lap, messing with the lace fabric of her gloves as she waited for either Elizabeth or Olivia to return. She wasn't surprised when Olivia showed up first moments later and took to standing dutifully behind the sofa.

"All your things are settled, my lady," Olivia spoke with a saccharine tone; soft, but meaningful.

Her voice complemented her appearance quite well, Corinne thought. Tendrils of hair were falling around her pale face where it had escaped from her uniform bonnet. Corinne liked to think her hair might have been the exact shade of an autumn leaf; neither red nor brown, but somewhere in between and indescribably pretty. It was much better than her own mousy, dull colour that did nothing to accentuate the brown of her eyes, in fact having the opposite effect and simply washing her out. Sometimes, Corinne found herself envying Olivia – as silly as that might be. She had always thought blue eyes would have suited herself better, but on Olivia they looked other-wordly. The exact replica of a cloudless sky.

"My lady?"

Corinne blinked and realised she had lost focus. "Sorry. Thank you, Olivia."

Olivia placed a gentle hand on her charge's shoulder. "You have nothing to be envious of. God has made you in perfect likeness of Himself, so long as you follow Him."

Coming from anyone else, Corinne might have felt insulted, but since Olivia had been the one to say it, she nodded. Albeit, she felt a little embarrassed that she had been caught staring, but Olivia had that kind of way about her. She had an other-wordly beauty about her because, to be frank, she wasn't of this world.

"I'm back!"

Corinne jumped slightly and quickly turned around to see Elizabeth followed by Paula holding a tray with two teacups and saucers and a steaming teapot. As Elizabeth bounded over to sit next to Corinne, Paula set the tray on the coffee table and poured the two girls each a cup full of warm tea. Corinne thanked Paula and gratefully took the saucer offered to her, then took a sip. "Fuijan?" she asked Elizabeth, recognising the taste. "How did you know?"

Elizabeth took a sip from her own cup. "You mentioned it the last time you were here. I thought it would be a good welcome gift." The smile on her face was almost enough to blind Corinne.

"It is. Thank you, Lizzy." Corinne closed her eyes as she took another drink and relished in the velvety taste of her favourite tea.

"So," Elizabeth started, setting her teacup and saucer on the coffee table. "How have you been? You know, your English has gotten so much better since we last saw each other."

Corinne opened her eyes again to set her own saucer down, once again folding her hands in her lap. She couldn't help but laugh. "That is good to hear. I admit, I must have been horridly clumsy with my English last time. That tour around Europe with my parents did help though. Mother says I could pass as an English woman if it were not for my accent."

"Right." Elizabeth nodded, her face suddenly shadowed with worry. "The tour. How have you been since then?"

There was a sigh from Corinne at her words. She should have expected the topic to come up sooner or later. She had just been hoping for the latter. "I am... healing," she put it lightly. Her shoulders had tensed and her hands were clasped together more firmly than they had been previously, causing her gloves to crinkle.

It had been three years, but she still found herself waking in the dead of night screaming. Olivia was always the one first by her side, then her parents. After the screaming stopped, Olivia would shoo them back to bed then return to Corinne, petting her hair until she had calmed down and stay by her side until she fell asleep again. She hoped Elizabeth would not experience the screams tonight.

"You know, I was so scared for you when I heard you had gone missing," Elizabeth said softly. It was the first time since Corinne had arrived that the girl hadn't been bursting at the seams with enthusiasm. "I'm glad you are safe now."

She felt awkward having this conversation now. Olivia hadn't said anything, but she found she was grateful to have the woman standing there for silent support. Paula had stayed unusually quiet as if she were intruding on something not for her ears or eyes.

As the sound of a sniffle was heard, Corinne unfolded her hands and pulled Elizabeth into a hug. She saw the threat of tears in the younger girl's eyes and made a shushing sound. "I am safe now," she assured her. "Don't be upset."

"So many girls disappeared," Elizabeth hiccupped. "I was so afraid you would be one of the ones that didn't come back."

Corinne rubbed Elizabeth's back and lifted her head to glance at Olivia. She didn't know what to do. She had never been particularly adept at comforting people, always staying detached enough as protocol dictated and after the investigation had closed, she had been even more wary of people and physical contact. Elizabeth was one of the few people she allowed to cling to her and hug her the way she did.

Olivia looked back at her with a solemn expression, but cleared her throat lightly. "Lady Corinne is a strong girl, Miss Elizabeth. There is no need for tears."

Elizabeth seemed to take the hint and pulled away from the hug. She pulled a handkerchief out of her pocket and dabbed at her eyes. "I'm sorry. We should talk about something else."

"Agreed." Corinne had never been so grateful for the chance to change the subject. "Tell me about your fiancé? I assume you two are still engaged. At least, that was the case in your last letter."

As if a switch had been turned on in Elizabeth, her face was suddenly illuminated with another smile. The previous topic was dismissed completely. "Oh, yes! Ciel!"

Corinne couldn't help but smirk slightly. Elizabeth seemed to be smitten with Ciel Phamtomhive now just as much as she was three years ago. Perhaps more, now that she was older. Of course, she imagined the Earl's own disappearing act might have had something to do with Elizabeth's attachment too. She had never had the chance to meet him, but Elizabeth talked about him so often in her letters that she might as well have.

She didn't know the full story of Ciel's disappearance, only what Elizabeth had told her through their letters to each other while she had been distraught and the younger girl hadn't been particularly divulging of information. To be honest, she wasn't even sure Elizabeth knew the full details either. All she really knew was that he had disappeared after his parents were murdered and the Phantomhive manor had burned down. It had been a tragic source of gossip for months even in France because of the late Earl's involvement in her own case.

Earl Vincent Phantomhive. She felt guilty that she had never given the man a proper thank you before his death.

"Ciel, right." Corinne nodded. "Have you two been getting along?"

Elizabeth giggled. "Of course, silly. I bought him the cutest outfit the other day! I'm going to take it to him tomorrow. You should come with me so you can meet him!"

Corinne thought about it for a moment. "Will that be alright? I don't want to intrude, especially unannounced."

"Oh, it's alright! I surprise Ciel with visits all the time!" Elizabeth beamed and something told Corinne the young Earl probably didn't enjoy that in the least, but she didn't say anything.

"Well... if you say so. What could it hurt?" Corinne relented. She was rewarded with a rather loud peal of excitement from the other girl which caused her to wince slightly.

"Elizabeth! Do calm down."

Elizabeth immediately froze and Corinne blinked in confusion, turning her gaze to the figure in the doorway. "Oh," she said in surprise, standing to her feet and giving a small curtsey. "Marchioness. It's a pleasure to see you again."

The woman sniffed, entering the room. "Likewise."

Frances Midford was almost exactly as Corinne had remembered her; albeit she was sharper and colder. She was still tall and willowy and the crisp, high-collared, plum gown she wore was so perfectly draped, it didn't have the slightest hint of a wrinkle. That was definitely a trait of Frances Midford, pristine right down to the polished cameo buckles on her shoes. Even as she entered the room, Corinne wanted to shrink away, not out of fear, but out of feeling inadequate. It had been that way since she'd returned from the investigation less than pristine herself.

Frances turned to Paula, who stood there like a deer caught in the crossfire of gunshots. "Paula, do find something useful to do instead of standing there with the look of a lame horse."

Paula looked frantic for a moment before she bowed clumsily and scurried out of the room without another word. Corinne winced and instantly felt sympathy for the poor maid.

"Mama!"

The Marchioness turned sharp eyes to her daughter. "Elizabeth, sit up straight. I didn't raise you in a barn."

Elizabeth bristled a little but did as she was told. Corinne took this as her cue to sit down again since it seemed that Frances was going to stay a while. She could tell Elizabeth was embarrassed and glanced at her sympathetically while her mother hadn't been looking.

With all the elegance of a rose and the sharpness of its thorns, Frances took a seat across from the two girls in a high-back armchair and regarded Corinne with the eyes of a hawk. "You've grown up since I last saw you," she stated simply. "Have you found a suitor yet? You'll need to marry soon."

Corinne shifted uncomfortably. "No, my lady. I have not." The last thing she wanted to think about right now was marriage.

"Elizabeth," the Marchioness turned to her daughter, "perhaps you should bring Corinne along to one of the dinner parties you will be attending this season."

Elizabeth, despite the awkwardness of the situation, seemed to like the idea. "Of course, Mama."

Turning her attention back to Corinne, Frances steepled her gloved hands under her chin as if in prayer. "I see you've acquired a new maid. I hope she is more efficient than the last."

Corinne noticed Elizabeth fidgeting next to her and felt her sympathy escalating. She didn't take her eyes away from the Marchioness even though she felt incredibly small under the harsh gaze. "Yes. This is Olivia and she's quite efficient. The best I've come to have actually." She was absolutely certain of that much.

"You humble me, my lady," Olivia bowed her head, speaking up for the first time since the Marchioness had entered the room.

Frances gave a cluck of her tongue, but nodded in approval. "Very well." She stood. "I've had quite a long day, so if you'll excuse me I will be upstairs until dinner."

"Alright, Mama," Elizabeth said softly. Her ramrod posture hadn't changed in the slightest since her mother had shown up.

"Good evening, my lady," Corinne bowed her head and kept it there until the Marchioness left the room in a swirl of skirts and the rapt clicking of heels. A few minutes of silence passed before she heard a loud exhale from Elizabeth. "Oh, she's not that bad," she tried to sooth her, looking up.

"Not usually. I'm so sorry, Corinne. I don't know why Mama is so cross today."

"I'm sure it is just me she is cross with, Lizzy. Don't fret about it." Corinne gave her a knowing look and in return the look Elizabeth gave her was rather helpless.

"But it's not your fault. I mean, what happened..."

Corinne cut her off before she could finish. "Lizzy. Please, don't worry about it, alright?" She really didn't want the topic to come up again tonight.

Out of her peripheral vision, Corinne saw Olivia move around the couch. She turned to face her as she approached Elizabeth. "Lady Elizabeth, do you own horses? My lady does love riding so very much."

Corinne couldn't help the small smile that came. Olivia was such a sweetheart to try to ease the tension that had been in the room since the Marchioness had appeared.

Elizabeth seemed to realise this and suddenly grinned. "Yes! We do. I'd be happy to show you the stables, Olivia. Corinne has seen them, but she hasn't seen the new horses we got in."

...

As it turns out, riding was exactly what Corinne had needed. Upon entering the stables, she had immediately felt at home. She could recall the last time she had visited the Midford estate a few years ago when the stables had been smaller and there had been fewer horses. Now, there was a beautiful selection and she noted easily that Elizabeth felt just as home here as she did.

Corinne had chosen one of the feistier horses. She was solid black and had a personality that she liked. Elizabeth had tried to warn her that she tended to buck people off, but Corinne merely took it as a challenge. She was a dream to ride on, too; like water. So she was appropriately named Undine.

Elizabeth was surprised at how easy Corinne made riding Undine look. From her own personal experience, she had never really taken to the mare because of her personality. She was far too unpredictable for her tastes and so she had taken to one of the calmer stallions, a brown and white one her father had named Figaro.

When Corinne and Elizabeth finally returned from riding several hours later, Olivia was standing outside chatting amiably with Elizabeth's brother, Edward. They both paused in conversation as the girls approached and Olivia quickly went to assist Corrine off her horse.

"How was your ride?" she asked politely.

Corinne grinned, a little out of breath. She'd had Undine in a full gallop on the way back so her hair had gone wispy in places around her face. She was quick to go about fixing it in place again. "Much needed."

"Nice hair," Edward snickered a little, earning a smack on the arm from Elizabeth and a glare from Corinne.

"Obviously your manners haven't changed," she retorted. "Nice to see you again, Edward."

Elizabeth frowned at her brother. "Be nice, Ed. Please."

Edward put his hands up defensively and took the offered reins from his sister to lead Figaro back to the stables. The girls walked alongside him and Olivia on the other side of them with Undine. "So how is Paris?" he looked over Elizabeth's head at Corinne.

"Bustling. Growing. The usual." Corinne shrugged. "Father is often away on business. Mother stays at home or goes into town to visit her friends. Yes, things are very much as they were last time I was here."

"I hope your Chess has gotten better. I need a new opponent and Lizzy hates the game."

"It's not cute," Elizabeth grumbled.

Corinne chuckled and patted Elizabeth on the shoulder before answering Edward. "It might have. It might even be enough to beat you."

He took the challenge, smirking. "Good. We'll play tonight then. But don't be upset if you lose."

Corinne had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. There it was again. The competition. She stood back as Olivia and Edward returned the horses to their stalls then Edward returned and offered his arms to both girls. "Ladies."

Elizabeth latched onto Edward's arm, tugging roughly as if to silently tell him to not try anything funny. Corinne took the other offered arm, linking her own through it. Together the three of them made their way back to the manor with Olivia following dutifully by Corinne's side. The smell of a freshly cooked meal could be detected even before they reached the door and it suddenly dawned on Corinne that she had not eaten since before the train ride from Paris to London.

Dinner with the Marchioness hadn't been any less tense than tea time had been and Corinne found that she was grateful at least the Marquis seemed to be in good enough spirits to hold polite conversation with her. He had always regarded her more kindly than Frances had. Edward, of course, had spent the evening finding things to debate on and it ended when Elizabeth roughly kicked him from under the table.

Corinne didn't really mind. She got her revenge beating him at Chess afterwards. She had no doubt Edward would demand a rematch in the morning. After she had bid everyone goodnight, she and Olivia ventured to her room. Corinne immediately took to undoing the various laces and buttons on her gown once the door was shut, eager to be in her lightweight, simple nightdress.

Olivia fluidly crossed the room. "Allow me, my lady. You'll twist your hands trying to reach like that," she chuckled, unlacing the bodice at the back for Corinne and pulling the gown over her head. She pulled a nightdress out of the boudoir and helped Corinne into it then let the girl climb into bed.

"Tomorrow is going to be interesting," Corinne yawned, snuggling under the duvets. "It will be the first time I've met Earl Phantomhive's son... er, well... I guess Ciel is Earl now." She frowned at this.

"Yes, I imagine so," Olivia replied. "Would you like me to stay by your side tonight? Or will you be alright?"

Corinne bit her lip. "Stay please. Just in case."

Olivia gave a sad smile and pulled a chair up next to the bed. She sat and blew the single lit candle out that sat on the nightstand. "Of course, my lady."

So this marks the end of the first chapter. I hope you liked it and do tell me what you think? My plan is to update this weekly (to give me time to continue my buffer of chapters), so the next update will be next weekend.

Reference Notes:

Rose of May comes from the FF9 theme song by the same name, more specifically the arrangement done by YouTube's katethegreat19 who wrote beautiful lyrics to accompany it. I recommend you listen to it because it was very much the catharsis for this fic.

The name "Undine" is derived from the Latin word "unda" meaning "wave".