Disclaimer: I do not own Godchild, or Count Cain, in any way, matter, or form. I do, however, own Elizabeth and her family.

Chapter 1

The woman looked up at the mansion, biting her lip. Her blue eyes were wide as, taking a deep breath, she gently pushed against one side of the old wrought iron gate. The shrill screech of metal against metal was loud in the empty silence, making her other hand tighten compulsively around the small, golden locket that hung around her neck. I must be mad…

Alone at sixteen, Elizabeth was desperate for a job. Desperate enough to do almost anything… even work for the infamous Earl of Poisons. The man who courts death. I am mad. She sighed. Though, if I'm lucky, I won't have to deal with him too often. That was the one of the few perks of working as a maid; she could quite easily fade into the woodworks. She thanked the stars everyday that her father had been less than pleasant during those last few years… and that she had been all but raised by the servants of her household. They'd taught her everything that she would ever need to know.

The long walk up to the mansion's ornate front door, more suited to a carriage, was not long enough. When she was finally standing before it, she couldn't bring herself to even touch the knocker. Coward… You're a coward Elizabeth. When did that happen? She forced herself to take a firm hold of the bronzed lion's head and give it a sharp knock.

Almost immediately the door swung open.

"Ah, Miss Baseley." Had they been waiting for her? She quietly surveyed her new employer, smoothing her locket's golden chain. He was very tall, towering over her, with silver hair and blue eyes. So this was Riff, the head butler. "Do come in."

"Thank you, um…" She hesitated for a moment. "You are Riff, yes?"

With a curt nod he lead her down the long hallway. "You will be working in the kitchen for now," Elizabeth smiled slightly-she had always loved helping the cook back home. "But if we find you are better suited to something else we may move you. It that understood?"

"Yes, thank you."

Then something barrelled into the man and he stumbled back, his eyes widening, and he caught hold of the rumpled woman that had run headlong into him. "I-I'm sorry sir, but I simply cannot deal with that little monster anymore!" The woman huffed, picked up her skirts, and flounced off. "I'm leaving!" Riff only winced when the door slammed.

Moments later a small girl came crashing into the hall. Riff caught her around the waist, steadying her as she nearly toppled over. "Where's Madame Lyndly?"

Riff sighed. "Miss Mary Weather, I'm afraid she just left." This was the lady Mary Weather? She's so cute…

The girl smiled brightly, triumphantly. "Then I don't need a Governess."

"I don't think your brother would agree."

"Quite right, Riff…" Elizabeth let out a small gasp, but kept perfectly still. If this is Lady Mary Weather's brother, then… This is the Lord Hargreaves. It wouldn't do to draw too much attention to herself now.Her curiosity got the better of her, however, and she turned her head just enough so that she could see him. The man was leaning against an open doorway, a glimmer of amusement in his golden-green eyes. He looked to be only a year or so older than her. "This is one thing I will not be moved on, Mary Weather."

The girl's eyes narrowed into a glare, her small hands fisting. "Brother…"

Lord Hargreaves slowly straightened his long form, smirking. He strode over to the girl and rested his hand on her head. She scowled, brushing his hand off, and then smoothing her hair. "How about this? Since you don't seem to like any of the women I choose for you, I will let you choose your governess this time."

Mary Weather's eyes brightened, and she broke into a sunny smile. "Oh, do you mean it?" When her brother nodded she squealed, rushing to hug him around the waist. "Thank you dear Brother!" Elizabeth was the only one to see the mischievous gleam in the younger girl's eyes.

It took all of her self-control not to take a step back.

"So…" Mary Weather locked her hands behind her back, rocking back onto her heels. "I can choose anyone I want, Brother?"

"Within reason, Mary Weather. If I don't think she is doing a good enough job, I will replace her." He smiled down at her when she pouted. "So when do you want to start interview the governesses? It will have to be sooner rather than later, mind you."

She brightened up again almost immediately, but Elizabeth was wary of her almost wicked smile. Just what is she thinking? "We won't need to at all."

The Lord Hargreaves sighed. Suddenly he sounded weary. "I won't have this argument again, Mary Weather. You will have a governess."

"That's not what I mean at all, Brother Cain… I already know who I want as governess."

He arched an eyebrow. "You do, do you? Alright then, who is it?"

"Her." Elizabeth jumped when she felt small arms wrap around her waist. She looked down at the little girl that was clinging to her side. What…? "I want her."