I looked up at the looming Phantomhive Estate. I took several deep breaths to try and ease the tension locked up tight in my chest, but to no avail. The carriage rocked slightly as it made its way across the cobbled road. "My lady, are you alright?" a voice asked softly from the velvet seat diagonally from me. My eyes flicked up into the grey eyes of my middle-aged butler. He peered at me from behind his rounded-rectangular spectacles, brow furrowed in genuine concern. I squeezed my eyes shut and gave a small sigh. I opened my eyes and met my butler's gaze with my bright green one. I let a small smile grace my lips and laughed, causing some of my nervousness to dissipate. "Oh, I'll be fine, Daniel. I'm just not used to talking business and I do not wish to mess up this opportunity to promote my growing company." I glanced up at the pink and orange sky, noting how beautiful the sunset was dipping below the lush, green horizon. Daniel reached over and covered my gloved, left hand with both of his. His eyes seemed to sparkle lightly as he spoke,"My lady, do not fret. I will be right behind you should you need help." He finished off his statement with a smile. "Thank you, Daniel." I squeezed his hand tightly.
The carriage lurched gently to a stop. All of a sudden, the tension that had vanished dropped its thousand pound self onto my lungs. I felt lightheaded and fought to breathe. I closed my eyes as Daniel moved past to help me out of the carriage.Come now, Erlinia! Pull yourself together! The earl is just a mere child, I mean, how intelligent or sly can he be? The townsfolk must have been exaggerating. I'm sure he's at least somewhat kind. Well, I hope so anyway. Daniel grasped my hand to help me down the steps. I fixed my gaze upon the manor that towered above me. I had to admit that it was quite a sight to behold. My own home seemed small and overshadowed compared to the estate.
Daniel trailed behind me as I ascended the stairs to my doom- er...I mean the door. But before I reached it, a flash of skin caught my eye. "Huh?" I turned my head towards the right to see a NAKED man running loose on the Phantomhive grounds. My eyes widened and my mouth dropped open. "Plu-plu! Come back! A guest is arriving soon and she mustn't see you!" A boy, I'm guessing the gardener, cried after the man. I saw the silver-haired man turn his head and began to lumber towards me. I started to step back and close my parasol. "No, stop! Please stop!" I did not want to hit him, but I was prepared. The man continued to run towards me like a dog, tongue lolling out. I raised my parasol, squeezed my eyes shut, and swung as hard as I could.
*Snap*
My eyes shot open and I gasped. In front of me was not a naked silver-haired man with half a parasol in his skull. It was a tall, raven-haired butler, judging by his attire. And he was smiling. Why is he smiling?! I just whacked him with my parasol and he's smiling? And where did the dog-like man go? He was just here! Questions were spinning around in my head while I just stood there with my mouth half-open and the handle of my former parasol clutched in my raised hand.
"My lady?" Getting no response, Daniel bowed to the other butler, picked up the broken parasol, and steered me inside.