Ciel smiled as he sat on the floor patting the large dog.
"Good boy Sebastian, you're the best dog ever." The young boy praised, Rachel and Vincent Phantomhive watched their son contentedly. It was no secret that the Earl Phantomhive and his family were a very loving family. Their young son was everything to them.
"Please excuse the interruption Sir, lady Midford has asked that I relay a message." The voice belonged to Tanaka, the old man had always been something of a grandfather to young Ciel. The five year old was always happy to see him.
"Thank you Tanaka, I'll take the message." Vincent said politely.
"Lady Midford would like to ask that her daughter The young lady Elizabeth stay with you while they are off on business. They cannot say how long they will be away but because Lady Elizabeth and Master Ciel are very good friends, she feels that the separation would be easier for her. She would like a reply at your earliest convenience." Vincent turned to his son.
"Ciel, did you hear Tanaka?" He asked.
"Yes. Aunt Francis wants Elizabeth to stay with us." He answered cuddling into the dog.
"What do you think, would you like to help us look after your cousin?"
"Okay." He said with a yawn.
"You know that means you'll need to be a good host for her and make sure she has everything she needs." Rachel informed him.
"I like Elizabeth, I can do that."
"Good. Tanaka, please tell Lady Midford that we would be happy to have our niece for as long as she likes." Tanaka gave a short bow and left to attend to his task.
"Mother, can we read a story now?"
"Of course Ciel, one story then you need your nap."
"But mother, I'm not sleepy."
"My darling one, you are falling asleep on poor Sebastian."
"I'm just keeping him company, he doesn't mind."
"I'm sure he doesn't, Sebastian loves you dearly, but I think your bed would be more comfortable. We can pick a story on our way to your room." She promised, lifting the boy into her arms and hugging him tight. The old dog sat up quickly looking around for the child.
Rachel patted his head.
"It's alright, I have him." At Rachel's words the old hound laid back down and slept.
Ciel felt safe in his mother's arms and closed his eyes.
"Mother?"
"Yes?"
"Can we read the story about the brother and sister?"
"Anything you like."
"Can we read with Elizabeth too?"
"I'm sure she would like that." Rachel kissed the top of her son's head.
"Will I have play her dress up game?"
"Ciel, sometimes being a good host means entertaining your guests whether or not you enjoy the activity yourself." Ciel groaned.
"Will you do this for us dear heart?"
"Yes mother, I won't like that game but I'll wear the big floppy hat if it makes her happy." He promised reluctantly.
"Thank you love." Rachel laid Ciel on his bed and covered him up before sitting at his bedside and beginning the story.