"Lady Elizabeth, are you alright?" Elizabeth stared at herself in the mirror. She was back in one of those dresses. The kind that had nearly killed her twice. She turned to Sebastian and shook her head as the anxiety began to rise in the pit of her stomach.

"I can't wear this. I need to get out of this immediately." Her voice was becoming tight and frightened.

"Shall I get you another one of the dresses your brother brought with you?"

"No I want all those dresses burned. I need all straight dresses with no layers and no frills. None of those dresses anymore. In the meantime please get me a scissor or knife. Anything please." She waited as patiently as she could for Sebastian to return with a pair of scissors. He had her stand on a pedestal as he began to cut away the fabric. Being as skilled as he was the dress came out looking lovely. An A-line dress in maroon silk with a black bow around her corseted waist. It was much better this way, she thought.

"Shall I tell your brother that you will be ready to leave shortly, my Lady?" Sebastian stood up and discarded of the extra fabric.

"Yes, I will meet him at the carriage. Thank you." She felt sick. She didn't want to leave Ciel. She followed Sebastian out of the room and made her own way to Ciel's office. She tapped lightly on the doorway. His large office chair was faced away from her and toward the window.

"Come in." Even his voice now brought salivation to her mouth.

"I have to leave now, Ciel." She said quietly. He immediately jumped out of his chair and headed toward her. He pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head.

"Tell your brother to leave without you." He laughed in a way she had never heard before and it made her stomach ache.

"I don't think my mother would like that. She's probably sick enough from our boating accident." Lizzie tried to laugh with him but it came out as a pathetic sigh.

"When are you coming back?" He murmured and sat down on his desk. He slid his hand down to hold hers. She sighed once more.

"I don't know. You're going to have work and mother's going to have me doing all sorts of events." Her voice cracked and her eyes filled with tears. She held them back though.

"Elizabeth," There was scolding tone and she knew she couldn't fall apart now. That would be ridiculous, "We'll be together again soon." Ciel rubbed her hand encouragingly but she looked at him with her water stained eyes.

"It's different now."

"I know."

"I can't pretend it didn't happen."

"Well we can't have anyone find out either." He kissed her hand.

"I have to go," she went to pull away but he didn't let go of her hand.

"Kiss me, Lizzie." He laughed.

"No, if I kiss you I won't leave." She felt a tear run down her cheek. Ridiculous, she thought to herself.

"Don't cry, Lizzie." She didn't want him to talk anymore and she slammed her lips onto his before hurrying out of the room and down to her carriage. She climbed in and immediately told her brother she was tired and laid down to sleep. If she slept she might not cry.

Two Months Later

Ciel strolled up and down the garden anxiously. His sweat had nearly soaked through his white vest and light summer shirt. He kept pushing his hair back in annoyance. Honestly he could have been dressed much nicer but the thought of going back and looking for something else to wear was the last thing on his mind. It would be the first day in nearly two months since he had seen Elizabeth. They had been writing to each constantly but after the boat accident her mother had kept her at an arms length. Ciel had also been assigned to a job in Paris for a few weeks so that took up precious time he could have been spending with her. He felt at times like his mind was melting. Almost all of his free time was consumed with thinking about Elizabeth. He was infatuated with her and he played over and over again their sweet bliss of ravaging each other on that island. Sebastian poked fun at Ciel often for his day dreaming and the young man would blow into fits of rage at his butler who would continue to quietly snicker to himself. Sebastian had figured out for himself that Lady Elizabeth knew out about their deal. He had not elaborated to Ciel about feelings on the matter not that Ciel cared.

"My Lord, the Midford's carriage has just arrived." Sebastian called from the Veranda. Ciel waved his hand at him and began pacing more, "My Lord, were you aware her mother was coming with her?" Ciel stopped pacing as an angry heat began to rise on the back of his neck.

"Sebastian distract her mother and send Lizzie out here, that is an order." Ciel's voice rumbled as Sebastian bowed and went back into the Manor. Ciel now stood with his arms crossed hoping that Francis would let her daughter out of her sight for at least five minutes. His thoughts were interrupted by the speeding figure of a small blond bounding toward him. He allowed his face to split into a crooked grin and caught Elizabeth as she jumped into his arms. He held her firmly around his waist as she leaned back to look at him.

"I missed you." Her voice was like champagne bubbles tickling his nose. Lizzie's eyes reflected emerald against the noon sun and Ciel found himself lost.

"I've missed you too." She leaned in and kissed him deeply before he placed her gently back on the ground, "Now why is your mother here?" He asked with raised eyebrows. She looked at him puzzled.

"Ciel, do you not remember what today is?" He brushed a loose curl out of her eyes and looked her over. She wore a long, white, fitted dress with very small pink flower accents around her collar bone and ankles. Her hair was pulled back in a bun with a few ringlets falling out around her slender face.

"The day I get to have you back with him." He whispered as he kissed her again. She laughed and watched the door to the Manor out of the corner of her eye.

"Yes, that and your party."

"What party?"

"You told me in your last letter that you had to have a party to consolidate your last business agreement. With the woman in Paris?" Shit. Ciel had completely forgotten that was also today. Soon the Phantomhive manor would be swarmed with other business men and their families. While in Paris Ciel had agreed to buy a warehouse from an old and rich widow. She had no use for the factory after her husband had passed and it was in a prime location to open up another candy market. This was not what he had had planned for their evening.

"Ciel, my darling boy how are you?" Sebastian had tried to keep Francis Midford distracted for as long as possible but she was head strong and not to be toyed with. She stood on the Veranda with her hands folded in her lap a small smile on her face.

"I'm very well Marchioness. Forgive me, I had completely forgotten my gathering tonight. I was distracted by the thought of seeing your Elizabeth again." He smiled one of his warm and fake smiles as she approached them

"You're as charming as your father Ciel. I'm leaving her in your care while I head into town." Elizabeth looked at her mother with questioning eyes.

"Why are you going into town mother?"

"Oh I just have to pick up a few things. You're brother and father are here though, my dear. I'll return before the party." She gave them a curt nod and headed back into the manor.

"I don't like that Ciel. She's keeping something from us." Elizabeth tried to follow her mother but Ciel pulled her back.

"Lizzie, she's a very skilled woman. I'm sure she can head into town on her own." He held her face in his hands and watched as her expression changed from concerned to relaxed. She took his hands off of her face and held them down at her sides.

"I think a party will be nice tonight. All I've been doing is training." She held his hand as they slowly walked back up to the Manor.

"You know for someone who has seemed to master the art of fencing you still train an excessive amount." Ciel followed her into the Manor and they leisurely walked the long hallway.

"I don't think I could ever master fencing and it isn't just that. We take pride in certain skills as a family." She felt Ciel pull her back and into a side alcove. He pushed her against the wall and pulled her flush against him as he squeezed into the small space with her. He tilted her head back and kissed her neck. He wanted to disappear with her this instant but knew it was not possible, "Ciel." She uttered before grabbing his hair and pulling his head up to kiss his lips.

"I'm sure they are around here somewhere, Marquis Midford." Sebastian's voice came hushed from down the hall and Elizabeth would have gasped if her mouth hadn't been covered by Ciel's. They listened to the footsteps as they passed the hallway they were in and continued kissing each other feverishly.

"We have to go." Ciel murmured to her as he slowly pulled away. She closed her eyes and nodded. They composed themselves and with a last look at each other hurried down the hallway.

The entered into the main hall and saw Sebastian casually discussing the parties menu with Elizabeth's father and brother. Edward scowled at Ciel as they approached but Alexis pulled him into a crushing hug.

"Ah, Ciel, you need to stop growing or you will soon be bursting through the roof." Alexis let his nephew go as he soon realized he couldn't breathe.

"I don't think I'll be getting much taller." Ciel smiled at them and then turned to his Sebastian, "What time are the guests arriving tonight, Sebastian?"

"In four hours my lord. Shall I begin the setup in the dining room?" Sebastian gave his usually squinty eyed smiled and waited for Ciel's orders.

"Yes and also show the Lord and Marquis to their rooms. I promised Lady Elizabeth I would show her the new pool table in the first floor study." It was probably the worst lie he could think of but the Marquis adored him and wouldn't argue, "We'll reconvene after you're settled in." Ciel gave Elizabeth's father one last toothy grin before ushering her down the hallway ahead of them.

"The new pool table you say?" Elizabeth snickered. Ciel smacked her on her backside and she sucked air in between her teeth before laughing again.

"It was all I could think of because we were already in the garden." He rolled his eyes.

"You know my father and brother are going to immediately come back down here once they've put their bags in the guest rooms." She linked her arm with his as began to pick up the pace down the hallway.

"Yes I do," he threw the door at the end of the hallway open and closed it directly behind him, "but I'm going to steal as many moments with you as I can Elizabeth Midford because the plan I had for our visit is slowly," he moved closer to her as she began to back up, "crumbling," her backside hit the edge of the pool table, "to pieces." He pressed himself against her and she smiled cheekily before looking away. He nuzzled his head into her hair breathing in her scent and then exhaling next to her ear causing her to giggle.

"You're much more affectionate than before." She whispered as he carefully lifted her onto the table.

"Things are different now." He whispered back and began to kiss her jaw line, "I'll just have to find a way to distract all of your lovely family and my many guests so I can have some quality time with you." Ciel tried to hike up Elizabeth's dress but she grabbed his hand.

"It's too dangerous." She kissed his hand and he grunted in response. He could feel the heat on the back of his neck growing as he thought more and more about this idiotic gathering that would soon take place. Maybe he could get Sebastian to lock everyone in the main hall while he and Elizabeth slipped away, he thought. Elizabeth slowly pushed against him and slid off the table to be standing in front of him once again, "We'll find a way," Her face was blank but there was a devilish look in her eye that made him internally moan. They had poisoned each other that day two months ago and he was sure he would never feel the same.

"Let's head back before I put you back on that table." He sighed and took her under his arm.

Three Hours Later

Ciel sat in one of the armed chairs that lined the main hall. He was snapping a pocket watch open and closed out of boredom. Francis had taken Elizabeth as soon as they came back from the study to practice her fencing. He watched as Lizzie sparred against her mother over and over again. Francis had come back from her town trip in a fickle mood and insisted her daughter continue training. Lizzie moved gracefully from one side of the room to the other and repeatedly one each match. Francis was not giving in though.

"Again, Elizabeth." Francis shouted but her daughter had had enough. She threw down her sword and ripped off her mask throwing it on the ground again.

"This- is- completely- insane." She tried to steady her breath as she began to pace, "I have been sparring since one and the party is going to start in less than an hour. I need to get ready, mother." She stopped and stared at her mother with her arms out at her sides.

"This is more important—"

"I am done!" Elizabeth shouted but Francis ignored her and came at her with her sword drawn. Ciel stood up and was ready to run in the middle of them when his fiancé did something he had never seen her do. She back flipped away from her mother and then propelled herself with another jump onto the thick banister, landing in a crouching position, "I said I'm done." Her voice was calm now and Francis took her sword back to her side.

"I'll accept that." Her mother placed her sword down and turned to Sebastian who came and retrieved their swords and masks. Francis had not even broke into a sweat during their session although Lizzie's hair was pasted to her forehead, "We'll meet the two of you in the dining room in an hour then." Francis said curtly before exiting down the hallway toward the garden. Elizabeth jumped off the banister and bent over with her hands on her knees. She began to rip off her top fencing gear but left the bottoms on.

"Sebastian, please prepare me a bath." She was still out of breath. Ciel crossed the room towards her as Sebastian ascended the stairs with their fencing gear.

"Are you alright?" She nodded and began to pace around with her hands behind her head like she was trying to open up her lungs.

"There is something wrong with her. I never train that hard or that long before an event. Either she's loosing it or something happened in town today and she isn't telling me." Elizabeth was growing angrier by the second. She let out an annoyed scream and began to stomp up the stairs. Ciel followed her in amusement as he had never seen her angry at her mother.

"Your bath is ready Lady Elizabeth." Sebastian smiled from down the hallway but Elizabeth just continued stomping towards him. Ciel leaned against the wall as he watched her walk away until she stopped.

"Well, are you coming?" She turned her head slightly and Ciel moved himself off the wall. He cocked an eyebrow at Sebastian who simply kept smiling before closing the door behind them. Ciel watched as Lizzie continued her rant while undressing. He locked the door before taking a seat in one of the vanity stools and smiled to himself.

"I am furious with her. She has a one track mind about everything and completely disregards other people," Elizabeth through off her fencing shirt and ripped off her undershirt. She turned to Ciel topless and lifted her shoulders in annoyance, "I mean I'm not a vain person Ciel, yes I do like to look presentable at an event my fiancé is hosting," she stripped off her sporting shoes and pulled off her fencing pants standing in front of him now completely naked, "but is it too much to ask to give me an hour to get ready? And now I don't even have that!" She yelled and looked at him for some sort of validation but he kept staring at her with confused and enticed eyes.

"Have I ever mentioned how irresistible I find you when you're angry?" He leaned forward to put his elbow on his knee and rested his chin in his hand. She rolled her eyes and he sat back confused again. She slowly got into the bath and smacked the water with her hand.

"Not now, Ciel. I'm fuming." It was a fair point and he got up to move the stool he was sitting on. He placed it at the head of the tub and ran his hands through her hair. She dipped her head under the water and when she came back up he ran his hands through her hair once more.

"Alright I'll give up on my pursuit of your body-for now," He stressed the last part by leaning down and murmuring in her ear, "but when were you going to tell me that one of your skills was acrobatics?" He sat back up as he began to rub her shoulders. She bent her neck to try to rub her cheek against his hand before letting out a sigh.

"I just figured you'd find out when the time was right."

"So I'm not the only one with secrets?" He smirked to himself but she smacked his hands away in aggravation.

"I would hardly compare back flips to having a demon for a butler." She muttered and crossed her arms.

"I'm just joking, Lizzie." He placed his hands back on her shoulders and relaxed, "Besides you still seem to like Sebastian."

"Well he's harmless now!" She hissed and his response was a laugh.

"I hope you stay angry all evening, Elizabeth, it's simply a sight to see." He kissed her on the cheek before standing up, "I have to get dressed so I'll meet you down stairs." She continued to scowl and he gave out one more laugh before leaving her to sulk.

Ciel continued laughing down the hallway and into his bedroom. He hadn't found something this funny- no- adorable? Was it that he found her anger cute as well? Her raw rage was arousing but her continued pouting and stewing was precious. He wiped the tears from his eyes after nearly laughing himself into a fit and headed over to his bed where Sebastian had laid out his suit. He took off his shirt and pants and stood next to his bed surveying the suit. There was blue stitching around the end of the sleeves that matched his eye and he knew he must have been Sebastian's doing. He let out a yawn and continued to stare at his clothes. He honestly did not want to get dressed. He was seriously considering walking around his party in his underwear. Sure, news would spread all over the country side that the Earl Phantomhive had lost his mind, but it would be a small price to pay for comfort. Before he could bend down to begin dressing himself he felt a small hand brush his side and rub unintentionally over his branding. He looked over his shoulder and was met with a pair of emerald eyes.

"Elizabeth—" His voice was cut off as he felt her other hand dip into the front of his underwear and wrap her fingers around him. He moaned lightly at her warm touch but spun around and removed her from him with his eye flicking back and forth.

"I don't like how you don't take me seriously when I'm angry and for that I'm going to torment you." She stood in front of him wrapped in a white towel with her hair still wet and twisted over her shoulder. She had a smirk playing on her lips.

"Oh really? Isn't it dangerous you being in here?" He smirked back. Torture and torment were his game not hers. He watched her eyes and thought for a moment she might relent but she didn't. However from staring at her he could tell she didn't know what her next move was and because she didn't know her next move she became frustrated again, "I don't think you want to start this game, Lizzie." He reached down and caressed the back of her neck pulling her closer to him but she resisted.

"I know how to push your buttons Earl Phantomhive just as well as you know how to push mine." She gave him one last glare before leaving his room. Ciel tried to stop from smiling but he couldn't. Tonight was going to be fun.