For Better or for Worse
Chapter Two - Getting to Know You
Author's Note: Hello my lovely readers~! I just wanted to make it clear that this is a love at first sight kind of story. It will go through the regular plotline (the Campania, Weston college, Blue Cult, etc) but I will also be adding my own stuff. Edward and Catherine will go through struggles both together and on their own. I have plans for this story. But don't expect a whole lot of Sebastian and Ciel. This isn't about them. I repeat: This is not about them. Yes, they will be in it, but this is an Edward Midford x OC fic. So deal with it :) 3
Wednesday afternoon came quickly. For Catherine, however, it couldn't come quick enough. Polly had deemed it necessary to sit her down and go over proper etiquette. Catherine knew the majority already, it having been previously been instilled in her by both her late mother and a governess.
But Polly had insisted. So when Wednesday finally came calling, Catherine was extremely grateful for its arrival.
After lunch, Catherine was ushered off to her room by her aunt and quickly put into various dresses as the woman attempted to find the perfect one.
Finally, after, at the very least three, if not more, different dresses, Polly finally settled on a pale yellow dress.
"This dress is perfect, Catherine! I didn't know you wore yellow so well." The woman said, smoothing out the fabric. She looked at her niece. "You've grown up so quickly. Your mother would be so proud."
Catherine smiled briefly. Though it had been almost five years since her mother's passing, Catherine could not think of her without feeling sorrowful.
"Have a seat, I want to do your hair for you." Polly said, dismissing the maids that had been standing nearby.
Catherine took a seat at the vanity stool and allowed her aunt to begin pinning up her hair.
Eventually, the woman finished. "There."
At that moment, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in."
A servant girl entered. "Lord Midford has arrived, my lady."
The servant was thanked and dismissed.
"Well, my dear, you shouldn't keep Lord Midford waiting."
Catherine glanced at her reflection. Her hair had been neatly piled atop her head, not a strand out of place. Polly had done a remarkable job.
"Thank you, Aunt Polly." She said, hugging her aunt quickly before leaving the room.
To say that Catherine was nervous would be an understatement. She had only met with Edward once, but that had been prior to her knowledge of their engagement. Now that she knew they were to marry, she feared things may be different.
As she descended the staircase, she caught sight of Edward speaking politely with her father.
Edward saw her coming down the stairs and a smile spread across his face.
Lord Rickard took note of this and, with a smile of his own, excused himself.
"Good afternoon, Catherine." The blond said with a bow.
Catherine dipped into a curtsy.
"Good afternoon, Edward." She smiled at him.
"I trust your day has been well so far?" He asked.
"It has been enjoyable, thank you." she responded.
Not a moment later, the butler, Andrew, entered.
"My lord, my lady, tea has been prepared and is waiting in the parlor. If you would please follow me."
Edward offered Catherine his arm and together the couple followed the butler.
"Catherine, might I ask you a question?" Edward asked as they conversed over their cups of Earl Grey.
Anne, being the ever faithful companion and lady's maid she was was seated a little ways away with some sewing as she chaperoned.
"Of course." She said, taking a sip of her tea.
"My mother wishes to throw a party and I was wondering if you would like to attend? Your father and aunt are welcome as well."
Catherine laughed. "I would love to go. And I'm sure my family would love to as well."
Edward smiled. Reaching into the pocket of his jacket, he pulled out a pristine white envelope. "Then it's a good thing I brought this along." He said handing it to her. "My younger sister will be overjoyed that you're coming. She has been longing to meet you."
"Elizabeth, right?" Catherine asked.
"Yes. Her fiancée should be there, too." Edward said with a small frown. "The Earl Phantomhive."
"The owner of the Funtom company? I had some of their toys growing up. I take it you don't care much for him?" Catherine asked with a gently smile.
Edward scowled. "He doesn't deserve my sister. She can do far better than him." He sighed. "Unfortunately, she's besotted with him."
Catherine laughed again. "You care for her very much don't you?"
"Of course."
"I wish I had a little sister sometimes. But then I remind myself that everything that happens the way it happens is for a reason. Besides, I have Anne. She is like a sister in some ways." Catherine looked over at her friend from across the way.
"Well, I'm sure Lizzy will not hesitate to consider you a sister." Edward smiled at her.
Catherine picked up the envelope and went to open it.
"It's next Saturday? So soon."
"Mother has had this planned for nearly a month now. I apologize if it's an inconvenience to you."
"Not at all. My aunt will be overjoyed. She has been saying lately how scarce parties have been lately. You can be sure that we will be in attendance."
"Splendid. Shall I tell Mother then?"
"Of course," Catherine smiled, taking another sip of her tea.
"Oh, this is marvelous!" Polly exclaimed as she beheld the invitation. "Absolutely marvelous! Isn't it wonderful, Peter? We'll take a carriage and go see Nina tomorrow, Catherine! Oh it's absolutely splendid."
"Must we, Aunt Polly?" Catherine asked warily for she did not approve of some of the seamstress' ways. "I'm plenty sure we still have dresses we have yet to wear."
Polly's smile wavered but only for a moment. "Now Catherine, why would you not wish to have a new dress?"
"It's not that I do not want a new dress, it's that I just don't care for the actions of Miss Hopkins. Last time we went in for new dresses she was raving to me about how my dress should be shorter and how women's fashion is changing. It was quite unsettling."
"She may be eccentric, Catherine but she is the best tailor in London. We'll leave in the morning, but I shall do my best to curb her conversation topics."
The bell hanging over the door jingled as Catherine and her aunt stepped into Nina Hopkins' tailor shop the following morning.
"Hello? Nina?" Polly called as the bell above the door jingled.
There was a flurry of movement as a presence made itself known.
"Oh, Polly dearest! You came!" Nina said as she practically flew toward the pair by the door.
"Hello, Nina." Polly smiled.
"When I heard you were coming it was just so exciting! You haven't been around in oh so long."
"Yes, well there have been too few parties lately." Polly frowned slightly, as if this news brought her sorrow.
"Well you've come to the right place! I'll make sure that you're the life of the party. Who's party might I ask?" Nina asked as she ushered the women further into the shop.
"The Marquis Midfords."
"Ah! I believe Lady Elizabeth is coming in at some point today. Such an adorable girl!"
"Oh, and Nina?"
"Yes?"
"Nothing too extravagant on Catherine. After all, she's engaged now."
A short while had passed before the bell dinged again and a young girl's voice filled the shop. By now Nina had finished with Catherine and was helping Polly.
"Nina? Nina, are you here?"
"Just a moment!" The tailor called.
A young girl with blonde hair made her way into Catherine's line of view.
"Hello." The girl said. "Are you getting a dress, too?"
"Yes, my aunt and I."
"That's wonderful! Nina makes the best dresses. What's your name?"
"Catherine Rickard."
A light blazed in the young girl's eyes and she rushed forward. "Oh! I'm so excited to meet you! I didn't think I would get to meet you until the party. It's going to be a magnificent party, too!"
"I'm sorry, who are you?"
"I'm Edward's sister."
"Lady Elizabeth?" Catherine questioned.
"You must call me Lizzie! After all, we are going to be sisters."
Catherine smiled. "Of course. I'm very excited to meet you, Lizzie. Edward speaks very highly of you."
"And he won't stop talking about you!"
Catherine blushed.
"You must tell me about yourself." Lizzie said.
"I shall, but in return you must do the same for me."
"Absolutely! After this we should do something fun. There's a little sweets shop nearby that is absolutely divine. Would that be alright with you?"
"That sounds wonderful."
xXx
We met Lizzie~ As you can tell, they hit it off right away. The next chapter is the ball. The Campania will also start in a few chapters. Yippee! Hope you enjoyed this chapter and continue to keep reading. And remember, if you have and feedback or ideas, tell me. I do listen. Love you guys!