I didn't want to just follow the manga, the fact that Ciel does nothing is aright when he's a boy, but when he's a girl it becomes irritating, so I made a few changes and since this is more a romance and drama take on the series, I've removed much of the comedy aspects. Sorry. Enjoy though!
4 years later...
Chapter 1 'The butler, resourceful'
I pulled on my duvet and brought it closer to my body, it was so snug in my new king size four poster bed, the smell of fresh clean white sheets could only be beaten by the smell of cakes and pastries. I opened one eye and looked to my left, light was slipping past my velvet royal blue curtains, what time was it I wondered? I didn't want to get out of bed, it'd be nice if I just stayed asleep for the rest of my life, I wouldn't need to face the horrid world and besides, it was cold outside, and the only thing I hated more than the horrid world was the horrid cold.
I turned my head to my right; the walls were recently redecorated with cerulean greenish-blue scroll taffeta brocade wallpaper and trimmed with gold, the ceiling remained white while the previously cream white carpet was replaced with dark scarlet. It had a stronger statement than the previous plain whites and creams, the previously chestnut wood furniture had been relaced by a darker oak wood.
I could hear the oak door open on its hinges and I quickly closed my eyes feigning to be still sleeping. The sound of footsteps and a trolley grew quietly louder.
"It's time to wake up Lady Celyn," said a familiar voice; the velvet curtains opened letting the light in into my eyes. I pulled my duvet over my head and pretended to still be asleep. "Today's breakfast includes pancakes with maple syrup, bacon and eggs on toast." I didn't move. "It seems her ladyship has not awakened yet. Such a shame to waste the meal I have cooked. Perhaps I should split it among the servants." I sighed in defeat as I sat up, conceding my hunger to the blackmailing demon. "Ah! Lady Celyn! I have prepared a choice of scones or chocolate muffins as a side, which do you prefer?"
Scones," I said rubbing my eyes gently and slowly opened them, adjusting to the light as my butler poured tea, sugar then lastly milk into a bone china teacup with a Chinese 'willow pattern' landscape design. Suddenly images flashed before my right eye's line of sight. It felt as if a lot of information was being compressed into my mind. The images flashed by too quickly for me to indentify what they were of, but yet at the same time my mind processed each and every one of them.
One was of a vicious storm that destroyed many ships that carried cotton and other American produce. I could see the dark grey clouds; hear the sound of the deafening storm even feel the fear and panic of the men on the ships. "Sebastian, I want you to inform the captains of the ship to either deport during the new moon or, if they have not been properly stocked, to wait until the full moon." He held out a pale blue dressing gown as I slipped my arms through the sleeves and over my white nightgown.
"Of course," replied my butler. He handed me the cup and saucer. I held the teacup in my hand, recognising the touch of the Wedgewood cup. "Did you foresee a storm?" he asked. I closed my eyes inhaling the aroma of the milky tea.
"Nilgiri?" I asked.
"Senses as keen as ever," responded Sebastian.
"Almost all the ships travelling back from America were destroyed," I answered taking a sip.
"I will inform them through the fastest means possible," assured my butler. He placed a wooden table on my lap then a silver tray with my breakfast on top.
"Today's schedule?" I asked picking up the silver knife and fork and cutting into the pancakes.
"There was a call from Italy recently," began Sebastian. "It seems your uncle Sir Edward has tracked down the source of your concern and had it delivered to Britain. It arrived last night." Already? I do not give the man enough credit, his fast work always amazed me. "It seems he had a considerable amount of trouble this time and will arrive in Britain next week or so but he still has men tracking down and destroying the rest of its roots. He has 'already sent the culprit to us wagging his tail'," he quoted. Once I finished breakfast, Sebastian lifted the tray from my lap and placed it back on the trolley.
"I was wondering why the leech suddenly wished to meet me," I remarked. I drank the rest of the tea then handed the cup to Sebastian. "So it was my uncle's doing then. And the sale route of the factory that was sold?"
"Yes, it seems it was brought by the very same family, we have already approached them explaining the situation and thus they have sent a representative to discuss the trade with us," said Sebastian. "I have heard word that they intend to settle the transaction through means of marriage." I looked at him in disbelief. When the information sank in I began to laugh. I pushed aside the duvet and stood up; as I walked past the trolley I picked up the knife. Twirling it my around the fingers of my left hand. "Is that so? I shouldn't be surprised; merchants always find ways to marry into nobility. I cannot believe the nerve of those bourgeoisies. If they wish to play the game so, then I shall comply." Holding the knife between my thumb, middle and forefinger I threw it at Sebastian who caught it between two fingers. "Inform the rest of the household, we will give Aneirin Eris the full Phantomhive hospitality."
Sebastian smiled; placing his right hand over his heart, he bowed. "Yes, my lady."
While Sebastian waited outside I removed the dressing gown and lifted the night gown over my shoulders letting them fall to the ground. I first put on a white chemise, garters and stockings, I put on a petticoat and then undoing the front hooks of a corset I placed it around my body and redid the second hook working my way down before doing the first hook. I then tightened the lacing at the back subsequently tied it in a ribbon knot.
Opening the oak wardrobe door I chose an iris purple dress to wear. A clean cut attire with no lace or ribbons for decoration it was a simple garment but it held a simple an air of elegance. On my feet I decided to wear patent leather high heels, Mary Janes, while amethyst and silver jewellery graced my neck, ears and wrist. I ran my fingers through my hair a few times before tying it up in a ponytail and then lastly placed my father's square cut blue diamond ring on my thumb; it was too big on any other finger.
"What time is Mr. Eris arriving?" I asked opening the bedroom door where Sebastian waited outside. I walked down the corridor across the wooden floorboard, my shoes clicking whenever I took a step.
"At six your grace," replied Sebastian following me. I walked past a window and stoped, looking out the window I could see the thick forest that surrounded my manor it was quiet here at the outskirts of Britain. "Is something wrong your grace?" I looked away and continued walking.
"No, nothing's wrong," I said. Sebastian walked ahead of me slight and opened my study door for me the smell of new books still lingered in the air, what a pleasant smell. The room was around the same size as my bedroom, a window directly opposite the door, a large oak desk and leather chair with its front facing me, shelves of books lined either sides of the room while on the floor was navy blue carpet. "The package my uncle sent?" I questioned sitting down on the leather seat, Sebastian lifted a large brown box from the floor taking out a letter opener he opened its content. I stood up and peer into the box, I felt my bottom lip turn.
"Sebastian, get me the samples that were recently sent." Opening one of the cabinets under the shelves he removed another brown paper box and placed it on my desk. I peered inside before I sank back into my seat. "I knew it," rubbing my temple I pointed to the box my uncle had recently sent. "Open it," I told him. Sebastian took out a crimson red corset. "What do you think of it?"
Sebastian examined the product. "An hourglass corset made from coutil and enforced with what seems to be featherbone. A busk fastening at the front and lacing at the back while centre front is further reinforced by having the busk made of wood. Did I miss anything?"
"No, who makes such corsets?" I enquired.
"The Phantomhive enterprise," guessed Sebastian.
"No, ours are enforced with steel rods or whaled bone and our busks are made from steel not wood, however this one possesses the exact design as ours, even sold under the same name. Yet it is not one of our products, so tell me dear Sebastian, why is that?"
"An imitation," he answered. I nodded.
"First a man sells one of my factories then another is imitating my products, most likely the very same man who brought the factory to produce those very imitations," I said. "Luckily, my uncle and his friends have a lucky hand in poker and has driven this now poor merchant to the brink of bankruptcy who now intends to marry a female of wealth in hope to sustain himself."
"Aneirin Eris," he said quietly in realization.
"Isn't it just wonderful when you've already checkmated the opponent's King before he even makes his first move?" I smirked and twirled my hair around my fingers. "Well, you know what do to."
"Yes, my lady," said Sebastian as placed his right hand over his heart he bowed.
"The recent sale of chemises and garters has increased dramatically along with the sales of the mass production corsets," said Sebastian reading from very think report while I signed and looked over other reports and requests.
"Where's Riff? Isn't he the one whose suppose to do this?" I asked, the house steward Eugene Riffeal Radcliffe was in charge when Sebastian and I were away as well as being in charge of the financial side of the household, he also doubled as the family doctor. Somehow Eugene made the most boring things sound interesting while Sebastian, though he didn't make me fall asleep, but having to have his voice be the first I hear every morning for almost four years was enough to make me want to throw a pen at him… although he'd probably dodge and catch it between two fingers. The stupid demon...
"Mr. Radcliffe is currently in London to check on your townhouses and several other investment properties," replied Sebastian, I sighed. I employed a butler, a house steward, a house keeper, a cook, a groundskeeper and several gardeners, a stable master and almost a hundred maids and servants yet why did Radcliff always insist on doing things he could have others do? "Speaking of the staff, the housekeeper, Mrs Margride has begun considering retirement."
Many of my senior employees were from my father's time and some even his father's, Alanna Margride among them. "I see, she's been around since before my time, she'll be missed," I looked back down at the work in front of me… Change…I hated change; it was one on my list of many things I detested. Sometime change was good, like new furniture or books but mostly the change was inevitable and out of my control.
"About the postponement on the project of expanding the rest of the cosmetics and fashion department into mass production," I said looking down at the report. "Let it pass through, the imitations won't be a problem for much longer." I reached into the box of samples, opening one of the glass pots I dabbed some of the lip and cheek powder pigment onto the back of my hand, it was brilliant fiery liquorice. I examined the pigments in the light.
"Not bad," I said quietly. Sebastian handed me a handkerchief to wipe it from my hand, once I did I reached into the box for the other twelve pigments. They ranged from pale pink to bold red with corals and persimmon in between.
"The 'Burgundy French' and 'Sangria Wine' are too bold, tell them to remove them before mass production," I told Sebastian who took down notes. Since her royal highness Queen Victoria made a publically declared against cosmetics, the wearing of cosmetics have been frowned upon by upper society. But nothing stopped a woman redding her cheeks and lips or protect their skin from the sun. French woman continued to use cosmetics, resulting in my decision to move my scientific development and manufacture across the boarder.
"Mr. Harrison has recently made a call about price of velvet, silk, satin and cotton, it seems it has risen once more and request of a raise in financial budget," said Sebastian.
"Tell him to stop lining his back pocket and use those funds to buy the fabric," I replied not looking up. The steady decline in customized clothing and rise in factory made fixed price good for business. "Also, raise my percentage of profits by three percent; if they complain inform me immediately, they seem to have forgotten who they work for and not, the other way around."
"And if that does not work?" enquired Sebastian, I smiled.
"Isn't it obvious, pawns that do not listen, must be removed, they can be easily replaced, I don't mind men with their own ambition as long as their obedient." I told him. He merely grinned at my avowal. Sebastian set a large bundle of letters on my desk as I finished reading the last of Riffeal's reports, my head felt heavy with information as I set my silver dip pen backing in its holder.
"And they are?" I asked exhausted, I skimmed through the bundle while Sebastian poured me a cup of fresh tea.
"Letter of invite," said Sebastian setting the cup and saucer before me. "It seems it's the social season again."
"Really, these people act as if they have nothing better to do," I complained taking a sip of the tea. I recognised the wax seals on the backs of each letter, Countess of Barth, I threw her letter aside, Baron of Gorgon, I threw that one aside too, Earl of Hearth, hmm…nope I threw that one aside as well. Through my peripheral vision I could see Sebastian catching the letters. Britain's summers were and still are very short, the climate the warmest from May to August, aristocrats with too much spare time and nothing better to do travel to London being invited to numerous of pointless social events. I tossed the next one aside and the one after but when I spotted the twin lions imprinted onto the red wax I froze.
"It seems that the Marchioness of Fort Harmony is hosting a ball in a fortnight," explained Sebastian. "You have been asked to stay for a week yet the reasons why are not stated in the letter." I turned the envelope over; the seal was intact while the rest of the letter showed no signs of being tampered with. So how did he? I shook my head and turned my attention to other things; there was no point in wondering I'd just end up with a headache.
Come to think of it, the numbers of suitors lately had dramatically increased, and then it hit me. "My Aunt is trying to get me to marry again isn't she?" I asked Sebastian, he nodded I moaned. "I hate going to crowded places."
"You don't seem to act that way when you get there though," he pointed out. "Then again you are an excellent actress." There was an undermining message in the tone of his voice.
"That's not what you meant is it?" I accused, he merely shrugged.
"I'm merely referring to the fact you tend to, disappear during the party with a young lord or handsome merchant," he clarified. "Do you ever intend to get married?"
"Yes," I replied. No.
"When?" Never.
"Eventually," I said, he looked at me with an expression of disbelief. "Marriage isn't exactly at the top of my list of things to do before I die."
"What about an heir?" He had me there…
"I'll worry about it when the time comes."
"You would have departed this world when the time comes." You would be dead, why couldn't he just say that?
"I'll adopt."
"Do you really think that a family as prestigious as the Phantomhive will accept an adopted child as the head of the family?" Why? Why did he always have to be right?
"You're urging me to marry, why?" If it had been anyone else I wouldn't be having this conversation, damn stupid demon that has lived for far too long.
"You are almost seventeen your grace, most noble females have fiancées by nine," he replied.
"I'm not most nobles am I?" I rebutted. "I have a goodness knows how old demon for a butler." There was a pause when he didn't respond.
"Although it seems no matter how old I get I will never be able to beat a woman at being witty." Victory, such a wonderful thing.
"What's the time?" I asked. Sebastian pulled out his bronze pocket watch.
"Ten to five," he answered.
"We better start preparing for our guest of honour's arrival, check that the preparations are complete."
"Yes, your grace."
"Father?" I whispered, he laid on the damp dark red carpet, his sapphire blue eyes opened, yet they were lifeless. Shock was the last emotion on his face, where was his smile? Where were the laugh lines around his eyes? "Father?" I asked again shaking his body gently, there was no response; I stood up, only to see the white open petticoat of my dress, red. A shadow appeared in my father's eyes and I turned around, someone or something was there. I screamed.
I gasped as I sat up and opened my eyes; tears were flowing from my right eye. I wiped them away with my sleeve and stood up but stumbled. An arm appeared out of no where and held me steady. I looked to see Sebastian holding me steady.
"Don't touch me so casually," I exclaimed pulling myself from his grip, his eyes widened in surprise. "Don't touch me," I said again. "I can stand on my own." An unreadable smile replaced the surprise.
"Yes My Lady."
The sound of a car engine caught my attention and I looked out my window, a block of steel painted black drove down the road through the dense forest and to my manor.
"Well well well, let the game begin."
"Welcome Sir Aneirin," I greeted curtsying, it was a shallow bow but more than good enough for a leech. Eris stepped out of his car, dressed in a black suit, his rust coloured hair hidden under a black top hat, his eyes were cat like and spinach green while his face was covered with as many freckles as there were stars.
"Countess Celyn Phantomhive," he greeted back taking off his top hat and bowing deeply. He took my hand and kissed it. "A rose among orchids."
"Really? But I like orchids," I replied honestly. Eris either ignored my remarked or pretended not to hear it, either way he just continued to smile.
"This way then pleases Sir Aneirin," requested Sebastian, bowing he held out his arm indicating up the stone stairs to the front door, I smiled as he missed a step and almost fell, how unfortunate he just so happened to step on very spot where one of the maids hand smeared soap.
"Sir Aneirin," I scowled pouting. He hurried back down the stairs, careful to avoid the area where he nearly tripped, and held out his arm for me like a true gentleman should.
"Forgive me, your grace," he pleaded looking at me with fish puppy eyes. "Alas, I am not a noblemen, such obvious manners, I lack." I pretended to flutter at his flowery language.
"You are forgiven," I replied smiling. I looked down then looked up through my lashes, his stopped breathing for several seconds before composing himself. Men, such simple creatures, Sebastian bowed deeply and I examined his features as we past, he possessed raven black hair that fell into his cat-slit burgundy brown eyes, his features sharp and angular that most women would find attractive and his ever calm expression, his perfect poker face.
No, that wasn't right; I corrected myself, human men, such simple creatures.
"It must have been a long trip," I said, sitting at one end of the long dark wood dinner table as a maid set an entrée of pumpkin soup, while she set a serving before Eris he eyed her curvy figure longingly. I raised an eyebrow; he attempted to court me yet at the same time his eyes wondered to every curve of a female that he spotted. Could anyone see where I was getting confused here?
"To meet such a lady like you, it was well worth it," replied Eris. I looked down at my plate as I rolled my eyes. His colourful language was getting to be quite annoying.
"I'm flatter," I said smiling and looking to the side. I picked up a spoon from on top the rosewood table and scoped some of the thick creamy pumpkin soup; careful not to make any noise I swallowed the soup; I hated eating when there were guests, I had to mind my table manners; while Eris was admiring the dishware. I sighed; he really did lack the basic manners of any noble, gentlemen, lady or child.
"Creamware?" he asked lifting the plate in the air to see the emblem at the base. I had the barely controllable urge to stand up and pour the soup into his carrot curls.
"No, pearlware actually," I replied dully.
"Hmm? It's splendid," he stated. Through my peripheral vision I could see Sebastian struggling to hide a grin. "It's stunning, as expected of a Wedgewood piece."
I smiled. "They do not call it the 'Queen's ware' for nothing." As he looked up he spotted the crystal chandelier. I looked to Sebastian for help.
"A 'Waterford Crystal' work before they closed in fifty-one," said Sebastian. I looked down at my soup and continued to eat, I no longer cared to entertain the clown, I was hungry.
"It's splendid," said Eris, he said that about the plate. "One of a kind no doubt."
"Her grace's grandfather had it custom made for when this manor was first built," replied Sebastian, courteous as ever. Your grace, you can not toy with a guest then ignore him when he bores you.
I looked at him and raised an eyebrow. That was the soul reason I agreed to let him come, to toy with him, break him and then send him home crying. Sebastian looked at me unimpressed but he smiled.
I ate in silence filling my empty stomach while Sebastian filled Eris with historical facts on the manor some, not even I knew. By the time we finished the main course and salad Eris knew as much about my home as I did.
"Shall we have desert in the living room?" I asked as a maid carried away the dishes.
"Absolutely, I've heard rumours of your splendid Chess skills your grace," he replied standing up. "But alas, I am sure I'd fare well against you." We'll see about that.
"Checkmate," I said for the second time this evening. He bored me, falling for such obvious traps and his play was riddled with holes.
"Again?" questioned Eris, he'd hear himself say the phrase a lot if he didn't sharpen up.
"Luck is on my side tonight," I said with an indifferent shrug. It was unlady-like to gloat, not that it ever stoped me, in my mind.
"Indeed it is, I was so certain I would win," he grumbled. I exchanged glances with Sebastian, he was still grinning like the Cheshire cat, at least he wasn't laughing...I guess.
"Shall I bring the dessert?" offered Sebastian.
"Yes," I replied. He bowed and left the room, I noted on how his eyes matched the burgundy walls of the room. "Another game?" I offered unwillingly, it'd be better if we'd just sit in silence, but silence led to conversation and conversation led to the reason why he was here and I needed Sebastian there to kill him just in case.
"Absolutely," he replied. This time he took white taking the first move, as I waited for hit to make his next move I stood up and walked towards the fruit bowl sitting on the coffee table near where we sat. I chose a bright red apple to eat and before I took a bite Eris remarked. "Beware the wicked queen, your grace," his eyes twinkling.
"Pardon?" I'd had said 'What?' had my manners had gotten the better of me.
"Snow White, raven black hair, skin as white as snow and lips as red as blood," he elaborated. Who would want lips as red as blood I wonder? "Someone as beautiful as you belongs in a fairy tale." I took a bite of the apple with a loud crunch; then waited until I sat back down in the cosy red chair before I spoke.
"Alas, it is not poisonous, perhaps it is the apple of discord," I flirted back, he leaned forward slightly. Where on earth was Sebastian? "An apple was placed between the three goddess Aphrodite, Athena and Hera bearing the inscription 'To the fairest'." I paused for effect, and looked at him, he was feigning interest I could tell, and his eyes told me he had already heard the story. "Have you heard it?" I asked taking another bite.
"Yes," he said. "But there is a problem with that story and now."
"Why is that?"
"Aphrodite was the goddess of beauty, Athena the goddess of wisdom while you on the other hand are both smart and beautiful." I hid my boredom by smiling and giggling.
"What of Hera?" The moment the words left my lips I regretted it; I had made a horrible mistake of giving him an opening.
"Hera was the beautiful wife of Zeus," I knew it. "Alas I am no god, but will you accept to let me take your hand-" Sebastian, I know your standing right outside. Right on cue, there was a knock on the door, I sighed in relief.
"Come in!" I said. The door opened and my butler entered pushing a silver trolley, on it a Royal Dalton tea set and a baked pie.
"I'm sorry I took so long," he apologised. "The pie has just come out of the oven." Liar, he had stood outside for so long the pie had cooled. I pushed aside our Chess game as Sebastian poured the content of the teapot into two cups; it was a thick brown liquid. He handed me one and the other to Eris, I smelt the aroma of the mire.
"What's this?" I asked hiding my distaste. "The fragrance is strange."
"It is coffee your grace," replied Sebastian. Coffee? Who had asked for coffee? I wanted tea, not some grounded beans that people drank to stay awake. "It was the guest's request," he explained, basically pinning the blame on Eris.
I stood up and placed my now finished apple core in the bin, walking to the wall opposite of the fireplace I opened one of the glass cabinets. "Do you have any requests?" I asked, not that I would oblige, but it was always polite to do so.
"What do you have?" questioned Eris.
"Umm…a lot," I replied taking hold of a bottle of Vermouth as well as two crystal glasses. "Vermouth?" I offered. I sat down as Sebastian opened the bottle and poured the Vermouth into the two glasses, we each took one.
"To future…possibilities," he said raising his glass, I did the same and drank. "May I borrow your phone?" he queried standing up.
"Of course," I replied. "Sebastian."
"This way sir," said my butler opening the door for him. I drained the rest of the Vermouth from my glass and refilled it just as Sebastian returned.
"Isn't it impolite to leave a guest unattended?" I queried.
"He asked to be left alone your grace," said my butler. "Does it not suite your taste?" he asked noticing my untouched cup of coffee.
"Get rid of it," I replied standing up. "But before that, shall we be courteous until the end?"
"Yes your grace."
"Calm down father," I heard Eris whispered on the phone. "It's all going well, once I ask for her hand in marriage we'll be rich enough to never have to work again." His father's voice was soft over the phone.
"You sure? The Countess is renowned for her network of information and knowledge. What if she already knows of our situation? What if she finds out we're the ones behind the counterfeits?"
"Its fine," assured Eris, the fool. "We hid it well, and anyway, her reputation precedes her. She is nothing more than just another airheaded noble." Airheaded noble? How rude, he'd pay double for that, with both his pride and reputation."I'd better go, can't keep the lady waiting can I?"
"Be careful," warned his father. Be careful indeed. As Eris hung up the phone my butler walked towards him.
"Did something happen?" asked Sebastian.
"No nothing." As they walked past I hid myself from view in the shadows.
"Did you know?" said Sebastian. "That most gambling houses are rigged, designed to force you to lose money while at the same time luring you in with false promises of wealth and victory."
"Is that so?"
"My Lady hates liars. Recently, she found out one of her employees sold off one of her factories without her consent, he disappeared from the face of the earth. Even his daughter no longer breathes." Tiny creases appeared between Sebastian's eyebrows as he frowned in thought. "What was his name again? A baron I remember… ah! The late Baron of Foley-Bridge, Henry George Lyon."
I grinned as I spotted the expression of sheer fear and panic on Eris's face. As my butler led my guest down to the back of the manor where no one would hear him scream I returned to the living room and refilled my glass once more.
I walked up to the window which gave me a view of the front of my home, the thick forest would be difficult to travel through on foot and within the night's darkness, I saw the staggering figure of Eris, running, running as fast as he could away, away from here.
"The door opened behind and I heard footsteps walking towards me.
"It seems our guest did not like the Phantomhive treatment," he commented as he too watched the running shadow.
"Did he know? That Vermouth is made from fermented apples. Perhaps the apple of discord fell from the mountains of the gods along with the goddess to Hades," I said as I swayed the liquid in my glass round and round. I drained it and set it down on the window ledge. "I'm going to sleep. This time, the game wasn't fun at all."
