The Expected Noble (Chap. 3)
The morning was bright as always and Ciel hated it. Three weeks passed after that carnival. Ciel still could not forget the face of Annette. That buttery milk face glowing in the dark by the bonfire light. Ciel drooled off at 10:00 am in the morning at his mahogany table while checking the monthly reports of his company in India and France. Sebastian came in without knocking aware of his master's situation so as usual to keep up with his reputation he brought him a steaming hot chicory coffee with Chocó chip half dipped in molten cocoa. The tempting fragrance of caffeine and cocoa woke Ciel up. When he opened his eyes he saw someone was massaging his back and a beautiful presentation of his late-morning snack in front from him. "Sebastian…?" he asked. "Yes?" answered the demon with an eager smile and poured the coffee into the white marble cup. As a demon, Sebastian loved the human touch of Ciel. When no one is looking, he sometimes licks the irremovable chocolate stain created by Ciel's lips on the marble so that it keeps on shinning and also gets a nice taste of his long waited prey. Sebastian narrated the snack menu and as usual Ciel subconsciously listened to him. Sebastian stopped and asked, "Master, perhaps you would like to listen to your letters and telegrams now?" Ciel nodded. He was still swimming in the memories of the two siblings. Sebastian read out the letters, nothing interesting at all. He felt that his master was slowly losing his interest in these. Then the next letter he read was interesting. "Ah, master, here's something. It's an invitation from the Shadohawks." Ciel's drowsy blue orbs glittered and was almost going to express his excitement but that was so not the Ciel. Sebastian read out the letter
Dear Earl Phantomhive,
I hope this letter finds you in the brightest of health. I am inviting you to my tea party on this Saturday. I hope we can be better acquaintances and know each other well through this. I am looking forward to this tea party.
Lady Annette Gabriella Shadowhawk
At the back of the letter there was an address attached. Ciel realized that today was Thursday and there was one day left. He could not wait any longer.
That night when he was going to sleep, he realized he was getting attracted to a woman unconsciously. The very unusual feeling; no it was not infatuation or love but a strong desire. He felt strangely and awkwardly light and happy when he was around her. The more time he spent away from Anne the more desire was built upon inside. That was odd.
The Saturday morning was intended pleasant, but not for Ciel. He traveled to the Shadowhawk mansion and was greeted by four parlor maids and footmen. The middle-aged butler welcomed the nobles. Followed by the welcome, Anne came down from the stairs like white fairy in a scarlet dress with black curly frills all over which looked very eye-capturing. She flashed a brilliant smile at them and said, "Thank you for coming to my mansion. I appreciate it." Ciel became stiff, the overwhelming desire to prey on her was too much to control. The crimson dress symbolized the flow of blood. It's Annette, Pure in flesh and blood. The desire to rip it off was somehow loosened by the young beautiful boy who came alongside with her. Diego was covered with dirt and hair completely scattered around like uncombed green grass on the mountain forests.
Anne yelped, "Diego!" He said, "I went for a horse ride. That animal threw me."
"You look perfectly soiled." She clapped at one of the footmen "One of you, change his clothes!" then she turned to him "Come back to the garden in thirty minutes. I expect the best of you, Diego." He tched and left with the footman.
"I'm sorry about that commotion. It seems like the animals are rather cold these days."
"I agree…" said Ciel thinking about the untamed devil beside him. "Shall we go outside?" asked Anne flashing that irresistible smile. "Y-Yes please."
The group transferred to the green paradise, the garden where the table was laid. The place was filled with lilies, bougainvilleas, iris, and columbines. In the middle of the fortress of flora was a table decorated with lace doilies and in the middle there was small glass with white roses. Ciel was truly impressed by it. On the table, there laid porcelain cups turned on dishes. The teapot and the water pot were steaming hot. The chamomile leaves were neatly kept in a porcelain bowl covered with a white net cloth knitted into a spider web. And lastly plates were laid out for the richest of cakes, scones, and tarts.
Annette walked up to her polished chair and spoke, "Please."
Sebastian pulled the chair for his master and Ciel sat down still looking at Annette at the corner of his eye. Here still laid an empty chair. That did not relive the earl. As if the chair was in understudy for someone. Annette then said, "I hope our mere arrangements please you, earl." Ciel answered, "Why yes, they do duchess. They are fabulous."
Then a chain of servants came in with silverware and placed them neatly on the table. As they egressed there came in maids dressed in black silk with their grub.
They were served the typical Victorian butter tart with a soft inner core covered in silk syrup of the fresh berries from the mountains. And with a touch of herbs from the kitchen garden, they were served the best of London. Ciel was truly impressed by the arrangements.
While Ciel and Annette talked, Sebastian grew suspicious of the young lady. He asked himself again and again 'What does she possess that attracts the master so much? What is this possessive feeling?'
