The next few couple of days were virtually dull at Phantomhive Manor. One mission, a secret drug deal. That was all Ciel had to undergo.
Although a little ways across town, the Middleford household was in a heated buzz.
The team of hired staff there spent hours cleaning, dusting, waxing, and polishing the entire mansion from top to bottom in honor of the family's important summer guest. A close, communal friend and private business ally.
Edward and Elizabeth were both awakened a bit earlier than usual, partially by the commotion happening a floor below their rooms, and partially because their mother pounded upon their doors, ordering them to ready themselves.
Elizabeth, personally, couldn't bring herself to yearn for more sleep. She never had been quite cheeriest person in the mornings, honestly put, but she was not irritated based on the occasion at hand. Besides her the suppressed memories of her aunt and uncle alive with their younger laughing Ciel...Luca Lightbringer was always a delight to have a as a yearly visitor.
When each June came about, she and her brother knew it only meant they were going to be showered with greeting gifts all to their childhood pleasure.
Luca lived in a nobility village in Wales, earning his way through life as a top land lord. And Elizabeth and Edward labeled him a third parent-figure on their part. He was also a generally wide-cultured mentor and an excellent conversationist for Elizabeth. He was very accepting towards her and always had acted fascinated while she chatted on, accompanying him during an afternoon stroll...so unlike most men she knew. There had been many warm nights she had drifted off into sleep, just listening to his soothing tone as he offered her a late-night story. Their family-like bond was evident and lasting, but never taken for granted.
And with Ciel being moody with her again, refusing to respond to her brief little charming love notes which she sent out to him that month for his own comfort as usual...Elizabeth noted there would someone there who'd be willing to lift her spirits for a change.
After unfolding the damp rags out from her hair, Elizabeth combed through her fresh curls which flowed down gracefully and pinned them up. Then she slipped into her corset before trying the new summer gown recently purchased by her parents out for size. The layers starting from the the waistline were a rich purple. It wasn't exactly her favorite styles amongst various styles. And she felt...odd wearing higher-heeled shoes for the first time for the season in place of her black training boots. Though Elizabeth supposed she looked swell enough for Luca's arrival.
Elizabeth advanced for downstairs with maids trailing her, attempting to complete the very last details of her makeup, and she immediately spotted Edward meeting her hallway in the corridor, fixing a pair of cufflinks in. He was dressed in a semi-casual suit unseen before as well accented with a matching color scheme. Once Edward had skimmed her outfit in return, they shared a common amused, exasperated look before descending the steps together.
"Do you think our folks are ever going to realize we don't to need to be color-coordinated for every little special event?" Her brother muttered into her closest ear.
Elizabeth merely let out a light laugh and shook her head unknowingly. "I can't wait to see what they're wearing."
The Marchioness stood tall with her hand properly tucked within the crook of her husband's arm before the main entrance. Edward reached out and took his sister's hand to steer in the right direction, making sure their feet measured up with their parents.
"You both look splendid." The Marchioness praised when she noticed them come down. "Well done."
Edward and Elizabeth stole another humorous glance from each other and they stated in unison, "Thank you, Mother."
Paula was the one to open the doors. And on cue, Luca was there waiting on the outside platform. His tall handsome form was dressed charmingly in a soft blue tux, hand curved over a silver-plated walking stick, and his russet hair had been slicked back. His dark eyes crinkled slightly as his features lifted into a cheerful smirk after he strutted inside. The two humble servants he had on each side in contrast, wore the common colors for house workers—one maid and one steward—both of which, happened to have natural jet-black hair, matching eyes, and remarkably whitish skin. Their expressions remained quite calm and ordinary, but respectful just the same.
To some odd degree, they highly reminded Lizzie of Sebastian.
"It's been some time, dear Luca." Alexis strode forward similarly, reaching out and offered a firm hand to shake.
"Yes it has, Al, too long," their visitor told him, accepting the gesture. "But to be here on this fine summer afternoon is a real blessing. Ah, you Marchioness—so lovely as always." His lips then pressed against her knuckles lightly.
Edward soon mirrored his father's actions as Luca stepped down the line of Middleford members. "Good to see you again, Sir. I hope your travels were satisfactory."
"Of course, thank you, Edward. You are indeed turning into a strapping lad. Just as I thought."
Then last, though certainly not least—the young, excited, beautiful Elizabeth, finally had her turn to greet him.
He chortled. "And little Lizzie, how could I ever forget you?"
A warm sensation surged through her veins once Luca's hands moved from Edward's welcoming grip to cup her upper arms. It was somehow so supportive and fulfilling in its strange way. It was as if all of her yearnings, heartbreaking desires, and heavy doubts seemed to float off, with the unspoken promise of new possibilities. It truly amazed her. His eyes...so deep...so alive.
(He smiled broader when her own green eyes had flashed inky black at the physical contact. It was a sign she'd been open to the connection all along. To the call of his blood.)
"I'm so glad you've come, Luca. I have so much to tell you." replied Lizzie gently.
"Well then, I don't want you to grant you anything but my time. However, I believed your parents wanted to surprise you two with a glorious picnic near the lake first."
Edward's head turned towards their parents the moment hers had, seeing a pair of relaxed knowing smiles stretching across their faces.
They haven't gone to the lake in years!
Please, bear with me for now. The plot will pick up, I swear. Just trying to set up the stage for a dramatic effect.