*****It's been too long! Hello all! I am recovering from a hard family loss, but determined to finish this fic out! Have patience with me please!*****
***Hello fans and readers! I have good news! Starting with chapter 1 and going alllll the way to chapter 22, I'M EDITING AND UPDATING ALL THE CHAPTERS! ALL OF IT! CONTENT WILL BE DIFFERENT (and hopefully better!)!
Elizabeth slowly became aware of a bright light, shining red through her eyelids. Huddled under a warm blanket, she sighed contentedly. A soft knock at the door penetrated her sleep-fuzzed senses and her eyes flew open. She glanced around for Ciel while simultaneously making sure she was covered with the blanket and felt a sharp stab of disappointment when he was nowhere to be found. Sebastian called through the door, "Lady Elizabeth, have you awakened?" Elizabeth exhaled in relief when she heard Sebastian's voice. "Yes, Sebastian, come in."
Sebastian pushed open the door to Lady Elizabeth's bedchamber and bowed slightly. "My master bid me find you a maid to assist you this morning. She will be along shortly. In the meantime, here is your breakfast." Sebastian carried the tray to the table beside the bed. "The young master informed me this morning that we have an errand to run before leaving for the manor, so we will be leaving soon to take care of it. When we are finished, we will return with all due haste and depart for the manor shortly after." Bowing once more, he left.
A small sigh escaped her. I wish he would have woken me so we could have at least had breakfast together. She shook herself. Oh, don't be silly. He probably wanted to let you sleep. Besides, he'll be in a hurry to get back to the mansion, that's why he wanted to get this errand taken care of. Satisfied, she decided to eat the yummy breakfast Sebastian had brought for her. As soon as she finished a knock sounded on the outer door of the suite. Elizabeth slipped on a house robe and went to let the maid in.
After a bath in a private, sectioned-off hot spring, Elizabeth dressed in a lilac-colored dress she favored for traveling because of its light material. The maid was polite and made small talk with her while tying the strings of her corset. Elizabeth didn't mind the female company, but found that she missed Mey-Rin back at the manor. I'm glad we're going home today, she thought. Her eyes widened and she paused. I think of the mansion as home now?
Ciel sat in the carriage, mustering up the courage to exit. He knew that Sebastian was waiting outside the door for him. Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the carriage door. Sebastian bowed, the stepstool already in place. When he straightened, Ciel could see the ghost of a grin on his butler's lips. He glared at the demon to inform him that the situation was far from amusing. Standing on the sidewalk, Ciel swallowed, looking up at the nameplate on the door: Midford. He straightened his spine, squared his shoulders, raised his chin, and marched in.
Mr. Midford himself was there in the front office, to Ciel's surprise. He was unpacking a briefcase and there were several others laying around the office, half-unpacked. It was rather obvious that they had just returned from their vacation and Ciel was hoping that the timing would not deter Mr. Midford's kindness. The older gentleman crossed the room with a surprised, but kind expression on his face. He had always been partial to Ciel. Ciel only hoped that now that would work in his favor. "Hello, Lord Phantomhive. Pleasure seeing a familiar face so soon back in town." Ciel smiled and returned the greeting, clasping hands for a firm handshake. "What brings you to my office this morning, lad?" Taking a deep breath, Ciel decided it would be best to get right to the point. "I've come to ask you for Elizabeth's hand in marriage, and your blessing on the union."
An hour later, Ciel was riding in the carriage heading back to the resort with a small, black box in his breast pocket and a smile he couldn't seem to wipe off his face. Soon, I will claim Lizzie to forever be mine. When he returned, he was informed that Lady Elizabeth was relaxing in the garden. He sent Sebastian up to pack their belongings and went out to join her. She saw him coming and got up to meet him with a smile gracing her full lips. Ciel grinned and couldn't help but gather her in his arms and spin her around a couple times. Elizabeth's laugh filled the air around them, drawing the attention of an older couple who sat off to the side of the garden. They looked at them fondly and went back to their mid-morning tea. Elizabeth fairly glowed as she wondered what had gotten into Ciel. He never showed this much emotion, much less publically. She didn't mind, though, she was happy that she seemed to make him happy. Finally.
"Ciel," she managed to get out through a laugh, "What's gotten into you?" He took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it. "I'm just happy to see you, that's all." Elizabeth blushed. He kept her hand in his and led her back into the resort. Sebastian was waiting for them, the carriage already loaded. Ciel assisted Lady Elizabeth into the carriage and followed her in. Lizzie was pleasantly surprised when he sat next to her, rather than across from her, and even more surprised when he put his arm around her and pulled her close to his side. Giggling, Lizzie snuggled into him and rested her head on his shoulder, preparing for a long journey home.