Tis' the middle of the night, Sebastian awake as he had no need for the luxury of sleep. Strolled and made his rounds around the manor. Keeping things orderly and tidy for the morning to come. So his Lord and the Ladies be welcomed with a spectacular manor. While deciding in his mind what would be most appropriate for breakfast for. He had a few dishes in mind, all that would be to Ciel's liking. But, now with the extra two taking up residence here, he would have to figure out their type of taste. What they preferred. The youngest he seem to have down rather easily.
Sweets.
She clearly loved them, so some nice sweet biscuits would be best for her. Maybe a bit a of chocolate chips to sweeten it more. Candied crusted, glazed salmon too. Maybe some sweet porridge with a mix of fresh berries. Oh, and some freshly made jam for the biscuits. Crispy apple tarts topped with cream and candied orange peelings. Yes. That would make the most wonderful breakfast for the young lady. She would most defiantly be pleased. Following his Master's orders to make sure the sisters stay here to be to their liking. Though adjustment wasn't hard for Harmony, taking to the place in a short amount of time he had expected. Latching onto the Finnian and the others, dubbing those bumbling idiots as her friends.
Perhaps, he thought they could be of some use. Keeping her entertained. He wouldn't have too much to worry about, if, and that was a rather huge if they didn't do anything stupid involving her. Then again, there was a high chance they would. Sighing at the foreseen stress to come, this was going to add more on him than he wanted. On top of keeping a watchful eye upon them, he was charged with teaching the both young ladies in the mannerism of being a proper lady for their new status. Until suitable tutor was found. Something else he had to add to his list. Being tutor to three people now, what was a butler to do?
But of course he could do the task, what kind of butler would he be? If could not handle it. He would have set the right schedule, it seem most reasonable to the lessons the same time as Ciel's. It would cut back on time, then again Ciel was further in his studies. Well, he could be further. Perhaps that might just work. What to teach them first was the real question. Between Harmony and her older sister May, their vast age difference, which wasn't all he found rather strange. It would be rude and completely shameful mentioning their opposing ethnicity and physical appearance did not match at all. Then again, they both could have found each other and that is why the two of them insist on calling each other sister. The youngest, seem clearly of Asian descent of some kind. Considering her slight almond shaped eyes. And rather fair skin, inky black hair. Her round, yet angular face. A cute one, still. While her sister, May. Had a more darker complexion of skin. Not dark, dark. Just a healthy bronze colour. Delicate heart shape face. Which was shame she preferred to keep it rather harden. Her rather strange and unusual golden-yellow eyes, quite alluring and mesmerizing. A hue of a innocence, wonder and warmth in them. With hidden secret. To be turned to stone and heated with ire towards the Earl. And interesting medium, soft and thick pink hair. That cascade with soft waves. Quite buoyancy.
Yes the complete opposite of young Harmony.
She had the poise of a proper lady, but clearly no desire to be so. But, was forced into it. A strange pair, he could tell one was human. Though the other one, was not. He was sure he smelled maybe, human on them. Just a small bit. Or maybe not. From the information he had gathered while observing upon his Master's request, found some rather interesting things. He wasn't sure what to make of it.
That young woman was strange. He would have to keep his eyes upon her. For he was clear she was no what she seemed. Adjusting a picture, his eye caught a quick glimpse of someone down the hall.
An intruder? How did thy get in? Everyone was asleep in the manor, who would it be? And how did not sense them first? Finishing up the picture he makes quick haste after them. Using his unseemly speed, catches up to them. Readying to take them, stopping himself once he caught a good look upon them. Surprised, he quickly regains himself and drops down.
"Forgive me, Baroness."He kneels to you."I do hope, I had not startled you."
You look at the butler, rather startled yourself, but regain yourself."No. It's alright. Please...please stand."Saying rather uncomfortable. He rises, nearly towering over you petite stature. His eyes locking onto your rather hard.
If was if you could feel them pry through you. With sharp suspicions. Even if he smiled relieved."Oh, that is wonderful to hear. If you don't mind me asking, why are you up at such a late hour? Is the bed uncomfortable?"Sounding concerned.
You shake your head."No. The bed is fine."You where careful with your next set of words."I...I am not use to sleeping far away from my sister. I just went to check upon her. She is prone to having nightmares at times."
He seem to understand and buy it."I see. I did not know that about the Lady Harmony. I will make sure to make note of it. Should she have one, what would be the most acceptable treatment to handle it?"
Hesitant to tell him. You had no choice, having said it now. Needed to continue with it."She needs to be stroked upon the head tenderly. She likes to have a nice glass of warm lavender milk. Which soothes her. As lavender is known for settling the dreaming world."
He takes mental note."I see. Thank you for the information. I will make sure to follow it to the latter should it arise. Now,"he takes out his pocket watch reading the time."I do believe it would be most appropriate to head to bed. A proper lady should not be up at this time. Or, to be seen in her nightly attire."You look down at what you wore.
A nice silk nightgown with light blue frill on the edges. Your hair freely down. And you...well barefooted."..."
"Also, you and the Lady Harmony have a rather busy day schedule today. It would be best to get some proper rest."
Your eyes shift quickly to the right, but you comply. Thinking Harmony."I'm not use to this,"You mumble."Alright. I will go back to bed."Turning to leave he insist on walking you back. To make sure you arrived safely.
It was either the long walk down the hall or the suffocating silence with you two that made it rather unbearable and time stretching out. Eventually you arrive."Here you are."He opens the door for you, doing a quick check with his eyes. Finding wrong, you walk in and over to your bed. He bids you good night an shuts the door.
There was something rather strange about that butler. Was he...? You thought. Looking back at the door.
Morning came and Sebastian already up, went to wake up the help first before the rose, then to Lord and Ladies. Starting first with Ciel, to discuss some things. Then after dressing him went to wake the ladies. Coming to Harmony first, with a plate of two cookies as Ciel had requested him to have in the morning for her. Walking towards her room, he hears a high pitch scream from the room and rushes there.
Opening the door."Lady Harmony! Are you alr-"He stops stun for a second at what he saw. One, she was fine and laughing. Second, those idiots where in room. Finnian holding her by the arms and roughly swinging her around, while the others stood by clapping and cheering.
"Faster! Faster! Faster! Fas- AH! Sebastian!"Startled by his presence, Finnian releases Harmony who gets thrown."AH! Lady Harmony!"
Before the little girl could scream, Sebastian had her in safely in his arms. While still holding her tray cookies. He sighs relieved was alright, then shoots the others a furious glare. While still remaining composed. "What on ear-"
"Harmony! Harmony!"You come bursting in frantically and run straight to her. Taking her right out of his arms. Hugging her tightly."Are you alright? I heard you scream. What happened?"Your eyes look her over for any injuries.
The others drop their heads."Well?"Sebastian waits for their excuse for such a behavior."Why where you all in here and swinging Lady Harmony around so carelessly? You've none gone and given Baroness May a fright. Worrying her."Reprimanding them."This type of behavior is unacceptable."
"We're sorry, Sebastian."Mey Rin speaks up first, she looks to you and Harmony."My Lady, forgive us. We...We didn't mean to..."
"It was my fault!"Finnian takes the blame, dropping to his knees bowing to you."I'm sorry! I didn't mean to cause you or the Lady Harmony any fright! It won't happen again. I promise! Please the others didn't have anything to do with this!"
You could just barely see the tears of regret forming. Opening mouth to say something, when everyone hears muffled laughter. That soon erupted into a gleeful one. Harmony's head comes up and she was laughing. With enjoyment and delight. Her eyes wide with rush.
"That was so much fun!"She exclaims, surprising everyone. Wriggling out of your arms goes to Finnian and crouches down to his level. Trying to peer at him."Mr. Finnian?"She calls to him."That was really fun. Mr. Finnian?"Realizing he hadn't come and it wasn't a game. He actually felt horrible for his action and was too ashamed to lift his head. Her eyes drop and her happy disposition falls all together.
She looks to the others with her watery eyes. Getting ready to cry."I-I didn't mean..."She starts.
"Don't cry!"Finnian comes back up freaking out."See! See I'm fine!"He puts on a huge smile. Trying to get Harmony to look, but she didn't. He kept it up doing what he could to get to see he was alright. But, nothing seem to work. He looks to the others panicking and they try to help him too. Running around the room like crazy people. Bringing any toy they could fine to calm her down.
But nothing worked."Nothings working."Beldory grumbles, from the headache he was starting to get.
Such a sensitive child, you get up to calm her down."I've got it!"Finnian jumps up and quickly picks up Harmony to throw her up. Everyone gasp fearful of what he just did.
"You idiot!"Beldory snaps at him."That's the opposite of what Sebastian said, not to do!"
Finnian ignored him."I'll work. See!"All look, seeing he was right. She had stopped crying, her eyes open and the happiest smile on her face. Looking down at Finnian who smiles up at her. Arms stretched out to one another, he catches her safely and shares a laugh.
"Mr. Finnian!"Harmony hugs him. He hugs her back.
"Lady Harmony!"
The rest where left stun, but smile none the less. You where quite amazed yourself along with Sebastian the two of you exchange glances. All that for this. At least she was alright.
"Oh."Sebastian remembers."Lady Harmony, your cookies."He presents the plate to her. Her eyes light up even more, a bit of drool out the corner. They looks to good and delicious. Nearly panting like a puppy. Picks one up and takes a bite. While trying to figure out what kind it was."I present to you, sandwich cookies. Filled fluffy and delicate strawberry cream. Do you like it?"
Her mouth stuffed, she nods, while offering some to the others. Who happily share in her treat. She offers you one and you take it. Even Sebastian, but he politely declines. When he becomes alarmed. Scaring the others.
"What is it?!"Mey Rin, with her mouth filled two cookies.
"We're behind schedule."Sebastian looks at the time."This is not good. We must hurry. You three I can at least task you with putting breakfast out at least? The poor Master must be starving."He shuts the lid and gives a commanding clap."Alright then. My ladies, you must be properly dressed so that we ma-Ah Tanka, you will assist? Thank you."
Who was back at his full height. Rather particular."I shall get breakfast for the young Master."
"Wonderful. Then I shall dress the ladies."He looks at Harmony first."Alright my, Lady. It is tim-"
You step in-between, stopping him. Arms out refusing to let him proceed any further."You will not dress my sister."Warning him with a glare. He got the message.
"Very well."He smirks deviously."Then Mey Rin will dress the young Lady. While I,"He puts on a blindfold and grabs your wrist."Dress you. Come now. We must not keep the young Master waiting."Before you could say anything, he takes you. While instructing the others to hurry and complete what he order them to.
Down in dinning room, just as Sebastian had instructed. The rest minus May Rin quickly place the food down orderly, just before Ciel came in. They quickly stand at attention and greet him.
"Good morning, young Master!"
He walks by them solemnly returning the greeting, before taking a seat which Tanaka had out at the head of the table. Just as he was about to take his seat, he noticed something wrong. The others saw the look he had."Where are my cousins? Why aren't they present?"
Baldory, Finnian and Snake look at one another unsure what to say. Ciel slide his eye over to them, and they break out in a nervous sweat. They clearly knew the reason why. Such idiots, he thought. Rising from his seat, for it was improper to eat before the guest arrive and especially ladies haven't been seated. Those two would need all the help with becoming familiar with this lifestyle. Was it May who was putting up the resistance? She clearly would be. Becoming rather annoyed and furious of the thought.
"The Lady Harmony was quite busy playing with her lovely toys."Tanaka tells him."The young one was enthralled by the young Master's generosity. It took some time to get her attention away. The Baroness even had to be brought in. Do not worry, it was taken care of. "Covering for the actual truth. To Finnian and Baldory's relief.
They just hope Ciel would by it, and he did. A small pleased smile appeared on him as he takes his seat."That's good to hear, still."It drops."She must know, it is not her time she is own. There are certain rules and etiquette that must be followed. Finding a tutor needs to be done quickly."
"Yes, sir."Tanaka agrees.
In a few seconds Mey Rin enters with Harmony. Dressed, in a light blue satin dress with white frills around and embroidered. A white bow around the waist. White collar. Clinging onto Mey Rin for support as she carefully walked, watching each step in her shoes. Mey Rin helped her to the table.
"It's al'ight. I've got you. Careful. Careful."
Hearing her words Harmony does her best, nervous and scared she might mess up. Becoming a bit frustrated. A face they all knew and feared. Finnian and the others cheer under their breaths for her. Tanaka pulls out her chair and holds out a kind hand for her to take. She almost stumbled, but he caught her and helps her into the chair. Pushing it in.
"You did well."Tanaka praises her. Giving her a gentle smile. Which relaxed her.
Her eyes overlook the food on the table at the seat empty across. Her sister was missing. She still wasn't here. Getting her attention, Ciel coughs just a bit. She looks at him, he greets her with a small tilt of his head.
"Good morning, Lady Harmony. Did you sleep well?"
Her eyes quickly looks down and away."G-Good morning.."She mumbles lowly. Swallowing just bit. Twiddling with her thumbs."I-I slept well. T-Thank you."Stuttering. Her twiddling became faster, she began to pull on lower part of the dress.
It was clear to Ciel, she wasn't going to say anything. Her mind upon her sister and where she could be. This was not the type of behavior she should be displaying, then again he had to be patient and remind himself she was just a child and not accustom to this. Unlike himself who was groomed since age to right way. Looking at the door, the older sister had yet to come. Breakfast should have been eaten already or at least started.
Yes, these two would need work. He would not have his family's reputation ruined like this. Tapping his finger bored and irritated. This was starting to become unacceptable, having enough he rises from his seat about to express his impatience and frustration when you enter. Followed by Sebastian. Who saw the heated glare in the young master's eye.
With a sincere apologetic look, apologizes."Forgive us for our late arrival, Master. I am to blame. There was a dysfunction with the Baroness's clothing. I had the wrong measurements and had to tailor it appropriately."
"May!"Harmony perks back up, upon seeing you. Smiling ear to ear."You look nice, May."
You smile at her comment."Thank you. You lovely too."She lights up and blushes. Tanaka comes and leads you to your seat, next to empty seat by Ciel. He pulls out your chair and you where careful not to mess up the deep purple lolita dress, with pink patch work and long sleeve jacket to match. Your hair in a simple yet elegant fishnet braid, that laid over your shoulder.
Ciel calming down, sits back down. Maintaining his calm self, gets things back on track."Good morning. Baroness."
Hearing the snide and unseen smirk from him. Quickly pierce him with your eyes, but smile politely."Good morning. Are you hungry, Harmony?"Your words where more genuine and happier.
She nods her head."Yes. I am. Everything looks really, really good. Can we eat now?"She claps her hands together at Ciel. He gives her a light nod and she waste no time. And starts to put things on her plate, with some help from Mey Rin. As Tanaka had returned back to his smaller form. Sebastian helped Ciel, while you put food upon your plate yourself. No need for any sort of assistance.
If not for Harmony's voice and words, you surely would be scowling but managed to keep straight and calm face. Only talking to Harmony, who just went off and talked to everyone. Even the servants. Almost nearly giving away what actually happened. Breakfast was really, really good. Better than anything. There was so much more food leftover. Such a waste.
Once breakfast was over, it was time to clean and get ready to head to London. For dress fitting. Mey Rin helped you and Harmony with the cleaning up part. While she did, Sebastian discussed some things with Ciel. Helping him get ready.
"Those two are in dire need of reforming. Their manners and etiquette is appalling."Ciel huffs displeased."You can truly tell they are from the country. I can barely stand to stomach it."
"Now master, you must remember you too did not get the ways of the Earl down."Sebastian brings up, playfully making fun of him in a subtle way."As I recall, you struggled too. Give the young ladies some time, they will learn."
"The sooner the better."
"One step at a time. One step at a time."He finishes buttoning up the young boy's shawl."Today they get new clothes, that is a start. Then after, the training begins with them. Who knows, they might turn out to bloom into the most beautiful of doves."
"You're being too kind."
"True. That I am. The youngest I believe will take it as a game, which is good. She will be most eager and determine to learn. The eldest, is a sharp one. She will pick it up quite easily, to appease her sister of course."
"So you can work miracles?"
Sebastian scoffs humorously at Ciel's words."I am not God. My Lord."Finishing the last of the buttons."There."He stands back admiring his work."Now, we're ready."
Again it was quiet between you and Ciel in the carriage ride to London. Harmony was to amazed by what her eyes saw outside to engage in the silence. Though she wanted to sit up there with the horseman. She was told by Sebastian a proper lady does not do such a thing. He sat in the carriage too. By Ciel like Death to the elderly. It was rather eerie. If not that then that plastered courtesy and polite smile he had on him.
"Oh! So many people!"Harmony squeals. Sticking her hand out and waving to a few. A few waved back."Oh! What's that? What store is that?"She crawls over you. Sticking her head out.
To be quickly brought back in."Lady Harmony, you must not act in such a behavior."Sebastian tells her."A lady does not crawl over another and stick her head out so much. Please, be seated. Actually, never mind. We're here."
Feeling the carriage stop, he gets out first, making sure this was the right place. Before helping everyone else out. Harmony was first, he helps her out and of course holds her hand. You where next, though didn't take his hand. Ignoring it all together. Ciel came out last.
Casting your eyes up, you read the sign: Rosary Boutique.
What a rather frilly name, never the less this was where you and Harmony had to come. Still holding onto Harmony's hand Sebastian opens the door. Ciel goes in first as you remained behind. Your eyes still on the sign.
This wasn't what you wanted. For either you or Harmony. This kind of life. Why did Mrs. Dallas have to die? Why couldn't Ciel just leave you and your sister be? Weary and on end. Remaining in secret was the best way the two of you could live. It was the only way. There just had to be a way to get things back. If not...
Feeling a tug, you look down finding Harmony looking up at you."Sister? Let's go inside. I want to see all the lovely dresses."
Reluctant for a second, you hold out your hand to her."Alright. Let's go."
