"A lady must always be poised, delicate and graceful. The picture of perfection. In the presence of others." Angelina Dalles. "And of course subtly strong."

Her words repeat themselves in not just your mind, but, also Harmony's. This was what her Auntie Red meant. Even with all the times they'd play the game of grace and ballroom, what one must do. It all made sense now. The game was not just for fun, for the little girl, it was meant for something like this. The only difference, she wasn't this tensed. Her eye amber eyes watch and remain upon Ciel and May. The two starting the first dance in the grand room, hosting the ball. It was customary. Watching and studying her sister carefully, as she bowed effortlessly to Ciel. Who did the same thing. Her sister went down, correctly. Tilted her head slightly to the side accepting, holding out her hand to Ciel's, who took it. And the two began to dance to the smoothing and beautiful music.

Her sister danced like a feather, so light and graceful. It seem like she was either floating or flying. Harmony could not tell. She allowed Ciel to lead, who managed to keep up with the dancing. All those lessons really helped him. There not an ounce of red upon his cheeks. He looked up at May, not directly in front of him. It was and would deemed improper. The height between them was the only negative really. Other than that, nothing else. Everything was perfect.

Each step and movement May did, Harmony cheeks lite up at the beauty before her. It was like a painting made with the most freshest of colors. Her sister was actually doing it, she looked like a true lady. A Baroness. If she was this, then, Harmony wondered, what was she? What would the others think? They already adored her sister, she saw it in their eyes. Their approval and praise. With one last footwork, the dance ended and everyone applaud, Ciel and May both bowed out to each other. Thanking the other for the dance. He escorts her back over to her and Sebastian. And turns his hand to her.

"Lady Harmony, will you give me the pleasure of dancing with you?"He invites with a smile. All eyes fell on her now, she knew this part. Having gone over it many times.

Reaching out her hand, sets it in his. He holds it firmly, yet it looked soft from outside. With a encouraging hidden shove from Sebastian, Harmony follows Ciel out into the middle of the room. This time she was looking up and he was looking down. Behind his eye, she saw a sternness. She was making a mistake! She was doing something wrong! Her mind screamed, just as the music started. His hand upon her back, he took the lead and she followed. Counting each step in her head.

So tempted to look down, she forced her head to remain up. As her little body trembled slightly. Her breathing started to speed up, the lights seem rather brighter. Everything seem to grow. The small twirls, suddenly made her dizzy. It confused her. She begin to panic. Of course those watching could not see. But, you, you could feel it and see it. And there was nothing you could. No matter how desperately you wanted to go and save her. You where forced to stay on the side, with a forced smile. Watching panic and fear slowly cover her. Her eyes connected and pleaded with you. Seeking your comfort.

Which you could not give her, watching her go through this sickened you. Leaving her defenseless to the judging eyes of the others.

"...Harmony..."you whisper softly to yourself. Wishing the music to speed up or end right now. But, it was not done yet. There was still one more set.

Her dance was not as long as your own, as she was still just a child.

Ciel lightly rotates Harmony around, her eyes again stare straight into her sister's and this time, the response given was different from the last ones. Her golden-yellow eyes shimmered firmly with strength and confidence, projecting it. To her. While Sebastian eyes comforted her, assuring her she was doing well. Silently applauding. This allowed her to finish the dance well and flawlessly.

Everything faded back in, Harmony could hear the applauds of everyone, once the music stopped. Ciel even contributed. An esteem smile on his face. Sheepishly she nods her head slightly, bowing with nerves to him. But, no one could really tell, besides her pinch upon her gown. Ciel bows back, without the nerves and takes her hand. Holding out his other, your cue and go over with Sebastian taking you. Resting your hand on Ciel's.

He turns to everyone."Everyone, my esteemed and lovely cousins. Are they not gracious and adoring."Picking up the corner of your gown, along with Harmony who followed your lead. Dip lightly.

Finally, it was done. The dancing, but, not the rest of the evening. This constant smiling was beginning to make your cheeks sore, well, not sore just annoyed. But, you kept it up. As you stood next to Ciel whom introduced you to a few others. Many of them complemented you upon your dancing and elegant grace. Your appearance was what they meant. Which you thanked.

"...And your sister, quite becoming of a lady."They praise."She is highly talented. And what fair skin."They look down at Harmony, who looks back and smiles.

"Thank you. Very, much."

Loving and adoring awes came from them."So precious."One touches her cheek lightly."What lovely cousins you have. True jewels."

"Yes. Quite so, a fancy."

What words they used, seem utterly ridiculous really. But, you had to endure it. Knowing he was watching. Ciel took the praises well, enjoying them while also detesting them. Even if he did not show it. Once they left, his face dropped and twisted slightly with disgust.

Straightening out his cuffs."...Anything to get, scraps from the table."Mocking them.

"Ciel?"Harmony lightly tugs on his arm. Getting his attention."I-"

"Ciel!"Lizzie erupts, running over and throwing herself upon him. Squealing, some how she managed to get Harmony in her hold as well."That was so beautiful! You did such a wonderful job! I absolutely adored it! And you Harmony!"Turning to her, gasping."I have never seen anyone so pretty and cute! I nearly died!"

Hearing that from Lizzie, lifted Harmony's joy. The two smile. Lizzie gives her a sweet kiss on the cheek."Thank you!"Harmony chimes.

"You are very welcome."She turns her smile and praises to you. Grabbing your hands in her's."May! You looked like a true lady! So appraising and beautiful. Oh, the room lite up and washed with warmth. Everyone could feel it. It makes me so happy, we are cousins! I am so lucky!"

"Yes, well thank you. Lizzie."You tell her, with a smile. When you noticed three people walking and standing behind her. One was a woman, with sharp and rather strict blue eyes, an clean and orderly woman; with hair in tight bun and long cowlick like Lizzie's, though with a slight curl. She was quite beautiful and well-toned. In a dark red ornate gown. Her arm linked with the man with a cleft-chin, thick eyebrows, and mustache. His dirty blonde hair slicked back and sideways. Dressed in a formal and sophisticated attire. Both seem middle-aged. The man cared a serious face just like the woman.

The last one was a young man, with short blonde hair and emerald eyes. Just like Elizabeth. Dressed in an expensive and sophisticated suit. Lizzie was the only one dressed in slightly lighter red, standing out.

Noticing your attention upon the people. Ciel gets ready for introductions. For Lizzie to take over."Harmony and May. Please, allow me to introduce to you...my mother, Marchioness Francis Midford and my father Marquess Alexis Leon Midford. Your aunt and uncle. And my brother, Lord Edward Midford, your other cousin."The joy and delight in her voice was evident.

This surprised you, they all seem the opposite of Lizzie and you would not have thought of her family to look like this. It made you feel rather inferior, but, you kept yourself tall. And greet them correctly.

"It is a pleasu-"

"Welcome!"Alexis hugs you warmly, catching you off guard. His grip upon you was rather strong. You could see where Lizzie got her personality from. The man was overjoyed, his wife was detested by his action."What luck, to lovely nieces."

Harmony enjoyed her hug from him. Once he gave it to her. His mustache tickled her, causing her to giggle."He tickles."She exclaims through each giggle. Lizzie found it sweet.

This was very interesting really, it was hard for you to contain your own laughter. Doing everything to suppress it. Covering your mouth, to hide it. Even turning your head quickly. It was refreshing. Ciel just accepted it.

"I knew you would love them!"Lizzie claps her hands. Turning to her mother."..."

Who did her best to ignore her husband's...antic. And addresses her attention to you and Ciel. It really felt like her eyes where sizing you up. Looking for anything out of place. For any mistake. Even moving closer to see. Inspecting you. Her eyes stared, no, pierced right into her your's, like a sharp blade.

"I am quite surprised really, my nephew did not inform me nor my family of our newest additions."She sharply says, directing it to Ciel."If he had then, perhaps you and your sister,"Looking to the girl who was enjoying her time with her new uncle and Lizzie."would have had the proper brings of becoming ladies. Either way, it is acceptable...for now."Glaring quickly at Ciel, in frustration.

He stiffed up rather terrified. That was a first."I do apologize."You say on his and your behalf."We did not mean for it to be kept in secrecy. It is just,"Thinking quickly of the right words."The transition was quite a shock to us. Ciel was just trying to make it as softly and comfortable as possible. Which is why it took so long for the ball to be given. I do hope you understand. Marchioness."

Edward was amazed at your speech and the way you delivered it."Aunt Francis is fine."She tells you."We are family after all."

"Yes. Of course."You correct yourself, agreeing."Aunt Francis."She seem pleased, even if did not really show.

"Edward!"She calls to her son."Come and properly introduce yourself to your new cousin."Right away he comes over, his face seem tight and stiff for some reason. He seem rather tensed or nervous about something.

Like he was going to blow."..."A slight awkward silence between you both. Until he finally spoke."A pleasure to meet you, Baroness."He takes your hand and bows. Coming back with a small sweat. Gulping hard.

You smile back."Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you as well. Lord Edward."

"Edward is just fine!"He nearly blurts out, shutting his mouth realizing how improper that was. His tongue just had a mind of its own for some reason. Loose and not careful. He flushed embarrassed.

It made you laugh just a little. Hearing that from you, relaxed him just a bit. He shared the little laugh with you."How adorable. The little flower has made, yet another smile from her blooming beauty."Lau said, coming over.

His voice made you annoyed and unsettled. Your laughter just dropped, once he came over."Lau."Ciel greets him

"My lord, hello."He greets him. Men-Rao upon his arm, like always."What a lovely introduction you gave to your two precious cousins. It was quite moving really. I almost teared up. So?"He turns to you."How does it feel to now official be welcomed into the world of high society and control?"

Understanding what he meant, you didn't want to answer. But, it would be rude."It is fine. Thank you."Turning your shoulder to him.

Hoping he would get the hint, but, it seemed he did not. And walks closer to you."That is wonderful."You could nearly feel his breath upon your neck. He was right behind you. Sliding your eyes back, he was there. Looking, you see Ren-Mao was with Harmony."You danced so wonderfully, Baroness. Why, if I enjoyed it so much, then I would be quite honored to dance with you. Clearly, you have stolen the night away. My little flower. I am sure marriage proposals will follow soon."He turns to Ciel."Would you not agree? My lord?"

The two exchange glances, Ciel's seem more as a warning to the man. To heed. While Lau's enigma smile left it vague."Now? Why would the Baroness, think of such things?"Sebastian appears behind Lau. holding a tray of drinks. Slightly startling the man. With a smile."I highly doubt, my master would allow just anyone to take his cousin's hand. He can be quite the fastidious one. They would have to be a high pedigree."

"I tease, my lord."Lau said with a little laugh."I meant no harm by it. Forgive me, Baroness."He looks to you.

This man was quite upsetting. He really was."All is forgiven."You grudgingly say. Turning your back fully to him now.

"...Do I look cute? Ms. Ren-Mao?"Harmony in the back asked her.

"Yes. Very cute."Ren-Mao agrees, slightly patting her head. Then nuzzles her cheek against the girl.

"Edward,"Francis calls to her son."you should take your cousin out for a dance. As your father seems to have already, with her sister."All eyes look to the floor and see the man dancing lightly with Harmony.

"Yes, of course."He obliges, turning to you. Standing straight and studious. Staring directly at you."My, dear cousin, I would be honored if you would be so kind as to accept my invention? For a dance?"

His hand held out to you, awaiting your response. Feeling his mother's watchful eyes on you and Ciel's, "I would be delighted."You accept, taking it. Edward seem genuinly pleased and relieved that you did.

His hand lightly and firmly squeeze's yours. Leads you to the dance floor. The two of you get into position, you did not understand why, you could feel his nerves rising rather crazy. Even as he kept a calm demeanor. His hand carefully rested on your waist, while you put your arm up and rest it upon his shoulder. He slightly jolted, but calmed down. His breathing, was rather tensed and deep. Coming from his nostrils. He still kept his composure, took the first step. It seem in his eyes he was counting each step, like a hidden beginner. Holding you like a priceless antique, he twirled you around like a feather.

Why was he so stiff? It made the dance rather uncomfortable, but you just endured it. Smiling, not even noticing the tint arising on his cheeks. Nor his eyes widening.

"He seems comfortable."Sebastian teases to Ciel. Though making sure Francis did not hear him.

"..."

Back with and Edward, you felt eyes looking at you or in the general direction at you. When Edward spun you around, your eyes quickly try to find the person. Seeing no one.

"Cousin May? Is everything alright?"Edward asked, noticing your distracted look.

Quickly you look back at him."Oh, no...I was just. I was just admiring so many lovely and kind visitors here."You smile through your lie. Which worked."Forgive me."

He took no offence to it and quickly gazes around. Smiling back at you."The only kind one see is you. Lizzie was correct, your eyes do reflect such warmth and kindness. If there is any one lovely, it would be you on this evening. As you are the the main focus. One you carry well."

What a nice thing for him to say."Why, thank you. How kind of you. You too have kind eyes, they shine like strong and fresh trees. It is quite refreshing. It sets me at ease. I do enjoy forests very much. I mean nature."

Your words where just a response as you had been told to do, that you did not realize the affect they had. Upon your new cousin.