You weren't sure how much longer you could take of this whole grand event. Your cheeks were starting to hurt with your constant smiling. If dancing and mingling weren't bad, dinner seem even worse. Still, you had to put on a gracious and proper smile. Ciel escorted you to the dining room, where he sat the head of the table and you on his right. Harmony was to be on his left at the head, but choose to seat with Lizzie who was just a person down from you. So taking her position was Edward. Her mother, with her husband sitting next to him. On your other side sat Soma, you wanted him near to have someone to talk with and help you endure.

Next to Edward's parents, sadly and to your displeasure. Lau.

Who took to being subtly hurt."Why my feelings are quite wounded. I had expected to sit a bit closer. Not so distant."Saying all that with a smile. In your mind, he wasn't far enough. Since you could still hear his voice.

And smell him. The only sanity you had, hearing the light laughter of Harmony. It was tempting to not pinch your brow, out of frustration. So you kept your hands in your lap, laying them gently on the napkin in your lap. This smile you had on was going to kill you.

"I do hope, Aunt and uncle you do find the meal to your liking."You delightfully tell them."Every course of the meal was carefully selected to compliment each taste and senses."

Alexis seem pleased while Francis did not. Her eyes were so sharp and judgment. It slightly made you fearful, that you didn't realize you had begun to shake. Unnoticed of course. "I do hope so."Was her response, sharp and firm. Her eyes look to Ciel."If not, I know who to thank."

He didn't even look, Ciel knew she was putting him at fault. He kept his composure well. Harmony saw him and marveled."..."Her eyes linger on him and filled with high respect and wonderment for him. Her cheeks begin to heat up. Feeling her eyes on him, Ciel's eye looks directly back and she quickly adverts her eyes down. Holding in a squeal.

"What the devil?"Ciel mumbles confused. Was she breaking already? It wasn't a good idea for her and Lizzie to sit together, those two...he thought with a low tiresome sigh.

"Now then,"Lizzie begins to quiz Harmony."Tell all that you've learned? Where is the soup spoon?"Harmony looks down at the place set before, her eyes looking at each piece of fine silverware carefully

They stop on the two spoons. She knew this answer, she knew it well. Sebastian taught her this, hearing his voice reminding her she points hoping it was the right one."This one. Right here."Picking it up to show Lizzie.

Who applauds."Very good. It is the right one."She praises."Oh! I am so proud of you Harmony. You did so well. Can you name the rest for me?"

Confident now Harmony nods."Yes. I can. This is the fish knife, this is the meat knife, over here is the meat fork. Right next to it is the fish fork, with appetizer fork on its side. Oh! And this one is the butter knife. With the bread plate."She starts to name off the place setting.

Lizzie gushes with joy. Applauding with each correct answer."How marvelous indeed."She gives her younger cousin a tender squeeze."Cute and smart."

"Thank you."Harmony chimes."Mr. Sebatian helped me learn everything. He made it fun, like a game. He said that I was better than Ciel."

For some reason, Ciel managed to overhear that and scowls."Ciel, you shouldn't have on that face. That is unethical."Francis scolds him, which he quickly fixes and smiles.

Stuttering nervously just little bit."F-Forgive me."Trying hard not to crack under her demeaning eyes. To which he was saved by Sebastian.

Right on time."Ladies and Gentlemen, for our first course," He steps aside to allow the extra hired help to come in carrying on tray four bowls of steaming soup. The aroma was sweet and robust. Filled the whole room."Squash and tomato bisque. A fine French soup, made with the sweetest and ripest tomatoes. The strongest carrots from the Phantomhive's own garden. The taste of the coming Fall season all in merged together. Natured with kindness and care, just as your meal today was by our Baroness. Please do enjoy."

Did he have to say that? You grumble in your mind, shooting him a quick look which he returns with a smile. Of course to rattle your nerves. What made it worse was there was little you could do about it right now. Though you had to admit, the soup did look good and smelled even better once it was placed before you. The steam slowly rose and fill your senses. It took you back to the countryside. Back to the cottage, with just you and Harmony. You remember making soup for her, she would love to help you in the kitchen.

How you missed those days. How you missed that life. Picking up the right spoon to use, dip it in flawlessly and bring it to your lips. Slip it in without a single drop on your lip and pat it lightly with your napkin. You did it again a few more times, knowing Ciel was watching you along with Sebastian and Francis. You could feel the pressure, which you executed beyond either two males' expectation. No doubt they were both surprised.

Good, you thought.

"Aunt Francis, is it to your liking?"You inquire to the woman, who sat there in silence eating the soup.

This woman was so hard to read. Impressing her seem nearly impossible. Eagerly you waited for her answer, holding your breath with every lift of her spoon and light pat from her napkin. You look to Ciel who left you high and dry, again."I believe it is wonderful."Edward compliments before Soma could say it."The taste is just like Fall. You did well."

Pleased to hear that from him, you wanted the approval from his mother more."Thank you, Edward. How kind for you to say."You give him a gentle smile. Which he returns.

"I love it!"Soma gushes. You turn to him. He looked like he was going to explode."It is the best soup that I have ever tasted!"

A bit over the top, but that was Soma."Thank you, Prince Soma. I glad you feel that way."You say with such modesty."I do enjoy carrots and tomatoes, it would be considered a shame if I did not share my love with everyone."

Your smile, your smile was all Soma saw. He did his best to hold in his rising emotions. So gentle and kind, he thought. So warm. He understood now."I understand why you choose the soup. It fits you well."

Those words you were not expecting from him, left you stunned for a brief minute."You are very kind. Thank you."

That simple moment lasted for a bit, to be interrupted by Lau."These soup must be made from the ripest and firmest of tomatoes. Just like our Little Flower. Sweet and smooth in areas. Beautiful as well. Why it is a masterpiece to marvel at. Many would die to obtain such a delicate treasure. Though only the noblest of them all would be considered worthy for the taking. Would you not agree, my Lord?"

Ciel finishes eating and pats his lips before responding."Lau, I do hope you speaking properly about my cousin."He said sternly, looking at the man."I will not have her be the idea of such disgusting and soiling thoughts."

"Oh, of course not my Lord. I would never."Lau speaks in defense."I was just merely comparing the two that is all. No harm was done. Forgive me, Baroness, if it seems of such a way. Why I would not dare to speak such words about you. I only praise you."

Something you did not want from him. It just made your skin crawl and rise on fire. Why did he have to come? "Yes, well thank you for the clarification."You tell him and go back to your soup.

Once the first course was over, next came the second, which was the main course. Sebastian announced it, Duck Confit with red cabbage slow-braised with apples, potatoes, and red wine reduction sauce. It came out very tender and flavored. Nearly melted in your mouth. You held back your admiration for such an exquisite taste.

The sauce was laced with smooth richness of tangy and sweet flavor. With a small hint of spice, mild of course. That was barely noticeable. But you did. Honestly, it was better than something you could make. And it again brought you back to the time of just you and Harmony. Together. How in the world was this man able to cook tender memories in his food? It just didn't remind you of those times, but also...home. Home, home. Back in New York. Back in the 21st century, with April and your father. The three of you together eating dinner. If you could produce a tear you would.

Sebastian who oversaw everything was going smoothly, looks up quickly and notices recollection glossy over your eyes. It was both happy and bitter. No, bitter wasn't the word. He wasn't sure what it was, but it affected you for a brief moment. You couldn't break character, he watched you closely for a few more seconds as you absorb it back and present yourself like a lady of this house.

Nothing came out of place, good he thought. As he refilled another guests class with champagne. Looking to Harmony, she, of course, could not have any and was given sweet milk instead. Ciel insisted. Though Sebastian thought it would be best if it would have been water. But, his master ordered so he followed. Her portion size was not large like the others either. He made sure she had the least amount of sauce with her dish. But the most vegetables. A growing girl needed that.

After refilling the last guest glass, he noticed something alarmed him. He had to move swiftly otherwise it would be a disaster. "Excuse me."One of the guest call for him.

Damn it. He hisses, this was not the time. Wishing they hadn't called for him, he knew he couldn't ignore them either as it would ruin the Phantomhive name. Cringing he turns around to them.

"Yes? Ma'am?"

Every second that past was a second he would be delayed. Hoping it would not happen until he got there, a thought that by the time he finished vanished. It was too late. His eyes widen, no that wasn't the right one. Pushing off in a subtle hast his arm and hand extend swiftly to prevent it. He scoops it up just in time and managed to switch it out.

Not a single drop had made its way onto them. He sighs relieved.

"Mr. Sebastian? What are you doing?"Harmony asked looking up at him, Lizzie."Am I doing something wrong?"She begins to panic meekly. Believing she had.

Lizzie tries to calm her."Calm down, calm down."She assures her. But it was not working.

Wonderful, Sebastian thought. He had to rattle her nerves. He shoots a venomous look the guest next to Harmony. Who carelessly almost knocked the glass of milk onto her. Nearly spilling it upon her if he had not gotten here on time. She didn't notice as her conversation and attention was Lizzie. And if it would have spilled on her, it would be horrible and embarrassing. She would have to endure all eyes on her and she'd break down crying. The pressure of it all would break her and Ciel would not be pleased. Nor would the Baroness. The whole event would be ruined. Because of that careless act.

Though now, if Ciel hears or sees Harmony like this Sebastian knew there would be hell to pay. From his wrath. "Why, Lady Harmony you are the picture of perfection."He gives her a kind and assuring smile. His eyes play the part too.

He waited to see if his words worked. If not he had many others to use. "I am?"Harmony gasp elated from his praise. He kept his smile on."Yes, of course."He said."You are doing beyond all expectations. I am truly proud of you."

She couldn't help but gush lightly. "T-Thank you. Mr. Sebastian. Thank you for..for teaching me!"She returns the praise.

To his shock and surprise. Her words genuine and true. His smile dropped for a second to come back up."Why Lady Harmony what kind words. I do not deserve such praise."He kneels quickly and bows. To feel something planted light planted on his head. They felt like lips. His eyes look up finding it to be true.

Harmony giving him one. He didn't know what to say, stun and lost for words. Lizzie looked on with a touching smile. Sebastian wondered if anyone saw because he knew this was not the right behavior one should show a servant. Especially in the company of others. But moving would be considered rude from such a gift.

So he stayed until he finished. Once done he kept his smile on."Thank you, Lady Harmony."