Not a single crumb of information, from the stones unturned and leaking sources that would deliver for the right amount of price. Even resorting to...sampling. It was not comparable to their taste, but, it was clear others gravitated finding it whelming and delightful. Along with colorful and rosy words from mouths of others about them...about this nuisance. In their eyes a nuisance that has tainted and crossed their path.
Another contender. Another obstacle that needed to be dealt with, and dealt with they shall.
For pride was strong and the need to be better was even more so. This unseen adversary would finally be brought to light. To justice, in their eyes. They would uncover them and find out all. How dare they do such an unspeakable thing? Crossing swords with them. Stepping on their toes like equals or worse...superiors. Coming in and taking what was rightfully their own. They had their name first.
They would pay and pay dearly. No one makes a fool of the Phantomhive name.
Retribution will theirs, will be Ciel's. He will be merciless in his assault. He will play the part as he intended once he arrived. But, surely make them understand they are not his superior. Going over his plan again in his mind as Sebastian dressed him for the event, silently lavished in the young boy's child silent tantrum. He forced himself to suffer for no reason. Taking it rather personally.
All the demon thought was how silly humans can be. Looking at the sullen pout Ciel tried to hide with his rather mature and vindictive stare in the mirror. Using his own reflection as a practice. Laughing to himself Sebastian slides on the dark orange doublet, button its front. Thinking to himself how Ciel, if caught by another acting this way, would surely be scolded.
Once they happened to be walking by his study overhearing his pompous mannerism and quickly reprimanded him on how spoiled he was more than rotten fruit. It was an interesting thing to compare him to but was equally funny. Even doing it so when they happen to find him up past time someone of his age should be in bed. Dragging him to bed despite his protest, though they where at one another's throat, Ciel did not win despite being master of the house. And was quickly beaten.
If only they were here now, Ciel would surely be quickly defused. Imaging it only amused the demon. "And what are you smiling at?" Ciel notices Sebastian's faint smile. Demanding an answer.
"Why, it is nothing, my lord." Sebastian finishes the last of the buttons and stands back to observe his work. Everything was well and clean. Nothing out of place, Ciel was ready. Pleased smiles so. "You are ready."
Stepping aside Ciel looks at himself in the mirror, his attire was excellent. Every thread was carefully done, the colors the same. It was he expected from Nina and from the amount he paid, which to his surprise was already paid for. Even so, he felt ridiculous in such fashion. But knew this was what the invention instructed to wear. Everyone must, wearing fashion from long before. Giving himself one more look over gives a crisp nod.
"Alright, let's go." Turning his back steps down from the stoll with Sebastian's help, the man follows close behind, opening the door to be surprisingly greeted by the rest of the staff.
With Finnian before them all holding something behind his back. Eyes to the floor. "What is it?" Sebastian arches an eyebrow. "And why are none of you doing your chores? I tol-"
Finnian holds something out Ciel. "Please, master...i-if you see lady Harmony..can you give her this?" Looking down Ciel finds an envelope addressed to Harmony. "W-We won't get a chance to see her, but..."
Baldory takes over. "We'd just like to give her something. She's always sending us stuff."
"Yes, she does," Mey-Rin pipes up adding. "so want her to know we miss her too."
Swallowing Finnian in his boldest voice finishes. "So, please master? Could you? I-we really miss her." His voice lowers along with shine his eyes. He does his best to hold back his own sniffles."It's not..it's not the same without her. Her or the Baroness. So, please."
Noticing the way he was gripping the envelope tightly, Ciel sighs rolling his eyes. "Sebastian." Understanding the man takes it from Finnian and tucks it away. "If it will get your minds a rest then fine." He sighs walking around them. "She will get it, if, I happen to see her."
Hearing that brought the light back into Finnian's eyes and the others. "Thank you, master!" He exclaims with a few tears. "Thank you so much! Have a good time, sir!" He shouts after Ciel waving along with the others.
"Those idiots." He grumbles, sighing. "Even if she's not here, she still an infection. Come on, let's hurry up and get this over with. The sooner the better." Speeding up to waiting carriage out front.
The guests were arriving on time, which was splendid. A good first start, the hostess of the party stood to greet everyone who came with her faithful maid Libby by her side. Both dressed for the occasion. As it was stated in the invention. The sun was setting coating the sky in a lovely hue of soft reds and oranges with a tint of light blue slowly fading into its darker cousin. Providing a lighting way to the illuminating and golden lights that lite the road to the illustrious fortified building...was it right to call it a castle? Or was it something else?
Running fountains in the front of sweet angels. Spewing water from their delicate lips. Smiling graciously. With eyes of pure kindness cast upon those who came, with a hidden blessing for each. The fresh grass was even and well. With its color of assorted flowers aligned along the edges, leading to the large open doors. That once entered became transported to another world, it was like gentle sunrays came to give light. Such a warm glow showered over all who entered.
Colors of yellows, golds, oranges...all that was warm mixed in faintly with some of cool. The decorations many admired and furniture as well. Severts were busy making sure the guest were well attended too. Greeting each person respectfully and adhering to what they needed. Swiftly and effectively. This night had to go...no had to be perfect. Nothing could go around.
"Hello, welcome." the Hostess and mistress of the house greets with a formal smile. "Hello, welcome. I am pleased you have made it." Shaking a few hands. Stopping for a moment and turns to Libby. "Libby, please not with such heavy eyes, I assure you that I am well."
Embarrassed the maid looks down. "F-Forgive me, I am just concerned. That is all."
"I understand, but, please pay your concerns tonight's party. That is all I ask."
"Yes, my lady. I shall."
Pleased the mistress turns back welcoming everyone when her eyes and ears notice who had just arrived. Sharply gasp silently. Her hands nearly trembled if she didn't hold them. They were actually here, she couldn't believe it, though she knew since they did say they would be. Such a beautiful and powerful family. All of them, each looked lovely.
Her mind racing on what to do does the most respectful gesture. Holding the edges of her dress bows deeply. "It is a true honor to meet you, Marquess and Marchioness of Midford and your family. I am beyond joy to see you grace your presence. Words cannot shower you with such, I am the Lady and hostess of this event, Christina Venus Constantine. Welcome."
"Please," Alexis holds out a hand for the woman, helping her up. "Lady Constantine."
Hesitant for a second, Christina takes his hand and rises with his help. "My lord, thank you for such kindness."
Staying close to her husband, Francis's eyes quickly cast around. "You have a lovely place. You have done well, thank you for including our family in your event tonight."
Frozen for a second, Christina did her best to keep her beaming smile from spreading and settled for a humble one. "Thank you, my lady for your gracious words. And," she turns to Edward and Lizzie. "You must be their lovely children. My what a handsome young man, I have a son near your age. And you must be their lovely and adorable daughter. Hello."
Hearing that Lizzie nearly squealed her head off, but curtsy properly. As did Edward. "Thank you, I am Edward Midford and this is my younger sister Elizabeth "Midford."
"Why, even lovely names. You have to wonderful jewels." Christina compliments lovingly. Her eyes finally meet with the two other bodies present with the family.
Noticing this Francis takes over introduction. "Lady Constantine, may I present to you, my two lovely nieces. The youngest Harmony Dallas-Burnett and her older sister, the current head, and holder of the Baroness of Dallas-Burnett, May."
With that you and Harmony greet her with a slight nod, Harmony came up a bit fast with a precious smile. "Hello and good evening. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lad-" she pauses for a second and stares at the woman. Her...face..shaking it off finishes. Bringing her smile back. "Lady Con..Con...Cons.."she struggles to say and looks to Lizzie for assistance.
"Okay, say it with me." Lizzie coaches her. "Together." And together they say the woman's name.
It was a mouth full for the young girl, but she managed. "Yes! Lady Constantine."
The sight nearly melted the woman's heart. "My, my what a smart girl. I am sure my little ones will surely enjoy you." She nods lightly to Harmony. "Thank you, Lady Harmony."
Now it was your turn. Quietly clear your throat and speak. Pausing to for a second looking at this woman, she looked...looked. Shaking it off and pushing it in the back of your mind. "Hello and good evening Lady Constantine, you have a marvelous home. I look forward to this evening, I am sure it will be a night of wonder and joy."
Your words eased her. "Thank you, I am pleased to hear that. Baroness." Her eyes soften and she steps aside. "Please, come in and enjoy yourselves. Everything will begin soon."
Following Alexis and Francis, Lizzie and Harmony walk into together and you with Edward. It sure did feel like you stepped back through time, considering the costume attire everyone was to wear, it almost felt like the 15 century. Something out of a history book. As your eyes looked around, you felt something...
"Lizzie, everything looks so nice!" Harmony brings your attention away from it. Looking to her find her face lite up with a wide smile and eyes. Her energy rising and ready to be released. It was so hard for her to contain.
You couldn't help but smile to yourself. "I feel like a true princess in a Fairy Tale." Lizzie expresses. Which Harmony agreed.
"Girls," Francis spoke. "Contain yourselves. We are guest in another's home. So you must show display and poise. Understood?"
Her words halted any thoughts running through their mind. "Francis," Alexis comes in to ease it. "They are just excited, allow them to have such a fun. It is not every day one comes to a castle."
With that Harmony and Lizzie take hold of each other's hand and go off. "Harmony and Lizzie," you shout after them. "Please stay together." Only to get giggles in return. Unsure if they heard you. "Wonderful." You sigh.
"They will be fine," Edward assures you. "there is not much they can do."
Your eyes turn to him and find comfort. "Yes, I suppose you are correct. Forgive me. Oh, I just remember...excuse me." You break away from him and head in the direction the girls went. Leaving a confused Edward. "I shall be back I assure you, I just..." Without any further explanation melt into the sea of others.
Edward watched you disappear, he gets ready to follow when a friendly arm hooks and pulls him in. "Edward! You made it!"
Knowing that light and hearty voice, the young man's shoulders drop. "Alejandro, hello."
Squeezing him close laughing dashingly. "You don't sound rather happy to see me, everything alright?" Edward gets ready to tell him, for Alejandro to keep going. "Guess what? You won't believe what is going to happen tonight? It was last minute of course, I thought of it because...well it got me thinking of your love life..I mean loveless life." Smiling, ignoring Edward's redden state."I thought about making this really fun game, where everyone gets to wear a masquerade mask and something else..." he leans in whispering.
The clock struck its time, 6 o'clock and the servants come around with masquerade masks. Handing them each out to every guest. Which a certain young Earl found odd.
"A mask? What is going on here?" Ciel tilts his head to the side a bit with a slightly raised eyebrow.
