"Libby." Lady Constatine summons her maid from the halls, in merely a few seconds the dutiful maid came hurrying over nearly out of breath. Bowing deeply to her mistress.

"Yes, my Lady?"

With a gentle touch from Lady Constatine head her rise. Meeting Libby's eyes. "There was no need to run, I just simply called you that is all. Come now, it is wonderful day of a coming season."

Turning her eyes to the large window letting in sun's light, it was both warm and slightly chilled. Winter was transforming to Spring, there was still clothing of snow outside. Slowly melting away to bring green back. Walking over to the window Lady Constatine opens it, with a slight struggle.

"My Lady!" Libby rushes to her side. "Please, you should not over exert." Lady Constantine softly laughs at her maid's fussing. "Please, my Lady, I wish you not be so light about my concerns."

But Lady Constatine couldn't help it and continued her laughter for another minute. "But, it is quite humorous. You are easily spoked over the smallest coughs, you must not stress yourself over such. It is only merely a cough."

Though it was, in Libby's mind it was a rise for concern. "Even so, just the mere thought of it becoming more than...than a simple cough and its lasting effects upon you is just a thought I cannot think." Her words trail off to the side with misted eyes.

They did not fall on deaf ears, understanding her maid, Lady Constatine took them to heart. Raising a hand rest it upon the maid's head giving a soothing stroke. "My dearest Libby, I apologize for worrying you. I had nearly forgotten. How careless." With a gentle touch wipes away the forming tears in the young woman's eyes. Touches foreheads with her. "Do not cry, my child, I promise nothing ill will come of me."

Holding to the woman's words, Libby nods with faith. "Thank you. It is a beautiful day." She turns her eyes to the window, looking over the grounds. Lady Constatine stood by her side. Both of them gazing out.

"It is quite beautiful," Lady Constatine expresses. "I do enjoy living in such openness, much better than the confidents of life in the city. Hard to believe such a life that I once lived. Though," her voice slightly breaks. "it does cause me to truly and terribly miss my sister and father. To leave them and come into a new life."

"But, my lady I thought your sister had decided to leave your family upon her own accord?" Libby looks to her.

Using her strength Lady Constatine smiles despite its weaver. "Yes, well, that she did. She forsake for her own desire." There was not an ounce of bitterness in words but her eyes for a moment turned cold. "Our father was greatly broken after her departure. I do hope she found a life worthy of living, even if it one of selfness. Now," she changes topics. "I called you over to see if you know of my husband? If he has finished with his current business. You know he looking into expansion for the company."

"Oh, he is still in meeting with our guest." Libby informs her. "Brook went in quite awhile to provide refreshments to them."

"I see, well then, I suppose there is not much to be done. If this expansion proposition does go well, well then it would be good, though.." A look of discern falls on the Lady Constatine's face. "I wish it not to be so, there is something rather, well, indifferent about our guest that I do not fancy, but it my husband wishes then I shall support him. As long as it does not bring tarnish upon our house and name. Oh," she sighs. "why must my husband be in so much? Power truly is sweet tooth, confections, medicine, shipping, is there nothing he wishes not to touch?"

She looks to Libby with a light humorous smile. Which Libby shared, these moments, Libby loved them with Lady Constatine. She was grateful for them, it offered her internal peace. Her lady's presence had such an affect, just as it did years before. Years before life was grey and dirty, not an ounce of light in her eyes. None at all, no sweet words or voices, angry voices was the only sound she knew. Screaming and yelling. It was nightmare then, now it was paradise. When heaven sent their beloved angel, to her save her.

Yes, her beloved angel, in the form of her dearest lady. Taking in the soft scent of the woman, she always smelled so pure and benevolent, like field of fresh flowers that never withered. And when she turned with that heavenly smile, so gentle it brought tears to Libby's eyes. She knew she was loved.

I love you, my Lady. Libby expresses to herself, as her cheeks glowed lightly from her thoughts. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her Lady, nothing at all. She saved her and would make sure to do the same. "Oh!" Libby remembered suddenly, digs into the pocket of her apron pulls out a velvet blue colored envelope, with a grey wax seal on the back.

She hands it to Lady Constatine. "What is this?" She asked inspecting it. Stopping on the name written in black on the front. "Why, this seems to be addressed to by husband. Yet, it does not say whom the sender is. Did they tell you, Libby?"

The maid shakes her head. "No, I am sorry my Lady, it was just simply delivered."

"Simply delivered well, I suppose I best give this to my husband then." Lady Constatine begins to walk towards his study, stops for a moment. "Before I forget," she cast a smile to her. "if you could please send my letter."

"Yes, my Lady." Libby bows.

Reaching her husband's studies, Lady Constatine poise herself respectfully, there was a guest in there after all. Once adjustments where done she knocks lightly on the door and calls to her husband. "My love, please forgive such an intrusion, but, there is a letter here for you."

There was no response, but she did hear the voice of her husband and their guest speaking. What it was about was not of her corner, she must bother self with matters, still...her intuition insisted that she do so. Every so often she would get a strange sensitivity, vibes she could not explain with things. Most of the time it was light throbbing headache or migraine, when that happened she was to take her medicine. Standing before the door, her sensitivity was stronger, than normal. Lightly she touches her brow to shake it. Calming herself.

Yet her actions did not help. Grinding her teeth a bit, stops the second the door opens. She smiles handing the letter off to her husband. He takes it. "Thank you." He said with a kind nod.

She returns it. "You are most welcome." He closes the door and she turns to enjoy the rest of the day. Smiling at the echoes of her children that rang through the halls.


Harmony couldn't stop gasping and laughing in joy, her eyes shined like polished silver, and arms high up in the air reaching towards the darken sky. As she rode on the shoulders of Baldory outside in the back. Dressed warmly of course, in blue coat with silver bows, brown boots, and lovely Christmas gift gloves. Sebastian helped to ready herself, she was not allowed outside unless properly dressed, Ciel's orders, May's and pretty much everyone else's too. Though the weather and seasons where changing that didn't mean she could come out as she pleased.

The ground was still covered in white, not as much, moderately at best. It was enough for to build a snowman and make snow angels. Even a few snowball fights. And once she was done having her adventure outside she would go back inside and expect some nice warm apple cider waiting for her with sweet cookies. She couldn't wait, but right now she had more pressing matters...finding those hidden chestnuts slowly coming out. They were in the trees, Finnian told her and she wanted to look and find them. The source of her entertainment for the last few weeks. Baldory and the others came to help her. Providing her with company, even Dottie whom stayed by Snake's side.

Normally she'd be riding it, but Baldory insisted she take his shoulders instead. So she could get a better view, her enthusiasm made them all smile. Their energy rubbed off each other.

With her eyes wandering to each branch, expressing with glee she might have found one. "There! There!" she points to a far tree. "I see one!"

They hurry over to find it wasn't one. "Aww." She whines slumping on Baldroy's head. "It's not it."

"Don't worry," Finnian encourages her. "We'll find one, just you wait."

Harmony looks to him, his bright eyes brought her drive back and smile. "Yeah! We will. Let's go!" She cheers, they all do with her. Each one giving their all, give pursuit. Everyone so often Snake would glance up at the heavy sky, there was moisture in the air, he could feel it.

He holds out a hand, rain would be falling soon, when..he wasn't sure. But, that wasn't all he sensed or his snakes. "I'm so happy Spring is coming!" Harmony's voice brings him back. She squeezes Baldroy's head gushing. "My birthday is coming soon!"

"Really?" Baldroy looks up at her. She smiles nodding. Blushing, her cheeks in deep pink growing more at the thought. "Well, that's wonderful."

Finnian explodes gushing. "Yes! It is Lady Harmony! You're birthday is coming up, I can't wait to celebrate it!"

"We are excited too, says Oscar gleefully." Snake speaks a small smile on his lips. Even Dottie expresses her thoughts too.

Harmony squeals giggling in Baldroy's hair, flushing as any girl would. "Yes! It's my favorite part of Spring, that and well..." her eyes soften as they lower staring at the snow. Her birthday...she shuts her eyes. Seeing Auntie Red, her arms wide open for her to jump in. A huge smile on wishing Harmony wonderful birthday. Behind her, her butler setting her gifts down.

Auntie Red would scoop her up and kiss her all over. Each kiss was special than the last. She'd squeeze Harmony tight and warm. Her love resonated off her like a blanket wrapping her up.

Opening her eyes, Harmony hoped Auntie Red would come and see her for her birthday at least. She didn't for Christmas, which was okay, but for her birthday...

"What do you want for your birthday? Lady Harmony?" Finnian's voice cuts her thoughts, she looks at him. He was staring back, waiting for her answer.

A answer she thought about for quite some time, she knew Ciel would get her anything for her birthday all she need do is ask and it would happen. Just like Auntie Red, she would get her anything. All she need do is ask.

"All you need do is ask, dear."

Madam Red's voice spoke in her mind, that was right, all Harmony need do is ask. Holding Baldroy's head buries her mouth in his hair. The others noticed her sudden quiet and sullen eyes. That misted just a bit. Which she quickly hid burying herself in cook's hair fully. The others didn't know what to say, except look at each other. Snake reaches out a hand and places it on her back, two of his snakes slithered and coiled softly around the somber child.

From the snakes' kisses Harmony's eyes come out finding them, she smiles thanking them, and sits up casting her eyes towards the sky. Quickly wraps her arms around herself from the chilling winds.

"We best get you inside." Baldroy said turning around. "Don't want you catching nothing or getting wet. Master would have a cow and Sebastian would be well..."he envision the angry butler rage, shot fear straight them he runs back towards the manor. "Let's go!" he cries.

He moved so fast Harmony's barely managed to grip onto him, nearly slipped off if not for Snake who pushed her back. Should she fall they'd all get it. And that was something he'd rather not face. From Ciel, Sebastian or worse the Baroness.

God knows what she'd do should that happened. God only knows.

You drew a soft breath on the last note played and rest your hands for a moment upon your lap. The music stopped from your practice, taking a moment to yourself rise and leave. Walk down the hall, stop for a moment eyes to the floor. It was nearly that time, Harmony's birthday was to be arriving soon. It was to be a day of joy, you always sure of it. But, your heart did not have it to believe such. Not when your mind swarmed haunted thoughts. That made everywhere around you absent and cold. Harmony's laugh just barely gave you light.

Though you smiled to her and the others, it was no so inside. Did it have to come soon? Another year, you wished at this moment the two of you would still be living back at the cottage. There it was in so many ways safe, at least you made it so. You made it so here at the manor, anywhere really for Harmony. Lifting your eyes turn them to window. The clouds where surely coming in, was it an omen? You wondered, the thought shot fear through you like a cold chill. Gripping your heart that you nearly struck the one who touched lightly touched your shoulder.

If your wrist wasn't caught, by Sebastian. "S-Sebastian!" you gasped. For second it took your mind to realize it was him, did you relax and sigh softly relieved. Looking away. "Forgive me, you startled me, just a bit."

It was quite clear, he gives you back your wrist. "So it would seem," he said noted. His eyes remained carefully on you. "I have come to inform you that the master would like for you prepare for toni-"

"Sebastian, you must promise something." you interrupt him, he stops and listens. Your eyes remain away from him. Taking in a breath to calm yourself, turn fully to him. Meeting his eyes, staring into them. Yet, for some reason he felt they were looking pass him. Even as you gave a smile, a phantom one. With your lips trembling. Say the words. Words that seem more like a plead than an order. Words that were wrapped in black velvet he sensed something behind them. And when the last words left, you simply tell him. "Thank you."

As if he had already agreed. And bonded by them. With your smile slowly starting to tremble, manage to resort back to your normal self. "I shall get ready for tonight." Walk pass him.

His hand grabs you by the arm, holding you there. You were tensed, he could feel it, he could feel your suppressed trembling and silent grinding of your teeth. His grip on you tightens. Feeling his eyes demanding you to look at him, you stubbornly refuse. Expecting a darken scowl from you, Sebastian was surprised and confused from the smile he was given. Seeing it on you, there was something about that smile that he could not read even if was a happy one. A happy one that masked its true nature.

His flash red burrowing into you, growling. "What is that you-"

You block out his question, closing your eyes. Everything flatters by and once it stopped find yourself standing before a figure in black. And standing before them wearing a precious smile that made your heart weep and eyes. Harmony, dressed in nothing but in elegant black velvet. Her grim look was also beautiful, her eyes brighter than before. Something thick rolled down your eyes, touching it light look upon your fingers, blood.

You were crying blood. And you were smiling. As you wept. With your smile in anguish. Drop your head seeing yourself, seeing the red streaming down. Your sullen eyes stared back, along with those...faces. Those faces, those beautiful faces. Your tears of blood fall on them, they wouldn't stop. Feeling a gentle touch under your chin lift it up, find the dark figure smiling at you. With Harmony by their side.

No, you gasp snapping your eyes open. Finding yourself still in the manor, still being held back by Sebastian.

He waited for you answer, raising a hand reach back and grab his wrist that held you. "There our children, Sebastian." You said, he tries to interrupt you. "Do as I say!" You snap. This was no time for refusal or prying. Calming yourself, present your smile. "Thank you for promising me." Take his hand off and walk to your room.

After a proper lengthy bath, you step out and walk through the steam. Take the towel Mey-Rin had left out for you dry yourself off and slip on your robe. Just as you start to tie stop from the presence you felt here with you. Open the door, finish tying your robe, and walk out.

"Here we are, Baroness!" Mey-Rin said dazzled, laying out your evening dress for tonight. Again it was red, a different shade a rose red, but red none the less. With gold accents woven in, to make your eyes pop! As Nina would say.

A lovely design, as always by the tailor. The colors were rich and straight out of a painting. The design was different, but, Nina like exploring new ideas and styles. You've seen this kind of neckline before, not during this time of course but...in some time you could not place it. It was strapless. Fitting too, the measurements were on spot. Nina always got your bust size correct. Not a surprise there. There where long opera golden gloves, golden hair accessories. With help from Mey-Rin you soon were finished and dressed for the evening banquet. The guest would be arriving soon, not sure why Ciel decided to have such a thing, but he was. And told you, that you'd be joining. Harmony too was to join, though only for a short time as it would exceed her bed time.

From the list that you saw, you only knew of a few people, on there. Irene Diaz, Ran-Mao, and Lau regrettably (the nerve). It would be wonder to see her again, though the others you didn't know. One name did seem oddly familiar a Arthur Conan Doyle. Why did that name seem familiar? Hopefully, you could match a face with the name.

Mey-Rin finishes adding your hair accessories, carefully putting each one in place. She helped to style your hair into gentle curls at the end, that cascade and rest lightly on your back. She finished putting a certain choker on, you didn't have a chance to see which she had choose as Ciel came to get you. Thanking Mey-Rin quickly leave with Ciel.

A two horse drawn carriage pulls up to the Phantomhive manor, a humble and humdrum young man with brown eyes, thick eyes, and short, messy brown hair with bangs that framed his face steps out. Dressed in a simple, dark suit, consisting of a vest; a plain, button-down shirt, and black tie. His eyes stare up at the grand manor musing and having every right to get back in the carriage and leave. But, that would be rude. With no choice he walks up the stairs and enters.

This was going to be an interesting night for Arthur Doyle.