Chapter 2: His daughter, entranced.
The carriage journey had been bumpy to say the least. January sat relaxed against the plush velvet cushion of the luxurious carriage, her legs crossed under her masses of skirt as she gazed out of the window; absorbing the idyllic scenery passing by. She felt her father's eyes move slowly over to her, taking in her laid back manner and reprimanding her in his head no doubt. Her brother, Cassius, sat up right next to her. His head held high, his expensive tuxedo and his handsome, clean shaved face made him look all that much more noble. January turned her head to face her father, a gentle smile pulling at her lips.
"Thank you for bringing me father. I appreciate it very much." January stated, trying her best to hide her nervousness that was racking her insides. She wanted to seem sincere; she understood how much her strange behaviour worried her family. She didn't know when it became like this - when she became a hermit. She had been quiet as a child, but never a shut in, never a recluse. Alexander looked at his daughter warily, trying to sniff out an ounce of sarcasm in her remark. Once satisfied that he was sure she had not been sarcastic with him, he gave her a grin and laughed gently.
"It is no worry, my child. You are a young woman now, are you not? It will do you some good to attend prestigious events such as this one. You will eventually come out of that brick castle you have built around yourself," Alexander leaned forward, taking his daughter's hand in his own, "And I have no doubt that bringing you out of your shell will turn you into a wonderful wife for someone soon."
January's heart skipped a beat. A what? A wife? Is that what he had said to her? A million thoughts started racing through her head. Is that why he was bringing her here? To try to sell her off to the first nobleman he thought suitable? January smiled meekly, trying to hide her disdain at his words. Who could love her? A muted, reserved, plain girl such as herself?
"Yes, father's right, you know!" Cassius chimed in, this topic of conversation suddenly piquing his interest.
How convenient, January thought to herself, brother dearest only wants to show interest when it involves selling me off like a sorry little lamb; destined to produce prodigal offspring and live a life of obsequity.
"You'll make a fine wife to somebody, once you stop being so shy!" Cassius chided her again. January worried that her bitterness was showing on her face. Forcing a grin on her face, she looked him in the eye and never faltering, said:
"It would be a shame if I were to be married before you though, Cassius. When is the date of the wedding again, brother dearest?" Cassius' face dropped as those words laced with venom left her mouth. Huffing, he turned away from her, a scowl ruining his near perfect features.
As if Lady Luck were on her side, their carriage pulled up to the Phantomhive manor mere moments later and came to a gentle stop at the huge front doors. January's eyes widened at the size of this manor; it was at least three times larger than their estate, with acres of beautiful garden that she had no doubt would be even more incredible in the daylight. Her father exited the carriage first, curtly stepping aside to allow Cassius to follow. He offered his hand to her as she stepped out of the carriage. She placed her gloved hand in his, and immediately felt the tight grip he had on her. Once out of the carriage and walking against the smooth path that led to the huge entryway, Cassius leaned in close to her once he knew Alexander was not within earshot.
"Make another remark like that and I'll make sure no Earl, Baron or Viscount will want to marry you." He spat harshly into her ear, his voice hushed but assertive. She shot him a cold glance, taking her hand from his grip and continuing on her way to the manor. At the doors, stood a tall man with grey hair and small round spectacles, dressed in a fine suit. He smiled warmly as he greeted them.
"Welcome to the Phantomhive manor, my Lords and Lady. We do hope that you will have a wonderful time here. Please, follow me." He gestured through the doors and into the huge foyer that was sculpted out of the finest cream marble and mahogany wood. He led them through the corridor and into a large hall, already bustling with people wearing the most exquisite clothes January had seen. Every woman in her sight could be considered an angel in their own right; their skin seemed to glow and their hair was arranged in a variety of different styles. Their dresses were made of the most lavish fabrics, each pattern and embellishment enchanting January. And it was not just the ladies who were dressed fantastically; the gentlemen who were also in attendance looked equally as dashing.
"All these guests are nobility, each person as wealthy as the next." Alexander leaned into her, his voice low in a hushed tone. January leaned into him, a smile etched onto her face. He grinned at her, turning to face her, "and you especially look the part tonight, my dear." January giggled lightly, looking down at her own attire and wondering if she really did compare to all the beautiful people around her.
Tonight, she was coordinating with both of the gentleman beside her. A plum coloured dress, made of a fitted corset that hurt her a little bit (if she was being honest,) a flowing skirt that were adorned with small black bows in symmetrical lines that stopped just before the gentle white ruffles that pooled around her feet from under the skirt. Just above her breasts, a larger black bow with small embroidered white flowers at each side of it. Her shoulders were bare, a small ruffled layer reaching out from each side of the bow gently sitting across her breasts, around her arms and to the back of her dress. Long, white gloves covered most of her arm and a white bow held her curls to the side of her face in an elegant fashion.
Her father and brother both wore fine black tuxedos, accompanied with plum bows and waistcoats; a silver pocket watch tucked safely into each one. Suddenly, everyone's attention was turned to the top of the grand staircase, where the legendary Earl Phantomhive stood, arm in arm with his wife the Lady Elizabeth. A smooth, sultry voice came from in front of them, and January's eyes shifted to view the man whom the voice belonged to. A blush crept onto her cheeks as she stared at the man's appearance.
"Ladies and gentleman, would you please welcome the Lord Phantomhive, head of the household and his wife, the Lady Elizabeth." The man spoke clearly, his voice carrying throughout the room. He was a tall man, dressed in the most exquisite butler's suit. His head was held high, showcasing his perfect features. His skin was like porcelain, not a single blemish or sign of age. A glimmering smile, straight teeth that were pearly white. And his eyes, oh, his eyes. They had to be the most beautiful eyes January had ever seen. A piercing crimson red that was striking and unwavering. She felt like she could lose herself in those eyes, and wished with all her might that she could. His hair was raven, and perfectly styled in a messy yet sleek fashion. He stepped to the side as Ciel stepped forwards.
"I would like to welcome you all to the Phantomhive estate, and thank you all for coming. I sincerely hope you have a wonderful time here tonight." He gave a small smile, before gesturing to Elizabeth to join him as he descended the staircase. All of the guests cheered for the infamous Lord Phantomhive, and January raised her hands to applaud him subconsciously. She couldn't take her eyes off the ethereal man stood behind Ciel. Then, his gaze lifted from the floor and caught hers, crimson meeting malachite, and she felt her face turn a shade of red. He smirked, as she pulled her gaze away just in time to notice Lord Phantomhive approaching the three of them.
"Lord Huxley, it is a pleasure to see you have turned up." Ciel said flatly as she shook Alexander's hand. Alexander grinned at him, returning the handshake with great enthusiasm. Ciel averted his gaze to Cassius and January, a small smile gracing his features.
"And you must be his children. It is a pleasure to meet you." Ciel extended his hand to Cassius, who shook it as best as he could without trembling. Ciel then took January's hand, placing a gentle kiss onto the back of her silky glove. Alexander puffed his chest proudly, holding his hand out to gesture towards his children.
"Yes, my Lord, these are my two eldest children. This is my son, Cassius. He will be the one to take over my business when I am in my retirement," he placed an arm around Cassius's shoulder, "and this is my daughter, January." Ciel raised an eyebrow.
"January? Like then month?" She blushed slightly, knowing her name was strange.
"Yes, my Lord. I am January, it's an honour to finally meet you." She bowed her head gently at him. Suddenly, she felt someone brush past her and she lifted her head to yet again meet the entrancing gaze of the devilishly handsome man from before. Ciel greeted him gruffly.
"This is my butler Sebastian, should you need anything, he will be of assistance to you." Ciel gestured to the tall butler with his gloved hand. Sebastian stood tall next to Ciel, a pleasant smile etched onto his face. Bowing, he stated: "I am the Phantomhive butler. It will be my pleasure to serve you tonight. Please, do not hesitate to ask for anything." Alexander looked over him, his eyes surveying Sebastian's very being. Once he was satisfied with the butler, he stretched out a hand to him.
"I am the Lord Alexander Huxley, and these are my children: Cassius and January." Sebastian's gaze drifted over to Cassius and lingered there momentarily, and stopped on January. Those eyes, those are the eyes that caught his gaze earlier. Hmm, she is very meek looking for the daughter of a Count, he thought, allowing his gaze to look up and down her whole body before meeting those green orbs again. How adorable.
"Lord Huxley, would you care to discuss our business arrangements with me privately?" Ciel asked plainly, and swiftly turning away towards the exit of the ballroom; Alexander in tow not far behind. Sebastian gave another quick bow before bidding his farewell to Cassius and January. Cassius hurried off quickly, heading to the table where glasses of champagne were in plentiful amounts.
"I must hurry and serve other guests now. It was wonderful meeting you, Miss Huxley," January smiled at him, taking in his appearance one last time. Giving him a gentle curtsey, she bid him goodbye.
"Thank you, Mr Sebastian. I'll be sure to call on you for assistance." She blushed as those words left her mouth. Who was this person? This flirt? January began to walk to one of the empty chairs at the side of the room. She sat herself down, making sure to hold her posture, just like a noble lady like yourself should, her mother's stern words echoed in her mind. She reached for a glass of champagne. Taking a sip, she smirked to herself. This was finally it, the time she had been waiting for.
She was leaving her shell.
