Chapter 3: His Daughter, Overwhelmed.
The party was going smoothly. People danced gracefully around the room, luscious skirts swirling across the grand wood floor. January remained in her seat, observing from the sidelines. Her eyes drifted over many people, taking in each one's appearance. The lady with the plumpest lips she had ever seen, so rosy and glossy. The man who held her in his arms; had golden locks that framed his face perfectly and a smile to stun thousands. And then the next couple to spiral past them, both having dark hair and perfect complexions. Was this what noble life was really like? Was she beginning to enjoy it? January heard her name being called and was pulled away from her thoughts. Glancing to her right, there she was, the beautiful Lady Elizabeth, now the wife of the Queen's Watchdog. A smile spread across January's face, as her cousin and old friend approached her.
"January! I am so pleased that you are here tonight!" Lizzy grasped January's hands in hers, lifting her from her chair and pulling her into a light hug. Gentle, unlike her. January thought to herself, memories of their childhood flooded her mind. Lizzie had never been one for light affection. She loved strongly, fiercely and definitely. This hug was only a quarter of what she would have received 5 years ago. January took in her form, admiring the wonderful woman she had become.
She had her blonde curls let down freely, a dainty embellished hair piece glistened against the bright lights of the grand chandelier, and her eyes were as wide and green as ever, framed by long dark lashes and glittering like pools of extravagant emerald. Her skin was still as perfect as she had remembered, pale and smooth. Tonight, Elizabeth wore a dark blue dress, matching with her husband. It was strange, January noted, to see Lizzie wearing such dark colours. She had usually favoured shades of pinks and baby blue, but dark blue suited her very well nonetheless. January had to admit, Elizabeth was an image of pure perfection tonight; and nothing less would do for the wife of Ciel Phantomhive.
"My, I have missed you so much my dear cousin!" January said happily, feeling her heart swell just at the sight of her cousin. Lizzie grinned widely at her, and beckoned her to follow her back to the empty seats. They both sat, hand in hand, and talked for what seemed like forever.
"How do you like being a wife, Lizzie?" January inquired, eager to know about her favourite cousin's life for the last few years. Lizzie gushed to her about how wonderful it was to be married to the man she had loved since their childhood, and how caring Ciel was behind closed doors.
"It's a facade, he acts like he is careless and cold. I think it helps him remain a fierce businessman," Lizzie started, "but he does care for me dearly. I love him greatly for it." She sighed lovingly, her gaze drifting over to the other side of the room, where Ciel and Alexander were returning from their short meeting. January also turned to look at them, her stomach dropping, knowing that her time with Lizzie would be cut short once her father returned to her and Ciel would return to collect Lizzie. Lizzie noticed her sudden change in mood, and leaned in close to her cousin.
"Why must you look so solemn, my dear January? Are you not happy to be here?" She asked, her voice quiet and inquisitive. January shot her a small smile.
"I am happy to be here, I am very grateful to my father for bringing me," she started, "but I wish I could see you more often than this. I am alone in my home, surrounded by family who think I am strange." She looked down, sadness clouding her mind and a gentle sigh left her lips. Lizzie looked down solemnly at her cousin, feeling sympathy for her. She lifted her chin gently, bringing her eyes up to meet her gaze.
"I'm so sorry. I had no idea you were so... secluded. Your father has mentioned it to Ciel, and I would be lying if I said I hadn't thought about you." January smiled meekly at her. "In fact, I must indulge you in something I have yet to tell even Ciel…" Lizzie trailed off, leaning in close to her cousin, whispering the sacred information to her. January's eyes widened, a grin spreading across her face. They both stood just as the two gentlemen approached them. Lizzie pulled January into another hug, and January gazed at her lovingly.
"That is so fantastic! I'm so happy for you, my dearest Lizzie." January breathed, almost overwhelmed with emotion. Lizzie sighed happily, "Thank you. I love you, my little January Grace."
"I love you too, my wonderful Elizabeth Ethel." Ciel and Alexander stood next to the ladies, sharing a questioning glance. Ciel cleared his throat, and Elizabeth gilded gracefully to his side, their arms interlocking perfectly. Alexander grinned at the blonde woman, his niece, he was so pleased to see her happily married to the Earl Phantomhive.
"My Lady, how are we this evening?" He took her hand graciously, planting a quick peck on to the back of her gloved hand. Lizzie offered her uncle a smile.
"I am wonderful, thank you my lord. I see you are enjoying the evening?" She asked, already knowing the answer. Based on the look on Ciel's face, a successful deal had been made and the older man could barely contain his excitement. He nodded his head vigorously.
"I most certainly am, your husband is a wonderful host and businessman!" Alexander exclaimed, sending a wink the Earl's way. January smiled at the 3 people in front of her. Alexander turned to her, smiling back.
"And you, my darling, have you enjoyed yourself tonight?" He placed an arm around his daughter, bringing her in closer to the group. She grinned, beaming with happiness.
"I have father, thank you so much for bringing me tonight," She looked at Ciel, offering him a grateful smile. "And thank you, my lord, for inviting us here. I truly have had a wonderful time." He smiled back, offering her a curt nod before announcing his and Lizzie's retirement for the night. January and Alexander bowed their heads to them, before also retiring to their own rooms. Cassius called to January from down the hall, and she turned to see him cradling a drunk woman in his arms. Her brow furrowed, as she stared at him disappointingly.
"Cassius, what are you doing?" She spun on her heel and approached him quickly. The woman in his arms was staring at him lustfully, the smell of alcohol clung to her like a disease. The way she looked at her brother made January's stomach turn into a disgusting nausea. He smirked down at the unsteady girl, and then looked his sister dead in the eye as he turned away, leading the stumbling girl down the hall and into his room for the night. The sound of the door locking rang in January's ears, disbelief filling her.
Was he bedding a drunk woman? In front of her?
She was glad he could no longer see her, because she was sure that all the disgust she was feeling was written all over her pretty features. Disgraceful, an embarrassment to our family. January thought, turning away with haste and heading towards her room. A figure stepped out from the shadowy hall ahead of her, startling her for a second. It was Sebastian, the handsome butler from earlier.
"Pardon me, my lady. I didn't mean to startle you. Do you need help finding your room?" He asked, giving her a quick bow before straightening up again to his full height. January gazed up at him, those deadly good looks distracted her yet again. She stumbled over her own words.
"Uh, yes, please, if you wouldn't mind, sir." He offered his hand to her, and she took it hesitantly. They walked together, down the hall a little further until they reached an intricately carved wooden door with a gold handle. Stepping away from her, Sebastian opened the door quietly, moving to the side to allow January to step inside. She smiled at him gratefully, and thanked him for helping her. Suddenly, panic washed over her.
She didn't have her maid. She would have to ask him to help her undress.
A scarlet blush crept over her features t the very thought of it. Just as he was about to bid her goodnight, he heard her call him back to her.
"Yes, my lady, what do you need?" He enquired, his brow raised. She sighed, her face flushed red.
"I don't want to ask this of you…" She muttered, "But I cannot do it myself… would you please help me dress for bed, Sebastian?" She asked quietly, feeling ashamed that she had forgot to invite Ada on their trip. Sebastian smiled to himself inwardly. This shy little lamb, asking him to undress her? How wonderful.
"But of course, my lady. It would be my pleasure." She didn't sense his lustful tone, and nor did she catch the smirk on his face as she turned her back to him. Carefully, he stepped forward and started loosening the laces of her corset, feeling the corset become loose from her small frame and eventually dropping to the floor.
January felt like this was taking an eternity. She suddenly let go of the breath she didn't know she was holding, and it quickly hitched in her throat again as she felt his smooth gloves against her bare skin. Sebastian felt her tense up at his touch, relishing every moment that he was able to touch January's skin. Slowly, and almost painfully for January, he slid the dress down her body, his crimson eyes lingering over every curve of her body, delighting in the nervousness of the lady in front of him.
Such a precious little lamb, how delicious you would be…
Finally, her dress was off and she waited patiently for Sebastian to bring her nightgown over her head. She was standing naked, in front of the insanely beautiful butler she had met mere hours ago. If this would not bring her out of her shell, then only God knows what would.
"Madam, please lift your arms so I can dress you for bed." His voice sounded sultry, so close to her ear. She shuddered involuntarily, lifting her arms to meet the sheer fabric of her nightgown. Sebastian gazed at her body, his full of want that she was ignorant to. Once she was dressed, she turned to him sheepishly, thanking him greatly and apologising for any inconvenience caused. He laughed lightly at her remark, oh the innocence of you.
"Please, it is no problem my lady. To serve you is a privilege." He bowed to her, and lifted his gaze, crimson meeting malachite yet again, and this time he saw something else in her eyes, something… lustful. As quickly as it had appeared, it was gone.
"You are too kind, Sebastian. I hope to see you again soon. Thank you so much. Goodnight, Sebastian." He nodded curtly, bidding her goodnight and left her room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. Pleased with himself, he grinned and continued on his way to his room at the end of the hall.
I must encourage the young lord to invite the lady January back again, Sebastian thought to himself, replaying the events of the last 15 minutes over in his head.
