Something soft, like the rustling of curtains in a gentle breeze, plucks the young woman from sleep, and she opens her eyes slowly to the sunlight streaming in through the windows. She blinks, realizing that she's not alone, and rolls over to lay eyes on Sebastian, who is standing patiently at the bedside.
"Good morning, young miss." He says, smiling. In his arms is a large bundle of fabric, which he places at the foot of the bed. "I trust you slept well."
"Yes." They young woman says, looking around. "You brought me here, didn't you?"
"Yes, I did. Last night from London, do you remember?"
"I do. What are you going to do with me?" She asks, trying to gauge the distance between herself and the door. The butler doesn't seem to be threatening, but something curls uneasily in the pit of her stomach when she looks at him.
"At the moment, I am bringing you something proper to wear." He gestures to the bundle, then to the door. "Master Phantomhive wishes to speak with you when you've made yourself decent."
"Oh?" The young woman says, stepping out of bed to look up at Sebastian. "Where will I find him?"
"In his study," he says, strolling to the door. "Please don't hesitate to find me if you should need anything."
With that, he leaves the room, closing the door behind him before she can inquire as to where exactly the study is. She sighs, padding over to the end of the bed and picking up the bundle. It unfurls itself into a simple shift dress, the color of a robin's egg. She smiles a bit, and dresses herself, admiring the softness of the fabric against her skin.
A brush, she finds, is laid out on a vanity, and she takes a moment to run it through her hair, fighting occasionally with a knot before braiding it down her back. A pair of slippers sit by the door, and she slides them on before exiting into the hall.
She looks to her left, then to her right, thoroughly confused as to which way to go. Left seems as good a choice as any, so she heads in that direction. Each door she tries is locked, and when she's almost given up hope of ever finding the study, one door handle turns and lets her in.
It's a dark room, with heavy curtains covering the windows, save for the few cracks of light poking through. It seems to be a storeroom of some type, as there's furniture shoved back against the walls, some covered in sheets, others simply in a thick layer of dust. Clearly not the study, but something draws the young woman deeper into the gloom.
A desk sits against the far wall, empty save for a large, dusty book. Upon closer inspection, she finds that it's a bible. She frowns, running her fingers over the engraving on the cover, thinking that she has seen this tome before. Taking the massive book carefully in her hands, she flips through the stiff pages, stopping occasionally to read bits of scripture. The stories confuse her, but the names stand out like fire. Everyone has one, from the peasants to the King of Heaven himself.
"What about me?" She whispers, trying desperately to find a name for herself. Frustration overwhelms her, and she slams the book down onto the desk, sending clouds of dust into the air. It stings her eyes and chokes her, and she falls backwards, catching herself on something and retaining her balance. She looks down at what she's grabbed.
It's a bassinette. The bedding is perfectly arranged, almost as if it's never been used. Something about it feels wrong, but she can't seem to stop herself from reaching into it to take hold of a small stuffed rabbit that's placed on the top of the intricately-embroidered duvet.
It's a funny little creature, having its right eye covered with a little eye patch. It reminds her of last night, and of the man who called himself Ciel. She runs her thumb over the velveteen cheek of the toy, somewhat lost in thought.
"The Funtom Company's best-selling toy, the Bitter Rabbit."
Sebastian's voice startles her, and she takes an instinctive step back, hugging the rabbit to her chest.
"I'm sorry, I got lost." She says, watching as he approaches her with his auburn eyes trained on her.
"Not to worry," Sebastian says, stopping next to her and placing a hand on the hood of the bassinet. "It's a special edition, manufactured specifically to commemorate the birth of the Phantomhive heir."
"It was Ciel's?" She asks, looking up at him.
"I'm afraid not." He sighs, looking at the toy. "It was intended for his child."
She stands silent, contemplating.
"It was within the second year of their marriage that the young Earl's wife, Lady Elizabeth, gave birth. She and the infant lived only minutes longer, leaving this world for the next." Sebastian looks at her, his head slightly tilted to one side.
"I'm so sorry, Sebastian." The young woman says, placing the rabbit back in the bassinet.
"Whatever for?" He asks, taken aback.
"You cared for her deeply, as well, didn't you?"
Sebastian frowns.
"I am merely the butler, miss. My Master's private life is none of my business, nor my concern. Now, if you please, he grows impatient."