In the dining room, there were a total of eight people. All of them were nobles, all were men. Eight people too many and I was the only female. I bit my lip and tried not to let my nervousness show. Sebastian led me to a seat across from the Earl Phantomhive and pulled it out. I sat down, smoothed my dress taking a deep breath and watched as all the men took their seats. Sebastian disappeared into the kitchen to bring out the first course. I picked at the White Chicken Fricassee but barely ate anything before the second course was brought in. I listened to the conversation flying across the table but never joined. I was pushing my food around on my plate, thinking about my past when I heard my name.
"Lady Cross?"
Startled, I dropped my fork and it clattered to the floor. The man who had addressed me chuckled.
"I'm so sorry!" I gasped.
"Quite alright. I just asked, what does your father do?"
I stared at him for a little then stammered,"Um… well… he... he owns,' my voice caught as I thought about him," Cross Weapons and Machinery." I looked down at my hands, now folded in my lap. The man looked confused, "I thought… never mind." He smiled at me and resumed his earlier conversation. I couldn't wait till this dinner was over. I looked up and saw the young Earl looking at me intently. I blushed and looked down. I saw out of the corner of my eye, the butler, Sebastian lean down to listen to the Earl. I looked all the way back down before I saw anything else. Finally, dessert was served. I took a few bites and then set down my fork. I began to feel a little light-headed and sick. I quietly pushed my seat back and excused myself from the table, walking slowly out the double doors and into the foyer. I had to lean against a wall to keep whatever balance I had left. A steady hand on my elbow made me start and look up into a pair of… gorgeous red eyes.
"i-I'm not feeling well. Forgive me for leaving dinner early," I stuttered, the world spinning around me. I fell into Sebastian and he caught me with a concerned look on his face. I moaned and he picked me up bridal style and took me to one of the couches under a window, setting me down. I did my best to hold on to my consciousness. A few minutes later, though I hadn't noticed him leave, Sebastian came back with some soup and a cup of tea. As hard as I tried, though, I couldn't keep hold of the real world and sunk into my subconscious gratefully.