Lizzy
"My Lady, you must decide on which coffin to purchase."
I was sick of everything. I didn't want to think about the stupid funeral or the fact that he was dead. No one knew for sure he was. No body had been recovered and no evidence had been found. Everyone just assumed he had burned in the fire. I didn't believe that though.
"He's not dead. I don't see why there needs to be a funeral or a coffin at all."
"My Lady, you know that's not true. He's gone. I know it's hard for you to accept and I know that you loved him but-"
"What exactly do you intend to put in the coffin? There's no body."
"It's just for ceremonial purposes. He was nobility after all and certain ceremonies are to be observed."
"I'm going to find him."
"My Lady?"
"Pack my things. I leave at daybreak. As for the coffin, I could care less. Let the undertaker decide which one is best."
"Your leaving will not be taken well. You are nobility. You are a woman. You are grieving. The other nobles will not take your leaving lightly. You will lose all claim to his land, his servants, and his money. I cannot permit you to-"
"And since when have you had the power to decide what I do and do not do? Last time I checked I was the lady and you the servant. If it pleases you, you may tell the other nobles I need time before the funeral. Tell them I have fallen ill from grief and am bedridden for the time being. That should satisfy them. Now go and pack my things. I leave at daybreak."
"As you wish My Lady."
I watched as Paula walked back to the house. I missed her smile. There was a time when all I wanted was for people to be happy. It's what I still want, but it seems so far out of reach now. Even I haven't smiled recently. All I want – all I've ever wanted – was to see him smile; to see his smile every moment of every day. He can't be dead, because if he is I will never see him smile again.
"Don't worry Ciel, I'm coming for you."