The sun was high in the air. The noon air was warm and a gentle breeze moved through the hair making flower peddles scatter across the ground, their sweet scent filled the air.
The guests from last night sat outside in the Phantomhive garden, chatting and drinking tea. Commenting on how lovely the garden was and how good the tea is. But they were mostly waiting for Emily Ashford to announce if she would marry Harold West.
Sebastian stopped by the table where Emily, Ciel, Soma, and Madam Red sat and poured them their tea.
"Thank you Sebastian." Ciel picked up his cup and sipped the tea.
"Your tea is always the best." Emily smiled and sipped hers.
"Your praises are too much Lady Emily." Sebastian said, placing his hand over his chest, smiling.
"Emily dear, have you decided on if you're going to marry Mr. West?" Madam Red asked, putting her tea cup down. "I don't mean to rush you but I do not wish to waist these good people's time any longer."
"Yes mother…" Emily sighed.
Across the garden, West stood up and tapped his spoon on the glass, drawing everyone's attention. "I think it's time that we have an answer to the pending question." he drew his attention to Emily, as did everyone else. "I do believe it's time you answer my question, Miss. Ashford."
"You're right, I do suppose it is time for you all to hear my choice." she stood up, a small smile on her face. "I've decided…I've decided that I will NOT marry a man who does not have my heart. I am sorry Mr. West." she sat back down and drank her tea.
Soma grinned while Madam Red used her tea cup to hide her smile. Whispers and murmurs went around the garden, surprised by her truthful words.
"Is that your final answer?" West asked lips tight.
"Yes." she picked up a cookie Sebastian had placed in front of them and bit into it.
"Very well." he sat back down. 'One way or another, you will marry me!'
It was late afternoon now; the sun was close to setting. All the guests had gone home, still talking about what had happened earlier that afternoon. All that remained was the original guests of the house and West.
"Miss. Emily," West started.
"Mr. West, please. My daughter has already said no, multiple times already." Madam Red said.
"I wasn't talking to you!" he glared at Red then looked back at Emily. "I didn't want to say it in front of everyone else but it doesn't matter what you say, your father has already said we are to wed!" he grabbed her wrist, squeezing it hard. "So get your things so we can leave!"
"O-Ow, M-Mr. West!" Emily squirmed, trying to get her hand free. "You're hurting me!"
"I don't care!" he jerked her towards him. "We are going to get married whether you like it or not!"
Emily cried out in pain. It felt like her bones were being crushed against each other. Tears started to form up in her bright green eyes.
"Let her go."
West, Madam Red, and Emily turned their attention to the bottom of the stair case stood Agni. His brow was furrowed and a grim expression was on his face. He unwrapped the bandage from around his hand and forearm, moving closer to the two. "I said, let her go."
"I don't have to listen to you! You're just servant who—"
"Who happens to hold my heart!" Emily shouted. She wretched her free of West's grasp, cradling it in her other hand. "I could never love a man who is only after my money and not my heart!"
"Ah, such wise words from an Ashford."
Again, everyone turned their attention to the new comer. The front door was open, letting the evening sunlight shine in. There was a man in a dark brown suit, he held a black cane in his right hand, his dark brown hair was combed neatly on his head with a moustache, and his green eyes were as dark as the forest trees. He had quite a gut on him from eating all of his daughter's sweets.
"Father, what are you doing here?" Emily asked. She was both surprise and happy to see her father.
"Ho ho, your mother called me yesterday afternoon and said it was imperative that I come here before the day is over so I rushed on over in one of those new automobiles. Hm herm, yes." he cleared his throat. "Now, what was the reason I had to rush out here for Angelina?"
Madam Red went up and stood by his side. "William, I know you wanted our precious daughter to marry Harold but I do not think it would work out to well and I know how you want our daughter's happiness." she held on to his arm. "So, I propose that we let Emily marry who she wishes to and not Harold, right?"
"Hm, you do have a point Angelina. It would be a shame for her to come over every Sunday for dinner and have a drab expression on her face. Pretty ladies should not look miserable when they are surrounded by family."
"Father…" Emily smiled then looked at Agni and smiled more. "Father, I wish to marry him." she turned her body towards Agni, her smile a little bigger.
"Ah, an India has captured your heart? This is something I did not expect. But what is wrong with Harold? Surely he is the perfect gentleman, such as myself." he coughed briefly into his handkerchief.
"Yes, father I know but…I don't love him like I love Agni and—"
West had cut her off. "It doesn't matter! He's already said that you and I are to wed! So get your things so we can—"
WACK!
West hit the floor with a loud bang, his right cheek swollen and bright red.
William put his cane back on the floor. "I am sorry to say but you are not the man I thought you to be. Your blatant display of disrespect proves that you are not fit to marry my daughter. Gather your things and leave my sight." he slammed his cane on the floor.
West slowly got up and glared at Emily. "This isn't over!" he ran out before anyone else could say something.
"Are you okay Emily?" Agni took her hand into his hand, rubbing it gently.
She nodded. "Nothing feels broken…I think it's just bruised." she moved it and winced.
Red quickly went over her daughter. "Let me see please." she took her hand and examined it. "Hm…it's sprained; looks like you won't be able do any cooking for some time. Sorry love." she gave her a comforting smile.
"Well, I'm even gladder I came here. There's an opera tonight." Mr. Ashford said a big smile on his face.
"Really? I thought you hated it?" Emily's eyes shinned brightly.
"But I know how much you love the opera." he smiled. "It makes me happy to see you smile."
The Ashford's and Agni were in the opera theater. Emily and Agni had a balcony seat, watching the opera from below.
While on their way to the theater, Emily had properly introduced her mother and father to Agni.
"Ah, so this is the man you wish to marry…I must say, I do approve of this. He looks like a man I would love to have as my son it law. Well done Emily dear, you both have my blessing." William said, smiling at his daughter and her hopefully his future son-in-law.
"Thank you, father!" Emily kissed his cheek then held on to Agni's arm.
"Yes, thank you sir." Agni smiled, putting his free hand on her arm. "Thank you so much."
Now the two love birds sat together on the opera house balcony, holding each other's hands. Emily adjusted herself, making her fan fall. "Oh dear." she let go of the man's hand and searched the floor for it.
"Did you find it?"
"No…oh nooo…"
Agni got down and looked for it with her. "Don't worry, we'll find it."
While searching, they bumped heads.
"Ow!"
"Are you okay?" Agni rubbed her head.
"Ah, yes. I'm okay." she blushed, looking up at him.
He started back at her, looking into each other's eyes.
"I uh found your fan…" he held it up for her to see.
"Thank you…"
They moved closer to each other, their lips less than an inch apart.
They started into each other's eyes before they both closed the distance and kissed.
I really hate how this ended…when I think of a way, I just might redo this whole scene :I I don't know yet...but I really, REALLY, REALLY hate how this chapter went...well the second part anyway -sighs- so like I said, if I think of something, I'll change that second half or ask my slave driver.
~Aurora
