Chapter 3: Arriving at Phantomhive Manor
Never in her young life could she remember being so nervous and on edge as when she climbed into the carriage. Her hands were shaking despite her trying to control them. Helen sat across from Elizabeth in the carriage, her soft gray eyes observing the restless girl. Anxiety was an understatement…what she felt was indescribable.
"Oh, Helen! I want to go back home!"
"Now hush, my Lady…you'll be perfectly fine! Act your age now."
"Oh…if only Paula were here. I feel that I would be calmer if she were beside me." Elizabeth wrung her hands together, remembering Paul's death. It cast a scene in her mind that she would never forget and reminded her of humanities short comings. It was almost like a film on repeat, every night she could see Paula's death in her mind. She remembered Paula shielding her with her own body to protect her…and a bloodied hand reach for her.
That night…that night…is a night I will never forget! That night…I saw a monster…not a human.
"We are here Lady Elizabeth!" The coach man called, pulling the horses to an abrupt stop.
"No!" Elizabeth yelped, as she tried to push herself against the carriage walls more. Helen rolled her eyes.
"Now, Lady Elizabeth…there's no need to try to hide. We are here! You will most assuredly meet Earl Phantomhive and he shall see you in all your youthful beauty. Come now, step lively."
Oh…I should have never come here! Who knows what will happen? I haven't grown at all! Look at me…still dropping in without an invitation!
"I have never been so nervous in my life, Helen."
"Yes, yes Lady Elizabeth. You'll be fine. Believe me." Elizabeth sighed heavily as she walked to the door.
I feel like a lamb being led to the slaughter house. No…I feel like a Lt. being led to the front lines! I feel like…running away!
Elizabeth listened as Helen knocked twice on the double wooden doors. She stepped back when she heard footsteps nearing the entrance. The mansion was the same as she remembered, though the front garden was much better kept and the courtyard now was layered with azaleas and roses. The sky was perfect this afternoon, cloudless allowing the sun to send its warming rays on her face.
Phantomhive manor appeared to tower above her, making her feel small and insignificant.
"Lady Elizabeth!" A high pitched voice shrieked. A woman, possibly in her late 20's stood in the door way, large glasses covering half her face. Her red hair was pulled into two large pigtails tied by blue ribbons.
"Maylene!"
"Oh, Lady Elizabeth! Oh my! How much you've grown! So beautiful!" Elizabeth blushed. Maylene started jumping up and down in delight a wide smile on her face.
"Please come in! Please! Oh…you don't know how much we've missed you!" At those words, Elizabeth's eyes became watery. Had she really been missed so much?
"Oh, Maylene! I missed you all too! I truly did!" She cried. Maylene grinned and pointed down a hall.
"I'll go get Finnian and Bard! Oh, Lady Elizabeth I know they'll be happy to see you! No, better yet come with me!" Maylene grabbed her hand, rushing her towards the kitchen.
"Lady Elizabeth!" Finnian burst through the back door of the kitchen and swept her up in a huge hug. She giggled as he spun her around the room and laughed loudly at his enthusiasm. Time had changed the boy into a strong, young man. Finnian stood at a shocking 6'3, towering over her small 5'2 form. He was lean, but amply muscular with a smile that could light up a country side.
"I'm quite delighted to see you too, Finnian! And you as well Bard!" The blonde haired cook grinned, waving a skillet.
"Oi! Look at you! You've grown into a fine young woman, Lady Elizabeth! Your hair has been cut too! But you're still short…shorter than the Young Master."
"Yep!" Finnian agreed.
"He's grown a lot…how tall is he now, Bard?" Maylene asked. Bard rubbed his scruffy beard in deep thought.
"Well now…he's about 5'11. Yea, he has grown a lot!" Bard laughed.
"Is…is…the Earl Phantomhive…here?" Elizabeth asked nervously. Maylene shook her head.
"The young Master and Mr. Sebastian left on business some hours ago. They should, however, be coming back in a few minutes! Oh, Lady Elizabeth! You must stay for lunch! I'm sure the young Master would love to see you!" Maylene declared. Elizabeth tried to smile, but for some unknown reason it would not come.
"Oh, Maylene…you know how Ciel doesn't like me very much." Silence covered the kitchen like thick fog. Perhaps memories of past events encased their conscious like a shell around an egg. Finnian shook his head rigorously, gazing into Elizabeth's eyes he smiled confidently.
"The Young Master missed you when you left without a word. He didn't even know you left until he called upon you right before your birthday. He had a present for you…" Bard nodded.
"Poor guy looked about to fall apart when he came to the mansion after hearing you up and left."
"He had no idea you had gone. He was very upset." Elizabeth leaned against the wall, her mind spinning. Did he really miss her? She highly doubted that he had missed her as much as she did him. Her heart began beating quicker. Perhaps…all was not lost.
"Lady Elizabeth…I can show you to the lounge where you can wait for him."
Hello and good morning! So I'm so happy I am finally able to place this chapter up. Though I have only recieved one review sincee the last chapter...that is ok! I will continue to update and let you wonderful people read my fanfiction! Please review the story, let me know what you think even critisize. This story is going better than I expected! Please review!