Chapter 14: Won't You, Say I Do?

Vehemently ignoring the contemplation of returning, Elizabeth ran away from the object of her pained heart. Across the grassy park, over the stone bridge and down through the wooded path that would soon lead her back to the city. Her body began to ache, and her head began to thump in pain from her flight but she refused to go back to where he was. Finally, her legs gave up out from under her and she fell into the grassy ground in anguish. Elizabeth screamed, screamed out her frustration, her sadness and agony. It would be hours before she as herself again…it might not even be hours it could be days before she could smile again. She wrapped her arms around herself and wept so fervently that her whole body shook.

"Ciel I hate you! I hate you!" Elizabeth screamed. She grabbed a fistful of grass and threw it at the air. She continued to yell in anger stomping violently in the grass and even going so far as to hit the trees around her.

"Elizabeth! Elizabeth!" Elizabeth ignored the calling of her name and continued her rampage. She raised her fist to hit a tree, but it was stopped in midair and forcefully pushing down.

"Release me! Don't come near me! I hate you! Damn I hate you!" Elizabeth yelled whilst shoving Ciel away from her. She beat against Ciel's chest, yelling expletives and wishing with all her heart that he would just leave her in distress.

"Elizabeth."

"No! Go away! I don't want to see you! Please leave me alone! Please…just…love me…" Elizabeth cried. She could feel her legs weakening below her, and her body sway.

Ciel caught her and slowly allowed them to crumble to the ground. He held her tightly, frantically running his fingers through her hair. His chest had never felt so tight before and an avalanche of emotions overcame him. He had no words of comfort to say, more like he could not contemplate any. All he could do was sit on the ground of the forest and hold the only person dearer to him than his life, while she wept. Elizabeth was weeping because of him. Elizabeth was wounded because of the unhappiness and loneliness he had buried in her heart.

Elizabeth...I'm so sorry I've caused you so much pain. Please believe me...I'll make it right. Somehow I'll make it right.

"I'm fine, Maylene…surely I am. I just had an episode is all…" Elizabeth reassured the frantic maid. No doubt her pretty green eyes were bloodshot and swollen from all the crying she had done earlier in the day. Elizabeth wiped her eyes on a kerchief and repeatedly told Maylene she was feeling alright. Elizabeth sat on the plush bed, watching the maid run around the room in worry and fright…the poor woman. Maylene had nearly fainted out of fright when she and Ciel had returned to the estate. Elizabeth's tears had stained her face and her eyelids were indeed puffy from weeping. Ciel's demeanor was rigid and his face expressionless. Immediately the servants knew something was wrong and insisted their young master confide in them. Much to their dismay, Sebastian had angrily ushered them away on the dinner party preparations. Without a single word from Ciel, he had left her, leaving Sebastian to escort her to the bedroom with instructions.

Dress in the best finery you have…what…is this some royal dinner party?

Elizabeth sighed and walked to the closet, pulling out her dresses one by one. This one was for summer outings, it would not do! Oh but this one…no she had already worn it last week! Elizabeth frowned and plopped herself on the floor in dismay.

"Lady Elizabeth…is there something wrong?" Maylene asked. The maid sat next to her and held her hand.

"Is there anything I can do for you? Please let me know! I-I won't let you down!" Elizabeth smiled but shook her head anyway.

"I-I don't know what to wear for the dinner party, Maylene. Ciel told me to dress in the best most formal dress I have, yet I did not pack one. I don't know what to do…" Maylene frowned and scratched her head in thought. Rocking back and forth on her heels, Maylene's face lit up as if an idea came to her head. Grabbing Elizabeth's hand she ushered her towards the door.

"I know just the thing! If only we can get ahold of Mr. Sebastian he'll know what to do!" Maylene said, clearly excited about the whole ordeal. Elizabeth nervously allowed the maid to lead her though the corridor, down the major stairs and through the lobby.

"Maylene…don't you think Sebastian is busy? I-I mean he has a lot of preparations for Ciel's dinner party doesn't he? We shouldn't trouble him! I'll go home real quick and get something!" Elizabeth protested. Maylene shook her finger at the young woman and grinned.

"Mr. Sebastian is always the best at these things! After all, it's for you Lady Elizabeth! I'm sure he won't mind…and plus…I get to see him so hard at work! Eeek!" Maylene shrieked in excitement. Elizabeth resisted the urge to laugh at Maylene's recognition of her crush.

Ah, but I'm sure Sebastian will have no woman. He appears to be the kind of man who focuses solely on his work, just like his master. Two peas in the same boring pod…

"Mr. Sebastian! Mr. Sebastian!" Maylene yelled at the top of her lungs. She stuck her head inside the kitchen and waved for Elizabeth to follow her. The smell of spices hung thick in the air and the warmth of the kitchen almost made Elizabeth sweat.

Sure enough though, Sebastian was hard at work swishing the food around in the pan and switching back and forth between the stove and the oven. Elizabeth watched in amazement as he twirled around the heavy pan full of food and set it easily on the table.

"Um…Sebastian?" Elizabeth called, quietly. The butler immediately stopped his work and turned to Elizabeth, a pleasant smile on his face.

"Lady Elizabeth. You shouldn't be in here. The kitchen is a place for servants, right Maylene?" The maid shivered from the angry gaze she was receiving from the butler and cowered behind Elizabeth as Sebastian grinned. Elizabeth laughed nervously and stepped into front of the scared woman, smiling as big as she could.

"P-Please do not be angry with Maylene, Sebastian. I-I wanted to um...well you see there's a problem...it's about a dress...um...this thing here...I-I well..."

"A dress?"

"Yes a dress!" Sebastian cocked his head to the side, his face in a curious expression. He gazed at Elizabeth sincerely before finally understanding her ramblings. At his own slow comprehension, he finally nodded and tapped the side of his head in thought.

"You inquire of a formal dress for the dinner party tonight, is that it Lady Elizabeth?" Elizabeth nodded almost eagerly.

"I've nothing to wear you see...Ciel had not told me of such a formal dinner party before." Sebastian nodded.

The young master has finally decided then...tonight...will be the special night then? Thus, I must have Lady Elizabeth looking splendid...nothing but the finest will do for this memorable occasion! It shall be a night to remember for the both of them...especially for Lady Elizabeth.

"If it pleases you, Lady Elizabeth we can go out and look at some fabric for tonight?" Elizabeth looked at Maylene who quickly agreed with a nod of her head.

"I do not wish to trouble you, Sebastian." The butler shook his head and smiled, gripping Elizabeth's hand.

"Anything for Lady Elizabeth within possible means. I shall inform the young master and bring the carriage around shortly." Elizabeth beamed and quickly thanked Sebastian. He instructed her to be ready in fifteen minutes while he performed some late minute tasks and tended to some household errands that Ciel had assigned him. After several minutes, Elizabeth was dressed to go out with the held of Maylene in her favorite green lace dress. Walking outside into the bright sun, Elizabeth placed her frill hat on her blonde curls. Sebastian pulled the carriage around to the front of the great marble steps and assisted Elizabeth into the carriage. With a small whip to the horses they set off into the city.

Elizabeth watched as the small, lush and green hills rolled by as the landau rolled down the road towards the city. She glanced inside her purse at her pocket money she had on hand, which was about several hundred pounds.

Ah father...still does not comprehend what "pocket" money means. He'll get me robbed carrying about this much money! At least I have several crowns for change and shillings.

It was not long before Elizabeth could see the steam rising in the air from the sea side factories and smell the air of industry so common in the over crowded city. Sitting up straighter, she looked outside the carriage window and watched the people run about the streets. Several news boys called out today's most recent gossip and the baker on Port St. had just made a fresh batch of glazed donuts. Even though Elizabeth was truly glad to be home, she still had not grown accustomed to the smell of the city. Quite frankly, she favored the smell of the good old country air. The carriage finally rolled to a stop in front of 'Rossmore's Supplies and Yard Good's. Sebastian helped Elizabeth out of the carriage and into the store.

Immediately Elizabeth's eyes were capture by all the goods, clothes and trinkets in the store. She gasped at all the many colorful fabrics on the shelves.

"Oh Sebastian! This is just marvelous! How beautiful are these materials? Oh look at this muslin...and that lace!" Elizabeth giggled in excitment as she fingered the cloth while trying to contain herself. How she felt like a child in a candy store! Sebastian smiled at her light hearted demeanor. He began browsing the fabrics one by one. What would be the best color suited for Lady Elizabeth? Surely a light pink would do with white lace and perhaps white shawl. Sebastian watched Elizabeth go from cloth to cloth and slightly smiled at her ecstatic nature.

Humans...for some reason are much more attractive when they are happier. Tonight, Lady Elizabeth your happiness will become full.

"My Lady...you're gorgeous..." Maylene tucked in the last ivory hair pin and turned Elizabeth around to face the large mirror.

"You can open your eyes, Lady Elizabeth. Don't worry...you look beautiful." Breathing deeply, Elizabeth slowly opened her eyes to see her stature in the mirror. Her blonde curls had been rolled and pulled back in a large bun with little dolies down her ears. She smiled and turned around and around, admiring the handiwork of the seamstress and the complimentary colors Sebastian had picked for her. The navy blue taffeta and beige lace went so well together, the pearl cameo and earrings Sebastian had bought for her also went well together. Elizabeth twirled around twice before stopping and standing still.

"It certainly shows a bit off the shoulder...but it's beautiful! I love it! Oh, Maylene do you think Ciel will like me in this? Do you think the colors are too different? What about my hair?" Maylene smiled and patted Elizabeth on her bared shoulders.

"You look beautiful, Lady Elizabeth." A soft knock sounded on the door and Maylene went to answer. Upon opening the door, she turned to Elizabeth and gestured her to come near.

"Mr. Sebastian is here for you, Lady Elizabeth!" Sebastian stepped into the bedroom and bowed. He stepped back a pace, appearing to look Elizabeth's attire over. After smiling he extended his arm to her.

"Truly a befitting woman of charm, worthy of the Phantomhive name." Elizabeth blushed, fiddling her fingers.

"Do you really think so?"

"I know so. Come...the guests are waiting." Elizabeth quickly thanked Maylene and headed down the lighted hallway with Sebastian. Already she could hear sounds of laughter, conversation and the music of the band. She tried to calm herself down, Elizabeth could not guess why she felt so nervous. She had been to many a dinner parties and social gatherings, so why was this one so different? Perhaps...could it be because Ciel would see her...in such grown attire? Elizabeth blushed at her thoughts and shoved them to the back of her mind. She could not run away now...

Why oh why am I so nervous? My stomach has butterflies like never before and I feel as if I am a lamb being led to the slaughter...if only there were not so many people. I feel that I could be more at ease. I-I wish...I could have spoken to Ciel before the gathering started. I-I want to know...something...in his gaze changed...since earlier today. He has not spoken one word to me. Ciel...please...don't be angry with me...not tonight. At least...speak one word to me tonight.

Elizabeth resisted the urge to shield her eyes from the light of the chandelier. Standing at the top of the foyer stairs, she felt her gut drop and tightened her grasp on Sebastian's arm. He glanced at her, whispering words of encouragement and reminded her that she was a distinguished Lady from the house of Middleford, the Queen's Knights. In spite of Sebastian's verbal praises, Elizabeth still felt more or less anxious. She scanned the crowd for the dark haired young man not catching a glimpse of him.

"I must leave, Lady Elizabeth. Will you be alright here?"

"As alright as I can be, I suppose." Sebastian bowed and weaved through the crowd. Elizabeth noted all the nobles that were acquainted with her parents and it was not long before she was engaged in conversations with many of them. She was beginning to enjoy herself. Some of these individuals she had not seen since she left for boarding school and many of her parents old friends were eager to hear about her studies in the Americas.

Elizabeth excused herself from Lord and Lady Gladstone and walked to the refreshment table for a glass of punch. However, before she was able to take a glass a hand gripped hers and escorted her to the dance floor. Elizabeth prepared to demand who it was that grabbed her, until she met the same ocean blue eyes that she found most friendly.

"Vincent! Vincent! I had no idea! What are you doing here? What's become of you my dear friend?" Elizabeth asked happily. Vincent grinned and shrugged. He motioned towards a most solemn looking women, sitting in a chair speaking to a most solemn looking man. Elizabeth followed his gaze and gasped.

"T-th-that's Mrs. Glaudusa Annabell Huddersfield! What are they doing here?"

"My Aunt and Uncle have business in England for awhile. They were invited by Her Majesty's Earl to this party. But enough about me. What about you? I have not spoken to you in weeks and you never write me letters." Elizabeth laughed and shook her head.

"Silly, I never wrote you letters!" Vincent pulled Elizabeth closer, nearly touching his nose to hers.

"You did in my dreams." Elizabeth playfully hit Vince nt on the shoulder trying to stifle her giggles. He whisked her around the room gracefully before stopping at a column near the refreshments. She watched as he placed strawberries on a small plate along with other goodies. She sighed looking at all the sweets...how she loved sweets!

Oh but how I don't need them too!

"I hope you like pineapple..." Vincent returned with a plate of fruit dipped in chocolate.

"She hates pineapple actually." Elizabeth recognized the male voice and slightly turned behind her, a small grin on her face.

"Earl Phantomhive it is extremely rude to simply interrupt a conversation."

"Then you must forgive me, I'm not good with introductions. I tend to forget troublesome persons. Who are you again?" Ciel asked, his eyes narrowed in mild annoyance. Elizabeth took note the manifestation of irritation in Vincent's face. He stood next to her, his hand resting on Elizabeth's back. Ciel's gaze fellow to the hidden hand and he could feel his temper flare slightly. However, he caught sight of the stare Elizabeth was giving him.

"Ciel...this is Vincent Tudor. You met him in passing at the park several weeks ago. His aunt and uncle are Mrs. Glaudusa Annabell Huddersfield and Sir Ward Harrison Huddersfield. She was the Department Head of St. Josephina Augusta School. I've known him...for several years. He has been such a good friend to me as well." Elizabeth smiled at Vincent.

Even though I love another...the poor man...still finds it in his heart to care about me.

"Elizabeth…can I speak with you for a moment?" Ciel asked. Elizabeth looked at Vincent apologetically.

"I guess I'll see you later, Elizabeth." She watched as he walked into the crowd and turned her attention to Ciel. She fought to hide the exasperation in her voice as she asked Ciel what he wanted. Ciel said nothing to her, only looked at her. He gently took her hand and led her to the middle of the room.

"Ciel…please…Vincent and I are only friends. Please…don't let this ruin your night." Elizabeth whispered to Ciel. It seemed that something triggered in Ciel's mind, for the moment she said "your night" he stopped abruptly. Elizabeth felt the stares of all the rooms' inhabitants as she and Ciel stood in the middle of the room.

"This is not my night, Elizabeth...it's yours." Before Elizabeth knew what was happening, she watched Ciel lean down on one knee...in her mind she knew what was occurring but her self could not comprehend it. Her palms became sweaty and her mouth dried up. From his pocket he pulled out a dark blue box and looking straight into her greens eyes with a solemn voice he, Earl Phantomhive, the Watchdog of the Queen asked Elizabeth Cordelia Ethel Middleford to be his wife.

Eeeek! I was so super pumped about this chapter because I knew exactly how I wanted it to be and turn out! May I say, I did quite a good job! Anyway, if you have any corrections then please let me know. I've noticed some grammatical errors and typo's in previous chapters that drives me nuts. But oh well...I'll just try to be extra careful from now on! I hope you all liked this chapter! I certainly did! Real quick, there will be NO UPDATE NEXT WEEK. Its my first week of school and I need to rest for awhile and actually work on planning my wedding. Ooooh...and guess what? My mother and I bought my wedding dress today! It's beautiful! I wish all you guys could see it! I hope you have a great weekend! Remember, no update next week! See ya later!