Chapter One: Adjusting to Life as a Noble

Several days had passed, Frances had been taking care of the company and any hits it had taken seeing as rebuilds were still occurring, she also visited her friends who had finally awoken two days after her visit, overseeing the rebuild of the Phantomhive Manor, dealing with the emotional outburst from Sebastian, Sebastian's absence, and Lady Elizabeth's letter and impending visit. She thought back over the past few days.

She was in her own Office at the Townhouse. Tanaka tried to give her Ciel's Office, but she adamantly refused to take it until his death was confirmed (For she would feel it the moment Sebastian took his soul.). Tanaka had gone over all that Ciel was involved in. Frances had no idea it was more than just the toys, sweets, her oils and potions (Though that was a slight shock as well, especially when there was money to her name from it.), curry buns, and hotels. He was also involved in the waterways here in London, had stores and factories around the world including one in New Orleans where her siblings lived, and owned quite an overwhelmingly large lot of the land. Though, the waterways and land were a part of the Phantomhive Earldom. It was fairly overwhelming.

*No wonder he always had so much paperwork.* She thought, *Like a King hearing the complaints of his people and he was the Queen's Guard Dog, running a company all at the age of ten. That is just… amazing, inspiring, and awesome.*

She was incredibly impressed and proud of Ciel. A small frown tugged at her lips. That… strangely didn't seem right and she wasn't sure why. She shook her head and focused on Tanaka's explanation of things when he was explaining all that Ciel was involved in.

That was discussed once they returned to the Townhouse. The second day, Frances had sat in her Office all day, looking over paperwork and starting on the plans she established that first day. She was working late into the night when suddenly shock and anger consumed her. She gasped and clutched her heart with both hands, grateful she was alone in her Office. The sheer power of it all…

"Malphas." She whispered, moving one hand to grip the arm of the chair tightly.

Instantly, it nearly all dissipated. She felt his regret then reassurance. She nodded to herself. She released her painful grip on the armchair and placed it over her other hand on her heart. She sent him comfort, understanding, love, and companionship. He seemed to be in control of his emotions, while yes, he was still angry and shocked, he sent her love and companionship as well as determination and… sadness. She tilted her head, her eyebrows knitted together in confusion. He sensed it for he sent her regret, love, and reassurance. She understood. Something happened. He wouldn't be coming for her for a while. Her eyebrows softened from their furrowed state. She sent back love and safety. She felt his happiness and love. She could almost, almost feel his hand caressing her cheek. The cats cuddled even closer to her that night when she retired to bed.

The following day, she had breakfast with Prince Soma, served by Agni. After bidding them and Little Man Tanaka goodbye, she visited her friends. Her gifts this time were books and the little items that were still salvageable that she found in the manor. She always brought them something to help speed up their recovery since she couldn't just heal them, least the Doctor and nurses get suspicious. Strangely enough, none of the things she gave Sebastian had turned up. She found her friends' things even some of their clothes were salvageable and even Ciel had a few things as well: the ribbon from Lady Elizabeth's present, the games she got him, his handkerchiefs, his peacock feathered pens, and even the ring from the missing girls case. The only thing of Sebastian she found were his clothes, though there was only a few that survived the fire.

After visiting her friends, she made her way to see the progress of the manor. She had been there about an hour when the feeling that someone was coming filled her. Soon enough, a young man with light brown hair and hazel eyes rode in on a lovely brown horse. He stopped his horse beside her. He looked down at her from his perch on his horse.

"Phantomhive Manor, I presume?"

Frances inclined her head.

"You presume correctly." She stated.

He got down off his horse. He took out a note from his pocket. He handed it to her.

"Can you please give this to the head of the household?"

"I am the head of the household." She corrected, gently yet firmly.

The man's eyes widened a moment. He bowed.

"My Lady, forgive me." He said, apologetically.

She gave a nod. He raised his head. She read the letter. It read:

Dear Ciel,

I pray that you are all right. Please, let me know you are safe.

Yours forever,

Lady Elizabeth

She sighed softly. She took out some paper, ink, and a pen from her bag. She placed the paper on a book and wrote:

Dear Lady Elizabeth,

Please come to the Phantomhive Townhouse tomorrow at noon. You may wish to bring your family.

Sincerely,

Frances Harkness

She tucked the note into an envelope before handing it to the footman. He accepted the letter. He bowed once more to her.

"Have a nice day, my Lady."

"You as well, kind sir."

The following day, today, Lady Elizabeth arrived promptly at noon with her servant Paula as well as her family. Agni had prepared lunch for them. Frances sat at the head of the table which felt slightly strange to her as she could feel their judgmental stares, especially from Marchioness Midford. However, she did not waver from their stares. Once lunch was complete, the Marchioness dabbed at her mouth politely.

"Now that this meal is finished, please inform us why we are here and why you feel it right to sit at the head of the table when you are a mere servant." She said, sternly.

Frances didn't faulter.

"I regret to inform you all, that the previous Earl Phantomhive is missing."

Lady Elizabeth gasped. The Marchioness' eyes narrowed at her.

"Are you not one to stay by his side like the butler?" She asked, an eyebrow raised.

"When the three of us arrived back to London, the Earl ordered me to check on his mansion while he and Sebastian checked on the Queen. I have not seen either of them since we parted. (She looked over at Lady Elizabeth. She had her head in her hands. Paula placed a hand upon her shoulder, eyes sad. She looked back at the Marchioness whose eyes were still narrowed, though they softened just a bit.) Ciel Phantomhive gave me his company (Their heads shot towards her in surprise.) and his land."

The Marchioness stood up and pointed a finger at her.

"Impossible! You are a mere servant!"

"I was also the owner of an oil and potion store before I worked for the Young Earl. He expanded my business alongside his own when I first came to work for him. He made me the owner without my knowledge and I only found out about it four days ago." She explained, calmly.

She stood up and handed the Marchioness the papers Tanaka showed her including three months' worth of her own receipts when she ran her business. Lady Midford snatched them out of her hand. Both she and the Marquess looked over the papers. As they did that, Frances made her way to Lady Elizabeth who had returned her head to her hands, her body shook as sobs escaped her. She slowly knelt down so she was at eye level with the young girl. She gently placed a hand on her shoulder. Lady Elizabeth looked at her. Frances' heart ached at seeing her tears.

"I know you're upset and that is perfectly fine (Lady Marchioness made a noise. She made to get up, but the Marquess stopped her by grabbing her arm.). As long as you eventually stand and continue your journey. He may be gone, but you are still living, Lady Elizabeth. He would want you to be happy and strong."

Lady Elizabeth gave her a wide-eyed watery stare. Then a smile spread across her face. She hugged Frances in a tight hug.

"Thank you!"

Frances instantly returned the embrace. She felt a slight apprehension in her, but hoped she would believe her words in time.

"You're welcome, Lady Elizabeth. If you ever need to talk or wish to visit, I will always be here for you."

The girl pushed her back, a small smile upon her face.

"Thank you, Lady Frances."

She inclined her head a bit, moving past the shock of being called a Lady.

"You're welcome, Lady Elizabeth."

The Marchioness stood. The two looked over to her. She smirked at Frances. She walked over to her as Frances stood. The two stared down one another. It was tense for several minutes. Lady Midford smiled.

"You will make a great Lady."

Frances smiled. She inclined her head.

"Thank you."

"If that is all, we must get going." Lady Midford said.

Frances nodded.

"That is all. I will keep you updated regarding Ciel and Sebastian."

Marchioness nodded.

"Thank you. Farewell."

The rest of the family stood and pushed in their chairs.

"Farewell."

She walked them to the door. Edward merely glanced at her before walking out the door. Lady Elizabeth gave her a hug. She returned the hug. They released one another after a second. Lady Elizabeth walked out the door. Marchioness nodded with a smirk upon her face. Frances nodded back to her. Marquess gave her a proud smile and a gentle squeeze on her shoulder before he too took his leave. She stood at the door to see them off. She felt Tall Man Tanaka behind her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him. The two shared a smile.

That afternoon, she went to visit her friends in the hospital. She brought them their favorite flowers that she picked from the Townhouse garden. Finny and Mey-rin gushed in appreciation. When she handed them their bouquets, Bard smiled with a blush. She stayed and talked with them until after the sun set. She bid them farewell, promising to be back tomorrow. They waved enthusiastically at her.

As she made her way down the street, a feeling something was going to happen consumed her. An older gentleman was walking down the other direction. His eyes widened when they saw her.

"My lady!" He exclaimed.

She tilted her head to the side, eyebrows furrowed.

"Sir?" She asked.

He stopped right in front of her.

"It's you! The one who saved us and took us to that building! I am so grateful to you, my lady!"

Her eyes widened as she recognized the man who was being stolen from the night of the fire!

"Oh, sir! It's good to see you safe and sound!"

"Again, thanks to you!" He said, taking her hand and giving it a kiss. He released her hand and looked up at her, "The Queen is looking for you, my lady. You see when Scotland Yard found us, we told them about you and through them, word spread and the Queen caught wind of it. (He turned to some passing Scotland Yard officers who were on patrol that evening.) Gentlemen, excuse me."

They turned towards him. They approached them.

"Is something the matter, sir? Miss." The officer on the left asked, raising his hand to his hat and inclined his head to her.

The second officer nodded in greeting to her. She nodded back. The older gentleman shook his head.

"No, no, nothing is wrong. This is the young lady who saved us and took us to the green building."

The both of them turned to stare wide-eyed at her. Recognition crossed both of their faces. The man who spoke first snapped out of his shock first. He bowed.

"Miss Harkness!"

The other officer bowed as well. They both straightened.

"The Queen has requested your presence, my lady. Please, come with us. We shall escort you to the Palace."

She took a moment to calm her heart.

*This isn't like the first time you met the Queen. Besides, this is a different Queen.*

She nodded.

"Very well."

The three men smiled at her. The two officers escorted her and the older gentleman to a carriage. The officer who spoke first, assisted her in. She thanked him. He nodded his head at her. The ride to the Palace was a quiet one, but not one filled with dread like the first time she was taken to the Palace, more like nervous anticipation. She wondered what was going to happen as she didn't feel the urge to run like the first time she was summoned to the Palace.

They arrived at the beautiful Palace. It was just as grand as she remembered, however, now she was able to appreciate it's beauty. After assisting the older gentleman and her out of the carriage, they led them to the gates where two guards stood at attention. The four of them stopped. The two officers saluted, lowering their hands after a moment.

"We have found the young lady the Queen has been looking for, confirmed by this gentleman. The one who had saved over sixty people and took them to a building away from the fire."

The two guards nodded once.

"Very well. We shall take it from here, gentlemen."

Both officers nodded.

"Yes, sirs."

They both saluted again. They turned and nodded to Frances and the older gentleman.

"Sir. Miss."

Frances and the older man nodded.

"Have a good evening, sirs." Frances said.

The two officers smiled. They took their leave.

"This way, sir, my lady." The guard on the right said, gesturing towards the gate.

The two guards led them into the Palace. As they entered, another guard approached the guard on the right. The two exchanged whispers before the guard who approached, gave a nod, gave a quiet mutter, then took off. Soon enough, they were led to the throne room. The Queen sat in her chair, a smile upon her face as if she knew she was receiving someone. Frances knew that was most likely true. The guards stopped at the doorway. Frances and the older gentleman walked up to the Queen. Once directly in front of her, Frances dropped into a deep curtsy as the gentleman beside her knelt to one knee, bowing his head as deeply as she did.

"You may both rise." The Queen said.

They both did so. The Queen looked to her left.

"Is this the young lady?" The Queen asked.

Frances followed her gaze and gasped as she saw…

"Claire." She whispered.

Claire smiled. She was wearing a beautiful cream-colored dress with white flower designs on the bottom. Her brown hair was half up and half down in beautiful curls, her hazel eyes showing warmth.

"Yes, this is her, Your Majesty." Claire said.

"Frances Harkness." The Queen said.

Frances turned to see the Queen smiling at her.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

Queen Victoria returned the smile.

"I would like to offer you a position as my personal bodyguard. As such, room and board, as well as meals will be provided for you."

Frances' eyes widened. She was not expecting this. But, still…

"Your Majesty, I am afraid I must decline. The Earl Phantomhive has left his company to me."

She blinked in surprise.

"My Guard Dog has not returned?" She asked.

Quiet mutters stirred throughout the room. The Queen looked over her people with command in her eyes. Everyone fell silent immediately. Her eyes returned to Frances' as she started to speak.

"I'm afraid he has not. He ordered me to check on his manor while he and his butler came to check on you, but… (She looked away. Her heart clenching at the mention of Sebastian. Her hand tingling.) I suppose he didn't make it here after all…"

The Queen sighed.

"I'm afraid not. (She paused a moment.) However, that aside, since you declined my previous offer, I would still like to reward you."

Frances looked up at her in surprise. She made to open her mouth. The Queen cut her off.

"I will not take a "There's no need for that, Your Majesty."." The Queen said, smiling widely, "I shall honor you by dubbing you as a Dame in the Order of the Garter. (Murmurs began louder than before as people turned to each other and gossiped about the reward. Frances was completely stunned. The Queen once again looked around sternly. The murmurs quieted down.) I will also have you become my Guard Dog until my dear boy comes home."

The murmurs began again as Frances' eyes widened even further, mouth dropping open slightly. She stared at the Queen's kind smile that was so different and yet the same as the previous Queen's. After another second, she dipped into a low curtsy, her head bowed.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, Lady Frances. Please rise."

Frances did so.

"Look out for my invitation and please allow my men to escort you home. (She turned her gaze to Mr. Archer.) You as well Mr. Archer."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Mr. Archer said, bowing to her.

She smiled warmly at the two of them before turning to Claire.

"You may escort them out, Miss. Claire."

Claire dropped a quick curtsy.

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

Claire made her way towards them. The three of them backed out of the room. Once out of the room, they turned down the hall. Claire turned and smiled at her.

"It's so good to see you again. After you didn't come back after an hour, I got rather worried."

"I'm sorry, Claire. I did not mean to worry you so. I got caught up with a friend who made me shelter at his home." She lied.

*Speaking of Undertaker, I should pay him a visit.* She thought.

She had been so busy these past few days, she hadn't visited Undertaker. She mentally frowned. A nagging feeling that said she shouldn't visit Undertaker filled her. She focused as Claire spoke again.

"It's all right. I'm just glad to see you're all right. (She looked over at Mr. Archer.) You as well, Mr. Archer."

Mr. Archer smiled at her.

"Thank you, Claire."

Frances turned to him.

"It's good to know your name, Mr. Archer. I'm sorry I didn't ask your name before, nor tell you mine."

Mr. Archer smiled at her.

"It's all right." He said, dismissively, "I know you were quite busy that night and tonight I didn't give you a chance to ask my name."

She smiled back.

As they walked out, the three of them continued to converse. Claire told her that the Queen had hired her as the Palace nurse and Mr. Archer was a General Store owner. They discovered they would need separate carriages as they lived in different areas. They parted with hugs and good wishes. Frances entered the carriage. As they rode away, Frances looked out at the scenery, a smile upon her face.

Several more days passed. Upon her return to the Townhouse the night Mr. Archer escorted her to the Palace, she was immediately accosted by Prince Soma and Agni (Though, more from Soma than Agni.) about why she was returning so late. She apologized and told them that one of the people she saved recognized her and had her escorted to the Palace. They looked at her shocked and asked her what the Queen wanted. She told them that she offered her a position, however, she declined. They stared at her with even more shock. Prince Soma broke out of his shock first asking why she would refuse. She explained that because Ciel had left her his company that she should take care of it in order to honor and respect his wishes. Prince Soma stared at her with even more surprise before he and Agni's shock melted into an understanding smile. He had complimented her on her choice. She thanked him. She then told them how the Queen is still going to reward her by making her a Dame in the Order of the Garter and the Guard Dog. Their faces turned back into surprise. That was when Tanaka made his full grown appearance, exiting out of the doorway that led to the dining room saying she would need to be fitted for a dress worthy for such an occasion and that he would call upon Miss. Nina Hopkins, the Phantomhive tailor. She was familiar with her as sometimes Ciel would make time to take Lady Elizabeth out and shop for her every once in a while, and Miss. Hopkins' shop was one that they would visit on such outings. Tanaka then congratulated her before excusing himself to make the appointment.

The next day, her friends were finally released from the hospital. She helped them with their return and once they were settled, Tanaka explained everything. How Frances was now the head of the Phantomhive household and the Funtom Company, that she was going to be a Dame which is the female equivalent of a Knight as well as the Queen's Guard Dog, that he was the head servant as Sebastian and the previous Earl's location was unknown at this time, Frances explaining the reason she's told everyone else, and offering them to either stay or leave if they wished. They were all surprised and overwhelmed by everything (Frances could see and feel.), but then she felt their excitement and happiness for her and cheered they would stay. Frances' lips spread into a big, wide, jaw-aching smile. She hugged and thanked them explaining this wouldn't change anything before pausing a moment and saying, "Well, maybe in public you'll have to be a little formal with me, but only in public!" She had told them sternly. They all laughed and saluted, "Yes, Frances!" causing her to laugh with them.

The day after that, she visited Undertaker, despite that strange uneasy feeling she had all the way there. When she entered, there were many more coffins than usual. So much so, that she could barely walk through. After carefully maneuvering herself to get in at least a quarter of the way, she stopped. She looked around not feeling him in any of his coffins which was slightly strange.

"Undertaker?" She called.

She heard something drop and break. Her eyes widened.

"Undertaker!" She called again, worriedly, moving around the coffins, heading towards the sound, "Are you all right?!"

Suddenly, Undertaker stood in the doorway behind and to the left of his desk.

"How?" He asked.

She stopped, now halfway into the room. That uneasy feeling came back. Something told her she needed to get out of there, yet she ignored it.

*Lie.* Something said in her mind.

But, she couldn't lie. Not to Undertaker.

"I gave my soul to Sebastian, because I love him." She explained.

The former Grim Reaper stared at her with wide eyes. A wide grin suddenly appeared upon his face. He laughed his familiar laugh.

"Well, isn't that a not-so-secret surprise." He chuckled.

She smiled and blushed. Undertaker laughed even more.

"I see you've got quite a lot of business." Frances said, forcing the blush from her cheeks.

Undertaker chuckled again.

"Indeed, I do. There isn't much I can do to clean them up, but…" He shrugged.

She nodded in understanding.

"Well, I… just wanted to see you again. I know you're more than capable of taking care of yourself, but I wanted to see with my own eyes that you were all right." She said, smiling softly at him.

His gaze softened just a bit.

"Why don't you stay for a minute? I just made tea and cookies." He said.

"I don't want to impose…" She started.

He interrupted.

"You aren't, Fearless Frances. Please, stay a bit. You know I don't mind your company."

She smiled.

"All right. Do you…"

He waved his hand dismissively as he disappeared into the back. Soon enough, he returned with a tray of a black skull kettle she bought him for Christmas one year, two silver gravestone mugs, and a black urn. She was already sitting on one of the coffins as he entered. She watched him effortlessly make his way towards her with the tea. A smile on her face. The Reaper tilted his head.

"Why are you staring at me so?" He asked.

"Thank you for warning me about my death. I am grateful to see you again. You make death so beautiful, Undertaker. (He looked at her with wide eyes as he always did when she said such a thing.) I know I say that all the time, but even with all these bodies, you take such special care of them."

He arrived next to her and placed the tray down on the coffin beside her. He knelt down in front of her. His hand gently reached up, his long black fingernails gently caressed the outline of her cheek.

"Your soul is too kind. Too beautiful. You accept life and death and see them as something to live through and not fear, despite all you've been through, including death."

A feeling of tiredness rolled through her. She fought to keep her eyes awake. Suddenly, Undertaker's voice was at her ear.

"Sleep, Fearless Frances."

And sleep, she did.

Frances awoke with a stretch and a yawn. She frowned as her hands hit the top of her headboard. No. Not a headboard. She opened her eyes and saw wood above her. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She looked down to see a grey blanket placed over her and white bedding from the inside of coffins. She shook her head amusedly.

*Undertaker must have put me here after I fell asleep. I must have been more tired than I thought.*

She felt bad that she fell asleep on her friend. She moved the lid to the coffin open. She carefully stepped out and saw Undertaker leaning over one of his guests. He turned to her with a wide grin.

"Finally awake, are you?" He asked.

Warmth spread on her cheeks.

"I'm sor—"

She was interrupted as his fingernail pressed against her lips. A chuckle escaped his lips at her shocked expression.

"You've got quite a lot of things going on. It's quite heart-warming to be trusted enough for you to fall asleep in my presence." He said, smiling widely.

She smiled and hugged him. He returned the embrace.

"Of course. You are my friend after all."

Undertaker merely hugged her tighter, running a hand down her back. They parted after a few minutes. She watched him work and conversed with him for another hour. She also told him of how the Queen was going to dub her a Dame and Her Guard Dog and invited him to come if he wanted or to show up to the celebration at the Townhouse afterward. He questioned her regarding the Little Lord and butler's location. She told him she wasn't sure. He chuckled then said he would be at the celebration. She thanked him, told him she would send an invitation once she received word from the Queen, then bid him goodbye.

The two days following Undertaker's visit consisted of seeing the progress of the manor (Which was coming along nicely.) with her friends and her offering chocolate chip cookies, milk, and water to the workers, Miss Nina Hopkins' visits, and receiving the invitation to the Palace, scheduled for this Saturday. She also sent the invitations out to the Midford Family, Undertaker, and Ciel's… her business associates. Miss. Nina came in for a final fitting the Friday before. Once she declared the dress completely ready, she put it on her. Once she straightened it out, she took a step back to admire her work. She gushed/squealed loudly. She attempted to touch her breasts, but Frances blocked that rather quickly. After taking off the dress, changing into her previous dress, she placed it carefully into her closet. She saw Nina to the door. She bid her friends goodnight then went to bed.

Saturday, today, Frances was awoken early by Mey-rin who helped her bathe and prepare for the ceremony. After a few hours, she was ready. Mey-rin led her to her full length mirror. Frances' jaw dropped. She almost didn't recognize herself. The dress was a stunning dark blue that contoured to her body before flaring out at her hips. The dress had a wide white collar that reached about halfway up her head, white flaps hung on either side of her hips hanging down to her upper thighs, a white petticoat peeked out on the bottom while the other five remained hidden under her dress, her feet were covered in white stockings and dark blue heels to match her dress. A strand of her hair was braided in the front while the rest was pulled up into a high ponytail with her hair curled down her neck and over her shoulders, a black rose in the top right corner of her ponytail. She was wearing her black rose necklace. Her makeup was light with a bit of powder, very light pink blush, mascara, dark blue eyeshadow, and a pink lipstick to match her lips.

"Wow." She whispered in awe.

*I look like a princess…* She thought.

"You like it?" Mey-rin asked, nervously.

Frances turned to Mey-rin. She grabbed her hands in hers and squeezed gently.

"I love it, Mey-rin, you turned me into a princess! Your talent is on par with Sebastian's!"

Mey-rin smiled widely at the compliment, a blush upon her cheeks, but then a flicker of sadness passed through both their eyes. Frances' hand tingled as it often did when she thought of the demon. She and Mey-rin squeezed each other's hands in a comforting manner.

"Come on, my Lady. It is almost time to depart." Mey-rin said, gesturing her out.

Frances nodded.

"Thank you, Mey-rin."

Mey-rin led her down the stairs where the others were waiting. All their jaws dropped, except for Tanaka and Agni's whose lips were spread in a wide smile.

"Woahhh." Bard said, cigarette almost falling from his mouth.

"She looks like a princess!" Finny exclaimed, blush on his cheeks.

Prince Soma also had a blush on his cheeks, his hands clasped together.

"So beautiful." He whispered.

Frances blushed, though a smile was on her face.

"My Lady." Tanaka said, stepping forward and holding out his hand.

She took it. He placed her hand in the crook of his arm. He led her to the awaiting carriage. She thanked him. Prince Soma and Agni entered in after her. Tanaka climbed into the driver's seat while the other servants entered their own carriage with Bard in the driver's seat. They took off, heading to the Palace.

When they arrived at the Palace, it was extremely crowded with people who wanted to watch the ceremony. Once at the Palace steps, a guard opened the door for her and held out a hand to assist her out. She took it.

"Thank you." She said once she was on solid ground.

The guard gave a nod. She made her way up the stairs. Soon enough, she was led to a drawing room (One of many apparently.) until it was time for the ceremony. She walked to the window and looked out of it longingly. She wished Bridgett, Irene, and Marcelo were here as well as Sebastian. She closed her eyes and placed her hands on her heart. She could feel their happiness and excitement for her as well as their longing to be there with her. Her hand tingled as she thought about Sebastian. She didn't want to distract him by sending him her longing for him, but it was difficult not to. She let out a sigh as she opened her eyes. She placed a hand on the window. Her reflection showed her longing for her family. She knew she would be seeing her siblings soon as she had scheduled a tour of the states that held factories, but still… And she had no idea how long Sebastian would be… A knock interrupted her feelings.

"My Lady, it's time." A male voice called from behind the door.

She pushed her emotions back and took a deep breath. A smile lit her face. She walked to the door. It opened as she approached it. She turned to the guard with a smile and a head nod.

"Thank you, sir." She said.

He nodded and gestured her forward. He led her to a set of double doors. There, another guard stood on the left. He opened it up. Frances walked in; her head held high. She spotted her friends and the Midford family, including Lady Elizabeth who was dressed in her black mourning clothes. There were other people whom she knew through Ciel's connection of being a noble and a few unfamiliar faces. She walked in, her gaze on the smiling Queen with two butlers dressed in white standing on either side of her. They looked like twins except the one on the right was taller and more stern looking than the one on the left who held a blue cape with a badge that was in the form of a blue circle with yellow outlining it, the words Honi sonit qui mal y pense with a red cross in the middle within a white shape of the badge. She made her way down the long path to the Queen. Upon reaching just a few feet in front of her, she knelt down on one knee, head bowed deeply before the Queen. The guard to her left walked down and placed the blue cape with the badge on her shoulders. The guard stepped back to his prior position. The Queen rose from her seat. She slowly walked down the steps, directly in front of her. The guard to her right approached her with a silver handled sword. The Queen took it and gently touched it to her right shoulder.

"I dub you a Dame to The Order of the Garter for your brave and strong heroism during frightful times. (She moved the sword over her head to her left shoulder.) I also dub you my Guard Dog until my dear boy returns home. (She moved the sword again from her right shoulder to her left. She took it away.) Rise, Dame Frances Harkness."

Frances did so, meeting the Queen's proud gaze. The audience applauded. She inclined her head.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." She said.

The Queen nodded. She gestured for her to turn around to face the audience. She did so as they continued applauding. She looked over at her friends with a wide smile. They cheered louder for her. After a moment, she made her way down the aisle. Once at the door, the guard from before spoke,

"This way, my Lady."

"Thank you, sir." She said, following after him.

He led her to the room she was in before. She went in. The door closed behind her. She let out a sigh of relief. She wasn't alone for long though as the servants and Midford family came in with excited babbles and smiles… Well, almost everyone. Lady Elizabeth was the only one not wearing a smile. Frances understood why. A sad smile graced her lips, her eyes softening, knowing it was hard on the young lady. She turned back to her friends who were bowing before her and congratulating her. They moved to the side to allow the Midford family to congratulate her. Alexis Midford approached her.

"You should be proud of yourself, Lady Frances. A person who would selflessly help Her Majesty's people during such a chaotic time, you are quite deserving of this Damehood. Congratulations, my Lady." He said, taking her hand and giving it a kiss.

"Thank you, Marquess."

He smiled as he raised his head. He released her hand. Edward Midford approached her and took her hand.

"Congratulations." He said, pressing a kiss to her hand.

He released her hand quickly as if he was not happy to touch a former servant. Francis Midford approached her with a smile.

"We need more strong women to outwit and overcome such weak men. Congratulations, Lady Frances."

"Thank you, Marchioness." She said, inclining her head.

Lady Elizabeth approached her meekly.

"Congratulations, Lady Frances." She said with a curtsy.

"Thank you, Lady Elizabeth." She said. She looked around at everyone else, "Shall we go to the Townhouse to celebrate?"

Everyone nodded and made murmurs of agreement. They began making their way out of the Palace together.

The party at the Phantomhive Townhouse was filled with music, laughter, and words of congratulations. Undertaker did indeed show up as well with congratulations and mockery. He told her she wore a collar to the Queen now. She smiled and said she would still be the same person. He chuckled and smirked. Though not everyone was happy due to other circumstances, Frances approached Lady Elizabeth's side as she stared at the head of the table where Ciel sat. They remained in silence for a moment. Frances placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. She twirled her other wrist. In her hand, a black petaled sunflower appeared. She held it in front of Lady Elizabeth.

"For you, my Lady." She said.

"O-oh!" Lady Elizabeth exclaimed in surprise.

"Here, allow me."

Frances placed the black sunflower into the young lady's right pigtail.

"There." She said, stepping back with a small smile.

Lady Elizabeth looked at her with a stunned expression before a very tiny smile graced her lips. She hugged Frances tightly. Frances oofed for a moment before smiling and returned the embrace. They parted after a few moments.

The party came to an end around nightfall. Frances bid the Midford family goodnight and gave one last hug to Lady Elizabeth. The door closed behind them. She sighed softly. She was rather tired. In spite of that though, she helped the servants and Agni with the clean up process much to their protest, but with one harsh glare, they became silent and allowed her to assist them. After cleaning up, Frances bid her friends goodnight. She made her way to her room, took out her hairdo to allow her hair to fall down her back, changed into a white nightgown, placing her things in their proper places then got under the covers to fall asleep.

Or rather… try to fall asleep. She tossed and turned and sang hers and Sebastian's song, but sleep would not come. She gave a sigh. She sat up in bed and rubbed her tired eyes. She got up, went to her closet, and opened the door. She donned on a black robe and black slippers. She made her way out of her room into the dark hallways of the Townhouse. She let her feet slowly guide her to Sebastian's room. She stood in front of his door, placing a hand upon the wood, her head bowed slightly. She remained that way for a few minutes. Soon, she slid her hand to the handle, twisted it, then pushed it open. She entered his room, leaving the door open. She walked further into his room. She smiled as she spotted the cats curled around each other in the middle of his bed. She let her hand fall to the bed sheet, dragging it across the soft sheets as she walked to the window. She stopped right in front of it. She stared into the darkness of night as there was no moon to illuminate the Townhouse. She placed a hand on her heart, her other hand joining after. She could feel him aggressively looking for answers. A sigh escaped her lips.

"May you find the answer you seek quickly, Malphas." She whispered.

A few minutes of silence pass by when she felt Agni's presence behind her. They stayed in silence for a while until…

"You miss him." Agni stated.

She nodded in acknowledgement.

"I do." She admitted softly.

They stayed in silence again. Agni glanced at her, a small smile on his face. He placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. She turned to look at him, matching his small smile with her own. They both looked out the window together, staying in a comfortable silence.