Chapter Two: Taking Care of Business the Phantomhive Way
Two days passed, the carriage was loaded with Frances' things for her trip to visit her siblings and to view the company's factories. Tanaka was joining her as well while the other three were to keep an eye on the progress of the manor. The three of them were lined up outside the Townhouse with Prince Soma and Agni. She hugged each of them, starting with Mey-rin first.
"Goodbye, Mey-rin. Take care of yourself. I love you."
"I love you too, Frances. Have fun on your trip."
Frances smiled understanding what she was truly saying, "Have fun with your siblings.". She hugged Finny next.
"Goodbye Finny. I love you. Take care of yourself, all right?"
"Right! Have fun on your trip! Say hi to your siblings for me." He whispered the last part into her ear.
Her smile widened.
"Of course."
She hugged Bard.
"I love you, Baldroy. Take care of yourself and the others. Try not to blow anything up while we're gone."
He grunted.
"Yeah, yeah." He muttered.
She giggled and patted his shoulder.
"You've gotten much better so, thank you."
A blush appeared on his cheeks.
"Be careful out there and return safely." He said.
She smiled and nodded.
"I will."
She hugged Prince Soma next who started crying the second he threw his arms around her.
"Don't leave!" He wailed loudly.
Frances mentally sighed in exasperation.
"Prince Soma, it is only for two weeks. I'll be back, I promise."
"How can you be so sure when Ciel hasn't returned?! What if…" He trailed off, wailing louder.
Frances hugged him tighter. Tears filling her own eyes.
"My Prince…" Agni said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Frances met his eyes. He nodded. He pulled back just a little, but still left his hand on his shoulder.
"Prince Soma," Frances said, pulling him back so she could look him in the eyes, "I promise you, I will return. Can you please put on a smile and continue to be the best man you can be by continuing to help others?"
He sniffled and wiped his nose with his sleeve. He nodded.
"Thank you. By the way, I made chandrapul this morning. It's sitting on the kitchen island (His eyes widened and a gasp escaped him. She smiled.). When I return, I'll make you more."
He smiled and hugged her tightly again.
"Thank you. Return soon! I'll miss you!"
She returned the hug.
"I'll miss you too, Prince Soma."
They broke apart. They shared a smile. Frances hugged Agni.
"Thank you, Lady Frances. May the god Genesh watch over you during your journey."
"Thank you, Agni. Take care of yourself and Prince Soma."
"Of course."
They parted with smiles. Frances turned. She walked to the carriage. Tanaka assisted her inside before entering himself. He tapped the roof and they took off for the docks. Frances waved to her friends who waved back at her shouting goodbyes. Once they were out of sight, she leaned into the seat cushion and watched the scenery pass by.
They made it to the docks in no time at all. Tanaka arranged their luggage to be taken care of. Soon enough, they were on board. Frances looked out at London, watching it disappear from view as they started their journey.
Tanaka and Frances arrived at her siblings' place after a train ride. She knocked on the door. It swung open after the first knock.
"Frances!" Bridgett, Irene, and Marcelo screeched, tackling her in a hug.
Frances returned the embrace. They started crying.
"We were so worried!"
"When we saw that London was on fire…!"
"We thought the worse!"
"I'm here. It's all right. I'm safe. I'm sorry for not coming sooner. Things have been a little…" She trailed off, "Come on. Let's head inside."
She guided them all inside. She looked up at Tanaka who closed the door. She smiled in thanks. He inclined his head. She hugged her siblings in comfort. After a few moments, they calmed down. Bridgett was the first to notice Tanaka.
"Oh, you must be Tanaka." She said.
The other two looked up to see the older man described exactly from her stories and letters.
"It's nice to meet you three. Frances speaks highly of you." Tanaka said with a polite bow.
Bridgett walked over to him. The other two followed her example.
"You as well, Mr. Tanaka." Bridgett said with a curtsy, "My name is Bridgett. (She gestured to Irene.) This is Irene (Irene curtsied. Bridgett gestured to Marcelo.) and Marcelo (Marcelo bowed.)."
"Nice to meet you." Irene and Marcelo said at the same time.
Frances smiled.
"Please, sit down. We'll make some green tea." Bridgett said, gesturing to the couch.
"I can make the tea, my lady." Tanaka said.
"Nonsense. You're our guest, we take care of you. Please, relax." She said with a smile.
Tanaka smiled back.
"As you wish, my lady."
Bridgett went to the kitchen. Tanaka took a seat on the cushioned chair. Frances and her siblings followed suit and sat down on the couch as well. She turned to Irene and Marcelo who turned to her with smiles.
"So, tell me what's been going on here." Frances said.
Irene shrugged.
"The same it's always been. Though, I have gotten much more work and they even use me as a seamstress." She said.
"That's great! I'm so proud of you!" Frances praised. She turned to Marcelo, "And you, Marcelo? How's your cooking going?"
"Yeah! As Irene said, I'm busy too. Lots of people come to eat at the restaurant so I'm getting lots of hours!" He said, excitedly.
Frances smiled even more.
"That's good to hear." She said, hugging him.
He hugged her back. Bridgett entered the room with a tray that had a black kettle with black cups. They parted. Bridgett poured the tea and served Tanaka first.
"Thank you, my dear." He said.
She smiled.
"You're welcome."
Bridgett served Frances then their siblings before taking a cup for herself and settling between Frances and Marcelo. After taking a sip of her tea, Frances asked how Bridgett was doing.
"Good. Things have been steady here. You know, working. We've also been going on hikes and camping."
"That sounds like fun." Frances said.
"Yeah! We went camping two weeks ago and a bear walked in front us as we walked!" Irene exclaimed.
Frances' eyes widened.
"A bear?!" She asked.
Marcelo nodded.
"Yeah! It didn't do anything, but we did freeze for a second as it passed." Irene said.
"Wow." Frances said, shocked.
"It was a fun trip. The nature out there is beautiful." Bridgett said.
They talked about other trips they've taken and other outings they've gone on such as the park and fair and the Mardi Gras celebration. They asked Tanaka about himself which he obliged telling them how he's served the Phantomhive family since before the Young Master. Marcelo was the one to ask if he had returned yet and that caused Frances and Tanaka to become sad as they told him they hadn't. Bridgett thankfully changed the subject to Frances' new job and if she liked it. She told them she did. They talked late into the evening. At about ten in the evening, Tanaka retired to Marcelo's room while Marcelo slept on the mattress in the living room. Frances shared a bed with Bridgett. As the sisters cuddled each other, Bridgett called to her in a whisper,
"Frances."
"Hm?"
"You miss him, don't you?"
Frances opened her eyes which filled with tears instantly.
"I…" Her voice cracked as a sob escaped.
Bridgett wrapped her arms around her tighter, running her hands up and down her back.
"I'm here, sissy. Let it out." She whispered, comfortingly.
Frances did. Allowing the tears to fall and sobs to rack through her body. After releasing the first few tears, her hand tingled as she thought of the demon, her love. She felt him send her remorse and comfort.
*I miss you.* She sent him mentally.
"I miss him." She whispered.
In Hell
Malphas paused in his torture for answers as he heard his mate's thoughts and could feel her sadness and loneliness without him. He spun away from the demon, ignoring the whimpers and heavy breaths. He wasn't concerned that he would escape. The demon chains prevented him from doing so.
He stared at his hand that tingled as he thought of her. He closed his fuchsia/orange eyes.
*Soon, my mate. Soon.* He sent her.
At Frances' Siblings' Apartment
Frances gasped softly. Sitting up quickly, one hand on her heart. Bridgett followed suit.
"What is it?" She asked, grabbing her other hand and squeezing it gently.
"I… heard him. I have never… (She closed her eyes as he sent her determination and love.) Sebastian." She whispered, lovingly.
In Hell
Malphas smiled, a sickly sweet smile. His eyes opened, showing the thinnest of slits in the fuchsia/orange orbs. The wisps around him flared wildly. He slowly turned with all the elegance of a predator, taking great pleasure as he watched the chained up demon's eyes widened in horror. Malphas grinned showing his sharp teeth. He flexed his claws. The crow feather shadows danced wildly as the flames that surrounded them. His eyes met the terrified demon's. His steps were measured as they clicked sharply against the jagged rock in time with his words.
"I would speak quickly (He took a sharp step forward.) for I am not a patient being (Another step. The demon cowered away causing a smirk to spread across his face.). I have kept my mate (Another sharp step. His shadows dancing wildly.) waiting. (Another step.) I must return quickly."
The chained demon screamed. Malphas' grin widened as a dark chuckle escaped him.
"Tell me!" He snarled.
At Frances' Siblings' Apartment
Frances could feel his irritation and anger. Then a satisfying and anticipation feeling crept underneath that. Frances smiled and looked at Bridgett who was watching her.
"Soon." She whispered.
Bridgett smiled and nodded. The two laid back down, embraced in each other's arms and quickly fell asleep.
The following morning, Frances awoke before Bridgett. She smiled at her sleeping form. She leaned down and gave her a kiss upon her forehead. She leaned back, taking in the sight of her sister with love.
"Thank you, Bridgett for being the oldest and taking care of our siblings and being a mother to our siblings. Thank you for taking care of me and allowing me to cry once again on you. I love you."
She hugged her tightly. She moved back, getting out of the bed, placing her robe on then exited out of the room. She made her way to the kitchen and began cooking breakfast for everyone, humming the song Sebastian played while she and Grell sang along during the ball Lady Elizabeth insisted upon last year, quietly. Her hand tingling as the song reminded her of Sebastian. She smiled still making breakfast for everyone. Once she was nearly done, Little Man Tanaka and her siblings came into the dining room to see what was for breakfast.
"Good morning, Frances." Her siblings greeted.
"Ho, ho, ho." Tanaka greeted.
Frances turned towards them. A smile on her face.
"Good morning." She greeted back, "Breakfast will be ready shortly."
They nodded. They took a seat at the dining table. Soon enough, Frances served them breakfast which consisted of big chocolate muffins with orange juice and green tea for Tanaka. After Frances sat down, they began to eat.
For the rest of the day, they went outside strolling through town, buying sweets, and sharing in each other's company. The day ended too soon and the following morning had arrived too quickly. Frances and her siblings parted with hugs and lots of love and a promise to see them soon. They gave Little Man Tanaka a hug as well, having enjoyed his company. When they parted from him, Frances gave one last wave to them shouting,
"I love you!"
"Love you too, Frances!" They shouted back.
She and Tanaka made their way out of the apartment complex and down the road to where a carriage awaited them. After the two of them got in, Frances hit the roof to signal the driver. They took off to the factory in New Orleans, about a forty-five minute ride from her siblings' home.
Frances' eyes widened as she took in the huge factory. The driver opened the door. Tanaka stepped out first then Frances, the driver assisting her down. She thanked him. She looked up to see a man with blonde hair and hazel eyes standing next to a woman with short black hair and brown eyes. The man wore a black and white suit while the woman wore a light blue day dress with black boots. In her hands were a bunch of papers. No doubt reports. The man stepped forward with a hand out. She accepted it.
"My Lady, Miss. Harkness (He kissed her hand. He released it, turned to Tanaka and bowed.). Mr. Tanaka. (He straightened.) A pleasure to meet you (He looked at Frances then at Tanaka.) and to see you again."
Frances curtsied.
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Brooker."
He smiled. He gestured to the woman behind him.
"This is my assistant Eva Longsteam."
Frances curtsied again.
"A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Longsteam."
They looked at her surprised. The young lady recovered and returned the curtsy.
"You as well, my Lady."
They both straightened up, matching smiles upon their faces. Mr. Brooker gestured to the door of the factory.
"Please, come in." He said.
Frances nodded. She and Tanaka followed the two of them in. The factory was busy inside with workers sewing the stuffed animals, clothing, and stuffing the animals with stuffing to ensure its fullness. On the other side of the factory, in a closed off big kitchen area where bakers were making chocolates and other sweets and off to the side were workers wrapping them in their respective packages. The place was warm yet spacious filled with barrels and crates of the supplies needed. Mr. Brooker led them to a staircase that led to an office. He gestured to the seats in front of a brown desk clear of clutter and extremely organized. There was a stack of papers in front of him.
"Please, have a seat."
They did so. He sat down after they did. He gestured for Mrs. Longsteam to hand Frances the papers. She did so. Frances thanked her. As she looked over the profits and losses, the man talked about it with her. There was more profit in the recent weeks, especially in the toy department, the sweets were getting a fair amount of profit as well, not as much as the toys, but still maintaining a steady profit. He also discussed employment opportunities and that there were a few candidates he was looking at promoting. After a few questions, another look around the building, and talking/encouraging the workers, it was time to move on to the next city.
The rest of the trip was the same just in a different city. She would see the factories, read over the reports, and introduce herself as the new head of Funtom Company. As they rode through the different cities, Frances also discussed taking a few lessons to further her knowledge and language with Tanaka. He agreed and told her he would look into tutors for her, once they returned home. When they did return to the Townhouse, they found they weren't done. The manor was complete according to her friends who met with the head of the construction that morning. So, after taking her luggage in, she and Tanaka made their way to the manor.
Once they arrived, Frances gasped at seeing the outside was built as if nothing caused damage to it in the first place. She smiled. It brought back so many memories. The carriage pulled to a stop. Little Man Tanaka stepped out first before turning to her and assisting her out of the carriage. The head contractor made his way over to them.
"My Lady." He said, bowing to her.
"Mr. Clarkson." She greeted, inclining her head.
"I understand you just got back from a business trip. We can do this another time, if it conveniences you, my Lady." He said, looking at her with concern radiating from his eyes.
She smiled.
"I appreciate the concern, sir, but I assure you, I am fine. Shall we take a look at the work your team has done?"
He nodded once.
"Right this way, my Lady."
He gestured to the left of the building. She followed. As they looked around, it was as if nothing had happened to it. The foundation was sound, the greenhouse was still as beautiful as it was before, the gardens and fountains still as elegant as the first time she saw it. When they went inside, everything was exactly the same from the hardwood floors to the nature paintings on the walls. Every room, including the servants' room was the same. Not one thing was different. Frances smiled. They came to stand in front of the manor. Frances held her hand out to Mr. Clarkson. He took it and they shook hands.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Clarkson. You and your team did a wonderful job. It looks exactly as we discussed. Thank you to you and your team. I'll be sure to send a batch of chocolate chip cookies to you and your team as another token of our appreciation."
"Thank you, my Lady. You are a pleasure to work with. And the cookies you and your servants make are delicious. We look forward to receiving them. If there is any problem, please, be sure to contact us."
"Thank you. Here is the last of the payment (She handed him a sack of money. He accepted the money after releasing her hand.). Have a wonderful day, sir."
"You as well, my Lady." He bowed.
She curtsied. After a moment, they straightened. He turned and left. She and Tanaka returned to the Townhouse.
The following day, she and the servants moved back into Phantomhive Manor leaving Agni and Prince Soma at the Townhouse with warm and tearful farewells and wishes to see them soon. They agreed.
The day after moving into the manor, Frances was sleeping in the guest bedroom she was in when Sebastian and Ciel first brought her to the manor. A quiet knock roused her from her sleep. She yawned then stretched her body out, groaning quietly. She relaxed into the bed.
"Come in." She called.
Mey-rin opened the door. She entered with a trolley of tea.
"Good morning, Frances. I hope you slept well, yes I do!" She exclaimed, cheerfully.
Frances smiled. She sat up, resting her hands in her lap.
"Good morning to you, Mey-rin. I did sleep well, thank you. I hope you slept well also."
She nodded as she brought in the trolley.
"Of course, Frances! It felt just like old times."
Frances smiled even more; her eyes softened.
"I'm glad you feel that way. I did too."
They shared a smile. Mey-rin looked down and poured the tea.
"This morning's tea is Jackson's Earl Grey." Mey-rin announced as she handed her the cup.
"Thank you." Frances said, accepting the cup.
She took a sip. She drew it away from her lips, letting out a content sigh. She continued to drink her tea as Mey-rin went over her schedule.
"This morning, breakfast will be served in the dining room. Then after that there is some more paperwork that must be taken care of, yes. Then lunch will be held at Benekey's to meet with two prospect business partners who wish to help expand your business." Mey-rin said, looking meaningfully at her.
She moved the cup away from her lips with a sigh.
"Men." She muttered.
She continued drinking her tea as Mey-rin continued telling her what else was on her schedule. Once she finished with her tea, Mey-rin took the cup. She placed it on the trolley before going to Frances' closet and chose a dark blue day dress with white lace that Nina made. In fact, she made a few dresses for her. She turned to Frances, showing her the dress. Frances nodded in approval. Mey-rin nodded. She turned back to the closet to also pulled out a pair of matching dark blue heels. She then went to the dresser and pulled out white stockings and a white corset. She returned to Frances and assisted her in getting dressed. Once she was dressed for the day, Frances dismissed Mey-rin. She continued getting ready for the day by placing her hair into a bun. She went to the bathroom and did her normal routine. Once that was complete, she made her way out of her room. She made her way to the dining room.
After breakfast, her day went as planned and soon enough she was heading to Benekey's for her meeting with two prospect business partners. She was there in no time at all. She checked her pocket watch to see that it was five minutes before the meeting. She closed it just as the carriage door opened. Baldroy stood at the door with his hand held out for her. She took it, allowing him to assist her getting down. Once she was safely on the ground, she thanked him.
"I'll try not to be too long. Half an hour at the most." She told him.
"No worries, my lady." He said with a smile.
She smiled back.
She made her way to the entrance of Benekey's and opened the door. She went up to the host who smiled at her.
"Welcome, my Lady. Do you have a reservation?"
"Yes, sir. It's under Frances Harkness, Funtom Company for three."
He searched his records. He nodded once he saw it.
"Ah, yes, Lady Harkness. You are the first to arrive. Please, this way." He said, gesturing to his right.
He led her to a table about halfway into the dark restaurant.
"Here we are, my Lady." He said, politely.
She smiled at him. She made her way to the chair that faced the direction they came from. He moved to pull it out for her. Once she sat down, he pushed her in. She looked up at him.
"Thank you." She said.
He placed the three menus down with a nod.
"You're welcome, my Lady. Your server's name is Keith for this afternoon. He'll be here shortly."
"Thank you." She said once again.
He nodded while excusing himself. Keith did appear before her a few minutes later.
"Good afternoon, my Lady. I see we are still waiting for two more people. Would you like anything while you wait?" He asked politely, pen and notebook ready.
"Good afternoon, sir. I'll just have some water for now, thank you."
"Of course, my Lady." He said as he wrote it down. He looked back up at her, "I'll be back momentarily."
Twenty minutes passed. Frances had two glasses of water before perusing the menu as well as the wine selection. The waiter came by with an apologetic smile. She let out a small sigh. She had also asked ten minutes prior seeing if her two business prospects had arrived.
"May I please have a glass of Saint-Emilion Grand Cru?"
"Of course, my Lady." He said, writing it down.
"And also, I'll have the turkey with au gratin potatoes and vegetables, but could you put that order in when my correspondents arrive, please?"
"Very well, my Lady. I will bring out your glass of Saint-Emilion shortly." He said, looking at her after writing her order down.
A few minutes later, he brought out her wine. She thanked him. He nodded before leaving her alone once again. She swirled her wine in her glass then took a sip. She looked at her pocket watch yet again. She closed it as she heard two males' laughter. She looked up to see two men making their way towards her table with the host leading them. One man had dark brown hair with brown eyes wearing a black tuxedo with a white shirt and a long black tie that disappeared into his suit jacket. He was a little shorter than the man beside him who wore a tan suit with a white shirt and a matching brown tie that was a shade darker than his suit. He had black hair and green eyes. The host stopped in front of her. He bowed.
"My Lady, your correspondents have arrived."
"Thank you, sir." She said with a nod, setting down her wine glass.
She stood and held out her hand for a shake. The host left.
"Good afternoon, sirs. My name is Frances Harkness. It's a pleasure to meet you. I trust your journey was a safe one?"
The man with black hair took her hand and gave it a shake.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Harkness. My name is Evan Island, head manager of the Island Hotels." He said, "I apologize for our lateness. Traffic. I'm sure you understand."
"Of course."
They released the other's hand. Frances held it out for the other man. He took it, turning it so her knuckles were on display.
"A pleasure to meet you, Lady Frances." He said, kissing her hand, "My name is Davis Benson, head of the Benson and Company stores."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Benson. Shall we?" She asked, gesturing to the chairs.
Mr. Benson pushed in her chair for her. His hand grazed her arm. She moved it the second he touched it. He looked surprise for a moment before he took his seat.
"So, what business would you like to do with the Funtom Company?" Frances asked, taking a sip of her wine.
"I wonder where our waiter is. I'm parched." Mr. Benson said, ignoring her.
Mr. Island gave a quiet chuckle. She didn't react. Keith approached their table.
"Hello. I'm…"
He was cut off by Mr. Benson.
"I'll have a scotch."
"Gin for me." Mr. Island said, not even looking at Keith.
Frances mentally narrowed her eyes. She sent a small apologetic smile to Keith. He gave her a small smile back.
"Of course, Sirs. Excuse me."
He left to get their drinks. The men looked at their menus. Mr. Island glanced at her.
"You aren't going to order anything, my Lady?" He asked.
"I already put in my order."
"Ah, I see." He said with a nod.
Keith came back with their drinks.
"Are you…"
He was once again cut off by Mr. Benson.
"I'll have the sirloin with chips. Medium well."
"And I'll have the pigeon with mashed potatoes and gravy."
"Very well. I'll have that out in a bit."
He walked away. Both gentlemen turned to look at her.
"Now, we may discuss business." Mr. Benson said, "But first, I must ask, are you truly the new head of the Funtom Company?"
Frances suppressed the urge to sigh. This question was asked every once in a while, but it was getting quite annoying.
"Yes. I am the head of the Funtom Company. Here is the paperwork signing it all to me."
She handed him said paperwork. They looked it over. Once they finished looking it over, they handed it back to her.
"You seem to be doing well and growing quite considerably despite giving quite a fair amount away and despite being a woman. We would like to expand your business even further. If you give us your business, we can reach even further than you have."
"Hm." She said, pretending to think about it. She pulled out more paperwork from her purse and read through them, "Well, as intriguing as that sounds, I must decline for you see, you only have about eight stores. Oh, excuse me, six now as two closed down because of not enough customers. Your losses are greater than your gains despite people's needs for the things in your stores. So, it seems to me as if you wish to expand your own business."
He glared at her.
"How dare you!" He shouted, slamming his glass down.
She glared right back.
"How dare I?" She asked incredulously, "How dare you. Showing up late to a meeting you instigated."
"We told you! There was traffic." Mr. Benson explained.
"For twenty-seven minutes? You could have sent a footman. I have other plans that are now delayed because you believe that women can't handle a business. I'll have you know I have run a business for nearly two years before being recruited to the Phantomhives. And while I admit I have never taken on many businesses such as these, it clearly goes to show that I am capable of gaining in these businesses while you only lose, Mr. Benson."
He was red in the face.
"You little…" He started, rising out of his seat.
"I believe our business is complete, gentlemen." She said, nodding towards the exit.
Mr. Island grabbed Mr. Benson's arm, quietly and quickly ushering him out. Mr. Benson wrenched his arm out of his hold. He glared at her.
"You're just as bad as Phantomhive. I suggest you watch your back." He threatened.
She merely swirled her glass of wine once. She took a sip, not at all bothered by what had happened. Mr. Island put some pounds down for their drinks as Mr. Benson turned and stomped away. He followed after him. Keith appeared with her food. She smiled as she placed her glass down.
"Thank you, Keith." She said.
He smiled.
"You're welcome, my Lady."
She ate her lunch and drank her wine. Once she paid the bill, she left. She made her way to her carriage.
"Hey, Bard. Sorry about the wait."
"It's all right, my Lady." He said.
She smiled at him. He assisted her into the carriage. Once she was inside, he closed the door, climbed into the driver's seat, and began making their way home. The rest of her day went as planned, though she went to bed a little later than normal.
Two mornings later, Frances awoke from a dream that warned her two men would be coming to the manor to "put her in her place" as Mr. Benson stated. She scoffed. When Mey-rin came in to serve her some tea and told her of her schedule, Frances informed her that after dinner she wants every window and door in the manor to be opened. Mey-rin's eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Why, Frances?"
"We'll be having guests over and I'd really rather not have this mansion in disrepair once again." She sighed in exasperation.
Mey-rin nodded in understanding.
"Very well, then. Shall we take care of these guests?"
"I will see to them. Though, two of you may assist after while Tanaka and someone remains here to close up."
Mey-rin nodded once again.
"Yes, my Lady." She bowed.
Mey-rin exited the room. Frances got dressed in a dark green day dress with black boots. Her hair was pulled back into a braided bun. After finishing her bathroom routine, she made her way downstairs. The servants greeted her. She greeted them in return. She made her way to the dining room with Tanaka following behind her. He pulled out her chair for her. She thanked him as she sat down. He pushed her in.
"My Lady, I have found tutors for the lessons you wish to take. You shall begin next week. Monday you will have your French class, Wednesday you will have your Latin class, and Friday you shall have your ballet class."
She smiled brightly at him.
"Thank you, Tanaka."
He inclined his head.
"You're welcome, my Lady."
The day continued with her normal schedule that Mey-rin informed her of.
Night appeared quickly. Frances was in her Office with the door and window opened. A nice summer breeze blew in, fluttering some of her paperwork. It was a little after eight. She was working on her oils and potions humming a light and airy instrumental piece* quietly, though it was hummed with little emotion.
Around eleven o'clock was when they decided to attack.
Two men approached the manor via the woods. One man wore tan pants with a green shirt. He had light brown hair and blue eyes, his skin was tan. The other man wore black pants with a brown shirt. His hair was black and his eyes were hazel, his skin was lightly tan. They were about the same height. They each had a knife in their hands. They paused startled.
"Why is the mansion completely opened?" The man with light brown hair asked.
"Dunno. Maybe an animal got in and stunk up the place?" The other man said with a curious look.
"I suppose we have no choice, but to go in. At least we don't have to fear a creaking door or window to open." The man with light brown hair said with a smirk.
"True."
The two men gave a nod. They crept up to the mansion. They went inside with no one detecting them. They checked each door before heading upstairs where they heard a low noise. It sounded like humming, though it was unlike anything they had ever heard. It was beautiful, elegant, airy, and sad, like there was no emotion behind it. The two men looked at one another, nodding once again. They followed the melody. It led them to the end of the hall to a door on the left that looked like an office. It had a brown desk with a black chair, a beautiful open window that overlooked the gardens, a long brown table that held glasses used for measuring and mixing and vials to be filled, a brown bookcase was next to it filled with separate tagged sections for various oils and potions. The woman they were after stood at the table adding some ash to a mixture.
The men took out their knives. They approached her silently. Suddenly, they attacked at the same time. Frances ducked down in between them. They gasped and hissed as they grazed each other's arms with the knives instead. They spun around with a glare at her as she stared at them calmly. The light brown-haired man gritted his teeth and lunged. Frances kicked his weapon out of his hand. It slid across the room. She landed a punch then another kick that sent him in the same direction of his knife. The black-haired man lunged for her. She punched his shoulder holding the knife. He jolted backwards.
"You bitch!" He snarled, clutching his shoulder.
The light brown-haired man finally recovered. He picked up his knife. Both men lunged with a loud cry. Frances ducked and rolled to the left. She crouched and turned to see as both men's eyes widened, but… it was too late. They struck one another in the chest. They both gurgled. Blood dripped out their lips. The light brown-haired man released his hand, leaving the knife imbedded in his comrade while the black-haired man took his knife out as the other man fell with a thud. He gave one last gurgle before he met his end. Frances walked over to the black-haired man and took out a handkerchief. She leaned over the man with a sigh.
"You all seem to have forgotten, I was a bodyguard for the Earl Phantomhive. (She sighed again.) Ah well, no matter (She pulled the knife out of the man as he gasped for breath.). Your boss will soon learn to never mess with the Funtom Company nor the house of Phantomhive."
She stepped back from him, straightening from her bent stance. She wrapped the knife in her handkerchief, being extra careful not to leave any trace. She turned to see Baldroy and Finny behind her. She gave a nod. They nodded back. The three of them got to work.
The following morning, Frances sat at the dining table eating breakfast and reading the newspaper. On the front page was a picture of Benekey's with two men in the back alley. The paper said that the men had been in some sort of brawl the evening prior which ended in both their lives. Frances gave a small smirk. She placed the paper aside, continuing to eat.
Later that afternoon, Finnian came into her Office after getting the go ahead from her.
"Frances, a letter has come for you." He said, approaching her desk.
She looked up at him. He held out the letter. She accepted it with a quiet, "Thanks.". She looked over it. The seal was a spider, the writing extremely elegant. As elegant as Sebastian's. She opened the letter. She read the following:
Dear Lady Frances,
I would like you to come to my mansion tomorrow so we may discuss a business proposition as well as finally meet. I hope you accept my invitation.
Sincerely,
Alois Trancy
As written by Claude Faustus.
*Trancy?* Frances thought, her eyebrows furrowed.
The name wasn't familiar to her. She looked up at Finny who was waiting for a reply.
"I'm going to look more into this letter, Finny. Please go back to your chores. Thank you."
He beamed happily.
"Of course, Frances! (He made his way to the door.) See you later." He called from the doorway, looking back at her.
"See you later, Finny." She agreed.
He closed the door behind him.
Frances summoned books about the Trancy's to her hand. After an hour of research, she found out all she could about them. It… disturbed her slightly how familiar the story was to Ciel's. It made her curious yet, she knew she should be cautious. She also felt a strange urge to accept. She wrote a quick reply, accepting the letter. After doing so, she rang the bell that led to the kitchen. A few minutes later, Finny knocked on the door. She gave the go ahead to come in. He did so.
"Yes, Frances?" He asked.
"Can you please take this to the Trancy's estate for me?"
He nodded.
"Of course."
"Thank you, Finny."
"You're welcome." He replied.
Once he left, Frances looked out of the window at the garden.
*Now, we'll wait to see what tomorrow brings.* She thought.
*The song she hums is 'One Summer's Day' which belongs to Joe Hisaishi.