Chapter Sixty: The Wedding of the Century

That morning, a carriage pulled up in front of a beautiful grey manor with dark blue roofing. It resembled almost like a castle with an inner courtyard and beautiful gardens surrounding it. The carriage pulled to a stop. Sebastian stepped out first wearing his usual butler uniform, however, his hair was slicked back. He turned to the carriage and held out a hand. A black glove was placed into his hand. Ciel stepped down from the carriage wearing a blue tuxedo with a black cloak, a small blue hat with a black ribbon tied in a bow around it sat on the left side of his head, his golden handle cane in his hand, his black eyepatch covering his right eye. He stepped forward. A blue gloved hand was placed into Sebastian's hand next as he assisted Frances from the carriage. Her brown hair was elegantly styled in a tight bun with a blue rose in the corner of her hair, a blue dress that tightly covered to her waist before flaring out to her ankles. The bodice had light blue strings crisscrossing on it all the way to her chest, blue heels upon her feet, and a matching blue cloak wrapped around her shoulders. She turned to looked at Snake who was driving the carriage.

"Thank you, Snake. We'll be back in about an hour." She said.

He smiled and nodded at her. Emily popped her head up, looking at her.

"'All right." says Emily."

She nodded back. They turned and walked up the pathway to the front door. Sebastian knocked upon the door.

A few short minutes passed. The door was opened by an older gentleman with grey hair and warm blue eyes wearing a tuxedo on his tall 5'10" frame. He blinked in surprise.

"Ah, Lord Phantomhive, Lady Harkness, welcome. Here to see Lady Elizabeth?"

"Yes, sir." The Young Master and Frances said at the same time.

"Very well. Do come in."

He opened the door wider, moving aside to allow them entry. They walked through the doorway. He closed the door. He walked in front of them and gestured them forward. They followed after him.

"My apologies, my lord, my lady, Mistress Elizabeth is in the middle of a lesson and—"

A loud squeal cut him off.

"CIELLLLLLLLLL! FRANCESSSSSS!"

A flash of silver zoomed towards them. An arm wrapped around the both of them causing them to choke slightly. Frances laughed softly and wrapped her arms around the both of them as well, hugging Lizzie back. She could smell the overflowing sweetness of her soul with a hint of sour from her. It caused her nose to twitch ever so slightly as well as the darkness to squirm in disgust, but she ignored it. She could also feel Ciel's familiarity and… comfort.

"Good morning, Lady Lizzie." Frances greeted.

Lady Elizabeth pulled back. Frances removed her arm from around Ciel. Frances looked over her outfit to see that it was a silver fencing outfit.

"What are you two doing here?" She inquired.

Ciel cleared his throat, drawing her eyes to him. She looked at him, intrigue, wonder, and slight puzzlement coming from her.

"Are your parents and brother available?"

"Elizabeth!" Her Mother called from the stairs, sternly. They all looked at her. Ciel's eye widened. Frances could feel the same thing as he felt with Elizabeth, though, fear was also within as well. Marchioness Midford began to walk down the stairs, "What was that foolishness…"

She trailed off when she looked up to see their guests. Her eyes widened as she came to a halt. They narrowed slightly.

"Ciel. This is quite improper." She said, walking down the remaining stairs.

Ciel snapped out of his staring. He cleared his throat.

"I do apologize, Aunt Francis, for showing up with no prior notice, however, I was hoping to inquire about something."

The Marchioness raised her eyebrow.

"That something being?" She asked.

"I'd like the Marquess and Edward to be present for it, please." He said.

The Marchioness stared at the boy for a moment. She nodded.

"Very well."

She turned to the butler.

"Augustus, go fetch my husband and son. Bring them to the drawing room"

"Yes, my Lady." He bowed.

He straightened and walked away to do as he was order. The Marchioness returned her gaze to the four of them. She turned away.

"Hmph. At least, you look presentable today."

Sebastian and Frances shared a smirk. Ciel held out his arm for Lady Elizabeth.

"My Lady."

Lizzie giggled as she accepted his arm. The four of them began to follow the Marchioness. When they neared the drawing room, Sebastian stepped forward and opened the door. The Marchioness merely walked through, Lady Elizabeth and Ciel nodded their heads in thanks, Frances vocally thanked him. He inclined his head. He closed the door behind himself. The Marchioness sat in a light blue sofa chair. Ciel, Lizzie, and Frances sat on the light blue chaise, Sebastian moved behind the three of them. A few moments later, Augustus returned with the Marquess, Edward, and Paula who went to stand behind Elizabeth while the other two made their way to the other chaise. Frances and Ciel stood back up.

"Good morning, Marquess, Edward." Frances and Ciel greeted with a curtsy and bow.

The Marquess and Edward bowed.

"Good morning, Lady Frances, Lord Ciel." The two greeted.

They all straightened.

"To what do we owe this pleasure?" Marquess asked.

Frances had to bite back another laugh as she felt his excitement to hold the boy.

"Please, let us sit down." Ciel said.

They nodded. They all sat down. All was silent for a few moments. Frances could feel the same hesitation and familiarity as earlier from Ciel as well as his nervousness. Ciel cleared his throat. He looked straight into Marchioness Midford's eyes.

"I would like to marry your daughter tomorrow."

Everyone's eyes widened, including Lady Elizabeth's.

"Excuse me?" Marchioness Midford asked.

"I would like to marry Lady Elizabeth tomorrow." Ciel stated again.

"Our arrangement—"

"Tomorrow is never guaranteed. (Their eyes widened and a gasp escaped the Marchioness and Marquess' lips.) Especially, in my line of work. Besides (He turned to Elizabeth, a regretful smile upon his lips.), I have hurt you too many times. I am sorry about my long disappearances and for what I said about not wanting a strong wife—"

"You said what?!" The Marchioness, Marquess, and Edward exclaimed, Edward standing from him chair.

Ciel ignored them as he continued.

"You are cute and strong, beautiful and courageous, and (A blush formed on his cheeks.) I wish to share in your company every day for the rest of my life. (He stood up and knelt down in front of her, holding a little black box. He opened it. Lady Elizabeth gasped, her hands covering her lips. Inside was a beautiful… no. The beautiful golden band blue diamond ring, however there was now two pink marguerites on either side of the blue diamond.) Will you do me the honor of marrying me?"

"Yes. Yes! Yes! I will marry you!" Lady Elizabeth cried, jumping up into his arms and hugging him.

Ciel returned the hug. After a few seconds, Lady Elizabeth pulled away, holding out her hand so Ciel would put the ring on. He did so. The Marquess stood up from his chair. Everyone turned to face him. Marquess zoomed over to them, pulling the two of them into his arms, hugging them tightly.

"My future son-in-law and beautiful daughter are getting married tomorrow! Sooner than I thought! I'm so happy and excited and overwhelmed! You two are going to be sooooooooooooo cute!"

Frances smiled widely as a giggle escaped her lips. The Marchioness stood up, gaining their attention.

"Well, it looks like we have a lot of work to do."

Frances could feel the displeasure and him holding back from voicing said displeasure as well as the hidden pride from Edward.

"Actually, my Lady," Sebastian said, taking a small step forward. Everyone looked at him, "We have everything prepared."

The Marchioness raised an eyebrow.

"Including her dress?"

Sebastian's eyes widened.

"No, my Lady. Lady Elizabeth will be able to pick out her dress or go to her appointment with Ms. Nina Hopkins."

Lady Elizabeth gasped. Marchioness Midford nodded with a, "Hmph.". Lady Elizabeth got out of her Father's arms. She raced over to Frances, taking her hands into hers.

"Will you come with me to Ms. Nina's?" She asked.

Frances smiled softly at her.

"Of course."

"Great! Let's go after I change, right now!"

Lizzie linked arms with her. She turned to look at Paula.

"Come along, Paula!"

"Yes, Mistress!"

"Excuse us." Both Lizzie and Frances said at the same time.

They raced out of the room into her room where she changed with Paula and Frances' help then raced into another awaiting carriage.

Everyone else in the room watched as the three left. The Marchioness turned her head away with a sigh. She turned to look at Ciel.

"Let us take a look at what you have."

"Very well. I shall see you at the manor."

She nodded.

"Very well."

Marquess Midford hugged him tightly once again.

"I am extremely excited to see you marry my daughter!"

"Alexis!"

"Father!"

Marchioness and Edward exclaimed at the same time.

After a few more seconds, he reluctantly pulled away. He smiled brightly at the boy, a blush on his cheeks.

"Congratulations, my beloved son-in-law."

Ciel gave a small smile.

"Thank you, Uncle."

The remaining Midford family followed Ciel and Sebastian out the door. They got into their own carriage as Ciel got into his. Sebastian climbed in after him. Ciel sat down. He looked up at Finnian who sat across from him. Finnian tapped the roof of the carriage. Snake snapped the reins. Finnian lowered his cane. He opened his eyes.

"Well, how were they?"

"The same. Though, Lizzie was just as you said, childish, but fierce. She was wearing a fencing outfit."

Finnian smirked.

"So I saw."

"The rest of the Midfords are coming to the manor to look over things or more like Aunt Francis is coming to criticize everything."

Finnian let out an exasperated sigh.

"I figured."

Meanwhile, Frances and Lizzie spent time at Nina Hopkins shop who was awaiting their arrival and greeted them with kisses and hugs and attempted touches which Frances instantly blocked. Nina had already made several sketches since Sebastian called yesterday morning. Lizzie looked through all of them, squealing how she loved them all when one in particular caught her eye causing her to gasp. Tears filled her eyes.

"T-This… This is soooooooooo beautiful, Ms. Nina."

Frances smiled widely. She had a feeling she would love that one as she had made a few suggestions to Nina about how to design the dress.

As Nina made the dress, Lizzie asked Frances to be her bridesmaid. Frances agreed. The two of them then conversed about the different things she wanted for her wedding. She had to hide a smirk as she got most of the arrangements correct, Sebastian made a few changes to fit what she wanted. Once Lizzie's dress was finished, she tried it on. Paula's eyes filled with tears. She took out a handkerchief to dap her wet cheeks and eyes.

"My-My Lady… you look… magnificent." Paula complimented.

"Fabbbbbbuuuulllouuusssss!" Nina exclaimed.

"Absolutely breath-taking. Ciel's eyes are going to widen so large then he is going to be blushing bright pink when he sees you." Frances said.

The four of them giggled. Nina then looked at Frances.

"Your turn!" She exclaimed before lunging towards her.

She dragged Frances to the previous room to design her gown. Lizzie chose the perfect dress for her, exclaiming she would be,

"Soooooooooo cute!"

The rest of day was spent with Frances trying on her dress after Nina finished making it. Nina promised to drop both dresses off in the morning so that Ciel wouldn't be tempted to peek. Once they farewelled Nina, they returned to the manor where Lizzie gasped as,

"Everything is EXACTLY how I want it to be! It looks so lovely! (She turned to Sebastian. She curtsied.) Thank you, Sebastian."

Sebastian bowed.

"You're welcome, my Lady."

Lizzie straightened with a giggle.

Once everything was deemed worthy for a Phantomhive wedding, Lizzie returned home and Frances returned to Alois, spending the night in his cottage with him.

The following day, Lizzie arrived with her family and Paula. Frances escorted Lizzie and Paula to Lizzie's room in the manor while Sebastian led the remaining Midford family to the drawing room. When Frances, Lizzie, and Paula were close to her room, Frances spoke,

"Nina dropped off our dresses."

Lizzie squealed in excitement. They made it to her door. Frances opened it for her, allowing her and Paula to step through before following after them, closing the door behind herself.

"Now then…" Frances said, a warm smile upon her lips.

The next few hours were spent getting Frances and Lizzie ready for the wedding starting with a bath then working on her nails, makeup and hair. As they helped one another, the feeling of sadness and longing filled her, wishing it was one of her sisters she was assisting and they in turn, assisting her. The darkness stirred inside her, disliking the feelings. She pushed them away. Once the two of them were dressed, Frances turned to Lizzie.

"I have a few things for you." She said.

"Oh?" Lizzie asked.

Frances nodded. She went to her vanity and pulled out the bottom drawer. She pulled out two boxes. She placed them on top of the vanity. She moved the smaller box to the side before opening the long box. Lizzie's eyes widened at the sight of her Father's sword.

"Something old." Frances said. She opened the first smaller box, revealing a pink choker necklace with three pink marguerites in the center, "Something new. (Frances picked up the sword.) Something borrowed. (She pulled out a blue ribbon.) Something blue."

She used it to tie the sword to her dress. Lizzie's eyes held tears. Frances smiled softly. She turned them so they looked themselves over in the mirror. Frances smiled as Paula gained tears in her eyes.

"M-My Lady… You're truly… breath-taking doesn't seem to be an adequate word to describe the way you look." Paula complimented.

"She's right. You truly look magnificently beautiful." Frances said, smiling.

A knock sounded on the door.

"My Ladies, are you ready?" Marquess Midford asked.

"Yes, we are, Sir." Frances answered.

The door opened. Marquess Midford, who was wearing a black tuxedo with a white button down shirt and a white bowtie, stopped in the doorway, his eyes widening. Frances could SMELL the overwhelming sweet scent from the utter awe, fondness, and cuteness overload. A blush appeared upon his cheeks, bright pink hearts began floating all around him. She noticed he was holding a tray of champagne with three glasses. He turned to Paula.

"You may go to the gardens now, Paula."

Paula curtsied.

"Yes, Sir. (She straightened. She turned to Lizzie.) Excuse me, Lady Elizabeth, (She turned her gaze to Frances.) Lady Frances."

Frances gave a nod. Paula left the room, closing the door behind her. The Marquess looked at his daughter with such pride and love. He walked towards her. He stopped directly in front of her.

"You are a vision, my exquisite, beautiful daughter." He said, tears rolling down his cheeks.

Lizzie smiled brightly.

"Thank you, Father. You look nice as well." She complimented.

Her Father smiled wider. He began to pour the champagne into the three glasses. He handed Lizzie a glass.

"For the nerves and as congratulations." Her Father said.

Lizzie smiled again.

"Thank you."

Marquess Midford turned to her. He handed her a glass.

"Thank you." She said, accepting it.

He smiled at her. He took the third glass. He set the tray on the dresser. He turned back to them. He raised his glass. The two ladies followed suit.

"To my darling, beautiful daughter. Congratulations on marrying the love of your life. May you have many joyous memories and happiness for years to come."

"Cheers." Frances said, pushing away the sadness she felt, knowing that wouldn't be the case.

They clinked their glasses against one another. They pulled their glasses away.

"Thank you." Lizzie said.

They took a sip. Once they finished their champagne, the Marquess nodded.

"Let us get to your adorable husband." He said, holding out his arm for his daughter.

Lizzie giggled, happily.

"Let's!" She exclaimed, taking his arm.

Frances led the way. She opened the door for them. Once they passed through, she closed it. She easily caught up to them. They made it to the back door that led to the gardens. She opened the door for them again. Closing it once they were through. They made their way down a path towards the inner garden. Once they were near where the ceremony was taking place, they stopped. A melody started. Frances began to walk down the aisle first.

The garden was even more stunning than usual. Among the hedges, were pink marguerites and white roses, the chairs the guests sat in were also pink, along the chairs' row where Frances was walking down, were chains of pink marguerites and white roses and beneath her feet was a pink runway, the arch above Ciel was also filled with pink marguerites and white roses, a white podium sat in the center, a priest sat in a chair behind Ciel wearing white robes and a gentle smile on his older gentlemanly face. She caught Alois' eyes as she walked past him, smiling at him as he smiled at her. The feelings of love and finding her beautiful flowing from him was intense. Ciel looked handsome in his blue tuxedo suit with a white button up shirt, a white rose in his breast pocket, black bowtie, and black shoes. His hair was slicked back, his eyepatch over his right eye as usual. Frances smiled softly at how handsome he looked. Sebastian let out a mental growl. She turned her gaze to him with a smile as she looked him over. He was standing behind Ciel wearing a crisp tight fitting black suit with a white button up shirt, a regular black tuxedo jacket around his frame instead of the tailcoat he usually wore, a matching white rose in his breast pocket as well, he wore white gloves, black bowtie, his hair too was slicked back, showcasing his sharp facial features. She mentally frowned as she liked his neat yet messy style of hair better, but he was stunningly handsome. Sebastian let out a mental warble/purr. His eyes trailed her body. Her hair was styled in a curly updo with three pink marguerites in the right corner of her hair. The dress she wore was pink with off the shoulder straps, a tight fitting bodice before it flared out at her waist with three pink marguerites on her right hip, the skirt of the dress was wavy and flowy, white stockings on her feet, pink heels upon her feet, and in her hands, she held a bouquet of white roses and pink marguerites. He too mentally frowned.

*It's so… pink.*

Frances allowed a wide smile to grace her lips in amusement.

*It's Lizzie's favorite color still. If this is what I must wear to ensure her happiness, I will.*

Sebastian smiled gently.

Once Frances reached the end of the aisle, she moved to the left side and turned to watch Lizzie make her appearance.

The music changed to Ciel and Lizzie's waltz* mixed with 'Here Comes the Bride'*. Everyone in the audience stood and turned to face the back of the aisle. Lady Elizabeth made her grand entrance with her Father. Frances heard Ciel gasp and could feel the overwhelming shock, surprise, awe, warmth, and love. Lizzie's hair was in a lovely bun with a braid around the base of it, two pieces of blonde hair framed her face, a white shimmering with pink marguerites embroidered veil covered her head and flowed down her back like a waterfall, light pink eyeshadow coated her eyelids, her lips painted with pink lipstick, pink blush coated her cheeks, a pink chocker necklace with three pink marguerites dangling from it. Her dress had long shimmering sleeves with a tight white shimmering bodice that flared out at her hips with shimmering fabric that was flared out about five inches on each side of her waist, almost filling the aisle, pink marguerites embroidered on the skirt of the dress, a sword in a white sheath was strapped to her hip, white stockings on her feet, and white four inch heels upon her feet. In her hands was a bouquet of pink marguerites tied in a white ribbon.

*She looks so grown up.* Ciel thought.

A gasp escaped her lips as she looked over Ciel. Tears filled her eyes as a smile spread upon her lips. Marquess Midford and Lady Lizzie continued walking down the aisle. They reached the podium. Lizzie's Father hugged his daughter and kissed her cheek. Lizzie hugged him back, kissing his cheek as well. They pulled away. The Marquess took her hand and placed it into Ciel's waiting one.

"Take good care of her, my adorable son-in-law." He said.

Ciel gave a smirk.

"Always."

Frances and Sebastian smirked.

The Marquess pulled his hand away then took his seat. Lizzie turned to Frances, handing her her bouquet. Frances took it, smiling at her. Lizzie smiled back. She turned back to Ciel. The priest stood up and walked to the podium. The audience took their seats.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join Ciel Phantomhive and Elizabeth Midford in holy matrimony, in the eyes of God and those who are gathered here today. If there is anyone who believes this marriage shouldn't happen, speak now or forever hold your peace. (The priest paused for a moment. After a few moments, a smile spread across his lips.) Very well. (He turned back to the couple.) Now then, the vows. Please turn to one another. (He turned to Lizzie.) Miss. Elizabeth?"

"Ciel. I have loved you since the moment I saw you. I thought I had to always be cute and adorable. I never wanted to show you what I thought was an ugly side of me. Now, I know, I can be who I truly am around you. Cute, yet fierce. When you were gone, my heart ached in ways that are indescribable. When you returned, I wanted to protect you always. That's why I will always remain upbeat when times are hard. When you are sad, I will always be there to support you. When you are in trouble, I will assist in any way that I can. I will always protect and love you with all of my heart. I love you, Ciel."

The priest turned to Ciel.

"Mr. Phantomhive?"

Ciel cleared his throat.

"Lady Elizabeth, Lizzie." He amended, "I was a child who did not understand the dangers of the world and how good I had it before my parents died. I wanted to ignore the… pain of losing them by engrossing myself into my work. When you came by, you brightened my day. You make my head and heart spin even before you hug me (Lizzie let out a small laugh as tears rolled down her cheeks.). I promise to try harder to show you how much I love you. I will continue loving you and look forward to spending the rest of our days dancing at all the balls you desire, including the personal ones we'll have here. I love you, Lizzie."

"Oh, Ciel." She whispered.

The priest and audience smiled at the couple. He turned to Ciel.

"Do you have the ring?" He asked.

Ciel turned to Sebastian who promptly held out the golden ring with the blue diamond and two pink marguerites. Ciel took the ring. He turned back to Lizzie. He lifted her left hand. He placed it on her ring finger. He slowly drew away.

"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Ciel's cheeks tinted pink. Lizzie giggled softly. They leaned in sharing a short, but sweet kiss on the lips. The audience applauded. They pulled away and looked at the audience. Lizzie let out a giggle while Ciel gave a small smile. Ciel held out his hand. Lizzie took it. They walked down the aisle. Sebastian held out his hand for Frances.

"My Lady." Sebastian said.

She smiled and accepted his hand. They followed after the couple.

Soon enough, everyone was in the ballroom. Ciel and Lizzie shared their first dance. Everyone watched in awe. Frances and Alois shared many dances as well. The party went on until very late at night. The last of the guests didn't leave until two in the morning. The Midfords being the last of their guests to leave. Alois wanted to stay, so he did. Once the door was closed, Frances and Alois turned to Ciel and Elizabeth.

"Good night, Ciel. (Frances hugged Lizzie to her. Lizzie returned the hug.) Good night, Lizzie."

"Good night, Frances. Sleep well."

They pulled away from one another, sharing a smile. Alois stepped forward. He hugged Ciel.

"Good night, Ciel. (He lowered his voice.) Enjoy your night. (Ciel blushed. Alois pulled away with a smirk. He turned to Lizzie. He bowed deeply.) Good night, Lady Lizzie."

Lizzie curtsied.

"Good night, Alois."

They straightened. They watched the two walk up the stairs. Alois turned to her.

"Can I sleep with you, please?"

Sebastian mentally grumbled in displeasure. Frances sent him calmness. She smiled at Alois.

"Of course, Jim." She said, quietly, "Come on."

She held out her hand. He grabbed it. They made their way to her room. She turned back to Sebastian who was still displeased, however, he understood as it was part of her contract.

"Good night, my love." She mouthed.

He smirked at her.

"Good night, my mate." He mouthed back to her.

Once Frances got into her room, she and Alois got dressed for bed. She placed him into the bed before crawling in herself. She pulled him onto her chest where he snuggled as he wrapped his arms around her. She kissed his head as she ran her hand through his hair.

"Good night, Jim. I love you."

"Good night, Mother. I love you, too."

*'A Diabolical Waltz' belongs to Taku Iwaksaki.

*'Here Comes the Bride' belongs to Richard Wagner.