( chapter twenty-five ! )
"You want me to get on.. that?"
Sunlight pours down on the dock below, shining on the many figures that stand and await to board a luxury liner— the Campania. The ship itself is large and a sight unlike any other, dwarfing those below. However, it causes a certain young lady to shift in discomfort.
Amongst the people that wait are the Barrett family. None of them outwardly show any sign of being impressed, but they can't deny that it's something to behold. This is meant to be a simple family getaway, something to occupy their semi-empty schedules for the month of April.
Unfortunately, one is far from excited after a not-so-well-earned break. With a scrunched nose, Leah stares at the ship, her eyes conveying a faint look of concern. She has never been fond of the idea of sailing—or the ocean in general.
"What is wrong with it?" asks Lucius with an apathetic shrug, his focus constantly flickering to Thomas and Anna who stand behind them and carry their luggage.
Leah fiddles with the gloves on her hand. "It is large—a large ship out on the sea. What if it sinks? What if I die? I don't know what is in the sea, what if a giant animal comes up and bites my head off?" the words fly out of her mouth quickly, spewing any incredulous idea that can cross her mind.
To anyone other than Leah, and perhaps Thomas, the girl sounds ridiculous. She has always been one to overthink, though she often tries to keep the thoughts to herself. One part of her brain nags her constantly, while another is logical and fighting a constant battle with any insane thoughts. Her brain can be quite tiring.
Rolling his eyes with a grin, Daniel gently nudges her shoulder. "You think too much," he says, looking up towards the deck of the ship. "The animal would have to be incredibly large or oddly small and agile to jump that high. The chances of your head getting bitten off are low, you're more likely to drown."
Face curling in annoyance, Leah's lips curl into a smile. "Well aren't you feeling intelligent today?" she asks snarkily, not happy with now being reminded of her inability to swim.
"Yes, very," Daniel gives a prideful nod. "How do you think I got into Weston College?" he gloats and earns a smile from Vivienne.
"Money," says Leah, her voice lacking emotion.
Daniel deadpans before a look of annoyance crosses his face. "You think yourself so hilarious, don't you?" his tongue pokes the side of his cheek.
Shaking her head dismissively, Leah looks ahead of herself and at the many unfamiliar faces surrounding her. "I was not trying to be funny."
Unlike his sister choosing to look away, Daniel stares her down. Despite her blatant insults being common, they never fail to aggravate every single time. He takes a deep breath and opens his mouth to retort, but their father intervenes before either of them can embarrass themselves.
"Don't start arguing," warns Lucius, growing tired of the useless arguments that take place every day just for the two to continue like it never happened.
"We aren't arguing," Leah protests with an eye roll, moving some brown locks out of her face. "We are simply having a conversation. A disagreement, if you will."
Vivienne decides that it's her time to cut in, also tired of her children's constant back and forth. "You are very much arguing! Hush, before you are to draw any attention to yourselves," her voice is firm and her British accent is a stark difference to the other three.
Biting back an insult, Leah resorts to balling her fists and rolling her eyes. She knows her mother cares more about how others see them rather than being annoyed by bickering, 'don't embarrass us' is almost a motto in the Barrett family. Arguing with Daniel is enough, her parents will only tire her out.
Letting an audible sigh slip, Vivienne moves her dress skirt and begins to walk. "People are boarding now, come, before we leave you behind."
'I bet you would,' thinks Leah. She has no doubts that her parents would leave her behind if they could. They only bring her around for the sake of image, what are they to say if someone were to question her absence? The last time that happened, it didn't go as swimmingly as they would have liked.
Nonetheless, she takes a deep breath and follows after her mother, being mindful of her space and trying to not bump into another person. Leah can only hope the ship won't be as crowded as the dock.
Once aboard, Leah is happy to discover that she does in fact have more space. However, that may be because her family is in the first-class section of the passenger deck. Regardless of the reason, her mood seems to brighten just a bit. 'Perhaps this won't be so bad?'
The Barrett's move around with ease, exploring the deck and the people they will be around for a prolonged period. Outside of Lucius—and Vivienne on a good day—, the family isn't very sociable. A wife who prioritizes reputation and looks, a son who is often at school or lounging at home, and a sheltered daughter who is remarkably mean or oddly sweet. That only leaves a man who engages almost purely in business matters, keeping his close circle small.
One would be surprised that Lucius is as popular among society as he is, unsociable in a period where needless chatting thrives. But, his way of doing business, the items he sells, and even his charm are enough to keep him up so high. He is not so certain about his children though.
Moving with a hardly noticeable skip in her step, Leah walks a few steps ahead of the rest of her family and speaks with her head turned over her shoulder. "Can we see our rooms first? I would like—" her voice is drowned out by another that is much louder.
"Oh, Leah! You're here too?"
Her steps falter at the sound of her name, swiveling her head around before her eyes land on a particular blonde. Elizabeth Midford. Leah's hands drop slightly, rubbing against her corn-yellow dress. 'Please no..'
Leah's smile almost slips but she slaps it back on. As much as Elizabeth drains her, she is too nice to be mean to her like she would anyone else. It's not that Leah hates the girl, but rather, she can't envision handling being around Elizabeth for the entire duration of the trip. That is asking to essentially turn her into a robot by the end.
There isn't a moment to think before Elizabeth is wrapped around her. "This is wonderful! With you and Ciel here, the trip will be even better than I thought!" she squeals directly into Leah's ear but doesn't earn a protest.
"Ciel is here too? How lovely.." Leah's words are quiet, trying to focus on her breathing with Elizabeth's arms wrapped so tightly around her.
The idea of her fiancé is not so well met, at least with Daniel. She can hear his groan and mumbles about how it will ruin the trip, ignoring any attempt of their father trying to silence him. His distaste for the Phantomhive, never explained, is to be expected at this point.
Elizabeth doesn't acknowledge this though, opting to release Leah and take hold of her hands. "You should join us for lunch! My family will love to have you," she says as she skips towards her parents, dragging Leah in the process.
Thankfully the area isn't as crowded as the dock, otherwise, this would be a game of shoving through a crowd rather than having a relatively open space to run about. This doesn't make Leah any more excited than Elizabeth, allowing herself to be dragged with the false smile she mastered plastered on her face.
Her eyes squint the closer they get to the Midford's, the sun shining down into her eyes. Nonetheless, she doesn't complain as their footsteps slow to a stop in front of Elizabeth's parents.
Francis Midford's brow raises in faint surprise, looking up at Leah and then her family who approach from behind. "Ah, Leah. It has been some time," her head nods in a respectful greeting. "I am glad to see you've been well."
"The same to you," responds Leah, looking back in the hopes that her father will take the lead in any conversation.
Answering her prayer, Lucius approaches Alexis and Francis with Vivienne in suit. They immediately engage in conversation and, though formal, the two husbands seem to be enjoying themselves, falling on the topic of family. This leaves the 'children' to their own devices, conversing amongst themselves.
"I can't wait for the activities to start! We can all have so much fun together," Elizabeth is the first to break the silence, smiling up at Daniel.
Daniel fails to return the smile as he is too busy glaring at Ciel, staring him down with a look so intense it could burn a hole through him. The cause of such a look? Unknown. But, this doesn't stop him from openly displaying his dislike for his sister's fiancé.
Trying to not show his discomfit, Ciel quietly shifts on his feet with a clear of his throat, scared of drawing his eyes towards Leah in the case that Daniel does more than give him a dirty look. While Ciel isn't scared of others often, the muscle Daniel has compared to his own lanky form is enough to keep him cautious.
Pulling his eyes away from Ciel for only a moment, Daniel plays along with Elizabeth's words. "Much fun we will have," he nods.
Edward, sensing the off vibe amongst the other two boys, tries to diffuse the situation whilst also getting to finally speak to Leah. "You look lovely in that color," he trains his eyes on her to let her know he's speaking to her, and his face flushes.
Smiling but unresponsive, Leah's eyes flash with a look of dread that the Midford doesn't understand.
Beside her, Daniel's shoulders tense and he slowly drags his eyes over toward Edward, processing the words in his head. While he could have taken it as any passing compliment to his oh-so-beautiful sister, the flush on Edward's face says otherwise. His eyes squint, filled with disdain but before he can say anything, their parents beckon the quintet over.
"We are going to lunch!"
Leah doesn't protest despite her reluctance to eat, making the move to gently shove Daniel along and keep him from lashing out at Ciel or Edward. 'God forbid a man breaths in my direction..' she thinks as she passes Elizabeth. 'One of these days, he is going to embarrass himself.'
She has never understood Daniel's distaste for a man showing interest in her. Perhaps it is protectiveness or maybe just not wanting to share her the closer she gets to marriage age. Whatever the reason, it weighs heavily on her relationship with Ciel—or any man who isn't a relative.
Stuck in her thoughts, Leah is pulled from the world called her head when she notices Sebastian a few feet away. Her posture stills, but she doesn't stop walking. The funeral is still vivid in her mind. The way Sebastian sat up as though it was nothing, the memories of his hauntingly dead eyes when he was found on the floor, the way no one seemed to question it. It makes her feel crazy, something she can only mention to Thomas without the risk of being shut down or sent away to a ward.
The storm in her mind only amplifies, her hand tightening against the back of Daniel's shirt. Standing just beside Sebastian is Snake, the white-haired boy she met at Noah's Ark Circus mere months ago. His hair is slicked back, unlike before when it simply laid atop his head, and he wears the suit of a butler. 'Could Ciel have hired him..?' her head is whirling at the thought.
'Will he tell my parents about the circus? I'll be done for!' Leah's hand drops back to her side. 'I can't let him say anything.. Not only will I never hear the end of it from my parents, but my reputation will be in the gutter!' Her eyes are wide and her pupils are dilated, taking hesitant steps in Snake's direction before his eyes catch hers.
He appears just as surprised as Leah at the sight of each other, almost taking a step back as she approaches. She hardly looks any different than the last time he saw her, staring up at him in the same way she had before. "If you say a word about that circus to my parents, I will have you killed," her voice is no louder than a low whisper.
Not bothering to wait for a reply, Leah sets into a light jog to catch up with the others, falling behind silently. 'Was that the right thing to say?' she can't help but wonder if threatening Snake was the correct move. 'As long as he stays silent, I don't care what I have to say..'
The sound of cutlery against plates and chatter fill the dining hall of the ship, passengers cheerily enjoying their meal. It's a calm atmosphere, and those in it simply enjoying their time.
The Barrett's and Midford's—as well as Ciel—sit around a circular table covered in a white cloth, their respective servants off to the side.
"It's such a treat that we'll be together for three weeks!" smiles Vivienne, half-focused on cutting the food on her plate.
Francis nods along, a content look on her face. "It is," she takes a sip from her glass. "You'll be with us the whole three weeks?" her head tilts, as though looking for confirmation.
"Yes," Vivienne takes a bite of her food, glancing over towards Leah who is begrudgingly letting Daniel place some of his food on her plate. "Leah will be debuting this season, so we want to enjoy ourselves before we are surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the season!" she gives a lightheaded laugh, but it lacks true feeling.
Hearing the words leave her mother's mouth, Leah glances up from Daniel and her plate to stare incredulously. "Mama, no!" a giggle from Daniel slips past her. "Surely I have another year left?!"
Lucius lowers his gaze when Leah looks at him, trying to not get involved. For years now, both he and Vivienne knew that Leah had an underlying dread at the thought of having to be out in society. It only deepens since she is betrothed, the girl finds no point in socializing at pointless balls when she has no need to search for a potential husband.
"It's merely a year early, Dear," Vivienne shakes her head as casts her gaze toward Ciel. "Besides, I'm sure you and Ciel will be married any year now! It will be less tedious to come out before you get married."
Unable to find a bone in her body willing to fight, Leah groans and succumbs to the inevitable. 'I suppose I can just get it over with now and not have to care later..' She allows Daniel to subtly fuss over her, taking small and hesitant bites of food. Her brother is one of the few people who knows of her struggle with food and as much as he annoys her, she can't deny that she appreciates him in more ways than one.
"Well," Alexis swallows his bite of food before he continues. "I'm certain Leah will be knee-deep in suitors. Elizabeth will be debuting as well, do make sure to spare her some!" his chuckle rings out through the dining hall, the other adults—and Elizabeth—following suit.
'The sooner the better, I guess..' Leah tries to reassure herself, stealing a glance at Ciel who has an almost unnoticeable flush on his cheeks. 'At least I won't be alone,' her eyes lower onto her plate as she takes a bite, her body language full of annoyance.
'She could have at least warned me before the trip.'
Later that night, moonlight shines through the windows to illuminate the dance floor of the ship. Guests fill the room, everyone's voices being drowned out by the music that flows through their ears. It's the epitome of high society.
Leah stands up against a wall, lost in her thoughts. She adorns a scarlet gown that stands out against her pale skin with a headpiece of jewels to match. Despite her typical distaste for attention, she is unintentionally one of the main views in the room, constantly catching glances from people across the room.
On the far right of the room, she can see Ciel and Elizabeth dancing, her friend having the time of her life with a large smile painting her face. An invisible cloud forms over her head, almost out of jealousy. 'At least Elizabeth is having fun.'
"Can I—" Edward appears beside her, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "May I have this dance?"
Her head whips to the side at the sudden voice, her demeanor softening when she recognizes the blonde. "Edward.." Leah's lips curl up into a small smile. "I would enjoy that."
The Midford's face flushes at her acceptance, a grin growing on his face. He outstretches his hand, looking at her expectantly. Leah lifts her gloved hand towards his, the material hardly grazing his skin before it's intercepted.
"A dance?"
With her hand lifted above her head, Daniel interrupts the moment and squeezes himself past Edward with a slightly bothered look. Placing himself between the two, he looks down towards Leah with an exaggerated smile.
"I never thought you would ask!" he begins to drag her off towards the dance floor.
Leah's previously blank face curls up in annoyance. "I didn't ask," she rolls her eyes and glances back towards Edward who looks defeated, mouthing a 'Sorry..'
Nonetheless, she allows herself to be led through the crowd of people until Daniel finds a suitable spot, immediately taking to the dance. Her hands find his neck, wrapping themselves around it gently as she sways and looks around at the people next to them.
She can't help but feel bad for Edward. However, she has a faint feeling of relief. Dancing with Edward would mean having to potentially make small talk, Daniel can at least understand her emotional cues.
"You know," Daniel starts, trying to relieve the underlying tension, "I think Mama and Papa would be thrilled to see that you're the belle of the ball."
Mood almost dampening at the mention of her parents, Leah scowls and looks off to the side. "Please.. They only care about you—only notice you and how you'll take the family name," she sneers. "They just want to get me out of the house."
Daniel goes quiet at the mention of their parent's favoritism. He knows how it has affected Leah since she was a child. How he was her primary shoulder to lean on her entire life while knowing he could lean on their parents.
"Well.. Others notice you. That I'm certain of," he jests, recalling how he's seen people eyeing Leah all night. "I'm surprised more men haven't asked you to dance."
Leah purses her lips, her hand squeezing Daniel's. "Do you think Ciel notices me..?" she whispers. "I feel like.. he hardly considers me sometimes."
Jokingly groaning in annoyance, Daniel can't hide the smile on his face. "Don't bring him up. If he doesn't notice you, there are plenty of men who would be glad to take his place. I notice you."
A small smile grazes Leah's lips.
"Why don't you break off that engagement anyway?" asks Daniel, keeping his voice low as they twirl around the room.
"I like him," Leah pouts. "As conflicted as I can be with him, he isn't terrible. He offers stability. I won't have to find a husband during the social season," she drones.
Daniel snickers. "Ahh, yes. The bare minimum that is expected of a nobleman," he openly shows his amusement, despite Ciel being mere feet away. "Even I could do better."
Their feet move to the rhythm of the music, swaying playfully. For once, the siblings have a good time without arguing at least once, twirling past the other nobles that fill the room.
"Mmm, yet which one of us is terrible with women and has never been betrothed?" Leah retorts.
Feigning a gasp of offense, Daniel loosens his grip and lets Leah twirl to the point that she almost trips. "I still have plenty of time to find someone!" this earns a look from his sister.
The music slows to a stop and so do their bodies, signifying the end of the dance. Dropping her hands back to her side, Leah stares up at Daniel with a smile of contentment. Even with her jabs, she has fun when she isn't in a bad mood.
"May I dance with Edward now, Your Highness?" she asks mockingly, a giggle escaping her.
Sighing in defeat, Daniel tilts his head. "Must you?"
Leah starts to walk away, her brother on her trail. "Edward isn't some villain just because he complimented me. He's quite kind," she eyes the dispelling crowd, trying to find the Midford boy.
"I suppose," with a roll of his eyes, Daniel reluctantly leaves her side.
Parting ways, the siblings wander off around the room to their desired goals.
Just three days later, Leah, Ciel, and Elizabeth are roaming around the first-class passenger lounge. It isn't the first on Leah's list of thrilling activities, but when Elizabeth invited her, she couldn't bring herself to deny. There aren't many options for entertainment that aren't on a scheduled time—or filled with people older than her. Might as well keep herself happy for the three weeks.
Leah is now in an emerald green dress made of velvet material, an evening gown in her favorite color. If anything, the dress is her favorite out of all of the ones she has owned. Her necklace and earrings match, emerald jewels hanging from her pale skin.
Ahead of her, Elizabeth is dragging Ciel around while Leah sticks closer toward the back. She can feel Sebastian's gaze on the back of her head but she ignores it, focusing on not losing Elizabeth in the crowd as everything catches her eye.
"Look, look!" says Elizabeth, pointing at slices of cake that sit on a table. "That cake is so cute!"
'I don't know how she eats so many sweets.. Do her teeth and stomach not hurt?' Trying to look past the heads that surround her, Leah almost notices the cake that Elizabeth is talking about before her wrist is grabbed with an oddly tight grip.
Before she knows it, Leah is being dragged away from Ciel by none other than Elizabeth who is determined to grab some of the cake. "We'll get some for you too, Ciel!" she smiles.
"Elizabeth—"
The Barrett has no time to protest, simply succumbing to being led around like a toy. It's worthless for her to try and argue with Elizabeth and get her point across without having to turn to yelling, Leah has known her long enough to know that.
"I don't think I'm in the mood for cake," sighs Leah, wanting to avoid any food before dinner.
A pout covers Elizabeth's face. "But it looks so tasty!" she ignores Leah's words in favor of diving for two plates. "You'll love it, a little treat. I haven't seen you touch dessert on this trip yet."
While Elizabeth's words are in good faith, Leah can't help but want to run away. Regardless, she takes a few bites to appease her friend.
Neither girl notices time has passed until Elizabeth casts her place aside, done with her slice. Leah almost places her half-eaten cake down as well before she decides to hold onto it. 'I shouldn't waste it yet, someone else might want it..' she considers finding Anna and giving it to her.
"Can we take the cake back to Ciel now?" asks Leah, wanting to get on with her night.
Remembering the initial objective, Elizabeth nods excitedly. "Come on," she begins to drag Leah once more. "I think we left him near the staircase?"
Retracing their steps back to the last place they left Ciel, they find themselves near Snake but with no sign of Ciel or Sebastian in sight. Both Leah and Elizabeth's heads are on a swivel, trying to see if they can see their heads in the crowd—Leah being of more use as the tall one. But, when neither manages to see anything other than the new and strange footman, the two girls frown.
"Where did he go in such little time?!"