The Earl's Kitten

Chapter X

June 17th 1887

I watched as she walked down the aisle to the open casket. Her face was solemn, drained of its usual happiness and brightness. The black dress and bonnet only made her look paler. Nobles from all over London had gathered for this funeral, including Rose and myself. Even my betrothed, Elizabeth Ethel Cordelia Midford was here. Elizabeth usually cried enough tears at a funeral for everyone, not just herself.

Sebastian stood outside, waiting with the horse and carriage. He dared not come in the church.

Today was Lord Richard Simmons funeral.

Rose stood by the casket for a small while, her jade green eyes filling with tears. Eventually, she moved away, coming to stand beside me.

"Ciel..." She whispered, "Uncle's dead... Jackson's gone..."

"Once something is gone, you can never truly get it back." I murmured as everyone sat down and began to listen to the priest speak of Richard and all of his achievements.

Lord Richard Simmons ran one of my factories as well as his own company. I heard he had passed the company on to someone – I was to find out whom soon, as I had a business meeting with them.

Rose stayed silent through the rest of the funeral, even when she was asked to say a few words before the casket was covered. Eventually the crowd began to dissipate, and I left as well, with Sebastian on my tail.

But I couldn't get the image of Rose staring down at her uncle's headstone out of my head.

June 17th 1887, 5 PM

 

The skies were crying as I stood there, staring down at the headstone.

Here lies

 

Lord Richard Simmons

A widowed husband

And loving uncle

 

Age 43

 

1844-1887

 

My eyes narrowed. He wasn't just a loving uncle. He was a kind man, treated others as they treated him. He was my savior, my uncle, my... protector. I shook my head. No, Jackson always protected me.

But he left too.

I sighed softly, remembering my eleventh birthday.

~~~Flashback~~~

 

March 13th 1887

 

Uncle had woken me up once again today. This time, in a much sweeter manner. He brought tea and toast with him, and sat on the end of my bed calling my name softly until I woke up. Jackson stood over by the window, smiling. If I had looked back, I would have noted that the smile was sinister, and that my uncle looked rather... mournful.

"Sweetheart, as you know it is your birthday, I got you a gift." Uncle gestured for Jackson to walk over and place the tray on my lap, and the demon did so. Jackson patted my head gently.

"I hope you like it, M'lady. It is from both of us." I smiled, noticing the small square box sat on the corner of my tray. It was blue in colour and had a white ribbon tied around it.