The Earl's Kitten

Chapter XVI

July 4th 1887, 15:00 PM

I had later returned home to my own manor, being slower this time as I took my time to think things over. It was three PM when I finally arrived, dismounted Diamante and took her to the stables for Thomas to brush her down.

I trudged slowly through the halls, twisting my cap nervously in my hands as I made my way to my uncle's office.
"M'Lady." Jackson appeared as soon as I had sat down, a letter held out to me. "Sebastian delivered this while you were out."

I nodded, taking the letter and putting it on the side of my desk, rubbing at my temples.

"Remind me to never go to see Alois, or do business with him, alone. I have to make sure that the Triplets are there, or that you are with me." I frowned, trying to relax. Unfortunately, the image of Alois yelling at me didn't leave the forefront of my mind.

"M'Lady? What happened?"

I sighed in answer, trying to gather my thoughts. "He was dragging me along, and hurt me. So I pulled away from him and he began screaming and yelling at me. Profanities as well, I'm sure." I looked up, seeing the scowl on my Butler's face. "One of the triplets covered my ears to block him out."

"M'Lady, I advise that you do not go without me again." Jackson was scowling further, his eyes having turned red and demonic. "Alois is the only human in that household." I blinked in surprise at the news, looking up at him. My lips formed a straight line and I frowned.

"Are they...?"

"Demons, yes M'Lady."

I tugged gently on my hair now that I had taken it out of the bun, thinking to myself. "Alright." I turned to the letter I had put down moments before, frowning as I opened it.

'Lady Rose Sakura,

 

I have the next task for you. I wish for you to host a ball in your manor, feel free to invite as many people as you want. The cover would be a good idea. In the past few days, a man by the name of Christian Gater has approached me with a deal to buy out Funtom Toys. I take the matter seriously, and have turned him down. He proceeded to threaten myself and my company, claiming that he would bring me to ruin.

 

That part I do not worry about, but I wish for him to be warned. Sebastian and I have other matters to deal with, as Scotland Yard is sniffing around again.

 

Sincerely,

 

Earl Ciel Phantomhive'

I read over the neatly written letter two or three times before groaning and passing the letter to Jackson for him to read. He read silently, quickly, and then looked at me questioningly. "Warn all the staff about preparations. I will hold the ball in one week's time. I shall begin invitations immediately." He bowed, and then walked out to warn the maids to begin preparations. Everyone else was informed of the event, and soon the manor became a hive of activity.

July 7th 1887, 13:00 PM

"Your Highness, a letter just arrived for you." The letter was ripped from my grasp as Alois opened it furiously and read over it before crying out with joy.

"It's Rose! She's holding a ball, and we're all invited Claude!" He clapped his hands and got up, beginning to skip around joyously. "All of us, she invited the servants!"

"Yes, your Highness. Shall we be attending?"
"Ooh, yes please Claude!" I was passed the letter, and read over the information. The ball was to be held in five days' time.

"Very well, your Highness. I will remind you on the day of the ball."

July 7th 1887, 17:00 PM

"This is the last letter of the day, my Lord." Sebastian handed me a letter, and I noted the wax seal on the back with a smirk.

"Well, Lady Rose... I wonder if she has declined the task." I used the letter opener to rip open the top of the envelope and read the letter, my eyebrows rising in surprise. "Brave girl."

"Has she taken on the task, Master?" I nodded in response to Sebastian.
"She's holding the ball on the 12th. Make sure the day is free."

Sebastian bowed, heading out to the room. Presumably to inform the others.

July 12th 1887, 12:00 PM

The day of the ball, I was nervous. I was nervous because I was going to warn someone in my own home. That wasn't the brightest of ideas. But it had to happen. I could not lure Christian Gater away from the party, or it would seem suspicious. No, it had to be in my own home, and it had to be well executed so that I would not be seen as suspicious.

The day had a slow start due to my bundles of nerves. I could not get through my paperwork, and Jackson quickly moved me away from the office once he figured out the problem. Instead, we sat in the middle of the ballroom and talked. He didn't seem to mind being taken away from his daily duties and chores – probably because he could catch up on them easily before the ball. I suppose he wanted his meal healthy and not all tense.

"What is it that you are worrying about, M'lady?"

I stayed silent for a while as I contemplated several answers. "Pulling this off, I think. It is going to be hard. How will I get him away from the party? How will I change? How will I warn him? How will I change back and get back to the party without being seen, before he comes screaming?" I tugged at two edges of my dress, scrunching up the material in my nerves.
"M'Lady, I will draw him away from the party and lock him in a room for you. I will return for you and make some excuse about urgent paperwork or a phone call. I will have your outfit ready for you, and you can do the warning. I will keep him locked in the room, rechange you and return you to the party without fault." Jackson paused, looking at me, "And then I will scare him. I will make him come screaming."

I looked up at Jackson in surprise, still worried. But coming from his mouth, it sounded possible. It sounded like we could pull it off. He murmured two more words, and I felt the magic of the charm wash over me, relaxing and assuring me.

I promise.