The Earl's Kitten

Chapter XXV

December 24th 1887, 8:00 PM

The party had been glorious. Ever since the guests had arrived at the manor, the atmosphere had been nothing but cheerful. Though, I was put off by the behaviour of the Viscount Druitt. He had seemed too happy and bright when he came up to me. And too clingy. I hadn't liked that in the slightest. In order to escape, I'd pulled Alois into a waltz. He hadn't appreciated it at first, but the longer we got to dance, the more he smirked at me. Not long after that, dinner had been eaten and toasts had been said for the new year. We had then returned to dancing, enjoying the aura. I had spent most of the evening with Jackson after greeting my guests. I looked over to see Ciel looking at me with a soft smirk. My eyes widened and I blushed, quickly looking away as he made his way over to me.

"Lady Rose." He held his hand out to me.

"C-Ciel?" I stuttered, placing my hand in his. Why was I so nervous around my Master?

"Would you care to dance with me?" I sighed and smiled, handing my half-finished drink to Jackson and telling him I'd be back for it later. He nodded and smiled as Ciel dragged me into the floor of dancers.

December 24th 1887, 11:00 PM

As the guests began to leave, I sighed thankfully. It was tiring being the host for so long. I turned to the last few groups, spotting Alois and Ciel chatting together. Alois and his servants were staying at my manor for the next week or so, celebrating Christmas with us as neither of us had anyone else to celebrate Christmas with. I turned to Ciel.

"Ciel, will you be staying for the next few days?" I tilted my head, taking a drink from Thomas's tray as he passed by me. My footman looked back at me and shook his head with a smile before disappearing out of the room.

"Ah, I'm afraid not, Rose." Ciel bowed his head in apology as I took a sip of my drink. "Lady Elizabeth will be coming over to my manor early in the morning to celebrate with me." I smiled, tucking a stray piece of hair behind my ear.

"I understand. Tell Lady Elizabeth I said hello." Ciel nodded, taking my hand and kissing my knuckles, bidding us all goodnight before leaving with Sebastian. I hummed softly as they walked out of the door, noting that he was the last to leave, and then kicked my shoes off and proceeded to sit in the middle of the ball room floor. "Jackson."

"Yes, M'Lady?" The demon was at my side within a second, and I smirked before passing him my now-empty glass.

"Please show everyone to their rooms. Then return to me, we have matters to discuss before I retire for the evening." Jackson nodded and straightened up after listening to me. He looked over to Claude, and then the group proceeded to leave the ball room. I looked over, noticing Timber hesitating. As soon as my gaze met his, he smirked and walked out of the room. I blinked in surprise. What was that about?

Jackson soon returned to me, sitting in front of me on the ball room floor. I looked over at him with a soft smile.

"What is it you wish to discuss, M'Lady?"

"The Triplets and Hannah have their own rooms?"

"Yes, M'Lady. Even though they do not need sleep."

"I am aware. And Claude's room isn't too far from Alois' room?"

"No, M'Lady. Claude's room is right across the hallway, in fact." I nodded in satisfaction.

"Good, then we can begin." I sighed heavily, "I want tomorrow to be the best Christmas ever for Alois. I want it to be so good that we will struggle to top it next year." I worried my lower lip between my teeth for a moment.