A Demons Mate

Yes, Lady Francis........

When Serena had finally left the dining room, Lady Francis caught her in the hall. The older woman had pulled her into the guest room she was using and proceeded to give the girl a long lecture on the importance of propriety and how one's actions reflected on their reputation. Of course, Elizabeth had to sit in on this lecture, so that she never made such a mistake. In the end, the red head decided that it would be easier to take the verbal beating than fight against it and sat like a good girl as the marchioness ranted.

"I understand that young women can be carried away, especially by a man with such indecent looks as that butler. That is why an older woman is normally present. To prevent girls from being taken in by men with thoughts full of lust." After an hour, Lady Midford was still going.

"Yes, Lady Francis." This answer had become automatic and Serena didn't even think about it anymore.

"This conduct is very unbecoming of a woman that was trusted to watch my daughter and her fiancé. You were specifically to guard against such behavior."

"I never let Lizzy and Ciel alone in a situation that could have led to...what happened between Sebastian and myself."

"It is good to know that your lack of judgment only applies to yourself." The older blonde crossed her arms. "However, just the thought of your actions gives other young ladies ideas."

Lizzy shrunk away from her mother's glare.

"I have never had ideas like that, Mother."

Serena wasn't about to be the only one under this bus. "Yeah, that's why you wanted to stay in the Countess' Suite when you first arrived."

"Elizabeth!"

"I wasn't trying anything, honest."

Lady Francis started to pace and Lizzy smacked Serena's arm when the woman's back was turned. The red head just smiled.

"I really didn't think that Ciel would try anything, Mother."

"Men are creatures that fundamentally lack self-control. It is up to ladies to protect themselves. You have been taught not to put yourself in such a situation, Elizabeth."

"I'm sorry. But Serena did point out the wrong in my idea and put a stop to it."

"Well, thank God for that. You and Lord Phantomhive are not children anymore, Elizabeth. You both have a reputation to protect and society will always look for a flaw. A lady's reputation can be slaughtered in an instant. I have told you that time and again."

"Yes, Mother."

Lady Francis turned her attention back to the red head. "I assume that you got a promise of marriage from Sebastian before your good sense flew out the window, Miss Serena."

'Well, he has gone on about that mate thing enough to count.'

"Yes, Lady Francis."

"Well, at least that was right. However, men are deceptive at their core. After the ball, I will return to the Phantomhive estate and I will see that he makes good on that promise."

Serena blinked at the older woman.

"As you have already proven that you cannot be trusted to resist, the two of you will not be left alone for any amount of time. There will be no more late night visits or sleepovers. Is that understood?" She waved a finger in the girl's horrified face.

"Yes, Lady Francis."