Madeline's small, delicate hand fit perfectly on Sebastian's upper arm as they walked back inside the elegant mansion. The warmth of her skin radiated through his fingers, sending tingles up his arm. They were headed back inside for Madeline to prepare for dinner with Ciel and Elizabeth, the two most important people in her life besides Sebastian. As they entered the grand foyer, the soft glow of chandeliers and the rich scent of polished wood greeted them. Madeline's heart fluttered with excitement at the thought of spending time with her beloved friends at a lavish meal in such a stunning setting. She couldn't wait to slip into her finest dress and join them at the table, savoring every moment of their company.
Sebastian gently guided Madeline up the sweeping marble staircase, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back. As they reached the top, he leaned in close, his breath tickling her ear. "I've laid out your emerald gown, my lady. I thought it would complement your eyes beautifully this evening."
Madeline felt a blush creep across her cheeks at his closeness. "Thank you, Sebastian. You always know just what I need."
They parted ways at her bedroom door, and Madeline stepped inside, her heart still racing from Sebastian's touch. As promised, the emerald gown was draped elegantly across her bed, its silk fabric shimmering in the soft lamplight. She ran her fingers over the intricate beadwork, marveling at its craftsmanship.
As Madeline slipped into the gown, she couldn't help but marvel at how perfectly it fit her form. Sebastian's attention to detail never ceased to amaze her. She stood before the full-length mirror, admiring the way the emerald hue brought out the golden flecks in her eyes. Her auburn hair cascaded in soft curls down her back, and she decided to leave it loose for the evening.
A soft knock at the door interrupted her reverie. "My lady, may I enter?" Sebastian's smooth voice called from the other side.
"Yes, please come in," Madeline replied, her pulse quickening at the sound of his voice.
Sebastian glided into the room, his crimson eyes widening slightly as they fell upon her. "You look absolutely stunning, my lady," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
As Madeline met his gaze, she could feel the heat radiating from her cheeks, betraying her flustered state. His intense stare bore into her, making her heart race and her thoughts scatter. "You shouldn't talk like that to a lady," she managed to say, though her voice quivered slightly. The air around them seemed to crackle with unspoken tension as they stood locked in this moment of charged silence.
Sebastian's lips curved into a subtle smile, his eyes never leaving Madeline's. "My apologies, my lady. I merely speak the truth." He took a step closer, closing the distance between them. "Shall I assist you with your necklace?"
Madeline nodded, unable to find her voice. She turned, presenting her back to Sebastian, and lifted her hair. His fingers brushed against the nape of her neck as he fastened the delicate diamond pendant, sending shivers down her spine.
"There," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "Perfect."
Madeline turned to face him, acutely aware of how close they were standing. She could smell the faint scent of his cologne, a mix of sandalwood and something uniquely Sebastian. Her eyes flickered to his lips for a moment before meeting his gaze once more. Then she turned her head away ," Is dinner ready?"
Sebastian's eyes lingered on Madeline's face for a moment longer before he stepped back, regaining his professional composure. "Yes, my lady. Dinner is prepared and awaiting your arrival. Lord Ciel and Lady Elizabeth have just arrived and are being seated in the dining room as we speak."
Madeline took a deep breath, willing her racing heart to calm. She smoothed her hands over her gown, grateful for the distraction. "Very well. I suppose, I shouldn't keep them waiting."
Sebastian offered his arm to Madeline, and she took it, her fingers trembling slightly as they made contact with his sleeve. They descended the grand staircase together, Madeline's emerald gown trailing elegantly behind her.
As they approached the dining room, the sound of laughter and animated conversation drifted through the air. Madeline's nervousness began to dissipate, replaced by excitement at the prospect of seeing her dear friends.
Sebastian opened the ornate double doors, announcing in his smooth, velvety voice, "Lady Madeline has arrived."
The chatter in the room ceased as all eyes turned to her. Ciel, looking dashing in a navy suit, stood from his chair at the head of the table. Elizabeth, resplendent in a pink gown adorned with ruffles, let out a delighted squeal.
"Madeline! Oh, you look absolutely divine!" Elizabeth exclaimed, rushing over to embrace her friend. "That gown is simply exquisite. Doesn't she look ravishing, Ciel?"
Ciel nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Indeed. You look lovely, Madeline."
Madeline felt her cheeks warm at their compliments. "Thank you both. You look wonderful as well." She turned to Elizabeth, admiring her friend's elaborate pink gown. "Lizzy, that dress is stunning on you."
Sebastian guided Madeline to her seat at the table, pulling out her chair with a flourish. As she sat down, her eyes met his for a brief moment, and she felt that familiar flutter in her chest.
Ciel leaned back against the plush armchair, his head tilted to the side as he observed Lady Madeline. The warm glow from the fireplace cast a soft light over them both, adding to the cozy atmosphere of Phantomhive manor. "Lady Madeline, it is my sincerest hope that your stay at my manor has been pleasant thus far," Ciel spoke, his tone polite and formal. His eyes flicked towards his staff members who stood at attention, ready to cater to their guest's every need.
Madeline smiled warmly at Ciel, her emerald eyes sparkling in the firelight. "Oh, Ciel, it's been absolutely wonderful. Your hospitality is unmatched, and I'm so grateful for your kindness."
Elizabeth clapped her hands together excitedly. "Oh, I'm so glad you're enjoying yourself, Madeline! We simply must make the most of your visit. Perhaps tomorrow we could have a picnic in the gardens? The roses are in full bloom, and it would be simply divine!"
As Elizabeth chattered on about her plans, Sebastian began to serve the first course. The aroma of delicate truffle soup wafted through the air, causing Madeline's stomach to growl softly. She blushed, hoping no one had heard.
"That sounds lovely, Lizzy," Madeline replied, her eyes following Sebastian's graceful movements as he poured the soup into her ornate china bowl. "I'd be delighted to join you for a picnic."
Ciel nodded his approval. "Excellent idea, Elizabeth. Sebastian, please make the necessary arrangements for tomorrow's outing."
"Of course, my lord," Sebastian replied with a slight bow. As he moved to serve Ciel, his sleeve brushed against Madeline's shoulder, causing her to shiver involuntarily.
The conversation flowed easily as they enjoyed their meal, with Elizabeth regaling them with tales of her latest adventures in London's fashion district. Madeline found herself laughing more than she had in months, the weight of her responsibilities momentarily forgotten in the warmth of her friends' company.
As Sebastian cleared away the main course and prepared to serve dessert, Ciel leaned forward, his expression growing serious. "Lady Madeline, I hope you don't mind, but I've taken the liberty of inviting a few guests to join us tomorrow evening for dinner. I thought it might be a pleasant diversion during your stay."
