The Candlewood Sisters: Lavender

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Lavender laid her head to the side. She felt outside her body. This body was not her own. It did not belong to her. As the curtains swayed, she imagined to be on the ledge. Looking down at the cobbled street. Holding her hand across her chest as she closed her eyes and jumped off into the blackness.

She was ruined.

In every sense of the word. Ruined.

She'd brought this on herself. Her wanton ways. Her sinful desires for another man.

She'd brought shame on the Candelwood name. Her father would have be so disappointed.

"She appears to be in good health. A couple scrapes and bruises. Must have had a nasty fall there huh, Miss. Candlewood." Doctor Franklin tried to lighten the mood.

Lavender didn't move. She hadn't made eye contact with anybody. Hadn't talked to anybody. Hadn't said a single word.

Fiona gently rubbed her mistress's face and offered a smile of encouragement. Her gesture was met with vacant eyes.

"Thank you doctor for coming on such short notice." Rose Candlewood whispered emotionally.

"Not a problem." Doctor Franklin sighed. "Do let me know if anything changes. She seems pretty shaken up. I've given her my special remedy to liven up her spirits but it might take some time.

"Thank you doctor. Thank you." Rose clasped her hand over her chest.

She escorted the tired doctor back down stairs. Azalea, Lord Candlewood and Lord Campote all stood as the two entered.

"How is she?" Lord Candlewood demanded. "Is she well? Has she been......" His voice trailed off at the glare Lady Candlewood shot him.

"She's fine. A bit of rest, I do say. Just some rest. The little lady is shaken up. I bid you all adieu." Doctor Franklin nodded, taking his leave.

Lord Candlewood, straightened his back and turned sharply to Azalea. "How could you have been so stupid to abandon your sister!"

Azalea lowered her head as warm tears stung her face. "I---I'm----I didn't---"

"My own d------" Lord Candlewood stopped abruptly. Lady Candlewood watching him in horror. The older gentleman paced around the room. "My own niece, my own flesh and blood. This will ruin her." He stared in horror.

"It was my fault." Lord Campote stepped forward. "I wanted to surprise her with a ring. Miss. Azalea Candlewood must have been distracted with the ball and gotten the locations confused."

Lord Candlewood straightened up. "Lord Campote, we are grateful for everything you have done. I apologize but we must swear you to secrecy. Please forgive us. We will annul the engagement at your discretion---"

"Oh. Well." Lord Campote took a step forward. "I realize that I am entirely in my right to take back my offer...."

Rose Candlewood lowered her head and nodded. "We completely understand Lord Campote...."

"But I am madly in love with Miss. Candlewood." Lord Campote continued.

Lady Candlewood, Lord Candlewood and Azalea all looked up in shock.

"I do not care what happened tonight. Whatever happened, it's irrelevant. I will not love her any less." Lord Campote insisted. "In fact, if it's a scandal you're trying to avoid. I do not mind getting married as soon as possible. I know she is to be my wife.....Marquess of Eastbrook." He addressed Lord Candlewood by his full title, he'd inherited from his twin brother's death. "And I will love her just the same. And I can assure you she feels the same towards me."