Lavender Candlewood nodded as she recited from the list in front of her.

"Smile." She stared at herself in the mirror as Fiona tightened her dress. She attempted a smile but just looked ridiculously constipated. She shook her head and looked back down. "Polite giggle." she looked back at the mirror. "Hehehehe..."

Fiona giggled and quickly clamped her mouth shut.

Lavender gave her a meaningless glare through the mirror. She looked back down at her list. "Hold your tongue." she grimaced and made a show of sticking her tongue out and pinching it between her two fingers.

That gesture garnered another fit of giggles from Fiona. "Oh Miss. Candlewood, you're awfully silly."

Lavender sighed as her maid finished tying the last knot. "I cannot be silly if I am to secure a husband this year Fiona. You heard my uncle. He shall give till June before he seals his deal with Lord Worcester."

"Anybody but Lord Worcester." Fiona whispered.

"Anybody but Lord Worcester." Lavender whispered back in fear. But this was her third year and she had yet to be engaged. She couldn't care less, if there wasn't so much riding on her to do so. Her uncle was sick and tired of being the only male in the household. Her mother was wrought with fear that she would grow to be a spinster. Her younger sister Azalea, two years her junior was aghast that she had to wait on her to be married before she could even fathom to accept any marriage proposals sent her way.

Unlike Lavender, Azalea's entrance into society two years ago had been a major success. Men were falling at her feet and there were gentlemen callers every single afternoon. But once Lord Candlewood made it known that his nieces were to be married off in order, well all eyes had turned to the so called prude Miss. Candlewood. The quiet reserved eldest sibling, though beautiful, certainly lacked the charm of her younger sister. She was, what many whispered simply....boring.

The only one who did not find Miss Candlewood boring, was they youngest Candlewood sister, Miss. Daisy Candlewood. Being only 10, she still held 6 years left of freedom as Lavender loved to point out to her.

But this year was going to be different, Lavender vowed to herself. Smile. Giggle. Hold your tongue and be the pretty, most un-boring lady during all the galas. Because she may accept anything and everything thrown her way, but she most definitely will not accept Lord Worcester. The 59 year old widowed Earl made her skin crawl. Maybe it was the crooked yellow teeth, maybe it was the beady black eyes. Whatever it was, no wonder his wife threw herself off the roof. Although rumor was she was mentally unwell. Lavender was sure the poor soul had preferred death.

"You look stunning Miss. Candlewood." Fiona praised her as she reached out and wrapped an escaped curl around her finger so it could spring back up to frame her mistress' face.

Lavender took a deep breath. She did look nice. But she always looked nice. Looking nice was not the problem. Pretending she cared was. She smiled brightly, her almond shaped eyes fluttering seductively. Azalea had forced her to learn how to do that because according to her, "sister I love you but I will literally slit your throat if you don't get engaged this year. You maybe fine being a prude but I NEED a husband."

Lavender turned around and swallowed back her fear. It was now or nothing. Holding her dress, she exited her chambers and made her way to her family whom she knew was waiting for her.

"Oh Lavender you simply look splendid." Daisy beamed from the bottom of the stairs.

Lavender smiled at her youngest sibling, before turning her eyes to Azalea. The middle child looked stunning in her own pink gown. Her looser curls, cascading down her back. Her lips, a bright red, eyes a lighter shade of brown than Lavender's.

Azalea smirked. "Mother we might marry her off after all."

Lavender stuck her tongue out at her sister.

"Lavender!" Her mother scowled. "Hold your tongue."

"Oh sweet innocent, sister, if you only knew what men think when they see your tongue that you love to stick out."

"Azalea!" Mother smacked her middle child in the back of the head. "And what do you know of that?"

"Mother, servants talk." Azalea rubbed her head. "You're going to mess up my hair that Frieda worked so well on."

Frieda shot a glance at Azalea's hair and nodded in satisfaction. Frieda was Fiona's twin sister.

"Aright, alright. Are we ready?" Lord Candlewood strolled in quickly, adjusting his pants. He looked up and smiled. "Perfectly splendid, Lavender. Come here child, let us go."

Rose Candlewood stared at her brother in law and straightened up slightly, her head tilted a little higher than usual.

"I would say always a pleasure to see you uncle, but seeing as this might be my last year on this earth, I'll refrain." Lavender stated as she made her way downstairs.

Lord Candlewood smiled. "A deal is a deal. You have till June. Your father would have wanted you to be in secure hands by now with a babe on the way. I am simply doing my duties."

Lavender frowned at him but accepted his arm.

"Stop, frightening them away and you won't have to deal with Lord Worcester." Lord Candlewood whispered to his eldest niece.

Lavender sighed hopelessly as she and her uncle led the way. But was it her fault everybody was so dreadful?

**

"Lizzie! Lizzie!"

"Oh Lavender, don't you look exquisite!" Lizzie Worthington beamed as she grabbed her best friend's hands and squeezed it excitingly. "Lavender I have a wonderful feeling about this year. This year is our year."

"Is it really?"

"Yes!" Lizzie squealed and turned her friend around. "Look how magnificent, how simply splendid. Now if I can mange, to get out of my brothers' sight for one minute, I might find myself a husband."

Lavender giggled. Lizzie Worthington was the only female left in the Worthington household. Her mother having passed away not too long after her birth. Leaving Lizzie with a father and three outrageous brothers.

Lizzie was an absolute goldmine since her debut. Beautiful, auburn hair that captured the eyes of many a suitors. Sparkling hazel eyes, and flawless complexion. A winning dimpled smile and an enormous dowry. Unlike Lavender, Lizzie's failure in the market had 100% to do with her two older brothers Robert and Matthew Worthington. They wouldn't let anybody near their baby sister and according to Lizzie, had managed to sabotage any potential proposal made her way.

Lavender was sure if the eldest Worthington, Atlas Worthington was here, her distress would have been even more urgent. But alas, Atlas had been gone for the past three years, somewhere in Scotland handling matters or whatever it was that future Marquess did in their own time.

Lavender swallowed hard, Atlas Worthington. Her heart raced as she recalled her first and only time feeling any sort of affection for a man. She'd been 15, a year before her debut. She'd left Lizzie's room after a short visit. Her best friend had came down with a terrible cold that year and she'd begged her mother to accompany her, if only to say a quick hello.

It was on her way back downstairs that Atlas came out of his chambers in a state of undress. Attempting to button his white shirt.

Lavender had frozen on the stairs, her eyes fixated on his bare chest, with the sprinkle of fine brown hair. His tone abs, immaculately sculpted like his namesake. She didn't know how long she stared but it had been for an inappropriate long time. Her hands grew clammy and she found herself short of breath. Atlas, stood before her, having halted his actions to button his shirt as he smiled mischievously.

"You're staring bumblebee, that's not very ladylike."

The voice of the 23 year old snapped her out of whatever trance she'd been in. Her face flushed with embarrassment as she turned and fled down the stairs. Atlas had watched her the entire way down, she only knew that because she'd looked back at the last minute and caught his eye.

That was the last time she stepped foot into her best friend's house, until he went off to Scotland.

"Lavender! Lavender!"

"Wha---wh---yes." Lavender turned her focus back to Lizzie.

"I said, Lord Campote keeps staring at you." she whispered mischievously.

"Stop lying." Lavender whispered back, but turned in the direction that her best friend was looking at. And indeed. The tall handsome redhead was in fact looking in her direction. Smile. So she did. He bowed to her with a smile. Lavender looked away quickly.

"He's going to ask you to dance."

"No he's not."

"He's coming this way."

"No, he's not."

"Lavender, prepare your dance card."

"Lizzie stop." Lavender whispered in a panic as she tried to smooth down her dress.

"Look, here he-----oh, oh no....Gabrielle just stopped him."

Lavender sighed.

"I hope she doesn't really think that with those rabbit teeth, she'll be able to snag anything but a bushel of carrots."

Lavender brought her gloved hands to her lips to stop from laughing out loud. "Lizzie, enough."

"Well Azalea is truly living it up as the diamond of the hour."

Lavender turned and sure enough, Azalea, standing next to their mother was surrounded by 6 eligible bachelors all vying for her attention.

"Oh shit." Lizzie whispered.

Lavender gasped. "Lizzie, one mustn't curse."

"Oh Lavender." Lizzie grabbed her arm. "Hide me, please. I swear I'm the most cursed lady at this ball."

Lavender turned, knowing without a doubt she was referring to one of her brothers. Robert only needed a little bit of distraction in the form of another pretty lady. Matthew was tougher to divert, unless she threw him in Azalea's direction. She turned and her mouth dropped seeing who was stalking towards them.

No...no....no...it wasn't possible. No it was not possible at all. But seeing the trail of open mouth females behind him, Lavender Candlewood knew without a doubt it was possible. She quickly lowered her head. How to disappear? How do you quickly disappear?

"Oh darling sister, were you looking to hide? It's my shift to look after you." Atlas reached out and grabbed his baby sister from behind Lavender. "Let me see your dance card."

"Don't embarrass me. Father said you cannot embarrass me." Lizzie whispered urgently, wringing her hand free. "You all promised."

"Oh but, I live to embarrass you." Atlas grinned.

Lavender peeked at him from under her eyelashes. Had he always been this tall? And so blindingly handsome. Why did he smell so good?

"Well, Lavender and I are-----"

"Lavender?" Atlas turned as if seeing her for the first time. he cocked his head to the side and reached out with his index finger to lift her chin up so he could stare at her.

Lavender gasped and took a fearful step back. He touched her. He touched her chin. How dare he?

Lizzie hit her older brother's arm. "Have you lost your mind, where are your manners? You can't touch her brother." She looked around frantically, to see if anybody had seen. "You are utterly embarrassing. I'm so sorry, Lavender, I believe he left his brains back in Scotland." Lizzie pleaded with her best friend. "Where he should have stayed." she glared at her brother.

Atlas grinned. His grey eyes twinkling. "Bumblebee." He teased. "Nice to see you've grown into your head."

Lavender's mouth dropped open. She quickly clamped it shut. Her lips tight. "You seem to have forgotten your manners Lord Worthington, as you must call me Miss. Candlewood." she said through clenched teeth.

"Oh, must I now, bumblebee?" He teased, releasing his sister, to fully face her.

Lizzie opened her mouth to defend her friend but then realized she was free. She looked at her free arm in confusion and then back to her brother.

"I've seen you've joined the market and are selling yourself ever so elegantly." He gave her a slight bow.

Lavender lifted her chin. "Attempting to sell myself." she corrected.

Atlas barked out a laughter which garnered a couple glances their way. Lavender looked around in shock. She was not that funny. Nobody laughed at anything she said or did besides Fiona and Lizzie.

Atlas bowed again and extended his hand. "Bumblebee, let's dance."

"What?" Lavender asked in complete confusion.

He grinned and took her hand and she followed him blindly to the dance floor.

Lizzie's mouth dropped open. "What in the------oh-----"

"Miss. Worthington, I believe my name is next on your card."

Lizzie whirled around and beamed at Lord Tyler. "Yes, yes it is." she accepted his hand quickly before another one of her brothers spotted her. She practically dragged him to the dance floor.

Azalea turned in shock at her older sister, dancing with the newly returned Lord Worthington. Childhood acquaintances. He was Lizzie's older brother. Must have taken pity on her older sister. She turned to her mother by her side also staring at the dance floor with a small smile.

"Lord Worthington?" Rose Candlewood turned to her daughter. "Interesting. Unexpected, he did always tease her as kids."

Azalea chuckled. "Don't get your hopes up mother. I'm sure it's nothing. Let's just make sure we get her anybody but Lord Worcester. I would hate to have that man for a brother in law."

She looked around. Her eyes landing on Lord Campote, her heart skipped a beat. But Lord Campote was staring at the dancefloor. She tried to follow his gaze, Lavender? She blinked in surprise. What was going on this year? Why would Lord Campote be interested in her sister? Maybe she just needed to step into his line of view.

"Mother." Azalea smiled brightly. "I'm going to get a drink, I'll be quick."

"So how old are you now?"

"That is extremely rude to ask of a lady." Lavender replied.

"Is it?" Atlas asked amused.

"Yes." Lavender tried her best to touch him as little as possible. Her body was feeling strange. Her fingers barely touching his shoulder, and feeling limp in his other hand, but he held her hand confidently.

"No, I don't think it is."

"I think it is."

"Oh bumblebee, rule number one, you're not supposed to think." Atlas reminded her.

She smiled but then immediately scolded. "You will refrain from calling me bumblebee or I will----I will be tempted to---to be equally as ill mannered."

Atlas arched a perfect eyebrow. "Oh and whatever would you do...bumblebee?"

Lavender inhaled sharply. She swallowed hard. "Well.....you will just have to see.....Atlas." she stared at him defiantly.

He feigned a gasp. "My, oh my, watch your mouth young lady. No proper lady should ever give the indication that they know a fellow person's first name."

Lavender snorted, while trying to contain her laugh. Atlas widened his eyes in amusement. His smile seemingly permanent on his face. His stormy grey eyes searched the face of the young lady in front of him.

"I would've assumed after three years since being debuted you would have already been wed Bumblebee." Atlas' voice softened.

Lavender's smile slowly dropped off her face. She swallowed hard again, finding it difficult to breathe around him. "Well either you're terrible at math, or you already know my age."

Atlas winked. Lavender's mouth parted as her heart ceased to beat. The dance stopped and so did their feet. She blinked and dropped her hands and took a deep breath. Atlas watched her closely as he trailed his hand an inch down her back.

Lavender turned her head as if to look behind her, feeling the heat of his touch through her clothes. She all of a sudden felt extremely thirsty. Was she going to faint? She felt like she would faint.

"Miss. Candlewood."

They both turned to the handsome Lord Campote. He nodded at Atlas and turned his attention back to Lavender. "May I have this next dance?"

What? Her? Really? Lavender smiled and nodded shyly as she took the hand he extended to her.

"Miss. Candlewood." Atlas bowed to her and excused himself.

Lavender allowed herself to be swept into the dancefloor, feeling as if she could float. What in heaven's name just happened? Atlas Worthington? She had her first dance of the year with Atlas Worthington? She smiled up at Lord Campote as they moved across the dancefloor, but she would be lying if she said she wasn't was seeking out his figure among the many men in in black with their backs turned to her.

**

The library was filled with smoke and bated breaths as Atlas rolled up his sleeves and placed his hand under the prostitute's mouth. Mina made a show of kissing his hand and the gentleman laughed. Atlas grinned as he shook his hand and then let the dice roll on the table.

"NOOO!"

"Yes!" He cheered.

Mina cheered loudest of all as he gathered his winnings.

"Go back to Scotland."

"Love you to James. A true pleasure taking your money." Atlas grinned.

Mina rolled her shoulders back, her breasts hanging out of her dress as she straddled him. "It's so good to have you back Lord Worthington." she purred as she attempted to wrap her arms around his neck.

"Mina." Atlas stopped her.

She pouted. "Oh come on." she dropped her hand into his lap and palmed him. Rubbing until she felt a slight twitch indicating he was coming to life. "I know you've missed me."

Atlas groaned and closed his eyes.

"You know, I know how to take care of you." she whispered in his ear, leaning close, her breasts grazing his chest. "I missed the way you used to fuck me." she whispered seriously for his ears only.

"Hey brother."

Atlas opened his eyes and looked back. "What is it Matthew?"

Matthew didn't bother to hide his discontent of Mina. "It's father. He says it's urgent."

Atlas sighed and grabbed Mina's waist. "Let's take a raincheck huh."

She pouted but he quickly got up, removing her from his body as he grabbed his coat and his bills, following his little brother.

"Why are you still frequenting that whore?" Matthew demanded. "Isn't your intended coming here in two weeks time?"

"Oh little one." Atlas grabbed his brother's face and puckered his lips adorably. "A whore is a whore, a wife is property. I don't want either, yet I have both." He threw his hands up and did a little jig down the street. "Welcome to your life is not your own." He did jazz hands as he made circles around his brother. "Everything is money and property....yeah."

"Well, I'm going to marry for love." Matthew insisted.

"Well good for you little brother." Atlas poked his chest. "Do it for love." he chuckled. He stopped and looked up at the grand blue house not too far from their own. "You're still madly in love with Miss. Azalea Candlewood?"

Matthew sighed. "She doesn't even know I exist."

"Matthew?" Atlas crossed his arm over his chest as he stared at the top right window. "Why has Lavender Candlewood, not been proposed to?"

"Honestly she's become quite a bore since her debut."

"A bore?" Atlas responded in surprise. "Bumblebee?"