Lavender slowly pressed down on the keys as her mind wandered.

Atlas Worthington was such a handsome man. So ridiculously so. Why had he come back? To distract her? To tease her? Because that's what he'd been doing these past two weeks at whatever ball he seemed to be accompanying Lizzie to that day. Teasing her endlessly. She was not a little girl. She was 19 and grown. Way past her prime most would say. And that ridiculous name of bumblebee? She'd been five for goodness sakes.

He cannot possibly waltz back into town with his head high, thinking he owned the place. She could not believe he turned into such an incorrigible man. She watched him flirt with a many of ladies almost every night. So effortless, it made her stomach churn. Oh but who cares?

Who cares what he does. It was not her business at all.

"Lavender please, you're giving me a headache." Azalea groaned. "You're horrible at the piano."

"Well sister, I think you sound perfectly splendid," Daisy remarked as she looked up from her book.

Lavender banged louder on the piano, causing her younger sister to giggle loudly.

"Lavender!" Rose Candlewood reprimanded quickly.

The elder sister immediately stopped, folding her hands in her lap in embarrassment. She offered up a shaky smile to the window. "Well, practice makes perfect does it not matter?"

"Practice or not sister we both know you have the musical ear of a dead fish." Azalea rushed over and sat next to her sister on the bench.

Her elegant gentle hands touched the black and white keys as she began to play beautifully and effortlessly. "Seriously sister, I fear your talents are truly few and far in between." Azalea remarked confidently. "How can you become a great host if you can't even entertain?"

"Azalea, let your sister practice. We know she needs it." Rose insisted as she rearranged the pastry. "Lavender sweetheart lighter on the keys, less banging. Pretend to enjoy——Lav——Lavender!"

Lavender jumped at her mother's voice, willing her mind to join back into the conversation.

"Mother she's doing it again. Oh you're simply dreadful." Azalea nudged her older sister accusingly. "For once get out of your head and for one minute think of your dear dear sister."

"Lavender focus." Rose chastised.

"But you have such an ear for music dear sister, you'll find a husband in not time at all." Lavender smiled.

Azalea glared at her. "Mother she's teasing me!"

"Mother she's teasing me..." Lavender mocked softly. She brought her hand up, perfectly poised. She winked at her youngest sister and banged down on the keys.

"Lavender!"

Daisy laughed hysterically as Fiona and Frieda tried to hide their smiles by looking down.

Lavender stared out the window with a small smile.

Azalea huffed and made a move to leave the bench. Lavender grabbed her sister's hand and gently placed it back on the piano.

Azalea's pout couldn't last long when her sister stuck her tongue out at her. The middle daughter smiled and resumed playing. Lavender placed her head on her sister's shoulder as she listened to the beautiful tune.

They were right by all means. She could appreciate music but she could not play at all. She reached up and tucked a lock of black curl behind her younger sisters ear. She would make a beautiful wife and excellent hostess. She had to do it for her.

"I will get married I promise." Lavender whispered to her.

"Lord Campote has arrived."

Both girls turned around in surprise.

Rose Candlewood gasped.

"For Miss. Candlewood."

All eyes turned to Lavender who was as equally confused.

For her? Yes, he had been quite friendly this year towards her. And it is true he had asked her to dance once every night but there was nothing extraordinary there. In fact she couldn't remember their last conversation.

Azalea looked at her sister in panic. "But I like Lord Campote."

"Oh Azalea, hush! Lavender quickly over here. Come stand to greet him."

Lavender quickly went to stand to the side as Azalea watched her.

"Play a soft tune Azalea dear." Rose Candlewood whispered. She turned to Lavender. "Stand straight, smile, and hold your tongue." She smiled encouragingly.

Lavender hunched over and crossed her eyes, her tongue hanging out her mouth.

Daisy once again clapped in a fit of hysterics.

"Lavender!"

The eldest daughter quickly straightened up, placing a smile on her face just as Lord Campote was escorted in.

He carried with him a huge assortment of flowers. "Afternoon ladies. Lady Candlewood." He gave a slight bow to the mother. "Miss.Candlewood." His green eyes focused on Lavender.

Lavender smiled at him shyly and did a curtsy.

"Oh, what lovely flowers." Lady Candlewood took the outstretched bouquet. "Aren't these lovely girls."

"Simply splendid." They all three chimed politely.

Lavender looked at the bouquet with a tight smile. Interesting, not even one lavender in it. One would think it was blatantly obvious that her namesake was her favorite flower. She turned her attention back to him.

"You look lovely Miss.Candlewood."

"As do you Lord Campote." Lavender replied automatically as they both sat down. Her on the bench with her mother and him seated across from them.

Azalea continued playing in the background, occasionally looking back at Lord Campote and her sister. Daisy had been promptly removed by Fiona, with one look from Lady Candlewood.

Lord Campote was a handsome man. Tall slender gentleman, about 28 years of age, Lavender believed. He had green eyes and brown hair with somewhat of an orange tint to it. Across his nose was a sprinkle of adorably placed freckles. He was considered an intelligent man by many, having recovered their family's fortune after their scoundrel of a father had gambled the deeds of the house almost five years ago, just seconds before his untimely death.

His mother Lady Campote on the other hand sent a chill through Lavender's spine everytime she happened to glance at her somewhere in town. A tall, woman that once could see had been extremely attractive in her former days. But with those piercing blue eyes and tight red bun, you couldn't look past the sense of being judged. Reckon Lady Campote had gone through an enormous ordeal, but it wasn't pity Lavender felt for the lady. It was fear. And Fiona and Lizzie wholeheartedly agreed with her.

"La---Lavender is that wonderful."

Lavender moved her head, having zoned out the conversation. She caught the smirk from her sister and her mother's pleading eyes to acknowledge Lord Campote's comment. A comment she did not remember. She wasn't even aware she hadn't been paying attention.

She looked at him and smiled. "Hehehehe....yes."

Behind her the twin maids Fiona and Frieda shook their head at their mistress sadly. She was a hopeless case.

"Oh, well that's wonderful." Lord Campote beamed. "Then I will meet you tomorrow for our stroll."

"Wait---what?" Lavender looked around in confusion.

"Of course, Lord Campote." Lady Candlewood stood up. "I do apologize Miss. Candlewood was feeling a bit faint earlier, but she should be fine on her stroll tomorrow."

He turned to her in concern. "Well, I do wish you a very speedy recovery."

"Hehehehhe....thank you." Lavender replied, folding her hands in her lap, wringing her fingers.

Lord Campote bowed at her and to her sister and mother before letting himself be escorted. He gave Lavender one more smile before leaving.

"MOTHER!" Azalea screeched. "How am I not the eldest. Lavender is a complete disaster. Did you see her just ignore him the entire 15 minutes."

"No way he's been here 15 minutes." Lavender looked up in shock.

"You have got to get it together." Rose begged her eldest daughter. She rushed to Lavender's side. "I cannot carry your conversation for your entire life."

"You don't deserve his calls." Azalea stomped her foot.

"Fine you can have them."

"I can?"

"No, you may not." Rose scolded. "Lavender, Lord Campote is an excellent choice. A smart and wealthy young man. You should be honored he's taken interest in you this year."

"But why has he taken an interest in me?" Lavender asked. "I haven't done anything different. I've barely talked to him. I'm the most uninteresting person there is."

"That is true." Azalea confirmed.

"It doesn't matter why." Rose grabbed her daughter's hand. "Think about it, would you rather that wretched Lord Worcester?"

Lavender shuddered.

Azalea pretended to throw-up.

"Your uncle made it clear. Besides what else could you possible be waiting for?"

Lavender shrugged. "I don't know....interest...."

Rose sighed and touched her daughter's cheek. "Oh, no dear, you make your own interest after the marriage." she stood up and put her hand out. "Come and we shall pick out a dress for tomorrow's stroll."

"But....Lady Campote is so.....terrifying." Lavender whispered. "I would hate to have her as a mother-in-law-----I would rather....."

"Lord Worcester?" Rose arched an eyebrow.

Lavender took a deep breath and forced a smile on her face. "Oh....well...she doesn't seem so bad....."

**

What were strolls for if not to parade your potential out to the public. It was putting a human being on display. It truly was and Lavender wrecked with nerves. From the moment they arrived in front of the park with their carriage. To when Lord Campote greeted them heartedly, his mother in tow.

Lavender almost had a heartattack. Lady Campote was completely agreeable, even offering a thin lipped smile.

"Miss. Candlewood."

But Lavender couldn't see past the image of that pasty thin hand, sliding a dagger to her heart.

"I hope you're well, recovered, otherwise I don't mind rescheduling for another time." Lord Campote spoke after 2 minutes of complete silence.

"Oh, no, I'm well thank you." Lavender answered breathlessly.

"You look very beautiful."

"Thank you." she smoothed down her dress and looked behind them. Her mother and Lady Campote were not talking, simply walking together and staring at them. Lavender swallowed hard and turned back forward. Breathe...breathe.

"There is a showing tomorrow. Perhaps, I will see you there."

"Hehehe....yes, perhaps." Lavender stated as she looked around and saw they hundreds of couples in their similar position, laughing and giggling and seeming to have a grand time. What was wrong with her? This was her moment. Finally her moment. Why couldn't she do this simple thing? Do not zone, out, stay focus. Focus on the conversation at hand.

"Do you----do you like music?" She stammered.

Lord Campote stopped abruptly, startling her. He stared at her in shock and then smiled. "Why yes....yes I do." he answered. "I'm sorry, I apologize Miss. Candlewood, you seemed to have caught me off guard. I believe this is the first time you've ever asked me a question."

Lavender stuck her tongue out. No need to be cheeky. Lord Campote's eyes widened in surprise. She quickly clamped her gloved hand over her mouth, staring at him in horror. What had she done?

His face broke out into a smile and he chuckled. "Do you like music?" His eyes lingered slightly on her mouth before meeting her eyes.

Lavender clamped her mouth shut in embarrassment and nodded and then shook her head and then nodded again, garnering another laugh from Lord Campote.

Why was he laughing? She hadn't said anything funny. Lavender turned around to her mother's excited grin and Lady Campote's unwavering gaze. She looked back to Lord Campote and smiled softly.

"I apologize, it's a habit, I've been trying to stop. It's completely unladylike."

"I like it." He whispered.

Lavender blinked rapidly at his comment and his lingering smile. It was just the briefest of seconds, but her body grew cold. As if it was nothing but a draft, his warm smile returned and his eyes went up to her face in a respectable manner.

She held on to her dress tightly as they continued walking. She hadn't liked the way he'd said that. Nor his smile. Was she supposed to like it? He'd been flirting she supposed. Innocent enough. But why had her body reacted in such a manner. It hadn't been like.....like those other times. An image of Lord Worthington came to her mind, when he'd touched her chin and her entire body had grown warm----

"I sense, I'm losing you."

Lavender blinked rapidly and shook her head. "Uhm...I'm not very good at music, but I'm good at other things." she commented.

Lord Campote nodded. "Well then you and I are a lot alike. I too am terrible at music. But I do find that I can appreciate the beauty before me, even if I can't particularly handle it well."

"Miss. Candlewood."

Lavender lifted her eyes and stopped walking.

"Oh and....Campote."

"Worthington." Lord Campote nodded briefly.

What was Atlas doing here? And who was that new lady next to him? She was beautiful with bright red lips, seemingly porcelain skin. Her brown eyes wide and innocent. A cascade of silky black hair flowed down her back. Her blue dress, seemed to really bring out her remarkable beauty. Who was she? Lavender looked back and saw two other ladies she'd never seen before. One of them sure to be the mother.

"Oh, Miss. Charter, this is Miss. Candlewood, my sister's best friend... and Lord Campote." Atlas made introductions.

The lady next to him curtsy and Lavender felt obliged to do the same.

"A pleasure. I've been looking forward to meeting all of Lord Worthington's friends."

Lavender' s eyes widened. If silk had a voice it would be this.

"Lady Candlewood, looking as young as ever." Atlas acknowledged Lavender's mother with a huge smile. Maybe for all the headaches he'd given her as an eight year old boy without a mother.

"Lord Worthington, staying out of trouble I hope." Lady Candlewood arched an eyebrow at the young man grinning mischievously.

"Can't make any promises." Atlas admitted. "Lady Campote..." He bowed. Lord Campote's mother lifted her chin at him.

As Atlas made introductions again, Lavender investigated the women next to him. Seemed to be about her age. Wasn't from her. Had she came from Scotland? That's where he was wasn't it?

"Shall we continue?" Lord Campote asked, ushering Lavender to the side.

She forced a smile on her face and nodded. "Hehehehe...."

Atlas tried to hide his chuckle at her absurd giggle. She wanted to step on his toes but knew there was no way she could make that look like an accident.

"Well, until next time." He gave a slight nod, but his eyes remained on Lavender.

They separated and continued their walk. A strange irritation building up inside of the eldest Candlewood sister.

"Now, where we're we?" Lord Campote asked. "Say, how many kids are you interested in having. I dearsay I would love an army."

Lavender nodded and smile. "I uh....well if I survive the first-----I mean....yes....an army sounds......" she swallowed hard. "Simply splendid." obviously over her dead body.

She brushed her dress down and discreetly looked to her right, where Atlas and his companion had stopped to talk to another couple. Those smoky grey eyes met hers as he managed to still keep up the pleasantries. His gaze unwavering as if he could see right through her soul.

Her heart raced as she took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She licked her bottom lip, feeling them a bit dry. Atlas's eyes followed the movement. The smile gone from his face. He lifted his eyes to her, an intense hold as he too licked his bottom lip. Lavender felt her chest tighten. She all of a sudden couldn't seem to breathe. The dress must be way to tight. Their look was but for one second. One second of eternity it felt like.

She dropped her eyes and quickly looked forward. What was going on with her.

"Are you alright?"

"Huh?" She looked up at Lord Campote, momentarily confused as to why she was standing next to him. "Uhm....yes....I uh....." she stopped talking and lowered her gaze.

"I was saying if you don't mind Miss. Candlewood, I would like to call on you again in two days time." Lord Campote repeated.

"You would?" she whispered.

"Very much." He grinned.

She tried to smile back, and she tried her best not to turn back around to watch Atlas. She forced herself not to. But her body betrayed her. Her eyes shifted there once more. She quickly looked away. How was it possible he was always looking right back at her.

"Aww don't cry Lavender, it's just a bee sting."

The little five year old girl cried even louder as she stared at her finger, throbbing with pain.

"She insisted on plucking the lavender flower out back." Lizzie stated, her lisps created from the gap in her two front teeth.

The twelve year old boy sighed and knelt down. "Okay Lizzie go get the needle. It looks like we must prick her until she bleeds out the pain."

"NOOOO!" Lavender screamed hugging her finger.

He resisted the urge to chuckle as his sister always eager to help rushed inside the house. "Now were should we prick it out?" he grabbed her finger.

"No, Atlas please, please no, I don't want blood, no blood." she whimpered trying not to cry.

He pouted. "Oh the poor bumblebee died..." he looked at the grass

"But my finger...." Lavender wailed.

He grinned. "Well Lavender, if you don't want the needle, than I guess there's only one thing left to do."

"What?" she whispered in horror.

He sighed regretfully. "Bite it off." He put her finger in his mouth and chomped on it gently, causing the little girl to break out into a fit of laughter.

Lavender stared at her finger, before placing her hands in her lap. She stared at herself in the mirror. Her hair in one braided on top of her head. Her white nightgown, completely hid her figure. She looked back down at her finger that the bee had stung 14 years ago. She exhaled softly and brought her finger to her mouth. She closed her eyes, letting her tongue and lips cover it as she imagined Atlas's mouth on it once more. She couldn't remember the sensation from so long ago, but she wondered if his mouth now was just as warm and wet. She let her finger slowly trail out of her mouth, over her lips, down her chin-----

"Lavender."

Lavender quickly shoved her hand in her lap and turned to her mother standing by her door with a smile on her face.

"Yes, mother...." she whispered.

"Good job today." Rose grinned. "I dare say you seemed to have captured Lord Campote's undivided attention."

"I have?" she asked in surprise.

Rose nodded. "Get some rest, I want to go fit you for more dresses tomorrow." she beamed. "I have a feeling, this is your year sweetheart. And you're more than ready."