Page 21 of Lady Waldrey’s Gardening Almanac for Cultivating Scandal

Thankfully, the possible ruin of her skirts was enough to jolt her from her daze. She stepped back, and just in time, too, as Hortense had already wound back and aimed her next blow at Shelbourne’s shin. There was a solid thwack, just like the splitting of kindling, and the man collapsed to the floor, howling.

Candace glanced up—both the butler and the footman stared wide-eyed from the doorway. Neither made any move to help their master as Hortense raised her heavy umbrella once more, her face twisted with the intensity of her hatred and intent.

“That will be all, Hortense,” Candace said lightly.

There was a flash of a moment where Candace was unsure whether her maid would comply or follow through with her impressive wind-up. Candace had a wincing inkling of where Hortense would aim next—but her maid huffed the rest of her indignation through her nose and jabbed the end of her umbrella into the carpet so fiercely Candace didn’t doubt it would leave a permanent reminder of their visit.

Candace pulled the awful ring from the pocket of her skirts and set it on a side table near the sofa. “Goodbye, Shelbourne.”

She didn’t bother glancing back as she headed out the door.

Once back in the carriage, Hortense studied her. “Forgive me, my lady, but those things you said, about Shelbourne being ruined…”

She flapped her hand listlessly. “Lies, of course. Haven’t you noticed? I’ve become quite the actress these past months that he’s been in Paris.”

“So there’s nothing to stop him from saying whatever he wishes.” Her hands tightened around her umbrella once more.

Candace’s smile pinched. “Nothing save for the decency of his character.”

CHAPTER 8- CANDACE

From the Quentin Daily-

Scandal in the ballroom! Last night, a prominent lady was made a public spectacle when her betrothed danced with other ladies, but not her, not once! When they finally met, he gave the lady the cut direct, turning his back! Is he also turning his back on his promise to marry her? More to come tomorrow, including an anonymous source who claims the entire engagement was a lie put forth by the lady herself!

When Bernard escorted Vera into the sun-drenched sitting room later that morning, her eyes were stretched wide. Candace stood to greet her, taking both her hands and guiding her to sit close on a green velvet sofa.

“The hallway…” Vera said, bewildered.

Candace offered a brief, tight smile. “You’ll have to forgive me for seeing you while the household is in such disarray. I’ve created a bit of an uproar.”

Vera still blinked in the direction she’d come from. “I’ve never seen so many trunks. Are you…” She turned toward Candace abruptly, her eyes clear. “You’re leaving.”

She nodded. “I’m only home to you at the moment. Well, you and Canterbury, but he doubtless has better things to do than fret about me. Do you know that Bernard has turned away five sets of visitors already?”

“The gossips are early today. I thought I’d be the first one.” Vera shook her head, her ash brown curls swaying with the motion. “Where are you going? I’ll miss you so!”

“I’m hoping you won’t have to miss me at all.”

Vera’s eyebrow arched. “Whatever do you mean?”

“I’m going to my brother’s estate in Devon, and I wish for you to come with me.”

Vera leaned back, as if Candace’s idea was a mighty wind she had to fight against. “You do?”

“Of course! I’ll be dreadfully lonely rambling about that great house by myself if you don’t come. And think of all the grand adventures we could have in the countryside—drinking hot tea by the fireplace in the evenings, long walks down to the village. We’ll celebrate Easter with a garden picnic in the fresh air.”

Vera’s head cocked, her eyes fixed over Candace’s shoulder, as if she could see everything she was describing.

Then she frowned. “Mother will never allow it.”

“You could tell her it’s excellent practice for learning how to be a companion.” Candace winced a smile. “It might be selfish, but I very much wish for you to come. You’re my dearest friend, Vera.”

“I am?”

She laughed. “Of course you are. And by a great distance, too. I know my request will incite your mother’s ire, but even still, I can’t help asking. Perhaps if you make your petition when she’s in an excellent mood?”

Vera’s shoulders slumped. “She’s never in an excellent mood. She can find fault with the best situations.”