The scandal had broken out. It had been three hours since Moray had supposedly left for the church but he never arrived. Word had gotten around about his disappearance and people were starting to wonder if all the love they had seen on the outside of the couple was the reality. It was not. People were piecing together that Moray had left Katherine. Due to all the speculation about Moray and Katherine people seemed to not notice that both Miss Audrey and Denise were missing.

Dudley had returned to The Paradise after losing faith in Moray coming back. Moray had told him that he could not marry Katherine but Dudley had only hoped it was nerves. He walked into Morays office to look for clues to where he may have gone and he found a note on the desk which read

'Dudley, my dearest friend'

Dudley opened it and sat down to read it. It read,

' Dudley,
I am sorry for all this mess and the hurt it will cause. The scandal and negativity that will surround The Paradise. You must first know that I have done what I have done to protect everyone at The Paradise. I have signed all my side of the shop over to you. You now fully own The Paradise. I trust you completely to run the shop how it should be run. I may not return so please do as you see fit for it. I did it because I was forewarned by Lord Glendening that if I broke his daughters heart he would ruin me. Now he can't because the shop doesn't belong to me and he has no desire to hurt anyone but me.

I have gone to the old country house once owned by my parents. We shall live there till things die down and it is safe for our return.

You will also need a new girl for Ladies as Denise is coming with me.

Sorry,
Moray.'

Dudley sighed at the letter and just sat in his chair. What was Moray thinking. He knew Denise was a lovely girl but was she worth it? He would have to trust his decisions like always. He now got up from his chair and went towards the door. He needed to see Miss Audrey about getting a new girl. He walked down the corridor to the shop girls quarters and straight towards her door which was at the end of the corridor. He opened he knocked on her door but there was no reply, he waited two minutes then stuck his head round the door. There was no sign of her however, he spotted another note which again appeared to be addressed to him. He walked over and picked it up. It said

'Mr Dudley'

So he opened it and once again sat down to read it.

'Mr Dudley,
I'm sure by now you are aware of the situation between Mr Moray and Denise. They have left together with Denise's uncle for obvious reasons and I have chosen to go with them.

Once, I and Edmund Lovett were more than friends. I missed the opportunity some time ago to be a lot more but I chose against it. I'm getting on and I can't work for The Paradise forever no matter how much it would give me great pleasure. I have left with Edmund and the others for a second chance.
Sorry for any inconvenience has been an absolute pleasure.
Audrey.'

Another down. How many more would go before the end if the day? The Paradise seemed almost definitely heading for ruin but why.

Dudley got up from where he was sitting and went straight to Ladies wear. He got to the doorway of the department and spotted Clara. Just the girl he was looking for.

' Clara!' he shouted in her direction.

Clara had been attending to a customer and appeared to be alone in the department.

'Yes Mr Dudley sir?' She sounded sure of what he wanted but acted confused. it was clear she knew what had gone on and was just waiting for this moment.

' Clara, I'm not sure if you're aware but Denise and Miss Audrey have been missing for some time today and I fear that they won't be returning for some time in the days ahead so for the moment I would like to ask if you would temporarily become head of Ladies wear till I know more about the situation and the position we're in. Is that okay?'

' Of course sir! I would love to! ' Her smile looked like it could leave her face but it was more than a smile. It was like Clara took great pleasure and satisfaction from the fact both Denise and Miss Audrey had disappeared.

'Great! I need you to start now. There are spare uniforms out the back, please quickly change we have to keep the shop running as normal so no one suspects a thing...'

As Mr Dudley evidently coming to end of what he was going to say Clara had already turned and was about to leave for the cupboard but then immediately shot round and the ending of what he said.

' Suspect what sir? Has something happened with Mr Moray and the others?' A tone of concern came over her voice when Morays name was spoken.

'To be honest Clara I don't know. He has disappeared and I think the other two may have gone with him. To where I can't say but This can't get out. Not only will they suffer but The Paradise will too. Anyway, quickly I need you running this department! Go.'

Clara swiftly turned and marched towards the cupboard to pick out a uniform for her new job. She could not believe her luck. Miss Audrey gone so Head of department needed filling and to top it off the golden girl wasn't here either leaving her with a guarantee she would fill the missing spot. She picked out a uniform and went to get changed.

Dudley had already walked out of Ladies wear. He wondered what he would do now. Remembering Katherine curses at the church as it was clear Moray would not show. She had been warned but chose to ignore it. It was her own fault but in a way he felt sorry for her. It wasn't like she single handedly forced Moray into it all. He did play part too. Especially asking her to marry him. he felt it best for everyone that he visit the Glendenings in the morning to share what he has learnt today and try to protect The Paradise as best he could.