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It was an embarrassing thing, really. The loud clamor of fire alarms echoing abrasively through The Gem, just a few hours after most have sought out their beds. As the local fire brigade comes barging in, the residents rush about in varying levels of decency, no one really quite sure what was going on, but the acrid smell of smoke slowly works through the homestead, alerting the staff that it wasn't just some electronic malfunction.
Later, they will marvel in just how lucky they were, how lucky Scarlet was, when the story starts making it's rounds about an unfortunate incident with some forgotten candles that had been left too closely to some drapes. Not a one thinks anything of she and Madam conferring in harried whispers, nor do any take any notice of the tissues clutched in the younger partner's hand.
Later, they will marvel in just how lucky they were, how lucky Scarlet was, when the story starts making it's rounds about an unfortunate incident with some forgotten candles that had been left too closely to some drapes. Not a one thinks anything of she and Madam conferring in harried whispers, nor do any take any notice of the tissues clutched in the younger partner's hand.