Heartbreak Falls

By Jennifer Westecott

Camille was in the dress shop buying a new gown for her sister's betrothal ball unaware of a mysterious newcomer. The handsome newcomer in was watching her as she moved through the shop all the while she was completely oblivious to him. She had all but given up on finding love, when he had introduced himse

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliant Books Literary
• Release date: Aug 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798889453284

Jennifer Westecott

Jennifer Westecott was born in 1978 in a small town in Northern British Columbia, where she resides still with her family and friends close by. She spends her spare time with her children and grandchildren when she's not working outside the home trying to provide for her family. When she is not busy with her daily life, she can often be found at one of her many secret hideaways. Jennifer began writing her first novel as a short story that quickly bloomed into so much more. Her love for writing drove her to share her writing talents with the world around her. She gains her inspirations from her love for the great outdoors where she often sits and listens to the water washing over the rocks and listening to the wind blow through the trees. Jennifer's biggest dream is to continue writing more novels to share with the world and the people that she loves the most.

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Copyright © 2023 by Jennifer Westecott. All rights reserved.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Published in the United States of America

Brilliant Books Literary

137 Forest Park Lane Thomasville

North Carolina 27360 USA

ISBN:

Paperback: 979-8-88945-327-7

Ebook: 979-8-88945-328-4

Hardback: 979-8-88945-329-1

My amazing and supportive parents Ivan and Edith, who were always there for me and supporting my dreams.

My children Brittany and Dante, I couldn’t ask for better

children that are more loving and supportive than I could have ever dreamt of.

Wayne English, my best friend that encouraged me to reach for the stars and go after my dreams.

Thank you all, and I love every one of you more than you know.

Contents

Synopsis

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Synopsis

Camille and Emily go into the small town of Fort Langley to shop for ball gowns for Emily’s betrothal ball. While shopping on this particular day, Camille had caught the eye of a mysterious newcomer. His name is Gustav Romeo, and he has just recently moved to town to work for Camille and Emily’s father. Robert Bradley is a wealthy toy factory owner, who loves his family and wife dearly. On the day that Camille meets the tall and handsome newcomer Gustav, he nonchalantly asks her for directions to the family estate. Camille explains that she is Robert’s daughter, and asks why he needs directions to the estate. He explains that after working for Robert for a few days, he had invited Gustav to a ball.

Once at the ball, Gustav spied Camille from afar. He made his way towards her and asked Camille to dance with him. After they had shared a waltz, Gustav suggested that they take a stroll through the garden. They had walked down the path to the gazebo, where they shared the most intimate love making that she would ever experience. Camille and Gustav spent more time together courting over the next few weeks and fell deeper in love with each passing day. By the time Emily and Vincent LaRouge were to say their vows, Camille and Gustav were a committed couple. A short time after Emily had wed Vincent, she had discovered that she was with child. A short while later Emily would discover that Vincent had a mistress on the side that happened to be an old friend of hers. She soon after lost her child, and then therefore she had her marriage to Vincent annulled.

Camille and Gustav began to spend more time together, and he eventually asked Robert for her hand in marriage. Shortly after being married, the family had received devastating news at the Bradley estate. One of the employees from the factory had gone in to see Robert and discovered his lifeless body lying on the floor. The police had begun their investigation into Robert’s murder and started the interrogation of past employees. Robert’s widow Elizabeth had withdrawn from the family after learning the love of her life was gone. Camille and Gustav returned early from their honeymoon when she became ill. After they had returned from their honeymoon, Camille discovered that she was with child, but chose to wait to share the news.

After a few days of investigation, Gustav pointed out that Mr. George Brown had been in to see Robert just days before. The police quickly arrested George and brought him in for questioning. During the interrogation, George quickly confessed to the murder because he felt that the company had cheated him. To the family’s relief, justice was served for the murder of Robert.

At the end of the trial, Camille and Gustav shared the news that Camille was with child. This exciting news brought Elizabeth out of her withdrawn state of mind. Elizabeth was ecstatic to become a grandmother. Emily had begun dating again, and was enjoying her time as a single woman. Soon after Camille’s announcement, there was to be another marriage in the family. Nelson was to wed Tanya, everyone thought he was the least likely to wed as he was known as a playboy.

Nelson and Gustav had run the factory the way Robert would have. Camille had made the decision that if she was to give birth to a boy, that she would name him after her father. When Camille told Elizabeth of her intentions, she wept with joy. After a significant amount of time had passed, a young man that had been admiring Emily from afar asked the Bradley family for their permission to court her. Daniel had been nervous about asking because he was just a simple carriage driver. Camille assured him that if he treated her with respect, it did not matter what position in the workforce he held.

Daniel had begun to court Emily, and within a few weeks, he was offered a position at the factory. Nelson and Gustav felt that they needed someone in the office that was excellent with numbers to balance the ledgers. Camille gave birth to a healthy baby boy, and she kept her word to her mother and named him Robert. Camille and Gustav had another surprise up their sleeve for the town of Fort Langley and especially Emily. They had applied for a name change for the falls where they were wed. They felt a cheerier name was in order for everyone to associate memories of a happier time.

The previous name reminded Fort Langley of the sullen events that enshrouded the falls from past events. Emily had tragically lost a dear friend in a drowning at the falls. Camille felt that her wedding at the falls would be sufficient for fonder memories, but knew that Emily always carried it in the back of her mind. Camille had planned a name change ceremony of the falls to brighten the mood of the falls. Camille had chosen the name Sunshine Falls from Heartbreak Falls.

After the name change ceremony of the falls, Daniel asked Elizabeth for Emily’s hand in marriage. Elizabeth was ecstatic that all her children were finally settling into family lives. Though Elizabeth missed Robert dearly, she was satisfied that her children were happy with their lives. She now had a grandson that shared her dear husband’s name that she could dote on, and keep her mind occupied. When Daniel had asked Elizabeth for Emily’s hand, she was jovial that she would have another child’s wedding to plan.

Daniel had respected Emily enough not to bed her before they were wed. They had shared soft kisses, and cuddled on several occasions by the falls. One morning, Daniel had shown up late to work at the factory and found Gustav standing outside upset. He had apologized for the slip up and explained what had happened, and then Gustav softened his explanation. Finally, the Bradley children were experiencing love and affection that their parents had shared for so many wonderful years. Elizabeth was now content in her life experiencing the bliss of being a grandmother for the first time. As time went on, everyone fell back into their regular routines and lived happily each day.

Chapter One

It was a hot and sultry day in August, and Camille was unaware that she was about to meet the man of her dreams. Earlier in the morning, she had been busy putting the final touches on planning Emily’s betrothal ball. Weeks prior to her letting her sister know what she was doing, she had decided to render it a masquerade ball. Camille wanted to add a little mystery and romance to her sister’s big event. As the day moved on, Camille knew she had to get to Ms. Marple’s dress boutique. After she finished her breakfast, Camille ascended the long mahogany staircase to her room. She entered her room and quickly dressed in a simple blue cotton dress, and fastened her hair in a loose French twist. She left her room and walked across the hall to her sister’s room to make sure she was up and ready.

Good morning dear sister. Are you ready for our day of shopping? asked Camille.

I am, but where are we going? Emily inquired.

This evening is the ball, so this morning we are going to pick-up our gowns and masks. I will also pick-up the masks for mother, and father, Camille replied.

What about Nelson’s mask? Emily asked her sister.

Oh, he has already picked it up. You know how he likes to show off his tastes at these events, Camille said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

Right, okay then let us hurry, because I am meeting Vincent for lunch today, Emily replied.

The two young women quickly descended the stairs to the waiting carriage. They both climbed in, and before they could be seated, the carriage was pulling away from the house. As they moved over the cobblestone road, Camille sat there wondering if she was ever going to meet Mr. Right. As she thought about it, she realized that all the men she had previously been courted by were all after just one thing, her hefty dowry. None of them really loved her, for her. The last one she nearly realized too late, as they had been betrothed. When he started to treat her as a prisoner, her dear brother opened her eyes. Nelson had seen David at a local drinking establishment with another woman. Nelson would often go to places like that when he was just looking for a release from the demands of his busy schedule. One evening, when Nelson happened to go to this particular drinking hole, he noticed that Camille’s fiancée David Jones was in the arms of another woman. When she found out, she was devastated, and retreated to her room to be by herself, where she had stayed for months. One day she then realized that the man she thought she loved was no longer worth her tears.

What are you thinking about Camille? asked Emily.

With a confused look on her face, Camille replied, Nothing.

You do not think about nothing with that kind of look on your face, pressed Emily.

I was just thinking about the past, and then trailed off to think about what I need for this evening, she said.

Are you sure that is all dear sister? asked Emily, knowing her sister was lying to her.

Oh yes, that is all. I did not mean to worry you, replied Camille.

As they continued the rest of the ride into town, they rode in silence just staring out the carriage windows. They rode over a small stream where Camille had asked the driver to stop the carriage for a few minutes so she could get out and stretch her legs. She walked around on the road for a minute or two and then slowly made her way down to the stream. Once at the stream she removed her sandals that she was wearing and placed her diminutive feet into the water. As she sat on the edge of the stream, she happened to notice that there was a waterfall at the end. She thought to herself that it would be a wonderful place to picnic, and to go for a dip one day when she wanted to be alone, and get away from the hustle and bustle. She then stood up and placed her sandals back on her feet and made her way back up to the carriage where Emily had waited for her, as she was terrified of the water. Emily had lost a close friend many years ago to a drowning accident and has never stepped foot near the water since, because she had always felt that it was her fault. No matter what anyone had said to her over the years, she always blamed herself for the death.

Camille climbed back into the carriage, and before she even sat down the carriage jolted forward thrusting her onto the cushioned seats. They rode for a while longer before they arrived in town. The rest of the trip was spent in silence and looking out the windows. Suddenly, they were coming to a stop in front of Ms. Marple’s Dress Boutique. They both climbed out with the assistance of the driver. They walked arm in arm down the simple wooden boardwalk into the quaint little boutique. When they entered the boutique they noticed the small plump woman standing behind the counter, and they recognized her as Miss Marple.

Good day ladies. And how are you on this glorious day? she asked.

We are doing well today, and how are you? Emily asked the aging woman.

I am quite well actually, thank you for asking. Now how may I help you today ladies? she asked the sisters.

We have come to pick up our gowns for the ball this evening, Camille replied.

They are ready, please step in the back here and we will make sure that we do not have to make any last minute alterations, replied Ms. Marple. As the two young women entered the back room, Camille noticed that they were being watched by a mysterious, handsome man. His eyes were full of intrigue and she sensed that he had been hurt deeply before. What she did not know was that his ex-girlfriend had cheated on him frequently with other men around town. Within minutes of going to the back Ms. Marple returned to the front of the boutique, where she had noticed the young man standing there admiring the display case of masks.

Excuse me, but can I help you find something? she asked.

Yes please, and call me Gustav, he had said to her.

Well then Gustav, how can I help you today? she asked him as she noted that he kept glancing to the back of the boutique.

I would like to purchase one of your exquisite masks here, he replied.

Alright then, let us start with this one, as she pulled a blue coloured one from the display case to show to him.

While in the dressing room, Camille noticed that Gustav had a sensitive, yet sexy voice whenever he spoke. Likewise, Gustav had noticed Camille as she walked past him. At first, her scent enticed his sense of smell and heightened his sexual awakening, something that had not been piqued in a long time. She smelled so wonderful, a combination of Vanilla and Roses, such an exotic scent to go with her exquisite beauty. As she entered his field of vision, he happened to notice that when she moved across the room, she moved with the grace and beauty of a rose petal on the wind.

Your gown is simply divine Camille, the Emerald green satin enhances the green in your hazel eyes, Emily remarked as she stared at her sister, wondering how this beautiful woman was still alone. Emily felt bad for her sister, she just wished a handsome man would one day sweep her sister off her feet.

Thank you Emily, but I think your deep purple gown is much more exquisite, and after all it is your evening to shine, she remarked.

The girls carried on with their conversations while minor adjustments were being made to their gowns. Gustav listened intently to the two girls chattering in the next room.

By the way Ms. Marple, you would not happen to know how I could find the Bradley mansion do you? asked Gustav.

Why yes I do, she replied as she gave him the directions to the house.

Don’t you know how to get there though, as you live in Fort Langley? she inquired.

No I do not actually, as I just moved here last week and started consulting at the Bradley Factory a few days ago, and then I received this invitation to his daughters masquerade ball, replied Gustav.

Oh, I see. she said.

Camille was the first to exit from the dressing room with her gown, and as she walked by Gustav, he could not keep his eyes off her. His first thought when he saw her was that she was beautiful and reminded him of an angel. She walked up to the display case to choose her mask and pick up her family’s masks for them as well. The first one she saw was an emerald green that matched her gown and had a jewelled crust on the outer edge of it. As she stood there looking at it, she decided that it would be too much green. Then she finally saw it, a soft ivory coloured mask with Ostrich feathers for embellishment, it was perfect. Finally, Gustav could no longer stand next to this beautiful creature and not say anything to her.

Hello, my name is Gustav Romeo. I am new to town, and how are you today? he asked her, trying not to show how attracted he was to her.

Hello, I am fine, she remarked, My name is Camille Bradley.

You would not happen to be the daughter of Robert Bradley, would you? he asked her.

Why do you ask? she asked him.

Well I am his new Financial Consultant, he remarked.

Yes I am one of his daughters, she said to him thinking that he was somewhat nosey.

I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Camille, he said to her as he extended his hand to her.

Likewise, it is nice to make your acquaintance. I look forward to seeing you around town again, she replied not knowing that she would be seeing him sooner than expected.

Gustav noticed that when he looked into Camille’s eyes that they held a mysterious, but intriguing light about them. He could not help but smile every time he thought about her, and her bountiful bosom. Emily finally entered the room from the dressing room. She always seemed to take the longest to do anything. She walked across the floor and found her sister conversing with a man for the first time in months. She walked up to the display case to pick out her mask, and as she stood there looking, she felt a shiver run up her spine, thinking that this was an amazing thing for Camille to be talking to such a handsome, mysterious stranger. Emily was truly thankful to this man for making her once reclusive sister smile again. She then walked up and stood next to her sister at the display cabinet.

Ms. Marple, thank you. The gown fit divinely, she said, as she turned and looked at Gustav.

Pardon me, but I get this distinct feeling that we have met somewhere before? Emily asked Gustav as she extended her hand to him.

Sorry, I am afraid not. You see I have just moved to town and started working at the Bradley Factory as the new Financial Consultant a few days ago, he replied as he shook Emily’s hand.

Well, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Emily Bradley, she said to him.

How do you do, I am Gustav Romeo, he said.

I see you have met my sister Camille already. If I may be so bold as to ask you, what are you doing this evening? Emily inquired.

Apparently I am going to your family’s estate for a masquerade ball this evening, he replied.

Camille almost dropped what she had in her hand at that very moment.

Are you alright, Camille? You look a little pale, did I say something wrong, Gustav asked.

Oh no, you just shocked me with your last comment, because I sent out the invitations, and I do not recall your name being on my list, she said.

That’s right, your father just gave me the invitation three days ago when he hired me, commented Gustav.

I see, well I guess I should let you get back to your shopping Gustav. I shall see you this evening then, Camille said as she turned to Ms. Marple to pay for her gown and the masks.

Camille will this be all for you today? asked Ms. Marple.

Oh no, I almost forgot that I need another bottle of your special blend of perfume that you made for me. Camille replied.

Just give me a minute to run into the back and get that for you, she replied as she turned and left the room.

That scent that you wear, is that something that you came up with? asked Gustav.

Yes, it is a combination of my two favourite scents, Vanilla and Roses. she replied as he took in a large whiff of her scent.

Have you ever thought of making other scents and then marketing them to other vendors, so that other women may enjoy your passion for flare? he asked with a mild curiosity in his deep sexy voice.

I have thought about it, but I am terrified that no one will like them and that it would be a waste of my time and that of anyone else involved, she said in a matter of fact tone.

Well maybe you should stop thinking about what others will think and just do it. If not for yourself, then think of all the young women who are longing to find the perfect scent to smell as wonderful as you, Gustav had replied.

I do not think so, there is no one out there that will back such a risky investment and a silly girl’s dream of making it big in perfume retail, Camille said with a slight tone of dissatisfaction in her voice.

He looked at her with curiosity and decided that if she really wanted to market her product that he would help her any way that he could. He paid for his items when Ms. Marple came back into the front of the boutique. He tipped his hat towards the women and smiled. As he left the boutique, he winked at Camille and whispered in her ear, See you this evening, and you smell wonderful by the way.

Yes, I will see you this evening, and thank you for the compliment, and I will consider your offer as well, Camille replied.

Gustav left the boutique with his package under his arm and a spring in his step. As he made his way back to his estate, he could not believe that he had just met the most beautiful creature on the face of the planet. He also could not help but think about the way Camille smelt, and the soft colour of her eyes. He was excited about the evening’s events that were to follow, and that he was going to be able to see Camille again and have the chance to sweep her off her feet. Gustav was secretly hoping that he would be able to steal a moment away with her where they could be alone together. As he thought of her, he could feel his passion for her building in his manhood, and he loved the way it felt. A few moments later after Gustav left Ms. Marple’s Dress Boutique, Camille and Emily left in their carriage. Camille could not help but think of the mysterious, handsome man she had just met in the boutique. She had a small smile on her full and pouty lips and a twinkle in her eye that had not been there in a long time. On their way home, she could not help but think about Gustav. Moreover, what it would feel like to be held by those muscular arms and rippling chest muscles. When she thought of him holding her close like that, she felt a warm sensation erupt from deep within her, something she was unaccustomed to. Camille and Emily rode back to the estate in silence most of the way until Emily noticed the slight smile on her sister’s face.

What in heaven’s name are you thinking about Camille that would put a smile on your face like that? she questioned and then thought to herself after she asked the question.

Wait a minute, you’re thinking about that handsome rogue of a man from Ms. Marple’s, aren’t you? Emily asked her sister.

Camille could hide nothing from her sister when it came to her feelings.

Yes, I happen to be thinking of him. Those eyes and bulging muscles make me quiver with excitement, she said.

That is good, I haven’t heard you talk that way about a man in a long time, at least not since David. Emily commented, while inside she secretly hoped that this one would not break her sister’s heart because she did not think that she would be able to handle it again.

When they arrived back at the estate, their father greeted them at the doorway of the carriage. He helped each of them out of the carriage, and had Alfredo take their parcels up to their rooms.

Well, you two look like you purchased everything in the boutique, am I completely broke now, or do we still have money left? Robert asked in a teasing manner that made the two girls giggle.

Oh Daddy, you still have plenty of money for the ball and my wedding. teased Emily.

What is with the smile on Camille’s face? he asked Emily, quite intrigued by what could have put it there.

Well Daddy, she met your new Financial Consultant today at Ms. Marple’s and they hit it off in an extraordinary way, Emily replied.

That is good, I am happy that another gentleman was able to make her smile again, replied Robert.

The three of them then went into the mansion to discuss the upcoming event of the evening. Camille could not wait for her sister to see what she had planned in a couple weeks’ time. The two girls entered their father’s study with him, sat down, and then described their day to him. He was rather interested in his eldest daughter’s encounter with his newest employee. Robert was truly captivated by what his daughter shared with him about Gustav. After they talked for a while longer, Mrs. Wolfe entered the study to say that lunch was to be served out on the terrace today.

Thank you Mrs. Wolfe, but why did Alfredo not let us know? asked Robert, quite puzzled by the occurrence.

He seems to be occupied in the kitchen and asked me to fetch the family, she said rather bluntly.

I see, very well then. We will be right there, replied Robert.

Thank you Mrs. Wolfe, but I will not be dining with the family this afternoon, replied Emily.

No problem. I will let Jonathan and Alfredo know at once ma’am. said Mrs. Wolfe as she backed out of the room and closed the door.

At first, Robert looked a little puzzled, until his wife, Elizabeth entered the room and reminded him what their daughters plans were for the day.

Do you not remember dear, Emily is dining with Vincent and his family this afternoon to discuss wedding plans with them, she said in a matter of fact tone.

I see, do you not think she should be discussing that with you and the planner? I mean, after all I am paying for the wedding, replied Robert.

Robert dear, she has already seen the planner and told her what she wants. Today’s visit with the LaRouge, is simply to let them know when Vincent’s fitting is for his Tuxedo, as well as the groomsmen’s fittings. Elizabeth interjected.

Well I suppose you had better be on your way then Emily dear. he said none too happily as he was the last to know of these plans.

But next time, would you be so kind as to inform me of any changes, or at least remind me over breakfast so that I do not seem so stunned when you tell the housekeeper or the butler. he stated rather troubled with the situation.

Yes father, I am terribly sorry about that. I would have reminded you this morning, but Camille rushed me out of the house, she stated.

Apology accepted, he said, and then watched his youngest daughter leave the room. As she left, Robert could not help but think back to the days when she was small. Actually, he could not help but think back to when all his children were small. As Robert sat thinking about his beautiful family, he could not help but wonder where all the time had gone.

Father, are you okay? You look pale. Camille asked him with great concern in her voice.

Oh yes, I am quite fine Camille dear. Thank you for asking. he replied.

What are you thinking about father that has you bewildered? Camille had asked him with love and admiration of her father in her voice.

Oh I was just thinking about when all you children were small, and how much you depended on your mother and I for guidance, he stated solemnly.

We still need your guidance, father. Just with different situations and concerns, she reassured him.

Thank you for your kind words sweetheart. You always were the sentimental and emotional one, he had stated with tears in his eyes and a crack in his voice.

However, yours and mother’s love has made me the woman that I am today. Maybe we should go outside for lunch before mother sends out a search party, she said with a slight giggle.

Very well, let us be on our way now, I am quite sure that Jonathan has prepared a wonderful meal as usual, Robert chuckled as they left his study arm in arm.

They had reached the terrace just as Elizabeth was getting ready to get up to go and find them. She noticed that they both were wearing bright smiles, something she had not seen on Camille’s face in a long time. Everyone sat down to eat his or her meal when Camille had heard a carriage pulling up the driveway. No one else seemed to notice or care that someone was going to be interrupting the meal, something she knew that her father despised a great deal. After a few moments, Alfredo came out to the terrace with a young man in tow. Camille briefly looked up from her Chicken Parmesan and almost choked when she had seen who was there. When she sputtered, everyone thought she did not like the meal, but that was not the case at all, the young man that stopped by was Gustav. Gustav saw Camille sitting across the terrace and shot her the most seductive smile that he could muster without anyone else noticing what he was doing. She could not help but smile back at this handsome man that she thought of as a GREEK GOD, and he was standing before her once again as he had been in Ms. Marple’s Dress Boutique.

Pardon the interruption sir, Mr. Gustav Romeo is here to see you, replied Alfredo with his usual stern voice.

Please have a seat Gustav. I will have Jonathan bring you out a serving of Chicken Parmesan. Robert said and gestured towards the seat next to him.

Thank you Robert, but I must speak with you at once in private if you do not mind, stated Gustav with a very serious tone in his sexy voice.

Thank you Alfredo, you may leave now, Robert commanded.

Will there be anything else, sir? asked Alfredo before he left the terrace.

Yes there is, please check that there is a new bottle of brandy in the study, Thank you, Robert replied.

I will do so at once sir, Alfredo replied, turned, left the terrace, and went back into the house to do as he was asked by Robert.

Robert finished his meal and then the men adjourned to Robert’s study. As they left, Gustav turned and gave Camille a sultry glance and smile. Those kinds of looks made her body heat up and tingle like never before. She felt a bit flushed in the face as she glanced away quickly, so that he could not see how excited she was by his seduction attempts. As he walked away with her father, she could not help but notice how his muscles rippled down his back and into his buttocks. She sat there and continued to watch him leave the terrace, she was daydreaming