One moment in time...
By Mallory Quinn
Chapter 1
"Just for a few months…"
It was very cold and the snow was falling. The wind was also blowing hard on this month of January 1915. The boat that was going to England, despite the war situation in Europe, a lot of people wanted to go back to their homeland. But there were very few families, but a lot of young people, young soldiers, young doctors, and young nurses. The boat was packed. Not a lot of people were outside, because the temperature was freezing. There was a young woman who was wearing a very beautiful red coat, with a hat and scarf of the same colour. She had a pretty little nose with freckles. She had beautiful emerald green eyes which usually would be laughing but today were full of sadness and tears. Her cheeks had dried tears mixed with wet tears. Her heart was in a thousand pieced… she was leaving her beloved America, once again for England. This time, it was not to go to a prestigious royal College of St. Paul which had proven to be a cold and brittle place… but the presence of one person, an unbearable young boy, who had laughed at her nose and her freckles, had made all the difference. Life in college was nice and she liked every moment she spent there, because she could see him, talk to him. He was so handsome and when he didn't act like an impossible spoiled brat, he was really very charming, a real gentleman. The summer in Scotland, the most beautiful summer of her life… the trap, the separation, the return to America. The short-lived reunion… and the very painful separation. It had been more than a month now, and she was still crying. She came back sick on the train, physically and morally. At the hospital where she worked, she had met a nice lady who thought she was likeable.
- Lady Brydon, hello said Candy smiling
- Hello Candy, said Lady Brydon who was in her forties, how are you?
- I'm the one who should ask you that, said Candy, you're the patient
- But you're so sad, Candy…
- It's going to be ok, Lady Brydon. Let me take care of you…
- Ok, But I'm going to leave the hospital and America, soon…
- Oh…?
- Yes, I'm going back to England, my husband is there…
- But there's the war there… in Europe, isn't there?
- Yes, but it's still my country and I miss my Donald…. And my daughter is getting married…
- Congratulations, said candy
Lady Brydon looked at her, she liked Candy very much and she wanted to help her.
- Candy, would you like to come with me and be my personnel nurse and lady companion
- What? You're personnel nurse and lady companion? But…
- You're the best nurse I've ever had, even though you're a little clumsy sometimes, but your smile and your joy warms my heart
- But Lady Brydon, my friends are here in America…
- You could come and see them… it would be a change for you… you're sad. Someone broke your heart; a change for a few months will be good for you…
- Just for a few months…?
Candy thought about it for a while. The pain of her separation with Terry was still very present. She cried herself to sleep every night, alone in her bedroom. A change will be good for her… a few months in England? Why not? Her friends were going to scream, outraged, but… she needed something to keep her mind at work… so she turned to Lady Brydon and said;
- Ok, Lady Brydon, I want to go with you to England…
- Thank you, Candy, thank you very much
She told Albert the news when she got home.
- Albert, good evening…
- Candy, are you ok? Diner is ready… did you have a nice day?
- Yes, as usual… said Candy tired, what are we having for diner?
- Chicken and fries…
- And the salad? You want me to do it?
- You don't have to, Candy, you must be tired…
- Come on Albert, you're already cooking for the both of us. Let me at least do the salad…
- Ok Candy said Albert with a smile
They ate talking about all and nothing. Then after they did the dishes, Candy took a serious expression
- Albert, I have something to tell you…
- Candy? Are you ok? You're not sick anymore, I hope…
- No, I'm fine. But you know that I'm still sad because of my break up with Terry …?
- Yes, said Albert, hurt…
- So, I said to myself that it would be good to make a little change… so, I accepted a job abroad…
- Abroad? Where?
- In England…
- In England?
- Yes, I'm going to take care of Lady Brydon, just for a few months, not for good…
- But there's the war in Europe…
- I know…it will be only for a few months… I'm going to come back. I need a change… otherwise; I'm going to go crazy…
- If that's what you want to do…
- Maybe I'm rushing, but it's an opportunity that might not come ever again
Albert looked at her hurt. She was leaving again… she needed to heal; hopefully she'll come back completely over Terry.
- Ok, I'm going to wait for you here…
- Thank you Albert. I'm sorry I'm leaving you again…Looks like I've become the traveler instead of you….
- Indeed said Albert laughing
She announced the new to her friends who screamed outraged. She had gone to see them at the Andrew manor.
- Candy, you're not thinking straight, said Annie, there's the war over there…
- I'm going to work for the Brydon, not fight at the war… said Candy
- Candy, said Archie, a change could be good for you… come back to us quickly!
- Yes, said Patty, I'm going to pray for Stear and for you…
- Oh Candy, said Annie crying, be careful… I don't want you to go! But if it's going to help you get over Terry, or help you cope with the situation… promise me you'll come back to us safe and sound?
- I promise Annie, said Candy smiling
The arrangements for the trip were made. Professor Leonard, the hospital director had no problem letting her go work for Lady Brydon. Her friends at the hospital were sad to see her go. That's how she found herself on the Mauritania, going to England. She was sad to leave her friends and America but not sadder than to be separated from Terry… she wiped a tear, the ocean was a little agitated and made most of the passengers were seasick. The freezing fresh air felt good on her. She went back to Lady Brydon's cabin.
- Candy, said Lady Brydon, here you are. Is it cold outside?
- Yes, and the ocean is a little agitated…I'm a little seasick…
- You'll feel better tomorrow morning…
- Do you need anything?
- I'm fine Candy, thank you. You can go to bed.
- Thank you Lady Brydon, but I'm going to go to bed, when you're going to go to bed… come on, I'm going to read to you…
Candy started to read to the boss; it was the book, "Pride and prejudice" from Jane Austen. Candy liked the story, and she discussed it with Lady Brydon regularly for hours…
- You have to say that Miss Bennet is a little stubborn, said Lady Brydon
- What about Mr. Darcy? Said candy, he's as stubborn as her!
- They are truly made for each other, but they never agree at the same time…
- It's like the gods are against them… said Candy sadly
She was thinking about her situation with Terry. He had sent her a one-way ticket for New York. One way… he wanted her to stay with him for ever, he wanted to marry her and have a family with her… but the circumstances had decided otherwise.
- Candy? Said Lady Brydon, are you ok?
- Yes, I'm fine Lady Brydon, don't worry about me…
She didn't want to bother her boss with her personnel problems. They continued their discussion on the book and then, they to bed.
The crossing was not too bad, Candy often got seasick and she prayed to be on land soon. When the boat finally arrived at Dover, Candy had a sigh of relief. The formalities happened slowly because of the war situation. Donald Brydon came to wait for his wife. He was a man in his fifties who was part of London high society. He kissed his wife warmly.
- Honey, he said, it's good to see you…
- It's good to see you too she said, where's Melanie?
- She had errands to run for the wedding, you know her, she wants everything to be perfect
- Yes. I'm sure. Honey, this is Candy White Andrew, my nurse and my lady companion…
- Pleased to meet you, said Candy with a smile
- Pleased to meet you too, Miss Andrew said Lord Brydon, let's go, it's a long way to London…
They went to London to Lord Brydon's castle, it was big and majestic. They gave Candy a room not too far from the master bedroom, in case Lady Brydon needed her during the night. Candy arranged her things. Lady Brydon had bought a whole new wardrobe for her despite Candy's protests. She was starting a new life for a few months, to try to mend her broken heart, she was trying to pick up the pieces of her heart, one by one every day, which was not an easy task, because, it broke again every time she thought about him. She was in England again, this time she chose to come, unlike the first time… but the first time had allowed her to meet the one her heart was going to love like crazy…more tears, enough. There was a desk a chair and in the desk drawer, there was some writing paper, envelopes and a pen. She decided to write to her two mothers, whom she didn't have the time to go see before she left. She also wrote her little friends to reassure them. There was a knock at the door and a young maid entered. She was Candy's age. Candy had her back turned and hadn't seen her yet.
- Good morning Miss, my name is Louise. I came to help you unpack your luggage…
Candy was startled when she heard the voice and the name. She was writing, she stood up and turned around.
- Louise? Said Candy
- Candy? Oh my God!
- But… what are you doing here? Asked Candy surprised
- I work here, said Louise, looking down…
- Oh yeah, I remember that you father was broke and you had to leave St. Paul college…
- And you left before me… Mother Grey told me that you asked that Eliza's punishment to be lifted so she could spend some time with me… but as soon as Eliza learned that my father was broke, she didn't want to be my friend anymore… she treated me like she treated you… and me too for that matter… I'm sorry for everything Candy, for following Eliza in her mean streak against you… now I have to serve you…
Louise was looking at the floor and Candy approached her.
- I don't want your pity, Candy… said Louise getting away from her
- I don't pity you, Louise. I want to congratulate you… yes, you now have to work, but you also realise that there's no shame in earning a living… My work took me here in England… again
- I'm your servant she said softly
- No. Louise, you're doing your work. You don't have to be ashamed… and I want to be your friend, if you want to…
- Despite everything I did to you in college?
- And we found each other here employed in the same house…
- I never thought I would find myself on the other side… I should've been nice to the staff, now I know how much their work is hard to do… and to be humiliated while working is very hard… the first job I had, the bosses were mean and I cried every day… but the Brydons are nice, fortunately… I was lucky to have found a job them… But Candy, you're the Andrew's adoptive daughter; you don't need to work…
- I love to earn my living, Louise… it's really a good feeling…
- When I think I was laughing at you with Eliza… now, I would give anything to be in your place, Candy… an orphan, adopted by the Andrews…
- Come on Louise, you have a mother and a father, you should be thankful to God…me on the other hand, I would give anything to have a mother and a father… rich, or poor
- You're right, Candy, I'm happy to be part of a family even if we are now broke… how are you? How was the trip?
- Oh, don't mention it! I was sick like you had no idea! Seasick! But ever since, we're on the main land, I feel better
- Thank God…
While they were talking, Louise was unpacking Candy's things.
- So Louise, you haven't answered me… you want to be my friend?
- Yes, Candy, thank you with all my heart! I want to be your friend said Louise smiling, by the way, Candy did you see Terrence in America?
Candy's heart became tight. She had found Terrence only to lose him again…
- Yes…
- So…?
- Well, I'm here, and he's in America…
- It didn't work out between you?
- No. we broke up…
- I'm sorry… Tell me he's not with Eliza….
- No! May God keep him away from her! Said Candy laughing
- You're reassuring me… otherwise; life would not be fair at all!
They burst out laughing and started to talk about everyday thing. Then Louise left to let Candy get some rest. She was still feeling nauseous from the boat. She finished writing her letter, and then she went to bed after saying her prayers. She was happy to have met Louise, a familiar face that had totally and completely converted herself after getting a taste of poverty. On that note, she closed her eyes and fall asleep.
In New York at the theatre, Terry had just finished another representation of "Romeo and Juliet". To be on stage, seem to be for him the only thing that made him a little happy. A little, because the one for whom he was acting, was not there anymore… She was gone. He had let her go… he wanted to keep her with him. He went to get her at the train station; the disguise the reunion… Candy… he never thought that he would have such intense feelings for another human being… he was almost afraid to go back home. He didn't want to see her… the one who saved his life… the one because of whom Candy left… the one responsible for his unhappiness, his depression… Susanna Marlowe. She was so in love with him, and she was so happy when he told her that he chose her… He bit his tongue after that, because that's not what he wanted to say… He wanted Candy, but Candy left without turning back once… she had left him… she didn't want him. She had left him to Susanna… she went back to Albert… Now, that he was not in the picture anymore; she lived with Albert… are they going to be together? But why was he thinking about that? If she married Albert, at least she will be happy. Anyway, that wasn't his concern anymore. Candy's life was not his problem; it was over between them, for good. But it didn't mean that his heart was going to stop loving her automatically… his heart was bleeding; he loved Candy so much that his heart bled.
- Terry, said Karen, you want to come and have diner with me?
- Of course, Karen, I'm coming
They often went out for diner together after the play. Sometimes, they were with the whole troupe, but tonight, it was only the two of them. Karen had changed her attitude after she got the role of Juliet after Susanna's accident. She and Terry had become good friends. They spent most of their days together.
- Terry, you're taking your time to go home again… said Karen
- Karen, let me eat in peace….
- You don't have peace at home?
- Like you don't know… nothing happened like I planned… it's like I woke up one morning and everything had changed… I found myself with a girl I never thought of a desirable girl… and the one I wanted, the one I loved more than anything in the world was gone…
- Candy, said Karen, I was with her in Florida, that time I was doing my little crisis for losing the role of Juliet. I was telling her that there was a legend of "Romeo and Juliet" that all the actors that had played that role, end up getting married… she didn't even tell me that she was your girlfriend… she must've been hurt to hear me talking about you and Susanna in those terms…
Terry remembered Candy's remark when she saw the poster for Romeo and Juliet in his apartment. She said she was happy that Karen was playing Juliet and not Susanna, because she was a little jealous. That's why…
- Terry, are you sure that the decision you took was the good one? You're unhappy and I'm sure that Candy is also unhappy…
- I don't know Karen. She didn't even turn around once when she left…
- She must've been very upset, said Karen, to look back, would've probably increased the pain…
- Probably…
- And Susanna? How is she?
- I feel like strangling her every time I see her… she should've let me die! Because I'm dead without Candy anyway…
- But Susanna loves you, Terry. Give her, a chance… make an effort, please. All this hostility is not good at all; for you or for her…
- I know… I'm going to try to make an effort… but now, Karen, please, let's change the subject of conversation…
- Ok, Romeo… said Karen with a smile
They started to talk about other things. Terry went back home and he found Susanna asleep. It was better that way. He promised he was going to try to be nice to her. He will see that in the morning. He went to his bedroom and before he went to bed, he read Candy's letters again. He practically knew them by heart. He woke up the next morning and went to the dining room where Susanna was having breakfast.
- Good morning Susanna, he said with a smile…
- Terry, said Susanna smiling, good morning. Did you have a good night?
- Yes, thank you. I'm sorry about last night… I came back late
- That's ok, Terry
- I promise you that I will be here tonight for diner, ok?
- Ok, Terry
- Did you have a good night?
- Yes, a very good night, thank you. I have a appointment at the doctor's today
- I'm going to come with you
Susanna said to herself that Terry was suddenly very nice to her. Maybe he saw Candy last night? No… Candy went back to Chicago for good… then what was it? He was falling in love with her! Her heart was rejoicing all of a sudden. She was on cloud nine. Terry was in love with her, she thought! She was in seventh heaven…
Candy started her new life. But she had a problem with the food. She was throwing up all the time. She only ate fruits and was drinking milk and fruit juice.
- Candy, said Lady Brydon, you should see a doctor. Because I don't think that English cuisine is that bad…
- I'm fine, Lady Brydon, don't worry about me… it's probably the seasickness that's continuing, or a stomach flu… It's going to pass
- Tomorrow, it's Melanie's wedding, you can't be sick, my child… the wedding is at 2 PM I'm going to take you to my doctor's early in the morning.
- There's no need…
- Don't argue with me, please. I took you away from your country. I have to take care of you…
- Ok, said Candy smiling, tomorrow morning, we'll go.
Melanie came to get her to try on some dresses.
- Candy, come with me, let's go try on some dresses… ok mum?
- Ok, I'm going to take a nap…
Candy went with Melanie in her room. Her days were full. But when she found herself alone in her room, she was crying her lost love….
The next day, Lady Brydon took Candy to the doctor. She stayed in the waiting room while Candy was in the doctor's office. The doctor examined her for a while.
- Miss Andrew, said the doctor, I'm going to prescribe you some vitamins
- For my nausea? Is it indigestion because of the English cooking?
- Miss Andrew… I'm afraid that English cooking has nothing to do with your condition, well not in the sense you're thinking…
- Doctor, am I sick? What's wrong with me?
- You're not sick, Miss Andrew, you're in the family way…
- WHAT???!!!! Screamed Candy, but… no, you must be mistaking…
- I'm not mistaking, Miss Andrew….
- But… oh… no… oh my God!!!
And she burst into tears. No, it was not possible. Life couldn't be that cruel and mean to her!!! Not after everything she went through!!!
- I'm not married, I'm not even engaged! And the baby's father belongs to another woman! How could I have been so stupid????!!!
The doctor looked at the poor young girl who was crying. He had dozens of cases like that everyday. He tried to console her.
- Come on, it's not the end of the world. A baby is wonderful…
- When you're married said Candy
- Married or not, a baby is no less a miracle of God…
- But doctor…
- You have the time to get used to the idea of being a mother… your pregnancy is not going to show for a while… your baby needs you. You have to take care of yourself…
- Yes, doctor, you're right…
- But of course, I'm right! He said smiling, take your vitamins everyday and eat properly and you'll have a very beautiful and healthy little bundle of joy…
- I'm not shocking you? I'm not married, not even engaged…
- I'm not here to judge said the doctor, I'm here to take care of my patients. Your private life is none of my business…
- Thank you doctor, said Candy who was trying to smile
- Take your vitamins and eat a lot of fruits and fresh vegetables… come and see me again in a month…
- Ok, doctor, said Candy, thanks again
Candy wiped her tears, took the prescription and got out of the doctor's office, trying to smile. It was Melanie's wedding; she didn't want to worry Lady Brydon that day. She will talk to her later…maybe… She went back to the Brydon castle for the wedding. Candy was trying to forget what the doctor had just told her, but it was impossible. What did she do to God, to deserve such a punishment?