The Days of Destiny

It was a warm day in June, 1920. Two women were sitting outside of a teahouse. The other had blonde wavy hair and green eyes, while the other was a green-brown eyed brunette. The blonde was wearing a pale blue dress and a matching hat. The brunet had a gray dress and black hat. They gave the aura of high class and calmness. Sure there were other people at the tearoom, too but even with their fancy clothes and loud voices, they couldn't reach the same level as these two women.

A young waiter, Tyler Crofton, was nervous. He had started working on the teahouse on his 17th birthday, a week ago. He was not feeling confident at all and now they told him to go serve the two women. He knew that this could end very badly or rather well. He sharpened his expression, took a deep breath and walked to the table. As he got to the table his concentration wavered. These women were very beautiful. He asked what they'd like.

"I'd like a sweet tea and a cherry meringue. And you, Irina?" the blonde woman asked from her companion. Irina thought for a moment before she replied, "I'd like a sweet tea, too, and a muffin." They both looked at the waiter and smiled. He blushed a little as he nodded and hurried away. The women looked after him, giggling quietly.

"Don't you think it's unusual, Miss White?" Irina asked. Miss White glared at her. "It's just 'Candy'. But what do you mean, 'unusual'?" she said. Irina nodded towards the direction the waiter had disappeared. "To see a male waiter. And that young, too." she explained. Candy looked at the same direction too, and replied, little distraught, "No, not really. Even boys like he has to make money these days. How old do you think he is?"

Irina and Candy both looked sharply away when the boy waited entered their view of vision. "There you go, ladies." he said, smile audible in his voice. Both women said 'thank you' when he put their order on the table. It seemed to surprise him, and his cheeks were red again. "Anything else I can get you?" he continued. "No, thank you." Candy said and smiled at the boy. His blush deepened and he hurried away.

"Stop bullying the poor boy, Miss Candy." Irina scolded her. "I'll make sure to leave a good tip for him." she said back and laughed. Candy took a sip from her cup. "Ahh, nothing wins a cool drink in the summer." she sighed in delight. "Umm, Miss Candy…" Irene said. Candy looked at her and noticed that the brunette was holding back laughter. Irene pointed at her plate. There, right next to her meringue, was a small chocolate cube.

"The boy sure is eager to get a good tip." Irene teased. Candy shook her head slowly, hand on her mouth. "That's the woman I told you about." a whisper reached their table. Candy's jolly expression fell immediately. But her back was facing the voice so she couldn't see the speaker.

Irina, however, saw the woman. She was very big and couldn't be called beautiful in any occasion. She was talking to a slim woman, whose face resembled that if a crow. Both were obviously in their forties. She looked at Candy with a worried expression, but the blonde just took another sip of her tea.

Their conversation mood had vanished and both were now eavesdropping on the other women. "She's an odd woman, I'm telling you. She rarely leaves her home, the ranch and never comes to any parties she's invited to. Rumor says that she's running a brothel." The pig-woman continued. "Seriously?" the skinny asked. "Yes yes! They say that she used late Mr. Cartwright and married him secrecy, then poisoned him and inherited the whole thing. And to hide her tracks she fired all old workers and hired new people."

Seriously? Mr. Cartwright was in his right mind until the end! Candy thought furiously. "What else?" the skinny asked. The pig thought for a moment. "Well, my son and his friends suck to her lands once. They saw her with three children. After thinking about it for a while, we came to the conclusion that the children belong to her 'ladies'. I bet she's one of them." Candy wanted to go to the woman and slap her.

Irina took Candy's hand and said, "Miss Candy, do not let them under your skin. I certainly don't." She gave the blonde an encouraging smile. "But what about the cattle and the men working there?" Skinny asked. "Well, I'm sure they're just a cover up for her real occupation. Think we should corner one of the men if we ever bump into them?" Pig asked. Irina's eyes were full of anger, now. She certainly didn't want either of these women to talk to her brother. I guess it's a fully different story when it comes to Aaron, huh, Candy thought smugly.

They finished their teas and ate their treats. The waiter boy came and gave them only one bill, 76 cents. Irina was going to tell the boy that they'd pay separately but Candy was faster and insisted on paying hers too. She won the argument and left the boy a generous tip. They got up quickly and Candy glanced over her shoulder at the boy's reaction. He was grinning from ear to ear, but when he noticed Candy looking, he blushed. Candy gave him a gentle smile and waved at him.

Candy neutralized her expression and walked to the pig and the skinny. "I couldn't help but notice that your dress is very stylish." Candy babbled. Anyone that knew her, would've been able to tell that she was faking it. But no, the pig was oblivious. "Why thank you." she replied just as sweetly. "I'm Candy White, this is my friend, Irina McLeod." Candy said and pointed at Irina. The pig looked at them both, calculating, before she replied, "I'm Dora Hugh and this is Henrieta Collins." They nodded to each other in acknowledging.

Irina saw the little, evil spark in Candy's eyes and was ready for the next remark. "I heart that you were curious about my lifestyle. Would you like and come to a visit? I'm sure my workers would be in delight to meet you." the blonde said. Her voice was even, but it had a certain edge to it. Both women paled. They looked quickly at each other and started to squirm in their seats. "M-my apologies, but I must decline. I'm leaving the town tomorrow." Mrs. -judging by the rings- Collins replied. "Me too." Dora Hugh echoed. Candy faked her disappointment and nodded. She grabbed Irina's hand and led her away, walking rather fast.

"You'd think that rumors would get old after a while, but no!" Candy puffed as she walked. Irina looked at Candy, unreadable expression on her face. "Well, can you blame them? You rarely leave the ranch. I've been in your service for 3 years now and you've only left your lands a handful of times a year. And even then it's to visit your adoptive father or horse or cattle sales. Last time you left was around 2 months ago and only for few hours." she said. Candy stopped walking, she followed her example. "It's just…I want everything to be in order before I… Before the kids…" the blonde was obviously discouraged.

Irina put her hand on the blonde's shoulder to calm her down. "I know, Miss Candy. I know." she said quietly. She had been there when Candy had adopted her first child, Henry, almost 3 years ago, as well when she had taken her second child, Cora, in and lastly when her boss had urgently hurried to Pony's Home and filled the papers for her youngest ward, Peter.

Irina and the others who worked under Miss White had been shocked at her decisions to take the children under her wing, but the woman had also taken them in when they had desperately needed it, so they didn't complain. They could live with the rumors, as long as they remained as such and not become accusations.

Irina's thoughts were cut when Candy began to walk again. This time her pace was slower and much calmer. They reached their horses quickly. There were men around the two horses, examining them. There was a young man keeping an eye on the horses too. Candy paid the boy as she had promised and the boy looked ecstatic. The men were when Candy unbound the reins from the pole. As did Irina. "But ma'am that can't be your horse." One of the men said. Candy looked at him. "And why is that?" she asked. Another one looked her, challenging her. "That is not a sidesaddle." Candy sighed and closed her eyes. "Whereas I'm a woman, I do not need a sidesaddle to prove it. Good day." she replied sternly. She mounted her horse quickly and as soon as Irina was ready they trotted away. Both women hear the men's disapproving muttering but chose to ignore them.

"You should go inside and check on the children, okay." Candy said to Irina and took the reins from her. The brunette nodded and hurried towards the huge main building. Candy had barely taken the riding equipment off when she heard nearing footsteps. She looked over her shoulder and saw a man. She grinned at him. The man sighed and leaned towards a stall door.

He was like the male version of Irina, same color hair and similar eyes, too. Differences were the gender and body built. Whereas Irina was small, even shorter than Candy, this man was tall. Irina was slim and he was muscular. It all made sense because this man was her older brother, Aaron Mcleod.

"How did it go?" Aaron asked. Candy turned and replied dismissively, "She didn't look sad. Even laughed. I think it did good." The man relaxed visibly and said nodded. "For both of you." he noted. Candy just shrugged. "She hasn't been herself ever since mother…You know." Aaron tried to explain. Candy looked at him and her expression got softer. "Aaron, I know." she said gently.

Candy shook her head as if trying to shake the negative mood off. She looked at Aaron and asked with energetic voice, "So, what's on the to-do list today?" Aaron took the bait, gratefully and replied, "We should go and check the fences and see if the cattle has any problems. The only problem is that I don't know where Benny and Brian ar-", "We're here, Madame White." two voice in unison were heard from the main door.

Both Candy and Aaron were annoyed. Aaron didn't like their constant disappearing because it meant more work for him, and Candy hated their pet name for her. Every day for three now, she'd had to tell her workers to call her just 'Candy' and still, they called Miss White, so whenever these two took the extra mile to call her Madame, she'd give them a lecture.

Today, however, she just told them to get their horses ready. She was going to tell Aaron to do the same, but he told her that he had at least one horse ready at every moment of the day. 'In the case of emergency', he explained. Candy nodded and which horse she'd take today.

She owned many horses, 19 to be exact, plus she rented 9 of the stall to the locals and then there were the 8 horses that belonged to her workers. So in total, her stabled held 36 horses. And every day, every stall would be mucked and every horse groomed and then there was the cattle. Her schedule was tight as it was and she had to consider hiring more people if she wanted to spend more time with her children.

She ended up taking Fireheart, a red chestnut gelding. It didn't take long from her to groom it and put the bridle and the western saddle on. She mounted the horse with experienced moves and let Aaron take the lead.

The fences were still holding and the cattle seemed just fine. When they finally turned back towards home, the sun was low, but not quiet setting yet. "Your children are worried." Aaron said. It was a statement and Candy knew it. "They'll be fine." she replied anyways. "You haven't been apart from them in a long time." he continued. "Are you trying to make me feel worse? After I wasted my day with your sister." Candy asked. She was just teasing him and it was audible in her jolly voice. Aaron blushed. "That's not what I meant. You could've taken them with you or just go to them right away and leave the cattle to us." he said back.

Candy gave him a long look. Brian and Benny looked at the two, remaining silent, as they had for the whole ride. Candy sighed and her shoulder fell. "To be honest, I'm tired. But I can't just leave everything to you. There are only the four of you. You, twins" she nodded towards Brian and Benny and then continued, "And Dakota. And he's still just a boy, barely 14. There's too much work and too little workers. And I won't ask help from the children either. Not until they're old enough to understand the responsibility." she ranted. Aaron gave her a long look. "You know," he started slowly, "Henry is 14 already. I think you could and should ask for his help, too. He seems eager to help, but is too shy to ask." Benny and Brian nodded in agreement.

All three men were shocked when Candy asked her question. "Do you know what people talk about us?" she asked. Everyone avoided her eye contact. She took that as a yes. "Why didn't you tell me?" she insisted. Fireheart under her took a side step. The horse sensed her tension. She patted its neck to calm it even a little. "Well?" she demanded. "We didn't want to worry you. Besides, they're just rumors." Benny mumbled. Candy looked at him sharply and shot back, "Just rumors? Well, do explain how a son of some Dora Hugh has seen me and my children together. I don't recall us never leaving the property together. And you, Aaron, how she referred your sister as a -…common lady of the night. The rumors are getting out of control. We need to do something and fast." Aaron's horse jumped, apparently, Candy's outburst had surprised it. The men were all speechless.

Candy couldn't take it anymore and galloped away, leaving the three men behind. She hurried to the stable, took care of the horse and its needs and went inside. She checked the clock and it was around 7. She took a glass of water and was sipping it when Irina came in. She nodded to the brunet and suddenly asked, "The roses?" Irina shook her head, indicating that no one had watered or taken care of them that day. Candy sighed. She gave Irina a tired smile and went outside.

Taking care of the roses was a bigger job than she had originally expected it to be. Poor ones were completely out of it. The heat was getting to them. While she watered and groomed the bushes, she was humming quietly to herself. She loved how the bushes looked much better after she was done. She got up and looked at the view.

She had a clear view to the paddock, where the horses were. The tension in her muscles lessened a little while she smiles at what she saw. The horses were either grooming or chasing each other. This was why she kept the place. She could keep everything she cherished close to her. She had only three things she was passionate: roses, horses and most importantly, her children.

She had been busy the whole day, which wasn't usual, and hadn't seen the children at all. There was a hole inside of her. She had noticed it right away when she had left her property with Irina, that morning. She had left a note to her children to do their homework and then they'd be free to do whatever they wanted for the rest of the day. She wondered what they'd done. And if they had missed her as well.

"Mother, how come we don't have a father?" a black-haired girl asked from Candy, who had finally finished her to-do list and was finally wishing her a good night. The blonde gave her a gentle smile, "Cora, dear. Of course, you and your brothers have a father, he just hasn't pumped here yet." She kissed her forehead but stopped right in her tracks when Cora opened her mouth again. "Why can't we go to the school in the town, like other children?" the blackette asked. Candy got paler and only shook her head. She wished the little girl 'goodnight' and left the room. This was new. Was Cora worried about her? Did she want a father?

In the hall, she walked to the next door and knocked it. "Yes?" was the answer from the other side. "Henry, it's bedtime already." answer was heard after a moment of silence, "Got it." Candy smiled, but when she heard a door open behind her, she took a stern face.

At the other side of the doorstep was standing a boy that was around seven years old. Candy brought her hands up to her hips and asked firmly, "And you, young man, what exactly are you doing awake this late?" The boy took a guilty expression and responded, "Well… when I was supposed to go to sleep, you weren't home yet. So I waited 'till you came to tell Henry and Cora to go to sleep." Candy sighed and walked to the boy, "Honey, it's already quarter past eleven. And you know what, Peter?" She waited until Peter gave her questioning gaze before she continued, "I'm sorry, that I couldn't be here to wish you a good night in time. But I hope you know how busy I get when the heat of summer starts bothering the cattle and horses." Peter gave her sad smile and answered, "Yes, mother." Candy hugged her son and said, "Well then, go to sleep now." Peter nodded, gave his mother a kiss on her cheek and hurried to his bed. She watched her son's movements from the doorway, turned off the light and closed the door. Did the boys need a father figure in their life? Some kind of role models to show how to act while women are around. Am I alone not enough? Candy though.

After she took a shower, she wrapped a towel around herself and walked to the kitchen. She planned to make a couple of sandwiches, but dropped the butter knife when she heard a voice from behind say, "Miss Candy? What are you doing awake at this hour?" Candy smiled at first but then made a sharp sigh, "Irina, hey. I just finished at the garden. It was a bigger job than I originally expected, but I'm more than happy with the results. How are you feeling?" Irina smiled as she replied, "Better than in a long while." Candy gave her an approving nod.

Candy picked up the fallen butter knife and asked if Irina wanted sandwiches too. The one just nodded. For a moment they just were, but soon Candy asked, "Did we get any mail today? I haven't heard anything from Albert since he came back from Britain.", "When I got back, Aaron said that he had brought the mail inside, but I went and checked on the children first and then I cooked something for everyone, so I don't know if you received any letters. He always puts it on the table that is next to the back door." Irina replied to Candy and nodded towards the mentioned table. Candy offered the butter knife to Irina and asked, "Could you...?" Irina just took the knife and started to butter the last remaining sandwiches as Candy went and checked the mail. There were three letters for her and the rest were for the other members of her household.

Candy took her own and Irina's letters, walked back to the table and took a seat. "Well, was there anything?" Candy gave Irina a letter that was addressed to her and replied ''Indeed, Miss McLeod, there is a letter to you.'' Laughing Irina took the offered letter from Candy. She laid it on the table and asked, "Whom are those from?" Candy scanned the letters first but she didn't open any and answered, "This one is from Albert, this is from Annie and this….is from Neil." While showing the last letter Candy winced.

They ate and chatted a little. Suddenly, Candy became serious and said, "Irina, can I ask something." Candy's voice held something that worried Irina. "Yes?" she said slowly, making it sound like a question. Candy looked out of a window. The silence fell between them. "Do I need a man?" she suddenly asked. Irene didn't know, what she had expected, but certainly not this. She burst out laughing. Candy looked hurt. "No, no, I'm sorry, Miss Candy. It's just… I wasn't expecting this." Candy didn't look so hurt anymore but she still didn't relax. "Why not go and see?" Irina suggested. "What?" Candy asked, shocked. "I mean, go out, have fun, meet new people and give them changes. You're a kind character and gentle soul. Only evil people can be and not like you." Candy nodded, not agreeing but not disagreeing, either. "But what about…?" she asked while looking at the direction of the western wing where her children's bedrooms were. Irina took her hand in hers, just like at the teahouse. "If they truly care about you, they'll learn to live with them, too." she encouraged the blonde. The brunette noticed how her boss got some of her straight posture back.

After Candy left the room Irina noticed that she had left the letter from Mr. Neil behind. Right away Irina understood what it meant. She was expected to burn the letter as soon as she got an opportunity to do so. She knew that Candy couldn't stand the man and she herself detested the man too.

One day, when Irina was just a newcomer at the service of Miss Candy, two years ago. Irina was sitting at porch when a car drove down the driveway, it stopped right front of the porch. First, a youngish man stepped out of the car and right behind him followed a woman. The woman had light brown hair, the man had only a bit darker brown hair. It was obvious that those two were related. The man told Irina to come to him and she obeyed. The man introduced himself as Neil Leagan and that the woman was Eliza Leagan.

"Bring me the matron of this household." Neil ordered. Irina fixed her posture and replied, "Here I am. My name is Irina McLeod and I work as a matron for Miss White-Audrey." This is when Eliza snarled, "You work for her?!" Irina nodded. "Impossible! She doesn't even have enough money to provide herself let alone to take care of a place like this." Neil exclaimed.

"Neil, dear, I don't understand, why do you have to raise your voice? Is there a problem?" another woman's voice came from the car. Third person rose from the car, a woman in her early forties. She walked towards Irina and said coldly, "Well then, Irina, I am Sarah Leagan and if you value your position as the housekeeper of this household, you will bring a promiscuous woman called Candice White here." Now Irina lost her temper, "Don't you dare talk like that about my employer! She's an elegant woman, a real lady!" Sarah only answered chilly, "Stop lying and bring her here."

Luckily Aaron arrived, he looked at their guests and the asked his sister, "Is there some kind of problem, Irina?" Sarah turned towards him and replied, "Yes, there is. This maid refuses to bring Candice White here." Aaron cocked his head a little and asked, "What do you want from her? Are you friends, visitors or perhaps relatives?" Sarah was losing her patience so Eliza decided to answer, "None of those. A long time ago she used to be our servant but then she seduced our great-uncle William and forced him to adopt herself. And now, she works here. All we want is that everyone knows what kind of person they are dealing with." Aaron burst out laughing, "Seduced? Mister Albert? You must be mistaken, little miss. Albert is like a big brother to miss Candy. They hold no interest for one another." Aaron didn't like these people. Seriously, seducing? He had met the man when Candy had first moved in. Alber was a rational and intelligent gentleman, who genuinely considered himself as Miss Candy's older brother.

"Well, at least take care of your belongings. Candy has a nasty habit of stealing things. Check the silvers every day." Eliza tried to continue. Aaron just shook his head and replied, "Miss Candy takes care of the silver herself but thank you anyway. And what comes to our belongings, I honestly don't think that she would be interested in men's worn out clothes and Irina's frocks." Eliza stomped her feet and snapped, "It's not your belongings I'm worried. It's the owners of the house." Aaron gazed at Irina and asked, "Dear sister, did you not tell them that the farm belongs to miss Candy." But before Irina had the time to reply Neil spoke out, "But aren't these grounds in the possession of Mr. Cartwright?" Aaron's face frowned when he told them that Mr. Cartwright had left the world of the living a couple of months ago. Sarah gazed him coldly and demanded to know, "Well if Mr. Cartwright is dead, why and how are the ranch and its grounds in possession of Candy?", "Mr. Cartwright's will clearly said that all of his possession belongs to Miss White-Audrey and her children." Aaron replied while he straightened his back. He was proud that he could work for such an extraordinary, young woman.

"True, Aaron but as I have already told you at least million times, stop calling me 'Miss White-Audrey', it makes me feel like we're not equal." they heard Candy say from the porch. Everyone turned towards her. Calmly and full of dignity Candy walked towards them. Eliza was about to say something, but Candy silenced her with a swing with her hand. "I don-" She was quickly interrupted by Sarah, "How dare you to silence my daughter?! She is in much higher po-" Now Candy interrupted Sarah but unlike her, she did not raise her voice but her hand instead, "Madam Leagan, you are on my property right now so I expect you to act like it." She waited if there were any objections and when she got none she continued, "So. Telling the truth I am in a higher position than you three but it doesn't matter. I'm only going to say this once. You are not welcomed here." Her voice was low and threatening. She stared right at Neil when she said, "Leave and never come back." After she finished she started walking towards the stables.

Aaron fixed his stare at the Leagans and said, "Well, you heard what Miss said. Now, please, head out." Aaron took a hold of Irina's arm and dragged her inside. Together they watched from the window how they left, they took a deep breath when the car was no longer anywhere to be seen. McLeod's siblings started to respect Candy for her way of dealing with uninvited guests. "We will hear about them again." Aaron predicted.

Candy walked into her bedroom and sat down on the edge of her couch. First, she opened the letter she got from Annie:

'Dear Candy Sat. 12th of June, 1920

Chicago is fine, The fashion surely shows itself here more freely than in Lakewood.

I'm fine but Archie is nervous, and I can't figure out why. He seems more distant every day. Should I ask if I've done something wrong? Aunt Elroy has invited me to the annual Midsummer's Ball. Surely you'll be there too. Righ?

Next month we're going to travel to Britain. First, we will remain in London for a week and after that, we will travel to Scotland for two weeks. And if great-aunt gives her permission, I hope that you and children could come and stay with us. I'd love to see Henry, Cora and oh, little-Peter.

How have you been? I heard that you have started to breed cattle, too. Somehow I can imagine you, roping panicking cows around the paddock. Archie insisted that I ask that is it okay that he will promote your horse ranch in some events where 'important' people will be around? Apparently, he has 'a great idea' how to make your life easier.

With love, Annie Brighton.'

Candy smiled while she refolded the letter. "Oh, Annie. Archie had better start planning for the wedding of the year if he wishes my approval…" she muttered to herself. It had become a common trait to herself. She looked out of her window at her garden where flowers and plants were suffering from the heat. Luckily the house was made of stone, which remained cool even in the hottest weather.

Suddenly she thought about her lost loved ones. She didn't know why, but suddenly she felt a great loss. Even when Candy told everyone that she was fine with Anthony's death, the truth was completely different. And what had become of Terry? He was just some distant memory. Haven't I got enough? Am I so ungrateful? I have a house, children, and good friends. How can I even think about getting more, she thought bitterly, angry with herself.

Candy shook her head to make her negative thoughts disappear. She opened Albert's envelope to distract herself even further. In it were a letter and card. She read the card first:

"Mr. William A. Audrey is wishing for

Miss Candice White-Audrey, young Miss Cora White-Audrey, young master Henry White-Audrey and young master Peter White-Audrey

to attend Midsummer's day ball,

at Thursday, the twenty-fourth of June,

anytime after three o'clock

at Audrey-family Manor in Lakewood."

And the letter:

'Candy Tues. 15th of June 1920

How are you? What is the situation at the ranch? Have you remembered to eat properly?'

Candy pouted, frowning while pursing her lips and muttered, "And what kind of interrogation is this, exactly?" She continued to read the letter:

' I'm just kidding. Of course, I know that Cora is taking good care of you. Which reminds me. I thought that you and kids should come before the ball. How about Monday? And you could stay the whole week. I have a lot to tell you and… Well, there is someone I want you to meet.

I am most certain that this letter arrives to you on Friday the 18th, so I believe that you should not send a response. I'll be waiting for you anyways.

Sincerely yours, Albert.'

Candy smiled. She didn't even remember when was the last time she visited the Lakewood Manor. She wondered if the roses were being well. 'Fine. Tomorrow I'll tell others about my plan.' She thought. She walked to her dressing table and murmured while watching a photo of Anthony, "You just wait, Anthony. I'll make sure that the roses are taken care of properly." After that, she walked to her bed, dug herself into her covers and closed her eyes.

The clock was barely even six when Candy was already grooming her horses at the stable. She jumped when she heard a voice behind her say, "Madame, you are an early bird today. Don't you agree, Brian?" A man answered from the next stall, "Aye, Benny." Candy turned towards Benny and stated firmly, "Benny, I'm not 'madame'. Could you two at least call me 'miss'?" Brian came to stand by his brother and replied grinning for him, "Aye-aye, however, mistress wants." All that Candy could say was, "Argh." She turned back toward her horse, Brook, so that she wouldn't give in to the urge to throw something at the twins.

She estimated the mare:

Brook was 190 cm high Shire horse with black-white tobiano. It's real full name was Brook where Swans Swim, but Brook for short. From all 19 horses Candy owned, Brook was her favorite.

Candy felt a bump on her shoulder. When she turned she saw Brooks stall mate, Rosemary. For a moment he was fascinated by the white mare. She whispered into its ear, "Yes yes. Soon it's your turn."

Rosemary was 156 cm high pure Lipizzan, since the day she arrived she had shared a stall with Brook. On their own they were miserable. Candy had named it after Anthony's mother and Albert's sister, Rosemary Audrey. She wondered if Albert was okay with the fact.

"Ah, boys, could you be sweethearts and gather everyone to my office at eight o'clock? But I'll take care of the kids myself." Benny and Brian answered in unison while they grinned, "Aye, mistress." Candy twirled around to scold them but found only an empty spot where they had stood just a moment before. She sighed and started to groom Rosemary while Brook ate hay. She truly loved these two. They calmed her down.

The next two hours she spends by taking care of her own horses. There were her worker's horses and 9 other horses in the stable, too but taking care of them was a part of Brian's and Benny's job.

When Candy was happy with what she'd done, she went inside to take a class of water but as she walked in, she noticed that it was almost eight o'clock already. The blonde decided to go and water the roses before she was due to be in her own office announcing her plan concerning the following week.

Aaron closed the door behind him after he arrived at Candy's large study. "Miss, we're all here." he announced. Cora shifted her legs nervously and questioned, "Mother, why are we all here?" Candy smiled and answered to everyone, "As all of you know Midsummer's day is coming." She gazed all of her workers, her matron Irina McLeod, foreman Aaron McLeod, his helpers Jasper Lynn, Benny and Brian Houston and her stable boy Dakota Baymore as she continued, "Of course you'll have the three free, paid days. You are allowed to stay here or you can leave and go celebrate with your families. Your vacation starts on Wednesday and ends on Friday. I've already hired suitable fill-ins." All of them gave her their approving murmurs but Candy wasn't done yet. She continued, "However. I must inform you that kids and I are going to attend a ball. Tomorrow we will leave for Lakewood. My adoptive father invited us to a Midsummer's Ball. So, while I'm gone, I'll entrust the ranch into your hands Aaron, Irina." When no one objected, she sent them back to their work. Only Cora, Peter and Henry remained in the study with her.

Cora's eyes were sparkling, "Mother, am I really going to a dance ball?" Candy laughed, pulled her daughter to sit on her lap. She got serious and looked at each child at a time, "But you must behave better than ever before." Cora jumped off of her lap, straightened her dress and made a smooth curtsy. She has even more grace than any real lady I've ever met, Candy thought. Boys bowed elegantly. Candy was sure that Archie and Albert had taught them but was anyhow grateful for them. While she examined her 'children' she noticed that none of them actually resembled her at all.

Her oldest, Henry was 14 years old, black haired boy. His blue eyes made him a dashing teen. He loved books and roses, playing the piano was also one of his favorite hobbies, besides taking care of horses.

Cora her soon to be 13 years old daughter. She was mesmerizing with her deer eyes and black hair but she resembled more native American than European lady. She was slim and graceful and breathtaking beauty at the same time. And what came to talents, she was natural. She speaks fluent French and Spanish and played cello and violin.

Her youngest, Peter, who was seven years old, was sharp and intelligent. The boy had light brown hair and greenish-blue eyes. Even if he treasured his flute, he was extremely interested in the cattle.

Candy looked proudly at her family, she knew that one day all of them were something. "Well, right now I'm little busy, but later we can go to a picnic." she told them. She gave them the permission to leave and in a blink of an eye, they were all gone. Sitting in the office, alone, she felt a shadow falling over her.

Did she spent too much time with them and prevent them from making normal social contact with the outside world? Did she need more contact with the outside world? It was true that she rarely left the grounds, but she had her children to take care of… Besides, she had her workers, so she wasn't completely alone…

Candy sighed and took out the papers that needed some working. The sooner she got ready the sooner she'd get to go to the picnic.

A/N: So, what do you think? Honestly saying my mother language is Finnish, so do not hate me for spelling errors. And I would be really glad if you told me about them so that I can fix them. The next chapter will include a picnic, train tour, and arrival at the manor.

If there is even one reader, could you give me at least a hint?

Disclaimer: I do not own Candy Candy