First of all, I must say that Candy Candy story belongs to Kyoko Mizuki and the images belong to Yumiko Igarashi. The anime series belong to Toei Animation.
Please, bear in mind that this story is developed in an alternate universe, where new characters will be encountered. The story eventually will take the time line of the manga and the anime, yet in this first period it will describe what happened before the young Andley boys met Candice White.
Created for your entertaining and pleasure. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
SweetCandyAndley
Chapter 2
Getting used to Chicago
- - Come in! – A female and firm voice was heard. Nina took a deep breath and Jack felt the tension through all his body.
- Good evening, Madame Andley! – He spoke as calm as possible, trying to hide his own nerves. – I am sorry to arrive so late. We never thought it would take so long to hire a carriage. Our instructions were not to stop until we arrived here. My name is Jack Smith and she is Nina Thompson. We work for Lord Kendrick and Lady Lula.
- What did you say? Has something happened? – The lady was surprised.
- Unfortunately, it has. Lord Kendrick asked me to bring some documents to you and he said that you would give me further instructions. – His voice was serious and concerned.
- Lay the girl down on that coach. – She pointed to a very elegant beige loveseat with walnut wooden ornaments to the young woman.
- Here they are. – Jack pulled out a leather binder and handed it to the Lady. – The answers to your questions should be there.
- All right. – Immediately after that, the elegant Lady went to the armchair behind the large walnut wooden desk, which was the center of the large library. She opened the binder carefully and began to read and examine each and every document inside. Her eyes opened wide at times, serious at the beginning and turned inscrutable as she kept reading. There was a flash of concern across her face, but it didn't last long. As each document was laid down, her eyebrows lifted in confusion and astonishment. Once in a while she looked at both Jack and Nina and then to the little girl who was deeply asleep on the couch.
Finally, she read once more the letter addressed to her.
Dear Aunt Elroy Andley,
If you are reading this letter, it is mainly because my worst fear became truth. In front of you, you will find our little Elaine "Lainie" as we use to call her. She is our greatest treasure and it is our plea to entrust her to you.
Lately there have been several internal movements within our Clan. There are some people who want to remove Sir William from his rightful position and have offered bribes to increase the number of opponents.
I am trying to find out more information in order to discover who is behind it, however I am afraid there will be retaliations against my name and family. It is a high risk we are willing to take to safeguard the integrity and unity of our Clan.
The documents I have sent you, are the property titles of our families. As both of us, Lula and I are the only heirs, the fortune of both families pass into our only daughter Lainie.
Next to Lainie, there are two youngsters, both of them have our entire trust. Nina has been Lainie's nanny and we believe that her presence will help her to deal with all the changes she will have to affront and they will be easier. Jack has been a great administrator and he will help to take good care of Lainie's heritage. Besides I gave him some further instructions that he will let her know in due time. They will help you to look after her and they will continue under your command. They both love my daughter and I am sure of their loyalty. You can also trust them. In case you are in disagreement of having them working for you, I kindly request you to give them the amount specified in the document attached to this letter. It is our desire to offer them the opportunity of having a full life in that country. However, they will not be able to make any comment about the instructions I have already given to them until the time is right.
Within the luggage we have sent, you will find two trunks. The first one has Lula's family jewels which have been inherited from generation to generation and now belong to Lainie. The second one, contains some gold bars (1) that will cover the formal education, formation and personal needs of our little one during the coming years. The rest will remain as an investment in the Andley's businesses until she reaches her majority of age or if she gets married. The conditions for such an event are perfectly specified in the corresponding documents, which will be sealed until that day.
"Courage, Honor and Loyalty" has always been the Andley's motto. Since the moment we were included within the lines of the Clan, we have adopted such motto inside our heart and we have even considered offering our lives if necessary. It has been imprinted into our soul and until death we will stand fighting upon its behalf. Lainie knows this despite her young age. If you teach her to love the Clan she will become a faithful defender herself.
If you take the chance and get to know her, I am certain that you will love her and she will love you back.
It is our wish, that during the time when Lainie stays under your protection, her real family name remains a secret and continues to call herself a Wellington.
I hope I can solve this intrigue as soon as possible so that I can give you all the necessary information in order to protect Sir William. And in that case return to Lainie's side.
Our best regards,
Lord Kendrick and Lady Lula L.
After meditating on the words she had just read, she sighed taking a few minutes to look closely at the little girl who was still asleep. Undoubtedly she was a very pretty girl. She had long straight brown hair. Her skin was white although it looked a little bit tanned due to the trip she had just made. There were a couple of fine eyebrows and long eyelashes framing her enormous eyes, which were closed in a peaceful sleep. Her delicate nose was the center of her oval face. Her thin lips made a small pink mouth that was making a curious pout at the time.
- What do you know about the Wellington name? – Asked the lady.
- It is the family name we used during the trip from Scotland, Madame. – It was the answer Jack offered. – Lord Kendrick instructed us not to mention his family name, because he considered it was dangerous if anyone knew that his only daughter would travel to America.
- I understand. That will be the official family name the girl will have to use from now on. – She stood up from her seat and she rang a little golden bell that was on top of her desk. After a few minutes later the butler came into the library.
- Samuel, arrange everything in order to take the little girl's luggage into the pink bedroom. The one next to the bedroom in which Anthony stays when he and Rosemary come to the mansion. From now on that one will belong to this girl. Once she has been settled assign both of her companions two rooms in the correspondent wing. Nina will remain to be young Elaine's nanny. Jack may be relocated from tomorrow on.
- As you wish, Madame. – Answered the butler.
- We will continue talking tomorrow. If you need anything for dinner, ask Samuel to show where the kitchen is. – Said the Lady to both youngsters.
- Thank you Madame Andley, until tomorrow. – So Nina followed Samuel, carrying little Lainie in her arms. Meanwhile Jack waited for her near the staircase.
Early in the morning, the sun started to fill in the room and reached little Lainie's eyes, bringing her back from the deep sleep where she rested. It was seven o'clock and she had to start getting ready. Nina was already preparing all her wardrobe.
When she woke up she was able to look closely around the bedroom where she was. The main color of the curtains and fabrics was pink. Different shades of it offered a cozy atmosphere and a pleasant sensation. The bureaus and furniture were painted in an ivory color. On one side of the room there was a romantic pink mahogany wooden vanity table with an oval mirror. The bed was also made in pink mahogany wood and it had four posts that were united by a square canopy on top. On every side there were delicate silk curtains in a pale pink.
- Good morning, Miss Elaine. Today you will have a very important day. Which dress would you prefer to wear today, the yellow or the green one? - The nanny spoke in her usual kind voice.
- Good morning Nina. Why have you suddenly become so formal? – She had noticed the light difference applied in the way her dear nanny had addressed to her.
- Some things are going to change from now on. The rules will be different. In this house we must behave according to its owner's expectations. She has made them clear enough, as we also need to address to you in a formal manner. That is how it has to be for a lady in your position. Now, the yellow or the green one? – She asked again.
- I prefer the green one. I like the ruffles on the sleeves. – She answered while carving her eyes.
- All right, Miss – She said with a smiling face.
- I don't understand why things have to change between us. It wasn't necessary to call me Miss, before.
- Come on Miss. It is time to comb your beautiful hair and finish getting you ready. It is better if we behave properly, you will have to get used to it. Breakfast is about to be served and you don't want to be late for your first time here.
- All right Nina. Just put me on the hair ribbon.
- As you wish.
- Who is the Lady who lives here? Is she very elegant?
- Yes, she is. Her name is Madame Elroy Andley and she is the Matriarch of your Clan. You will be under her care from now on.
- Does that mean we are going to stay here, until dad and mom come to get me?
- That is right. Do you remember the name you must use at all times? -
- Hmm! -
- That is not the right way of giving an answer. Remember to be formal at all times. Hurry up. Madame Andley is already waiting for you. -
When they arrived to the Dining Room, the Lady was already sitting at the head of a long dining table for sixteen people. The places were empty and when she saw the little girl she asked her to approach her.
- Good morning, come closer. Take a seat here. – She said at the time she pointed to the chair on her right side. The butler was ready to pull the chair where she was supposed to sit down.
- Good morning. My name is Elaine Wellington, but I would like you to call me Lainie. – She greeted the Lady making a bow just like her mother had taught her. – Thank you for receiving me. – And after that she sat down where she had been directed.
- You have good manners Elaine. I think we will come along. – She said seriously.
- Yes. – She nodded.
Some fruit was offered as the first course, followed by toasted bread with strawberry jam. Ham and cheese soufflé along with a glass of milk were offered.
After breakfast, they went to the library, where the elegant Lady started the conversation.
- Elaine, starting from today you will live in this house. – She observed her intently. – I will take care of you as long as it is necessary. There are rules to be followed, regardless of the circumstances. I must say to you that from now on your name will be Elaine Wellington Andley. -
- Andley? Just like you?
- That's right. As I was saying, breakfast is served at eight o'clock every morning and just like today you must be present. Punctuality is a very important quality that has to be raised from your age. By the way, how old are you?
- I'm five. – She said at the time she showed the fingers in her right hand. – My birthday is on September 26.-
- September? – She asked, while she thought about another young boy close to her heart. – Good. – She cleared her throat in order to continue talking. – As I said, you can't speak in a loud voice inside the house, you can't run, you can't talk to the servants nor distract them from their activities unless you need their help. For that matter you will have to address your nanny, who will continue by your side for an indefinite period of time. – She made a small pause looking at her. – Lunch is served at noon, tea time is at five and dinner is served at seven o' clock in the evening. Currently you have the days for yourself, so do whatever you want. Nina has instructions regarding the places you can access and the areas where you are not supposed to go. It is very important to obey the rules. Is that clear? -
- Yes. – She nodded. – Can I play in the garden? – She asked a little bit afraid. – I like to be outdoors very much.
- Yes, you can go outside as long as you want. –
- Thank you very much! I will behave. –
- Well said. If you need anything else, you can ask me and I will provide it to you through your nanny. – Making an indication with her hand she finally said – You can go now. –
- Yes, Madame Andley. –
- From now on, call me Great Aunt. –
- Yes, Great Aunt. -
When she came out from the library, she went to her bedroom, searching for her nanny so that they could explore the new world that it meant for her to live in that house.
Once they were at the main entrance, she could feel how the sun bathed her face warming her cheeks and a light breeze caressed her. She longed to walk freely, enjoying the air and the open spaces provided by the large garden.
Suddenly she remembered about the jasmine buds from her mother's garden and she wondered if her Great Aunt would allowed her to place them somewhere. They arrived to the great fountain that was in the middle of four beautifully designed concourses. It was made of marble and in its center there was a Venus sculpture that stood majestically. The concourses were perfectly outlined and she could appreciate the effort invested to take care of the deep green grass cut uniformly. It was really beautiful. There were also some benches to sit on and chat.
- I wonder, who has conversations here? Are there other people in the house, besides Great Aunt? – She thought. – Nina, where is Jack? – She asked realizing he was missing.
- He has been assigned some tasks outside the mansion. He will be far for a few days. – She answered without being able to hide a little longing in her voice.
- Why didn't he say good bye to me? You have promised me to be near me until my parents arrived. – She pouted.
- That is true, but as I told you before Miss, some things will change. It wasn't up directly to him. Those were the instructions he received early in the morning. – She continued talking in a calm voice.
- Are you sure he will come back?- She asked her with some suspicion in her voice, fearing that they were not real and that he would probably had regretted about his promise.
- I am sure he will keep close enough, no matter how far he is sent to work. – She smiled at her, just as if being sure that it will be done as she said.
- Nina, why can't I use my family name? – She asked sadly.
- It is for your own safety. You must keep it a secret until your parents come and get you. –
- So, will it be our secret?-
- Yes, it will be our secret. –
And so they continued walking discovering everything around them. The property was extremely large to cover it all in one day, so they decided to plan their activities and the things they wanted to do, the places they wanted to explore in and out of the mansion.
During the tea time, Madame Andley spoke to Elaine about the things to come in the following days.
- Elaine, once your tutors arrive to Chicago, you shall start with your lessons. We will have enough time to explain to you all about your duties. And although you are still very young, you will have to strive to become a very elegant young lady. Your holidays will be over soon.
- Yes Great Aunt, but the elegant young ladies, do they also have time to play? – She asked her shyly.
- Of course! – She was softened by the little girl's reaction. – Everyone has their own duties and obligations according to their age, as well as appropriate breaks during which they can do whatever they want. But in order to enjoy a break you have to accomplish your tasks first.
- Oh, of course! – She felt relieved upon the offered explanation. – Can I make a request, Great Aunt? –
- What is it? –
- My mom likes jasmines very much. – She made a pause, imagining her mother in her favorite garden. With pride in her voice she continued talking. – And I brought two buds. Is there a place where I can put them and take care of them? –
- I will tell Mr. Hartman that you will give them to him. I think I already know where exactly you can plant them. – The Lady nodded.
- Thank you so much Great Aunt. – And she openly smiled at her.
The mansion was undoubtedly majestic. Lainie was discovering little by little inside the building. Her adventure began on the ground floor, where the Great Hall was. Certainly many celebrations took place in it before; there was the library, the dining room, the tea room which had a large glass door that provided access to a side garden, covered in glass. It was a small greenhouse where Mr. Hartman took care of the flowers that decorated Great Aunt's bedroom and her favorite areas. Inside it her dear jasmine buds were already planted.
There was a small room for entertaining a few guests. The music room where a beautiful white piano was the main attraction, and several chairs where a small audience could comfortably sit while enjoying a concert. The kitchen, a place that she would often visit to ask for some fruit or juice after playing in the garden, was also found there. Additionally there were two good sized rooms which were recently renovated to place two boards and four desks in each of them.
- I wonder why so many desks. Would there be any more kids like me? – She thought, as she watched the servants working fast to finish the renovation in the new classrooms.
- This is where Great Aunt said I will be taking lessons starting from next week. I hope it is fun. Although I have access to all of these places, there are still many rooms where I can't go. Nina told me that the left wing of the mansion is definitely off limits. I would like to know why. What will be there? Why is it off limits? It doesn't affect me right now as there is enough spare space left for me to visit. - Lainie thought while she continued to discover each and every corner of the ground floor.
The bedrooms were on the first floor. There were eight in that area. It was strange, lonely and a little bit gloomy, mainly because currently only one room was occupied. "The Pink Room" as Lainie's bedroom was used to be called. On her right side there was Anthony's bedroom.
- I wonder who he is. And why isn't he here right now? - She was totally intrigued.
There were two more rooms next to Anthony's. On the other side, just in front of hers, there was her Aunt Rosemary's, who she didn't know yet. She had discovered that she was Anthony's mother. Right beside that room there were other three. Madame Andley had her own in the left wing of the mansion.
On the second floor, there were more rooms and in some of them everything needed in a house like that one was stored. It was a lonelier and quiet floor which didn't invite her adventurous little soul to explore.
Her tutors began to arrive. The first one was Miss Emma Miller, a young woman with fine manners. She was friendly and kind. She belonged to a modest family which she financially helped. She would be her official tutor.
The second one was Mr. Thomas Sawyer. He was slightly withdrawn, and his appearance was serious and dreamy. A young man who was the only son of an English middle class family that came to America and found a great potential in the trading business. He was the new math and sciences tutor.
The third one was Mrs. Jessica Wilkins. She was a widow who enjoyed to spend her time as a protocol and good manners tutor. She had great experience within the rich families of the High Class Society. She had a strong and firm personality which she used to achieve great compliments at the end of her training methods.
The last one to arrive was Mr. Jason Becket, a kind man of age. He was in love with music, which was his greatest passion. He enjoyed sharing that art with those who found love for music as he did. He belonged to a renowned musician family, and sometimes he was part of the Philharmonic staff, offering recitals in the higher social spheres. He would be the tutor for music lessons.
Three months have passed since their arrival. The days were full of activities. Everything was established in a perfect synchrony and began to form her routine. At eight o'clock breakfast was served. At nine, her first class began with Miss Miller. Reading and writing were the main lessons. Sometimes Lainie found it hard to get the right style and got bored in the process. However Miss Miller patiently corrected her and encouraged her to persevere and improve her handwriting and her expressions when talking.
By ten thirty, her lessons with Mr. Sawyer began. He taught her the art of numbers, math. He managed to explain the subject of adding and subtracting. He compared them to gaining and loosing. She could gain more spare time or loose permission to go outside to the garden.
At noon lunch was served.
At one thirty, it was Mrs. Wilkins turn to teach protocol and good manners. She taught her how to behave, how to keep the correct posture, the way to walk. It wasn't as bad as she thought, because over time she realized that while putting everything she had learned into practice, her Great Aunt seemed to be pleased. She was slowly opening her heart towards her.
At three o'clock, her favorite lesson took place with Mr. Becket the music tutor. Piano lessons were interesting, although she preferred the flute. It was her favorite instrument, because with its melodious and soft sound she could feel as if birds were talking to her about their freedom in nature. She was transported in a second anywhere outside the mansion. Whenever she could reach the exact tones and notes she felt how her emotions vibrated inside her. Sometimes, she felt joy, sadness or longing. And they could be as deep as life itself.
She had brought her mother's silver flute with her. She remembered about the good times they used to spend together and with her father. She loved to listen when she played for them. She had inherited her mother's musical skills. Mr. Becket was pleased to be able to teach someone who loved music as much as he did.
At five, tea was served and it was when she could share some time with her Great Aunt.
Her break time was at six, she preferred to go outside and enjoy the air in the garden, while watching the sunset. She used to think about her parents during that time.
At seven she was supposed to be ready for dinner and so when the day ended, she was already exhausted and normally fell asleep peacefully.
It was September already and her birthday would be during the last week of the month. One afternoon while having a pleasant conversation with her Great Aunt, the plan for her celebration was completed.
- Elaine, for this unique occasion, we are going to celebrate your birthday alone. Just you and me. But I promise you, that your next birthday we will have big party. –
- Great Aunt, do you have any news from my parents? Do you think that maybe they can come to eat the cake with us? –
- Not yet, my little one. – Unfortunately, there wasn't an exact date for their arrival. Changing the subject in order to distract her, she continued the conversation. – Tell me, what kind of cake would you like? –
- I like vanilla cake, with nuts in it. – She imagined it and began to savor it in her mind.
- All right. I will make sure that it is prepared. You will be six years old now. –
- Yes!
- During the weekend we will make a trip. We will go to Lakewood. That's where your Aunt Rosemary and Anthony live. It will also be Anthony's birthday, actually four days after yours. – She said while she pondered about the girl's reaction which had been calm. She was a docile and polite child.
- Really? Is it far away? – She was genuinely interested.
- Not so much. We shall leave early in the morning and we will arrive before noon. I have already chosen two beautiful dresses as a gift for you. I would like you to wear one of them at your dinner party and the other one in Lakewood. –
- Great Aunt… It is supposed to give a gift during birthdays, right? Do you think that I can get something for Anthony? Have you already chosen a gift for him? What would be appropriate? –
- I have chosen a foal which is expected to arrive in the following days to the stables. Then it will be taken to Lakewood. -
- And do you think I can give Anthony a picture of it? – The little one asked her Great Aunt after thinking about it for a bit.
- Would you like to do it yourself or would you prefer an artist to do it for you? - The Lady asked her. It was definitely such a sweet detail from her. She could imagine that her painting skills weren't impressive at all, yet it was her intention what really mattered. Lainie had thought about someone else instead of herself.
- An artist can make it look real? -
- Yes, an artist can make it as real as if it were standing in front of you.
- I would like it to be a portrait of the head only, as if it were watching at me closely. –
- It's an excellent idea Lainie. I will take care of that immediately. – She was very pleased on her behavior. This little girl was stealing her heart day after day.
- Thank you, Great Aunt.
Two days later, the artist arrived and after receiving instructions and details from what the girl expected, he managed to capture the essence of the magnificent foal. He finished the painting just in time.
The weekend trip was ready, they would celebrate Madame Elroy Andley's favorite nephew's birthday in Lakewood.
-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-
(1) The equivalent to one million dollars, which today it would be around 21 million.
-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-
I hope you liked this chapter. Please leave comments.
Revision: June 23, 2014
