CHAPTER 2
A month had passed since the engagement party. All hell broke loose, the family and guests were stunned by the unexpected turn of events. A midst the chaos, Candy found herself stronger than ever. She has Albert -whom she had recently discovered to be also her Prince of the Hill- was at her side again. With that in mind she knew she could face anything. She felt complete. Well… almost.
The invisible thread that tied them together were now thicker and fixed in an unbreakable knot. At least, that is how she felt as they attended each one of his affairs together. They were inseparable. The people wondered of course, and there were talk of their relationship as he introduced her as his ward.
"Why, William. Aren't you too young to take in a charge of someone as lovely as Miss Candice?" Mrs. Siobhan McLaine, a distant relative chided with concern.
"Now, now Aunt Siobhan." he muttered looking down at the grass. "Must we bring up my age? I am 11 years her senior, that counts for something I hope."
The old matron laughed a trifle too quickly. "Dear William, age matters only when you think it matters. There," she sighed deeply and started to leave. "I have said my piece. Now it is up to you young people. How times have changed."
A ball commemorating the Armistice in Europe was held at the Andrew Mansion in Chicago. Great Aunt Elroy was on her highest spirits. The old matriarch had dreaded the war since it took dear Alistair. Soon after President Wilson announced America's support for the Allies, she had spent countless nights in fear for her grandson's welfare. Her experience reminded her how young men find the war to be romantic and how they are drawn to its exciting boy zone.
Thank goodness it was all over before her eccentric nephew Albert and sweet Archibald had their chance to bust her arteries. Now she could concentrate on her task. And fate couldn't be any kinder to her at that instant.
A Lady Mary Crawley, daughter of an Earl of Grantham arrived at the social scene. Her mother was an American heiress of their dry goods business competition and her father an English aristocrat; Great Aunt Elroy couldn't ask for more.
The young lady and her grandmother accepted their invitation. When their party arrived at the ball, many eyes and necks craned to follow her strides. Lady Mary was surprisingly very attractive and majestic. Her skin glowed like alabaster and her dark shiny hair were sculpted in a perfect bun. Her gown was of the latest fashion and her curves were delicate and alluring.
Like bees to a flower, the young bachelors flocked over her. Even Albert found himself curious and was drawn to her charms. Being the host of the ball, it was only natural that Albert asked Lady Mary for a dance.
And it was electric! Everyone eyed the couple with envy and delight. The chemistry was instant and soon they were laughing and talking, monopolizing each other's attention. The bachelors showed off their best skills of fascination, however, the young Lady Mary happily ignored them and followed where Albert went. He found it flattering of course; and awkward.
Meanwhile, Candy watched silently from the top of the stairs. The minute she saw Albert chatting with the new socialite, a peculiar feeling stirred inside of her. She was used to seeing Albert dancing with other women- beautiful young women- but she knew he would always come back to her and dance with her at least twice for the night. Yet this time, she could tell he was out of her grasp. She sulked and went back to her room.
She sat on her fancy boudoir and looked at her own reflection. She compared her unruly curls to that of Lady Crawley's disciplined hair. Her freckled slightly flat nose couldn't put up a fight with the other's perfect skin and Roman nose. And there was her family, a proud and noble family that would stand behind her and give her handsome dowry.
"Candice White, what are you thinking? You should be happy for him." she told herself.
"So what if she's rich, and refined and beautiful? She can't make him happy? She hardly knows him!" She said to herself even louder.
She found herself getting angrier by the minute and hating herself for feeling so. Without knowing why, she continued her heated monologue.
"What is it to you Candy? It's not like he has feelings for you or anything…. oh shut up and face the music! You are nothing but an orphan to begin with!"
"Candy? Are you alright?" Albert knocked on her door.
"I'm fine. Go away." she answered.
"No. You sound upset, I'm going-"
Candy abruptly opened her door.
"What do you want?"
"Candy, are you alright? You look flushed." He said then peeped inside her room. "Are you alone here? Sounds like you were fighting with someone."
"What is it to you? Someone could murder me here and it wouldn't make a difference to anybody."
Puzzled by her reactions, he scratched his head and for the first time, he found himself irritated by her.
"You know that's not funny Candy. Whatever it is that's going on, you know you can tell me. But for now we have guests, are you coming down or not?"
She saw his annoyance and felt even worse. She swallowed her pride and chose her words carefully this time.
"I'm sorry, I was just… I was just having a hard time with my corset. You know how I dislike these contraptions. You better go and enjoy the party. I just want to get out of this dress and rest."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, positively sure."
"Alright then. I'll send for Dorothy to help you. Good night Candy." he smiled.
"Good night to you too Albert."
