The Gift of Love
Chapter 4
"Blossoming Love"
By Mallory Quinn
The next morning Candy woke up walking on a cloud… She had barely slept that night and when she did, it was to dream about Terry and his kisses. She was so happy. She was signing while she got ready and Annie heard her.
- Candy?
- Good morning Annie, said Candy laughing
- You're a happy camper!
- I am! I feel light light like a feather!
- Terry!
- Yes! I can't believe I couldn't stand him at first!
- You're in love with him…
- I've never felt this way before… if that's love, well yes! I'm in love with him…
- Oh Candy I'm so happy for you…
- He's coming to pick me up at 5, I don't know how I'm going to make it until then
- Well you can help me with the Barrington wedding dress for tomorrow night
- All right.., said Candy smiling
**********
At the Grandchester's castle, the morning had started fine. The Duke was having breakfast in the dining room with his wife and his son. The butler brought the Sunday paper to the duke. This last one was eating a croissant, took a sip of coffee, opened the paper and almost choked … he started coughing continuously. His wife got worried.
- Are you all right dear? She said
The duke continued coughing. A maid near by, brought him a glass of water…
- Here you are Your Grace, she said
- Thank you, he said, drinking and finally calming down
- Are you all right father? Said Terry
- No! He said, what were you doing last night?
- Why?
- Because it's on the first page of the Sunday paper!!!! He yelled throwing the paper at Terry
Terry took the paper and looked at it. There was a picture of him with Candy at the Butler's ball.
- Oh, that's a pretty nice shot of me, he said
- You think t his is funny? Said his father enraged
- I have a feeling that if I say "yes", you're not going to be happy
- You're front page news at… the ridiculous Butlers' Ball!!!!
- Try not to sound to disgusted when you say that, said Terry…
- Terrence! You're engaged to be married to the Barrington girl!!!! What do you think they're going to say when they see you in front page at the Butlers' Ball!!! ???
Terry was waiting for him to make a crack about Candy, but the duke seemed more upset about Terry's presence at the ball, then about the girl he was with on the picture.
- That I'm a very nice young man who's father, not only was one of the sponsors of the Butlers' Ball, but who actually asked his son to make an appearance and make sure everything was fine…
The duke remained silent, as Terry's reasoning was not that bad after all…
- I have to admit, that would be a plausible explanation, sad the duke
- What other explanation could there be? Said Terrence
- That you foolishly followed the help to the stupid ball? Said his stepmother
- Mrs. Grandchester, said Terry, when I need your opinion, I'll ask for it!
- Right, said the duke, your friendship with the young Tom seemed to have impaired your way of thinking! So from now on, I forbid you to socialise with that young lad, you hear me…
- Thanks a lot Mrs. Grandchester; said Terry, you had to bring the attention to Tom!
- Terrence, you will cease your ridiculous friendship with the butler's son! Did I make myself clear?
- Yes father, said Terry sulking
- Now I have to go do some damage control with the Barringtons, said the duke leaving the room
- He is his mother's son… from the streets…, said the stepmother
- You leave my mother out of this! Said Terry angry hitting his fist on the table making everything on it move
- You've never been a mother to me! Said Terry
- Why would I take care of another woman's bastard child?
- Maybe that's why God chose not to give you children, said Terry, you don't deserve them!!!
- You bloody bastard!
He stood up and left the dining room. Mrs. Grandchester was sulking cursing Terry out loud.
Terry got a phone call from Elizabeth a little later.
- Dearest, she said, I saw your picture in the paper…
- Elizabeth dear, how are you this morning?
- I'm fine… just a little tired
- I'm glad to hear that
- I was saying; I saw your picture in the Sunday paper
- Yes, I'm looking at it right now
- You actually when to the Butlers' Ball?
- Yes, I did
- But Terry, that was a ball for the help, for people beneath us social level…
- They're people, Elizabeth, they're not animals…
- Yes, but…
- My father was one of the sponsors of the event…
- I'm just having trouble imagining you dancing with all the butlers, maids, gardeners, cooks…
- Why? They are human beings…
- Oh but Terrence…
- Elizabeth, they are the people working for us and they deserve to be treated right… you wouldn't want to make your cook angry and get some bad cooking that would make you ill…
Elizabeth remained silent. She had been sick last night because of what she ate… maybe she should treat the help better, after all they sometimes have their lives in their hands…
- All right Terrence, she said, I forgive you…
- You forgive me? I'm not apologising and I didn't ask for your forgiveness. You were indisposed last night, so I made other arrangements to spend my evening, that's all.
- Oh Terrence, you are so insensitive sometimes! Seeing you on that picture with another girl…
- I have things to do Elizabeth, said Terrence, if you have nothing else to say to me…
- Just don't forget about our date tomorrow night…
- I will pick you up at 8 pm.
- I'll be ready.
Elizabeth hung up the phone. She was furious! That was that seamstress aid in the picture…
**********
All Terry could think about was his date with Candy. After kissing Candy, he knew he didn't need any other woman in his life. He was going to tell his father that he wanted to break up his engagement to Elizabeth Barrington, when the time is right. He had to see Candy again and make sure they're on the same page… before he disrupts his whole life… And he had to also, tell Candy the truth about his identity… What was supposed to be an innocent game, became something so serious and now Candy will not be happy to have been lied to…He was not out of the woods yet.
It was 5 pm when Terry arrived in front of Candy's building. She was waiting for him with her beautiful red coat, and her matching hat.
- Hello, he said
- Hi, said Candy
- It's good to see you
- It's good to see you too, said Candy smiling, did you see the paper?
- Yes, said Terry smiling, nice picture
- I thought so too… I cut it up and I'm going to frame it…
- Good idea, I should keep mine too…
- Yes, you should. One day you will tell your children about it…
Children… was Candy thinking about her children with Terry?
- Where are we going, to the park? Asked Candy
- I would like to take you to a little restaurant I know, where the food is good…, he said
- So we're going to be inside?
- Yes…
- Good because it's cold today, I didn't want to spend too much time in the park
- I was going to keep you warm, said Terry with a sensual voice
Candy smiled and looked at him.
- Oh, well let's hope you get the occasion to show me how warm you can be...
They both left for the restaurant holding hands. The little place was not a place that didn't attract the eyes, but the inside smelled good and it was warm. They had a little table in a corner and they ordered the food and they were talking. Candy laughed at Terry's stories from college; he was imitating the voice of the nuns while he was talking.
- You were quite the comedian! She said, have you ever thought about acting?
- Acting? Said Terrence with a little voice
He thought about his mother the actress, who abandoned him, whom he had been refusing to see… Acting, sounded fun… but since his father told him his mother abandoned him for her acting career…he kind of didn't like actors or acting all together.
- No, I'm not an actor… I wouldn't be comfortable on stage, he said a little dryly
- Oh, sorry. It was just a suggestion, said Candy
- Don't apologise, I'm sorry, it's not your fault, he said nicely
He took her hand and kisses it. Candy smiled. She had felt Terry's hostility when she talked about actors. So she decided not to tell him about her new job at Eleonor Baker's.
There was a piano in the restaurant and a man was playing some classic and some couples were dancing. Terry invited Candy to dance with him. Candy accepted and they were dancing slowly. Candy had her head on Terry's shoulder… the moment was magic.
Terry walked Candy back to her apartment door.
- You could've left me downstairs, she said
- I just wanted to make sure you got in safe and sound
- All right, said Candy smiling
- I can't see you tomorrow, I have things to do, said Terry, but I can come on Tuesday evening to see you…
- Tuesday evening is fine, said Candy smiling, around 7 pm?
- 7 pm it is and I have to talk to you about something important too
- What?
- Tuesday evening, said Terry smiling.
- All right…
Terry leaned and kissed her on the lips. Annie opened the door and Tom wanted to walk out.
- Oh, said Annie smiling sorry
Candy and Terry stopped and smiled.
- So Good night, said Terry, good night Annie
- Good night Candy, said Tom
- Bye, Terry, Tom, said Candy
- Bye! Said Annie
Tom and Terry left the girls apartment and the building. Tom was walking with Terry.
- I got scolded by my father, said Tom
- About our friendship? Sorry about that…
- It's not your fault, that picture in the paper didn't make the Master happy. What about you and Candy
- I'm going to tell her the truth on Tuesday evening…
- Oh… what about your engagement?
- I'm going to end it Tuesday morning… and no matter the out come, I'm going to be with Candy
- You're ready to give up the easy life for her?
- Who said being rich was easy? Said Terry, but yes, if my father throws me out because of that… I will leave all the money, just to be with her…
- You love her that much
- I never thought I would love someone that much after so little time…
- Good luck Master Terrence
- Thanks, I'm going to need it.
**********
The next day was a busy one for Candy and Annie. This last one had several customers to see and without Candy it took her a little more time. She decided to look for another aid. Candy was at Eleonor's and she enjoyed her work. She was taking care of Eleonor's schedule for the day, she would cut up articles in the paper that would talk about her play and her performance of the night before… She would sit with her during her meals and chat with her; they would compare America and England. Candy was about to leave when they started a new topic of conversation:
- It's the month of November, and on the fourth Thursday of November, we celebrate Thanksgiving in America
- Thanksgiving?
- Yes, it's a holiday. We bake a turkey, with sweet potatoes, and kind of good stuff…and we eat it with our families and friends and we say grace and what we're thankful for that year
- That sounds like fun, said Candy
- I wanted to have a Thanksgiving dinner and I'll invite some of my colleagues, would you like to come with your friends?
- I can come, but I'm not sure about my friends…
- Anyway if they can come just bring them, the turkey is going to be big enough…
- Thank you Miss Baker the fourth Thursday of November, that's in two weeks…
- Yes…
- Thank you for the invitation
- I might even explain the tradition to my guests who don't celebrate Thanksgiving either…
- That would be good, so I can learn something new…, now I have to go. Annie is going to the Barrington's for their daughter's wedding dress…for a fitting
- Oh… well good night then. I'll see you tomorrow morning.
- Good night Miss Baker.
Candy was supposed to meet Candy in front of the Barrington's Residence; she got there a few minutes late.
- Annie! She said arriving, sorry I'm late honey
- It's ok, I just got here…
- Let me help you with your bags, said Candy
- Thanks sweetie
The two girls entered the property, they rang the door and a butler opened the door to them.
- Miss Elizabeth is expecting you ladies, she in the bleu living room with her cousin… this way please, he said showing the way…
"Great! Said Candy the mean girl is here!"
Candy and Annie looked at each other with eyes saying.
"Just our luck…!"
They followed the butler to the blue living room. Elizabeth was there with her dear cousin, sipping on a cup of tea.]
- Miss Anne, you're finally here! Said Elizabeth
- I'm sorry, said Candy, she was waiting for me, I came from my job
Elizabeth looked at Candy with killer eyes for a second it was so fast, no body saw it.
- Let's get started, said Annie, I'm hoping the alterations I've made to your dress are fine with you…
- If the wedding dress makes me look like you friend Candy was in the Sunday paper, said Elizabeth with a dry tone
Candy who was helping Elizabeth put her dress on, was startled. What the hell was going on? Why the sudden hostility?
- You didn't like the dress Miss Elizabeth? Asked Annie
- I think it was very pretty and wasted on a stupid Butler's Ball, said Elizabeth
- Yeah, said Eliza, that dress was worth a ball in Buckingham Palace! How could you waste it on a stupid Butlers' Ball?
- Well, said Candy, since I don't think I'm ever going to be invited to Buckingham Palace, I wore it for the Butlers' Ball
Then the conversation shifted to other things. Elizabeth's fitting was over… Eliza decided to say something.
- You know what, dear cousin? It's a pity you didn't go with Terrence to the ball…
Candy's heart jumped. "Terrence"?
- I wasn't feeling good, said Elizabeth, so Terrence went to the Butlers' Ball alone, his father the duke of Grandchester was one of the sponsors, he was suppose to make a appearance, but apparently he stayed for the whole night and danced with the belle of the ball, that would be you, Candy…
Candy's heart's had just exploded in her heart.
- What? Said Candy
- The man you danced with at the ball, when the picture was taken, is my fiancé, the son of the duke of Grandchester…, said Elizabeth
- Oh really, I had no idea, said Candy with a voice she wanted calm
Annie was packing her stuff and Candy was helping her.
- So I met the groom and I didn't know about it…, said Candy
There was a ring at the door. But Candy didn't pay attention, her heart was bleeding and she had to look calm so Elizabeth wouldn't see how upset she was. The butler arrived announcing:
- Master Terrence, your ladyship
Terrence came into the living room and he stopped when he saw Candy and Annie. He was stunned frozen on the spot. He was as elegant as he was at the Butlers' Ball. Elizabeth walked to him and hugged him.
- Terrence darling, you're in advance! I just finished my fitting … this my seamstress, Miss Anne and her aid Candy, but you already know Candy from the Butlers' Ball since you danced with her and all, after she was crowned…
Terry was looking at Candy. Elizabeth was trying to hurt Candy and for that Terry was upset. But Candy finding out from Elizabeth who he really was the worst thing that could happened to their relationship.
- Yes, Miss White, said Terry, you're as beautiful as you were the other night and a very good dancer. It was a pleasure dancing with you. I think I told you that…
- Maybe, I don't remember, Master Grandchester, said Candy
- Let's go Candy, said Annie, good night everybody
And she walked to the front door.
- Miss Elizabeth, Master Grandchester, said Candy leaving
- Good night, said Terry
The two ladies left the mansion. Elizabeth and her cousin didn't say anything. They were observing Terry.
- Why aren't you ready Elizabeth? We're late already
- Oh I'm going to get ready… I wanted you to meet my seamstress
- Why? Said Terry
- Well you did dance with her aid at the stupid Butlers' Ball…
- So what was this? Rubbing in her face that I'm yours? Said Terry upset
- I was jealous…, said Elizabeth
- Why? Because of the picture in the paper? I thought I explained to you why I was there…
- I just wanted to make sure that Candy knew you weren't available
- Oh my God! How petty of you!!! I don't feel so good all of a sudden, I'm going back home…
- What? But Terrence…, said Elizabeth upset
- We're already late for the concert, said Terrence walking to the door and taking his coat, Good night Elizabeth…
The front door opened and Terrence was gone. He took a carriage to Candy and Annie's address, to see if he could speak to Candy.
Candy and Annie finally arrived home and Candy ran to her room burst into tears. Annie put her stuff away and she went to console her.
- I'm so sorry Candy, she said
- How could he lie to me like that!? He's not only rich, but he's marrying that witch!!!!
- And Tom lied to us! He introduced him to us!!! He knew he was the boss' son!!!!
Candy was crying, Annie was sad Tom lied to her. When there was a knock on the door. It was Terry. Annie refused to open the door.
- Who is it? She asked
- It's me Terry! Let me talk to Candy
- Go away Terry! She doesn't want to talk to you!
- Annie please just opened the door…
- No! Go away Terry, you're not from our world… just leave us alone…
Terry pounding on the door, was disturbing the neighbours, so he decided to leave.
- All right, I'm going. Tell Candy I'm sorry…
Terry went back to his castle. Candy cried herself to sleep and Annie was upset with her boyfriend.
Terry tried to see Candy the following days, but he was unable to see her. She always managed to get away without him seeing her. He was very unhappy and wasn't calling Elizabeth anymore and refused to take her phone calls. She even came to the castle and he refused to see her. His father wasn't aware of what was happening since Elizabeth didn't tell her parents that she ruined her friendly relationship with Terry… Terry was barely sleeping and was always in a bad mood. His mother was his target when he was in a very bad mood.
Almost two weeks after the events. Terry was going to the ice rink when he met Elizabeth at the door.
- Terrence, please forgive me… I'm sorry, why are so upset?
- You didn't trust me, Elizabeth, what's a relationship without trust?
- Terrence
- Our marriage is an arranged one…
- Terrence please…
- I'm going out, he said
- Where are you going
- Ice skating, said Terry, unless that's beneath you too…
- I can't skate, but I can learn if you teach me, said Elizabeth
- There should be people there to help you, I'm not a teacher…
Terry walked away and Elizabeth followed him to the ice rink. He put on his skates and on the ice. Elizabeth also put some skates on, but she could stay on the ice without help so she sat on a bench. Terry wasn't even looking at her. She was sulking alone on the bench while people were having fun skating… Terry was skating fast and he got lost in the crowd. He saw a girl with the same coat as Candy by a tree on the other side of the rink…
**********
Annie was still sulking the next day when Tom came to see her the next day.
- I'm sorry, it was suppose to be for one afternoon, I had no idea he was going to fall for Candy!!!! I told him to leave her alone
- You couldn't tell us the truth? We found out in the most humiliating way
- Terrence was planning to tell Candy tomorrow night on their date…
- Well there's not going to be any date now!!!
- I'm sorry sweetie, said Tom taking her in his arms
- It's not your fault; he's your boss… I forgive you. But no more lies!
- I promise said Tom taking her lips.
Candy spent her time working to forget about Terry. So she won't meet him at her door, she stayed at Eleonor's and wasn't going back home to her apartment with Annie. Eleonor was glad with the new sleeping arrangement. She would come back from the theatre and Candy would be there to talk with her … Sometimes they would go to the theatre together.
Two weeks later, Eleonor was at the theatre earlier than usual, so Candy had the afternoon free and she decided to go skating… The ice rink, where she met Terry for the first time…When she thought about that day, she forgets how angry she got that day, and only remembered meeting Terry and looking into his sapphire eyes. She was skating peacefully when she felt someone holding her by the waist.
- Guess who? She heard
- You! Let go of me
- Easy, you don't want to repeat our first meeting…
- I'm going to scream, I swear
- I'm going to let you go quietly, you see…
- Leave me alone said Candy going to sit on a bench behind some bushes…
- Candy please let me explain…
- You're the duke's son, engaged to be married to Elizabeth Barrington, what is there to be said?
- I want to explain the situation, you don't know everything… Please Candy… Give me the benefit of the doubt…Please Candy, if I even meant anything to you… if you don't want to see me anymore after that, I'm going to leave you alone…
Candy looked at him. Terry was in front of her begging… She was happy to see him, but she didn't want to get her hopes up, he was engaged to another woman! But she missed him so much.
- I've tried waiting for you at your apartment building…
- I don't leave there anymore, I live at my work place now…
- To avoid me?
- Yes, she said, I have to go…
- Candy, please…
- All right, I'm going to be busy for the next couple of days, why don't you come on Thursday evening
- What's the address
- 17 Cherry Tree Lane…
- I know where the street is, not too far from the park
- We can have dinner and then we can talk
- Your boss is going to be fine with it?
- She said I could invite some friends if I wanted to…
- Thank you Candy, said Terry moved, I'll see you on Thursday then…
- Bye Terry…
Candy left. Terry went back on the ice and to Elizabeth who was trying to skate with the help of a cute young man…
- Terrence she said, look, I can skate…
Terry looked at her. He didn't feel anything looking at Elizabeth, when he felt his heart jump and fire inside his body when he saw Candy a few minutes earlier… He was going to see her on Thursday, he couldn't wait…