One Moment in Time…
Par Mallory Quinn
Chapter 4
"The next best thing"
Candy got some mail from her friends and Albert had even included a newspaper clip that showed the news of Terry and Susanna's engagement. She felt like her heart had stopped. She knew it was coming but it still hurt her a lot. She started to cry silently. She was going to have Terry's baby, she should've been his wife… She was abandoned when she was a baby; she never had a mommy and a daddy just for her. Terry had been separated from his mother to live in a house where hostility was high with a stepmother who didn't like him and a father who loved him but who didn't know how to show his feelings. She wished her baby had two married parents, a normal house with brothers and sisters…she would've had all that if she hadn't leave. Terry had asked her to stay; he didn't want her to go. They were a little premature; they consummated their passion, which was fantastic. Together, they would've found a solution to the Susanna matter. Terry would've been happy for the baby and Mrs. Marlowe couldn't have forced him to abandon his child and the woman he loved, his family… But all that was water under the bridge… She was in England and she had to take care of her baby to come and Terry's father wanted to help her… all of a sudden, the duke of Grandchester's proposal seemed like the perfect solution. No one will know that Terry is the baby's father; the duke was ready to take on that role for his son. She had to go see him to tell him she was accepting his proposal. Maybe was making a mistake, but, when life gives you lemon, you make lemonade. Her baby will be raised as a Grandchester and he will inherit whatever he's entitled to.
She was free that morning; Lady Brydon has a meeting with her friends. She was getting ready when Louise came to see her like every morning.
- Good morning Candy, how are you this morning?
- I've been better….
- Lady Brydon is out. Your morning is free
- I know, I'm going to see the duke of Grandchester and tell him I'm accepting his proposal…
- You're going to get engaged to the duke of Grandchester? Are you sure of what you're doing?
- No, Louise. But I need help and if my baby's grandfather is ready to give it to me… why wouldn't I jump on the occasion? She said with tears in her voice…
Louise looked on her desk and she saw the news paper clip, Albert had send Candy. She understood Candy's sadness.
- Terry got engaged to Susanna… and it hurt you, didn't it?
She looked at her friend who had tears in her eyes. Louise approached her and hugged her. Candy burst into tears. Louise went to sit with her on the bed and she consoled her the best way she could. Candy finally stopped crying.
- I'm sorry Louise, I didn't mean to cry on you like that
- Stop saying nonsense Candy; you're welcome to do it anytime. I'm your friend
- Thank you Louise. I'm happy I found you here and that were able to change our relationship for the better…
- Me too Candy. You're going to the duke's now?
- Maybe I'm making a mistake, but since I have no idea what I'm going to do… I'd rather have no idea where I'm wanted, where the duke is going to take care of me and the baby….
- But, engaged….?
- I think it's a small price to pay for all the comfort I'm going to have… my adoptive family; I practically denied them and a single mother, is not very honourable for them… Terry… well he's kind of tied up and unavailable, his father is the next best thing for the moment
- Ok, Candy, if you put it that way, I understand… Good luck with the duke
- Thanks. I will need it
- Think about him like a future Terry…
- Yeah, Terry does look like him… said Candy smiling, see you later…
Candy took a cab and she went to the duke's castle to give him her answer. She was in one of the living rooms waiting for him, when she saw a young girl coming into the living room.
- Hello said the young girl smiling, my name is Sarah
- Hello Sarah said Candy, my name is Candy
- You're daddy's new girlfriend?
Candy didn't really know what to say. The duke arrived fortunately.
- Sarah, he said, your tutor is waiting for you in the dining room
- Ok, daddy… bye Miss Candy
- Bye Sarah, said Candy smiling
Candy turned to the duke and gave him her right hand.
- Mr. Grandchester, hello
- Candy hello…what brings you by…?
- Well I thought about your proposal… and I decided to accept it
- You've made the right decision for you and your baby, said the duke
- I'm doing it for the baby, said Candy softly
- I know and it's for the baby that I made my proposal. All right. I'm going to start taking you out for lunch, diner and for receptions… Sarah my daughter lives with me. My other son is in St. Paul college, but he lives with my ex-wife for the moment
- What are we going to tell Sarah?
- The truth… that you're my protégée… I'm taking care of you and then we will announce our engagement….
- Our relationship will be…
- Platonic… it's for the baby… only. I know you're still in love with Terrence… I want to help you
- And I'm very grateful, Mr. Grandchester…
- I'm going to start to come and get you for lunch in public places tomorrow and then the receptions….
- Lady Brydon is feeling better; she doesn't need me as much. Ok, we're going to start showing ourselves in public for appearances
- Since we're going to have a lot of receptions, I wanted to get you a whole wardrobe…
- A wardrobe worthy of a duke's fiancée … of course…
- I took the liberty of having dresses from a boutique in London, delivered…let's go to the other living room… if you want to follow me… and you can call me Richard…
- Ok, Richard… said Candy
Intrigued, Candy followed the duke into another living room and she found the owner of the boutique in question, with a few employees. There was practically a mini boutique in the living room!
- Hello Miss, said the owner, my name is Lisa
- Hello Lisa, my name is Candy, Mr. G… Richard, how did you know I was going to come?
- I didn't. I wanted to buy the dressed and put them in your bedroom.
- You were sure I was going to say "yes"?
- Giving the circumstances… I was almost certain…
Candy looked at him and she saw where the charm of the male members of the Grandchester family. Terry will be like that in a few years.
- You're very considerate Richard, said Candy smiling…
Candy got into the game and she started to choose some dresses that were more pretty one after the other. It was for the baby, she said to herself, for reassurance. Alone in a foreign country with a baby to come, in war times. She will need help with the doctor, prenatal care, and care in the hospital for the birth. Then, if she wanted to work to make a living for herself, she will need a baby sitter and leave the baby somewhere… No, a single mother, with no money, was not a solution. The pride of independence… if she were alone, maybe, but she had to think about Little Terry first, and he deserved to have all the money and the comfort his grandfather could give him. She was starting to understand why she was abandoned. Her mother was probably unwed and she couldn't take care of a baby on her own in this world that was judging people without knowing the circumstances…
She chose a lot of dresses, most of them loose for her belly, which was going to start to show soon. She chose some shoes, purses assorted to the dresses, hats, capes, shawls, jewels, night gowns with robes in silk etc… She had learned how to be a "lady" at the Andrews and then in college. She will have no problem adapting to the cream of society of London. Then a maid showed her where her room was, which was very big and majestic with a canopy bed, a dresser and all the bedroom furniture in solid wood. Very elegant. There was a bathroom with a very beautiful bathtub. Her bedroom was as pretty as the master's bedroom.
- Wow! Said Candy, this room is beautiful!
- Yes, it is, Miss said the main smiling. My name is Marjorie. If you need me, I will be at your service
- Thank you, that's nice of you
- No, Miss. It's my job.
Marjorie must have been barely older than her and she was very polite and Candy felt warm looking at her. She thought about Louise, who thought she was going to be a lady in the high society and because her father went bankrupt, was forced to work as a maid. She remembered when the Reagan transformed into a maid… life was really strange sometimes; Candy had all the luxury she needed without asking for it, first with the Andrews, and she'd rather work to earn a living, then with the duke of Grandchester …Louise who wanted luxury, was stripped from it and was forced to work against her will, to survive…
Candy went back to the living room to see the duke who was with Sarah. It was lunch time.
- Candy said Richard I asked cook to make the same thing as the last time… is that ok?
- Yes, said Candy smiling, that's perfect.
- When you're going to be here, you could give your menu to cook every morning, said Richard
- Ok, said Candy
- It's going to be great to have some company, said Sara smiling
Sarah, who had brown hair, with big bleu eyes, looked a lot like Terry. Candy felt good in Terry's family. He moral was way better now that she knew she wouldn't have to worry for her baby's needs. He will have everything he needs and then some! The duke opened an account for her and gave her the list of boutique where he had an account and so she could go shop there without any problems.
- Thank you Richard, it's nice of you, but…
- Come on Candy, you'll have to shop again in a few months… I just want you to be ready if you want to start early…
He was of course talking about the baby clothes. Since Sarah didn't know…
- Ok, said Candy, thank you very much, Richard
They finish their diner and then Candy went back to the Brydons'. Louise of course came to see her to know how it went.
- So? She asked coming in
- Well, said Candy, it went better than I expected. It was not hard to accept Richard's help…
- Richard….
- Yes, he wants me to call him by his given name….
- Wow! Do you know that it's one of England's oldest families? I think they have royal blood…
- Really? I'm going to have a baby with royal blood?
- The duke is not taking care of you for nothing. He wants to make sure that his grandson or granddaughter doesn't miss anything…
- I'm surprised he's not even doubting of the baby's paternity…
- Well, he heard your monologue… it's not like you went to see him to announce him the news… he stumbled upon it by accident…
- Yes, you're right. I would've never thought of asking him for help…
- That's why God made sure the duke heard you….
- You think so, Louise? You think that it's God wish that I have Terry's baby without Terry?
- There's a reason for everything, Candy God's ways are impenetrable…
- When the Lord closes a door, some how he opens a window… said Candy
- Take life on the good side, Candy. When my father went bankrupt, I was feeling sorry for myself and I saw that it didn't get me anywhere… so I looked for a job and now I'm living here and I'm fine. The rest of my family is working as well…
- That's funny…I'm trying to run away from luxury and something always seems to drag me back into it… said Candy. He had ordered dresses from a luxury boutique from London and I was able to chose my wardrobe… he opened a bank account, and in a lot of boutiques, for me, for the baby… he's going to start to come and get me for lunch, dinner and receptions…. The big life as a lady is going to start for me…
- I would give anything to be in your place!
- Pregnant and alone?
- And engaged to the duke of Grandchester! Take it on the good side… Do you realise how lucky you are, Candy?
- Maybe… but I know I need help because of the baby….
- Little Terry has brought you good luck until now, Candy and it's not going to stop here…
- What do you mean?
- There's a reason for everything… the future is going to tell us… I'm going to let you rest, now ok? See you later Candy
- See you later Louise…
Candy got ready to take a nap. She thought about the morning at the Grandchester's. "When you don't have what you want, you content yourself with what you have." Lady Brydon was out all day, Candy was able to rest and digest what had just happened to her.
The duke of Grandchester started to invite Candy for lunch, dinner and was taking her to receptions. The rumours started that the duke of Grandchester was seen with a young lady who was his protégée. Lady Brydon called Candy to ask her about the nature of her relationship with the duke, because Candy was coming back very late sometimes.
- Candy, said Lady Brydon, the rumours are circulating… what's the nature of your relationship with the duke of Grandchester?
- Lady Brydon, said Candy, he's very charming, and I like him a lot…
- Oh… and you are…?
Candy blushed and looked down
- He's courting me… and I like it… she said with a little voice
- Oh… Euh well, you're very lucky. It's one of England's biggest family
- I know, said Candy
- Well, he's a little old for you, but I'm wishing you good luck, Candy
- Thank you and since my contract with you is almost over, I'm going to go live at the Grandchester's castle…
- Oh, yes, of course Candy. I was very happy to have you at my service, said Lady Brydon
Lord Brydon arrived in the room. He got into the conversation with the two ladies.
- Oh Candy! I wanted to ask you about the duke of Grandchester…
- He's courting me and I'm going to go live with him in a few days, said Candy
- Oh… said Lord Brydon, so it's true?
- Yes, honey, said his wife
- Oh… Good luck then, said Lord Brydon, Grandchester… is a really good catch
- Thank you said Candy and thank you for everything you did for me…
- You're welcome Candy said Lady Brydon, I was lucky to have met you, you're the nicest nurse I've ever seen… and it was a pleasure to have you as my lady companion. Good luck with the duke…
Candy got out of the living room a little breathless. This comedy was making her tired… but it was for the baby… Little Terry… what wouldn't we do for our children?
Since you've been away
I've been down and lonely
Since you've been away
I've been thinking of you
Trying to understand
The reason you left me
What were you going through?
I'm missing you
Tell me why the road turns?
Ooh ooh
I'm missing you
Tell me why the road turns?
As I look around
I see things that remind me
Just to see you smile
Made my heart fill with joy
I'll still recall
All those dreams we shared together
Where did you run to?
I'm missing you
Tell me why the road turns?
Ooh ooh
I'm missing you
Tell me why the road turns?
Sometimes I've wondered
I didn't understand
Just where you were trying to go
Only you knew the plan
And I tried to be there
But you wouldn't let me in
But now you've gone away
I feel so broken hearted
I knew the day we started
That we were meant to be
If only you'd let me!
I've cried so many tears
I got to face now all my fears
We let time slip away
I need you
Here today!
There was so much you gave me
To my heart
To my soul
There was so much of your dreams
That were never told
You had so much hope
For a brighter day
Why were you my flower
Plucked away
I'm missing you
Tell me why the road turns?
Ooh ooh
I'm missing you
Tell me why the road turns?
In New York, Terry was losing it. He was drinking too much, and his performance on stage was starting to suffer. He had no goal in life, even if he were a born actor, engaged to be married, with his whole life in front of him… without her, without the one he loved with all his heart was an unbearable pain. He had just passed his day in a bar; he hadn't gone to the theatre for about a week. At least in alcohol, he didn't feel anything or he didn't care, but it was the alcohol thinking…He went back home drunk and slept only to wake up the next morning with a hang over. Susanna was looking at him powerless. What could she do? Terry was forced to be with her. When he arrived drunk, he talked only about her! About Candy! But what did she have to do for him to forget about that damn Candy?
Terry woke up in the morning with a hang over. He got ready and went downstairs in the dining room in the house he shared with Susanna. The maid saw the state her was in and she made him a mixture of tomato juice and raw eggs. Susanna was eating at the table.
- Terry, he said, I didn't hear you come back last night… are you ok?
- I have a hang over, he said coldly
- But, if you didn't drink that much…
- I do what I want, Susanna! Don't start mothering me, I already have a mother for that!
- I don't want to mother you, I just want to…
- Just want to what? He interrupted, lecture me? I know the moral code by heart!
- I see you're not in a good mood today…
- Because, usually I am? He asked ironically
The maid arrived with the mail, and she put it on the table. Maybe it was going to create a diversion and will stop them from fighting. She didn't like to see her bosses in a bad mood. Terry thanked her and started to sort the mail… there were bills and news papers… and a letter from England. Intrigued, he looked at the sender and he opened his big eyes!
- Terry, said Susanna who was looking at him, did you get a letter?
- Isn't it obvious?
- From whom? Asked Susanna who didn't want to get discouraged
- From my little sister…
- Oh…said Susanna hurt
She didn't know he had a little sister, in fact she didn't know anything about Terry, now that she thought about it. But Terry didn't seem to realise that his fiancée was a little upset… he was reading the letter…
- WHAT???!!!! Yelled Terry outraged
- What's going on? Asked Susanna worried
- My father has completely gone mad!
- How?
- He divorced his wife and now he's going out with a little girl, younger than me! And he's going to get engaged to her!
- Younger than you?
- My sister is asking me to come and to try to put an end to this sordid situation… the girl is living in the castle with them! And she took control of the whole house…
- But, what king of woman would take advantage of the weakness of an old man? Said Susanna
- I don't think my father sees himself as an "old man"… and a maybe to have a young girl is making him feel young… but maybe she's after his fortune, because I don't think that a girl younger than me, is really in love with my father…
- You never know….
- My father is rich, Susanna, very very rich….
- You think she's after his fortune?
- I don't think so, I know so! She's nice in front of my father, but Sarah tells me as soon as they're alone, she becomes mean and vindictive…
Susanna saw an opportunity to keep Terry's mind occupied with something else than Candy…
- Terry, you want to go there and help your sister show your father that this woman is only an opportunist?
Terry thought about it for a moment. In America, without Candy, he felt lost and the theatre for the moment, he didn't want to act anymore, because he was acting for Candy, for his Freckles, but she wasn't in his life anymore. A trip in England… seemed to be just what he needed. He wanted to take a break and go to London, fix his father's problem, get rid of that opportunist and come back to America later…
- Yes, but…
- It would be a good opportunity for us…
- Us?
- Yes, Terry, if you're going to England, I'm coming with you…
Make the trip with Susanna? He didn't really feel like it, but she was his responsibility, she saved his life and he abandoned her everyday to go and get drunk. He could only comply, because he was feeling a little guilty for the treating her the way he was. She was in love with him, she had saved his life.
- Ok , Susanna, let's go to England and stop my father from making a crazy mistake… even though he refused to help me when I needed him…
He thought about the time when he swallowed his pride and went to beg his father to help Candy stay in college. He categorically refused. Terry then did the only thing he could to save his beloved… If only he had taken her with him, everything would've been so different!
- I'm going to see Hathaway to apologise and tell him that I'm taking a live of absence…I hope I at least still have a job…
- Mr. Hathaway is very understanding, the insurance is still paying me since the accident and he knows you need your job to live and to take care of me… and you're an excellent actor…
- I hope said Terry. I'm going to go see him this morning….
Terry went to the theatre to see Mr. Hathaway. He entered in his office ashamed.
- Well what do you know? Terrence Grandchester… to what do I owe the honour of your presence Mr. Grandchester…
- Hello, Mr. Hathaway, I came to apologise for being absent without notice… I've let you down and I let the whole troupe down…
- Yes, you did…
- I'm going through some difficult times in my private life…
- Terry we all have a private life, but we don't let it interfere with our work…
- I know sir. I'm sorry… I came to ask you for a leave of absence; if I could have a few months to take care of my personnel problems…
- A few months?
- Yes, sir, I need to go to England in my family…
- Oh…
Robert Hathaway thought about it for a moment. Terrence Grandchester was an excellent actor. It was good to have him in his troupe. He will not stay unemployed for long with his talent and the name he had already made for himself.
- Ok, Terry, take all the time you need, go to England and fix your problems. Take Susanna with you, a little change will be good for her…
- Thank you very much sir, said Terry, thank you for this second chance you're giving me…
- Have a nice trip, Terry and try to have a little fun. It's good for the brain
- I will. Goodbye Mr. Hathaway
Terry got out of the office relieved. Take the trip with Susanna? Well it was better than nothing…. He started to make arrangements for the trip in London, to go stop his father from making a stupid mistake.