One Moment in Time…

By Mallory Quinn

Chapter 7

"A thousand and one attention"

The sun had risen and the birds of the morning were singing on this nice morning of May. The trees were starting to become green again. Despite the war, that showed it's presence by deafening noises. Terrence Grandchester barely closed an eye all night long… He still couldn't believe what had happened last night. Candy was engaged to his father! His father! That cold and indifferent being who had ignored him all his life, who never smiled to his knowledge, was like a 16 years old boy. He had laughing eyes and he was smiling to Candy! His Candy! He spent most of the night walking around his room. He lay down and tried to close his eyes, but the sandman refused to come to Terry's room. He was in his old room. Everything was like the time he used to live at the castle with his father and his stepmother… that woman with no heart, who treated him with contempt and insolence. His father finally got rid of her, but he was with Candy, his Candy! Candy his future stepmother? He was probably in a nightmare and he was going to wake up, or he was drunk without knowing it… But despite his anger, when he looked at her, he still had that peaceful sensation. She was so beautiful and it was like she wasn't as thin anymore… her breast was bigger… yes, his Candy was more woman and she was so attractive…But what was he thinking? She was his father's fiancée and he was with Susanna… Susanna Marlowe, the cause of this whole story…

Candy woke up and went to bathroom to throw up. The events of the night before should've kept her alive, but Little Terry had other plans, he had no intention of letting the stress his mom was having, disturb the normal course of his development. Terry was in England in London in the room next to hers! She took a bath and she got ready for the day. When she came out of the bedroom, she found Louise who was also awake.

- Good morning, mum said Louise smiling; did you have a good sleep?

- What do you think? Said Candy dryly

- We're in a good mood this morning…

- I'm sorry Louise; I'm a little upset…

- A little? Said Louise, Candy you have to calm down. All this agitation is not good for Little Terry…

- I know, that's why I'm trying to stay calm… but…

- Candy you have to make an effort…I'm going to go get ready, I have to go back at the Brydon's in a little while, said Louise getting into the bathroom

Marjorie, the maid came to help Candy get dressed and to ask her what she wanted. Despite the stress, Candy wanted craving for a fruit salad with whipped cream.

- Very well, Miss, said the maid, everything will be ready

- Thank you Marjorie

Marjorie looked young but she was a few years older than Candy and Louise. She was at the castle with her mother who had brought her when she started to work there years before. She has been working there as a maid for a while now. Before she went to the kitchen, she went to Terry's room to see if he needed anything. She knocked on the door.

- Come in! Said Terry

The maid got in and Terry turned around to look at her, he smiled when he recognised her.

- Marjorie he said smiling, how are you?

- I'm fine Master Terrence, she said blushing lightly, do you need anything?

- No, everything is fine Marjorie… but I wanted to ask you… about my father's fiancée…

- I don't want to be accused of spreading rumours, Master Terrence

- Marjorie, said Terry softly, for old time sake and for all the experience we've had together…

Marjorie became bright as red, when she remembered the moment of passion she had spent with the young master; she had showed him the art of physical love at that time…

- I've embarrassed you. That was not my intention. And you don't have to worry, I won't bother you anymore…

Marjorie, who wouldn't have refused her young master now that he was more mature and more attractive, was a little disappointed.

- That's not it, Master Terrence…

- I told you to call me Terry when we're alone…

- That would not be appropriate, Master Terrence…

- Our lust adventures were not appropriate either… that didn't stop us… said Terry approaching her and touching her cheek…

Marjorie was melting. Her young master was absolutely irresistible and she felt a warmth sensation going through her. The memories of their lust adventures were still very present and very fresh in her head…

- Ok, she said closing her eyes, what do you want to know?

- How long my father's fiancée has been living here?

- Since the beginning of April… she was living at the Brydon's before. She came to see the duke the day after Melanie Brydon's wedding and they talked for a long time. The duke asked for a special meal just for her and that's how it's been ever since she lives here. I have to go see her every morning to ask her what she wants to eat; her desires are orders… he was going out with her every day, when she was living at the Brydon's…

- Thanks Marjorie, you're still very observant… said Terry smiling… That would be all for now.

- Thank you Master Terrence, she said leaving.

She had hoped that the young master was going to reward her with a kiss or some touching… she didn't know that her ex-lover had only one woman in his head at the moment, not his fiancée, but his father's!

Terry was thinking about what the maid had told him. He was a little ashamed to have used his past lust adventures to get information, but he wanted to find out the real reason Candy was engaged to his father. He finished getting ready and got out of his room and he met Susanna and her nurse.

- Good morning Terry, said Susanna smiling, did you have a good sleep?

- What do you think? Said Terry dryly…

- You didn't sleep at all?

- Not even for a second!

Terry carried her down the stairs. The nurse was carrying the wheelchair. Terry put her softly on the wheelchair and Susanna regretted not being in Terry's arms anymore. His strong and muscled arms which had gave her the will to live… if only Terry could take her in his arms more often. They went to the dining room where they found the duke, Candy and Louise having breakfast.

- Good morning everybody, said Terry smiling

- Good morning said everybody

Terry took a chair off the table for Susanna's wheelchair. He sat next to her. A maid served Candy a fruit salad with whipped cream.

- Thank you, said Candy with a smile

She started to eat and she thought it was so good. The duke was looking at her and he asked;

- Is it ok, Candy, is it the way you want it?

- It's perfect Richard, thank you, said Candy smiling

- You're welcome, honey…

Susanna was looking at Terry, who was looking at the scene a little stunned. Terry still loved Candy and she had no chance…

Candy was eating with appetite and she drank a big glass of milk.

- Candy, said the duke, I have a proposition for you and Louise…

- Which one? Asked Candy

- Well, I saw how much Louise made you happy yesterday, and I wanted to hire her as your lady companion, so you could always be together. You're going to need some company when you go to Scotland…

- Scotland? Asked Terry

- Yes, said the duke, Candy is going to go spend the summer in Scotland at the castle… so Louise, what do you say?

Louise was so astonished, that she didn't really know what to say, no be a maid anymore, and be Candy's lady companion? That sure was a step up…

- What a good idea Richard! Said Candy smiling

Every time he heard Candy call his father "Richard" Terry wanted to die.

- What do you say Louise? Said Candy

Louise was still speechless. She was so happy…

- Yes, she finally said, thank you so much, your grace…

- You're welcome said the duke

- And thank you Candy for everything, said Louise with tears in her eyes

- You're welcome Louise… I'm so happy!

- I'm going to inform Lady Bryson not to wait for you and I'm going to have your belongings delivered here later, said the duke

- Thank you Richard, said Candy

- It's to please you honey, he said tenderly…

- I know, she said softly, that's why I'm thanking you, you're too good with me…

Terry was looking at the scene, dazed and Susanna didn't know what to think. The duke of Grandchester, this man who was usually so cold, murky and snob was smiling like there was no tomorrow! If all it took was Candy for him to get out of his shell, Terry would've brought her to see his father a long time ago!

- I have to go but Candy; I have another surprise for you…said the duke

- Really? What?

- Since I'm always busy and that sometimes you need the car… I wanted you to go choose a car, to buy it and hire a driver …

- That's not necessary Richard; I can take a taxi… said Candy

- Ridiculous! It's better to have your own car and your own driver

Terry continued looking at the scene without saying anything. He thought he was hallucinating.

- Since you're insisting said Candy

- Consider it as a second birthday gift, said the duke

- Thank you, Richard… said Candy with a big smile

Birthday! Right! It was Candy's birthday yesterday!

"Darn, stupid, stupid, stupid! Said Terry in his head and you had nothing better to tell her than to call her a gold digger!!!

- Candy, said Terry out loud, it was your birthday yesterday…Happy belated birthday…

- Thank you Terry, said Candy without looking at him

He felt hurt. She didn't even look at him! Susanna continued to look at the scene without saying anything. She was not going to wish her a happy birthday!

- I have to go said the duke, the driver will come and pick you up in 2 hours, Candy…said the duke

- See you later Richard… said Candy

The duke stood up and kissed Candy on the forehead and left the room.

- Candy, said Terry, I've never seen my father like this…

- Like what? Asked Candy dryly

- So… happy… so cheerful…said Terry

- To have a young fiancée had made him very very happy said Susanna, he has to be up to the job, after all, for Candy

Candy wanted to strangle Susanna. She was insinuating that Richard and her were lovers. Whatever! But Terry didn't want to hear that!

- You should be happy for your father, Terry…

- Happy because my fiancée is now my father's? He said angry

Susanna felt hurt deep down inside. Louise wanted to laugh.

- Fiancée? I've never been your fiancée; you've never proposed to me… you sent a one way ticket… I had to pay the ticket back to Chicago alone, like a big girl! She said coldly

Terry was going to answer, but Louise interrupted him.

- Candy; let's go to the bedroom so you can rest a little… said Louise

Candy didn't respond and she stood up and she went upstairs with Louise. She didn't say a word until they got to the bedroom and Louise closed the door behind them. Candy went on the bed to lye down, she was still upset.

- Candy…said Louise

- Louise, thank you…

- You're welcome, but you have to try and stay calm, for Little Terry

- I know. Oh Louise, it's so hard to see him…especially with her!

- Think about how he feels too. It must be hard for him to see you so intimate with his father…

- I don't care about his feelings!

- Really? If it was the case, you wouldn't be so upset… you still love him and you're angry he brought Susanna here…

- Oh Louise, I don't know what's happening to me. I usually behave better…

- You're going to have a baby, so you're a little more emotional than usual

- That must be it… I'm going to sleep a little, I'm a bit tired…

- Ok. I'm going to let you sleep and see what room they gave me…

Meanwhile, Terry took Susanna to the garden, near the swings where he was with Candy the night before.

- Terry, said Susanna, do we really have to stay here? You saw your father's fiancée; it's Candy. You're sure she's not a gold digger, so we can go back to America…

- Susanna, Candy is the woman my father's going to marry, Candy! There's no way Candy is becoming my new stepmummy!

- But they seem happy…

- Susanna, there's not way I'm going to let my father marry the woman I love!

Susanna felt like she received a blow in the stomach. Terry still loved Candy.

- You still love her?

- Susanna, it's not like you don't know I'm in love with Candy…

- Yes, but…

- I'm sorry if I'm hurting you, Susanna. Candy is the woman I love and she's going to marry my father… my father!!

- Ok, but if you stop the wedding, what are you going to do?

- I don't know… I haven't thought that far ahead…I'd rather have her with Albert than with my father!

- So, if she was with another man, you wouldn't care, but since it's your father…

- Susanna please… we came here to solve this problem and also to keep my mind busy with something else than alcohol… this story is stopping me from drinking because I want to have a clear head, to be sober to know exactly what's going on.

Susanna could only remain silent. Candy… without her, he had become an empty shell and as soon as he saw her, he had instantaneously come back to life… sometimes, she's rather have Terry drunk and disrespectful…but in any case there was one constant in Terry's attitude; Candy!

The driver arrived to take Candy to the car dealership so she could choose a car. Candy got in the car and she was surprised to find Terry inside.

- Terry, what are you doing here? She asked

- I'm coming with you…

- Oh no, you don't!

- Oh yes I am…

- Why?

- I'm going to help you choose…

The car had already left the castle. Candy couldn't do anything. She actually didn't really want to do anything because she loved the presence her baby's father.

- I'm perfectly capable of choosing a car alone, I don't need your help! She said

- Don't be ridiculous, Candy. You know you need my help…said Terry

- But your fiancée…

- I'm taking care of my future stepmother… I wouldn't want anybody to take advantage of your candour, Candice…

Candy was looking at him. He was smiling, he was so handsome. But… Why not take advantage of his help?

- Ok, Terry, she finally said, you can help me choose a car…

- Good. Because I had no intention of leaving you…

They arrived at the dealership; Rolls Royce. Terry showed what an expert he was. He asked to try the cars to see how well they worked. The driver who was with them, left them. They're going to have a new car to go back home with. Candy bought the car, the latest model from Rolls Royce very hip, big enough for a family, after she and Terry approved of it of course. Terry was going to be her driver. Candy was suddenly very very hungry.

- So Candy, are we going back home?

- Terry, before we go back. Can we go eat something?

- Of course, what do you want to eat?

- Well you're father took me to an oriental restaurant a few times…

- Oriental? Asian?

- Yes, Chinese. I love their fried rice with their meat a little sweet and their honey chicken…

- Ok, said Terry a little surprise, Chinese food it is!

They went to a Chinese restaurant and were given a table quickly. They had recognised Candy and Terry, the Grandchesters were a privilege clientele. They were served almost immediately to Candy's great joy. She was starving and she was literally dying of hunger, she was feeling weak and tired. She had to eat to feel better. She ate with appetite and Terry was looking at her.

- Boy, you were really hungry, Freckles… said Terry with a mocking tone

- You can say that again! She said when she felt better with her stomach full

- You look like you've gained some weight…

- You mean I'm fat…

- No… you're still tiny but your cheeks are a little more… fuller…

- Tiny and fat?

- I didn't say you were fat…

- That's what you're insinuating when you say that I'm a glutton…

- I didn't say you were a glutton… what's going on? Why are you so defensive?

- Defensive because I don't like being called fat and glutton?

- Candy… could we not argue for a while?

- We're arguing?

- Candy…

- Ok, I'm going to make an effort

- I'm going to try not to upset you… How are your friends?

- They're fine. Albert wrote to tell me about your engagement with newspaper clips to prove it….

- How nice and considerate of him to give you news about me… said Terry ironically, what did he say when you told him you were getting engaged to my father?

Candy didn't answer. She was looking at her empty plate.

- Freckles, you did tell your friends you were going to marry my father, did you?

- Well, not exactly…

- Not exactly? You mean not at all… Why haven't you told your friends anything?

- I will tell them when the time is right

- When the time is right?

- Terry, I was suppose to stay in England just for a few months… now I'm going to stay for good… they're all going to scream… and with Stear…

- Stear? What happened with Stear?

- He went to the war the day I came to New York. The took me to the station and I didn't know he was waiting for his own train to go to war… said Candy all sad, I hope nothing will happen to him at the war…

- I'm sorry Candy…

- Thanks Terry. So you see, I'm going to tell them I'm not coming back the latest possible…

She couldn't tell him that she was having his baby, and that had no intention of telling him or her friends that news...

- Ok, if that's what you want… said Terry

- What about you, how long are going to stay here?

- Well the time for you to marry my father, and then I'll go back to America. I've asked for a leave of absence…

- Oh… what about your career? It's not going to suffer?

- No…

He didn't want to tell her that he almost lost his career because of alcohol because he drank too much, because he wasn't with her. He didn't want to tell her either, that his trip to England had made him sober and that her presence had brought him back to life. That wedding will not take place as long as he's alive.

- And have you set a wedding date with Susanna?

- No… what about my father and you?

- When the summer is over… I'm going to Scotland in July…

- To Scotland? To the castle where we spent the most beautiful summer of our lives with my father? Candy really, how could you do this to me?

- Terry, she said sadly, I'm going to Scotland with Louise; your father will come and see me from time to time… I really loved the summer in Scotland and your father's castle. That's why I want to go there… it has nothing to do with you… I mean, it's not to hurt you or anything…

- Candy, what happened? My father… how did you get there?

Candy decided to tell him half of the truth; otherwise he will keep asking the same question.

- Well I met him at Melanie's Brydon's wedding. He thought you were in England with me. I told him we broke up and… he consoled me…

- Console? My father consoled you? Asked Terry in disbelief

He was trying to imagine the cold man who, instead of consoling him, was hurting him, telling him that men don't cry and to dry his tears immediately.

- Yes, is it that hard to believe?

- If you had lived with me when I was little, yes… that cold and indifferent man who raised me… I can't believe he's so nice and thoughtful with you… you're a real ray of sunshine, Freckles… but Candy, did you think about my mother?

- You're mother?

- Yes, she's still in love with my father…

Candy totally forgot about Eleonor Baker! Oh my God, she must've to be hurt to learn that the duke was engaged.

- Oh… said Candy sadly, but her relationship with Richard has been over for years…

- Yes, but…

- Terry, I don't want to hurt anybody… I just want to live my life calmly. Did you tell her that I was the fiancée?

- I didn't know it was you when I was in America and I don't think that it's the kind of news that would please her… she will learn it sooner of later… and she's going to be hurt…

- I'm sorry about that, said Candy looking down. I'm going to explain it to her if I see her one day…

- I'm sure she's going to forgive you… she likes you a lot. Little Mary Sunshine…

Candy smiled; she didn't know what to say to that. She blushed.

- Are you done? We can leave Candy, said Terry

- Yes, thank you Terry.

- Thanks to you for allowing me to keep you company.

They went back to the castle where Susanna was sulking because Terry was out with Candy. Louise was trying to reassure her, but Susanna didn't want to hear it. For her, Candy was going to steal Terry away from her….again!

Terry went to see Sarah in her room. This last one was waiting for Terry to come and see her.

- Sarah…

- Terry how are you?

- Sarah…. Why did you write me that dad's fiancée was mean to you?

- Euh…

- I know Candy; she doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She's the less selfish person I know and she loves children a lot

- Ok. I lied! Said Saran, I wanted you to come here, I wanted to see you, and I wanted you to come for dad and Candy's wedding…

- Why?

- Because you're part of the family and we never see you, you were always in college then you left for America, I miss you, Terry…

Terry looked at his little sister and he felt for her. His stepmother was never nice to him. But the children, he always felt that they wanted to be nice to him, but….

- I forgive you Sarah…but it's not good to use a lie to manipulate people…

- Ok, I won't do it anymore…. Oh Terry thank you for coming! She said hugging him, we're going to have fun, you'll see.

Terry hugged her too. He was happy to have the occasion to live with his little sister. He left her to go see Susanna in her bedroom, who was still sulking.

- Susanna, how was your day? Asked Terry

- You left me alone to spend time with Candy…

- Isn't that why were here? She's hiding something from me; I need to find out what it is…

- But…

- Susanna, stop sulking please. As soon as we're done, we could go back to America. But for the moment…

"For the moment you want to stay here with Candy thought Susanna in her head, Candy Candy Candy !!!"