The Broken Hearts

Chapter 11
"The White Rose Ball"

In the following days, the last week of the year, life was back to normal. There was a show almost every evening at the theatre. Annie took advantage of the time to make her dresses.

The invitation of the White Rose Ball arrived. It said that ladies should wear in a white dress and the men in black.
Patricia, who was spending more and more time with Albert, went to see Annie at Terry's.

- Patty! Said Annie smiling, how are you?

- I'm fine… I need you…

- What for?

- For a dress for the White Rose Ball.

- Oh, but I'll probably won't have the time…

- You don't have one all done?

- Yes, I have a few models, but they're for my line…

- Can't you make an exception for me? I promise to talk about it in my magazine!

- Really? Well all right then, I can give you one of my dresses…

- No, I want to pay for it, said Patricia, you're working hard Annie and every work is worth a salary…

- All right, said Annie, I also made Eleonor Baker's dress…

- Wonderful! I'm going to advertise for you…

- But I don't have money to pay you for that yet Patricia

- You'll pay me when you'll have some…

- By the way, said Annie, I wanted to ask you something…

- What?

- Is something going on between you and Albert?

- Why are you asking me that?

- Because… on Christmas day, Terry insinuated…

- What?

- That your lips were swollen…

- Oh my God! He's really perspicacious that Terry!

- So, it's true? You and Albert?

- Yes…, said Patricia blushing, he's simply wonderful!

- Oh my God! You and Albert? I'm happy for you!

- It's like the world's been turned on its head! Who would've thought? Albert and I, you and Terry…

- Me and Terry? Said Annie, there is no "Me and Terry", we're just friends…

- Annie, come on. You're talking to me! I know you…

- What do you mean?

- You've got a thing for Terry…

- Patricia…

- Well?

- Well… I didn't know that Terry could be so charming…

- Ah…

- But it doesn't mean that we're a couple… we're just friends, like during that summer in Scotland…

- Annie… I was with Alistair and he went to the war, without even kissing me… he went to die… Candy went to the war… did she even kiss Terry? Knowing Terry, I'll say yes… But she sacrificed herself instead of staying with the man she loves and she went to the war to hide her pain… and she went to die… Life is nothing Annie… Alistair was too taken by his inventions to be romantic, then it was his obsession to go to the war… So I'm kissing Albert as much as I can… If it doesn't work out for us, at least I'll have the kisses and the presents he's giving me…

- Patricia, Terry still loves Candy… I don't want to do it again… like with Archie…

- Annie, Albert still loves Candy and he will always love her, but it doesn't mean that he can't love me too…

- You really think that Terry could love me one day?

- We can love different ways Annie, believe me… and you know that too, right?

- I have to concentrate on my career… I don't have time to think about that…

- Don't close you heart to love…

- I thought you would encourage me to go back to Archie.

- After the way he treated you? I'm your friend Annie, I'm not Eliza!

The two friends burst out laughing. They went to Annie's work shop and she gave her a white dress…

- It's splendid Annie! Said Patricia.

- I wanted to finish my models with a wedding dress…

- If Albert proposes to me, I'll order my wedding dress with you!

- You got a good catch Patricia, don't let him get away!

- I have no intention to, said Patty smiling.

Patricia was takin her clothes off to try on Annie's dress so she could make the necessary adjustments.

- Terry is a good catch too, Annie…

- Don't start please…

- You like him don't you?

- That's not the point…

- What is the point?

- It's Terry Patty. He has lunch in a restaurant which is also a hotel and he books a table and a room… to hit the sheets…

- Maybe he wants to take a nap after lunch…

- With a girl.

- It bothers you…

- Yes… well no. He's free to do what he wants…

- But you wouldn't him to sleep with other girls?

- No. But I have no right to ask him anything like that…

She was done putting pins on the dress for the retouch… Patricia took of the dress and put her clothes back on.

- Annie listen to me… all I'm saying is that, if you like Terry, don't let him get away either…

- We're just friends, Patty. But thanks for the advice. You can come and pick up the dress tomorrow night.

- Thank you sweetie! You're saving my life! And I'd rather give you my money more than anything!

Patricia left and Annie continued to work on the dress. Then she finished Eleonor Baker's dress. When Terry came back in the evening, he found her still working.

- Good evening, he said smiling.

- Hi Terry… you're coming back late…

- Yes, at the theatre, Robert wanted to speak to us…

"Or you were sleeping with a girl" Said Annie to herself.

- Are you done for today? Asked Terry.

- Yes Terry… I should stop… and go eat something…

- You haven't eaten yet?

- No, I didn't see time pass… the ball is in two days…

- Let's go eat then, said Terry.

Terry was thinking about the kiss he inflicted on Annie, the night of the premiere, and about what Charlie had told him. That kiss seemed way too familiar … he was getting close to Annie… No, that couldn't be it… she was Candy's sister… She wasn't the kind of girl you had fun with and you sleep with. Like Charlie was saying to so well, she was a princess that that had to be treated with respect… she needed to have serious suitors… What if the dandy had really changed? No, not him! He humiliated her! Annie deserved better… But who?

Annie was at the table with Terry and she thought he looked a little worried. He was thinking about something, maybe about the women he had just slept with? At the theatre, they were all throwing themselves at his neck. Not to mention all the flowers and the invitations barely hidden from some women, and a lot of them were married! They were probably neglected by their husbands… If she had married Archibald and he had continued neglecting her, would she too have taken a lover to satisfy her? She was asking herself that question and the answer wasn't as clear cut as she thought it would be…So she can't really blame those who were throwing themselves at Terry who would end up satisfying them, after all he was a man, a young man, handsome, charming, attractive, riche, talented and single on top of all that. Terry was a good catch, for all the women, whether they were married, call girls, single women… And she Annie was living with him, being "just friends"? For him, she was Candy's sister, whom he had to protect and help, nothing more… Was Patricia right? She was living under the same room as a good catch like Terrence Grandchester, should she let him get away? Or should she try her luck.

No, she was his friend and she had to make him feel comfortable. After all, he had the goodness to let her live with him.

Terry looked at her while she was eating.

- You're silent tonight Annie…

- I'm a little tired, that's all.

- How was your day?

- Very good. Patricia came to buy a white dress for the ball.

- Oh, congratulations! That makes two customers with my mother…

- She insisted to pay the store price…

- Albert must be spoiling her…

- And you were right by the way, she's dating Albert… you've got the eye.

Terry just smiled.

- Terry, can I talk to you about something?

- Of course...

- I… noticed that a lot of women throw themselves at your head…

- Why do I have the impression of hearing my mother talking?

- I mean, that it doesn't bother me if you want to spend some time with them… you can come back late or even sleep out. It's not my problem. Don't mind me…

- I was right! I'm really hearing my mother talking to me!

- The first time we had lunch together; you had a room booked in a hotel… Maybe my presence is making things a little awkward between us… but that's fine. You can do whatever you want. Maybe we should've talked about it a little when I came to live here with you…

- How nice of you Annie, thank you! Said Terry ironically.

- I'm serious Terry… and you're joking, to avoid the subject…

- Really?

- I'm being serious; don't feel obligated to come back early because of me… I'm a big girl and I understand those things. I don't want you to think that I'm giving you a curfew or something like that…

- Mum is giving me permission for the whole night?

- Stop making fun of me Terry. You know very well what I mean…

- Of course I understand, you're giving me the green light to sleep with girls at the theatre, like Susanna and Karen…

- No! Not them! Said Annie way too quickly.

- Not them? You want to choose them too?

- I mean… I didn't mean that…

- Then all the fans who invite me in their beds then?

- That's not what I meant… and you know it…

- I see what you're saying…

He continued eating like there was nothing to it and he drank his orange juice. Then he said:

- If I understand you correctly; you're telling me that I can sleep with women I haven't met yet, and it's not necessary to let you know that I will be coming back home late or that I won't be coming back… You're giving me carte blanche! That's very generous of you Annie!

Annie became bright as red and ashamed and she looked down on her plate.

- That's not what I mean, she repeated again.

She wasn't saying the whole truth, because that's exactly what she meant, but not the way he was saying it.

- And now why not continue the course? You want to teach me on how not to get a girl pregnant? Or on shameful illnesses we can catch by having sex all the time… Can I come with them here? Since after all, this is my house isn't it? He continued joking.

But in reality, he was upset to see that Annie thought about him as unfaithful, to the point he would sleep with whomever… Why was that bothering him? She wasn't thinking about him as a potential suitor? She still had the dandy in her mind? It made him angry. She was telling him to go sleep elsewhere… so she could take the dandy back? So he didn't count for her at all? But why was that bothering him? But it was hurting him…

- Terry, if you understood that I'm encouraging you to spend the night outside of the house by sleeping with whomever, then I didn't make myself clear, she protested, that's not what I meant… what I meant was… oh dang! Forget about it! I don't know how to express myself!

Terry looked at her and his anger went away. Annie looked so vulnerable and so fragile, but she was stronger than looked. The poor girl was trying to make him feel better… he thought about the kiss he had given her, but in his memory, she was responding to the kiss and they were on his bed… Whoa! What was that?!

Annie continued with a sigh:

- What I'm trying to make you understand, it's that you've got your life and you don't have to mind me. I think I'm selfish… you helped me, you're letting me live under your roof without asking me for rent money, you gave me a job, a workshop and I take your evenings too, while you could've been with…

- Annie, for the love of God! I'm not a saint! I like helping you and spend time with you…

- I don't want you to feel forced to stay here with me… and if you decided not to spend the night here one day…if you decide to sleep out… I'm not your overprotective mother Terry…

Terry was starting to get irritated by this conversation.

- So if one night I don't come back from the theatre… you're not going to be worried at all?

- As a matter of fact… because you don't answer to me…

- All right… you won't go to the police or check hospitals to see if I wasn't in an accident… I can have fun with peace of mind…

- I see that I'm annoying you. I beg your pardon, said Annie after a moment of silence, that was not my goal.

Especially since she was thinking the opposite.

- Of course. But I appreciate the fact that you're worrying about my love life, but it's not necessary. I'm old enough to take care of it on my own.

- You're telling me to mind my own business?

- Mind your own business Annie Brighton! Said Terry with a disarming smile.

Annie was melting, he was so handsome!

- Let's forget this whole conversation, she said.

- What conversation? He said innocently.

She burst out laughing relieved. That horrible and embarrassing conversation has disappeared between them. Terry smiled and burst out laughing too. Annie was relieved… she was afraid to have irritated him. They want to have tea in the living room talking about everyday things.

oOoOoOoOoOo

It was December 31st … The day of the White Rose Ball in honor of Candice White Andrew, daughter of the billionaire William Albert Andrew, who was killed at war, months before.

All the women were wearing white, like it said in the invitation and the men were in black and white. All the members of the upper class were there.

Archibald offered to come and pick up Annie, but she nicely declined. But he wasn't discouraged. Mr. and Mrs. Brighton, Annie's parents were going to be at the ball. He knew he had their support.

The ball was taking place at the Andrew Manor in New York. It was big with lots of living rooms communicating with each other. There was a winter garden where Albert had planted Anthony's white roses "Sweet Candy". There was a butler at the door who was giving white roses to the guests, men and women. The one for the men were arranged to be put in their buttonhole and the ones for the ladies as a bracelet for their arm.

Albert was at the door with Patricia, radiant in the white dress she bought from Annie. Albert had given her a diamond necklace she was wearing. She had make up on and a nice up do, a perfect one. With Albert they made a beautiful couple.

Eleonor Baker arrived at the arm of the duke of Grandchester. She was wearing a beautiful white dress made by Annie and had she didn't have a single hair out of place in her beautiful up do.

Terry and Annie arrive together. Annie's dress was magnificent and her beautiful up do too.

- Annie, said Patricia, your dress is the best one!

- You're very beautiful Patricia, said Albert smiling.

- Good evening Patricia, said Annie smiling.

- Good evening, said Terry smiling, Patricia, you're delightful.

- Thank you Terry, said Patty smiling.

- Thank you for coming, said Albert smiling.

Terry and Annie continued their way into the manor, took the roses that the butler were giving them. Terry helped Annie put on her on her arm and she helped him put his on in the buttonhole. Then they had some fruit juice on a server's trey and started drinking.

Archie was looking at them. They looked like a couple… He approached the Brightons.

Annie was talking to Terry and she was laughing.

- The great aunt Elroy is wearing white, I wish it was a plunging neckline, said Terry.

- In the front or the back? Asked Annie smiling.

- Both!

They both burst out laughing together. Mr. and Mrs. Brighton arrived together, Archie in tow.

- Good evening Annie, said Archibald.

Annie and Terry turned around. Annie was surprised to see her parents.

- Mom, dad! She said, oh my God!

- Annie, said her father taking her in his arms, oh I've missed you my darling!

- Oh daddy! Said Annie hugging him back, I've missed you too!

- Good evening Annie, said Mrs. Brighton coldly.

- Good evening mom said Annie a little hurt by her mother's coldness.

She tuned to Terry.

- Dad, mom, let me introduce you to Terrence Grandchester, said Annie.

- Yes, said Mrs. Brighton coldly, the actor on Broadway…

- The King of Broadway! Said Mr. Brighton smiling.

- I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, said Terry kissing Mrs. Brightons hand and shaking Mr. Brighton's.

- We saw you stage last night, said, Mr. Brighton with your mother, you were both wonderful on stage.

- Terrence is the one accommodating Annie. Said Archie playing the snitch.

- What? Said Brighton indignant, Annie! You're living with a man without being married and without a chaperon!

- Well, you threw her out, said Mr. Brighton, now you're worried about her accommodation? She's been gone for months!

- She became crazy, with her suffragettes ideas. It's because of Candy! Now she's working like Candy and she's dating an actor, like Candy! Said Mrs. Brighton, while she could've been engaged to Archibald Cornwell. She rather be with an actor!

- Mom please! Said Annie offended.

Archie had a triumphant face. Terry looked at him and shook his head.

Eleonor, who was with the duke, wanted to greet their son. They walked together and they found the young couple with Archibald and the Brightons. They had heard Mrs. Brighton's last remark. The duke decided to defend his son.

- Good evening, he said, I'm the duke of Grandchester, Terrence's father.

- Eleonor Baker, Terrence's mother.

- I'm pleased to meet you, said Mr. Brighton smiling to Eleonor and kissing her hand, you're even more beautiful closer…

- Thank you, she said smiling.

- You're grace, said Mr. Brighton, Adam Brighton, Annie's father and this is my wife…

- Pleased to meet you, Mr. Brighton, Mrs. Brighton, said the duke kissing her hand.

- Your Grace, said Mrs. Brighton, you allowing your son to live with our daughter in sin?

- Sin? According to what I know, you threw your daughter out because she wanted to learn a profession and work…

- As a matter of fact, said Mrs. Brighton, working is a waste of time, for a young lady of the world…

- You think that making dresses is a waste of time? Said Eleonor, I suppose that the acting job is also degrading for you…

- I wouldn't want to offend you, you're excellent in what you do, but my Annie is not meant to work…, said Mrs. Brighton.

- Oh really? Said Eleonor Baker, well, she's the one who made the dress I'm wearing and the one the hostess who greeted you at the door is wearing… And I can assure you, that I only wear big quality clothes. Your daughter has a real talent and if I were you, I would encourage her and congratulate her…

Mrs. Brighton was speechless. She had admired Patricia's dress, Eleonor's and especially the one Annie was wearing. She would never have thought that her daughter made all those beautiful dresses!

- Annie made all those dresses? Oh my God! Said Mrs. Brighton.

- I'm very proud of you my darling, said Mr. Brighton.

- But she's still living in sin with that actor! Actors have loose morals! Said Mrs. Brighton.

- Honey, said Mr. Brighton, that actor is also the son of the duke of Grandchester and he's part of English nobility and I'm sure he's treating our daughter with the greatest respect. Right Annie?

- In fact my son gave her a room in his house because she was living on top of a little restaurant full of grumpy sailors…, said Eleonor, he's living with his governess who is a chaperon for them… would you have preferred for her to stay in that little restaurant?

- Euh no, of course not, said Mrs. Brighton.

- Thank you Terrence, for helping my daughter out, said Mr. Brighton.

- But since we're in New York now, you can come and live with us Annie and come back to Chicago. You've proven yourself, that you're able to work… you come back and you reconcile with Archie and everything will be back as it was before…

Terry and Annie looked at her parents without a word. And now all the eyes were on Annie. They were waiting for her answer.

- Mom, I'm sorry, but I'm staying with Terry. I'm working with him at the theatre and I'm working on my Spring collection… He offered me a sewing shop for Christmas and I intend to use it to continue making my dresses…

- But honey, what about Archibald?

- Mom, let me remind you that Archibald dropped me like a hot potato and I thought you'd be on my side instead of encouraging me to get back together with him…

- Annie, I'm begging you to forgive me, said Archie.

A voice was heard requesting silence from the guests in the room and Albert started his speech.

- The Ball tonight is the inauguration of the White Rose foundation in honor of Candice White Andrew, my daughter, who lost her life during the war in Europe. The foundation would consist in helping young girls who want to continue their studies, who find themselves out in the streets, abandoned… Candy always wanted to help people. A foundation helping young girls would've pleased her a lot. So we're waiting for you donations to make the foundation work. We need more courageous young girls, seeking their independence. Now we're going to open the dance floor to celebrate the last day of the year and the inauguration of the White Rose foundation. Why "white rose"? Because my sister's son, who is now deceased, created a white rose which he had baptized "Sweet Candy". Those roses are making a fortune today and I said to myself; calling the foundation like that would also honor my dear Anthony…

"Great! Like I needed to hear Candy's name associated with the flower boys!" said Terry to himself.

- Let's open the dance and let the party begin! Said Albert.

The guests applaud. The music started. Albert took Patricia and they started dancing. All the couples followed their example.

- Archibald, invite Annie to dance, said Mrs. Brighton.

- But, started Annie.

- Come on Annie, said Archie almost pulling her.

The duke invited Eleonor to dance. The Brightons also went to the dance floor. Terry looked at the dance floor. He wanted to invite Annie, but he said to himself that his gesture would be wrong interpreted… and while he was thing, the dandy took Annie of course! He turned around and he saw Elisa who was making him a beautiful smile in her beautiful white dress.

- Terrence? Who you care to dance with me?

- Euh…

- Please, it's for your dear Candy's foundation and my dear Anthony's…

- Very well, he said against his will

Eliza had him very tight against her. Terry didn't want to have her so close to her, but he didn't really have the choice…

Annie was dancing with Archie and she was looking at Eliza and Terry.

- You still can't stop looking at him! Said Archie,

- You're talking nonsense as usual Archie!

- All he wants is a roll in the hay with you, Annie…

- That's my problem Archie, not yours…

- I'm not going to let him play with you…

- Can you leave Terry alone please?

- Yes ma'am! He said smiling.

Annie couldn't help but smile. Terry was dancing with Eliza and he wanted the dance to end… and as soon as it did, he let go of her and left quickly…

- Terry! Wait!

- Eliza! Said her mother, you're making a fool of yourself! That's enough!

- But mom…

- I said that's enough! The suitor your father and I got for you is over there. He's walking towards us and he's going to invite you to dance and you going to comply without a word!

- Yes mom, said Eliza sulking.

She was looking at Terrence who was now dancing with Patricia smiling with all his teeth. He was so handsome. So she was forced to dance with the suitor her parents had found for her… he was far from being as handsome as Terry, of course, because no one was more handsome than Terrence for Eliza.

Annie was now dancing with her father.

- Honey, I'm sorry for not finding you home when I came back…

- I couldn't stay home anymore with mom, dad…

- I understood that… and if I didn't come looking for you it was to give you your independence… I knew you would've come back if you needed us…

- No dad. My days of the spoiled little girls are over. I have a goal and I'm going to reach it.

- What about Archibald?

- Daddy, Archibald doesn't want me to continue working…

- With the talent you have, it would be a great loss for the fashion industry! What about the young Grandchester?

- What about the young Grandchester?

- Do you have a thing for him?

- Terry helped me, because I'm Candy's sister and we have been friend since college, that's all…

- He's a very good friend then, said Mr. Brighton ironically.

- Yes, said Annie smiling.

During the whole evening, Annie danced with Albert and other people, but not with Terry. This last one spent his time talking to guests and dancing with different women, except with Annie. This last one felt neglected, which was of course ridiculous because she was wasn't expecting anything from Terry… Archie took advantage to turn around her. Patricia and Eleonor were advertising the dresses they were wearing for Annie who got lots of orders. Which irritated Archie.

- You still want to continue working?

- Archie, leave me alone, my life is not your problem anymore! You've had your chance, you've ruined it! Said Annie leaving.

- No Annie, it's not over!

oOoOoOoOoOo

When midnight rang, Annie was with Patricia, Albert and her parents. Everybody was kissing. Where was Terry? She went in the garden to look for him.

Archie was talking to Albert.

- Listen Archie, Annie has a passion now, she's not going to go backward, she's going forward… and if you want her back you need to accept her work, said Albert.

- But… all right, I suppose if she wants to work it won't be that bad… said Archie, I'll tell her…

He looked for Annie and he saw her in the winter garden. He followed her.

- Annie…

- Now what? She said annoyed.

- Annie… if you want to work, no problem. I agree…

- I didn't ask for you permission, as far as I know…!

- Calm down Annie…

- Leave-me alone Archie. I was a burden for you! I'm setting you free! Go away Archie!

- No Annie, you love me, you love me like crazy…

While he was saying that, he took her to kiss her. She was fighting him…

- No! Archie, stop! Archie!

- Annie, let go of yourself, I will do everything you want…

- No!

- She said to leave her alone! Said Terry pushing Archie.

- This is none of your business Grandchester! Leave her alone!

- No, you leave her alone; you've ruined your chance! Too bad for you!

- I want to marry you! It's more than what you're offering her!

- You're drunk dandy, get away!

- I'm not a drunk like you!

- Maybe so, but tonight, you're the one who had too much to drink!

- You want to fight?

- No! Said Annie, it's the inauguration of Candy's foundation! Don't ruin it with a fight!

- Archie, said Albert who had just arrived, let's go get you something to eat to sober you up a little…

- But Albert…, said Archie, I have to beat him up, he thinks he's all that…

- There is no way you're going to fight with my guest…

Albert took Archie with him. Annie stayed with Terry.

- Are you ok? Asked Terry.

- What does it matter to you? You barely remember I existed! She said irritated.

- But of course…

- I'm fine Terry… leave me alone… Happy New Year…

- Happy New Year… I've neglected you… I apologise… with your parents here… your mother wants you with Archie…

- You didn't hear my declaration?

- I did and I was proud of you…

- That's why you're avoiding me like the plague?

- Oh Annie…

- Midnight rang and you didn't even come to kiss me…

- It's a New Year's kiss that you want?

- Don't do me any favours! She said walking away.

- Annie…! Said Terry holding her back.

- What?

- Happy New Year…

He leaned to take her lips and kissed her softly. Annie put her arms around his neck, closed her eyes and kissed him back passionately. They were at the White Rose Ball in the winter garden at the Andrew Manor, people were looking at them, but they didn't care. They were savouring the kiss to the fullest.