Chapter 25- Truth Prevails
At the Leagan's estate in Crystal Lakes both Eliza and Neil shared their opinions on how matters had evolved for each other. They both felt that whatever they had wanted sooner or later they managed to acquire. The conversation turned into an argument when the siblings exchanged their opinion on each other's choice in partners.
"What do you see in that Reed? He is such a spineless man." Neil stated.
"Oh yeah? Well that is for my own benefit. If he were of stronger personality I would have a harder time getting what I want and whenever I want it." Eliza replied with annoyance.
"What about your choice in wife to be? Ha! She is the girl that we both despised while she lived here. Candy has turned out to be a disgraceful woman who lived with a man for over a year without being married; your marriage to her will be a mockery." Eliza continued to say.
"I have my good reasons for carrying out my plans with Candy. Indeed I will be more than satisfied to have her as my wife since all I expect is for an idiot lost in love to lose her forever." Neil replied.
"I guess you are right in that Archie will be devastated. It sickens me to know that all three of the cousins had fallen for that girl. My Anthony preferred her to me. If he would have stayed with me that day of the fox hunt his life would have been spared. I dislike Candy back then, but after that day I hated her for taking away the love of my life." Eliza said as she reminisced.
"I refuse to waste my emotions and suffer as many a fool has suffered over loving someone. Love is not for me; I do not want or need it. It seems to bind you and destroy you and who wants that?" Neil replied.
"You say that right now, but when it strikes you I will be hearing a different story. It will happen one day and you will be telling me a different story. There is no immunization against love." Eliza said.
"The story I am to tell is that tonight the engagement party is on. I wonder if there would be any beautiful ladies among the guests that would join me for a romp in the garden." Neil replied with a snicker.
Yet as Eliza thought her plans with Reed were on the up and up, it did not take Reed long to become annoyed with Eliza's constant nagging and whining. Reed, at times, felt suffocated and made excuses in order to avoid going to visit her in Crystal Lakes. He stayed at work for longer hours and it was then Reed met a woman that truly captivated him. His previous secretary, an older and frumpy woman, was replaced by an attractive and younger woman. Reed was lost in love with the new girl and his feelings for her were returned as well. As the days passed he continued to visit Eliza even less at her home. Eliza was not aware of Reed's change in attitude due to her own wedding preparations. Reed tried speaking to her about his feelings but she simply told him to make himself useful with the preparations. He felt trapped and manipulated. Reed maintained these feelings to himself the night of Neil's engagement party but it would not be for long.
Sarah was excited that morning since her son Neil would be announced as Candice's husband to be. She was pleasant, even around her mother Beatrice (50) whom she joined with her father Charles Hamilton (64) for a brisk walk around the property.
"Dear, you look radiant today. I am so happy for you and for my grandson Neil to have found love at last. I wish him all the happiness in the world." Beatrice said.
"Thank you Momma, I am glad you and Daddy could be here to share this special moment with us." Sarah replied.
"We would not have missed this for the world sweet pea." Charles said as he kissed his daughter Sarah who was now thirty-seven years old.
"Roger should be arriving any minute to join us for tonight's event. I am thrilled to have my family together for such a happy event." Sara stated.
At the Cornwell estate in Chicago the family had gathered and carried on a light conversation until the topic of choice became irresistible to ignore.
"Before there is much more to be said, I will let you know that tonight's event is not going to end well." Archie whispered to his mother Janice (53) who sat next to her husband Joseph (56).
Also present in the room were Grandmother Janette (81), who just last year lost her beloved husband Theodore (83) to pneumonia. Other family members were also present among them.
"Candice did not agree to the engagement, someone else has done it on her behalf. She refuses to be married off to Neil. So be prepared to watch the fireworks tonight at Lakewood." Archie continued to whisper.
"Oh my, it sounds like there will be dinner and a show after all. I would not miss this for the world. Sarah and her presumptuous son will be put in their place once and for all. " Janice replied quietly.
In another part of Chicago at the Elroy estate, Cora (74) with her husband Brian (78), their son Colin Nicholas (57), his wife Viola (55), and other members of their family sat down to have their breakfast outside by the garden since it was a lovely sunny day with a nice light breeze.
"Colin, Viola, I must warn you if anything is to go wrong tonight it may be due to the rowdy girl to whom your niece's son Neil is engaged. Candice White has been the obsession of your cousin Albert and has allowed her to be as free as possible. If you find her to be a bit unmannered it is simply because she was an orphaned girl who came into the family in her early teens. Heaven knows I tried to teach her but she has been a major task for me. Although she may be somewhat of a brute, something about her is intriguing; she is kind, especially to the service crew. We sent her abroad to study but she ran away and later became a registered nurse here in Chicago. Truly, she had no need for work since Albert fully provided for her needs. Apparently Neil had run into some trouble and Candice saved his life with her medical assistance. Neil seemed to be grateful despite their childhood rivalry; their recently found harmony has taken us by surprise. So we took it in our power to assign Neil as Candice's husband. She is an Ardlay heir therefore we would like to save the original family's hard earned riches if something were ever to happen to our Albert." Cora said as they all listened quietly.
"Mom, do you care for her even in the slightest way?" Colin asked.
"Well son, she has caused me a lot of grief but deep down within me there is something about her that draws me to towards her. Physically she reminds me of your darling Celeste, you, and Viola as well. Wait until you meet her and you will witness with your own eyes the resemblance; it is remarkable." Cora said as she sipped her tea.
"If Celeste were alive today she would be thirty-seven, and her baby girl would have been twenty years old." Viola said as she looked down.
"Mom you said her name is Candice right? How much more coincidental could that be since my grandchild's name was Candice Rose." Colin replied with intriguing eyes.
"Whatever type of girl this Candice is, I definitely would love to meet her. I cannot wait to see the resemblance you claim she has with my dear deceased daughter. She might bring me some joy at least." Viola added.
Back in Lakewood, Candice and Albert rejoiced in each other's company. The couple walked through the wooded property while reminiscing about the many things they had shared together.
"Oh Albert, I do not want our moment spent together to ever end. I am the happiest I have ever been in my life." Candice said as they walked hand in hand through the woods of Lakewood.
"Today is a marvelous day indeed-a day that has marked my life forever. Let's continue to enjoy its magnificence." Albert replied as he leaned down and passionately kissed Candice.
Once again the passion they felt for each other was uncontrollable and there in the midst of nature, with the wilderness as witnesses, their love culminated on a bed of green grass, daffodils, and clover.
The time had come when the guests began to arrive. Candice remained in her room until the main clock struck four-thirty. Albert was to come get her and escort her to the waiting room. As he approached her door, he lightly knocked and entered the bedroom. In front of him was Candice wearing one of the beautiful gowns he had chosen for her to wear that evening. The elegant soft champagne gown was strapless with an intricate satin bodice that crossed over from breasts to hips which further accentuated her hourglass figure. Past the hip area an abundant delicate flow of soft champagne chiffon reached the floor. The gown's color brought out Candice's angelic features; she was radiantly accessorized with decadent chandelier diamond earrings. Her hair was straightened to create soft waves and pinned up loosely in a chignon bun which created a romantic look. Candice's face was lightly powdered; a small amount of rouge colored her cheeks, and a light shade of coral lipstick was added to her lips.
"Darling, you look absolutely impressive. You are beyond words to describe…as if heaven had sent its most beautiful angel here…to me." Albert said as he grasped her hand to pull her towards him.
"Let me look at you once again." He said as he twirled Candice.
"You are more than beautiful and tonight you will make an unforgettable impression." Albert said with contentment.
"You really think I am that nice looking? Do you think I can pass the Aunt Elroy rule of approval?" Candice asked timidly.
"You are gorgeous! Sweetie, there is no doubt that you have surpassed any ruling." Albert said then he lightly kissed her painted lips.
As Candice entered the waiting room with Albert, Colin and Viola stood up immediately with great surprise. The Muir couple looked at each other in amazement.
"Oh dear that is our Celeste! Candice's resemblance to our daughter is beyond explanation." Viola said with astonishment.
"Let us approach her and make a proper introduction. Wouldn't you like that Viola?" Colin asked with excitement.
"Albert, would you mind introducing us to Candice? We would love to meet her." Colin whispered in Albert's ear.
"Of course Cousin Colin, it would be my pleasure; as soon as she is done speaking to your mother I will bring her to you. Isn't she a beauty? Trust me; she is by far more beautiful within." Albert said with pride.
"Candice, you have made me proud this evening. You look divine." Cora said with glee.
"Thank you Aunt Elroy." Candice said as she took Cora's hands.
"Even thought I have lost my patience and grown frustrated with you at times, it never meant that I hated you. I have never told anyone this before but you have always reminded me of someone very dear. Having you near only made me miss her more, therefore I had to put up a hard front and be the strong spirited woman you have encountered." Cora said with heartfelt relief.
"I am sorry for all the past grief I had caused you; I never intended it to happen." Candice hugged Cora tenderly.
"Do I really look like Celeste?" Candice asked as the embrace was concluded.
"Honey, you have no idea how much you resemble her this evening. And your eyes…it is as if my dear niece Rosemary looked at me through them." Cora said smiling as tears rolled down her face.
"Candice, if you don't mind, my cousin and his wife would love to meet you. Aunt Elroy if you would excuse us I promise to lavish you with kisses later." Albert said as we winked at Cora.
"You are the sweetest- go on then. My son waits to meet you." Cora said as she kissed Candice on the cheek.
Cousin Colin, Viola, let me introduce you to our Candice White-Ardlay. Albert spoke as Candice held Albert's arm.
"It is a pleasure to meet you both. Albert says you live in England. I loved it there when I had the opportunity to study in London." Candice said.
"It is our pleasure to meet you Miss Candice, we have heard so much about you and we certainly wanted to put a face to the name." Colin said.
"And what a face indeed. It is as if my own daughter stood before me." Viola replied.
"Your daughter was Celeste? I am sorry for your loss, I imagine you miss her terribly." Candice said as she reached for Viola's hands.
"Your hands…it is unbelievable…look, put your hands out dear." Viola said as they both compared each other's hands.
"They are of the same size and structure. You are indeed a gift from God!" Viola said with great surprise.
Albert and Colin were speechless as Candice and Viola continued to compare each other's hands.
"I want you to come visit me in London after you are married and settled with Neil. Once there you will see pictures of Celeste. You could even stay in her room if you wish." Viola said with excitement.
"I do thank you for the offer, it is very kind of you to invite me." Candice said as she embraced Viola.
"I must confess something; I have no intention to marry Neil, I do not love him." Candice whispered in Viola's ear. Viola pulled back in astonishment.
"Today is your engagement party and everyone is here to celebrate the event. I must confess I am a bit confused." Viola replied.
"Well you see Viola; someone has planned this engagement without Candice's acknowledgement and without my true approval. The engagement is not valid you see. But I am taking the opportunity of everyone being present to announce my position in the Ardlay Enterprises as you both already have known." Albert said as he took a gulp of his Scotch.
All eyes indeed were on Candice. She walked and everyone turned to see her. She seemed confident and upbeat with the large amount of guests present that evening. The time was five o'clock and everyone was asked to meet at the ballroom where Albert would introduce himself as the Patriarch of the Ardlay Empire. Shortly thereafter Albert would announce the news of the cancelled engagement. As Candice continued to be escorted by Albert, Archie managed to watch them as they passed by him.
"Candy!" Archie said loud enough for Candy to turn around.
"Excuse me Albert; I will meet you at the ballroom, I would like to have a word with Archie before it is all revealed." Candice said.
"Of course darling, as you wish." Albert replied as he looked at Archie.
"Candy, you found Albert, and he is here with you." Archie said with a distraught look.
"Archie, we need to find a place to talk and quickly; I have some news to give you that will make you want to sit down." Candice replied.
Candice was finally alone with Archie as was able to speak with him about all the news since they last saw each other.
"Candy you are irresistibly beautiful…if I were not a gentleman I would kiss you this very moment." Archie said as he smiled.
"Archie, please focus! We are here to talk seriously about Albert. He is not who we thought he was…Albert is William A. Ardlay, Great-uncle William, Mr. Ardlay himself!" Candice said with alarm.
"Huh?" Archie said in confusion.
"How do you know this?" Archie asked.
"I came today looking for Mr. Ardlay to tell him that I was refusing to participate in an engagement with Neil and to renounce to the family. I was stunned to see Albert here instead. He told me everything from how he adopted me to how he got your letter along with Anthony's and Stear's to keep me from leaving to Mexico. Remember? No one else knew about those letters. Albert is Great-uncle William." Candice said as she walked from side to side.
"Candy, I need a drink and something strong. So you are in love with your adoptive father?" Archie questioned as he held his head.
"Yes, I am in love with him. Besides, he loves me as well. We want to be together…but right now things are more complex than we expected. Albert is about to announce his position in the family and in the business world. Everyone will know he is my adopted father by law, but he truly has been a guardian and tutor. Not a father figure at all." Candice replied as she finally sat down.
"Candy, listen up, this is truly a terrible predicament. If you think about it, the media is here with reporters and cameras. How will you escape the gossip of the news? You both will be haunted for being immoral if you both pursue this relationship. The Ardlay businesses will suffer greatly; no one will want to make deals with a man that sleeps with his daughter." Archie said as he stood up to walk towards the door.
"I don't know what else to tell you Candy, but if you choose to continue seeing Albert, it may have to be kept secret for a long while." Archie said then he left the room.
Once in the ballroom everyone gathered, including the media. Candice before appearing took a big swig of her champagne glass and presumed to walk near Albert. Neil had arrived late and finally managed to stand next to Candice.
"Wow, you sure clean up well kitty cat." Neil said in intoxication.
"Candy, I really don't want to marry you, I am not ready for this. I like my life as it is, with my freedom to come and go as I please." Neil said as he hung by Candice's arm.
"Neil, compose yourself at once, can't you see people are starting to look at you?" Candice said firmly in a lowered voice.
Shortly after, Albert took another gulp of his Scotch and finished it; he handed the glass to Candice.
"Wish me luck sweetie." Albert whispered to then step forward for the announcements.
"I welcome and thank you all for coming and sharing with us an evening filled with surprises. Believe me; it will give you all something to talk about for years to come." Albert said with a strong voice and a powerful stance.
His appearance was immaculate. Albert wore a black tuxedo, with an accented pealed button shirt, cufflinks with the letter A and a champagne bowtie and handkerchief to match Candice's dress. Everyone paid close attention to Albert as he spoke and the photographers took numerous amounts of photos as he continued to speak.
"The Ardlay Empire was based on the diligent work of William Ardlay here in the Illinois area back in the 1800's. He married Ruby Stratford and began his family shortly after. From that union came one son, William Henry Ardlay and two lovely daughters, Cora and Janette Ardlay who are both here among us. Henry married the beautiful Priscilla Wellington and had two children late in life. This only allowed Henry to take over the Ardlay businesses to it maximum potential." Albertspoke with great passion referring back to his predecessors.
"Rosemary was their first born but died in her thirties. After the great Henry Ardlay and his dear wife died accidentally, their only male son, at the young age of thirteen, remained to inherit all the Ardlay Empire." Albert said and paused briefly as everyone paid close attention.
"I… am… William Albert Ardlay, the successor of all the Ardlay Empire in this country and abroad!" Albert said with a thunderous voice that carried throughout the ballroom.
"I am my father's son and behind closed doors I have ruled his Empire with intellect while gaining wisdom." Albert said with continued passion.
Everyone broke the silence with a great roar of applause and cheers. The guests were all excited and surprised to finally put a face to the patriarch of the Ardlay Empire. Candice was left breathless at the magnitude of respect being rendered to her Albert. He was rich and powerful beyond imagination and everyone present knew it. Candice clapped with excitement as tears of joy began to roll down her face.
Shortly after, Albert called up Candice to come forward.
"I will now introduce you a lady of great passion for the physically unwell. She possesses a heart of gold." Albert said as he pulled Candice closer to him in a half embrace while Candice bowed her head elegantly.
"As her financial benefactor I had the pleasure to assist this great person in a time of need during her youth. I am not to be confused for a father figure since I am only eleven years her senior." The guest laughed briefly as Albert stated.
"Her living an exemplary life has taught me to overcome hardships under any circumstance as a human being. I present to you all, Candice White." Albert stated as he remained in control of the audience.
Candice leaned over and whispered to him, "Neil just said he doesn't want to marry me either." With a hidden smile he continued to whisper back to Candice. "This gets even easier to do."
"May I have your attention once again? I have one more announcement to make. Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, the engagement between Neil Leagan and Candice White will not be taking place. Let us remain here to eat, drink and celebrate the event that will make a definite mark in the history of the business world which is my personal introduction to you all." Albert stated while the guests whispered amongst themselves.
Albert took two goblet of Amour de Deutz champagne and handed one to Candice as he raised his goblet to the audience. "It was my pleasure addressing you all this evening. Let us celebrate! Cheers everyone!"
Albert was suddenly swamped with reporters with questions regarding future business deals and plans. Albert answered many questions with great charisma and charm. Suddenly a reported asked the following:
"Mr. Ardlay, can you shed some light on your personal life? Are you married and do you have any children?" One reporter said.
Candice took that time to walk away from Albert's side to avoid any personal questioning being addressed to her.
"Well, I see that you don't play around with your questions. All I can say is that I am not married nor have any children of my own, but that can change very soon, I hope." Albert said with a smile.
"So that can only mean there is a special someone in your life, is that so Mr. Ardlay?" Another reporter asked quickly.
"If you must know, currently there is a special someone in my life and that is all the personal information I am willing to share with you tonight. Thank you, now if you would excuse me, the guests are expecting me." Albert replied then walked away to mingle with a few guests that were excited to speak to him.
After the announcements Albert made, Sarah Leagan was distraught about the engagement being dissolved. She searched for her son until she found him in one of the private rooms in the mansion. Neil was not alone; he was in the company of a very beautiful woman, one of the many musical entertainers for the event.
"Neil!" Sarah exclaimed as she approached him
"What is going on here, have you any shame?" Sarah said as she realized Neil and the woman were caught in a compromising situation. Neil's shirt was unbuttoned, and the collar was stained with the woman's lipstick.
"Oh mother, I am a man who loves the company of a beautiful lady and you are interrupting me. Please leave us at once." Neil said.
"By the way, if you are wondering, I had a change of heart at the last minute. I could not see myself living as my father does. I guess I am not as strong as he is. Having to live a lifetime with someone out of obligation is not my cup of tea." Neil continued to say as he gained courage with his drunken estate.
"You could only be inebriated to dare say what you are saying!" Sarah said appalled
"Yes I have been drinking, and no I am not getting married." "There is no use talking to you at this time. Do what you must tonight but you will have to face me along with the consequences of your choice tomorrow." Sarah said as she stormed out of the room in fury.
In another area of the mansion, Cora and her sister Janette spoke about the latest news and their old times.
"My dear sister Cora, how do you function among all the constant chaos that surrounds the family? I envy your strength and your determination to continue with your position." Janette said as she held her sister's hand.
"Janette, at times I have felt that my effort goes unrecognized but then after I sit back and observe with different eyes, it all has been worth my time. Albert has needed me for so long but at last he has reached his potential in all areas. He has the last word in his dealings, and I will not go against him, especially if it deals with Candice. Did you notice that he addressed her without the Ardlay surname? And that he has a special someone in his life when he has never been seen with a lady?" Cora said.
"Yes I noticed. I wonder what he has in mind with Candice. She is very beautiful and tonight I barely recognized her. I even noticed how she looked at Albert. I can spot the look of love when I see it." Janette replied.
"Yes indeed, it even surprised me more when he returned the same look to Candice after he told the reporter about the special someone." Cora said.
"Well, they are not really related so what if they do fall in love? He never publically said she was his adopted daughter. He only addressed himself as her financial benefactor." Janette replied.
"I had always feared this would happen, they are only eleven years apart and he has watched her bloom into a beautiful rose." Cora said then became lost in her thoughts.
"Whatever Albert chooses to do, he will do. Yet whomever he chooses to be with will have to share him with his hectic business. That will test the true love for any woman." Cora said.
"All this talk of true love only makes me miss my beloved husband Theo. I cannot believe that he has been gone two years. I still cry when I lay down in our bed." Janette stated with sadness.
"My dear sister, I love you so and I hate to see you get down. I myself never stopped thinking about my first love Edgar. I have never forgotten so much about our short lived romance. With Brian is a different relationship. But if something were to happen to my husband I would collapse. He is my strength, my number one supporter, and the one who has encouraged me through all my trials." Cora said and then got up.
"Do you remember how we laughed at my piano instructor Mr. Milner, his awful breath, and his thin appearance? We were so naughty." Cora said to divert the sadden moment.
"Oh yes, out of so many memories the ones about our youth still remain. We had great times together did we not?" Janette replied as she walked toward her sister to embrace her.
"I love you so much and I love every moment spent with you Janette." Cora said as she embraced and kissed Janette's cheek tenderly.
The sister continued to enjoy their company not knowing that Janette's life would end in a year due to a hidden heart condition.
Back in the ballroom, Roger Leagan arrived shortly after the announcements were made. He stood as he sipped his cognac; he had not set foot in Lakewood in many years. There, in Lakewood, he proposed to his deceased wife Celeste and the memories of such event flooded his mind. As he stood there silently, Candice approached him from behind and without a word she tapped Roger on the shoulder. Roger turned around suddenly and with great surprised dropped his glass of cognac.
"Celeste…" Roger said with an astonished look. Candice stepped back as the glass shattered and the drink splashed.
"Mr. Leagan! It is me, Candice White. Are you well? I am sorry to have startled you." Candice said.
"I am sorry; you took me by surprise that is all." Roger said as they moved past the spilled beverage that was quickly cleaned up by the service staff.
"It has been a while since I last saw you dear. You look amazing." Roger continued to say.
"Thank you Mr. Leagan." Candice replied.
"Please forgive my family for all the hurt they have caused you and continue to cause you. It seems they do as they please without consulting me. I wish you well dear. You have so much potential and I admire your perseverance." Roger said as he grasped Candice's hands.
"I have forgiven them already Mr. Leagan. Thank you for your kind words; you have always been good to me." Candice replied and paused.
"Mr. Leagan… I wish to share with you something very private if I may." Candice said as she looked directly into Roger's eyes.
"Yes of course. Let us move away from this crowd." Roger held out his arm for Candice to grasp and headed towards the terrace.
"I know that you were once married to the Muir's daughter. Do think I resemble her as well?" Candice asked timidly.
"Candice, since the first time you and I came face to face I was curious about the certain similarities. But tonight, you look exactly as Celeste did under these lights many years ago. Besides, the first time I heard your name it shocked me since I wanted my deceased daughter's name to be Candice. Celeste and I were so excited to name our future daughter Candice Rose. She would have been your age if she had survived her birth. I cannot believe they have been gone twenty years." Roger said with a distant look in his eyes.
"Many years ago I overheard the help talk about the loss of your first wife and your daughter, and I am so sorry for the constant sad reminder I may be for you." Candice said as they reached the terrace.
"I loved Celeste like I have never loved before and your resemblance causes me no pain; on the contraire, it serves me as consolation." Roger replied as he pulled out a chair for Candice to sit.
"Speaking of appearances, I often wonder who did I take after, my mother or my father, and what truly happened to them." Candice replied.
"I can only imagine the feeling of uncertainness you must feel. Growing up with so many unanswered questions must have been very difficult for you. I had wondered about your parents when you lived with us therefore I ordered a search for your birth records. Unfortunately there were no such records available for you before your stay in the orphanage." Roger said honestly.
"Oh Mr. Leagan, you truly amaze me. You made an effort to find my parents. How kind of you! Your children are very fortunate to have you. I wish my real father would have been someone like you." Candice said as she launched herself to embrace Roger.
Yet, at the Leagan's residence an unforgettable event was about to take place. Gertrude had collected all her written proof about Candice's origin and had laid it on her bed. She was nervous, her face was blotched and her eyes were swollen from the constant crying spells. The decision to reveal everything to the Leagan's was made. Gertrude had asked the butler to come to her room at ten at night in order to deliver an urgent message to the Leagans. Gertrude acted strange that night during dinner. She seemed distant and preoccupied without much to say to the rest of the staff until after she was done with her dinner. Gertrude stood up and addressed her coworkers.
"I want you to know that I care for each and every one of you. It is a pleasure to work with a great team of servants." Gertrude then briefly passed everyone some of her personal items she had collected through the years. She left the dining area before her eyes welled up again with uncontrollable tears.
Ten o'clock had struck at the Leagan residence and the butler knocked on Gertrude's door. After no answer came from the room the butler turned the unlocked door knob and found the room without any light.
"Gertrude, are you sleeping? You had asked me to come get a message for the Leagans. Gertrude, wake up please." The butler said as he turned on the light switch, but the lights were not working.
As he continued to walk in to find the night stand he ran into Gertrude's lifeless body that hanged from her ceiling's light fixture. Alarmed, the butler screamed out for help several times. Some of the service staff heard him and came to see about the commotion in Gertrude's room. Once the lamp was turned on they saw Gertrude's body hanging. Her diaries on her bed were also visible along with a letter addressed to Mr. Leagan.
The Leagans had remained in Lakewood as the festivity continued. A messenger was sent immediately to deliver the news to Roger and his wife before handing over the matter to the authorities.
"Sir, there is a messenger from your home that insisted he had an urgent matter to discuss with you. If you would like to receive him he is waiting for you in a private room." A member of the Lakewood service staff said quietly to Roger.
"If it is urgent then I should go see about it. Candice, if you do not mind, I would like to excuse myself from your presence. I must tell you that I had a very lovely time chatting with you dear. Let it not be the last time we speak with such earnest." Roger said as he kissed Candice's hand.
"As you wish Mr. Leagan; I will make time to come visit you more often." Candice replied.
Once in the private room the messenger told Roger what had happened in his home. Roger was alarmed and stood up with grave distress. He asked the staff at the Lakewood residence to find his wife and to bring her immediately outside where he would be waiting for her in the automobile. Sarah was quickly escorted out and soon both were driven back to Crystal Lakes.
"Mr. and Mrs. Leagan, with all due respect we have not moved the body until you instruct us on what to do next." The driver said.
"Thank you. Let no one outside our home know what has happened. We do not need to attract any attention to the matter." Roger replied as Sarah held his hand in support.
Both Roger and Sarah were received and taken to Gertrude's room. Sarah collapsed to the floor at the first glimpse of her faithful servant of many years.
"Gertrude what have you done? Why did you do this?" Sarah cried.
"Mr. Leagan, Gertrude instructed me to deliver an urgent message to you prior to this happening. She left you a sealed envelope. I believe it may contain what she needed to say." The butler stated.
"I will read the message first, and then I will decide what to do next." Roger said as the envelope was placed on his hand. He remained in Gertrude's room and read the following:
Mr. Leagan,
I have caused you a great injustice. I know I cannot be forgiven for my wrongdoing. Your daughter Candice Rose never died; she lives. I could not stay with the secret any longer especially after knowing that the half siblings would be engaged to be husband and wife. Yes, Candice White is your legitimate daughter. I leave you all my diaries with many entries about your daughter and what led me to do what I did twenty years ago. You and Candice did not deserve this. She is a remarkable human being and is very much like her mother Celeste and has many of your attributes. Take care of Ms. Sarah, she truly loves you.
Gertrude
"Oh God, My daughter lives!" Roger hollered as he fell to his knees and wept loudly as a mixture of emotions flooded him.
to be continued...
Thank you again for your continued interest, for your comments, and your messages. Stay tuned for the final chapter of A Distant Rose Among Thorns, Chapter 26- A Love That Prevails All, which will be posted by Monday March 11, 2013.