- Chapter 7 -
Andley House was one of America's largest Mansions. It was built at the time when families needed to show their power and wealth by erecting such large edifices that could house many families at once, and no expenses were spared with the furnishings. It looked more like a French Chateau of the Loire Valley than a Mansion. It also had acres of land including an impressive English Garden complete with a maze and adorned with real ancient Roman Statuary. Candy looked around, in awe. She had forgotten how grand and stately the Mansion was. She remembered how large it had seemed from the plane ride she had with Stear and the few days they had spent there last summer. At time, there was always the feeling of being an unwanted family member, of being a kind of trespasser…now, there with Albert, she felt different…now, it was as if she finally had a home of her own…albeit a very large home.
A cadre of servants welcomed them. George did the introductions of the staff, among them was James, the full time chauffeur, Jeeves the English Butler, and Betty, who was going to be Candy's full time assistant when she was in residence at the mansion.
"So many people…" whispered Candy when they all took their leave. There were thrice as many servants than at the Leegan Mansion.
"This Mansion is too big for my tastes…" Albert admitted. "One day, we will create a university on these lands, and this will be the main building…" he said. "But in the meantime, would you like a personal tour…you have never been here, right?"
"Well, I was here very briefly last summer…" Candy said, "Do you really want a University here…why not now?"
"Well, because Elroy is too attached to this building…it has been in the family a long time…I personally have no attachment to it and it is far too big and ostentatious for me…although, it comes in handy for guests…take Terry for instance…he's going to feel right at home here…"
"Terry…that's right…we have to go fetch them!" Candy remembered.
Candy then stopped. They had reached the formal salon, which was full of family portraits. There, staring at her, was a Mary Cassatt1 painting of Anthony.
"Anthony!" she murmured. Anthony was standing naturally, holding a white rose in his right hand.
"Oh…that's right…I had one painted of him when he turned 12…" Albert said.
Candy went up and regarded the painting. "He looks so full of life…" she murmured, wistfully. "The painter captured him splendidly…"
"Yes, we are lucky to have had Mary Cassatt paint him and capture him thus. That is why we have to make the most of our time here…we don't know how long we are going to be on this earth…" Albert said, putting his hand on her shoulder.
"Albert, my son…you are here!" an older woman's voice said.
"Aunt Elroy! Good morning…" Albert replied, greeting her formally.
"Great Aunt Elroy!" Candy murmured. After the episode in her apartment yesterday, she wasn't quite sure how the grande dame would receive her.
"So good to see you…we spent one last night at our apartment…" Albert continued.
"Oh…I see…" she said, looking at them. "It is good that I saw you; I leave for Lakewood shortly…" Elroy's eyes were soft as she looked at Candice White. "Candice, child…may I have a word with you?" she asked, politely.
Candy looked at Albert who gave her a nod. "Yes, Great Aunt…" she replied.
Elroy motioned her towards the settee. Albert took his leave and left them alone so that they had some privacy. Candy felt her knees quake…she had always respected the Great Aunt, even if the pronouncements out of her mouth were never kind or compassionate for her…they were always full of scorn.
"Please, sit down, Candice…" she motioned to her. Always formal to a fault, Elroy sat down first. "I know the last few hours have been quite revealing, for all of us…" she started, "and the depth of these revelations has been great for me, child…I want to personally thank you for the care and interest you took with my dear William Albert, and I also want to apologize for the hubbub in…" she couldn't bring herself to say 'your' "the apartment…looking back upon…it…it was uncalled for…"
"Great Aunt Elroy…I just did what my heart called me to do…I have loved Albert as a brother since I met him…he has always been so kind, so helpful, so insightful…I could not leave him alone to suffer in the darkness of his amnesic mind or to die from desperation…that is what they wanted to do with him…to abandon him…"
"Oh heavens!" Elroy said, horrified, sniffing her handkerchief. The thought of Albert amnesic tormented and frightened her to no end. "Perhaps I have been too severe and too quick to judge you, child…after all, Anthony and the boys always spoke very highly of you, and obviously William, strange as he is, I will never understand him, saw something in you that compelled him to adopt you…therefore Candice, may I extend to you my gratitude and my respect to you…I am not too old to admit my faults and I hope that you can look upon me as you would a grandmother…I will do my best to be there for you, my dear…"
Candy felt her mind spin…was this really happening? Was the Great Aunt finally accepting her wholeheartedly?
"Oh! Great Aunt Elroy…may I kiss you?" Candy said, touched.
The lady nodded and Candy promptly kissed her on both cheeks. "I wish I could be more of a lady, Great Aunt…please know that I try my best…"
"Child…a true lady knows the concept of noblesse oblige and lives it…perhaps we don't know who your parents were, but you carry something in your blood that allows you to live it and to extend it to all who come in contact with you…I was blind and prejudiced not to see it…now, tell me, what is the situation with young Master Grandchester?"
Candy spent about an hour telling her the whole story.
"Well, I must say…this is quite a strange story, Candice…but if you and this young man feel you are doing what needs to be done and William has blessed you, then all I can ask is that you consider me a witness when the time comes…"
"I would be honored, Great Aunt…"
"I take leave of you know, I will be staying a Lakewood for a while…please know that I will be happy to have you over, if you so desire…the house there is yours now…" she offered.
Candy nodded. "Have a safe trip, Great Aunt Elroy…" she said.
The older lady looked at her. Her eyes were kind to her now. She assented then left.
The grandfather clock wheezed then chimed 11 o'clock in the morning. "Terry!" Candy murmured. She went back out to the grand hall, where Albert was saying goodbye to Elroy.
"Albert…I almost forgot about Terry…he's probably thinking I've abandoned him…"
"I'm sure it is nothing of the sort, he knows it was a bit crazy yesterday…why don't you call him…there a telephone in my study…" Albert offered. He showed Candy the way.
Candy followed him again…she had to pay attention if she did not want to get lost in such a huge Mansion.
"Here it is…there is a switchboard at the Congress hotel, and I know the presidential suite has a phone…and conveniently, I've got the number." he winked.
Candy had never used a telephone before. "Er…I don't know how to use it…" she admitted.
"Oh! Well that will be remedied right away. See, this is the receiver…you put this end up to your ear, that is where you listen, and this end needs to be close to your mouth, that is where you speak in…and this base…see the numbers? Dial 1000 and you will get the operator…if anybody ever asks you, we are Andley 0001…we had the first phone in all of Chicago." he explained. "One day, if you are interested, I can tell you how all this works…I wish Stear were around…he was completely fascinated by telephony technology…" he sighed, a bit sad.
Candy thought it was a clever device. She had no problem dialing. "Operator, Chicago Central, may I help you?" came the female voice. This was magic! Candy thought.
"Congress, 2903 please…" Candy told the operator. How wonderful that she could talk on the phone with Terry!
"Congress, 2903, one moment please…" The call went into the hotel switchboard, their operator answered. Candy requested the presidential suite and was passed on.
"Good morning, presidential suite…" Candy recognized the butler's voice.
"Good morning…it is Miss Andley…I am looking for Mr. Grandchester…" Candy thought that sounded quite dignified.
"At once, mademoiselle…" the line cracked at bit. Candy could her footsteps walk away, then a muffled conversation, then footsteps approaching.
"Freckles? Darling, where are you? I'm like a tiger in a cage here!" Terry complained at once.
"You are exaggerating again, aren't you?" She almost laughed into the phone.
"Maybe I am, a little bit…" he admitted.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, always concerned about Terry's health.
"Finer than frog's hair… Mother has been fussing over me so much that I can't really complain…" Terry was jovial….so wonderful to hear him in such good spirits!
"Listen, I want to come over and pick you up, is that alright?" she asked him.
"Candy, you don't even need to ask…are we going to sleep under the same roof again?" Always trying to slide a sly joke in!
"Terry Grandchester! The operator is probably listening!" she chastised nervously.
"Good, I just probably perked up her day a bit …you know what I meant, are you at the Andley mansion…you must be, if you are calling on the phone…"
"Yes…Albert and I want to come over to pick you up, if that is alright with your mother."
"It is…please come straight away…" Terry said impatiently.
Eleanor and Terry had seen very large estates, but even Terry had to admit to himself the Andley Mansion was one of the biggest he had ever seen…and he had been to quite a few in England. But Albert's genuine hospitality and Candy's graciousness helped them feel right at home. Terry was given a room just a few doors down from Candy's room.
The better part of that day was spent by Terry and Candy exploring the grounds together. He was delighted with the stables and cursed his current state…he was itching to go riding. His favorite room, however, was the library. It contained a wealth of books and manuscripts; most of them very old. There were some newer ones, though. "One day, I will have a library as fine as this one…" he promised himself. Candy made a mental note of it.
The next few days were spent in relaxation, Candy and Terry spending a lot of time in the library where Terry would read, or practice with Eleanor. Candy either watched them or wrote letters. One afternoon Eleanor and Terry had gone shopping, and Candy had Archie, Annie and Patty over for tea. There, she explained to them everything that had happened. Candy was glad that finally Archie and Terry had settled their latent animosity. She only wished that Stear was around to enjoy her new found happiness…
Sometimes, when she and Terry were in the library passing time, she would watch him in silence…everything seemed like it had been another lifetime…the events that had prompted his return into her life were so sudden and violent, and now they were peaceably together, and Terry regaining his full strength. His face was no longer bruised or battered and his whole being reflected joie de vivre.
Terry had given her the Robert Frost book of poems, "A Boy's Will" for her to keep. She had come to enjoy and appreciate them, especially one that he had recited for them at the clinic…A Prayer in Spring. How true had the last line rang to her now…
For this is love and nothing else is, love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfill.
Friday, May 7th 1915 arrived, with various players in a state of secrecy. Candy, who was still so focused on Terry's recuperation and with the events surrounding Albert's revelation had totally forgotten about her 17th birthday. However, Terry and Albert had hatched other plans. With the help of Eleanor, Archie, Annie and Patty, they were going to throw her a surprise birthday party dinner.
Late Thursday night was witness to a secret meeting in Albert's study. Candy was sweetly sleeping while the usual suspects plotted the festivities in her honor.
"I'll do the easiest part…" Terry said, "…I'll get her out of the house…the only request I have is that you make sure she gets a big cake." he asked, knowing quite well his beloved's insatiable proclivity for pastries and baked goods.
"I'll try to see if I can find a Lanvin tea gown for her here in Chicago." Eleanor said, "I'd dearly would like her to have one…"
"There is a small French boutique on the Magnificent Mile that carries Lanvin and some Fortuny…it may not be from the spring collection, but they should have it…" Archie said at once. He couldn't believe he was having this conversation with his favorite star, who was almost part of the family now.
"Oh, how wonderful…would you like to come with me to help pick it out…it seems you have impeccable taste and you know Candy better than I do." Eleanor asked, her eyes smiling at the elegant young man.
"Would I?" he asked, "I'd me most honored, my lady!" he said. "You don't mind if Patricia and Annie to come along with us?"
"Of course not, my dear young Cornwell…" she said. "I'd love to treat all of you to some small gift, too…perhaps we can do lunch as well!"
Archie was over the moon. Imagine, shopping and lunch with Eleanor Baker! How he dearly wished his brother was there. His eyes saddened a bit. There had been no more letters from Stear in the last few weeks.
"I'll talk to the cook then about the menu…" Albert, the most gastronomically inclined of the group, said "How about a chilled cucumber soup to start, then a nice prime rib with mashed potatoes, sweet spring peas, creamed spinach and Yorkshire puddings…I've got a couple of nice bottles of Rothschild 1898 in the cellar that should go well…plus, there is the cheese course…I have to make sure I have quince paste for the manchego." he mused.
So it was decided. Candy suspected nothing the following morning, and Terry did nothing to bring anything regarding her birthday up.
They were having breakfast alfresco on the patio of the Mansion, with a wonderful view of the English Garden with its maze.
"If I didn't know better, I'd think for a moment we are in England…" Terry said, taking a sip of his tea. These were the moments he loved best with Candy; when they were relaxed, in full intimacy and just enjoying each other's company.
"Do you miss England?" Candy asked. The sun was starting to shine brightly, so she opened her parasol. The alabaster handle was carved to look like a swan's head.
"Not as much as I thought I would…I missed you a lot more than England, truth be told…" he said, his eyes looking at her very deeply. He was dressed head to toe in crisp bone colored linen, most appropriate for the May day.
Candy shyly adverted his eyes. "You know, we should go see Dr. Martin today…I think your stitches are ready to come out…"
"Grand! I must say Freckles, if it weren't for the olive oil, I would have scratched myself to death…I'm ready for the sutures to come out…" he said, relieved that now the day had a purpose and he could remove the unsuspecting Candy from the house.
"You see! And you complained about smelling like a salad…" Candy reminded him, "Also, Dr. Martin should run a quick tetanus test…I think you aren't going to get it, but we should make sure…"
"That would be good news…the sooner I can go back to New York, the better." he said, getting up and going towards the ledge. He peered over the garden.
Candy understood. The sooner he went back to New York, the sooner he could regain his momentum in his career and the sooner he would be able to talk with Suzanne. She now dreaded not having him everyday by her side, but they both had agreed to his plan. She joined him and put her hand on his.
"I'll miss you…Terry…I just thank God you are all better…I was so scared and frightened when you arrived at the clinic…you don't know how close you were to dying…that would have really made my misery and sorrow complete…if you had died in front of me…" she said with a slight shudder.
"I was dead, Candice…I died the day you left New York…I feel reborn now…" he said, taking her in his arms and giving her a peck on the cheek. "Well now, shall we go see the good Dr.?"
"Yes, and while we are out, I might as well buy some gifts for the children at Pony's Home…since I will be heading out there when you leave…" she said.
'Perfect!' Terry thought to himself '…the more time we spend out of the Mansion, the better…plus I get to have her all to my self!'
"Terry! Haven't you heard I thing I said?" Candy asked again, realizing Terry was lost in his thoughts.
"Yes, darling?" Terry refocused his eyes on hers.
"I said, why don't we go back to the Magnificent Mile…there is a good toy store there…" Candy said "Plus, we can have lunch at the Drake2…"
Terry's mind wasn't so happy any more…if they were also going to the Magnificent Mile, they might run into his mother and Archie and the girls. He decided he had to chance it, in order not to raise any suspicions.
"Of course, love…plus I owe you a lunch…" he smiled.
"You got good genetics and sound constitution, young Grandchester…" Dr. Martin said, pulling out the last stitch. Candy helped him finish the task by gently wiping the area and handing Terry his undershirt and shirt so that he could get dressed again. She was relieved to see the healed wound. "You healed a lot better than I thought…and your blood panel is clear, so no tetanus…you're one lucky fool, you know that? I've lost a few patients over the years due to knifings in bars…"
"A little bit of all the above…" Terry said, relieved. "I guess I will leave for New York in a couple of days…" he thought out loud.
'So soon!' Candy said to herself, felling her heart pull.
"I'm going to be at Pony's Home for a few months, Dr. Martin, but I will be checking with you on the progress of the new clinic…" Candy said, putting everything back in order and getting ready to leave.
"You don't know how well the word about the new clinic is being received…everyone around here is impatient to have it now…your idea was pure genius, young lady…" Dr. Martin said. The new clinic was now his life's work and gave him purpose and direction. He found that he no longer needed alcohol as a crutch.
"I'm just trying to further your original idea, Dr. Martin…" she said, kissing him on the cheek.
'Well then, youngsters…Terry, if I don't see you for a while, Godspeed…I guess the next time I see you, it will be as a groom, eh?" he said.
"That's the plan, Dr. Martin…" Terry said, as Candy blushed. "Thank you, again…you saved my life…"
"Doctors provide the technology and science, the patient provides the will to power, young man…ever read Friedrich Nietzsche? You seem like a person who would…"
"A little bit…I'll have to revisit it, it may be more relevant now…" Terry said, making a mental note of it, "Although certain prayers from a Freckled Nurse Angel helped out as well…" He looked at Candy with adoring eyes.
With that, they said their goodbyes and they walked towards where James was waiting with the car.
Terry was a bit on edge the whole time they were at the Magnificent Mile. He was secretly hoping they would not run into his mother's shopping party. Thankfully, Candy was only interested in the toy store. Uncharacteristically of her, she did not mention anything about lunch until it was one o'clock.
She had given James all the shopping bags with the presents. "I think I'd like some lunch." she finally hinted at Terry.
"Anytime you want, darling…where are we going?"
"The Drake has a lovely Palm Court with a great luncheon…" she reminded him of her earlier suggestion.
"Sounds good …walk or drive?" Terry responded.
"Drive…it is not far, but that way James can get something to eat there, too…"
So off they went. Candy was so animated, talking about her upcoming stay at Pony's Home. Terry delighted in hearing her enthusiasm. Shortly they arrived at the Drake and made their way to the Palm Court.
"Two, please…" Terry said to the Maitre D' "…if you have a private booth, the better."
"At once, Monsieur…Mademoiselle…" he said, motioning them to follow him.
"Private booth?" Candy asked.
"Yes…I may decide to steal a few pecks from your lips in between the courses…" Terry said with a playful grin.
"You seem to think that I may find you more interesting than my chef salad…" Candy huffed, jokingly as well.
"The taste from my lips will be the missing ingredient, Freckles…" Terry said, then a group caught his eye. Good heavens, of all places to run into them! He had to think quickly. He readjusted where he was walking, imperceptibly so that Candy wouldn't suspect. Perhaps that way, even if she turned to look at him, she would not see them. To his relief, the maitre d' was leading them away.
Cornwell also saw Grandchester from afar and said, "Dear me! They are here!"
"Who?" Annie asked. Patty and Eleanor Baker were engrossed in a conversation about Voltaire's Candide. They had finished their meal and were lingering over their espressos.
"Who else…Candy and Terry…don't look!" Archie said, averting his eyes.
"Now what?" Annie whispered. She was afraid the whole day's plan was going to fall apart.
"Phew! Looks like they are moving away towards the private booth…" Archie said. The booth had a curtain that allowed for complete privacy3. Grandchester, couldn't he make is less obvious how much he was smitten by his cousin? he thought to himself. He then noticed that the nobleman didn't pull the curtain shut once they were seated.
"Eleanor, Patty…we should leave…Terry and Candy just arrived to have lunch…" he said, politely interrupting.
"Here?" Eleanor said, finding it amusing.
"Of all the places to eat in Chicago!" Patty smiled, finding the coincidence funny.
With that, they paid their bill and discreetly left.
Candy suspected nothing when they got back to the Andley Mansion. After lunch, Terry had managed to engage her in more shopping, this time at the bookstore. He took it upon himself to buy several books of classics for the children at the home. "Best to start them out young with literature, Freckles…it is a shame I won't be going there right away to go read it to them..." he mused. By the time they returned , it was late afternoon. They alighted from the car and started to make their way up the marble steps of the Mansion. Jeeves warmly received them and they entered the grand hall. "Tea service, Miss Candy?" he asked.
"Not today, Jeeves, thank you." she said. Their lunch was so late they already had some tea with sweets after the meal.
"As you wish…" he said, excusing himself with the packages James had brought in. He headed up the grand staircase towards Candy's room.
"I could use a bath…" Candy said, a bit exhausted. She was surprised Terry had kept up with her. 'He must be wholly well, if he did…' she thought to herself.
"Me too…too bad we can't take one together…" he said, just with a hint of sensuality.
"Terry!" she said, scandalized.
"Freckles, you astound me…after you personally bathed me when I was unconscious…why so squirrelly…did you see something that you didn't like?" he poked, good naturedly.
"That was different!" she said, completely off guard, blushing madly.
"When we are married, it won't be…you'll get used to it, you'll see…" he said, his eyes twinkling at her.
"But we are not now, so don't talk to me like that with that look on your face!" She couldn't believe they were having this conversation.
"Like what and how, darling?" he said, playing innocent.
"Like you are right now!" Even though she was swooning at the glances he was giving her, her sense of pudor overrode whatever feelings were stirred up in her.
"God created Adam and Eve without a shred of clothing, may I remind you, love…" he said, enjoying the little interplay. "The human body is nothing to be ashamed of…you should know that, with your anatomy lessons…"
"Terry!" Candy was getting redder by the moment.
"Don't Terry me, love…" he tried to keep his face straight.
"That's different! When you are patient it is different!" she said.
"Why is it different...you love me less as a patient?"
"No! Of course not! But you don't understand…it is different!" Candy was getting flustered and more embarrassed by the minute.
Terry decided to let it go…he could tell she was getting uncomfortable and the last thing he wanted to do was to get her upset before dinner.
"Don't worry Candy…I do understand...you are a very professional, focused nurse…you can't think that way when you are working… it is the same for me in the theatre…" he said, changing the subject, "Can you imagine, if I go around kissing my co stars the same way I kiss my beloved…I have to pretend to make it look real but I can't pour my soul into each kiss…that is only reserved for you." he said, pecking her forehead. "Listen, early this morning I took the liberty of asking the cook to prepare a special meal for us tonight…just for us…do you mind?" he said.
Candy was relieved the conversation had taken another path. "How wonderful, Terry! What is the occasion?" her voice was happy.
Terry still couldn't believe she did not remember, although that was perfect that she didn't…the surprise was truly going to be great for her and he was anticipating seeing her face light up when it happened.
"Just because…" he said.
Candy took great care in her personal toilette that evening. She wanted to look fabulous for Terry. Betty, her personal attendant, fussed over her.
"So lovely, like my lady Rosemary!" she exclaimed as she put the finishing touches. Candy looked very grown up…lovely and dignified. She was wearing a dark green dinner dress in heavy duponi silk. She had been surprised to find it on her bed, with a note from Terry, saying it was a gift.
"You knew Mrs. Brown?" Candy asked. She had to admit she liked what was being reflected back to her in the mirror.
"Why yes, dear…I was her personal assistant. The most wonderful creature that ever was…so beautiful, so kind, so gentle…n'er was anybody else like her, except you, Miss Candy." Betty said, wiping a tear, "Won't Master Grandchester be bewitched by you this evening!" she gushed.
Candy got up. "It is time that I meet him for dinner…" she said. Suddenly she wondered where everyone else had gone to…she hadn't seen anybody all day.
Punctual to a fault, her bedroom door knocked. Candy knew it was Terry.
She opened the door and found him there, with a large smile on his face. He was impeccably dressed for dinner with white tie. 'That had to be one big shopping trip with Eleanor…' Candy thought to herself.
"You look exquisite, Candice…" he admired, taking her gloved hand and kissing it. Candy could feel the warmth of his lips through the kidskin.
"You clean up well yourself…" she replied, "Shall we?"
"Onward!" he said. They started to head toward the grand staircase. Candy then realized it was all dim, lighted by candles only. As they reached the head of the stairs, out of nowhere, strands of the love suite from Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet started playing. Candy saw a quartet at the foot of the stairs.
"Wha…" Candy gasped.
"I told you it was a special night…" Terry whispered into her ear. They made their way down the stairs. The whole mansion was softly lit in candle light. Candy felt swept away by the moment and Terry was savoring every moment with her. When they finally reached the formal dining room, she saw it also lit by the pair of large 12 armed silver candelabra. Then she saw a service for 8.
"Terry…why is there a service for eight?" she asked, puzzled.
Terry flipped the light switch to the large dining room chandelier and from their places, Albert, Eleanor, Archie, Annie and Patty exclaimed, "Surprise! Happy Birthday!"
Candy's hands flew to her mouth as tears of happiness streamed down her cheeks. It was one of the happiest moments in all of her life.
Dinner was joyful, the conversation lively and the food excellent. Candy had realized that the extra place setting was for Stear and she dearly hoped with all her heart that he could be there. After the cheese course, Albert stood up. "My dear friends, let us toast to our beloved Candy…her friendship, love and sisterhood has brought us all here to celebrate her birthday…may she always know that we all love her and bless her for the gift of her life in our lives…"
"Hear hear!" they all chimed in, no one more heartfelt than Terry. Candy also stood up and said, "Lest I forget, since I managed to do so all day, I want to wish a happy birthday to my sister, Annie…it has been a long, curious path from Pony's Home, and may our life roads continue to parallel…and to all of you…thank you for the best birthday I ever had…!" she said, holding back tears of joy.
"Hear, Hear!" they responded.
"We should retire to the parlor for our après dinner drinks." Albert said, and they all followed his stead. They arrived and situated themselves comfortably. A fire was lit in the fireplace.
"Now, some presents…" Albert said, handing Candy a package. "This is for you, little one…" he said. Candy's eyes widened…hadn't the surprise dinner been enough?
"Oh, you shouldn't have… she said. She opened the small box. It was a Cameo brooch on a slip of Andley tartan. "That was Rosemary's" Albert said, "She would be thrilled if to know that you will have it from now on…"
"Oh! Thank you…Albert!" Candy said, emotional, hugging Albert.
"My turn, Candice…" Terry said, handing her a small rectangle box. Terry had managed to ask Albert to get something for him, since he couldn't go himself. Albert had been successful in finding what Terry had asked, down to his very detailed specifications.
"Oh…when did you go shopping?" she asked.
"I've got my tricks up my sleeve…why don't you open it?" he said.
Candy opened the box and found a solid gold Dupont fountain pen. The top of the cap had a cabochon emerald. It was a most beautiful and functional piece of art.
"You love writing letters, so I hope the nib lasts forever on that…" Terry smiled.
"Oh…Terry…thank you!" Candy said. She held back from making the thanks more intimate, since they were surrounded by everyone. "It is so beautiful…" she admired.
"Now, this is from all of us…" Eleanor, Archie, Annie and Patty moved towards Candy, holding a large box.
"For me? But…"
"Your cousin is a delight to go shopping with…" Eleanor said, "I'd love to go shopping with him again…" Archie puffed considerably.
"Open it, Candy!" Annie said, excitedly.
Candy busied herself. There was rustling of tissue paper. "Oh!" she gasped, stunned.
There, was a Lanvin tea gown, just like Eleanor's, except in emerald green. Candy held it up and it unfurled, the silk liquid.
Albert whistled under his breath. Terry just held his emotions inside of him. She's going to look positively gorgeous in that…my eyes would feast on her…
"Oh…thank you…thank you so much…this has been the best birthday of all!" she said, getting up and hugging everyone.
Albert got up and dimmed the lights in the parlor. The attendants then wheeled in a 3 tier cake, all aglow with 17 candles. They all started singing Happy Birthday to her. When they finished, Albert said "Go on, little one, make a wish…"
Candy didn't know what to wish for. Everything she ever wanted had come true. Yet, there was one thing.
"For Stear…for his safe return" she wished secretly, with all her heart. She took a deep breath and blew out the candles. She got them all.
The group stayed for a while in the parlor after the cake and coffee, playing similes. Even though they were switching teams, there was a bit of competition between Terry and Eleanor…they obviously were the best doing similes, with all the Shakespeare and other classics they knew.
Eleanor was now up and challenged Terry. "The course of true love…4" she started. She knew that Terry had to be a bit separated from Candy during dinner and decided to allow him some escape from that. Terry had to complete the simile to what Eleanor had in mind.
Patty, who was keeping score and the time, said, "Five seconds…"
Terry went towards Candy, knelt, then started… "never did run smooth…" but then he continued,
"…Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O, no! it is an ever-fixed mark,
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved."5
Everyone present notwithstanding, he took her ungloved hand and gently kissed it.
"Well, done…my son." Eleanor beamed.
Candy's cheeks were flushed. It was the most public declaration of his love in front of her family and friends he had ever done. "I…I need to go to the powder room…" she said, excusing herself.
Terry helped her up and just smiled. Her shyness never bothered him…he found it quite delectable.
Candy was coming back from the powder room and was crossing the great hall when she heard the distinct sound of a car pulling up. Curious, she got ahead of Jeeves who had heard the same. She opened the door, and she saw that her hunch had been correct. A car had pulled up.
"Who could it be?" she wondered, since the night was a dark cloak and the full moon didn't reveal anything.
She came down the steps as she saw a tall male figure uneasily come out of the car with great effort. The figure didn't seem to use his arms at all.
"Do you need help, sir?" she asked, coming closer.
"I'm finally home…" Stear said, fully stretching himself, weary but happy.
Candy let out a happy cry with all her might. She stopped from hugging Stear because she saw that both his arms were in slings.
However, and despite being so far away from the mansion's front door, Terry only heard what sounded like Candy screaming and was up like a bolt to see what was wrong. "Candy!" he said, responding to her voice, moving away quickly from the parlor to where he heard her cry out.
"What's happened?" "What's the matter?" "Where is he going?" "What's gotten into Terry now?" everyone else said, all at once following him.
Terry ran to the front door and saw the figure of Candy helping Stear up the marble steps. She was crying joyously. "How did you know we were here?" she asked.
"I just had a hunch…" he smiled with a wink. "Plus, someone dear to me is having a birthday, is she not?"
"Alistear Cornwell!" gasped the aristocrat when he saw who it was.
"Terrence Grandchester…" Stear said, surprised at seeing Terry there at the Andley mansion…that could only mean one thing... "Goodness…when did you two get married…when you went to New York, Candy?" Stear said, happily. He didn't recall getting any letters with that news.
"Er…that isn't quite the story…" Candy said, blushing a bit, "Oh Stear! You are back…you are back home…" she said, relieved.
"Well, both my arms are broken from when my biplane crashed during a dogfight …luckily I survived the crash…the French decided it best to discharge me…but you are right…I am home…" Stear explained.
By that time, everyone else had joined the happy party. There were squeals of delight, careful embraces. No one was happier than Patricia, who felt her self whole again, and Archibald, who finally felt last few months of agony, anguish and distress come to an end.
Candy was on her fifth mystery of her rosary. It had been a very exciting birthday for her. She was dedicating the entire series of prayers in thanksgiving to Stear's return. The fireplace gave off a cozy warmth and made the sheen in her new silk tea gown shimmer in the flickering light. She started with the litanies and finished her praying, putting her rosary back into its lacquered box. She regarded the fire with fondness, remembering when she and Terry had sat in front of the fireplace at the Grandchester Manor in Scotland. She wondered if Terry had fallen asleep or not…how she wished she could share that moment with him, especially now that he had decided he would leave Sunday.
She was startled to hear what sounded like a light rapping on the door. She thought it was her mind, tired with the day's events, but then she heard it again. A little more insistent but still light. Then, through the keyhole came a hoarse whisper.
"Freckles…open the door and let me in!"
Candy, bewildered, got up and went towards the door. She quietly opened it and there was Terry.
For a moment he caught his breath…Candy was wearing the tea gown his mother had given her as a birthday present, her hair was down, and the fireplace back lit her. She looked ravishing.
"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes…" he smiled, very pleased with the tableau in front of him.
"Terry! What are you doing here!" she gasped, pulling in him, hoping no one had seen him come to her room at that hour.
"What do you think I am doing here?" he said, his half smile as impish as ever. He took her by the shoulders. The silk was warm and slippery in his hands. "I couldn't sleep…I somehow kept seeing us in front of the fireplace in Scotland and I just had to see you…besides, I barely had any time alone with you during dinner or afterwards…my beautiful Juliet…"
Candy felt his words to the very core of her self and she involuntarily shivered. "I don't think it is a good idea that you came…it is past our bedtimes…" she stammered. Her pulse had quickened. Terry was in a men's version of the tea gown, no doubt Eleanor had given it to him. It was paisley pattern, in shades of navy and burgundy. His slippers were velvet. His hair was loose and at his shoulders. He looked a little more bohemian than usual, which suited him quite well. Again, that intoxicating aroma of his enveloped her.
"I am not here to put your virtue in jeopardy, Lady Freckles…you should know me by now…" he said, holding her closer. Her beauty, persona and brier rose scent were bewitching him.
"Terry…you are making me nervous…why did you come?"
"You summoned me, Candy…" he replied. His voice caressed her senses.
"I summoned you? With what means…"
"Your mind called out to me…it was clear as day for me…I saw us in front of the fireplace in Scotland just a few moments ago…and I just had the irrepressible need to come see you…"
Candy was a bit taken aback…was it possible that was how deep the connection between them was?
"I can leave, if you want…although I greatly prefer this room than my stately Andley guest bedroom…how I wish we were still in your apartment, me in the bottom bunk, you on top…hearing your breathe…looking out at the moon with you…" his voice was sweet.
Candy somehow felt less apprehensive. "No…please stay Terry…maybe I did call you with my mind…I finished my rosary and then I thought about Scotland a lot…"
"There, you see? This gentleman is always at his Lady Freckles beck and call…"
Candy wanted to move towards the settee, but Terry held her closer. "You know, now that I think of it…we have a bit of unfinished business from Scotland…" his voice was amorously serious.
"W---w—we do?" she asked, getting edgy.
"Yes, we do…" his voice was getting deeper. "You have an unpaid debt to me that you tried to pass off with a leaf…"
He drew her in and lightly touched her lips with his. "And now I want payment in full..." he whispered, as he took her mouth with his. It was unlike any other kiss Candy had experienced with him. This kiss was as if Terry was pouring all his devoted passion for her into it, making her feel so lightheaded and warm and tingling and weak and so very much cherished at the same time. For a second she didn't know what to do or how to respond, so she went with her first impulse which was to return the kiss as she wound her hands at the base of his neck. She could feel his dark chestnut hair against her hands and it made her quiver inside when it moved across her skin. She felt possessed by him and at once, she felt womanly and emboldened for the first time in her life.
Terry, who was doubly excited at her response started kissing her with more ardor. To his delight, she kept up with him. A deep yearning started to develop in him…he felt like he was coming down a corkscrew slide….then the realized he had to stop.
"I love you, my beautiful, sweet Freckles…" he said, as he pulled away from her.
"Te…Terry" she said, her voice changed.
"Have I gone too far, love?" he tenderly asked her, caressing her cheek.
"I don't know what too far is…" she murmured.
Terry knew he had to switch the mood, or else he was going to have to leave the room for fear of not being able to hold himself back.
"Let's go sit by the fireplace…" he said, taking her hand and leading her there.
She followed. What were these waves of feelings crashing in her?
They sat next to each other, Terry with his arm around her shoulders, and said nothing…nothing needed to be said. They could hear each other's breathing and the tranquil stillness in their souls. Candy could feel how the breathing was slowly bringing her back to her normal self. She rested her head on his shoulder.
Terry closed his eyes and caressed her hair.
"I don't want to scare you Candy, with my physical expressions of love for you…you make me do the darndest things…" he said finally.
"I'm not scared…I just never felt this way before..." she replied, softly. "I wish… I wish that we were married and that I am going back to New York with you…"
"What do you feel, love?" he asked. He wanted to hear how she would describe it.
"I feel as a little bird, flying happily through the sky, singing…singing so happily to all of God's creation." she said, dreamily.
"Make it a bluebird6 then, darling…" he said, smiling.
1 Mary Cassatt, the only American Impressionist painter invited to the last Impressionist exhibition in Paris. Famous for her portraits, especially those of children and seashores (or both!)
2 The Drake is another historic, elegant Chicago hotel…although it actually opened in 1920…so I'm taking a bit of liberty here!
3 This was a common practice in several restaurants at the turn of the century. Couples who were bold enough used these to engage in a little PDA since it generally was frowned upon in polite society. Scurrilous!
4 Shakespeare, A midsummer's night dream.
5 Yes, more of the Bard! From Sonnet 116…how come we don't have guys like him around anymore!
6 In some cultures, the bluebird is a symbol of true happiness.
