Chapter 4
They got off at Chelsea. Christian's neighbourhood. It felt like an eternity from the time she had entered the public house in Shoreditch.
"You haven't told me your name...", Christian spoke first, breaking the silence between them as they were walking away from the bus stop.
They stopped and she looked at him. A unexpected sense of familiarity overtook her senses for a couple of seconds and she was taken aback by surprise.
"Oh, you are absolutely right! How rude of myself!", she exclaimed with a smile
"I am Rose...Rose White".
Candy lied about her name. She had lied ever since she arrived in London. With Albert's passing, she wanted to denounce everything. Even her own name which at her darkest moment, she thought it was cursed. A fate of loosing everyone she loved. Then just like Albert and Great Uncle William. She had decided the moment she set her foot to British soil. Like her brother and guardian, she would live another life here under another name. That of Rose White. The famous Ardley business need not to know. Her beloved George who had come to be like a father figure for her, together with Archie took care of the running of their assets. And for her there was a sizeable fund to do as please. She didn't want much for her. She kept Pony's home safe and secure, some time she'd invest under George's guidance and help other charities, hospitals, orphanages. Tried to spread the money as much as she could. Certainly were not bringing her happiness in just spending them, but spending them to create security, to stop people from worrying about tomorrow...that was a goal she cherished striving for.
She gave him her hand, feeling his cool long slender fingers wrapping around it, in a firm handshake, his eyes still locking hers, taking her out of her thoughts.
"Pleased to finally make your acquaintance Rose", he said.
From the looks of the building where his flat was, and other buildings in the vicinity, the neighbourhood seemed a well to do place. The air with thick with moisture when they stood outside the door. In the quiet of the night, she suddenly felt hesitant. She did not know this man even if he had come to her rescue from that careless act of hers. Wasn't it one of miss Pony's advices to never go into stranger's houses? Christian sensed her reluctance.
"I can bring the item you want here if you wish...", she heard his voice.
"But believe me if I wanted to seduce you, there would be easier ways to do that", he added.
She didn't speak but searched his eyes. The moonlight had dived into them.
"Ok, ok, yes...". She exhaled, pushing any second thoughts away, flicking the back of her hand into the air as if pushing them behind her.
She straightened her body, her eyes fell square on his, and gave him her best smile.
"You are right Mr. Blake. Please lead on so I can finish with my quest", she added as they went up the stairs.
His flat was on the first floor. He opened the door and stood aside. Candy went in first, and he followed behind her, switching the main light of the room they had entered. It was a long rectangular room that seemed to serve as a kitchen, dining room and a painter's workshop all at the same time. There were empty canvasses, a bouquet of brushes stuck in a glass jar, and tubes of paint everywhere. A couple of half worked paintings were leaning on the side wall while some palettes with dried on spread acrylics were thrown on the paint spotted wooden floor. On her right, a big Persian carpet with intricate shapes was hanging on the wall next to the big table covered with drawing papers and half empty glasses of wine. On her left there was a wide, deep red velvet carved couch Louis XV sitting in the middle of the room serving as a self imposed divider between the kitchen and the rest of the room. Candy moved in the room with quiet steps. The kitchen area was just as unkempt with dirty dishes sitting in the sink. A pot forgotten on the stove, bread crumbs spread on the small bench. She stopped and turned to Christian.
Under full light, his presence spread a cloud of butterflies in her stomach. She felt out of breath. She was coming up to his shoulder height wise and she was of average stature she'd say. Strong, lean body. Face...dark long curls were framing it. Expressive mouth, his cheeks would dimple when he smiled, high cheekbones, eyes..intense, full of life, they changed from grey skies to pale green lakes. Her heartbeat quickened, the way she felt his stare was diving in her mind. There was only one other in her life who had that effect on her. The moment she realised, goosebumps went up her spine making the fine hair on her arms to stand up.
"I apologise for the state of my home...", he said, pushing his fingers through the hair on the top of his head, exhaled and chuckled in a embarrassed, self conscious way. He hadn't cleaned for days and if he was to choose, he would have preferred to have the place clean before bringing a woman there, but from the moment he had laid eyes on Candy, he couldn't take them off her. It was a play of fate that a used painter's brush was her number one item on that silly treasure hunt list, she and her high society friends were playing, and he was not in any way going to let this opportunity pass to get to know her. So he surrendered despite the fact his place could be categorised under "pigsty".
"As you can see", he continued before letting her politely deny the fact, "my place is definitely not set for seduction".
Candy could not help but burst into laughing. She was so grateful for Christian's embarrassment over his flat, dispelling the images which were taking shape in her mind. She really wasn't in a place right now to think of blue eyed stares from her past and what were making her feel...
"I'm certainly not doubting you there, but don't be hard to yourself", she said while trying to assure him that it wasn't that bad.
"Rose, you are too kind", he responded.
"Now on with the quest", he continued. "You need a used painter's brush", he added and grabbed one from the glass jar. His mind desperately was spinning its wheels, trying to think how could he extend this evening with this charming woman he had just met and then Candy offered the solution.
He turned, stopped at his tracks and looked at her.
"I am not going to let you out there on your own wandering through London you hardly know...", he stated sounding he would not take no for answer.
Candy was relieved Christian had proposed to help her. Not only she would be safe, she would have to spend the evening with probably the best looking man in London. She tried not to look too happy about it.
She however expressed her gratitude, and gave the list to Christian.
"OK, let's see", he said, and began to read. Midway through it, he remembered his manners, and offered Candy some wine. After five minutes, having poured wine into two freshly washed glasses, they sat down on the couch.
"Audrey Perkins is crazy...", he commented and put the list down, "You know that Rose, I hope"
Candy thought she should protest but in all honesty, she knew he was right. Then again, what mattered whether Audrey was spontaneous and mad? Living her life as she saw fit. Candy herself was the witness of her life that plans did not work.
"Audrey, may be spontaneous and fun, but at least she is not expecting anything back. She is who she is and does what she does and that all there is to it"
She had a sip from her wine, before reaching in her pockets to bring her cigarette case out. She took a cigarette and offered one to Christian.
He did not want to argue with her. He mingled in similar circles, parallel you may say. He wasn't particularly comfortable with flaunting wealth in vulgar way and a lot of the bring young things of London did just that. The parties were ever more extravagant, pulling all the stops, trying to outdo each other, just because they were bored and were driven by an insatiable need to stick up two fingers to the older generation. In part he understood. He too was sticking two fingers up to the establishment of the rich, the silver spoon fed, all that aristocracy who never knew a hard and honest day's work. But whatever he did, he did not advertise it. There was no way. So he smooched by need to all those rich ladies in particular. How else could he get commissions? And the daughters...well there were plenty for him to choose from and yes, he took advantage of that. His nonchalant ways and lack of rules in his life had earned him the reputation of being on of the true bohemians in London. That was the cover he lived his life under and was fine with it.
He looked at the list once more.
"I do have a fountain pen...", he said, not continuing on his criticisms of the young people of London's aristocracy and bourgeoisie.
"Great!", Candy exclaimed and clapped her hands with excitement.
He looked again and then got up. Disappeared in the room next door. Five minutes later he came back.
"I also have the musical instrument", he stated and handed a harmonica to Candy.
Candy's face turned thoughtful to the sight of the metal harmonica. From all the things she had expected to find, she never not in a million years, thought she'd find a harmonica.
"Could I have some more wine?", she turned and asked Christian with a soft voice.
He looked at her, feeling worried he had something wrong. The change of expression on her face was more than obvious.
"Is there something wrong?", he asked concerned.
"No...", she said but wasn't really sounding convincing. "Do you know how to play?", she asked him while he was pouring the wine.
"Yes", he replied, "I used to love playing harmonica a few years back"
"Play me something", she asked him and at the same time she wondered whether it was a mistake to ask.
She did it on purpose however. The sight of the harmonica had proved to be so unnerving for her, it bothered her. After all those years...damn those memories. Determined to overcome those emotional upheavals every time something reminded her of him...she had to find out, and she had to cure herself.
Christian took the harmonica and played her a soulful blues tune. On his time in Paris, when he studied fine arts, he had befriended many jazz and blues musicians from the States. Candy closed her eyes and let the music take her to the corners of her soul, where the one she had loved was hiding. Battled with waves of emotions coming to the surface. In the end, everything had been done and dusted. Although Susanna had died - she knew she had passed away - she had never tried to contact Terry. Her grief stopped her. Not only that but at that time, she was battling with Albert's illness and the inevitable that was to come. How could she get back to Terry's life under those circumstances? He hadn't even made a public statement, nothing. He had but disappeared. The notes of the song Christian played were fading. Terry's image was doing the same. When she opened her eyes, they glistened under the soft light of the living room. Here she was, sitting with a gorgeous man, having his utmost attention. And there was something that drew her to him. The same way she had been drawn to Terry in the past.
The night marched on. Instead of a treasure hunt, Christian and Candy started talking about their lives, their friends. The things they were passionate about, pet peeves, dreams...They laughed and they argued, and the couldn't deny the spark which was born between them.
It was late, very late in fact when Christian proposed to take Candy to her place. She agreed. The streets were quiet when he sped through them on his Douglas motorcycle with Candy's arms around his waist, holding him tight. Perhaps it was the late of the hour, perhaps the earlier adventure at the pub, even the ample wine and his stimulating company, but she felt content and relaxed next to him. She leaned her head on his back, feeling the rhythm of his breath.
They went up the stairs of her house in Camden. His eyes dived deep into hers.
"I had a great time Rose", he admitted, "despite the earlier drama"
"I had a great time too Christian", she said, "and I'm glad you were there...thank you again"
She was grateful in earnest, for him showing up when he did. She had no wish to think what could have happened to her otherwise.
"There was a sonnet on your treasure hunt list..." he began saying with his voice soft and low like a caress.
She walks in beauty like the night,
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright,
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellowed to that tender light,
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
When he finished, Candy held her breath. He planted a kiss soft as a feather on her forehead and bid her goodnight. She went in her home, walking in clouds, having met a very interesting man. A long time since she had felt like that again.