Chapter 5
Written by Tita Calderón
Translated by Fay
Elroy Ardlay went down to the dining room of the Lakewood mansion with her usual elegance. The servants stood erect and serious on each side of the dining room entrance, waiting for her. She entered without even looking at them.
Her nephew was already sitting at the head of the table, drinking a cup of coffee as he was leafing through the newspaper. As soon as he saw her, Albert got up to greet her with a kiss on the cheek while he removed her chair for her.
The clock in the room struck eight when Archie entered the large dining room. The old lady looked around and seeing that Candy was not there, called a servant.
-"Go and find Candice," she ordered severely.
-"Candy is not here, Aunt," Albert assured her without looking up from the newspaper.
-"What?" asked his aunt.
-"She has gone to Pony's Home," answered Albert indifferently.
-"Did you let her go?" she asked him reproachfully.
-"That's right."
-"But don't you understand, William?" – She looked at him reprovingly. – "She is going to be your wife and she must keep away from those places."
Albert raised his eyes slowly and gave his aunt an impenetrable look.
-"I don't know what you mean, Aunt."
-"Oh, please, William. That girl has to forget that place and her origins," she clarified without disguising her contempt. "As your future wife she must stay in another social level."
-"Aunt," said Albert, leaving aside the newspaper, "if Candy isn't ashamed of Pony's Home, I won't be either. And whenever she wants to go there, she will."
His eyes became cold as if they were two icebergs.
-"But don't you realize what you're saying?" – Her voice was reproachful. – "Everybody will talk. They'll say that your wife is an orphan!"
The old lady was trying to reason with him. She could already imagine the gossip.
-"Let them say what they want!" he answered raising his voice. "We won't live according to what they say. And when I decided to marry her, I did it being well aware of her origins. So I beg you, Aunt, to stop worrying about irrelevant things."
Archie was watching silently that verbal exchange. Albert was the only one who could put Great Aunt Elroy in her place. Candy had suffered all kinds of insults and humiliations but fortunately now she had Albert to defend her against everybody.
Not even when Anthony and Stear were alive they hadn't been able to defend her. All three of them hadn't managed to protect her whenever they saw so many injustices. He recalled sadly the time she was sent to Mexico without them being able to do anything. Their aunt had completely ignored them and had listened only to the Leagans. Not to mention that time when she returned ill from New York; even seeing her in that state didn't soften her...Instead she scolded her for having said she was an Ardlay. She was so unfair.
But with Albert by her side, everything was different because he not only had the power to protect her, but also the certainty to do it. He smiled with superiority. It was about time justice began.
-"Moreover, Aunt," said Albert decidedly as he stood up, "I suggest that you get ready because later we'll go to Pony's Home."
-"We?" repeated the old lady bewildered.
-"Yes, you and I." – He gave her a determined look. – "We're going to ask for Candy's hand in marriage," he declared.
-"Please, William, don't make me laugh," she snapped ironically.
I'll never do that, she thought. I would die first before accepting such an absurdity.
-"I'm not joking," he said in an icy tone before he got up and went out.
He had tried in the most cordial way to make his aunt understand that she should treat Candy with all the respect she deserved. But his patience had its limits, and even more so when it was about defending Candy. Now he would give her the place she ought to have...Nobody would ever humiliate her again.
The view from the top of the big oak tree was impressive. It was a pity she couldn't climb up there.
Candy had climbed as high as her new dress had allowed her to, but just the same, the view was beautiful from where she was.
The breeze was reaching even to that high tree and was caressing her hair. Her soul felt as free as her thoughts and even the butterflies in her stomach were fluttering every time she looked at the sky...because its color was very similar to that one which she had on her mind.
In vain she had thought that after talking to Albert the butterflies would go but instead they had multiplied. Now she felt butterflies all over her body every time she took a breath.
She smiled with relief as she recalled the words of Miss Pony and Sister Lane when she had told them she was going to be married. Yes, she was going to be married! She still couldn't believe it.
...
-"Is anything wrong, Candy?" asked Miss Pony seeing that Candy was quieter than usual.
Candy looked at her with a frightened expression.
-"No..." she said.
But she regretted it, as she felt that she might not have another chance to tell them about that important fact in her life.
She had tried several times to go to Pony's Home but Great Aunt Elroy had flatly refused to let her out, arguing that it was not the right place for the future Mrs. Ardlay. Now she could sympathize with Annie. So the best thing for her to do was to take advantage of that visit.
-"...Well, actually, yes," she said nervously.
Sister Lane and Miss Pony got a little tense seeing her hesitation.
-"Is it bad news?" asked Sister Lane.
-"No..."
-"So why don't you tell us at once?" said Miss Pony, somewhat worried as she saw that Candy didn't speak.
Candy started playing with her fingers; she didn't know how to begin talking.
-"Well...it's...Albert..."
She couldn't go on. However, she couldn't leave it like this while the two women were looking steadily at her.
-"Albert and...and I...are going to...to be married," she said, letting out all the air she had contained.
-"You are going to be married to Sir Ardlay?" asked Sister Lane incredulous.
-"Yes..." she answered remorsefully.
She was sure they would ask her the reason and she didn't know what to say to them...
-"Oh, my girl, that's wonderful," said Miss Pony.
-"Yes...Congratulations," added Sister Lane excitedly.
The two women got up and went towards Candy to hug her.
-"I know you'll be very happy, Candy," Miss Pony assured her.
-"You deserve it," concluded Sister Lane.
...
Contrary to what Candy had thought, they didn't ask her any questions about the reason they were getting married, but they simply assumed that they were in love. Maybe it was better for them to believe that.
If only that was true...
Candy could see in the distance the Ardlay car approaching.
It was coming for her.
She climbed down the tree as fast as she could and hurried to the house to say goodbye to the children.
She hugged every one of them. She knew it would be a long time before she came back there. So her farewell to them was very effusive. She was about to say goodbye to Sister Lane when the car stopped in front of the main entrance.
Her eyes focused on that car. The chauffeur got off and opened the back door.
Her heart stopped when she saw Albert coming out of the car. He was very formally dressed, as if he were in a business meeting. That vision took her breath away. The dark suit he was wearing accentuated his blond hair. She would like to throw herself into his arms. Soon that man would be her husband. She still couldn't believe it.
Her smile widened. Albert instantly smiled back at her but he didn't approach; he turned again towards the car. Someone else had come with him.
She was breathless when she saw Great Aunt Elroy behind him.
Candy blinked a couple of times, unable to believe what she saw. She even came to think she was hallucinating.
What was Great Aunt doing there? And with Albert too?
That didn't make any sense.
-"You should go and receive them," Sister Lane whispered in her ear.
-"Yes...I think...I'll do that..." she said, still bewildered.
She approached them, somewhat awkwardly, not because of Albert, of course, but because of Great Aunt Elroy.
-"Hello, Candy," Albert greeted her with a big smile.
-"Hello," she answered, smiling back at him. "Great Aunt," she greeted her too.
-"Candice," replied the old lady.
Candy gave Albert a questioning look but he just winked at her with complicity.
Elroy Ardlay was looking everywhere, trying to confirm that this place was something horrible, but surprisingly for her, it was very beautiful. Of course, there was nothing ostentatious about it but it was very clean and tidy. The children were well-mannered and the women who took care of them seemed to be nice persons. All this time she had had a wrong concept of that place. She felt slightly ashamed. Her nephew was right.
After the introductions, they went to Miss Pony's small office. At first the atmosphere was a little tense but Albert knew how to handle all kinds of situations and with a few questions about the children there was a noticeable relief in everybody.
-"It's a true honor for us to receive a visit from people like you," said Miss Pony.
-"Actually, our visit has a specific purpose," explained Albert in a friendly tone.
-"Yes, that's right," said Aunt Elroy. "We are here..." – She hesitated for a moment. – "Because I wish to ask for Candice's hand for my nephew William."
Since she had come all the way there, it made sense for her to take the role of his official representative.
Candy's jaw dropped.
-"Well, we aren't Candy's guardians," said Miss Pony troubled.
-"Yes, I know," answered Albert. "In legal terms I am Candy's guardian, but it didn't seem right to me to ask for Candy's hand myself." – He smiled. – "And I believe she doesn't see me as a father..."
How could she possibly see him as a father...? What she saw was something very different. And lately she definitely saw him in a completely different way.
-"Candy has always considered Pony's Home and you as her family," he continued. "And it is my moral duty to ask of you Candy's hand."
Miss Pony and Sister Lane looked at each other. That man was unparalleled...unique...Candy hadn't gained only a great man, but heaven itself.
Candy was in a trance; she felt a little dizzy, maybe because she had forgotten how to breathe...From time to time she pinched her arm to make sure she wasn't dreaming.
-"Nobody has ever asked any of our children's hand in marriage," said Miss Pony, as if talking to herself. "It is an honor for us that...that such important people like you ask the hand of one of our girls." – She wiped away a few tears. – "This act is priceless for us. I'm sure that Candy is the most fortunate of all the girls we have brought up."
-"I believe I am the fortunate one, having met Candy," Albert confessed, while looking deeply into her eyes.
Candy swallowed hard, trying to contain all her emotions.
Albert got up from his chair. Approaching her, he took something out of his pocket. It was a small blue box. He stopped in front of the girl who made his heart beat. He took a deep breath before he bent down on one knee.
-"My father gave this ring to my mother when they were engaged and I wish to give it to you as a token of my intentions."
He opened the box. A big diamond, worthy of a queen, was shining inside of it.
-"I..."
Candy didn't know what to say. Her mind had gone blank. She didn't know if all this was real; she could only feel her heart beating inside her chest.
Albert took out the ring a little nervously, while asking for Candy's hand. She extended her hand trembling, and he held it gently, placing the precious jewel on her finger.
-"Th...thank you," said Candy, and that was when she realized she was crying nonstop.
Albert wiped away her tears.
-"It seems you don't like it."
-"Why do you say that?" asked Candy, not knowing why he had thought such a thing.
-"Because you can't stop crying."
-"Oh...Albert, it's beautiful."
And, forgetting about everybody else, Candy threw her arms around his neck.
Somebody's clearing of the throat made them separate. It was Aunt Elroy, timely as always.
-"We have to celebrate," said Sister Lane, wiping away her tears. "We have only the consecration wine but I believe the occasion deserves that," she added, as she was looking for the bottle.
Everybody enjoyed the consecration wine, even Great Aunt Elroy. From time to time, Candy's and Albert's eyes met and their hearts shuddered in unison, confirming to themselves that there was no better choice than that.
The return home was silent. The three of them were sitting together in the back seat. Albert could have sat in front, but he didn't want to be far away from his betrothed. That closeness was a delicious torture...so near and at the same time so far.
Candy didn't stop looking at the ring that shone on her finger. She had never had such a precious jewel in her life, and with such a meaning too...That ring not only confirmed that she was engaged, but also that the man beside her would soon be her husband! She had never imagined such luck, not even in her wildest dreams...
She glanced at Albert. His profile was simply perfect...so perfect as if it were the sculpture of an angel...And those lips...Automatically she felt her mouth going dry. She wetted her own lips and swallowed hard.
But there was something more than that: His kindness made him unparalleled...He was beautiful both inside and outside...he was her prince...yes, her prince charming...That thought made her turn her eyes away. What was the matter with her?
At times she felt the foolish urge to reach out and touch his hand but their relationship was different from that of the usual lovers who might do that. That thought grieved her...Sometimes everything was both beautiful and sad.
It was true that they had such a close relationship that it was impossible for anyone to interpose between them. But sometimes that closeness kept them apart as if they were opposite poles. His hand was there, just a few centimeters away from hers, and it was as if he were miles away...
Candy bit her lip. If only she could cross that distance...how different everything would be. She sighed in depression.
-"We must arrange the date of the engagement," said Great Aunt Elroy, breaking the silence.
Candy held her breath.
-"You are right, Aunt," answered Albert.
He fixed his eyes on Candy.
-"Candy and I will talk about it later and we'll let you know."
Candy couldn't think...She swallowed hard. He was going to talk to her...Her heart started dancing with joy.
-"Remember to take into account the time we need to plan it," declared the old lady.
-"We will," said Albert, giving Candy a tender smile.
-"Your wedding," continued Aunt Elroy with a serious look, "is one of the most important events in the family. So every detail must be taken care of."
-"I know," Albert answered, rather uncomfortably, as he remembered all the responsibilities he had over his shoulders.
Candy clenched her hands nervously. Great Aunt Elroy's words were so true that for a moment she felt frightened. Deep down she wondered if she was prepared for everything that would come. She looked at her fiancé's face and meeting his warm gaze all her doubts disappeared as if by magic. How could he possibly transmit so much tranquility to her with just a glance?
Upon arriving at Lakewood, Albert helped them get off the car. Candy made a movement to enter the house, but Albert stopped her.
-"Wait, Candy," he asked her. "Would you like to come for a walk?"
-"Yes," she answered, trying not to let anyone hear the crazy beating of her heart.
Just a few words from him and her heart was about to break.
Elroy Ardlay reached the threshold of the entrance as if nothing had happened. But before entering she stopped and saw them walking away among the trees, keeping some distance between them. Their hands seemed to touch each other but they didn't really...Maybe they would when they would be behind the trees.
Candy wanted to spin around like a ballerina. She felt that if she stood on her toes she could touch the sky.
-"Are you happy, Candy?" asked Albert as they were walking.
Candy looked at him, not knowing why he was asking that.
-"Yes," she replied effusively. "Why?"
-"I haven't seen you smile like that for a long time," he said as he took a pebble and threw it towards a tree, further away.
Candy stopped for a moment. Had she been smiling like a fool all this time? How embarrassing.
-"I still can't believe that Great Aunt Elroy came to Pony's Home," she answered, trying to change the subject. "And what's more, that she came to ask for my hand," she added in surprise. "It must have cost you a lot of trouble."
Albert smiled.
-"She wanted to come; I can tell you that it was almost her idea."
-"Really?" she asked incredulously.
-"You see, she respects tradition and yesterday she told me how I should give you the ring. It was obvious she wanted to ask for your hand."
Albert recalled his aunt's tragic expression when he told her they were going to ask for Candy's hand.
-"Albert!" she called him gently, understanding it was him who had organized all this.
-"What?" he asked innocently.
-"You shouldn't have done this," she sighed.
-"I wanted to do it..." he assured her with a serious expression.
Candy didn't argue anymore. What could she possibly say to him? He always did the right thing...
When they reached the bank of the river, they stopped and took up some pebbles to throw into the water. It was like a competition to see whose pebbles would go further. It was a game that caused them a lot of laughter.
But Candy occasionally looked at the ring that shone on her finger. She still couldn't believe it.
-"When do you want us to announce our engagement?" asked Albert, while throwing a pebble which bounced on the water once before sinking.
Candy didn't have any more strength to throw the pebble she was squeezing in her hand.
-"Well...I...I think..."
She wished he wouldn't notice her distress.
-"Don't tell me you're nervous about it," he said, hiding a smile.
Oh, why did he have to know her so well?
-"No...well...yes," she admitted when she saw the sidelong glance Albert gave her. "It's that I have no idea how long it takes to plan the announcement of the engagement, much less the wedding," she confessed distressed.
-"That's the least, Candy," he said gently. "How about doing it in fifteen days?"
-"Fifteen days?" repeated Candy.
-"Is it too long?" asked Albert.
It seemed a long time to him too.
-"Well...it's...I think that in fifteen days it's Eliza's birthday. And I don't think we should announce our engagement on the same day..."
-"No! I don't think that either," Albert hurried to reply.
He looked at the horizon.
-"It can't be earlier because in the middle of the week I'll go on a trip for a few days," he said.
Candy bit her lip...He wasn't gone yet and she already missed him.
-"Where are you going?"
-"To New York," he answered, without looking at her.
He knew that city had a special meaning for Candy.
-"Oh...Then I think we have to do it after Eliza's birthday," she said rather depressed.
-"That would be better."
Albert turned around slowly to look at her. He wanted to discover something in her face that would tell him how she was feeling. He saw her looking at the ring carefully, with a mixture of emotion and incredulity, so fused in a slight smile that it made him shudder.
What was she thinking about? Him...?
Candy looked up and their eyes met.
-"This ring must have a very special meaning for you," she said, not knowing how to thank him for that gesture.
-"Yes," he replied, looking deeply at her. "But now that it's on your hand, it has an even greater meaning," he confessed.
Being breathless was something that was lately becoming a habit to Candy. Albert's intense gaze made her shudder as if he had caressed her. Her cheeks blushed. Nobody had ever made her feel that way with just one look.
A playful breeze passed between them.
-"And when do you think we can fix the date of the wedding?" asked Candy, not knowing why she felt that the wedding shouldn't be delayed.
-"Well, I think we don't have much time, Candy. I believe we should do it within a maximum period of three months. I have to travel to Europe after that time, and there are things to be done here." – He spoke in an apologetic manner. He didn't want her to feel pressed. – "But if you think it's too soon, we can leave it after my return," he added in some desolation, knowing he would leave without her.
-"No," she hastened to reply. "I think three months are enough..."
Albert smiled widely.
-"So, in a month we'll be engaged and two months later we'll be married. Is that all right with you?"
-"Yes," she answered with a bright smile.
She was sure they would be the three longest months of her life. She only hoped nothing would happen during that time...She was afraid of losing him...of losing everything...Sometimes happiness seemed to be within the reach of her hand and suddenly everything vanished as if nothing had ever been there.
Her eyes turned anxiously to the sky, while she was wondering if he felt as much distressed as she felt...
To be continue…
Thank you for reading