Chapter 15
Mrs Leagan closed the door of her daughter's bedroom, sighing sadly.
Elisa had been brought to this hospital a week ago and had not recovered her mind yet…
It was hard for her to accept that her daughter was in a hospital for mentally ills. This kind of place was normally aimed at crazy people and not at her glorious daughter! But she had to acknowledge as soon as she had seen her, fastened to a bed, hysterical, yelling string of crazy talks, then few seconds later, oddly becoming calm again and, with a plaintive voice, mumbling incomprehensible words among which could distinctly escape the names of Candy and Albert, for in the following, returning with greatest intensity to her paranoid delirium. Her state since then had not changed and doctors did not look very optimist…
After each of her visits, rage used to fill her hurt mother's heart, with a desire of revenge that would suffocate her to dizzy spell. She had not yet informed her Great Aunt Elroy about her niece's state. The of yesteryear sour-tempered and authoritarian woman, had since many years given up her place to an old and in poor health woman, whose majestic wearing of head that had so often commanded respect around her, was no more than an illusion now. She had to avoid any emotional traumas and the though insensitive Sarah Leagan's heart, was not brave enough to share this bad news with her.
I'll have to do it at some point…
She knew, through the Great- Aunt's servants that she had called Elisa's name several times yet. She could not lie to her eternally…. But before reaching this extreme, she wanted to talk with her cousin and convince him to reconsider his decision. Back to her suite in the Waldorf Astoria hotel, she rushed to ask the operator to dial the numbers, her fingers feverishly drumming of eagerness on the handset…
George's slightly arched eyebrow as he handed the telephone to him was clearly eloquent. Intrigued, Albert took the handset and his cousin's moaning voice came to him immediately, making rush his pulse of irritation. Rolling his eyes, he absently listened to her singing the praise of her daughter while expressing her impossibility to understand the terrible decision he had taken regarding her. It was probably nothing less than an act of madness on his behalf! Chuckles shook his athletic shoulders before the impudence of her insinuation.
- Don't you have a heart, my cousin? – She implored him, with one of the most tearful tone aimed at mollifying him.
- I had worn her, my cousin. And this, several times!
- But… Coming to cast her out though she is a member of the family…
- Was!...
- But come on, my cousin, all of this is ridiculous! Have you lost any sense?
- It's quite the reverse, my dear. Your daughter helped me to recover all my lu-ci-di-ty! It was about time I stopped all her tricks! I've been very patient all along these years, putting down to her stupidity and to the education you had given her, your daughter's scandalous behavior towards my own …
- Let me ask you about your own definition of the word "scandal", my cousin – she retorted, cut to the quick – You, who adopted that orphan whose origins remain unknown, probably of a convict and a prostitute…
- My dear cousin, as I listen to you, I can't deny the filiation that binds you both. You really are your daughter's mother!...
Sarah Leagan blemished. Albert's cutting remark was far from being a compliment and she pinched her lips of annoyance, tears of indignation coming up. Then, recovering, she added in an ultimate tremolo:
- I'm begging you, Albert! I know we've often disagreed, but you cannot leave Elisa in this situation! Her husband just filed for divorce and asked for the custody of their two children. She'll become homeless!
Albert's frosty reply ran all over her.
- Why don't you ask to her crooked brother to give her a suite in one of his numerous hotels that he built in Florida by buying, at a cut-rate price, lands to naïve and credulous farmers!
- And now you are going after Neal! It's an obsession!
- My obsession now is to have nothing to do anymore with any member of your lineage, my cousin. And believe me, nothing will make me change my mind!
- But Albert, have you lost your mind?
- I haven't. It's more than ever firmly screwed on my shoulders! And I can tell you that as long as I'm alive, no more Leagan will harm Candy or the name of the Andrew! Whether you like it or not, she's my daughter. The goodness of her heart and her honesty outshine in the blink of one eye your prejudices of another time, time that I don't feel like to waste with you anymore!
- Albert, please!...
- I think we've said it all, my cousin. I wish, though it's very painful for me, a good recovery to your daughter. Candy would blame me too much for lacking of Christian charity and I don't want to disappoint her. But this mercy stops here. I'll tell my decision to our Great Aunt Elroy to set the record straight before your lies come to her…
- You'll break her heart. She's very attached to Elisa…
- I'll take the risk!...
- You are… You… You don't have any…
- I know, I know, my cousin… Let's put this down to heredity, would you? I'm able too to feel no pity, but unlike you, this is a feeling that I only keep for people that I despise… Never try again to get in touch with me except through my lawyer. Farewell!
He hung up without further warning, leaving Elisa's mother stupefied, staring at the phone handset through which was coming the operator's voice asking her if she wanted to call somebody else. She did not answer and hung up in her turn, her stomach in knots. Walking hesitantly, she crossed the small living-room and went to her bedroom, chasing with an exasperated hand the maid busy storing the dresses that had been brought back from the laundry room, and flopped on the edge of the bed to let herself go to too long held back tears.
- That's a good thing done! – Cried out Albert, his fingers joyfully drumming the edge of his desk. George nodded in silence with an imperceptible smile. Being used to hide the least of his emotions, he had been unable to suppress his contentment before his protégée's determination. Through the years he had served Albert, he had witnessed, powerless, to the unbearable actions of Mrs Leagan and her hateful children. Hearing her being brilliantly taken down, had given an orgasmic pleasure that he could painfully hold. Like Albert, he liked Candy very much. He had known her as a child, had seen her growing up and crossing bravely and with dignity the worse torments. It was high time she gets some peace!
Albert had buried himself a little more in his armchair and was thoughtfully looking at his study like if he was about to leave it soon. So many things had been decided in this room! Including Candy's adoption… His gaze went on the telegram she had sent to him few days before and he took it between his fingers. She was announcing him her re-encounters with Terry and their future wedding as soon as they are back to America. A smile of satisfaction drew on his lips. He would not have to worry for her now. Someone other than him would take over and would take care of Candy. He was feeling reassured. With the Leagan out of action, married to the man she loved, Candy would live happy at last for the rest of her life and this prospect warmed his heart. His right hand began to tremble again then and he put down, with a sight of annoyance, the telegram that was awkwardly shaking before his eyes.
- Do you want me to call the doctor, sir? – Asked George as he noticed the discomfort of his master.
- It's no use, my friend. We both know that this inconvenience will unfortunately happen more and more often. I only hope to be enough in state to walk Candy down the aisle when the time has come…
The siren of the boat that linked Le Havre to Southampton rang out. Two silhouettes coiled against each other, leaning against the railing, turned their head to the skyline dented of urban patterns under daylight. Yet, some little motorboats were coming to the ship to guide it until the port entrance.
- Here we are in England, my love – murmured Terry to her ear – You and me, together…
Candy nodded with a melancholic smile. Since a few minutes yet, a multitude of memories were coming back to her mind. She had left Saint-Paul Academy more than ten years ago, but that year she had lived there, though far-off, remained as vivid as the day she had begun. It was certainly because Terry had occupied a big part of this complicated period of her existence. Sometimes she thought that if she had not met him, she would probably have wisely followed her studies then would have obediently returned to America to marry a good match chosen by the family. She was so grateful for having been adopted by the Andrew family, that she would have done anything to satisfy her Uncle William. But Terry had shown her that she could control her fate and that she didn't have to be afraid of wanting to be free.
- You saved my life… - she thought, turning her face full of tenderness and admiration towards the young aristocrat, who, noticing her strange gaze, arched an asking eyebrow.
- I love you, mister Grandchester… - she murmured as an answer, her eyes shining of the trouble that this wave of revived emotions created in her.
She had passed her arms around his neck, and he had embraced her in his turn, both looking at their love in the other's gaze.
- Stop it, please! – He finally said, chuckling. But as she insisted, pretending not to understand, he added:
- Stop looking at me that way, miss Andrew whether not I will be obliged to take you to your cabin to admonish you properly!...
Candy's cheeks turned red immediately as she looked around her to be sure that no one had heard him.
- Don't speak so loud! – She whispered as she pressed her index finger against his lip – You could be heard!
The deck had filled with travellers, leaning against the railing to attend the arrival. An elegant old lady next to them was looking at them, half smiling.
- Was it possible that she had understood the innuendo? – Candy wondered, blushing even more as Terry, with a provoking smile on the corner of his lips, plunged his head in the hollow of her neck. The warm blow of his breath caressed the back of her neck, making all her being quivering of delight. She closed her eyes, powerless. She could not deny that the indecent proposal of the young man who was holding her in his arms, seduced her. The torrid nights they had been passing since their meeting had given her body more and more demanding of his own, like a drug of which she had become the willing and often demanding slave. Never before she would have imagined how much her flesh could be so weak as soon as he put his hands on her, precipitating her in a world in which desire would dominate the reason to which she would submit with an ardor that used to surprise her each time even more. She understood now the whole meaning that assumed this carnal fusion, that not content with joining their bodies aimed also at their souls, which, far from being lost, used to join in an exclusive share of senses and thoughts that only some Big Love privileged ones could know.
- I'm so lucky to live that with the one I love the most in this world - she thought, getting out from her torpor as he was still kissing her. Unable to resist more, she pushed him away, looking at him reproachfully, creating in him mocking chuckles.
- All right… - he sighed, pretending to be disappointed. He went behind her and drew her to him, his chin leaning on the top of her blonde head, and he added, mumbling – This isn't over…
Hearing this suggestive promise, she tried to show an impassible face despite the thrill of her eyelids that were betraying her. Hopefully he could not see it whether not he would have once again laughed stupidly, enjoying the emotion he had created in her. A new horn made her startle, taking away for a while the flood of shameless thoughts that were crossing her, and she moved her gaze troubled of fever towards the pier that was coming closer. She recalled well that place though it was shrouded with fog the last time she had been there. It was on that pier that she had said farewell to Terry… And confessed to herself that she loved him… She came a little bit closer to him and closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth of his body that wrapped her. He was really there, with her on this boat. She was not alone anymore… She put her hand on his and pressed it tenderly, to get reassured once again. She couldn't stop touching him since then to check that all of this was not a dream. She thought that as soon as she would tread upon British land, many of the mental constraints she had imposed to herself would began to exorcize.
The Duke of Grandchester's driver was waiting for them on the dock. The young couple settled in the car while he put the baggage in the trunk. Then, they left Southampton towards London where lived Terry's father. A knot grew in Candy's throat as the miles were passing. She was fearing this meeting with the Duke though Terry had assured her that everything would be fine.
- He's looking forward to seeing you, Candy – he said, taking her hand as he noticed her worrying face – he thinks highly of you.
Candy smiled without big enthusiasm. The Duke of Grandchester had always impressed her. If she had dared to face him in Saint-Paul Academy after Terry's leaving, it was only because she had been pushed by the rage of despair. In other circumstances, she would have been very careful not to do it. She hoped he would not hold a grudge against her for her boldness and that he could appreciate the choice of his son.
She turned to him and noted that he had fallen asleep, his head leaning against the door's window. His face looked so relaxed that she did not dare to move for fear of waking him up. It must be said they had not slept a lot since those last few days, and she blushed again at this thought. Since their meeting in Italy, they had not left each other anymore. Candy had left her bedroom at Roberta's boardinghouse the following day. As a good friend, Patty had not asked for any explanation, understanding easily Candy's embarrassment. It was not very common that a woman of her rank spent her nights with a man without being married, even if one's could presume that they would probably sleep in separate bedrooms… To be true, all of this had been very convenient to her because it was going to allow her to organize her time schedule without having the feeling to justify herself even if Mrs Roberta had reproachfully coughed when suspecting the reason of Candy's leaving. But she expected some reproaches if she happened to come back late at night, and she had thought that she should ask to Alessandro to rather wait for her in the corner of the street when she would join him after his work.
Candy and Terry had only stayed two more days in Verona, time for them both to say goodbye to their new friends: the banker who had so generously lent his mother's house to Terry, the keepers of the said house and more specially, their discretion, the lady of Juliet's club, the nurses of the hospital, the doctor Biazinni, and of course Patty who had preferred to stay few more days with her handsome doctor. Both girlfriends had frankly left each other, so happy of this new happiness that was offering to each one, and had promised to see each other again as soon as possible. Terry wanted to get married quickly in order to openly appear with Candy but that latter wanted her wedding to be celebrated at Pony's home. There was no question for her of getting married without her two beloved mothers. They had then opted for an engagement celebration in his family, in England, which would formalize their relationship while giving time enough to Albert to organize their wedding in America. On their way, they had stopped in Venice to give their regards to the Count Contarini then they had followed their path to the country of Shakespeare. The days had elapsed at a crazy speed, leaving them all dazzled of joy and excitement. She was so happy, so happy! What could happen now that would come and trouble this happiness? She laid her head against the back of the seat on which she was sitting, and let her thoughts wandering, her gaze turned to the countryside that was passing behind the closed windows, her heart beating of hope.
The London estate of the Grandchester was located outside the city and stretched on hundreds of hectares. The castle, dating back to Renaissance had been completely rebuilt in the XIXth century in the Victorian style and overlooked in an imposing way the suburbs. It could be seen from a very long distance, so well that Candy could perceive it though they still had few miles to cross. Her heart leaped up in her chest and she squeezed stronger the handkerchief she had been holding in her white-gloved hand. Anguish was taking possession of her and was becoming more and more oppressive, stopping regularly her breath. She looked for some fresh air near the window but her discomfort didn't ease, so much that she wondered if she could hold her stomach until their arrival. Suddenly, the car stopped in the middle of the road.
- Come – said Terry to her as he laid a comforting hand on hers – We'll walk the last mile. It will do you good.
He got out of the car and turned around it to go and open her door. The young woman exited, livid, from the passenger compartment. Holding back his laugher, he asked the driver to go forward and announce their coming. Then he came back to Candy who had not yet recovered her colors. An ironic smile on the corner of his lips, he drew her to him, and passing an arm around her shoulders, he began to lead the walk.
- You are as white as a sheet of paper, darling. If my father sees you in this state, he will think that you are too delicate and will refuse our marriage.
Candy looked up worryingly but the little laugh that shook his shoulders reassured her.
- I don't know what's happening to me – she said, laughing nervously – I've never felt so bad, even before the Great Aunt Elroy…
- If it can make you feel more comfortable, I don't feel very relaxed either. Last time I came here, I had a very violent argument with my father. The walls had trembled!
- The castle does not seem to have kept any marks of it – she said ironically, pointing with her chin the impressive edifice that was taking more distinct shapes before her eyes. With his Bath stone trimmings and its neo-renaissance square turrets, it looked very stylish. But she preferred the family manor in Scotland, smaller and more rustic, of which she had kept tender memories.
The sun had begun its descent behind the roofs of the impressive house, indicating that the afternoon had well started. A rumbling coming from her stomach recalled her that she had not eaten since breakfast, and she instinctively put a hand against her belly to try and soften the noise it was making, cursing the perfidious monster that probably lived in it.
- Damn! – She mumbled, hoping that Terry had heard nothing.
- I notice in any case that all these emotions haven't ruined your appetite!... – He cried out then, which suggested that among other qualities, he had an acute hearing, which in Candy's opinion at that time, was synonymous to unbearable fault.
- I'm starving to be honest… - she confessed looking down with embarrassment, ready to endure her companion's mocking laugher, while her stomach was singing at the top of its voice.
- Don't worry, I think there are stocks enough in the kitchen to calm down the ogre who controls this part of your anatomy.
She pushed him away with a punch to his shoulder and raised her nose, offended. He burst out laughing and tightened his embrace in spite of her obvious reluctance, reluctance that vanished as soon as he gave a triumphant kiss on the top of her head.
- You will never spare me, will you? – She sighed, looking up.
- Never! – He launched, with a mischievous eye as he kissed her once again. She inclined a little more her head towards him and pressed her cheek against his chest, hoping secretly he never changed.
This little quarrel had put colors back on her face and it was with her cheeks pinked with fresh that she appeared further in front of the butler who was waiting for them under the porch topped with the family coat of arms.
- Good afternoon, Carson – said Terry as he greeted the domestic employee who greeted him in return with a discreet but warm smile. It was a very tall and fairy large man, with slightly slicked greying hair perfectly parted in the middle. His time-withered clear eyes were looking at the young couple with an infinite tenderness.
- Good afternoon My Lord. Allow me to express how satisfied we are to have you here.
By "we", Carson had modestly meant "I"… Among the Grandchester's children, Terry had always been his favorite one. Sadly, he had so often witnessed to the unequal and unfair treatment he had been receiving, that he had become attached to this lonely kid, sidelined from his family. Discreetly and as much as he could, he had tried to protect him, always finding the words to comfort the little boy who used to isolate himself in his bedroom to cry far from the cruel eyes of his sister and brother, giving him back courage and pride. Leaving the castle for going to Saint-Paul Academy had been really heartbreaking for them both but he had encouraged him to be strong, guessing in the teenage boy standing before him, the glorious fate man that he would become one day. The future had ruled in his favor and he was having difficulty to dissimulate his emotion.
- "We" share the same satisfaction, Carson, rest assured – answered Terry, obviously moved too. It was not like Carson to show his joy that way and this touched him very much. Clearing his throat, he asked – Is my father here?
- The Duke is waiting for you and Miss Andrew in the Saloon, My Lord. Would you like to freshen up before meeting him? I've had a valet sent up your baggage in your bedrooms – asked the butler as the trunk of the car, parked few meters forward before the service entrance, was finishing getting emptied.
- This is very kind of you, Carson, but it won't be necessary. I'm eager to introduce my future wife to my father.
- In that case, my Lord, let's not make him wait longer. Follow me, please.
Candy looked at Terry like a deer in the daylight. That latter took delicately her hand with a benevolent smile and carried her inside. They walked across the long hall that led to a certain number of rooms such as the library, the music and drawing room, the smoking room, the dining-room, meeting here and there some maids in a hurry. The butler finally pushed a double-door that parted over a big rectangular room bathed in light thanks to its glass roof above. An amazing Gothic style rib-shaped vault was holding up the roof and graciously falling down towards the ground covered with thick oriental carpets. Family paintings were hanging on the walls carpeted with old hangings and woodworks, looking at the new visitors with curiosity. A door at the other side of the room opened then, and a silhouette that Candy had the opportunity to approach once, appeared. Frozen, she squeezed so hard Terry's hand that he couldn't help crying of dolor. The Duke of Grandchester was walking towards them with a serious look, his steel blue gaze staring at them both. He was as tall and impressive as in her memories. Reaching them, he stopped, his deep blue eyes running from one to the other. Candy's heart was rushing and her breath was trembling.
- He's going to kick me out! – She thought, almost fainting, her green pupils wide opening towards him, like a prey hypnotized by the beast about to eat her.
Against all odds, she saw her features suddenly relaxing and his penetrating eyes narrowing with contentment. Then she felt his powerful arms drawing her violently against him, her cheek, carried in the impulse, going to crash in a fabric noise against his suit jacket. She couldn't move, prisoner of the arms that were tightening her, and she tried from the corner of her eye to capture Terry's gaze but he was too much behind to be seen.
- Welcome – she heard the Duke say with a quivering voice suffused with a sincere emotion – Welcome home, my dearest child…
· Do you still need my services, miss? - Asked the maid to Candy after having helped her to get undressed.
Sitting before her dressing table, busy taking off her earrings, she answered to her with a friendly smile through the mirror reflection.
· Thank you, Benedicte. It will be fine. This day has been long for you too. Hurry to go and sleep.
· Thank you, miss. Have a good night.
· Good night to you too. Thank you.
The maid checked one last time the folds of the silk nightgown that she had laid down on the bed, and left the bedroom. As soon as the door was closed, the young Andrew rushed to stretch like a cat, yawning heartily. The nervous tension she had felt all along the day had exhausted her! It was without taking into account the gargantuan meal the Duke's cooker had prepared to them! Candy had had a snack in the afternoon to calm her painful hungriness, but she had not expected such a feast in the evening! Each course was such a delight that she had not found the courage to let pieces in her plate. She had not either wanted to hurt the cooker who had obviously done her best to satisfy them. She was feeling heavy and was, despite tiredness, sure to sleep bad. A little walk in the castle's gardens would certainly do her well...
She wore her nightgown, knotted it quickly around her waist, then passed her head through the door frame. No one around! With catlike stealth, she proceeded in the hall and went towards the main stairs to join the Saloon. The castle was so big that she did not want to get lost and preferred to trust the rooms she had already visited. One of the French windows was half opened and she sneaked in, getting to a terrace overhanging a vast garden of which she could see the mysterious shadows under the dark veil of the night. It was a beautiful summer night, hot and scented. It smelled cut-grass of which was rising a concert of crickets singing. She leaned against the balustrade and closed her eyes.
You'd think you were at Pony's home...
The face of her two mothers came back to her memory and she promised to herself to send them a telegram the following morning to tell them the good news.
· Perhaps Albert has already informed them – she thought – I am so eager to see them all again !
But these re-encounters would not happen immediately. During the meal, the Duke had evoked the engagement celebration and explained that despite his best will, it could not happen before two weeks. As the wedding would take place in England, he wanted the engagement to be celebrated in the conditions up to their rank, which meant with splendor and with many guests. Candy and Terry would have preferred a more intimate celebration but he looked so concerned that they did not dare to hurt him.
· We'll organize in America our wedding like we want, let's leave him this pleasure if it can please him – had suggested Terry to Candy as they were walking up the stairs that were leading to their bedrooms – I've never seen him so happy in my entire life!
· I don't mind at all, my love – she had answered while keeping on climbing the stairs – I'm so happy to see that things are going better between you both, and if our engagement can reinforce your relationship, I'm totally inclined to accede to his desires.
Arriving at the landing, she looked up towards the big painting of Beatrix Grandchester, hanging on the wall before them. She was sitting on an armchair, in a classical posture, her hands crossed on her thighs, wearing her head nobly but severely. Considering the style of the dress she was wearing, one's could suppose that the portrait had been made few years ago.
· I'm curious to meet your mother-in-law... - she had murmured. The tone of her voice was however suggesting a certain apprehension because Lady Grandchester was famous for not being the most pleasant person in the world.
· Well... I'm not as eager as you to see her again – he had retorted with a grin – I'm happy she's having a cure in Bath and is going back two days only before the celebration. Two days that will already be enough...
· We've barely talked about your brother and sister during the meal. Do you think they'll be there?
· I'm afraid so... - he had sighed sadly.
· Where are they now? I thought they would be here, in the castle?
· My brother, Rudolph, works in a bank in London in which he is in charge of real property portfolios, and my sister, Sybille, is in Bath my her mother who must be trying to look for an husband for her, thought pretenders do not argue for her hand...
With a movement of his head, he had pointed the portrait of a young girl a little bit further, whose features excessively ingrate, despite all the artist's efforts to conceal them, were not very flattering.
· Oh my God! - Candy had exclaimed, horrified, bringing her hand to her mouth.
Terry had nodded, closing his eyes with consternation.
· Yes... And I can also add that she's particularly sly and evil!
· L... Like Elisa? - She had asked, unable to imagine that someone as horrible as her cousin could exist.
· Like her, but... uglier!
Frowning reproachfully, she had given him a tap on his shoulder, but without letting out a nervous chuckle.
· It's not nice to laugh at her, Terry!
· Noticing does not mean laughing... - he had replied, his eye full of mischief – And when you'll get acquainted with my sister, you'll lose any will to be charitable!
· What a cheering prospect! - She had exclaimed as she followed her visit, looking over with a scrutinizing eye the file of ancestors, in search of a resemblance with their illustrious descendant. Suddenly, she had stopped before the painting of a man dressed like a highlander, whose blazing red hair highly contrasted with Terry's brown hair. It was a very handsome man in his forties, who did not look like so much the young aristocrat, but whose determination in the gaze recalled his own oddly.
· Who is he? - She had asked, troubled.
· James Alexander Malcom MacKenzie Fraser (1), one of my Scottish ancestor, who fought the English during the Jacobite rebellion. He was a very brave man and a real warrior. He also participated in the American Revolution. We do not know when he died. It is said that he disappeared with his wife that was suspected of being a witch...
· A witch? Really?
· Without going further into details because it would be too long, his life was a real novel! But I can tell you that he had a son, William, with a rich English aristocrat, and that William later had a daughter who married a Grandchester, another Scottish, to the great displeasure of the British family's side!
· Two families of valorous Scottish... - she had murmured, amazed – How lucky you are to have such ancestors, Terry! I don't even know where I come from...
· From the monkey, certainly, given your agility in the trees!... - he had launched, mocking, with the silly thought that it would chase the sadness that had appeared in her eyes.
He had expected a violent reaction from her, but strangely, nothing had happened, settling for replying with a worrying smile that foretold future reprisals, reprisals she had hurried to apply, mercilessly, at their arrival before her bedroom.
· I could come and join you later in the night? - He had cooed with a charming tone, his arm leaning against the door-frame.
· It won't be possible, Mr Grandchester – she had answered, turning to him, with a very ingenuous look – You've forgotten that we are not married. I would not want that our behavior harm the honor of the family...
· Stop these nonsenses and tell me that I can come later!
· Don't insist, Mr Grandchester, or I will be obliged to ask the maid to stay and sleep with me...
· Pffff! - He had grumbled, shaking his head - You're mad at me because of my joke about the female monkeys?
· A female monkey now! Thank you for precising it! - She had cried out, faking indignation, enjoying inwardly the disappointed face of her loved one – Well, the female monkey is right away going to bed, ALONE!
Terry had opened the mouth to reply when a female voice had interrupted them. It was the maid who had been attributed to Candy for the stay.
· Good evening, Miss Andrew. I'm Benedicte, your maid, and I'm here to help you to get dressed for the night.
· You're well-timed! - the young woman had exclaimed as she invited her to get in. Then, with a revengeful smile on the corner of her lips, she had shut the door on the young man's nose who had remained dumbfounded.
Remembering this funny episode of the evening, she wondered if Terry was in his bedroom, fulminating against her. She was still having in mind the image of his stupefied face before her resistance, and began to chuckle with satisfaction. She noticed then a smell of tobacco around her and realized that someone was watching her. She pivoted immediately but did not see anything. A cigarette only was ending burning out in an ashtray on a small table next to a sun lounger. Puzzled, she scanned the terrace, looking for a presence. The place looked resolutely empty though. Feeling the fear getting her, she thought she would walk in the garden on another occasion, preferring joining back her bedroom as fast as possible. She had not forgotten that there were ghosts in England, and she was not really ready to test it tonight. A little faster on her way back, she joined her bedroom with a sigh of relief. She would never get used to those long and dark corridors in which the least shadow would tetanize her of fear.
Sitting on the edge of her bed, she was taking off her dressing gown when a strange noise coming from the half opened wardrobe made her startle. A silhouette sprang out from it like a devil from his box. Mute of terror, she took a candelabrum from the pedestal table next to the bed, that she brandished above her by way of defense, and realized that this silhouette was nothing else than Terry's.
· Terry? But, what... - she did, surprised, as she moved back before the strange face he was wearing. She banged into the wall behind her, the candelabrum hanging at her dangling arm. He was standing close to her, his shirt half opened, and breathing with quivers. She could feel his breath reeked of tobacco brushing her cheek.
· Here is the explanation to my ghost... - she thought, blaming herself for her lack of discernment. Her heart was beating very fast and she could feel the warmth of his skin irradiating through the fabric of his shirt. She bit her lip before the unbearable need to pull it off from him but got a grip on herself, remembering that she couldn't give in. Didn't female monkeys sleep in the trees while their companions would stay on the ground, buried under the tall grass?
She looked up to him who was remaining silent, his tensed jaw only expressing his trouble.
· You... You shouldn't be here, Terry. This is bad – she muttered as he put his arms above her and stared at her. She felt that she could not escape him. He was so beautiful with his hair lock falling on his face! Wickedly beautiful! And it was really an umpteenth damnation that she was risking if she let him go on!
· Ask me to leave... - he whispered with his warm voice as he lowered his head to her lips that he brushed without touching them for in the following going down to the hollow of her throat, leaving her breathless – Ask me to leave... And I will obey...
She tried a sketch of retort that got lost in the whining of pleasure she emitted as he sneaked under her nightgown and pressed his lips on her skin. Carried by desire, she let slip the candelabrum that fell down with a thud on the carpet and bounced under the bed, toward what he took her with a shout of victorious rage, quickly smothered under the confuse melody of their long and voluptuous sighs...
1. Main character of the Outlander saga by Diana Gabaldon.
Her head leaning against his chest, she was playing at making slide lasciviously her index finger on his torso, enjoying the soft contact of his male skin under the her finger pad.
· Tell me... Have you known many... before me?
She felt against her cheek the muscle of his chest quivering and was not surprise of his reaction. She looked up towards him and saw him biting his lip with embarrassment. He had been expecting that question some day, but had naively thought that she would not ask it so directly. A multitude of thoughts were melting into his mind, searching for the best answer.
The face of numerous one-night conquests brutally came back to his memory, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. It was not very glorious and he wondered how he would explain the man he used to be at that time, so different from the one who was holding her between his arms. How to explain the vortex into which he had plunged after their breaking up, a vortex of work, alcohol and feasts, to try and forget her, without being able to succeed? Those passing unknown women used to allow him for a brief moment to convince himself that he was still alive, even if just after he would feel again dead inside. He had always refused any commitment, any tie, wanting to promise nothing, even less his heart. This is why those few casual flings had generally happened on tour where town changings facilitated the escape. Of course, if he had known that one day he would have found back Candy, he would have behaved differently and not like a cad without any qualms. But having now experimented true physical love, having felt this supreme happiness between the arms of the woman he loved, it could not be compared to what he had lived before and he realized how much he had lost himself during all this time.
He opened his mouth to answer, to tell her that he was not proud of what he had been, of this being without any scruples who had certainly made suffer not only Suzanna who did not ignore any of his infidelities, but also the women who had given themselves to him, hoping secretly to keep him. But only one had been able to do it, and that woman was named Candy, the one who was nestled against him and who was carefully looking at him like if she was trying to read his thoughts in his eyes. This is what she had certainly done because she put a finger on his mouth, sealing his half-opened lips.
· What happened before does not matter after all since you are here with me now... - she said with a tender and sad smile – But...
She straightened up, drawing back closer the sheet against her, and looking down.
· I'd like to know if you and Suzanna... - she asked wit a voice barely inaudible so much she feared the answer.
· No! - He did with such energy that she tears rose to her eyes. He had straightened up in his turn and was watching her with intensity – No! I would have never been able to, never! I may be owe her my life but the moral misery into which she plunged me further, never allowed me to consider her differently than the guard of the prison into which she had shut me up. You know, she suffered a lot during her illness and I stayed near her all along, watching over her night and day during the last weeks of her agony. I naively believed that it had brought us closer and I had come to regret my escapes, though we were not married, neither engaged, having refused any other role than companion's, until chasing the one of partner. To be honest, I was feeling so much pity for her that I had begun to blame myself for my lack of tenderness towards her, my indifference during all these years. I could have made at least an effort even if I hated her inwardly for all what she represented to me. I told her and she looked relieved. She past away few days later and when I found back your letters hidden in the bottom of the drawer of writing desk, while I was cleaning her stuff with my heart eaten up with guilt, I felt a furious rage towards her, because she had betrayed and lied to me all along! Though she had had the opportunity during our last talks, she could have confessed what she had done and I could have forgiven her. But as this pack of letters was trembling between my hands, I felt all the monstrosity of her action, I could almost hear her laughing at me. I was holding those letters and I realized that she had opened them, she had read them and had kept them carefully during all these years, imagining may be with delight the shock it would cause to me. I suppose it was her little revenge for all what I had made her suffer, but believe me, Candy, believe me, even if I had not known all of this, I would never have been able to touch her! And in light of what I know now, I regret to have taken care of her during her last moments while I should have spit in her all my contempt!
He had said that with such a hate that she had quivered and had thrown herself to him, taking his face between her hands.
· I'm begging you, Terry, don't let your heart fill with bitterness! Suzanna was a weak being who only searched her own satisfaction. She thought she loved you and allowed herself everything in the name of this selfish love she felt for you. But I want you to make peace with her and with yourself. I don't want her to be a ghost between us. She is not there anymore, You are not tied with her anymore, you are connected with me now. It doesn't matter she has read and kept my letters. They might have made her suffer much more than I did. In the end, she much more needs to be pitied than to be blamed...
· What should people do to you to have you stop finding excuses for all those who made you suffer so much? - He said, losing his temper with exasperation.
· I'm not finding them excuses. I only want to free myself from them, not to feel hate when thinking about them whether not they will keep on living in me and I don't want to give them this power. And finally, I know that you are with me nowadays and this makes me stronger. I don't fear anyone with you. I am happy, Terry, so happy that I don't want to spoil this happiness by waking up pains that belong to the past.
· I'm madly happy too, Candy, but I don't know if it will help me one day to get your wisdom and your courage! - He sighed. Then, his eye recovering all his mischievousness, he leaned towards her – But will you let me take care of Elisa when we see her again?
· Promise me you'll behave! - She cried out, opening wide begging eyes – I know all what she made us live but think about her head when she see sus together. It will be our most beautiful revenge!
· Shown that way... - he said with a doubtful pout, while promising to himself to personally take care of his future cousin's case. It was out of the question she gets through it so easily!
Comforted, Candy lied down on her belly, the sheet harmoniously moulding the voluptuous curves of her lower back. She stretched languorously then turned to him, her head leaning against her folded arm, and asked him:
· You know what would please me?
· Tell me.
· I'd like to go back to Saint Paul Academy...
· Saint Paul? This sordid place with those all black dressed lugubrious nuns who used to follow us until the toilets?
She shook her head with enthusiasm as he was looking at her with eyes rounding of interrogation.
· I'd like to see the fake Pony's hill, the one to which I used to revitalize myself after school or after a dirty trick of Neal and Eliza – she said with a nostalgic smile – I'd like to walk in the college, in the park, to walk before our rooms, to live again those happy times when we were all together, when there was no war yet to separate some of us forever...
Alistair's souvenir filled suddenly her heart and tears of sadness clouded her pretty eyes. Noticing her distress, Terry lied down next to her and put a hand on her cheek, caressing her tenderly.
· We'll go anywhere you want, my love – he said with a tender voice – And if you want us to go to Saint Paul Academy, well, I accept, even if I have to face Mother Superior's mustaches!
· Hoooooo, please, Terry, you're really a lost cause – she chuckled, outraged, as she pushed him back.
· I know... - he said as he tilted over her, taking her fists to immobilize her – But it's what you like in me, don't you?
· I admit – she said a she tried to free herself but he was holding her firmly with this mischievous smile that she liked to find on his face, announcing beautiful promises...
· In that case, miss Andrew... - he groaned, plunging towards the hollow of her throat, his warm breath spreading on her skin, making her thrill of delight – What do you think about picking up the conversation where we had left it off?
· Which conversation are you talking about, sir? - She asked with an innocent look, as he was loosening his embrace to slide towards her breast.
· About this one... - he said with a hoarse voice, his lips closing hungrily on the tit with a sigh of pleasure. She arched, moaning, and let her head go backward as she closed her eyes, giving herself with delight to the divine suctions of her lover, who despite the late hour seemed very inspired and far from being tired.
When exhaustion finally carried them, the sky had begun to get the colors of the first lights of dawn. It was high time for Terry to come back to his bedroom before being noticed by the servants. After a superhuman effort, he left the bed, and after having summarily dressed, he discretely left the room, not without looking with adoration to the naked and beautiful nymph who was sound asleep. Holding his shoes, he crept in the corridor in the direction of his bedroom, and as he was passing before the gallery of paintings that he had contemplated earlier with Candy, he quivered of surprise, having met the gaze of his proud Scottish ancestor, James Fraser, who, he would have sworn it, had just given him a most knowing wink...
End of chapter 15