That night, Candy had a very hard time falling asleep, so much the excitement of these reencounters had been intense! Seeing Slim again after all these years had really shaken her. She had left a little boy and had found back a young man who had even lost his Michigan accent, expressing himself through most British phrasing. Eager to know everything about each other, the questions had mounted in a real cacophony, preventing them from understanding what they were saying. They had finally calmed down, laughing at their enthusiasm, and had sat down in front of each other to talk at ease. Candy had not stopped touching him to be sure that she did not dream and that it was her soul little brother sitting in front of her.
- Tell me everything, Slim. I knew that a blacksmith had adopted you and that you had left the region. Tell me what has brought you to London!...
The young man had nodded with a sigh, as if the tell of his life was not as easy to give up. He had looked up at her, his black pupils flying over her shoulder to go and get lost in the garden that could be seen by the big window behind her. He was staring at it without really looking at it, absorbed in his thoughts disturbing his mind.
- I'm afraid I'm going to have to disappoint you with my story, Candy…
- Why, Slim?
- Because it has not been as perfect as I wanted to make you believe it was…
- But, in the letters you sent to Pony's Home, you said that you loved your new life and were happy with the parents you had…
- I did not want our mothers to be worried. What's the point to torment them with the sad reality?...
- You're scaring me, Slim! – Candy had said, with an alarmed voice – What did happen to you after your adoption?
She had seized his hand and squeezed it very strongly.
- In fact… - He had finally answered – In the beginning, things got very well. It was summer holidays and I enjoyed helping my father at the forge while waiting to go back to school. But in the end of summer, as I asked to which school I would attend, my father made me very well understand that I will never return there and that I will work with him for now… I tried to contest but I received such a beating that I would never claim for anything.
- You father molested you?!... – Candy moaned, horrified – But, your mother did not defend you?
- She did, but he used to molest her too, moreover when he was drunk, and as he used to drink often…
- My poor Slim… I feel so sad for you! I feel so sorry for having been unable to help you!
- Oh, don't! You helped me a lot, Candy! I had not forgotten that day when I had visited you at the Leagan's and I had discovered there the way you were treated. You had hold your head up in spite of all you had to endure. Then, I used to cling to that memory, to that example of strength and courage you had given me, and I tried to do the same thing, to hang on while waiting for a better future…
Tears were running along Candy's face and she had started to palpate her dress in search of a handkerchief that was taking a long time to show up.
- Take! – Slim had said as he handed her his own that he had taken from the pocket of his jacket. He had shrugged with an embarrassed air – I'm sorry, there are paint stains on it but I don't have better.
- It will do just fine… - she had answered with a sad smile. She had looked down, her voice shaking – If we had known, we would have come and taken you. Those people did not deserve to be your parents… I'm so sad for you, Slim!
This time, it was the young man who had taken her hand. His was calloused, a worker's hands…
- You're well placed to know that we learn from our joys and above all from our pains… Perhaps if I had not lived all of this, I would not have felt this thirst for freedom that had encouraged me to leave when my mother died…
- Leaving? But how old were you?
- Just fourteen!
- My word, but you were still a child!
- They had treated me as a child for a long time yet… - He had sighed – I left the same day my mother got buried. I had nothing left to cling to this family. That day, my father had gotten drunk more than usual, and I took the opportunity of his unconsciousness to withdraw some money to pay my train ticket for New York. I reunited the little stuff I had in a thin bundle and I ran away. By chance, I was tall for my age and I looked older. Nobody asked me any questions and even less in New York when I asked for a job on a boat. I embarked the following day as a cabin boy on a cargo ship that traded with Africa. I then travelled for two years at transporting coffee and cacao bags. And during my free times, I used to draw those amazing exotic landscapes, those people we mixed with in the plantations. The work was hard but I really enjoyed that time there.
- But… How did you become a painter then?
- One day, I had enough of this and I decided to go to Paris, the capital of the artists. I had a special drawing style and the painters who evolved in Montmartre noticed it. Against all odds, they easily accepted me in their community. I learnt a lot with them. Keep those names in mind, Candy: Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso. Everyone will be fighting for their works soon!
- I just can't believe what happened to you in few years! It's worthy of a novel!
- My story is very common in caparison with others'.
- Don't be modest, Slim. You can be proud of what you've accomplished. You're still so young! I'm sure you will be a great artist in your turn! I saw what you've done with Pony's home. It's wonderful! When will you show me all the other things you've done?
- You can visit me at the gallery anytime. Terry knows where it is. This is where we met few years ago…
- He has not forgotten it obviously since he knew where to find you, little brother. But tell me, why did you settle in London if everything was fine in Paris?
- In fact… I had met someone… - He had said, blushing while looking down with embarrassment – Someone who had a gallery in London. We fell in love and I followed that person here…
- I'm so glad for you! What's her name? I'm eager to meet her!
- Well… H… He's called Humphrey…
- Hum… Humphrey? – She had stammered, blushing in her turn, embarrassed by her unspontaneous reaction.
- You are chocked, perhaps? I'm sorry… - He had said, risking a guilty glance to her.
- My God, I'm not! – She had answered, rushing to take his hand again to comfort him – No matter you love a man or a woman, Slim. I've been a bit surprised, that's all. I should be embarrassed to have made you feel uncomfortable. I did not mean it, I beg you to believe me. I feel so relieved to know that after all what you've been through, you found someone who loves you and who takes care of you. I'd like by the way…
She had looked at Terry who had nodded, guessing what she was about to ask.
- I'd like to invite you and your companion to our engagement. We will not stay very long here and I'd like to make the most of your presence. And it would also allow me to get acquainted with Humphrey. I guess he's very handsome!...
- He is, indeed! – Slim had laughed, blushing even more – I'm sure you'll like him.
- I've no doubt I will!
The afternoon had then ended in the joy of this reencounter and this unexpected revelation. Terry had ended by joining them and they had talked for a while. The Grandchester's chauffeur had further driven Slim back to town with the happy promise to meet for the engagement ceremony. Standing in the courtyard, they had watched him leaving until he disappears around a corner, then she had turned to her future husband, an ecstatic smile illuminating her face.
- Thank you for this surprise, my love… - she had whispered as she passed her arms around his neck – You couldn't make me happier. When seeing Slim again, I really had the feeling of being brought back to the past, this happy past with him, with Annie and the other children of Pony's home…
He had embraced her in his turn and had looked at her tenderly with a bit of concern. Understanding his dismay, she had hurried to add:
- But this happiness is nothing compared to what I feel when I'm with you, Terry… The mere fact of being there, near you, breathing the same air as yours, gives me an immense joy. I could just settle for this, you see. Watching you living, only that, would make me the happiest of women…
He had remained speechless for a while then, she had perceived a sparkle of mischief shining in his eyes that had pushed her to slightly step back, looking at him suspiciously.
- I cannot say the same, unfortunately… - He had said, half-smiling while her eyes widened questioningly – I could never settle with so much restraint, my beloved… I need too much to be able to…
He had leaned to whisper something to her. Her reaction had not taken long in coming, and she had pushed him back, with an offended scream.
- How dare you saying this with all the servants watching us? - She had cried out, her ears blushing, as she nervously looked for some curious eyes behind the windows.
- As long as I know, they can't read on the lips… - He had retorted, waddling, his hands in the pockets of his trousers, proud of what he had induced in her. He loved to tease her, to make her lose her control, and see her cheeks turning scarlet. It had turned into a game he had never gotten bored with.
- Stop looking at me with that triumphant air! – She mumbled, furious.
- Which triumphant air? I would have thought you would share my point of view… - He had observed, his mischievous smile widening.
- Yes… No… Yes! Well… - she had replied, blushing even more while silently cursing him for the trouble he was provoking in her – But… It's just… It's neither the time nor the place, that's all!
- Well, we'll find another one… - He had purred, trying to come closer and arching knowing eyebrows.
- You are definitively a lost cause!...
He had embraced her. She had tried to resist him but had been unable to hold more than few seconds, unable to hold his cajoling smile and the contact of his powerful hands around her waist. She loved to feel his wide chest against hers, the soft warmth of his body that enveloped hers, and his voice, bewitching, that, as he had lowered his head to the hollow of her neck, had come and brushed her ear in an irresistible magic spell that softened her limbs, changing her into a rag doll.
- I love you, miss Andrew… - he had murmured, squeezing her stronger against him. She had nested in return, sighing of happiness, her head leaning against his chest and had closed her eyes, enjoying the moment of soft and ephemeral harmony, holding back this odd feeling that a storm would brew up in the following days…
Candy had woken up with a feeling of anguish that nothing, even the delicious breakfast with Terry's company, could have chased. That latter had welcomed her in the dining-room with a warmth smile that expressed his joy to see her as if he had not seen her for many days though he having left her bedroom early in the morning… Unable to sleep, she had spent the night watching him sleeping, her mind troubled with the events of the day but also with those she will have to face with Terry's stepmother's arrival. She had barely touched her fruit salad and bitten in her toasts, settling, confused, for a cup of tea, the only aliment able to pass in her throat.
- It's going to be allright… - Terry did as he took her hand, having noticed how concerned she looked – I'll be with you. Anyway, what could she reproach to you? You're so adorable!
- Well… - Candy answered with a pout – From my own experience, I tend to fear this kind of women who enjoy reminding me of my origins. Not that I'm ashamed of them, but coming out from their mouth, I've always this feeling that I'm not better than a criminal.
- Don't worry, I'll stop her. I'm not afraid of her and she knows it. Moreover, I would not be against a little battle of wits!...
- If arguments could be avoided… I'm already getting distressed to meet all these unknown people who will look at me up and down, who will observe me like a circus freak.
- Tsssssss, tssssss!... There is nothing to worry about, my love. People will love you, and men will envy me for being the fiancée of such a beautiful woman.
- You're blinded by love, Terry – she said, laughing out loud.
- On the contrary… - He said, bringing her hand to his mouth to kiss it – Love makes me even more aware of the wonderful being you are and of the lucky man I am to be loved by you…
- Oh God, yes, I do love you, Terry! – She murmured, tears showing up – I love you and will never stop loving you, until my last breath…
- Don't forget to repeat this in front of the priest! – He giggled to hide the trouble that overwhelmed him.
- I should keep that in mind! – She answered, sticking out her tongue.
While drinking his coffee, the young man had raised his eyebrows with a doubtful look, for which he got an elbow in the ribs. This entertaining quarrel had opened her appetite, and she was about to get her teeth into a toast, when screams from outside held her in her impulse.
- What's happening? - She asked as she stood up and walked to the window. From where she was standing, she was able to see a gathering but she could not understand the reason why.
- Let's see what's going on! – Terry said, intrigued in his turn.
When getting to the garden, they saw downwards the vast lawn, Carson and three other staff members, reunited in front of a giant tree, their nose pointing to its top. Mathilda, one of the maids, was holding her head between her hands, complaining:
- How are we going to do? Lady Sybille will fire me right if we cannot make him go down… - she cried.
- What's going on here? – Terry asked, making startle the little group.
- Oh, my Lord, you find us a little bothered… - Carson answered, sighing – Your sister's cat met the path of Your Grace's dogs as he was coming back from hunting. One of the dogs escaped from the custody of the servant who was in charge of taking them back to the kennel, and it began to run after the cat, which went and take refuge in that tree on which none of us is able to climb…
The young couple looked up and saw the animal unstable on one of the highest branches that was swinging dangerously, threatening to make him fall. Candy thought at that time that the good English education deserved some climbing lessons, so disarmed and sorry they looked before their powerlessness.
- I could try to bring him back? – She said while taking her shoes off.
- You are not even thinking that! – Terry exclaimed, holding her by her arm – This tree is at least fifteen meters high! In case of falling, you could have your neck broken!
- You forget that I can climb trees since my early childhood, and that I excel at it! – She retorted, trying with her elbow to free herself.
- Don't be so presumptuous! I saw you falling several times at Saint Paul's and the trees were far from having this height!
- I'll be careful! Don't worry! – She said while walking towards the impressive trunk.
- I forbid you to climb! – He roared.
- Miss Andrew, please – Carson moaned - Don't take that risk. I'll call the firemen and they'll know how to take him back.
- This cat is barely holding to the branch. He can fall anytime! – Candy did as she authoritatively put a foot on the tree – Trust me then. I won't be long!
No sooner said than done, the young blonde began the tree climbing, seizing each branch with agility, leaning on her legs and her arms to drag herself higher and higher. In spite of her experience, she slipped several times and narrowly caught herself, causing horrified screams of the little gathering that had meanwhile widened, having attracted new curious ones by its strangeness.
- Don't look down! – She thought with beating heart, following her ascent. The said tomcat was now within her reach and she began to call to capture his attention. It was not the time for her to catch him by surprise and that, scared, he scratches her or falls while trying to runaway. He turned his head to her and gave a desperate meow, his pupils dilated by the fear – Here I am, my friend. Don't be afraid! I'm getting you out of here!
With her free arm, she took the cat that came to nestle against her, trembling. She gave a cry of pain under the pressure of his claws that had sunk in her flesh under the fear that had seized him. All along the never-ending way back, she could not prevent herself from ranting against the animal that was clinging to her painfully while deafening her with his meows.
- Next time – She thought, grinning of pain – You'll stay up there, Sunshine, and you'll go down by yourself!
When she finally reached terra firma, she did not pay attention to the enthusiastic cheering that recognized her prowess, and she hurried to release herself from her torture instrument that she put between the hands of the maid Mathilda, who thanked her with a curtsey and a sigh of relief. Terry went to her and took her in his arms.
- Don't ever do it again! – He said, livid, hugging her tightly against him – Never!
She nodded without any further bravado, delighted to end up in his arms rather than balancing unstably on the tree. She could admit it: she was too old for this kind of crazy things…
A strange noise called then her attention, a kind of reproachful sigh imprinted with contempt, similar to that one she had regularly heard through Miss Leagan or Great Aunt Elroy's mouth.
- So, this is the American girl!
Candy tightened, an unpleasant thrill running along her back, and moved away from her beloved one whose gaze had suddenly hardened. She turned around and met the black eyes of an elegant middle-age lady who was looking at her with haughtiness. She was eying her up and down with a disdainful pout, her glance stopping for a while on her bare feet and her dress dirtied with leaves and twigs.
- Candy, let me introduce you to my stepmother, lady Beatrix… - Terry said with an icy voice – Beatrix, This is C…
- The presentations may wait… - She did with a scornful smile – I believe that your "friend" needs at first to clean herself and dress more decently…
She turned on her heels with a sigh of disappointment, and mumbled, hiding behind an umbrella she was making swirl.
- Well, this attraction to vulgar women might be hereditary…
The young man was about to rush on her when Candy held him firmly by his arm. Fighting against her imploring gaze, he cursed, grumbled, then, they walked back towards the castle. In the courtyard, the vehicle that had transported the duchess and her daughter was getting emptied, the servants fussing around with dexterity. They entered the great entrance hall and went to the stairs that led to the bedrooms. This is when they met Cookie, pushed by the pretty Lucille.
- What a commotion, this morning! – He cried out – I thought I had mixed up the dates and began to believe that the engagement ceremony had started.
- We could have made the mistake, indeed – Terry mumbled – This is just my stepmother and my sister who have arrived… They tend to monopolize a lot of people…
- It looks like they have move out the whole castle! – He observed, mocking, before the line of servants carrying packages.
- If only they could move out definitively! – Terry sighed with rolling eyes.
The sound of female voices was dangerously coming closer and the young aristocrat motioned Candy to begin to climb the stairs, but she was not fast enough and found herself face to face with the Grandchester's heiress, her illustrious genitor following her…
- You were right, mother. She is very common… - the young woman did while carefully scrutinizing her. Disconcerted, Candy moved back and stumbled against the stairs' banister.
- Good morning, Sybille – Terry did coldly as he stepped in between them both – Your treatment in Bath has obviously not softened the poison you call your tongue…
That latter, offended, frowned and was about to answer when her mother interrupted her, having noticed Cookie:
- Wh… What is it? – She did to his attention, stepping back slightly.
- Let me introduce myself, Milady – He answered, his eyes shining insolently – My name is Cookie, Cookie Dicks, at your service…
Before her astonished look, he followed:
- I'm Terrence's very old friend. I'm a sailor and few weeks ago, the boat on which I was working sunk and I got injured. Your son offered me to spend my recovery here…
The duchess remained speechless for a while before the stunning spectacle he offered her. Not only her husband's bastard was back, moreover with an American girl whose behaviour had more to do with the fair acrobat than with the lady, but he was also accompanied by this sort of character whose bold glance and cheeky smile were making her feel very uncomfortable. She could feel that she did not have any power over him and this perturbed her.
- My Godness! – She exclaimed with a sigh of consternation - I'm just gone for a few weeks and that house changes into a court of miracles! I really need some rest to recover from all of this!
This being said, she put her hand on the rail and began to climb the stairs, her daughter just behind her, who turned a last time to look down on them with a glance mixed up with hate and contempt.
- I will be glad when the engagement ceremony is over, because I'm afraid that I wont be able to stay calm any longer… - Terry moaned, squeezing strongly Candy's hand, while watching the two shrews going away.
- I must tell you that I share your eagerness! You had not lied to me. They are really… really…
- Odious! – Cookie spoke, insisting on every syllable. The nurse, Lucille, had brought her hand to her mouth to deaden a laugh, her eyes watering of restraint.
- Indeed, you found the right word, my friend. Odious! This is what are the women of this family! You will excuse me, but I need to take some fresh air before being unable to prevent myself from breaking something in this damn building!
With this, he left with big strides towards the courtyard and met on his way his father who was coming back from the stables, wearing still his hunting suit.
- They have arrived… - He did with a dejected look, noticing his son's infuriated face.
- They have, father. Let me by the way insist that you do your best to control their attitude, whether not, I fear that it's not an engagement will celebrate soon but a funeral!
The Duke's eyes widened with astonishment before his son's desperate warning and, helpless, he let him go towards the stable for a liberating ride. He frowned and entered the great entrance hall with the horrible feeling that these last days' peaceful atmosphere had vanished, having been replaced by a climate of palpable tension, emphasized by the lost gaze of the servants he met along. During many years, he had been used to it, isolating himself in his office and cowardly leaving his faithful Carson to his wife's tyranny. But Terry's accident had opened his eyes on the mediocrity of his life, he had not intention to let himself being manipulated by this intriguer even if she had been used to it for twenty-five years of marriage! He pushed the door of his wife's bedroom and saw her sitting in front of her dressing table. To the severe look he gave her, the maid who brushing her hair, slipped away with a curtsey and cautiously closed the door behind her.
- Here you are, at last, my friend! – She did, barely turning her head to him – And muddy as I can see!...
- I don't need your unkind remarks, madam! – The Duke answered, clenching his fists – What I've to tell you couldn't wait that I make a detour by my bedroom to change of clothes…
- Well! What is so urgent that you come here dressed like a tramp!
- Something that deserves your whole attention, Beatrix, believe me…
Puzzled, the duchess pivoted on her chair and met the firm and threatening glance of her husband that did not bode well. She had never seen him in such a state before, and frowned her forehead with concern before the determination that could be read on his face, realizing, in a second, that from now her life could be a little bit more complicated …
End of chapter 17