CHAPTER 3

During breakfast the following day, Candy woke up early and decided to go for walk around the park. Being around nature always helped ease her mind when she needed to think straight. She shook her head in disdain as she examined her outfit. No, those won't do well for a proper climbing. The silk and organza won't survive the tree branches and the risk of walking home naked is too high.

She thought of Albert again and again. The scene of him and Lady Crawley dancing, it was like a painting of a master. She should be happy for him, it was plain logic. It would be such a great match. Their children would have noble blood in the veins and deep pockets to aide in their life. It was just wonderful. And yet, she couldn't find it in herself to feel completely happy for him.

The nature and fresh air did her good. But her body seems to have an idea of its own. Surprisingly, her feet guided her wandering about to an address she had once visited. Of course! she thought. Why worry alone when she could ask this one person whom she could trust the most about the matter?

She walked up the steps towards the posh apartment building and rang the doorbell. She licked her lips and a smile of relief spread across her face as the gentleman himself opened the door.

Back in the mansion. Albert and Aunt Elroy were having breakfast.

"Your morning papers sir." Their butler Mr. Moseley said; handing him the freshly ironed issues of the Chicago Express.

"Thank you Moseley," Albert said with a grateful smile. "Have you seen Candice this morning?"

"Yes sir. She was up quite early." Moseley said while pouring Albert's orange juice. "She says she has an appointment at the City with her friends."

"Oh. I see. She didn't tell me anything about it last night." Albert frowned.

Quite engrossed with the conversation, Aunt Elroy simpered. "Last night she looked so well…until Lady Mary Crawley arrived."

"Aunt…" Albert suppressed a sigh.

The footman Adrian handed her some envelopes on a silver tray. "Your first persons madam."

"Thank you Adrian." She said and then smiled coyly at Albert. "Here's one for you William."

Mr. Moseley handed Albert a silver letter opener which he used to slit the scented envelop open. His eyebrow arched and his mouth hanged open in surprise as he read through the contents.

"Well? What does it say?" Aunt Elroy asked impatiently.

"It's from Lady Crawley. She's invited me to accompany her for the American Derby opening event."

"How grand!" Aunt Elroy exclaimed. "You must write to her at once!"

"Great Aunt…"

The old matriarch was fit to be tied as she hissed at his reply. "For once in your life William Albert Andrew do as I say!"

Shocking as it was. He found himself tight lipped and scolded like a little boy. He understood what it would mean if he went and escorted Lady Mary. After breakfast he locked himself in his study and stared at the blank stationary.

Finally he wrote:

Dear Lady Mary Crawley,

I would be delighted to accompany you and your grandmother in the American Derby grand opening.

I shall meet you at your hotel 8 o'clock in the morning. The paddocks can be very crowded and it would be a pity if you would feel uncomfortable when I show you our champion Limp Bizkit.

Yours truly,

William Albert Andrew

"My my! What did the early bird bring?" George Johnson chuckled as he saw Candy in. "To what do I owe the honor of such an early treat?"

"Good morning George! I'm sorry I came without prior notice." she chimed as she entered his apartment.

He paused in his tracks and smoothed his beard. "Hmm…No I do not think I forgot any schedule for today."

"No George you didn't. I was just in the neighborhood and I thought, I might as well drop you a visit."

"Miss Candice pardon me if…"

"I know I know. A lady should not barge into a man's apartment without an escort." She waved her hands in exasperation. "But you know better George. I don't give a fig about what they say."

At that, the middle aged man could only do is to groan in reply. He ordered his maid for some tea and biscuits for his employers' young protégé and sat in silence observing her aura.

She began narrating the events of the party; the new faces and new distractions. She reported about the new members of Pony's Home and how she missed working at the hospitals. He noted that she haven't mentioned this not even once since Albert returned to the country and invited her to live with them at the mansion.

After giving way for the one with the push, George fixed his gaze on her.

"Miss Candice…" He said smiling intently on her. "May I offer you some advice?" He stood up and added a moment later. "If you have feelings for him. You must say it now. If you don't," he looked at her again. "You might regret it for the rest of your life."