CHAPTER 4

Thousands came by train from states near and far to see the grand opening of the American Derby. The grandstand of the Washington Park were packed with men, women and occasional children to see the event. The who's who of the social circle mingled leisurely at the Jockey Culbhouse and the Press were equally excited for both the social and sport turn outs.

Flashbulbs exploded non-stop and journalists buried their faces taking notes of the people and runabouts of the grand event.

The Andrews have high hopes for their promising thoroughbred two year old stallion, Limp Bizkit. One of the Cornwell's pride and glory was their collection of Arabian horses. Only this year, with Archibald being away for his MBA and his parents busy with their charities, the task of representing the family was left to Albert.

"Over here Mr. Andrew!" one of the reporters with dark framed glasses called to them. Smoke billowed around them as more photographers followed his lead.

"Thank you Sir and Ma'am... Mr. Andrew, Mark Carl of the Daily Tribune," the reporter tipped his hat and introduced himself. "May we ask for the name of the lovely lady you're escorting?"

Albert nodded to Mary and she smiled back in approval.

"Allow me the pleasure of introducing Lady Mary Crawley, eldest daughter of the Earl of Grantham and Cora Carmichael Crawley Countess of Grantham." Albert spoke with reverence.

The reporter tore his nose from his notes and asked with a muckraker grin. "Excuse me Sir, is that the Carmichaels of New Hampshire?"

"The very lot." She answered demurely.

"Phew!" he blew a whistle as he jotted down on his notepad and tipped his hat again. "Thanks so much Mr. Andrew and Lady Crawley."

Mary took a sip from her wine and looked at Albert through her designer hat. "I hope that he writes something good about us. My father promised me to read American newspapers while I'm here."

"What else is there to say? Wouldn't he be proud to see you escorted by a charming young man?" He mused.

"Pray, do tell who that charming young man is? You must introduce him to me at once!" she flirted.

"I believe he is the one you have so keenly picked from the lot."

"Only by the threat of a gun held to my head. My grandmother is the one keen on you, you know?" she said laughing as they paced around the luxurious secluded clubhouse.

Albert was amused. And challenged! The manner of her speech, and the way she conducts herself, it made him feel uncomfortable and thrilled altogether and he liked it. He watched her closely as they viewed the game. Her excited feminine shrieks added more fuel to the exhilarating atmosphere as crowd shouted their bets.

For the moment the whole world revolved only around her. He hung on to her every word. He found himself eager to please her and attend swiftly to her tiny requests. He felt sophisticated and good about himself as she laughed on his jokes. It was marvelous. Until…

"William," she asked; his heart thudded loudly as he first heard her speak his name.

"Please… call me Albert. William is for business relations and I…" he paused. "I want us to be more… be more familiar with each other."

"Albert then." she beamed. " I don't mean to pry, but I have heard some rumors."

"Dear… I hope you haven't unearthed something dreadful." he replied, his forehead creasing a little with worry.

"It's about your protégé." She confessed, looking him straight in the eyes.

"What about her." He said, his jaws suddenly tightening.

Lady Mary took a deep breath and continued. "There have been talk about the ambiguity of your relationship. My grandmother said that you took her into your care since she was a teenager while you were barely even an adult yourself."

"I don't deny it." He answered seriously.

She was quiet for a while, waiting for him to give more explanation about the matter himself. He picked up on her vibe and gave in.

"I felt it was the right decision at that time and I don't regret it. She's a sweet girl… and…" he stammered at the end.

"And?" she coaxed.

"And I owe her my life."

He told her their history, his life with her as when he lost his memory. Albert was surprised with himself as his confessions left out what he had or still felt about Candy.

"Is that all?" she asked shyly.

He avoided her astute brown eyes and answered. "Yes."

"I'm glad." Obviously delighted, she grinned and touched his arm. "Now its my turn to be awkward."

Lady Mary leaned on the rails. She slowly turned her head; discretely making sure that they were out of earshot from anyone.

"There is a reason why I am here, and by the looks of things I do not think you are aware of it." Mary explained her tone more serious and quieter. "You see, I have caused such a scandal for my family. There was a Turkish diplomat who visited our home for a riding event."

"I'm not sure if I want to hear this Lady Mary."

"No, trust me you must. If we are ever to see each other again, the truth must be set clear."

Albert nodded, he paced around her in silence.

"We barely knew each other," she continued. "But he was very charming young man. Everything happened so quickly when he suddenly appeared in my room. I never thought I ever did something to make him think that I... one thing led to another… and he… he died of a heart attack in my bed."