CHAPTER 5
Later that night Candy sat in the dim kitchen table sipping her favorite green tea. The grandfather clock gave its last deep timbered gong announcing the time. Midnight call echoed though the elaborate halls of the house; summoning its last stirring member to bed. If only she could sleep.
She deliberated on George's advice from the day before. After her head was lucid from any qualm and pressure, an overwhelming conclusion hit her. She was indeed, without a doubt in love with Albert. She was in love with him far longer than she had known and she could all see it clearly now. Why she gladly left the clinic, her work, Pony's home; her family. How his simple presence gave her confidence and inspiration to be a better person. How she anticipated his return from the office and the warm feeling of contentment as they sat together everyday in the dinner table. At long last she finally knew what it meant.
She could almost see herself by his side forever. Not only as his charge, but as his woman - his wife. Her heart cringed at the promise of pleasure in his arms. The image of him as her husband, to have and to hold and put her claim to; just even the thought of it drove her to the brink of ecstasy.
"Oh Albert." she cried.
She wanted him and she was sure of it. But was it right to let him know and burden him of the consequences? Should she fight for him? Would she? Could she? Especially now that he has found his equal in Lady Mary?
She stared in the contents of her little oriental tea cup. If only she could predict the future in them like how they do in the old religions. That would surely make her life easier.
"Candy?"
Her heart jolted in surprise upon suddenly hearing his voice behind her back.
"Albert!" She yelped. "My goodness! What are you doing here?"
"You look so pretty when you're spooked little girl." He grinned. "What are you doing here?"
"Um… I… I was thirsty and I couldn't sleep." she stammered.
"Really?" He retorted with a charming smirk. "You know, green tea isn't going to help your case Candy. It has more caffeine than coffee. Or…" he cajoled. "Were you waiting for me?"
This is it. Take it or leave it, she thought.
"Actually… yes."
Her answer caught him off guard. His first thought of a reply –if he could even think at all- was to give her a big hug and a tease. But this time, he couldn't. His lips twitched awkwardly, confused whether to freeze or thaw from her gaze.
Perhaps it was the alcohol, or the effect of the pale electric light. Did she fix her hair differently? He noticed how her robe hugged her body almost seductively; a drastic change from her flannel nightgowns she used to wear at the Magnolia Villa.
Somehow, he could hardly recognize her, she looked completely changed.
"Albert? Are you drunk?" she sniffed and wrinkled her nose.
"Drunk? Heavens no." He lied.
"Did you have a good time at the Derby?" she asked.
Albert dragged a chair and sat beside her.
"Limp Bizkit won you know. He was neck to neck with Dear Hunter up until the finish. He surely gave the crowd a show worth the penny." he babbled a little too lively than usual.
"That's great news. The Cornwells would be very pleased." she smiled weakly.
"Candy," Albert said; his voice apologetic. "I wish you could've come… I-"
"Oh its okay Albert, there will be more horse racing events to come, I'm sure of it." She said and shrugged. "I couldn't just leave Aunt Elroy with her sudden illness. I'm the nurse in the house remember?"
"Yes… of course." He said.
"It's late. I better go to bed." She leaned over and brushed his cheek with a kiss. It was soft, almost touching the corner of his warm lips.
"Good night Albert." She said quickly and left.