CHAPTER 14
George walked into the study on Sunday morning, wanting to go over some paperwork. Albert was sitting there in his big leather armchair staring out into the garden. It was hardly light yet.
"You're up early Albert" said George, surprised to see him awake so early after the engagement party. It was almost two in the morning before all guests left, and Albert as the host had to be there to see them all off.
"Coffee?" he offered.
"Yes, George, that would be good, thank you."
"What on earth are you doing here at the crack of dawn? Couldn't sleep?" asked George curiously.
Albert smiled. "No, not exactly."
George raised an eyebrow and gave him the cup of coffee. "Well?" he asked.
"Today is the day, my friend. At long last..." Albert offered mysteriously.
George didn't have to ask anything else. Albert's bright face told him all he needed to know.
"Good luck, Albert" he said encouragingly "and don't let her go this time" he added.
Candy woke at the sound of the newspaper through the letterbox. Even on a Sunday they have to come so early in the morning, she thought irritably and turned sides, trying to get to sleep again. After some tossing and turning she decided to get up. Sleep proved elusive the night before and no matter how she tried, now that she was awake it seemed futile to keep forcing herself to go back to sleep. She put on her robe and made a cup of tea. She picked up the paper off the floor and returned to her bed.
Leafing through the paper, an article caught her attention. Of course, Archie and Annie's engagement party was bound to be in the news. Then she froze. A photograph of a gorgeous-looking Albert and the ever desirable Gabrielle with her hand possessively over his arm, entitled: "The next engagement in the Ardlay family?"
Candy read the article again. She couldn't believe her eyes! Albert... her Albert... and that manipulative, disagreeable woman! Engaged!! Is that why he introduced her as his daughter last night... of course... perhaps that's what he was trying to tell her, he didn't want her to find out from the newspapers. How could she have been so stupid and not realise?
Tears welled in her eyes but she fought them back. No! I am not going to cry any more. This was going to happen at some point anyway, so the sooner it's all over and done with the better. Then another thought filled her with dread... is Gabrielle then going to become my formal stepmother? Oh no, oh God, no, this cannot happen! I have to ask Albert to annul the adoption, as soon as possible. Today, no, not today it's Sunday, tomorrow, yes, first thing tomorrow, this cannot wait.
She couldn't stay in the flat, she felt hyper, restless, like an animal trapped in a cage. She needed to talk to someone; someone who would understand, but who... Annie was with her parents, and Patty had gone back to Pony's Hill with Tom. The more she paced around her flat thinking about that piece in the newspaper, the more she felt like she was suffocating. She decided to go and see Dr Martin, yes, he has always been a good and supportive listener and being out in the fresh air would help her calm down, she knew that.
It was a crisp morning, the promise of some sunshine in the air. Quick steps brought her to the Happy Clinic but it was of course closed on a Sunday. She tried to listen for signs of movement inside the house, she didn't want to disturb Dr Martin so early in the morning. Some muffled clattering of pots and pans gave her the courage to knock on the door.
"Well, well, look who's here" said a startled Dr Martin, making way for her to come in. "Whatever brought you here so early my dear girl? Should I prescribe sleeping pills?" he teased her affectionately.
"I am sorry to be coming here like this, so early and all" said Candy "but I was quite upset and I didn't know who else to go to."
"Upset? Why, what happened? Are you ill?" he asked concerned. "Are you sure you don't want me to contact Albert first, he is your family after all."
Candy said immediately "no, please no. No matter what you do, please, do not call Albert!"
Dr Martin looked sceptical "Candy... let me make us a nice cup of coffee and have a chat about things, OK? I am sure that whatever it is that has upset you so, we will manage to sort it out. I promise you that."
Candy told him about the newspaper article while they were having a coffee together. Dr Martin opened his own copy of the newspaper and read it carefully but did not seem convinced.
"To me Candy, this looks more like the usual rubbish one reads in the Sunday papers" he said eventually.
"From the little I know Albert, and you know him much better than me, this is not the way he would be announcing something as important as an engagement. And who is that Gabrielle Solani, Salami... whatever her name is ?"
"She is the daughter of Argentina's Minister of Commerce" said Candy quietly. "A very important man with lots of business and political connections, as I understand."
"Hmm, and so? Does Albert suffer from a lack of connections? There isn't a single person in the whole State of Illinois who doesn't know who William Albert Ardlay is, and probably much further afield too."
He took another sip of his coffee. "Biscuit Candy? Have you had anything to eat yet?"
Candy looked at him still depressed "food? No, not yet... I am not hungry to be honest. But thank you, Dr Martin."
"Candy... I think you should trust Albert more. You two have had a wonderful relationship over the years, if indeed he is in love with someone and wants to marry her, don't you think you would have been one of the first people to know? Eh?"
Candy nodded still reluctant to agree with him.
"And in any case, he has never mentioned that woman before, neither to you nor me. Marriage is a serious business Candy, and Albert, especially given his position and status, is the last person who would walk into it blindly. Now, with regards to the adoption issue... I think he will be terribly hurt if you ask to cut all ties with him. He adores you, you know, every time he has come to visit me and we discuss anything about you, his whole face lights up like a Christmas tree... I don't know Candy, I would advise you to tread carefully with this one, because I am sure he will not like it..."
***
Albert parked the car in front of Candy's flat. He took the bunch of freshly-cut roses he had with him and went swiftly up the stairs. He rang the bell and waited. No response. Strange, he thought, where can she be so early on a Sunday... he went downstairs to ask the landlady if she knew where Candy was. She opened the door and was dumbstruck to see Albert standing in front of her.
"Sir Ardlay, what a surprise!" the middle-aged woman cried. "I hope you received my letter... let me apologise once again for the terrible way I treated you and Candy... I am so sorry, I didn't know..."
"It's OK Mrs McIntosh, this is not what I am here for" Albert said politely. "Do you know if Candy is in the flat, I have knocked on the door a few times but there is no answer."
"Oh no, she won't be in, I saw her going out earlier, it was very early in the morning actually, perhaps she is at the hospital... in the meantime... shall I give you a key to go in? You can perhaps put these lovely flowers into a vase and she will find them when she comes back? I will tell her you were looking for her."
Albert was undecided for a moment. Then he said "yes, if you don't mind, it sounds like a good idea."
The key turned in the lock as it had done a thousand times before. Our small flat, Candy... our home... tender memories flooded his mind as he pushed the door open and found himself again in the place he had shared with her while recovering from amnesia.
Few things had changed. He paced around, amazed to realise that he remembered so many details so clearly. The kitchen, yes, the sitting room, the bathroom. The furniture was the same, placed in the same positions that they were when they moved out. He noticed a couple of photo frames on the mantelpiece; Anthony and Stear. Gone but never forgotten, he thought sadly.
And then there was their old bedroom. He hesitated before going into what was now Candy's private room, but he was curious... the only thing that was different was that the bunk beds were now replaced by a double bed; perhaps the landlady thought she could rent the place out to a couple... Candy's stunning dress from the night before was thrown carelessly onto a chair, her high-heeled shoes also on the floor. A half-drunk cup of tea was sitting on her bedside cabinet. He smiled... how many times hadn't he found her stuff all over the place and helped her tidy up.
He picked up a vase and put the flowers in water. The room filled with colour and a pleasant fragrance. He looked forward to seeing her face when she returned home and saw them. Then his eye caught the newspaper on the table, open on a page with photographs... his photograph! Albert's heartbeat quickened. He grabbed the paper and read...
It seems to be only a matter of time before the local magnate, Sir William Albert Ardlay, and the delectable Miss Solano – of the Argentinian powerful political clan – announce their engagement. The couple were spotted again sharing some private moments at the glamorous engagement party of Mr Archibald Cornwell and Miss Annie Brighton. Sir Ardlay's niece, the well-known socialite Miss Elisa Rangan, confirmed the rumours, saying that the Ardlays were extremely pleased to be welcoming such a lovely lady into their family. Will the wedding bells ring soon then?
Albert felt a gush of unstoppable anger rising in his chest. He swore loudly. "Damn you Elisa, you are going to pay for this!"
Immediately his mind went to Candy again. Where is she? Did she get upset reading this, my God what she must be thinking about me... then he started to worry. I hope she didn't stay with that Dr. Christiansen last night... no, her clothes are here, what am I thinking... I have to find her, I need to explain, oh Candy, Candy my love, please don't run away from me... beads of sweat formed on his forehead despite the relative chill in the room. He locked the door behind him and ran down the stairs as quickly as he could.
"I am sorry Sir. Candy is not working today... let me check, yes, her next shift is tomorrow afternoon actually. Would you like to come back then or shall I take a message?" the nurse at the reception of St Joanna's hospital asked pleasantly.
Albert was disappointed "no, it's OK, I won't leave a message, thank you. I may come back tomorrow. Thanks again" he said and turned to go back to his car.
Now what, he thought... where on earth could she possibly be on a Sunday morning. The shops were closed, the church service has finished by now and she can't have gone to Annie or Patty so early... he contemplated where to go next. I'll try the park just in case she went to see Dr Martin. He jumped into the car and drove off again.
"Hey Albert, good to see you young lad. Do come in!" Dr Martin patted his back and smiled. His cheerful expression, however, quickly changed to one of concern, seeing Albert's worried face.
"You just missed her Albert. She left here about 10 minutes ago. She is quite upset and wants to ask you to annul the adoption."
Albert's eyes widened in horror.
"I am certain she is still in the park, though, I gave her some bread to feed the ducks – if you hurry, you will sure find her. Now, go!" Dr Martin urged him and opened the door again.
Albert murmured a rushed thanks and went out again. He followed the path to the lake with quick steps, looking around him alertly, hoping to spot her soon. He didn't have to walk too far. Candy was sitting on a bench, throwing crumbs to the small birds flocking around her feet. There was nobody else around, the park seemed deserted that misty early morning. She didn't seem to have noticed him, so he proceeded cautiously.
"Candy" he called.
She turned around at the sound of her name – then froze in her seat. She tried to take a deep breath but her lungs felt constricted by the shock of his presence there. She managed a whisper "A... Albert... what are you doing here?"
He walked purposefully towards her. She got up and shied away as if she wanted to avoid him causing the birds to also fly away distressed – her frightened reaction hurt him more than anything else that moment.
"Candy, I have been looking all over to find you. We need to talk" he said urgently, then regretted the forceful tone "please" he added more gently.
She wasn't sure what to do. The mere sight of him was enough to make her feel both excited and scared at the same time. She longed for his embrace, longed for a reassurance that everything was going to be OK, but right now she also hated him, hated that pompous Gabrielle and her grip on him.
Her eyes betrayed her confusion. Albert spoke again.
"I know you are upset and that you want me to reverse the adoption, Candy – Dr Martin just told me."
Even speaking these words was immensely painful to him.
"But please, all I ask is that you give me a chance to explain. If after that, you still want me to go ahead with the annulment, then I will get this organised first thing tomorrow. I promise!" he looked straight into her misty eyes. He struggled to curb the urge to go over and hold her in his arms.
"I am listening" she said quietly, a resigned expression on her face.
He managed a strained smile. It was a start...
"Thank you... Candy, all the nonsense you read on this morning's paper... none of it is true, I don't know how such nasty rumours found their way in the press, but they bear absolutely no relation to reality" he said fervently. "I am not going out with Gabrielle, never did and never will! You must believe me, Candy!"
Candy looked at him expressionless. He went on.
"She has been visiting with her father to support some charity events as part of a cross-culture, international initiative. Our families have known one another for many years so it made sense for them to stay with us. But that's all, Candy! Other than a few pre-scheduled events, I have hardly spent a moment with the woman... and I have no desire or interest to do so either!" he said fiercely. "Anyway, she left with her father this morning... Candy... Do you believe me, Candy?"
Candy looked down at her hands, then out towards the lake trying to hide from him her painful emotions. She drew in an deep breath and turned to face his handsome face again. She managed a fake smile.
"Albert... it is good of you to let me know of your personal circumstances, but you know, you don't have to explain anything to me. You are a free man and you can see whomever you please, there is really no need to get my approval or permission. Now, if that's all you had to say..."
Albert went over to her and grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to look at him straight in the eyes.
"Candy, don't you understand!" he said desperately.
"I cannot be with Gabrielle Solano or any other woman for that matter, because... because I love you!"
Her mouth opened in shock but Albert didn't let her speak, he put his soft finger on her lips.
"I love you Candy, I have loved you for so long, I know no other way of loving or being. Ever since you walked into Room "0" in your white nurse's uniform and spoke to me in that sweet voice of yours, I have not managed to think of anything else. You are constantly in my heart, in my thoughts, in my dreams... I walk this Earth a tormented man, I long to be with you, close to you, hold you, take care of you..." his trembling voice trailed off.
"I don't expect you to reciprocate my feelings, Candy. I am happy to just be a part of your life, to have the chance to see you and spend time with you" he took his hands off her shoulders.
There was a long, stunned silence... then Candy took his hands into hers. He looked at her hopefully, his deep blue eyes shining with passion.
"I am sorry if I was distant or appeared indifferent at times. I fought so hard against my feelings, I knew how much you loved Terry, I didn't want to be burdening you with a love you maybe didn't want or need. I tried so hard to get you our of my mind, Candy, but it is impossible. I carry you inside me wherever I go, and it's my only consolation when we are apart..."
It was her turn to put her finger on his lips and stop him from speaking. With tearful eyes and a shy smile on her face she bravely stood on the tip of her toes and placed her mouth on his gingerly. Astounded, he pulled her passionately towards him. His mouth claimed hers and he drank deeply of the sweetness there within until her lips were bruised from his kisses. It was a long time before he let her go, while his hands didn't stop exploring her body. He took her face in his hands and looked at her; she seemed lost in ecstasy, a wide smile adorning her lovely features. He felt elated...
"Albert, oh Albert" she whispered and hid her face in his chest. He held her tight.
"God only knows how much I've longed to be in your arms again. If only I had known how you felt... I love you Albert. More than anyone or anything in this world. A part of me feels like I've loved you forever, and now... now we can finally be together. I love you, hold me, hold me and please, never let go" she whispered fervidly and clung onto him tighter.
Albert sat them down on the bench and put his arm around her. She rested her head on his strong shoulder. He cradled her like a baby, raining kisses on her hair, face and neck. A wave of warmth washed over her. Then he paused, never taking his eyes off her. She looked back at him adoringly. He brought her hand to his lips and said,
"Candy, last Christmas... when I gave you that diamond pendant... there was something else I bought at the same time... an impulsive purchase perhaps.. I never thought the day would come when I could offer this to you, but..."
He bent on one knee in front of the park bench and produced a small velvet-covered box from his jacket pocket. He opened it and Candy saw in amazement it contained an absolutely beautiful diamond ring which perfectly matched the present he had given her at Christmas. Her heart was beating so fast she thought it would jump out of her chest...
"Candy, my love... will you marry me?"
Candy looked at him with tears in her eyes. She slowly went down on the grass, next to him and looked up into his beautiful eyes. With a trembling voice, she whispered
"Yes, Albert... yes! Nothing would make me happier than to spend the rest of my life with you."
She didn't manage to say anything else, because Albert had already drawn her into a passionate embrace, tears of happiness streaming down his face, murmuring her name again and again as he sought her lips, her cheeks, her neck, marking them with adoring kisses.
***
"Well, well" said Dr Martin opening his door again. "Am I to guess that sense has prevailed between you two at last?" he winked at them and smiled.
They all sat around the large kitchen table.
"Oh, but of course I knew it was only a matter of time, what do you take me for?" he said amiably pouring them both a fresh cup of coffee.
Both Candy and Albert blushed almost simultaneously. Dr Martin took Candy's hand into his and added,
"This is a beautiful ring, Candy. And you are a very lucky woman to have a man like our Albert by your side. As for you, young man, you'd better look after our princess here, because you can be sure you will never find another woman like Candy."
He went on " I can't begin to tell you how happy I am for both of you. I think the occasion calls for a nice glass of whisky, but seeing you are both famished without any breakfast, I suggest you go home and get some food and rest, but promise you will come back for a proper celebration!" he hugged them both.
They waved back at Dr Martin as they left his Happy Clinic. Walking hand in hand they got to the car. Albert opened Candy's door, and she got in gracefully. Albert drove off but kept turning towards her and smiling.
"Albert, try to concentrate on the road, we will have an accident in the end if you keep looking at me!" she laughed.
There was a big grin on Albert's face.
"I can't stop myself, Candy, I still can't believe we are going to get married, it is almost too good to be true. Candice White Ardlay... my wife... my wonderful wife" he said dreamily.
Candy put her hand on Albert's which was resting on the clutch.
"I love you" she said seriously.
"I love you too" came his reply. "And nothing, and I mean nothing, is ever going to change that Candy".