CHAPTER 18
"Are you ready honey?" asked Albert finishing tying his tie. "We should be there a bit earlier than the set time."
"Yes, I am almost ready – don't forget the presents, are they in the car yet?" said Candy while touching up on her make-up in front of the mirror.
"Yes, George got everything sorted, don't you worry about a thing" answered Albert while bending to give her neck a light kiss.
Candy smiled at him and turned to reciprocate with a very gentle kiss on his lips careful not to smudge lipstick on him "come on then, we'd better get going. I am so excited you know, I have never been asked to be a godmother before! And baby Stear is sooo adorable, I just want to eat him up!"
Albert laughed "yes, when you and Annie get together and starting talking about little Stear, poor Archie and I feel a bit left out. Too many special baby-words.... we don't have a clue what you're on about sometimes."
Candy bent her head to the side sweetly and responded "well, darling, you'd better start paying attention because who knows, maybe this newly-found knowledge could come in handy some day..."
Albert pulled her towards him and caressed her belly gently "mmm... if that's the case, then I'll do my best to be a good student!"
"Oh shhh sweetie, shhh, there's a good boy" Annie was trying to get Stear to quieten down. The crowd in the church and the unfamiliar surroundings had got him unsettled. Patty and Candy rushed to help out.
"I'll take him for a moment Annie, it's OK" said Candy "you go and talk to your guests for a minute, don't worry, we'll be fine here, won't we Stear?" she said to her nephew in a sweet, soft voice. "Now, look at Auntie Patty, isn't this a nice little toy she has brought along for you, thank you Aunt Patty, yes, we definitely like our present."
Patty chortled "I think you are a natural, Candy. Look, he has already calmed down and is looking at me with wide, interested eyes!" she tickled the baby's chin and he rewarded her with a very cute smile and some gurgling noises.
"And how is this little one behaving then?" Archie appeared from behind Candy "he hasn't been too restless I hope!"
Candy passed Stear over to his father "no, as a matter of fact he has been a little angel!"
"I need to take him to Aunt Elroy, he has asked for him, you see" said Archie. "Come over to the buffet girls, you haven't had a moment's peace since the christening ceremony started."
"It has been quite crowded to be honest" said Patty. "I could do with a cup of tea I guess; need to find Tom too, where on earth has he got to now?"
"I haven't seen Albert either, but then there are so many relatives to greet here, I am not surprised. Go on then, these pies look very appetising, mmm!" said Candy biting into one of the savoury treats.
At that moment, Annie also came over to the buffet "gosh, I am starving, I haven't sat down for a minute today; and it's Stear's feeding time soon so no chance of a respite!"
"Come sit for a few minutes, dear" said Patty "I think Archie is coping OK on his own for now, his parents got little Stear now, I can see them over there talking to the priest."
"Oh, should I go there too then" Annie started to get up again.
"No, Annie, just sit down for a moment, you'll drive yourself ill in the end" said Candy offering her a hot cup of tea. "Have your tea now and you'll join them in a few minutes, OK?"
Annie let out a resigned sigh and sat on her chair at last. "Yes, I suppose you're right, they can wait for five minutes" she took a slight sip of her tea careful not to burn her mouth. "But it was a lovely baptism, don't you think? Had a bit of a scare when Stear took an acute interest in the golden cross the priest wore around his neck, but other than that I must say I have enjoyed the day."
"Yes, absolutely, a lovely ceremony" both girls agreed.
"Albert and I are so delighted to be the godparents, you know" said Candy "it's a great honour and we look forward to being more involved with the baby's upbringing."
"It was very touching how Stear was wearing these old clothes that have been used in family christenings for ages" said Patty. "What a lovely tradition, and what a beautiful gown!"
Annie munched on a small biscuit "yes, believe it or not it is more than 100 years old! Hand-stitched cotton and lace by Archie's great-great-great grandmother. It's a miracle it's still in such a good condition; my mother-in-law offered it to us as a present for the christening; we were so pleased to receive such a special gift!"
The girls nodded in agreement. Annie got up and shook the crumbs off her dress.
"OK my friends, I really have to go now. Thanks again for coming and all your help, I would have struggled to manage all this without you. Let's arrange to meet up soon... under less stressful circumstances" she said. "Check what's on at the theatre perhaps?" Annie's voice trailed off in the noisy background as she hurried off to pick up her baby son again.
Patty's face went red momentarily and she lowered her eyes. Candy noticed and looked at her perplexed.
"Are you feeling OK Patty? Is there anything the matter?"
"No, no" Patty mumbled, quick to reassure her friend, her cheeks now a beetroot red.
"Are you sure?" Candy persisted still puzzled by Patty's strange reaction.
"Ehm... it's that thing... the thing Annie said... I wasn't sure if you had heard..."
"That thing that Annie said..." Candy repeated blankly trying to make sense of her friend's riddle. A few seconds passed before she asked again,
"What on earth did she say that was so special?"
Before Patty could answer, Tom and Albert joined them. Patty dropped the subject immediately and Candy didn't ask any further questions.
"So, when are you coming up to see us" asked Tom. "I must insist that you come and visit the farm, Albert, you've never been before. You'll see we have a good sized herd up there, big, strong animals, I am sure you'll like it. It will be calving season soon, you should come give us a hand" he teased.
"Yeah, that would be great, thanks Tom" answered Albert and meaning it. He loved animals and always took advantage of any opportunity to be away out in nature, where he felt most at home.
"What do you say honey, any of the following weekends? We haven't been to Lakewood for a while so it would be good to combine both."
"Yes, sure, what a nice idea Tom! I haven't seen your dad in ages either and we can always pop in to say hi to Miss Pony, Sister Mary and the children!" Candy said with genuine enthusiasm.
"OK then, it's sorted!" Tom smiled at them satisfied.
Candy was quiet during their drive home. Albert was a but surprised to see her so pensive.
"Is everything OK Candy? You have been uncharacteristically quiet... are you tired honey?"
Candy turned towards him and gave him a sweet smile,
"No, not at all, I thought it was a great christening; Stear was so cute as he fell asleep in your arms, he is a wonderful baby and I am proud to be his godmother."
"It's just... how did Patty seem to you?" she asked.
Albert looked at her surprised.
"Patty? I can't say I noticed anything untoward... to me she looked as sweet and kind as ever... why? Did she say there was any problem?"
"No... not exactly... she just became very mysterious before you and Tom came... she said something about not knowing if I had heard... but I never got round to asking her what she meant..."
"Oh, I am sorry sweetheart if we interrupted your discussion. Well, it won't be long before you see her again. Why don't we go up to Lakewood in a couple of weeks? The weather is much milder now and we could do with a change of scenery eh? Maybe even climb some trees?" he asked hopefully.
Candy laughed. "I'm in, as long as you don't let Aunt Elroy find out, because who knows how much nagging we'll get if she does!"
***
The piercing sound of a telephone ringing loudly got them to jump in their sleep.
"Who in the name of God is calling so early? On a Saturday morning too!" Albert complained still half-asleep.
"Shh, it's OK honey, I'll go get it, you go back to sleep" whispered Candy and put on her robe quickly rushing to the phone.
Minutes later she was back in bed, snuggling up to her husband.
"So who was it who couldn't wait for a couple more hours to disturb our peaceful weekend?" asked Albert still in a bad mood.
Candy gave him a little kiss on the cheek and rested her head on his chest "actually, it was the wrong number" she said coyly.
"Oh for goodness sake..." Albert groaned and pulled her tighter towards him.
"What's the time then" he asked grumpily.
Candy smiled "too early to get up so stay where you are and try to sleep again."
A devious smile formed on Albert's face, who was now getting fully awake.
"Hmm... too early to get up, too late to go back to sleep... perhaps there is something else we can do in bed to pass the time till breakfast?" he whispered in her ear and his hands started to caress his beautiful wife softly while his mouth sought hers.
"Albert, you are so naughty some times..." she moaned and returned his passionate kisses.
***
"Wow man, that was awesome!" said Tom exhilarated. "Thanks Albert for letting me have a go of your car, she is a beauty!"
Albert laughed "no need to thank me, your driving skills are very good, so I know the car is safe in your hands!"
They parked in front of the farmhouse and went up the hill on horse. Tom was eager to show Albert his herd.
"So what do you think, aren't they quite something!" he said showing off proudly the heifers grazing lazily around them.
Albert looked around the farm with great interest. "Well, you certainly have an impressive lot of beasts here, my friend. Have they started calving yet?"
"Hmm, we are expecting them anytime soon" said Tom. "Not that I am looking forward to the bone-chilling night cold and the sleepless nights, but there is no other way. And we need to get them up to new pasture as soon as possible once they've had their calves."
"Yes, you need to avoid scours, that's for sure and keep an eye on low EPD sires" said Albert knowingly.
Tom looked at him surprised "wow, you seem to know a lot for a city lad! I am most impressed Albert!"
Albert smiled "ah, I've spent some time looking after animals and this kind of experience sort of stays with you, that's all" he said modestly.
Tom patted him on the shoulder, feeling that a new bond had just formed between the two men.
"Anyway, shall we join the girls for lunch? It was good of you suggest they visit the orphanage, Miss Pony and Sister Mary are getting older and they are always too busy to go out and have some rest from looking after so many children... Candy and Patty will give them a hand, I am sure of that" he looked up towards the hill. "Though they should be back any minute now I guess."
Candy and Patty were riding their horses languidly in the nice weather, chatting away.
"What a good idea to go and visit Pony's Hill" said Patty. "Everyone was so happy to see you again, Candy, you should come up here more often."
"Yes, I enjoyed it too. This place is my home, you know, this is where I feel happiest" said Candy dreamily.
"And now it has become my home too..." added Patty thoughtfully.
Candy turned towards her "Patty, I've been meaning to ask you... what was that thing you started to tell me about at Stear's christening but we got interrupted..."
Patty looked a bit uneasy following this question. Then, after a deep breath she started;
"OK... remember what Annie said about the theatre... perhaps she didn't realise when she said it... but..."
"Yes?" Candy asked now slightly impatiently.
"Well... OK then. Terry's theatre group will be in town at the end of next month. The Stratford Troupe... So when Annie mentioned going to the theatre..."
Candy slowed down her horse. She turned to Patty, her face bearing an expression of bewilderment.
"and why didn't you want to tell me about it?"
Patty blushed.
"I am sorry Candy, I wasn't sure how you would take it, I didn't want to upset you, that's all."
"God no, Patty, I am not telling you off, I was just surprised to hear this news" she paused. Then she went on as if talking to herself "... but then, Terry is becoming very well-known and it's only natural that he travels around the country giving performances. So it's only a matter of time I guess before he comes to Chicago too."
"and you don't mind then" said Patty.
"Why should I mind? On the contrary, I am delighted his career is progressing so well, of course I am, and I wouldn't want anything else for him; he is a man of tremendous charisma and talent you know, I've always had faith in him."
"So will you go and see the performance? " asked Patty cautiously.
Candy fell silent for a few seconds. A slight breeze ruffled her hair.
"Patty... I am not sure... you see... ever since Albert and I came together I seem to have forgotten what unhappiness feels like... all the sadness and tears of those eventful times belong to a past that is very distant now... I am honestly telling you the truth that I haven't thought of Terry in a very long time... sure, it took me ages to get over our separation and in some respects it's fair to assume that a part of me will always carry some of that sorrow, but that's as far as it goes really" she said somewhat detached.
Patty smiled "well, I am very glad to hear that Candy. Not that I thought that things were any different... but I wanted to be sure I wouldn't mention anything that could perhaps bring back sad memories."
Candy smiled back reassuringly "Patty, you are a great friend and thanks for being so considerate. Let me discuss it with Albert and I suggest we ask Annie and Archie to join us; see if you can get tickets so we can all go together to see the performance, what is it actually?"
"Ehm... Hamlet. After the great success in New York, they are now touring the country."
Candy laughed "ah, brilliant, exactly what we need to cheer ourselves up a bit!"
Patty burst out laughing too "you are incorrigible, you are!"
They had just reached the farm, still laughing and teasing each other.
Tom popped out of the house, shaking his head, but happy to see them both so cheerful.
"At long last ladies, we were beginning to wonder whatever happened to you."
"Sorry, sorry, we got carried away" apologised Candy handing her horse over to Tom.
Albert's blond head appeared out of the front door waving them in "I've just made tea, come on in you two."
"Pheww, it's nice to be inside again, once the sun starts to go down you do notice the chill" said Patty.
"What time is your father coming back Tom?" asked Candy as the four of them sat around the kitchen table drinking tea.
Tom glanced at his watch. "He should be here any minute, he had to go down to the farmers market today, Saturdays, you know how it is."
Patty got up and started to tidy the table. "Well, you two go to look after the cows and we'll make you a nice dinner for tonight, OK?"
The two girls got on with working in the kitchen, when the door opened and Mr Stephen walked in.
"Well, well, look who we've got here, come here my dear girl, we haven't seen you since the wedding" a kind-looking Mr Stephen took Candy in his arms.
"It's good to see you again, how are you, how is life as the wife of the ever so powerful Sir Ardlay then?" he teased her.
Candy laughed "ha, the ever so powerful Sir Ardlay" she pointed her head towards the door " well at the moment he is up to his knees in muck Mr Steve, so not so sure about all that self-importance!"
Albert who had just walked in to fetch something for Tom looked at them bemused.
"Sorry darling, we are only teasing you" Candy reassured him and gave him a small kiss on the cheek.
Everyone in the room laughed.
"It's so nice to have you here guys" said Patty. "Time passes so quickly, we are continuously busy... we must make every effort to meet up as frequently as possible."
"Well, you are always welcome here anytime" said Mr Steve warmly. "And how are Miss Pony and Sister Mary, you were up there earlier I take it?"
They spent a couple of hours chatting, relaxing and preparing a delicious dinner. Mr Steve helped them find their way around the kitchen, but if truth be told, Patty seemed to know already where to find almost everything they needed...
The five of them enjoyed a tasty dinner discussing Patty's and Tom's wedding plans, the farm, and some ideas around opening a small local library for the village community and the school where Patty worked. House wine did the rounds ("not for me, thanks" said Candy) and everyone felt very happy and relaxed.
Just as they were finishing their coffee, the door burst open and one of Tom's assistants walked in sweaty and agitated.
"Mr Stephen, Tom... I am terribly sorry to be interrupting you boss, but we are having problems in the calving shed..." he said breathless.
Tom jumped up from his seat and started to get his gear together. Albert followed him at once.
Mr Stephen spoke first "what is the issue Stuart, is it our younger heifers?" he asked urgently.
"Yes, especially one of them seems to be in a lot of trouble. I would go for the vet if I were you, Sir or neither she nor the calf will make it"
Patty and Candy looked at each other worried. They both knew quite well how much the farm's income relied on good meat and milk yields, so each and every animal counted...
Albert spoke next "Tom, listen... you go and get the vet. Please, take my car so that you don't waste time. Mr Stephen, would you please take Patty back to her house. I will work with Stuart here to keep the cows under control until you return."
Tom looked at him doubtfully but then nodded in agreement and walked out into the yard. Patty started to tidy around the kitchen but Candy interrupted.
"Go now Patty, I will sort out all of that here, don't worry about anything."
Mr Stephen shook Albert's hand "thank you my lad for your help. We won't be long to get back."
Albert and Stuart rushed to the sheds.
"What is your diagnosis Stuart? The calf's position?" asked Albert as they got to the sick animal.
"It's difficult to tell... it is a first-heifer you see, but I suspect so... it's been more than two hours now and there is no indication that the calf is in the upright position" the young man said concerned.
Albert frowned.
"Stuart, OK... we need to be ready for the worst... please go and get a couple of buckets of warm water, soap, disinfectant, lubricant, towels... do we have calving chains and handles... yes, OK... and sleeves."
"Yes, Sir, I am on my way" Stuart ran out to the yard to get the stuff Albert asked him.
Albert stroked and spoke reassuringly to the young animal which was obviously distressed.
"Shh now, good girl... good girl... it'll be OK, don't be afraid now... that's it... good girl..."
Tom's assistant returned with the requested material promptly.
"Good. Now we need to try to help that poor calf rotate correctly and hope we can avoid a caesarian section. Stuart, you need to restrain her with the halter and tie the tail with light twine to her neck. Can you manage on your own?"
"Sure, no problem" Stuart got to work while Albert slipped on the sleeves and dipped his hands in lubricant. He scrubbed the perineal area and the tail with soapy water; the cow twitched.
"Shh my girl, stay steady now... OK... good... good..." he continue to talk to the frightened animal softly.
"OK, let's see where we are with this... the cervix has dilated enough but we need to help the calf correct its position."
Sweat now run down Albert's face too. This was a complicated case and he wished Tom and the vet would come soon to take over. On the other hand, he knew that the poor creature in his hands was in agony and there was always the risk it would die along with its young, so he had to concentrate, concentrate and use his best judgement...
Stuart looked around him uneasy.
"Mr Albert... I need to go and see to another animal, she is there at the back and she is lying down, I think she is about to go too."
Albert almost didn't hear him, such was his concentration on the task to hand. A few seconds passed. Suddenly sensing that Stuart was still looking at him waiting for a response he finally said "yes, OK Stuart, I'll see what I can do here, off you go."
Candy was back in the house, tidying up as best and as fast as she could. The moment she finished, she grabbed the smallest pair of coveralls she could find hanging on the hooks by the door and rushed out to the shed. It was a very cold night and the ground was already covered with ice.
She stepped into the shed carefully so as not to disturb the other cows. In the dim light she just about discerned Albert hunched over the heavily pregnant animal; the poor thing was obviously in distress. Candy walked swiftly towards them.
"Here I am honey, let me know how I can help" she said realising somewhat surprised that Stuart was not with Albert. He must have guessed her question because he immediately said,
"He had to attend to another cow, he is somewhere in the shed though..."
He looked up at her and managed a brief, strained smile. Candy was concerned for him as well as the animal; he looked tired and worried – she didn't say anything though and tried to suppress her anxiety as best as she could. Albert interrupted her thoughts.
"Candy, I am not sure but I think I have managed to rotate the calf to a position that is acceptable for delivery..."
He took a deep breath and continued,
"However... if I am wrong..."
"OK, tell me me what I have to do" she answered calmly, her medical training kicking in.
"Give me these pulling chains... there, yes... the idea is to attach them to the front legs of the calf, like this" he placed the loop of each chain around each leg. The cow mooed loudly in what Candy thought sounded like extreme discomfort.
"That's the theory at least... " mumbled Albert "now, we have to be careful to place them correctly... below the dewclaw and above the hooves" his voice was unsteady. He wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of his arm.
"OK darling, now please pay attention and support me here. I will attach the handles and will pull very gently – but you must make sure the chains have not slipped, do you understand?"
Candy nodded.
And then Albert pulled. He alternated one leg and then the other a few inches at a time. A few minutes passed... then again, a few more inches, slowly, carefully so as not to cause lasting damage.
And then finally, the shoulders of the calf passed slowly through the pelvic opening. And then... there was a baby calf in their hands, weak, dizzy, covered in mucus, but alive, with big brown eyes looking up at them.
"Throw me that blanket Candy" ordered Albert and he picked up the calf gently but firmly to clean it up. "It's a girl" he smiled.
"She is beautiful!" she whispered then turned to the calf's mother "and you are wonderful for keeping up your strength for so long to bring this little baby into the world" she patted the exhausted animal.
Albert finally managed to relax. He sat back and watched Candy stroking the little one, talking to her softly.
"We'll give her a few minutes to recuperate and then we need to get her to feed off her mum" he said "it's important that they establish a bond early".
They sat next to each other and watched in silence as the mother started to lick her baby's head and pushed the little one to start feeding. It was a special moment...
Thankfully both animals looked fine and healthy... Candy turned towards Albert. He was smiling an exhausted smile as he lay against the wall, still in his dirty coveralls. But Candy could only see the bright eyes and unruly blond hair – and the lines on his face etched by laughter and concern for others. A combination of beauty, power and warmth that she knew she would find irresistible for as long as she lived.
She took a deep breath...
"Albert..."
He turned to face her "yes, sweetheart?"
"This morning... when the phone rang... do you remember..."
He looked at her puzzled "of course, the wrong number at the crack of dawn... no wonder I am shattered now..." he yawned. "What about it?"
If there had been enough light in the shed he would have seen her face turn bright red.
"Well... actually, it wasn't the wrong number. It was... it was Dr Martin...he... he did some new type of tests last week... and... ehm... it seems... we are going to have a baby" she said hardly loud enough for Albert to hear.
He looked at her astonished "a baby?? Candy? Are you serious, is this true?? Oh my God, my wonderful Candy!" he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into the most wonderful kiss.
"You silly girl, why didn't you tell me at the time? How long have you suspected? Goodness me, this is the most incredible news I've had in my entire life, oh how I love you!" Albert went on and on showering her with kisses.
Candy smiled "I was hoping to find the right moment to tell you.. and Dr Martin was really keen to try out his new methods... and well... tonight seemed appropriate."
Something dawned on him then, as he opened his mouth to respond, then remembered "a-ha! That would also explain why you didn't have any wine with our dinner tonight!" he said pleased with himself for solving that mystery.
Candy giggled "our baby has a very clever father, not to mention a most charming one!"
Albert smiled then got up and gave her his hand "come now sweetheart, you shouldn't be sitting out here in the cold, come on, you should go in" he said concerned.
Candy nodded and got up "yes, I guess you're right. Are you coming too?"
"Hmm... I want to, but I'd rather wait for Tom to return... I should really keep an eye on these two here..." his eyes turned towards the cow and her baby calf "but I won't be long, I promise..."
Albert had hardly finished his sentence when a frantic Tom, Mr Stephen and an older gentleman, presumably the vet, rushed into the shed.
Tom looked at Albert and Candy with enquiring eyes. Candy stepped back and let Albert give them the latest information.
"Over here, come and see."
The vet and Tom moved quickly in the direction Albert was pointing at. Dr Roberts, the old vet went straight to work, checking the newborn calf and the cow for signs of infection. A few moments later he raised his eyebrows as he turned to Albert,
"You must be an experienced herdsman, young man; this delivery could have easily proven fatal in the wrong hands."
Tom, his father, Candy and Stuart who had just surfaced from the back of the shed where he had been working, all looked at Albert with deep admiration.
Albert lowered his head as he mumbled "I was just lucky, Sir, nothing more than that."
Dr Roberts continued his examination but he said "if you say so, but any time you want a job as a vet's assistant, for sure you can come and work for me!"
Tom went and shook Albert's hand "Albert, my friend, I owe you big time. We lost quite a few beasts last year and we can't afford to lose another. How can I ever thank you!"
Albert brushed it off quickly "nonsense, it was nothing really. And anyway I had a great nurse to help me!" he squeezed Candy's hand.
"Come on all of you" said Candy "it's freezing out here, let's go in and change and have a cup of tea, it's been quite a night."
The drive back to Lakewood was accompanied by a bright full moon. They chatted about their adventurous day, then Candy mentioned Patty's news regarding Terry coming to Chicago. Albert went silent for a moment then responded.
"I knew about it too, Candy, but wasn't sure if it would be appropriate for me to say anything. As far as I am concerned, I would like to meet Terry again, it's been ages since we last saw each other; but it is up to you what you want us to do."
Candy grew pensive.
"Hmm... I know what you mean... OK perhaps we should go... let me think about it and we'll see. For now, I have more important things to worry about!" she rested her hand on her belly. Albert turned and gave her his most beautiful smile.
"I love you more and more and more every day that passes, do you know that? I can't begin to tell you how happy I am we'll have a family, our own family..." he turned back to his driving, a dreamy expression on his face.
They finally went to their bed and snuggled up to each other; a very exhausted, but extremely happy young couple... and the unborn child that was now growing inside Candy...