CHAPTER 21
Candy paced slowly around the foyer of the Chicago Central Baths, observing the other visitors strolling past and into the changing rooms, listening into ebullient conversations part-drowned by children's laughter. The space was large and open, amply decorated with well-cared for plants and miniature waterfalls; a huge glass skylight dome let in plenty of natural daylight. Candy took pleasure in letting the warm sunrays caress her face as she strolled around while waiting for Anny and Stear to join her.
The building was new, done in the resplendent style of what would later be described as Art Deco; she stood in front of a magnificent terracotta sunburst design in gold, behind sky blue and deep blue above the main entrance and studied its intricate, sinuous motifs. It had been only a couple of days ago when she and Albert had spent a delightful afternoon in the Art Institute of Chicago, wandering around the numerous exhibits; Candy was astonished to discover that Aunt Elroy was a patron of the distinguished establishment and had been personally involved in fund-raising activities to complete its expansion over the Illinois Central Railroad Tracks.
"Don't look so surprised" he had teased her. "It is a family tradition, perhaps a duty to be interested in various artistic and cultural activities. She is not just an old, bad-tempered matriarch, there are some... shall we say, noble sides to her difficult personality" he had added laughing.
She peeked outside the main doors for a sign of a carriage or car on the street, then looked a bit more closely at the artwork before her. She remembered Albert's comment that this new, distinctive style influenced by such varied movements as Cubism, Russian Constructivism and Italian Futurism, has been shaped by all the nervous energy stored up and expended in the War.
The War... years had passed but in some ways it still felt like it was only yesterday when the news of Stear's death... she thought of Patty. Patty, who just days earlier had become Tom's wife. Thomas and Patricia...
Candy thought it remarkable how Patty's parents didn't raise any objections to her marrying a man of a different background and class. But then, Patty was lucky to have had the full support of her grandmother; that strong, resilient and somewhat bossy woman, who having being trapped herself in a conventional marriage was not to let anyone interfere with Patty's happiness. Especially after the heartbreaking grief she went through following Stear's untimely death... Stear again...
What is the matter with me today, thought Candy annoyed with herself. She started to walk towards the little cafe housed inside the building, thinking of ordering some fresh orange juice and sit down to relax for a while, but just as she turned to leave, a hot-faced Annie pushing a pram rushed into the foyer and called out at her.
"I am so sorry Candy! I didn't mean to keep you waiting for so long. We had a... ehm... nappy accident just before we set off and by the time we got ready again..." she said breathlessly.
Candy laughed as they both walked towards the changing rooms "oh dear, what adventures! Don't worry my friend, I enjoyed myself wandering around the place, it's massive, isn't it! And in any case, I ran into one of our neighbours and got chatting, so I didn't really notice the time. But where is my wonderful, gorgeous little nephew?"
She picked Stear up from his pram. He waved his arms and legs merrily and gurgled in her arms "ooh, that's my boy, are you ready sweetheart for your swim? I am sure you will enjoy it very very much" she kissed him and held him close to her chest.
"I am so glad you could make it today, Candy, it's good to have an extra pair of hands now Stear is getting more mobile. How are you feeling, the time is getting nearer by the day!"
Candy smiled "I am enjoying the attention I am getting, that's for sure. And I am getting plenty from my lovely husband!" she winked at Annie.
"Other than that, you know, full of energy some days, a bit tired at times, can't sleep that great... but swimming definitely helps me relax, so when you suggested we all came here today, I couldn't possibly say no!"
They changed swiftly into their swimming suits. Annie took Stear and Candy carried his bath toys to the pool. The water was clean and lukewarm; there were not many other people in that day, so they had plenty of space to splash about, with Stear making happy sounds and kicking his legs eagerly. Candy put her mouth under water and started to blow bubbles, which little Stear found very entertaining and tried to imitate her.
Annie laughed; "you know what's his favourite trick; when we come here with Archie, he sits him on the side of the pool and sings to him "Humpty Dumpty". When we get to the line "Humpty Dumpty had a great fall", he lifts him down into the water with a splash, oh, Candy you must come along some time and see that, Stear goes absolutely crazy with delight – but you know, he never responds the same way if I am doing it, it has to be Archie for some reason!"
Candy smiled kind of knowingly "I think they do know their dads alright!"
They continued playing with Stear, who was getting more and more excited with every new trick he learned.
"See, you really have to keep an eye on him at all times now" sighed Annie. "He is so inquisitive and wants to try everything."
Candy chuckled "ah, but this is the fun part, isn't it? When they are old enough to be able to interact with you. I think he is adorable and frankly, sometimes I just want to eat him, he is so sweet!"
"Listen, I think he's had enough for today, I will take him out now... no, it's OK, I think I can manage on my own Candy, you go on and have a bit of a proper swim, thanks a lot for helping out" said Annie seeing her friend ready to come out too.
"OK then, I will give it another 15-20 minutes or so and then I'll come out too, are you sure you'll be alright on your own?"
"Positive, don't worry, we do this often, and we have a good routine now" she turned to Stear in her arms "don't we sweetie?" he laughed at her "don't we?" she pinched his cheek gently and gave him a small kiss "who is this beautiful little boy? Who? Who?"
Candy could just about hear Annie's soothing voice in the background and Stear's babbling responses as she walked away towards the changing rooms. She made some smooth, controlled breast strokes and glided away from the edge of the pool, enjoying the weightlessness and freedom of movement inside the water, which in daily life was getting more and more restricted as her pregnancy progressed. A little later she joined Annie who was still trying to get them ready in the changing rooms.
"Have you heard from Patty at all?" asked Annie while shoving Stear's toys into a big colourful bag and tucking him back into his pram at last. Candy helped her finish off packing the rest of their stuff and they started to walk towards the brightly lit foyer again.
"Well, we weren't really expecting to, you know, who gets in touch while on their honeymoon; but she did send a brief telegram. They are having a great time and are once again very thankful for having the ceremony at our house" replied Candy.
"Indeed, it was wonderful. I still feel guilty we let you get so involved in your state, but it was definitely worth it. What glorious weather and what a beautiful couple!" she started to push Stear's pram.
"And Albert in his element – best man eh!" said Candy full of pride for her husband, the memory of his kind, smiling face ushering the guests, performing his hosting duties with impeccable efficiency, as always.
Anny laughed "yes, any excuse to put on the kilt again, Archie said! Men, eh!"
They got out of the large building into the pleasant sunshine feeling relaxed and re-energised after their swim.
"I have some time, if you're free. Fancy a short stroll in the park? There is an old lady selling balloons near Dr Martin's clinic and Stear gets so fascinated with their many colours. What do you say? Could you spare an hour do you think?" asked Annie.
"Oh, go on then. Just promise we'll make a stop at the ice-cream parlour!"
Annie laughed "well, that's a suggestion I am not going to say no to!"
"Mmm, I forgot to tell you" said Candy in the midst of coughing as she swallowed a big chunk of her ice-cream all in one go.
"Dr Martin has been promoted, isn't that wonderful! He told me the last time I was there for my check-up – he is now going to be Head of the Paediatric Unit!"
Annie's eyes opened wide with amazement "gosh, really! You must tell him congratulations from us, Candy, this is great news indeed. I don't want to sound negative, but I have to be honest with you, when we first met him..." her cheeks went pink "well, he didn't quite give the impression of such a great medical professional... he is truly unrecognisable in his suit. He is Stear's doctor you know, so we get to see him too every so often..."
"He is fantastic with children!" Candy interrupted. "He can calm down even the most awkward toddler and reassure even the most worried mother; I learned so much working with him. He is like family to us, you know. Albert so enjoys his company too..."
"Yeah, speaking of families" started Annie pushing Stear's pram on a walk path next to the lake while a couple of mallards quacked loudly in the background, "you seem to be getting on much better with Great Aunt Elroy these days; or at least she seems to be making more of an effort – if you could call it that. In any case she was rather talkative last weekend when she came to Archie's parents for lunch; and I should tell you that most of the conversation revolved around the excitement of having a new grandchild around soon."
Annie raised her eyebrows and added meaningfully "she even smiled!"
"Yes, yes" Candy tried in vain to downplay her friend's enthusiasm, "Albert says the same too... we were pleasantly surprised she decided to be there for Patty's wedding, I don't think she was ever very keen on Tom of course... going back to the days of his scuffles with Anthony..."
Candy sat on a bench and stretched, soaking in the warm sunshine. Her friend sat next to her; they both spent a moment looking at Stear sleeping peacefully in his pram. Annie rearranged his blanket to make sure he was well-covered.
"It's true, things are much much better" said Candy. "I'd say better than ever; of course, you can take nothing for granted with Aunt Elroy but we can have a civilised conversation and she has taken a keen interest in the baby's arrival..."
"Candy, I sincerely cannot imagine anyone not getting along with you! You are one of the world's kindest, most caring and generous people! I think if Aunt Elroy has been cold and distant all these years is because she is fighting hard to keep up some detached and solemn persona she believes she should have, as one of the leaders of the Ardlay clan – at least that's how Archie sees it and I think he is right."
Candy didn't answer. Her mind turned to a similar conversation she'd had with Albert one bright day they had gone for a walk and a romantic picnic up Pony's hill a few months back...
"I always struggled with my Aunt, Candy" he had said "but with time I came to understand that just because we see the world through different eyes, it doesn't mean we cannot care for each other. It's obviously easier now that I am a grown-up man and not dependent on her care and supervision but looking back, I think I can understand better now the reasons that make her so stern and unapproachable some times.
You see, her husband died within months of their marriage during the Civil War. She was left a widow at a very young age and under traumatic circumstances, with only consolation the support she got from my grandparents, and my father, of course. When he too passed away, she found herself the sole heir of a massive fortune and all the heavy responsibilities that came with it. A bit like me, perhaps... yet... it wasn't meant to be this way, you see. She was supposed to be by her husband's side, raising her own family and staying out of the business side of things... but as you know, she never remarried; instead she dedicated herself to the care of her nephews and keeping the family going until such time I would be ready to take over.
In some ways we have gone through similar experiences but I suppose with her being a woman, she had to succumb to the pressures of our society and conform – no questions asked – while at least I had the opportunity to travel a bit and take some time before committing to my role as head of this family.
And then there is her upbringing; stuffy, regimented, serious and duty-driven... those were different times you see... with lots of political and racial tensions, financial uncertainty, and of course the bitter aftermath of a lengthy, ugly war.
So I try not to judge her so harshly, though at times she has caused me lots of frustration. I know she is happy we are expecting a baby and I bet she will do all she can to be a great grandmother; in hindsight, she was good to me, Anthony, Archie and Stear after all, even though yes, we had to think of all sorts of tricks to escape her suffocating, strict rules from time to time.
Isn't it funny... I just realised this but... she is the reason we met, did this ever occurred to you? If I hadn't run away that day at the party, dressed in Scottish costume and bagpipe in hand I may have never met you... oh God, what a terrible thought... to have never met you..."
Candy continued to sit silently next to Annie and Stear, her mind still on Albert and how sensitively he had shared some painful moments of his personal family history. Again and again she thought how much she loved him; every breath he took, everything he touched, every moment of every day, just because he existed.
Little Stear stirred in his pram and let a sharp, mournful cry.
"Oh dear, I think we need to get going Candy, this one is due to be fed soon and we are supposed to have some of Archie's colleagues over for dinner tonight."
"Yes, Annie, I am getting a bit tired too, so let's go. Well, we'll see you next weekend anyway, it's all arranged with Ms Pony and Sister Mary, OK?"
"Yes, we look forward to that! What a surprise it will be for Patty!"
And with a rushed hug they parted ways in their respective carriages.
(***)
"It's the first time he is away from you for so long, do you miss him?" asked Candy coming out of the kitchen, a couple of mugs in her hands.
"Miss him? Yes, terribly!" replied Annie, "but it's only fair that he spends some time with his grandparents too. And we'll be back tomorrow anyway, so it's easier to bear. To be honest, I think Archie is worse than me, he took forever to say his goodbyes to his precious son!"
They got out to the yard and into the big classroom.
"Come on guys, time for a break!" said Candy putting a small tray down on the table.
"Freshly made tea and homemade biscuits!" added Annie and helped spread the goods for all to reach.
"Mmm, bliss..." Archie climbed down a ladder and grabbed a mug.
"So what do you think Candy? Doesn't it look as if it's brand new?" asked Eirik washing his hands at the sink. He then proceeded to sampling an almond biscuit and munching on it greedily.
Albert walked in carrying a large bucket filled with paint.
"I think this should be the last lot, so if we move the shelves over" he started saying then paused when he realised everyone was sitting around the table chatting.
"Is it time for a break already? Mmm, look at all these treats!" he grabbed a slice of lemon cake with one hand and put his other one around Candy's shoulders. She gave him a small kiss and got up to inspect their progress.
"Wow, it looks so different!" said Candy walking around slowly.
"Patty won't believe her eyes" said Annie admiringly. "A fully refurbished school with a library and play area for the children... it's wonderful, just wonderful... Albert, Candy, this is really the nicest wedding present she could ever dream of... I honestly can't wait until they're back to see the transformation!"
"It's a good thing we started early" Archie commented. "Even with the walls almost done, we still have a fair bit to do if we are to finish this weekend. I want to get on with the vegetable garden as soon as possible."
Eirik nodded "I'll finish off varnishing the bookcases after this and then we'll bring in the new desks and equipment, what time did you say George had arranged the delivery for" he asked Albert.
Albert pushed back his golden hair stained with tiny splashes of white paint "around lunchtime or thereabouts" he answered. "I think we should be done by then, cleaning included, Tom's guys will give us a hand too, so I'm not worried."
"And no, Candy" he responded firmly to her pleading eyes, "you are not allowed to help with anything, you ought to go back and rest a bit, you look really tired."
Candy avoided looking at him. The truth was that she hadn't been feeling that well the last couple of days and her back ached a lot the whole morning, but everyone was so enthusiastic about the great work they were doing, she didn't want to spoil the day for them. So instead, she nodded moodily but Annie seconded Albert "he is right you know, come on then, let's take all the cups and plates away and let the boys continue with their hard work."
Candy smiled and got up slowly but within minutes and before she could even manage a couple of steps, she had to hold onto her chair and sit down again, her face flushed and drawing what looked like pained, difficult breaths.
Albert jumped out of his chair faster than lightning and got next to her at once;
"Candy! My love, are you feeling OK?"
By now Eirik who had realised something wasn't right, was next to her too.
"Candy, let me have a look" he checked her belly.
"Hmm... Albert, let's please take Candy up to Pony's immediately so that I can examine her properly..."
Candy looked up at him somewhat dizzy, the pain in her abdomen and lower back continuing to intensify.
"Candy, don't worry about anything, it is all going to be OK" Eirik smiled at her reassuringly.
(***)
Albert sat on Mrs Pony's rocking chair in the dimly lit bedroom, a little bundle of a baby, his newborn son, Anthony, in his arms sleeping peacefully. The last few hours had been a frenzied blur; Archie racing to get the car to get Candy to the orphanage, Sister Mary and Annie rounding up the children to explain about the emergency and keep them settled, Eirik, Mrs Pony and himself by Candy's side as she went into labour. His mind was still flooded with moments of agony, helplessness... what if things didn't go right, they were so far away from a hospital... all he could offer Candy was encouraging words, staying present, holding her and praying it would all be OK... and then, in what felt ages later, there was the crying, the joy, the rush to share the good news, the first attempts at feeding, the elation and the exhaustion...
He turned to look at her and his eyes filled with tenderness and adoration. He whispered to her "I don't think you'll ever know just how much I love you" and caressed her face gently. She didn't even stir, she was so drained, sleeping deeply, occasionally making small noises... dreaming perhaps... He was very tired too, from the stress and the emotion and the excruciating worry seeing his beloved wife being in so much pain to bring this little one into the world.
Mrs Pony had placed a camp bed for him next to Candy's but he couldn't sleep. He kept holding Anthony, not wanting to let go, not wanting to miss a single moment of this tiny creature's interaction with his new surroundings.
He was flooded with novel feelings and he wasn't sure how to react to everything yet. A momentary thought... had his father held him like this when he was born... did he also place his index finger in the tiny palm of his son for him to squeeze tightly... Albert was suddenly sad he could never share the joy of his child with his own parents and sister... and Candy couldn't do so either. Both of them orphaned – in a different way, but orphaned nonetheless. Not you, Anthony. Never you, he thought. For you've just come into the world, but you are surrounded by love and care that you could never imagine possible; welcome, my son, welcome into our lives. He kissed the baby's temple lightly.
He checked the clock on the bedside cabinet next to him. He would have to wake Candy up soon, for Anthony's feeding. He wished he could just let her sleep for a bit longer, but it wasn't possible. He vowed to do all he could to help her during the first few difficult months, to share with her the burden of responsibility, to be there for both of them to cherish and protect them, and to experience the wonderful bonding this small, helpless creature brought into their lives with every single breath he took.
Albert got up quietly and placed Anthony back into his cot. He felt he could just sit there and look at him forever, restful in his sleep, blissfully unaware of everything around him. With effort, he moved softly to Candy's bed and sat next to her, trying to wake her up very very gently.
"Candy... Candy sweetheart, you need to wake up..." he kissed her cheek tenderly.
"Mmm..." was the only response.
"I know my love, but..."
A little cry broke the peacefulness of the night. It subsided for a couple of seconds, then returned more powerful and demanding.
Candy stirred and opened her eyes "is it time already?"
"I am afraid so... no, don't move, I will fetch Anthony for you, please, just stay there and make yourself comfortable."
Albert sat mesmerised watching his son breastfeeding eagerly, occasional satisfied light grunts escaping his tiny lips. He felt so privileged to be part of this special experience. He leaned closer and touched Anthony ever so softly and caressed Candy's hair.
"I love you both very much" he whispered.
Candy smiled an exhausted smile and rested her head on his hand for a couple of seconds.
"Let me take him, dear, he seems to have had enough for now and you need to rest" he picked Anthony off Candy and tapped him gently on the back to burp him.
"Albert... is everyone else OK, I am so sorry, it all happened so quickly, I didn't get to think..."
"Of course sweetheart! Everyone is fine, don't worry about such things now. Archie, Annie and Eirik are staying at Mr Steve's and George rushed to Lakewood. Aunt Elroy will travel there tomorrow to wait for us – only when you are better of course and we can all go."
She lay back in her bed. Tears started to roll down her eyes. She thought to herself that these were tears of joy, they could only be tears of joy.
"Candy?"
"Stay close to me tonight, Albert. I need to feel you close to me."
Albert bent over and kissed her and held her gently in his arms;
"I will always be close, Candy. Always."
(***)
Perhaps it was in a dream but Candy thought she heard some humming in the dark of the night, mingled with a muffled baby's cry...
Speed bonnie boat like a bird on a wing...