Chapter 24
"Mmm, mmm... this was absolutely delicious... where on earth did you discover this little gem?" Archie pressed his napkin against his mouth. "And the wine simply excellent. A first-class choice, Albert, thank you for the invitation. Ahh... New York... what a city, what ambience... you simply don't find restaurants like this in Chicago, I am sorry to say..."
He lifted his glass and swirled it slowly, allowing the pungent aroma of the rich, red Pinot noir to fill his nostrils. He took a leisurely sip and swallowed appreciatively.
Albert offered a vague reply as he buttered a slice of his bread roll.
"Serendipity, actually. I bumped into... an old friend a couple of days ago, who recommended this place to me so I thought what the heck, it's good to escape the rest of the Board from time to time..."
He was deliberately elusive in his response and secretly hoped Archie would not insist in asking who it was he had met or the circumstances of the meeting. He really wasn't ready to share with anyone the news...
But Archie did not appear to notice the slightly uncomfortable tone in Albert's voice. Undeterred, he went on;
"Well, as I said, a great choice" he looked around him slowly admiring the elegant decor then turned to face Albert again.
"...and a great way to wrap up some rather stressful days" he added with a sigh of relief.
Albert nodded in agreement.
"Oh, well, consider this one of the few perks when one is working away from home... I must confess I am glad we're going back tomorrow, this week of negotiations has been so intense, I'm frankly sick and tired of the whole thing."
He raised his hand briefly to get the waiter's attention. They ordered coffee then Archie placed his heavy leather-bound folder on the table and leafed briskly through a bunch of papers.
"And now back to business, I am afraid. You appreciate, I suppose, that the Board's position on the matter of the Eastern hemisphere operations is essentially non-negotiable. They have voted unanimously that you and only you should oversee the re-organisation of the London headquarters and expansion to the Caspian region" his questioning stare seeking Albert's answer.
Albert put a sugar cube into his cup and stirred his coffee, momentarily absentminded.
"Yes... I was expecting this reaction following the movements in the stock market recently" his deep blue eyes looked somewhat tired.
"Archie, I am not flattering myself to think this vote is because of my irreplaceable skills or exceptional charisma; the Board is more likely trying to send a strong and loud message to the Cabot Corporation, after the numerous attempts they've made to buy up parts of our business – unsuccessfully to-date, as you know..."
Archie interrupted with some hesitation, though his voice sounded eager and confident.
"Albert, listen, if you'd prefer me to go instead, I can assure you I am more than willing to do so. You have enough on your plate with our business units here, in Canada and South America... looking after Candy and Anthony... not to mention all the charity work you're both involved with. Seems like an irrational demand to just get up and leave just like that if you ask me... and for what, two, three years perhaps, possibly longer?"
Albert appeared sceptical then drummed his fingers on the table;
"London... hmm... a city that carries so many memories... I am not avert to living there again and I hope Candy and Anthony will adjust OK... my biggest concern is Aunt Elroy, Archie. She is getting old and her heart is playing up from time to time, as you know."
Archie nodded "yes, of course, of course..."
He paused for a moment, temporarily thinking of happier times... "and she is completely smitten with the boys, isn't she... I think they can wrap her around their little fingers... reminds me of our youth, when me, Stear and Anthony spent so many happy summers at Lakewood." He chuckled.
"Anthony always found a way to get away with even the most outrageous misdeeds..."
Albert smiled "poor Aunt Elroy, looking back I think it's fair to say she did have to put up with all sorts of tricks... I was quite the rebel too... not unreasonably perhaps, given the turmoil the family was going through at the time, but she's mellowed somewhat with time, I find she is a tad less strict with our boys now on issues of manners and etiquette. Life is a great teacher... even if you resist its teachings, there comes a time you simply have to go along with what it's trying to tell you..."
A waiter topped up Albert's cup with more coffee, and he asked for the bill. When he had left, Archie turned back to his uncle.
"I agree it would be hard for her to not be able to see any of you for so long, Albert. On the other hand, I cannot imagine her moving over either, I doubt her doctor would allow it. But she fully understands the implications on our business if you were not to lead this new venture yourself, she is not naive."
Albert looked deep in thought when he responded.
"I plan to discuss things with Candy soon, since the official decision is more or less taken. I was hoping to take some vacation while in London, so that I could whisk her off on a belated honeymoon in Europe for a couple of weeks – we would probably need to leave Anthony with a family member in London... he is old enough now to not depend on our constant presence but... oh well, we'll need to see how it all works out."
Archie pondered Albert's words, an idea forming more coherently in his head as he thought things through.
"Listen, we can come across for a few weeks and take Aunt Elroy with us if she feels up to it – come to think about it, we could take a trip up to Scotland before we return back to the States. Visit the old homeland. What do you think?"
Albert looked at Archie, his face frowning with contemplation and gratitude for the lengths his nephew was willing to go to make things easier for him.
"That sounds like a feasible plan, and one that I know would please Candy no end, but let's not rush into anything yet – it will be a long time before I even have to relocate, so I am sure we'll have many opportunities to discuss how we could make this work best – but thanks for the kind offer, I think it would be great for all of us to have a break and maybe good for the kids too to find out more about our ancestors, now they are beginning to understand more."
He settled the bill and looked at his watch "oh, well, are you ready for the second round of meetings? Andy Williams and Nathan Patterson are due at your office in about half an hour's time, so we'd better get going, I want a quick word with George before that."
(***)
"Hmm, I am not sure... I think the beige one brings out your colours a bit better..." said Candy truthfully looking at Annie's reflection in the mirror."
"Do you think? It felt a bit tight at the arms... what if I tried the larger size but with a pin or something to keep the waist in..." said Annie turning around and checking the back of the dress she had been trying instead.
"OK I may go and try it again... can you hold this for a moment?" she gave Candy a handbag and hat and disappeared into the changing rooms again.
Candy smiled. She shared Annie's excitement; after so many weeks of separation, their husbands would finally come home tonight. She had missed Albert so much, she couldn't wait to see him...
"Is that better then?" Annie pulled back the curtain and came out again, pinching the sides of the dress with her fingers to help it sit better on her slender midsection. "I can get it altered today, if I'm quick..."
Candy took a step back "Annie, I really think this is the one, you look splendid! Try it with the hat on again."
Annie finally approved of her own image in the mirror.
"Yes... yes, I like it! OK then, that's sorted, let me go pay and see the seamstress... do you mind waiting a bit longer?"
"No, not at all! Tell you what, I need to pop into the Clinic to... make an appointment for Anthony's inoculation; what if I go there while you're getting the dress fixed and I will meet you at "Le Petit Cafe" in..." she glanced at her watch "say an hour?"
Annie sighed with relief "brilliant! See you then and thanks again for your help!"
"Not to mention my patience!" laughed Candy as she extricated herself from Annie's grateful hug.
They waved at each other one last time, then Annie rushed off back into the shop. Candy tidied her scarf around her neck and stepped out on the street. It was a sunny winter's day but bitterly cold, the air fresh but raw, and she felt keen to reach the Clinic and get back inside into the warmth. But then... the thought of Albert's return made her so happy and excited, her feet carried her to her destination without her even noticing... she remembered the day they parted. After waving goodbye at him, she went back to their bedroom only to find a beautifully crafted wooden box studded with jewels on her bedside cabinet. She opened it curiously; a red rose and a note were inside – she recognised Albert's handwriting.
"Candy, this was my sister's, who inherited it from my mother and she from hers. Nothing would make me happier than to know that it's now yours... I I'll miss you terribly these next few weeks. Always remember that I love you. Yours, Albert".
"Candy! Come in my dear, always a pleasure to see you!" Dr Martin embraced his "favourite nurse of all time" as he used to call her and pointed her into the direction of his office.
"Well doctor?" her searching eyes focused on his kind face.
He gave her a wide smile "well Mrs Ardlay, the 19th is fine for Anthony to come in to have his next vaccination. As to the other question..." he smiled genially "the answer is yes, there is a new Ardlay on the way! My congratulations to both of you!"
Candy gave shocked yelp and brought her hands to her face "oh my goodness, what a wonderful surprise for Albert's return tonight!" she sat lost for a few seconds then jumped off her chair and rushed to thank Dr Martin "thank you, thank you, I can't tell you how happy I am!"
She came out of the Clinic dizzy with happiness, feeling she had to stop herself from springing into the most energetic gallop to get to the Cafe she had agreed to meet up with Annie. She looked at her watch, OK, she had at least another half hour before her appointment with her was due. Candy was glad that Aunt Elroy had agreed to keep the children at Lakewood overnight, this kind of news had to be shared privately and at the right time and in any case, Albert and Archie would be arriving too late for the boys to greet them this evening...
She went past the main entrance of the Clinic grounds and started towards the main road. She turned her head to check if it was safe to cross the road and then she thought she noticed a familiar figure in the distance leaning against the dark wrought iron gates engulfing the large gardens... a woman... looking rather distraught and seemingly unaware of Candy approaching tentatively... well, it can't be...
"Patty?" she asked in a low voice, then more confidently, once she recognised her friend.
Patty seemed surprised, then looked around slowly in recognition of Candy. Her face appeared very drawn, very solemn, tired... had she been crying...
"Patty! Oh, Patty! What are you doing here, how are you, I didn't know you were in Chicago..." Candy chirped enthusiastically as she reached to embrace her friend... "Patty... is anything the matter, are you feeling unwell?"
Patty's sad large eyes answered the question before she opened her mouth to say "hi Candy, sorry, I should have mentioned I was coming into town... no, I am OK, it is just that..."
A stinging wind swept the trees next to them swirling up a pile of dried leaves and Candy instinctively put her arm around Patty's shoulder, a worried crease between her eyebrows;
"Listen, it's getting colder, I am on my way to a coffee shop to meet up with Annie. We would really love it if you could join us for a while, do you have time?"
Patty seemed hesitant for a moment but nodded affirmatively and followed in Candy's direction. The Cafe was fairly quiet and there was no sign of Annie yet. Candy had steered clear of asking questions during the short walk with Patty and once inside she made sure they got a quiet table towards the back of the shop, overlooking a tidy small garden. It was a cosy place, redolent with the homely scent of old-fashioned herbs and flowers. Candy hoped that this would help Patty relax and maybe share whatever was obviously burdening her mind...
"We went to the shops with Annie, she was keen to buy a new dress for Archie's return and as usual, it took us a bit longer than originally planned, you know how these things go!" remarked Candy cheerfully while browsing the menu.
"I think I will go for a coffee and... hmm... an apple crumble? You, Patty?"
They made their order and Patty excused herself and disappeared into the bathroom. Her face looked less ruffled and red when she came back. Candy wondered again if her friend had been crying... what could be the matter with her...
They chatted briefly about the weather and the excitement of waiting for Albert and Archie to return home tonight after months of travelling on business. Candy asked about Tom, Mr Stephen and the farm. Eventually the conversation turned to the school and the children. Unusually, Patty did not seem very keen to say much about that. And while Candy was bursting to share the news of her pregnancy, she knew she would have to tell Albert first; moreover... she was now more and more certain that something was wrong with Patty... an argument with Tom perhaps... or news about her family, was her grandmother ill again...
They drank their coffee in silence, with Patty glancing sideways from time to time, to check whether Annie had arrived.
"I don't know what is taking her so long..." said Candy checking her watch. "She should have been here by now... oh, well, it is fortunate then that I bumped into you Patty or I would have been sitting here all on my own waiting" she added pleasantly.
Patty turned towards her with a faint smile and then, suddenly, tears started to roll down her cheeks and she tried to suppress a muffled cry.
"Patty!" Candy looked at her shocked then swiftly reached into her handbag in search of a handkerchief and moved her seat so that she could be closer to her friend and shield her from prying eyes.
"Patty, please talk to me" she said softly "are you OK? Is there something wrong? Is there anything I can do to help... please, tell me, what is upsetting you so much..."
Patty took a deep breath then spoke in a soundless voice that was nothing more than a strained whisper.
"I... Tom... we've been to the doctor... we've had some tests... he knows already... but I came to discuss the results of some additional checks today..."
Candy looked at her alarmed, a wave of panic rising in her chest waiting for the unknown yet terrifying phrase that would follow. She didn't even notice Annie waving at her as she approached their table, when Patty blurted,
"... I was pregnant..." she didn't allow time for her friends to absorb this news before she continued "... we cannot have children... I lost the baby... our baby... they think it's me... I... I... will never..." before she burst into tears.
(***)
Like a long arrow in the night, the train was darting its way through wooded glens and rocky boulders, the darkness illuminated occasionally by softly glowing hamlets against the background of a starlit sky. Albert liked the rhythmic sound of their compartment gliding on the train tracks, he felt there was a soothing quality to it. He gave Archie a brief glance; he was fast asleep, his book open on his chest. Albert took it gently away and marked the page. He stretched and yawned then turned back to his diary where he was scribbling away.
He was tired but his mind was racing at a hundred miles an hour, playing and replaying that same conversation in his head, not sure yet how to process it and how best to share with Candy. Terry's prematurely lined face filled his mind's eye again... there was something in the way he stood and walked, a certain heaviness in his steps that got Albert concerned right from the start.
"The diagnosis is not promising, Albert. At this moment in time, I can't even say if Susanna will make it until the summer."
He must have noticed Albert's shocked face, momentarily lost for words, so he went on.
"God knows how many doctors we have seen and how many different bits of medication she has tried. She is a fighter alright... she doesn't know you see... and I just don't have the guts to tell her the awful truth... but hey, that's me in a nutshell, isn't it... not having the guts to say many things to the people I've hurt over the years..."
"Terry, for goodness sake don't beat yourself up! This is not your fault, do you hear me, this is not your fault... I just find it hard to believe... the last time we saw you... and the magazines publishing all these lovely photos of the two of you, Susanna seemingly so strong and radiant... I am so, so sorry Terry... I honestly don't know what to say... but you mustn't blame yourself for any of this. I know you have tried your very best to help Susanna recover, you of all people have made enough sacrifices to give her a happy life..."
Terry laughed bitterly "and what good has it done... she is dying Albert... she is so young and she is dying... and it is because of me, because of that wretched accident... it kills me to have to face her every day and pretend that everything is fine and that she will be OK. She talks about the future with such passion and optimism, how can I possibly tell her that all these wonderful dreams and plans of hers are never going to come true... oh God, oh God..." he hid his head in his hands.
"Terry... though I have experienced death many times in my life, I cannot even imagine what you are going through, to see a person you care deeply about simply fade away... if there is anything at all I can do... let me talk to our medical specialists in Chicago... there must surely be something they can recommend... please, promise you will keep me posted and contact me at any time, day or night, if there is the slightest thing I can do to help."
Terry looked up at his friend.
"Thank you Albert. Thank you, it really means a lot to be able to talk to someone."
"What do you want me to tell Candy?"
Terry seemed confused for a moment, as if the notion that people would eventually find out was new to him, though surely, he must have realised that sooner or later the whole world would know, as Susanna deteriorated further.
"I... I am not sure... the truth I suppose..."
(***)
She was sitting in Albert's favourite armchair in the bedroom close to the fireplace; the fire had almost gone out but she didn't seem to have noticed. She was sitting there still in stunned disbelief, the burning sting of tears welling up in her eyes again. She felt numb. Her head ached, her heart ached, she couldn't stop thinking that perhaps this was all a bad dream, surely it had to be a mistake of sorts... dear Patty, dear Tom... how could such an awful thing happen to them, a couple so well suited, so much in love with each other... and Patty... Patty who hadn't had an easy life, her shy childhood, the hard years at St Paul's; Candy recalled how devastated she was when her precious turtle was taken away from her. And then... then the cruelty of Stear's untimely death, the dark thoughts of taking her own life...
...and now this...
The journey back from the coffee shop had been nothing more than a blur. From the moment she came back she had kept herself busy doing things around the house mechanically and avoiding unnecessary conversations. George had apparently called from one of the train stations they had stopped to let her know they would be arriving in the house later than expected because of some problems with leaves on the railway line or something like that, she didn't quite understand... so they were going to be late... great... just what she needed to hear... Again she praised the good Lord for having the foresight to send Anthony off to Lakewood with Aunt Elroy; she didn't think she could have managed to hide her upset at the news...
Oh Albert, Albert, how I long to see you and talk to you! You always find a way to make things better and I so need to hear your voice... When the phone rang she had rushed to pick it up in case it had been him... but it was George and it was a very brief conversation. There was only one telephone and there was a queue of people waiting to use it and George just happened to get to it first, so...
The unexpected encounter with Patty kept coming back to her; and then Annie's shock, the medical details that sounded too complicated and painful to share, Candy's insistence that she shouldn't lose hope, there must some alternative. And all the time, at the back of her own mind the knowledge that a small heart was beating its weak, fragile signs of life inside her...
She gazed at the fading fireplace absentminded, her body weary, her thoughts agitated and sad. She was determined to wait up for Albert... even though it was already quite late... her eyelids felt heavy... no, she would wait no matter what...
She is floating in the evening sky enveloped by a sea of purple and blue, gliding on invisible air currents, she looks for Albert, where did he go? How could they have missed each other's smiles? The view up in heaven must be great, in order to see so clearly...
He turned the bedroom door-knob slowly so as not to disturb her. He wasn't expecting to find her awake at that time and he was careful not to make unnecessary noise. Her bedside lamp was still on but to his surprise, Candy was not in bed. His tired eyes searched the room quizzingly while trying to adapt to the dim light. He needn't have worried, he soon realised she was sitting by the fire waiting for him; her sleeping face calm and as beautiful as ever. A wave of affection flooded his heart as he bent gently towards her and kissed her.
She opened her eyes slowly; it took her a couple of seconds to find her bearings, then reached out to him.
"Oh, Albert, you're finally here" she whispered and raised herself to embrace him "how I missed you, how I missed you... I kept reading your letters each and every night" she mumbled continuously as her gentle fingers clenched his strong shoulders. He held her tight and felt he had the world in his arms, words escaping him as he breathed in again her sweet, flowery fragrance. He could feel her warmth as he looked into her eyes. He showered her with kisses and pulled her towards him with the hunger and desire of a desperate man; and wondered how on Earth he had managed to stay away from her for so long. But he was back now. Yes, he was back now and that's all that mattered.
She suddenly pulled back and started to fuss over him "you must be exhausted, that train journey took so long, are you hungry, can I get you something to eat... "
He smiled gratefully, amazed she could still think of his wellbeing even though she had just woken up and was obviously tired.
He placed his index finger on her lips and shushed her affectionately.
"I am OK my love, don't you worry about me, I am OK. I am just so happy to be home again, to be with you!"
He lifted her gently and took her to their bed, not wanting to let go. They stayed like this holding each other for a long time, each having mixed thoughts and feelings; an immeasurable joy they were finally together again and a deep sadness for the tragic news they had received from their friends, none of them knowing about the other...
"Anthony?" asked Albert after a while.
"He is fine, he went with Stear and Aunt Elroy to Lakewood... you will see him tomorrow, you are all he talks about now. But I thought best to give you the chance to recover tonight..." she smiled faintly.
"Of course, you are right. Yes, I look forward to tomorrow then, I can't tell you how much I've missed him too, our lovely, beautiful little boy" he said and continued to caress her with the most unbearable tenderness.
His choice of words to describe their precious son had an unusual sting to them. She immediately thought of Patty... and the happy news Dr Martin had given her... was this the right time to say anything to Albert, he looked so drained, so... wrapped up in thought...
She knew that look. The pensive expression that indicated he was trying to think of an appropriate way to tell her something important... something difficult... but what...
Her hand reached up to her diamond pendant; that one Albert had given her all that time ago at Pony's that fateful Christmas when they finally found the courage to confess their feelings for each other. She did so subconsciously... apparently she always did that when she felt uneasy, concerned... maybe she sought the reassurance of his presence, his gift something for her to carry with her always... when she was a child, his Ardlay insignia was her treasure, her shelter, her comfort from life's ills and worries. It was Albert who had mentioned that to her that some time ago, he had noticed the automatic move of her hand up to her neck – a move she wasn't even aware of. But then he always noticed everything to do with her...
And she was twisting the diamond teardrop now with nervous fingers as she lay against his strong frame, seemingly oblivious to this act of worry... but why... he decided to take the plunge first...
"Candy... I have some sad news to share with you... I'm not sure how to say this but..." his hand slid slowly over her curls and caressed her cheek with tender fingers.
She held her breath alarmed - could he possibly know already about Patty? But how?
"I met Terry when I was in New York. Don't worry, he is OK" he added hastily watching her eyes widening with surprise and concern.
"... it's Susanna who unfortunately is not well..." he took a deep breath before he continued "I am afraid that her health has deteriorated significantly... the doctors don't think she has long to live... I am really very sorry..." he pulled her close to him to suppress the shocked gasp that escaped her mouth before it quickly disintegrated into a stream of tears.
"I am so sorry... so sorry... there may still be of course something the doctors can do... oh Candy..." he mumbled helplessly sensing her despair and trying to come to terms with his own.
"I can't believe it Albert... this is so terrible... poor Susanna... and Terry..." she sobbed and sought refuge in his arms again.
He sighed "I know Candy... I know..."
It was a long time before she quietened a bit, the long darkness of the night flowing away in muffled pulses. Eventually, she took a strained breath and looked up at him sadly.
"I fear I have some bad news to share too, Albert..." she started gingerly.
Albert immediately straightened up. He knew something wasn't right from the moment she had woken up to greet him.
"Bad news? What is wrong Candy? Honey? You can tell me, you know you can."
"Yes... it's not me... it's Patty... I bumped into her in town today and..."
"She is OK I hope?" he sounded alarmed.
"Yes... I guess... she had just seen the doctor... I met her just outside the clinic... it seems that Tom and she cannot have children... she had a miscarriage and then... I am not sure... more tests followed and it seems..." she let out in an agonising gasp then hid her face in her hands.
Albert's mouth dropped at this unexpected and terrible revelation. He moved his hand through his hair and turned his face away from her as if to gain some perspective on the sequence of tragic events unfolding before them tonight.
"... my God... I really don't know what to say... but... is it certain..."
"I don't know all the details and didn't want to probe but it seems that they have exhausted their medical options... and oh Albert, she is so devastated and I just didn't know what to say or do to help make things better... why didn't she come to us before, why didn't she say... I've failed to support my best friend... my best friend..."
"Shh, shh, sweetheart, anyone in your position would have felt the same, please, don't be hard on yourself..." he heard himself repeat the same words he had told Terry only a few nights ago... the irony...
Candy cried softly, her low sobs shaking their common bed. Her eyes were swollen and red when she looked up at him again.
"I felt so awful Albert, so useless... I felt like I had betrayed her... this is just so unbearable..."
He seemed puzzled.
"Why have you betrayed her... I don't understand... surely this isn't your fault or anyone else's... these things happen sometimes, my love... I am sure that Patty and Tom will find a way to deal with this, they are a strong couple, they care about each other so much, I know they will manage..."
"Oh, Albert... you don't understand..." she raised her eyes up to the ceiling trying to find some invisible strength from the heavens "...and how could you..."
He looked at her genuinely confused and somewhat worried now.
"Candy?"
"The reason I met her outside the Clinic was... is... we are going to have another baby!"