The Turnabout

Terry’s New York

The cobblestone streets still glistened with the rainfall from a late afternoon shower as Terry drove home from the theatre. The streets were busy and noisy automobiles honked and rushed by, there seemed to be more autos than horses as of late he noticed as he turned onto the street where he was staying. He parked his town car and stepped onto the walkway of the Marlowe brownstone mansion, “Another evening away from Candy and with Susanna.” He thought. “How many months has it been since I have seen her? Too many.”

He passed through the fence gate and opened the front door only to see an empty hallway. "Susanna?” Terry called as he removed his coat and hat.

Terry turned in the direction of her voice - he was a little shocked to not find her waiting at the door as she usually met him there everyday when he arrived.

“Terry – there’s someone I would like you to meet so please step into the parlor,” she said.

“Wow, this is different!” Terry thought as his life had pretty much been led by Susanna since he returned from Chicago last year. Well not exactly as he refused to marry Susanna until he had feelings for her. He just couldn’t do it to her or himself and he did not want live in a loveless marriage like his father did. It would be like throwing his life away to be married to someone whom he felt only as she was his sister instead of his lover. Painstakingly he had a difficult time discussing this with Susanna. Oh she knew how he felt, but she refused to let him go and maintained that one day Terry would love her. It seemed like a hopeless situation he was in. If it wasn’t for his love of acting in the theatre troupe he was in he would not be able to cope with this daily existence.

As Terry stepped into the parlor he tried not to act surprised as he saw a man in the chair Susanna had labeled as his that sat next to her wheelchair. Not that he cared - for he didn’t and it had been awhile since he cared about things like that – a while yes since Candy left New York in fact.

“Hello nice to meet you,” Terry said as he extended his hand in greeting to the stranger.

The red haired man looked Terry over before extending his hand in a firm greeting, “Hello Terry."

Terry saw Susanna look down and become very flushed over this whole exchange. Terry quickly excused himself to dress for dinner.

“Well I have no idea who this man is but far be from me to interrupt anything in this house.” mused Terry. He changed into some more suitable dinner clothes just in time for the dinner bell to announce the evening meal. As he walked down the stairwell he looked around the house décor and thought to himself that the browns and greys of this house fit his moods even though he never felt at home here. The only color in the house was the wine-colored drapes that were in every room. The furniture was also a dark and dreary shade of blue. The house never meant anything to him before or after his return. He came upon the dining room door and took a deep breath to bear the evening meal once more.

The dining room had been rearranged a bit – not knowing what was different due to his lack of concern he searched for his place across from Susanna at the table. There he saw Reginald sitting in his chair – never mind that he had sat in that chair for months – he didn’t care a twit about it. In fact he would love to partake of dinner in his room if he could. He sat next to Reginald instead. Susanna’s mother chatted about local politics and old friends with Reginald throughout the meal. Terry spoke little except to have the mashed potatoes and gravy passed down to his part of the table. It seemed that by listening and picking up remnants and little bits of conversations Terry realized that Reginald used to be Susanna’s beau.

Now this whole situation began to awaken something deep in Terry’s being. He glanced Susanna’s way – but she wouldn’t look him in the face. She seemed so flustered and giddy. She listened to and took heart over every word that Reginald said. He even referred to her as “his dear ladyfriend” a few times. Susanna’s mother ignored Terry and Terry was very happy about the whole thing really. Terry excused himself after dessert as he needed some fresh air.

Terry walked out on the terrace and there he began to question things within his own self as he lit a cigarette. That too made him think of Candy and how she slapped his cigarette out of his hand in London and gave him a harmonica. He smiled and never smoked the cigarette but instead threw it to the ground.

Am I jealous? No!
Am I angry? Not really.
Is this another trap by Susanna’s Mother?

Reginald seemed nice enough – but he was kind of a Dandy which caused Terry to remember

“the dressy one” of Candy’s friends – Archie. He turned out to be a nice chap, a friend really at the end of the school days so maybe this man would too.

“Terry?”

Terry answered “Yes Susanna?” as he helped her roll her wheelchair out on the terrace.

“Are you mad that Reginald stayed for dinner?”

“No Susanna, I am not mad.”

“Well I hope you don’t mind that he sat in your chair – it was mother’s idea.”

“No Susanna, he’s a guest and that’s fine.”

“Terry – I have something to tell you.”

“Go ahead Susanna – I’m listening.”

“Well I don’t know to say this but Reginald and I used to be a couple. We were fairly serious and then his company transferred him out West a few years ago, and we wrote letters for awhile but lost track of each other. He doesn’t care about my handicap and he came by today and asked for my hand in marriage – he said he’s never stopped loving me.” Susanna began weeping.

Terry kneeled down in front of her wheelchair and lifted her chin and said, “Susanna, you know I care for you - but only as a friend or sister. I know it hurts you but it’s the truth.”

Susanna began to weep all the more and threw herself into Terry’s arms. He let her cry and held her. He felt so torn as Susanna had saved his life but he knew that the truth was always best. After awhile she calmed down and wiped her tears with Terry’s handkerchief, she looked into Terry’s eyes and spoke one word, “Candy?” And he said, “Yes Susanna, I am still in love with Candy. I stayed with you and chose you because I felt responsible to you. If you love Reginald then I think you should marry him.”

“I haven’t given him an answer yet – he’s stopping by tomorrow.”

“Well I would like to see you happy Susanna.”

“Thank you Terry.” Terry kissed her cheek and said goodnight.

Sleep did not come easy that night as he had much to ponder. He didn’t want to get his hopes up incase she refused Reginald’s proposal, but after laying awake for an hour he got up to find his suitcases. As he went through his few drawers and closet -–he really didn’t have a lot to pack. He packed as if he was in a hurry to go somewhere – anywhere but here. He had stayed here too long in his own mind, but the saga continued anyway. His senses though so long had been dull and lifeless began to gain hope. With each article of clothing he folded and packed he thought of Candy White Adley – where was she now? How would/could he find her? Who could tell him where she was? There was Annie, the mysterious Sir William Adley or maybe Albert? Wait the last place he saw her was the Happy Clinic in Chicago. Yes he would start there first. He might have to search for her awhile and could he get away from his job? Yes he would leave – someone could take his latest part as it had only been 2 weeks ago that rehearsals started. He had saved enough money over the past year to travel for awhile if necessary and yes this was necessary.

After awhile everything he owned – his meager belongings were packed in this dull and lifeless grey, brown and blue room. Yes it was lifeless – but he was still alive. He shut and hid the suitcases under the bed. After 2am sleep finally came.

The next day continued as they all had before without much fanfare – he did hurry home in anticipation. Susanna met him at the door as she always had before – this time tears were streaming down her face. “Terry, I accepted Reginald’s proposal today, we will be married next month.” she said. Terry spoke softly, “Susanna I wish you every happiness.” He turned on his heel, went to his former dull room, grabbed his already packed suitcases and slipped out the back door free at last of his inner struggle of the past two years.

Candy

Candy White Adley had been in Chicago for three weeks trying to establish a new Adley Orphan’s home. At her request she had become Albert’s administrative protegee for the Adley family. The Adley family was all scattered to the winds now except her and Albert. Gone to Florida still were the Leagans, away on their extended honeymoon were Archibald and Annie and Aunt Elroy had been removed from her place as the head of the family to a summer home in Virginia. Albert was her family and her best friend. He was like the brother she never had – she trusted him completely.

Candy’s mind drifted to a place outside of Chicago – Pony’s Home. She thought of her family there – of Sister Pony, Sister Lane and Patricia. Patricia had loved Pony’s Home and Sister Pony so much that when Albert had asked that she return to the Adley Estate Patricia took her place there. The last time she saw Patricia – Candy thought she was the happiest she had ever seen her since their school days before Stear’s death. Well now that Tom had been coming to call upon Patricia helped too. Awwww Tom and Patty, Archibald and Annie…..thought Candy who will I end up with? And Albert – what of him? Will he marry one day? Candy hoped he would, he needed someone.

“Well that’s enough daydreaming for the day,” she thought to herself - and focused her attention back to her mission at hand which was to find a suitable location for the new

orphan’s home in Chicago. If she couldn’t find a building that would work then Albert had already instructed her to buy property to have the home built.

She was hoping that today’s search would bring forth the perfect place for the new home as she was anxious to return back home with Albert. “Why? Well she didn’t know but felt that somehow she was ready for something – for what well that she did not know.”

Albert

It was late summer and the roses were beginning to shed their seasonal glory; soft, luminous petals swept through the air and littered the ground where Sir William Albert Adley stood. The villa in Lakewood was a special place for him and he retreated there as often as he could to escape the arduous duties required of him for the last year since taking the helm of the vast Adley Empire.

Yes, it was relaxing at the Villa, yet Albert didn’t just come there for leisure, he also came there to think, he turned and looked up the large stone mansion…so many memories. Albert held a piece of paper in his hand, a letter he just received from Candy. How she loved searching for just the right place for the new Adley Orphan’s Home & Clinic. He was so proud of her and her accomplishments this past year. Candy was always happy and self-assured when helping others and she seldom seemed to think of herself.

Candy. Where would he be today if not for Candy he mused. Albert had wanted to see the world, go everyplace and do everything one possibly can in the short time life allotted to him, and he didn’t want to be tied down by anyone, or anything. But since the day she tumbled into his life, the life he thought was so right for him, things had never been the same.

Albert thought back to when he first met her as a little girl, a chance encounter he had not thought much more about, especially when the accident that took his own parents lives happened so soon afterwards. No, she was just a little orphan girl and he was the heir to a vast fortune and immeasurable responsibilities that he really didn’t want. So when he came of age his trusted man, George handled all his affairs and he could do as he pleased letting Great Aunt Elroy be the “face person” to keep the social presence of the Adley name well spoken of.

But then fate drew Candy back into his life, and the happy-go-lucky Albert began to change. He even went to England after George got Candy enrolled at St. Paul’s so he could keep an eye on her. Things looked to be going satisfactory and she even was getting on well with young Grandchester when he made the decision to set off for Africa. It took a long time before George was able to contact him with the news that Candy had disappeared, and he would have set back to the Continent sooner to find her but a war had broken out with the tribes and anyone who had any medical skills was needed. But he had decided to go back to England first and then to America to look for her…he figured she wouldn’t be hard to find.

But he never got to England and only some miracle allowed him to get back home at all. “If it wasn’t for that accident on the train,” Albert thought. “I could be anywhere in the world right now, or maybe even dead.”

Candy. She nursed him back to health when he didn’t even know his own name, she wouldn’t let him leave, risked her job, her reputation. And Mr. Albert who had lost his memory didn’t have another friend in the whole wide world but Candy…no one but Candy. no one… he vowed months ago that he would do all he could to never let anyone hurt her again.

The afternoon wind had picked up and Albert found he had wandered all the way to the rose gates, the gardener had done an excellent job, they looked as beautiful as when Anthony had tended them – he looked down at the letter in his hand, gently folded it and put it in his jacket pocket. He turned and began to walk back to the Villa. He was still thinking…

“Amnesia is a funny thing,” he thought as the rays of the afternoon sun filtered through the trees. That day, when his memory came flooding back the “Albert lifestyle” he had always thought was “right” for him was gone forever. Essentially, he had become two people because the Albert before the accident loved Candy like a big brother, like a protector. But the Albert that had forgotten who Albert really was, he learned to love Candy, to love her in a much deeper way. These “two Alberts” however had to live as one and no matter if she were a million miles away, neither Albert could ever forget her, even for a single second. There was no going back. “Soon,” he said aloud, though no one could hear him.

Terry in Chicago

When Terry arrived in Chicago it was a beautiful sunny afternoon. He impatiently drove through the busy streets to The Happy Clinic. He hoped within his heart that he could locate Candy soon – maybe even today. As he turned the corner he noticed that the Happy Clinic looked a lot different than he remembered. Gone was the ramshackle building with its oversized sign welcoming man, cat, dog…etc - now there was a neat two story brick structure in its place with a modern day sign. He thought at first that he was at the wrong place so he checked his address again and yes this was the Happy Clinic where he had last seen Candy and Albert.

After finding a place to park he walked up to the door and saw a sign that said out to lunch. He glanced in the window and saw someone moving around inside so he knocked in spite of the sign. A short older man cracked open the door and said, “Do you need a doctor?” “No, I am Terry Grandchester and I am looking for a nurse named Candy White Adley. Does she work here?” The door opened all the way and the short man invited Terry inside. Terry quickly stepped in and looked around for Candy.

“Do you know where she is, she’s a dear friend of mine and I would really like to see her,” Terry said.

“Sit down over here and I will tell you all I know,” stated the man.

“Candy. Well her and that Albert they are something else. First she quits here and goes back to Pony’s Home and a few weeks later they hire a crew to build me this new clinic.” The man had tears streaming down his face. Terry handed him his handkerchief.

“Thank you! Candy was the best nurse I ever had and she even tried to get me to quit drinking too. I live upstairs now – they saw to it that I have a home, a real home and this updated clinic.”

“Oh yes and you know that he is Sir William Albert Adley the head of the Adley Family?”

“No I didn’t know that,” exclaimed Terry.

“Yes he had us all fooled by that wanderlust homeless man disguise – he’s the wealthiest man in the area.”

Terry stared intensely at the floor as he considered all of these things. He looked up and asked, “Do you think Candy is at Pony’s Home then?”

“If you are on a search for her I would begin there or at the Adley's’Villa in Lakewood. When you see her tell her that I have cut back on the bottle.”

“Thank you kind sir,” said Terry as he stood up and took his leave.

“So Sir William Albert Adley is Albert?” said Terry aloud to himself as he drove to Lakewood. This was a bit of shocking news to Terry after all these months. “Albert had us all fooled and no wonder he was always around after all he was her guardian, provider and protector.” His trip to the villa was short as he didn’t stop but to get gasoline, a quick sandwich and send a telegram to his mother informing her of where he was headed. He wondered if Candy and Albert had a different sort of relationship now and honestly Terry was somewhat nervous about the whole affair – but pushed on. He decided that if Candy didn’t love him anymore that he would try to convince her to give him another chance. Yes a plan began to be woven in his mind to romance her love back. He would be back in Lakewood within the hour. For some reason he decided to head to the Adley Villa first.

Terry arrived at the Villa in the early evening. The gates were open beckoning his arrival. The building itself was very intimidating to someone like him who had left all the grandeur of this kind of lifestyle years ago. He was greeted by a man who introduced himself as George. Terry had recognized this man as Candy’s escort on the ship to St Paul’s.

“Wait here please,” said George as he left Terry in the foyer. George returned a few minutes later and said, “Sir William will see you now. Follow me.”

Albert and Terry

Albert was shocked when George informed him that Terry G. Grandchester was here at the Villa with a request to see Candy. While George showed Terry to his study Albert quickly collected his thoughts.

“Hello again Terry,” said Albert when Terry entered the room.

“Albert thank you for seeing me,” Terry said with a tentative smile. Albert directed Terry to a chair and sat down himself across from Terry behind his desk.

“Terry you are looking fine. So Terry how have you been? It’s been a longtime since our last meeting.”

Terry looked out the wall of windows behind Albert at the vast Adley grounds as he chose his words carefully to answer Albert’s question.

“I am better Albert that the last time you saw me. I have quit drinking and my career is on an upturn again. My name is no longer soiled in the gutter from whence I came.”

“Good good Terry I am happy to hear this and where are you staying?”

“No where as I just arrived in town from Chicago.”

“Chicago?” Albert said cautiously. “Did you have a part in a theatre there?”

“No I went to where I last saw you and Candy to the Happy Clinic.”

“Oh I see and did you see Dr Martin?” Albert spoke calmly but inside he was relieved that Terry did not see Candy at Chicago.

“Yes I saw him and his new clinic. He is very happy and grateful for all you and Candy have done for him.”

“Oh that’s good. Why not stay here for a few days and we will catch up more after all Terry it sounds like you have been travelling all day and must be tired. I will have George tell the servants to get a room for you.” Albert stood up and ended their conversation.

“Boy things sure are different now that Albert is Sir William.” Terry thought to himself that night in the room George showed him too. Albert seemed so cold and indifferent to him and the look in his eyes spoke volumes to Terry. Something was amiss but he couldn’t put his finger on it. It was almost like Albert was maybe in love with Candy or at least cared for her in some deeper way than before. “I wonder if he will tell me where she is as she doesn’t seem to be here.” Terry slept restlessly that night.

The next day Albert gave Terry a tour of the grounds after breakfast and after lunch took him riding. It wasn’t until they arrived in an open field and got off their horses that Terry decided to bring Candy up again. “Albert will you tell me where Candy is? I desperately would like to see her and talk with her.”

“Terry – we have much to talk about before that can even be considered,” said Albert with a stern set about his mouth.

“Look Albert I know you are her guardian and all but she has a right to decide what she wants. I demand to see her. Where is she?”

“Terry only I and George know of her whereabouts and neither I am nor are George going to reveal to you where she is until I have some answers from you and some promises also.”

“So that’s how it is huh? I might have known – let me ask you Albert are in love with her? Because that is how you are acting!” Albert never once flinched or looked down – but looked Terry straight in the eyes. Terry considered popping Albert in the mouth at this point but thought better of it as he had seen Albert’s strength before and knew he was the stronger man. Terry restrained his anger in Albert’s presence. Terry turned, jumped on his horse and rode back to the Villa madder than he had ever been in his entire life but helpless to do anything about it as Albert alone held the key to him ever seeing Candy again.

After a quiet dinner in his room George knocked on Terry’s door with a request of his presence to see Sir William Adley in his study. Broken and low down in spirit Terry met Albert again in his study.

Albert was staring out the wall of windows in the study when Terry walked in the room. “Sit down Terry please,” said Albert.

Again they were here in the same situation as last night – Albert sat himself behind his desk with Terry seated across from him only this time Terry felt very humble.

“Terry – since Candy has last seen you she is healed from her past. There are many people who hurt Candy but none came close to breaking her heart as you did. Do you know who held her while she cried herself to sleep after she left you in New York? It was me who wiped her tears and told her she did the right thing even though her heart was sick with grief for

months.” Terry listened intently as Albert began to unfold parts of Candy’s life without him. He was saddened that he hurt her as he never meant to.

“Candy suffered every time she saw a poster with your picture on it and she also suffered when the scandal sheet came out too. She wanted you to be happy with Susanna. Where is Susanna now is one of the questions I need an answer for – did you marry her? Did you have children together? Is she still alive pray tell?”

“Yes sir Susanna is alive. I never loved Susanna and refused to marry her until I grew feelings for her which I never did. We had no children together. Her former beau came to town and asked for her hand in marriage. She is soon to be married to him next month. Susanna chose this and let me go 2 days ago. I began my search for Candy right away as I have never stopped loving her.”

“Candy is the happiest she has ever been since I have known her Terry. She loves her job as my administrative protegee. She also has been set free from Eliza and she chose to not marry Neal.”

“Neal!?” exclaimed Terry as he stood up out of his chair.

“Yes Neal tried to trick her into marrying her – in fact that is the very reason I came out of my hiding to stop the marriage from happening. Many people throughout Candy’s life thought they knew what would make her happy – they all failed. Are you sure you are here to ensure her happiness and meet Candy’s needs? You see, I vowed to protect her from ever being hurt again – do you understand what I am saying Terry?” Albert sent a direct look to him as Terry seated himself again.

“Yes sir I understand,” said Terry accepting the challenge with his head held high.

Albert stood up and spoke passionately “So my agreement with you Terry is when I tell Candy that you request permission to see her - that if she chooses to refuse to see you that you leave here never to see her again. Is that clear? Only if you promise me this will I contact her. Do you agree to this?”

Terry looked down at the ground for a moment and said, “Agreed.”

“Okay – then we understand each other. Feel free to stay on here – Archibald and Annie are due back from their honeymoon tomorrow.”

Terry nodded and left the room.

Terry laid awake for hours that night contemplating Albert’s words. “I love Candy and I know that Albert demanded my promise to leave if she doesn’t want to see me but what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” thought Terry. His acting career helped give him an outward confidence in Albert’s presence even though he struggled deeply inside with the possible outcome of the situation.

Albert rose very early the next morning dressed incognito as a chauffeur bound for Chicago. Terry had been on the lookout since the wee hours of the morning in anticipation of catching a glimpse of Albert taking his leave. He had hopes of following him - but just missed seeing Albert leave in a car because precisely at that moment George came in to tell him breakfast was being served.

Terry and Archie

Terry greeted Archibald and Annie at the breakfast table with smiles and congratulations. While Terry enjoyed seeing the newlyweds he left them alone and walked the hallways of the Villa for a bit of exercise.

Archibald surprised him by coming up behind him as he studied a painting of handsome young man. “That’s Anthony.”

“Anthony the boy that Candy loved that died in a riding accident?”

“Yes that’s him he was my cousin – the rose gardens were his. He even grew and named a white rose after Candy and named it Sweet Candy.”

“Oh Archie I am sorry and I was sure sorry to hear about your brother – he was a swell guy.”

“Yes Stear is gone too,” said Archie sadly.

“So Terry, I hope you don’t mind me asking you what are you doing here?”

“I came here to see Candy. Do you know where she is?”

“No Albert has been pretty quiet about her whereabouts except that she is trying to set up an orphan’s home and clinic somewhere. That’s all I know really. I thought you married someone else after your break up.”

“No it’s a long story but I love Candy still – do you think her and Albert are in love?”

Archie’s eyes got as big as saucers. “I never thought about it before. They are together a lot. He is her regular escort to balls and local events. Candy’s different Terry –she’s really grown up now and very happy.”

“I hope to see her Archie – I never told her how I feel about her. I want her to know and want to know how she feels too. I would like to court her properly.”

“I wish you the best Terry and hope things work out.”

Terry thanked Archie for answering his questions and then went to his room to think.

Candy and Albert

Candy received a note at the hotel where she had been staying at that she had a visitor waiting for her at the front desk. She was so happy to see Albert that she threw herself in his arms – it had been over month now since they had been together. He asked her if she had eaten breakfast yet and she hadn’t so they went across the street to a local restaurant.

After catching up on the latest around Lakewood Albert informed her that they had a guest at the Villa. When he said it was Terry Grandchester – Candy was shocked.

“Terry really is at the Villa Albert?” asked Candy.

“Do you want to see him Candy?”

“After all this time…what about Susanna?”

“Susanna is out of the picture, do you want to see him?”

“What else did he say Albert? Is he acting? Is he okay?”

“Candy I am not going to answer your questions even though I do know the answers as I think they should be addressed directly to Terry. “What I need to know above all else is Candy do you want to see Terry?” Albert stared intensely at her for her answer. Candy stared off into the distance.

“Candy?”

“Yes Albert?”

“I love you Candy and want you to be happy.”

“Albert I know that and you are so special to me - my brother - I love you as you are the only family I have in the whole world,” she said.

Albert smiled. “Do you want to come home and see Terry?” Albert asked again.

“Yes Albert I will go home with you as I would like to see Terry and inquire how he is.” She changed the subject for a moment as she had much to think about regarding Terry and did not want to do so in front of Albert. "I have a surprise for you! I was going to write to you today to tell you that I found the building we have been searching for yesterday so my work here is finished.”

“Good job! Oh by the way - I realize that you were across town but did you get a chance to see Dr Martin at all?”

“No I was too busy to get over to the Happy Clinic – maybe the next time I come here I can stop by and see him.”

“Sure – lets go get you packed for home!”

While Albert helped Candy with her luggage he thought, “Its settled then I will never tell her how I feel unless things do not work out for her and Terry.”

Candy Alone

Candy carefully considered all of the things that Albert told her regarding Terry while Albert read on the train back. She was anxious to see him, but had some reservations too. “I wonder what he looks like now. Will his hair be shorter, will his eyes be as blue or have more green tints? Will he appear older? What will I wear? What will I say? Will he kiss me? Oh dear!” thought Candy. “It’s all so mysterious about Susanna.” – She wished Albert had told her more. She finally resolved that she could do nothing but wait for Terry’s answers. She glanced over at Albert’s profile wondering what he was thinking as he had been quiet since they boarded the train home.

Candy and Terry Back at the Villa

George had shown Terry into a private room telling him that Candy was home and would see him within the hour. Terry nervously paced back and forth in the over the tiled floor knowing that Candy would be there any minute. His nerves were frayed and he was worried about the moment he would see her as he hoped he would know if she still loved him by her eyes – those lovely green eyes. He quickly straightened his blue tie – he wore a white shirt with a royal blue suit.

The door opened and in walked Albert instead of Candy. In spite of Terry’s disappointment he walked up to Albert and extended his hand in friendship, "Thank you Albert for telling Candy about my request to see her.” Albert shook Terry’s hand in friendship but spoke rather firmly “I hope Candy comes out of this room as happy as she was when she walked in Terry.” And out the door he walked. Terry felt a little tense by this encounter but recovered quickly when the door opened again a few minutes later.

Candy came in dressed in an emerald green dress with a white Peter Pan collar and wore matching green bows in her hair. She walked right up to him – as he seemed in a dream state after Albert’s abrupt visit. He couldn’t believe it after all these months Candy White Adley was right here in front of him. Then all of the sudden Terry became aware of her freckles! hahahaha he laughed. “Hello Miz Freckles! – You have even more since the last time I saw

“Terrunce Graham Grandchester you haven’t changed a bit!” Candy said as she began to giggle.

He put out his hand and she took it and he looked deeply into her eyes and said,

“Seriously Candy I’ve missed you - how are you?”

“I am fine – but you better have some answers to my questions Terry!” she said as she stomped her foot.

He bowed as he continued to hold her hand and said, “Thy wish is my command dear lady ask away.”

“Susanna – Terry what about her – where is she?”

“Susanna is still in New York and she is going to marry an old beau of hers in a few weeks. Its over between us – really they never were any feelings on my side for her but friendship.”

“Oh well you never kissed her or anything?”

“Hmmmm….are you jealous perhaps? Are you going to slap me again?” he teased.

“No Terry I just want a few answers that’s all.” She looked up at him vulnerably.

“Archibald told me you were different and you demand answers like Sir William Albert Adley does. I confess I kissed Susanna daily on the cheek,” he said and winked at her saucily.

“I want you to know Terry that Albert is like my brother and he is my best friend.”

“Yes Candy I have become well aware that Albert is your champion protector. Seriously though to sort of get to the point of my visit, I know that we can’t pick up where we left off – but can we start over Candy? I’d like to court you properly and take things slowly,” he said with a romantic look in his eyes. He pulled her hand to his heart.

Candy pulled her hand away and felt his forehead. “Excuse me – do you have a fever? Is this the Terry that I knew at St Paul’s?”

Terry looked at her pensively and said, “Candy I am serious – I have gone through much anguish without you in my life and I would like a chance to start a romance again with you. May I call upon you Miss Candy?” Terry’s look was so intense that Candy blushed and had to look away.

“Yes Terry.”

“Would you like to have dinner with me and see a play tomorrow night Miss Adley?” He said with a devilment look in his eyes.

“Yes Mr Grandchester.” Candy blinked her big green eyes at him.

“I will call upon you at 6pm then. Until the morrow then Miss Adley” said Terry as he bid her goodnight.

“Wow this is going to be interesting!” thought Candy as her head started spinning.

Terry to Town

Terry got up early the next morning to get his hair cut, purchase theatre tickets, buy a new suit and locate a florist shop. He had it in his mind to romance Candy like she never had been romanced before. On his way to the florist’s he saw her and Albert step out of a dress shop.

“Do you mean to tell me he went with her to help her pick out her dress too? He’s certainly is the brotherly type alright.” Terry slipped hid behind a pillar and out of site. He decided to put this information aside and continue on the thought at hand after they drove off. He still had to buy the tickets to the show. “What were the play choices for the evening?” he asked the ticket counter clerk. ”Awww the Taming of the Shrew – perfect!”

Candy and Albert on the way home

“Thank you Albert for driving me uptown today to buy a new dress for tonight.”

“I had to visit the bank anyway – so what did you select to wear tonight?”

“The dress shop manager helped me select a pretty red dress and matching floor length cape.”

“Sounds lovely Candy – what time are you having dinner?”

“Terrunce is calling for me at 6pm.”

“I hope you have a nice time.”

“Thank you Albert. I do too – I do too,” Candy said nervously.

Candy and Terry’s First Date

Terry waited for Candy in the same room they met in last night. Yes he was nervous and not so sure of himself as he demonstrated outwardly because he loved Candy so much. He wanted to make sure that everything went well and then there was Albert. Was Albert going to allow him to continue to see her? As he considered all this - the door opened and Candy entered the room. Terry was in a state of shock at her beauty. She looked like a princess in her red evening dress.

Her maidservant was behind her with her cape. Terry quickly came to greet her, collected her cape from her maid and assisted her in putting it on never taking his eyes off her face the whole time. Candy got tears in her eyes as he fixed the hood over her head. “There’s a chill in the night air.” he said. He then handed her a bouquet of flowers from behind them on the bureau – red carnations. She took in their scent and thanked him by a sweet smile and handed them to her maid to put into water.

“Terry?” she said.

“Candy, I am your gentleman suitor and I want you to put aside your independent ways tonight and let me treat you as the lady you deserve to be treated like.”

“Terry?”

Terry just smiled at her and led her out the door to his car.

From that point forward – Terry opened every door for her and paid careful attention to her and her needs. He helped her remove her cape and seated her at the table at the restaurant. He asked her what she wanted for dinner and ordered it all for her when the server came to take their order.

Through all this Candy was speechless. She couldn’t quite get used to all of this attention from the man she once loved and the man she decided she wanted to love again.

When they arrived at the theatre some of the spell broke when the ticket taker asked about Sir William’s whereabouts for the evening as he had been her regular escort at the theatre for some time now. Terry let her answer, but she could tell he was disturbed.

When the usher commented about why they were not sitting in the Adley balcony - again Terry became stressed to the point that his lower cheek muscle started twitching. Candy said that they had chosen not to sit there tonight. She turned quickly to him as he seated them and asked, “Terry what are we seeing tonight?”

“The Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare. Have you seen it before?”

“No I do not know that Shakespeare play – what is it about?”

“A young man marries a rich shrew and tames her by causing her to fall madly in love with him. It has a happy ending,” he explained with a sly smile.

“Oh,” said Candy. She thought within herself, “I think that I am being set up for a fall myself.”

Though they didn’t talk during the play – Terry held her hand during the intermission. Once though he leaned over and whispered how beautiful she was in her ear and it sent shivers up and down her back. “Oh Terry you are so romantic,” she said within herself. Candy had never had feelings like this about anyone before.

Candy enjoyed the play very much as it had some comical scenes too. Yes it had a very happy ending as Terry had promised. Afterwards Terry again assisted her with her cape and helped her into his car. Once they were on the road Terry asked a few questions.

“Candy how is the new orphan’s home going?”

“Oh fine I located a building already.”

“Where is it to be located at?”

“Chicago, why do you ask?”

“Chicago really? Were you by Dr Martin’s Clinic?” Terry couldn’t believe how close they were a few days ago. He thought, “Albert sure was cool about the whole thing.” Now Terry knew why.

“No I was across town, I never made it over to see him this trip.”

“Oh okay – well I went to the Happy Clinic to find you before coming to Lakewood and Dr Martin said to tell you that he has cut down on the bottle.”

“You did and he said that really? I don’t believe it!” with a giggle.

Terry laughed too then said, seriously, ”Would you like to take a walk in the rose garden with me at the Villa Miss Adley?”

“Yes I would Mr Grandchester.”

Terry held her hand as they strolled through the rose garden in the moonlight. It was as if neither one of them wanted to break the silence, reveling in the sharing of the timeless moment. Finally when Terry could stand it no more, he twirled her around and took her in his arms and said in a husky voice, “I am going to kiss you Candy.” She nodded and he kissed her with a fervor and gentleness that took her breath away. After they separated Terry caught movement out of the corner of his eye – he looked up and saw a shadow in the shape of Albert at an upper window – he must have been watching them. Terry decided to push his thoughts about this aside and not let it ruin the perfect evening they had shared together. Terry led her to the house through veranda and to the stairwell. He kissed her hand and said,

“Goodnight.”

Candy Alone

“I love him, I now I know that I never stopped loving him – oh Terry,” Candy said with tears in her eyes as she undressed and put on her nightgown. “He’s so wonderful, marvelous and so grown up, I never could have dreamed that this perfect night could happen to me. The way he treated me was like a princess.” She fell asleep with a smile on her face.

Terry Alone

“Well everything seemed to go well except that business at the theatre and Albert peeping at us.” Thought Terry. “She looked so shocked that I was the perfect gentleman,” he smiled. “I love her so much and plan to marry her as soon as I can.”

Part 4 The Finale

The Next Day

The next day Candy and Terry had breakfast with Albert, Annie and Archie. At the end of the meal George came in with a telegram for Terry. Terry read it and turned pale – “It’s from my mother. Apparently she told my father I was here and he was on his way here to see me when he got in a car accident – he’s in a hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. I must leave at once to see him.” Terry stood up.

Candy stood up and said, “I’m going with you Terry.”

Albert immediately stood up and said, “Candy for appearances sake I think you should stay here.”

“Albert I am a trained nurse and maybe I can help.”

Albert relented and said, “On one condition – that I will travel with you both and then we can take my private rail car.”

Terry looked from Albert to Candy as Candy said, “Fine.”

“Can you both be ready to travel within the hour?” asked Terry.

“Yes.” They both said.

The train trip was pretty uneventful with the three of them together. Albert was especially quiet and took many walks. When they arrived at the hospital they were all pretty well spent –still Terry insisted that he wanted to see his father. Candy went with him while Albert sought hotel rooms for the trio.

Terry was shocked to find his mother in the room with his father. “Terry I am so glad that you and Candy have arrived.” While they hugged each other Terry asked his mother what his father’s condition was, “He has been unconscious since the accident.”

Terry went to one side of the bed while Candy went to the other. She began to apply cold compresses to his father’s head and see to his needs. After a while his father woke up calling Terry’s name. “Father I am here.”

“Yes father I am here with you – mother sent me a telegram and I came as soon as I could.”

Candy said, “He needs to rest.” So they left – although his mother would not leave his father’s side.

Candy and Terry found Albert in the waiting room and he directed them to their hotel. They ate a quiet dinner at the hotel’s restaurant and each went to their own rooms afterwards.

Early the next morning Terry and Candy went back to his father’s room. Candy took care of his father the whole day. Finally in the evening his father was feeling well enough to sit up. He took Candy’s hand and Terry’s and said, "Son I have much to be sorry for as I wronged you and I am sorry for the words I have spoken to you in anger in the past. I adore this Angel of Mercy and think you should take her as your wife.”

Terry laughed and said, “So father you want grandchildren with blonde hair and freckles huh?”

They all laughed, even Eleanor.

The elder Grandchester took Eleanor’s hand and said, “I have robbed the three of us of happiness in the past son – don’t make the mistakes that this old fool has.” Terry and his father embraced and then Eleanor embraced her son. Terry and Candy and Albert left on the next day’s train and returned home to the Villa.

Back at the Villa and over the next few weeks

Terry and Candy spent all their spare time together – the couple even visited Pony’s Home to help out the sisters from time to time. They climbed the tree together, walked up Pony’s Hill and visited Mr Cartwright and Jimmy too.

They enjoyed each other’s company immensely – Terry was waiting for just the right moment to reveal his love and ask her to marry him after all this time.

One very special time was a ballroom dance held at the Villa for Archie and Annie. As the evening began to get late Terry invited Candy to the rose garden where he took her in his arms and they began dancing to the music in their romantic place all alone. Their waltz the waltz that they danced together at the May Festival started playing, as they danced Terry asked Candy what she was thinking of so many years since that first time they danced to this same music.

Candy said, “Only you Terry.”

“No one else holds your affections Miz Freckles?”

“No.”

“Not even Albert?”

“Oh Terry I love Albert but like my brother you silly.”

“Just making sure,” Terry smiled.

“I don’t understand why you and Albert do not get a long as well as you used you Terry.Why?”

“Well Candy you know I am the jealous type.”

“Jealous over Albert – he’s my guardian?”

Terry looked off out in the distance deciding whether to tell her or not of his suspicions of Albert’s love for her. He decided against it and led her towards the ballroom again.

“Candy lets join the dancing inside again.”

Archie and Annie were going on a picnic the next day and invited Terry and Candy to join them.

The small group had laid the picnic cloth out and were just seated passing out the picnic food when Albert showed up on horseback with an extra horse and called out to Candy that he needed her opinion on the new orphan’s home project right away. Candy jumped up quickly and was ready to leave immediately at Albert’s call – she yelled back that she would return to the group as soon as possible.

Terry furious started to stand up and argue with Albert – but Archie pulled him back and said,
“Let her go Terry. I know how you feel but not now man as you know he can banish you from here in a second. And further more Candy won’t like it if she sees you and Albert arguing.”

Terry did sit down reluctantly. He thanked Archie later for his wisdom in the situation but thought inside. “One day soon though I am going to marry Candy and take her from here and finally have it out with Sir William!”

One evening while strolling through the rose garden Terry took Candy in his arms and said,
“Candy I love you with all of my being and very soon I plan on asking Sir William for your hand in marriage.”

Candy said, “Oh Terry I love you too. I would be the happiest woman in the whole world if I could be your wife.”

“So how many children do you want to present my father with my sweet?” Terry asked as Candy blushed.

She thought about it and said, “At least two boys – one named Alistear and one named Anthony. Is that alright?”

“Awww sure my darling and one little girl with blonde hair, green eyes and freckles is my
desire.” He said and touched the tip of nose.

They both grew silent deep in thought when Terry asked, ”Show me the rose Candy that Anthony named after you.” So she did.

“It’s hard to believe that its almost summer’s end and that this probably is the last bloom of the season for the Sweet Candy rose.” She said sadly wondering inside if when she married Terry that they would move to New York as she had many happy memories stored here at the Villa.

They kissed before going inside the house - again they separated at the stairwell.

Albert’s Answer

Terry asked George for a meeting with Sir William.

This time they met in a room that Terry had never been in – it was up a long stairwell and seemed very secluded. Once inside Terry stated his request quickly and without much ado to Sir William Albert Adley, “I love Candy and would like your permission to marry her Sir William."

Instead of answering Terry, Albert began to ask his own questions.

“Terry you know how happy Candy is here and with her job. Do you plan on taking Candy from the Villa to Broadway?”

Terry spoke, ”Yes of course as acting is my profession.”

“Have you discussed this with Candy?”

“No.”

“Well maybe you should as you know she adores it here. I would like to offer you a position here. You can help in the orphan’s home or maybe get involved with the Adley business.”

“Ah Albert so that you want to continue to watch over her - eh? I have seen you watching us in intimate moments!” Spoke Terry in anger.

Right then Candy was downstairs looking for Albert to ask him a question about the orphan’s home project – she came across George at the bottom of the stairwell and asked him if he knew where Albert was. George instructed her to go back to her room as Sir William was busy. Candy refused and began to ask George what was going on. George finally begged her pleadingly to go back to her room. She finally pretended too – but took a quick left and began her ascent up the back staircase to the upper hallway. Once she got up there she removed her shoes and began to tiptoe to the room where she heard two people arguing and knew that they were the two men she loved most in the world.

Candy was behind the door when she heard Terry say to Albert, ”Do you think that I am not aware that you are in love with Candy - Albert?”

Candy uttered a very vocal gasp and pushed open the door and exclaimed, “Terrunce! Why would you say that to Albert the one who has been my guardian for years and who I have known since I was 6 years old? Albert even saved my life!”

Albert was facing the wall at this point and had his back to them both.

Terry said, “Albert are you going to admit your love for Candy – I see how you look at her – as your own look mirrors that of my eyes of love for her.”

“Albert?” Candy began to weep and threw herself into Albert’s arms. “I didn’t know Albert – is it true? I never want to ever hurt you Albert.”

Albert held her and patted her hair as he finally admitted, “Yes Terry is right I fell in love you Candy when you took care of me when I did not know who I was. After I got my memory back I was like two people struggling inside and felt awkward telling you of my love so I left the apartment. I kept my secret from everyone including you except George and now Terry.”

“We’ve been close ever since Candy - you and I - but I was sure you didn’t love me in the same way so I let things continue as they were as you were so happy. Then Terry came back. I honestly had never planned on telling you unless things didn’t work out for you and Terry. I can bear many things but I cannot bear your tears Candy. Please do not weep over me. I know you are happy with Terry.” He hugged her to him for a moment and then Albert looked at Terry and said, “Terry I grant you permission to marry Candy,” and began to leave the room.

He turned back once more and said, “If you choose to accept the position to work here Terry I would like to present you both with a new house built anywhere of your choice on the Villa grounds as my engagement present.” Then Terry walked over to Albert and extended his hand out – Albert shook his hand.

Terry said, “I will accept that job Albert thank you for the offer and also thank you for allowing me to marry Candy. I promise I will do everything within my power to make her happy. We were once good friends Albert – can we be again?”

“Yes I would like that too – as soon we will be family.” Albert turned to Candy and smiled.

Albert thought again and spoke, “Oh one more thing – the first thing you will want to do is hire a cook because Candy will either poison you or starve you!” They laughed as Candy stuck out her tongue at the men in her life.

“Oh and a housekeeper too eh? I remember her telling me that you did all the cooking and cleaning,” Terry said. They laughed again as Candy’s face turned red.

Albert left the lovers alone.

Terry rushed to Candy’s side, picking her up and carrying her to the sofa where he sat her upon his lap. “Candy I am sorry you found out this way.”

“I never knew he loved me like that Terry. I hate to see Albert hurt. I feel so sorry for him. How long have you known this?”

“Since I first arrived here I had a feeling by the way he treated me – then unbeknownst to you he watched us many times when we were alone in the garden Candy. Maybe one day he will find someone.”

He held her as she cried for Albert. Then he began kissing her neck until she started giggling. He dried her tears and they began to talk of their future.

“We are really going to be married Candy – nothing can stop us,” Terry said as he waggled his eyebrows and winked at her with a-devil-may-care-look.

“Oh Terry,” Candy blushed.

“This sure has been the turnabout.”

“How so Terry?”

“Well finding out that Albert was Sir William and that he was in love with you and you were here, Susanna was in love with me and I was in New York and we missed each other in so many places so many times before finally getting to see each other again, and then the fact that you were a rich lady and I was poor actor only to have my father inherit me again! Whew! I am just so glad we are finally going to be married!” He started tickling her. She giggled.

“Hmmm…..I wonder if you are worth it all.” She teased as she ran her fingers through his hair.

“Oh yes Miss Adley I am certainly worth it all.” He smiled arrogantly.

"I almost forgot - I have a little something for you." And he reached in his jacket pocket and pulled out a diamond engagement ring and put it on her finger.

"Oh Terry I love it!" And she kissed him.

“Oh and by the way where would you like to get married Miss Adley?”

“Oh here at the Villa.” She looked pleadingly at him.

“If that is your desire than we will – but absolutely Albert is not going with us on our honeymoon!” He said sternly before laughing.

“Oh you!” She pretended to slap him and he ducked his head.

“Terry? “

“Hmmm…uh oh here it comes – yes Candy?”

“Would you mind terribly living here in our own house at the Villa? This is my home and it’s close to everyone and everything I love like Pony’s Hill, Sister Pony, Sister Lane, Annie, Patty and everyone.”

“Not as long as we can finally be together and I was thinking that maybe I can join the small acting troupe in town.”

“Yes you could and I love you even more for your sacrifice to me.” Candy said.

“I love you so much Miz Freckles.” He kissed her.

Candy and Terry’s Wedding Day

They finally were going to be married after all this time!

The Villa main ballroom was overflowing with wedding guests as the whole town had come and even Terry’s mother and father were there. The room was filled with many other friends and family also – Dr Martin was there, Sister Pony and Sister Lane and the orphans too, Mr Cartwright and Jimmy and many more.

Albert walked the beautiful bride down the long extended walkway to her beloved Terry. Candy was a lovely bride all dressed in white carrying a bouquet of Sweet Candy roses. Annie and Archibald were their matron of honor and best man and Tom and Patricia were part of the wedding party too. Terry was a handsome bridegroom in his white suit with tails.

As Albert walked Candy up to Terry at the altar to release her forever into his care he said,
“Welcome to the family Terry.” He then turned and kissed Candy on the cheek before he left her with Terry.

fade out/fade in

The pastor said, “I now pronounce you man and wife you may kiss your bride.”

Terry complied by dipping her and kissing her romantically.

“May I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Terry Graham Grandchester.”

The End