Forget-Me-Not Chapter 8

Disclaimer: Candy Candy and all characters belong to Keiko Nagita, character images to Yumiko Igarashi and anime to Toei Animation.

Thank you very much for all your kind wishes and encouraging feedback to my latest fanart for the fanfic Forget-Me-Not. I intended to publish the fanart together with this chapter, but unfortunately I could not make it. It’s another long chapter, and by the time you finish reading you will know why I don’t want to split it up. Many thanks for your understanding and continued support! 😘

-Ms Puddle

Chapter 8

Georges is patiently waiting for his young boss to turn his head to him. For the time being, the patriarch, together with Master Archibald and his parents, are preoccupied with the leaving guests. Earlier today, just before lunch, the heir requested Georges to visit Jagdeep after the memorial service, “Thanks, Georges. As the host, you know I should not leave the mansion.”

When Georges asked what he should do with Jagdeep, the boss briefly updated his assistant about Kim. “Like you, I was also surprised that she only spent a night at the lodge, but she’ll be back. Please tell Jagdeep that I’m going to visit him one more time tomorrow before going back to Chicago. If you see Kim, please tell her I’d like to talk to her alone as well. If she’s not returned yet, I’ll write her a note and leave it with Jagdeep.” Now that Albert has read Kim’s letter, he must talk to Jagdeep again, in light of what took place yesterday at the mountain lodge.

(flashback begins)

“Fair enough. Then let me show you something. Follow me,” says Jagdeep, knowing that Albert has to leave in less than an hour for the formal dinner.

As Albert gets inside the lodge, he lets his glance wander around the place and notices that the bed is unbelievably neat. The helper temporarily hired for his friends from Kenya must have done an excellent job making the bed. Currently, Jagdeep is talking, but Albert isn’t really paying attention, because the memories of his interactions with young Candy before and after she regained her consciousness rush back all at once. In no time, warmth flushes his face.

That afternoon, Candy was gasping for air in the waterfall basin but when he swam to her side she had fainted. As soon as he placed her on the shore, he checked her mouth and nose and felt air on his cheek. She was breathing and her pulse was not bad, so there was no need for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Nevertheless, she was completely drenched just like him, so he undressed her and hung her damp clothes near the fireplace to dry. He tried not to look when he put his old shirt on her, and he laid her trembling form on the bed, covered her up with blankets and started the fire in the fireplace. Who would have thought the same girl would save his life years later?

By now, Jagdeep is aware that his friend did not hear a thing he’s said, so Jagdeep repeats in a louder voice, “Why is life so unfair, Albert?”

That successfully jerks the blond-haired man back to the present. When Albert cocks his eyebrow quizzically, unable to construe what his friend is alluding, Jagdeep elaborates in a bantering tone, “I can hardly believe you have become even more handsome since the last time I saw you. Honestly, you have everything anyone could ever ask for, am I right?”

“Of course not!” Albert reacts in a vehement manner, his forehead creased in dismay. The thought ‘I’m looking for my soul mate, a woman who loves me for who I am, nothing more’ slithers in his head, but aloud he questions, “What makes you think so?”

“I’m sorry,” says Jagdeep at once, his expression turned somber and his shoulders dropped. “I should know better not to stereotype and judge you based on what I see.”

“No offense taken,” Albert replies, shrugging. “It’s actually refreshing to be talking to someone who’s quite blunt and forthcoming.”

At that, Albert throws his head back and guffaws, and Jagdeep joins him. Deep down inside, Jagdeep is relieved. Yes, Albert is unfathomably rich, but his wealth and status have not changed him much.

After Albert’s good-natured laughter, Jagdeep gathers his courage and decides to take the plunge, “Listen up, Albert. Kimberly and I are merely friends.”

“What?” Albert exclaims, his eyes widened in disbelief. Ten days ago, when he ran into Kim near the orphanage, Kim said she was engaged to Jagdeep. There was not a shred of doubt in Albert’s mind because Jagdeep had always been her best friend. Not only that, she appeared genuinely worried about her fiancé and his mental health. The tears in her eyes did not seem fake either when she told Albert that he was the only one who could help Jagdeep.

In the midst of dead silence, Jagdeep sighs in exaggeration. He has been waiting for this day ever since he set off to Europe with Kimberly, even though it breaks his heart whenever he envisions his life without her. On the other hand, he’s already got a taste these days, so he won’t forgive himself if he lets this opportunity slip. Therefore, the instant Albert makes a movement in his throat as if he’s swallowing something hard, Jagdeep drops another bombshell, “So Kimberly is not my fiancée, but I promised her that I would stay by her side as her cheerleader until we could reunite with you, Albert. Because we were always together, it was my idea that we pretend to be an engaged couple. Wherever we go, I always let her use the bed if we share a room, but we’ve never done anything indecorous.”

Jagdeep pauses to allow his words to sink in. As much as Albert is thrown off by the astonishing fact that their engagement is nothing more than a pretense, he recalls the afternoon when he arrived at the inn with Kim. Jagdeep was lying in repose on a sofa chair, not in bed.

“But why did she lie to me?” Albert breaks his silence at long last, his eyes confused. Then he murmurs under his breath, “What’s the point?”

“It beats me too,” Jagdeep heaves another sigh. “The truth is, her heart longs to see you again, even years after you broke up with her.”

Albert shakes his head in denial, mumbling, “This is impossible! She doesn’t act like it, as far as I can tell.”

“I did not make this up. I have proof, my friend,” Jagdeep says, sticking his right hand in his pocket. He then shows Albert a small key on his open palm, inviting Albert to follow him to the bedside table. There Albert sees a small flat box with a keyhole on top. As soon as Jagdeep unlocks it, he flips it open and explains, “It’s Kimberly’s treasure, something which she wants to show you.”

Albert takes a look, having difficulties processing what Jagdeep’s related to him so far. There’s not much inside the box, only a few strands of black and white fur and a paper note that’s folded in half. Albert then lifts his eyes to meet Jagdeep’s, asking in a quivering voice, “Don’t tell me these are Poupe-”

“Yes, your pet skunk.”

“What’s happened to her?” Albert can’t help but raise his voice higher, his heart pounding in consternation. Then his friend answers, “I don’t know. Poupe was fine when we last saw her before our departure.”

“We? You were with Kim?”

Jagdeep nods before he adds, “Anyway, I think you can read Kimberly’s note because she left the key to me.”

Albert picks up the note and unfolds it without delay, and he recognizes Kim’s neat handwriting.

`I visited Poupe one last time today. I think she sensed that I was leaving her for good as well, and she clung tightly to me and started to whimper, unlike my first visit to the vet’s clinic after Al’s left the country. Back then, Poupe had welcomed me with eagerness but kept glancing around, looking for Al. I had burst out crying and hugged her close, as though that would comfort me somehow. Poupe, I miss him so much too, just like you. Jag and I will soon meet him in London, and I’ll show him your silky furs from your tail.’

Albert closes his eyes right after reading the note, taking measured breaths to compose himself. He can feel tears burning at the back of his nose and eyes. Not long after he recovered his memory, he did recall saying goodbye to his beloved pet when leaving her behind in that well-equipped veterinary clinic, located in the area where many European settlers resided.

Moments later, Albert speaks in a husky voice, his eyes remain shut, “I thought Poupe would be happier being surrounded with friendly staff who adored her.”

Then Jagdeep’s comforting words come, “Rest assured that Poupe was seemingly enjoying herself there, but she missed you nonetheless, like Kimberly.”

“But that was a few years back,” Albert argues, opening his eyes. “Kim did agree that I’m not the right guy for her, so why are you so certain that her feelings for me are still strong?”

“Because she often mutters your name in her dreams… with tenderness,” Jagdeep replies readily, as though he has rehearsed it many times in his head.

Albert stands there motionless, obviously astounded. When the two men stare at each other without a word, Jagdeep continues, “I’ve been thinking… Perhaps Kimberly is willing to change her lifestyle for your sake?”

Albert retorts mildly, emerging from his stupor, “I don’t want her to change for me.”

Yet, Jagdeep does not give up, “What if she wants to? Will you take her back?”

Again, Albert is rendered speechless, but what baffles him even more is that Candy’s smiling face appears in his mind at this very moment. As the taller man is gaping at his friend with dazed eyes, Jagdeep feels encouraged by his friend’s perplexed look and goes on, “Nothing can delight me more than knowing that Kimberly can reunite with you. That’s why I begged her to seriously look for you. She knows I have anxiety attacks, which are frightening…” Jagdeep falters, covering his face with his palms; he remembers how sick he was, so much so that he felt he was a heavy burden to Kimberly, and he was afraid he would not be able to keep his promise to her anymore.

Several seconds later, Albert gently removes Jagdeep’s hands from his face. Then the blond-haired man looks him in the eye, asking in a tender voice, “You love Kim, don’t you, Jagdeep?”

Jagdeep helplessly averts his dark brown eyes, but the taller man continues, “You know what? I feel that you’re more than a friend to Kim after all these years.”

To Albert’s surprise, Jagdeep spins sideways and laughs. He laughs so hard that he wipes his tears with his thumbs. Albert waits quietly until Jagdeep stops laughing, and Albert utters, “I plan to drive back to Chicago tomorrow evening. Did Kim mention to you when she would return?”

Jagdeep shakes his head and explains that Kim stayed only one night and left two letters, one for himself and one for Albert. When he shows Albert the letter, he speaks with emphasis, “She’s never looked at me the way she looks at you, Albert, and the letter for me is so much shorter when compared to yours.”

Albert figures whatever he says now might only agitate his friend more, and his increasingly befuddled brain is not helping. Before Albert can respond, Jagdeep places the letter in his friend’s hand and continues, “Feel it. Looks like she’s written a very long letter to you, Albert. If I were you, I’d read it after the formal dinner.”

Then Jagdeep prompts Albert to leave, literally pushing him out of the door. “Go now, Mr. Ardlay. You’re running out of time.”

When Jagdeep opens the door for the young heir, Albert talks to his friend by turning his head over his shoulder, “I may change my mind and stay another night. I’ll ask Georges to come to inform you either way.”

Jagdeep appears pleased. “That’s awesome! Otherwise, Kimberly will be terribly disappointed, you know.”

Albert evades Jagdeep’s eyes, unsure what else to do other than bidding him good night. After Albert leaves, Jagdeep leans against the closed door for a couple of seconds before he slowly slides down to the floor. As Jagdeep drops his head between his bent knees, mixed emotions bring tears to his eyes. He didn’t see it coming that he would feel this vulnerable and drained after baring his soul to another, and yet, it’s a real weight off his shoulders now that his mission is complete.

Kimberly, where are you now? I did the best I could, for you. Please come back soon. You don’t want to miss him, do you?

When Albert is driving towards the villa, he can’t stop wondering why Kim lied to him. When he steps into his bedroom, he’s desperate to read her long letter, in which he might find the answers to his questions. But if he starts reading now, he’ll be late for the dinner and displease his aunt unnecessarily. His willpower and self-discipline manage to stop him from acting impulsively, and before he may have second thoughts he places her letter under one of his pillows and heads straight towards the bathroom to freshen up.

(flashback ends)

Georges left for the mountain lodge just before the memorial service ended, but nobody answered the door. Georges then wrote a note and slid it under the door, informing Jagdeep about his boss’ plan and that Georges would wait in the car. Georges parked nearby because he wanted to ensure Jagdeep got his message. After waiting for about half an hour, Georges returned to the mountain lodge but still nobody answered the door. However, the reception must have begun, and he didn’t want his boss to worry. Therefore, he left another note for Jagdeep before going back to the mansion.

Regrettably, Georges did not have a chance to provide an update to Sir William during the reception. Now that the guests are leaving, Georges stands near the grand entrance, hoping that he can talk to Sir William when he’s free. Before long, Georges hears the approach of a horse-drawn carriage, and he wants to find out who might be visiting at this hour. Just when the footman helps to carry the guest’s luggage, Georges recognizes the lady guest clad in a dark cloak, so he quickly ambles toward her.

=o=o=o=

Madam Elroy is convinced she’s well prepared for this meeting with Candice. Their relationship has always been cold, so the old lady wanted to lower her defense by giving her the necklace with an emerald pendant. Although the girl declined the gift, the matriarch supposed the gesture of her kindness had already achieved the goal. Regardless, the matriarch aims to get straight to the point, and when there is a rap at her door, she responds, “Is that Lucy?”

“Yes, Madam. Miss Candice is here,” the maid replies.

“Come in, Candice,” the matriarch answers. When Lucy opens the door to the anteroom, Madam Elroy orders, “Lucy, you can go now.”

“With your permission,” says Lucy before she retreats and closes the door behind Miss Candice. When Madam Elroy’s gaze falls on Candice, the girl drops into a curtsy.

“Are you feeling better, Great Aunt Elroy?”

“Yes, Candice. Here, come sit down with me.”

Candy’s heart is thumping in her ribcage, her blood roaring in her ears, but she determines not to let her fears show. As the girl takes her seat beside the matriarch, the old lady questions straightaway, “Candice, I know Archie plans to leave before dusk, so let’s not waste time. Now, be honest with me, when living together with William, have you crossed the line?”

The girl’s jaw drops, but within seconds she utters, “I beg your pardon?”

She’s not feigning her ignorance, but she does not want to jump to conclusions either, unsure what is on the matriarch’s mind. Then Madam Elroy audibly clears her throat before she clarifies her question without looking at the girl, “Did he sleep with you?”

“No!” Candy blurts out, but she covers her mouth in a fraction of a second. “I’m awfully sorry for my manners, Great Aunt Elroy.”

All the matriarch does is peering at the girl inquisitively, but her stoic expression is being replaced with visible relief, and then Candy adds, “He was like a big brother to me.”

At least that matches William’s account, so the matriarch’s face relaxes even more into a satisfied smile, a rare sight in Candy’s opinion. Then the girl hears, “Good… good. What matters is that you have remained pure.”

As Candy lowers her head in mortification, wondering how long the matriarch has been brooding over this, the old lady goes on asking, “So after you moved back to the orphanage, does William visit you regularly?”

Candy shakes her head in slow motion, but Madam Elroy raises a skeptical brow, asking, “No? Not even once?”

Then Candy replies, her eyes downcast and her voice slightly above a whisper, “Only once, Great Aunt Elroy.”

Candice appears so guileless that even a veteran business woman like the matriarch, who can always sense whether a person is lying, does not have any valid reasons not to believe the girl. Since the girl’s arrival, Madam Elroy has been furtively observing the sole heir to the Ardlay’s enterprise as well as the charming orphan. The orphan girl, admittedly grown to be a beautiful woman, is undoubtedly very special to William, but thank goodness he’s not that attached to her. It’s not as bad as I perceived then…

Under the matriarch’s scrutinizing gaze, Candy feels like hiding and tries to distract herself with other thoughts. Thus, when the matriarch resumes talking, Candy’s already lost in her sweet memories of Albert’s only visit to the orphanage. Before long, her harsh inner voice comes back to haunt her, telling her that she should congratulate him for finding happiness in life. However, try as she might, Candy is not in the mood for that; then random thoughts start bombarding her. Why is the matriarch interrogating you? Maybe she knows about Kimberly… and that she’s moving in? You don’t expect Albert to stay single, do you? If not Kimberly it will be another woman. It’s bound to happen sooner or later. Whoever that is, she might not like him being a close friend to a girl whom he used to live with…

While her mind is occupied by her imaginations of Albert and his future bride, Candy is unaware that Madam Elroy is telling her about a prospective suitor. “… the youngest son of one of our long-term business partners has noticed you. His parents have recently come to me…”

What the matriarch said is true. The Ritchies were invited to the engagement party months ago, and their youngest son, Wallace, a college student the same age as Stear, was there among other guests. After the patriarch intervened and annulled the engagement, Wallace realized he could not take his eyes off the well-dressed blond girl. Unlike the superficial ladies in his social circle, Miss Ardlay had a wistful look on her face, which intrigued him. He later found out the girl was an orphan adopted several years ago, and since that day, Wallace had not been able to forget her resplendent eyes and rosy lips.

His parents had attempted various ways to dissuade their son but to no avail. While Wallace assumed his parents disliked the girl’s lowly origins, his parents unveiled what bothered them most was the vivid memory of Neal Lagan’s allegations against Sir Ardlay living with the orphan girl while being amnesiac. Wallace then argued that Neal had wanted the girl himself, so perhaps he had known more than he had wanted to let on. Wallace’s argument was sound, and his parents were willing to take a slightly more lenient view and allowed the courtship to go ahead with only one condition – the girl must prove her innocence, which Wallace concurred.

So Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie chose to approach Madam Elroy; little did they foresee their request for some concrete proof would offend the matriarch, because that essentially implied her nephew was guilty of defiling a girl. That being said, due to the long-term partnership, the matriarch soon relented and offered to get to the bottom of it. After all, it was a burning question that needed an answer, even though her nephew had sworn that he had treated Candice like his little sister while sharing the apartment with her.

When Madam Elroy was pondering how to broach this sensitive matter with William, she stumbled upon the evidence that he had presumably let a blond-haired woman wear the precious, cashmere overcoat during his latest business trip. That night, the matriarch couldn’t get a wink of sleep, suspecting that this woman had been none other than the orphan girl; while tossing and turning in bed, her mind was filled with mental pictures of how her nephew was keeping close contact with the orphan by visiting her in secret or that they were already in a relationship. In short, Madam Elroy felt like her greatest dread had become real. At the break of dawn, her wrinkled face was flushed with a renewed decision; she should not keep the Ritchies waiting and must tell her nephew about their son in the morning. She knew that family well and watched Wallace grow up, who not only lived up but excelled his parents’ high expectations. If he had asked for Eliza instead, the matriarch would have approved without a second thought, so why would a poor girl with an unknown background like Candice say no to a fine young man from a reputable family? Furthermore, the matriarch had a hunch this would serve as a means to gauge her nephew’s true feelings for the orphan. There was no legitimate reason why he would disapprove of the courtship, unless he wanted to keep the girl to himself. Madam Elroy recalled how her nephew had barged into the engagement party, willing to be put under the spotlight for Candice. Even to this day, his rebuke and stern reactions back then still stung the matriarch. In any case, Madam Elroy deemed this opportunity an irresistible one to kill two birds with one stone.

It was then she succumbed to her drowsiness. By the time she was ready to meet William, he was in a rush to work, and she had to wait till the evening. Later that day, Archie notified the matriarch about the upcoming memorial service, so she changed her mind and took the easier route by inviting Candice rather than deal with her nephew at this early stage. Madam Elroy had the confidence she could talk sense into the orphan girl by being kind to her.

“So Candice, what do you think? Would you like to meet Wallace?”

The old lady, after delivering her speech, is awaiting a response from the girl, but all this time Candy is grappling with her inner demons, so apart from this question, she hears nothing else. The girl knows it’s extremely rude to ask Great Aunt Elroy who Wallace is, but the angst of Albert’s leaving her suddenly envelops Candy, and tears start trickling down her cheeks.

Her tears take the old lady aback but somehow melt her heart, so she remarks, “Granted, this may be daunting, so I suggest-” But her words are interrupted by an apology. “Sorry, Great Aunt Elroy,” Candy murmurs in a frustrated tone, fumbling in her purse for her handkerchief. She’s angry at herself for losing self-control, and much to her chagrin, that is when her prince’s badge falls out and clatters onto the marble top of the coffee table. Candy promptly picks it up and puts it back inside her purse before she apologizes for her clumsiness.

As Candy begins dabbing her face with her handkerchief, she becomes aware that the old lady’s mouth is hanging open, her face so rigid like she were petrified. Candy has never seen the matriarch lose her composure like this; unbeknownst to the girl, the matriarch is in denial, loath to believe her own eyes. Though Madam Elroy merely caught a glimpse of the badge, it was enough to make her stomach twist. That can’t be William’s badge… The special badge for the legitimate heir, inherited from my late brother?

Her mind travels back in time and remembers the horrifying moment when they discovered that her nephew was missing. The matriarch sent trustworthy servants to search for the young heir in the vicinity, but hours later, the servants returned feeling defeated. The matriarch then hid in her bedroom and could not stop crying in remorse. Hence, when her nephew came home intact with Georges and indicated that he had lost his badge, she brushed it off as “not a big deal” and merely told him to get changed and rest. Why on earth is Candice keeping it? Did William find it somehow and give it to her? I’ve always been leery of the girl’s puzzling relationship with William, like how exactly they met each other. Evidently, there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. Otherwise, what made her think he was just a nobody and even willing to risk everything and take care of him?

At this precise moment Madam Elroy senses a sharp, stabbing feeling in the back of her neck, and as a result, her features twitch in a pained grimace.

“Are you all right, Great Aunt Elroy?” Candy asks timidly, but the old lady can’t even speak, noticeably experiencing an acute headache. The girl rises from her seat and gets out of the room at breakneck speed to holler for help, “Lucy? Lucy, are you there?”

Lucy is waiting in the hallway, and she responds, “Yes, Miss Candice! What’s the matter?”

“Great Aunt Elroy-” Candy begins, her voice cracked, so Lucy does not wait for her to finish and swiftly returns to the room. Noting that the old lady is in pain, she says to Candy, “Miss Candice, I’ll take care of Madam Elroy, but find the butler please! He knows what to do.”

As soon as Candy opens the door to the side entrance, she aims to take the same shortcut back to the reception hall, but as she scurries through the manicured garden, she almost clashes with Archie.

“Candy? Where were you? Annie said you have disappeared!”

After talking to Candy, Archie gets the picture. Great Aunt Elroy wanted to talk to Candy in her room but soon collapsed in pain, so he says, “No need to find the butler. I know where her nurse is, Candy. Please find Georges instead. He’s looking for you too.”

Fifteen minutes ago, Archie was ready to take Candy back to the orphanage, but Annie and Patty said they had no idea where Candy had gone. According to Georges, Albert was concerned as well, but he had a guest. Thus, Georges offered to give Archie a helping hand but told the young ladies to stay put in case Miss Candice returned. Candy merely nods and lowers her eyes to mask her emotions; it goes without saying that the guest is more important to Albert. At this instant, she reprimands herself, stop it, Candy! Enough of this nonsense!

Then she goes to find Georges, who is on his way to the matriarch’s room, just taking the regular route rather than the shortcut. He politely inquires, “Miss Candice, may I know what’s happened?”

But she misinterprets his question and tells him about Madam Elroy’s headache. While listening, his expression does not change much; he notices the girl’s surprise and explains that the matriarch occasionally suffers intense pain due to neuralgia. According to Dr. Leonard, her symptoms are not as severe as some other patients he has encountered in his practice all these years. “Sir William has personally selected Dr. Leonard as the new family doctor for the Ardlays, primarily taking care of Madam Elroy’s various health issues.”

Candy thinks to herself, only Albert could do this… to have chosen Dr. Leonard!

She recalls Albert once said to her in the tiny apartment that he had already forgiven Dr. Leonard. Dr. Leonard was in fact a kind and capable doctor, despite his mean looks. Putting the amnesiac patient in Room 0 wasn’t entirely the deputy director’s fault, who was only doing his job by sticking with the policy. After all, the mysterious patient could not afford to pay for the treatments.

When Georges and Candy return to Madam Elroy’s room, she’s sleeping. A senior nurse from St. Joanna’s Hospital has accompanied the old lady for this trip. Dr. Leonard knows an experienced doctor in town; he has told the nurse how to contact that local doctor if any emergency arises. Yet, after basically following Dr. Leonard’s instructions, the nurse was able to help the matriarch relax. “The pain did not last long this time, thankfully.”

The sun is sinking near the horizon, and Archie is ready to leave with the ladies, but Georges says, “Miss Candice, Sir William wants me to take you home, as I’m going back to Chicago tonight in preparation for an important business trip.”

Candy can’t help asking, “What about-”

But she abruptly stops. Georges infers her unspoken words and merely replies, “Sir William will stay one more night.”

Oblivious to Candy, when Albert heard from Annie and Patty that Candy was nowhere in sight, he wanted to start looking for Candy as well. That was when Georges showed up with his friend from Kenya, carrying her suitcase in his hand. Albert was elated to see that Kimberly had come back, looking gorgeous as always.

“So Candice White was indeed here, Al?” Kimberly asked before she revealed, “I thought I saw her in the garden, but I told myself that couldn’t possibly be her. The orphanage is so far away.”

The young woman was absolutely clueless about the girl’s adoptive relationship with the Ardlays, and she teased the man beside her, “Don’t tell me Candice White is missing, again!”

Albert, embarrassed by the mischievous twinkle in her eyes, recalled the content of her letter. To prove her wrong, Albert threw a glance at his loyal assistant before he replied, “Kim, let’s talk. Allow me to give you a ride back to the mountain lodge. Just give me a minute.”

Then he turned sideways to whisper to Georges, “Check if Candy is with my aunt. If so, would you take her back to the Pony’s Home? Ask her what happened too.”

“I see,” Candy murmurs in response. Staying one more night? Of course… His friend from Kenya just came. That’s why he’s not even here to say goodbye.

Then Candy decides with a smile plastered on her face, “Please tell Granduncle William that I’ll go with my friends, Georges, if you don’t mind.”

Candy figures Georges must know about Kimberly, and Candy is afraid that she would ask him questions on the way home and end up making herself more depressed.

“Of course not, Miss Candice,” says Georges as he gives her a light bow. “Please pass my warmest regards to Miss Pony and Sister Lane.”

=o=o=o=

“O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord”

There is great applause when the orphan kids from the Pony’s Home finish singing their last carol “O Come All Ye Faithful”. The annual fundraising event has been a great success this year, and due to the generosity from the Ritchies, the donations are matched. They now have the money to replace some worn out furniture and purchase bunk beds for the older kids.

(flashback begins)

December has been an eventful month for Candy and the orphanage. Her desk arrives the day after the memorial service, and Candy begins a morning ritual to remind herself that Albert is a dear friend, someone just like Archie. Whatever transpires in his private life, unless he brings it up, she will not ask. In addition, she contemplates reverting to calling Albert “Granduncle William”, which significantly helps her to cope with her emotional ups and downs.

So far so good. Candy even keeps her promise to Albert and writes to Dr. Martin on his behalf. Yet, while writing to Dr. Martin, Candy is struck by nostalgia of the cherished moments back in the House of Magnolia, and she has to take long breaks a couple of times. During these breaks from writing, she sometimes prays for Great Aunt Elroy’s health. Hence, after writing to Dr. Martin, Candy also writes a short letter to Great Aunt Elroy. With respect, she thanks the matriarch for letting her go to the memorial service and openly admires Granduncle William for his choice because Dr. Leonard is a competent physician, worthy to be selected to attend to the matriarch’s needs.

The next day, Candy receives a letter from someone called Wallace Ritchie. The first name sounds familiar, but she forgot why and casually leaves the letter on her desk. One night, when she has some free time, she spots the letter and tears open the envelope out of curiosity. There are two short letters inside, and the shorter one was from Great Aunt Elroy.

`Candice, remember I told you about the Ritchies, who regardfully quested my assistance? I have given Wallace the permission to court you, and I’ll personally bring this to William’s attention when he returns from his business trip.‘

To Candy, this solves the baffling mystery of why Madam Elroy requested Candy’s presence in her room after the reception and why she heard of the name “Wallace” before; nonetheless, the arranged courtship is as unwelcome as it is unanticipated. With trembling hands, Candy reads the other letter. The man introduced himself and said his family had been Ardlay’s business partners for generations.

`… Dear Miss Candice, I met you at the engagement party at the Ardlay’s principal residence in Chicago. I have Madam Elroy’s permission to write to you, and Madam Elroy kindly offered to write a note. It’s a pity I missed Alistair’s funeral, because I’d always admired his creative talents. When my family received Archibald’s invitation to the memorial service, I wanted to attend to pay my respect, but I was tied up with my studies. To be honest with you, I can’t wait to see you again, but patience is a virtue, so I’m looking forward to reading your reply…’

Archie happened to show Candy the guest list before the service, so she knows that the Ritchies did not come. Just then, Sister Lane’s voice comes from behind her, “Candy?”

The girl takes a sharp intake of breath as if she is being caught in the act. When Sister Lane notes the girl’s dejected look and tear-stained face, the nun anxiously cries out, “What’s wrong? Whose letter is it?”

Upon hearing that, Candy decides not to waver any longer. It’s time to seek help; she has kept her feelings bottled up inside of her for far too long. Right then, she falls apart and starts sobbing in Sister Lane’s arms. Miss Pony then comes in, and even without a clue what caused the girl such anguish, she wraps her arms around Candy. The ladies in charge of the orphanage initially plan to inform Candy the good news they heard from Mr. Cartwright today, but they won’t say anything now.

Candy soon straightens up and lets the teachers read the letters, but neither Miss Pony nor Sister Lane comprehends what troubles Candy. The young man expressed his interest with all sincerity but did not go overboard, and there is nothing improper in his writing. Thus, Miss Pony gingerly remarks, “Candy, what can make us happier than seeing you happy? So you need not worry about us. Sister Lane and I never expect you to help at the orphanage for the rest of your life.”

That triggers Candy to confess her buried feelings for Albert, and that she’s been struggling to forget and move on. She begins her story by telling the teachers the major incidents after she left the orphanage with Stewart as a thirteen-year-old girl. Instead of being a playmate, she was bullied by the Lagan siblings and became a child labour. She wanted to escape but Albert the vagabond rescued her from drowning, and she somehow ran into him again and again, first in London as a helper at a zoo then in St. Joanna’s Hospital as a patient who had lost all his memories. Candy inevitably touches on the subsequent living arrangement.

“You proposed to live together with him?” Miss Pony echoes, utterly flabbergasted. “Because you wanted to take care of him yourself?”

Sister Lane is also in a state of shock but too embarrassed to speak. Yet, she places her hand on Miss Pony’s arm and gives her an eye signal, one that reads, let Candy continue her story.

Candy’s face is reddened like she gets sunburned, but after clarifying that she had always regarded Albert as a big brother, she goes on narrating the other major events, including her trip to New York and how she came home heartbroken. Roughly two years later, Albert vanished into thin air, leaving her a pile of cash. Then Candy wraps up, “I didn’t understand why I missed him every waking hour… searching for him everywhere… I just knew that I wanted to see his face again.”

Sister Lane is shedding silent tears, pulling Candy into her arms. The girl keeps talking in her muffled voice; she glosses over the Rockstown trip but recounts in detail how Georges voluntarily disclosed Granduncle William’s whereabouts when Neal Lagan forced her to get engaged. “Miss Pony and Sister Lane, I think you can visualize my reactions, because I don’t know how to describe… It’s beyond my ability. All I can say is, Albert was not the same man I thought he was, and I don’t belong in his world.”

Then she pauses and heaves a sigh of exhaustion. Her foster mothers remain silent, exchanging worried glances. They have many questions still, but since Candy is not a child anymore, it’s rather inappropriate to probe into her private life. At least she has admitted she’s suffering from unrequited love for her benefactor, which confirms their suspicions. However, they are curious about Mr. Ardlay’s side of the narrative. Years ago he might have taken pity on the orphan girl and decided to give her a better life, but what about now? Is he aware of her feelings? Come to think of it, having lived with her as a patient with no memories of his past might have more or less given him a different perspective on Candy.

Just then, Sister Lane discovers that the poor girl is snoring. She must have dozed off. After laying the girl down in her bed, Miss Pony and Sister Lane go back to their bedroom and lie down in their own beds, each mulling over how they can help their beloved child get through this predicament. At any rate, they won’t stand still and do nothing about it.

Dr. Martin’s reply and his presents for the kids arrive the following day, and after reading it, Candy can’t wait to announce the exciting news to the teachers. The moment the girl steps into the office, calling their names “Miss Pony! Sister Lane!”, she freezes on the spot with bashfulness. She does not know that Mr. Cartwright is here, but he welcomes her to join them.

Miss Pony, after prayerfully making the sign of the cross, fills her in on the details, “Candy, Mr. Cartwright just sold this part of the land. What’s more, the new landowner will not charge us rent.”

Candy’s first reaction is this is too good to be true!

“Really?” she says with a hint of skepticism in her voice. “Who is the new landowner?”

Then Mr. Cartwright laughingly replies, “I have to keep my promise not to disclose the identity of the new landowner.”

Then Mr. Cartwright adds that Miss Pony and Sister Lane already knew about the extraordinary news yesterday, but he was in the middle of finalizing the minute details with his lawyer. Today, the lump-sum payment has been received, and Mr. Cartwright has signed all the legal documents required.

Sister Lane then thanks Mr. Cartwright for his kindness. He’s here delivering his Christmas presents to the orphans, and then he’ll be traveling and visiting his children and grandchildren. After wishing one another “Merry Christmas”, he’s ready to go but before that, he asks the girl in their midst, “Did you have some good news too, Candy?”

This reminds her of Dr. Martin’s letter, and her expression transforms from puzzlement to awakening in the blink of an eye. It’s Albert!

Then she instantly corrects herself in her mind. Granduncle William is the new landowner!

That was why she saw him together with Mr. Cartwright and Georges the day before the memorial service. It all makes sense now, and at this moment Sister Lane lightly nudges her elbow, asking, “Candy? Hello?”

Only then does she remember they are all waiting for her to say something. As Miss Pony and Sister Lane read Dr. Martin’s enthusiastic reply with tears in their eyes, Candy apprises Mr. Cartwright of the possibility of a new clinic. After that, while Miss Pony murmurs a thanksgiving prayer with Sister Lane, Mr. Cartwright is visibly touched as well. “Finally! Good Lord! The sheer lack of medical doctors in the village is worrisome to say the least!”

Although Mr. Cartwright has not read the letter, he believes he knows who will finance building the new clinic, so he’d better take leave, lest he might spill the secret about the new landowner’s identity.

After Mr. Cartwright is gone, Miss Pony and Sister Lane ask the girl to stay. “Candy, sit down please. I don’t think we’ll need more than fifteen minutes.”

So the ladies ask Candy to explain why she cried last night after reading the letters. The girl presses her lips together and lowers her gaze. The letters debunked her conviction that her feelings for Albert have diminished since the memorial service. Not only that, she felt a deep sense of loneliness and sadness because she and Albert were ultimately taking separate paths in life and thus would be driven even further apart.

But in a halting manner, she speaks to her teachers, “I don’t know… maybe… reality hurts.”

Meanwhile, another discouraging thought dampens her spirits; Candy remembers her own words in her letter to Dr. Martin, trying to persuade him to accept Albert’s proposal. Albert wrote in his letter to Candy that he truly wanted to pay back the doctor’s kindness. If Albert is indeed the new landowner, like it or not, Candy is probably one of the names in his short list of people who had been kind to him when his life had hit rock bottom.

Verbally, Candy continues to explain to her foster mothers, “I know my place… but the letters made the reality of my situation starker. Great Aunt Elroy has already given her permission, so why would Granduncle William say no? After all, it’s a courtship, and nobody pushes me to marry the young man.”

When Candy finishes, the teachers earnestly implore her to consider giving Mr. Ritchie a chance, and Candy protests weakly, “But I don’t even know him.”

Candy gathers that she’s still affected by the emotional distress caused by her relationship with Albert, so she does not want to meet anyone. “Besides, I’m not ready.”

“Stop chasing rainbows, Candy,” says Sister Lane gently.

“I am not,” the girl denies, her voice little more than a murmur and her eyes growing misty.

“Then how do you know Mr. Ritchie is not the cure to your struggles?” asks Miss Pony in a motherly voice when she puts an arm around the stubborn girl.

When Candy bites her bottom lip, Miss Pony concludes, “Do not shut the door to those who knock. That’s all we ask.”

“Let me pray about it,” Candy acquiesces, unable to fathom how a courtship works out when there is a lack of affection. Her foster mothers understand this is Candy’s usual delaying tactic, but they agree to let the matter drop for now.

So instead of writing a reply to Wallace, Candy sends a short letter to Georges about Dr. Martin’s counterproposal. “Please inform Granduncle William at your earliest convenience, Georges. I appreciate it.”

Candy wonders when Madam Elroy will talk to her nephew about Wallace Ritchie, and if so, would Albert contact Candy after that? Or is he too preoccupied with his work or Kimberly? Then Candy recalls that he might be on the road somewhere, as Great Aunt Elroy said in her letter.

Days go by quicker when everyone has lots to do. Christmas is now less than one week away, and their annual fundraising event takes place tomorrow. Candy is making numerous crafts with the kids, decorating the chapel and practising Christmas carols with them. Annie and Patty promised to take a day trip to help, and Annie wrote in her letter, “Archie might not come this time, so Patty and I will likely take the train.”

But someone gives them a ride to the orphanage early on the morning of the long-awaited event. When Candy answers the door and sees her friends accompanied by a good-looking fellow with neat brown hair, her gut feeling tells her who he is. Everyone can see that Candy is rather abashed; she’s totally unprepared to meet the man who has taken such an interest in her, not to mention that she hasn’t yet written a reply. In contrast, the man is all smiles, perfectly at ease with himself and the situation.

Miss Pony and Sister Lane then come to Candy’s rescue, and Annie introduces the man with striking, turquoise eyes, “The Ritchies are one of the influential and affluent families in Illinois, according to Archie.”

The man humbly adds with a bow of his head, “Not quite comparable to the Ardlays though. Miss Annie is exaggerating.”

Years ago, when Annie first met the Cornwell brothers as Miss Brighton in a social gathering, she also met Anthony, Eliza and Neal, Wallace and his older brothers. Then Wallace affirms, “Yes, I know them all, but we are merely acquaintances. Our families get together on average once a year, at most twice.” He deliberately omits the reason; his parents were afraid that the Lagan siblings would have a bad influence on their sons.

Later in private, Annie and Patty explain why Wallace came with them, “It was an order from Madam Elroy. Archie was sorry and said he had no choice.”

“I won’t blame Archie,” Candy says with a sigh of resignation. She isn’t the least surprised, for Great Aunt Elroy is not a person who will passively sit back waiting. As a matter of fact, soon after Wallace came home for Christmas, Madam Elroy invited him to see her at the Ardlay’s residence. Knowing that he’d got no reply from Candice so far, Madam Elroy summoned Archie to her study. Archie was caught off guard when his eyes landed on the young man, but the matriarch questioned, “Archie, do you remember Wallace Ritchie?”

“Yes, of course,” Archie said, shaking hands with Wallace. “How will I forget the honour student from the University of Massachusetts?” Archie was not joking. Unlike the peers in the same generation, Wallace and his brothers were known to be exceptionally hard-working individuals.

As Wallace returned a courtesy smile, Archie felt like chatting with him some more since Archie had applied for the same school. When Wallace was asked why he was in Chicago, he said, “I finished all my final projects and exams early, so I have a longer Christmas break.”

“Impressive!” said Archie wholeheartedly. Archie wished he could be as bright as this fellow, who had received scholarships for his studies. Not that Wallace needed the money, but it did showcase his academic achievement. On the other hand, Wallace secretly wished he had more experience with ladies like Archibald; Archibald seemed to have a knack of pleasing the ladies of his age or younger, so he had enjoyed remarkable popularity among them ever since he was a boy.

It was then the matriarch coughed to gain the men’s attention. “Archie, listen. Wallace likes to meet Candice. I want you to arrange such a meeting before he returns to Massachusetts.”

Archie felt a slight chill run up his back and could barely swallow his astonishment, and the first thought that came to his mind was when is Albert coming back?

Yet, he knew too well that the matriarch would not take “no” as an answer, so he replied in a respectful manner, “I’ll see to it, Great Aunt Elroy.”

She appeared pleased, and a faint smile made its way to her wrinkled face. After this encounter, Archie went to the head office to check Albert’s return date. According to Georges’ secretary, his uncle would not come back from his business trip until near Christmas. Archie found himself in a dilemma, to which there was no solution. Several more days elapsed before he came to perceive that he could not procrastinate anymore, so he asked Wallace if he could take Annie and Patty to the orphanage.

Wallace was happy to oblige, as expected, but Archie wanted to give his reason, “My parents have some family business to take care of, and they want to involve me this year.”

Miss Pony and Sister Lane are indisputably impressed by the male visitor. First, he has brought casual clothes along so that he can help with the heavy chores. Moreover, even at the last minute, he can point out how to improve the overall process of running the fundraising event. Once the young ladies have a grasp of the underlying issues, they even assign him to mastermind the logistics.

Half an hour before the event begins, Wallace changes back to his suit and properly asks Miss Pony, “May I talk to Miss Candice alone behind the chapel?”

It’s snowing, so they stand under a cover outside the backdoor. Wallace looks inquiringly at the lady and asks, “Do you remember me? I saw you at the engagement party.” Unlike that time, Candy does not wear any makeup today, but she looks pretty just the same. Actually, she has a very sweet aura that he failed to notice before.

As Candy shakes her head and blushes, he says with a shrug, “It’s fine. Many people were there. It was my study break, and my parents wanted to introduce me to relatives and business partners.”

Then he presents a gift to her, saying, “I don’t know your taste, but I hope you like it, Miss Candice.”

“I can’t accept it, Mr-”

“Please call me Wallace,” he pleads.

She whirls around, and with her back facing him, she says, “Mr. Ritchie, you’re wasting time on me. Let’s just be friends.”

He refuses to give up, so he walks around to look at her, asking, “If that’s the case, will you call me Wallace, as a friend?”

She nods once, and a hopeful smile spreads on his lips. He’s taller than Archie but not as tall as Albert. To be fair, his features are pleasing, and he has what people called the Cupid’s bow lips. His eyes are captivating too and by far the most attractive feature in his handsome face. Then Candy realizes she’s mentally appraising Wallace, and because of that, she feels guilty, so she suggests, “Wallace, please call me Candy like everyone else.”

He takes that as encouragement, so he utters cheerily, “How splendid!”

Then he takes a deep breath and retries, “So Candy, please accept my present. I bought it specifically for you for this occasion.”

“But I don’t have anything for you,” she reasons with a frown, avoiding his penetrating turquoise eyes, but he insists, “Or else I don’t know what to do with it. I don’t have any sisters or lady friends to give this to.”

She remains reluctant, but a familiar voice rings in her head, Do not shut the door to those who knock. Hence, she lets her guard down and thanks him, tearing up the wrapping paper. It’s a red, velvety cape with a hood attached. If not for the white plush brim, people would have assumed this is the costume for Little Red Riding Hood. The velvet is so soft and cozy, and Candy can tell it’s of top quality.

“Thank you,” she repeats with a smile, unable to look him squarely in the eye. He’s gazing down at her, dazzled by the dreamy smile that materializes on her lips; he couldn’t be more wrong to think that she looks best when she appears forlorn. Just then, Miss Pony appears from behind the backdoor to remind them, “We should get ready. It’s about time.”

At this moment, Miss Pony spots the red cape in Candy’s hand, and she exclaims, “It’s adorable! Candy, this is perfect for you to wear tonight.”

Since Candy does not want to upset Miss Pony, she lets Miss Pony help her put it on. All their faces are illuminated by the dim light emitting from the windows of the chapel, but Candy, because of the red cape, looks particularly enchanting with a pink glow on her cheeks. Presently, Wallace admires her from his heart, “You look amazing, Candy.”

The girl can feel the warmth of the blush as it crawls up her neck, and Miss Pony grins eye to eye to hear the young man calling her by nickname. Then Wallace produces a letter from his breast pocket and says to the older lady, “Miss Pony, this is for the orphanage, from my parents.”

As Miss Pony starts reading, her face registers incredulity. Then she slides her glasses down her nose to read it again. Roughly half a minute later, she utters, “This is too much, Mr. Ritchie!”

“Again, Miss Pony, please call me Wallace. It’s my family tradition to donate to charities during Christmas. This year we have added Pony’s Home to our list.”

(flashback ends)

After the fundraising event, Annie gives Candy a goodbye hug and says, “Candy, I almost forgot. Madam Elroy wanted us to emphasize that Wallace and his brothers never have any academic struggles in life. In fact, his eldest brother is so accomplished that he’s a part-time lecturer while continuing his doctoral studies.”

As Annie winks, Candy’s jaw tenses for a split second before she pastes a strained smile to her face. Her uneasy reaction does not go unnoticed, so Patty asks, adjusting her glasses, “Why? You don’t like him?”

Candy suppresses her rising vexation that her girlfriends are unquestioningly accepting the courtship and replies in a near inaudible voice, “Don’t get me wrong. He’s amiable and intelligent, but don’t you think it takes time to get to know a person?”

But Annie expresses with a soft sigh, “Yes, but love at first sight does happen for some people.”

As Patty nods keenly in agreement, Candy remembers how she was instantaneously attracted to her Prince on the Hill as well as Anthony, so Candy mutters to herself “True…” before sticking out her tongue. Her silliness makes her friends giggle, and all three ladies end up holding one another’s hands with moist eyes. None of them mention anything about Annie being the only one who’s still with her first love, but Annie is concealing her worries. Archie seems to be pulling away from their relationship lately even though Annie is quite certain by now that Candy is not a love rival anymore.

“Anyway, please keep us posted, Candy,” says Patty afterwards, sniffing her tears.

Candy acknowledges with a firm nod and walks them to the car, where Wallace is waiting by leaning against the driver’s side. He opens the rear door for Annie and then the other rear door for Patty. After that, he jeers at himself, “My ladies, your chauffeur will be back in a minute.”

Then he sincerely asks the blond-haired lady, “May I continue to write to you, Candy?”

When she gives him a nod, he is overjoyed, but at the same time he searches her face for signs that show her interest in him. It’s not evident yet, but at least she’s wearing the red cape, so he ventures, “And will you reply?”

“Yes,” she promises right away. “But remember, Wallace, I meant it when I told you not to waste time on me.”

He frowns with a tinge of hurt and prudently inquires, “Why? Are you in a relationship?”

“No,” she replies, her tone placid. Then she tosses her head back to stare at the night sky, feeling the snow melt against her warm skin.

There it is again. Such yearning in her sparkling eyes. Then he responds with a nervous laugh, “Candy, I know what I’m doing. Let me decide how I’ll spend my time.”

With that, she looks away and consciously refrains from having eye contact with him, and yet he lets his longing gaze rove over her face once again, as though he tries to imprint the beauty of her pensive visage to his brain. Some moments later, he tenderly speaks up, “Good night, Candy.”

“Good night, and have a safe trip back home, Wallace. Please thank Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie for their generosity. Miss Pony will write a formal thank you letter.”

When he walks back to his car, he supposes he can give himself a pat on his back for being discreet the whole time. As per his mother’s suggestion, he kept a minimal distance from the girl in his dreams throughout the day and did not even touch her hand.

Candy waves goodbye at her friends when they drive past her. She feels like staying out in the cold for a while longer, for she’s prepared to be lectured again. Without a question, the teachers love her and care about her very much, and she’s glad that she gave vent to her conflicted feelings about Albert that night. Now she could frankly talk to Sister Lane or Miss Pony without feeling terribly awkward like before. Yet, it’s really too early to tell them whether Wallace is the one or not.

Candy lets out a long agonized sigh before heading back. When she’s near the front entrance, she hears the low rumble of a car engine from behind her, and its headlights cast moving shadows on the walls of the orphanage. Why are they driving back here? Did they forget something?

She takes a big step aside, not wanting to get in the way, and she instinctively raises her hand to block the blinding headlights of the oncoming vehicle. While her eyes adjust to the brightness, she has a hard time seeing, but after the driver parks and turns off the vehicle, she recognizes the car. Just when she’s perplexed by Archie’s sudden arrival, the driver pulls down the window, and she spontaneously sucks in her breath.

He cheerfully greets her, “Merry Christmas, Candy!”

In response, she flashes one of her contagious smiles and approaches the car. He’s alone, it seems.

“What brings you here tonight, Granduncle William?”

For a while he just sits mute, blinking in stupefaction. Nobody else is around, but for some reason she has addressed him using his title, smiling at him with friendliness in her gaze. He knits his brows, trying to wrap his mind around her odd behaviour, and yet it occurs to him that his brain is not cooperating at the moment. Perhaps he’s exhausted after the grueling business trip and the long drive. Many questions are bouncing back and forth inside his head, but all he knows is that Archie unexpectedly showed up at the train station to wait for him and Georges. Archie then murmured something about having tremendous regrets and made a hasty gesture with his hands as if to press his uncle to hurry up.

“Albert, take my car and go see Candy. Please.”

(to be continued…)

=o=o=o=

Writer’s note:

Many thanks for reading, and as always, your comment is greatly appreciated! Once again, this story is completely my imagination inspired by the manga and the Candy Candy Final Story. Please kindly let me know if you spot any mistakes or typos. About Candy’s confession, I don’t remember if she’s ever told Miss Pony or Sister Lane how the Lagans treated her. I will double check Candy Candy Final Story later, but please tell me if you know. Thanks in advance!

Concerning Candy’s letter to Madam Elroy after the memorial service, the author used the heavily nuanced word さすが when Candy referred to Granduncle’s personal selection. It’s often translated to compliments like “as expected”, but in fact it can imply contradictions sometimes, depending on context. In CCFS, the usage is undoubtedly a compliment, which also implies Candy knows him well (at least that’s how I interpret it). IMHO, this is another clue to Anohito’s identity. For your interest, please read my old post Don’t judge a book…

Last but not the least, you may notice that I hardly mention Terry in this fanfic. To me, by the time Candy returned to the orphanage, he was not in her life anymore. Candy wrote an unsent letter to him (not sure when) some time after declining the tickets from Miss Eleanor Baker, but Candy had clearly moved on. Here I’d like to quote two insightful comments from Myra and Michelle regarding Terry and Candy’s relationship.