The students said goodbye to Scotland with all the regrets of the world. They had spent a wonderful summer full of adventures and intrigue. But everything comes to an end and school was starting again. The trip back to London was long and tiresome. The discipline, the coldness of the nuns; here we go again!!
Candy was running in the school hallway and she didn't see a man, she bumped into him and fell on the ground. He was visiting the college.
- Oh, I'm sorry, she said trying to stand up
- That's ok, Miss, said the man, I'm sorry
He helped her stand up. Eliza arrived and she talked to the man.
- Hello, you're the duke of Grandchester? Terry's father? I mean Terrence... My name is Eliza Reagan and I'm a good friend of your son...
"Yeah right! Said Candy in her head, the nerve of that girl! Terry can't even stand her!"
She didn't want to make a scene in front of Terry's father, so she let Eliza speak.
- Yes, said the man, that's me..., he said
- You came to speak to the reverend mother? Said Eliza
- As a matter of fact, said the duke
- Follow me, I'm going to take you to her office, said Eliza
- Thank you, said the duke
The duke walked away with Eliza towards the reverend mother's office. Candy looked at them go, she was wondering why the duke came to the school.
The duke arrived in the reverend mother's office and he got in.
- Hello, reverend mother, he said
- Hello, Your Grace, said the reverend mother
He gave her an envelope.
- Here is my monthly contribution for Terrence
- Thank you, said the reverend mother
- How's my son?
- He's fine, still a little bit difficult, I'm going to send for him
- If it doesn't bother you, I would like to speak to him in his room
- Of course go right ahead
- Thank you
The duke went to his son's room. Their relationship was kind of cold.
- Terrence, he said
- Father, said Terry standing by the window
- I got a letter from Eleonor telling me she wanted to come and stay in London so she could be near you... I didn't know you were still in contact with that woman...
- That woman, like you call her, is my mother, father
- Did you...
But he stopped talking. Terry knew what he was talking about.
- What father? Do I remember that I almost died going to see her when the Titanic sank?
The duke looked at him surprised. He remembered the incident.
- Terrence, you got your memory back.... That's good
- Yes, and I know that I already tried to go see my mother, but that damned boat sank...
- That's not important! I forbid you to contact that woman!
- That woman is my mother and she's ready to risk everything, her career, her reputation to be near me!
- That's enough! Said his father slapping him
Terry almost fell, and had to call upon all the strengths of the universe so he wouldn't punch his father back.
- It you want to inherit my title, you're going to stop talking to that woman, do you hear me?! Yelled the duke
- But she's my mother! At least she shows me some affection; it's more than I could say for your family!
- I think I made myself understood...
- And I think I need my mother's love, said Terry, I almost died seeking that motherly love, now that I know I almost died, I'm not going to live without it... sorry father... do whatever you want, but I'm going to continue seeing my mother!
The duke looked at his son. He loved him, but he wasn't very good in showing marks of affection. He had had his heart broken when he learned that the Titanic had sunk and that his son was on board. His son, the fruit of his love with Eleonor, whom he had loved so much... that son he was ignoring and who was dead because he was trying to get away from him to go live with his mother because life was unbearable for him at the castle with his wife and other children. He blamed himself and he regretted not being more strict with his wife and show more affection to his son. He would've given anything for a second chance. He got that second chance. Learning that his son was found alive was a real miracle for him and he promised to improve his relationship with his son. But he didn't make much progress or a lot of effort. So, he decided to let the incident with his mother, slide, because, at least she was showing him some affection a parent was suppose to have for its child.
- All right Terrence, you can continue seeing your mother... Study well...See you next time... but don't forget, you're the heir of the duke of Grandchester, you have to be worthy of that name...
He got out of the room like he was ashamed for that moment of weakness in showing a little affection for his son. Terry put his hand where his father had slapped him. Tears of rage were coming down his cheeks. Sometimes, he felt like sending everything to hell and do whatever he wants, like become an actor... but there was Candy, he wanted to give her everything she ever needed. He wanted to be the duke with her as his duchess...He knew his father was going to resist his relation with Candy when he learns about it. He would probably want to marry him with a girl he chose for him and arrange a marriage, like everybody in the upper English class. He wanted to let go of everything and follow his dream... he wanted to see Candy, hold her in his arms, he couldn't go to her bedroom in broad day light, so he went on the pretend Pony Hill to see if she was going to be there, he was sure he was going to see her.
Candy was in her room. She had found some letters from Mr. Albert, Miss Pony, Sister Maria and from Rose. She learned that Mr. Albert left the zoo and England while she was in Scotland and that he went to Africa. Over there, he was working in a clinic that took care of people and animals. He told her to say hi to Terry and wish him good luck. Miss Pony and Sister Maria were telling her about the adventures of her little friends. Rose was telling her she was fine and she invited her to her place if she ever came to New York. Candy didn't want to tell her about Terry before; she wanted to wait until he got his memory back, to tell her he was alive. But now she said to herself, that it was better to announce that kind of news in person, Rose might thing it's a joke and Candy didn't want to shock her in a letter. Since Mr. Albert talked about Terry, she decided to show him the letter. He should be back to school, since his father came to see him earlier. She was going to see him at night time, but she wanted to show her Mr. Albert's letter. She got out of the room and she went on the pretend Pony hill and she found Terry sitting on the grass. It was the first time they saw each other since Scotland. School had started in the morning. They couldn't show any marks of affection.
- Hi, Prince Charming, she said softly
- Hi, Snow White, he said looking at the with love
- Did you have a nice trip? She asked
- Yes, what about you?
- Yes, she said smiling
- I missed you...
- I missed you too, she said softly, I've got news from Mr. Albert
- Really, what's happening with him?
- Well he's gone to Africa, she said giving him the letter
- Africa? What a pity, I wanted to ask him to hire me as an assistant, he replied taking the letter to read it
- Why?
- Because I wanted to explore the world with him, do something else...
He read the part where Albert talked about him. Candy was looking at him with dreamy eyes.
- By the way, Terry, I saw your father in the hallway earlier...
- Yes, he came to see me
- He's angry with you because you've reconciled with your mother?
- Yes, you guessed it...
- I hope every thing is fine between you the two of you
- We have an understanding
- That's good
- Candy, would it bother you if I don't become the duke?
- Of course not...
- I don't know how long I'm going to take living with my father's conditions...
- Whatever you decide, Terry, I'm going to be with you...
He looked at her with so much love.
- Thank you Snow White. I want to kiss you... let's go to the abandoned building...I'll take a head start...
- I'll follow you in 5 minutes, said Candy
Terry stood up and he walked to the old abandoned class. Candy waited for a few minutes, and then she followed him. She didn't know Eliza was spying on them from the beginning. She had seen their game; Terry standing up to leave and she saw Candy go in the same direction. She followed Candy from afar and she saw the abandoned building. She went near and hid to look inside, without being seen. The scene she saw pierced her heart.
Candy and Terry in each other's arms. Their eyes were close.
- Oh, I needed to hold you against me, after the scene with my father, said Terry
- I'm here for you Terry, she said, everything is going to be alright, I'm here...
- I love you Candy
- I love you Terry
They kissed softly, passionately for a long time. Eliza was angry. Candy and Terrence! She had to find a way to separate them. Her mind started to work. The bell rang and the two lovebirds stopped kissing.
- We have to go, honey, said Candy between two kisses.
- A little more, said Terry
- We're going to see each other every night, said Candy
- Ok, said Terry smiling , let's go
Eliza had heard them. Every night? It gave her an idea. Candy and Terry got out to go back to class, running. Eliza hid and she had a mean smile on her lips.
Terry came back from his horseback riding and when to his room. He turned on the light and he took his red jacket off and his shirt. He got in the bathroom to take a shower and he got out with a towel around his waist. Candy was coming. He went to the balcony to open the door and wait for Candy. The lights of his bedroom were off and sat on the bed which was near the balcony. He felt there was someone who hugged him all of a sudden.
- But... ho... Candy? He said
But it wasn't Candy's scent and it didn't feel like Candy's skin... the person hugging him held him stronger, looking for his lips.
- Candy? Is that you?
Eliza Reagan, who had made so much effort to get into Terrence's room by climbing the balcony. She had to inquire to find out where his room was, and climb the window, only to hear him calling her "Candy"! That was too much for her; she exploded:
- Come on Terrence! It's me Eliza! You don't recognise me?
- Eliza!! Said Terry getting away from her, what the hell are you doing in my bed?
- I was waiting for you...
- You were waiting for me, because...?
- I want to spend a night of love with you...
- A what?
- A night of love, I want to be with you Terrence
- Eliza, are you out of your mind? What on earth made you think that I would want to spend the night with you?
- It's Candy you want, isn't it? Don't you know she's a thief and a slut? She stole jewellery from my mother, and she caused Anthony's death after shamelessly seducing him. It wouldn't be good for the future duke of Grandchester to be acquainted with that kind of girl...
- That kind of girl, what kind of girl is she?
- Everything I just said, and I saw how she seduced you with her body in Scotland...
- And you want to do the same thing?
- If that's what it takes to get your attention...I want you Terrence, and I love you...
- Eliza, you think I shouldn't be with Candy because she's a thief? Well you can tell her for me that Terrence Grandchester, the duke's heir, drinks like an Irishman, smoke like a fireman and fight like a ragman and that it would be very bad for her to be seen in my company...
- You do it with her...
- What I do or not with Candy, is not of your business Eliza, I love her and I'm going to marry her...
- But...
- You probably heard we were together on the Titanic, she wasn't adopted then, she was a third class passenger and I couldn't stay away from her. Now that I got my memory back, I never want to be apart from her again and it's certainly not you who's going to succeed in seducing me! The warmth and the kindness you show towards Candy just warms me up too... go take a look in the mirror, you'll see a face deformed by hatred...
- You're going to pay for this! Said Eliza angry
- Get out of here Eliza, before I call the reverend mother...
- No, please, she's going to expel me!
- Get out Eliza!!
- But the balcony is so high; I had trouble climbing it....
- That's not my problem, get out!!
Eliza walked to the balcony and got out the best way she could, cursing Terry and swearing she'll get revenge. She hurt herself jumping on the ground and she almost got caught by the reverend mother who was doing her nightly tour...
Candy arrived in Terry's room later after the reverend mother's last round. She landed in Terry's arms.
- Hello Snow White
- Hello Prince Charming, she said smiling, how are you?
- I feel better now...
- What's wrong?
- I had a visit from your dear enemy...
- Eliza?
- In my bed...
- Oh...
- She tried to seduce me
- I'm sure she had all the right words for that...
- I'm wondering what's wrong with that girl... she wants to seduce me, but she's not making any effort to look attractive; she's always full of hatred and contempt
- You rejected her; she's going to want revenge...
- We'll take care of her later
- Don't underestimate Eliza, Terry, she's diabolical
- Uh uh, I can be diabolical too, if I want to...enough with the pep talk, he said kissing her
He was happy when he was with her, he had spent a very beautiful summer with her, he had found a part of himself he didn't know he had lost. He couldn't get enough of her.
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day.
When it's cold outside I've got the month of May.
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl talking about my girl
I've got so much honey the bees envy me.
I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees.
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl talking about my girl
I don't need no money, fortune, or fame.
I've got all the riches baby one man can claim.
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl, talking about my girl
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
with my girl.
I've even got the month of May
with my girl
Candy stayed with Terry and then she went back to her room 2 hours later.
- Terry, she said before she left, Eliza is going to want revenge; we'll have to be careful...
- I know, but she's not going to stop us from seeing each other... we'll just have to be more careful
- Well, if she accuses us, wasn't she in your room too?
- But I have no proof, I should've taken a proof before I threw her out
- You didn't think about it... well, come what may... She's not going to stop us from seeing each other, otherwise, what's the use being in the same school if we can't see each other?
- You're right, after the Titanic, let's not let anything or anybody separate us
- We'll just have to be more careful
She was on cloud nine. But she thought about Eliza and her obsession with Terry. Since Terry rejected her, that mean girl was plotting revenge.
Candy and Terry tried to be more careful, when they saw each other. They continued seeing each other in Terry's room. Candy always took her homework with her in case they got caught, she would say she came to ask Terry for some help. Eliza continued keeping an eye on them. One day she got her chance to expose the young lovebirds...
Candy was in Terry's room and they slept longer than usual. She woke up...
- Oh my God! Terry! It's the morning; I have to go back in my room...
- What? Said Terry still asleep
Candy was already getting ready to go out the window, in the morning light, while the other students were awake; everybody was going to see her. She was in the bathroom to wash her face quickly and brush her hair.
- Everybody is going to see me if I go out now, said Candy
- Well, you'll have to risk the others who are probably getting ready for school , see you if they look out the window...I could lend you some trousers, a shirt, and a hat to hide your hair, at least you'll looked incognito from afar...
But they heard noise at the door and the reverend mother came in with other nuns, priests and Eliza Reagan, with a triumphant smile
- There they are, reverend mother, said Eliza, she spends all her nights here...
Candy and Terry were only half surprised; Eliza... Terry looked at her with mean eyes.
- Miss Candice White Andrew, what are you doing in Terrence Grandchester's room? Asked the reverend mother
- Well, I came to ask Terrence to help me with my French assignment, said Candy showing her stuff on Terry's desk
- That's a lie! Said Eliza, she came to make love with him!
- Miss Reagan! Would you shut up please! Master Grandchester?
- It's what she said, said Terry, she came to ask me for help on her French assignment, since I speak French...
The reverend mother looked at the two lovebirds and she knew deep down inside that they were together because they wanted to be alone. But a girl and a boy in the same classroom was intolerable, so in the same room? It was a scandal
- The rules of the school are very clear; girls and boys are not supposed to be in the same class, much less in the same room. Miss Andrew, you're going to be locked in the donjon and Master Grandchester, you're going to be confined in your room for a week. Take her away!
- No! Yelled Candy, Terry! Terry!
- Leave her alone! Said Terry who wanted to help her but the two priests were holding him back, let go of me!!
- That's enough! Said the reverend mother, I'm going to inform your father of your indecent behaviour
They all got out of the room leaving Terry devastated. Eliza had a triumphant smile while she looked at Terry, who had another very mean look for her.
The news of the scandal spread like wildfire. Candy was going to be expelled, and while she was waiting for someone to come and get her, she was locked in the donjon. It was dark, cold and humid inside, which was not good for your health. She didn't know what to think, Eliza had had her revenge, the mean girl. She was crying, but mostly of rage. While they took her to the donjon, the nuns informed her that she was expelled from the Royal College of Saint Paul. Expelled? She won't see Terry anymore... she was feeling so lost. Especially since they didn't even do anything that night, they just slept in each other's arms.
The whispers in the morning
Of lovers sleeping tight
Are rolling like thunder now
As I look in your eyes
I hold on to your body
And feel each move you make
Your voice is warm and tender
A love that I could not forsake
'Cause I am your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I'll do all that I can
Lost is how I'm feeling lying in your arms
When the world outside's too
Much to take
That all ends when I'm with you
Even though there may be times
It seems I'm far away
Never wonder where I am
'Cause I am always by your side
'Cause I am your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I'll do all that I can
We're heading for something
Somewhere I've never been
Sometimes I am frightened
But I'm ready to learn
Of the power of love
The sound of your heart beating
Made it clear
Suddenly the feeling that I can't go on
Is light years away
But now I'm here all alone feeling lost
Come and take me in your arms and
Make all the fear go away
I need you my love, I need you so much
Come and save me
Archibald and Alistair went to see Terry in his room. Archibald was jealous to learn that Candy was with Terry in his room, gave a blow to Terry, who let him do it because he was depressed.
- Candy is expelled! He said angry
- What? Said Terry surprise, but...
- But what? Said Archie, what did you think was going to happen after you got caught in bed with her?
- I didn't know she was expelled, said Terry
- You have to help her, said Alistair, the great aunt is going to be angry... and the Great Uncle William...
- He might banish her from the family, said Archie, all that because you wanted to put her in your bed!
- I'm going to do everything in my power to help her, said Terry, let me think...
- Think about what? About your next conquest? Said Archibald
Terry looked at him with mean eyes. He wanted to beat him up, but he had to concentrate on Candy's problem.
- I said I was going to think about it, I'm not going to abandon her, said Terry, you can leave now...
- But, started Archie
- Come on Archie, said Alistair, let's got, let's let him think
They got out of the room and left the son of the duke alone. What a mess Eliza had put them into! What could he do to help his beloved? He went to see the reverend mother, but she didn't want to hear it.
- No Terrence, I'm sorry, Candy is expelled
- And why am I not expelled too? My father gives you too much money!
- Terrence!
- I'm going to go see him; at least he would be able to make you change your mind...
He decided to try with his father. He got out of the school and went to his father's castle and he found him playing golf.
- Dad, I need a favour from you, he said
He explained the situation quickly, without giving out too many details.
- If I understand you correctly, you got caught in your room with a girl...
- Yes...
- How did they know you had a girl in your room?
- Another girl turned us in...
- Another girl you probable rejected...
- As a matter of fact...
- "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned..."
- William Congreve, said Terry , I learn it the hard way...with your influence, you can stop Candy from being expelled...
- Well, I'm sorry Terrence, I'm not here to clean up you messes with girls. Your girlfriend is going to be expelled... you'll be less distracted in school without her...
- But dad, I'm a straight A student, she doesn't distract me
- You call me dad only when you need something...without her you'll continue to be a straight A student
Terry understood that he wouldn't get anywhere with his father. It was no use.
- All right dad, I will never ask you for anything ever again! Thank you.
He went back to St. Paul, devastated. He was in his bedroom, lying on the bed and he dropped his harmonica on the floor which went under the bed. He put his hand and he felt something soft and silky. He took the thing in question and he saw that it was a beautiful velvet ribbon. Candy didn't have velvet ribbons... but ...Eliza!! He had proof that Eliza was in his room to seduce him! It might be enough to exonerate Candy, and incriminate that viper Eliza. He went to see the reverend mother, once again. He saw Eliza and her group, Eliza had a mocking smile, Terry approached her, and spit on her face. This last one, surprised, ran to cry in a corner. Terry got in the reverend mother's office once again.
- Terrence, said the reverend mother
- If I could prove to you that there was another girl in my room, earlier, would she be punished too?
- But who...?
- Eliza Reagan, came in room to try and seduce me when I rejected her, she went and tell on Candy and me to you...
- Can you prove it?
- She left this behind....
He gave her the velvet ribbon and put it on the reverend mother's desk. This last one had a motionless face.
- Sister Margaret, she said
Sister Margaret came into the office.
- Yes, reverend mother?
- Take this ribbon and try to find out who the owner is, we found it in the dining room. Bring me its owner
- Very well reverend mother, I'm going to ask right away, there are some girls in the hall way.
Sister Margaret got out and she saw Eliza and her group and she showed them the ribbon.
- That's mine! Said Eliza, I lost it... where did you find it, sister?
- In the dining room, said Sister Margaret, the reverend mother want to see you to make sure that you're the rightful owner, because the ribbon is kind of expensive...
- Oh of course, said Eliza smiling, of course my ribbon is expensive; I only wear high quality stuff...
Eliza followed Sister Margaret in the reverend mother's office. She was surprised to see Terry was still there.
- Miss Reagan, said the reverend mother, is this your ribbon?
- Yes...
- Are you sure?
- I'm positive, reverend mother, it's mine.
The reverend mother looked at Sister Margaret and the called the other nuns to come into the office. The reverend mother told them to take Eliza.
- Miss Reagan, this ribbon was found in Mr. Grandchester's room... which means you were in his room at one moment or another and that your jealousy made you rat on your cousin, when in fact, you were in the same room earlier...
- But, said Eliza surprised, but no...
- You did say it was your ribbon, did you not?
- Yes, but...no
- You were in Mr. Grandchester's room?
- Yes... I mean no!
- Take her away! Said the reverend mother, Miss Reagan, you're expelled from the Royal College of St. Paul... You're going to go to the meditation room until someone comes to get you to take you back to America
- What? No, please! Said Eliza
The nuns took Eliza to the meditation room kicking and screaming.
The reverend mother talked to Terrence.
- But it doesn't change the fact the Miss Andrew was in you room...
- I know reverend mother, what if I took her place?
- Her place? How?
- What if I left college, will Candy be able to stay?
- Euh, that very unusual, but yes, if you leave, Miss Andrew will be able to stay. She will be freed when you leave the college.
- Thank you reverend mother, said Terry getting out
He arranged his stuff to leave college the next day, heartbroken.
Candy was in her donjon, crying. She wanted to see Terry; she wanted to be in his arms. She barely ate what they brought to her. The reverend mother had Candy freed in the evening. They came to get her to take her to the revered mother's office.
- Miss Andrew, I've changed my decision, you're not expelled anymore...
- Really? Said Candy
- You're dismissed...
- Thank you reverend mother, said Candy all happy
She got out of the reverend mother's office to go to her room. She took a shower because the donjon was dark and dirty, she looked like hell. She got ready to go see Terry, and tell him the news she wasn't expelled any more. She went to her room and she found it empty.
- Terry? Terry? Where are you? She called
She looked around and she saw an envelope addressed to her.
My dear Candy,
I left for America to follow my dream.
I wish you to be happy.
Good luck...I hope you'll make your dream come true...
I will pray for your happiness.
Terrence
Candy couldn't believe her eyes which got filled with tears. Terry was gone! Gone!! NO!! She heard boys talking outside out the bedroom.
- But what's wrong with Grandchester? Is she sick or something? Said a boy's voice
- He left college; they say he's going to take the boat for America at dawn..., said another boy's voice
At dawn... Candy didn't need to be told twice. She went back to her room to pack her suitcase and she found a carriage which took her to Southampton as fast as it could. She had to catch Terry. After and interminable ride, she arrived at Southampton at dawn only to see the boat go... NO!! She missed him!! She ran as fast as she could, screaming;
- TERRY!!TERRY!! I LOVE YOU!! TERRY!!
She collapsed on the ground and burst into tears. How could he leave her? After everything they've been through together? Her heart was broken into a thousand pieces. She went back to school and she locked herself in her room to cry. Her world had just come to an end, like when she woke up after the Titanic tragedy; she had lost Terrence, once again.
