Forget me never...

Letter 50

My very dear son,

I've received your letter and I was quite shaken up. Decidedly, indeed, you resemble me more than I thought. First your marriage by duty, then to have a natural child... as you were. I understand very well what you're feeling for your son, even if I didn't let you see it. I suppose that you are not doing the same mistake I did and that you are showing your son all the love that you feel for him. Is Candy his mother? You loved her that much? Maybe I should've helped you when you came to ask me to help her. I would've spared you many pains.

I have one advice to give you. You're still quite young, and it's not too late for you and for Candy. She hid your son from you, I know it's a difficult pill to swallow, but you must do it. Think about it a little bit, what would you have done if she had told you that she was expecting your child? You had Susanna sick, Candy pregnant... who would you have chosen? There is no easy answer, I know it for having been in the same situation. My own solution was to take you from your mother, but you know how it didn't work out with my wife. You missed the love of your mother and I didn't know how to show you my love, in part also because you reminded me so much of her, my lost love. I chose the duty over love and maybe I should have left you with your mother. But I wanted to make you my heir. Despite everything, you looked so much like your mom that you even chose the same career she did. Are your certain that if Candy had told you the news of your paternity, your life would have been better? You had a duty to accomplish and whether you like it or not, you feel free after the death of the woman who saved your life and to whom you owed. Candy simply made sure that you did your duty, that you had no regrets... She made your task easier like the first time. You missed years with your son, but you have the opportunity now to make up for lost time, no? You also have the occasion to build a family with the mother of your son, the woman that you love. You are free from duties, it's a golden opportunity. Don't let it pass by. I would have liked to have the courage to choose love over duty... And now I'm old. Your mother is still a very beautiful woman and I regret everyday abandoning her. Terrence don't do as I did, don't let your anger tell you what to do. I was angry against you because you looked so much like your mother although it wasn't your fault. Go and see Candy, marry her and make me other grandchildren.

Meanwhile, I will take the boat to come and see you and the little marvel that Candy has made. I will also come and see you on stage with your mother. I've already opened a trust fund for my grandson, there is no way that William Ardley will spoil my grandson more than I! I know that you made this remark to challenge me to do better!

Being a rather grumpy father, I always dreamed of becoming a grandfather who spoils. I am eager to meet my grandson.

I hope to find you in your new family life with Candy.

Your dad,

Richard Grandchester