Ruth and Noreen together with Rose, Josephine and the heavily pregnant Clelia all were invited to spend the day at Molly's hotel room. Ruth's feelings about Molly hadn't changed a bit however. Noreen talked with her about Ireland.
"So you see was happens, if you're not careful", Ruth whispered to her granddaughter referring to Clelia's status.
Josephine wanted to run away as far as possible. Once she reached majority she would go, somewhere, alone and not come back.
"Deserves her right however, little Irish slut."
Josephine couldn't believe what she had just heard. Now could anyone be so…so…evil? She suddenly was afraid of Ruth. There was a side of her grandmother she hadn't known before.
"I'm sorry dear. What must you think know of your grandma?"
Actually I don't know what to think.
"Now you won't tell anyone about this incident now will you?"
An – do so and it'll have consequences for you – hung in the air.
Josephine stood up, completely disgusted.
Molly meanwhile was preparing food together with Rose and Noreen. Clelia just sat in a corner, looking as all this didn't even concern her.
"Is she going to marry him?"
"Whom?" a perplexed Noreen asked.
"You know whom, the father of her child."
If it would've been possible Noreen would've locked Clelia up, until the child was born or maybe sent her to some far away island. But too many people already knew about her condition. There was no need to hide it anymore. As far as she was concerned everything was settled for the best.
"Oh no, how ridiculous, Clelia is going to give the child out to adoption, we've already found a nice pair that…"
"You mean you've already found a nice pair."
Noreen shot her an evil glance, but otherwise said nothing.
"And Clelia is going to become a nun in a decent Franciscan order. That'll be the best for everyone."
For Noreen the discussion was over, however not for Molly.
"Are you ready with dinner?"
Josephine had decided to leave her grandmother. She couldn't stand her annoying remarks.
"Yes", Rose answered.
Molly and Rose carried out the plates, while Noreen and Josephine took the glasses. When they went out Ruth had put on her fake smile again.
"Molly, really it's so nice to see you again."
"Sure", she answered although she knew, it was a lie.
"Now tell us about your work. Rose has told me you're helping out in a kitchen?"
"That's right, a soup kitchen, where people get a meal for free. You know especially children do very much need it."
"Of course."
"There really is much need for help", Rose said hoping to break the tension that was building up.
Clelia completely forgotten by everyone else, just silently ate a piece of cake. Josephine looked over at her. Whatever might she think of this whole incident?
"Are you thinking about a certain person here, by dear?"
Rose was at a loss of words.
"No! Mother how could you even think that…?"
"Well alright."
Noreen looked perplexed.
"Ruth, why don't you leave the girl alone?"
"I didn't say anything."
"What's going on here?" Noreen asked.
"Nothing really", Ruth reassured her. She hated herself now, for even bringing the subject up.
Molly decided to change the subject.
"Hey, girls I guess you haven't seen my wonderful paintings so far?"
"Paintings?" Josephine asked.
"Why, yes. Do you like them?"
"Yes very much."
If Cal would've been here now, he'd answered – yes too much – however he wasn't and so Josephine could speak freely.
"How nice, well then you'll enjoy this one. It's a painting by an Irish artist James Alder. I think you'll like it too", Molly said her head turned to Rose.
"I always thought mother didn't like painting and drawing."
"Oh you never know", Molly thoughtfully answered.
Inside her bedroom they stood admiring the portrait.
"How beautiful", Josephine commented. "And how nice the colors are being used."
A Monet – just see his use of colors.
Rose felt that she needed some fresh. She wanted to get out of here.
"I think he's probably the best artist in the world".
"You just say that to flatter me."
"No, no, I really think so. What about you mother?"
"I…yes he's quite talented."
"The best one you've ever seen, right?"
Rose felt Ruth' eyes bore into her – don't give a false answer.
"Yes, sure."
Please Josephine turned back to the painting.
"Where did you purchase it, Mrs. Brown?"
"Molly, please call me Molly. I got it in London."
"I like the dress she's wearing."
Thinking about the dress people really had starred yesterday, but not as much as people in high society normally did. Josephine had to admit that she felt more comfortable around poor people.
Molly however suddenly noticed that Clelia hadn't followed them.
Without saying anything she moved out to search for her.
She found her sitting on the floor just beside the table. Her hands covered her head. She didn't notice Molly coming up. Molly however heard small little cries and put a hand on her right shoulder, causing Clelia to look up.
"Hey, honey what's wrong?" Molly asked, even though she already knew.
"Nothing", she answered trying to wipe her tears away.
"Dear you wouldn't cry over nothing. Come on tell me."
Clelia felt sick. She actually wanted to through up. She wished she'd be more like Josephine who was always outspoken. She had of course heard of the incident about her running around alone. Molly waited for an answer, but since she got none she decided on another strategy.
"I'll get you a handkerchief, alright?"
She felt Clelia nod.
Inside the bedroom Josephine was still admiring the painting.
"My beloved Thomas would've liked it too."
Ruth and Rose meanwhile stood there not saying a word.
"Do you think father would allow me to buy one?"
Rose however didn't seem to hear her.
"What?"
"Do you think father would allow me to buy a painting?"
Your father would love to – the wanted to answer, but that of course that didn't go for Cal.
"I don't know. You've to ask him."
Whatever interests this child so much about drawing – I don't know, Ruth in the meantime thought. She's got nothing from her father. If only Ruth knew the truth.
"Here", said Molly handing her the handkerchief.
"Thanks."
Clelia looked at Molly.
"Mrs. Brown."
"Molly, for you, honey..."
"Did my mother tell you about…about the baby, oh of course you can see it yourself. How stupid of me…"
"You're not stupid and yes she did tell me everything."
There was silence again, only broken now and then by Clelia's silent sobs.
"I…I don't want this…"
"I know, dear, I know."
"It's my baby I don't want to give it away", she said through her tears though not whispering anymore. Her voice was more steadier this time.
"I don't to give my baby away and I don't want to move to this monastery. But no one listens to me."
"I listen to you."
Clelia looked up at Molly again.
"I'm going to talk to your mother, I promise. You won't have to give your child away."
"Thank you."
