"I cannot stand it anymore, Madame Elroy, I'm exhausted morally and physically… " Sarah Legan put aside her cup of tea and started to massage her temples. "Neil started courting that Candy again…"
The old lady kept silence having her eyes closed. Anyway, missis Legan wanted no answer, it was all clear. She went on:
"My great hope was that he would be finally fed up with the society of common women, and he would love to settle down, to have family. Then I would recommend a nice girl from a respected family. But now he is again falling to the ditch that he hasn't left yet. He's again seeing this wanton. "
"I am very upset with Neil, " Madame Elroy's voice sounded. "This scandal of beating Archie has hardly been smoothed up, and he hasn't even apologized. He totally avoids me."
"Neil is not to blame!" Sarah jerked up her head defending her beloved son. "This woman is to blame. She winds him round her little finger, and they say Neil fought with Archie because of this wretch. "
The old lady screwed up her face in revulsion hearing a swearword. Missis Legan went on:
"I beg you, do something! We should take away this… this woman away from us, better from Chicago. She will destroy our life."
"Sarah, not me, it's not me who decide everything," Madame Elroy scraped. "Don't you forget, I'm only a sick old woman. And Andrew clan lord favors this girl. "
Missis Legan's hands clasped her dress fabric.
"He also feels like marrying her," she whispered. "Have you seen them on Archibald's engagement?"
The old lady blew out a breath.
"I've seen a lot. I prayed for death after death of Anthony and Stir, though God must not hear my prayers. I think I will see the day when this wench sits at the head of the table next to Andrew lord."
"But it's terrible! We can't be having that!" Sarah cried. "Madame Elroy, couldn't we do anything, could we?"
"As for Neil, you can manage that, Sarah. Talk to your son, at least he is attached to you. On my side I will try to make William open his eyes."
"It's useless," missis Legan shook her head. "When I start talking to him about Candy, he gets deaf, and all my words have little effect."
"The same is with Albert. However, I could never influence him."
"Maybe we can do something that she will be fired from the hospital for some violation?"
"You're joking! The sooner William will marry her."
Missis Legan stood up.
"I can't believe we cannot conquer this evil! We should find a way out! We should find it!"
Madame Elroy closed her eyes more firmly.
"I advise you, Sarah, to talk your son out of visiting this wench. You can at least try to save the Legans' face. As for the Andrews' image, to my mind, it's absolutely shattered. Hopefully I'll die sooner than see Albert married to this vamp."
"I won't let Neil lower himself before this wench again," Sarah Legan said firmly. "She doesn't even want money, she just wants to mock him! She wants all newspapers to write how he's running after her after she has refused him. "Orphan Say Nay to Noble" " I'm seeing these headlines. I will prevent it. "
"Do whatever you want," Madame Elroy answered drily. "I am not at all concerned about Neil since he's trashed my Archie."
Missis Legan lowered her head.
"I continue to get on with your family only because I remember how we got on well before, Sarah. But now I'm strongly disappointed with Neil."
"Please, forgive him, Madame Elroy…" Missis Legan whispered.
"If he stops seeing this wench and becomes the old-time Neil, the one I always welcomed together with Elisa at my place, then surely I will forgive him! If he makes peace with Archie… You know, I'm already old, it won't be long now for me, why cherishing ill-will, why raising the dust! But, as long as Neil disgraces his family I won't be talking to him."
"I understand, Madame Elroy," Sarah Legan answered in a low voice.
… Candy was stepping out towards the Andrys' office, where Mister Albert was to wait for her. Well, just Albert. No matter, that day she was going to make peace with her old friend, and give back the money for the dress along. Everything would be the same again.
The girl could not wait to hug Mister Albert. His hands were so warm… She missed a family – mom, dad… elder brother… Someone to tell to all her troubles, doubts, all her dreams and plans, someone to seek advice of… But she was alone. Though she had a friend, her guardian angel…
«He desires to strip your dress off, to cuddle you!" – Neil's mocking voice suddenly sounded in Candy's head, as if penetrating the base of her brain. No! It's a lie! Awful lie! This Neil judges everyone by himself… He is so disgusting sometimes… Though, last night he appeared to be quite different. It was something real, touching, decent… But you can't just forget his nasty words about Mister Albert. It's unforgivable!