...It was a wonderful day and a wonderful evening, Candy, smiling to her thoughts, was driving next to Neil in the car. The wind ruffled her hair, the evening sun warmed her face.
They chatted about all sorts of cute nonsense that lovers always talk about, laughed and joked. The girl did not immediately notice that they were not going to the house where she rented rooms.
- Neal, are we going to the Legans' house? - Miss White asked in surprise.
- Oh, yeah. I forgot to tell you. Grandma Elroy arrived today and said that she wants and is ready to live with us until the wedding at the Legans' house. So now you can safely live next to me - decency will be observed! Isn't it great? My mother is also coming tomorrow.
Candy blinked several times, thinking about what he said. Of course, she was very glad that she and Neil would now live together, even under the supervision of Aunt Elroy, but the fact that her beloved did not say anything to her, but simply took her to another place, was somehow unpleasant.
- Yes, it's great, but…
- But what? - Daniel asked absently, without taking his eyes off the road.
- But why didn't you consult me where I want to live before the wedding? You didn't tell me anything. And I want to pick up things from my apartment... - Candy was completely confused, and she wasn't even saying what she was thinking, but just thoughts about it.
- Things are not a problem. Tomorrow the servants will come to your address and take everything away.
- Yes, but... why didn't you just consult me? - Candy asked again.
Neal turned to her.
- What is there to consult about? It's clear that you would like to live next to me, isn't it?
- Well, yes, yes…
Daniel laughed.
- Nothing to worry about, my kitten. All your things will be brought to our house tomorrow.
"My kitten"... Candy suddenly felt like she was really a kitten who had just been taken and moved to another place. Even without formally asking for consent. And Neal didn't even seem to understand what the problem was.
The road became busier. And the girl decided not to distract Neil with conversations. "I'll talk to him as soon as we arrive. He'll understand. He wanted the best..."
The Legans' house in Chicago appeared before her in all its splendor, lights were on in numerous windows, doors were open, and servants helped her out of the car.
Neal took her arm and they went up the stairs.
"I'm just picking on him," - the girl thought. – He really wanted to make me feel better. But I'll talk to him anyway."
- Let me take you to your room, - Daniel suggested, and they began to climb the wide staircase to the second floor.
- Neal, I am... - Candy began, but he added.
- Yes, and I forgot to tell you, we'll have dinner with Grandma Elra at eight. We'll have to be on time, or she'll make a scene.
The engaged couple were already walking down the corridor, and then they met a girl in a black dress and a white apron. Her dark hair was slicked back and pulled into a tight knot at the nape of her neck. The girl somehow reminded Candy of her roommate in the nurses' dormitory – Flenny Hamilton.
- Yes, Candy, this is your maid, Gladys Brown. She will help you in everything. Gladys, this is your proprietress.
And that's when Candy's patience snapped.
She took her hand out of Neil's and turned to face him.
- Neil! I don't understand something… Why didn't you talk to me about anything? I don't need a maid!
Dark eyebrows rose in surprise.
- Candy…
- I know that you wanted the best! But I'm not a doll! You could have asked me if I needed a maid?!
Gladys stood impassively with lowered eyelashes. But the Nile began to boil.
- Yes – I wanted the best! Stop shouting. Let's go into the room.
- No, I want to find out everything here and now! I don't need a maid! And if I needed it, I would like to choose it myself!
- Ah, that's it! She doesn't need a maid! My wife is going to have a maid, that's the way it's supposed to be in society.
- And today I will spend the n
ight in my apartment.
- Are you completely crazy?
- No.
Candy turned and started down the hall, but Neal grabbed her elbow.
- Stop it! Do you hear, stop this hysteria! – He hissed.
- Let me go, Neil!
- What's the matter with you?! He tried to shake the girl to bring her to her senses. Candy struggled.
- You treat me like a servant! Let go!
- You are my future wife and you will do what I tell you! You're not going anywhere!
Daniel dragged the reluctant bride forward, opened the room and pushed Candy into it.
Then he closed the door and, leaning against it, turned the key in the lock.
- Stay here and think about your behavior.