Mu Pleasure Reding. The Thorn Birds pp. 148-260

The next part of the book begins with the conversation between Mary Carson and Ralph, she didn’t conceal her passion towards him and being refused, promised him to wreak her anger on the young priest. Meanwhile there was a grief in the Cleary’s home caused with Hal’s death and with it   Meggie clings to Ralph more than ever. As Meggie was already 15, some began to question their relationship, especially for an old widow Mary Carson who hater a young Cleary because her youth and mutual love with Ralph (as a girl and a priest – how everybody, except her thought). Meanwhile, Palph became more and more attached with Meggie, discovering the great difference between all spoiled women and this innocent “flower”. A little time later it was Mary’s birthday, where 35 year old priest saw a proof that Meggie ripens into womanhood(her appearance, her manners), and being afraid of unnecessary gossips about their relationship, he persistenly disregarded her, hurting not only Meggie’s feelings but also his ones, because at that time he clearly understood his love to this girl. The next day everyone was shocked with Mary Carson’s death (in fact it was a suicide), except Ralph who was puzzled with the more serious problem – decision between his ambitious and love for the Cleary. The Carson’s last will says to give her income and property to the Roman Catholic Church thus guaranteeing Ralph's rapid rise in the church. It was the only copy of her last will and Ralph could burn it in order to make the previous one effective. But he chose his own ambition, thus deciding to give Paddy Dorothea and help them financially. When all Cleary were happy with the new home, Fee learnt that Frank had been convicted of murder after killing someone in a fight.