Kate was full of anticipation. The Assembly Rooms had a raised platform at one end with a long, wooden table around which were seated four women and one man. The walls were painted green and there was wooden panelling with a dado rail painted in a darker shade. The windows, high up, let in a strange yellowish light from the outside streetlamp. All the chairs were now occupied and, swivelling her neck, Kate could see that people were even standing at the back. The room hushed as the first speaker was introduced and stood up. Lily Faith was a jeweller and stationer in the town.
‘My father recognized my organizational abilities,’ she began, ‘my head for figures and my nose for making a profit. He never for one minute thought of me as second best or compensation for the son he never had.’
She spoke from experience about what women had to offer. Kate hung on every word.
‘And finally, to the MP for Ludlow in Shropshire, who is quoted as saying, “How is a poor little man to get on with a couple of women wearing enormous hats in front of him?” I say, do not worry Mr Hunt. If you and others so small of stature, fearthey won’t be seen or heard in the House, I am happy to remove my hat!’ And with that she did, bowing to her audience with a dramatic flourish.
The roar of approval and the applause echoed around the hall. When the room finally returned to order, Kate sat stunned, gazing at the woman on the platform. Such energy, such determination and such complete confidence that she was in the right and was prepared to fight to have that conviction recognized! It wasn’t until the next speaker was being introduced, that she realized her hand was touching Philip’s hand. She moved her hand swiftly away and tried not to look in his direction but, out of the corner of her eye, she detected his broad and knowing smile.
A gentle buzz of conversation rippled around them as people started to move out of the hall. Kate, Clara and Philip joined the flow of people all talking of the speakers and of how successful the meeting had been. Just as they reached the door, two women were handing out leaflets and urging people to take notice. ‘Please, read the leaflet. We must all do what we can to support the Women’s Franchise Bill. Please write to your MP, the newspapers, anyone who is thinking of joining us but who hasn’t yet. We have many supporters in the House but we need more if this bill is to be passed.’
As they walked home, Clara talked excitedly about how things were changing for their generation of women and that the idea of going to such a meeting would’ve been unthinkable a few years ago. Kate wondered what her own mother would think if she could see her now, attending meetings and rubbing shoulders with the gentry.
‘What did you think of the meeting, Kate?’ Philip asked.
‘So many people. How does a person get the confidence to stand up and speak like that in front of such a crowd?’
‘Weren’t they wonderful?’ Clara interrupted. ‘All the speakers were so passionate about women’s rights. I wonder what the leaflet says?’
‘Too dark to read it now,’ Philip replied, ‘even by the streetlamp. Probably inciting you all to rebellion. If it does, just make sure you don’t get yourselves into trouble,’ he warned. ‘I’m not coming to bail you out of jail.’
‘Jail!’
Kate suddenly felt out of her depth.
‘Oh yes,’ Clara said. ‘Some women have been arrested over this issue of Votes for Women and took a jail sentence rather than pay a fine.’
‘But I couldn’t . . .’ Kate stood still, petrified at the thought.
‘Don’t worry,’ Philip reassured her. ‘We wouldn’t let you languish in jail having your toes nibbled by the rats.’
He made little nibbling motions with his fingers in front of her face and Clara burst out laughing. Kate was getting used to his sense of humour and allowed herself a nervous smile. Any sort of trouble could cost her her job and then where would she be?
As they approached the house, Kate went to enter by the side gate but Philip said that she should come with them through the front door.
‘Oh, I couldn’t . . .’ Kate began.
‘It’s late and that side of the house is dark. We don’t want you falling and breaking anything, do we, Clara?’
‘No, indeed, she’s needed to run out to the post for me tomorrow,’ replied Clara, ‘for I intend to get my letter off to our MP as soon as the ink is dry.’
Philip held the door open for them and then stepped inside. Kate turned to close it. She couldn’t forget her position and knew it was always the servants’ job to secure the house for the night. As Philip leaned forward to take over the job from her, she froze.Was it her imagination or did Philip let his hand linger on hers just that little bit longer as they both shut the door together?
Clara called,’ Good night,’ as she handed Kate her coat and moved towards the stairs. She gave a backward glance at the two of them left standing together and said to Philip with a slight smile, ‘Now, don’t keep Kate talking too long, will you? She has things to attend to before bed, I’m sure.’
Philip nodded at her and they exchanged glances. He waited until his sister was on the staircase and then turned to Kate and asked her once again if she’d enjoyed the evening.
‘Oh yes,’ she replied. ‘I’ve never been to such a thing in my entire life. In Micklewell they don’t have such meetings. The only time there’s a deal of people together in one place is in church and then the vicar is telling us what we must think and do, not encouraging us to question and think for ourselves. That lady with the speech about the hat, the way she had everyone’s attention! There was no chance of me drifting off, like I sometimes do during the sermon.’
Philip laughed. ‘You have a way of putting things, Kate, that is refreshingly candid.’
Kate looked at him with a puzzled expression.
‘You tell things exactly as they are,’ he explained. ‘You’re truthful . . . straightforward, uncomplicated. I like that.’
Kate smiled. She liked the fact that he liked her. ‘Good night, sir,’ she said.
‘Good night, Kate, and I hope Clara invites you to more of her suffragette meetings. I’ve a feeling that they need people like you to join them. I can see that you have a lot to offer.’
