‘Destroying public property, that’s what,’ a younger man with too much pomade in his hair said, pointing his gloved hand at them.
‘They should be arrested,’ said a third looking about him for any passing policemen.
‘You should be ashamed of yourselves,’ the spectacled man added, raising his walking stick.
‘So, you’d beat a woman standing up for her rights, would you?’ Clara retaliated.
‘Stop,’ the elderly woman suddenly called out.
Kate wasn’t sure if the woman was talking to them or to the men. The woman held on to her companion’s arm and raised her own stick. ‘This is abominable behaviour,’ the woman said addressing the group of men. ‘It’s precisely your kind that these two young women are protesting about. If the men in the Houses of Parliament had listened to reason then women such as these would not have to resort to unreasonable behaviour.’
Kate was astounded at the woman’s outburst in support of their actions, but she was becoming more uncomfortable and when she saw more people approaching, her nerve broke.
‘I think we should go now, Miss Clara,’ she said. ‘We’ve done what was necessary. Let’s go before . . .’
By now the flames had subsided but the smoke hung in the air along with a noxious smell.
‘Perhaps you’re right,’ Clara said, rolling up their banner and placing it in the basket.
‘I believe that’s Mrs Hargraves coming this way. We don’t want to be seen by her. She’ll make it her business to inform Mother. We’ve achieved what we set out to do. The old lady was quite a surprise, wasn’t she? Good for her.’
* * *
‘Phew,’ Eliza said as Kate entered the kitchen. ‘Smells like you’ve been turning a spit over a roasting fire. What have you been up to?’
‘Sssh,’ Kate hissed indicating the sleeping form of Mrs B in her favourite chair. ‘Come upstairs and I’ll tell you.’
‘Well let’s hear it,’ Eliza said, unable to contain her curiosity. ‘Judging by your red cheeks I’d say you’ve been up to something.’
‘Promise you won’t tell a soul, for if you do I’ll be out on my ear,’ Kate said.
Kate related most of the story of the morning’s escapades but stopped short of telling how many people had seen them, especially she didn’t mention Mrs Hargraves.
‘Oh my God, Kate! You be careful. Those women who get caught end up in . . .’
‘I know,’ Kate replied. ‘I just couldn’t ignore what’s happening all around me. If we don’t do something, then the men will always have the upper hand. Why do you think so many of them get away with things? Get away with using us women for—’
‘All right, Kate, I see what you’re saying. I don’t need to be reminded of that.’
‘No, I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Eliza. Please forgive me. Let’s talk about something else. Any news of a position for you at “The Laurels” with Tommy?’
‘No, but he says it will be soon. The cook and her husband are both getting too old to stand for long hours. They’ll be retiring to the countryside where they have family to look after them.’
Kate smiled and said Eliza would make a very good cook. She’d learned a lot about running a kitchen from Mrs B.
‘Talking of which, it’s time for me to wake her, the tea should be prepared by now. You know what the mistress is like if it’s late,’ Eliza said bustling out of the bedroom.
* * *
Every day since the letterbox burning, Kate had been expecting to be summoned to Mrs Winton to explain herself. She had been prepared for the reprimand. Clara had drilled her in what they must agree to say.
‘Just remember. Like true suffragettes we’re stronger when we stand together.’
It came as a complete surprise then, that nothing was said. Clara insisted they should relax and forget about it as she believed that Mrs Hargraves might not have recognized her.
‘She’s as blind as a bat, you know, too vain to wear glasses in public!’
When the mistress announced, a week later, that the master was coming home in three days’ time to deal with family matters, the whole house went into spasms of industrious preparations. Silver was polished, floors were washed, bed linen was aired and sprinkled with rose water, special menus were agreed, orders placed and the kitchen became a constant production line of cakes, puddings and sweetmeats to satisfy the master’s sweet tooth.
