Alice gave a weary sigh and pulled at the three-quarter length sleeves of her white blouse. She wriggled her toes inside her shoes. Her feet ached and tiredness swept over her. She glanced across at Victoria, who was still serving customers at the booth. It had been another busy day at Foyles and Alice hadn’t had the chance to talk to her about Daisy. The sun being out hadn’t stopped the customers from coming in and searching through the thousands of books. She caught sight of Mr Leadbetter leaning over, talking to a customer. Her mouth formed a ready smile when she remembered him reassuring and guiding a tearful customer out of the shop earlier that day. He had looked uncomfortable dealing with such emotions, but the lady had got lost on the third floor. It had happened to several customers since Alice had started working there. She began tidying up the counter and stacked the books that hadn't been collected, never understanding why customers went to the trouble of picking a book but then not coming back to collect it. When she had finished, she placed her pen neatly on top of her bill payment pad, ready to store it away when the shop closed for the evening.
‘Here, let me.’
Alice stopped what she was doing and looked up. She watched the tall dark-haired man in a police uniform reach effortlessly for a book on one of the higher shelves. The three gold stripes on his arm appeared to sparkle against the dark blue of the uniform. A smile played on her lips as he passed it to the old lady stooped next to him.
‘There you go. Is there anything else you need while I'm here?’
The old lady giggled. Her grey pallor took on a pink hue and her smile revealed crooked brown teeth. The tangle of her grey hair hid the soft curls from view. ‘I'm sure there’s a lot you could do for me, sergeant, but even the thought of it makes me come over all unnecessary.’ Her cackle filled the shop. ‘So I'm afraid I’ve to make do with D. H. Lawrence's Sons and Lovers.’ She waved the book in the air.
‘Cheeky.’
Alice giggled. There was something about Freddie Leybourne that attracted the ladies. She couldn't deny he was a handsome man. He was clean cut, which emphasised his kind brown eyes. She smiled as pride rushed through her veins. Of course, it might only be something to do with a man in a uniform. Whatever the reason, they all liked to flirt with him, particularly the older ones.
Freddie turned and beamed at Alice. ‘Shall I escort you to the beautiful lady behind the counter?’ He held out his arm for the old lady.
The lady looked up at him; her blue eyes danced with mischief. ‘This is definitely my lucky day.’ She placed her arm through his. ‘Do you think your wife would mind if I ran away with you?’ Her raucous laughter was louder than ever.
‘You,’ Freddie Leybourne smiled at her, ‘are a little bit naughty.’ He tucked his own book under his other arm and held out his hand. ‘Let me hold on to your book.’
She passed her book to him and then wiped a tear from her eyes with a handkerchief from the pocket of her threadbare coat. ‘Actually, I can't run anywhere. It would have to be a very slow hobble.’ The lady smiled and took a deep breath, inhaling a woody, citrus smell. ‘Handsome and smells wonderful; someone’s a lucky woman.’ She stared ahead at Alice. ‘So, is the beautiful lady your wife?’
Freddie opened his mouth to speak but the lady continued before he could form any words.
‘No, that can't be so because once men are married, they generally stop seeing their wives as beautiful, so she must be your girlfriend.’
‘I don't know if I agree with that, but the outcome is correct.’ He laughed into her mischievous eyes and patted the fingers that were gripping his arm. ‘I could do with you on the police force. Would you like a job?’
The old lady cackled. ‘Do you know, I think I'm a little bit past my best years.’
Freddie was still smiling when he placed the two books on the counter in front of Alice.
The old lady stared at her. ‘I hope you realise you’re a very lucky young lady to be stepping out with this delightful police sergeant.’
The colour rose in Alice's face, but she couldn't help but smile at her cheekiness. ‘Indeed I am.’
Freddie didn't take his eyes off Alice. ‘I was thinking of taking her to Her Majesty's Theatre to watch Pygmalion next weekend.’ A smile crept across his face as he looked down at the lady on his arm. ‘What do you think?’
‘You should snap him up lovey, before someone else does.’ The lady winked at Alice. ‘It might be worth my while getting arrested, just to have some time in his company again.’
Alice laughed as she picked up both books and her pen.
‘The D. H. Lawrence book is mine.’
‘You’ve made my day, so I think the book can be my treat.’ Freddie grinned from ear to ear.
Alice nodded.
‘No, I can't let you do that.’ The lady frowned. ‘I live on my own, so talking to you has been my treat.’
Alice hesitated, with her pen poised over her pad.
Freddie gave a slight nod in her direction.
She wrote the titles down on the pad, along with the price, and gave it to Freddie to take to the payment booth.
‘There's a chair.’ He patted the lady's fingers. ‘Take a seat while I go and pay for the books.’ He held onto her as she lowered herself onto the upright wooden chair. His eyes clouded when he glanced across at Alice. ‘Did Lily get home all right the other night?’
Alice immediately flushed a bright pink. ‘Yes, thank you.’
Freddie nodded. ‘She’s lucky I was on duty or she probably would’ve been charged, along with the rest of them.’
‘I… I didn't realise.’ Alice lowered her eyes, unable to look at him.
‘Sorry, Alice, I thought you knew…’
‘No, I didn't.’ She took a deep breath. ‘Was Daisy with them?’
‘Daisy?’
Alice's eyes darted around the shop, quickly taking in the old lady sitting on the chair, thankful she was now rummaging through her bag and not paying them any attention. ‘Victoria's sister,’ she whispered. ‘Lily said she was with them and I'm concerned she got arrested.’ Alice frowned. Her eyes welled up as she remembered her friend's pale features. ‘Victoria has had such a lot on her plate since her parents died, I'm not sure she could cope with any more.’
Freddie took a couple of steps towards Alice. ‘Leave it with me and I'll see what I can do, but I can't keep favouring the two girls, because if word gets out, I could be in trouble.’
‘Surely not, an upstanding citizen like yourself.’
They both looked around to see Tony.
His eyes were sharp as they looked from one to the other, and back again. ‘Come on, you look as guilty as hell so please tell, what will you be in trouble for?’
Alice’s gaze darted from Tony to Freddie. He was staring tight-lipped at Tony. She rested her hand on his arm. ‘Freddie, you’d better go and pay for the books.’ Fidgeting from one foot to the other, Alice turned her attention back to Tony. ‘I didn’t see you there, have you come to meet Molly?’
*
Luke Taylor pulled open the heavy door to the Gentlemen's Club in St James's Street. Although he had been a member there for nearly forty years, he still got a thrill every time he walked into the large entrance, with its magnificent marble pillars and high ceilings, above the wonderful oak and marble staircase. Every time he entered the prestigious club, it reminded him how far he had come, ‘but only by association’ a voice echoed in his head.
He was seventeen years old when he decided to travel to London from Norfolk to look for work, not realising how it would change his life forever. His charm had quickly won over Arthur Gettin. Convincing him he had potential to be a great architect had been easy and it had secured him work as an apprentice in his son, Edward's, company. It hadn't taken him long to discover Edward would be missing for some time, as he was mourning the loss of his wife, Alexandra. Luke, unashamedly, used the time to his advantage.
The Gettins were well known in London and Luke quickly developed a life plan. He had been careful not to attract any scandal and there had been times when he had wanted to walk away, but his need to be part of their lifestyle kept him focussed. His charm had attracted Edward's daughter, Sarah. Her grandfather, Poppy, as she liked to call him, had over-indulged her and she had wanted for nothing. This had made courting her an expensive time, but he had been careful and found the money, through various means. No one appeared to question how his lifestyle was more extravagant than his earnings allowed for. He had fabricated a story about having money from his family and it was a notch in his belt that his plan had worked. With the maturity of an older person, meticulous perseverance and hard work, he eventually won her hand. The success brought perks into his life. Yes, he had four children with her, but more importantly, he loved the good life and the respect that came with being married to a Gettin.
‘Good morning, Mr Taylor.’ The concierge's voice echoed from behind the desk.
Luke stared blankly for a moment, before quickly gathering himself. He smiled before nodding his head. ‘Morning.’
The concierge pulled his shoulders back and straightened the bottom of his navy-blue jacket, before tipping his head with a smile.
Luke's black leather shoes made no sound on the tiled flooring as he headed towards the staircase. Without any acknowledgement, he stepped past the large portrait of King George V, which hung in pride of place on the back wall, facing the front door. Gasoliers hung from the centre of the high ceiling. Their flames had left distinctive round soot marks, although they had faded with scrubbing. It had been rumoured they might change to electricity; although expensive, it was becoming more popular. Luke feared it wouldn't be long before Sarah and his feisty daughter, Lily, would be asking for it indoors, now all the streets were lit by it. Alice wouldn't dream of making demands of him though. He allowed himself a smile. She was a good girl and, although the leaflet gave him cause for concern, she was easy to control. She would make someone a good wife one day. The same couldn't be said for Lily; his smile vanished as quickly as it arrived.
As he mounted the stairs, he barely glanced at the many portraits that filled the wall. Old and new members had achieved recognition from their peers and country for their endeavours. They hung proudly. He had been schooled by Sarah's family, particularly her cousin William, about the importance of trying to get your picture on the wall, but it didn't interest him. He didn't want anybody looking into his life.
A wide landing took him around to the left and into a large oak-panelled room. Leather armchairs were haphazardly placed, with small round tables nearby. He followed the staircase around to the coffee room. He stood in the doorway for a few moments, admiring the ornate curved ceiling with its hanging chandeliers. The round tables, covered with white tablecloths and the place settings of silver cutlery and crystal glassware added to the splendour of the room. It was a quiet morning with only a few occupants sitting down for breakfast. Despite the large open windows, framed with dark green curtains, cigar smoke hung in the air. He wrinkled his nose in distaste as he looked around, before walking over to a table in the corner.
‘Edward, on your own? I didn't realise you were here.’ Luke smiled at his father-in-law, dressed in casual black trousers and an open-necked white shirt.
Edward stood up and folded the newspaper he was reading. He held out his hand indicating his son-in-law should take the seat opposite him. ‘Hello, Luke, I haven't been here long myself. I thought I'd have a change of scenery.’ Edward sat down again. ‘Aren't you hot in that jacket and tie?’
Luke followed suit, sitting down on the soft leather chair. ‘One should always look smart. I'm surprised they let you in without a tie.’
Edward's lips lifted slightly at the corners. ‘Indeed, one must. Maybe the Gettin name lets me off such formalities, or perhaps it's because I’ve been coming here since my teenage years.’
Luke's hackles began to rise, but he forced a smile. He nodded towards the newspaper. ‘Any news in there?’
‘The Daily Mirror? Not really, the last couple of days have been either about the shooting of the Austrian and his wife, a terrible state of affairs, or the pending strikes.’
‘Hmm, so has The Times.’ Luke frowned as he peered over at Edward. ‘Robert is convinced we will be at war soon and is already talking about enlisting.’
‘He shouldn't rush into it. I'm not sure it’ll come to that, but it does make you wonder what the world is coming to.’ Edward lifted his coffee cup and sipped the steaming dark liquid before placing it back onto the table. ‘Are you eating or just drinking?’
Luke indicated to the waiter. ‘Just a coffee please. Anything for you, Edward?’
Edward lifted his hand. ‘No, I'm fine thanks.’ He watched the waiter walk away before looking back at his son-in-law. ‘How is everything in the Taylor household?’
‘Fine, well as fine as it can be with a daughter like Lily.’
Edward laughed. ‘You sound just like my cousin, William, when he used to talk about his sister. He was always moaning about Emily and how she needed to be married, mainly because she didn't fit into the way they thought. But then William was always a bit strange.’
Luke waited until the waiter had left his coffee, before glancing across the table at Edward. ‘Well I can't pretend I haven't had similar thoughts myself.’
‘What?’ Edward raised his eyebrows. ‘You can't just marry Lily off because she has spirit.’ He stared at Luke; disdain crept across his face. ‘You mean it, don't you?’
‘Yes, I do.’ Luke sighed. ‘You know she was escorted home by a policeman the other evening because she had been demonstrating outside Parliament?’
Edward leant forward and slapped his knee as his laughter took hold.
‘I don't know why you are laughing so much. If Freddie hadn't been on duty, I would have been bailing her out of jail.’
Edward wiped his eyes as he gulped for breath. ‘Oh, bless her.’
Luke ran his hand through his hair. ‘Oh, bless her?’
‘My father would have enjoyed this moment, as indeed would his sisters; well maybe not the eldest.’ Edward paused as he looked at Luke. ‘My Aunt Elizabeth was always telling the girls in the family that they came from a long line of spirited women and they had to continue with it and not become downtrodden.’
Luke shook his head. ‘Wonderful! I am so glad she is not here to encourage Lily.’
Edward started laughing. ‘They had some stories to tell.’
‘Well, I'm looking out for a potential husband for Lily. She can be somebody else's problem.’
The smile vanished from Edward's face. ‘Does she know?’
‘No.’
Edward stared at Luke. ‘Does Sarah know?’
‘No, and I would appreciate it if you didn't say anything.’ Luke picked up his coffee cup and took a gulp of the hot black liquid.
‘That's not how I work, Luke. I don't believe in arranged marriages and Sarah's mother would never forgive me if I stood by and let that happen.’
Luke's eyes narrowed. ‘I don't recall Jane commenting either way.’
Edward took a sharp of breath as anger flitted across his face for a split second. ‘I'm not talking about Jane, I'm talking about Alexandra. She wanted me to protect Emily, so I’m quite certain she’d want me to protect our own grandchildren.’
*
The late evening sunshine cast shadows across the sitting room in Bloomsbury Street. Freddie scraped his hand through his short hair as he sat on the edge of the Queen Anne armchair. He peered through his lashes at Alice's father; his stomach churned as his nerves took over. He took a deep breath and wrinkled his nose as the lilies, sitting in a vase in front of the window, overpowered the aroma of beef coming from the kitchen.
Lily giggled as she stood in the hall and pressed her ear up against the closed sitting room door.
‘Shh, we’ll get caught.’ Alice grinned at her sister as she crouched down and pressed her own ear to the door.
‘Do you think he’s going to ask father?’ Lily whispered, nervously looking around for her mother.
‘I don’t know. He hasn’t said anything to me, but why else would he want to talk to him.’ Alice peered up at Lily and also gave a quick look over her shoulder. ‘Unless it’s about you and your antics, of course.’
‘Freddie would never talk to father about me.’ Lily gave her sister a huge grin. ‘He loves me far too much.’
Alice groaned. ‘You keep your eyes off him.’ She laughed. ‘He’s mine.’
‘Eww, no, you can have him.’ Lily’s eyes sparkled with mischief.
Alice shook her head. ‘We’ll miss it if we don’t listen.’
They both turned their heads sideways and leant into the door.
‘Let’s hope we don’t get splinters.’ Lily giggled. ‘That would take some explaining.’
Alice attempted to stifle the laughter that was threatening to spill over. She took a couple of deep breaths and tried to concentrate on what was being said in the sitting room.
‘Mr Leybourne.’ Luke coughed to clear his throat. ‘I want to thank you for your discretion the other night when the constable brought my wayward daughter home.’
Freddie rubbed his palms down the legs of his trousers. ‘That's all right, Mr Taylor.’
‘I can assure you it is far from all right.’ Luke removed the stopper from the crystal glass decanter and poured himself a whisky before turning to Freddie. ‘Can I get you one?’
‘No, no thanks.’ Freddie laughed but the noise was alien to him. He raised his eyebrows and looked around his feet, wondering if he’d trodden on a cat's tail. He shook his head; the Taylors didn't have any pets. ‘I don't drink much these days. I suppose I’m basically never off duty.’ He forced a smile to his thin lips.
Luke swallowed the golden liquid, emptying the glass. His lips tightened into a thin straight line as the heat from the alcohol warmed his chest. He placed the glass back onto the silver tray before moving to the large window, which looked out onto the street.
‘What are you two girls up to?’
Lily and Alice jumped at the sound of their mother’s voice. They both stepped away from the door and looked round, guilt written all over their faces.
Sarah scowled at them, standing inches away from them, with her hands on her hips. ‘Whatever you’re up to, you look guilty. Eavesdropping, I’d guess.’
Alice lowered her eyes and bit on her lower lip. ‘Sorry, I know it’s rude to listen in on people’s conversations.’
Lily laughed at her sister’s pitiful expression. ‘Stop it, will you.’ Her guilt had been quickly replaced by excitement as she looked at her mother. ‘We think Freddie is going to ask if he can marry your perfect child.’ She grinned as her gaze bounced between her mother and sister, knowing they would immediately want to defend her statement.
Alice held her head high. ‘I don’t think…’
Sarah shook her head before she took a step nearer to the door. ‘Don’t, Alice, you should know your sister by now…’
Lily’s laughter echoed around the hall.
‘You can’t stay now, your father would have heard you,’ Sarah whispered, pulling them both away. ‘Come on, you two, before your father comes to see what the noise is about. Anyway, they say eavesdroppers never hear anything good about themselves.’
The laughter from the hall filtered into the sitting room. Luke looked round from the window and settled his gaze on the closed door before turning back to the window. ‘I find I am drinking more, that is unless someone else in the house is helping themselves.’ He pushed the sash window up further, allowing the cool evening air into the room. ‘Sarah does like to keep these windows almost shut.’
The chatter and laughter of people walking by seemed to fill the room, momentarily easing the tension that had wrapped itself around Freddie. He looked at the man standing in front of him and fidgeted in his seat, before taking a deep breath. ‘Mr Taylor, I wanted to talk to you about Alice's future.’
Luke lifted one eyebrow as he crossed the room and sat on a matching armchair. ‘Go on.’
Freddie stood up and began pacing, his hands clenched together in front of him. He glanced under his eyelashes at Luke, wishing he’d never started this conversation. He took another deep breath. ‘Well, I was—’
‘You were what, Mr Leybourne? Please sit down. I don't expect to have to follow you around my sitting room.’ Luke stood up and poured himself another whisky. ‘You know the talk at the club swings between the general strike and how it's going to bring the country to its knees, and going to war, which could well end up being the better option of the two.’ He sighed as he sat down on the chair he had just vacated. ‘Did Alice tell you her brother has already signed up?’
‘No, sir, she didn't.’
‘Yes, it was a proud moment when Robert came in and said he had enlisted.’ Luke smiled for the first time that evening. ‘His mother wasn't impressed, mind. Robert is convinced it is only a matter of time before we go to war, but I don't know.’ He eyed Freddie for a moment. ‘Are you going to enlist?’ He lifted his glass to his lips.
‘To be honest, sir, I hadn't thought about it…’
Luke lowered his glass and raised his eyebrows. ‘Well maybe you should, because if it does come to fighting for your country, you will be judged if you stay behind.’
‘Yes, sir.’ Freddie looked down at the carpet. ‘Surely there's no reason to think it’ll come to that, is there?’
Luke stared long and hard at Freddie. ‘Who knows? The papers are full of what the Germans are up to. It's probably about time we stood up and be counted; this country hasn't done that for a long time.’
‘Yes, I’ve been reading about it all but, to be honest, I didn't think it would affect us. It's not our fight and I assumed, as a police officer, I’d still be needed at home.’
Luke took a sip of his drink. ‘Hmm, I expect so, we can't have anarchy, can we?’ A smile formed on his lips. ‘I'm not sure what the future holds for any of us right now, never mind Alice.’ He gulped down the whisky until his glass was empty again.
Freddie swallowed hard, trying to remove the lump that was forming. ‘Mr Taylor, I’d like your permission to marry Alice.’ His words tumbled over each other, in their rush to escape.
Luke gave a hearty laugh. ‘It has taken you long enough to ask. You are lucky she is still available, because I had considered finding her a husband.’ He stared into his empty glass for a moment, before looking up at Freddie. ‘She will make someone a good wife, unlike Lily.’
Freddie's feet systematically tapped up and down. His knuckles were white as one hand clutched the other. ‘Yes, sir. I’ve taken my time, but wanted to make sure I could give Alice a good life. My job is secure, with prospects, and my love for her is not in doubt.’
‘Love, huh, well, I don't see why not. She could do much worse than a police sergeant, and it means there will be one less woman in this house to drive me mad.’ Luke paused for a moment. ‘Actually, she is the least of my worries; can't you marry Lily instead?’
‘No disrespect to Lily, but I’d rather marry Alice.’
‘Wise man.’
There was a light knock on the sitting room door just before it opened and Alice stood in the doorway. ‘Mother asked me to let you know dinner is ready.’
Freddie's face lit up and he jumped to his feet. He sniffed the air. ‘Let me guess.’ He paused while he sniffed a couple of more times. ‘I reckon it's roast beef.’
Alice grinned at Freddie. ‘I believe so.’
He beamed as he reached for Alice's hand, forgetting Luke was still in the room. ‘Lovely, Mrs Headley is a great cook.’
Alice laughed at his enthusiasm. ‘You and your food.’ She smiled at him. ‘We are definitely lucky to have her. From what I’ve heard from the family, good help is hard to find. One of my great aunt's infamous quotes was that “it was easier to find a husband than a good butler”’. Alice laughed.
Freddie laughed with her. ‘She sounds like a character.’
‘By all accounts, they all were. I should get Aunt Emily to tell you a few stories about them. They were strong, spirited women.’
Luke cleared his throat behind them.
Freddie jerked round. ‘Thank you, sir.’
Luke had his back to the room as he lifted the whisky decanter, concentrating on pouring another drink. ‘Yes, well we don't need to make the aunts into something they probably weren't. After all, they were probably bitter spinsters, and Lily certainly doesn't need any encouragement in that direction.’
Alice immediately dropped her head. ‘No, Father.’
Freddie squeezed her hand and gave it a reassuring shake.
Luke moved sideways to walk past them. ‘Anyway, with all this talk of war, your mother might need to learn to cook, in case we lose Mrs Headley.’
Alice looked up at her father. ‘Why would we lose her?’
‘Who knows? But you just don't know what's coming.’
Alice stared after her father as he left the sitting room. She wondered if he knew something, or whether he was just scaremongering.
Freddie shook her hand again. ‘Are you all right?’
Alice turned her head to look up at him.
‘You look sad now; don't let your father get to you.’
‘I'm fine.’ Alice forced a smile to her lips. ‘You know, when Grandma Jane married Grandpa, and a few years later the cook retired, she decided to have a go at doing her own cooking. Apparently she liked it and now believes every man and woman should be self-sufficient. Consequently, I think mother is going to ask her to teach her all she knows.’
‘But the most important question of all is will your mother pass on all that important information?’ Freddie laughed as his stomach made a gurgling noise.
Alice's laughter filled the room. ‘Don't worry, you won't starve.’
*
‘Don't you love the summer evenings, Freddie?’ Alice smiled as they walked towards Trafalgar Square. ‘Doesn't the sunshine lift your heart?’
Freddie laughed as he turned to face her, soaking up her smooth pale complexion and her long dark hair, which covered her ears and was piled high on top of her head, with soft curls cascading down. The pearls of the teardrop earrings she wore were just visible, bobbing with each step she took. Alice had discarded her hat today, in favour of a white bandeau, decorated with pale blue and white roses, which complimented her column style dress, partially hidden beneath her silk shawl with its tantalising fringe that swayed in the slight breeze. ‘You are always saying that, yet you are always a ray of sunshine.’ He stopped walking and stared at her. ‘What I love is your view on life. I am going to call it the sunshine outlook from now on.’ A humourless laugh escaped as he started walking again. ‘Everyone I speak to is talking about the possibility of war, the general strike and women wanting the vote, but not you.’
Alice's smile vanished. ‘I could talk about all those things if you want me to. I also talk to people and read the newspapers, but I choose not to worry about things like that. After all, it may not happen.’
Freddie frowned. ‘I wish I could be like that.’
‘My mother told me Poppy—’
‘Poppy?’
Alice laughed. ‘Apparently, she started calling her grandfather Poppy when she was a small child and it stuck. She still calls him that, even though he’s no longer with us. I don't remember him, but my mother has some wonderful memories.’
Freddie's smile crept across him as he watched her face light up.
‘When we were children, she and Grandfather were always relaying stories about him.’
They took a couple of steps in silence. Nelson's Column towered above them, a familiar shape in the skyline, with the four bronze lions sitting at its base. Freddie placed his hand on her elbow as they weaved between other people going about their business. ‘It's always so busy around Trafalgar Square.’ He guided her past the National Gallery and down Pall Mall East. ‘Sorry, you were saying?’
Alice gave him a blank look.
Freddie laughed before shaking his head. ‘Poppy?’ He watched her eyes crinkle and her lips lift at the corners. She laughed, reminding him of birdsong, and he couldn't resist joining in.
She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. ‘Sorry, it wasn't anything important. I was only going to say Poppy was quite philosophical about life. He used to say family are the most important thing of all, but don't let them or anyone else swallow you up. Be yourself and don't worry about things that you can't change.’
‘Good advice, but I expect that’s why Lily got taken to the police station.’
Alice stared hard at his straight-laced expression, before a smile broke out. ‘Probably, but she’s right to stand up for what she believes in, no matter how upset father gets.’
‘And yet you’re not doing the same thing. Does that mean you don’t believe in the cause?’
Alice's smile vanished. ‘No, it doesn't.’ She sighed and looked down at her white-gloved hands gripping the silver mesh purse. ‘No, it means I'm not as brave as Lily.’
Freddie nodded. ‘It doesn't do for us all to be the same.’
The hair on the back of her neck bristled. ‘Do you think chaining myself to railings, getting thrown into Holloway Prison and refusing to eat so I’d be force-fed would achieve much more? Then, of course, there’s always throwing myself in front of the King’s horse at the Derby like Emily Davison did last year.’ Alice shook her head.
Freddie’s jaw dropped as he stared at Alice. ‘My goodness, I had no idea you were so passionate about it, but it sounds like they have your support.’
Her eyes held a steel-like quality when she looked at Freddie. ‘I’m fighting my own battles of not having an arranged marriage and being able to go out to work. I want Lily to have a freedom of choice to do what she wants with her life and not be stuck in the Dark Ages.’ Alice took a deep breath. ‘The vote is obviously important, but good women are dying, or at best making themselves ill and losing their children in the process. It’s all such a waste. There are other ways. We’d be better off to become doctors and judges.’ She glanced down at the pavement. ‘So, no, it doesn't do for us all to be the same, but I should stand up and be counted.’
‘You will, when the time’s right for you.’ He gave Alice a sideways glance. ‘Your father used those same words when he talked about the possibility of war. He asked me whether I’d considered enlisting.’
Alice stopped in her tracks and stared at him. ‘I hope you told him you won't be.’
‘He said judgements would be made on the men that don't fight for their country.’ Freddie paused as he took a deep breath. ‘I told him there's every possibility I’d be needed here as a police officer.’
Alice nodded.
‘Freddie.’ Tony's voice rang out behind them.
Alice groaned, wondering if they could pretend they hadn't heard him. She looked across at Freddie; his jaw was clenched. Without a word, their pace quickened.
Freddie frowned. ‘We should’ve come out earlier and maybe had a meal before the theatre. We could have eaten at The Café Royal.’
‘Freddie, Alice,’ Tony shrilled down the road at them.
People turned and stared. Alice's colour began to rise up her neck. There was no choice but to stop. The alternative was acute embarrassment.
‘Sorry,’ Freddie whispered as they slowed down their pace.
Alice thinned her lips and shook her head slightly as they came to a standstill. She painted on her best smile before turning around.
Tony raced up to them, a little breathless, but grinning from ear to ear. He turned and beckoned to Molly. ‘Come on, slow coach.’ She was a few feet behind Tony and had a sullen look about her.
‘Hello, Tony, Molly.’ Alice smiled at her friend but Molly's grim expression didn't change. Alice wondered what was going on with her lately. She seemed so unhappy. Perhaps she should organise a night out for the three of them, maybe the theatre or the music hall might be fun. It was about time Victoria threw herself back into socialising.
‘Where are you two off to?’ Tony pulled a packet of cigarettes, along with some matches, from his jacket pocket. Molly joined them and, without a word, placed her arm in Tony's.
Freddie stepped aside, so someone could pass him. ‘We are going to see Pygmalion at His Majesty's Theatre. I’ve heard some good reports about it. Apparently, Mrs Patrick Campbell is excellent as Eliza Dolittle and George Bernard Shaw is receiving equally wonderful reviews—’
‘What a coincidence,’ Tony interrupted, before beaming at Alice. ‘We’re going to see that as well. Wouldn't it be great if our seats were next to each other?’
Molly openly glared at Tony, before turning to scowl at Alice. ‘That is unlikely, especially as the tickets weren't bought at the same time.’
‘Well, we can walk to the theatre together.’ Tony grinned at the three of them, but no one returned his enthusiasm.
It was clear Molly wasn't happy. Alice knew she should talk to her, but now wasn't the time and she wasn't sure Molly would tell her what the problem was. Their friendship had hit a rocky road without a cross word being said. Alice hoped her father and mother, Jack and Charlotte, were not in bad health. Although, with Jack being held in high esteem by the family, she felt sure she would’ve heard on the grapevine if something were wrong. Alice suspected it had something to do with Tony.