‘The questions are biased. It’s well known in my circles. They are asking about women’s fertility. It’s horrible.’ Mary Young was clearly furious about the issue. ‘And what’s more, we have no idea why they are collecting such personal information and what use they may find for it.’

‘How do you know this?’ Ursula was unable to hide her disbelief, but at that moment a waitress arrived with her order, and there was a break in the conversation while her tea was poured and things arranged.

‘I have my sources.’

‘And do you think that this protest, this not completing the forms, will get you the vote?’

‘I don’t know if it will get us the vote, Ursula, but we have to try. All women should have their voices heard at the ballot box, everyone from maids to countesses. Or do you not think that your opinion has the same worth as that of your husband?’

‘I suppose it does.’

‘You mentioned children. Boys or girls?’ The bluntness was astonishing.

‘Finlay is seventeen and Ann is twelve. She will be thirteen in April.’ Ursula was glad of the change of subject. ‘That’s why I was out today. It’s my third attempt to buy her a handbag, or maybe something that can be worn across her shoulder.’

‘Thirteen is an important age. I happen to know of a woman who may be able to help, if you would like to give your daughter something unique?’

Ursula took a small bite of cake.

‘She makes beautiful bags,’ Mary Young continued. ‘Her father wouldn’t let her work in the family leather business, so she set up on her own instead. I do like a bit of gumption. I’ll give you her address.’ She took a used envelope and a pencil from her bag and wrote on it in copperplate handwriting. ‘The place is not far from here. She works from her home, in Marchmont.’ She handed it over. ‘We should be supporting other women in their businesses, wherever we can.’ She looked around her and lowered her voice again. ‘This place is the exception, because the manager is one of us.’ She finished her cocoa.

Ursula was losing track of the many threads in the conversation. She was unsure how to respond.

‘I would happily have spent another hour talking to you, Ursula. We could have had more cake or even stayed here for lunch, but unfortunately, I have an appointment and I need to be on my way.’ She stood up. ‘I do hope we will meet again. Dr Allinson’s book is very interesting.’ Mary Young pulled her gloves from her pockets. ‘Oh, just one last thing. You may find it useful to buy some sago on the way home. He is rather keen on the stuff.’

Ursula couldn’t determine from Mrs Young’s tone whether this was a good or a bad thing.