‘Thank you, Officer, I’d be grateful if that is what we could do between us.’ Isabelle hesitated. ‘It isn’t that I don’t believe in the suffragette cause. After all, my mother was a firebrand in her own right, and I believe any woman is equal to any man and should therefore have the same rights. But causing chaos and violence is not the right way to go about it. I will emphasize that most carefully to Jane when I pick her up this evening. I also think that matters at home have perhaps not encouraged her to see things in a better light. I will make it my responsibility that she doesn’t give you any more trouble, Sergeant Monks.’

‘Aye, things have not been good for you. Perhaps it is Jane’s way of letting of a little steam, while protesting for her ideals. Don’t worry, Mrs Fox, I do understand. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll go and arrest the true culprit. Will you be wanting your day in court with her, ma’am?’ Sergeant Monks waited as Isabelle turned to look at him in the doorway.

‘I think not, Sergeant Monks. It would play right into Nellie Taylor’s hands because it would be a day of hearing her own voice in a packed courtroom, telling everyone the virtues of the Suffragette movement. My mother and myself – and hopefully, one day, my headstrong daughter – have been standing up to men for generations. The world will change, and women will be equal one day, but not through violence. I will be at your station around six, Sergeant Monks. Do with Nellie Taylor what you want, but keep her away from my daughter.’

Isabelle lifted her skirts and stepped back through the revolving doors of Atkinson’s. As she did so she sighed; her silly daughter; she applauded Jane’s beliefs, but not to the extent of getting arrested. She would talk to her tonight and get to the bottom of what had been upsetting her of late. Although, deep down, she knew that it was because of her father’s actions; their home life was not good just now, and it was time to forgive and forget and try to make life return to normal at Windfell. She and James must stop shouting at one another and think of their family, before it was too late and irrefutable damage was done.

20

20

‘This is all your fault. She’s upset and rebelling because of the shame you have brought upon the family.’ Isabelle was taking her frustration with Jane out on James, as she paced backwards and forwards in the parlour of Windfell Manor.