Somehow she had to diffuse the situation. What was needed was a subtle approach, a lighthearted way to make her point. She rang the bell for Dottie, turning over ideas in her mind.

Dottie bustled in a few minutes later bearing a tea tray. “Oh, you’ve had your tea already,” she said when she saw the empty cup on the bedside table.

“Lord Ashton gave me a cup before he left,” Petra said. “But I’d like another cup. How was your evening?”

“Oh, very nice, Miss Petra, thank you,” Dottie replied, picking up the clothes on the ottoman and taking them to the laundry hamper in the dressing room. “I felt a bit uneasy like when Miss Pankhurst talked about marching into Westminster. I don’t know that I want to do that.”

“No, and you shouldn’t do anything you don’t want to,” Petra said as the maid returned to the bedroom. “And, Dottie, I think it would be best if you didn’t talk about the meetings or anything to do with the Union in the servants’ hall. Not unless you’re talking to someone you know supports the cause.”

Dottie looked a little alarmed. “If you say so, miss. Is there a problem?”

“I understand that Mr. Babbit is not a supporter and he could make your life uncomfortable if he knew that you’re a member of the Union,” Petra explained awkwardly.

“But you’re a member, miss, and I work for you,” Dottie said, frowning.

“Yes, I know. And of course I won’t let anything unpleasant happen to you. It would just be better for the time being to be discreet.” Petra hated hearing herself counseling her maid to hide her political aff iliations but she also knew that she could protect Dottie only so far when it came to life in the servants’ hall, where Babbit ruled supreme. She could make sure the girl didn’t lose her job, she could make sure she had impeccable references, but she couldn’t protect her from her fellow servants or the butler’s tyranny when she wasn’t around.

“I’ll be careful, Miss Petra. Will you be going out this morning?”

“Yes, in an hour or so.” Petra wandered into the bathroom. An idea was formulating, an amusing way to get Guy to see things her way. She just had to manage to enlist the help of two particular women.

* * *

Just before noon, Dr. Louisa Garrett Anderson was contemplating leaving her surgery at the Royal Free Hospital in the Grays Inn Road for a lunch break when she was informed that a Lady Ashton wished to see her if she could spare her a minute.

Surprised, Louisa went into the waiting room herself. “Petra, what brings you to this part of the city?”