He ran Jonathan to earth in the Commons bar, drinking with a trio of friends. “Granville, what brings you to this side of Westminster?” Jonathan asked jovially. “May I get you a drink?”

“Whisky, please,” Guy responded. “I wanted a word with you if you can spare it.”

“Of course. Annie, two whiskies please.” He signaled the woman behind the bar before gesturing to a table and chairs in the window. “Shall we sit over there?”

Guy followed him and they sat down, waiting until the barmaid had brought their drinks before he asked, “Do you know anything about this proposed women’s suffrage march on Westminster, Jonathan?”

Jonathan looked wary. “Not really,” he said carefully. “Petra doesn’t usually tell me the details of these protests in case it puts me in an awkward position.”

“Considerate of her,” Guy muttered into his glass. “So you don’t know anything about a planned invasion of Westminster?”

Jonathan looked startled. “An invasion? No, no one’s said anything to me about that. I heard that another march was being planned for some time soon, but just the usual protest in Parliament Square.”

Guy sipped his whisky. “I suppose I’ll just have to ask her point blank.”

“Petra’s a very bad liar, sir.”

“Yes, I know.” He drummed his fingers on the table. He didn’t like the idea of confronting her, putting her on the spot, forcing her to tell him something she didn’t want to divulge. And he knew he would get it out of her if he was determined. But it seemed like bullying and didn’t sit well with him.

“Are you totally against the idea of universal suffrage, sir?” Jonathan looked at him closely.

“I am against your sister, my wife, taking any part in activities designed to force His Majesty’s government to take actions against the will of Parliament and the well-ordered running of this country,” Guy stated with some force.

Jonathan frowned. “But if it were acceptable to the government you wouldn’t be against the idea of universal suffrage?” he asked hesitantly. “Against women having the vote? The principle itself, I mean?”

“As far as I’m concerned, right now that’s not the issue. My problem is to keep your sister from breaking the law and causing an untold amount of trouble and embarrassment.” He drained his glass and stood up. “Thank you for the whisky, Jonathan.” He strode from the bar leaving his wife’s brother staring after him wondering what if anything he could do to stop whatever collision was about to happen between his sister and her husband.