Guy decided not to confront Petra directly for a few days, there was time before the march was to take place for him to set Freddie to discover the details. Besides, he had the whole weekend ahead of him and maybe Petra would let something slip. But the weekend passed pleasantly with no mention of suffrage, universal or otherwise. He had engagements of his own on Saturday morning so he wasn’t aware of his wife’s activities at Caxton Hall, and the dinner party they hosted that evening went off smoothly. He had the feeling once or twice that Petra was going out of her way to prove herself an impeccable hostess, which made him feel guilty and willing to indulge her triumphant air at the evening’s end.

* * *

Monday dawned bright, sunny and chill.

“You’re up early,” Guy observed in surprise as he emerged from the bathroom to find his wife consulting with her maid over her dress for the morning. Petra tended to enjoy leisurely mornings over tea and the Gazette and Times before preparing to take on the day.

“I have a dressmaker’s fitting at nine thirty this morning.” Petra’s voice was a little muffled as she headed into the bathroom. “I don’t even have time for a bath.”

Guy shrugged and continued with his dressing. “Are you coming down for breakfast?” he inquired as he prepared to leave the bedroom.

“No, Dottie will fetch me a piece of toast. I’m meeting Diana and Fenella after the fitting and we’ll have coffee and crumpets at Fortnum’s, probably.” It wasn’t a complete lie. It was certainly an intention, although they all doubted it would be possible.

Guy nodded, dropped a kiss on the back of her neck and headed downstairs to the breakfast room. Petra heaved a sigh of relief. The next time she saw her husband it was going to be in very different circumstances.

“Shall I fetch the toast, m’lady?”

Petra shuddered. “No, thanks, Dottie, I feel sick, I couldn’t eat anything.” She pushed her arms into the sleeves of a tweed coat. She wanted to look as unremarkable as possible and any of the rich furs in her wardrobe would not do for this morning.

“I think I should come and show my support,” Dottie said doubtfully.

“No, absolutely not,” Petra declared, taking the girl’s hands in both hers. “Just go about your work as usual and don’t let on to anyone that you know anything. There’s no point stirring up trouble for yourself when it’s not necessary. Just think that I’m going to be there for both of us.” She smiled reassuringly and Dottie nodded, unable to conceal her relief.