favor with the public, who don’t know any better. Government should be conducted by gentlemen, born to lead, not by people chosen at random by the masses who haven’t the faintest idea what it means half the time.” She stood her stick up in front of her and crossed her hands over the knot, rather in the manner the Queen was wont to adopt. “I am against electing,” she announced. “It only brings out the worst in everybody. And as for women having the vote, that is preposterous! No decent woman would want it, because she would be quite aware that she had no knowledge upon which to base her judgment. Which leaves the rest … and who wants the nation’s fate in the hands of harlots and ‘new women’? Not that they aren’t after the same thing anyway.”
“A minister in the church, Grandmama, not in the government,” Charlotte corrected.
“Oh. Well, that’s better, I suppose. Although how he expects to keep Emily on a minister’s pay I’ve no idea.” She smiled. “Have to stop wearing those fancy gowns then, won’t she? No silks and satins for her. And no unsuitable colors anymore, either.” She looked thoroughly satisfied at the prospect.
“Dominic, Grandmama, not Jack.”
“What?”
“Dominic, who was married to Sarah, not Emily’s Jack.”
“Then why didn’t you say so? Dominic? That Dominic you used to be so in love with?”
Charlotte controlled herself with an effort. “He is a curate now.”
The old lady knew she had scored a point. “Well, well!” She breathed out with a sigh. “Nobody as righteous as a reformed sinner, is there? No more flirting with him, then, eh?” She opened her black eyes very wide. “What brought that about? Lost his looks, has he? What happened? Did he catch the pox?” She nodded. “Those who live longest see most.” Then her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “How did you find out, then? Went looking for him, did you?”
“He knew the woman whose death is Thomas’s present case. I went to congratulate him on his vocation,” Charlotte replied.
“You went to meddle,” the old lady corrected her with satisfaction. “And because you wanted to look at Dominic Corde again. Always said he was no good. Told Sarah that when she wanted to marry him, poor child. Told you, but did you listen? Of course not! You never do. And look what happened to you. Married a policeman. Scrub your own floors, I shouldn’t wonder. And get to a lot of places a decent woman wouldn’t be seen near. I’d be sorry for your mother if she wasn’t even worse! My poor dear Edward’s death must have deranged her mind.” She nodded again, still keeping her hands on her stick. “Marrying an actor young enough to be her son. I’d be sorry for her if I weren’t so ashamed. I daren’t go out of the house for the embarrassment of it!”
Unfortunately, there was little to argue about that. Several of Caroline’s erstwhile friends had decided not to know her anymore. And she had ceased to care about it in the slightest. She still enjoyed the company of those whose friendship rode the wave of such eccentricity.
“It is most unfortunate for you.” Charlotte decided to try a new approach. “I really am very sorry. I don’t suppose any of your friends will speak to you now. It is a disgrace.”
The old lady stared at her with damning anger. “That is a terrible thing to say. My friends are of the old school. None of this modern selfish way. A friend is a friend for life.” She emphasized the last word. “If we did not remain loyal to each other, where would we be?”
She sniffed and leaned a trifle forward over her stick. “I have seen a great deal more of life than you have, and I can tell you this new idea of women trying to become like men is all going to end in tragedy. You should stay at home, my girl, and look after your family. Keep your house clean and well run, and your mind the same.” She nodded. “A man has a right to expect that. He provides for you, protects you and instructs you. That is as it should be. If he falls a little short now and then, you must be patient. That is your duty. Everything depends on a man’s advantages and strength, and a woman’s humility and virtue.” She sniffed again. “Your mother should have taught you that, if she were fulfilling her calling,” she added meaningfully.
“Yes,