The Best of Daughters by Dilly Court Read Free Book Online Page A

again in a small way, but we will have to live more simply and I’m afraid we won’t be able to keep the servants on.’
    â€˜I’m so sorry that I’ve added to your problems, Father. The fracas outside the palace is certain to be in the newspapers tomorrow morning, if not tonight.’ She rose to her feet. ‘Anyway, I quite understand that you must cancel my party.’
    Victor shook his head. ‘On the contrary, my dear. We will carry on as usual. The party is paid for and to cancel would serve no useful purpose. You will enjoy your twenty-first birthday as planned.’ He picked up the telephone receiver. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, Daisy, I have some urgent calls to make before dinner.’
    She left the study, almost bumping into Beatrice who had been hovering outside the door. ‘Were you eavesdropping again, Bea?’
    â€˜No, of course not.’ Beatrice caught her by the hand. ‘What did he say? Are we going to live in the country? Is the party on or off?’
    â€˜Let me go. I must speak to Mother before Teddy lets the cat out of the bag.’
    â€˜Too late, I’m afraid. He thought she already knew. You know what Teddy’s like for putting his foot in it. But you haven’t told me what Father said.’
    â€˜Later, Bea.’ Daisy wrenched her hand free. ‘I’m going to face Mother now. I should have told her everything as soon as I got home.’
    â€˜Yes, you should,’ Beatrice said smugly. ‘Now you’re for it. Wait for me. I wouldn’t want to miss this for anything.’
    â€˜Do as you please. It won’t make any difference. Mother is going to hit the ceiling.’
    Daisy’s words had been prophetic. Gwendoline paced the floor, wringing her hands. ‘You stupid, stupid girl, Daisy. I can’t believe that a daughter of mine would get mixed up with those dreadful creatures who disgrace the name of womanhood.’
    â€˜Mother, please.’ Daisy lifted her hand in protest but dropped it to her side as her mother turned on her with eyes blazing.
    â€˜Be silent, girl. You’ve brought shame upon the family. What will Myrtle and Lavinia think when they see your name in the morning papers? We’ll be a laughing stock, and Jane Pendleton will never speak to me again. You’ve ruined your chances of marrying into the aristocracy. In fact, I doubt if any respectable man will want you now.’
    â€˜Hold on, Mother,’ Teddy said, frowning. ‘That’s a bit strong. As I understand it, Daisy was simply trying to help a friend.’
    Gwendoline turned on him like a fury. ‘And you’vestood by and allowed your father’s business partner to swindle their clients.’
    â€˜That’s not fair,’ Daisy protested angrily. ‘Teddy’s not to blame for what happened to Father’s business, any more than I was responsible for the actions of others at the palace.’
    â€˜You are both as bad as each other.’ Gwendoline sank down on the sofa. ‘You were supposed to be collecting your ball gown, but you attended the rally knowing full well that those women were going to do something dreadful.’
    â€˜No, I didn’t, Mother. I went at the request of a fellow suffragist, but had I known what they intended to do I too would have chained myself to the railings. We should have a say in how our country is governed. I believe in what they’re doing.’
    â€˜Then you are no daughter of mine. I disown you, Daisy Maria Lennox. I rue the day I brought you into the world. There will be no celebration of your birthday tomorrow. I’m cancelling the party.’
    It was all over the papers next day. The embezzlement of funds from a prominent firm of stockbrokers in the City coupled with the disappearance of one of the partners made headline news. The pictures of suffragettes chained to the railings of Buckingham Palace featured on the second