Dangerous Destiny

by Chris Longmuir

  ‘Did Martha go home, too?’

  ‘She’s gone out with leaflets. You know what Martha’s like. The cause has to continue.’

  ‘Hasn’t she been affected by what Archie did to her?’

  ‘Martha’s tougher than she looks.’ Ethel laughed. ‘It’s as if it never happened.’

  Kirsty’s admiration for both Ethel and Martha increased. Why couldn’t she be more like them? And what would they think of her when she told them she had to give in to her parents’ demands? They would assume she was a weakling. And, Kirsty thought, they would be right.

  She resisted the urge to tell Ethel, unwilling to dampen her friend’s excitement over her new responsibilities. It was better to wait until Martha returned, and inform them both at the same time.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

  Saturday, 18th July 1908

  Kirsty paced her bedroom, worrying about the decision she had made after leaving Martha and Ethel yesterday. Her suitcase was packed and, from now on, her life would change. Martha had assured her the women who were part of the cause regarded themselves as sisters, and a bed or a meal was always available for anyone in need. But she knew she would never again live the life of comfort and luxury to which she’d been accustomed. She hoped she had the strength to cope.

  The temptation to leave without saying a word to anyone had been strong, but her sense of loyalty was stronger. First, she would tell Aunt Bea; after that, she had to break the news to her parents. She shuddered at the thought of the task. Her father was bound to do his best to prevent her departure; she would have to remain firm.

  After what felt like an eternity, she heard movement downstairs. The clatter of pans in the kitchen meant cook was preparing breakfast.

  Kirsty closed her eyes, took a deep breath, straightened her blouse and smoothed her skirt.

  ‘Courage,’ she told herself. She was going to need it.

  The breakfast-room was empty, though the table was laid with china and cutlery. The porridge urn stood on the sideboard, alongside a bowl waiting to be filled with boiled eggs, and a silver ashet waiting for the contents to be brought through. Kirsty wondered whether it would be bacon or kidneys this morning.

  ‘I thought I heard you come downstairs,’ Bea said, bustling through the door.

  ‘Aunt Bea,’ Kirsty said. She wanted to get this over without delay. ‘I’ve made a decision.’

  ‘And what would that be?’ Her aunt’s expression was guarded.

  ‘I do not intend to return home.’

  ‘You know I can’t allow you to live here, Kirsty – as much as I would like to. Your father will never permit it.’

  ‘I know.’ Kirsty grasped her aunt’s hands. ‘But you know how much I suffer, having to watch Ailsa being brought up by my mother. I can’t live there any longer under the pretence I’m her sister. It’s better I cut the ties now.’

  ‘What will you do? Where will you go?’

  ‘My mind is made up to leave Dundee, with Ethel. Her home circumstances are difficult, and she is in fear of her life from her father. She’s been offered a way of escape, and I intend to accompany her.’

  ‘I see.’ Bea was silent for a moment. ‘Do you have somewhere to go?’

  ‘Martha can arrange for us to go to one of the league’s safe houses. She’s already making the arrangements for Ethel.’

  ‘Where?’

  ‘I’m not sure yet. Either Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen. Far enough away so Ethel will be safe.’

  ‘Your father will never approve this.’ Bea’s voice expressed sadness, and Kirsty thought she detected a note of sympathy.

  ‘I won’t allow him to stop me,’ Kirsty said. ‘When I go home this afternoon, I intend to inform him of my decision, so please don’t tell him before that.’

  ‘He may force you to stay. You are only a girl and not yet of age. What can you do to stop him?’

  ‘I’m going to ask Martha and Ethel to come with me for support. I’m sure they’ll agree.’

  ‘I will come with you, as well. I may not be able to go against your father’s wishes, but I can try to prevent him from forcing his will on you.’

  ‘I appreciate that, Aunt Bea.’

  ‘There is a condition.’

  Kirsty’s spirits sank, bringing her back to the gravity of her circumstances, despite the relief Bea’s reaction and the act of confiding, had brought. Perhaps her aunt was not as supportive as she had imagined.

  ‘A condition?’

  ‘Yes. I wish to meet Martha and Ethel, to assure myself that you are being realistic and will not come to harm. We will call on them later this morning. And now, we must partake of breakfast.’

  Both of them made a pretence at eating, and cook scowled when she removed dishes still containing much of the food. Kirsty, in particular, had barely eaten more than a mouthful. Now, she watched the clock and paced the room, but the hands barely moved.

  ‘Stop pacing and be patient, Kirsty,’ her aunt said, after a time. ‘It is not socially acceptable to call on anyone before ten in the morning.’

  Despite her admonition, Kirsty could see her aunt was nervous, as well, but she contained herself until the last chime of ten on the grandfather clock at the head of the stairs.

  Bea crossed to the mantelpiece and tugged the tasselled bell-pull.

  ‘Bring me my hat, jacket and gloves,’ she instructed Ruthie, who appeared in the doorway. ‘Kirsty and I will be out for a time, but tell your mother we will require a light luncheon at one o’clock.’

  ‘Yes, miss.’ Ruthie scampered off to do Bea’s bidding.

  Kirsty ran upstairs to collect her own jacket and hat. Her heart was thumping at the prospect of her aunt quizzing Martha and Ethel about their plans.

  * * *

  Martha ushered Kirsty and her aunt into the drawing-room. They completed the formalities and sat down.

  ‘My niece has informed me she intends to leave Dundee with her friend Ethel,’ Bea said. ‘And, though I do not approve, she seems determined. So, I felt the need to check the arrangements.’

  Martha looked across at Kirsty.

  ‘Is this what you want?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘In that case, I will send my maid to fetch Ethel from the shop downstairs, so we can discuss the plans together.’

  While they waited for Ethel to join them, Martha explained to Bea, ‘Ethel is in training to be an organiser and I will do my best to arrange something similar for Kirsty.’

  ‘I haven’t told Ethel I want to leave Dundee with her, so it may come as a surprise.’ Kirsty chewed her bottom lip.

  Bea sighed. ‘How can you be sure she will want you to accompany her?’

  ‘There’s no doubt in my mind that she’ll welcome my company.’ Kirsty stiffened.

  ‘You sent for me?’ Ethel said, entering the room.

  ‘Sit down, Ethel. Kirsty has something to tell you.’

  ‘I’ve decided . . .’ Kirsty hesitated, a sudden, last-minute doubt creeping into her mind. What if Ethel didn’t want her? She shrugged the thought from her mind and started again. ‘I have decided to leave Dundee with you, rather than return home.’

  ‘What?’ Ethel’s eyes widened. ‘You want to come with me? Why? You have a nice home, and I don’t know what’s in store for me after I leave Dundee. Why give that up to come with me?’

  ‘I have my reasons. I know life will be more difficult, but if you can survive, so can I.’

  ‘If you’re sure, I’d love to have you come with me. It’ll be an adventure!’

  ‘A rather risky adventure.’ Bea’s voice was dry. ‘How will you both survive? Where will you live? What happens when your money runs out?’

  ‘It is not my place to encourage Kirsty to leave home,’ Martha interrupted, ‘but I can provide reassurance that the league provides support. We have members nationwide, and there will always be someone to ensure her wellbeing.’

  ‘I’ve made my decision.’ Kirsty ignored the niggle of doubt at the
back of her mind and made her voice firmer than she felt. How would she survive, really?

  ‘Our cause is a sisterhood. We look after each other. No suffragette ever wants for a bed or food – there is always someone to provide. As for money, Ethel will receive a small wage as an organiser. Not enough to live extravagantly, but enough to survive.’ Martha paused and turned to address Kirsty. ‘If you are firm in your wish to leave Dundee with Ethel, then you must realise that life will not be as comfortable as that to which you have been accustomed.’

  Kirsty grasped her aunt’s hands.

  ‘I’m determined to leave with Ethel. I hope you won’t put obstacles in my way.’

  ‘I see your mind is made up.’ Bea sighed. ‘But you still have to face your father this afternoon and tell him your decision.’

  ‘I’m not looking forward to it, but I can’t leave without telling him. That would be dishonest.’

  ‘I will come with you for support, but do not expect me to go against your father’s wishes.’

  ‘In that case,’ Martha said, ‘Ethel and I will come along to provide support, as well. I will arrange for a carriage to take us all there together.’

  Kirsty’s head buzzed as they walked along the street, away from Martha’s home and the WFL shop below. She had no idea what the future held for her, but she’d made her decision and there was no going back.

  Aunt Bea stopped halfway up Reform Street, in front of the Bank of Scotland.

  ‘I have business requiring attention. It won’t take long.’ She gestured for Kirsty to follow her into the bank, whereupon a teller hurried over immediately.

  ‘Ah, Mrs Hunter, what can I do for you?’

  ‘I believe the manager has some forms requiring a signature.’

  ‘I will inform him you are here.’

  The manager, an officious, bald-headed, little man, rose from his chair to greet them as they entered his office.

  ‘I have the paperwork right here,’ he said, ‘as you instructed. Now, if the young lady will append her signature, everything will be set up.’

  Mystified, Kirsty signed the form as she was bid. The manager blotted the signature and handed her a bank passbook.

  ‘You may use this in any branch,’ he said, before rising to show them out.

  ‘What was all that about?’ Kirsty asked once they were outside in the street again.

  ‘I will not see you destitute, Kirsty. I could not have that on my conscience, so I have set up a small monthly allowance for you. It will be enough to keep you from starvation. But on no account are you to tell your father I have done this. Not a word, Kirsty.’

  Kirsty stammered her thanks. Was it possible her aunt had foreseen her decision before she knew it herself? Puzzled, she walked up the street in a daze.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

  The carriage arrived at two o’clock. A four-wheeler with plenty of room inside. Martha and Ethel were already ensconced in the interior as Kirsty and her aunt climbed in.

  All the way to Broughty Ferry, Kirsty’s heart thumped so loudly she feared the others might hear it. It was with trepidation that she dismounted when they arrived.

  Her mother welcomed them and, though she made no comment, Kirsty could tell she was surprised by Martha and Ethel’s presence.

  ‘I thought you might like to meet Kirsty’s friends, Martha and Ethel,’ Bea said, as she peeled off her gloves.

  Ellen Campbell shook their hands before leading them into the drawing-room. Martha and Ethel perched on a sofa, while Bea chose an armchair. Kirsty followed them but stopped in the doorway to catch her breath as the familiarity struck her with a pang of dismay. After she left, she would never see this room or this house again. She shrugged it off; she couldn’t afford to change her mind now and be sucked back into the misery of remaining in this place. With a heavy heart, she entered and sat beside Martha and Ethel on the sofa.

  Kirsty’s pulse raced as she heard her father’s footsteps approach the door. It opened and there he stood, older and more tired than she remembered, as if he had aged over the short time she’d been away. A smile lit up his face as his eyes met hers.

  ‘Ah, Kirsty! You’ve regained your senses and come home.’

  Kirsty rose from her seat. She had never confronted her father in the past, but now her decision was made, she had to stay resolute.

  ‘These are my friends, Martha and Ethel.’

  Robert Campbell nodded to them.

  ‘I am pleased to meet you. Friends of Kirsty are welcome here.’

  Kirsty noted his voice lacked warmth and recognised his words were merely a polite form of greeting. He had always been suspicious of anyone she met who was not part of the family circle.

  ‘I need to speak with you and Mother in private,’ she said.

  He raised his eyebrows.

  ‘If you will excuse us for a few moments, please, ladies.’

  Martha and Ethel nodded their assent. Although they said nothing, Kirsty could see encouragement reflected in their eyes. She wished they could be with her when she broke the news of her departure to her father, but that was impossible. This was something she had to do on her own. She squared her shoulders and followed her parents to her father’s study.

  ‘Well, what is so important it can’t wait? I hope you have not formed a liaison with a young man during your holiday in Dundee.’

  Kirsty thought she detected a note of worry in his voice, but that didn’t prevent her surge of anger at his lack of trust.

  ‘You need have no fear on that score.’ She could not suppress the bitterness in her voice. He still assumed she lacked morals and needed protection from men. She drew a deep breath before continuing. ‘I wanted you to know that I am a suffragette and I intend to leave home.’ There, it was out.

  Robert, taken by surprise, clenched his hands into fists and took a step towards her. For a moment, Kirsty thought he intended to strike her, but the moment passed, and Kirsty felt herself breathe again.

  ‘A suffragette? What nonsense is this, Kirsty? I forbid it.’

  ‘You can’t. My mind is made up. I’m a suffragette, and I intend to leave home to devote myself to the cause.’

  ‘Women will never be allowed to vote.’ Robert stopped to draw breath. ‘What on earth would a silly girl like you do with a vote?’

  ‘Use it to make life better for women.’

  ‘There is nothing wrong with women’s lives. They are looked after and cared for. They do not have to tolerate the worries which plague men.’

  ‘Don’t you see? That’s the problem! Men treat us like children. We’re not free. We are beholden to them, for everything. And we’re not allowed to make our own decisions or live the lives we want to. I want to help change all that, and give women freedom and the lives they deserve.’

  ‘Freedom? You have freedom. You have always had freedom. I have never stopped you doing what you wished to do.’

  ‘That’s not true. Just this minute, you’ve forbidden me to be a suffragette, and for years, I’ve had to be the perfect daughter.’

  ‘Perfect? Have you forgotten your misdemeanour?’

  ‘My misdemeanour?’ Kirsty’s anger increased. ‘Is that what you call it? No! I haven’t forgotten! Though that’s not how I would describe it.’ Kirsty’s voice broke as she thought of Ailsa, playing in the nursery.

  ‘My mind is made up.’ She stiffened. ‘I am a suffragette, whether you like it or not.’

  ‘I will not allow it. This insanity must stop.’ His voice was hard with anger. ‘You are my daughter. I have a responsibility for your care. If you will not listen to reason, I will have you committed to the insane asylum for your own protection.’

  ‘Robert!’ Ellen Campbell gasped, laying a restraining hand on his arm.

  ‘You call that protecting me?’ Kirsty laughed. ‘I would call it one more example of men inflicting their will on women.’

  ‘You think I won’t do it?’ Robert shook his wife’s hand off and took a step towards Kir
sty.

  ‘On the contrary, I believe you, Father. But what would all your fine friends say about you and your mad daughter, if you did? Mother would never be able to show her face in public again – you would destroy her as well, and all because you want to control me. Well, I’m not having it. I am a suffragette, and I am leaving home to live my life, independent of you and your control.’

  ‘I will not tolerate a suffragette in the family.’ Her father’s voice exploded with rage. ‘If you leave, know that you will never return.’

  Kirsty’s anger built to an unsustainable level. She grabbed the door handle and jerked the door open before running into the hall and out of the house.

  ‘That’s fine with me,’ she muttered, even though her heart felt as if it was shattering into tiny pieces.

  The thump of the front door slamming behind her rang in her ears with a finality that brought her to a sudden halt. She would never walk through that door, ever again. Never see her mother again. Worst of all, she would never see Ailsa again. A sob caught in the back of her throat. But still, her anger simmered. She knew she had done what was right, but she also knew that she would always feel the pain of what she had left behind.

  She leaned on the balustrade at the bottom of the steps leading up to the house and allowed her tears to flow. It didn’t alleviate the pain she felt in her heart, caused by leaving Ailsa behind, but it did relieve the angry tension consuming her. An anger which surprised her with its intensity. Never before had she experienced anything like it.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

  ‘She is upset. Go after her,’ Bea Hunter urged from the doorway, where she had positioned herself after Kirsty left the room with her parents. ‘I will stay here and see if I can save the situation. It has obviously not gone well.’

  Martha reached the hall as Kirsty barged through the front door.

  ‘Come, Ethel,’ she said. ‘Kirsty needs us.’ Clutching the hem of her skirt so she didn’t trip, Martha raced after the distraught form of her young friend. By the time she and Ethel caught up with Kirsty, she was leaning against the balustrade, sobbing.