Suffragette Read Online Free PDF Page A

Minister. Amongst these women was 76-year-old Emily Davies who handed the women’s suffrage petition to the Prime
Minister. His answer to them was, ‘Be patient.’ This was not the response they had expected. Women (and some men) had been actively campaigning for votes for women since the 1860s and
they were tired of being patient. And so the movement grew in momentum and it became militant.” “Well, yes, Dollie, that is one of the incidents that fired the desire to fight harder
and more vehemently. But my way, the way of the NUWSS, headed by Millicent Garrett Fawcett, is equally active. We have the same burning ambition to see women enfranchised. Why not consider allying
yourself with us?”
    “But if both organizations are fighting the same battle…?”
    “They are, but their approaches are different, and although Christabel and I have known one another since I was your age and she is a dear friend whom I admire, I do not always agree with
the means she uses. And I think it is important you know that my grandmother was a suffragist. She was never a suffragette.”
    I was taken aback. I had always assumed that Lady Violet was a suffragette.
    20th May 1909
    This morning Flora took me shopping to buy clothes that she feels will better suit my needs here in London.
    “But I am only staying ten days!” I exclaimed.
    “Well, you can leave them in the wardrobe for your next visit,” she laughed. “That blue bedroom is now exclusively yours.”
    We travelled to Knightsbridge in a hansom. This is a long, low vehicle that holds two passengers with a driver seated on a high deck behind. It was the first I had ever been in. Before being set
down outside Harrods, a terrifyingly posh and shockingly expensive store, we made a short detour to Cadogan Square.
    “My father lives there.” Flora pointed to one of the tall, elegant houses.
    I felt myself stiffen. “Are we going in?” I asked nervously.
    “Another day, perhaps. I wanted you to see where your mother came during the dockers’ strike. I was descending the stairs, I remember it clearly, and I saw her waiting at the door. I
went to ask if I could help her, but she refused point blank to deal with me. Eventually one of the staff turned her away.
    “I think the reason my grandmother made the journey to the East End in search of you all was because I had told her about your mother’s visit. The incident had troubled me greatly. I
had not known what to do for the best. I brooded over it until, eventually, I turned to Grandma.”
    “And you think that your meeting my mother was what prompted Lady Campbell to visit our home and offer us assistance?”
    Flora considered my question. “It was a part of the reason. And now see, Dollie, after all these years, here we are together like sisters. An odd turn of events, don’t you
agree?”
    And I do agree. Still, I sensed that there was more to the story than Flora would tell. I love her already, though I am deeply conscious of our differences. We are poles apart! Even when we were
looking at clothes today, I preferred the simpler, practical dresses, while Flora was excited by flamboyant and ornate gowns. But she did not insist and bought me those I chose.
    After we returned from our shopping expedition and I had thanked her for my two new outfits – they are lovely – she promised that before I left she would take me to the
Prince’s Skating Rink, which is also in Knightsbridge, quite close to Harrods.
    “But I can’t skate.”
    “No, you will see. A grand bazaar is being held there, or an Exhibition as everyone is calling it. It has been mounted by the WSPU to raise money for the cause.”
    I cannot wait! I shall be surrounded by real suffragettes. All those women I have been reading about for so long. Flora tells me that they have been advertising it in the streets with their very
own band.
    21st May 1909
    I have a desperate urge to contact my mother. I promised never to return, but only because she