When the Music Stopped E-Book

Beryl Matthews

• Herausgeber: Allison & Busby
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 414

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2017

Beschreibung

London, 1910. Lester Holdsworth is a brilliant pianist and his twin, Lillia, is a magnificent singer: they are destined for the stage. But their cruel father has other ideas for their future. Lester is sent to a military academy, while Lillia must marry Lord Dalton - a pompous friend of her father's. Yet their plans to defy their father's wishes are put on hold when war breaks out in 1914. Before long, Lester is flying planes for the Royal Flying Corps and Lillia is using her skills as a nurse to help those wounded at home, and then abroad. And both twins wait in hope, like the rest of Europe, for the war to end and the music to start again.

Leseprobe

When the Music Stopped

BERYL MATTHEWS

Contents

Title PageChapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-One Chapter Twenty-Two Chapter Twenty-Three Chapter Twenty-Four Chapter Twenty-Five Chapter Twenty-Six Chapter Twenty-Seven Chapter Twenty-Eight Chapter Twenty-Nine Chapter Thirty Chapter Thirty-One Chapter Thirty-Two Chapter Thirty-Three Chapter Thirty-Four Chapter Thirty-Five About the AuthorBy Beryl Matthews Copyright

Chapter One

London 1910

As the last glorious notes of the aria from Madame Butterfly faded away, Lester lifted his hands slowly from the piano and smiled at his twin sister. ‘You hit every note perfectly, Lillia, now let us try one from La bohème this—’

‘Enough!’ General Holdsworth stormed over to the piano and slammed down the lid. ‘This house is bedlam with you two in it! Come to my study immediately.’

The twins watched their father march out of the room and sighed in unison.

‘Here we go again,’ Lester murmured, standing up and taking his sister’s arm. Side by side they followed their father.

He was waiting just inside the door and slammed it shut as soon as they were in. The twins winced as a precious vase rattled on the mantelshelf, but they were used to his rages. He had no interest in music and they were sure he must be tone deaf not to appreciate it.

When he remained standing they became wary, knowing they were really in for an unpleasant episode this time.

‘You are both eighteen now and it’s time to think about your future. I have made a decision.’

‘But we know—’

‘Be quiet, Lillian! Lester – next week you go to military academy and train to become an officer.’

She heard her brother’s sharp intake of breath, and wondered what fate was planned for her.

‘Lillian – Lord Dalton has done us the honour of asking for your hand in marriage. I have accepted, for you cannot hope to make a better match.’

Now she was furious and felt her brother grasp her hand as they both glared at this parent who was so unlike them. And why did he insist on calling her Lillian? It was irritating. Lillia was prettier and she liked it.

‘We have both been awarded a place at the Royal College of Music, and term starts in September,’ Lester protested.

‘You can forget all that music stuff and nonsense,’ he shouted. ‘I have already told them you will not be attending. You will both do as I say, and I will not hear a word of protest from either of you. You need to be separated!’

The twins were too stunned to move or speak as their world crumbled around them. Lester – a soldier? Lillia – married to a middle-aged bore of a man? As brother and sister, they had been companions from conception. They knew each other’s thoughts, and if one were sick or in trouble, the other felt that as well. The pain of dismay now swamped them.

‘You may go and begin making preparations for your new lives.’

They practically ran back to the music room, shut the door and locked it. Then they faced each other, white with despair.

‘How did our lovely, quiet and sophisticated mother ever come to marry a man like that?’ She clenched her fists as tears of fury filled her eyes. ‘He cancelled our places at the college. How could he do that? Doesn’t he know how hard we have worked for those places?’

‘To him, music is just noise.’

She nodded and wiped her eyes. ‘What are we going to do? If we still had our places at the college, we could have defied him and gone there anyway, but he has made sure we can’t do that.’

‘I don’t see we have any options but to let him believe we are going along with his arrangements.’

‘Oh no, I will not marry Lord Dalton! He’s old – and a politician! You know what I think of politicians!’

‘Exactly.’ A slow smile appeared on his handsome face. ‘Make him withdraw his offer.’

‘How …?’ her eyes opened wide as it dawned on her what he was suggesting. ‘Of course! You are so clever. All right, so I can possibly get out of my predicament, but what about you? The army is not for you. If you go we shall be parted, and I could not bear that.’

‘It had to come one day,’ he said kindly, ‘and it will be hard for us, but it is what we must do. One day our careers would have taken us in different directions anyway.’

‘But the prospect of our chosen careers has been taken away from us!’ she declared angrily.

‘A temporary setback only. You work on convincing Lord Dalton you will make him a most unsuitable wife, and I will go to the military academy until I can find a way out.’

‘How will that be possible?’ she asked.

‘I will have to convince them I will never make a soldier, let alone an officer. The next few months are going to be difficult, but we must succeed, and then we will try for another place at the college. We won’t give up.’

‘Of course we won’t!’ she rushed over to her twin and hugged him. ‘I shall find it very hard without you, and you must write every day – please.’

‘I will. Now, we must consult Mother and see if she has a way to deal with this. When did she say she would be returning?’

‘Tomorrow. I’ll wager he’s done this while she’s been away and without consulting her. She couldn’t overrule him because I believe she is frightened of him, and that’s why she visits her friend so often. How did we ever come to have a father like this?’

Lester shook his head in disbelief. ‘We certainly haven’t inherited anything from him, thank goodness. I often wonder where our love of music comes from. Although Mother enjoys music she has no talent for it and doesn’t even play the piano.’

‘We must be throwbacks from someone in our past, and we are the only twins in the family. We are unlike any other family member with our dark hair and green eyes. We really don’t fit, do we?’

‘We must try and find out more about our ancestors sometime,’ Lester remarked, thoughtfully, lifting the lid of the piano and sitting down, his hands running lovingly over the keys.

She settled down and waited for her brother to start playing. When the first notes of a piece by Rachmaninoff filled the room, she sighed with pleasure. She could listen for hours to her brother playing. There was something quite magical about his touch. She could play, but was lacking that something special he possessed. How could that dreadful man send him to become a soldier? There was only one place her brother belonged, and that was seated at the piano.

He looked across and smiled. ‘Do you want to sing?’

She shook her head. ‘No, just play.’

The next morning there was no sign of their father, much to their relief. They waited anxiously for their mother to return and rushed to greet her the moment she stepped inside the door.

‘We must talk with you, please,’ Lester told her. ‘It is most urgent!’

The pleasure of seeing her children again quickly faded from Sara’s face. ‘Come to my sitting room. Have a tray of tea sent up,’ she asked the butler.

‘At once, madam.’

Their mother removed her travelling cape and tossed it on a chair when they reached her room, and then she faced her children. ‘Do sit down, my dears. I know you are bursting to tell me something, and from your expressions it is clear I am not going to like it. But I will not hear a word until I have had a cup of tea.’

The twins sat side by side and waited until the refreshments had arrived and their mother was on her second cup.

She replaced the cup carefully on the tray, sat back and said, ‘Lester, now you can tell me what has happened.’

When her son had finished the story of what their father had done, she stood up and walked over to the window. There was silence.

‘What can we do?’ Lillia asked. ‘What he has planned for us is dreadful.’

Their mother spun round, her face milky white and she was trembling with rage. ‘It is terrible! You are both musicians of extraordinary talent. That is what you were born to do!’

‘Not according to him.’ Lester stood up and guided their mother back to her chair, while his sister poured another cup of tea. ‘We didn’t mean to upset you so, but we desperately need your advice. Is there any way out of this? We do have our inheritance from Uncle Bertram. I know it doesn’t come to us until we are twenty, but is there some way it could be released sooner?’

She shook her head. ‘I’m so sorry, my dears, but it was under your grandfather’s control, and after he died I discovered he had used it to finance something your father was involved in. There isn’t anything left.’

‘That can’t be so!’ Lillia said angrily. ‘It was willed to us!’

Lester laid a hand on his sister to calm her down. ‘We understand it was out of your control, Mother.’

‘The sad truth is we are only just managing to maintain our lifestyle.’

‘But you had a fortune in your own right.’ Lester was dismayed by this news. He had always believed their mother was wealthy. ‘Where has it all gone?’

Sara was too distressed to speak for a moment.

‘He took it!’ Lillia exploded. ‘Did that man find a way to help himself to your money?’

‘Once a woman marries everything she owns becomes her husband’s. You know that, darling. There wasn’t anything I could do about it.’

‘All that is going to change when women get the vote!’ She stormed around the room. ‘It’s time our voices were raised against such injustice.’

‘If you raise your glorious voice, it will certainly be heard.’ Lester dredged up a sad smile, and turned calmly to his mother. ‘It appears we are not in any position to defy him.’

‘None I can see at the moment. I am dreadfully sorry. If I could put things right for you I would, but you know well enough that he is not a man you can reason with. If your uncle was still alive I could have gone to him for help, but there is no one I can turn to now. I can’t bear to see your lives ruined like this.’ Sara’s voice broke and she turned away to hide her anguish.

Seeing how distressed their mother was, Lillia calmed down and went to her side. ‘Have no fear for us. The fulfilment of our dreams will be delayed, but we will find a way out of this.’

‘Once you are married to Lord Dalton there will be no way you can pursue your career in music.’

‘I won’t be marrying him!’ A determined gleam came into her eyes. ‘I know of a way to make him withdraw his offer.’

Sara knew her daughter well. She was a prima donna to her soul and had the ability to make things go her way. The only person she had never been able to manipulate was her brother. If she said the marriage offer would be withdrawn, then there was a fair chance that it would be. She turned to her son. ‘Do you have a plan as well?’

‘We were hoping there would be a way out of this without resorting to underhand tactics, but it is clear there is no easy answer. We have discussed this and now know we will have to take action. Lillia is going to prove she will be a most unsuitable wife, and I will show I will never make a soldier, let alone an officer.’

Kneeling beside her mother, Lillia took hold of her hands. ‘How did you come to marry a man like this? He is way below your class.’

‘I was faced with a desperate situation and had no choice. One day, when you are older, I will tell you why we are in this sad situation, and I pray you will not hate me for what I have done.’

‘Mother!’ they both declared. ‘You could never do anything to make us stop loving you! Can’t you tell us now?’

She looked at her children and gave a sad smile. ‘You still amaze me when you speak together as one person. This is not the right time because it will only add to your burdens, but when the time comes I will tell you the whole story. Until then, I must ask you to be patient and do as he says. Believe me when I stress that we do not have a choice at this time.’

‘We will do as you say.’ Lester went over to his mother and kissed her cheek. ‘We’ll try not to do anything to make your life even more difficult than it is, but we must deal with this in our own way. Don’t come to our defence or show disapproval at his decisions.’

‘No, my dears.’ Sara shook her head. ‘I cannot stand by and see your talents wasted.’

‘That is exactly what you must do,’ her daughter told her. ‘We will face his wrath, but we will not see it turned upon you. This is our fight and we are determined he will not win – indeed, he must not win!’

‘She is right,’ Lester agreed. ‘We are not helpless children any more, and with our chosen future in the balance we will fight him – whatever the consequences might be. And when we are famous we will be able to look after you.’

‘Can you not go back to your friend for a lengthy stay?’ her daughter suggested.

‘Certainly not! By suggesting that I do nothing you are asking too much of me. You are my children and this is not your fight alone – it is ours. I have always been careful to tread softly so you could have a happy upbringing, but I have stayed in the background too long. Now, tell me what you are going to do, for I am sure you have discussed this very carefully before approaching me.’

Without going in to details he said they simply had to convince everyone they were not suited to the roles their father had planned for them, and when he had finished he was pleased to see the colour return to their mother’s face.

She leant forward. ‘If you can do something without him being aware you are opposing his plans, then it might work, but you will both need to be very convincing.’

Lillia struck a pose of pure innocence and fluttered her eyelashes. ‘We are accomplished performers and all he will see are two dutiful children obeying his orders without protest.’

Sara smiled briefly at her daughter and then was serious again. ‘I may be able to support you, but what about you, Lester? You will be on your own, and once you are at the military academy it will be difficult for you to get out again.’

‘Have no fear; something will come along to make that possible. I can take care of myself. One thing I do ask though: please don’t let him touch my piano while I’m away.’

‘He cannot. That was a gift to us before you were born and I have made sure it is in your names. He knows this well enough and dare not dispose of it.’

The twins were stunned and said in unison, ‘Who gave it to us?’

‘That again is something I cannot tell you. But rest assured that the piano is safe.’

‘You are making my head swim with these mysteries,’ her daughter declared.

Sara smiled. ‘When you are both rich and famous, I will tell you all.’

Chapter Two

The time came for Lester to leave for the military academy and Lillia was distraught, but her brother had admonished her to make their parting calm. Their father must not have the slightest hint that they were unhappy with his arrangements. They hugged, smiled and wished each other happiness and success in their new lives.

Lester walked out of the house with a spring in his step as if eager to be on his way and waved as he disappeared up the road.

Their father grunted with satisfaction and without a word returned to his study. Only then did Lillia and her mother allow the tears to fall.

‘What am I going to do without him?’ she whispered.

Sara led her daughter towards the music room. ‘You are going to play the piano and sing at the top of your voice.’

‘I could not!’

‘Yes, you can, my dear. Let him know there will still be music in this house. If he thought that by sending Lester away the music would come to a stop, then you can prove him wrong. Sing something from La bohème for me, it is so beautiful and I never tire of hearing you sing.’

She sat at the piano and stifled a sob. She understood what her mother was saying – and she was quite right – but it was so hard without the other half of her. Their talents were different. Lester couldn’t sing and she didn’t have his skill at the piano, but together they made a whole.

‘Play, my dear,’ her mother urged gently. ‘You can do it. Remember it’s what Lester would expect of you. He will find a way to play the hand he has been dealt, and you must show your father, who is now probably gloating in his study, that you will not be beaten.’

Straightening on the stool, she began to play and sing softly at first, then as the music took over her notes rang out loud and clear.

‘Beautiful,’ Sara sighed as the last notes faded and smiled at her daughter. ‘I should think they heard that all the way to Covent Garden.’

Determination shone in her green eyes. ‘One day they will hear me sing, but I have a great deal of work to do before I am ready to take to the stage. I am only eighteen and will need a few years to mature. I will not get that chance if I am forced to marry Lord Dalton. It is essential that I remain unwed, and it is the same for Lester. We have quite a fight on our hands, Mother.’

‘And one I have no doubt you will win. I will help you both all I can. You have talents that need to be nurtured until they are honed to perfection, and that is something Gilbert is determined will not happen. Whatever hardships we have to face in the future, this is a fight for the three of us. I have already warned Lester that once his father realises he is being defied things could get unpleasant, and you may hear things that will shock you. Your brother has already told me he doesn’t care what is said, but could you deal with society’s censure?’

‘Yes,’ she declared firmly. ‘I don’t care what people say about us; I just want to sing. Father can slander us in any way, even turn us out of our home, but we will survive. And we will take care of you.’

She smiled. ‘That’s what your brother told me, but let us pray that doesn’t happen.’

For the rest of the day Lillia kept her mind focused on her brother and, much to her relief, she did not pick up any indication that he was troubled. They were so in tune with each other she knew she must remain calm. Although they had been parted, they were still working together to thwart their father’s plans. They were not alone either, because their mother was on their side, as she always had been.

Dinner that evening was difficult for her without Lester sitting opposite her, but she remained bright, refusing to let her distress show.

‘Lord Dalton will be calling on you tomorrow afternoon, Lillian,’ her father announced. ‘I shall expect you to be courteous and show pleasure at the honour he is bestowing upon you by his interest. He doesn’t like silly females, so engage him in intelligent conversation.’

‘Yes, Father.’

‘Sara, you will chaperone them but remain unobtrusive.’

‘Of course, Gilbert. Will you be joining us?’

‘I have business to attend to, but I am relying on you to see this first meeting goes smoothly. It will be a step up to have a lord in the family.’

Ah, that is what this is all about, thought Lillia. He is trying to climb the social ladder.

‘Lord Dalton must already be impressed with her to have declared his interest.’ She smiled at her husband. ‘And I have no doubt he will soon be even more certain of her suitability once he gets to know her.’

‘She is presentable enough, I agree, and young enough to give him the heirs he needs.’

She went cold with horror, but somehow managed to keep a smile on her face. These men were proposing to trap her in a loveless marriage for the sole purpose of producing heirs! Well, that wasn’t going to happen. Neither would she see her brother’s talent squandered just so this soulless man could have another officer in the family. He had already been elevated above his station by marrying their mother who came from the impeccable Kirkby family.

The moment their father retired to the smoking room to enjoy a cigar and several brandies, she spun to face her mother, absolutely furious. ‘How dare he do this? I won’t have it. If he tries to force this marriage on me I shall leave home. I can always get work somewhere. The music halls would probably give me work. I will not become a brood mare for anyone.’

‘Keep your voice down, my dear,’ her mother urged. ‘Stay calm. You said you had a plan to make Lord Dalton withdraw his offer. Put it into action at once and I will support you. Will you tell me exactly what you are going to do?’

‘It is for the best that you don’t know, then you can say with complete honesty that you had no idea I had done this.’

Sara studied her daughter and frowned with worry. ‘Don’t do anything foolish.’

‘Have you ever known me to act foolishly?’

‘No, I haven’t, but you have never had to face anything like this before. It would ease my mind to know what you are planning.’

Lillia’s smile was devilish. ‘It will soon become clear, and I think you will approve.’

‘I say, this is exciting, isn’t it?’

Lester glanced around the room containing six beds and grimaced at the young man standing beside him. ‘Exciting isn’t the word I would use. My name is Lester.’

‘James.’ The young man held out his hand. ‘From your reply I take it you are not happy to be here.’

‘Correct.’ Lester shook hands with James and smiled. ‘This isn’t what I had planned for my life, but it was forced upon me.’

‘Ah, a strict parent?’

He nodded. ‘But I’m here now and will have to see how it goes, but I doubt I’ll make a soldier.’

‘You stick with me. I come from a long line of military officers and will help you along if you need it.’

‘That is generous of you, but I fear you could come to regret that offer.’

James laughed. ‘I revel in a challenge. Come on; let’s explore the place before we start being ordered around.’

They found the classrooms, dining hall, library and the main lounge. This last room was the most interesting to Lester because there was a grand piano pushed into the corner. He walked straight over to inspect it. It was good, but not the quality of the one he had at home. The anguish he felt at that moment was intense and he couldn’t mask it from his expression.

‘I say,’ James came and stood beside him. ‘You’re looking at that instrument as if you know something about it. Do you play?’

‘I know a piano of quality when I see one,’ he answered, avoiding the question. He turned away to hide his sadness. ‘It doesn’t look as if it’s played very often.’

James shrugged. ‘I wouldn’t know. I never could get past the scales.’

‘What are you doing in here?’ a stern voice demanded.

They spun round to find an officer standing in the doorway, and James answered, smiling. ‘We’ve just arrived and thought we’d better find our way around, sir.’

‘This room is off limits to you. Go back to your quarters and wait for someone to come and escort you to the dining room.’

Lester’s spirit sank even lower. This was the only place they had seen a piano and it was out of bounds to students. It was going to be hard to endure this torture, he thought, as they hurried back to their sleeping quarters. To be separated from his sister and his piano was more than he could stand; not to mention their twice-weekly lessons with Professor Elland. But endure it he must! He knew his sister was suffering in the same way and he had to be strong so they could defeat their father’s plans. From the moment they had begun to show interest in music he had resented it for some reason, and when they had won places in the Royal College of Music he had gone into a rage. They had ignored him and continued making plans for a future in music. That future had now been ripped away from them, and if he was gloating over the success of his devious plans then he was in for a shock. His sister was going to have to use all of her dramatic flair to make Lord Dalton withdraw his offer of marriage, and he had every confidence in her, but how on earth was he going to get out of this? He had shown complete unconcern to his sister and mother, but in truth he really didn’t have any idea what he could do.

‘Don’t look so downcast,’ James declared when they reached their room. ‘We’ll have a lot of fun, you’ll see.’

‘Sorry.’ Lester dredged up a smile, not wishing to put a damper in this likeable young man’s enthusiasm. ‘I’ve got a sister – we’re twins – and this is the first time we have ever been parted.’

‘Twins! I say, I’ve heard that twins know if the other one is ill, and often they know each other’s thoughts. Is that true?’

‘It is like that with us.’ Lester laughed at the boy’s rapt expression.

‘That’s a bit inconvenient, isn’t it?’

‘Not really. We’re used to it.’

‘Is she pretty?’

‘No.’ Lester considered for a moment, then said, ‘She’s beautiful.’

‘You would say that!’ James grinned. ‘At the end of term the families can visit. I’d like to meet her.’

‘I’ll make sure you do.’

‘Terrific! I’ll introduce you to my folks. My father’s a general.’

‘So is mine.’

‘What?’ James stared at him aghast. ‘And you don’t want to be a soldier? What did you plan to do with your life?’

‘Be a musician.’

‘Ah, that’s why you were looking at that piano so fondly. There’s no future in that. The army is a much better career choice.’

‘I expect you’re right, but is the army ready for an officer with the soul of a musician?’

‘There’s room for every kind of talent,’ James assured him. ‘There are military bands. At the end of term you can declare your interest in music and there might be a place for you in a band.’

‘I’ll consider it.’ Lester stood up as a sergeant arrived to take them to the dining room.

‘You do that!’ James slapped him on the back, still smiling brightly. ‘There are still four to arrive for our quarters. Wonder what they’ll be like? If they’re all as nice as you, we’ll be all right. Lots of fun ahead. Let’s go and see what the food is like.’

The dining room was only half full as there were still a lot of boys to arrive and James was soon talking to everyone there. Lester watched his new companion with amusement and couldn’t help joining in the laughter, but he was unable to match their enthusiasm. However, James had planted a seed in his mind about the military bands. If all else failed it could be a way of still being involved with music. He managed to keep smiling as the pain tore through him again at the thought of spending his life in that way. No, it wasn’t an option he could really consider, but he would have to wait a few weeks before trying to leave.

Chapter Three

It had been a busy morning, but Lillia was excited and satisfied with what she had achieved. If the threat of marriage to a politician had not occurred, she doubted if she would have taken this step even though she agreed wholeheartedly with the aims of the organisation, but she was glad she had done so. The women were showing a determination to win their battle whatever the consequences or danger to themselves, and she approved of such an attitude.

‘Lord Dalton has arrived,’ Sara declared as she entered her daughter’s room. ‘That dark green gown is a perfect choice. It is elegant and brings out the unusual colour of your eyes. Are you ready for the meeting?’

‘Quite ready. We mustn’t keep him waiting.’

She tried to wipe the look of distaste from her face as they made their way downstairs. She curtsied gracefully to Lord Dalton, keeping her eyes lowered as if nervous. Refreshments were served while they talked about various society occasions being planned, and she answered when spoken to, showing an interest she didn’t feel, and appalled by the thought of being married to someone like this. Not only was he forty-five, but he was self-opinionated and pompous. How dare he try to snare himself a young wife! She was finding it increasingly difficult to be civil to him but it was too early to put her plan into action.

Sara, always aware of her daughter’s moods, stepped in to ease the rapidly building tension. ‘My daughter has a charming voice, Lord Dalton. Perhaps you would like to hear her play and sing?’

‘I would indeed. A talent like that is always useful when entertaining guests.’

Sara stood up and they made their way to the music room.

‘What would you like to hear?’ Lillia asked him, smiling as if eager to please.

‘I am sure you have a repertoire suitable for entertaining. I leave the choice to you.’

She nodded and settled at the piano.

‘Do not sing too well,’ her mother said softly as she leant over to put music on the stand.

The thought of doing that appalled her, but she knew it was necessary. She began to play popular pieces heard in the drawing rooms, keeping the volume of her voice subdued and slightly off key. After two such songs she changed to her great love – opera. She had been taking instruction for the music from Madame Butterfly with Professor Elland and Lester, and they had both complimented her the last time she had sung it for them. Tears came to her eyes knowing what she was about to do to this beautiful music.

Her mother gently applauded when she had finished and Lillia quickly wiped the moisture from her eyes before turning to face Lord Dalton.

His expression was unreadable and she felt that her terrible performance hadn’t had the desired effect. He appeared more amused than shocked, and when he smiled before turning to Sara, she knew this wasn’t going to be the way to change his mind.

‘Thank you for entertaining me,’ Lord Dalton said, obviously not the slightest bit concerned about her lack of talent.

‘She has had excellent tuition from Professor Elland from a very early age, as has her brother. They are both talented musicians.’

Lord Dalton swiftly changed the subject. ‘I understand your son is following in his father’s footsteps and is now at a military academy.’

‘That was his father’s wish,’ she replied, hiding her feelings with a slight smile.

‘Of course.’ He then turned his attention back to Lillia. ‘I have enjoyed our meeting today. Would you join me in a drive tomorrow afternoon? The weather is holding fair.’

‘Thank you, sir. That would be very pleasant.’

‘Excellent!’ He was still smiling as he stood up. ‘I must take my leave and return to Parliament for an important debate, but I look forward to our next meeting.’

They watched him leave, and then Sara shook her head. ‘I fear he is even more enamoured with you. I was sure he would begin to have doubts when he heard your singing was not up to the standard of your reputation.’

‘We know now that that was the wrong approach, and I suspect he is puzzled, knowing who my tutor is.’

‘That could be so.’ Sara took hold of her daughter’s arm. ‘Let us retire to my sitting room and try to decide what we can do next.’

Her mother’s expression was grim the moment they were alone. ‘I will not have you throwing your life away by marrying that man. He is too old for you and you are too young. You seemed certain he could be made to withdraw his offer, but how is that to be achieved? I have to stop this, my darling! I would live in a hovel and take in washing before I see my children treated in this abominable way!’

Alarmed by her mother’s declaration she rushed to her side. ‘You must not do anything to anger Father. That was only the first meeting and we now know Lord Dalton will not be frightened off easily. There is another way, and I believe it will be much more effective.’

‘Then tell me, for I cannot allow this to go any further.’

She realised that if she didn’t explain then her mother would defy her husband, and no doubt face dire consequences from him. Before her brother left they had discussed the situation and had both agreed they must not allow their mother to suffer because of them. She most certainly would if she tried to stand between them and that man. At a very early age they had become aware that this was not a happy marriage. Sara and her husband had separate rooms and seldom went out together; indeed, they spent as little time as possible in each other’s company. They had found it impossible to become close to him and he had never shown the slightest interest in their upbringing. She explained her plans and waited anxiously for her mother’s response.

‘You have actually met them?’ Sara gasped.

‘I went to see them this morning.’

‘I see.’ There was silence for a while, and then a slight smile touched her mother’s lips. ‘When are you meeting them again?’

‘Tomorrow morning.’

‘I would like to come with you.’

‘I am sure they would be happy to meet you,’ she told her mother, taken aback by the request. She had expected disapproval from her mother.

Slowly, a rare smile spread across Sara’s face. ‘That is so clever of you, my dear. I do believe you might have found the one thing a politician will not tolerate in a wife. Are you actually a member?’

‘Not yet, but I was told I would be very welcome to join their ranks. I am aware this could cause a great deal of trouble, and that is the reason I was reluctant to tell you about my involvement.’

‘I am pleased you have. I have been very worried that I might not be able to stop this marriage. Lord Dalton and Gilbert are powerful men and not easy to defy, but this situation is so grave we have no choice in the matter. I shall join in the struggle for women’s rights. With both women in the family involved we should have Lord Dalton leaving at speed. I know for a fact that he is stoically against women meddling in politics – his words not mine.’

‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ she asked her mother. ‘Father will be furious when he finds out.’

‘I no longer care what he thinks. My children have become wise adults, quite able to take control of their own lives. It is time for me to do the same. I have one last thing to do for you, and that is to see he doesn’t succeed in his desire to ruin your futures.’

‘We have never understood why he dislikes us so much. Most parents love and support their children. His attitude towards us has always perplexed us, and as we have grown older it is as if he cannot bear the sight of us.’

‘You remind him of everything he is not.’

‘I don’t understand why he should feel that way. Everyone has different qualities and talents. He must have been an exemplary soldier to have reached the rank of general. Surely that is something to be proud of? Why should it be of concern to him that our talents lie in the realm of music?’

‘I cannot answer that. I have never been able to fathom what is in his mind.’ Sara stood up. ‘Let us see what tomorrow brings. Now it is time to change for dinner.’

The moment they walked into the dining room Lillia could see that her father was in a good mood because he actually smiled at her.

‘Lord Dalton told me he was pleased with his visit today. He said you conducted yourself perfectly. That was well done, Lillian.’

‘Thank you, Father,’ she said, pinning a look of pleasure on her face. ‘We are going for a drive tomorrow.’

‘Yes, so I understand. Lord Dalton has already decided that you will make him a suitable wife and I have suggested your nineteenth birthday for the wedding. It will be a lavish affair and will need time to plan.’

‘Wouldn’t the summer be better?’ Sara suggested. ‘March can be a cold month.’

He waved a dismissive hand. ‘Lord Dalton has too many commitments during the summer. He agrees that March will be perfect.’

With the subject dismissed the rest of the meal was taken in silence and Lillia concentrated on her food, although she had quite lost her appetite. It was September now and that didn’t give them much time. These two men thought it was all settled, but they were in for a shock. Lester had insisted they have an escape route if their plans to extricate themselves from this situation failed, and after a long discussion they had one. They would have to leave home and go out on their own, but it would only be used if there was no alternative because it would involve hardship and poverty. If they had to put such a desperate plan into action then they would, but their mother must not know anything about it. Their music came above every other consideration, and as her father was in a good mood she had to make sure her lessons continued.

‘May I continue with my singing lessons until the wedding? Lord Dalton did appear to enjoy listening to me.’

He frowned and then nodded. ‘Only two hours a week.’

‘Thank you,’ she said meekly, hiding the gleam of triumph in her eyes by looking down. She had been worried that he had already cancelled those with the professor, and Lord Dalton had obviously kept quiet about her off-key performance.

The next morning Sara and her daughter went to the meeting place used by the Women’s Social and Political Union. They were preparing for a demonstration that afternoon in Hyde Park and Lillia would have loved to take part, but she had agreed to a drive with Lord Dalton. There would be other times, she thought, as she watched her mother in deep discussion with some of the women. She had never seen her so animated. It was as if this crisis with her children had woken something inside her, and for the first time a fighting spirit had emerged. It was clear there would now be some changes made in their house, which until now had been completely controlled by her husband.

‘Thank you for bringing your mother to meet us,’ Agnes, the organiser of this group said. ‘She is very knowledgeable about politics and you will both be a great help to us.’

‘I’m sorry I can’t join you in the demonstration today, but we have a problem to resolve. Once that has been dealt with we will be able to come here more often.’

‘That will be excellent, and do not apologise. This has been arranged at short notice, but we will be well supported.’ She gave a wry smile. ‘We like to take everyone by surprise if we can.’

‘I’m afraid we must leave now.’ Sara came over to them smiling with excitement. ‘Thank you for making me so welcome, and I will come to your next meeting.’

On the way home Sara smiled at her daughter. ‘I wonder where Lord Dalton intends to go for a ride this afternoon. Hyde Park perhaps?’

‘That would be perfect!’ she laughed, ‘but I doubt that. Although the ladies have arranged this in a hurry, he probably knows about it already.’

‘Yes, he’s bound to have been told. Never mind, we shall have to bring the subject into the conversation.’

‘I intend to.’ She suddenly became pensive and tears filled her eyes.

‘What is the matter, my dear?’

‘Lester isn’t happy. I can feel it. The moment we have frightened off Lord Dalton we must get him out of that place!’

As expected, Lord Dalton didn’t take them through Hyde Park. Instead they had a leisurely drive around the Palace of Westminster while he explained the history of Parliament.

This was a good opportunity for Lillia to talk about politics.

‘What are your views on giving women the vote?’ she asked casually.

‘I am against it, of course.’

‘Do you not think that women should have a say in the running of their country?’

‘Certainly not! That is a ridiculous idea, and it is not something you should be filling your head with.’

‘And why is that?’ she asked with a look of innocent enquiry on her face. ‘The decisions you make in government touch all of our lives, not only men.’

‘A woman’s place is looking after her home and family, not interfering in something they have no intelligence for.’

She bristled and heard her mother’s sharp intake of breath from behind them. ‘Are you implying that women are only fit for bearing children and allowing men to dominate them?’

He frowned at her vehemence. ‘I wouldn’t put it quite that way, but women have their role in life, and men theirs. That is the way it has always been – and will stay.’

‘I must disagree, sir. What about Elizabeth I? She ruled and men did her bidding. And she is not the only woman we have had on the throne.’

‘Men advised and guided Elizabeth, and by the time Victoria came to the throne she had no power over Parliament. These women of the WSPU will never win the vote for women. They are making a nuisance of themselves and looking foolish in the process.’

‘Do you think they are foolish, Mother?’ she asked.

‘After our meeting with them I am of the opinion that they are highly intelligent ladies. It may be a long, hard struggle facing them, but they will eventually win. Women successfully manage households and staff, dealing with the many problems arising. They could make a valuable contribution to running the country – given the opportunity.’

‘Exactly!’ She turned back to Lord Dalton, a wide smile on her face. ‘We must agree to differ on the subject, sir.’

He was looking from one to the other in astonishment. ‘I understood you were interested only in music. You have met some of the women?’

‘We have,’ Sara told him.

‘I see. Well, you would be wise to disassociate yourselves from them immediately. If they continue to persist in their illegal activities there will be serious consequences. They could even be facing a prison sentence.’

‘The ladies I spoke to are quite aware of that, and it will not stop them,’ Sara told him. ‘They are prepared to face any hardship for their cause.’

‘Then they are even more misguided that I imagined,’ Lord Dalton retorted. ‘And I will hear no more of this subject.’

‘Would you not wish me to show an interest in your work as a politician?’ Lillia asked.

‘Not by holding such radical views. Mrs Holdsworth, I am relying on you to put an end to this foolishness at once. When we are married your daughter will have no time for such nonsense.’

They pulled up outside the house and Sara asked, ‘Will you come in for refreshments?’

‘I cannot stay today. I have a box at the opera for Saturday evening and will call for you at seven o’clock. I know you will enjoy that.’

‘I will indeed, and thank you for an interesting drive, sir.’

He actually laughed. ‘Interesting – yes it was. Until Saturday then.’

Once inside the house, mother and daughter looked at each other in dismay, and Lillia said, ‘I don’t believe our views on women’s rights put him off at all.’

‘I’m afraid they didn’t. That man has a sense of humour, which is surprising, and he is a fighter. He is absolutely certain he can change you once you are married, and is not concerned with what he considers foolish views.’

‘Views he feels can easily be crushed once I am under his control.’

‘That is so. I am beginning to think this offer should have been refused immediately.’

‘It is too late for that now.’ She followed her mother to their sitting room, deep in thought. When she had planned this with Lester it had seemed so easy to make Lord Dalton withdraw his offer, but it wasn’t working out that way. Oh, Lester, I need you! I am becoming very concerned.

Chapter Four

It had been four weeks of purgatory for Lester. He managed the parade ground by concentrating on the rhythm of marching feet and he never missed a step, but not having a piano was tearing him apart. All he could do was picture a keyboard and go through the music in his head. He was also worried about his sister. It was evident from her letters that Lord Dalton was still determined to make her his wife. In an effort to protect their mother from the wrath of her husband they had made the wrong decision. They should have refused to go along with his plans the moment he had told them. But they hadn’t, and now their situation was dire. His sister had been unable to make Lord Dalton withdraw his offer, and he was doing better at the military academy than expected. He was already being complimented on his progress, and he wasn’t even trying to excel.

‘Holdsworth!’

He leapt to his feet, along with the other boys when an officer entered their sleeping quarters.

‘Come with me.’

When Lester glanced quickly at James and frowned, his friend just grinned.

The officer was already marching away and Lester had to run to catch up with him. What on earth did they want with him at this time in the evening? Lessons had finished for the day. He remained silent as they made their way to the main building.

‘Captain Andrews wants to see you.’ The officer stopped by the door leading to the lounge they had been thrown out of on the first day, and then he turned and walked away.

Still puzzled, Lester opened the door and walked in to find the room bustling with activity, preparing for a function of some kind. His attention immediately fixed on the piano. It had been pulled out from the corner and polished until it gleamed in the lamplight.

‘Are you Holdsworth?’ a harassed looking officer asked.

‘I’ve been told to report to Captain Andrews, sir.’

‘That’s me,’ he snapped. ‘I understand you might be able to play the piano.’

‘Yes, sir.’