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If only things could be so simple. Shaking my head regretfully, I said: ‘I’m afraid that wouldn’t be a good solution. Wilkins always has heaps of servants around him wherever he goes, except in ballrooms. And you can’t just haul off and let him have it in the middle of a ballroom. Besides, I think your mother got suspicious after that incident with Mr Wright last summer. I don't think she entirely believed your story about your parasol having been chewed up by a rabid spaniel.’
Patsy shrugged. ‘Yes, but the man lived. So even if she had found out, it wouldn’t have been that serious.’
‘But don't you see,’ I insisted, ‘in this case, in Ella’s case, nobody must even suspect, let alone find out for certain, that I had a hand in this matter. Either my aunt or Wilkins must drop the acquaintance of the other of their own accord. If we were involved in the matter, Ella would feel mortified to find out what you were doing! She might marry the fellow just to prove it wasn’t necessary and show everyone what a good, sweet girl she is.’
Slowly, Patsy nodded, though she still looked regretfully at her parasol.
‘I see what you mean. If anybody could be that silly, she could.’
With indignation I crossed my arms in front of my chest. ‘My sister is not silly!’
Patsy gave me a searching gaze. I relented.
‘Well, maybe a tiny little bit. But it’s not nice to say it.’
‘I’m not known for being nice. That’s why I’ll never have to worry about an unwanted matrimonial arrangement.’ She thought for a moment. ‘So what are you going to do if you’re not going to act directly?’ she finally enquired.
‘Well, I had an idea. Listen.’
I explained. At first they looked doubtful, but by the time I was finished Patsy was nodding thoughtfully.
‘It’s not a bad idea. A fellow like Wilkins has got to have something about him that would make him an undesirable son-in-law. And your aunt is the biggest snob in the world.’
‘Thank you very much.’
‘You’re welcome. So, where do we start?’
I gestured beyond the bushes.
‘I thought we could start by talking to the people in the park. People here do nothing but talk all day. That’s why they come out here: to hear the latest gossip and make up some more.’
‘Some of them come here to walk and feed the cute little ducks in the pond,’ Flora pointed out shyly.
‘Those are the worst,’ was Patsy’s reply. ‘Have you ever listened to those old ladies who stand around feeding ducks? They chatter worse than the ducks do.’
I smiled. They were on the wagon. ‘Which will suit our purpose excellently, my dear friend.’
‘Quite right, Lilly. So, let’s go!’
They were already standing from the bench and about to embark on their secret spying mission when I waved them back.
‘Wait! There’s something else I’ve got to tell you.’
‘What?’ Patsy raised an eyebrow. ‘Does Ella have another suitor? Dear me, that girl is busy these days.’
‘No, no! It hasn't got anything to do with Ella.’
In concise words, I explained to them about the anti-suffragist meeting. By the time I was finished they were all smiling. Patsy might even have had a demonic glint in her eyes.
‘So they don't want anybody to show up, do they?’ she asked. ‘Afraid of opposition, are they?’
‘So it seems,’ I confirmed, smirking.
‘I wonder…’ Eve said. ‘Maybe we should do something about that. What do you think?’
We looked at each other - and smiled again.
‘This is getting better and better,’ Patsy grinned. ‘Looks like we’re going to have a busy morning.’
