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At the head of the table sat Henry Aubrey, the host for the evening’s party Alice knew that politics didn’t interest her father His engineering rams, build machinery with his hands, but his considerable intellect had never extended to hts of business owners

“Ti luddites, fortunately, has long passed Child labour is not, I believe, beneficial to society, especially young children I do agree with this ne li their use in the factories”

“Indeed, indeed,” proclai parish rector

Alice wanted to glare at the reverend He had failed to contest anyone’s opinion while htly sealed, as were the other ladies about the table; her mother, Mrs Melrose and Mrs Huddlestone Alice was secretly a period

“Whatever the law,” said Edmund from his end of the table, “It is not for the arlishman and soldiers fire upon their own people If we had a police constabulary, as they do in London, laould be better enforced”

Mr Melrose opened his reerey eyes despatch a glare at him

Alice’s mother tossed her napkin on to the table “I think ladies it is ti”

Alice’sat Dodsworth House She had been keen for sohter and, in particular, to ensure the Huddlestones wouldn’t find any cause to ain Alice’s mishap in Macclesfield

Lucy and Philippa hadn’t helped Alice had found out from her mother, upon their arrival earlier in the day that her frivolous friends continued to talk about the incident, knowing it could harm Alice’s reputation

“They do asped Alice mortified The whole episode filled her deep shame

“Foolish girls” Her s take time, but the matter will be concluded Perhaps,” her rand social occasion at Westfell I’hbours could see you in your splendid hoossip”

“Yes, it would,” murmured Alice She daren’t mention her desire for a ball without Ed after Ann’s departure, she’d been ain She had bit back a huff of disappointment, but it must have shown in her face

Edo about this matter at a leisurely pace, my dear There is no rush I need not remind you it is my decision, not yours”

Since their arrival at her parents’ house, Alice had played the role of dutiful wife to perfection Her determination to prove to Edmund she was ready to play hostess reue on nu out inappropriate remarks or asides She knew she had done hen her husband despatched her a s table However, he still hadball to her parents

Seated in the drawing rooame as all present were subject to Mrs Huddlestone’s continuous strea served to cover up the obvious fact she could not see her cards without her pince-nez and the proud woman refused to wear them