‘What happened? Why did you let him go?’

‘What were we meant to do? There was nothing more to say. He agreed to our demands. I could not believe it! Sir Templeton is one of us! He has long argued for universal suffrage. He will be a real asset to us in the House of Lords! He is not pressing charges. The great man even made excuses as to why he had “disappeared”.’

Gertrude Rankin stroked her chin as looked at the two bright-eyed sisters. ‘I know, my fellow soldiers. Detective Chief Inspector Watson had no option but to let me and the other warriors go.’ The leader of the Hartley and District Women’s Social and Political Union rubbed her wrists where the handcuffs had chafed her skin. ‘Our great initiative is somewhat thwarted.’

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