Criminal Women by John Eddleston

Author:John Eddleston
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wharncliffe
Published: 2010-06-14T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

Florence Bravo 1876

Florence Campbell was born in 1845, the second child of a family of seven. Florence had quite a privileged childhood; her father, Robert, had made a substantial fortune in Australia and when the family returned to England, he was able to purchase a country residence in Berkshire and a house in Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge.

In 1864, when Florence was just nineteen, a trip to Canada led to a meeting with a dashing Grenadier Guards Captain, Algernon Lewis Ricardo. The two appeared to be besotted with each other and even Florence’s father was impressed by Ricardo’s background. His father was a Liberal MP and his mother, a sister to the Duke of Fife. The liaison was encouraged, with the result that within three months, Florence and Algernon were married. So pleased was Mr Campbell, that he settled an income of £1,000 on his newly married daughter.

There were, however, problems in the new relationship. Ricardo was dedicated to his life in the army, but Florence had no ambitions to be an army wife, possibly involving travel to the far-flung corners of the Empire. After much discussion, she persuaded her husband to leave the army and take a position in London.

Algernon Ricardo did try to make a success of civilian life. At various times he took positions with both his father and Florence’s father, but neither worked out. He could not settle into such a sedentary life and took to drink. There were also rumours that he spent much of his free time in the company of other women. What is certain, is that there were many arguments between man and wife.

Things came to a head one Christmas, when Ricardo insulted one of Florence’s sisters. Florence remonstrated with him and Ricardo retaliated by striking her in the face three times. A tearful and rather angry Florence left the marital home and returned to her parent’s house.

Perhaps Florence expected that her parents would support her in her plans to obtain a legal separation from Ricardo, but they were appalled at the idea. For them, marriage was forever and if she had made a bad match, then she would just have to live with it. They encouraged Florence to return to her husband and sort matters out, but she would have none of it. After a furious argument, a compromise was agreed upon. Florence would take some time to think things over, by taking a brief holiday at the Hydro, a spa in Great Malvern.

The Hydro was chosen because the Campbells knew that it was run by Dr James Manby Gully, an old family friend. Florence had known Dr Gully since she was a child, so who better to offer her friendly advice. Unfortunately for the Campbells, though, Dr Gully agreed with Florence and said he would support her in seeking a legal separation from her alcoholic husband. He even arranged for her to rent a house in Great Malvern and the two spent a good deal of time together. At one stage

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