The Last Dollar Princess: A Young Heiress's Quest for Independence in Gilded Age America and George V's Coronation Year England by Linda Bennett Pennell

Author:Linda Bennett Pennell [Pennell, Linda Bennett]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Published: 2022-05-30T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

India stood on the top parapet of the Albert Memorial steps with a hand on Charlie’s shoulder for support. Shielding her eyes with her free hand, she scanned Kensington Gore back toward Knightsbridge. There were women five abreast as far as the eye could see, rank upon rank of them hailing from every part of the Empire. Some groups wore the traditional costumes of their countries. Others wore simple summer dresses of white cotton lawn. At the head, two Englishwomen on horseback led the procession. There were flags and banners of all types, but the unified theme was one of universal suffrage for women. India’s heart beat a little faster as a contingent from her namesake subcontinent came into view.

Bouncing on her toes, she squeezed Charlie’s shoulder. “Oh look! Aren’t those saris beautiful? I’ve always thought I should have one. How can someone named India not?” Charlie’s weight shifted beneath her grasp. He hopped on one foot, then righted himself.

A crease formed between his eyes and his lips thinned. “Be careful. You nearly sent us toppling. A little more decorum would be appreciated. Remember you are a debutant, not a scullery maid.”

India laughed loudly enough to draw stares from those nearby. “There you go again. You are beginning to be a real ole fuddy-duddy. Aren’t you the one who has been encouraging me to spreads my wings?”

“Yes, but not at risk to life and limb. There seems to be a commotion in the crowd along the curb. Perhaps you’d better step down beside me.”

“No, I want to see it all. This is so thrilling. Just look at all of those women coming together in common cause. There must be tens of thousands. Who knew there could be so many? It gives me hope that one day I shall cast my ballot for the candidate of my very own choosing. I’m glad I grabbed one of the leaflets before the crowd got so big. I may visit the suffragists’ office and volunteer to help. Theirs is such a worthy cause.”

Charlie cut his eyes up at India and smirked. “I’m sure your mother will be ecstatic to learn of your interest.”

One minute, there was cheering and polite applause, the next the crowd surged toward the marchers and swayed back into place. India froze on her perch. Something was amiss. Yelling and cursing emanated from somewhere near the road followed by men and woman scattering, pushing those around India into a tightly packed huddle. She dared not step down at this point. Without warning, something hit the front of her dress with enough force to send her reeling. She stumbled backward trying to regain her balance only to find she had stepped into thin air. The last thing she saw before she fell were policemen on horseback wading into the pandemonium. The air whooshed from her lungs as she landed in outstretched arms.

“Open your eyes. You’re safe.” Charlie’s voice held a small quiver.

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