The White Feather Murders by Rachel McMillan

Author:Rachel McMillan
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780736966450
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

“We recognize that aid in our national crisis impresses as much of a duty on our women as it does on our men!” Jem and Merinda heard the words even as they passed through the double doors of the cathedral and took seats near the back. Merinda watched several hats adorned with feather plumes bob in agreement as the woman continued. She was dressed in the colors of suffrage imported by British supporters: purple for dignity, white for purity, and green for hope, with a Union Jack ribbon affixed to her lapel. She continued in a strong alto that reverberated to the rafters and seemed to rattle through the towering pipes of the grand organ.

“Our role is not diminished because we are keepers of the hearth. Our patriotism not subdued because we are charged with trinkets, good luck charms, teary goodbyes, and favorite songs as our parting gifts. Our sacrifice is no less important because we give our sons and husbands over to the King and not ourselves. Imperial daughters, our job is no less important and our duty no less great. I am inspired by the promise that we are keeping this home safe so that our men have something to fight for. So that our children can benefit from the sacrifice our brave make every day as they leave on trains and ships to the yet unknown horrors awaiting them.”

The woman went on for several more minutes with the same cadence and conviction. Finally, she moved to the side of the podium and invited Lady Adelaide Pelham to speak. Upon rising, Lady Adelaide was met with thunderous applause.

“Ladies, I echo what our esteemed friend has told us today. We will need ‘all hands on deck’ in order to ensure we are giving as much as our brave husbands, fathers, and sons. To this end, I am pleased to be appointed the chair of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Preservation of the Beloved Home Front. Our first order of business will be to canvas the streets to raise a collection for a most worthy and noble project…” Lady Pelham paused for effect, “… a hospital ship!” She paused again, and this time she was rewarded with a fervent response from the audience. “Our brave men need the best medical supplies, and how exciting is it that we Canadian women can be at the forefront of the highest medical care as our men set off to the battlefield?”

Lady Adelaide continued with a genuine dedication toward her cause, and while Jem was admiring her trim tailored suit and ivory silk gloves, Merinda was eagerly assessing the way she pumped her fist in the air and the light that gleamed through her bright eyes.

After several more speeches, a young woman well known to both Jem and Merinda from previous cases† took the podium. “My name is Martha Kingston, and you may know me as an advocate for women’s suffrage and as a reporter. But, sisters, I am here in solidarity with Lady Pelham.

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