The Best of Daughters Read Free

because I never wear rouge or anything like that, and anyway my limited means does not allow me to indulge in luxuries, but I simply love to breathe in the glorious scents in the perfume department.’ She paused for breath, blushing and staring down at the cup and saucer clutched in her hands. ‘I’m sorry. Once I start chattering I find it hard to stop.’
    â€˜Indeed you do, Lavinia,’ Mrs Harper-Colton saidwith a wry smile. ‘You chatter more than all three of my girls put together.’
    â€˜You must miss them terribly now that they’re all married with homes of their own,’ Lady Pendleton said sympathetically.
    â€˜At least they all found suitable husbands and were off your hands before they reached their majority.’ Gwendoline aimed a meaningful glance at her daughter.
    Daisy sighed inwardly and remained silent. Mother would never let her forget the fact that the Harper-Colton girls, all gangly, toothy and with not a brain between them, had achieved what every ambitious matron wanted for their female progeny. Each one of them had snared a wealthy husband who could keep her in comfort for the rest of her life. It was an inescapable fact that she was expected to follow suit, and to do it before she was considered to be officially on the shelf. No one seemed to give her credit for being able to think for herself, and both her parents would be utterly horrified if they knew that she supported the Women’s Social and Political Union. Even now she could hear the screams and cries of protest from the women as the police descended upon them with truncheons at the ready. There had been no quarter given and probably none had been expected by the seasoned suffragettes. It was the first time that Daisy had been subjected to the violence of such a demonstration, and she was still shocked and shaken by the scenes she had witnessed.
    â€˜Pay attention, Daisy,’ Gwendoline said crossly. ‘It’s your party that we’re discussing. You might pretend to be interested.’
    Jolted back to the present, Daisy attempted a smile. ‘I’m sorry, Mother. I was miles away.’
    â€˜That was quite obvious. Perhaps you’d better leave us to make the final arrangements, since you don’t seem to care one way or the other.’
    Everyone was looking at her and Daisy felt the blood rushing to her cheeks. ‘I do care, Mother. I’m sorry, what were you saying?’
    â€˜I was simply enquiring if you had any preference as to the floral arrangements on our tables in the private dining room at the Hotel Cecil. I have to give the final decision by tomorrow morning at the latest so that the florist can order the appropriate blooms and foliage. Jane and I have decided on gardenias, freesias and roses with sprays of stephanotis and a mist of gypsophila.’
    â€˜That sounds lovely.’
    Gwendoline sighed heavily. ‘You’d say the same if I suggested dandelions and buttercups. You should think you’re very fortunate to have a father who is prepared to indulge you in this way.’
    â€˜I do, Mother. I am grateful, and I appreciate all the trouble that everyone is going to on my behalf.’ Daisy paused, glancing from one face to the other. She could see doubt and scepticism on each one, except for Miss Spruce who merely looked confused.
    Lady Pendleton placed her arm around Daisy’s shoulders and gave her a hug. ‘I expect it’s all a bit overwhelming for a self-effacing girl like you, my dear. But rest assured, Rupert will be there to make sure you have a wonderful time. He’s such a dear boy, andhe’s very fond of you. I’m sure he already thinks of himself as one of the family.’
    â€˜I’m certain that my daughter feels the same way.’ Gwendoline paused, as if waiting for Daisy to agree, but when no response was forthcoming her smile faded. ‘What do you say, Daisy?’
    She could stand it no longer.