by Dilly Court
‘Of course, and thank you.’ Daisy stood on the doorstep watching her self-elected role model glide down the garden path like a swan on a glassy lake. Parkin leapt out of the driver’s seat to open the gate for her and assist her into the Rolls. ‘What have I done?’ Daisy murmured as the regal motorcar disappeared around the bend in the road. She was about to retreat into the house when she heard the clank of metal against metal and she knew that Bowman was in the stables, working on the Humberette. She steeled herself to go into the house and close the door, shutting him out of her life for once and all.
In the weeks that followed Daisy suffered the ministrations of hairdressers, beauticians and fittings at the salon of the fashionable London couturier, Lucille. She was measured for morning and afternoon gowns and evening dresses that she might never wear, but according to Lady Pendleton were an absolute necessity if she were to mix in high society. She had her hair washed and trimmed, crimped and puffed up into luxuriant coils, which meant that her head was heavy with pins which gave her a headache. And even when the consultations and fitting were completed there were the accessories to choose. Beekeeper-style bonnets or tasselled motoring hats for keeping the hair tidy when out driving. For spring and summer there were duster coats made of silk and a beaver fur coat for winter. There were exhaustive trips to various milliners in order to select hats for all occasions, including a creation aptly named the Merry Widow, as worn by Lily Elsie in the eponymous operetta. There were confections decorated with osprey or egret feathers and huge, floppy flowers which made her feel as though she had a whole garden on her head. There were fur hats in the shape of pillboxes, shakos and turbans made of satin for evenings at the opera. Then there was the footwear: boots made of kid, slip-on court shoes, brogues for country wear and evening shoes with Cuban heels. As if all that were not enough there were gloves to go with each outfit, and bags made of bead-work or soft leather, and the latest craze, a Dorothy bag, which hung from the wrist on a cord.
To a girl who had been brought up with an eye to economy, it seemed almost too much to bear. But Lady Pendleton was in her element, choosing fabrics and discussing future fashion trends as if their lives depended on being in the forefront of haute couture. Daisy was overwhelmed by her generosity and horrified by her extravagance. She was exhausted by the seemingly never-ending engagements for luncheon, afternoon tea and trips to the theatre followed by supper at exclusive restaurants. She discovered that Lady Pendleton, who she had always thought was peerless in thought and deed, had one weakness. She was addicted to card games, in particular faro, loo and whist, but try as she might Daisy could not summon up an interest in something she found intrinsically boring, and she was hopeless with numbers. She began to dread card parties and would have preferred to stay at home, even if it meant enduring an evening with Lord Pendleton.
He lived in the London house for a greater part of the year, attending sessions in the House of Lords, and it was only when the House was not sitting that he would retire to Pendleton Park. Daisy was a little in awe of the austere gentleman who seemed to have his mind on other matters, and although she had met him on many occasions he always looked slightly puzzled when he found her seated at the breakfast table or passed her on the staircase. She felt sometimes that she ought to be wearing a badge with her name on it in order to remind him who she was. She was not exactly afraid of him but he seemed very old when compared to her father, and unapproachable. She always waited for him to address her before she opened her mouth in his presence. He was obviously a great many years his wife’s senior and they treated each other like polite strangers. It was almost impossible to imagine that theirs had been a love match that had transcended the barriers of class. Daisy could not imagine herself and Rupert ever sinking to that level. Not that she had seen him since he returned to his regiment. She had spoken to him on the telephone at the house in Mayfair, but the line had been crackly and he sounded so far away that it had been impossible to have anything like a normal conversation. He said that he hoped to have leave at Christmas but he could not promise anything.
Daisy anticipated their reunion with some trepidation. She knew that she ought to be counting every minute until they were reunited but as the days went by she became more and more worried. When she thought of Rupert she remembered halcyon days in the countryside when they were carefree children, but try as she might she could not imagine them living as husband and wife. Neither could she envisage herself as mistress of Pendleton Park and the grand house in London. She felt trapped by the rules of etiquette that she struggled to remember, and she longed for the freedom she had enjoyed when living at home in Warwick Square. Every minute of every day was carefully mapped out for her by Lady Pendleton, and at every turn there was a servant to carry out her slightest wish. She missed her family and the peace and quiet of Rainbow’s End, but she could see no easy way of escape without hurting people for whom she cared deeply, but perhaps not deeply enough.
As Christmas approached Daisy was becoming desperate, but a chance meeting with a young woman called Grace Ashley-Smith at a charity fundraising dinner changed everything. It had been impossible not to notice Grace and her companion Lillian Franklin, attired as they were in scarlet jackets over white muslin dresses adorned with scarlet sashes. Daisy had no idea what organisation this uniform represented but she was irresistibly drawn to the two oddly dressed women. She would have asked Lady Pendleton about them, but she was giving her full attention to a handsome gentleman with mutton-chop whiskers and a row of medals on his chest. Daisy was already feeling bored and out of her depth. She had been introduced to so many new people that her hand was quite sore from being shaken. She decided that the two women looked equally out of place and alone amongst the illustrious company, and she edged her way through the crowd towards them. She held out her hand, smiling. ‘I know it isn’t done to introduce oneself, but I’m Daisy Lennox. How do you do?’
The more outgoing of the pair shook her hand vigorously. ‘Thank God. A woman who isn’t afraid to speak up for herself. I thought that Lillian and I were the only two here who didn’t conform. I’m Grace Ashley-Smith and this is my friend, Lillian Franklin.’
Introductions over, Daisy stared curiously at their uniforms. ‘Do you mind telling me what you represent? I’m frightfully ignorant of this sort of thing.’
‘We’re FANYs,’ Grace said, chuckling. ‘The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry.’
‘Really? That sounds exciting. Do tell me about it.’
‘Let’s have a drink first.’ Lillian seized two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and handed them to Daisy and Grace, taking care to take one for herself before he moved on with his silver tray balanced expertly on one hand. ‘These dos make me thirsty. They’re so awfully dull.’
‘Stop moaning, Lillian,’ Grace said, sipping her champagne and pulling a face. ‘Actually I prefer beer, but it’s deeply infra dig.’ She cocked her head on one side, looking Daisy up and down with a critical eye. ‘Are you interested in joining, by any chance?’
It was the first time that anyone had suggested anything remotely interesting and suddenly the slight depression that had clouded Daisy’s mind dissipated like morning mist. ‘I might be,’ she said cautiously. ‘If I knew exactly what it is you do. For one thing I’m not a nurse and I can’t stand the sight of blood.’
‘But you’re engaged to Lord Pendleton’s son unless I’m very much mistaken. You’ll be marrying into the aristocracy,’ Grace said seriously. ‘Surely that means you can ride, and maybe even drive a motor car. We need volunteers to do all sorts of things. D’you think you could load and fire a gun, for instance?’
Taken aback by her forceful nature and obvious enthusiasm, Daisy recoiled slightly. ‘I can ride a horse, although I’ve never ridden to hounds or handled a gun, but I can drive a motorcar. I’ve got a licence.’
‘You sound eminently suitable,’ Lillian said, smiling.
They were interrupted by the call to dinner and Daisy could s
ee Lady Pendleton beckoning to her. ‘I’m sorry, I have to go. Perhaps we could talk later. I’m desperately keen to learn more.’
‘Good egg,’ Grace said enthusiastically. ‘We’ll arrange a proper interview after dinner. Do you know Lexham Gardens, South Kensington?’
‘No, but I’m sure I can find it.’
The interview was quite informal and to her amazement Daisy found herself enrolled in the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry, but there were costs associated with this, which presented a problem as she had no funds of her own. There was the initial joining fee of one guinea, and she would be expected to buy her uniform and first aid outfit. Then there were classes in first aid, home nursing and riding lessons which also cost money. In the face of this unexpected expenditure Daisy had no alternative but to swallow her pride and go cap in hand to Lady Pendleton.
She stood before her in the Chinese drawing room feeling like a small child asking for pocket money. Lady Pendleton listened quietly until Daisy had finished speaking. She folded her hands in her lap, keeping her gaze fixed on Daisy’s face. ‘Is this what you want? Do you think that my son would approve of his future wife joining such an organisation?’
‘I don’t know,’ Daisy said, shifting nervously from one foot to the other. ‘I wish I could talk to him about it, but I don’t think he would stop me. After all, he is a soldier dedicated to serving his country and I’d like to do my bit. I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve done for me, but I feel rather useless.’
‘Useless?’ Lady Pendleton stared at her in undisguised astonishment. ‘You astound me, Daisy. What could a young woman do that was more worthy than learning to be a good wife and hopefully a mother one day? You will have the honour and responsibility of bearing the heir who will carry on the name of Pendleton. Isn’t that enough for you?’
Daisy hung her head. ‘I’m sorry. I can’t help the way I am, and these women are so dedicated and brave. If war comes I would be able to do something practical. Maybe even help save the lives of men like Rupert.’
Lady Pendleton recoiled slightly but Daisy could see that she had gained her interest if not her approval. ‘This is beyond my experience,’ Lady Pendleton said slowly. ‘In my day women were happy to serve silently and keep things going until their men returned from battle. I am obviously out of touch with the modern way of thinking.’
‘If I might just try it out,’ Daisy urged gently. ‘Surely that wouldn’t hurt? I promise that I’ll discuss it with Rupert when he comes home on leave, and if he is set against it then I’ll resign.’
For a moment she thought that Lady Pendleton was going to refuse, but she nodded her head.
‘All right, Daisy. I’ll pay your expenses and you may go ahead with my blessing, but only because I know that you have an independent spirit and that you find society life not entirely to your taste.’ She held up a delicate hand as Daisy was about to argue. ‘No, my dear, I’m well aware that you don’t enjoy tea parties and soirées, and that isn’t a bad thing. I suspect that when Rupert eventually leaves the army and takes over the running of the estate he will want to spend far more time in the country than in London. I think that you two will suit very well, and for that reason I’m prepared to humour you in this. Go ahead and order your uniform and whatever you need. Have the bills sent to me.’
Daisy seized her hand and raised it to her cheek. ‘Thank you for being so understanding. Might I go to Gamages now? They supply everything I’ll need.’
‘Gamages? I don’t think I know that store.’
Daisy tried not to smile. ‘No, I don’t suppose you do, ma’am. It’s in High Holborn.’
‘I don’t know that part of London, but I’ll ring for Parkin. He’ll take you in the Rolls.’
‘If you don’t mind, I’d rather go on the tube train. It’s probably quicker.’
‘Then at least take my maid with you. I don’t like the thought of you travelling about on public transport on your own.’
‘I’ll be joining a military group, Lady Pendleton. I think I can go a few stops on the Central Line without fear of being kidnapped or molested.’
‘I suppose so.’ Lady Pendleton sighed deeply. ‘I do admire your spirit, my dear. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to go somewhere unattended.’
Daisy threw herself into her training with more enthusiasm than she had felt for anything in her life. She signed up for evening classes in first aid at the Regent Street Polytechnic at the cost of three shillings, and she ordered her uniform from Gamages. She felt most strange when trying it on for the first time in the privacy of her bedroom. The khaki tunic and divided skirt worn over breeches and puttees with boots and a pith helmet made her look and feel like a totally different person. She dared not wear it in the house for fear of offending Lady Pendleton’s sensibilities, and she packed it in a small valise to change into when she reached the stables where she underwent compulsory riding lessons. She repeated the routine each time she attended classes on handling firearms, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Her instructor was a stocky ex-army sergeant who alternately bullied and cajoled her until she had achieved the required standard.
‘You’re a natural markswoman, miss,’ he said one day when she was cleaning her revolver. ‘Some of the ladies couldn’t hit the side of a barn with a cannon, but you’re a good shot. Well done.’
She left the building feeling that she had achieved something remarkable, but the same could not be said when it came to the riding lessons. She had fallen off more times than she could count, but had suffered nothing worse than severe bruising and agonising embarrassment. She was certain that her mount knew that she was nervous and behaved erratically in order to confuse her, and took equine pleasure in unseating her at every opportunity, but she was determined not to be beaten. After many painful landings on the packed earth surface of the arena she was finally beginning to improve, but still had difficulty mounting. Some of the girls seemed to have springs in their shoes and could leap on without any apparent effort, but for Daisy it was a struggle. She had ridden before, but always side-saddle with the aid of a groom and a mounting block. She hoped that if it came to a war, as all the women seemed to think was inevitable, she would be allowed to drive a motor vehicle.
She acquitted herself well in the first aid classes and when she was with her fellow trainees she enjoyed the feeling of liberation and comradeship, something akin to fighting for the cause with the suffragettes. But when she returned to Grosvenor Square she had to revert to her submissive state and it was far from easy. She had to pack away her comfortable uniform and put aside all talk of war, and become once again the decorous young woman who was engaged to the future Lord Pendleton. She was obliged to suffer in silence while her maid laced her corsets until it was difficult to breathe, and it was not uncommon to have several changes of outfit in one day. Daisy managed to bear it all with good grace, but she had glimpsed a different way of life and made new friends and found it unsettling in the extreme.
It was with mixed feelings that Daisy packed her bags for the return home at Christmas. She had been invited to spend the festive season at Pendleton Park but she declined firmly, saying that she had been absent long enough from her own family and they would be deeply hurt if she did not stay at Rainbow’s End. She had genuinely missed them all. In retrospect, even her mother’s constant criticism seemed like a mere irritation, and she was eager to return to a simpler way of life without worrying if she made a social gaffe or showed herself up in front of the servants. She wondered how Ruby was getting on with Iris; and then there was Bowman. She had barely given him a thought since she joined the FANY. Perhaps she had recovered from the infatuation which had threatened to consume her whole being. She pinned all her hopes on her forthcoming reunion with Rupert. She knew that he would be supportive of her decision to join the Yeomanry, or at least she hoped that he would think it a good move on her part.
Three days before Christmas she set off for Essex in the back of the Rolls with Lady Pendleton. Lord Pe
ndleton had promised to join them on Christmas Eve, travelling first class on the train from Liverpool Street, and Lady Pendleton had accepted his decision, as always, with a vague smile.
It was dark when Daisy arrived at Rainbow’s End. The air was crisp and smelled of frost and woodsmoke. Ice particles glistened on the path leading up to the house and the warm glow of lamplight shone from the windows as if to welcome her home. Parkin carried her bags to the front door and rang the bell. ‘Merry Christmas, miss,’ he said, saluting smartly as he took his leave of her.
‘The compliments of the season to you too, Parkin,’ Daisy said, smiling. She waited eagerly for someone to let her in, and after a few moments the door was opened, but to her surprise it was Iris who stepped outside to pick up the suitcases. Daisy entered the house, inhaling the familiar scent of lavender and beeswax tempered with just a hint of dry rot and mildew. ‘Hello, Iris. It’s good to see you, but where is Ruby?’
Iris closed the front door. ‘She’s not feeling too good, miss. She went to bed early. Shall I take the cases up to your room?’
Puzzled, Daisy nodded. ‘Yes, thank you.’ She hurried across the hall to the drawing room without stopping to divest herself of her fur coat and hat. Her father rose to his feet and came towards her with his arms outstretched. Teddy and Bea were quick to follow suit. Only Gwendoline remained seated, but she was smiling and nodding with approval.
‘You’ve come at last,’ Bea cried, giving her a bearlike hug. ‘We’ve saved some supper for you. Iris is a super cook.’
Victor kissed Daisy on the cheek. ‘Welcome home, my dear.’
Teddy slapped her on the back. ‘You put us all in the shade, dressed up to the nines in your fox furs.’