Midsummer's Eve

I began to understand Uncle Peter's motive, for one evening when we were all at dinner he said: "You know, Matthew, it is not enough to write a book. A book is important.

People read it and become indignant. This should not be, they say. And then something else catches their attention. The book could be a nine days' wonder. The battle will not be done by one single book.”

Matthew looked crestfallen. "But, I thought, sir, to arouse people's consciences.”

"And so you will. But consciences are fickle things and I repeat, it is not enough.

You will have to plead your cause to the country . and there is only one way of doing that.”

"I don't understand. Another book?”

Uncle Peter shook his head. "There is bound to be an election soon. Stand for Parliament, my dear fellow. Get in. Bring this matter up. That's the only way. It's Parliament that changes the law.”

"It has always been a dream of mine to get into politics. I see that it is the real way to get these things done.”

"Well, do you want my advice?”

"I'd be grateful for it. You have been so wonderfully good to me.”

Uncle Peter smiled at him. "Start thinking about standing for Parliament now.”

"Do you think I would be eligible?”

"We'll make you eligible. Now this book is going to make a stir.”

"Are you sure of that?”

"We'll see that it does. That sort of thing is not left to chance. You'll have a certain amount of fame. Now, you'll have to have a place of your own ... a little house in Westminster ... not very far from here. You and Helena will entertain the right people. I know something about these things. Progress in all things is very much a matter of knowing the right people. That's not all, of course. But it plays a big part. You must have a house ... a charming house ... not too big. Just what is right for a rising young man whose main interest is doing the right thing for his country. You are shocked by some of our laws and you are going into Parliament to put that right. That is what politicians are supposed to be for. You have written your book. You have travelled to Australia to get first-hand knowledge. You have interviewed convicts. You'd get in easily in the right constituency. People are interested in reform. Think of the Reform gill and the difference that has made. If you want to bring about Prison Reform there is only one way of doing it. In Parliament.”

Matthew's eyes were glowing. He could see himself triumphantly reforming the laws of the country. Aunt Amaryllis was looking on with pride. She still grieved for my mother but she had a new son-in-law who had found great favour with Uncle Peter and was already a respected member of the family. Moreover there was Jonnie. Aunt Amaryllis was fast recovering her contentment.

Uncle Peter said: "We have never given Matthew and Helena a present, Amaryllis, have we? I have a suggestion to make. We're going to give them a house. I have seen a charming one, not a stone's throw from here. It's vacant. I passed it today. It's handy for the House of Commons and a small amount of entertaining. Small dinner parties... nothing very big ... we'll get the right people there. And I am sure your book and your contacts will lessen the difficulties of being selected as a candidate.”

There was a feeling of excitement round the table. I was thinking how clever Uncle Peter was. He was manipulating Matthew. He had already made him his slave. Matthew was a simple young man who really cared about the sufferings of others; he was fundamentally good. He was a perfect tool for Uncle Peter. No one could doubt Matthew's sincerity and that was going to be very useful to Uncle Peter.

I was wondering what his eventual motives were for there would be motives. He was doing something more than merely helping along the career of his son-in-law. I suspected he was going to use him as his mouthpiece. He himself was barred from Parliament; perhaps he intended Matthew to speak for him.

Uncle Peter was smiling at me. I had a notion that he guessed my thoughts and that they amused him.

About two days later I came face to face with Uncle Peter on the stairs.

He said: "My dear Annora, I want us to have a little talk soon." I looked startled.

He went on: "I feel like a sort of guardian. I am your uncle and you are a young woman of property and that means responsibilities ... heavy I fear for those young shoulders. It will be a private talk. I tell you what we'll do. You and I will have luncheon together at my club. Shall we say tomorrow?”

"Thank you, Uncle," I said. "I should like that.”

It was true. I should. I found him very interesting. I wondered so much about him and I was fascinated by the manner in which he was directing Matthew. Perhaps I could ask him about it if we were alone. I had a feeling that he might be very frank for he knew I understood certain things about him.

At dinner that night he told Aunt Amaryllis he was going to take me to luncheon at his club.