Generations: A story of a family of fighting women
Part 1 The Agreement:
Sarah Mc Donald V Kate Coogan Glasgow 1908
Sarah blinked somewhat unbelievingly from her desk as Mr Peebles the senior clerk indicated Sarah to a tall, distinguished but stern looking gentleman who barely glanced at her. Peebles and his visitor had a short and animated conversation before he looking somewhat more harassed than usual shuttled over to Sarah’s tall desk. For a portly man, Sarah always marvelled how quickly he could move.
‘Miss McDonald. This is most irregular, and most irritating’.
Being irritated was not an unusual sensation for Peebles.
‘This gentleman is Mr Kennedy.’
And he paused for the gravity of the situation to settle on Sarah and when it clearly had failed he sighed and continued.
‘Mr Kennedy is the personal lawyer of Lady Traquair’
Sarah, still had no idea of the purpose of Kennedy’s visit, but her stomach lurched at the name of her employer’s wife.
Sarah had met Lady Traquair’s husband David, , whilst working as a waitress in the prim but fashionable tearoom of Miss Robertson. At first, he noticed the elegant frame of the waitress, and the shapely curve of her hips but like many young men of his generation her knew better than engage in a dalliance, as his father would put it. However, her strong features, and smokey grey eyes along with a smile that seemed innocent but hinted at something darker drove him. David Pursued, her and if Sarah was honest, she did not make it hard for him.
They had been lovers for 3 months now, with David providing Sarah a fashionable flat in the leafy west end of the city and a plum job in the office of one of his iron foundries that drove the industry of Scotland’s largest city. Sarah was 22, independent, clever and she knew although David would never leave Alice his wife, she was content with the lifestyle he could keep her in.
‘Miss McDonald, Mr Kennedy is wating for you. He wishes to discuss something with you in private. I have made my office available. Please be quick, this is most irregular.’ Peebles intoned sombrely.
To Sarah’s surprise. Kennedy came across as a warm and welcoming character. He smiled a brief apology at Peebles as he promptly shut the door in his face and gestured to Sarah to sit.
A clever man, he used his charm to make Sarah feel at ease, but she sensed there was something quite pressing he had to communicate but was reluctant to do so.
After a few moments of pleasantries, he fell silent and steepled his fingers.
Sarah had the feeling she was being scrutinised by Kennedy
‘Miss McDonald, he said at length ‘I’ve been instructed by my client to make you a proposal. Lady Alice Traquair knows about your relationship with her husband and wishes you to know, if you end it now . In effect removing yourself from Lord Traquair’s life, Lady Traquair is happy to overlook your indiscretion and allow you to remain here in a junior position. If not, there are two other options. Firstly to be dismissed. Her father is a major investment in this Iron foundary and it would not be difficult to persuade Mr Peebles to dismiss you without hestitation.
Sarah knew this was true, if there was one thing that was certain, it was that Peebles would be only delighted to carry out Lady Traquair’s wishes.
She found her voice ‘You said there was another option Mr Kennedy’
He sat silent for a moment. ‘Miss McDonald, I do not work for you, and I do not condone what your have done, but may I offer you a word of advice?’
Sarah nodded
‘Lady Traquair is no stranger to her husbands’ he hesitated searching for the right word ‘ To his entanglements.’ She has many admirable qualities, however when she is angered and upset, she tends to seek retribution, indeed if not revenge. The third option I am instructed to offered, is not one I would recommend.’
‘I would like to hear it anyway Mr Kennedy.’ Said Sarah.
Kennedy cleared his throat ‘Lady Traquair believes young woman can be taught valuable moral education if they face the consequences through physical confrontation.’
Sarah looked puzzled ‘She wants to fight me?’
No Miss Mc Donald, not her but a member of her household staff. A miss Kate Coogan, whom she regularly relies upon to adminsister such punishment.’
‘And what happens if I win’ asked Sarah
‘You keep your position, your lodgings, and you may continue your, how shall we say, friendship with Lord Traquair.
And if I lose?
Kennedy leaned forward, ‘Miss McDonald, if you lose, you sign papers I will prepare, that states you agree toresign your position here and take employment with Lady Traquair for a minimum of 5 years. I have to inform you, that I have seen some young ladies end up in such employment and must warn you Lady Traquair is the most unpleasant and cruel of employers. Please consider your options carefully miss McDonald.
Sarah kept Kennedy’s gaze. Please tell Lady Traquair I shall be delighted to fight Miss Coogan.
