In the Shadow of a Queen

by Heather B. Moore

John smirked. “I come from a family full of sisters who are all accomplished, and I am sure if they had more options, they would excel. I’m a Liberal for a good reason, not because of my father, but because the progression of human rights, and women’s rights are part of my core beliefs.” She was keenly interested in his opinion; suddenly this was a very important thing to find out about her husband. “Do you think women are levelheaded enough to vote?” “Levelheaded?” John chuckled. “If that’s the requirement for voting, then most men should be exempt. I’ve never met a woman who couldn’t grasp political issues and what it means for her family’s future. So yes, I am supportive of women voting.” Louise smiled, feeling relief to her very toes. “I agree.” “Yet you can’t openly support it because of the queen’s opinion, and it’s too political for the royal family to be a part of?” “Correct.” She sighed and looked again toward the window and the passing hills and distant mountains. “But the two reform bills passed last year give me hope for the entire country. The Married Women’s Property Act and the Education Act are both steps in the right direction. I too want all children to have access to education—it will only elevate our nation. And women should be able to study at a university, any subject.” She cut herself off. Perhaps she’d gone too far, too fast. “Is this shocking to you?”