Jude ignored their banter about the pint in favour of poring over the front page, scanning the print for confirmation that Kieran was right about its passing, and then more closely for any changes or as-yet-unpublicised details about the bill. Without the latter qualification on the list, it would have been more questionable – certainly it would have left the working classes in the dust – but this meant Eileen actually stood a chance of being able to. “It is,” he agreed, grinning at Leeny. “How does it feel? You’ll be able to vote.”
Hopefully, at any rate. He did not like the employer’s recommendation much, for the potential ways that might be abused or used to close certain employees out; married women had also been largely thrown over in this (but that, Jude considered, might be another mark against marriage, the eroding qualities of an old institution) – but, in any case, before he picked it apart, he could allow himself to buoyed by this good news and Kieran’s celebratory mood. Jude’s gaze fell on the end of the article again, trying to digest it all, and his eyes widened as they snapped back up to Kieran suddenly. “You wrote this?” There it was, Kieran Abernathy, printed on the front page.
Hopefully, at any rate. He did not like the employer’s recommendation much, for the potential ways that might be abused or used to close certain employees out; married women had also been largely thrown over in this (but that, Jude considered, might be another mark against marriage, the eroding qualities of an old institution) – but, in any case, before he picked it apart, he could allow himself to buoyed by this good news and Kieran’s celebratory mood. Jude’s gaze fell on the end of the article again, trying to digest it all, and his eyes widened as they snapped back up to Kieran suddenly. “You wrote this?” There it was, Kieran Abernathy, printed on the front page.
