Explanation
Correct answer: D.
Choice D is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of verb forms within a sentence. A main clause requires a finite (tensed) verb to perform the action of the subject (in this case, “the women”), and this choice supplies the finite past tense verb “kept” to indicate what the women did.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The nonfinite to-infinitive “to keep” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite verb.
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The nonfinite perfect participle “having kept” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite verb.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because it results in an ungrammatical sentence. The nonfinite present participle “keeping” doesn’t supply the main clause with a finite verb.