When the infamous Peggy Peabody arrived Alexa was sliding into her fifth change outfit of the evening.   Helena’s trepidation about her mother’s visit had made Alexa nervous, she knew first impressions counted and if she and Helena were really headed into relationship territory she needed her mother to like her.  She spritzed on her perfume and headed out with Helena to answer the door.  ‘Relax sweetie, you have nothing to worry about,’ said Helena, noticing Alexa’s expression.

‘Mummy’ Helena said stiffly as she opened the door.  Peggy was having none of that and kissed her daughter on both cheeks extravagantly.  She was a small woman, dwarfed by her statuesque daughter and by Alexa but even on first glance Alexa could see she carried herself with an air of confidence and authority which most would find intimidating

.

‘Honestly Helena anyone would think you weren’t happy to see me,’ she berated Helena.

Peggy turned away before Helena could answer and appraised Alexa.  ‘Well, well Helena you have more in common with your father than I thought, he has a penchant for nineteen year olds too.’

Alexa was a little taken aback by Peggy’s tone.  ‘Actually Mrs Peabody I’m twenty-four.’

‘Please call me Peggy and that wasn’t a criticism my dear, simply an observation; age is no indicator of success in a relationship.’

‘Let me get you a drink mummy,’ said Helena and headed into the kitchen fixing them cocktails quickly.  When she came back the same topic was still on the table.

‘Indeed Helena last dated a women a couple of years older than her and look at the disaster that was..’

‘That was two years ago mother,’ said Helena firmly, shoving a glass into her hand.

‘Yes but a million dollars to stop the little twit from filing unfair dismissal charges after you fired her for fucking that man on your desk can’t be forgotten easily.’

Helena’s cheeks burned as she was reminded of the awful incident.  Why did her mother always make her feel so small?

Alexa put a comforting hand on her knee, trying to sooth her.  ‘Talking of your business, Helena was certainly a great hit when she set the latest branch of your research project up in England.’

Peggy waved off the comment.  ‘Well she should be, being as the research is all she takes an interest in.  You know most of our foundation is based around the arts so naturally Helena chose to study sciences.’