‘Well I hope you’re right,’ said Peggy closing the subject, hoping they could open it again in the future under less public circumstances.  ‘By the way that really is a beautiful dress, the two of you certainly making a striking couple.  But tell me how do you plan to make this work when you head back to Britain?’

Alexa hesitated, she had to be honest of course, but she hoped Peggy didn’t think that they were moving too quickly.

‘Actually after my exams I plan to come back and see if it’s possible to get some kind of internship in a hospital here so that I can be closer to Helena.’

Peggy nodded, pleased that Alexa was going to be around.  ‘Well that won’t be a problem Alexa, we have plenty of medical contacts, what field would you like to get into, I’ll see if I can organise an interview for you?’

Helena heard the last comment and took a seat back at the table.  She rolled her eyes at her mother.  ‘Actually mummy, alien as it must be to you, Alexa prefers to get a job on her own the merits rather than use the Peabody reputation to open doors for her and I admire her for it.’

Alexa was a little surprised by Helena’s rebuke, unsure whether it was really something she felt strongly about or just another way to disagree with her mother.

Peggy was impressed but thought Alexa naive.  ‘Well that’s a fine principle Alexa but I’m talking about making subtle introductions, getting you meetings with the right people and letting you prove yourself from there not some sort of crass old boys network as my daughter is implying.  The offer’s there anyway, take it or leave it.’

Alexa was unsure what to do, Peggy made a valid point and perhaps being with Helena meant making a few compromises and making something happen for them.

‘I appreciate that Peggy, some contacts would be very useful, I’m not familiar with the system here in Los Angeles.’

‘Excellent, I’ll make some calls and let you know in a few days,’ she said, hoping Helena would be pleased that she was helping her girlfriend to stay in the country.