Alexa couldn’t believe that Peggy was speaking about Helena in this way, like she wasn’t in the room, it made her uncomfortable to say the least.

‘Well as a scholar of science myself I understand why.’

‘You don’t care for art?’ asked Peggy suspiciously.

‘No I find it a very interesting hobby but I’d find it difficult to build a career around something quite so fluid and subjective.’

Peggy nodded and finally paused for breath taking a sip of her drink.  ‘Bette tells me you’ll be a doctor soon.’

Alexa nodded almost shyly.  ‘Just one more exam to pass first.’

‘Soon?’

‘Yes five weeks away now.’

‘Well medical school must me easier than I thought.  Five weeks until finals and you’re here gallivanting around with Helena not chained to your books.’

That hit a nerve for Alexa, this whole trip was so unlike her.  She normally had her study schedule so regimented but here she was just fitting in bits and pieces around Helena’s work hours.

‘Mummy Alexa studies here whilst I’m working.  Besides she doesn’t have that much left to learn, she’s an honours student in fact,’ justified Helena.

Even as the words left her lips, Helena hated herself for them.  She knew Peggy would never really approve of her or anyone in her life but still she tried to impress her, still she desperately wanted her to like Alexa.

‘Really?’ asked Peggy looking moderately impressed as she took a sip of her wine.  ‘Well don’t slack off now my dear for god’s sake.  Flings come and go but a solid career stays with you for life.’

Alexa nodded and cast an ‘is she for real glance’ at Helena.  Shouldn’t Peggy be worried about her wrecking Helena’s life not the other way around?

Dinner was finally served and Alexa and Helena were glad for the decrease in conversation it allowed.  ‘Have you seen much of your cousin Will lately?’ asked Peggy.  ‘I do wish you’d spend more time with him, try to get him involved in the business a little more.’

‘Mother I took him to Europe with me and he got drunk ever night and embarrassed me constantly.  Remember when he made a pass at your friend at dinner Alexa?’