Page 53 of Power Move

I turned, my eyes laser-focused on hers. “I mean it. You deserve to hear it. I won’t apologize.”

“You don’t think it’s inappropriate?—”

“I think that train left the station about three months ago,” I said.

17.A SHIP NOT A BOAT

Eva

“Eva, you attended Oxford?”Danna Delphine—known to all not in the family asLadyDanna—asked.

“Yes, ma’am,” I answered. “I was in Mansfield College.”

Her reaction to this answer would determine how I felt about her.

“Oh. You were… studious,” Danna said. “I was in Magdalen.”

Ofcourseshe was.

“I met my husband there. He was a postgraduate,” Danna continued. “David and I were happy when Daphne chose Magdalen and received a placement. It was a good opportunity for her. Did your parents attend Oxford?”

“No,” I said.

“Where did they attend? Something more local? Business at Indiana?”

“They didn’t attend university.”

I knew she felt superior, based on the glance she exchanged with Davey.

“Well, I suppose that is a credit to brilliant people finding their way no matter the challenging circumstances,” Danna said.

I felt an inch tall.

“Mum, that’s rude,” Davey said. “Just because her parents didn’t go to college doesn’t mean they are indigent. And so, what if they were? Why would you say it?”

If eyes could hiss, Danna Delphine’s would have.

“I found out recently Eva is a horse girl. I told her to talk to Chloe and Dora,” Davey changed the conversation adeptly. I couldn’t help but smile in return.

“Oh, did you show?”

“I have a horse I showed in the all-around growing up,” I answered. “He’s an old man now, but we got a few hi-points in our days in showmanship and western riding.”

“Oh, quarter horses,” Danna was flat.

This wasnotgoing well.

“Lady Danna, is this wine from your vineyards?” Chase, the CFO asked. “It is just impeccable.”

The wine was fine. I hadonesip after Chloe goaded me for ages. I did not contribute. I kept quiet for the rest of the dinner, only paying attention to my food. When dinner wrapped, the hotel people ditched us to drink. I soon found myself in my room alone. It was too soon to sleep. I pulled on a t-shirt, some shorts, my Birks, and headed to the beach for a nighttime walk. After making it down, I realized I had company.

“Great minds, huh?” Davey chuckled from where he sat in the sand.

“I needed a break from feeling so useless,” I said.

“Ignore my Mum,” Davey said. “I’m sorry. She… she cannot relate to anyone normal.”

“Yes, I am sorry I am a mere mortal.”