“When I asked for help with my cadet uniforms three years ago, you told me the family accounts were completely empty,” I said.

Eleanor reached across the white tablecloth and touched the collar of my Army dress uniform jacket.

“Please don’t wear that uniform to public dinners, it makes the rest of us look political,” Eleanor said, her voice dropping to a low whisper.

Arthur cleared his throat twice before picking up his silver water goblet.

“Your brother has real overhead expenses right now, Sarah,” Arthur said, checking his pocket watch before tucking it back into his vest.

“Derek already has front-row corporate seats booked for the mid-Atlantic business summit next month,” Eleanor said, smiling at Derek.