“A real family celebrates under one roof, not in some loud city dining room,” she said, her voice low and sharp.

“The company named me Regional Sales Director tonight, Eleanor,” I said.

She picked up her tea saucer and put it down on the counter with a quick, hard tap.

“Women who spend their evenings in dark restaurants with male executives lose the respect of their households,” she said.

She lifted her chin and stared directly into my eyes without a blink.

“You think money buys you authority in this house,” she said.