Calculated Moves

"I don't want to get left behind," I told her, keeping my voice firm but making sure to let a measured hint of vulnerability show in my eyes. "Things change fast these days. Women have real opportunities out there now. I am just not interested in being nothing more than a kept woman in the Ashford family."

Miriam froze, her coffee cup hovering in the air between us. She set it down on the saucer