“Yes, but it won’t be easy. It’s going to be a big shock to Dad, because Martin’s the only son, and Dad’s relying on him to carry on the family name. Martin has to tell them sooner or later, but I’d better be around when he does. Everybody’s going to need me. Especially Martin.” She smiled. “I’m always there for my brother.”

Gorham nodded. There was more to this attractive lawyer than he’d guessed.

“The family’s a powerful thing. I feel this huge responsibility to restore my family to what it used to be, but I have to admit that I chose it. My father never did. Do you have anything like that?”

“I don’t feel a duty to the past, but I do feel a duty toward myself. My mother was always very strong about that. She was forever telling me I could be anything I want, and that I should have a career. Get married, she said, but never be dependent on a husband. She’s a schoolteacher.”

“Has there been friction between her and your father?”

“No, they’re devoted to each other. It’s just what she believes in.”

“I know quite a few women lawyers who did really well, but then stopped working when they had children.”

“Not this girl.”

“You think you can have it all?”

“Do it all, have it all. Sure. It’s an article of faith.”

“It may not be easy.”

“Good organization will be critical—I’m a great organizer. But I’m afraid I’d be a terrible corporate wife.”

“You’d better marry a lawyer, then. Someone who understands what you have to do.”

She shook her head. “No way.”

“Why?”

“Competition. There’s always going to be competition in any profession. Somebody’s going to win and somebody’s going to lose. Put that in a marriage and I think it would be too difficult.”

“You don’t intend to lose?”

“Do you?”

“I guess not,” said Gorham. “So what’s your plan?”

“No plan. Just hope I meet Mr. Right. Someone who thinks life’s an adventure. Someone who wants to keep on growing—professionally and personally.”

Gorham considered a while. This lawyer was quite a challenge.

“What did you think of my friend Juan? You seemed to be noncommittal after he gave the big speech about the Young Lords and the Panthers.”

“No, I was just thinking about what he said. I thought he was quite admirable actually.”

Gorham nodded. He’d met plenty of women in New York who wanted successful careers. But in Maggie he sensed not only intelligence and determination, but a warmth that he found attractive. Behind her lawyer’s caution, he realized, there was also a free spirit.

They were just sitting quietly when the telephone rang.

“Hi, Gorham.” It was Juan. “Have you seen what’s going on?”

“How do you mean?”