.

victor : victor, winner.


The first time she had said his given name he had rounded on her in fury. Even with the addition of his educational appellation, her informality was going too far.

One look at her little smile and wide, innocent eyes had caused him to pause, mouth half open.

"Er…good morning, Miss O'Connacht," he had heard himself saying in a strangely shrill tone.

"Oh, just Maeve, please." She had beamed then, and so fast he almost missed it, gave his elbow a friendly squeeze as she passed him.

He was left feeling rather disoriented and suspicious that she won a victory.