title: Who's Your Mama?: The Unsung Voices of Women and Mothers
author:  Yvonne Bynoe 
description: "One of hip-hop culture's most insightful observers."
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Prologue
  
  
  “You must make a good impression this evening.”
  
  
  Ellen closed her eyes and took in a long, steadying breath. This was now the
  fifth time that her mother had spoken to her, and Ellen was already all too
  aware of what was expected of her.
  
  
  “Lord and Lady Guardmouth are highly respected,” Lady Coulbourne continued,
  running a critical eye over Ellen. “You must behave with all propriety,
  speaking well and showing both grace and elegance.”
  
  
  “Yes, Mama,” Ellen replied, quietly, knowing that she could not say or do
  anything but agree with Lady Coulbourne. She did not need to remind her mother
  that this was now her second year in London and that last year, whilst it had
  not brought her a suitable match, had been quite satisfactory in its own way.
  
  
  “There will be a good many eligible gentlemen there this evening also,” Lady
  Coulbourne reminded her, her eyes glittering suddenly. “But there is no
  particular need for you to speak to anyone, however, although shoul