DEAR MISS MANNERS: I attended a book launch for a friend, driving a long way to be there on her big night. I was, I admit, slightly embarrassed to have driven so far — like I’d made too big a deal of the event — and I hoped no one would make a fuss over it. Most folks just said how good it was of me to come, or asked in a general way where I’d driven in from, which was fine. One woman, however, simply wouldn’t let it go. When she asked how long my drive had been, I tried to sidestep with a vague answer, but she persisted. This went back and forth at least three times, until she finally asked…