Chapter 2

Jennifer and Dr. Roberts gathered the children together.  All the children were in their best clothes.  They were so excited about the visit of the American lady.  They had prepared a song to sing for her and had picked a bouquet of flowers as well.  Jennifer and Dr. Roberts had prepared a small ceremony of welcome and were planning to give Ms. Peabody a tour of the entire center ending up in the Art Center with the exhibit of the children’s art work. 

The children began to cheer as the limo pulled up in front of the center.  Jennifer and Dr. Roberts were out front waiting to meet Ms. Peabody.  Inside the limo, Peggy sat in shock.  That could only be the one and only Bette Porter but what was Bette doing in Ecuador? 

Peggy had phoned Helena as soon as she had opened the grant application.  The photos of the seascapes could only be Tina Kennard and Angie but who was the artist.  The letter enclosed had told the story of a woman named Jennifer who had been found months earlier after an apparent accident.  But Jennifer had no idea who she really was.  Dr. Roberts was convinced she was once an artist and was hoping that Ms. Peabody may know of her.  Peggy of course had been brought to tears at the hope that the artist was Bette.  She and Helena had decided not to talk with Tina until they knew for sure.  Peggy would go to the center personally to give them the grant money and then she would know if Jennifer was in fact the missing Bette Porter. 

Peggy sat in the limo trying to compose herself.  She had prayed that this artist would be Bette and now she said a silent prayer that her appearance wouldn’t do Bette any harm.  She was going to have to call on her best acting ability and personal restraints not to blow this first meeting.  After a few minutes, she put on her game face and asked the driver to open her door. 

As Peggy stepped out of the limo, she watched Bette’s reaction closely.  There was no hint of recognition so she allowed them to make the introductions.