“When you come home on Sunday then.” Tina kissed her gently.

                       When they returned to the dining room, Helena cast her a desperate, get me out of here look. Tina smirked. 

                      “We have to get going Helena we can’t let Kate get there before we do.”

                        Helena breathed a sigh of relief as she hastily rose from the chair.

                      “You should stay for a quick glass of wine.”  Bette caught Tina’s eyes.  “I can’t drink it but I hear it has gotten excellent ratings.  I’m sure you have time for one drink.”  Bette challenged her it was reminiscent of the time Tina insisted on meeting Rosanna for the first time. 

                      “Yeah otherwise I’m on my own with this excellent Merlot.”  Alice chimed in oblivious to the tension in the room. 

                      “A short one.”  Tina acquiesced.  She could tell that Bette was on a fishing expedition.  She idly wondered if Bette was truly aware of how her actions could be interpreted.

                      “That’s a very hot outfit you have on Helena.”  Bette looked at her over a glass of sparking cider. “Are you trying to seduce Kate Arden in more way than one?”

                      “No, she’s not my type; she is much more Tina’s cup of tea.”

                      “And what cup might that be?” 

                      “Arrogant, driven and brunette.”

                       “What?”  Tina exclaimed, taking offense that she was deemed to have a type.

                       “Yeah, it’s true.”  Alice agreed.  ‘I never would have seen you going out with Kay.  You definitely have a thing for brunettes.” 

                       “Really.”  Bette was enjoying this little revelation.

                      “I will ensure that Tina does not get too carried away with Ms. Arden, she is known to go through women like scripts.”  Helena added hoping that Bette was getting the message that she was not making a play for Tina.

                       Bette nodded at her almost inperceptively but Helena caught it and relaxed.  Tina caught it and had to hide her smile.  The temperature in the room seemed to rise at once.  Bette could be a charming and gracious host when so moved and rewarded Helena with her famous Porter smile several times.  She took pains to include Helena in the conversation and shared some inside information with her that could help Helena increase her wealth now that she had rebuilt some of what Peggy had taken from her.