“We wouldn’t survive without the generosity of people like you and your foundation Peggy. I’m happy to hear that we can continue to count on the Peabody grant. Thank you.”

Bette didn’t doubt Peggy’s sincerity but she too was a shrewd business woman and knew better than to put all her eggs in one basket. She and Leo had already worked out a contingency plan to find various sources of funding to support their ambitious undertaking. She wasn’t really worried about what Helena Peabody might do but it didn’t hurt to be prepared just in case.

Bette’s thoughts drifted as she realized just how dependent she was on Peggy and how influential Peggy was in both her professional and personal life. Peggy was like a mother to Bette and they really enjoyed their time together. Over the 10 year relationship they had traveled extensively looking for art treasures and just enjoying being together. What she shared with Peggy was unmatched in any other of her familial relationships. Two years was a long time to be separated, she was really going to miss her.

“I still can’t believe that you are going to be traveling to such far reaches of the world that I won’t even be able to talk to you on a daily basis. I’m so used to just picking up the phone or driving to your beach house whenever I needed to see or talk to you. I’m really going to miss that.”

“I’ll miss you too sweetheart but I’m not abandoning you totally. If ever you need to reach me just call Peabody Headquarters in New York. My personal assistant Michael and my attorney Bruce Cohen will always know how to get a message to me regardless of where I am in the world. I have left a few select names with them as to the people that will have unlimited access to reach out to me as needed. For any business related matters you need only to contact Bruce and he will be at your service. You know Michael adores you and will do anything for you on a personal level; that goes without saying. Bette please don’t try to shoulder everything if it becomes too much for you. I know how intense you can be and I certainly don’t want you to lose focus of what’s important. Call Bruce or Michael for whatever you need. Michael recently confessed to me that all you have to do is smile that Porter smile and he’s putty in your hands.”