Peggy walked over to the entrance where Emma was standing looking nervously around. Peggy had decided that if one of them acted like an ass it would not be her. So she was going to be gracious and put the ball very firmly in Emma Kennard’s court.
“Emma “
“Peggy – good evening “
“You look very nice – that is a nice necklace “
“Thank you – you look well “
There was a pause
“I hope that we can be civil for the sake of Helena “
“I am sure that we can “
Emma could see that Bette and Tina were watching the conversation. She had told Tina that she would not let Helena down and she had meant it.
“I have been thinking about what Bette and Tina have said to me in the last couple of days and I think we should try and have a more permanent peace “
Peggy had not been expecting Emma to say that
“I have nothing against you Emma – I like you in fact. What I do not like is your relationship with Helena. “
“And you would do anything to put the skids under us ?”
Peggy raised an eyebrow
“I don’t believe I have ever hidden my disapproval of the two of you “
“No – well do your worst Peggy – I intend to make this relationship with Helena work”
“Does that mean you intend to say sorry for the high handed and unpleasant way that you spoke to everyone last Thursday ?”
“I will be speaking to Rosemary and Melvin “
“I think that is wise – and does this apology include Bette ?“
“Yes”
Peggy didn’t really believe that Emma was capable of full and frank apology. But she wasn’t about to say that out loud
“My daughter is the most important person on this planet to me “ Peggy said “I know that Rosemary and Melvin feel that way about their daughter – it worries me that you do not seem to show that devotion to Tina “
Emma flushed “My daughter is the reason I do everything – she is the most perfect child – do not tell me how I feel about Tina because you do not damn well know “
“I will bite my tongue for this evening and out of respect to my daughter I will tone down some of my more acid remarks but I do not approve at all that you are with Helena “
“She is 30 today- that rather means she is old enough to know her own mind”
The two women looked at one another – Emma broke the “look “. she nodded at Peggy
“If you will excuse me I would like to go and see my daughter “
Peggy didn’t speak – she watched the blonde woman go and she went back to her champagne and to wait for Helena’s arrival.
Emma reached Bette and Tina who were standing chatting
“Hello girls – you both look lovely “
“Hello mom – you look nice as well “
“Nice necklace “ Bette said
“It was a gift from Kate “ Emma explained.” How are you two – you look very happy together “
“We are great – I was just telling Bette that Peggy wants to see me on Monday to offer me a permanent job “
“Oh darling – – that is just wonderful – I am so pleased for you”
Bette was watching the exchange – she noticed that Emma had said “ pleased “ for you – that was nicer than saying that she was proud of her. Tina was happy and Bette could not have been happier that Tina was finally going to get the job that reflected how amazing she truly was.
Emma hugged Tina and held onto her “That is so great “ Emma looked at Bette
“You must both be thrilled “
“I am delighted for Tina – its everything she deserves”
“What is the job going to be ?”
“I don’t know – Peggy has been teasing me for a couple of weeks and finally tonight she just said that she wanted to see me on Monday and she has booked us a table somewhere”