“I’d love to. Thank you Peggy.”

***

Peggy released her car and driver and rode in Bette’s Saab convertible to the exclusive Beverly Hills hotel where she was staying on the penthouse floor. They decided to ask that a private chef prepare dinner in the suite’s kitchen instead of eating in the hotel restaurant. After dinner Peggy unveiled her art treasures and Bette was in awe. She recognized several authentic well-known pieces and knew the value was in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. They drank some kind of rum concoction that Peggy was fond of and talked for hours more about everything but mostly about art. Peggy didn’t realize how carried away Bette would get when on the subject of art. She finally begged off in the early morning hours.

“Bette you have utterly exhausted me. I must go to sleep.”

“Peggy. I’m sorry. Our time together was very reminiscent of the times I would spend with my mother. She would always tell me that I exhausted her also. I really miss her and you remind me of her in some ways.”

Peggy could see that Bette was getting a bit emotional thinking about her deceased mother. She stood up and embraced the young woman in a maternal hug.

“I will take that as a compliment. Listen dear it’s very late and after two rum drinks it’s probably not a good idea for you to drive. Why don’t you stay? There’s a second bedroom. You’ll find everything you need for the night. I’ll ask my assistant to arrange for some fresh clothing to be sent up from the boutique in the morning. After breakfast we can sort through all this art and make arrangements for their shipment.”

“Thank you Peggy. That would be wonderful.” Peggy wasn’t inherently maternal but Bette brought it out in her. Bette wasn’t only grateful for the warmth but also the chance Peggy was taking on her. ”Thank you for believing in me Peggy. I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t dear. Good night. I’ll see you in the morning.” Peggy embraced Bette again and kissed her cheek sweetly.

“Good night Peggy.” They each went to their respective bedrooms and before long fell into a deep relaxing sleep. For Bette Porter and Peggy Peabody this was the beginning of a life-long friendship between two women who shared more that their undeniable passion for art.