She walked over to James “Could you answer any questions John might have about those English watercolors while I get a couple of catalogues?”
“Damn you “James muttered but aloud he said “Of course Elizabeth “
Bette raised an eyebrow and went off back into her office to get the catalogues.
After an hour Bette was beginning to flag John was hard work and there had been several dirge verses about cats which if Bette had been Sheba she would have been tempted to dig her claws into some very tender areas of the good Brother.
“I have a cat “Bette said conversationally
“Oh how lovely – ii am sure he is a great comfort to you “
“She lives a much pampered life “Bette said
“And what is kitties name?”
“Sheba “
“Ah – the noble descendant of Noah’s son Ham “
Bette nodded – she really wasn’t that sharp on her bible studies
“Or did you name her after the Queen who came seeking an audience with Solomon “
“The latter “Bette replied. “What about this piece John – would you friend like a sculpture?”
John’s great asset as far as Bette was concerned that he did make his mind up very quickly. As soon as Bette turned the page and showed him the piece he went into raptures at the Onyx statue. Bette spoke about the piece – explaining how the piece would feel. She was just beginning to feel that she had made a sale when the main doors opened and Tina and Mary entered. Bette looked back to John and went on describing the piece and how soon she would be able to get her hands on it. James was at his desk and he got up and went across to Tina and Mary
“Hello there “

“Hey James – who on earth is that with Bette?” Tina was used to coming to the gallery and seeing very classy looking people examining the pieces and deep in debate with Bette. This man was wearing a woolen cape as well as a black robe – not attire you expected to see at Bette’s gallery
“That is Brother John “James said grinning “He’s an eccentric millionaire “
“He is a monk?” Mary asked
“We have no idea – he just shows up a couple of times a year”
“And he’s a millionaire?”
“You don’t spend the money he does on art without having lots of spare change in his cassock “James laughed “Bette finds him difficult “
“Why?”
“Well it’s not because he is eccentric – we have a lot of off the wall clients and Bette is supremely good at dealing with everyone. He writes bad poetry which he insists on reciting to Bette”
“Oh God – Bette hates that sort of thing “Tina said “She hates having to give an opinion on anything like that “
“She never knows whether to tell him its nonsense or to indulge him. He is close to buying a really rare piece of sculpture as well as a couple of watercolors – this could be a good deal for us”
“We just came in to see if she wants to go for lunch “Tina said “But if she is going to be tied up with him “
“She might not be too long and I am sure that if she does pull off a deal she going to need her family and she might also be in a generous mood – you might get a desert as well as a main course for lunch”
Tina nodded “I don’t want to abandon her – she does look like she is going to need a cuddle when she’s finished with him”
“I had 20 minutes with him – does that mean I get a cuddle from you?”
“Don’t push your luck James – you know how possessive she used to be”
James chuckled and went back to his desk shaking his head and grinning
“Let’s just wander around for a while – try not to put her off”
Mary followed Tina around the gallery – Tina was looking across at Bette and trying not to make it too obvious
“What did James mean about Bette being possessive?” Mary asked after a few minutes
Tina cursed – trust James to drop her in it with her mother – he was getting to full of himself these days. Still it was better than when he had been terrified of saying anything in case he got hammered by Bette.
“Nothing serious mom “
“Possessiveness is not a good trait Tina “
“Bette wasn’t that bad “Tina lied “She just didn’t like it if anyone hit onto me. She might have crossed the line a few times but never serious – she just wanted to take care of me. “
“And you liked it?”
“I couldn’t stop her “Tina said “And she is not like that anymore. She is much more laid back – just leave it mom “
“It’s not healthy that’s all “
“Mom – Bette did have a jealous streak – but she is has changed – we both have – please let it lie.”
“Hello darlings “
Tina recognized the voice without even having to turn round – but she did
“Peggy!! “
Peggy was standing in the door way just waiting for everyone to drop what they were doing and give her the full attention she expected. With Bette fully tied up with the crazy pseudo monk Tina knew she had to step in.
“Excuse me mom – I need to help Bette”
Tina hurried across “Peggy – I thought you were in the West Indies “
“Making money demands that I come home and take control – what a lucky break to find you here – well where else would you be but at Bette’s side? Plus, I have a wedding to attend in ten days and I just had to come back to prepare for that “
“It’s good to see you – you are looking as wonderful as ever “
“And you look very calm for someone who is getting married shortly”
“The second wedding isn’t as nerve wracking “
“I will take your word for it darling – who is that strange man with Bette”
“I believe he’s called Brother John-Bette is doing a deal with him”
“Well – how quaint – and who is that woman looking at me over there?”
“That is my mother “
“Ah – Bette has told me all about her future mother in law”
“Be kind Peggy – please “
“Sweetheart – you could have ended up with me as your mother in law – think about how truly scary that would have been “
“The only reason to marry Helena would have been to have you as a mother in law Peggy which is why it was never going to happen. Please just play nice towards my mother – she isn’t used to art galleries and the people who inhabit it – just tone it down please “
Peggy patted Tina’s hand “I can be charming as I need to be Tina – I was hoping to take Bette to lunch to talk weddings and investments and some pieces I am anxious to get for the select elite for Christmas “
“Would you like anything special for Helena? An antique dog kennel possibly?”
Peggy laughed “Funny but true Tina – however that girl ever became as obnoxious as she is – heaven only knows “
“Nothing to do with you of course “
“Heaven no darling – she is regressing and not maturing “
“How is she enjoying London?”