“I know. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have put you in the middle of it. I just lost my temper.”

“I’m not questioning your judgment Peggy but if you want her to clean up her act working in the movie business in L.A. might not be the best path to morality.”

“Probably not but it’s not my intention to set her up for failure.  The fact is if I leave her to her own devices here in London it will only be a matter of time before she self-destructs. I’m trying to save her from herself Bette, but she thinks I’m just being controlling and manipulative. Of course she resents me for it. The Hollywood party scene may not be the best place for her to land upon arriving in the states but it’s only temporary and she knows what’s at risk. She’s there to close a multi-million dollar business deal on behalf of the Peabody Corporation. I have to trust that she and Ms. Kennard can get this done quickly and efficiently and leave all the drama for the movies we will produce. This deal is too important for either of them to screw things up. If Ms. Kennard values her future with this company I doubt she would let that happen. She doesn’t appear to be the type of person that would risk her promotion by letting herself fall into the kind of depravity that Helena sinks to. As a matter of fact I am hoping that teaming them up will have the opposite effect.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I don’t doubt that Helena will make a play for Ms. Kennard. She can’t be within a mile of a beautiful woman and not try. What I expect is that Ms. Kennard will keep the relationship on a professional level. I’m hoping that she won’t compromise on her business ethics and personal integrity.”

“Is that why you were playing matchmaker?”

“I just thought if Ms. Kennard were involved with someone else then she wouldn’t be tempted to fall for Helena’s charm. My daughter can be very persuasive. Even the most virtuous women seem to lose their common sense around her.”

“So you want me to show interest in Tina to run interference?”

“Darling, please don’t make me sound so devious. Your happiness is what concerns me. I just thought that Ms. Kennard might be someone you should consider since it appears as if you really like her. I do admit that I’d prefer if there was some emotional distance between them. My daughter colonizes and corrupts Bette. She plays with people for sport. I only know Ms. Kennard by reputation but if I am to trust her in a leadership role within my company then I would rather she not get romantically involved with Helena.”