“Thanks “

“I like cooking and I enjoy having the time to mess around and read cook books and

try things out”

“I am a willing taster “

“I know that “

“So tell me what has happened with you today “

“Helena came by “

Bette looks at me and raises an eyebrow “ Was that okay ?”

“She’s pregnant “

Bette puts her hand on mine “Are you okay ?”

“Bette

– I am thrilled for her – you should see her – she is just delighted – this is really what she wants and I couldn’t be happier for her. You and talked about it and the time isn’t right for us – we know that we want to wait a little longer – I am still fine about that. It would have been fun to share the time with her but under the circumstances don’t you think that this is really happened in a good way for all of us “

Bette nods “Yes

– there is that but “

I lean over and kiss her “No but

– she asked me if there was any news about me being pregnant and I just said that we had talked about it and agreed to wait a little longer. She asked me why – I felt it was a question too far – I know she’s my close friend but at the moment it feels right to put some space between us “

Bette nods “I understand that

– what about the Chief of Staff post ?“

“She is either a brilliant actress or she really doesn’t know that her concerns have been passed onto you via her mother. She said she felt her place was in her mother’s office

– not on the road as such but doing what she could behind the scenes “

“When’s the baby due ?”

“July “

“The height of campaigning “

I nod “Good timing in that its publicity for Peggy when every inch of print or minute of news can swing things the tiniest way on way or the other but bad in that Peggy is going to be on the road most of the time and it also depends on what sort of spin they put on it “