“The Vice President would like to see you Madam President “

“Thank you James “

I throw down my pen and yawn – first day back at work is always tiring and I have been spoilt  by how much sleep and rest I have been getting while we have been away.

Peggy comes in – she is wearing a black trouser suit and a very expensive set of pearls round her neck.

“Hello Peggy – you are looking well”

“Not as well as you darling – you look several years younger “

“I do feel great “

“You should do it more often “

“I should as my Vice President did an excellent job in my absence – just as well I am not running again “

Peggy smiles “I am grateful for your support Bette “

“In a few months time all of this will be yours – you ready for that ?”

“Time will tell “

“Take a seat – would you like a drink ?”

“Well it is after 5  – thank you “

I get up and pour a gin and tonic for Peggy and scotch for myself. I sit down and sigh

“Its not easy getting back into the swing of things again “

“Are you looking forward to when its one long holiday ?”

“Yes – it will be wonderful to wake up and know that there is nothing for me to do other than care for Tina and Ella”

“You will have deserved it – no ambitions ?”

“To be the best wife and mother – nothing else matters.  I am not saying that I will be happy to potter around the garden and do the school run for the rest of my life – but a couple of years of nothing is really what I want to enjoy – anyway – how is the country ?”

“Still in place – I didn’t drop anything “

“Did you pardon the turkey ?”

“Mm – well that was fun “

“it’s a bit of nonsense – enjoy it – you get to pardon a turkey and declare a national day of celebrations. There are dark days when nothing goes right and even your political friends are bitch slapping you – then – well you will be looking forward to pardoning a turkey”