“That I can see – how are Tina and Ella ?”

“Just great  – Ella loves the sand and the sea and had a great  time “

“I can image that she thought it was perfect “

“It was – and Christmas is only three weeks away so I can some more time off – we are thinking of a week in Hawaii- show support for the local economy and all that”

“Sounds good “

“I thought you might like to know that I have approached Kit  to be Tina’s chief of staff”

Peggy thinks about this for a few seconds and nods “That will be interesting – Kit will take no bull and there have been some clashes in the past between the two of them hasn’t there ?”

“Yes – mainly about the book – the one on my father but I don’t think that anyone could have handled it better – it was an honest but tactful account. Kit is over it”

“That is good  – I can see that she will be a good tutor to Tina “

I nod “That is part of the intention – if Tina is serious about wanting a political future she needs to learn some lessons and as you say – Kit will not put up with any nonsense – I think it will be very good for Tina “

“I have spoken to Helena – have either of you spoken to her yet ?”

“We only got back yesterday afternoon and we slept most of the day – we are both concerned about her “

Peggy takes a drink of her gin and puts it down

“She didn’t take a lot of persuasion”

“No ?”

“No – she admitted after a long dinner and much soul searching and her wrestling with herself  – she admitted that she felt she was out of depth. I should tell you that she has also heard the rumours about her and Tina “

“Tina and I think that its utter shit “

Peggy fiddles with her necklace

“She was horrified -she really was totally devastated “

“Tell me what happened “

“Well I asked her how she thought she was doing as Tina’s chief of staff and she started with a lot of bravado but I knew that it was just that. She is struggling with staying sober and she has been dragged down by the job “