This is a story that was made possible by Betty being commissioned for a piece by her friend Pat Covici - John Steinbeck's editor. Betty was to paint a picture of Discove Cottage, where John and Elaine Steinbeck lived during 1959 in Bruton, Somerset, England. The painting was to be a surprise gift to the Steinbeck's from Covici. The assignment was to be secretive but when Betty went to say hello from their friend Covici, a friendship...and story...evolved.