His American Fling

by Brogan, Kim

  Fiona and Campbell immediately fixed on Maggie who had said it loud enough for the people in the general vicinity to hear. Across the table Charles started to snicker and cough to keep from laughing. Campbell quickly gave him a cutting look that shut him up.

  Fiona was also having a hard time trying to keep from saying, “Here, here.”

  “Maggie, it’s none of your business.” Campbell reproached her.

  Maggie sat back and nodded. “You’re right. Why should I care? It’s none of my business that you’re a pompous ass who let the best thing in his life get away — and it wasn’t Gemma.”

  Fiona let a snicker escape.

  Campbell stared at Maggie, his eyes wide and his jaw set. He turned to Fiona, “This is going to be a long dinner.”

  “I don’t know about that. I’m finding it quite entertaining.” Fiona said out of the corner of her mouth.

  They turned to eat their starters, but Maggie just gazed intently at the avocado on her plate, a longing and sympathetic look that only the truly drunk could lavish on an avocado. Campbell and Fiona both noticed that she wasn’t eating.

  “Maggie?” Fiona asked with trepidation.

  She started to get a little weepy, “I miss Guacamole. I miss California. I miss people who know how to enjoy life.”

  Campbell rolled his eyes. “Maggie, just put a sock in it and finish your starter.”

  She turned viciously towards Campbell. “Fuck you! Oh, wait, I did that. What was it that Gemma said? I was just a bit of amusement before you handed me off to Henry.”

  Fiona looked over at Campbell, who had a look of complete devastation on his face. He tried to regroup, but his downturned eyes went soft. Maggie had hit a nerve with her painful barb.

  Maggie threw her hand in the air. “She said something about Henry getting your handoffs.”

  Campbell swallowed, his voice choking, “Enough Mags. Enough.”

  Something broke through her alcoholic enhanced courage. She shut up and looked over at him, puzzled. Why was he so upset? Even though she said nothing more, he still seemed disturbed, morose. Fiona and Maggie were stunned into complete silence. They didn’t dare move, afraid that Campbell would suddenly shatter into pieces.

  Campbell looked down the table towards Henry, Gemma and the others, who all seemed oblivious to what was going on with Maggie. He wiped his mouth with his napkin and stood up, simply saying to the rest of the table, “Excuse me,” as he walked briskly out of the dining room.

  Henry immediately looked down to Fiona for some non-verbal feedback. She simply shrugged her shoulders to let him know she didn’t have a clue what was going on with Campbell. Henry, being the host, was forced to ignore it and continue to entertain his guests.

  Fiona looked at a sullen Maggie, “Does Henry know that you’re in love with Campbell?”

  Maggie lifted her head and said defiantly, “I’m not in love with Campbell. I am, however, really, really pissed at him.”

  Fiona laughed, “No darling Mags, you’re just really, really pissed,” a reference to being drunk.

  Maggie made it most of the way through the dinner, her sobriety slowly coming back and her head starting to implode. “Fiona, I can’t eat anymore and I have a horrible headache. Am I allowed to leave and go somewhere to lie down?”

  Fiona sighed, “Of course, we aren’t going to strap you into your chair and force feed you. Go ahead; I’ll make your excuses.”

  Maggie got up, pulling the table cloth slightly and causing the glassware to tinkle. Everyone halted their conversations to look in her direction. She smiled briefly and then walked slowly out of the room, slightly weaving.

  Fiona looked at Henry, “Horrible headache, some nausea. I’m afraid something didn’t agree with her.”

  Everyone nodded and went back to their conversations.

  *********************

  Maggie was quickly met in the foyer by Robert. “Is there something wrong Madam?”

  “Oh! Robert, boy you’re quick on your feet. Did Henry send you after me?”

  “No Madam, we were concerned when you didn’t stay to finish your meal. Do you need anything?” Robert was dressed in coat and tails, looking rather dapper for a man in his late fifties.

  “I’m going to go lay down in the library. Could you please bring me some Exedrin… I think you call it, Paracetomol?”

  “Yes Madam.” He gave her a look of disapproval without being too blatant.

  As Robert disappeared into the kitchen, Maggie made her way into the library. It took a few seconds for her eyes to adjust, but she could tell right away that she had made a mistake. She could see the back of Campbell, who was sitting in the library holding a drink and staring into the fireplace. If she hadn’t expected Robert to return with the medicine for her headache, she would have left. It dawned on her that fate had sent her into the library, because she owed Campbell an apology.

  Maggie, still a little tipsy, made her way over to the couch. She stood in front of Campbell who looked up, shook his head and closed his eyes as if he could make the vision go away. Maggie went over and sat several feet away from him on the sofa.

  “Campbell. I’m not sure why you’re the one upset, but I’m sorry for ruining your evening.”

  He looked over and met her eyes briefly, said nothing and took another sip. He stared again into the fire. They sat on the sofa suffocating in the quiet until Campbell finally spoke, not taking his eyes off the fire, “I’m not upset with you. I’m upset with Gemma for her callousness. She isn’t always so cruel. I don’t know why, but you bring it out in her. Then there’s Fiona. She’s never approved of Gemma and makes it clear every time we’re all together. Not to mention my disappointment in Henry, I don’t understand why he felt the need to date you.”

  Maggie snapped her head around to look at him. She stammered, “Wha...wha...what does it matter? Don’t you think I’m good enough for him?”

  Campbell chuckled to himself, “Mags, it isn’t that. It’s just that you’re a reminder that I’m a complete failure at relationships.”

  “What do you mean? Your darling Gemma came back, didn’t she?”

  He shook his head slightly, “We’re trying it on. Tonight was our first go. I was so excited by it all…so over the moon about her coming back. But I don’t know now, I’m not sure she’s over the bloke she was with. I don’t know if I’m over the woman I was with. I don’t know why I feel so empty…” His voice trailed off and he took a drink. “Damn, I should stay off the whiskey, it makes me too mawkish.”

  Maggie felt strange. Somewhere inside, beyond the alcoholic blur, she felt sorrow. Reaching over, she touched his hand, her voice soft and caring, “Campbell, I really do hope you’re happy with her. I just realized while I was sitting here that I don’t want you to be sad. I only want you to be happy. If Gemma makes you happy, then you go for it. You deserve to be happy.”

  Maggie was leaning over her hand still caressing his, their eyes locked. He was going to say something back, but the door opened and Robert walked in with a tray. Maggie sat back up as Robert brought the tray over and put it down on the coffee table.

  “Madam, your Paracetamol and a glass of water.”

  Maggie smiled, “Thank you Robert.”

  “Lord Adair, I took the liberty of bringing you a cheese butty.”

  Campbell nodded at Robert, “Thank you Robert.”

  Robert turned and left. Campbell took the cheese butty; a simple sandwich made of two slices of bread, buttered, with a piece of cheese slapped between them, and began to eat it. Maggie took her medicine and watched Campbell devour the sandwich in four bites.

  “Maggie.” Campbell said after he swallowed the last bite, “I really am sorry. I think you should know that I had a lot of fun with you. More fun than I had in donkey ages.”

  “Well, you should keep trying to have fun. Life isn’t supposed to be so serious Campbell. That’s why we were given the physical ability to smile and laugh.” She looked into the fi
re and sighed. The feelings swirling inside of her were so mixed, so confusing. If he had touched her at that moment, she would have melted into his arms and done, or been, anything he wanted.

  Campbell wanted to touch Maggie’s hand, smell her, hear her laugh, feel her touch him again. He wanted to see in her eyes the desire they’d shared. Hesitating in his self-doubt, Campbell finally turned to say something to her. He saw her profile in the light of the fire and thought how soft and petite she looked. Maggie felt him looking at her. She turned towards him and tilted her head, evoking a smile from him.

  A voice came booming from behind them, “Darling, there you are! Come along, we’re back in the drawing room.” Gemma walked over, leaned down and kissed Campbell’s ear. “Oh my, I see it’s our American cousin.” She started laughing, “What? Did you come in here in a pathetic attempt to woo Campbell? Oh do grow up, dear, he’s an Earl, you’re a …an American. Stick with Henry; he doesn’t mind getting muck on his shoes.”

  Campbell turned to Gemma. “Gemma that was uncalled for…” He heard the side door close. Looking around, he saw that Maggie was gone. Campbell stood up and faced Gemma.

  Gemma gave him a look of staged remorse, “Darling. I’m sorry; maybe I was a little harsh. I promise I’ll make it up to her. Come along now, they’re asking for you.”

  Campbell looked towards the side door, paused and then followed Gemma through to the drawing room. Henry walked over to Campbell. “How are you doing old man?”

  “Fine. I just needed some air.”

  Fiona walked up to them and addressed Campbell, “You look pale darling.”

  “Have you seen Maggie?” Henry asked.

  Campbell looked around the room. “She was in the library, but she left a few minutes ago. I’m not sure where—”

  Gemma grabbed Campbell’s arm as if she was claiming territory. “Henry, you really need to keep your American on a leash. She was trying to cozy up to Campbell in the library.”

  Henry was unfazed by Gemma, observing her with amusement and disbelief. Campbell exchanged a look with Henry, rolled his eyes and shook his head.

  Henry leaned in, “Well Gemma, you know those Yanks, they don’t have any manners. I’ve tried putting her on a leash. She just keeps getting loose. But I can see English bitches still know how to bite. Ah, and there’s the delicious wench herself.” Henry smiled over Gemma’s shoulder at Maggie. He held out a welcoming arm and gathered Maggie in it. “Hello darling, Fiona told me you had a little too much to drink. Are you feeling better?”

  Maggie blushed as she saw the disapproval register on Gemma’s face. Putting her arm around Henry, she laid her head on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry. I hope I haven’t embarrassed you, Henry. I’m afraid I’m not very good at this.”

  Campbell stared hard at the two of them entwined. He felt a pang of emotion sear through him like a hot poker. Turning to Gemma, he was struck by how exceptionally beautiful and regally British she was compared to Maggie’s perky, freckle-faced American look. He surprised Gemma by putting his arm around her, something which was uncharacteristic for Campbell to do in public. She stiffened and then peered up into his eyes. He smiled at her, causing Gemma to wonder what had brought on the display of affection and wishing that Campbell would behave.

  Henry chuckled, “Mags, you don’t have to apologize. You’re absolutely charming, just what we need to stir things up. The air gets a little stodgy at these events.”

  Campbell continued to hold Gemma as she gingerly put her arm around his waist. She focused her eyes on Maggie. “Campbell says I was a little harsh to you earlier. I forget that you Yanks are thin-skinned. I’m sorry if I seemed mean. It’s just that we’re of the opinion that Americans are a nation of children.”

  Maggie looked Gemma straight in the eye. “I’d like to see things from your viewpoint, but I just can’t get my head up my ass that far.”

  Henry burst out in laughter as Campbell appeared somewhat confused. He wanted to laugh, but at the same time was sure that if he did, Gemma would eat him for lunch. Fiona sputtered and started to giggle, observing Gemma’s reaction. Gemma was stunned into silence, her eyes blinking rapidly as she tried to absorb what had just happened.

  “Come along Mags, I’ll introduce you to some of the toffs in the room.” Henry said as he put his hand gently on Maggie’s butt and pushed her along.

  Campbell watched Maggie and Henry make their way through the aristocratic couples. Squirming a little, Gemma finally felt Campbell’s arm relax and fall to his side. She knew in her heart that Campbell’s display of affection was an anomaly, a reaction to Henry’s affection toward Maggie. She also knew that something was different when the Yank was around.

  Chapter 11

  Law School

  We stayed overnight at the Chelsea House rather than go back to Henry’s apartment. Several couples spent the night, but Campbell and Gemma weren’t among them. We had breakfast in the obnoxiously sunny dining room. The long Mahogany sideboard was laden with silver chafing dishes, platters, bowls, all filled with enough food to feed Darfur. I wasn’t sure what the food was in some of the containers. I do know that there were various fish with their eyes and tails still attached that caused a little squeak to escape from my lips.

  Henry jerked his head back and chuckled when he heard me. He pointed with his middle finger, a habit I noticed that the English had. “Mags, that’s trout, haddock and salmon. In this bowl is Kedgeree. It’s made with haddock, basmati rice, sultanas, curry, parsley and cream. Now, in this dish are some wonderful deviled kidneys. That’s porridge, sardines, cutlets, ham, kippers, pheasant, corn flakes, toast, honey, marmalade, potatoes, beans, fried tomatoes, mushrooms and fruit. Cook will make you eggs anyway you want them, scrambled, fried, poached, deviled…” He paused and looked at me. I must have looked dazed because he took a plate and handed it to me so that I would come out of my trance.

  I smiled. “I’ll, uh, have some kedgeree, mushrooms, potatoes, and uh…some fruit.”

  Henry put adequate portions on my plate and then placed it on the long Irish linen draped table next to his place at the head of the table. Everyone around me was engaged in conversation. I was asked by a youngish maid if I wanted something to drink. She brought tea in the most exquisitely delicate china cup I had ever seen. She sat it down in front of me as I began to eat.

  Viscount Gareth Pentangle, sitting at the end of the table buttering his toast, yelled politely up to Henry, “Guilford, where’s Adair? I didn’t get a chance to talk to him last night. He kept himself fairly scarce this summer.”

  “He and Gemma were catching up on old times last night. He went back to his flat.”

  “Does he still own the flat here in Chelsea?” Pentangle asked.

  “Yes, about six blocks from here.”

  My head popped up, Campbell has a flat here too?

  Pentangle took a bite and then swallowed without chewing, “We may pop up there on our way out.”

  Henry snickered and sighed. “I’d let them get some clothes on first. Like I said, they’re making up for lost time.”

  Pentangle’s wife, sitting closer to Henry than her husband, leaned in. “What happened? How did they end up back together?”

  Fiona answered for Henry, “The Queen didn’t hand out an OBE to Gemma’s boyfriend, so she came running back to be a Countess.”

  Henry flipped his blonde hair back and grinned. “That’s harsh, even for you Fiona.”

  “We all know what Gemma wants,” she said defensively.

  Henry tilted his head, shaking it in disapproval, “Now Fiona, Gemma is genuinely fond of Campbell. You had better get used to her being around. I think Campbell will probably marry her this time. Look how miserable he was without her.”

  Fiona immediately snapped, “He was less miserable than when they were together. He just hasn’t realized it!”

  Henry jerked his head back when he saw how adamant and ferocious Fiona was. He said nothing more in public, but later afte
r everyone had left except Fiona, he approached the subject.

  “Fiona? You were rather vicious this morning at the breakfast table. What happens if Campbell marries Gemma?”

  Fiona poured herself a drink. “I guess I’ll have him committed. He can’t be that barmy, can he?” She turned to me, “I blame you for this.”

  I was dumbfounded and worried. I valued Fiona’s friendship and here she was accusing me of doing something. “Why? What did I do?”

  She sat back in the leather wingback and smiled. “You should have done something…I don’t know, shagged him more often, tied him up, beat him silly. How could you let him fall into her hands again?”

  “He’ll never stay with anyone until he gets her out of his system. I couldn’t compete with her specter. Actually, I couldn’t compete with her physical intrusions into our lives. She barged in anytime she wanted with her key.”

  “Key? She had a key?”

  “He wouldn’t ask for it back or change the locks.”

  Fiona looked at Henry. “See, I told you. This isn’t love; it’s some pitiful contest between them.”

  Henry shrugged. “Mags is right. Either he makes it permanent, or he decides he’s wasted his time. Not much we can do but stand by and let him make his choice.”

  Fiona sneered as she rubbed the back of her neck, “As long as I don’t have to sit next to her at Wimbledon.”

  We all chuckled.

  *********************

  We went back to Henry’s flat and packed up my feeble back pack, driving the two hours back to Cambridge in record time. We pulled into Downing and I grabbed my bag from the back. Henry smiled at me, “I haven’t had sex in a dorm in over fifteen years.”

  “Henry, that’s not very subtle.”

  He gave me a sly smile. “Wasn’t meant to be. I’m leaving a week from tomorrow for London again. I’ll be there a month for a course. I’m afraid I won’t be around for the next month.” He reached over and kissed me, “So? More please?”