Dynasty - John F Kennedy

VII

March, 1952

The mansion someplace in Massachusetts was packed with partygoers. Maddie had forgotten who held the gathering and only knew that it was to celebrate the launch of Jack's run for the Senate this November. Amongst loud people, expensive gowns, and heavenly interior, she had never felt as alone before. Parties like this were common for her, but tonight she felt distinctively disconnected from everyone around her. She was there as nothing but her husband's wife. Multiple times through the evening, somebody had come up to her and praised him like: "How lucky are you to have found a man like him," or "You must be so proud of him." They didn't mean to be rude, but they didn't recognize how insulting it was to be considered nothing more than a pendant. Every time she had disguised her frown as a blush and thanked them.

Inhaling deeply, she felt her pulse quicken and a stinging sensation in her chest. Jack had gone off to socialize, but she stayed behind. Tonight was supposed to be memorable, and she wanted to celebrate with him, but she got the impression that the feeling was one-sided.

The balcony overlooked a massive courtyard made up of neatly groomed laws and a grand fountain centered in front of the entrance. Maddie leaned against the marble railing. The soft murmurs of people's voices inside made her relax. It felt nice outside. Like nothing bad could ever happen in a place like this.

"Are you alright?" Maddie's body jumped as Ethel's presence startled her. The two women had grown closer the last couple of months.

"Yeah," Maddie crossed her arm over her chest as Ethel came to stand beside her, "I just feel overwhelmed. Or underwhelmed I can't figure out which it is."

Ethel flipped her silver cigarette case open and offered Maddie one, which she gladly accepted. Her hands looked pale in the moonlight, almost shiny.

"How are you?"

Ethel wasn't great at hiding her emotions and tonight was no exception. Maddie could tell by her trembling hands and constant lip biting that she was pissed.

"I'm fine. Just disappointed that every time we go to these events, Bobby doesn't even have the time to dance with me because he tails Jack all evening," Ethel looked at Maddie apologetically. "I'm sorry, it's not to dish on your husband. I just think Bobby is just as bright as Jack - if not even brighter, and all he ever gets to do is setting Jack up for greatness when he is just as great himself."

Maddie smiled to herself, "I completely agree with you," she said as she put a hand on Ethel's arm, putting her at ease.

For minutes they stayed in silence, looking at the view from the balcony and letting the cold air cool them down.

"I spoke to your parents," Ethel said, "They seem rather proud of you."

In response, Maddie couldn't help but laugh, "That's because I spent all night laughing at dull anecdotes and partaking in tedious conversation. I should've known earlier that that is all it would take," she earned a laugh from Ethel.

Savoring the last drag of her cigarette, Maddie headed to rejoin the festivities. In what Maddie only could describe as a ballroom, a man in a tuxedo and a receding hairline played a nimble tune on a Steinway, and guests danced joyously to the melody. From the top of the stairs, Maddie spotted her husband with a smug smile on his lips as he entertained a group of people with Bobby at his side. He took a swig of his brandy, and Maddie's mouth suddenly felt dry. As if he could feel her eyes on him, his eyes met hers. He nodded, acknowledging her presence without smiling. Maddie wondered if she had done anything to upset him.

"Maddie!" her sister called from the other side of the room and holding up two glasses of champagne. That was enough to make Maddie walk as fast as her dinner dress allowed her to.