To Love a Kennedy

Chapter 1

The late afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows of Jackie Kennedy's elegant Fifth Avenue apartment, casting soft, golden hues over the cream-colored walls and antique furniture. Jackie sat at the head of a large oak table, her back straight, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Despite the calm she projected, a storm brewed behind her piercing eyes. Spread before her were the day's newspapers, each one screaming headlines that made her blood boil: "JFK Jr. Romances Another Heiress!" and "Kennedy Playboy Strikes Again!"

Jackie let out a quiet sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. It was the same story over and over — her son, John, cavorting about like he had no responsibilities, no sense of the family name he carried. The scandals, the whispers, the incessant buzz of the tabloids. She had indulged his youthful rebellion long enough. It was time for action.

She reached for the phone beside her, dialing a number she knew by heart. The line rang twice before a crisp, formal voice answered.

"Gloria Vanderbilt speaking."

"Gloria, it's Jackie," she said, her tone smooth yet purposeful. "We need to talk. It's important."

There was a pause, followed by Gloria's composed reply, "Of course, Jackie. I assume this isn't a social call?"

Jackie allowed herself a small smile. "No, it isn't. I'll be over in an hour."

Gloria Vanderbilt's sitting room was a study in elegance, all dark wood and muted golds, filled with priceless pieces of art and family heirlooms. Gloria sat gracefully on a plush armchair, her posture impeccably straight, her hands delicately clasped in her lap. Despite her calm demeanor, there was a spark of curiosity in her eyes as she watched Jackie enter.

"Jackie, darling, what a surprise," Gloria greeted, offering a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "What's this about?"

Jackie took a seat opposite Gloria, her face serene yet resolute. "I'll get straight to the point, Gloria. It's about John."

Gloria nodded slightly, a hint of amusement in her gaze. "I thought as much. The newspapers have been rather unkind lately."

Jackie's expression hardened. "Unkind is putting it mildly. John is out of control, and it's affecting not only his reputation but ours. This... behavior has gone on long enough."

Gloria tilted her head, considering. "And what do you propose we do about it?"

Jackie leaned forward, her voice calm but firm. "An engagement. Between John and your Betsy."

Gloria blinked, her surprise evident. "An engagement? But Jackie, Betsy is..."

"Strong-willed, independent, and exactly what John needs," Jackie interrupted smoothly. "She's the kind of woman who won't be dazzled by his charm or intimidated by his name. She will ground him, force him to become the man he is meant to be."

Gloria's smile faded slightly as she contemplated Jackie's proposal. "Betsy is indeed strong-willed. But she has her own plans, her own ambitions. She won't take kindly to being thrust into a marriage she didn't choose."

Jackie's eyes sparkled with determination. "I don't intend to give them a choice, Gloria. And neither should you. This is for their own good — for both of our families. We need to secure our legacies, ensure that the next generation upholds what we've built."

Gloria tapped her fingers against the armrest, thinking. "It would certainly benefit us both, but it won't be easy. Betsy will resist. She's not one to be told what to do."

Jackie smiled, a hint of steel in her expression. "Then we'll simply have to be firm. They'll adjust."

Gloria chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "Very well, Jackie. I'll speak to Betsy tonight."