Chapter 11: Reunion

[27 July 1955 - Pierre Hotel, Manhattan]

There were hugs and kisses. There was laughter and tears. There were regrets and apologies. But as the wine flowed and everybody began to relax, eventually the nervous apprehension turned into the celebration that BJ hoped it would be.

All the ex-Swampees were getting on famously. Hawkeye was quieter than usual and for a while there was a guarded look on his face. But as the banter between himself, BJ and Trapper got into full swing, the jokes were soon coming thick and fast.

Hawkeye was pleased that BJ and Trapper were getting on. They were quite similar in nature and background. As they were both family men, they had an immediate connection. And of course, they both shared a friendship with Pierce, that made him feel incredibly privileged.

Charles had suddenly reverted back to his old, pompous self. He could definitely hold his own against the three musketeers and indeed seemed to be enjoying the challenge! But there was no malice in his teasing. There was a respect in his voice that wasn't there before. And there was a sadness in his eyes, as if a part of him was still missing.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Frank had finally plucked up enough courage to speak to Margaret and they were soon deep in conversation . He had been quietly optimistic to discover she had come to the reunion without a partner. Janet had discreetly wandered off and joined the other women to give him time with her on his own. He poured his heart out to her, with an honest sincerity, admitting that she had come to mean everything to him and that going back to Louise was the biggest mistake of his life.

Margaret had listened intently, quite taken back by his confession. She had always thought he was just using her as much as she had used him. But she knew she didn't love him. It would be unfair to lead him on and give him false hope.

"I'm sorry, Frank," she said gently. "But there's someone else. We've been seeing each other for over a year. He's already proposed."

Frank's features literally melted at her revelation. With all the aplomb he could muster, he managed to give her a self-assured smile.

"I see," he responded. "Well, he's a lucky man, Margaret. I hope you find happiness this time around. You deserve someone special, my Angel."

Margaret reached out and took his hand.

"He is special, Frank," she said. "And so are you. Don't ever forget that."

She kissed him affectionately on the cheek and then scurried away, not wanting to become involved in an emotionally-charged conversation. She was surprised that just for a second, he had stirred up some of her old feelings. But they were feelings from the past and she had no wish to go back there again.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Frank watched her go with a heavy sigh. Despite his obvious disappointment, there was also a sense of relief. For the first time in a long time he felt that he could finally let her go. But it didn't make his decision any easier. It was just another rejection in a long line of rejections in his life. Overcome with emotion, he swiftly turned away, not quite knowing what he was going to do next. As he turned, he bumped into a tall, elegant lady, with long sandy-red hair. The collision made her spill some of her drink down her dress.

"Excuse me, ma'am!" he mumbled, apologetically.

The lady looked back at him with the most exquisite blue eyes he had ever seen. They were even more alluring that Margaret's.

She nodded back, her cheeks reddening at his intense gaze. He suddenly became aware that he was making her uncomfortable and started to prattle on, nervously.

"Oh my, I'm so clumsy!" he exclaimed. "Let me get you another drink. My name is Frank, by the way – Frank Burns. Not that you would have heard of me, of course, but …"

"F-F-Ferret F-F-Face!" she stuttered back, in a bemused voice. She looked totally aghast, as she realised the words had slipped from her mouth before she could stop them. Her brother, Charles, had mentioned the man he had replaced by his nick-name, in some of his letters to her.

For some strange reason, Frank started to giggle. Maybe it was nerves or the expression of horror on her face. Or maybe he had finally developed a sense of humour. But whatever the reason was, he suddenly had an urge to let go of all his pent-up feelings and this seemed to be the best way to do it. Despite her obvious embarrassment, she laughed along with him.

"Can we start again?" asked Frank. He held out his hand in a gentlemanly manner. "Frank Burns," he added politely.

She took his hand shyly.

"Honoria W-W-Winchester," she replied.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Meanwhile, in her haste to get away, Margaret ran straight into Colonel Potter, who was chewing the cud with Klinger and Radar.

"Whoa, there Margaret!" he exclaimed. "Hold your horses!"

Margaret managed to compose herself and joined in with their conversation. She couldn't help noticing how grown-up Radar had become and how Klinger had matured into a fine husband to Soon-Lee. After a while they drifted off to join in another conversation and she was left with Colonel Potter.

"Saw you talking to Burns, earlier," he said, in his usual, no-nonsense manner. "You two sorted things out?"

She nodded, frowning slightly at the mention of his name.

"I told him there was somebody else," she said.

"I guess he didn't take it too well?" said Potter.

"Actually, he was surprisingly charming about it," replied Margaret.

"I'm guessing by the look on your face that this guy is the real deal?" continued Potter.

"Oh yes," gushed Margaret. "He's handsome and kind and makes me feel like I'm the centre of his universe. He's asked me to marry him."

"Well, bust my britches, that's the best God damn news I've heard all year!" enthused Potter."

Margaret suddenly looked crestfallen as she lost her previous enthusiasm.

"Something tells me there's a "but" coming," probed Potter, diplomatically.

"It's just that – well - Dad doesn't approve," she sighed, despondently. "He doesn't come from an army background. He's not even a consultant or a doctor. He's just the Administration Officer at the hospital."

"I see," said Potter, solemnly. He paused for a few seconds, trying to find the right words to comfort the troubled nurse.

"Do you remember what I said to you, the day we all went home," said Potter, finally. "I told you to make sure you found some time to be happy. Sounds to me like you've finally got that chance. Don't blow it, Houlihan!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Charles had suddenly became aware that he hadn't seen his sister for a while. He remembered he had left her chatting to Father Mulcahy. Scanning the room quickly, he spotted the priest coming across the room towards him.

"Father," said Charles, nodding in acknowledgement at him.

They engaged in polite conversation for a couple of minutes and then the conversation turned to Honoria.

"I had a lovely chat with your sister earlier," said Mulcahy. "Such a delightful person."

"Yes," replied Charles, bristling with unmistakable pride. "I have to agree with you on that one, Father."

"She obviously thinks an awful lot about you," continued Mulcahy. "Although she did seem a trifle worried about something."

"Oh," said Charles, immediately giving the priest his full attention. "In what way?"

"She thinks she has lost a special part of her brother that gave her great joy in the past," said Mulcahy. "She informs me that you don't listen to your music anymore."

Charles glared angrily at Father Mulcahy.

"That really is no concern of yours, Father," he rebuffed, haughtily. "Now, if you will excuse me, I need to find my sister."

"I never took you for being a hypocrite, Major," interjected Mulcahy loudly, stopping Charles in his tracks as he tried to walk away.

"Explain what you mean by that remark!" retorted Charles, obviously offended by the insinuation.

"Did you not once go to great lengths to convince one of your patients not to give up playing the piano? I believe his right hand was permanently damaged," questioned Mulcahy.

Charles looked slightly taken back. He wasn't aware that anyone had even known about that incident. He assumed the patient must have confided in the priest at some stage and told him.

"That has got absolutely nothing to do with the way I feel," he said in retaliation.

"Really?" remarked Mulcahy. "So you didn't mean it when you said that the true gift of music is in your head and in your heart and in your soul?"

For the first time in a very long time, Charles was completely speechless.

"That's different," he finally said with an air of defiance. "David was a concert pianist. I do not possess his talent for playing the piano."

"But don't you see, Charles," implored Mulcahy. "Music is as much a part of your life as it was David's. You gave that young man hope for the future. You convinced him to use his gift to carry on playing the piano with his left hand. Why would you then punish yourself by silencing something that gives you great joy and fulfilment? And even more importantly, why would you destroy your sister's obvious enjoyment of sharing the gift of music with you?"

For the second time in so many minutes, Charles was lost for words.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Frank had finally torn himself away from Honoria, who on sighting her brother across the floor, had made her excuses to take her leave. He had very much enjoyed her company. Her gentle and almost pure manner was a far cry from the usual harsh treatment he received from his wife – and also - on occasions, from Margaret! Janet, who had eventually joined them, had never seen her father smile so much – or look so happy.

In turn, Honoria had found Frank very amusing and entertaining – in a comical sort of way. She was also aware that by the end of their brief meeting, she had hardly stuttered at all. Janet couldn't help but notice a chemistry between them, that was sadly lacking between her parents.

On Honoria's departure, Frank suddenly spotted Klinger and his wife making their way over to him.

"I can't believe he married a Gook!" he whispered to Janet, under his breath.

"Dad!" exclaimed Janet in a warning voice.

"What?" asked Frank, seemingly oblivious to his racist remark. Janet tutted in frustration as she had to remind herself who the adult was in their relationship!

Luckily, Frank seemed to get the hint and he managed to have a half-decent conversation with Klinger and Soon-Lee without putting his foot in it!

"Do you remember that time you refused to remove that red bandana from your neck?" said Frank.

Klinger blinked his eyes in confusion at the sudden change of direction in the conversation.

"Yeah, sure, I remember," he managed to reply, as he recalled the incident. He had been on guard duty and it was the first time he had encountered the obnoxious Major Frank Burns. It had been an unmilitary item of clothing. But unlike with some of his outlandish costumes he used to wear, the bandana had been given to him by his mother. He had worn it out of a genuine and sincere respect for her.

Unfortunately, things had got a bit heated between himself and the Major as he had refused to remove the item. Father Mulcahy had eventually stepped in to calm things down.

"Well," said Frank, hesitantly. "I didn't realise it had been given to you by your mother. I probably would have made an exception if I had known. I just wanted to say sorry for all the grief I caused."

Klinger blinked again, wondering if he was having a dream about the whole weird conversation.

"No problem, Frank," he finally said. "It's all in the past now."