The Splendid and the Vile
by Erik Larson
Contents
Chapter 21: Champagne and Garbo
Overview
In a brief social interlude amid wartime strain, Colville spends an evening with Gay Margesson that swings from irritation to renewed romantic hope. Her political talk briefly disillusions him, but at the Café de Paris her charm revives his feelings, showing how personal longing continues to shape the inner lives of Churchill’s circle even as national danger mounts.
Summary
On Wednesday, July 10, Jock Colville met Gay Margesson in London for an evening out. They attended an English-language performance of Die Fledermaus, but neither enjoyed it, and they left during the middle of the third act.
During the intervals, Gay Margesson insisted on discussing politics and criticizing Neville Chamberlain and his government. Colville found her comments ignorant and prejudiced, and he recorded in his diary that, for the first time since knowing her, he found her tedious and childish. Colville also recognized that he was dwelling on her faults partly to protect himself from the pain of her continued refusal to return his feelings.
Afterward, they went to the Café de Paris, where Gay Margesson’s charm reasserted itself in Colville’s eyes. They talked, drank champagne, and danced while an impersonator performed versions of Ingrid Bergman and Greta Garbo.
By the end of the night, Colville returned home alone at two in the morning. Even so, the evening left him hopeful, because he believed Gay Margesson might at last be beginning to warm toward him.
Who Appears
- Jock ColvilleChurchill’s private secretary; spends the evening with Gay and wrestles with unreturned love.
- Gay MargessonColville’s companion; talks politics, irritates him, then restores his romantic hopes with her charm.