Chapter 19 (Part 1)
Clarisse was sitting in her living room with Sofia nestled in her arms as she drank her morning tea. There was a knock at the door and Charlotte entered, looking serious and causing Clarisse's brow to crease with worry. 'What is it?' Clarisse asked. Charlotte did not reply, but switched on the television upon which Elsie's show was playing and that photograph of her with Sofia and Joseph was splashed all over the screen. "So, not only has the Royal Head of Security taken advantage of our esteemed Queen's emotions by making her the Godmother of his baby girl, it appears he has abandoned his daughter to our Monarch's care whilst he collects the Princess from San Francisco for her second visit to our fair country. Is the Head of Security overstepping boundaries or is there more than there appears to this complex tale?" Elsie said; before Charlotte switched the television off.
'Well it must be a slow news day?' Clarisse said; untouched by the report.
'What do you wish me to do?' Charlotte asked.
'Let them talk.' Clarisse said as she happily lifted her to kiss her.
'There's more.' Charlotte said; nervously. Clarisse lowered Sofia back on to her lap and into the cradle of her arm as she indicated for Charlotte to sit. Charlotte obeyed; sitting opposite her Monarch. 'The oh-so-lovely Viscount has fuelled the fire. He claims that your illness coupled with this adoration of a child that isn't yours and Joseph's reliance on you in his daughter's life makes you incompetent.' she explained sheepishly.
'So a statement is needed? Or we ignore it to confirm it's nonsense? What do you think we should do Charlotte?' Clarisse asked; looking up.
'Ma'am?' Charlotte questioned. Why would the Queen want her advice on the matter?
'What do you think we should do, Charlotte?'
'I'm not the best person to ask for advice on this Ma'am?'
'In Joseph's absence you are my closest advisor. Please.'
'I think if we address every comment made about Joseph, yourself and Sofia then we just add fuel to the fire. Unless the safety of yourselves and the country are at risk then there is little reason to respond.'
'Thank you Charlotte.' Clarisse said before her eyes returned to her daughter. 'So what time is the plane due to land?' she asked her assistant.
'Four this afternoon Ma'am.'
'And what's on the agenda for today?'
'No outdoor visits as requested by Joseph, but you have a conference call with the Spanish Ambassador at two. Your audience with the public will happen in two days so that Princess Mia can be present.'
'And Sofia?'
'The nanny will be here and Shades is on guard duty.'
'Security will need to be at a premium. I don't want any of the press attempting to sneak around the palace.'
'I'm sure Joseph will make it his top priority upon his return.'
'I should get ready. Would you mind holding on to Sofia whilst I dress?'
'Of course.' Charlotte said; and Clarisse handed Sofia to her before disappearing into her bedroom.