Chapter 19 (Part 2)
Clarisse worked constantly until four that afternoon, only breaking to feed Sofia who was currently sleeping in the Moses basket nearby. Clarisse found her daughter's presence had a calming effect on her; and unless she was on a conference call or in meetings, Sofia was always in the office with her. There was a light tap on the door and Clarisse requested they "enter" before the door opened and Charlotte stepped inside. 'Your Majesty, Joseph and the Princess have arrived.' she informed Clarisse.
'Thank you Charlotte.' Clarisse said; placing her pen down just as Sofia stirred and started to cry. 'Right on cue.' Clarisse said as she stood and approached the Moses basket.
'Would you like me to send some tea up to your suite?' Charlotte asked.
'Please.' Clarisse said; lifting a crying Sofia into her arms.
Clarisse had just finished changing Sofia and stepped back into her suite as the doors burst open and Mia came bounding in followed by Joseph who smiled at his love holding their daughter. 'Grandma.' Mia said; excitedly, but stopped short at the sight of the baby in her grandmother's arms. 'It this?' she started as Joseph approached and Clarisse handed Sofia to him. 'Princess, this is my daughter. Her name is Sofia.' Joseph said.
'She's beautiful Joe.' Mia said; glancing briefly at her grandmother.
'Has she been fed?' Joseph asked Clarisse.
'I've just changed her. She's not due for her next feed for a little while.' Clarisse said.
'Thank you.'
'No problem. I've ordered some tea. Would you like to join us?'
'If the Princess doesn't mind.'
'Of course not.' Mia said.
'If you could excuse me for five minutes to check in with Shades then I would love to.' Joseph said.
'Would you like me to watch Sofia?' Clarisse asked.
'If you wouldn't mind.'
'Never.' Clarisse said; and Joseph gently handed Sofia over. Joseph kissed Sofia's head and his eyes burned into Clarisse's for moments before he left the suite.
Mia and Clarisse both sat down on opposite sofas, the coffee table between them; and Mia watched her grandmother's tender interaction with Sofia for a few moments. 'Grandma, are you really okay?' Mia asked, causing Clarisse to look up. 'Of course. Why wouldn't I be?' she asked.
'I've been so worried about you. With the illness and then Joseph and the baby.'
'I promise I am quite well.' Clarisse said, settling Sofia into the cradle of her arm with a bright smile.
'You do look happy.'
'I am very happy darling.' Clarisse said just as the door opened and a maid entered with a laden tea tray. The maid placed the tea tray on the coffee table between the women, curtseyed and left the room again. 'Would you like me to pour?' Mia asked her grandmother.
'Please. I would like to see if the lessons have stuck.' Clarisse said; causing Mia to smile before she picked up the teapot and began to pour the tea into the tiny tea cups. Clarisse re-adjusted Sofia in her lap, her arm wrapped around the tiny child's waist as she settled her back to rest against her, Sofia's little legs wiggling upon Clarisse's lap in her seated position. Sofia was gazing with interest at Mia as she placed a cup and saucer closer to Clarisse.