Day Three – Wednesday 22nd December
Honestly it's like watching two young lovebirds at times, not that I'm complaining you understand, oh no! I recall the days when Sir Joseph would stomp around the palace in such a deep depression it seemed nothing would lift that cloud that hung over him.
Of course we all knew what was going on, how he felt about her majesty, though he would deny it til he was blue in the face. One Christmas party I remember vividly, Shades had gotten him very drunk and was slowly grinding him down on the subject of whether or not he wanted to catch the Queen beneath the mistletoe. In the end he threw a drink over Shades, went a deep shade of red and disappeared from the party. Nobody ever asked him again.
And then a few years ago things started to change, there had always been gossip about the two of them of course, silly comments about how the Queen allowed Joseph to hold her hand or whispered things in his ear when she thought nobody was looking. How our Joe would gaze at her for far too long, or defend her to the death. And then there was the fact he was a very good-looking overly charming intelligent man with no female companion, and no obvious attempt to find one. All in all it pointed in one direction… or at least we all thought it pointed that way.
We've witnessed some real changes these past few years, her majesty loosening up a little, the introduction of young Princess Mia to palace life, and now with a new Queen and our favourite secret couple married it seems the cycle is complete. Those of us who have been lucky enough to work here for many years, like myself, were at first afraid of the many changes but now I am overjoyed.
Today was the annual, traditional carol service. There are two actually, one in the morning for the children which her majesty has always attended. The second after lunch for the palace staff, which once again her majesty attends, she used to simply stay for a few carols with King Rupert but since his death she remained the entire service and always says a few kind words.
This year I noticed how blissfully happy she appeared as she entered the church, Joseph taking her hand escorting her down to their seats. She wore a wonderful long white skirt, it looked like crushed velvet but I'm not sure, her clothes are always divine. Now married again she seems to dress up that little bit more, I certainly would if I were married to such a man. That gigantic diamond she used to wear, was probably forced to wear, has gone replaced by a slightly smaller yet equally as stunning ring.
I was lucky enough to get a seat near the front and had a great view of the choir and the newly married couple. As I reached over and clutched my own husband's hand I tried to recall our first Christmas together, over forty years ago now. I found I couldn't picture where we were, my mother's house I believe. I don't know what I bought him, or he me, but I remember being incredibly happy and so overwhelmed by love. Perhaps that was how she was feeling now, it certainly looked that way, she had a glow about her I don't remember ever seeing before.
She was scanning the program, toying with the chain hanging from her glasses, Joseph leant over and whispered something to her and she laughed. Wonderfully open and free, then she seemed to remember where she was and caught herself, held a breath and settled her laughter, Joseph watched and smiled, then he surprised both myself and her majesty by kissing her cheek. The way she turned towards him I thought he was in for a rebuff but instead she lightly touched his lips with her own then calmly returned to the program on her lap. It made my heart leap.
"I'm overjoyed to be here today, I know you all probably think I say that every year and we have been here for many years."
There was murmur of laughter around the room.
"But this year, far more than any other I am truly grateful to be here with you. As you know things haven't always been easy and we have missed his majesty King Rupert."
"King Rupert may he rest in peace." Chorused around the room.
"But now with Queen Mia I feel a new joy has entered the palace, and touched not only myself but the entire staff. You have all always been so supportive, so steadfast in your duties and committed to the family. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful group surrounding me."
A little applause went around the room and she smiled, bending her head and glancing at the ring shining on her finger.
"Over the past year it seems each and every day I wake thanking god for the many gifts of my life, and I pray that god blesses each one of us this Christmas and we have an equally joyful new year. We all deserve it. May I wish you all, from Joseph and myself, a very Merry Christmas."
The applause resumed and she thanked before returning to her seat reaching over silently for Joseph's hand. There was a sheen to her eyes and I wondered if she would break down for the first time in public, but his hand in hers seemed to calm her and a few seconds later she was on her feet to join in with the final hymn.
The drinks and mince pies that follow are one of the rare occasions when we staff gather in the grand ballroom. All dressed up in our finest and shining along with our noble family, our new Queen had left gifts for each one of us which were handed out by the much respected and adored Charlotte. We chatted and danced, I was lucky enough to bag a twirl around the dancefloor with Joseph, always a treat to have such a fine dancing partner, my own husband has two left feet bless him.
Clarisse, I still find it strange not to refer to her as the Queen, also found the time to dance with many male members of the staff before drawing the raffle. Many grand prizes were handed out; fine Champagne and Belgium chocolates, silk scarves, dinner at high-class restaurants, a weekend in Paris. I clutched my strip of tickets watching as others won, who knew I would be lucky enough to bag the top prize of all – well in my opinion anyway. The prize for tickets to tonight's Opera went to Daisy, a new member of the clerical team who almost fainted when her name was called, but a second pair of tickets went to me. I was going to the Opera ahhhhh!!!!!
I wasn't sure what to wear, who knows what to wear, Charlotte offered assistance but I have a fair few years on her and there is no way on earth I would squeeze into one of her dresses! Still at least Roger, my husband, scrubbed up pretty damn well in his suit, he even stood up well next to Joe when he came down the stairs. Her majesty of course shone like a rare jewel, a long deep red silk dress, a discreet yet nice come-hither slit on one side. I almost died when Charlotte announced her and she gave each one of us a hug and congratulated us on the win.
"Rosa my dear I'm so pleased you finally won, how many years have you picked the wrong number?"
"Too many ma'am." I replied meekly.
She then slid long white gloves on covering the jewels adorning her hands and Joe helped her with her coat.
"Well I will be seeing all of you later, I hope you have a lovely evening." She smiled sincerely.
Joe kissed my cheek. "A little Christmas cheer." He whispered then shook Roger's hand.
Daisy received the same treatment; the poor girl was on the verge of fainting as it was. Imagine your first year in the palace and you get treated to an evening like this. I must take her under my wing and make sure she behaves appropriately tonight.
I can't really fill you in on anything more, the Opera was unbelievable, I've never seen anything like it, and our seats were wonderful. I believe Joe and Clarisse were above us in the balcony but I never saw them, I caught a glimpse of her majesty during the interval but she was surrounded by well-to-do people, I would surely be out of my depth in the presence so I keep my distance.
After the performance I looked for them again but they must have left early, I bear them no grudge for that I was exhausted and I hadn't been giving speeches all day. I tend to overlook the fact she works so hard, it's easy to think she has a grand life with no bad spots, but of course she has been lucky enough like me to spend her entire life with the man she loves. The rumour is they are going away for Christmas, good luck to them.
And I believe it's Happy Birthday for Hector E today aswell........ :-)