Day Four – Thursday 23rd December
My wife is the most beautiful woman in the world.
My wife is the most gracious woman in the world.
The kindest soul to enter my life, the warmest heart I've ever known. To be in her presence must surely be a gift from God, and every day I pray for it to continue.
It was with a sheer stroke of genius that I suggested we bring the traditional Christmas Eve ball forward to the 23rd, that way I could sneak my wife off to a relaxing, solitary Christmas – instead of the usual maddening hustle and bustle of palace life.
So here we are, instead, maddeningly rushing around, desperate to finish all arrangements ready for tonight's grand ball. Although my role in the proceedings is a little more subdued this year, no headaches over the security issues of having so many people packed into a limited space. You might think I would miss the importance of organising such an event, but no, not in the slightest. I'll take this way of life any day of the week thank you very much. More than happily married, ecstatic, I thought I was in love with her before, now I cannot even find the words to express how I feel.
I watched as she went around the great dining room and checked and double-checked on the seating arrangements this afternoon. Originally she'd placed me next to some countess from Austria, I quickly convinced her that this being our first Christmas together I at least deserved the pleasure of being seated next to her. She agreed, after two-foot massages and several glasses of wine.
"Well, what do you think, will I pass?" I casually asked as I entered her dressing room.
Two maids were still fussing with her hair and make-up but she glanced into the mirror and looked at me standing behind her and smiled.
"You look fine, as always, very presentable."
"Thank you dear."
She sighed and looked at her own reflection. "Alright ladies I think that will do."
"Certainly ma'am."
They knew better than to fuss too long, she hated being "played" with as she termed it, feeling like a Barbie doll. They disappeared and we were left alone, I rested my hands on her shoulders.
"Shall I help you dress?"
"I'd like that very much."
Her dress was breath taking, a floor length black gown with folds and folds of swanky material that slid through my fingers. Beneath that material was a pure white, sparkling with silver jewels on it, the black finished at her sides, the white shone out in front. It caressed her shoulders and rested on her ample bosom. She looked divine; I risked ruining the hour of make-up attention and kissed her mouth anyway. She didn't protest.
Together we greeted the guests and I made polite chitchat with the uptight members of parliament. Most overly interested in how it felt to go from mere worker to husband of royalty. I bit my tongue and played along with the game. But I did wish more than once that Mia was standing next to me then we could joke about it later over cocoa. Her opinion on the older members of parliament differed little from mine.
Dinner was wonderful, our gracious Prime Minister gave a speech and cards were read out from various people. One from Mia was particularly amusing. Clarisse held my hand beneath the table, though she played her part and spoke mostly to those around her. I was proud to be at her side, and when the ring on her finger caught the lights and sparkled I felt a tightening in my chest.
I danced with her first and last, and then again, when the guests had gone and the ballroom was deserted we danced by candlelight. Her head on my chest, her eyes closed, she swayed in time with me.
"Almost Christmas." I whispered into her hair.
"Mmm, and I'm actually feeling festive this year. It's been so long since I've looked forward to it all, but with you, and Mia of course…" She looked up at me. "Well I think I'm loosening up a little."
"In private at least." I teased and kissed her forehead.
"I do hope we're beneath mistletoe Sir otherwise you'll be hung."
"And which brave member of your security team would you send after me?"
She laughed. "I suppose, you have a point." She wobbled slightly against me. "Oh dear, one too many glasses of Champagne."
"I know the feeling, I'm so used to not drinking and being fully alert."
"Hmm…" She rested her head again. "What time do we have to leave tomorrow?"
"Whenever you wake and are ready, all is prepared."
"I expect nothing less from you." She was sounding sleepy now.
"It's getting late, should we go to bed?"
"Is that a proposition."
This time I laughed. "Hardly, I was thinking of her majesty's well-being."
She looked at me. "So was I."
"Well in that case then yes it's a proposition."
"Alright… I'll think about it."
"Goodness you're a tease."
"I know." She kissed me, warm and open and full of unrestrained passion.
"Do you know how many Christmases have gone by when I've wanted to dance with you like this… I never honestly thought I'd be sitting by you at one of the grandest occasions in the calendar."
"And I never imagined I'd actually feel comfortable and happy at one of these occasions, but I do. I dreamt about it too Joseph, many times, you've been in my heart for so many years."
"And you mine. Did I tell you how beautiful you look in that dress?"
"Many times." She stifled a yawn and the dancing stopped. "But I like your compliments."
"I know. Time for my bed my dear."
"I think so." I held out my arm for her to grasp but instead she took my hand.
"I was wondering…" She said as we mounted the staircase.
"Hmm?"
"Just what can he have bought me for Christmas?"
"That is a surprise. Only St. Nick and myself know the answer to that question. What might you have bought me?"
"As you said, between Santa and myself. With possibly a little input from Mia."
"Oh lord it could be anything."
She giggled. "Indeed it could, though it must be said I didn't go for all her suggestions."
"Which included?" I held the door to our suite open, nodding to the guard outside as we passed.
She slipped her gloves off and laid them on the coffee table. "Something about me in some 'festive' outfit…" She raised an eyebrow until I understood her meaning.
"Really! I always knew Mia was on my wavelength."
A glove hit me squarely in the chest.
"I'm going to remove my make-up and take a quick shower. Don't get into any trouble whilst I'm gone."
"I'll try to behave."
Less than twenty minutes later I was sitting in the bathroom sipping a brandy watching as she went through her nightly routine.
"What's that for?" I asked as she applied some white substance to her face.
She sighed. "You ask my every time, and it's still to keep me looking young and fresh my dear."
"Is it made for men too?" I smiled.
"I think there is probably a male version, should I have wrapped that up for Christmas?"
"Just you in a Mrs. Santa suit will be perfect thank you."
"Ha! Tough Santa wouldn't let me borrow it."
"You couldn't persuade him with your charms?"
She turned to me, sauntered over with her hands on her hips, a long creamy silk negligee clinging to her curves.
"My charms… and what might they be?"
"Obvious, diplomat, friendly, funny, gorgeous…"
She silenced me with a kiss, ran her hands along my chin and up to the side of my face.
"How I'm looking forward to a few days alone with you."
"Me too nothing to do but play scrabble."
"Oh yes I'd forgotten that. I'll beat you."
"We'll see." I stood up and wrapped my arms around her waist. "Ready for bed now."
"Absolutely."
I kissed her this time, a long deep slow kiss.
"Did I mention my wife is beautiful?"
She smiled. "Yes, many times."
"And gracious?"
She blushed. "Joseph."
"And the kindest soul…" I kissed her mouth. "And warmest heart." I kissed her nose. "And I couldn't love anything more."
"My thoughts exactly… I don't care what Santa brings, I couldn't be happier."
And i'll take suggestions on what they might get each other for Xmas - what do you buy the Queen afterall?!?!?! :-)