Sorry for the wait, internet problems again…
Joseph and his new fiancée strolled the grounds, arm in arm and came to rest under their favourite tree.
"So why did you choose me over the dazzling royal lifestyle?"
"Because I couldn't bear the thought of never seeing you again. Rupert seemed rather pleased to let me to go with you. I tell you, I'm not looking forward to tomorrow."
"Why's that?"
"Because I have to explain to my boys why Mummy is leaving."
"Good luck."
"Thankyou, Joseph."
"My darling, what's this I hear about a baby?"
Her eyes flung wide open, "What baby?"
"That's what I want to know. Rupert asked me if you told me about some baby."
She looked him in the eye, "Well, I think it's safe to tell you now. The reason I broke things off with you before was that I fell pregnant with your child and didn't know how to react."
"What?"
"I was scared, I panicked, I thought of a plan and failed to follow it through."
"Wait a minute. You're having my baby?"
"Yes."
"Wow, this is a shock. I thought you couldn't produce heirs anymore."
"That's what I thought, but it turns out that Rupert's the one who can't."
"So it's really mine?"
"Yes."
"This is exciting, I always wanted to be a father."
She pulled his arms around her and placed his hands on her belly.
"I can't feel anything."
"No, you won't be able to for a while. I'm only two months along"
"I can't believe I'm going to be a Daddy."
"I know."
She went to kiss him, but he held her back, "Didn't I see you drinking at the party?"
"I…uh…yes."
"You shouldn't be drinking in your condition."
"I know, but I was under a lot of stress and I…"
He silenced her with a kiss.
"Stress eliminated."
Later on, Joseph only had one thing on his mind, "So what now?"
"Pardon?"
"What are we going to do now? About us…we can't stay here and we definitely can't leave without telling anyone."
"Oh, that. Rupert and I discussed this last night. No need to worry. I have to take care of a couple of things and then we're moving to the holiday house."
"But that's not a long term arrangement is it?"
"It's only for the time being. Rupert gave it to me, so until we find a proper house, it's going to be our home. Didn't you think about any of this before you decided to take me away from my husband?"
"Well, I wasn't really thinking about our future. I was just thinking of how great it would be if we were together."
"You aren't going to be this disorganised when we're married, are you?"
"I'm not usually disorganised, it's just that this is my first real relationship and I was overcome by love."
She placed a hand on his face and suggested they go inside.
As they were getting up, they heard a bell ringing. Clarisse knew what that meant; the party was over.
Joseph took her hand and they slowly walked back to the palace where they saw Rupert farewelling the last of the guests. He saw them approach and shook Joseph's hand.
"Joseph, just the man I wanted to see. I anted to tell you to take extra special care of my wife. Here…"
He put a pile of 100-pound notes in his hand and patted him on the shoulder.
"Oh, that's not really necessary," Joseph explained, handing it back.
"No, take it. I have plenty. Now, Clarisse, I wanted to tell you that I just want you to be happy. I also want you to tell Philippe and Pierre that you're leaving, sign the divorce papers when they arrive, keep in touch, let me know when your child is born, inform me of when you're to be married so I may attend the ceremony and when you get an invitation, I want you to come to mine."
"You're getting married?"
"As soon as she accepts."
"She?"
"Liz Galen. You know, Little Lizzy?"
"Her? But she's doesn't like you."
"She will."
"Well good luck then, you'll need it."
"Thankyou for your kind words of, darling, now if you'll excuse me, it's been a long night and I need some rest."
"Goodnight then, Rupert."
"Goodnight, Clarisse. Goodnight, Joseph."
"Goodnight, Your Majesty."
"Please, Joseph, we're friends, call me Rupee."
They all laughed and headed to their separate rooms.
Clarisse had difficulties trying to tell her sons that she was leaving, "Pierre, Philippe, you two are quite aware that Mummy and Daddy haven't been spending an awful lot of time together these days, and uh…to tell you the truth, we've…um…I'll be back."
She ran out of the room and decided to ask for help, "Rupert, I don't know what to say to them."
"Oh, then do allow me will you," he walked into the room, closely followed by Clarisse, "Now, boys, your mother and I are splitting up, she's moving to the summer house for the time being, she will visit you as often as she can and will bring lots of presents with her."
Clarisse gave him a disapproving look.
"Oh, and you're staying here with me, because Genovia will eventually need a new King."
He walked back to her and raised an eyebrow, "Was that so hard?"
"I can't believe you just said that. Great way to break the bad news to them."
"At least it's done!"
He left her alone with the boys, "Mummy, is it true?" Pierre asked.
"Your father doesn't lie."
"We'll miss you, Mummy," Philippe added.
A tear ran down her cheek as she hugged them, "I'll miss you too."
"When are you going?"
"As soon as I'm ready."
"Was it something we did?"
"No, it's got nothing to do with you. You boys have been great sons."
"Mummy, if you stay, I'll tell Santa not to bring the motorcycle. Would that make everything better?"
She laughed slightly and slowly backed out of the room.
Philippe started crying, but was comforted by his older brother, "Don't worry, Philippe, Jesus will take care of Mummy."
The next day…
"Are you all packed, darling?"
"Yes. The maids are bringing my things down."
He watched in amazement as twelve of them came out to the limousine, each carrying two large suitcases.
"Is that all you're taking?" Joseph joked.
"Yes, I'm having the rest sent to me."
"You realise that they won't all fit in the back, don't you?"
"Well, we'll just have to take out some of yours then."
"I only have two. And they're half the size of any one of yours."
"Oh, very funny. Can't you be serious for one moment?"
She looked in the boot, "Oh, you were being serious…"
"Yes. My darling, I'm afraid you're going to have to have some of these sent to you too!"
An hour later, everything was resolved. Ten suitcases were able to fit in the back, four sat opposite Joseph and Clarisse and two were sitting next to the driver. The rest were to be sent along later.
Saying goodbye was hard. Pierre held Philippe in his arms while Rupert stood beside them.
"I'm going to miss you all. Now boys, when you're old enough to understand, I'm sure you will forgive me for leaving you. And Rupert, I'm sorry this marriage didn't work out."
"It's for the best, my dear. Can you imagine if we had stayed together and honoured our wedding vowels?"
"I know."
"Who do you think would have died first?"
"We'll have to wait and see."
They laughed and hugged each other.
"I'll see you soon?"
"Oh, of course. I'll come back to visit as soon as we've settled in."
"Good, good."
After giving him one last kiss, she knelt down to her children and hugged them as well, "Mummy loves you."
She made her way into the limo and looked through the window at them. They were just standing there. No waving, just standing as they watched the car disappear.
