Mixed Signals by Posh & Stoneygem

Part 20

For formal occasions Clarisse was usually bound by the expectations of a ball gown, not that she minded really. It wasn't every woman who got the opportunity to dress in such fabulous gowns or wear the most luxurious jewels. Yet for the evening's meal there was a part of her that found simple pleasure in the simplicity of her outfit.

It was a new dress; Clarisse had never had the time to pay particular attention to the clothes that were purchased for her. Her dresser knew her likes and dislikes by now and as such her wardrobe was always suitably 'stocked'. Since her attitude to fashion had altered somewhat since her marriage and the arrival of her granddaughter in the palace this evening's dress was suitably 'modern' whilst maintaining that flattering look. She was after all no spring chicken, a fact often brought home to her when she slipped out of those heavy ball gowns and found her entire body ached from carrying the sheer weight of silk around with her. Nevermind dancing in it…

She admired herself in the mirror, turned sideways and took in the shape of her figure. Her stomach protruded a little too much for her liking but her wrap would cover that. She would also usually go for a long dress yet this one finished just on her knee, Joseph always commented on how perfect her legs were and how he wanted to… well it wasn't the time for those thoughts, she had an entire evening to get through.

Black was slimming, the dainty silver pattern enough to draw her away from being dull, and the light material skimmed her body. Beneath she wore stockings and lacy black underwear, which would no doubt please her husband later. Oh the relief… she turned again and glanced at her face, running her hand up her neck and patting her cheeks. To have him back completely, after all they'd been through recently. His health fears, how could he ever hide that away from her? How could he ever possibly think of facing something like that alone, without her support?

All the arguments and misunderstandings, all the night's spent sleeping apart, he on the couch or in the other room. All the arguments, the shouting, the hurtful things they'd said to each other, the time's he turned away and unintentionally shattered her resolve. Almost broken her heart. Yet they were here together, and right now it felt better than it ever had. Perhaps he was right, perhaps it was simply a case of learning about each other fully; they had never dated after all. Flirted yes, danced, supported, talked for hours on end about everything and nothing. But dated – properly – never. Maybe they needed that.

It was becoming clear to her that this educational role that Joseph had taken was no longer simply a pastime, and she felt ashamed at the fact she'd ever thought it was simply a ruse. Selfishly she'd imagined she was all he needed, that he would be content forever to follow her around and be that constant support and security. He was more than that, there was so much more to him, so much to give to others not just her. So much intelligence that hadn't been tapped into… Clarisse shook her head trying to shake the feeling of guilt that rushed through her. He deserved this; from now on she would support him in this. As much as she possibly could.

The object of her musings watched her from his position by the bathroom door, leaning against the frame fiddling with his tie.

"Something on your mind?" He whispered.

She didn't even turn, simply smiled at his reflection in the mirror.

"No, just, reflecting…"

"Ah, anything I should be aware of?" He stepped towards her taking her wrap from the bed and placing it gently on her shoulders.

"Not just yet." She said lightly feeling his warm breath on her neck, his lips danced on her skin for a second. She reached up to where his hand rested on her shoulder and folded her fingers with his.

"Well, is this suitable do we think?"

"Oh I think so… nice shoes." He grinned eyeing her high heels. "Is that another input from Miss. Amelia?"

She turned in his arms, linking her hands around his neck. "Scared I'll tower over you?" She teased.

"Not at all." He emphasised his point by standing on his tiptoes.

She laughed and he smiled at her joy. Tightening his hold on her he kissed her smiling face.

Settling against him Clarisse breathed deeply. "Joseph…" She touched his face. "Joseph, we are going to be okay." She said suddenly, sincerely.

"I always told you we'd find a way together."

"And I of course never doubted it."

"I should hope not." He kissed her forehead soothingly.

"You think we still have a way to go?" She asked hesitantly.

He smiled gently at her, brushing her hair with his fingertips. "We've made a pretty decent start I'd say."

She didn't reply, only nodded at his words, kept her eyes fixed on his, he was right of course she would be foolish to think that in two weeks they had fixed everything that was wrong. But they would, in time they would. She had no doubt of that.

"So beautiful." He proclaimed dropping his arms from her body and formally offering her his arm. "Shall I escort you to dinner?"

"Oh dear." She replied taking his arm. "I do believe I'm escorting you."

Clarisse awoke lazily, something just outside her dreams invading and dragging her back from imagination to reality. She stretched her arms across the bed reaching for his body but instead found an empty space, sighing she opened her eyes and glanced to her side. A neatly made side of the bed, a perfectly angled pillow, so Joseph. She couldn't help but smile.

Returning to her back she closed her eyes again deciding to awake slowly, leisurely. Her mind was working through the morning's tasks, where Joseph might be now, that she should call Mia and wish her luck for her meeting, that she had so much time on her hands today, had drunken so much red wine last night, and oh it was raining. It was raining. It was the sound of the rain that had awoken her.

Smiling she listened to the sweet sound of it, pattering against the French doors, people complained about the rain yet a part of her had always adored it. As a child she would often go out deliberately and walk in it, simply so she could return home and sit in front of the fire to dry. She loved the smell of it, the freshness, how it scented her hair. Times had changed though and it had never really been appropriate for the Queen to walk in the rain, as much as she might enjoy it.

The phone rang next to her jolting her out of her reverie and she absently reached for it.

"Good morning…" A deep voice swam along the line to her.

She settled back into the luxury of the bed and almost melted into the receiver. "Good morning." She felt her face break into a smile just thinking about him. "Where are you?"

"I've snuck out of a meeting to ask you the same thing, I'm sorry I had to leave early."

"That's fine, I'm still in bed having only just awoken… being a lady of leisure."

"Ahh, and does the lady enjoy being of a leisure disposition?"

"The lady most certainly does and I think, just between you and I, that she might get used to it."

She heard him laugh then whisper huskily. "Perhaps the lady wouldn't mind sharing those mornings of leisure with her husband at some point."

"Oh but then they take on quite a different meaning in terms of being a 'leisure activity.'"

He laughed again then hushed himself, she realised he probably wasn't alone. "Not fair." He said gently. "Listen I'm hoping this will be over for 2:00, would you like to have a late lunch with me?"

"I can think of nothing better."

"Good." She could almost see his smile. "Good, then I'll see you later, you could always come down here if you like, pretty mundane stuff though."

"Are you being important?" She teased.

"Not really, delivering a few lines later, nothing much. Don't worry if the lady has more exciting things on her agenda."

Now Clarisse laughed, well, rather giggled.

"See you soon." He said.

"Yes."

"Okay. Goodbye."

"Goodbye." She whispered in response waiting for him to put the phone down.

"Joseph…" She smiled after a few seconds.

"I know, goodbye."

"Bye."

Replacing the receiver Clarisse regretfully dragged herself out of bed; it would do no good to lie there thinking about him. Pulling on her robe she wandered to the doors and unlocked one, peeking out at the view. Summer rain, light and fresh, wonderful. She took a deep breath and when fully refreshed closed the door and decided to order something for breakfast. Yes, this morning she would remain in the suite reading the papers, making a few calls, and generally enjoying some relaxation. Ohh perhaps she'd even arrange to have a massage later. The idea cheered her on and she headed for a quick shower.

After indulging herself for the majority of the morning Clarisse decided she would after all call into the conference room and 'spy' on her husband. She was feeling rather good about herself truth be told, she'd been utterly pampered that morning and for once she didn't mind at all being fussed over. After a lengthy, and rather satisfying, massage she'd lounged in the private Jacuzzi for as long as she possibly could before her skin complained. She had her nails done, her hair, her make-up, in fact she was pressed to recall a time when her body had received so much attention from somebody other than her husband.

Now her heels clicked on the polished wooden floor as she made her way to the conference room. Actually she felt rather proud of herself, her outfit was the perfect mix of holiday chic yet reserved conservatism. A gold embroidered cream skirt, a caramel camisole and a matching cardigan to cover her bare arms topped off with relatively flat sandals. Yes, she'd done rather well, Mia would be proud.

Nearing the conference room she slowed as she heard Joseph's distinct voice. She didn't wish him to see her, not yet; she wanted to listen as any other in that group.

She was thankful that they had moved this meeting to the hotel's conference room. Being so old, it had so many pillars that she would easily find a hiding spot. The door was not completely closed and carefully she pushed the handle down and slipped into the room.

His voice filled the conference room completely and from the very first moment Clarisse felt compelled to listen attentively to what he was saying.

"Education provides the biggest capital we can give our descendants. If they are able to make a proper living of their own, then we'll have successful people, who are able to give back what they received."

While he continued speaking Clarisse felt herself being mesmerized. He had his audience completely in hand. From her own experiences of public speaking, she could judge the quality of a presentation fairly quickly and she had to admit one thing – he was good. Very good. The speech was well conceived and written. The delivery was excellent. The audience listened with rapt attention. He was the born speaker.

It was not only the speech itself however; he had something to say and he stood for it with all he was. It was fascinating. It was impressive. He was impressive. And she felt a surge of incredible pride course through her. This was her husband. Her husband, who held the attention of all those politicians. Her husband, who conducted this meeting – easing tempers, mediating conflicts, putting in opinions, found solutions and made them heard….

"Impressive that man, I'd say." She could hear the slightly snotty voice of a man on the other side of the pillar. "Didn't think he had it in him."

"What do you mean?" another voice, which she could identify as Jacob's, joined in.

"Well, I didn't really expect the guy to be such an asset. You know, what do you expect from a 'queen's consort'. It's a bed-warmer after all. But that one is clever. And he knows how to do things."

Jacob snorted. "Could have told you that the very first moment. She didn't marry just anybody. She married HIM."

"You know him well?"

"I had dealings with him, before they got married, mostly through my dealings with Her Majesty. That man always knew what was going on. He's an intelligent and educated man. And he picked up on quite a lot of things during his career. When I heard that he was interested in joining our cause I knew we had a winner. And you could see it last night and today – he IS a winner."

The snotty man sounded surprised. "What do you mean? I wasn't at the dinner last night."

Jacob chuckled. "Boy did you miss out. They conquered the whole room. His expertise and her charms, it's lethal. They had the whole room eating out of their hands."

"Her Majesty is here?"

"Duh, yes, arrived yesterday. Didn't you see the papers this morning? Yes, she's here and since she is, he took the congregation by storm. Too bad she isn't here just now. I'd pay good money for that display."

The enthusiastic clapping swallowed Jacob's explanation for which display he would pay 'good money' and Clarisse was glad about it. Taking a deep breath she decided not to see this as yet another pun from 'society'.

What had they done last night at the dinner? Nothing. Merely sat through it, made polite conversation and smiled and secretly wished they could find an excuse to leave early. But what difference did it make if she was here in the room or not? What difference did it make that she was in town? Of course it made one to their marriage. Being here she wanted to show him her support and she did, but…did it show for others to see? Did it really make such a difference that Mrs. Romerro was here to stand beside her husband?

Such things had been part of her job as queen, being the wife of a king. Only then, she had had no choice in the matter. This time she did it of her own free will.

And therein lay the whole difference.

She understood that now. Joseph was no 'queen's consort'. He never was and he would never be. She didn't want him to be one. No, he was an important man of his own right. She would make sure that people understood that. He did a very important job in those international conferences and she would finally put her selfishness away and be his wife in all aspects.

Coming back to reality, Clarisse strained to catch a glimpse of her husband. Many people surrounded him, chatting animatedly, congratulating him on his success. Yes, she thought with a proud smile, it was a success because Joseph had put his mind and his heart to it and made this conference a success.

Somewhere, she heard the word 'celebration' shouted. Saw many heads nod in agreement and suddenly, a perfect idea crossed her mind.

A celebration. Oh yes, definitely. A celebration he would never forget.

She quickly stepped out of the conference room, careful not to be seen.

Outside in the hallway, she took a deep breath. And released it. And then she listened. The Sacher often had very quiet background music playing. It was always the same. Strauss of course – what else was there to be expected in Vienna? Her eyes went wide as the wheels in her mind began to turn. She had once heard about…but how to organize this so quickly…and whom to ask first…and how to make sure he came there without knowing what would greet him…


Joseph wandered down the lengthy corridors towards his, their, suite. He was finished for the day, how many times had he been away on some conference and loneliness awaited him in his room? Not this week though. Just the thought of her being there brought a skip to his step and it took all his restraints not to race down the corridors.

He tried to steal his mind away from the walk by ripping open the note in his hand, Frances had handed it to him as he left the room and he'd all but forgotten about it. Unfolding it he held it back a little, squinting at the words, he recognised the handwriting immediately. Clarisse.

"My darling, I thought we'd have a little fun before lunch…"

He couldn't stifle the laughter that came unbounded from him; she was certainly never dull, never for one second. He felt a sudden jolt of sweet pleasure swim through him, and he wanted her right then and there. Just to hold her body to his, to dance with her, to smell her and drown in her.

Nodding to the security on the door he made his way into their suite.

"Honey I'm home." He called out smiling.

He deposited his briefcase by the door, took off his jacket and made his way through to the lounge.

"Clarisse… honey?" He looked over the flowers on the table, and the others by the phone. She'd certainly been busy. The room smelt wonderfully fresh.

"Clarisse…" He moved through to their bedroom, perhaps she hadn't even dressed today, the thought turned him on and he unbuttoned his shirt as he eagerly approached the room.

The drapes were open as were the French doors, a light breeze circled his face and the sun was shining. He moved to the balcony and gazed out over the city, the streets were still a little damp; it had rained for most of the morning. Yet the afternoon sun was making short work of drying any residual traces up.

He took a deep breath of the air, he was an outdoors man and being cooped up in a conference room all day, no matter how much he enjoyed it, took its toll.

Finally he closed the doors and turned towards the bed, Clarisse's robe lay on the chaise-lounge at the bottom of the bed, her scent lingered in the air. On the table at his side of the bed was another note; propped up against the picture he'd placed there. The picture of Clarisse he took everywhere with him.

Removing his tie and shirt he unfolded the note.

"My dear, I'm sorry to tease I promise I will make up for it later… I wanted to arrange a little something for you, a gift. Therefore I would be very grateful if you would meet me later this afternoon. A car will collect you at 5p.m. I look forward to seeing you. With love C."

Smiling he returned the note to the table, as he said, always surprising.

Glancing at his watch before he removed it he noted it had just past 3:00, well he could work for a while and then take a quick shower and dress for the evening. Or he could be totally languid and relax in a bath, read a book, have a glass of wine then dress and go to meet his wife… wherever that might be.

The latter option seemed a better choice and Joseph headed directly for the extravagant marbled bathroom.