Mixed Signals by Posh & Stoneygem

Part 21

Early evening was warm and fragrant and Joseph chose a light pair of trousers, an open necked shirt and a jacket for later when the heat disappeared. He was ready early and decided to wander around the few select stores in the hotel lobby. It was there he found the most exquisite piece of jewellery. Something perfect, something that was made for a beautiful woman like his wife to wear. It was extravagantly expensive but he never bought her jewels, how could he compete with the crown jewels after all? But something about this piece drew him in and he wanted her to have it, for her eyes to be the only ones that complemented and shone with it.

The car was on time as expected and he was disappointed when he climbed into the backseat and found she wasn't there. Another note.

"Sit back and relax, don't irritate the driver, enjoy the journey, look forward to the destination, and enjoy the words… I went out to the hazel wood, because a fire was in my head, and cut and peeled a hazel wand, and hooked a berry to a thread; and when white moths were on the wing, and moth-like stars were flickering out, I dropped the berry in a stream, and caught a little silver trout.

When I had laid it on the floor I went to blow the fire aflame, But something rustled on the floor, And someone called me by my name; It had become a glimmering girl, With apple blossom in her hair, Who called me by my name and ran, And faded through the brightening air.

Though I am old with wandering, through hollow lands and hilly lands,
I will find out where she has gone. And kiss her lips and take her hands; and walk among long dappled grass, and pluck till time and times are done. The silver apples of the moon, the golden apples of the sun. (Yeats)

He opened the car window and gazed up at the sky, perfect blue, transcendent and forever and thought of her writing that down, scribbling it down for him in her fluent curled handwriting. The sun was warm on his face, the sky would be red later, the world would continue turning and his love would go on. Theirs would. Of that he was sure now.

He started to fidget in the backseat. This drive went on for too long, yet checking his watch he realized that they were travelling for a mere ten minutes. He was simply impatient. Clarisse would probably tease him about it, but he couldn't hold in his curiosity anymore.

Leaning forward, he asked the driver. "Where are we going?"

The driver's wrinkled face broke into a broad grin. "I am in no position to tell, my Lord." He said with his typical Viennese accent.

Joseph leaned back, half in annoyance, half in amusement. It was a constant source of fun to him, how those Viennese treated people. He remembered a taxi ride once, when the driver had insisted on calling him 'Professor'. As a reply to his question he had been told that if the tip were higher, he would have been called a 'Lord'. Funny, those people.

Settling back against the seat, he felt the box in his pocket and a proud smile broke out. He really hoped she would love this. Somehow he knew she would; yet he was somewhat anxious. He had never given her jewellery before...

"We are almost there, my Lord." The driver announced and Joseph curiously looked out of the window…and frowned.

They had left the inner city and where now on one of those broad streets leading out of the city. If memory served, they were near the old imperial summer castle. What in heaven's name could she have planned there?

Finally, the limousine stopped and the driver opened the door for him. Stepping out, Joseph took in his surroundings somewhat confused. The castle complex, no doubt. What could she have in mind?

A young man with flying black hair, clad in a dark blue frockcoat, approached him. "Sir, if you follow me, the lady awaits you."

Following the young man, who wore a violin under his arm, he was beginning to become utterly amused. His interest was certainly peaked and knew already that whatever it was, it was nothing ordinary. The young man led him through the building, which he quickly identified as the Orangery. It was now a concert and dining hall, he remembered, but he could not see any customers, only musicians taking their places.

Twisting his head to take it all in, he was surprised to be led outside again. The air was balmy again after the rain, the last rays of sun warming the walls and the gravel ground.

The young man turned and with a lavish gesture pointed towards an elegantly set table.

Joseph took a deep breath. The table was set for two. Wind lights burning, elegant china and silverware, on white linen. He took another deep breath as he tried to take in the scenery. The view on the castle grounds and the castle itself was stunning, the setting sun over the formal garden. It was simply breathtaking.

Suddenly, he felt incredibly underdressed. This scenery would have demanded an elegant frockcoat. Clarisse might have chosen one of those lavish ball gowns he was so fond of seeing her in. Gods, she would look stunning and - patting the velvet box in his pocket - he would have just the thing to go with her gown and her sparkling eyes.

All of a sudden, the light strains of a romantic waltz began to play and he shot around to see the musicians having taken their seats. All except the young man, who apparently functioned as the conductor and first violin.

Slightly bemused he stood there and watched them playing. It was a lovely piece of music and he felt himself becoming somewhat lost in it. Yet, he would have known her presence anywhere. It was not clicking of the gravel under her shoes, he was certain of that. It wasn't the whiff of her perfume, for the air was heavily scented with jasmine. No, it was her aura which he could feel.

He turned around slowly, wanting to prolong the moment and for a second forgot to breathe.

She was a vision. An angel. His angel.

Her outfit had nothing glamorous - the embroidered cream skirt, a caramel cardigan and relatively flat sandals and no jewellery - yet she was as breathtaking as her brilliant smile.

He'd look probably look an idiot, he mused, but he couldn't help the silly grin happily settling on his face. She was simply perfect. And she was his.

He held his hands out to her as she drew near and she took them, giving his hands a reassuring squeeze.

"I see, you have found me." She said smiling broadly.

"Yes, I have." Came his husky reply. "Clarisse, I… I… I am speechless. This is…"

Her smile broadened even more. "Do you like it?"

"Like? It is wonderful. You are wonderful." He drew her close and embraced her tightly. Pressing a kiss to her temple, he asked. "However, I wonder, what is the occasion?"

"To celebrate the successful conclusion of the conference. Your success…"

He blushed a little at the implications of her words. "It wasn't that grand a thing. You have done that so often and it was never…"

Her index finger covered his mouth, stopping his words. "Shhh, I don't want to hear any argument. You did a wonderful job on that conference. You impressed all those stuffed-up politicians with your knowledge and your abilities." She cast her eyes down for a second and ran a finger distractedly along the lapel of his jacket. "You certainly impressed me. I was so proud of you in that conference room today. I simply wanted…"

Now it was his turn to stop her words. Tilting her chin upwards he smiled at her. "I understand. And I thank you." He pressed a tender kiss to her cheek. Then his smile became a grin. "Besides, who am I to pass up the chance to dine with the most beautiful woman in one of the most romantic settings on earth?"

The expression on her face was one of happiness and brilliance. "You've got that right, sir." Turning towards the table, she pointed towards the silver domes on their plates. "How about we start before it actually turns cold."

As if on cue they both stepped forward. Joseph held her chair out for her and after she had settled, he sat down at the table as well.

The meal was divine yet the company was better, Joseph mused as he settled back against the plush leather seats in the limousine. Clarisse was settled against his chest, not quite asleep yet not far from it. He pulled his jacket up over her shoulders and she mumbled something as her hand passed over his chest.

After dessert she had suggested they take a walk around the castle grounds, just the two of them, he had been in no mood to disagree, she had planned this evening to perfection.

The sun had long since set yet the air was still warm, her hand linked with his as they walked and she stroked his fingers. They stopped and took in the view of the city, the sky red, just beginning to darken.

"Joseph."

"Clarisse?"

"I wanted to apologise for the way I've been this year."

"Oh please don't do that… we both made so many mistakes."

"But I need to say this, I thought wrongly of you, I thought you were lying to me, cheating on me… so soon after our marriage, after all our proclamations of love…"

"But I gave you cause to think those things, for that I was wrong." He turned to face her, gripping her shoulders. "The bottom line is I love you, hell I totally adore you, I would die for you… you know that."

"Yes, I wouldn't want you to, but yes." She smiled. "I love you too, so much it scares me, I never knew this." She swallowed. "Ohh I'm getting too emotional." She kissed his mouth, once briefly, then again cupping his face.

"I have something for you." He smiled squeezing her hand and reaching to his pocket. "I know I never buy you jewels, what's the point you have hundreds?"

"Joseph." She admonished.

"Well, I wanted you to have this, I thought it was beautiful, and will suit you perfectly."

She couldn't help but smile, she bit down on her bottom lip as he handed her the box. She felt oddly excited by it, he was right she had hundreds of jewels, some the most rare in the world. Yet this was different.

Flipping open the box she gasped at the sight of the blue stones sparkling, aquamarine and diamonds, he was right, perfect.

"Oh Joseph…"

"Compliments your eyes, I thought."

Shaking her head she looked up to his face. "Thank you, it is beautiful." She pressed her mouth to his forehead and ran her hand down his arm. "You're right, I have hundreds of jewels. This one will be my most-prized, because it's the first one given to me by you."

He circled her waist with his hands. "Oh you'll make me emotional too." Kissing the top of her head he swayed his body with hers, she was so amazingly beautiful, she felt so good in his arms.

She lifted her mouth to his for one sweet delicious kiss; he stroked his thumb over her mouth.

"My wife." He whispered. "Would you like to dance?"

She only nodded in response.

They had danced for well over an hour, by the light of the moon, the orchestra at their disposal. Joseph still couldn't quite believe it; only Clarisse could pull something off like that. He rubbed her back soothingly, they were almost back at the hotel.

"Clarisse darling." He whispered kissing her head.

"Hmm…" She mumbled moving against him.

"Time to wake up, we have to walk."

"I'm tired."

"I know." He kissed her again. "Five minutes you'll be tucked up in that extraordinarily large bed."

She laughed lightly struggling to sit up. "With you."

"Yes." He brushed the hair back from her face, stroked down her neck to the diamonds sparkling at her throat. "I told you it would compliment your eyes."

"I've hardly ever known you to be wrong."

The car came to a halt and Joseph stepped out turning to help Clarisse.

"Good evening Sir." The doorman was behind him.

"Good evening Thomas and how are you?"

"I'm fine sir, beautiful evening."

"Absolutely." He squeezed Clarisse's hand as she stood next to him.

"Good evening ma'am." Thomas bowed his head in respect.

She smiled sweetly, sleepily. "Good evening."

Joseph slid his hand around her back, supporting her as they made their way into the hotel. He glanced over his shoulder. "Have a good night Thomas."

"Thank you sir."

It was a short walk to the elevator but Clarisse barely made it, if it weren't for Joseph supportive hands she would have stumbled more than once.

Once the doors closed she slumped back against the wall.

"Oh I'm too old for staying up so late."

"Ha, you say you're too old for many things, you still do them… and prove yourself wrong."

"Ah but that's the fun part."

He kissed her hand.

"How do you remember all their names?"

"Whose name?"

"The doorman."

He shrugged. "I don't know, I often wished people would remember my name when I was a mere member of the security team."

She squeezed his hand yet said nothing.

In seconds they reached their floor and as the doors opened Joseph took hold of his wife and lifted her up into his arms.

"Would madam prefer to be carried to her bed?"

"Oh how wonderful." She grinned leaning her head down on his chest.

He carried her through their suite into the sumptuous bedroom. He was right the bed was huge; they could probably fit another four people in with them, at a squash.

She was almost asleep again when he laid her down; he removed her shoes and lifted her gently as he took her cardigan off. She usually spent ages removing her make-up; tonight she would have to do without. Tomorrow she could lament it.

He rolled her stockings down her legs and mentally made a note never to have such a romantic evening with her again and return home so late. Removing stockings and not making love to her wasn't fair. Resisting the urge to smother her in kisses he quickly slid off her skirt and camisole, then her bra. He audibly groaned as he touched her breasts and lifted her again, pulling the duvet down then back up over her body.

She turned onto her side as usual, one arm curled beneath her head, he watched for a few moments as she settled before going to the adjoining bathroom. After rinsing his face Joe stared at himself in the mirror dabbing away the moisture from his skin. This was the best he'd looked in months; his skin looked healthy, the sun was obviously doing him good. His eyes were no longer so dark and worried, perhaps finally they were emerging the other side of their troubles.

He said a prayer before climbing into bed, thankful that he still had a wife to climb into bed with.

Sorry it took a while to update - wehope you enjoyed it!