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Mixed Signals - part 25

by Posh & Stoneygem

Balmy evening air, good food, and for once nice company - it could be such a lovely evening. She could enjoy this evening, surprisingly casual as the party developed; yet her heart was not in it.

Of course, he wouldn't call, knowing her to be here, but if she had stayed home, she could have called him. Nobody around to disturb them, no longer barely able to keep their eyes open, they could have talked for hours on end. Or simply kept silent, listening to the other breathing.

Those little things were suddenly so important. Last night, when he had called, she had not really cared what he had to say - though it was wonderful to hear him say that he loved her - it was to hear his voice, to feel so close to him, despite the physical distance.

If only he were home with her.

It was a nice party and she actually enjoyed being here and seeing all these people, but how much better would it have been to have him here and hold his hand while they were strolling through the garden.

Instead a glass of white wine was in her hands and she wandered alone through the garden.

Mia was enjoying herself, that much was obvious. It was a party that met her tastes surprisingly well, even though it was the 40th anniversary of Lord and Lady Palimore. Clarisse shook her head in amusement. One would never think that the uptight first man in parliament had it in him to throw a party for his wife that entertained everybody.

Joseph would have liked it.

And nobody would have talked about the fact that she had shown up alone.

So far it seemed as if they believed her, when she said that her husband was simply tied up in an emergency meeting in Stockholm. The papers had confirmed it, along with a raving report about his accomplishment in Vienna.

She had not been able to hide the proud grin spreading over her features. Yes, her husband had done this. It was good to hear that his success was acknowledged.

"Good to see that they fixed whatever problem they were having."

Clarisse stopped in her tracks and pushed herself closer to a privet hedge, when she heard the voices.

"But she is here alone, while he is running around somewhere else. Where is he anyway?"

"Sweden, she said. It was in the paper this morning too."

Lord Palimore snorted slightly. "Those papers. Say that the husband of the dowager queen is now the hero of our education development. Raving about how we needed such a man for years and never even looked."

"Why are you so angry, dear? Since when do you dislike Joseph so much Horace?"

On the other side of the hedge, Clarisse felt a giggle burst from her. She always forgot that Lord Palimore's given name was 'Horace'. What a fittingly pompous name for a normally pompous man.

"I do not have anything against that man personally. Actually, I am quite pleased with his successes. However, I'd rather have him be successful with his marriage."

"Horace…"

"No Marjorie! Our queen runs after a man like a love struck teenager only to come back alone. And he's running off to Oslo or something. I'd be willing to wager, this trip was a complete disaster."

"Horace!" Lady Marjorie Palimore sounded appalled. "This is really enough. First of all, it is Stockholm, not Oslo. You are in the wrong country, dear."

"What does that matter, Marjorie? He is there and she is here, alone. People are no longer gossiping. They are questioning. Openly."

The eavesdropper on the other side of the hedge could practically hear the exasperation in Lady Palimore's voice. If the topic of their argument had not been so serious, it would have been rather funny.

The amusement was unmistakable in Lady Palimore's voice now. "Horace, you should read more than the political part of the papers."

Clarisse could have sworn that the man's eyebrows would have now touched his hairline.

"Did you not see yesterday's 'London Times'?"

"Marjorie, honestly, I never read the yellow press." The first man of parliament sounded offended by the mere suggestion to even look at this lower form of journalism.

"I know, I know my dear. This time you should have. They had a two-page article about 'Royal Romance in Vienna' featuring the dowager queen of Genovia and her new husband. And trust me, some paparazzo hit a goldmine with those. The article had several photos and in all of them they were kissing, in the streets even. Looked like honeymooners."

"Lord Palimore! Lady Palimore! Please join us again. The cake has to be cut." It was Mia's voice that interrupted.

Joseph shuffled the papers in his lap and sighed heavily, removing his reading glasses he rubbed the bridge of his nose and glanced out of the window at the passing foliage. Nothing looked familiar, it seemed he spent his life travelling these days. Perhaps in a few months he'd be able to reduce his timetable somewhat and grab more spare time to himself. As much as he enjoyed the demands, he was beginning to realise he wasn't that young anymore.

He was also becoming rather aware of how hungry he felt, his stomach complained at his decision to skip breakfast and his head still felt heavy from the lack of sleep he'd had. Of course the long phone call with his wife had been wonderful, hearing her voice, imagining her body warm and safe in his arms… well sleep hadn't come easy after that despite his exhaustion.

Their few perfect days spent in Vienna seemed a world away now, how quickly time moved by, how reluctant to stand still and enjoy the moment. He'd waited a lifetime to be with her, to have her by his side and now he was rushing about wasting that time together… days like this he hated. When he over-analysed everything and his mind was spinning.

He rubbed his wedding band with his thumb and flipped open his mobile phone scanning through the options and opening his photo album. There were a few odd shots that Mia had taken at Christmas when he'd received it, most of them blurry and too close up. One of Clarisse with Maurice, one with Mia and one of her asleep on the couch, she wasn't even aware that it existed. She'd probably kill him if she knew; it got him through these long lonely travelling days though.

The car stopped and Joe realised they were entering a busier part of the city, gone was the foliage replaced by queuing traffic and agitated drivers. Giving up on the documents he cast them aside and leant his head back against the leather seat, closing his eyes and shutting the world out.

Queen Amelia sipped her orange juice and glanced over the top of Lord Palimore's head towards her grandma. She was hovering near the fountain, a glass of champagne in her hand, gazing into the water. Honestly, as much as she would vehemently deny it the fact she was missing Joseph was clearly etched on her face. In fact they were worse now than they'd been after the wedding. Something had happened, things were changing between them. You could sense it; the entire palace could sense it.

Mia smiled at Lord Palimore babbling on, hoping it was in the right place; she was too engrossed watching her grandmother wandering around the fountain. She looked wonderful today; in fact she'd looked wonderful since her return from Vienna. Practically glowing with health and happiness. And the outfit was perfection for her, the sun caught in her hair, the simple pearls she wore glistened and shone. Yes going away with Joseph certainly had brightened her up, and their relationship in turn Mia hoped. Perhaps she should persuade her Grandma to join him on trips more often.

Clarisse sipped her champagne and realised she'd been holding it for far too long, it was warming beneath the sunlight. Grimacing she swallowed it and reached down to trail her fingertips in the cool water.

"Your majesty?"

She lifted her head up, shielding her eyes as she looked towards the face of the person standing over her.

"Ahh, Marjorie, how are you dear?"

"I'm very well thank you, and you, I heard you just got back from Vienna?"

Clarisse smiled, turning politely to face her companion. "Yes, yes I did, it was lovely thank you. A really beautiful city."

"Yes." The lady smiled, off-centre, "I'm sure it was. And your husband, he isn't with you?"

Ahh yes, a polite conversation, still Clarisse smiled on. "Unfortunately his attention was demanded in Stockholm I'm afraid, he should be home in a few days."

"Hmm, how wonderful, approaching a year now…"

Clarisse looked away slightly, this time her smile genuine. "Yes almost a year, a beautiful year… still celebrating forty years of marriage, that's quite an achievement."

"Thank you Clarisse, and thank you so much for your offer of the royal yacht, two weeks sailing around the Mediterranean will be wonderful."

"Oh you're very welcome, I never liked to sail, doesn't suit me."

Marjorie laughed. "Well neither does Horace, but he will be forced to enjoy it…"

Clarisse was about to respond when she heard a familiar ringing coming from her clutch bag.

"Oh Marjorie I'm awfully sorry, I should have known better and left it at home." She rummaged in her bag. "Joseph insists I take it for safety matters…" She shrugged and flipped it open.

"Hello…"

Joseph stepped out of the car and glanced up the drive at the many cars lined up, at the drivers waiting around in the hot sunshine. He reached for his jacket but deciding he probably wouldn't need it, removed his tie instead and threw it into the back seat. Opening his top two collar buttons he glanced at his reflection in the car window, he looked acceptable for a gathering of this kind.

Making his way up the gravel drive her slipped on his shades and crossed over toward the house, they certainly had good weather for it. The butler welcomed him and gave directions, Joseph refused a drink and also refused to be shown to the meeting area by anyone, he wanted to go alone. He had a plan forming.

Taking out his mobile phone he pressed the redial button and her name appeared immediately. It took a few seconds for her to answer; he crossed through the house as it rang, stepping through the gathered groups of people, avoiding the stares that flashed his way.

"Hello…"

Her voice, soft, comforting.

"Hello." He replied helplessly grinning. "How are you my darling?"

"Joseph," her response rich and joyful. "Wha… I'm at the Palimore's, how are you, how are the meetings?"

"Fine, I'm fine. Just… wandering."

"Wandering." She turned back to the fountain as Marjorie moved away. "Wandering where?"

"Through a house, heading for the garden."

"You have a break?"

"Yes, I have a break." Joseph stopped and leant against the patio door gazing down the sun-drenched garden.

"Well I'm glad they're treating you well."

"How's the party?"

"It's fine, fine…"

"Only fine?"

"Yes, only fine, better if I weren't fending off questions about us."

"True. Perhaps you should mingle."

She giggled. "I am, well I'm trying to mingle, I suppose I could be seen as a little anti-social."

"Never, your smile lights up the room."

"I'm outside."

"I know, you look beautiful."

"Flatterer, I could look terrible, you're just biased."

"No, I'm telling the truth, you look wonderful, nice outfit, very chic. I see you chose to wear the new shoes from Vienna."

"Well I thought they… what, how do you… Joseph?"

She spun round searching the garden for any signs of him.

"You're looking the wrong way."

She turned again.

"More…" he said deeply, she couldn't respond, just listen.

"A little more…"

She turned again.

"Now, there you are."

He flipped his phone shut as her eyes met his and stood up straight smiling broadly and beginning to walk down the lawn towards her.

Clarisse stared open-mouthed at him; giving up rationalisation she took the remaining few steps between them in a hurried half-run and threw herself towards him.

Joseph's strong arms caught her and half lifted her up, they held each other in a tight gripped embrace. The phone dropped from Clarisse's hand, now forgotten.

"I can't believe you're here." She breathed in his ear.

"Well I knew it was important to you."

She pulled her head back searching his face. "But Stockholm?"

"I dealt with what I could then took the earliest flight back, you are more important."

"Oh…" she breathed. "Ohhh I'm so happy you're here."

"As am I my love." He traced a finger down her cheek. "A few hours apart is getting too much."

I know," she breathed, "every hour seems to be like a day. And the day just doesn't end." She threw her arms around his neck again, pressing herself closer to the feel of his strength against her and the warmth of his embrace.

He willingly tightened his hold on her, burying his face in her neck to inhale her scent. Her perfume warmed by the sun on her skin, created an overwhelmingscent, setting off almost a fantasy of the two of them lying on a blanket in a sun-drenched meadow. No inquisitive eyes, no sounds, no disturbance, just peace and sun and the feel of each other.

"Oh my darling…" he muttered.

He could feel her smile against his neck, knew that her thoughts must be similar to his.

"Can we go now?"

There was no chance to stop the laughter that broke from him. His darling, his crazy, sweet Clarisse, there were no words to describe her. He didn't have them, so instead he pulled back and then leant forward to capture her lips in a sweet kiss.

There was no overwhelming passion that made her gut constrict in a surge of excitement. No courteous peck on the lips that was for the public to see. No, this was entirely sweetness, light, warm, tender and yet so deep that it brought tears to her eyes. She could almost feel herself leaving the ground, floating with him in a sea of happiness.

Polite clapping and easily recognisable cheering brought them out of their own little world. Turning around, both smiling somewhat embarrassedly, they faced the crowd of guests, who had all stepped out onto the terrace after the whisper had said that the husband of the dowager queen had arrived and were now watching the display with interest.

To her relief Clarisse could see approving smiles and applause from many of the higher dignitaries. Though she did no longer care, what people thought about her marrying her former bodyguard, it was still a relief to have received acceptance, if not joy, for their union.

"We did it again." He whispered and she felt her smile brightening.

"I'm afraid so," she whispered back, holding onto his hand.

"What now?" he hissed between clenched teeth, desperately trying to keep up his smile while the gathered crowd still kept applauding. Gods, this seemed to go on for hours already. How could she be so calm? "They're making a bloody show out of us."

"The same as every actor on stage." She hissed back. "We bow."

Tugging on her husband's hand, Clarisse dropped into a curtsey quietly giggling to herself. Though surprised Joseph followed her lead and bowed to the assembled audience.

Standing upright again they looked at each other, the silent question where to escape to evident in their features. However, the party guests seemed to have understood that the show was now finished and started to mingle in and around the house again. Judging from the volume of the talk however, it seemed as if there was only one topic of conversation now.

Clarisse shook her head in resignation. "So much for not being the centre of attention."

Joseph grinned. "We just can't help it. You are always the centre of attention, wherever you are." He stepped closer again and traced his finger along her cheek. "You are certainly the centre of my attention, my love."

"Oh Joseph…"

"Hey Joe, great that you could come back so early. We didn't expect you till Monday. But I'm sure glad, you came. Grandma was moping around the whole day today and she had somebody to wait for."

"Hello Mia. How are you, dear?"

"Been better," the young queen sighed, "but am better now that I see you two together again. I'm so happy you two made up."

"We are working on it." The couple said in unison, sending Mia into a fit of giggles. Seconds later they joined her in the mirth.

Joining the other guests, the couple found themselves caught in a whirl of activity and gossip.

After an hour of circling, Clarisse had enough. Dragging her husband into a quiet corner, she leant her head against his chest. "Can we go now?"

Joseph grinned. "I hope so. This is becoming tiresome."

"I know. If I have to tell them one more time that no, I don't mind the pictures in the papers, I think I will scream."

"Your Majesty?" he sounded shocked, though Clarisse could tell from his posture that he was merely teasing her. "What a shocking breach of courtesy. Did you not tell your granddaughter that a queen never loses her countenance?"

Pulling back and looking into his laughing eyes, she couldn't help but chuckle as well. "Can't a former queen, who has been missing her husband greatly, be exempt from that rule?"

Cupping her cheek with his hand and brushing his nose against hers, he whispered. "Well, I'll let you in on a secret."

"What is it?" She whispered back.

"I'd rather leave this little shindig myself. As nice as they are, I'd rather be home alone with my wife."

She closed her eyes and let out a relieved sigh. "I thought we'd never be able to leave."

Pulling back slightly, he smiled. "So eager, my love."

She didn't have to answer. There was no need. Even though, their separation had lasted only a few hours, he felt the need to be alone with his wife. Just to hold her in his arms, take in the scent of her hair, feeling her soft body melt against his. Hearing her talk, sharing conversation on everything and nothing, delighting in her love. Marriage in perfection.

Seeing her smile, Joseph knew that she wanted this just as much as he did.

"We need an excuse to leave early, do we not?" She asked.

He smiled. "Good thing that you have a very exhausted husband, who just came home from a very draining business trip and didn't have the time yet to catch a breath, because he wanted to join in the celebration of good friends."

Clarisse grinned mischievously. "But now he is too exhausted to remain at the party and therefore just has to leave to go home to rest."

"And cannot do so without his wife by his side, of course."

"I like your way of thinking, sir."

"I do too, my lady."

"Well, shall we then?"

"Yes we shall."

Arriving back at the palace around 6:30 the couple headed directly for their suite, Joseph's luggage was unloaded from the car but he insisted on taking his briefcase himself.

Clarisse slipped her shoes off as she crossed the room moving to stand in front of the balcony doors, looking out over the gardens and admiring the serene view as the sun began to set.

"I brought something for you." Joseph said gently as he came to stand behind her.

"Hmm, more than yourself?"

"Yes," he kissed the back of her neck. "A little more than myself."

She relaxed against him as his arms circled her waist, her hands reaching down to cover his as they rested on her stomach.

"Here."

She glanced down as he held a small brown paper bag to her.

Raising an eyebrow she took it from him.

"Not exactly the gifts you're used to…" He said, a hint of humour to his voice.

"Not exactly." She smiled as she unfolded the top of the bag and slid out the contents. "Hmm, a postcard from Stockholm, how lovely darling."

He laughed. "Turn it over, read it properly."

"All right I will." She flipped it over. "Clarisse… wish you were here my love." She giggled. "Oh Joseph, such a romantic."

"I know, thought I could bring you one from every city I visit."

She turned in his arms. "Hopefully I'll be joining you on a few of those visits."

"Oh?" He wrapped his arms around her back holding her against him.

"Well, I rather enjoyed Vienna."

"As did I." He kissed her forehead. "So does this mean you've really decided to travel with me?"

She nodded touching his face. "Yes, obviously I can't disappear all the time but…"

"But?"

"But, I will certainly try to co-ordinate our timetables Mr. Joseph." She playfully straightened his collar. "And now I'm going to take a shower and change and then we have the entire evening to cuddle up and relax."

"Cuddle up." He grinned. "Sounds rather wonderful my dear."

"Good." She lightly kissed his lips. "Very good." She kissed him again, a little longer this time feeling his grip on her tighten. "Mmm, better stop now…"

"Don't." he said huskily kissing her again.

She moaned into his mouth. "Mmm, stop… I'll be fifteen minutes, I promise."

"Okay. I'll wait patiently." He let her go and sunk down into the chair by the window.

"And I'll take my postcard with me and save it."

"Ha, I expect so."

She disappeared into their bedroom and he leant his head back closing his eyes for a second.

Despite her promises Clarisse actually spent rather a long time pampering herself in the bathroom. Smoothing every inch of her skin in luxurious cream, making her face look perfect, choosing the silkiest long cream nightdress that clung in all the right places.

When she finally emerged from the bathroom the sun had set and a light breeze blew across the drawing room from the open balcony window. Shivering Clarisse crossed the room and pulled back the flimsy curtains, closing the doors.

When she turned, rubbing her bare arms, she finally noticed Joseph still sitting in that same chair she'd left him in.

"Joseph?" She questioned straining to see his face in the darkness. "Joseph…" she whispered again moving towards him.

She touched his cheek and he moved a little, his eyes were closed; his body was collapsed in the chair, completely exhausted, completely peaceful. His glasses were still perched on his nose, some document lying open on his chest.

She smiled and shook her head running her hand down his face to his chin, "oh my dear." She kissed his forehead; he was actually a little cold. Taking his glasses off and taking hold of the document she moved them onto the coffee table.

"Joseph," she said again a little louder this time. "Wake up my darling."

He groaned and shifted in the chair.

"Come on, time to wake up, we'd better get you to bed, much more comfortable in there my dear."

"Clarisse…"

"Hmm?" She was holding his arms attempting to lift him up.

"Honey, I'm sleepy."

"I know, come on let's get you into bed." She squeezed his hand.

"I must have dropped off." He said wearily rubbing his head.

"Yes, too much work I think, and travelling. A few days off is required."

"Yes boss." He mumbled hoisting himself up and gripping her arm as she helped him into the bedroom.

Climbing onto the bed he was about to slip between the sheets when he realised he was actually still dressed. Clarisse couldn't help but laugh at his weary sigh.

"Lie back and I'll help you." She smiled warmly, flattening his pillows.

Unbuttoning his shirt she couldn't help but place soft kisses on his chest, his hand reached to tangle in her hair and she lifted her face up to look at him.

"I've dreamt of moments like this."

"Hmm, I'm sure you have. Lift up your arms."

He did as directed and she slipped his shirt off and dropped it to the floor. Next she unbuckled his belt and pushed his trousers down, moving to his feet she pulled them down his legs, smoothing her hands over his skin. His eyes were closed, his breathing relaxed and easy.

She moved back to the top of the bed and leant over him kissing his forehead. "Climb into bed my darling." She whispered.

He did so silently, without opening his eyes.

Switching the lamp off she retrieved his clothes from the floor and moved towards the door.

"Stay with me." He murmured.

She dropped the clothes onto a chair and moved back to the bed; climbing next to him she rested her head on his shoulder. He reached for her hand and she gladly folded her fingers with his.

"Thank you for coming home early." She whispered, stroking her hand over his chest.

"You know it was as much for my selfish needs as yours… besides, I'm tired."

She smiled kissing his face. "Then sleep, I won't talk anymore."

He kissed her in return. "Goodnight, my Clarisse."

"Goodnight." She touched his face before snuggling up next to him, revelling in his warmth and the feel of his heart beating beneath her face.

Closing her eyes she tried to sleep but found she wasn't all that tired, lifting her head slightly she glanced across to the clock. It was still only early, only just gone 8:00, her plans hadn't included an early night but she certainly couldn't deny him it, he had worked so hard these past two weeks.

Stroking her fingers across his chest, up his neck and down his arm Clarisse felt restless. She lay back attempting to get comfy. Perhaps she would linger here for a few moments more and then slide off the bed and go and read for a while, he would still be there when she returned.

She turned again and felt a hand grip her waist.

"Stop fidgeting." He mumbled kissing her head.

"I'm not tired." She whispered.

He sighed and settled again, holding her body against his.

"Joseph…" she whispered.

"Mmm."

"Joseph…" She reached for his hand again and squeezed it, circling his wedding band with her finger. "We've had such a year… not quite a year, I didn't even begin to imagine that married life could be so damned difficult."

He held her tighter.

"But every second has been worth it," She quickly added.

"It has. And every second gets better. We will be fine."

"Better than fine. We will be together."

"That's all I ever wanted."

She lifted her mouth to his for a sweet kiss. "Sleep well Mr. Romerro."

"And you, Mrs. Romerro."

Well we certainly hoped you liked that little slice of sweetness :-) Please leave us a note xRhonda