Disclaimer: Don't own & make no money from any of this story.
Author's Note: One of our favourite chapters just cos we got to play with a different character. Enjoy the sentimentality!
Mixed Signals - part 32
He couldn't help the first small grin that fluttered over his features, as he saw her solicitously close and lock the door to his room. He bit back the second small grin when he saw the nervous flecks of red on her cheeks. And Father Pierre bit back the third grin when his mother took his hand and he felt her trembling.
This was going to be interesting.
"I hope you don't mind that you have been put into this suite this time. With Mia and Lily and all of their friends turning the palace into a madhouse, we thought you might prefer a suite where you can have some peace and quiet every now and then."
"I don't mind mother, I am used to much less comfortable rooms. It is fine."
"You look good, Pierre. This mission agrees with you, it seems."
"It does mother. The people are so very open and warm. Very welcoming. And they need our help."
"So you are happy there then?"
"Yes, I am, mother." Pierre bit back yet another smile. He would have to repeat all this several times, he imagined and it was certainly not the topic he wanted to discuss right now, but seeing his mother so carefully steering around the real reason for this conversation was too funny to be cut short.
"However, I am afraid I was a bit put out about this urgent summons. The bishop made my coming here sound so urgent that I was afraid something had happened. But now, I can't make out anything that would actually require my presence."
Clarisse blushed under her son's gaze and felt herself tensing up. How was she to explain why she had contacted the missions office and asked them to have her son come home? Pierre did important work and she called him home for a family celebration! Especially for this one.
Despite his two visits since her remarriage her son had yet to take a clear stand on the matter. He always treated Joseph respectfully when they met, in earlier years had even been friends with him, but now…
Pierre had never said anything about her marriage, whether he approved or didn't. What if he considered her request a waste of his time. What if he thought that she had made a mistake?
"Mother? Why did you request my presence? There isn't any grand occasion like a royal wedding ahead, or is there? Or any other official festivity, I must attend?"
"Well… erm…Pierre…erm…"
Father Pierre closed his eyes. If he saw her squirming one more minute, he'd lose his control and start laughing.
"Well, mother?"
Clarisse gave herself an internal shake. This was Pierre, her little Pierre. Even as a grown man and priest, he was still her little boy. He loved her and because he loved her, he would accept it.
"You see darling… the thing is that… Joseph's and my anniversary is in a few days. Well, in two days actually."
He nodded calmly, not giving away the smile that he felt creeping up on him. He should have known. All this excitement in her eyes, the radiance she exuded, her breathtaking beauty – it all came down to one thing. Joseph.
"Well, despite not having been here for the big event, I do remember that, mother."
His mother cringed at the tone. Another person they had left out of their personal lives. Another one, who…
"However, what does that have to do with my being here? From what I've heard from Mia I expected you two to actually run off and hide somewhere for a few days to celebrate the event. 'Properly and without interruption' as my dear niece termed it."
Clarisse felt herself blush at Mia's comment. The redness on her cheeks increased, when Pierre continued with a slightly teasing tone in his voice. "Actually, last time I talked to her, Mia said that she dearly hoped you would so that nobody would be 'grossed out'. And then she told me that you two have tumbled into the pool – fully clothed, no less, after you have sort of chased each other with the garden hose?"
Oh God, it was worse than she had expected. Could Mia not learn to keep her mouth closed for once? Granted it was Pierre, but her son certainly didn't need to hear how his mother lost all of her customary reserve. Gods, what had gotten into her that day? She didn't dare to look him into the eye. How was she supposed to break the news to him now? How would he take it?
Pierre watched the emotions flit over her features, felt her hands trembling in his even more and immediately felt sorry. What he had meant to be a bit of teasing apparently sent his mother into serious worries. That was not do be done. Not only did he not want to upset his mother, but he also knew that there would be hell to pay if a certain gentleman got wind of it.
Taking her hands more tightly into his, Pierre edged a bit forward in his armchair. "Mama, what do you have planned for your anniversary? And what shall I do?" he smiled tenderly.
Clarisse looked up with a jerk. "Well, you see Pierre, I well…I thought that it might be a good idea, because it happened all in such a rush and not really planned and, well the family couldn't be there, you and Joseph's sister and uncle and well…and I thought that…that" She was rambling she knew and probably didn't make any sense, but how could she tell her son. It was such a ridiculous idea all of a sudden…
"Mama, Mama," Pierre tenderly cupped his mother's cheek. "Mama, it is alright. What have you planned?"
Finally, his expression got through her cloud of nervousness and Clarisse blushed again. Lowering her gaze shyly, she whispered. "We are getting married again."
There was pause, in which Clarisse felt the seconds ticking away like hours. The silence seemed to stretch indefinitely and the burning knot in her stomach became tighter.
Pierre couldn't help it. He threw his head back and laughed. "Mama, this is so wonderful. What a marvellous idea. Marvellous."
"You don't think it is silly? I mean, we are married already after all and it has only been a year, though it is not a real wedding as such, just a blessing and reaffirming of the vows, but still and I'm certainly not innocent enough anymore to wear white and…"
He edged forward even more until he could hug her to him. "You'll look breathtaking in white Mama. Joe won't believe his eyes." Pierre smiled even broader. "And with all the family around this time, it will certainly be an event to remember. I'm confident that Joe loved the idea simply for the chance to show you off to his family."
There was a pause. When understanding dawned, Pierre chuckled. "Oh Mama, you are …unique to say the least. And you could keep it until now? I bet its killing Joe not to know what is going on around him."
Clarisse chuckled as well. "You would win the bet, darling. Joseph has been downright grumpy the last few days and annoys the staff with his 'discreet inquiries'. I only hope that he won't be too angry about having been left out of things."
"Angry at you? Joe? Oh Mama, Joe could never be angry at you. That man loves you with all that he has. I remember, it must have been about three years ago, Joe had a confrontation with Viscount Mabrey and everybody around almost shrunk into the wall, because Joe was so obviously furious. Then you came in, completely oblivious to what had just occurred, put your hand on his arm, said a few words nobody could understand and suddenly Joe was a completely different man." Pierre chuckled again. "I know, it sounds sentimental, but that was when I realized, just how deep the connection between the two of you was."
"You are not…?"
"Not what, Mama? Angry? Disappointed? Displeased? No, I am not. A long time ago, when I made my decision not to become king, a minor part was that I would never be able to choose of my own free will. I saw you and Father and I knew that this was not what I wanted. The church was the right decision for me; my path in life was entwined with service to God. But you entwined your life with the service for this country and as much as I love Genovia, I think it was time that you lived your life. I had hoped that when Mia succeeded you, you would find it in you to give Clarisse a more room."
"I…"
"No Mama. I realized a long time ago that there is a difference between the queen and Clarisse. I also realized that your life was closely connected to Joseph's, that scene then just showed me, how deep your connection was. And Mama, I saw you last year in spring, I saw you last Christmas and I see you now and all I can say is that this marriage is the best thing that ever happened to you. You have never been so beautiful and radiant."
He smiled and then laughed somewhat shakily. " Oh Mama, now I've made you cry."
Clarisse chuckled under the tears that were spilling down her cheeks in an unchecked torrent. With all her might she tried to gather at least a bit of control, but it was no use. Relief washed over her, as if an avalanche was rolling down a mountain. She had been so afraid. So afraid that Pierre of all people…her Pierre.
Smiling under tears, she pulled her son into a tight embrace. "Oh my boy, my dear boy."
"Not so much of a boy anymore, I'm afraid. I'm already finding many white hairs. And I'll be finding many more, if that husband of yours finds out that I have made you cry. He'll have my head for it."
"Oh Pierre…" Clarisse chuckled. "He'll not be so…"
"So what?" a deep voice came from the door, giving mother and son a start.
Joseph strode into the room taking in the odd scene unfolding in front of him, Clarisse being hugged by her son, her face red and blotchy.
"Clarisse, what's wrong? Something has happened."
"No, no…" she shook her head desperately trying to rub away the signs of her weakness, oh this one would be too difficult to explain away.
Pierre patted his Mother's shoulder and smiled at Joe as he rose from the seat they shared. "It's nothing terrible Joe, despite my unannounced presence." He stepped forward and warmly shook Joseph's hand. "Mother invited me here secretly on urgent business."
Clarisse's face darkened, watching them over her shoulder, surely he wouldn't reveal…
"You see she has been planning a little celebration, in honour of your first anniversary. A party. And I of course wouldn't miss it. Certainly not after missing the event itself!" He smiled again, and Clarisse could have sworn he winked at her.
She turned on the seat to face them fully, her hands folded in her lap clutching her handkerchief.
"Now seems as good a time as any to let him in on it don't you think Mama."
Clarisse nodded slowly. "Yes," her voice was clouded. "I hope you enjoy it my dear."
"Is this what you've been…" he shook his head. "This is what you've been so secretive about."
"Yes, I'm sorry, forgive me."
He knelt in front of her and wiped the tearstains from her cheeks. "Of course, of course… oh Clarisse, you've never been one to cry."
"I know, and these days I'm always shedding tears over the most silly emotional things… getting sentimental as I age."
"Oh I'm not sure," Pierre interjected. "When she was pregnant with Philippe I recall you crying all the time."
Joseph laughed. "You did?"
"No, I… Pierre how can you remember that? Goodness."
Pierre bent over his mother and kissed the top of her head. "I remember many things mama." He allowed his words to register before continuing. "I think I'll pay my little niece a visit, see how she's handling the pressures of monarchy. I'm assuming you've arranged dinner this evening?"
"But of course, something small though, just a few of us." Clarisse wiped at her face again now fully composed again.
"Then I shall see you then."
He left quickly closing the door after him; Clarisse felt Joseph squeeze her hand.
"Better?" he whispered.
She nodded. "Yes, much."
"Good, because my knees are killing me, in fact I think I might be stuck."
She laughed as she took his hands and helped him to sit on the chaise lounge with her.
"Thank you for arranging this." He said nudging her shoulder.
"Oh you're very welcome." She loathed lying to him but actually she was rather enjoying this little escapade. "I wanted Pierre to be here, I hope you understand."
"Of course, he's your son, if I had children I'd feel the same."
She turned to look at him, reaching to cup his face. "It has been virtually impossible trying to hide this from super sleuth Joseph Romerro©."
"Ahh but my dear you forget my former job as head of security."
She kissed his forehead. "Hardly. Come, I have until 3:30 before my next appointment, let's take a walk in the gardens."
"Better, let's take the horses out for a while."
"I haven't ridden in so long." She smiled. "But who am I to turn down such an offer."
Amelia, regal Queen of Genovia was hidden behind a heavy velvet curtain peering through the window.
Father Pierre, Prince of Genovia and respected member of the Church hid behind the other curtain on the opposite side of the window peering out at the same scene.
"You know I don't do this." He whispered.
"Sometimes you have to, despite Grandma not approving. It's the only way to know what's going on."
"She looks so very happy, incredibly happy, I don't think I've ever seen her this way."
"Me neither, I remember how she was when she came to San Francisco, how difficult it was for her to even hug me goodbye. When she fell into the pool the other day I nearly died laughing."
Pierre chuckled. "When we were young she was lots of fun."
"She was? Ooh, look, there they go."
In the distance two horses disappeared over the hill, Pierre could just make out his Mother's laughing face.
The pair stepped back from the window and Mia looped her arm through her uncles. "Tell me about her."
"Well, she loves adventures, she used to take your father and I on long walks through the grounds, I mean right up to the very boundaries. We would picnic by the river, swim in it."
"Grandma swam in it."
"Yes, and occasionally we waded in fully clothed looking for tadpoles."
Mia giggled, somehow the image of the usually upright Clarisse looking for tadpoles was impossible to imagine.
"We had lots of fun with her, when we escaped the Palace. We are blessed living here, the riches we have bestowed upon us, I always wondered what it would be like to grow up without it. I think somehow she understood that, which is why she supported my decision to abdicate so wholeheartedly. Father wasn't at all happy; she was the one who won him around. And Philippe of course, he always had a way with him."
"What was he like, it's hard to think of him as my Grandfather, we never met."
Pierre sighed. "He was a good King."
"I know that, the people obviously loved and respected him, it's obvious."
Nodding Pierre continued. "He was, indeed he was. And every now and then, when he escaped the role, he was also a good father, Philippe and I loved him very much, but somehow we also feared him."
"Feared?"
"Not feared him perhaps, we feared disappointing him. We wanted to live up to his expectations; he worked so tirelessly for this country, believed in it, his everything went into it. There wasn't usually that much left for us. Mama was the family, father… well father didn't always have the time."
They quieted as they took the stairs down towards Mia's office.
Once inside Pierre continued.
"In the early days he made the effort, we took vacations, yearly. As he got older he worked more, I think as Philippe and I got older and began to travel alone, University and various escapades Mama was lonely, she took on more roles, especially when father's health deteriorated. And then when… after Philippe…"
Mia swallowed and slumped back on the gold embroidered couch.
"She never speaks of it," Mia whispered.
"It's difficult for her, for us all. Such a shock."
"When she came to San Francisco, a few months after, she showed no signs. I was desperate to know more about him, loved it when she would drop little snippets of information, I should have asked more."
"Perhaps, I'm not entirely sure she would have revealed anything… she closed herself of when he died, I hardly recognised her when I returned. I think Joe was the only one she would speak too about it. I will be forever grateful for whatever he did to bring her through. For what he has given her over the years."
Mia smiled. "It's good to see them together now, they're so cute, especially when Grandma thinks nobody can see them. She flirts."
Pierre laughed. "I'm sure. And I hear Joe is doing wonders in the education department."
"Very much so." Mia nodded, uncharacteristically adopting a more serious tone. "He's a wonderful speaker, he makes a fine ambassador."
"I will never understand just what you did to get her to marry him."
"Neither will I really, it was a gamble."
"One that paid off." Pierre moved back from the window and sat down across from her. "So, I'm assuming you have a role in this 'wedding'."
"But of course, Lily and I are doing the music for them too."
Pierre raised an eyebrow. "She agreed to that?"
"Hardly, she had no choice. She did agree to allow me to help her choose her gown though. We have a final fitting later." Mia bounced on the couch excitedly. "Wait until you see her dress, it's gorgeous, and I have a wonderful dress too…" She smiled broadly. "And I hired a new beautician, no more Paolo."
Pierre laughed. "That man's an institution in himself."
"He's terrible, I hate having him mess with my hair." Mia made a face. "And he's so very sexist. I'm surprised Grandma allowed him in the palace at all."
"She's full of surprises."
"She is. Do you think Joe has worked it out yet?"
"No, he thinks it's an Anniversary party, that's all. We weren't lying, in a way it is."
"Certainly, with an added romantic gesture." Mia glanced at her watch. "Let's go have some lunch before I have to go meet Grandma, mustn't be late."
"She hates that." Pierre smiled rising from his seat.
"Oh believe me I know, you should come visit more often Uncle, I like having an ally."
"And I like having somebody to fill me in on the gossip."
"Of which there is always plenty."
"Yes, Mama mentioned you're still, now what did say… 'dating' that young man who tried to steal the throne."
Mia laughed to cover her embarrassment.
"So, tell me all about him." Pierre held the door open for her.
"Grandma says it isn't appropriate for Queen's to gossip."
"Then don't tell Grandma…"
Hope you enjoyed reading that as much as we enjoyed writing it, last few chapters will be up soon. Please review!