The Duke wrapped his arms around his Granddaughter he kissed her on the forehead as she hid her face behind her long hair much like Lafiel's albeit her face was much older her hair hid the pain on her face as she sobbed silent tears. "Shhhh....hush... shhh.. it's ok Sophia... I will be alright.....I am just taking the path all things must take in the end as one door closes another opens my dear everything will be alright... I promise...shhh." He cooed softly.... his face suddenly covered like a mask as did the Marquess both men had noticed the newcomer entering the establishment.
Sophia sobbed, "How can you say that Grandfather....It's not your time... you have so much to live for... oh Lafiel is going to be devastated please please do visit her at the embassy and see her one last time. Should you pass on without seeing her it will break her...little heart the poor little girl. No no no you can't just go Grandfather.."
The Marquess stood up to block Sophia from view of the LtCdr there would be no need for him to see a ranking member of the forces displaying such emotion he thought especially not one of noble birth. The Marquess put a gentle hand on Sophia shoulder he whispered to her putting he lips to her ear, "I am sorry my dear Soph...if you need to cry some more very well and good we will go somewere appropriate if you can't hide it.... an officer of the armed forces has just entered and you are going to need to cry as I do in his presence..please my dear."
Sophia turned to look up at him keeping her face hidden in front of her father as a shield she wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her captains uniform she breathed in sharply and out again her face went blank before filling with emotion she quickly rubbed her eyes forcing the mask to reach every part of her face.... truly the only way to of notice something was amiss would of been to look her in the eyes for they hid the great sorrow deeply. She spoke as if in a chit chat tone for any surrounding ears, "I don't believe you can order me around lieutenant!... how dare you show such insolence to a ranking officer." Sophia forced a smile across her face.
"I don't care if you are an Admiral my dear daughter... you are a daughter and by far I outrank you by noble title.... besides parents get priveleges my dear it doesn't matter what age you are Captain." The marquess face had melted into a smile much more fluid and trained his smile was warm an genuine as he spoke they both broke into laughter.
Sophia and the Marquess returned to their seats around the table... Sophia glanced to the man that father had glanced around for the man he had suspicions of but didn't see him ignoring this factor she turned back to look at her Grandfather a little grimace escaped she found the teapot empty and went upto the counter for some more a new blend of tea she chose Russian caravan as she stood there waiting. Her hands automatically moved to remove the creases from her captains uniform and made sure she was looking smart she focussed on studying the various other teas the place supplied as she waited.
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