This started out as a short one shot about coming home with more than they went away with, but due to hearing an interview on the radio I've decided to turn it into a longer story with a dark case for Lucien. Hope you like it.
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Jean leant back in the lounger, grateful for the cool breeze from the ocean. She had no idea what ailed her. She'd not had any problems with the sailing to Southampton or any of the flights she and Lucien had taken on their honeymoon. So why on earth, on in this case, on water, had she thrown up so spectacularly this morning? Lucien had been concerned she had eaten something that was not fresh, but she had not been able to keep her breakfast down either. Tea was all she had taken and now she felt hungry, but was sure nothing would stay down.
'Jean,' his voice soft and soothing brought her round from her reverie. 'Jean, I've got some dry biscuits, do you think they would help?'
Shielding her eyes from the early morning sun she looked up at him.
'I'm so hungry, Lucien.' She half smiled, 'I'll try anything.' Being hungry only made her feel worse.
Lucien smoothed the hair from her pale and damp forehead and smiled sympathetically.
She took a biscuit and nibbled the edge, the sweetness was welcome, but it was so dry it was hard to get down. Lucien produced a glass of cool water and that helped. She managed to get one biscuit down and half the glass of water. She paused, waiting for her body to react and when it didn't she started on the second, washing it down with the water. Leaning back in the chair again she sighed.
'Sorry, darling.' She smiled, 'I don't know what's wrong.'
He leant over and kissed her tenderly. He hated to see her so pale and obviously unwell.
'I've been to see if there are any issues with the food preparation, and it seems everything is in order.' Lucien told her. 'Maybe you've picked something up from another passenger.'
'I'm sure there's a simple explanation and I'll get over whatever it is.' The biscuits had done the trick and she was beginning to feel more like herself.
'Well, best stick to plain food for now.' Lucien advised, 'help you stomach to settle.'
'I'll take your advice, doctor.' She grinned, much more like her usual self, thought her husband.
As the day wore on Jean felt much better and was able to eat a reasonable lunch, albeit plain, but it filled the empty space that was her stomach.
They had two more weeks before they docked in Sydney, and then a flight to Adelaide to see Christopher and the family. The two weeks were the longest of Jean's life. She was sick every morning. Lucien voiced his thoughts one evening as they lay in bed. He traced his fingers over her belly. They had been married two months before they had been able to start their honeymoon and had been away another two months. From the wedding night they had not been able to keep their hands off each other, making up for lost time, time that they both regretted wasting because of the gossip and sniping round town.
'Jean?' Lucien's voice held a question.
'Mmm...' She loved the way he stroked any part of her, and particularly the way he was stroking her belly at that moment.
'Jean, erm, this sickness you're suffering from?' He was fairly sure he was going to get a thump for what he was about to suggest, 'Jean, you don't think you might be,' a big sigh, 'pregnant, do you?'
'Lucien...' she was about to say it was ridiculous, but, her mother had gone through the change rather late and she couldn't say she was going through the change, nothing had indicated it. She was still regular in her cycle, she had no hot flushes and she wasn't that old. She put her hand to her mouth her eyes wide with surprise. 'No,' she gasped.
Lucien wasn't sure if he should look pleased or not, he was, but he needed to know that Jean was happy about it. It wasn't something they had thought about, they were just happy to be man and wife; children had not been a consideration, well not at their age.
'Oh, Lucien, do you really think so?' She looked into his eyes, the clear blue that she adored.
'Well,' he drew the word out, 'it all points to it. Morning sickness, no...er...you know, monthlies.'
'You notice!' Her voice rose, that was part of her bodily functions that she never discussed with him or had done with Christopher for that matter.
'You..' She had no idea he kept track!
'Jean, I'm a doctor.' He raised his eyebrows, 'if I didn't, I wouldn't be much of either a doctor or a husband.' He thought back to Mei Lin, pushing him away during that time.
'Oh Lucien.' She didn't know what to think, but ...'I never thought we could...I mean, our age, my age, a baby!' She began to blush, what would people say?
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly, then more deeply. As she broke the connection he smirked,
'Bit late for that now!' And that did earn him a thump!
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They docked early in the morning, unfortunately for Jean. The morning sickness had not subsided, she and Lucien had gone back in time and had worked out she was probably about eight weeks gone. Too early to let people know, especially, she warned Lucien, Christopher and Ruby. They had managed to hide it from the ship's crew and passengers by simply asking for breakfast to be served in their cabin, the dry toast was all Jean could stomach, that and tea, until mid morning.
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Lucien helped his wife disembark from the ship and ushered her to the waiting taxi, which would take them to the airport. It was a short drive and a short flight, during which Jean managed to regain some of her composure. She wanted desperately to appear well and happy as she greeted her son and daughter-in-law, but in truth she felt dreadful. The sickness combined with the time difference was hard to bear and Lucien noticed. He hailed a taxi and they went straight to their hotel instead of to Christopher's house on the base. Settling her on the bed for a nap he went down to the lobby and phoned the junior Beazley's home. Ruby answered, happy to hear they were back on home soil but sorry to hear Jean was not feeling well. Lucien assured her it was just tiredness and that they would see them the following day for lunch. Before he headed back upstairs he ordered some tea and biscuits for them. The biscuits would help to settle Jean's stomach and the tea would rehydrate her.
As he entered the bedroom she stirred and opened her eyes.
'I've phoned Ruby and told her you're feeling tired from the travelling. We'll meet for lunch tomorrow, if you're feeling up to it.' He bent over her and kissed her cheek, feeling her arms move round his neck. His arms encircled her and he pulled her up into a sitting position.
'Thank you.' She kissed him.
'Not a problem.' He returned the kiss, thinking this was how they got into this situation in the first place.
'Not just for that.' She pulled back to look at him, 'for the trip, for making the call, for this,' she placed her hand on her stomach, 'for everything. I love you so much.'
She cuddled into him while she nibbled the biscuits and drank the welcome tea.
'Were you this sick with the boys?' Lucien had felt that once Jean had realised why she was like this every morning she would be able to cope better.
'No. Sailed through both. Ate anything and everything. Apart from the physical signs, the bump, you wouldn't have known I was pregnant.' She looked at him, 'This is totally different.'
'Maybe it's a girl.' Lucien suggested.
Jean thought about this. If she was to have his child she thought he'd have wanted a boy. She had always wanted a daughter, as much as she loved her boys.
'Would you mind? If it is a girl.' She sat up properly and turned to him, 'I mean don't you want a son?'
'Jean, I didn't think we'd have any, it never occurred to me. Not much of a doctor am I.' He grinned, 'I don't care either way, as long as you are both well.'
'Are you saying I'm too old to have a baby?' She teased him, she'd had exactly the same thoughts. It hadn't occurred to her either.
'Err...' he went red, had he done it again? Insulted her?
Jean threw back her head and laughed. 'Oh Lucien,' she sighed, 'what am I going to do with you?'
Pulling her into his arms he whispered into her ear, 'I've got a pretty good idea.'
She undid the buttons of his shirt and wrapped her arms round his torso and placed her head so she could hear the reassuring steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Lucien held her and stroked her back gently. He pushed off his shoes and pulled her down onto the bed, realising how tired he also was from their travels he allowed his eyes to close.
They slept for at least an hour and awoke refreshed, the mid morning sun streaming through the window He ordered more tea and biscuits for her while they sat and talked about what they were going to do in the following few days.
Sitting on the bed sipping tea and nibbling her biscuits Jean thought about what their future held for them. A baby would keep them active, tongues would wag in town; nothing new there; Lucien may not be so reckless with his safety, she would have to reorganise her time. She smiled.
'What's going on in that pretty little head of yours?' Lucien had been watching her, wondering what she was thinking about.
'Just thinking. More gossip, raised eyebrows,' She spoke quietly, 'Try and keep yourself safe, Lucien, please.' She looked up at him through her lashes, 'You can be a bit reckless sometimes.'
It was true, he thought, so often he gave little thought to his own safety, but now he had two reasons to back away from danger.
'I will try, I promise.' He leant over and kissed her. 'Want to go for a walk. The fresh air will do you good.'
'Sounds like a good idea. I'll just repair my make up.' She slid off the bed and headed to the bathroom.
They found a small cafe for a quick, light lunch.
'What do you want to do about lunch tomorrow? We're supposed to be meeting Christopher and Ruby.' Lucien put this to her as they wandered through the market before heading back to the hotel.
'How about we go for a picnic. I can choose what to eat and the hotel could put it up for us.' She felt a little selfish, but there were some foods she really couldn't face at the moment and it would be easier than offending Ruby by refusing her food.
'I like that idea. The weather's set to be good and it will be fun to chase after Amelia in the fresh air, rather than keeping her tied to her high chair.' He thought it would be so much more relaxed, sitting on a blanket in the park.
'Good practice for you, dear.' She grinned. 'I'll ring Ruby and suggest it. Then I'll change for dinner.'
'Hungry?'
'Yes, I am. Must be the fresh air.' She skipped out of the room and down to the lobby to use the phone.
Ruby was surprised at the suggestion but she agreed it would be nice and relaxed. Could she bring anything?
'No., I don't think so. Maybe Amelia's drink, anything in particular she likes?' Jean couldn't think of anything in particular Ruby made that she would want. Ruby's cooking was plain but sustaining. Jean only wanted something light, something easy to digest.
'She eats most things, especially sweet things.' Ruby had found her daughter had a very sweet tooth, very like Christopher.
'Right, I'll cut back on those things then.' Jean's smile came through in her voice.
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By the time lunchtime came round the following day Jean was ready to face her family. She had arranged with the hotel a wide selection of picnic foods. Some for her specifically, some of Christopher's favourites and Lucien's too. Plus the usual sandwiches, biscuits and sausage rolls, a flask of tea and some lemonade. They had arranged to meet in the park and as Jean and Lucien strolled hand in hand, Lucien carrying the basket of food, they caught sight of Ruby waving from the shade of some trees. Jean waved back, a huge smile on her face. As they approached Christopher hugged his mother and shook hands with the doctor.
Sitting on the two blankets Ruby and Christopher had brought with them, Jean told them of the places they'd seen, Lucien leant back against a tree watching and listening to this wonder. He smiled as he heard her recount their adventures, hearing her wonder in everything she had seen and done.
Amelia decided no one was paying her any attention so she decided to waddle her way over to the nice man with the beard. This 'nice man' picked her up and held her high above his head, making her giggle. He let her play with his beard and chew his tie. Jean watched him out of the corner of her eye, smiling at him.
'Mum.' Christopher saw the smile. 'Are you ok?'
'Absolutely fine, why?' She thought he'd guessed.
'You've not eaten much, and what you have eaten has been dry and plain.'
'I caught a bug on the ship, my stomach's a bit delicate.' It was only a little lie, she reasoned, she'd own up when she was sure she would be able to deliver this baby.
'Anything I can do?' He couldn't remember the last time his mother had been ill.
'No, dear, I have a doctor for a husband. I'll be fine.' She smiled at him and patted his hand. However, she was beginning to feel tired.
Lucien noticed she was flagging and decided he'd better take her back to the hotel. He had decided that as soon as they were home he would do a full blood workout on her. He had a feeling she was anaemic; it would explain her tiredness. He stood up and handed Amelia back to her father and then extended his hand to his wife. She took it and he pulled her gently to her feet. She wavered, momentarily light-headed and then gathered herself with a deep breath, allowing Lucien to pull her close. He kissed her temple lightly.
'Come on sweetheart,' he whispered, 'time to go. We've an early start tomorrow.'
Jean grimaced at the very thought. They'd booked the journey times before they left and Jean wanted to be home, but the thought of an early start left her feeling weak at the knees.
Christopher watched this interplay between the two. He was concerned and hoped his mother was right, it was just a nasty bug, she'd be better when she got home.
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As the taxi pulled up in front of the familiar house, Jean heaved a sigh of relief. The journey from Adelaide had been uncomfortable. She'd been sick before they left the hotel, sick on the train until she finally fell asleep in Lucien's arms.
Lucien carried her over the threshold, not, sadly for him, out of some romantic gesture, but simply because she was almost unable to put one foot in front of the other. He carried her straight to their bedroom and laid her on the bed, removed her shoes and her coat, pulled a blanket over her and left her to sleep.
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The next few weeks dragged for Jean. They had had to tell Charlie that she was expecting but she was not having the best time of it. She would not appear until mid morning after Lucien had given her tea and biscuits and been sure she was ready to face the day. She hated it. She hated being sick, who wouldn't, she hated having to stay in bed until she could face eating or drinking anything. Jean was not a natural lie-a-bed. She was used to being up at the crack of dawn, to have breakfast on the table and lying in bed until she was able to keep some nourishment down made her increasingly bad tempered. She had made Lucien go back to his duties as police surgeon and they arranged that surgeries would be held in the afternoons only, when Jean was at her best. He was incredibly patient with her without being too sympathetic. He made sure she had what she needed, loved her and put up with her acid tongue when she felt particularly rough.
As her twelfth week approached she noticed that she felt less sick in the morning, and even managed to keep her breakfast down, at breakfast time. Things were looking up, she hoped.
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Now Jean was able to work in the house again the atmosphere lightened, Charlie and Lucien were able to relax again, she began to bloom. Lucien smiled as he watched her move around the kitchen cooking one of her delicious meals or as she tended the garden. Her pregnancy began to show and if asked when she was in town she gladly confirmed she was expecting Lucien's baby. She got some sideways looks, as if a woman of her age should not be getting up to that sort of thing, but mostly people were happy for her.
She went to check the fruit was still getting to the orphanage and took some of her knitting up. There was a new nun there and she was introduced to Sister Philomena. Her first impression of the nun was a pious, pinch-cheeked woman. Sister Philomena looked her up and down, noticing the obvious sign of her growing pregnancy. The look was cold.
'Mrs Blake is the doctor's wife. Dr Blake does all the children's check-ups and ministers to them when they are ill.' Sister Josephine told her. She had got used to the Blake's and appreciated all that they did for the children. She was genuinely happy for them.
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Lucien went up behind Jean as she stood at the stove, he had to hold her, the case that had come to him that day had shocked him and he had a desperate need to see she was alright.
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So what has unnerved Lucien so much? The next chapter will be somewhat darker, dear reader.