Jean was checking on the coq au vin when the phone rang. Her heartbeat quickened slightly as she glanced at the clock: did the bus arrive early? No, it was Matthew, informing her to bring Lucien directly to City Hall. She resisted the urge to slam the receiver back on the hook, then turned to her dinner. Should she leave it in a warm oven? No, Lucien would most likely be out until the early morning. She put the dish in the refrigerator, and satisfied herself with banging the door closed. She told herself that the sinking feeling in her stomach was just annoyance: all that work making a special "welcome home" dinner was for nought but some fancy leftovers. Well, the passion fruit sponge would keep.
In her bedroom, Jean quickly changed and freshened up. She looked in her mirror, pleased with what she saw. Jean did not wear this dress often, but it was a favorite, with its longer skirt and crinolines, the soft blues and greens providing a nice contrast to her usual utilitarian wardrobe. A quick touch-up on her lips, a brush through her hair. She reached for the brooch, Lucien's gift to her, then decided on a necklace instead. She shouldn't be late. In her excitement she quickly donned her coat and pulled on her gloves as she hurried to the car, remembering to grab Lucien's medical bag. It was not until she got behind the wheel that she remembered her hat. No time to go back. A small part of her brain thought that perhaps Lucien preferred her without one, and she chided herself for being silly. He probably never even noticed.
Damn this car! Jean took a deep breath and turned the key once more, sending up a silent prayer to whatever saint was in charge of motorcars. She was about to lash out at Dr. Blake Sr as well when the engine finally turned over. Now she really would be late, and the image she had of calmly waiting and welcoming him at the bus station evaporated. Perhaps the bus would be delayed…
A song came on the radio, and she sang along:
Fly the ocean in a silver plane
See the jungle when it's wet with rain
Just remember till you're home again
You belong to me.
She shook her head and gently berated herself for such thoughts. Lucien was her landlord and her boss, not her property. No matter how much she was looking forward to seeing him again.
She parked the car, looked anxiously for him, then saw his tall, strong frame as he gallantly escorted passengers off the bus. Jean found herself practically skipping across the street to greet him, not even attempting to hide the joy she felt at seeing him again after so long, her smile radiant at the way he smiled in return. Silly, really, she was just picking up her employer at the bus depot after a long trip but…he was holding her hands…and smiling. Jean had to fight the urge to kiss his cheek. His eyes seemed bluer than before; she saw his lips moving but didn't hear what he said. A movement over his shoulder caught her eye. Joy McDonald. Joy McDonald was back in Ballarat.
Jean had not anticipated this. Nor did she expect a sudden, almost overwhelming feeling of anger and nausea. Lucien was oblivious, acting as if his two favorite girls were best friends. She ignored the nascent sensation of triumph as she told Lucien he was needed at City Hall. They chatted amiably in the car, but Jean would later be unable to recall what was said. She dropped him at the entrance, reminded him to get his bag, then proceeded home. When Mattie later discovered the coq au vin in the bin, Jean would simply tell her it was ruined.