She couldn't help herself.
Phryne Fisher was a very voracious woman in all aspects of her life. She took on new murder cases when she wanted to; she participated in events that occurred in her community; she impishly took on new lovers when ever she pleased, and sometimes her lovers overlapped one another too –figuratively and literally. Dorothy Williams normally admonished the behavior of women that went out of societal norms, like Miss Fisher. To have such a long list of men for the sole purpose of sex was quite uncharacteristic of a woman. Not to mention that Miss Fisher also took part in male dominant activities such as carousing with diverse company when there were no cases to solve, or going to the gun range with Burt and Cec, or spending her fortunes gambling (surprisingly, she won more money than she put in) –all of this did not settle well with Dorothy.
During her first few weeks under Madame Phryne Fisher's employment, Dorothy felt personally offended and was naturally shocked by her employer's outlandish activities. She had never seen depravity like Miss Fisher's ever in her life and her parents would have, had they known, immediately taken Dorothy away. But Dorothy was an independent woman and Miss Fisher's outgoing attitude, modernistic views on society, and passion had really rubbed off on Dot.
Now, in the case of Miss Phryne Fisher, Dot could only speak highly of her. She would go so far as to risk her own reputation for the woman she considered a friend. Although she was still a paid worker of Madame Fisher's, Dot did not care whether she received a stipend while tending to the woman's needs or had been the woman's close confidant –Dot wanted to be around her.
Dot had just finished brewing a pot of tea when Mister Butler came in the kitchen, his uniform starched and lint free.
"Why, good morning Miss Dorothy!" Mister Butler went towards the back door and took an apron off it's hook. He placed it around his neck and as he walked towards the refrigerator, he tied it around his waist.
"Good morning Mister Butler. Would you care for a cup of tea?" She offered one, but he politely refused. Instead, he reached for a bowl and whisk.
"I'll pour a cup of my own after I get breakfast going," he pulled a carton of milk out of the fridge and cracked two eggs into the bowl. He began to mix the milk and eggs together while he continued the conversation, "And what are our plans today?"
Dot prepared a tray for Miss Fisher, ready to send herself off, "I'm sure something interesting will come up. If the party last night hasn't drained Miss Fisher's good spirits, she'll be up and out of bed to tackle what ever comes her way."
He looked up at Dot as he continued to mix the eggs in a heated frying pan, "Miss Fisher will probably have a lot more energy to expend than we think!" He smirked at her and nodded.
Dot chuckled and headed for the staircase, "She always does!" She climbed up the stairs to Phryne's bedroom with the kettle and cup of tea. She tapped on the wooden door, but no response came from the other side. Dot steadied the tray on her forearm as she twisted the knob and opened the door. She walked in on the most scandalous sight –a sight she definitely did not expect to see.
"Oh goodness! Miss, I'm so sorry!" Dot backed out of the doorway, trying to close the door as quickly as she could, but the tray impeded her speed. In her embarrassment, she couldn't seem to walk backwards quickly with the tray tilting dangerously on her arm. She wanted to leave immediately; Dot grasped the tray, backed out of the room, and closed the door –at least she tried to.
The laughter of Phryne Fisher broke the awkwardness and embarrassment that Dot was trying to avoid. "It's alright Dot," she continued to chuckle. The raven haired beauty got out of bed and pulled a nightgown on. She was swift in her movements and managed to hold the door open before the girl could close the door. Miss Fisher smiled innocently, beckoning Dot back in, "Come in dear and pour us a cup, would you?" She adjusted the gown and tied it close around her. Phryne did not want to upset the girl further with her nakedness.
Dot's eyes darted back and forth between Miss Fisher and the person in bed, "Just one cup?" Dot questioned, dumbfounded.
Miss Fisher walked towards her and pulled her fully into the room. The girl had not moved an inch. She closed the door and walked back to the bed, her hand stretched out to her lover, "Would you like to share a cup Alette?"
The redhead, a woman Dot had never met before –a woman who was obviously naked– turned to her side. She smiled at the raven haired detective and grabbed the outstretched hand. As she sat up, joining Phryne at the edge of the bed, she teasingly waved at the conservatively dressed girl whose eye's now avoided contact with her. The woman named Alette draped the silk cover over her body as she got out of bed, looking at the tray.
One hand held on to the silk cover and the other reached out for the cup. Dot filled it, gazing downwards, trying her best not to look at her. When Alette turned back to look at Phryne, she used an arm to hold the silk blanket to her chest and with a hand, she put the cup to her lips. Her free hand petted Phryne's soft fine hair, "I doubt that you'd get anything to drink Phryne," she purred as her finger's grazed the woman's alabaster cheek, "I'm parched." In three gulps, the tea was gone. Alette put the cup back and tilted her head at Dot, acknowledging the girl who still avoided eye contact, "Your Miss Phryne Fisher makes a woman work!"
Dot felt her collar scratch at her neck and could feel her body temperature rise. She turned a darker shade of red when she thought about what the woman could mean. She rolled her eyes shut as images started to form, sullying her naïve mind.
"Uh, Miss Fisher," she finally opened her eyes and made direct eye contact with the detective in front of her. But her peripheral view still caused discomfort: Alette's attempt at covering herself was useless. The silk blanket slipped lower than it should have and exposed the woman's left breast. The sight pulled Dot's eyes away from Phryne and to the exposed body part, "Miss Fisher, your... your breast," Dot blurted out. She felt the blood drain from her head at the mistake she had made. Dot quickly looked away and rushed to the nearest table top. She nearly threw the tray against it as she excused herself, "Breakfast will be ready soon. I'll be downstairs if you need me Miss Fisher." She would have left a lot earlier if she had the choice.
"Dot! Oh, you needn't be so shocked!" Phryne tried to reassure the girl, but she had left so quickly. She shrugged, calling out after the girl, "We all have the same anatomy!" Phryne looked over at Alette and the two started to chuckle.
She heard the last sentence that Miss Fisher announced, but didn't dare go back to hear the rest of it. Dot felt her entire body tremble as she made her way back to the kitchen. During her entire employment with Phryne, Dot had never walked in on Miss Fisher in the middle of an act. She had walked in at the end of Miss Fisher's lovemaking a few times, yes, where the two lovers were lounging in each other's arms: kissing, cuddling, carrying a light conversation. And once, where she'd almost walked in on their lovemaking, but could hear the rhythmic pounding of the headboard that made her stop in her tracks. And in all those instances, Miss Fisher's lover was a man. This time around, it was a woman. Dot had never, in her entire lifetime, seen two women making love –nor could she fathom the idea. At least in the position she saw them in.
Mister Butler had the breakfast tray prepared for it's delivery to Miss Fisher; however, Dorothy needed to regain herself before going back up there. She strained a smile as she walked past Mister Butler and quickly notified, "I'm going to get some fresh air!" Before he could utter a word.
Back in Phryne's room, after both women has ceased their laughter, Alette apologized for the slip, "I didn't realize it happened!"
Phryne chuckled, "Don't worry, I'll have a talk with her and she'll be fine." Alette licked her lips and sidled up to Phryne allowing her to gaze upon her exposed body again. Still seated at the edge of her bed, all Phryne managed to do was rove her eyes over the shapely figure. She reached out, pulled Alette into her arms, and cleared her throat, "She's going to have a lot of questions."
Alette leaned down and kissed her lover's neck, "I wish I could be there to stir a little," she closed her eyes and placed her arms around the woman's shoulders, "...a little discomfort in the girl."
The raven haired beauty laughed again, "I would share your sentiments, but Dot's been through enough." Phryne caressed Alette's hips, kissing her abdomen. She gazed up at the redhead and smiled when the knot that held her robe together started to come loose. Still looking at Alette, Phryne felt the other woman's warm hand wander against her now exposed flesh, "Not tired, yet?"
Alette kneeled, now eye level with the detective. She grabbed two fistfuls of Phryne's black hair and pulled her in for a long kiss. Alette pecked her lips twice more before she replied, "Just one more time before I hit the road Phryne." There was no sense in protesting because Alette had already started. She cupped Phryne's chest and continued to kiss her, "Come on dearie, for me?" Phryne felt the longing rise back up between her legs. Alette shook her long mane of red hair and finally pulled the robe completely off of the detective. After doing so, she put one hand on each of her lover's thighs and pried them open, "You won't ever see me again until next year!" This time, Phryne grabbed two fistfuls of hair and pushed her mouth against Alette's. She bucked her hips off the bed and without asking, Alette placed her mouth on the spot that Phryne needed it the most.
Phryne rolled her eyes shut. She contained the guttural moan that rose up in her throat and braced herself for what was to come. As Alette continued to bob her tongue in and out of her, sucking simultaneously at each corresponding hip thrust, Phryne pulled the red hair tighter –guiding her lover's movements recklessly.
Approximately an hour later
Dot walked back into the kitchen with Burt and Cec following behind her. They sat together at the little table, four plates set before them.
Burt continued his story, thanking Mister Butler for his breakfast, "So I tells Mickey that he only pussy-footed 'round to avoid that grand ol' bitch!" He laughed raucously before recoiling at Dot's sharp look, "Excuse the language Miss..."
Cec huffed, "I told 'em not to go through with it. What a drag it does for the rest of us!"
Dot shot him a look too, insulted that either of them saw marriage in such a way. "It's a sacrifice one should take!" She stood up out of her seat and brought the kettle and cups to the table, "I know I would make sacrifices for Hugh and he would do the same. If I had to give up friends like you two, I might!"
As they argued on about marriage's sanctity and how women were the problem, or how men were to blame –with Mister Butler caught in the middle of the battle– Alette and Phryne crumbled to the floor after a vigorous session.
"Mm," Phryne hummed, contented, "That levels out the playing field." The last bits of ecstasy escaped her body, still thrumming from the heated kisses, nimble fingers, and sweaty limbs.
Alette cuddled up to her, lightly pecking the already blemished skin on Phryne's neck, "Now don't lie, Phryne. We both know I did the most last night." She nipped Phryne's neck and chuckled at her reaction. "I've done a pretty swell job, making you wet—"
Phryne placed a hand over Alette's mouth and clicked her tongue, "Don't start a competition you'll lose. We both know this will go on all day. And I do have the time to win this game."
Alette moved her lover's hand and kissed her finger, "If only I had that time."
The raven haired detective's dismal grin ended their tryst. Instead of their hunkering lusts, a sadness fell upon both women. Phryne patted Alette's cheek while placing her forehead against hers. She quickly kissed her lips and stood up, "Would you at least join me for breakfast?"
Alette stood up too, suddenly cooled by the air her slightly sweaty body was now exposed to. "I know you'd win," she trailed off, "...and no." She sighed discontentedly, "I should have left the moment I woke up, but you're too delicious to leave alone." Alette started to gather her belongings. "My husband's probably waiting at the hotel now."
She frowned, starting to put on her robe, "I understand," Phryne went in for another kiss, reveling in the taste that lingered on her lips, "One thing I don't understand; however, is—"
"My reputation, Phryne." Alette argued, "We've been through this in the past. I will never reach Mac's comfort and enjoy the company of other women as publicly as she does. I—"
"Well then, do so in private! No one will know Alette." Phryne shrugged, "I didn't know you wanted the company of other women."
She shook her head, "I don't mean other women, you know what I mean. Think about it, I own and run a multi-million dollar business with my husband. If our... if my image tarnishes, if I am found out, I could lose the business, my reputation –I'll have nothing." Alette went into the adjoining bathroom and washed herself off.
Phryne followed her in and didn't give up. She fought back, "Letty, darling," the red-haired woman paused her movements to look at Phryne. 'Letty' and 'darling' sounded strange, but Phryne constantly used pet names and nicknames. Alette's husband never used the former or latter, or any variation of nicknames and pet names. "We're not living in the dark ages. For crying out loud, you've been the brain and stock of that company since Daddy Bramble handed it to you." She walked towards Alette, her arms crossed tightly in front of her, "Your marriage with that American business person does not represent you. You are your own woman Alette."
Alette did not try to defend herself, or to explain either. She walked out of the bathroom, wiping her face while Phryne trailed behind.
"If we're being honest Letty, Mister Emmett Davis is only a figurehead for your company. You wouldn't need him at all, it's society placing restrictions on women—"
"Phryne please," Alette interrupted, "Just stop," she held a hand out for Phryne to take, and when she did, she kissed her palm, "Our last day together shouldn't leave us feeling spiteful. I don't want either of us to get upset and pass any harsh words we don't mean."
She kneeled in front of Alette, took her face in her hands and kissed her softly, "You're right. I'm sorry. I'll leave it alone." Alette bent lower to hug her lover in a tight embrace.
After they had cleaned up, Phryne led the way downstairs, to the front door and took one last longing look at her lover, "Until next time."
"Oh," Alette lifted Phryne's chin with a knuckle, "...don't say it with such sadness!" She embraced her once more, "I'll miss you Phryne Fisher."
Burt, Cec, and Dot sneaked in the living room, by the front door, when they heard Miss Fisher's bedroom door creak open. They remained quiet through the love-sick women's entire exchange. Burt and Cec couldn't help but elbow each other at the thought of their boss's old flame, eventually wandering over to the living room entrance to peek at the gorgeous redhead.
Phryne pulled her in for a long kiss, pecking it softly one last time before Alette could leave. She closed the door and rested her back against it as the last image of Alette played in her mind: a black-fitted sequined dress reflecting in the sunlight, a plunging neckline revealing Alette's ample breasts as she waved goodbye. And when she turned back around to open the front gate, her tanned back and brown freckles exposed, heels clacking away on the pavement.
"She's a beauty, ain't she?" Burt questioned, resting against the frame of the living room entrance, much too loud for Dot's comfort.
"Come on gang, let's eat!" Miss Fisher skipped towards the kitchen, feeling than seeing the three people hiding in the living room.
"That was the Missus Davis, righ' Miss Fisher?" Cec prodded his boss.
"Oh you two," she sighed, sitting at the head of the table, "You know who she is."
Burt shrugged, "Well, we haven't seen her in a long while."
Dot looked on at them in confusion, "They know you..." she paused, rephrased the question, realizing how risqué it was to say it out loud, "How do Burt and Cec know her?"
"She's always been part of her life," Cec casually responded, eating the omelet that Mister Butler had prepared, raising his cup in appreciation.
"That's right!" Burt exclaimed, "You weren't employed yet when Missus Davis came here last!"
Dot sat down in disbelief, "Missus Davis?"
Mister Butler walked in then, a newspaper and new case of milk delivered, "Alette stopped by?"
"He knows too?" Dorothy questioned in exasperation. It seemed to her that she had been left out of the loop. She felt like an outcast, "Miss Fisher, I usually am very understanding of your... adventures! In fact, I've grown accustomed to it all and for a while now, I've looked up to you as a role model. But this," she slapped the table, "...this is the most unspeakable act I've ever saw!" Dot stood up, red in the cheeks, and slapped the table again.
Burt and Cec exchanged looks, slowly forking their remaining food into their mouths, not daring to say a word.
Miss Fisher sighed, "Dottie..."