Explanation: susso is basically like The Dole or Welfare during the Great Depression. The more you know...
Enjoy!
Finding himself outside Phryne's home after an uneventful tram ride, Jack greets Mr. Butler before entering the house.
"Jack!" Phryne calls from the parlor. Standing, she walks over with a glass of brandy for him. He nods his appreciation and greets Jane who waves.
"We were just winding down after dinner," Phryne explains before guiding her lover to sit down. He finds a spot in the chair nearest the door and basks in the laughter that permeates the room. With a drawn out sigh, Phryne stands and announces she is going to the kitchen. Once she leaves there is instant silence. Jane and Jack stare at each other a moment before Jack clears his throat.
"Jane, Phryne asked me to talk to you," He begins uncomfortably. Jane nods in understanding adding, "About my not wanting to go to University?"
"Exactly," He begins. "Jane, what made you decide to not go?"
Instead of answering, Jane stands and paces the room. She peruses the shelves that stand in the parlor before making her way to the fireplace. After a moment, she asks, "Did you ever want something so much you would do anything to get it?"
Remembering his divorce from his first wife and later relationship with Phryne Fisher, Jack answers, "Yes."
"Did you ever change your mind?" She questions. Jack remembers the automobile crash that his lover thankfully never succumbed to, but decides not to answer. Instead, he wonders if Jane can be the next female lawyer. Taking his pause for an answer, Jane continues, "Well, that's what I had to do."
"Why?" Jack asks softly not wanting to discourage the teen from speaking. Jane sighs before resuming her pacing. This time she stops at the piano and sits down. Playing half of the C Major scale, the teen finally answers.
"As much as I want University, I want to be with Andrew more. He says a wife doesn't need an education. Or, at least a higher education."
"Have you talked to Phryne about this?"
"She wouldn't understand. As much as I want to be, I'm not Miss Fisher. I can't just go off and live my own life. Besides, with the state of the world as it is, I worry that University may not be the best idea."
Deciding not to debate anymore, Jack replies, "I can understand your argument, Jane, but may I ask one thing?"
Jane nods.
"Does it feel right? Are you really okay being with Andrew and not being in University?"
The teen looks away from the Inspector realizing just how good a Detective he is. Instead of answering, Jane begins to play the piano again. Knowing the conversation is over, Jack bids his leave before entering the hall.
"Well?" Phryne asks. Jack tries not to laugh at the woman's eagerness. He is also in no mood to comment on her acting like a mother hen. Instead he answers, "I just asked her to think it over a little more. I married young, and don't want her to rush into anything like I did."
"Thank- you, Jack," Phryne whispers with a small smile. He smiles back answering, "You're welcome, Miss Fisher. Mind if we take a late night stroll?"
Surprised, but not upset, Phryne agrees to his request.
"Phryne, Jane said she's worried about the economy being too bad for her to go to school," Jack confides once they are a block away from 221 B. Phryne sighs.
"She always was too caring. I knew there was something more than Andrew. Is that all she told you?"
"She says Andrew doesn't think a woman needs a higher education," Jack answers. "Have you met him? Andrew?"
"Only briefly. Do you want to investigate, Inspector?" Phryne teases as she links her arm through his.
"Would it be bad if I did? He doesn't seem supportive of her."
"But not like René?" Phryne whispers. Hugging her to him, Jack reassures, "No. You've raised her tougher than that."
The pair walk in silence until Phryne proposes she have Andrew over for dinner adding, "You'd be invited of course."
Jack merely smiles as he also wonders what dinner with Phryne, Jane, and Andrew will be like. With a smirk, Jack comments, "I promise not to play the overprotective father."
"Good. I was hoping to play that role," Phryne replies with a smirk. She really does want the best for her ward, and if she needs to assess the teen's boyfriend, she will. As an afterthought, Phryne asks, "Should we have Hugh and Dot over as well?"
"Wouldn't hurt," Jack states. The more people to assess Andrew, the better. The couple lapse into silence again before Jack carefully asks, "Do you know why Jane would be worried about money?"
Realizing what he is implying, Phryne quickly squashes any preconceived notion that she is to be the next person on the susso.
"I have managed my money well so far and do not see it depleting anytime soon. Besides, Jack, it's 1932. Most of it should be forgotten. Now, dear, do you mind terribly if we head home? I feel I may need to speak to Jane myself," The guardian admits. Jack nods before turning around wondering if Jane is even awake. He remembers having tough conversations with his own parents and his first response being to leave the room.
Review!