Author's note: thanks for the reviews and PMs, with a special mention to KaeCover for some helpful ideas / suggestions.
Later, when Sullivan's body had been taken away, and Hannam had been arrested by the military police, Lucien returned to the house with Mei Lin, and together with Jean they sat at the kitchen table. Lucien was struck by the new relationship between the women; Mei Lin's anger at finding Jean in his life and house seemed to have gone, and Jean's tense, careful politeness towards his wife had mellowed to a new, tentative relationship. Perhaps they would never be close, but they seemed to have made peace with each other and the situation they found themselves in.
Mei Lin spoke first. She knew what she intended to do. "I've decided I want to go and visit Lee, and meet our granddaughter, if it can be arranged. And I think it is time for us to go our separate ways, Lucien, and for you and Jean to be together."
There was a stunned silence round the table for several moments.
"I know that is what you both want, and I want you both to be happy. I am sure about this. Our marriage seems so long ago, Lucien, and it's time we left it behind." Jean's stomach lurched with a growing hope that she quickly repressed. Lucien glanced at Jean, signalling to her that it was what he had hoped for too.
Mei Lin turned to Jean. "I do appreciate what you have done for me, Jean. I know it must have been very hard for you, and you have always treated me with kindness. And I can see that you make Lucien happy."
Jean was rather lost for words. She had expected that if Lucien chose to be with her, as he had promised, it would involve a rather messy divorce and a considerable scandal in Ballarat. But if Mei Lin wanted a divorce too, then it could prove to be bearable.
Lucien spoke up then. "I'm sure we can arrange for you to meet Lee again, but have you thought about what you will do then? Surely you are not thinking of going back to China?"
"Maybe I could stay in Hong Kong," she replied, "but I don't really mind where I live as long as I can see her."
"I promise we'll do everything we can to make that possible," said Lucien, then hesitated for a moment. How do you thank someone for making the sacrifice Mei Lin was making? "Thank you, though thanks aren't really enough," he continued and grasped her hand in gratitude.
