Author's note: as always, these are not my characters, sadly.

Many thanks to those who have reviewed and sent PMs. All much appreciated!

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Before Jean came to Adelaide, her plan had been to stay with Christopher and his family for just a few days before finding somewhere nearby to lodge and maybe work in the longer term. She now knew in her heart that she would not be staying in Adelaide permanently. It was just unthinkable to her that she would not eventually be going back to Ballarat and her life there with Lucien.

Over the dinner she had cooked for them all, Jean raised the subject, saying to her son that she would perhaps stay a few weeks, but that was all. She thought she may have detected some relief on Ruby's face and smiled inwardly. Jean and Ruby had never quite seen eye to eye, and while her daughter in law may have been grateful for some help with the baby in the early days, Jean knew she would not really be needed for long.

The relief was more obvious to see on Lucien's face, and it had nothing to do with the prospect of eating Mrs Tuohy's cooking instead of Jean's. He had scarcely admitted it to himself, but he couldn't imagine life without Jean at home, in his home...in their home, he mentally corrected himself.

When Jean disappeared into the kitchen to fetch the apple pie she had made, Christopher fixed Lucien with an appraising look. "Just here for a holiday?" he asked, and Lucien paused significantly before replying.

"Not just a holiday, I hope," he responded, "though Adelaide's certainly lovely. But your mother is even lovelier and I'm here to let her know that." He looked at the young couple seriously and Christopher nodded slowly. He seemed to be satisfied with the answer for now, and as his mother returned with the pie and dishes on a tray, he got up to help her, and turned the conversation onto other matters.

As they finished eating, the baby started to grizzle in her crib upstairs and Ruby went up to see to her. Lucien and Jean volunteered to wash up, and Christopher slipped into the living room and put a record on the gramophone.

As Lucien dried the dishes he hummed a little to the music drifting through the half open door. Jean smiled as she recalled what she had heard Lucien and Christopher discussing earlier. They obviously hadn't realised she would be able to hear them in the kitchen.

"So Adelaide is very lovely, is it?" she murmured rather coyly.

"Did you hear all that? he groaned. "I meant it all though. You are very lovely, and also kind and generous and thoughtful, and I've taken you far too much for granted." Putting down the tea towel he reached around Jean as she stood beside him, and rested his hand on her waist. He kissed her quickly on the cheek, then thought better of it and returned for a more leisurely kiss, still on her cheek but with more intimacy and confidence.

Jean smiled and turned towards him. Lifting her wet hands from the bowl she dried them on her apron and gently stroked his cheek, smoothing his beard with her fingertips. Then, she turned back decisively to the sink, tipped away the water and untied her apron.

They both went through to the living room, expecting to find Ruby and Christopher there. However, Ruby was still upstairs feeding the baby and Christopher was gathering his things and tidying up. "I'm just going up to bed. Ruby and I aren't getting much sleep with the baby waking so much, so I'll say goodnight. It was good to meet you again, Lucien. I hope we'll see you again before you go home."

Lucien nodded and Jean said goodnight, and they found themselves alone again. As the record continued playing they sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, before talking about plans for the next day, wondering how Mattie and Charlie were getting on at home, discussing all that had gone on with Munro before they left Ballarat. They sat together on the sofa, not quite touching yet, but definitely together. After a while Jean poured them both a drink, pushed her shoes off and lifted her feet up, tucking them sideways on the seat next to her. She leant a little towards Lucien and he lifted his arm up so she could rest against his side. He let his arm fall back over her, so his hand lightly grazed her hip. He could not help being increasingly aware of the warmth of her cheek on his chest, and the softness of her breast against his arm.

Again they sat together quietly but both were very aware of the other. Jean could feel Lucien's heart beating against her cheek and she knew it was rather faster than usual. Her skin felt extra sensitive over her hip where his hand lay, the warmth of his touch seemed to burn even through her skirt.

The record finished and the next one dropped on the turntable. This one was slow and relaxing, perfect evening music. Lucien swallowed the last of his whisky and set his glass down.

"Will you dance with me, Jean?" he said and stood up, extending his hand to her. He smiled slightly ironically and half bowed as she uncurled her legs and stood, lightly grasping his fingers. They moved together and danced slowly on the carpet, swaying more than dancing, and tentatively reaching to hold each other closer than before. For all the times they had touched and comforted each other before, they had never embraced face to face.

Jean could feel her face flushing as he pulled her closer. Resting her forehead on his shoulder she could feel his breath in her hair as he kissed the top of her head. Fingers interlocked, they moved slowly to the music.

Lucien was carried away by the music and the sensations of holding Jean against his chest. He knew he wanted more but he also knew it was not wise. They had moved so far in just a few days, from a situation where he had considered letting her slip out of his life without ever telling her how he felt, to a new position where he had told her he loved her and he had effectively sought her son's blessing. He acknowledged he should not rush ahead, so he slowly moved away a little with a last kiss on her hair, and looked her in the eyes.

"It's time I was going," he murmured. "I'll come for you tomorrow?" They had arranged to have a picnic together in the park at lunchtime.

"Of course," Jean replied, a little disappointed at the end of the dance, but also pleased at the prospect of tomorrow. She slipped her shoes back on and walked him to the end of the path outside. They parted with just a kiss on the cheek, and as Lucien walked away to his hotel Jean turned back inside, clearing away glasses and turning off the record player.