'So, Jack,' Phryne smiled as he took the place vacated by Lady Dunstan, 'how was your stroll.'

'Refreshing,' he looked at her, she had an odd expression on her lovely face. 'How was Lady Dunstan? Did you find out where you knew her from?'

'We were at school together,' Phryne caught the attention of a steward and asked for some fresh tea. 'Well, not together as such, she was there at the same time as me but not in the naughty girl's set.'

'I see, I think.'

'She said she was too scared to join, apparently I was not the sort of minor noble to be associated with.' Phryne grinned, 'though I did detect a hint of regret.'

'I suppose you got into trouble at school?'

'Well, I prefer to think I was misunderstood.' She pouted.

'I'm sure.' He smiled. The steward brought the tea and Jack tipped him. 'So, I take it she isn't happy in her life.'

'Edward is a drunk, he was a drunk when they married,' She sipped some tea, 'everybody keeps asking them when they are going to add to the line, but it's never going to happen.'

'Oh,' Jack thought, 'well, if he's always drunk...'

'Even so, it only takes once, as we know,' she looked over the rim of her cup, 'but he finds the whole act disgusting.'

'Ri i ight.' Jack thought, 'just a drunk or...?'

'Please, Jack,' she teased, 'you'll put me off my tea.' Though Phryne was not judgemental and as long as such practices weren't forced on her, the thought of Edward Dunstan doing anything remotely sexual seemed to revolt her, whichever team he batted for.

'What did you advise? I assume you did offer advice, she seemed slightly happier when she left.'

'I suggested she take a lover.' She said, archly.

Jack spluttered into his tea.

'Phyrne!' he hissed, 'you can't go around suggesting unsatisfied spouses take lovers!'

'Why not?,' she tried to look innocent, 'she gets what she wants, with luck the family gets what they want and Edward can drown himself in whatever alcohol he chooses.'

'But, Phryne,' he still couldn't understand quite what she meant, 'if she did have a child from this...arrangement...'

'Oh, yes can't you just see it,' Phryne sat up straighter, 'Edward trying to explain why Emily had to go somewhere else to satisfy the need for a child, he wouldn't dare.'

Jack could see that would, at least be embarrassing.

'Remember Jack, I know what 'society' is like.' Phryne looked at him almost sorrowfully, 'as long as one is discreet nobody cares. Nobody goes around saying their child is from the wrong side of the bed sheets because they are unable to give up the goods. Appearances, dear. Anyway, that level of society could do with a bit of sturdy blood. Look at Andrew, god forbid he should breed!'

Jack laughed at the thought of little 'Andrews' running around and he had to agree, from what he knew of history, it had been going on for centuries.

'What did she say?' Jack couldn't imagine someone like Emily Dunstan even considering having an affair.

'I think I piqued her interest.' She smiled a wicked smile.

'Why are they travelling?' Jack wondered if she had this nugget of information, 'I mean we're going home, so are the Charlesworths, others too, I would guess, some maybe stopping off at other ports, but I can't see why the Dunstan's are here.'

'I have yet to get that out of her,' Phryne admitted, 'I really just wanted the poor girl to feel a bit happier, you know I like happy people around me, Jack.'

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With dinner due to be served at seven Phryne and Jack took a stroll round the deck, ending up at their stateroom.

'Well, look at that.' Phryne grinned, 'we're here.'

'So I see.' He winked.

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Phryne sighed in her sleep. Jack smiled and leaned over to kiss her. He was noticing subtle changes in her since they had she had told him she was pregnant. She seemed softer, not that she was hard, just the way she cared for Emily in particular and the need to get home to Dot and Mr B. She regarded them as her family, much more than her parents.

She was still an enthusiastic lover, sometimes desperate for him but this time she had allowed him to lead her slowly, kiss her as he undressed her, as she undressed him and then taste her and nip at her before taking her in a gentle, almost lazy rhythm until they had both released with satisfied groans and sighs. She had taken to snuggling close to him afterwards, not talking or teasing with words, just letting her eyes close and telling him she loved him, that nobody had made her feel so loved as he did, then falling asleep on his chest their fingers interlaced.

He traced his finger lazily over her naked shoulder feeling a dimple, of sorts, there. He'd never noticed it before, but then he hadn't traced like this before, he thought he knew every square centimetre of her skin. He looked closely, wondering if she had caught it on something but it appeared to be an old scar. He bent and kissed it softly.

She shifted the shoulder and sleepily brushed her hand over the spot he'd kissed, then turned over and snuggled into his chest, kissing the strong muscle there.

'Phryne,' he whispered, 'time to think about moving. Do you want me to run you a bath?'

'Hmph.' She snuffled against him.

'Phryne,' he sang, 'wakey-wakey!'

'Jack,' she whined, 'What?'

'You have an hour to make yourself alluring for dinner.' He stroked her head, 'you are alluring for me, that goes without saying, but...'

She sleepily patted his cheek. 'Ok,' she sighed, she was far too comfortable where she was.

He smiled and slipped out of the bed to run her a bath, with some jasmine scented crystals, his preferred scent for her.

Phryne stood and watched him swirl the bath water. The muscles in his arm seemed to glisten with the steam, it was really rather sensuous. He looked up and smiled, his hair flopped over his forehead making her smile.

Phryne bathed and Jack showered in the small separate shower. She had woken properly now and was making all kinds of suggestions as they occupied the bathroom.

'Phryne,' he gasped at one of her more outrageous suggestions, 'just get ready for dinner,' but he thought he might go some way to accommodating her later and grinned while he had his back to her.

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The dining room was almost full when they, finally, arrived. Phryne had gambled that her red gown wasn't unlucky so had decided to wear it that night. Jack still loved it on her, and taking it off, but he thought it was one of the loveliest gowns she wore because of its relatively simple lines and the gems that were reflected in her beautiful grey-blue eyes.

He had to admit he was rather proud that she turned heads as she walked in and they were shown to their table. They had been seated where they could see people coming and going.

'Jack,' she whispered, 'there's Charlie and the family.' She nodded to the doorway.

'Can you stand a dinner with children?'

'I suppose I should get used to it, and they seem perfectly well behaved.'

Jack raised his hand and indicated that his former commanding officer and family should join them.

Lottie and Phillipe were on their best behaviour, their parents having told them they could dine with them that night, not expecting to be invited to be seated with the Robinsons. Phryne noticed Lottie fiddling with something under the table occasionally looking down when she thought nobody was paying attention. She 'accidentally' dropped her napkin and bent to pick it up and smiled as she saw an open book on the little girls lap. She sat back up and smiled at the little girl who went red but shyly smiled back.

The adults continued to talk about their home lives, until Cecile noticed Lottie not eating.

'Lottie,' she prompted her daughter, 'Lottie,' a little louder. Lottie looked up, guiltily and Phryne knew that she shouldn't be reading at the table. 'Lottie,' Cecile held out her hand for the book, 'we do not read at the table, we talk.'

'Yes, mama,' Lottie whispered.

Phryne recognised when a book held more interest than the conversation going on around, and she had been guilty of the same misdemeanour when she was young.

'It must be a very good book, Lottie,' Phryne smiled, 'my ward, at home, is always reading, sometimes at the table too.' Usually Jane only read at the breakfast table in the kitchen but Phryne didn't feel it was necessary to elaborate.

Lottie nodded.

'Perhaps you could read to Mrs Robinson, one day, Lottie,' Charlie smiled, 'when she's not busy.'

That wasn't quite what Phryne had in mind, not knowing how well the child read, but she agreed that perhaps they could arrange it. Lottie visibly brightened and set about finishing the chicken on her plate.

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The meal over Cecile took the children to bed before rejoining the adults in the salon to listen to some music. She slipped into a chair next to Phryne and leaned close to speak to her.

'I didn't see the Dunstan's at dinner, did you?'

'Come to think of it, no.' Phryne looked at her and frowned. 'I hope Emily's alright.'

'So do I.' Cecile thought for a moment, 'you don't think he...hurts her, do you?'

'I don't think he had the gumption.' Phryne scowled at the thought, 'perhaps he wasn't in a fit state to attend the dining room and she wouldn't come out on her own.'

'Hmm...' Cecile tipped her head in thought. 'I think I'd better check on the children.'

'I could do with a stroll,' Phryne thought Cecile was as sneaky as she was, 'may I join you?'

'Please do.'

They told their respective husbands that they were going out for a stroll before wandering out of the salon and heading to where the Dunstan's had their cabin.

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Phryne tapped on the door and the two ladies waited. They could hear movement and then the door was opened just enough for Emily to see her new friends standing there, concern all over their faces. She slipped out and closed the door behind her.

'Phryne, Mrs Charlesworth,' she whispered, 'is something wrong?'

Lady Dunstan was wearing a day dress of green cotton, her hair was plaited down her back and her face was free of make-up.

'That's what we were wondering.' Cecile smiled gently. 'You weren't at dinner.'

'No, er, no,' She stammered, 'we had a light meal in our cabin, Edward...'

Phryne looked closely at the young woman, there was a tiny breadcrumb at the corner of her mouth, so she had at least eaten something, but she looked tired and close to tears. Sensing her embarrassment, Cecile touched her arm,

'Why don't you join myself and Mrs Robinson for lunch tomorrow.'

'That's very kind of you...'

'Good, that's settled,' Phryne, seeing she was about to refuse, butted in. 'We'll see you at one o'clock in the dining room. Ladies only, eh?' She leant over and kissed her cheek. 'There's no need to hide from us, Emily, really.' She whispered, squeezing her elbow affectionately.

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Jack woke to the weight of his lovely wife draped over him, snuffling adorably in her sleep. She had confided in him about Emily Dunstan, saying how worried she was about her.

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The previous night:

'She'll be on her own,' Phryne pouted, 'far from her family, on her own effectively. I can't see Edward being of any help in getting settled.'

'Phryne,' he smiled and kissed her head, 'I have a feeling that wherever she ends up in Australia, she won't be on her own. Not with you anywhere within a thousand miles.'

'I intend to find out where she will be living and offer any help I can.'

'Good, now...' he pulled her down onto the bed, 'I need some help here, these buttons are stiff.' He pointed to his shirt and down to his trousers and she grinned to see his obvious arousal.

'What am I going to do with you, Jack Robinson?' She smoothed her hands over his chest and made short work of the shirt buttons.

'Well you did have some suggestions earlier.' He winked.

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Jack slipped out from under the sleeping form of his love and went to the bathroom. He stretched and looked in the mirror, there were probably as many marks on his torso as there were on Phryne. He grinned.

She heard him flush the toilet and rolled over stretching and sighing. Phryne was sitting on the edge of the bed with her back to him when he returned to the bedroom. He crawled over the bed and started to nibble her earlobes and stroke the bite mark on the top of her buttock. He didn't remember doing that! He was the only other person involved in the 'activities', so he supposed he must have done.

She hummed and rolled her head to give him better access to her neck and much as she was enjoying his ministrations she too needed to visit the bathroom; sometimes nature got in the way of itself, she sighed and moved away.

'Back in a tick,' she patted his cheek as he sulked.

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'I'm so glad the breakfast buffet is open until late,' Phryne adjusted her skirt.

'You hungry again?' He stood behind her and kissed the top of her head.

'It must be the sea air coupled with...' she smoothed her hand over her, still flat, stomach. 'Can't think of anything else.' She grinned at his reflection in the mirror.

Jack couldn't believe how easily she had taken to their latest 'adventure', well so far anyway. There again, for a woman who regularly took on murderers, white slavers and gunmen in all shapes and sizes, he supposed she was approaching impending motherhood in the same reckless fashion. She was bound to be an unconventional mother, but he hoped she wouldn't take their child on stakeouts or undercover god knows where! He was sure her feelings would change, as her shape changed and she became more aware of the life she carried inside her, that it was bound to restrict her, eventually, she might start to blame him or rail against the design faults of a woman's body! Personally, he rather liked it.

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'Are you sure you don't mind?' Phryne sipped her coffee, 'about me lunching with Cecile and Emily.'

'Phryne,' he reached over the table and took her hand, 'I'd be in the way, and we agreed that neither would get in the way of the other, with cases. Well not anymore than we usually do, and this is not a job for a man, is it?'

'I think you and Charlie should go and drag Edward out of his cabin and give him a good talking too.' Phryne grinned.

'Believe you me, I'd like to,' Jack brought his brows together, 'but we hardly spoke at dinner that night, I suspect he'd be worse than Andrew for conversation. If we do happen to see him, we will make ourselves known to him.'

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Cecile was unsure whether Emily would appear for lunch, even though Phryne had almost threatened to go and drag her out. But she appeared, her hair neatly styled in a chignon, a light touch of make-up and a pretty cream cotton dress and matching shoes.

'I'm so glad you managed to get out of the cabin,' Phryne kissed her cheek, 'fresh air is most beneficial, so I'm told.'

'Edward's asleep, again.' Emily smiled sadly, 'I left him a note.'

'Ooh, Emily Dunstan,' Mrs Robinson teased, 'you little devil.'

Cecile wondered for a moment whether that was a good thing to say but slowly Emily started to smile and she sat down.

They ordered a selection from the buffet which Phryne had quite taken to as it seemed to have all her favourite dishes on. It was also reminiscent of some of the lunches Mr Butler would put up for her if she was working on a case. She also found she preferred to eat lightly, that some dishes set more heavily on her and made her feel a little nauseous, but she continued to eat well.

'So, Emily,' Cecile smiled, as she filled their glasses with iced water, 'what takes you out to Australia, a holiday?'

'Oh no,' Emily sipped the water, while working out how much to tell and how to tell it, 'Edward's father has bought a cattle farm out near Meredith and told Edward he has to run it.'

Phryne spluttered over a piece of quiche,

'Edward? A cattle farm?!' She shrieked, 'has the old man completely lost his marbles!'

Cecile and Emily looked at her in astonishment.

'Emily,' She recovered after a drink of water, 'Edward doesn't know one end of a cow from another. He'd have to ride out over the land...'

'Good job I can ride, then.' Emily grinned. 'Phryne, I know he's going to be completely out of his depth, but it is a scheme to get Edward away from the bottle and to make something of himself. Mind you, if it all falls apart Edward has been told not to go home, and quite possibly will be disinherited in favour of his cousin Harold.'

'Good grief.' Cecile gasped, 'What about you, Emily, what will happen to you if it all goes wrong?'

'I'll be stuck too,' Emily didn't look too worried, 'my marriage is a sham, Edward will drink himself to death, one way or the other and I don't care to go back to England as the widow of a useless, wine sodden excuse for a man.'

'Emily,' Phryne was astounded.

'It's meeting you again, Phryne.' She smiled, 'and having tea with you. I know it won't be easy, but at least I can make a new start in Australia, now I know that I am not alone, if you don't mind me staying in touch.'

'Emily if you even think about cutting me off,' Phryne reached over and squeezed her hand, 'I shall come and find you.'

'Please include me in that,' Cecile took her other hand, 'Adelaide is a bit further away but there's always the telephone.'

'Think of all those muscular farm hands,' Phryne sighed.

Emily blushed, but the thought hadn't escaped her, perhaps this voyage would be pleasant after all.

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The ladies decided on a stroll along the deck although Emily did think she ought to get back to check on Edward. Phryne spied Jack and Charlie near a lifeboat with one of the crew. From what she could see there was something of a disturbance and as they neared they could hear the crying of a young girl and see a figure wriggling, desperately trying to get out of the grip of the crewman. Jack appeared to be appealing to the man's better nature but it didn't look like he had one.

'Jack?' Phryne approached with her friends, 'is there a problem?'

'Unfortunately, yes.' He offered her his arm, 'this lass has been found hiding in this lifeboat.'

'Stowaway?'

'It would appear so.' Jack nodded, 'we were just wondering what to do with her.'

'I take it you,' Phryne looked at the crewman, 'want to keel haul her then throw her in the brig?'

'She'll be confined below decks until we get her back home then she'll be sent on her way.' The sailor stood firm, 'Captain don't want any trouble so it's easiest this way.'

'Why did you stowaway?' Cecile asked gently. 'It's a long time to stay hidden.'

'Nuffin' for me at home.' The girl sniffed and wiped her nose on her sleeve. 'No work, no home. Might as well try a new country.'

'How old are you?' Cecile continued.

'Fourteen I fink.' She wiped the tears away with the heel of her hand, Phryne winced at the mangling of the English tongue.

She looked about twelve at the most, scrawny and filthy, she should have been in school.

'Charlie,' Cecile touched her husband's arm, 'may I speak with you?'

'You can't seriously let him put her in the brig and then put her back in England?' She hissed, 'she's a child.'

'What can we do?' He whispered back, 'she stowed away. She's lucky that's all they want to do.'

'Pay her passage.' Cecile had seen enough displaced children after the war and it still haunted her she couldn't do anything for them, 'she can travel with us.'

'Cecile!' He hissed, 'we know nothing about her.'

'She is a child, alone.' Cecile whispered back, 'what if that were Lottie? Wouldn't you want somebody to care?'

'...and when we get home?' Charlie mumbled, he had no problem with Cecile's desire to help the child, but...'she has no papers. No passport.'

The others watched the pair try to work out what to do.

'Jack,' Phryne pulled him away, 'what would happen if they took her with them?'

'Welfare, then passage back to England.' He pushed his hands in his pockets.

'Isn't there anything?'

'We need, at the very least English soil, an embassy would do.' He leant on the rail looking out over the sea, 'then maybe we could persuade them to issue a passport. There is the issue of her details, she barely knows her age...'

'If she's fourteen,' Phryne argued, 'then she could be in service.'

'Phryne...' he thought of Jane in St Kilda, 'god, I don't know.' He ran his hands through his hair disturbing the pomade. Jane was not in service, Phryne had legally become her guardian...

'Jack,' she was pleading, and Phryne didn't plead, well not for something like this!

'We dock in Gibraltar tomorrow, I'll see what I can do.' He sighed, and she kissed his cheek. 'Thank you.'

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It was an interesting group that turned up at the British Embassy in Gibraltar the following day. Cecile had persuaded the Captain to let her take the stowaway, now known to be one Lizzie (Elizabeth) Seddon, to their rooms and clean her up and try and find something to wear. Lizzie had yowled when Cecile had given her a good bath, changing the water at least once, and washed her hair, grateful to find she wasn't infested. She had dressed her in one of her own cotton nightgowns while she found something for her to wear the following day. She was so undernourished that Lottie's underwear fitted her but her dresses were too short, so Lizzie had to stay in the nightgown with a cardigan that Emily leant them and the shoes she had on when she was found.

Jack wasn't convinced they could make much of a case, beyond ensuring the child was at least sent back to somewhere where she would be cared for. They had the day to sort this out, for they would be sailing on the evening tide.

Charlie used his position as a retired Colonel and Jack put in his rank as Detective Inspector while Phryne added her social rank to the mix. Lizzie stood bemused at it all. Cecile had told her what they would like to do, to save her from being sent back, but they would only do it if she wanted them to.

'Missus,' Lizzie had sniffed, 'I don't wanna go back there. Me da beats me, and I dunno where me ma is.'

Judging from the bruises Cecile had taken note of when she bathed the girl, she could well believe it.

'Well, Lizzie,' she smiled, 'we will give you a post in the house, teach you, feed you and clothe you. In return you will have to show that you are a worker, I expect you to do as you are asked.'

'I'll do my best, missus.' Lizzie nodded.

'Good.' Cecile smiled and patted her shoulder.

And so there they were, at the Embassy.

Cecile and Charlie told Lizzie's story, which she also gave her side to. While most of her bruises could not be shown, one could, over her left shoulder, almost like a handprint. She winced when it was touched.

Phryne could see she could add nothing and asked if it would be alright if she took Lottie and Phillipe for a walk. Jack could see it brought back memories and thought that, although she would have to look after two children, it would be better if she left. If there were any problems it would be good if she wasn't around, given her slightly more emotional state.

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'Mrs Robinson,' Lottie tugged her sleeve, 'do you think we should get some clothes for Lizzie, only mine don't fit and she can't wear mama's nightgown all the time.'

'I think that would be a very good idea,' she smiled down at her, 'I'm sorry Phillipe, we'll be as quick as we can then we can find a cafe, perhaps for tea and cake.'

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Phryne was as good as her word and she managed to get enough underwear, nightclothes and day dresses for Lizzie, plus stockings and a coat and hat before taking the children to a small cafe and let them eat as much cake as they wanted and drink lemonade. She contented herself with coffee and a slice of chocolate cake.

On the way back to the embassy they called in at a small bookshop, something Phryne could hardly resist and she wanted to treat the Charlesworth children because they had been no trouble.

Armed with their purchases they strolled into the embassy building and to the office. As they entered Phryne took a deep breath, ready to argue the point but it appeared her input would not be required. Jack smiled at the bags she had, Phryne had been shopping it would seem, he wasn't surprised. He stood up to greet her.

'All set,' he smiled, 'a temporary passport to get her to Australia and then go from there.'

'Really?' Phryne raised her eyebrows and opened her eyes wide.

'Really.' He smiled, 'so, I suppose you've been shopping.'

'Well, Lottie pointed out that Lizzie can't live in Cecile's nightgown, so...'

'Phryne!' Cecile cried, 'you shouldn't have.'

'Why not?'

'Ladies,' Jack and Charlie called together, 'can we get back to the ship, or she'll sail without us.'

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With Lizzie settled in a small cabin near the Charlesworths Phryne and Jack asked if they could have dinner in their cabin. It had been quite a day and all they wanted was some time to themselves. They had three weeks before they would be home and even Mrs Robinson hoped it would be an uneventful journey from now on.

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The days passed lazily, deck games and tea, dinners and dancing, music in the salon in the evenings and for Jack and Phryne much loving whenever they were in their cabin.

An incident of ,what Jack termed, lumpy sea left Phryne with dreadful seasickness for nearly a week. Everything she ate or drank came back again and he began to be rather worried about her. She wanted nothing to do with him, she felt so ill. Cecile called by on the second day and said she would give Jack a break from placing cool cloths on her forehead.

'Come on, now, Phryne dear,' she soothed, treating her as if she were Lottie, 'you need to at least take some liquid in.'

'Oh Cecile,' Phryne moaned, 'it just comes back again.'

'Try this,' Cecile would not take 'no' for an answer, 'ginger tea. It's very soothing for an upset tummy.'

Phryne, too tired to argue, sipped the warm, but not hot, drink, waiting for it to make an appearance again. It didn't, so she tried again and was able to take a whole cup, albeit very slowly. She leant against Cecile's shoulder and sighed.

'I'm sorry,' she muttered, 'I'm not usually seasick.'

'Not even in a storm?' Cecile hugged her.

'No.' Phryne sighed, 'but I don't think it's just the sea.'

'Really?' Cecile smiled, newlyweds, and so in love. She had a feeling what Phryne was going to say.

'I'm pregnant.' She mumbled, biting her lip, it had all been going so well.

'How far on?'

'About six weeks.' Phryne sniffed, she hated crying in front of anyone, she still didn't much like to in front of Jack. 'Only you and Jack know.'

'I won't say anything,' Cecile kissed the top of her head.

'Thank you.'

'Now, I want you to eat a ginger biscuit, slowly.' Cecile offered her the plate.

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'Ginger biscuits and ginger tea, Jack,' Cecile spoke quietly as Phryne had fallen asleep again. 'She'll be fine.'

'She doesn't like being protected,' Jack sighed, 'so damn independent.'

'Which is why you love her so much.'

Jack smiled.

Cecile continued to take turns with Jack, caring for Phryne, and having her checked over by the ship's doctor a couple of times who said it was just an unfortunate case of mal de mer, and as long as she kept drinking she would recover in time.

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As the sea calmed Phryne began to feel a lot better and ready to show her face in public. She had breakfast in their stateroom, light fruit and pancakes, which she nibbled cautiously. Finding she was able to keep it down she allowed Jack to escort her on a turn round the deck and then to sit for a while at the forward seating area.

'Thank you Jack,' she smiled at him, 'sorry I was so beastly to you.'

'It's forgotten.' He kissed her cheek. 'Now, we have one more week on board then we dock in Singapore for an overnight stop and then...home.'

Phryne brightened, 'I suppose I'd better telegram Mr B and the red raggers.'

'Might be a good idea.' He smiled, 'Cec and Bert can transport the luggage.'

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In St Kilda Mr Butler accepted the telegram from the boy and went into the kitchen to read it with a cup of tea. There was only one person who would send him a telegram and it made him smile. Mrs Collins would be over that day to help with a little light housework, just keeping the house tidy between them.

'Arriving 21st Melbourne airport. STOP 7:15 pm STOP Car and taxi. STOP Miss Fisher.'

That was enough, and signing it 'Miss Fisher' would prevent a tidal wave of congratulations and a celebratory meal that she wasn't sure she would be up to.

Dot practically sang and danced as she dusted the surfaces and beat the rugs. She made a mental note to make up Miss Fisher's bed the day before, then the linen would be fresh. They would need fresh flowers in the rooms, too.

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By the time they docked at Singapore Phryne was back to her usual bright self. She spent the last day telling Cecile she was the best friend she could have had on the journey, she smiled at Lottie and Phillipe and apologised for not finding the time to hear Lottie read and passed her a little book of poetry she might like. She had a book for Phillipe too, a copy of 'Emile and the Detectives', which she hoped he would enjoy.

Cecile hugged Phryne, 'Remember, ginger tea and biscuits.' She whispered.

Lizzie had stood to the side while the farewells were made, then seeing her chance touched Mrs Robinson's arm. Phryne turned and smiled. The young girl wore a simple navy blue cotton dress and the shoes she had been found in, not having had the chance to take her to get new shoes.

'Mrs Robinson,' she spoke shyly, 'thank you for the clothes you bought me.'

'You are most welcome, dear. Take care of yourself and listen to Mrs Charlesworth and you'll be alright.'

They parted, the Charlesworths would fly out that day to Adelaide promising to stay in touch .

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The hotel was elegant, their room bright, dominated by a bed so big, Jack said he might need a map to find her.

'I think we should check it for comfort, don't you?' She grinned.

'Hmm...' he sat on the edge of the bed, 'what might you be thinking, Miss Fisher?'

'Well, Inspector...' she sashayed up to him and stood between his legs. He placed his hands on her hips and tipped his head up as she tipped hers down and they met for a gloriously deep and passionate kiss. 'That will do to start with.'

She pushed his jacket off his shoulders, unbuttoned his waistcoat and slipped his braces off over his arms before he could catch his breath. This time he was quite happy to let her strip his clothes off him, shirt buttons flew over the room, and as she wrestled with his trouser buttons he did the same with her skirt.

He pulled the skirt down and reached under her slip as she freed him from the restraint of his trousers and shorts. He removed her under clothes and pulled her onto him holding her hips, pushing his hands up under her blouse and feeling her raised nipples under the silk of her bra and slip. It was a frantic rhythm and a heady and quick release, something he was delighted with. Since she had been unwell she had had little stamina for mammoth lovemaking sessions. It would appear she was now ready to make up for it! His Phryne was back.

The finished undressing each other, leaving their clothes tossed on the floor, then explored their bodies with light touches and gentle kisses. Jack traced his finger up her stomach and smiled, there was an unmistakeable, but small, roundness to her belly. He bent down and kissed it, murmuring a greeting to his child, something he knew made her giggle, whether it was the act or the light breeze he blew over her skin, eliciting goose bumps and groans of anticipation, he would never know.

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They dined with the Dunstans and Phryne was almost pleased to see the Edward made a bit of an effort to be civil if nothing else. He was drunk, as usual, in fact neither Jack nor Phryne could remember seeing him sober for the entire trip. Emily was animated, talking about the farm and how she expected to spend her time in riding breeches and wanted to learn all she could about the animals and running a farm. Edward did not seem quite so enthusiastic.

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Retiring to their room for the night, and knowing they had an early start, the Robinsons still managed to fit in another session of lovemaking ,before falling asleep until the phone rang with an alarm call Jack had ordered.

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In the foyer of the hotel she took Emily aside and gave her one of her cards, knowing she wouldn't have the opportunity to do so when they landed.

'Call me anytime,' She hugged her, 'please. I know you can do this, Emily, and he can't stop you.'

'Phryne,' Emily looked at her new friend, 'I feel stronger since I met you. Edward still ignores me but that's ok, I am going to make the farm work.'

'Good girl.'

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The flight was not as bad as Phryne had anticipated, she ordered ginger tea to ward off any sickness, but found that although she felt slightly nauseous she could cope. Jack put his arm round her and let her doze on and off. When she was awake she was almost like a child with excitement and nerves.

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They parted from the Dunstans, Phryne still urging Emily to keep in touch, and then they were looking for Mr Butler who held a placard with 'FISHER' written on it. Dot stood next to him, a broad grin of welcome on her face, and the red raggers stood behind her, also grinning.

Jack stood one step behind as she hugged Dot, gripped Mr B's hand then shook the hands of the red raggers, happy tears streaming down her face, and she didn't mind a bit.

'Oh, I have missed you, so very much,' she took the handkerchief Jack offered, to blow her nose and wipe the tears.

'It's very good to have you home, Miss.' Mr B and Dot both said together while Cec and Bert nodded in agreement.

The luggage was loaded into the taxi and Mr and Mrs Robinson climbed into the back of the Hispano to be driven back home, really home.

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Phryne stood at the gate and looked up at her house. Jack went and stood next to her his hand at the small of her back.

'Alright?' He whispered as Mr Butler preceded them and unlocked the door.

'Yes,' she looked up and smiled.

'Come on then,' he offered her his arm and they strolled up the path, looking for all the world like the friends everybody knew they were. On the top step they stopped. A smile twitched at Jack's mouth, there was one tradition he could keep. He turned and swept her up into his arms.

'Jack!' She shrieked, 'what do you think you're doing? Put me down this instant!'

'Oh no,' he grinned, 'this is one tradition I intend to follow.'

'What?'

'Carry my bride over the threshold!' He placed her gently on her feet inside the house as Dot, Mr B and the red raggers stood staring at them.

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I thought that was the best way for them to announce that they were man and wife, Phryne might neglect to say anything out of a strange shyness.

This chapter was difficult to write, probably because not much happened, but I had to get them home, and too many crimes on board an ocean liner would stretch the bounds of probability, even for me. But at least they're home now.