Luna Park (Extension to scene. 2.04)

We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this land, (St. Kilda foreshore, where Luna Park is and this episode was set) the Yalukit Wilum people of the Boon Wurrung Clan)

I felt that this episode had a mixed ending. While Phryne and Jack were happily at Luna Park, eventually young Dan would be taken from Cora and placed in welfare or a reformatory, just because of his race, not to mention the heavy hand of the law on Cora and Tom. A sad indictment of our treatment of our indigenous people.

The ride on the scenic railway was thrilling. Phryne laughed and squealed as the ride flung her around her seat. At one stage she was sure Jack was reaching out to hold her as the rail car dropped itself into a dip. She wondered if he wanted to stop her from being thrown around, or anchor her to himself to reduce both their movements. Maybe he wanted an excuse just to hold her. Phryne would not have been fussed either way.

Phryne was still laughing when Jack helped her from the rail car.

"That was fun" she said.

"I believe I heard you screaming, Miss Fisher. Were you frightened?" he smiled.

"Not a chance Jack" she laughed as they wandered down the ramp, "What ride shall we go on next?"

"I do believe we have satisfied the terms of the wager. I don't think any more rides were part of the deal' said Jack airily as he indicated the exit.

"Spoilsport." Phryne pouted, but she lead the way to a shooting arcade. "Why don't you show me your skills at the shooting gallery?"

Jack pulled a face. "I have had enough experience of guns, not to want to make it a game" he said, hands in pockets.

Phryne rolled her eyes. "Don't be so serious. If I make a wager, will you do it? I'll buy you an ice cream if you can out shoot me!" Jack sighed, but allowed himself to be steered toward the sideshow.

"Roll up, Roll up, show off your shooting skills here!" called out the vendor, "Hit the mark Sir and win a prize for the little lady!"

Jack gave Phryne a look of exasperation and pulled out change from his pocket to pay the vendor. He picked up the offered rifle and checked it over, before raising it to his shoulder.

BANG! went the gun.

"A miss Sir, how disappointing!" cried out the vendor "Try again Sir; try again, two hits win a prize!"

Jack considered the gun more carefully, before raising it again and focusing on the target.

BANG! This time he hit the edge of the target.

"Well done Sir; one more hit for a prize." The vendor was full of encouragement.

BANG! He hit the target closer to the centre.

"Well done Sir" cried the vendor, who obviously only spoke at shouting level, "A prize for the little lady, Sir, She'll show her appreciation tonight, Sir!"

Jack had to laugh at the change in Phryne's expression, as the vendor presented her with a naked pink kewpie doll.

"I suppose I could give it to Jane" she said with some hesitation.

"You have sent her to the continent to become an accomplished young lady, but you then give her a doll on her return" said Jack, "That certainly sends a mixed message!"

Phryne thrust the doll and her handbag into Jack's hands. "Let me try. You might have to buy me an ice-cream yet."

Phryne paid her money and picked up her given rifle.

BANG! She missed her target.

"Don't look so smug" Phryne said aside to Jack, "I can still match you" and she raised the gun again.

Jack moved to stand behind her. He gently held her bent elbow and raised it a little. He the whispered in her ear "My rifle pulled to the right, adjust your aim a fraction."

BANG! Jack's help did not improve Phryne's aim. Neither did his proximity.

"Adjust your feet," was the next suggestion. Jack nudged Phryne's feet apart with his foot, while still standing behind to her, with one hand on her hip for balance while he did so.

BANG! Phryne missed again. Jack tried to hide a smirk as she put down the gun.

Phryne was about to comment on Jack's countenance, when the vendor shouted "Three misses! A pity, My Dear, but you did need help from your gent! However, a consolation prize for the little lady!" He handed Phryne a lollipop.

"A lollipop!" said Phryne to Jack's laughter, "Who am I going to give that to!"

Jack considered it. "If I make a suggestion Miss Fisher, I have to visit young Dan later today. You could accompany me and give it to him. I am sure that he will appreciate it while we talk with the welfare people."

Phryne smiled at his suggestion, but was saddened as well. "Does he have to go Jack?"

"Probably, but I'll do all I can to keep him with his mother" he said.

Phryne smiled at him. "That's why you are such a good man Jack."

Jack returned her smile and said "However, I believe that you owe me an ice cream."

Phryne put her hand in his arm as they turned away. "Only if we can eat it while we walk along the beach."

"Don't keep changing the conditions of the wager to suit yourself" replied Jack, and they wandered away, in search of the ice cream stand.