Yet another murder for you all ;) I think it is probably easier than starting a new story? Let me know what you think :)
When Dot brought up the breakfast tray 20 minutes later she found Miss Fisher asleep, but decided to wake her. She was still wearing her dress, which Dot now noticed had a small tear in it up the side which would require very gentle mending. She sighed as she gently called out "Miss - wake up" shaking her leg and dreading fixing the dress, it really was going to be hard work.
When Dot finally managed to wake her Miss and get her fully undressed Dot couldn't help but notice that she was covered in bruises, the look of shock must have shown on her face because Phryne looked away from Dot as she spoke grabbing for the toast beside her "Oh and would you run me a very hot bath please Dot, something scented please."
Dot knew that was something was off, usually Miss Fisher would grin wickedly at her and make some comment about the bruises, not today though. Dot was lost in a world of thought as she walked into the bathroom filling the bath with scolding water and a blackberry salt.
Miss Fisher was exhausted but remembered that she had agreed to meet her friend Venetia later that morning. She would need to make this a quick bath, so sunk into her bath with pleasure, it felt like every muscle in her had been beaten, which in a way she supposed it had. The night before had been amazing she had to admit (obviously if they had awoken in her parlour), Jack had rushed off so fast this morning she barley had a chance to thank him, let alone take him again. She let out a deep sigh sinking deeper into the hot water.
Jack. Now that was a mystery she needed to solve. She thought that eventually they would need to discuss what had happened, but for now it was more fun just to relish in the flirting and the physical relationship. She found it disturbing however that she couldn't even look Dot in the eyes and admit or even allude to what had happened in the parlour the night before. Phryne knew that Dot was a bright girl however and probably had some ideas of her own, which led Phryne to a third and final sigh before she decided to get out of the bath and start what was sure to be a long and tedious day.
As she was drying herself she called Dot in to ask her to ring Venetia see where she would like to meet that morning. She also had the last minute thought that after last night she should really arrange for food of some sort to be taken in to Jack. She asked Dot to also prepare some form of lunch for him which she would have Dot drop in to Jack or she would miss her appointment with Venetia. She quickly wrote a note to Jack thanking him and asking to see him that night.
The country club for some tennis was what Venetia wanted. Phryne could think of nothing she wanted to do less than to participate in any form of physical activity (well she could think of one form) after last night. Never the less it was Venetia's choice, (Phryne owed her one) so she donned a pair of black trousers and a silk shirt while Dot packed her tennis outfit into the car. She had hoped that perhaps a case would appear before she had a chance to make it to the car, however none prevailed, so she left for the club leaving a slightly worried Dot behind to mend her dress.
Trying to forget her headache and aching body she greeted her friend with a warm hug and kiss.
"Venetia."
"Phryne, just the woman I have been waiting for" she said looking extremely happy to see her waving her hands about in anticipation.
"Well you did invite me here…" Phryne trailed off, feeling not at all herself for some reason.
"Now before we get to the tennis, there is an official reason I asked to see you." She said her eyes gleaming too brightly for this hour of the morning. "I'm engaged" she gushed shoving the ring into Phryne's face, her eyes shining with pleasure.
Ah. That would be why she was feeling off. An engagement, which would no doubt lead to a wedding, something she preferred not to think about right now. Even at the time best of times she did not enjoy the thought of people being tied down, the thought of Jack popped into her mind. She internally rolled her eyes at the thought of him, her brain was not being kind at all. Phryne was also genuinely shocked that her friend was engaged, Venetia was quite a flirt at times (much like herself) and now this so suddenly, it was strange. But then Venetia was a very random person, Phryne put her horror down to the hangover and her brain returned to her friend.
She disguised her look of horror and shock with a look of surprise and happiness for her friend, after all weddings could be fun she thought with a wicked smile recalling at least seven wedding which had ended very happily for her indeed.
The women quickly decided a drink was in order (what better cure for a hangover Phryne couldn't help but think) retreating to the bar. Venetia ordered them both Gin and Tonics, one of Mr B's specialties she couldn't help but think to herself as her friend talked while Phryne pretended to listen, as she went on about the wedding and her fiancé.
They arrived at the Country Club knowing little about the murder except that it was quite gruesome and the body had been found on the golfing green (hole 4 to be exact) by a fellow member. They were informed that the victim's fiancé was in fact in the club at the moment, but hadn't been notified. Jack sent Collins down to the green to secure the sight while he, with the help an attendant went to inform (he had been told a one Miss Venetia Bombay, he couldn't help but roll his eyes at the name) of her former fiancés death.
Phryne had not been listening to her friend for the past hour and a half now, too consumed in her own imagination, considering all the possible things she could do to a Jack during and after dinner tonight. Her headache was lingering, however she was just considering the use of whipped cream, when she felt the couch beside her lower slightly. It was then she realised that Jack had sat down beside her and that Venetia had disappeared to the bar for their fourth round of drinks.