The Myers case seemed to rumble on. His wife went storming into the station when she heard what they had accused her husband of and very nearly got arrested herself for pushing Ned Simmons over. She refused to accept that his bullet wound, that she had nursed him through, was self inflicted and suggested that it was Chambers who had pulled the trigger, jealous of Trent's achievement on the battle field. Her husband would neither confirm nor deny the accusations.

Chambers' sister arrived some days later and was accommodated at the Soldier's Hill Hotel, even though Jean offered to put her up. Lucien wouldn't let her add a grieving woman to her list of things to look after and paid the hotel bill himself. Sarah Chambers confirmed the body was that of her brother and said at least he was at peace.

'He struggled,' she sat nursing a cup of tea, 'when he came home. Drifted but I know he never got into any trouble. I heard from him regularly so I wasn't worried about him, but he couldn't settle.' She sighed, 'He was a good man.'

Lucien touched her shoulder, 'I'm sure he was.' He said, simply, and she smiled gently at him.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They sat on the couch, a quiet evening to themselves.

Lucien would not have to go and give evidence in the case, his autopsy report was enough. Matthew and Alice would go and were fairly convinced that Myers would be convicted and given a long sentence, if not hanged for murder.

She snuggled into his shoulder and pulled his hand over her belly. Baby Blake was active in the evening and she was a lot happier now.

'I went to see Mrs Huston today.' She murmured, 'she's very frail now.'

'I'll do a house call tomorrow, shall I?' Lucien kissed her head.

'Might be a good idea.' Jean tipped her head and kissed him for his thoughtfulness.

'How's Miss Cathleen coping?' His thoughts turned to the younger woman. 'and Colin?'

'Quite well.' Jean smiled at the image of Colin sitting patiently on Agatha's knee, playing with a string of beads round her neck. 'I think she's prepared. She knows she won't be turned out of the house so at least that's one thing she doesn't have to worry about.'

'Mmm...Mrs Huston has been very generous.' Lucien mused. 'Do you think Cathleen will look for more work?'

'Agatha has written her a glowing reference, and asked me to keep it, I'm going to write one too, we can both sign it.' Jean took his hands in hers, 'she will need some help for a while, but I think we should encourage her to find another job.'

'She could help you, for a while.' Lucien wanted her to have at least a cleaner this time, three small children and a surgery to run as well as the house would be too much. He wasn't taking 'no' for an answer this time.

'I suppose so.' Jean agreed. 'I will need some help for a while. Colin can run around with our two.'

'Well,' Lucien smiled, 'I'm glad you agree.' He shifted to look at her, 'Now...'

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jean giggled as the sunlight streamed through the curtains. Lucien had made love to her and commented, as they lay satisfied, that really they should start to behave a little more responsibly.

'Oh, really?' Jean teased, 'well you can if you want, but...' And she had leant over to kiss him, long and slow. He had responded and pulled her over him,

'I'm getting to old for this,' he whispered and then proved he wasn't!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jean was just putting Lucien's breakfast out when there was a knock at the door. She put the pan down on the stove and went to answer it. It was very early for a visitor. She opened the door to a tearful Cathleen holding Colin, still in his pyjamas.

'Oh, Mrs Blake.' She sobbed as Jean put her arms round her, knowing why she was there, 'I think she's gone. I can't wake her.'

'Come in dear.' Jean turned to find her husband behind her, with his bag and his car keys.

'Give me the keys, Cathleen,' he said gently, 'I'll go up.'

'I should have rung, ' Cathleen sniffed, 'but...' She handed the house keys to the doctor.

'It's alright.' Jean took her into the living room and settled her on the couch. She took Colin off her, crying because his mother was, and took him to the kitchen where her two were sitting in their high chairs after their breakfast. Food was a great pacifier for a child so she gave him a piece of toast and poured his mother a cup of tea. She wiped a stray tear from her cheek, hers would have to wait, she could take some comfort in the idea that the old lady had simply slipped away in her sleep.

'Cathleen,' She sat again, 'drink this. Colin is having some toast.'

'What do I do now?' Cathleen had never had to deal with a death in the family, and Agatha was family to her. She felt she had to do something but had no idea what.

'Now,' Jean rubbed her shoulders, 'now you drink your tea and we wait for the doctor to return. He'll see to that side of things. We'll arrange her funeral, though I think she has put that in place, then have her will read. That's all for now. You stay in the house.'

Cathleen looked at her, she imagined she would have to pack her things and go.

'Can I?' She gasped.

'Yes, for as long as you need to.' Jean saw no harm in helping her with this, and to know she had a home would help her come to terms with her loss. 'I am aware of the contents of Mrs Huston's will and you are safe.'

'Oh.' She sipped her tea and thought about that.

Lucien returned an hour later. He went into the living room where the children were playing and Jean and Cathleen were talking. Cathleen looked more composed than when she had arrived. He coughed.

'Oh, hello, dear.' Jean went up to him, the question was on her face.

'Peacefully in her sleep.' He murmured. 'I have her papers, she had left them in the bureau.'

'Right.' Jean squeezed his hand.

'The funeral home have collected her, she had made provision with them and they will call me when they have a time and date for the committal.' He went to sit down with Cathleen. 'You made her final months very happy,' He smiled.

'Thank you, doctor.' Cathleen heaved a sigh. 'I suppose I'd better take Colin home and dress him.'

'It is your home,' Lucien insisted, 'but if you want to stay here for a few days you're very welcome.'

'Oh, doctor, that is so kind of you.' Cathleen smiled, 'but, no.' She sounded definite, 'I need to get used to her not being there, and her room will need cleaning.'

Jean put a cup of tea in front of Lucien, 'Darling,' she spoke, 'could you manage the children, if I help Cathleen for an hour?'

'Er...yes, I suppose so.' Lucien looked at her, 'but...'

'It's alright, doctor,' Cathleen almost laughed, 'I won't let her do too much.'

'Thank you Cathleen, and, while we're on the subject,' He looked at Jean who nodded, knowing what he was going to suggest, 'how would you feel about helping Mrs Blake until she has the baby and for a while after?'

'Are you offering me a job, Dr Blake?' Cathleen gasped.

'Well, yes, I suppose I am.' He grinned. 'It would help us and you, and Jean says Colin can play with our children.'

'That will be good for him, instead of being on his own with me.' Cathleen held out her hand, Mrs Huston had taught her a few social niceties. 'Thank you, doctor, Mrs Blake, I accept.'

'Lovely.' He smiled and shook her hand, 'now,' he turned to Jean, 'here's the car keys, I'll see you later. Bring Colin's clothes back with you, he'll be fine as he is.'

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

'I know that was a bit quick,' Jean apologised, 'but the doctor likes to strike while the iron is hot.'

'That's ok.' Cathleen smiled, 'I understand.'

'We were going to ask you,' Jean continued, 'we knew Mrs Huston wouldn't live to see this one born, so we did think it would help us all.'

'I didn't think she'd go on much longer,' Cathleen looked down at her hands, 'she said she was tired, and she had done everything she needed to do.'

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They stripped the bed and Jean told her to throw out the linen. The mattress would have to go too. Cathleen did the heavy lifting and vacuuming, while Jean washed and dusted, and in no time the room was clean and sweet smelling. Cath lifted the jewellery box off the dresser,

'You'd better take this,' she passed it to Jean. 'Just until...'

Jean smiled and took it, understanding precisely what she meant.

'What do we do with her clothes?' Cathleen looked at the wardrobe.

'Well, not now, but soon, we need to go through them, check the pockets, and anything good can go to the op shop.' Jean opened the wardrobe door. There was quite a lot, very old fashioned dresses and coats, but good quality. 'Anything that is worn, remove the buttons, they come in handy, and throw it out.'

'Mrs Blake,' Cathleen held the sleeve of a blouse in her hand, 'will you teach me to sew, you know maybe re-model some things?'

'I can,' Jean looked at her, 'but...'

'This is a lovely blouse, but, one it's too big for me and two it's a bit out of date, it would be a shame to throw it out.' Cath studied Jean's face, she was thinking, 'I can sew a bit, you know, mend and replace buttons, but Mrs Huston said you were a fine seamstress...'

'Well that's going a bit far,' Jean smiled, 'I used to sew a lot, not as much now, no time. Still I'm sure she would be happy to know you can see something in her old clothes.'

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Somehow, even with three small children round his ankles, Lucien had managed to call Agatha's solicitor and inform him of her passing. He made an appointment for the following day to have the will read. He knew the basics, that he and Jean were sole beneficiaries but, apart from the house, which Cath was to live in for as long as she wanted, he didn't know what that meant.

Jean smiled when she entered the house, he was playing the piano and occasionally she could hear an extra note, must have Colin on his knee, she thought.

'Is that the doctor, playing?' Cathleen asked.

Jean nodded, '...and Colin by the sound of it.'

'Ladies,' he greeted them cheerfully, 'here we go, Colin, mummy's brought your togs.' He handed Colin over to Cathleen who took him up to the bathroom to be washed and dressed.

'I've made an appointment with the solicitor to have the will read. Tomorrow at two,' He kissed her cheek, 'that alright for you?'

'Yes, I think so,' Jean tipped her head in thought, 'don't think I've anything planned.'

'Good, Cathleen needs to come too, he says.'

'Of course.' Jean had an image of three small children crawling over the solicitor's office and wondered if Mattie was free for an hour.

Dinner that evening was a sombre affair, Agatha Huston had been loved by the whole household. Mattie shed some tears that night. Charlie held her tight and let her fall asleep in his arms, as she did every night. They still slept in their own rooms most nights, single beds were not conducive for two people to get a decent night's sleep, every night.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mattie was not free to mind the children so they had to go with their parents to see the solcitor.

There wasn't enough room for the pram so Jean and Lucien took a twin each and Colin held his mother's hand tightly. The office was crowded but the solicitor was a family man and rather liked the little group in front of him.

'Well, well, well,' he beamed, putting Cathleen at her ease, she had rather worried that someone like a solicitor would be rather posh! 'Such lovely people, Agatha said as much. Said she had at last found her family'. Cathleen bit her lip to stop the tears.

'Now, then.' He put his glasses on and opened the document. 'I believe Mrs Huston made you aware, Mrs Blake, of the basic terms of her will, that you and Dr Blake inherit everything.'

'She did.' Jean agreed, 'I was very shocked, and rather embarrassed.'

'So I believe.' He beamed, 'Mrs Huston did make another trip to see me, after she had spoken to you about not adding a codicil regarding Cathleen Watson. However, she did. Not that she didn't trust you, any of you, but she just thought it would be better if she did everything properly.'

I'm so glad,' Jean smiled, 'if anyone were to challenge her wishes it's nice to have the whole thing tied up legally.'

'Indeed.' He looked again at the document, 'Now, the house is for your use for as long as you want it, Miss Watson. You are to pay rent to Dr and Mrs Blake, at a rate they deem appropriate. When Miss Watson leaves, of her own free will, for another position or to marry or whatever, then the house is to be used however you wish it, Mrs Blake, doctor.' He nodded.

He continued, the jewellery was for Jean to do with as she saw fit, and there was a financial bequest to them of fifteen thousand pound for the Blakes and five thousand for Cathleen. Her final bequests were one hundred pounds each for the children, including Mrs Blake's unborn child.

'All her bills are paid, the funeral has been paid for...' He looked up, Cathleen was open mouthed with shock, Jean was holding Genevieve just a little too tight and the baby began to whimper. She grabbed Lucien's hand and looked at him. 'That, doctor, ladies, is the Last Will and Testament of Agatha Louise Huston.' He sat back.

Cathleen was the first to speak, or rather stutter,' I can't take all that money.'

'You can, dear,' Jean whispered, 'and you must. Mrs Huston wanted you to be settled, she believed in you, and so do I.'

'Mrs Huston was always a generous woman,' Lucien acknowledged, 'but this is beyond anything I thought she would have. For the children too.'

'Agatha, as you know, had no children, and no other living family after her husband passed. She regarded you as her family, and loved you accordingly.' The solicitor smiled, 'I did ask her if there were any other bequests she thought she should make but she said that, largely, the people of Ballarat considered her a batty old bird; her words; and rarely afforded her the time of day. So it was only right that her 'adopted' family should benefit. You were always unfailingly kind to her she only wanted to repay you.'

As they left the office, still in shock, Lucien thanked the man for his time. He would contact him to see to any paperwork and the transfer of the finances.

Lucien drove them all home, where Jean made tea although even she felt like a whisky, quite a large one!

They sat round the table, helping the children with their milk and biscuits, staring at each other.

'Dr Blake,' Cathleen broke the silence. 'What do I do now, about the money I mean?'

'You have a bank account so at first it can be deposited in there and I'll help you open a savings account for Colin when I do the ones for the twins. ' Lucien smiled at her. 'I'll have to do the last one when it arrives.' He nodded towards Jean's bump. 'I would advise you don't broadcast your good fortune, though.'

'Oh, right.' Cathleen thought for a moment, 'do you think people will try to take money from me?'

'Some people give you a hard luck story, and will ask to borrow from you, you'll never get it back, and it's your money, Mrs Huston gave it to you so you are settled.' Lucien explained, he was worried she would be seen as a soft touch. 'You could open a savings account for yourself and put most of it in there. It will earn interest, make money for you, for a special occasion, or for Colin's education.'

'How?' Cathleen had only just got used to being able to buy Colin new clothes and a little for herself, she had no idea about money and interest.

'Well,' Lucien smiled, 'say you put one thousand pounds in a savings account and it earned five percent a year, then the first year it would have grown to one thousand and fifty pounds. Then each year it would grow a little more.'

'So by doing nothing I earn money.' Cath gazed in wonder at the doctor.

'Well, yes,' Jean butted in, 'you'd be awfully bored though.'

'Oh, I didn't mean...' Cath blushed.

'I know.' Jean touched her hand and smiled. She suddenly thought about the jewellery box, that was currently sitting on the dresser in her bedroom. She fetched it and opened it up.

'I want you to have some of her jewellery.' Jean looked at her. 'I want you to choose, what you would like.'

'I don't go anywhere to wear jewellery.' Cathleen smiled.

'So what,' Jean pulled out a locket, 'you might, one day.' She put the locket round her neck.

'It's so pretty.' Cathleen lifted it up, it was oval, engraved with a flower. Opening it up it was designed to hold a photograph.

'You could put a picture of Colin in there.' Jean smiled.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mattie took the time off for Agatha's funeral, Charlie babysat.

It was a simple funeral, held at the graveside, where she was laid to rest with her husband. It was all she wanted, no fuss. Each of the adults there threw a rose onto the coffin, all cut from her garden, then they went back to the Blake's to toast her memory. Lucien insisted they each have a glass of Champagne and they raised a glass to Agatha Louise Huston, the most generous person they had ever met. Jean suddenly started to giggle.

'Honestly, woman,' Lucien teased, 'can't hold your drink.'

'I think it's given the baby hiccups.' She ran her hand over her bump and the giggle became a laugh, everybody joined in, it was just as Mrs Huston would have wanted.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jean lay curled up against Lucien,

'Lucien,' she purred, 'if this one is a girl can I call it Alice Louise?'

'I suppose so, but why?'

'Alice, for Alice, because she told me the news and put me straight.' Jean smiled, 'and Louise for Mrs Huston, don't really fancy Agatha.'

He laughed, 'How did Alice put you straight?' She had never told him what Alice had said to her that day she had come for a cuppa and Lucien had got all muddy at Gong Gong.

'She made me see that it was perfectly possible to go to Europe with three small children if we hired a nanny, some young girl who would like to travel.' Jean lifted her head and looked at him. 'I asked her if she was offering, but she said she'd take the surgery on, it would be easier that three small children and, ahem, you.'

Lucien laughed, 'Alice, you are a genius.'

'What?'

'Well, she's right.' Lucien pointed out the obvious. 'Why not? The money Agatha bequeathed us will go a long way to the trip, in fact, if I put it in an investment account it will probably pay for it and go towards the cost of the nanny.'

'How about Cathleen?' Jean suggested, admittedly in the heat of the moment, 'I know it means taking Colin too, but...'

'Lor' it'll be like taking a whole battalion at this rate.' He kissed her.

'Well, we have time to think about it, and Cathleen may have moved on by then.'

'She may,' Lucien agreed and lay on his back, 'she may not.' He put his arm under and round Jean and pulled her as close as he could.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sorry I killed Agatha off. She is based on a wonderful lady I knew, who passed in January, my friend and my support while my partner was terminally ill.

Dedicated to Jeanette, Gran to all the children who knew her.