A/N: Hi everyone. Thank you for continuing to read and support this story, and for your patience. This chapter will clear up the loose ends regarding Phryne's decision, and the consequences of that decision will be explored in the following chapters. I understand that the last few chapters have been very slow, angsty and emotionally fraught for the characters, and I have been concerned about this leading them to become OOC (particularly Jack, whose dialogue I am finding quite tricky at the moment!) but hopefully the coming chapters will rectify this issue. I am also going to try and make the chapters shorter, as they are getting fairly lengthy. If you notice any OOCness/inconsistences/issues please do let me know, and I'll do everything I can to correct it. Constructive criticism is always appreciated.
Thank you!
HQ21
Phryne walked down the corridor and back towards the dining room, opening the door slowly and calmly walking inside. Jack turned to look at her as she walked in, his gentle eyes meeting hers as she closed the door behind her. She felt relieved to find that he was looking at her with a kind and reassuring expression, devoid of anger or annoyance that he could (quite justifiably) be feeling under the circumstances. She walked slowly back towards the table and took up her seat beside him, finding her nervousness increasing notably due to their proximity. She inhaled sharply and turned towards him.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Jack" she said sincerely. "I was shocked and scared and I was struggling to come to terms with the news of my pregnancy" she added, watching as Jack nodded gently in understanding and continued to watch her attentively. "I was terrified" she admitted. "I didn't know what to do, I was trying to process the information myself" she continued, her eyes meeting his. "But I couldn't let you find out like that. I didn't want to subject you to-"
"You don't have to explain, Phryne" he responded kindly, watching as her bright eyes stared deeply into his own. "I'd imagine the news came as quite a shock, and it's perfectly understandable that you needed some time to process it" he added. "But I don't want you to worry about me in this, alright?" he stated gently. "I don't want you to feel like you are alone, not for a moment."
"I don't" Phryne replied honestly, as Jack's hand clasped hers gently, causing her body to resonate with warmth. She offered him a small smile. "Thank you." Jack nodded in response to her statement and offered her a warm smile, his eyes surveying her face and finding signs of nervousness and unease. "Would you come to the hospital appointment with me?" she asked, her eyes meeting his. Jack squeezed her hand tighter, knowing how she hated appearing vulnerable or dependent, and knowing how difficult it must be for her to ask the question.
"Of course I will" he said gently. Phryne smiled slightly and appeared visibly relieved.
"Thank you, Jack" she replied. Jack squeezed her hand tighter in response.
Before either of them could speak, their attention was drawn to the door leading to the kitchen, as Mr Butler walked into the dining room with Phryne's toast and some fresh coffee. The scent of toast was absolutely divine and awoke a hunger in Phryne which she had not realised existed.
"You are wonderful Mr B" she smiled, picking up a piece of toast and buttering it liberally. Mr Butler smiled.
"Will that be all, Miss?"
"Yes, thank you" she replied, placing the knife beside her and taking a bite of the hot toast. The taste was deliciously comforting and she savoured every bite, finishing the first slice before Mr B had got back into the kitchen. Jack suppressed a small smile.
After Phryne had eaten three slices of toast and consumed two cups of strong coffee, she and Jack went into the parlour and continued their conversation from the previous night. They discussed potential security measures for the house, staff and themselves, which would protect the baby during and after Phryne's pregnancy. The subject made Phryne feel on edge and uncharacteristically nervous, but it needed to be addressed and they discussed their options thoroughly. Throughout their conversation Phryne kept an eye on the clock on the mantelpiece, her stomach clenching as the minutes wore on. The prospect of going to a medical appointment at the hospital was unsettling, and it made the situation seem frighteningly more real than it had done previously. Although Phryne had moved beyond considering her pregnancy and the baby as a concept, she had been able to establish a certain degree of detachment from reality when discussing it, as a self-protection measure which stopped her from completely falling apart. But the protective bubble she had created for herself would be burst the moment she walked into that examination room. Mac had examined her before when she collapsed, but she had been unconscious for the entire time and therefore remained oblivious throughout. The prospect of being officially examined in a hospital, with examination tables, medical equipment and those hideous, uncomfortable gowns filled Phryne with dread, with everything now seeming frighteningly too real. And what if the examination revealed that there was something wrong with the baby? Her stomach tightened at the thought. She had had a very stressful week since discovering her condition, and she had hardly been relaxing during the first couple of months of her pregnancy. She had been partying, drinking, attacked on multiple occasions, working constantly and eating very little. She was constantly feeling nauseous and tired and her nerves were on edge, which couldn't be healthy for her or the baby. She was struggling to keep anything down at all, and gave the toast she had consumed another hour or so (which she decided was a generous estimation) before she found herself being violently sick yet again. Suddenly, Phryne found memories of everything that had happened over the past two months which could pose a risk to her pregnancy came flooding to her mind, causing her to pale and her eyes to widen. Jack, who noticed her rising discomfort, called her name gently and drew her from her thoughts.
"Phryne?" he said, causing her to blink once and turn back towards him with an expectant expression. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine" she lied, her voice calm and almost believable; but her paleness and the fear in her eyes gave her away. She knew that Jack had sensed the lie and quickly turned her attention towards the clock. "It's almost ten-thirty, we should get ready to leave" she explained gently, rising from her seat. Jack rose with her and reached for her arm.
"Phryne" he said, his voice low and kind. She turned towards him with an unreadable expression. "What's wrong?" he asked gently. Phryne stared at him for a moment before inhaling sharply, knowing that it would be pointless to try and deny her rising anxiety.
"The appointment, I…" she began, breaking off as she realised that she was unable to put her fears into words. She sighed in frustration.
"It's alright" Jack reassured her, his gentle voice soothing her instantly. "It's just routine, it's nothing to worry about" he added. "We just need to make sure that you and the baby are alright" he explained.
The words sounded so strange to Phryne, especially coming from Jack's lips. She looked up into his eyes, grateful that he had addressed the concerns which she felt unable to put into words.
"Mac and I will be with you, and you're going to be fine" he assured her. She nodded in understanding and offered him a small smile.
"I'll just get my coat" she said, running her hand down his arm before turning and leaving the room.
Phryne walked towards the coat stand and picked up her coat, cloche and bag, checking the items were inside it and securing it shut. Jack emerged from the parlour and collected his own garments, helping Phryne into her coat before putting his own on. Just as they were about to leave Mr Butler emerged from the dining room.
"Ah, Mr Butler" Phryne breathed, her bright eyes meeting his. "Jack and I are going out for a short while, but we shan't be long" she said pleasantly, Jack noting that her tone was devoid of the fear and hesitation it had borne just a few minutes before. Mr Butler nodded in understanding.
"Of course, Miss" he said, before disappearing into the parlour.
Phryne swallowed hard, adjusted her cloche and picked up her bag.
"Ready?" she asked, her eyes meeting Jack's as she turned to face him. He nodded. "You don't object to me driving, do you Inspector?" she asked.
"I always object to you driving, Miss Fisher" he replied dryly, putting on his hat and following her towards the front door. Phryne smirked and led him onto the street and towards her beloved car.
Phryne had seemed calm and composed during the drive to the hospital, but when she pulled up outside and looked towards the building she hesitated for a moment, before inhaling deeply and easing herself out of the car. Jack watched her silently, getting out of the car and following her into the building, where she led him down the familiar corridor and towards the maternity department.
Phryne's heart was racing and she felt very nauseous, but she walked confidently down the corridor beside Jack and stepped into the maternity department. As soon as she cast her eyes around the room and smelled the clean and sterile scents of the department she felt her stomach tighten, and she resisted a strong urge to turn around and head back towards the car. Jack must have sensed her anxiety as he placed his hand gently upon the centre of her back, which drew her back into the present with a start, and she continued to walk into the department, which was surprisingly empty. As she quickly scanned the room and confirmed that no one was there, the sound of a door opening drew her attention towards Mac's office. Phryne watched as Mac stepped out of her office first, closely followed by a woman slightly younger than Phryne who was clearly heavily pregnant. Phryne's eyes drifted to her stomach and she felt anxiety grip her once more, as the startling reality of her situation struck her with an almost physical force. She managed to recover herself quickly and returned the smile of the young woman as she walked past her, her hand placed tentatively over her prominent stomach. Phryne exhaled sharply.
"Phryne, Jack" Mac said pleasantly as she walked towards them, causing Phryne to fix her attention upon her friend. "Thank you for coming at such short notice" she added.
"Not at all" Phryne returned. "Thank you for making the time to see me" she said, forcing a small smile. Mac nodded.
"Shall we?" she asked, gesturing towards the door to her office. Phryne nodded and began to follow her, before feeling Jack's hand upon her arm, gently tugging her towards him. She turned around and looked up at him.
"Would you like me to come in with you or-"
"Yes" Phryne interceded, the haste of her response causing her to falter slightly. "Sorry, I… If you'd rather wait outside then-"
"No, I… I'd like to come with you but I'd understand if you wanted to be-"
"It's fine, Jack" she said gently, offering him a reassuringly look which calmed him. "Come on" she encouraged, leading him into the room.
Phryne cast a curious glance around the familiar room as she entered, as though she were seeing it for the first time; really seeing it. She heard Mac close the door behind them and watched as she headed towards her desk, gesturing for Phryne and Jack to sit before her. They complied, removing their coats and hats before taking up seats opposite Mac and looking up at her expectantly.
"How have you been feeling, Phryne?" Mac asked gently, opening a manila folder in front of her and removing the cap from her fountain pen. Phryne, who felt she had just entered a Police interrogation, shrugged her shoulders slightly.
"Fine" she replied simply. Mac stared at her for a moment and Phryne could feel Jack's eyes upon her. She sighed. "I've been quite nauseous lately and incredibly tired" she admitted. Mac watched her intently for a moment and then nodded.
"How frequently do you experience the nausea?" she asked. Phryne considered the question for a few moments, and felt acutely aware of Jack's proximity to her. She swallowed.
"I feel nauseous several times a day, but I'm not always sick" she explained. Mac nodded.
"When do you feel most nauseous?" she asked. Phryne reflected.
"Mostly in the mornings and early afternoon" she responded, "or whenever someone cooks red meat" she sighed, memories of the smell causing her to pale slightly.
"How's your appetite?" Mac asked gently. Phryne faltered. "Phryne" Mac encouraged, her voice low and kind.
"It's not" Phryne replied. "I feel hungry quite often but I can't seem to keep anything down" she explained. She could sense Jack's concerned eyes upon her. "I'm sure it's only temporary" she placated, as she turned to meet his gaze. "I'm fine." Jack nodded slowly and then looked towards Mac.
"It is quite common to experience varying degrees of nausea and tiredness during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester" she explained. "Many women find the levels reduce after twelve weeks, so hopefully you'll begin to feel slightly better in a couple of weeks' time." Phryne nodded absently. "But until such a time, it's important that you keep hydrated, and try to eat" Mac added tentatively.
"Yes, of course" Phryne replied, clasping her hands in her lap.
"Have you been experiencing any symptoms which have concerned you since I last examined you?" Mac asked.
"Such as?" Phryne responded.
"Any abdominal cramping or bleeding?"
"No" Phryne returned promptly.
"Any dizziness or fainting?" Mac asked. Phryne's lips parted slightly and she looked up at Mac with some hesitation.
"I've experienced the occasional bout of dizziness but I haven't fainted" she replied gently. Mac nodded, and Phryne turned towards Jack once more, who was watching her with concern.
"It's perfectly normal, Jack" Mac said gently, causing him to nod in response.
"And given the fact that I haven't been able to eat much over the past week or so it's hardly surprising" Phryne added, as she looked at Jack with a warm expression. Jack nodded slightly.
"Is there anything you are able to eat?" he asked gently. Phryne considered the question for a moment.
"Toast, apparently" she replied lightly, finding herself slightly surprised by the fact that she had managed to retain her breakfast. "Black coffee is also rather wonderful at compensating for my lack of appetite" she added.
"Phryne, I'd like you to try and cut down on your caffeine intake" Mac said gently, causing Phryne to turn towards her with wide eyes. "High levels of caffeine aren't good for the baby" she explained. Phryne's lips parted and she seemed poised to speak, before sighing and nodding in response.
"Very well, Mac" she replied gently, knowing that Mac would not make such a suggestion if she did not feel it necessary; although it was challenging enough to give up alcohol, she'd miss her strong coffee significantly more, but she would give it up in a heartbeat if it posed a danger to the baby. "Though I fear I'll spend the next seven months in a comatose state" she added drily.
"If you feel tired you should allow yourself to rest, especially given the trauma you sustained and the hectic nature of your work and personal life" Mac suggested tentatively. Phryne nodded absently in agreement, her anxiety over her pregnancy returning to her and making her feel slightly nauseous; she always did as she wanted, eating and drinking whatever she felt like without worrying about the consequences, but that freedom was no longer afforded to her. She had always prided herself on the fact that she could attend a function or party one evening, return in the early hours and be fully functional the next morning even if she was awoken at the most ungodly of hours; but now she found herself feeling very much out of touch with her own body, and her loss of control in some of these areas of her life left her feeling very unsettled. It was almost as though her body was no longer her own; and not only did she have to share it, but she was responsible for the baby which was growing inside her, and completely dependent on her and the decisions she would make, a prospect which Phryne found terrifying. Phryne found her hands encased by Jack's, who clasped them gently in his, which sobered her instantly. She banished these thoughts immediately and resolved not to mention them, knowing how selfish and how ridiculous they sounded. Instead she returned her attention to Mac, who was still talking. "Are you sleeping alright?" Mac asked. Phryne considered the question for a moment and nodded.
"Yes, I believe so" she replied. "It feels like I spend more of my time asleep than I do awake."
"Do you find yourself feeling tired earlier than usual in the evenings or are you falling asleep during the day?" Mac asked.
"Both" Phryne replied, remembering the occasions in the past week (and longer) where she found herself falling asleep in the parlour just before dinner, or heading to her room before 8pm.
"That's perfectly normal" Mac reassured her. "As I said, many women notice an improvement after twelve weeks. Some of them report feeling an increase in energy."
"I'm fine, really" Phryne stated confidently. "When I'm awake I'm perfectly alright and I feel relatively normal" she added. "But when I have the slightest opportunity to sleep my body seems to crave it." Mac nodded in understanding and made some additional notes in a file before her, which Phryne glanced at curiously.
"Okay" Mac replied, as she wrote some notes on the file and then looked up towards Phryne. "Is there anything you wanted to ask me, or anything you're worried about?"
A thousand questions entered Phryne's mind, questions about the baby, her body, pregnancy in general, and a plethora of other subjects. Her ignorance on these subjects worried her, but the answers to her questions concerned her even more. She wasn't ready to ask these questions yet, she didn't want to subject Jack to any more of her hysteria, and she knew that as soon as she posed the first of her questions the others would come flooding out too. She wasn't ready. She wasn't.
"No, I don't believe so" she lied. Mac considered her for several moments before nodding slowly.
"Alright" she said gently, her eyes meeting Phryne's. "What I'd like to do next is take your blood pressure, heart rate and a blood sample for tests" she explained. "It's nothing to worry about, it's purely procedural." Phryne nodded in understanding.
"Where do you want me?" she asked lightly. Mac rose from her seat.
"If you could make your way over to the examination table and sit down we can begin" Mac replied gently.
Jack removed his hand from Phryne's and she rose from her seat, walking towards the examination table and pushing herself onto it, perching on the edge and tucking one leg behind the other. Jack had risen from his seat and walked with her, and was now standing a few feet away, watching her with a warm and reassuring expression which calmed her slightly. Mac took Phryne's blood pressure, listened to her heart and recorded both numbers on her file. She then took a sample of her blood and labelled it, placing it on a tray beside the examination table. Phryne and Jack both looked up at her expectantly.
"Your blood pressure is slightly low, but it's nothing to worry about" Mac informed Phryne, who stared at her for a few moments. "It's very common in pregnancy, and it's only slightly lower than I'd like. We'll keep an eye on it, okay?" Phryne nodded automatically in response.
"Are there any symptoms we should be looking out for?" Jack asked tentatively, causing both women to turn towards him.
"Dizziness and fainting would be the main ones, but they are also common symptoms in pregnancy" Mac explained gently, before offering the Inspector a reassuring expression. "But Phryne's blood pressure is only slightly low and we will continue to monitor it."
"It's alright, Jack" Phryne said gently, offering him a small smile, as she concealed her own concerns regarding the fact. "If Mac thought it was anything to worry about she'd tell us."
"Of course" Jack responded, looking from Phryne to Mac. "Thank you, Dr Macmillan."
"It's my pleasure" she replied sincerely, offering Phryne a warm smile. "Your heart rate is absolutely perfect" she added. Phryne nodded in understanding. "What I'd like to do now is examine your abdomen, alright?"
Phryne nodded in response, planting her palms upon the examination table and inhaling deeply.
"If you can just lie back for me" Mac encouraged, as Phryne brought her legs around and onto the table, before moving into the correct position and lying down. Jack moved so that he was standing near her head, just a foot or so from her.
Phryne lay back and looked up at the ceiling, staring at the tiles as she felt her heart racing in her chest, and that sickening feeling of nausea return to her. She gripped the edge of the table with her right hand and held on tightly to calm herself. She heard Mac talking to her and place her hands on her blouse, undoing several buttons to reveal her abdomen. Phryne nodded in assent to Mac's questions, feeling her undo the top button of her trousers and pull them down an inch or so. Mac then moved to stand beside Phryne's abdomen, placing her warm hands upon it as she began her examination. Phryne's breath caught in her throat.
Jack, who had noticed Phryne's anxiety, took a step closer to her and reached for her hand, which slowly released its grip on the edge of the table and clasped his tightly in response. She felt tense and warm and trembled slightly, and Jack looked up to her face and found that she was staring up at the ceiling, before lowering her eyes to her abdomen, her expression softening.
"The bruising is going down nicely, and everything appears to be fine" Mac said gently, her calm and reassuring tone soothing Phryne, who felt relief flood her. "Do you feel any tenderness at all?" she asked.
"No" Phryne replied, shaking her head slightly as she spoke. Mac nodded and drew her blouse back across her, before looking up at Phryne.
"Phryne, I need to examine you more intimately" she explained delicately, her eyes travelling from her friend to Jack. Phryne inhaled sharply and nodded in understanding, as Jack gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
"I'll be outside, alright?" he said gently, causing Phryne to turn towards him and nod.
"Alright" she replied gently, as he leaned down towards her and kissed her on the forehead, the gesture causing warmth to radiate throughout her body.
Mac smiled warmly as Phryne's eyes met his, her expression becoming calming and more content than it had been since she entered the room. Jack then stood up tall and squeezed her hand once more, before slowly removing his hand from hers and leaving the room, closing it behind him with a gentle click. Phryne turned her attention from the closed door to Mac, who was watching her with a warm and reassuring expression. Mac wanted to talk to Phryne about Jack and the revelation of her pregnancy, but her priority was her patient's wellbeing, and she could see from Phryne's barely-concealed anxiety that she was absolutely terrified.
"I just need you to remove your shoes, trousers and underwear and then I can begin the examination" Mac said gently, watching as Phryne nodded automatically in response. "It won't take long" she reassured her. Phryne offered her a weak smile and eased herself off of the examination table, as Mac handed her a blanket and drew a screen across, shielding the area from the rest of the room. "Take your time" she said gently, placing her hand upon Phryne's arm, before turning and walking back towards her desk.
Phryne dropped the blanket onto the bed and quickly removed her clothing, placing it upon a chair beside her, before easing herself back onto the table. She could hear the sound of running water and Mac walking across the room, which caused her stomach to tighten. She draped the thin blanket across her thighs, and sat in the centre of the bed staring at the screen for several moments, her anxiety gripping her. She released several short breaths and stared up at the ceiling to calm herself, before inhaling sharply and turning towards Mac's desk.
"Mac" she called gently, relieved to find that her voice sounded both confident and assured, despite the rising feeling of apprehension she was experiencing. Mac appeared within seconds and offered her a warm smile.
"Are you ready?" she asked tentatively. Phryne nodded immediately in response. "Okay, sweetheart. I need you to lie back for me, alright? Try to relax" she said gently.
Phryne complied, leaning back against the examination table once more and gripping the edge of it with her right hand, draping her left forearm instinctively across her abdomen. Mac noticed this and looked from Phryne's arm to her face, which bore signs of tension and concealed anxiety. She looked up at her.
"Phryne" she said gently, causing her friend to look towards her immediately. "It's alright" she said gently, watching as Phryne nodded in agreement. "I'll be as quick as I can, but if you want me to stop at any time just tell me." Phryne swallowed and nodded once more, before inhaling deeply and staring up towards the ceiling.
Mac gently encouraged Phryne's legs apart, into a curious position that Phryne found slightly uncomfortable, as she began the examination. During the brief examination Phryne found her heart racing and her stomach clenching, as memories of everything she had done or experienced over the past two months which could compromise her pregnancy came flooding back to her, including her own recent hysteria and nutritional neglect. Her breath caught in her throat at her thought and she bit the inside of her cheek, as guilt from her actions and her omissions began to flood through her. Her self-condemning mind was only brought back to the present by the sound of Mac's voice, and the feeling of her hand upon her leg.
"Phryne" she called again, prompting her friend to blink and look down towards her, lowering her legs onto the table. "Everything's fine, sweetheart" she assured her. Mac watched as Phryne visibly relaxed at the news, sighing in relief and leaning back against the examination table, feeling dizzy with relief. "All is as it should be, and there are no signs of bleeding" she added gently.
"Thank you, Mac" she said, her voice low and gentle. She then pushed herself into a sitting position and drew the blanket across her legs, feeling suddenly conscious of her state of undress.
"How are you, Phryne?" Mac asked suddenly, causing her friend to look up at her expectantly. "Really" she added. Phryne considered the question for a moment before offering Mac a warm smile.
"I'm fine" she replied, her features calm and her voice sincere. Mac was relieved to find that she believed her.
"And the inspector?" Mac prompted gently.
Phryne nodded, having anticipated this question and finding herself grateful that she had someone else to discuss the matter with. She pushed herself into a sitting position and watched as her friend walked slowly towards her, leaning against the examination table and planting her palms onto it, before angling herself so that she was facing Phryne. Mac looked at Phryne with a warm expression.
"Jack seems to have taken the news very well" Mac said gently, watching as Phryne inhaled sharply and slowly nodded.
"Yes" Phryne replied gently, her memories of her conversation with him and his immediate reassurances and attempts to console her returning to the forefront of her mind. "Yes, he did" she added, before outlining the conversation they shared to Mac, who listened attentively, nodding at intervals but remaining completely silent throughout. Phryne revealed the discussion in full, including her admission about the incident in the Windsor. As Phryne neared the end of her speech she looked nervously into her friend's eyes and inhaled sharply. "He asked me to marry him, Mac" she said gently. Mac nodded in response and offered her a reassuring look.
"Yes, I thought he would" Mac stated gently.
"So did I" Phryne replied. Mac looked up at her with a warm expression.
"And how do you feel about that?" Mac asked tentatively. Phryne sighed gently.
"Jack is a good, kind, wonderful man" she began, her face brightening as she spoke of him. "He has this innate sense of duty and obligation, an almost physical requirement to always do the right thing" she added solemnly, her eyes meeting Mac's. "I don't want to trap him, Mac. I've lived my life fighting against convention and various attempts to get me to conform to what society expects me to do" she added. "I don't want Jack to experience that too. I won't allow him to be subjected to that." Mac turned towards Phryne and looked at her with kind and gentle eyes.
"Jack is a good man" she said simply. "He is noble and kind and intelligent, and he is both morally and professionally bound to act with decorum and duty" she explained, watching as Phryne nodded solemnly in response. "But he also loves you passionately" she added, the declaration taking Phryne quite by surprise, causing her to look up at her friend with a quizzical look. "You can tell from the way he is around you, the way he's always been around you" she continued. "I don't doubt that Jack feels a duty to care for you and this baby, but I am certain that he is not acting solely out of obligation or social requirement" she stated with conviction. "He loves you, Phryne" she stated sincerely. "God help him" she added lightly, causing a small smile to play on Phryne's lips. "And I think that you love him too" she ventured gently, watching as her friend met her gaze with clear, bright eyes. "But due to circumstance and other factors, neither of you were able to act on that until quite recently" she added gently, Phryne's eyes remaining fixed upon hers. "Perhaps this baby is giving you both the opportunity that you've been denying yourselves" she said gently, watching as Phryne inhaled sharply in response.
"Jack said something very similar just last night" she replied. "I know that, under the circumstances, marriage does seem like the obvious option" she explained candidly, her heart racing as she spoke. "But Jack has always done everything he can to respect my independence, to not change a single thing about me, despite how infuriating and insufferable some of my actions can be" she added. "For me to trap him as my family and as society has tried to trap me would be unbearably cruel and completely unjust." Mac leaned closer to Phryne and took her hand.
"Jack loves you" Mac repeated, speaking slowly and with great care. "There is not a doubt in my mind that he proposed out of love, not just some archaic sense of obligation" she added. "Marriage does have profound social benefits for you both, certainly. It will ensure that both of your reputations, and the reputation of this child, remain intact and inscrutable" she explained. "You and Jack have this… affinity, this indescribable connection which is so powerful it's almost tangible. I can feel it whenever I'm in the same room as you both" she continued. "I know we've never discussed it outright, but I can tell how deeply you care for him, it's clear, Phryne" she said gently. "You are both emotionally connected and devoted to each other in a way which is even stronger than marriage" she added. "You wouldn't be trapping him, Phryne, and you wouldn't be trapped either. In a way, such a union would allow you both to be freer than you otherwise could be" she stated. "The irony of which I fully appreciated" she added lightly, causing the pensive Phryne to stifle a small laugh. Mac looked at her with a kind and warm expression. "I know that the prospect of marriage terrifies you, and it's something you've always been averse to" she stated candidly. "But you and Jack are already deeply committed to each other and this child in a way that supersedes any legal document" she explained. "As you said, Jack would never try and change you or alter you, or fit you into that tiny little box which polite society believes that married women should occupy" she added, her tone adopting a mildly annoying edge at her social critique. "But it is your decision, Phryne. And whatever you decide to do I will support you completely" she stated, feeling Phryne squeeze her hand in response.
Phryne, who had been quite lost in Mac's words and who had acknowledged the truth in them, felt herself calming beneath her friend's touch and her counsel.
"Thank you, Mac" she replied gently, before leaning forward and wrapping her arms around her, and pulling her into a warm embrace. A few moments later Phryne removed herself from the hug and inhaled sharply. "I should get dressed. Could you please let Jack know that everything is alright, and bring him into the room in a minute or so? He's probably having several litters of kittens outside" she added. Mac smiled and assured her that she would, walking across the room and washing her hands before heading towards the door, which Phryne heard close gently behind her.
Mac stepped into the waiting area and found Jack examining a painting on the wall beside her office. Upon hearing her approach him he turned around and walked towards her.
"How is she?" he asked, his voice low and calm, but nervousness present in his eyes.
"She is absolutely fine" Mac replied warmly.
"And the baby?" Jack prompted, the word still feeling strange to him when he uttered it.
"Perfectly healthy" Mac responded immediately. "Everything is progressing as normal. I'll send off her blood for tests and we'll have the results within the week. I'll make sure I see her frequently and we'll keep an eye on how she's doing" Mac reassured him. She inhaled sharply and looked into Jack's eyes. "We both know how dedicated Phryne is to her work, and how she often finds herself in fairly… interesting situations" she stated delicately. Jack nodded in concern. "The first three months of pregnancy are very risky, for Phryne and the baby" she explained. "It's important that she is as calm and relaxed, that she eats well and rests frequently, and is subjected to as little stress as possible" she added. "I appreciate what a herculean task that will be" she stated lightly, offering him a knowing look, "but she listens to you, and she trusts you implicitly". Jack nodded in understanding.
"I'll make sure she's alright" he responded with conviction, "that they're both alright" he corrected. Mac looked at him warmly and nodded.
"I don't doubt it, Inspector" she replied politely, offering him a reassuring smile. "Would you like to come back inside?" Jack nodded in response and Mac led him back into the room.
By the time they re-entered the room Phryne had dressed herself and moved the screen back to its original position, and was walking across the room back towards Mac's desk when the door opened. She looked up and watched as Mac stepped to the side slightly, allowing Jack into the room and closing the door behind them. Jack walked up to Phryne and their eyes met, and he felt relieved at the look of calmness and contentment which she bore, her expression now clear from anxiety and apprehension. She nodded in response to his unasked question and felt his hand on the centre of her back as he guided her back towards their chairs, which they stood behind. Mac perched herself on the edge of her desk and looked down upon them.
"As I've explained to Jack, I will send your blood off for tests and we should have the results within a week" she stated gently. Phryne nodded in understanding. "In the meantime, I want you to try and rest as much as you need, eat as much as you feel able to, and keep hydrated" she explained. "If you could avoid escaped prisoners, knife-wielding kidnappers and murderous villains I would also be very much obliged" she added gently, earning a nod from Jack and a playful eye-roll from Phryne, who sensed that Mac would discuss her concerns over her safety and wellbeing with Jack; which was a prospect which filled her with warmth, not annoyance.
"Of course" Jack responded, prompting Phryne to look up at him. She sighed gently and turned back towards Mac.
"I'll certainly try, Mac" she stated, removing her coat from the back of her chair and putting it on. "Thank you" she said sincerely, as Mac picked her cloche up from her desk and handed it to her.
"My pleasure" she replied with conviction. "I'd like to see you again in around two weeks' time, which will be just before you reach twelve weeks. I'll call you later to schedule the appointment" she stated, and Phryne nodded in response. "If you have any questions or any concerns, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, call me straight away" she stated imploringly, her intelligent eyes staring into Phryne's.
"I will" Phryne replied, watching as Mac's gaze upon her intensified. "I will" she repeated confidently. Mac nodded.
"Thank you, Mac" Jack stated, extending his hand, which she shook.
"Not at all" she smiled, before walking Jack and Phryne out of the office. "I'll speak to you soon" she said to Phryne, placing her hand upon her arm. Phryne nodded and kissed her on the cheek, before being led from the department by Jack. Mac watched them both walk away together and found herself wondering what Phryne's decision would be, recalling the conversation she had just had with her friend and noting that she did not mention her own concerns or distaste about the prospect of marriage.
Phryne and Jack walked down the now familiar corridor, through the hospital and outside, where the fresh air drifted lightly across Phryne's skin and cooled her instantly. She found herself feeling remarkably calmer and much relieved after her appointment, due to Mac's assurances that the baby was alright. Although the prospect of a significant reduction in caffeine concerned her, she dispelled it instantly, resolving to comply with this without issue. Mac's words on the subject of Jack's proposal played heavily on her mind, and she found herself thinking about them deeply, and mirroring her own thoughts remarkably well. By the time they reached the car Phryne felt much more in control and less afraid than she had done less than an hour ago, despite the concerns which still existed within her mind. However, she was notably calmer and visibly more relaxed. She even allowed Jack to drive.
Phryne and Jack arrived back at Phryne's house in St Kilda shortly after midday, and were hanging up their coats when Mr Butler emerged from the kitchen with an apologetic expression upon his face.
"Hello, Mr B" Phryne said warmly, her keen eyes noting his expression. "Something wrong?" Mr Butler gave her a reassuring smile.
"Whilst you were out, Miss Fisher, the Police Station telephoned three times and are quite keen to get hold of the Inspector" he explained, turning towards Jack as he spoke. "I spoke to an Inspector Hawthorne who stated that he needs to speak to you as a matter of urgency regarding the Volenti trial" he explained. Jack sighed and nodded.
"Thank you, Mr Butler" he said, as Mr Butler headed back towards the kitchen. Phryne turned towards him as she hung up her hat,
"Is everything alright?" she asked. Jack looked at her apologetically.
"Carlos Volenti is the head of a local gang whose trial is due to begin next week" he explained. "We apprehended him whilst you were in England and he's been on remand since. He's looking at serious jail time for crimes involving people smuggling, drugs offences and various weapons charges" he added, watching as Phryne nodded and continued to listen attentively. "As you can imagine, we've had several issues arise between his arrest and the trial date, with his trial being adjourned on several occasions for various reasons. Evidence going missing, witnesses disappearing and so on" he said. Phryne nodded.
"I understand" she replied kindly. "You should go." Jack looked up at her with a hesitant expression.
"Under the circumstances, Phryne-"
"Jack, it's fine" she reassured him. "I'm alright, this can wait" she explained gently. "Mr Volenti's trial and imminent imprisonment cannot" she added. Jack considered her for a few moments before nodding reluctantly in agreement.
"Would you mind if I used your telephone?"
"You don't have to ask" she assured him. He nodded almost imperceptibly and turned towards it.
After a brief conversation with Inspector Hawthorne, Jack hung up the phone and walked back towards Phryne.
"Two of the witnesses have disappeared and there are concerns over their safety" he explained. "I've spoken with them both on several occasions and-"
"You don't have to explain" Phryne replied warmly. "Go" she said. Jack inhaled sharply and nodded, before leaning down and kissing her gently upon the cheek. Phryne considered the gesture, noting how ever since she had revealed her condition to him he had adopted an even more tender and gentle approach with her, in terms of gentle touches, lingering kisses and concerned eyes. She resolved to reassure him that she was fine and would not break, and that he did not need to worry; though she felt fairly certain that her efforts would be in vain.
"Are you free this evening?" he asked.
"Always, Jack" she smiled, as he ran his hand lightly down her cheek and nodded, grabbing his hat and coat from the rack and leaving the building.
Phryne inhaled deeply and turned away from the door, finding herself struck by how the quietness of her house seemed to encourage her previously suppressed thought to rise even louder. She placed her hand on her forehead and exhaled sharply, before turning on the spot and heading upstairs and into her bedroom, deciding that a nice hot bath was just what she needed.
Phryne had a long, hot bath, immersing herself completely in the wild rose-scented water and leaning back, closing her eyes and allowing the water to soothe her. She found herself feeling exhausted and completely drained, as she realised that she was alone for the first time since she had revealed the news of her pregnancy to Jack. Her mind went over that conversation yet again, remembering each work, each look, each gesture, and every single one of Jack's promises and reassurances that he would keep them both safe. Will you marry me, Phryne? echoed his voice in her mind, causing her heart to race and her body to tingle with fear mixed with anticipation, before she inhaled sharply and lowered herself deep beneath the water.
Phryne got out of the bath and dried herself quickly, wrapping a robe around her and heading towards her bed. She sat on her side for a moment, before staring at the space where Jack had occupied the night before. She edged herself onto the side which had now become his, and ran her hand across the pillow, before easing herself into a lying position on top of the covers. Phryne's hand remained on the pillow, which was cool and familiar, and smelled strongly of Jack. Comforted by the scent, Phryne nuzzled into the pillow and closed her eyes, finding sleep claiming her almost immediately.
Phryne awoke two hours later and found herself feeling extremely hungry. She pushed herself up on the bed and decided to change before heading downstairs, judging that her current state of dress would surprise even the immovable Mr B. She applied fresh make up and put on a light pink dress with lace detailing and a matching pair of shoes, before selecting a white shawl and heading downstairs. The house was quiet and calm, and Phryne found herself feeling almost unnerved by the apparent lack of activity, and so was relieved when she walked into the dining room to find Mr Butler polishing the silver at the table. He looked up at her and smiled warmly.
"Good afternoon, Miss Fisher" he said brightly. "Would you care for lunch?"
"It's as though you can read my mind" she replied with a smile. Mr B nodded and rose from his seat.
"Is there anything in particular you would like, Miss?" he asked. She considered the question for a moment before answering; she thought that something light would be best, given her stomach's resolution to dispel anything other than buttered toast from her body almost the moment it passed her lips.
"One of your fabulous chicken salads would go down a treat, Mr B, if you wouldn't mind?" she asked, walking over the chair opposite the one he was occupying and drawing it out.
"Not at all, Miss" he replied with a smile. "I'll be back in a few minutes."
Phryne nodded in response and pulled out her chair, sitting at the table and looking at the silverware before her. She found herself reminded of all the times she and Jack had sat at this very table together, their work-related and personal matters being discussed over dinner and candlelight. She remembered how intimate it always felt, even in the beginning, when their relationship was purely platonic. She smiled lightly at the thought. Had it ever truly been platonic? Before she could consider the though further Mr Butler, in his true magician-like style, re-entered the room with a tray containing a delicious plate of freshly-prepared chicken salad, freshly baked bread which had been lightly buttered, and a tall glass of lemon squash, which she had developed a recent fondness for.
"You truly are a blessing, Mr B" Phryne replied with a grateful sigh, as she picked up her fork and began to eat heartily. The salad was light and crisp, the chicken tender, and the dressing divine. Mr Butler watched her appreciatively for a moment before interrupting.
"Should I come back later, Miss?" he asked politely, gesturing to the half-polished silverware on the table. Phryne placed her hand over her mouth and shook her head lightly.
"No, please, continue" she replied gently. "I didn't mean to disturb you."
"Not at all, Miss" he returned, before taking up his seat opposite her and continuing with his task.
Phryne ate the salad and bread within five minutes, and found herself feeling completely sated and not even slightly nauseous, much to her relief! She suspected that such light lunches (and perhaps even dinners) would prove to be fairly frequent from now on.
"That was delicious, Mr B, thank you" she said gently, wiping the side of her mouth with a napkin and taking a sip of the lemon squash. Mr Butler looked up at her.
"You are most welcome, Miss Fisher" he replied. "I'll be out of your way in just a moment, there is only the silver salver and serving spoons left to polish" he explained. Phryne brushed his concern aside and looked at the silverware before her.
"I had no idea that such energy was required to keep the silver so well maintained, Mr B" she explained. "I would've acquired something else had I have known" she added. Mr Butler chuckled lightly.
"It's no problem at all Miss, in fact, it's actually quite calming" he responded, a casual tone entering his usually formal voice. "Mrs Butler used to pride herself on the task, and would say that the quality of the silver said a lot about the quality of the head of the house" he stated proudly. Phryne laughed lightly.
"In that case Mr B, I'd say it would probably be more accurate for the silverware to be left in the sea for seven days, thrown from the top of the Ferris wheel in Luna Park and then used to cut wood with" she replied. Mr Butler looked up at her with a warm expression.
"I'm afraid I'd have to disagree wholeheartedly, Miss Fisher" he said sincerely. Phryne considered his statement with warm eyes, and found herself quite touched. "As would Mrs Butler, I'm sure" he added. Phryne smiled softly.
"What was Mrs Butler like?" she asked tentatively. Mr B looked up at her, his eyes alight and his smile genuine, as he put down the silver he was polishing and the stained rag.
"She was a wonderful woman, Miss, a force to be reckoned with" he said, earning a smile from Phryne. "She was strong and kind and absolutely fearless" he said with admiration. "I think you would have liked her" he added.
"I'm sure I would" Phryne said sincerely, "she sounds like a wonderful woman". Mr Butler nodded in agreement.
"She was" he replied, a small smile upon his face. "We were married for almost forty years" he said proudly. Phryne smiled.
"How lovely" she said gently, the subject of marriage reigniting the questions in her own mind. She inhaled deeply. "Did you always know that you loved her?" she asked, slightly concerned that her questions were becoming too intrusive, but Mr seemed to enjoy talking about his wife. She suspected he got little opportunity nowadays, and the thought saddened her.
"Oh yes, Miss Fisher" he replied with a smile. "I think most people always know" he added, watching as she smiled politely and nodded. He knew that she had seemed distracted lately, and suspected that something was worrying her, which he believed was to do with her relationship with the inspector. Though he would not dream of prying, he wished to reassure her. "Mrs Butler said something about love that I will never forget" he said pensively, prompting Phryne to look up at him with keen eyes.
"Oh?" she asked. "And what was that?" Mr B looked at her and found himself staring into the nervous eyes of a woman who was, quite clearly, desperately in love. His kind expression softened.
"She said that you knew someone not by how you felt in their presence, but in their absence" he said simply, his voice low and gentle, as though he were reciting a prayer or religious sentiment.
Phryne considered the statement for a moment and nodded, as the memory of the pang she felt at Jack's own absence from her household, the lingering scent of him on his pillow being the only evidence he was ever truly there gripped her heart and dizzied her with realisation. She considered all the times where she had been without him in the past week, when she had desperately wished he were beside her, and the times when they were almost torn apart on a very permanent basis due to the dangerous nature of one of their cases. Her stomach clenched at the thought and she felt sick with worry; the idea of a world, a life, without Jack Robinson did not bear thinking about, and as she looked up at Mr Butler she found herself wondering how anyone could possibly cope with the pain. Memories of the loss of her sister returned to her with startling force, and she found herself realising the answer to that terrible, heart-wrenching question: they didn't.
"How very true" she commented, offering Mr B a polite smile, before inhaling sharply and rising from her seat. "I'm going to take a walk, Mr Butler. I shouldn't be too long" she said gently. Mr Butler smiled up at her and nodded, returning his attention to the silverware as she gathered her white shawl around her and headed towards the door. She hesitated for a moment, her hand upon the frame, before turning back to face him. "Thank you, Mr B" she said gently, prompting him to look up at her with a surprised expression, which he quickly concealed.
"You are very welcome, Miss Fisher" he replied sincerely, offering her a warm smile. She nodded in response and disappeared from view, heading out of her house and onto the street, where she walked slowly towards a place which provided her with infinite comfort.
Phryne walked onto the beach and sat down upon the sand, staring out to sea as she had done the night she discovered her pregnancy. She remembered the anguish and terror she felt that night with perfect clarity, the emotions shaking her very soul. But now, as she looked out to that same sea on the same sand under the same sky, she felt free from the burdens of feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and despair. Phryne sat on the beach for over an hour, considering the situation fully once more. She considered Jack, the baby, and her own thoughts and fears on how she would be able to provide a life for them both. Throughout everything that was terrifying and uncertain and undetermined, the thing which was strongest and pervaded all the fear was her love for Jack and this baby, and her determination to protect them both. She rose to her feet and walked down the beach, standing close enough to the seat to be splashed lightly by the cool water as the waves rolled in, the sun shining brightly in the sky above. From her position by the sea, Phryne was unaware that Jack Robinson had returned to her house much earlier than anticipated, and having been informed by Mr Butler that she had gone for a walk, had set out himself to find her, knowing precisely where she would be.
When Phryne considered her condition and her options she found herself feeling as though she were trapped in a state of limbo; she existed on a plane somewhere between the real world of society and all its associated rules, conventions and expectations, and the reality of her own minds and deepest desires. She was destined to endure the effects of both worlds bit was unable to do anything in either. She was trapped, and so was Jack and so was their child, surrounded by unjust stigma and damage to his reputation and their child's innocence, the questioning of either being entirely undeserved and unjust. Over the past week she had found herself oscillating between the two worlds, leaning from one to the other with such frequency and force that she felt certain it would tear her very being in two. But it didn't. Phryne would not allow either Jack or their child to suffer, and nor would she.
Although she was absolutely terrified of losing her independence and the very essence of who she was, she realised with certainly that she never experienced a single moment of that fear when she was with Jack. He had never made her feel dependant or weak or incapable, and he had never attempted to limit her, even when there were occasions when her actions, though noble and well-intentioned, frustrated him. There was, of course, the incident with the jail cell, but under the circumstances she was prepared to let that matter slide.
As Phryne considered her relationship with Jack, and how safe and how empowered it made her feel in equal measure, she remembered his assurances of his love for her, and Mac's own words from the hospital earlier that day. Mac had told her that the bond they shared was deeper than marriage, it was emotional and it was strong, and Phryne wholeheartedly agreed. Mac had also stated that they were emotionally committed to each other and devoted to this child, both of which were completely true. Phryne crossed her arms across her chest as her shawl floated in the air behind her, the cool sea air drifting over her face as she considered the question carefully. What was marriage, anyway? Essentially it was a religiously-based legal contract between two individuals, binding them together in an acceptable manner so that their private behaviour was deemed socially justified and beneficial. Phryne snorted slightly at the thought, shaking her head and drawing her shawl back around her, as she considered society's views (particularly those of the press, the Commissioner of Police and her aunt) on her relationship with Jack Robinson. Their different positions in the world, their statuses, their unconventionality and deliberate flouting of established norms were in complete contrast with what society deemed to be a 'good match', as Aunt Prudence would say. It had led to many people and institutions attempting to govern their behaviour and influence their choices, all attempts of which had failed.
Until now, thought Phryne sadly, as the strength of social convention reared its ugly head and threatened the happiness and well-being of Jack and Phryne, and of their unborn child, causing her to feel angrier and more affronted at it than ever before. There were those who would make them believe that their relationship was inappropriate, wrong and even doomed to fail, but Phryne found herself doubting this beyond question, knowing that the time she spent with Jack was wonderful, natural and so very, very right. They had managed to ignore these views in the past, push them aside and act as they wished in spite of them, but with the existence of their child they were unable to act in quite the same manner. She considered this, remembering Mac's words about her freedom, and her own discussion with Jack about having to hide the nature of their relationship which, she now realised, was the last thing either of them wanted. Their love for each other was selfless and pure, and it was absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, and nor was the child who was created from it. She didn't want to conceal her relationship with Jack, and she absolutely refused to hide the existence of this child; they both deserved better than that, infinitely so, and she would make sure of it. As she considered her feelings on the subject, and the words of her two most trusted confidantes, she found the idea of marriage shifting in her mind; in her case it did not seem to be simply a socially-implemented form of female enslavement, but the ultimate act of love and defiance; she refused to be a servant to society and a victim of convention. She would not allow herself or Jack to be criticised for loving each other, nor would she allow their child to suffer because of the socially unacceptable nature of their relationship. As these thoughts went through her mind, she found herself considering the matter with perfect clarity; she loved Jack Robinson and wanted to be with him and their child, to hell with what anyone else thought. And this would allow them to be together, protect the baby, and finally stop hiding what they had come to know as being incredibly and wonderfully real. The thought made her feel empowered and terrified in equal measure, but above anything it gave her something she had been bereft of until now. It gave her hope. Phryne considered everything Jack had said to her, his assurances and promises and comfort, and how he never once blamed her for this pregnancy or tried to make the decision for her. Her heart swelled at the thought, and as she looked out to sea she remembered a conversation she once had with him, when she told him that his heart was as deep as the Pacific Ocean. As she stared across the water and towards the sun she found herself realising that her comparison had not even come close.
Phryne was so lost in her thoughts, her body tingling with anticipation and anxiety, that she failed to hear the sound of the man in question approach her. He had seen her from the road and had walked slowly towards her, watching her standing tall before the sea like an enchanting siren, her shawl and her hair drifting behind her in the breeze. Despite being lost in her thoughts, she did not jump when he stood behind her and placed his hand in the centre of her back, standing beside her and looking down upon her as the waves continued to crash before them.
Phryne looked up into Jack's eyes and smiled, her hair drifting across her face and her expression bright and calm, causing him to smile instinctively in response.
"Jack" she smiled. "I wasn't expecting you back so soon." Jack's eyes met hers and he smiled.
"You aren't the only one capable of surprises, Miss Fisher" he teased, wrapping his arm around her.
Phryne smiled and leaned against him, the scent of him and his very presence providing her with immeasurable comfort, causing her heart to race. They stood together in comfortable silence, the waves crashing on the foreshore as the sun shone brightly in the sky, the cool salty water spraying lighting across them as they looked out to sea. Jack was so lost in the scene and in the calmness that he almost didn't hear Phryne's statement, and indeed, even after he heard her speak he thought for certain that he must be mistaken.
"Marry me" Phryne said, her voice low and gentle, as though carried onto the beach by a wave.
Jack turned towards her and looked down, half expecting to see her staring out to sea and finding that the words had been a figment of his imagination. And yet, as he looked towards her, he found her staring into his eyes, her eyes keen and alight, her bright red lips slightly parted. He was staring at her intently and desperately wanted to ask her to repeat herself, but was afraid that he'd find himself hearing different words to those he thought she had just spoken. He was drawn from his thoughts by the sound of Phryne's laughter.
"You didn't hear a word I said, did you Jack Robinson?" she smiled. He parted his lips slightly and looked down upon her.
"I think I heard both words, Miss Fisher" he said gently, finding his voice low and slightly nervous. "I just wouldn't like to be wrong" he added. Phryne smiled.
"I always said that I would never marry" she began, staring deep into Jack's eyes as she spoke. "My father tried to marry me off as soon as I came of age, and I wouldn't have it. And then after I met Rene the idea of giving myself to someone so completely was terrifying, and I made the decision that I never would" she added, her voice adopting a lower, more gentle tone as she spoke. "And then I met you, Jack Robinson" she smiled. "You are unlike any man I have ever met. You don't try to change me despite my flaws and the impact of my actions, and how they are viewed by certain individuals" she explained. "You can't even begin to imagine how much it means to me to be with a man who doesn't want to change a single thing about me" she admitted honestly, her voice adopting a slightly emotional edge, which she quickly recovered from. "I have cherished every moment we have spent together, from the very first time we met until right now" she said sincerely, and Jack nodded gently in response, his hand remaining on her lower back, as he knew how difficult it was for her to be this open with anyone. "How I feel about you, how we feel about each other, is not something that either of us should be made to question, or feel as if we have to justify" she stated with conviction. "And you're right, Jack. I don't want to hide us anymore, and I absolutely refuse to conceal this child" she added. "I want us to be together and I want this baby to grow up knowing not only how much its parents love it, but how much they love each other" she stated, inhaling sharply. "I know there is a lot we have to talk about, and there are many things that will have to be discussed, but how I feel about you is not something that is at all uncertain" she stated, her eyes shining as she spoke. Jack stood before her and looked deep into her eyes. "I once asked you to come after me" she said gently, causing memories of that moment on the airfield to return to them both. "And now I think it's time that I come after you."
"Are you sure this is what you want?" he asked gently, his heart racing in his chest as he spoke, as Phryne's words imprinted themselves forever upon his memory. She smiled up at him in response.
"You're what I want" she said with conviction, causing him to stare at her with his beautiful blue eyes. "You're what I want and so is this child" she added for clarification, her declaration making Jack feel weak at the knees and highly elated. "Marry me, Jack Robinson" she stated.
Jack smiled broadly at the question and nodded.
"Yes" he breathed, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her towards him, their lips meeting in a searing kiss as she wrapped her arms around him.
Jack and Phryne remained in their embrace for several minutes, their declaration of love and the decision about their future being christened by that deep kiss on the beach, as the waves crashed upon the foreshore, gulls flew overhead, and the sun shone brightly in the early evening sky.
