A/N: Hi everyone. I'm really sorry for the delay in updating. In the last couple of weeks I've moved to a different city and started a new job, so it's been quite hectic! This chapter is tying up some loose ends and will set in motion the next major events in the story, I hope it's alright. The next chapter will be uploaded by the end of the week. The next chapter will involve one of the central characters finding out about Phryne's pregnancy, and the chapter after that will introduce Jack's family. As always, if there are any issues/concerns/criticism please do let me know, I appreciate every word.
Love,
HQ21
Despite Phryne's longing for a generous measure of her best cognac and several glorious hours spent alone in her bedroom with her beloved inspector and husband-to-be her pleasures, both alcoholic and amorous, were forced to be placed on hold for a short while (the former for several months, the latter mercifully much less), as they attended to their necessary duties.
Phryne and Jack drove back to the station and interviewed the incensed Della Correll, who's behaviour and rising anger led to her being handcuffed for the entire duration of the interview, with an experienced and well-built Police officer standing just behind her. During the interview Phryne found herself considering that if looks could indeed kill, her alcoholic and carnal desires would have been postponed indefinitely, and she would have been struck down the moment Della was brought into the room. Phryne was used to being stared at, glared at, and looked upon with anger and disbelief and disdain, even hatred. She bore the looks well and with confidence, displaying no outward signs of discomfort, despite feeling slightly unnerved by the cold and vacant look in the young woman's eyes as she described the minutiae of her actions in great detail. Phryne had not been aware of just how unsettled she had been until the interview was concluded an hour later and Della was led from the room, which appeared to be brighter and calmer with her absence, despite the battered furniture, dated wall-paper and smell of tobacco, ink and guilt.
"Well" Phryne breathed as Jack held the interview room door open for her and she gratefully escaped. "Who knew that such a cold, calculating mind could exist beneath her nervous, pleasant, girlish exterior?" she commented, more to herself than to him.
"Indeed" he responded as he led her towards his office. "But you and I both know that people are rarely what they seem."
"Yes, we do" Phryne responded reflectively, as she stepped into the office and walked towards his desk, dropping her bag on top of it before pulling herself up onto the edge. She heard Jack close the door behind them. "Though I didn't even consider that she could be involved until I saw the photos of the basement" she added, annoyed at the fact that she had failed to make the connection or form the relevant hypothesis sooner.
"We had no grounds to suspect her" Jack said evenly. "There was no discernible connected between her and Terry Jeeves, she had no apparent motive for murdering her father, and she appeared genuinely distressed when we interviewed her at the scene" he explained gently. "It was only when you decided to investigate the mystery of the Georgian desk that any physical evidence linking her to the crime was obtained" he added, his tone lower and the speed of his speech increasing; a habit Phryne knew he had when in a state of anger or agitation. She considered how his voice dropped when he mentioned the desk and she looked at him attentively. "And the more thorough search of the desk led directly to her confession, amongst other things." Phryne met his gaze and nodded, swallowing hard as she considered his words, as the proverbial penny dropped.
"You're angry that I went back to the scene" she said simply, her voice low and gentle. Jack shook his head.
"No, Phryne, I'm not" he said, his voice sincere and heavy with concern. "I am not angry with you, not at all, I have no right to be" he added.
"That doesn't mean you're not" she replied gently, as a feeling of nervousness crept over her. He said he wasn't angry, but she suspected he would not tell her even if he was. "And don't expect me to admit this freely in the future, but you have every right to be angry if you feel that I-"
"Phryne" Jack said gently as he stepped towards her, his voice warm and kind. "I am not angry with you" he repeated, speaking slowly and with conviction. Phryne believed him. "You were investigating a possible lead in a case you were working on. You did nothing wrong and you have nothing to apologise for or justify." Phryne considered him for a moment and stared deep into his eyes.
"I sense a 'but' coming on…" she replied in a low, quiet voice. Jack looked upon her with concern and inhaled deeply.
"You returned to the crime scene to investigate something you believed could link a resident of the premises to the murder" he explained gently, keeping his voice as calm and un-accusing as possible. "And you went alone." Phryne considered Jack for a few moments before lowering her gaze and releasing a small breath.
"I saw an anomaly and decided to investigate it. Did I think there was something in the desk? Yes. Would this implicate someone who was living in the house and knew about the nature of that piece of furniture? Yes, absolutely" she admitted calmly, her voice low and even. "I was doing my job, Jack. I followed a lead and I got a result."
"Yes, and you almost got beaten to death for your trouble" he said in a low and husky voice which was heavy with concern. Phryne looked into his eyes.
"I had it under control" she replied gently, finding that her throat was becoming tight and her body felt slightly flushed. The clenching of her stomach completed the symptoms of her guilt and she found herself unable to meet his gaze. He was right. Damn it.
"This time" he responded, leaning on the edge of the desk and looking down upon her. Her bright green eyes shone up at his as she met his gaze. "But the result could have quite easily been different" he replied.
Jack's voice was kind and soothing and devoid of anger or accusation. He was raising perfectly valid, perfectly reasonable concerns with her, and she found that the words cut through her like a knife. She had expected to find evidence, but she had not anticipated that Della would be there. But as they had discussed, their work was a constant reminder of how unpredictable people and situations can be. She agreed with him, he was right, and she felt guilty at the knowledge of what her curiosity could have cost her. Admitting this to Jack was not an issue because of her pride, but because of her fears about how much her life was changing and how restricted her actions had become. She couldn't raise this with him, though, it was too selfish. She could have lost the baby if Della had attacked her, so mentioning her concerns over her rapidly changing lifestyle seemed so inappropriate as to be almost unthinkable. She felt sick with guilt and fear, and found herself devoid of words for a short while, and so she nodded simply in response.
"You're right" she admitted with some difficulty, swallowing hard after she spoke, the words almost choking her. Her gaze faltered slightly and she lowered her eyes from his. "I'm sorry" she added, her words hurried but sincere. Jack felt a pang of guilt at her words and he shook his head, placing his hand on her back and stroking it soothingly. He felt her inhale sharply at the sensation.
"You don't have to apologise" he replied gently, his voice warm and sincere. Phryne bit the inside of her lip and tried to suppress her racing thoughts, nodding weakly and looking back up towards him. "We just need to be more careful" he added. She nodded in response.
"Very well, Jack" she breathed. "What do you suggest?" she asked gently. Jack inhaled sharply and poised himself for the suggestion he had been considering since Collins had told her where she was, knowing that it most certainly would not please her.
"If you need to go to a crime scene, or to any location in relation to a crime you're investigating, I'd like you to take one of my men with you" he said gently. Phryne sighed in response and shook her head lightly.
"Jack, no, I can't-"
"I know it's not ideal for you and I know you absolutely hate the idea" he interjected, his voice warm and gentle. "But what we do is dangerous and unpredictable, and as we cannot anticipate every threat we face we must plan for them accordingly" he explained. "Especially when the risk and need for additional protective measures is required." Phryne sighed once more and closed her eyes for a moment, before inhaling deeply and gathering her thoughts. "I know you are worried about things changing, and that you hate being made to feel like you are not capable of doing something which we both know you are more than able to undertake" he continued. "But this is not a criticism of you or your abilities. It is a precautionary measure which we need to undertake to make sure that you and the baby remain safe" he added gently, his eyes focused nervously on Phryne, who had opened her eyes and was staring at her hands. "I'll even let you pick the attractive officers."
Phryne laughed and looked up at him, finding that a small smirk played on his lips, but his eyes were filled with concern. She considered the points he had made, which were valid and completely justified, and she nodded slowly. She knew she would have to make changes to protect the baby, and this was one of them. Jack was right to suggest it and her love for him and their child made it quite certain that she would accept.
"Alright" she said gently. "Please assemble your most aesthetically pleasing policemen for my selection" she teased, raising an eyebrow and smirking. The nervousness and guilt which had pervaded her features had disappeared, and was replaced with a familiar look of teasing and amusement. Jack smiled.
"I'll bring you their personnel files complete with headshots" he joked. Phryne eased herself off the desk and stood in front of him, her legs against his, their bodies so close he could feel her breath upon his skin.
"I'll hold you to that, inspector" she smiled.
Although Phryne and Jack felt much relieved and assured as they reached an agreement about additional protection for Phryne and the baby during cases, the detectives found themselves facing other pressing matters as the week progressed. The following morning they discussed how, after informing their closest friends of their engagement, there were still people who needed to be told, people they cared about and who would need to be informed of their decision by them, and not the likes of Frederick Burns or his inane publication. The news would not be able to be kept secret for long, and they wanted to be the ones to announce it to the people they cared about. They were also intending on obtaining a marriage license later in the week, and were looking at fixing a date in early April, which was less than three weeks away, meaning that the matter could not be put off for much longer. Therefore, after a brief discussion in which Phryne found herself feeling increasingly anxious, it was decided that they would tell their parents that they were to be married, but that the news of the baby would be concealed from them, as it had been from all of their friends. For the time being, at least.
After Jack left for work that morning Phryne went for a long swim on the beach, bathed, ate a light lunch, went through her correspondence and called a couple of potential clients to arrange that they come to her home to discuss their matters. When she had completed her initial tasks she looked at the clock on the mantelpiece and found that it was almost three o'clock, and she could hardly put the matter off much longer. She released a slow breath, clicked the lid onto her fountain pen and walked slowly into the parlour, approaching her telephone in a manner that reminded her of Dorothy when they first met. She smiled slightly at the memory, which calmed her somewhat, before taking in a deep breath and picking up the receiver.
Phryne's parents were spending the season travelling through many of the cities in Europe which her mother had always wanted to visit, which she suspected was an attempt by her father to apologise to her mother for his behaviour. Before they left England Phryne's mother had telephoned her and provided her with their itinerary and a list of contact details for each city they visited. Phryne had received post cards from Paris, Belgium and Prague, and knew that her parents would currently be exploring Verona before heading to Florence. She checked the contact details her mother had provided her with and placed a call through to their hotel. It was only when the phone hand rung twice that she realised that it would be around 6am in Italy, and had the call not been connected on the third ring she felt quite certain that she would have hung up the phone. Her relief at this prospect was soon quashed by the young, soothing Italian voice which was now speaking to her. Phryne's Italian was not perfect but it was passable, and she politely asked whether her parents were in the hotel; she knew that her mother stayed up late when they were on holiday and rose early, much to her father's horror. She smirked at the thought, which distracted her so much that she was required to ask the receptionist to repeat her last statement. She nodded slowly in understanding as the young woman explained that her parents had attended an opera that evening and had not yet returned, but would Miss like her to ask that they call her as soon as they return? Phryne declined this offer, knowing it would worry her mother, and instead asked that a message be given to Mrs Fisher to contact her the next morning. She asked the receptionist to ensure the message did not reach her mother until the following day, which she assured her she would do. Phryne thanked her and hung up the phone, feeling both unsettled and apprehensive, as she slowly made her way back towards the parlour.
A couple of hours later the phone rang, and Phryne sat up quickly in her seat, turning her head nervously towards the door. She had half risen by the time Mr Butler strolled down the corridor and picked up the receiver. Phryne stood calmly from her seat, inhaled deeply, and stepped out into the corridor, lingering in the doorway as she listened to Mr Butler speak politely and warmly to the caller. Upon hearing her footsteps behind him he slowly lowered the receiver and turned towards her with a gentle smile.
"Your mother is on the telephone for you, Miss" he said kindly. Phryne inhaled sharply.
"Thank you, Mr B" she breathed, taking several slow steps forwards and accepting the receiver from him. She swallowed hard and drew the phone closer as Mr Butler walked back into the dining room.
"Hello, mother" Phryne began gently, as her stomach clenched and she suddenly felt flushed with heat.
When Jack returned from the station shortly before dinner, he was greeted by a calm and smiling Phryne as she emerged from the parlour, where she had been working on a couple of potential new cases.
"Ah, Jack" she smiled, as she walked towards him. "Your time is impeccable. Mr Butler has just announced dinner". Jack nodded in understanding and thanked her, hanging up his hat and coat and following her into the dining room.
Phryne watched him curiously as they walked, noticing the nervousness presence in his countenance, the hesitance of his nod, the briefness of his smile. Something was not quite right. Phryne waited until they were seated at the table, served with their first course and left quite alone before raising the subject.
"Jack" she said gently, her voice low and entrancing as she stared at him across the candlelight, "is everything alright?" she asked.
Jack lowered his napkin back onto the table and looked into her eyes. The flicker of surprise which had appeared on his features soon passed, as his knowledge of Phryne's perceptive skills and direct nature silenced any questions he may have as to her methods and quickly made him realise that any denials on his part would be pointless. He had wanted to talk to her after dinner, not hurl the request at her as soon as he entered the house. But she had asked him, and she was watching him across the table with warm and gentle eyes, patiently awaiting his response. Jack nodded.
"I telephoned my mother in Sydney this afternoon" he began. Phryne considered the words for a moment and nodded, smiling at him reassuringly to encourage him to continue. "I knew my sister and her children would be with her for lunch and so I thought I would tell them about our engagement whilst they were together" he explained.
"A sound notion" Phryne commented warmly. "Do go on" she added, as fear and anticipation rose within her.
Phryne had been fearing the reaction of Jack's family more than her own, which she would have considered to be most curious and almost amusing, if it hadn't worried her so. She thought that Aunt Prudence would prove to be the greatest hurdle, but she accepted the news remarkably well. And whilst Phryne could make an educated judgement of how her parents would receive the news, her limited knowledge of Jack's own family meant that such a deduction was problematic, ill-advised and bordering on impossible, which added to her concerns. She knew relatively little about Jack's relatives; she knew that his mother was called Sheila, was widowed and was a former matron at a hospital in Sydney. She knew that he had a sister called Anna whose husband Richard left her just over a year ago, that she had children (was it two or three?), and that she lived in the same street as her mother. Phryne considered this information and found herself worried by not only her ignorance as to Jack's family's take on his engagement to a notorious socialite with a well-document colourful private life, but concerns over how they would feel about her as a person, as the person their beloved Jack wanted to spend his life with. She knew that they had probably read about her in the paper, a most tiresome and worrying way gather facts about someone, but she did not know what (if anything) Jack had told his family about her. Phryne was not one prone to seek people's approval, not since her time in Paris, and so her concern over Jack's family's views on her and their engagement confused and worried her. And that wasn't even taking into account that they would soon need to be informed that she was carrying his child…
"Whilst my mother was surprised at the engagement she was very happy. Genuinely so" he stated with conviction. Phryne felt herself relax slightly at the information, and she nodded gently in response. "My sister was shocked and excitable and firing off many questions in the background which for the life of me I cannot recall" he breathed. Phryne smiled slightly and looked upon him warmly. "After my mother had calmed her and we continued to discuss the matter, she asked-" he paused for a moment, looking into Phryne's eyes as he summoned the words. "My mother and sister would very much like to meet you" he explained gently, a slight nervousness to his tone. "When I told them how soon we were planning on getting married they were very keen to meet you as soon as possible which, I realise, must be quite a daunting prospect" he said, speaking calmly but quickly. "Phryne, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable or ambushed and I-"
"Jack" she smiled, her gentle voice causing him to stop talking immediately. "It's fine" she said warmly. "I don't feel uncomfortable or ambushed and I would very much like to meet your family" she stated sincerely. Jack watched her for a moment, his eyes drifting across her face, taking in her calmness and composure.
"Are you sure?" he asked gently. "Because if you aren't ready that is absolutely-"
"Jack" Phryne said again, reaching for his hand and holding it gently with her own as she looked deep into his eyes. "We're planning on marrying in three weeks' time and your family have never met me, of course they're curious and concerned, as they should be. They're looking out for you and that's wonderful" she said warmly. "I hoped that I would have a chance to meet them before the wedding, and I think it would reassure them and us to meet them beforehand" she said gently. Jack held her hand and looked into her eyes, nodding slowly as he considered her words.
"Phryne, are you certain?" he asked gently.
"Of course" she replied. "You've just informed your family that you are soon to be married to a titled woman they've never met, who has a colourful social life which is well documented in the press" she continued, her voice warm and engaging. "It is only natural that they'd want to ensure that they aren't allowing someone they care about so deeply marry a predatory, morphine-addled nymphomaniac". Jack smirked and stifled a small laugh.
"I assure you, Phryne, they think nothing of the sort" he stated with conviction.
"That depends which papers they read" she responded, raising her eyebrows. Jack was about to respond with another witty remark when he detected the concern in her eyes and the apprehension in her tone. He squeezed her hand tighter in his.
"My family have little regard for the society pages" Jack replied. "They don't buy those awful magazines and they certainly wouldn't base their opinion of you on a few pages in a cheap rag" he added gently. Phryne offered him a weak smile.
"But when that's all they have to base their opinion on, you can hardly blame them for believing it and being concerned" she said gently. "I hadn't considered just how difficult this must be for your family, to have the news sprung upon them so-"
"Phryne" Jack interjected, his voice kind but firm. "This isn't difficult for my family, not at all. They were surprised at the news of our engagement but they were happy for me, for us."
"How can they be, Jack? They don't know me" she asked directly, the question she had been attempting to suppress escaping from her lips. Jack's expression softened.
"They know you" he assured her. Phryne considered him for a moment before leaning forward.
"You've told them about me?" she asked, her voice low and curious. "About us?" she asked, her eyes darting across Jack's face. He inhaled sharply.
"Yes" he replied simply. "I talk to them fairly frequently and I have… talked to them about you, I mean, they've been aware that we've been working together for a while now and that we're involved romantically" he added, uncertain how to word what he was trying to say. "My mother is rather… perceptive. It's rather difficult to get anything past her" he explained, lowering his eyes from Phryne's and inhaling deeply. "Last year, after… after the incident in the warehouse" he began tentatively, "I'm not sure you were aware, but I spent a significant amount of time at the hospital whilst you were unconscious. I took time off from the station and did not return home for almost a week."
"I know" Phryne said gently, stroking his hand as he spoke. They hadn't discussed her stabbing since the event, with all the dramatic changes in their lives it had been pushed rather to the back of their minds, and it was hardly an easy conversation for either of them. Phryne waited patiently for Jack to speak.
"My mother couldn't reach me at home and so she tried the station. Hugh explained where I was and why, and she asked what happened" Jack stated. "Hugh explained that I had been attacked and that your actions had saved my life, possibly at the cost of your own" he added, his voice becoming low and husky. Phryne's stomach tightened and she held his hand tighter. "My mother was very concerned about you, about us both I think. She asked Hugh to get me to call her immediately" he stated. Phryne nodded. "She called the day you woke up properly, the day I left the hospital. I received the message when I arrived back at the station that night" he stated, guilt rising within him at the memory of him leaving her. "I told her what had happened and she was very concerned about you" he added. "We spoke for over an hour that night, about what had happened, about… about other things" he continued. Phryne nodded, realising how difficult it was for him to admit this. She continued to hold his hand and watched him with a warm and patient expression. "She had always suspected how I felt for you, but I never specifically told her until that night" he stated. "She asked about you constantly after that. She was very worried about you".
"And you too, I expect" Phryne offered gently. Jack nodded absently in agreement.
"When you were recovering she was relieved, she was so relieved, and she's been asking about you even more ever since" he stated gently, looking up and meeting Phryne's gaze. "So I promise you, Phryne, my mother and sister have absolutely no doubts as to the kind of person that you are, or to how much we mean to each other." Phryne looked into his eyes and nodded as relief flooded her.
"Then I think a meeting between us is long overdue" Phryne said gently, offering Jack a reassuring smile. "Why don't you invite them down for the weekend?" she asked. Jack watched her for a moment.
"Are you sure that wouldn't be too much of an imposition?" he asked gently.
"Of course not, Jack, they're your family" Phryne replied confidently. "They're travelling down from Sydney so it makes sense for them to stay for a weekend, and to get to see us here, as we are" she added. Jack considered her words and held her hand gently in his own.
"That's very generous, Phryne, but it wouldn't just be my mother and sister" he stated gently. "But Anna has three young children." Jack paused and watched as Phryne processed the news, which she did with her trademark calmness and acceptance.
"Then it's a good thing I have three spacious guest rooms" she smiled. "Really, Jack, it's alright" she said sincerely, her voice gentle and completely relaxed. "I think it would be beneficial for us all to spend some time together before the wedding, and a whole weekend would be the perfect opportunity."
"Don't you have commitments this weekend?" Jack thought suddenly.
"Nothing I can't rearrange" Phryne said easily. "Jane is coming home for the weekend too, I'm picking her up on Friday, which is perfect as we can introduce her as well" she said, becoming increasingly more convinced that this was the best course of action, despite her increasing nervousness at the prospect of meeting Jack's family, which was a feeling she would disregard for the moment. "I will speak to Dot and Mr Butler and arrange for the rooms to be made up and extra provisions acquired" she said. "How old are the children?" she asked curiously.
"Daniel is seven, Jacob is five and Caroline is three" Jack replied gently. Something like fear flickered in Phryne's eyes for a fraction of a moment before she quickly regained her composure.
"I'll speak to Dot about what they might like to amuse them during their stay, and if there's anything we can do to make them more comfortable, or any preparations we need to undertake" she stated, becoming acutely aware of her lack of knowledge regarding children, especially as house guests. Although her household had recently taken in Jennifer Daniels and her young daughter Lucy, the prospect of three children of varying ages whom she knew little about and whom would soon be related to her terrified her, but she concealed her concerns and began making a mental note of things she would need to do to prepare herself and her household for their arrival. Jack, who sensed her rising concern and self-doubt placed his hand over hers, which prompted her to turn back and look towards him.
"Phryne" he said gently. "If this is too much-"
"No, Jack, it's not. Of course it's not" she responded reassuringly. "I want to meet your family, and that includes your nephews and your niece" she said gently. "I'm just not used to making arrangements for such young guests. Children are hardly my forte" she said guiltily, the prospect of the arrival of the children reigniting her awareness of her ignorance of them. If she did something wrong whilst they were staying with her, in her home and in her care, how would she or anyone else ever think her capable of looking after their own child? She already had significant doubts herself, which she had been trying to banish from her mind and was determined not to mention to Jack; she'd caused enough changes in his life and produced enough dramas to last several lifetimes, she would not inflict her hysterics or her fears on him again. Jack sensed her rising discomfort and squeezed her hand tighter.
"You are much more capable than you realise" Jack stated with conviction. "I've seen you with children, Phryne. You got Jane to open up to you when she wouldn't even tell me her name, you helped Paddy and his brother who are both flourishing thanks to your assistance, and Lucy absolutely adores you" he continued, speaking gently and with sincerity. He knew from their previous discussions on the subject of their unborn child that she doubted her abilities and knowledge in respect of children, but she had displayed such an affinity with them in all the times they had drifted into her life that Jack hoped she would begin to have faith in herself. He knew that the prospect of having a child terrified her; she doubted her abilities to be a mother, and in all honesty, he also had concerns about his potential as a father. But he had absolutely no doubts about Phryne. "All the children I've seen you with, the children you've helped, trust you instantly and adore you completely" he stated candidly. Phryne looked up at him with an uncertain expression. "You may not believe that children are your forte, but every time they have entered your life you have changed theirs for the better" he continued, as Phryne watched him with a look of concern, her body tensing slightly, her expression nervous. "Your instincts are to protect and care for the people who come into your life, regardless of what you have to do to ensure it, and irrespective of the risk it poses to you" he added gently. "Even if you don't believe that children are your forte, Phryne, people certainly are" he stated with conviction, watching as Phryne inhaled sharply. "And despite their size, their language and their curious habits, children are only people" he said gently. Phryne exhaled sharply.
"Yes, I suppose they are" she said gently, meeting his gaze once more. "Are these ones house trained?" she asked. Jack suppressed a smile.
"House-trained?" he repeated for clarification. "I don't see them as frequently as I'd like to but if memory serves they don't bark in the night, tear up carpets or bite those around them" he stated lightly. "Not that I'm aware, at least." Phryne glared at him and suppressed a laugh.
"That's not what I meant" she replied gently.
"No?"
"No." Jack smiled.
"What did you mean?" Jack asked gently. Phryne watched him as she considered the question. In all honestly she wasn't quite certain what she meant.
"I mean… do they…" she began, faltering as she spoke, as she struggled to find the words for her concerns and queries. "Are they likely to fling each other down the staircase, or take crayons to my first editions, or raid my liqueur cabinet?" she asked, as her mind wandered to every room in her house and the dangers each one possessed. She'd have to remember to lock her arsenal. Securely. And hide it.
"No" Jack replied gently. "Daniel and Jacob sometimes become boisterous but they are generally quite calm and well-behaved. Daniel loves to read and Jacob has a fascination with toy trains, which are both quiet activities which keep them calm and out of trouble" he explained. "Caroline is younger and is still exploring new things, as I understand, and she is a very curious child" he explained. "Obviously the children will be very interested in your house, as it's yours and they haven't been here before, but I'm quite certain that my mother and sister will ensure they don't get into too much trouble" he reassured her.
"Jack, I don't want them to sit in silence in separate corners of the room too afraid to speak and not daring to move" she explained gently. "I just want to make sure that they… that they're alright" she said, not able to expand on her statement. She knew very little about children but knew a great deal about danger and risk, and didn't want them to be exposed to either in her home. Jack smiled.
"It will be fine, Phryne, I promise" he assured her. "Besides, there will be two adults to every child. At least." Phryne inhaled deeply and considered the statement.
"Yes, I suppose that's true" she replied, Jack's words alleviating some of her anxiety. "Thank you, Jack" she said gently, squeezing his hand. Jack considered her for a moment and squeezed back. Before either of them could speak there was a light tap at the door leading to the kitchen, causing them both to turn towards it. Phryne called for Mr Butler to enter, realising as soon as she had done so that neither she nor Jack had touched the delicious chicken soup before them, which had now gone cold. Mr Butler glanced at the bowls and then towards Miss Fisher.
"Are you ready for the main course to be served, Miss?" he asked gently. Phryne turned towards him with an apologetic look.
"Mr Butler, I'm so sorry, Jack and I were having a rather important discussion and we-"
"It's not a problem at all, Miss, please don't worry" Mr Butler said warmly, smiling at her with his trademark paternal smile. Phryne considered him for a moment before nodding.
Phryne and Jack sat quietly as Mr Butler cleared away their untouched soup and brought in the main course, a pasta dish which was a favourite of Phryne's. She looked up at Mr B with a gentle smile that he returned, before quietly excusing himself from the room. Phryne's eyes lingered on the door to the kitchen for a few moments. Mr Butler usually prepared this dish for her if she was unwell, not eating much, or had had a particularly trying time recently; all of which were distinct possibilities, especially given the kind and comforting look her had given her when he met his gaze. She wondered which of the three reasons it was on this occasion. Before she could consider the matter further her attention was drawn back towards Jack, who was talking to her once more.
"Are you sure you feel up to this?" he asked kindly. She felt his hand clasp hers gently and she turned to face him. "I know the last few weeks have been difficult, and you're exhausted."
"I'm fine" Phryne returned gently, the much-used phrase falling from her lips automatically. "I'm fine" she said with more confidence, finding Jack's concerned eyes upon her. She turned her hand over and clasped his tightly. "Jack, I would love to meet your family, and I would be honoured if they would stay with us this weekend. Though I understand it is very short notice and they may not be able to due to other commitments" she stated, speaking in a slow, calm manner as she looked into her eyes, doing her best to reassure him. His care and concern for her and their child humbled her, and she felt incredibly protected and loved, but his concern for her also worried her. She didn't want him to spend the next seven months, possibly even the rest of their lives, existing in a worried and anticipatory state. She wanted him to be happy and free, as she hoped to be. She'd meant it when she said she didn't want to trap him, which she meant in both physical and emotional terms. She had to make him believe that she was alright, that she was fine, because he deserved that reassurance. And if she could make him believe it, perhaps she would begin to herself. "I think it would be a wonderful opportunity for all of us, and as we've discussed, we have very little time before the wedding" she explained. "If you have reservations about them coming down then I understand, I shan't force your hand-"
"No, Phryne, that's not it" he assured her, speaking gently as he met her gaze. "They would all like to meet you and I would very much like to introduce you" he stated sincerely. "I just don't want to overwhelm you" he explained. Phryne stared at him and waited patiently for him to continue. "Even now, I can't imagine how difficult these last few weeks have been for you, and so much has changed in the last week alone. Everything is moving very quickly and I don't want you to feel-"
Phryne silenced Jack's sweet ramblings with a gentle kiss upon his lips, before tilting her head to the side slightly and allowing her nose to graze his, as they stared into each other's eyes.
"You worry too much, Inspector" she said, smiling warmly against his lips, the scent of her perfume and her proximity to him causing his heart to race. She smiled at the response and leaned back slightly, her eyes meeting his, their hands entwined. "I don't feel overwhelmed, Jack, not at all" she said gently. "If anything, meeting your family before our wedding day would be reassuring" she stated candidly. "I wouldn't suggest it if it wasn't" she assured him. "Why don't you call your mother after dinner and ask if they are able to come this weekend? If they are I will speak to Mr Butler and Dot and make the necessary arrangements" she said gently. Jack considered her for a few moments before nodding.
"Alright" he responded. "As long as you're sure."
"I am" she responded instantly. Jack nodded.
"Thank you" he replied, squeezing her hand in his. She smiled.
"Thank you" she repeated, her words gentle, her expression warm and sincere. She blinked and inhaled sharply. "I think we should actually try to eat this course, Jack, lest we should offend Mr Butler" she explained. Jack nodded and looked warmly upon her, before removing his hands from hers as they began to eat.
Shortly after dessert was served (which Phryne did not feel quite up to eating), Jack turned towards her and asked the question which had been playing on his mind since their conversation that morning.
"Did you speak to your mother today?" he asked gently. Phryne turned towards him and nodded.
"Yes, I did" she replied. Jack surveyed her quickly, noting how calm and relaxed she seemed, which reassured him.
"How was it?" he asked gently. Phryne smiled.
"The words 'darling', 'wonderful' and 'happy' were used on numerous occasions during our telephone conversation" she said with a small smile, her expression calm and relieved. "My mother is very romantic" she explained. "She believes that loving someone isn't something you have to justify, it simply is. I am quite confident she would support my romantic alliance with anyone as long as I loved them" she added. Jack listened and nodded in response.
"She sounds like an incredible woman" Jack replied gently. "And that sentiment sounds familiar." Phryne looked up at Jack and offered him a warm smile.
"Perhaps it does" she agreed, her voice low and soft. "She married my father for love and, despite the many issues it has caused her over the years, I don't believe she ever regretted it. Not for a moment." Jack nodded slowly in response. "And despite the fact that she has never attempted to meddle in my private life or secure my engagement to some entitled young Lord, I think she is reassured by the fact that I will be marrying someone who is kind and dependable and noble" she explained. "Although my mother understands and perhaps even approves of my independence, I think it frightens her" she stated. "I think she's reassured by the fact that I am doing something arguably conventional, because it is you and because it's for love" she continued, her voice becoming low and gentle as she recalled the conversation she had with her mother. "She was upset that she wouldn't be able to make it to the wedding" she said simply, her voice tinged with sadness, which she tried to conceal. "She and my father are touring Europe until the end of the month, and it's unlikely that they'd be able to arrive in Australia in time, especially given my father's fear of flying" she explained.
"I'm sorry" Jack said sincerely. Phryne nodded slightly in response. "Do you want to postpone the wedding?"
"No" she replied instantly, her voice confident and assured as her eyes met his. "I think we've delayed things far too many times already, Jack" she said gently, as Jack stoked her hand tenderly and nodded in understanding. "And we really don't have much time" she added, as the knowledge that her pregnancy would not be able to be concealed for much longer returned to her and made her feel frightened and concerned. "I didn't tell her about the baby" she said suddenly, her voice low and tinged with sadness and guilt. Jack held her hand tighter.
"Would you like to?" he asked gently, his eyes focused upon her. She considered his words for a moment before shaking her head mechanically.
"No" she said simply, the word causing her stomach to clench and her guilt to threaten to overwhelm her. "I don't want her to get the wrong idea, not that I believe she would. She knows how I feel about you" she added with uncharacteristic candour. Jack didn't know much about Phryne's mother, or the relationship they shared, and although they didn't appear to be particularly close they seemed to share several characteristics which made an affinity between them seem both natural and unquestionable, which was perhaps why Phryne appeared to be feeling guilty about not telling her mother about the baby. He nodded in understanding and waited patiently for her to continue. "And I'm not ready" she said quickly, picking up her glass of water and taking a small sip. Jack nodded once more and tenderly stroked her free hand with his thumb.
"Alright" he said gently. "She'll be there for you when you are ready" he assured her. Phryne exhaled deeply and nodded, placing the glass on the table and pushing it away from her. Jack, who sensed Phryne's rising agitation, held her hand firmly in his own and decided to change the subject slightly.
"And how did your father take the news?" he asked. Phryne's expression softened and a small smirk played on Phryne's lips and she looked up at Jack with bright eyes which were alight with mischief.
"I didn't speak to my father, my mother informed him of the engagement whilst I was talking to her" she explained, "though I distinctly recall hearing the words 'the Policeman who she was canoodling with on the airfield?!'" Phryne said, her eyes alight and her expression playful as she spoke. "My mother told him to be quiet on several occasions as we spoke, he was becoming quite animated" she said with amusement.
"He disapproves?" Jack asked, finding himself feeling slightly concerned. Although he knew that Phryne did not hold her father's opinion in the highest of regards, he would not want to come between them, or to further complicate their relationship. Phryne looked up at him and, sensing his concern, adopted a reassuring expression.
"Oh no, Jack, not at all. And I wouldn't care one jot if he did" she replied defiantly. "He's just surprised, that's all" she explained. "I always told him that I would never marry and I think he really did believe me, and so did I" she continued, before fixing her eyes upon Jack's. "Until I met you" she added quietly, a nervous smile playing upon her lips. Jack felt moderately more relaxed and stroked her hand tenderly. "I'd imagine the notion of me marrying a Police officer also fills him with an almost tangible degree of fear, which I find most satisfying" she teased, raising her glass of water to her lips and taking a small sip. Jack smiled in response.
"I'm glad I could oblige" he returned simply.
"So am I, Jack" she replied, placing her glass back upon the table and turning towards him with a small smile. A comfortable silence befell them for a few moments, as they sat together calmly and in perfect harmony. Before either of them could speak Mr Butler re-entered the room and collected their dessert plates. After politely declining the offer of coffee, Phryne and Jack rose from their seats and headed into the hallway. Before they could reach the parlour Phryne stopped and turned towards Jack with a kind expression. "Call your mother, Jack, and see if she and your family are able to come down this weekend" she said gently, offering him a small smile. "I'll be in the parlour" she added, before turning on the spot and heading into the room. Jack watched her as she disappeared from view, considering her words as he did so, before turning on the spot and heading towards the phone. He had learned long ago that some of Miss Fisher's instructions could not be argued with.
A few minutes later he entered the parlour and found Phryne curled up in an armchair with a book by Dorothy Sayers which she had purchased earlier in the week, and which her busy schedule had prevented her from reading. As soon as he stepped into the room she lowered the book and looked up towards him, a gentle smile playing upon her lips.
"My mother and sister were both very grateful for the invitation, and would be delighted to stay with us this weekend" he said as he walked towards her. Phryne smiled up at him.
"That's wonderful" she stated with conviction, rising from her seat and closing her book, which she placed on the table. "I'll just go and speak to Mr Butler and make the necessary arrangements" she added, walking past Jack and heading towards the door.
"Phryne" he called, turning on the spot and reaching for her wrist, causing her to turn towards him expectantly. His eyes met hers and he waited for a moment as he attempted to discern how she was feeling, as she maintained his gaze with confidence. "My mother asks about you constantly, is delighted that we are engaged, and is very much looking forward to meeting you" he stated gently, watching as Phryne inhaled deeply and tensed slightly.
"She doesn't even know me" she replied quietly, the confident mask she had borne all evening faltering slightly. Jack ran his hand down her wrist and clasped her hand in his own.
"She knows that you are kind and brave and incredibly selfless, and she knows how I feel about you" he replied gently, "and sometimes that's enough" he added warmly. Phryne forced a small smile and nodded in response. "She is kind and compassionate and intelligent, and there is no doubt in my mind that she will absolutely adore you".
"Naturally" Phryne responded, feigning arrogance. "I really do need to speak to Mr Butler" she stated gently. "I'll be right back" she added, offering him a small smile.
Jack watched as Phryne disappeared across the corridor and through the dining room, her confident walk and assured manner being betrayed only by the fear in her voice and eyes which she had been desperately trying to conceal. He knew that she was frightened, of being pregnant, of being a mother, of being a wife, and each time he found himself encountering her concern or pain he felt such a strong sense of guilt that it almost consumed him. She was trying to be brave and to convince him that she was fine, with everything, but he knew that she was not. She was scared of the changes in her life but she was even more afraid of admitting that, certainly to him. Jack walked towards the fireplace and rested his hand upon the mantel, allowing the silence of the room to facilitate his thought process, as he tried to figure out how best to reassure and comfort the bravest woman he had ever known.