The bus ambled thru Adelaide navigating its way to the bus station. Jean had been dozing on Lucien's chest and he settled into the joy of just holding her close. He always had trouble sleeping generally so he'd watched the scenery roll by the window and thought about what life might be like now that they had something of an understanding. The thought of getting to be more physical in his affection excited him. Getting to hold her hand and wrap her in his arms, let her lay her head on his chest while he held her; all these things excited him. Maybe getting her to dance with him in the parlor. He wondered if she'd be willing to neck on the sofa. He longed to kiss her neck and behind her ear nuzzling into her and letting the softness of her hair tickle his nose to breath her scent in deeply instead of basking in the hint of her as she passed by him. Oh, how he longed to kiss her.
All these thoughts rolled thru his mind tempered with the uncertainty of what Jean would want or allow. She was a widow, not an inexperienced spinster but he had no idea how affectionate she was as a lover. He had watched her thru the years give hugs and kisses to Mattie, and her boys and a select few of her friends but never had he seen her engage another man. She kept herself very circumspect when it came to stepping out with the opposite sex and though he'd watched with some trepidation to her handful of dates with Richard he never witnessed anything that might indicate her allowing a familiar touch from him.
He realized that this familiarity was a prize that Jean was hesitant to bestow and his heart swelled to think she allowed him this luxury. As they rolled thru town, He figured he ought to rouse her from her slumber so she could get herself together before they had to exit the bus. He squeezed her shoulder gently and whispered into her temple "Jean, we're in Adelaide."
Jean started and straightened in the seat while seeing to her hair. "You shouldn't have let me sleep so long Lucien."
"Well, it seemed like you needed the rest. Don't worry you look lovely, Is Christopher meeting you at the station?"
"Yes, he is." She scrutinized his face. "Did you rest at all?"
"I'm fine Jean, you know I don't need much sleep. Besides, I wouldn't dare miss getting to sit with you holding you close. After all, we may be apart for a while depending on what's happening at the Beazley household." Jean gave him a soft smile.
"How long do you think you'll stay? Don't forget you have patients to attend." Ever practical Jean.
"I know, I know. Let's just see what the situation is first, but I expect I can't be away for more than a week. I'll need to let everyone know where I'm at which I'll do once I settle at a hotel." The bus rolled into the station and slowly came to a stop.
"And you'll need to do a little shopping." Jean added, brushing off the lapel of his jacket trying to picture him just dropping everything and running after a bus. "Right, are you ready for this?"
"I'd better be," he smirked. Lucien stood and held out his hand to assist Jean up in front of him. They made their way down the aisle and then exited the bus onto the sidewalk. Jean eagerly searched the crowd for Christopher. Lucien spotted him toward the back of the throng of passengers and visitors. "There he is Jean," He said pointing and waving at the unsuspecting lad. "Let's grab your bags and make our way over." Lucien turned back around toward the bus and waited for Jean to point out which were hers as the driver unloaded the cargo. He grabbed her two suitcases and ushered her towards where Christopher was waiting.
"Hello Mum," He kissed her cheek and turned toward Lucien. "Doctor." He nodded looking at Lucien quizzically.
"How are you, Christopher?" Lucien set a bag down to shake his hand as Jean took her son's arm and turned him away from the bus.
"It's so good to see you, Christopher." Jean's smile lit up her face. "I can't wait to see my new granddaughter. Shall we go?"
"Sure." And so Christopher led them off towards where he was parked. "I'm guessing we'll need to find a hotel for you sir?" He threw the question out not sure what to make of the Doctor being here with his mother. He wasn't even confident if he should say anything before having a chat with his mother. It may be something quite innocent but no matter how much as he stretched his imagination he couldn't think what the explanation might be.
"Yes." Lucien replied a smile on his face. "I'm sure there is one close to the base isn't there? That would do for me. Shall we head to your place first and we'll see that new daughter of yours? Your mother has been looking forward to spending time with you all."
"Right." Said Christopher. "You'll have to excuse the house mum. It's all been a bit overwhelming and thank you for coming. And you too Doctor." Christopher added.
"Well we'll get everything straightened out." Jean squeezed his arm. "How far away are we?"
"Not far. Here's the car. Let me help you with those Doctor." Christopher opened the boot and helped Lucien store the suitcases.
"Thank You Christopher." Lucien rushed around to open the car door for Jean and helped her to sit earning him a bright smile from her then he shut the car door firmly. His enthusiasm was surprising considering she thought he probably hadn't slept much in days. "So Christopher, How are you finding parenthood, other than the fatigue and the noise?"
"Well, Ruby is having a hard time and I'm not able to be home as much as she needs. We're really not sure what we're doing. I know you'll be a great help mum but..Ruby is really worried."
"About what?" Jean's concern was palpable. "Is there something wrong with the baby you haven't told me?"
"No mum," Christopher rushed to say, looking into the rearview mirror at his mother's face. "The baby is fine. It's just that, Ruby is worried that she'll be a disappointment, that you'll think she's failing." Jean bowed her head and sighed. Lucien turned in the seat to look back at Jean a question in his eyes. He wanted to get an idea what was going on but didn't figure it was a conversation Jean would have with him in front of her son.
He turned back to Christopher. "Christopher, do you think we could make a quick stop at the nearest department store?"
Chris glanced over at him surprised. "I uh, I told Ruby I'd be back as soon as I could. Can we get Mum settled first and then go?"
Lucien glanced back at Jean, "Certainly." The occupants of the car fell silent as Christopher's car pulled up to the entrance of the base. The guard let them through and Chris pulled up in front of a little bungalow on the edge of the base. Lucien jumped out and immediately opened Jean's door for her. He leaned into whisper in her ear as he offered his hand to help her out. "Is everything all right?"
Jean whispered back, "I'll explain later." Lucien knodded and moved to the back of the car.
"Let me help with the bags Christopher."
"Thanks Sir." Lucien lifted the bags out of the car and Christopher led the way up the sidewalk to the front door. As he opened the door they could hear Amelia wimpering. "Ruby" Christopher called out. "We're back." Ruby came around the corner to see her husband and mother-in-law but also a stranger staring back at her. "Ruby this is Doctor Blake, my mother's…" Christopher faltered. He wasn't sure how to refer to the Doctor.
"Oh!" Ruby stopped short, "Hello, I'm sorry things are a little chaotic. Hello Mother Beazley."
Jean gave Ruby her warmest smile and advanced down the short hallway. "Hello Ruby, Let me get a chance to hold my granddaughter. I'm so happy you've asked me to come. I look forward to getting to spend time with Amelia and visit with you all." Jean kissed Ruby's cheek and Ruby handed the fussy baby over to Jean who cradled her closely to her chest. She looked up at Lucien with a watery smile. For his part Lucien was taking everything in. He'd seen Jean and Christopher together though it was tempered with the murder investigation and the way that Munro had treated everyone. Lucien's attention was riveted to her face. Jean looked absolutely lovely. It seemed to be second nature to her, being a mother, and seeing her hold her granddaughter he could imagine what she was like when her boys were small. He felt drawn into her happiness and smiled longingly at her.
Lucien interrupted the proceedings "Where would you like me to put these?" He lifted his hands still holding Jeans luggage.
Christopher didn't know what to tell him. He wasn't sure if they were both of theirs or what, but he certainly wasn't prepared for another guest. As it was, his mother would be sharing a room with Amelia for the time being. "Just there on the floor I think." He answered with the safest response.
"Right, well let's have a look at the newest member of the Beazley family." Lucien beamed. He set the cases down and started down the hall towards Jean and gazed down at the small girl cradled in her grandmother's arms. "Isn't she lovely." He said quietly. Christopher figured he best get everyone out of the hall.
"Why don't you come thru mum and sit down." Christopher ushered everyone out of the hall, Ruby cleared up a space on the small sofa for Jean and Lucien to sit.
Carefully sitting so as not to jostle her cargo Jean looked up at the young couple, "She's just beautiful you two. How has she been doing?" Lucien was letting his eyes roam around the small house. It was obvious that the couple were having a difficult time keeping up with the day-to-day chores that are required in a household. His eyes drifted to the precious bundle in Jeans arms.
"She's been keeping us up at night, so it's been difficult getting sleep." Ruby answered and looking at the poor young woman there was evidence of dark circles under her eyes and a weary expression on her face.
"Well, we'll start working at getting her on a schedule and with the extra set of hands you should get some opportunity to catch up on your sleep." Jean responded looking with love on the grandchild in her arms. Ruby and Christopher looked at each other with relief in their eyes.
Lucien decided that he probably should make himself scarce and allow for Jean to settle in with her son. He was confident that he'd be back at the house quite soon if only to visit with Jean. This would also lend him an opportunity to chat with Christopher without the women in attendance. "So Christopher, would you mind terribly running me to a hotel? I don't want to impose on your hospitality. It is lovely to meet you Ruby and I'm sure I'll be seeing you again." Lucien rose from the sofa.
"Certainly Doctor." Chris turned to Ruby, "I'll be back shortly sweetheart." And he leant over and kissed her on the cheek. "Mum" he added as he led the way out of the little bungalow. Ruby offered a small smile to Lucien as he passed.
Lucien looked down at Jean with a soft smile, she looked beautiful holding the small one in her arms. He put his hand on her shoulder drawing her attention. Tearing her attention away from the precious bundle she looked up into his face and gave him the softest smile. "I'll call on you if I may?" he asked.
Jean's smile warmed at the question, "That would be lovely Lucien. I'll see you later." Ruby looked at the two guests in her living room. Something was going on and she wasn't sure if Christopher had any idea what, but when he got back she'd find a way to get what he knew out of him.