I likely won't be able to post again for a couple of weeks. I have a big presentation at work and must create a lot of briefing slides for it. I wanted to get this chapter out since I was almost finished with it. I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 4

They arrive home in due time, Jack sorely tempted to throw caution to the wind with regards to speed limits, but restraining himself as Mac didn't indicate a need to be that aggressive in getting Phryne home.

"Jack, please let me walk," wheedles Phryne, "just one last time."

"Miss Fisher," Jack's severest voice is tinged with sarcastic amusement, "it has been barely an hour since Mac gave instructions, which if I recall correctly, you are to follow to the letter. Nowhere in her instructions regarding bed rest did she say you could walk to the house and climb the stairs to your room. I will be carrying you, unless you want me to call for Cec and Bert."

Phryne huffing indignantly and muttering under her breath about rule followers throws the car blanket at his head. Jack dodges it easily and jogs around to open the Hispano's door for her. He gathers her into his arms, and she places her arms obediently around his neck snuggling into him, placing soft kisses along his jaw and nipping him with her teeth. .

"I will not allow distractions of this nature Phryne," but Jack's low rumble of laughter vibrates through her and she increases her efforts as he carries her up the path to the door, biting his earlobe along the way and purring in his ear. "Ouch! No using unfair interrogation techniques." Phryne can't help but giggle just a bit at his response and bites him again for good measure.

Luckily, perhaps for both of them, they reach the door which Mr. Butler opens his face full of questions. Jack just shakes his head, "I will be back in a moment Mr. Butler." Jack carries Phryne first to the bathroom where he gives her a few minutes of privacy and then to her room where he puts her gently onto the bed. "Stay in this bed Mrs. Robinson or there will be consequences!" Jack gives her a kiss, his thumbs brushing along her jawline. "I will speak with Mr. Butler and Dot. Do you need anything before I go down?" Her face mutinous and her frown evident she shakes her head in the negative, sighing loudly.

As Jack turns to leave the telephone begins ringing. He quickly moves downstairs and gets there as Mr. Butler answers the telephone. "Inspector, a Dr. Wilson on the line for you."

"Thank you Mr. Butler," Jack's hands begin sweating slightly as he takes the phone, "Hello, Dr. Wilson, Jack Robinson speaking." Jack listens intently for a few moments, "Yes, Doctor. This afternoon is acceptable. We look forward to meeting you."

Ringing off with Dr. Wilson Jack immediately calls Dr. Mac to inform her of the details. Then he calls City South to let them know he will be in shortly, but will need to leave early.

"Mr. Butler, can you and Dot join me in the parlor, please?"

"Yes, let me get Dottie from the kitchen."

Jack waits by the fireplace, his mind in a whirl as to what the doctor might decide. He sighs heavily; he certainly never anticipated these developments. A baby is surprise enough, but twins or triplets and possible serious complications are more than he can process. "I will have to call Nora and get some feedback from her on how to help Phryne through what is undoubtedly going to be a miserable several months. She will be an invaluable help," Jack thinks as he tries to get his thoughts sorted.

When Mr. Butler and Dot arrive in the parlor, faces etched with concern, Jack fills them in quickly. "Phryne is having complications. Dr. Macmillan has requested Dr. Wilson, an obstetrician, to consult with us. There are more details to come. Dr. Wilson examines Phryne this afternoon here at the house and we will have more information, but essentially it appears that hospital bed rest is mandatory until Phryne delivers."

"But…" Dot's voice trails off as Jack holds up his hand. "Let's wait to see what the Doctor says, Dot." Nodding Dot looks down at her hands real worry wreathing her features, and she unconsciously reaches for her rosary.

"Mr. Butler," Jack continues heavily, "let's have a family dinner tonight. Please ask Cec and Alice, Bert, Hugh, Dr. Mac, and Mrs. Stanley and Arthur to come for dinner. Also, please make sure Jane will be home as well. We can let everyone know what Dr. Wilson's decisions are then. I expect it will require all of us to get Phryne safely delivered." Jack does not mention that there are twins and possibly triplets involved. That is Phryne's news to share and he wants her to be able to have the joy of seeing the surprise on everyone's faces.

"Yes Inspector. We will get dinner organized and everyone here to learn details. I know they will want to help." Mr. Butler's calming tone is soothing to Jack's nerves. Jack gives Mr. B a slight grin and a nod of appreciation as he turns on the spot to carry out Jack's instructions.

"I am off to City South as soon as I tell Phryne good bye. Dot, I expect she will want to see you in a few minutes. She is probably more than ready for some tea and company. Do not let her out of bed except for the bathroom until we have additional information from the doctors. I know I can count on you."

Dot nods retreating to help Mr. Butler and to prepare a tray of tea and treats for Phryne.

Jack leaves the parlor as well, swiftly climbing the stairs to check on Phryne and tell her good bye. As he approaches the bedroom he hears Phryne's voice and he pauses a moment, wondering whom she is speaking with.

"Janey, what am I going to do stuck in the hospital for four months? I will go mad! A hospital bed will be almost as bad as the cupboard." The disquiet in Phryne's voice causes Jack's heart to drop, "my fault" flitting accusingly through his mind.

Jack knocks lightly on the door frame clearing his throat to give her a moment. He enters the room bestowing a real smile on her even though his features are still taut with concern. "I have Mr. Butler planning dinner for the crew tonight. Dr. Wilson is coming this afternoon to consult with us. He will arrive about 4:00 p.m. We can fill everyone in at dinner."

Jack sits on the bed beside her and takes her hands in his. "I won't be able to go down to dinner," Phryne's voice is soft and sad.

"I will carry you down to the parlor, and you can be on the chaise if you promise to be good."

Smiling at his gallantry Phryne quips, "I am always good Jack Robinson, you know that."

"I beg to differ with you Mrs. Robinson; however, now is not the time for a debate on your virtue. I am going to the station for a while. I will be back to meet Doctor Wilson and Mac. Dot is coming to bring you some tea and keep you company for a bit."

She nods exhaling softly and looking up at him through her lashes. "Jack, I…"

Jack places his fingers against her lips stopping her speech, "We will get through this Phryne." She just looks at him her eyes large and luminous, her lips much too inviting. He gathers her close to him resting his forehead against hers briefly before pressing the lightest of kisses to her lips, her immediate response to take his face in her hands and stroke her thumb across his lips causing him to shiver slightly.

"You are right. I know we will. It's just," she trails off, "Thank you for organizing dinner and for…being you. Go to work now. I will be here when you get home."

Kissing her very thoroughly and then releasing her he rises to leave. "I will see you in a few hours my love. Can I get you anything before I head out and Dot gets here?"

"No, I am tired still, so I am going to nap while I wait for Dot."

"Good plan, Mrs. Robinson." Jack turns to leave an idea forming in his head regarding Phryne's conversation with Janey.

He grabs his coat and hat and makes his way to the station.