Thank you for all of your comments and words of encouragement about this story. You give me the push to continue.
Chapter 7
They sleep soundly and wake still entwined. Jack prepares for his day after helping Phryne prepare for hers. He spends some time massaging her belly with oil and talking to the babies before they breakfast and he leaves.
Today Jack calls Cec and Bert to discuss his idea of using bicycle tires for their homemade wheel chair idea. The red raggers' eyes light up, "We're on it Inspector," they say in unison.
Phryne is thinking longingly of being outside her gaze repeatedly drawn to the window. "How will we do this?" she asks herself stroking her hands lightly across her tummy. She retrieves the journal and takes up her pen tapping it lightly on the blank page her mind drifting.
"As Janey got older we ranged farther away from home. Once we found a field with horses. There was no one around so we went into the field to pet the horses. One horse in particular seemed as curious about us as we were her. She was a beautiful bay with white stockings and a narrow blaze. She looked so red in the sun. She came to us, and let us pet her, and she nuzzled against us and whickered softly. I was very curious about the possibility of trying to ride a horse. Janey was a bit more timid, but she was thrilled to be so close to a horse. The horse had a halter so I this idea that we could attach a rope to make reigns. I had to find rope which took a couple of days to casually collect.
We went back and worked to make friends with the horse. We called her Beauty. Eventually Beauty trusted us and we were able to attach the rope to the halter and create reigns. We lead the horse by the rope and eventually found a way to mount. First I let Janey lead us as I got used to riding then I used the rope reigns. Once I felt comfortable, I would put Janey on and we rode double. I'm sure we were a scandalous sight with our dresses rucked up around our hips, flannels showing for the entire world to see. Thankfully there didn't seem to be people around.
We had seen May Wirth ride at the circus when Aunt Prudence took us. I thought what she could do was amazing. I began practicing the tricks I saw May do on Beauty. Beauty had the patience of Job to allow me to stand on her back and walk on her and hang by her mane. Janey was too timid for the tricks, but she would ride double with me or let me lead her along. We practiced other tricks there in the field with Beauty – handstands and flips, balancing on one foot, stretching until we could both do the splits.
Once when we were there a man rode up and asked us all sorts of questions and told me that Beauty, only he called her Jacinth, was a very important broodmare and we were never to come back there again. He insisted on our names and parents' names. I was too intimated to lie, so needless to say we were in big trouble. When I say we I really mean me. My parents knew Janey would have never done such a thing. My father shoved me in the cupboard and locked the door and then left. It was so hot and stuffy in there. I thought I would lose my mind, but Janey never left me unless forced to. She would sit outside the cupboard and talk to me and sing to me. She helped me keep my sanity until my father or mother let me out. He never broke my spirit though he tried over and over. Of course we went back to see Beauty, I never could get used to calling her Jacinth. We were just much more careful after that about what we did and when. We got to see her with a foal by her side as well. I don't know if that one became a race horse or not, but I did learn later that she was the dam of Melbourne Cup winner Poseidon.
Thinking about Beauty reminds me of the time Cousin Guy was kicked in the teeth by a foreshore pony. Aunt P had taken all of us – Guy, me, Janey and Arthur to the seashore. We saw one of those pony rides with temporary paddock set up near the beach. Everyone wanted to ride and we all begged Aunt P to let us. Guy was showing out and acting like he knew just what he was doing which of course he did not. He went behind the pony and the pony kicked him right in the teeth. Blood went everywhere! I couldn't really feel sorry for Guy, he deserved the kick, but to my knowledge he has never mounted a horse again which is really sad – there is such freedom in riding.
That same day at the foreshore we had fairy floss for the first time. It was delicious. Janey's eyes got so big when it melted on her tongue. I will never forget that. It tastes so good. It was quite a treat for us. We were having such fun until Guy's mishap. The way Janey and Arthur's eyes lit up as they rode ponies and ate fairy floss reminds me of the innocence of childhood and how the two of them embodied it.
Phryne's musings are interrupted by the noise of Cec and Bert. She can hear the excited chatter though she can't make out the words. After a few minutes the two men appear with Dot and a new chair in tow.
Phryne surveys their proud faces and then takes a closer look at the chair. They have taken a fairly simple chair, similar in style to a Queen Ann, and fitted it with bicycle tires and attached handles using sturdy walking sticks.
"Come on Dot, let's give it a whirl," Phryne exclaims. She moves into the chair and Dot attempts to maneuver it around. Dot is able to push the chair fairly easily and it fits through the doors with no issues. They make the trip to the bathroom just to verify that the chair will work. Phryne takes full advantage of the trip before they return to the bedroom.
"Bert, Cec, this is perfect. Well done you two," Phryne notes with a grin. "Let me pay you for the supplies and your time."
"No Miss, the Inspector gave us funds for the experiment," Cec responds eyes bright.
Phryne nods, "thank you again, this will help Dot and me tremendously'"
"What is the party?" Jack's velvety voice calls out as he strolls into the room.
"Hello Jack," Phryne practically purrs, "Bert and Cec brought a new chair of their own design for me."
Jack looks over the design his slow grin growing, "Dot, let me test it out with you."
Blushing slightly and grinning, Dot sits demurely in the chair and Jack tests it, wheeling her around until they are all laughing and Dot is dizzy. When Jack stops he shares a look of respect with Bert and Cec, allowing them to see how impressed his is with how well they executed the chair.
"Bert, are you two able to return the monstrosity to Dr. Wilson?" Phryne's proud amused voice asks them.
"We're on it," Bert says with a smile. They remove the big chair, grumbling good-naturedly about who has the heavy end of the chair. Dot follows them out leaving Jack and Phryne alone.
"What brings you home Inspector?" Phryne asks.
"How has your morning been?" Jack asks at exactly the same time.
They laugh and Phryne responds first, "I've been writing in my journal. How has your day been?"
"It is a quiet day so far. There are no new murders as of yet. The current case is about wrapped up. It was very straightforward and the main suspect confessed during my interrogation. She was easy to break.
Phryne smirks, "No doubt in response to your charming technique."
"Of course," Jack says with mock seriousness, "my technique is always perfectly executed."
"I'm certain that it won't be quiet at the station for long. Before you know it you will have a new case to work," her voice is slightly wistful.
"Right you are Mrs. Robinson which is why I have a small surprise for you for lunch."
Phryne's sparkling eyes assess him, "What is it?"
"You'll see in due course. While I check on things why don't you do your exercises?"
"As it happens Inspector, those exercises are next on my very long "to do" list," the slight sarcasm in her voice not lost on Jack.
He smiles and giving her a quick kiss he leaves. Phryne begins her exercises wondering what Jack's surprise it.
Jack goes downstairs to check with Dot and Mr. Butler, "Are we ready?"
"Yes, Inspector everything is ready. Dorothy, show Inspector Robinson what we set up for he and Mrs. Robinson."
Dot takes Jack into the back garden where she and Mr. Butler have created a nest of blankets and pillows. A picnic basket and an ice bucket in which a bottle of milk chills are waiting there as well.
Jack tests the softness of the nest, nodding to himself, "This will do nicely Dot. Thank you."
"You are welcome, sir," Dot's quiet response comes with twinkling eyes, "Miss Phryne is going to be so happy to get outside for a bit."
Jack returns to Phryne's room to find her doing a series of scissor kicks that remind him of just how strong her slim legs actually are. "A blindfold," he says silkily, drawing a slippery scarf from his pocket.
"Very well, Jack if you insist," Phryne's curious look comes with her clear acquiescence.
"I do insist, Miss Fisher," he quips advancing toward her.
He carefully blindfolds her and then scoops her up, cradling her to him and capturing her lips in a kiss. Phryne's mouth curves into a smile under his. Jack carries her carefully down the stairs and then silently into the garden.
"Where are we going Jack?" Phryne questions him.
"You'll see eventually," his response clear with amusement and delight in his surprise.
He lowers her gently onto the nest of pillows and blankets and situates her on her left side. Then he lies beside her kissing her hungrily, demanding a response before he removes the blindfold. She blinks in the bright sunlight as her eyes attempt to adjust, and she tries to take in the whole of the garden while drawing deep gulps of the fresh air into her lungs. Jack hands her the sunglasses Dot thoughtfully put out, and she slips them on.
"Would you like a drink Phryne?" She nods, happily taking in the green leaves and flowers, the warmth of the sunshine, the fluffy white clouds high in the sky and the sound of birdsong.
"How do you always know Jack?" her voice is soft with wonder.
"Know what?"
"What I want. What I need."
He strokes his fingers lightly across her face. "Do you really think I know that?"
"You could give Mrs. Bolkonsky a run for her money," Phryne's voice is serious even though her words cause them both to smile.
"Ah my love, this one didn't require a spiritualist. I know you don't like being confined." Jack takes a champagne flute and fills it with the cold milk for her and after handing it to her he moves to get the basket.
Phryne drains the flute as Jack fetches the picnic basket. Returning, Jack plops down beside her with the basket. Pulling an orange from the basket Jack peels it, the tangy scent of citrus filling the air around them. He sections the orange and feeds Phryne a piece before taking one himself, the sweet flesh releasing its refreshing juice into his mouth. He continues to feed her fruit and fresh veggies by hand enjoying the interaction with her and her clear delight in being out of the house.
They finish eating and Jack runs his hands over Phryne's belly feeling for the movements of the babies. He rests his hands where he feels the movements totally absorbed and concentrating so as not to miss anything. "Do you think they are boys or girls or both?" he asks.
"I hadn't really thought," comes her soft reply. "I guess at this point I just want healthy babies, whether boys or girls. Girls will be much more fun to dress though." She smiles impishly at him.
"Hmm," he smiles back rubbing circles on her belly, "if they take after their mother I will have to beat the boys off with a stick."
"I think the dour Inspector, to quote Aunt P, and policeman's voice will deter all but the most ardent admirers, don't you Jack?" She falls into a fit of giggles and Jack chuckles as well.
"Luckily for all of us, especially me, we have a few years before we have to sort that."
"Girls do learn how to wrap men around their little finger in the cradle they say," Phryne responds coyly. "I think they practice on their father."
"Duly noted Miss Fisher," Jack growls. "I have to return to the station soon, but I think we can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air for a bit longer.
"Mmm, I'm sleepy." Phryne closes her eyes, her fingers stroking the back of his hands as they rest on her belly.
"I can't possibly imagine why," he responds the picture of innocence.
Her lips twitch, but she doesn't respond. Jack feels a baby kicking against his hand and he presses against it slightly more firmly loving the push he receives back. He closes his eyes as the baby kicks his hand.
Jack lets his thoughts drift. He replays their honeymoon in his mind, the vivid images of their lovemaking bringing a definite smile to his handsome features and an equally pleasant reaction elsewhere. He remembers Phryne's total breakdown when she realized she forgot her diaphragm. A frown flickers across Jack's face as her distress hits him again. He drifts on to the continuation of their honeymoon in Gippsland which was extended due to a murder investigation and the day Phryne asked him if he thought she smelled strange. They were lying entwined, resting after a rather delightful coupling. He remembers the musky smell of sex, her French perfume, and the clean scent of her hair- nothing odd whatsoever. "You don't smell odd to me Phryne. In fact, you smell very, very good." He had covered her with kisses distracting her and they made love again, slowly this time savoring the warmth and feel of each other and the love flowing between them. Phryne mentioned smelling odd a few more times over the course of the next days though Jack never smelled anything unusual, but when she noted that her monthly was late, there was a storm of emotion and withdrawal. Jack's features tighten and the lines between his eyes deepen as he remembers reminding her of his promise to be by her side and that she could give the baby away if that is what she wanted. He continues to doze and remember before finally rousing himself to return to work.
He looks down at Phryne the love he feels for her and the babies she carries causing his eyes to shimmer. "Phryne, wake up. I need to carry you in and return to the station."
She stirs, sleepily opening her eyes to look at him, "Thank you Jack."
"For what do tell?"
"For taking the time to come home and take me outside even though it is inconvenient for you."
"My pleasure, Phryne," he quirks his half grin at her. Jack carries her to the house and to the loo before depositing her back in bed and returning to work.
Phryne spends the afternoon reading and then talking with Jane. Jane does her homework at the table near Phryne's bed wanting to be close to her mother.
"What are we going to name the babies?" Jane asks thoughtfully.
Phryne gives her a startled look, "I haven't really thought yet. At first I didn't want to think and just as I was adjusting to the idea of one additional child, now I am adjusting to the thought of four children. I confess I am overwhelmed with needing to think about three names!"
Jane nods slowly, "it is a lot to think about."
"Jane, you do know for certain how much Jack and I love you, that you will always be our "first born", that our love will expand to include the new babies, not love you less."
"I know, but it is good to be reminded from time to time," Jane says rising from the table and coming over to give her mother a fierce hug which Phryne returns just as fiercely.
"Have you been thinking of names Jane?"
"Of course," Jane grins, "I've been reading Shakespeare to get ideas, as well as delving into mythology."
Phryne smiles broadly, "What about Cleopatra and Marc Anthony?"
Jane bursts into giggles at this, "If the babies are all girls we need three names and the same for boys. Is it possible for the babies to be a mixture?"
"I don't really know," Phryne responds thoughtfully, "that is a question for Dr. Wilson or Mac."
Jane nods sagely, "We should pick for all eventualities, although I suppose if we pick three girls names and three boys names we should have all combinations covered."
"Very true Jane. Let's start making lists of names we like." Phryne smiles as Jane returns to her homework.
Dot brings in tea with meat pie and Anzac biscuits and milk. Dot, Jane and Phryne share the food chattering together about nothing really, but Phryne enjoys the distraction immensely. She hasn't really been thinking about what triplets really mean and the conversation with Jane brings it to the forefront of her mind. We are going to have three babies crying, sleeping, needing to eat, needing diaper changes, and needing love. In short, needing their mother Phryne thinks with concern. Slipping into her mind like fairy dust is a memory of Janey as a baby. Janey looking up at four year old Phryne with her large trusting blue eyes, the downy hair like corn silk and Phryne whispering that she loves her baby sissy and she will take care of her; protect her. A glimmer of tears shine in Phryne's eyes as she views the scene in her mind's eye, but the message from Janey is clear. She is capable of loving the babies no matter what doubts she has entertained.
When Dr. Wilson arrives, Phryne invites him to dine once again. He accepts and they play a game of Droughts while waiting for Jack to arrive.
Jack arrives and carries Phryne to the parlor for dinner so she can have a change of scenery.
"How are things going Dr. Wilson?" Jack's deep voice is laced with concern.
"Well Inspector, things are good today. No signs of spotting and no additional dilation. The babies' heartbeats are strong and movement is good. I am pleased."
Jack's relief is palpable, "that is an excellent report."
"Yes, it is. I can tell Phryne is minding my instructions."
"You needn't talk about me like I'm not in the room with you gentlemen," Phryne's voice is calm, but the point is made nonetheless.
"Sorry my dear," Dr. Wilson's contrite face searches hers. Phryne bestows one of her brilliant irresistible smiles on him.
"Apology accepted, Dr. Wilson." The conversation turns to politics and people they all know and Phryne is once again in the thick of discussing her views with Jack and Dr. Wilson when the telephone rings.
"Excuse me for interrupting," Dot's apologetic voice calls. "Miss Phryne, your mother is on the telephone."
Carrying her to the telephone chair, Jack deposits her gracefully into the seat.
"Hello Mother," Phryne's cautious voice is soft, "I take it that Aunt Prudence sent a telegram with the news."
"Yes, Phryne, she did. I would prefer to hear from you," the hurt in her Mother's response obvious.
Phryne's eyes close and she pinches the bridge of her nose, "Things are happening very quickly, and if Jack isn't home there is no one to carry me to the phone. We are going to get a phone upstairs, but that takes time. I am on bed rest all the time now. I am only allowed up for the bathroom and a shower."
Her Mother's gasp fills Phryne with a sense of triumph, "I didn't realize…"
"I understand Mother; you are far away and want to know what is happening. Now you know. The doctor wants us to make it to thirty-six weeks if at all possible so the triplets have the best change to survive." Saying the word survive brings a tremble to Phryne's voice. It hits her at odd moments just what is at stake over the next months and a tear slips down her cheek.
"Triplets?! Prudence failed to mention that in her telegram!" exclaims Lady Fisher.
"Yes, it is amazing isn't it?" Phryne's hand strokes softly across her stomach. She and her mother talk a few more minutes, "I have to go now Mother. It is time to lie down. I'll call you soon."
Hearing Phryne ring off, Jack and Dr. Wilson come through to the foyer.
"Back to bed Phryne," Dr. Wilson grins coming to give her a kiss on the cheek.
Her irrepressible good humor shining in her eyes, Phryne salutes him.
After seeing Dr. Wilson to the door Jack picks Phryne up and carries her toward the bathroom where Dot is waiting for her.
"Are you sure you don't want me to help you?" Jack's low whisper fills her ear.
Phryne shivers in anticipation, "I think you need to start your preparations instead," nibbling his ear lobe and kissing his neck, his evening stubble scraping her face and sending electric shocks all along her body, "and Jack, don't shave."
He drops a kiss on her lips and places her in the chair, leaving her in Dot's capable hands and moving to make as many preparations as possible while waiting on the bathroom.
Reaching his room he unconsciously rubs a hand across his face anticipation tightening deliciously along his body. He gathers a set of pajamas and undressing he pulls on his robe.
He hears Dot and Phryne giggling as they return to her room. Jack smirks as he moves swiftly to the bathroom to finish his ablutions; the thoughts of his wife's soft curves waiting for him to come to her bed spur his careful preparations to completion in record time.
The firelight flickers casting dim light over Phryne's silver robe causing her to look like a mysterious Egyptian goddess. Jack stops, his breath hitching, drinking her in. His body responds immediately and he moves with catlike grace to her side.
"So beautiful my Phryne," he kisses her with the lightest of touches his chiseled lips brushing hers so gently she can barely feel them. "Would you like to lay by the fire?"
"I would indeed, Jack."
Jack nods and taking a clean sheet places it over the soft rug by the fire and returns to her side. She unties the sash of the silvery robe and it falls open revealing the creamy skin and curves beneath. Jack shrugs his robe off also, wanting to be skin to skin with her as soon as possible. He lifts her out of her robe leaving it lying on the bed and carries her to the fire careful to place her on her left side facing the flickering flames.
The warmth of the fire feels good as Jack lowers himself behind her and snuggles against her back his hand stealing around to make lazy patterns on her skin. He kisses the back of her neck and shoulders scraping her gently as he nuzzles against her with his unshaven face.
Phryne's heart beats faster the sensations of the fire warming her front and Jack warming her back causing her to sigh deeply as her hand reaches to stroke his thigh and hip. Her fingers restlessly move over his muscles seeking more of him. He shifts his position slightly to allow her more access to his body breathing softly in her ear, his breath tickling her and causing an eruption of goose bumps and quiet squeals.
His exploring fingers become more insistent, more demanding, seeking her pleasure and returning to the places that elicit the soft moans and mewling sounds that drive him to distraction. As she falls apart around his fingers Jack nips along her neck urging her on with his touch and his whispers of love and lust.
Unable to stand it any longer, Phryne turns to face him hungrily kissing him and pushing her body against him causing Jack to push his desire against her wishing he could sheath himself in her warmth. Her fingers search out the scars that remind her of how close she came to losing him and the hollows and flat planes of his long torso. She skims along his powerful thighs touching everywhere but where he wants his groans of desire filling her ears now and causing a wicked grin to trace across her face.
"Phryne," he says thickly, "you are being a tease."
"As it happens Inspector, you spoke too soon. Patience is a virtue…at least in this particular case. And I will have you know I never tease," mock incredulity at his accusation colors her clear voice.
"Liar," he spits out, his need for her intensifying with every touch of her fingers and lips.
"Jack, you know very well that I lie as little as possible," breathes Phryne digging her nails into his thighs and trailing fiery kisses from his mouth down to his chest and across his stomach where her mouth joins her fingers in slowly torturing him until he can no longer hold back against the exquisite sensations threatening to overwhelm him. Jack surrenders to the oblivion pulling at him, all the sensations of warm, wet, swirling pleasure mingling with his hoarse cries and his fingers tangle in her hair as his climax rocks through him.
Phryne holds his hips firmly until he recovers and begins pulling her back up to capture her mouth in a searing kiss and holding her before covering her body with warm, wet kisses taking care to create an extra layer of sensation with his stubble until she shudders against the onslaught of desire his mouth and tongue create once again falling over the precipice into limb deadening release.
As they lay tangled together in the glow of the fire their bodies sated, Phryne almost asleep, says quietly, "Jane is keen on us choosing names for the babies."
Jack's hand tightens on her belly, "Really? I hadn't thought that far yet."
"That is what I told her as well," a sleepy chuckle escaping her.
"Since it is important to Jane, perhaps we need to have a baby naming party," Jack teases his own chuckle rumbling against her, the hair on his chest rubbing her back as he laughs.
"Actually Inspector, a party is an excellent idea. We can have all of the family over including your parents and Wills and Nora and let everyone provide their favorite names for our consideration. You and I can cull the list to acceptable names and then we can let Jane pick out three girls' names and three boys' names. Everyone can feel part of things. They are helping get the babies here so it seems only fair."
Jack contemplates for a few moments visions of silly names popping into his head. He grins against her hair, "As you wish Miss Fisher. This could be quite entertaining."
His only answer is her deep breathing. Jack grins again reluctant to move but knows sleeping on the floor is not a good idea. He gets up and carries Phryne, who does not wake but merely burrows into him, to their bed and tucks the covers around her naked body before slipping in beside her sleep claiming him almost instantly.
This becomes the pattern of many days and nights over the coming weeks.