Chapter 11
Phryne Fisher Robinson is awake, but she feigns sleep not wanting to wake Jack yet, not wanting to lose his warmth, wanting to hold on to the contented feeling laying with him brings. Her bladder protests this desire of her heart, however, and she reluctantly rolls over and peppers Jack's jaw with soft kisses.
"Jack, wake up," her soft voice speaks into the quiet of the early morning.
Jack groans, not ready to wake up, "Hmm?"
"Sorry darling, but I have an urgent call of nature," her apologetic yet needy statement penetrates his sleepy brain as do the kisses she trails down his neck, stopping to nibble at his pulse point. She smiles as he swallows; his Adam's apple moving up and down tantalizingly close to her lips.
He opens is eyes, their expression soft and sleepy and wraps his arms around her. "Let's answer that call, and then we can try out the new shower," the deep timbre of his voice sending a shiver of anticipation down Phryne's spine.
"I do like a man with a plan, Inspector," is her cheeky response as she trails her hand down his body her eyes alight with promise.
"Come Mrs. Robinson, your bath awaits," the gruff timber of his voice softened by the grin she loves so much.
Lifting her easily in his arms, Jack carries her to the bathroom and allows her privacy for her call of nature returning to the bedroom to get their robes and Phryne's chair. When he gets back to the bathroom rolling the chair with their robes coiled upon it, Phryne is cleaning her teeth. Jack does the same and then they try out the new shower together.
The shower Phryne ordered interests Jack now as in his weary, exhausted state when he bathed two nights previous he did not pay attention, nor was he observant last evening when he wanted to get back to her as quickly as possible. His curious eyes now take the time to roam around the edifice that is the shower.
The tub has had a surround added to its front half made of enameled metal with a porcelain interior. The exterior is painted with beautiful birds and vines. There is a large head in the ceiling and shower pipe as well. Jack thinks that Phryne was wise to install both so she has a way to control the water while in the chair if she wishes.
"Jack, will you put the chair into the tub for me?"
"Of course," Jack answers looking dubiously at the rolling chair before spotting a small teak garden bench in the corner of the bathroom which he places in the tub under the overhead source. He turns the water on to warm and then helps Phryne into the tub.
Jack climbs in the tub as well and sits in the chair settling Phryne across his lap and holding her as the warm water streams over their bodies. Jack soaps himself and then soaps Phryne's back and her front eliciting little moans and sighs of pleasure as his hands slip caressingly along her curves. Sitting sideways Phryne is able to enjoy her husband's obvious attraction and she uses the water and slick soap to her advantage wringing a shuddering, trembling and rather vocal response from him. Smiling mischievously, her eyes radiating delight at his reactions she turns so she is sitting with her back to him feeling his breath still hitching slightly as he regains his senses.
Phryne washes her hair, the sweet clean smell invading Jack's senses, and then leans back against him just enjoying the hot water and being with Jack whose large hands and long fingers are busy the entire time.
Jack's strong arms anchor Phryne to his muscular thighs as his fingers work their magic under the spray of the water. Holding her as she shatters and keens Jack continues to work her body as delicious tremors spread warmth through Phryne. Kissing the nape of her neck he sighs softly, "Love you so much, Miss Fisher."
"Love you more," she breathes arching her neck into his touch.
They stay there with the water running over their skin in warm rivulets reconnecting. Phryne, turning to straddle Jack's lap, her swollen belly pressing into him, the babies busily kicking, proceeds to kiss him properly. Long, slow wet kisses, the dance of their tongues timeless, and the thumping of their hearts communicating that they are the other's greatest passion. Even the babies still their movements as if listening to a symphony by a great master, which in fact they are for the beating of their parent's hearts is part of the music created by the Giver of Life.
Finally, as the water turns colder, they move to dry off and robe up. As Phryne sits in the rolling chair and wraps her dripping hair in a towel, Dot knocks softly.
"Miss, Inspector, I have breakfast waiting in your room and your sheets are freshly changed.
"Thank you, Dot," calls Phryne, "that sounds lovely." She giggles as Jack's stomach gives a loud growl, and he retaliates by swiveling her chair around in a couple of circles. Her shriek and laughter echo through the upstairs hallway.
Breakfast finished and Phryne ensconced in the bed, dutifully lying on her left side, Jack goes to get the butcher paper and other supplies they need to make the map.
While Jack is gone, Phryne writes in her journal.
Janey and I loved to see Arthur and Guy as they were always great fun to play hide and seek with. The gardens at Aunt Prudence and Uncle Edward's home were spectacular and they had the swimming pool as well - so many luxuries that didn't exist in Collingwood. Father didn't appreciate when Aunt Prudence did too much for Janey and me so she limited her going home gifts to simple, serviceable dresses that wouldn't stand out in Collingwood, simple shoes and fruit and candy, but while we were at her house we had wonderful, beautiful dresses to wear. Aunt Prudence also had plenty of food for us. Janey was so happy there and Arthur adored her. He called her "my Janey". The two of them were inseparable. Arthur often called me "NeeNee" as well in those days of childhood innocence.
Aunt Prudence had all four of us take swimming lessons the same year. Janey was like a fish in the water. She looked like a Water Fairy from our reading with her blonde hair billowing out around her. I also loved the water. I always felt incredibly safe under the water where sounds are blocked out and one is completely surrounded. It is hard for me to explain, but this is when I felt the closest to God growing up. It was like He was all around me in the water, holding me for that brief period of time close to His heart. I practiced holding my breath and became quite adept at sitting on the bottom of the pool; a skill that has served me well in the intervening years.
Hearing Jack return, Phryne puts the journal aside and prepares for the serious matter of helping Jack get his thoughts collected and catalogued.
Jack lays out the Melbourne map and sets the roll of butcher paper to the side. He marks the locations of the bodies on the Melbourne map for Phryne to study. A pattern is no obvious to her upon first glance and she is slightly distracted by Jack's tender stroking of her belly.
Jack strokes her belly, the dance of his children against his hands causing him to smirk in wonder. "Hello my children," he speaks close to Phryne's stomach so that his voice vibrates through her.
"Jack, we are supposed to be working on the case," Phryne huffs.
"Yes, Miss Fisher," he says against her stomach, "I just can't resist talking to our children. Speaking of our children, has Jane come in this morning?"
"No, she hasn't, but she usually comes after school and does her homework with me, and we have dinner together if you haven't come home."
"Inspector, might you take me outside today? Some place where I can see the ocean, perhaps dip my toes in the sand," Phryne asks.
"Will Dr. Wilson and Mac agree to such an activity?" Jack asks in concern, "That will involve driving in the car."
"I don't know. Would you call them? I have a real urge to be near the water today, she explains.
"Very well," Jack moves to the phone on the bedside table.
After a conversation with Mac where he promises to drive slower than a milk cart should Dr. Wilson agrees, Phryne's eyes to widen in alarm. "That slowly?" she chokes out.
Jack nods happily at her suppressing the laughter he wants to release at her expression.
His call to Dr. Wilson is longer as the doctor is full of instructions regarding the outing. Phryne can only hear Jack's side of the conversation, but it is beginning to sound like her simple idea is going to be very difficult to execute. She sighs heavily, chaffing at the restrictions being placed on her.
Jack is a resourceful man, perhaps not in Phryne's league, but still he does have his moments. He quietly asks Mr. Butler and Dot to prepare for a trip to the St. Kilda foreshore. Jack returns to Phryne and the task of making the map. He believes they will both need the outing by the time they finish the map.
Phryne falls asleep as they are finishing the map, and Jack takes the opportunity to finalize the plans for their excursion. He also takes a few minutes to pick some fresh blooms from the garden for Phryne's table.
When Phryne awakes, she is surprised to find Jack and Jane grinning at each other like two Cheshire cats. "What is going on you two?"
"It's a surprise, mama," Jane's exclaims.
They help Phryne dress, but Jack doesn't let her where any stockings, "they will just be in the way and make you hot," he says by way of explanation.
Jack carries Phryne down to the Hispano Suiza and lays her carefully in the back seat. He and Jane get in the front and they take off. They drive carefully, Phryne feeling like they are indeed travelling more slowly than a milk cart, but the joy of being out in the fresh air steals her attention from the slow speed of the car and she breathes deeply.
They arrive at the beach in due course and Jack carries Phryne down to a spot close to the water where Dot is waiting. Dot has prepared a nest of soft blankets and pillows for Phryne to recline on. She also has a garden bench nearby. Jack lowers Phryne gently onto the blankets and helps her get comfortable. "Thank you Jack," she says softly for his ears alone. He grins at her,
As Jack finishes getting Phryne settled Dr. Mac and Dr. Wilson arrive on the scene. Much laughter ensues as Mac and Dr. Wilson tease Phryne about the location of their house call. They eat a delicious meal, Phryne finding she is ravenous in the seaside air.
After they eat, Jack puts the bench into the water and Phryne spends a good few minutes splashing her feet around in the water while Jane plays with both Dr. Wilson and Mac splashing them a bit where they are wading in the water with their pant legs rolled up. Phryne rests against Jack as she kicks and splashes her pale limbs flashing in the fading sunlight. "This is just perfect Jack. I've had a wonderful time."
Jack's voice growls low in her ear causing her to shiver slightly. "I am delighted that you approve Miss Fisher. I do, however, think it is about time to take you home. It will be getting dark soon."
Jack returns Phryne to her nest and dries her feet and legs. Bert and Cec show up to help Dot get everything back to the house, and Jack and Jane return Phryne to the car. Both doctors come to speak to Phryne one last time.
"My dear," Dr. Wilson begins, "you are doing well. I am pleased with your progress thus far."
Mac smirks, "I agree, Doctor. For once in her life she seems to be following instructions!"
"Why Mac, I am hurt that you would say such things," Phryne's voice is severe, but her grin betrays her teasing. "Thank you for allowing me out of the house. This has been a glorious evening."
The doctors nod and take their leave. Jack and Jane drive Phryne home just a slowly as when they set out, but the fresh air catches up with Phryne and she falls asleep, the car's steady motion soothing, her dreams of Jane and three little children splashing at the edge of the beach and making a sandcastle bringing a soft smile to her sleeping face.