Once again your encouragement is much appreciated. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Happy New Year 2016!
Chapter 12: The Party
Preparations for the "Name the Triplets" party now consume many of Phryne's waking hours. Jack is most grateful for this distraction as he really doesn't want her thinking about the "Schoolgirl Killer" so much. This case continues to affect him negatively and the longer there is no suspect, the more frustrated he becomes though he tries very hard not to bring his frustration home.
One morning Dot shows Phryne the RSVPs that have arrived. It seems nearly everyone plans to attend the party! Dr. Wilson, Cec and Alice, Bert, Hugh, Aunt Prudence and Arthur, Jack's parents; Jack's sister Nora, Wills, Robert and baby Michaela; Mac, Beatrice Mason, Miss Lee, Lin and Camellia Chung and their new baby son Lei; Regina Charlesworth, Anna Ross, Raymond and Clara Hirsch, David and Silvia Johnson and Dr. Henry Taylor have all accepted the party invitation. Of course Dot, Mr. Butler and Jane will be there as well.
"Dot, I can hardly believe that everyone plans to come – do people really like babies that much?" Phryne asks slightly overwhelmed.
"Of course, Miss Fish - Phryne – most people do like babies that much, but also, I think these people care a great deal about you and the Inspector for a variety of reasons and want to show their love and support by attending this party," Dot's sensible reply brings a smile to Phryne's face.
"Thank you Dot. You really should have accepted the Artemis job at the Argus, though I am grateful you did not – I need you more," Phryne compliments her. "We have a lot to accomplish. I don't think I can wear a nightgown for this party, and quite frankly, I don't want to. I miss real clothes. Please call the Fleuri sisters and see if they will do a house call make dress designs for the party."
"Yes, Miss. I will call them right away."
"Also Dot, we need to make reservations at the Windsor for everyone except Jack's family. Let's prepare the guest rooms for them." Nodding, Dot helps Phryne into the bathroom for her shower.
Dot calls the House of Fleuri and the Windsor while Phryne is occupied in the shower. The Fleuri sisters will come the next morning and the Windsor confirms reservations for all the out of town guests. Dot also let Mr. Butler know that they will need to plan for Jack's family to be with them several days.
That afternoon passes pleasantly with Phryne, Dot and Jane spending time perusing Weldon's Simple Baby Clothes and Maternity Wear magazine for home dress making that Dot's mother sent over. Unbeknownst to Phryne, Dot and Jane are making bonnets for the babies from patterns in the magazine. Phryne gets several ideas for dress designs from the magazine as she anticipates the arrival of the Fleuri sisters on the morrow.
Simone and Renee arrive in Phryne's bedroom with a large number of fabric swatches and dress patterns and the ladies spend several hours in discussion of dresses and foundational pieces. Phryne decides to order several dresses and some additional nightgowns. She doesn't need more than a few dresses since she is on bed rest, but she likes the idea of having something should the need arise.
"I haven't worn real clothes in such a long time," Phryne sighs as she fingers the fabric swatches. "It will be a treat to dress."
There is a lot of giggling as they work to take Phryne's measurements without her getting out of bed and Renee comments on the amount of extra fabric to use causing Phryne to blush and bemoan her size.
"Not at all Miss Fisher – I mean Mrs. Robinson. You are nourishing life, several lives so the need for extra fabric is a wonderful thing," Simone reassures her. Phryne nods her agreement, but she is clearly distressed by her measurements.
The sisters suggest a white organdy panel front dress with cascading ruffles along the neckline and thin blue and pink ribbon accents for the party. It is very simple overall with a ruffled square neckline and a belt of blue and pink ribbons which will give slight emphasis to her much fuller bust without being too much. The long sheer sleeves will be cuffed and edged with pink and blue ribbon. Her hair piece will be made with blue and pink that matches the ribbons as well. Phryne decides she will wear white stockings and shoes. Phryne draws the line at a maternity corset; however, instinctively knowing that it can't be good for the babies to constrict her body in that manner. The effect will be softly feminine and very Greek goddess.
Phryne lets out a satisfied sigh as they finish up with the plans for the party dress. "Thank you for making a house call ladies," she says quietly. "It has been a wonderful day.
Phryne commissions two more dresses of the following designs:
One dress is sleeveless with a deep V-neck and cascading ruffles. It has a cross over front finished with a ruffle cascade down the left side. The skirt of the dress is flared from a diagonal hip line. Phryne decides to let the Fleuri sisters pick out the fabrics and trim from a selection of silks she chooses from the swatches they have on hand.
The second dress is short-sleeved with a simple flowing dropped waist overlay top that tightens just below the hip and a skirt with ribbon cut ruffle details. Phryne likes the idea of this dress being a pattern with the ruffle detail being solid. The pattern on the top will show and the pattern on the skirt will peek out as the ribbon cut ruffles move.
Phryne also orders a hip length lace coatee which has large full sleeves that end in a style that reminds her of fingers or flower petals.
The nightgowns and pajamas Phryne keeps simple and comfortable, but with a flair when it comes to the colors. She can wear the coatee with them and be presentable for activities in the house if she doesn't want a robe and she doesn't want to dress more formally. Lately she has found herself to be stifling hot if she wears a robe.
Sighing contentedly as she fingers the fabrics and looks at patterns, Phryne realizes this has been a fun though somewhat exhausting day and she takes time to write all of her impressions in her journal before she falls into a relaxed nap, waking when Jack comes home and slides into bed with her.
He tells her about his day though he holds back details not wanting to concern her. Phryne senses this and draws him out until he shares with her the frustration he feels at not making progress in the Schoolgirl Killer case. Phryne snuggles against him while he talks and they exchange some thoughts on the case. Once Jack has calmed and ordered his thoughts on the case he reads poetry to the babies, and Phryne of course, his deep voice filling the room with warmth.
The day of the Name the Triplets party dawns clear and bright, the late spring sky a soft blue. Phryne's eyes are alight with excitement wondering what names their friends and family will place in the original Penrose designed Waterford Bowl she selects for the occasion. It is early and the household isn't stirring yet, although Jack is up and preparing for the day. Phryne slips the leather-bound journal out of the bedside table drawer and opens it to a fresh page.
October 15
Hello Janey. Today is the Name the Triplets Party. We have made it nearly four weeks on bed rest. Jack has been so understanding, as have Dot and Mr. Butler, Jane and everyone else. I am so impatient with these restrictions on my activities. I sometimes feel like Alice in Wonderland going down the rabbit hole - I remember snuggling under the covers with you and reading it after Aunt Prudence gave me a copy for my birthday.
I think I may go crazy with three more months of this. I wish you were here with us. I would love to know what names you would pick out for your nieces and/or nephews. Mother and Father sent a letter with names for us to put in the "hat". I can hardly wait to see what the names are. I haven't even really thought about it. You would think I would have a huge name list, but I don't. It is still surreal, although my gigantic stomach says it is very real. You wouldn't believe it. I think I am bigger than Mrs. Jones two houses down – do you remember how fascinated we were with her? I need to get ready for the day now. I love you little sister. I miss you – every day.
Phryne closes the journal as Jack returns from the bathroom slipping it back into the drawer of the mahogany bedside table. Jack brings a steaming bowl of water, towels and shaving supplies to the table. Phryne's eyes light up. She thoroughly enjoys Jack shaving her legs. It is ten times better than a day at the Melba Cruise Salon of Beauty! Dot usually performs the task, but she is busy with other things for the party so Jack has volunteered. Jack places a thick fluffy towel under Phryne's right leg and then he lathers her leg from ankle to the top of her thigh. Phryne grits her teeth slightly. She finds being shaved by him incredibly erotic and it is hard to be still when what she wants to do is devour him. Jack patiently shaves her leg taking care not to nick her a slight frown of concentration on his face. As he shaves her thigh a devilish grin lights his eyes and he can't resist teasing her, thoroughly enjoying the quickening of her breathing and the goose bumps that erupt on her and the sweetness of her biting her lower lip to keep from making any sudden moves. "Jack Robinson," she says, "If you don't stop that, I may slop water all over this bed in an attempt to satisfy the itch you are creating!"
"Now, now Miss Fisher," he responds gruffly, "rest assured I will scratch that itch in good time."
Phryne can't help the giggle that escapes her even as she feigns impatience that isn't really an act at all, "But I don't want to wait," she says seductively as she allows her fingers to trail across Jack's thigh.
"Phryne, behave!" Jack warns as the water laps dangerously close to the edge of the bowl. Grabbing the bowl Jack whisks it to safety before drying her leg and smoothing lotion on it; an activity that causes a good deal more squirming now that the water is safely away.
Jack completes the task of applying lotion making sure to arouse Phryne even more, and then he places a dry towel under her left leg, again ensuring he makes a sensual activity of the task. Then he checks the water, "Oh dear, this water is too cold, I'll have to get fresh." He grins as a pillow hits his back and Phryne's sputtering and dire threats follow him out of the room.
After Jack completes shaving and lotioning her left leg, he applies himself to the delicious task of soothing Phryne's itch and the rapidly developing itch of his own. Once both itches are scratched, he rests his head on Phryne's tummy feeling the babies' movements as they respond to his voice.
Dot places the Waterford bowl on a small carved table which she moves in front of the fireplace for the party. Surreptitiously she puts her own suggested names into the bowl. Why she feels a need for no one to be there when she drops her names in she doesn't know because she feels good about the names on the tiny slips of paper: Frances Anne Robinson, Mary Margaret Robinson, Annabella Phryne Robinson, Jack Henry Robinson, Nathaniel John Robinson, and Matthew Luke Robinson are good solid names she thinks, but she still likes that no one is there to see. There are still several last minute details to attend to, but Dot takes a moment to reflect on the changes of the past year as she puts her names in the bowl.
The food is nearly ready. Dot and Mr. Butler worked for days to do a menu that incorporates pink, blue and white per Phryne's request. The house is spotless and the guest rooms prepared, so cooking is the last detail to complete.
Letters from Phryne's parents arrive that very day with enclosures for dropping into the bowl. Her parents' names are: Henry George Fisher Robinson; Alexandra Marie Robinson; Fisher Alexander Robinson; Henry Jack Fisher Robinson; Margaret Georgia Robinson and Phaedra Denise Robinson
As a surprise for Phryne, Jack commissions a necklace of deep blue and pink sapphires with heart shaped stones. Jack and the jeweler discuss the shape of the stones several times, the jeweler favoring an emerald cut, but Jack's desire to communicate his love and deep gratefulness that Phryne chose to carry their children – to change her entire thought process; her entire life- keeps Jack returning to the heart shaped stones. It is a gamble perhaps, commissioning the necklace when there is such a strong possibility the babies will not survive; that Phryne won't survive, but Jack chooses in this instance to err on the side of reckless abandon knowing how much Phryne will love the necklace, and if it becomes a sad reminder, perhaps she can put it away with Janey's hair ribbons – truly her most prized possessions. He beats back the yawning chasm of darkness that rises up to engulf him when he contemplates losing Phryne by focusing on the flashing fire in the gems. His decision made he tells the jeweler to create heart shaped stones.
He plans to wait until just before he takes her downstairs for the party to present the necklace thinking he will give it to her when she checks her hair and makeup at her dressing table.
"I have a surprise for you," Jack says silkily idly running his fingers across her belly smiling as he feels the kicking babies.
"What is it?"
"If I tell you now it won't be a surprise will it, Miss Fisher?"
"You know I hate surprises," but the sparkle in her eyes says otherwise and Jack just smiles.
"You must wait until after Doctor Wilson examines you and approves coming downstairs for the party," Jack says a slightly wicked gleam at making her anticipate filling his eyes.
"Well, I never…," but Jack is gone before she can finish her sentence his low chuckle floating back to her.
Doctor Wilson appears to check on Phryne well before the other guests are due to arrive. Cec and Bert are planning trips to the Windsor to pick people up and will begin their runs shortly.
"Well my dear, let's see if you can attend the party," his kindly manner soothing as always Dr. Wilson enters the bedroom.
Dr. Wilson notes Phryne's heightened excitement and raises a brow at her, "Excited about the party are you Phryne?"
"Yes, and Jack has a surprise for me, but he said I have to see you first." She sniffs giving Jack a look of complete disgust.
"I wouldn't want to delay your surprise any longer than necessary, so let's get busy," Dr. Wilson's wry response is laced with suppressed laughter.
Phryne's blood pressure is normal and the babies answer his gentle palpations with a number of kicks. He spends several minutes listening intently to the babies heartbeats moving his stethoscope around to where each baby was located during his previous visit. A brief look of surprise and concern crosses his face as he listens, but Phryne misses the flickering emotions on the doctor's face as she has her eyes closed. Jack however observes the change in the doctor's features and makes a mental note to ask him about it later.
"You are making good progress and I am exceedingly glad to find a lack of a girdle," he waves his hands in the direction of Phryne's party clothes, "those contraptions are not good for babies."
Jack blushes slightly at the doctor's words causing Phryne to grin mischievously though she doesn't tease him until Dr. Wilson has left them.
Jack helps Phryne dress as Dot is otherwise occupied. "You are aware, Inspector, that I don't wear a girdle under normal circumstances to allow you easy access to my assets, aren't you?" her voice all soft innocence.
"Phryne Robinson!" Jack's scandalized retort is tempered by the long fingers stroking delicately along her curves causing a hungry look to cross Phryne's face. Jack's own hunger flairs in response and his fingers tighten reflexively on her. "Let's get ready for the party," he growls attaching her stocking to the last garter suspender.
"What about my surprise Jack? And I need to brush my hair and put on lipstick. Can I sit at the dressing table just for a few minutes to do that?"
He nods moving to carry her to the delicately carved bench in front of her vanity table.
After Phryne brushes her hair she looks at him expectantly, "Well?"
"Well what?"
"I may throw this hairbrush at you Jack Robinson," she threatens him brandishing the Mother of Pearl brush in the mirror.
Smirking, Jack makes her close her eyes, "No peeking," he admonishes her.
"I won't peek. What is it?" she asks a childlike quality to her voice, but Jack just chuckles.
"Patience my love," Jack's smooth bass whispers along her jaw.
"Jack, you know that patience is not my strong suite," Phryne says her face looking slightly anxious.
"I know. All is well. You won't have to wait much longer," Jack laughs softly his amusement obvious.
"You enjoy torturing me," she says huffing a bit in mock anger.
"Indeed I do Mrs. Robinson," Jack replies gliding silently behind her to brush the back of her neck with the slightest of kisses, his warm breath tantalizing as it touches her sensitive skin.
"Most unfair, Inspector, when I can't see you."
Jack laughingly places his hands on her shoulders. "Now, just in case you are tempted to peek I have a solution," and producing a silk scarf he covers her eyes and ties it so she can't see, but the knot is barely tight enough to hold it on.
"Jack! I am hurt you don't trust me."
"Experience Miss Fisher, years of experience. Now be still and I'll get your surprise."
"Very well, Inspector," Phryne says though her fingers long to remove the blindfold. She holds her hands together in her lap so that she won't give in to the temptation to rip the scarf off.
She feels Jack withdraw from her and wonders what exactly he is doing. She hears some movement, but can't tell where he is. Then she feels him behind her, his body pressed close to her back as she sits in the chair. She waits.
Jack moves his hands as stealthily as he can to place the necklace around her neck. Phryne jumps when the cool metal touches her skin, but it quickly begins to warm as Jack fastens the clasp.
The necklace settles on her throat and over her delicate collarbones twinkling merrily in the soft lighting.
Jack pulls in a breath. He thinks the necklace is more than lovely against her creamy skin. It is stunning.
He fumbles a little with the knot wanting Phryne to see and to hear her response. Finally he is able to drop the scarf, but before he does he cautions her not to peek. "Yes, Jack I won't peek," Phryne snaps impatiently.
He drops the scarf, "You may open your eyes now.
Phryne opens her eyes and looks into the mirror. She is utterly still, barely breathing. The necklace is truly beautiful, but what captures her most is that Jack took the time to have it made. "Jack, this is breathtaking. I adore it."
Jack rests his hands lightly on her shoulders again, looking into the mirror. The love he sees shining out of her eyes, takes his breath away. He is mesmerized, and then he lowers his head and she tilts hers back and they are kissing. As ever, their passion rises rapidly and he moves around in front so that he can reach her more easily.
"Have I mentioned recently Miss Fisher that I find you intoxicating?" he asks between kisses.
"Jack, don't lie. I am the size of a whale now, and I am not kidding," she pouts.
Nuzzling her neck, his lips soft, he murmurs, "But you are such a beautiful whale."
She smacks him then, "Let me look at my necklace again you oaf."
Jack, grinning broadly moves away and returns to her back so he can look again with her.
"I will treasure this, Jack," her eyes moist as she blinks back tears. He drops a kiss on her head.
"I am so glad that you like it. I had fun designing it. Now, it is time to go down to the party."
"Let me fix my lipstick," and she applies a soft shade of pink rather than her usual red. The soft pink lips along with her rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes truly make a fetching picture and Jack struggles against the desire to lock the door and hide in their own world a bit longer. Keeping their guests waiting now isn't an option he supposes with a small sigh and a wicked grin. Scooping Phryne up in his arms in the soft white dress reminds him of their wedding night not that many months ago. Life with Phryne is definitely never dull he muses color suffusing his face as he recalls some of the finer points of the night his children were likely conceived.
As Jack deposits a radiant Phryne on the chaise lounge everyone begins talking and pulling her into conversations. After a bit of talking and visiting, Mr. Butler announces dinner.
Jack carries Phryne to the dining room so she can see the beautifully laid out buffet and to pick out what she wants on her plate before taking her back to the parlor.
The dining room table is filled with a lovely buffet of food and the crystal and silver capture the light from the chandelier. All of the food looks delicious - Lobster Mayonnaise with finger lime fruit garnish; a chicken salad with purple asparagus and strawberries, flakey croissants and various breads, fruit salad, spring peas, a spinach and watercress salad, and for dessert, petit fours with intricate blue and pink swirls and Riberry sorbet. Also Mr. Butler prepared a delicious nonalcoholic punch and champagne laced with his homemade strawberry liquor.
"Mr. B, the table looks beautiful. Thank you," Phryne says fondly giving Mr. Butler a grin of appreciation and approval.
Jack returns Phryne to the chaise and brings her a plate filled with goodies and a glass of champagne. "Dr. Wilson approved this drink – just the one."
Phryne's impish grin and her sigh of pleasure after she swallows her first sip give Jack indication of the joy of the unexpected, but delightful treat.
After they eat and the dishes have been cleared away, everyone who hasn't already put their names in the bowl drops them in and the excitement is palpable. Phryne is clearly anticipating the unveiling of the names.
Dot brings the small table and the Waterford bowl to Phryne's side.
Jack hands her slips of paper from the bowl and Phryne reads the names aloud. In some cases it is obvious who put the names in the bowl, like with some of Bert's picks: Albert Jack Robinson; Alberta Marie Robinson; Maissie Alberta Robinson; Cecil Jack Robinson (anyone who knows Cec would know he would not put his own name in the bowl); others are not so obvious as to the owner: Phineas Henry Robinson and Victoria Anne Robinson's origins are not quite as clear.
Jane suppresses a smile as her name choices are read out and Phryne and Jack smile on hearing the mythological connections: Diana Hope Robinson; Selena Grace Robinson, Cassandra Joy Robinson, Jack Evander Robinson, Linus Henry Robinson, and Antony George Robinson.
As the names continue to be called out, the following names are in the list for the girls: Charlotte Anastasia Robinson; Victoria Faith Robinson; Alexas Hope Robinson; Phaedra Joy Robinson; Catherine Anne Robinson; Isabella Adiana Robinson; Gemma Grace Robinson; Lorelei Faith Robinson; Larisa Hope Robinson; Selena Joy Robinson; Merindah Alexandra Robinson; Alexandra Louisa Robinson, Iris Marie Robinson, Lily Faith Robinson, Daisy Grace Robinson, Juliana Michelle Robinson
And for the boys the list includes: John Oliver Robinson; John David Robinson; Anthony Jack Robinson; Henry Oliver Fisher Robinson; Nathaniel Jack Robinson, James Henry Jack Robinson, Alexander James Robinson, Stephen Matthew Robinson, Charles Henry George Robinson, Daniel Jack Robinson, Charles William Robinson, Alexander James Robinson, and Luke Romulus Robinson
As Phryne and Jack reach the last two names in the bowl they wonder what these final names will be.
Jack picks one of the slips and read silently, a smirk crossing his face before he reads aloud, "Cleopatra Merindah Robinson". Handing Phryne the last name he waits expectantly.
Phryne opens the slip and reads out "Marc Antony Robinson," then exchanges a look with Jack as these two names remind both of them of Guy and Isabella's engagement party, and the budding acknowledgement of feelings that encompassed more than mere friendship or a professional relationship.
Once all the names are read out, people begin talking again and wondering which names Phryne and Jack will select as well as discussing babies in general, Nora and Camellia comparing notes on Michaela and Lei's growth and behaviors.
Phryne holds the babies though she is clearly not totally comfortable while Jack holds both with ease, his large arms effortlessly cradling them safely and snuggly to his warm body. As Jack holds his niece and Lei; the two fall asleep lulled by the chatter around them and Jack's powerful arms cuddling them.
Phryne watches Jack holding the babies a bit jealous of the ease with which he does so. Dr. Wilson comes by with a fresh cup of punch for her, "Don't worry my dear," he whispers conspiratorially in her ear, "you will be just as adept, I promise."
Phryne whispers back her blue eyes huge in her face and threatening tears, "Thank you Doctor, I…I just never thought this would be happening to me and to think that there are three of them is really, well I can't even put into words how scared I am that I will be a horrible mother."
"Phryne, I have known a lot of mothers and you can trust me when I say that you will be fine. You are much more of a natural than you think," his kindly expression and quiet confidence soothing her.
Clara Hirsch tells Phryne in a very quiet and awed voice that she and Raymond are expecting as well. "The children will be playmates as you and Raymond were," Clara comments and Phryne can only nod a bit dazedly memories of running through fields, climbing trees, picking peaches and laughter slipping through her mind.
"Double trouble for us, Clara," she says at last squeezing Clara's hand and sharing a conspiratorial grin. "Congratulations!"
Giving Jack a knowing look, Dr. Wilson announces that Phryne needs to return to bed. After everyone gives Phryne hugs and kisses, Jack gives the babies to their mothers and once again picks Phryne up to carry her upstairs. Dot comes with them to take over getting Phryne ready for the night so Jack can return to their guests. While Dot is stripping the sheets off the bed and remaking it, Jack selects a nightgown and wheels Phryne to the bathroom where he indulges in a number of slow, tender kisses while they wait for Dot.
"Have I mentioned today that I love you Mrs. Robinson?" he asks between bone melting kisses.
"I definitely don't think so Inspector," she replies returning his kisses and twining her arms around his neck.
"Well, I do – more than you can imagine. Wait up for me?"
The promise in the question as well as the insistence of his tongue tracing her lips prompt Phryne though weary to breathe a soft "Yes," as he kisses her again prior to Dot's knock on the bathroom door.
Jack returns to the party taking time to thank each of their friends for coming and giving Phryne a delightful diversion. He shows his parents, Nora and her family to their rooms and helps Mr. Butler clear the parlor and dining room of the party debris until Dot comes back downstairs.
"Thank you both for this evening. I know Phryne loved every minute of it. Please don't stay up too late worrying about cleaning the rest up and preparing for my family – they are very easy and used to fending for themselves."
"Yes, Inspector," Mr. Butler says though they both know he won't go to bed until the house is once again spotless. Smiling, Dot takes a load of plates to the kitchen where she begins washing up, singing a lullaby under her breath secure in the knowledge that she and Mr. Butler are prepared for the visitors, and that Phryne and Jack are the best employers and friends she and Mr. Butler could have, not to mention the fact that Hugh has lingered and is standing at her side drying towel in hand humming the lullaby with her.
Jack leaves them to return to Phryne to show her just how much he loves her, but he stops briefly by the parlor where Jane and Robert have set up a game of droughts. "Don't stay up too late, please Jane; Robert."
"Yes sir!" they reply in unison giggling together their heads bent over the game.
Smiling softly as he leaves the teenagers, Jack moves up to Phryne's room only to find her sound asleep, her hands resting beneath her cheek, her raven hair falling softly across her face and the slightest of smiles gracing her lips. She is gorgeous – all soft curves and ivory skin. Sighing softly as the familiar tingling of wanting her flows through him, Jack readies himself for bed and slips under the sheets to wrap himself around her warmth, his hand resting protectively on her rounded belly. Phryne snuggles in to him mumbling incoherently. Jack hisses slightly as she comes in contact with his throbbing desire, but she doesn't wake so Jack resolutely sets his mind on the various names they pulled out of the bowl finally falling asleep with visions of three dark haired, blue eyed children dancing in his head. And tonight his dreams are sweet and he rests well as beside him Phryne sleeps and his children grow steadily stronger.