Jean left Lucien at the hotel and walked back to the house. She would need to get dinner on and see to Amelia. Lucien asked her to dine with him the following night and she had agreed, knowing that Christopher would not be impressed. So far she had managed to keep a lid on her temper but she knew she was going to lose it if they didn't start looking after themselves. Lucien had said no more about them marrying, or going back to Ballarat engaged, but if he suggested it again she was going to say 'yes'. She knew her son would think it was just to get out of looking after them but, she loved him, had done for some time and now the truth behind his mother's death was uncovered, he was able to move on and show his true feelings for her. He had kissed her passionately before she left his room and helped her down with the pram. As she had said, it was as far as they could go, in a hotel room with a baby.

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Lucien watched her go, an ache in his heart for all she was going through. He hadn't realised how selfish Christopher was, and Ruby needed to sort herself out. At some point, before he went home he was going to see them, and remind them that Jean had a right to have her own life.

'I do love my son,' she had said, 'but I thought I had brought him up to be more independent, not to rely on me for everything.'

Lucien had held her close and told her he was going to do everything in his power to see she had the life she wanted.

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Jean let herself into the house and pulled the pram in, waking the baby as she did so. Christopher had not yet returned from work, Ruby was nowhere to be found. She soothed Amelia and prepared a roast dinner, it would cook itself while she sorted the bottles and put the day's nappies into the washer. She liked to do them on a daily basis, they would dry overnight.

With Amelia asleep she had time to flick a duster round the living room. Ruby had obviously spent some time in the room, she had left the cushions on the couch squashed and magazines on the coffee table. Jean plumped the cushions and tidied the pile of papers. Better, but not as she would have it really. Perhaps a magazine rack would help?

She went upstairs to check the bathroom. Towels draped untidily on the radiator, she neatened those, cleaned the porcelain and left it more to her liking. The one room she hadn't checked was their room. She wondered if Ruby was 'resting' again. She knocked and, on receiving no answer, stepped in. The bed was unmade, clothes were on the floor. Jean balled her hands into fists and growled; then she turned on her heel and left it, as it was. Under no circumstances was she tidying their room, the boys had done their own rooms from being quite young, she expected them to help her when it was just them on the farm and they had stepped up to the plate, even Jack. If she closed the door on their room she could ignore it, not even Lucien was that untidy!

She went back to the kitchen and took the nappies out of the washer and put them on the line. There was a cool, late afternoon breeze that would get them all but dry.

Christopher arrived home just as she was checking the roast.

'That smells good, mum.' He said, waiting until she had put it down on the stove top.

'Christopher.' She smiled, 'good day?'

'Not bad, Ruby in the living room?' He had rather hoped his wife would be helping his mother, or with the baby.

'No.' Jean tried not to be surly, but it was hard, 'I've no idea where she is. She was out when I came back from my walk.'

'Oh, must be with a friend.' He scratched his head, she was usually in when he got home. 'Did you have a good walk?'

'Lovely.' She smiled, truly smiled this time, 'Lucien and I are looking at two cottages tomorrow, close by.'

'I thought you might stay here a bit longer.' He looked at her, he couldn't read her expression, it was a cross between disappointment and hope.

'The camp bed is uncomfortable, Christopher, I'm having trouble sleeping.' She was honest with him, 'I need to be able to sleep properly if I'm to help.' And keep my temper, she thought, but didn't add.

'The night feeds...' He would end up doing them again.

'Ruby will have to get used to seeing to her daughter.' Jean was not going to give in. 'She only woke once last night and settled easily.' She turned back to her cooking, 'Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes.'

'Thank you.' He'd give up for now, maybe she would change her mind if he left it.

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Ruby didn't arrive in time for dinner so Jean plated it up and left it in the, still warm, oven. She tidied up, her son helped her wash the pots, and she fed Amelia and settled her in her cot.

Down in the living room Christopher had poured his mother a sherry, he'd made sure there was some in for her, when Ruby arrived. He cornered her in the small hall.

'Where have you been?' He hissed, angrily. 'Mum had dinner ready at five thirty, she's done everything today.'

'I was at a friend's, they invited me to stay for dinner.' Ruby tried to push past.

'What kind of friend asks a fairly new mother to stay for dinner? And you didn't think to ring?' He put his arm across stopping her, 'what's going on, Ruby?'

'Nothing,' She looked at him, 'everything was sorted here, she was out with Amelia, so I went out.'

'You could have started dinner,' he whispered, 'mum's here to help, not do everything.'

They heard Jean come down the stairs and head into the living room.

'You'd better apologise to mum.' He stared at her. He'd heard how some women change after they've had a baby, was this what was wrong with his wife. She was a fair cook, not as good as his mum, but dinners were always well cooked and tasty, just not a big repertoire; and she was always there when he got home from work with a smile and a kiss.

Ruby went into the living room and saw Jean sit down with her drink.

'Sorry, Mother Beazley,' she said, 'I should have rung. I was invited to stay with some friends.'

Jean hated being called 'Mother Beazley,' and found it hard to keep the grimace off her face.

'I'm dining out tomorrow, Ruby.' She ignored the apology, 'I'll leave dinner in the oven. I don't know how late I'll be.'

'Amelia...'

'She's your daughter.' Jean reminded her, 'there will be bottles in the fridge, feed her when she's ready.' She finished her drink quickly, not wanting to be drawn, and stood up. 'I'm going to bed, it's been a long day.'

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Jean sat on the end of the camp bed and breathed deeply. She'd been on the verge of giving Ruby a piece of her mind and knew she had been rather short with her. She hadn't expected this when she agreed to come to Adelaide. She had expected to have to sort out the laundry, perhaps, help get everything on track, help out, not take over. She wanted to spend time with Amelia and now Lucien. She might just as well have gathered her granddaughter up and taken her back to Ballarat. She was so disappointed with her son, more than she had been with Jack, when he had showed up and got into trouble during the Dennison case. But he had a more winning way, he would admit he had failings and apologise and show his appreciation; Christopher was becoming demanding, unapologetic, a child. What she wouldn't give for Lucien's arms round her now.

Sleep didn't come easily again. She lay awake, trying to get comfortable, then Amelia woke for her feed. She fed her in the living room, sitting on the couch. She must have fallen asleep for when she looked at the curtains the early morning sun was creeping through them. Amelia was asleep in her arms, it made her smile even if the bottle was lying on the floor where it must have fallen when she dozed off. Amelia nuzzled towards her breast and the tears started to fall, if only. More and more she wanted Lucien's baby, she loved her granddaughter and would do anything for her, but there was a deeper longing inside her, one that she feared would never be filled.

'Pull yourself together, Jean.' She whispered, 'it's not likely. Love this little one, love Lucien and take what comes.'

She stood up and went to get ready to start the day. Christopher joined her for breakfast, she didn't comment on the absence of Ruby; just set her meal on a pan and set about folding the now dry nappies, making sandwiches for Christopher and drawing up a shopping list. She had decided, while in the shower, that she would do the shopping that morning, taking Amelia and leave everything ready for them for the evening. She would take Amelia with her to view the cottages and, after dropping the child off with her mother, would go out for dinner with Lucien and ...Whatever happened after that, well that was something that couldn't be organised.

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She found all she wanted nearby. Meat and vegetables, formula for Amelia, detergents and bread. She wandered past a clothes shop. New nightwear was something she had promised herself and now would be a good time to see what was on offer.

In the shop there was a tempting array of robes, pyjamas and nightdresses. she found a robe, a silver grey fabric, not too fine a fabric, a lovely shape, almost elegant, if a robe could be so. She found some pretty cotton pyjamas in white, much lighter than she normally wore, younger in style and a nightdress. She hadn't worn one for ages, on her wedding night, yes, and occasionally during her marriage to Christopher Snr, but this one caught her eye. A pale blue/green, fine straps and lacing down the front. It would fall to her knees. The 'Wicked Jean' decided it was just the thing for her, the more conservative Jean gulped when she chose it. She tried not to blush when she paid for the items, all the while wondering how long it would take the doctor to undo the lace in the nightdress.

She headed home to feed Amelia and put the groceries away. Ruby was sitting reading in the living room. Jean picked up a grisly baby and plonked her into her mother's arms.

'She needs changing and feeding.' She informed her, 'I'm going to put the shopping away and see to lunch.'

Ruby's mouth opened and shut like a goldfish, Amelia opened her mouth and yelled her disgruntlement. Ruby stood up holding the object out in front of her, but Jean's retreating back told her she had no choice but to see to her daughter.

Jean put the groceries away, took her purchases up to her room, wincing at the screams from downstairs. She closed the bedroom door, it lessened the noise but it also afforded her some privacy. She shook the nightdress out and held it in front of her, she smiled a shameless smile, and imagined Lucien slipping the straps from her shoulders and...

The noise from downstairs got worse. Amelia was screaming, Ruby was shouting at her,

'Shut up! Shut up!' Ruby's voice cut through Jean's heart like a knife, 'you stupid little brat!'

Jean was on the stairs when she heard phrases that made her blood run cold,

'Why the hell did I have you?! I should have made a better job of getting rid of you!'

Ruby did not see Jean as she grabbed the baby and started to soothe her,

'It's alright, sweetie, grandma's here.' She whispered, 'Shh, it's alright, shh,' she began to sing a lullaby.

Jean picked up the bottle from the table and offered it to the now calming baby, 'There, there,' she murmured, 'shh.' She wandered out into the kitchen all the while talking quietly to the child, soothing low tones and Amelia stopped crying, taking the bottle between hiccups. Jean knew she would have awful wind, nearer to colic but she could deal with that. She took her time with the baby, singing to her, stroking her forehead , telling her she loved her, that nobody would hurt her. Jean had never hated anyone, not even the gossips in town, or the snipers at school, but now she hated the heartless girl her son had married.

Amelia sorted, Jean had to work out what she was going to do about that evening. She was supposed to be dining with Lucien, what was she going to do with Amelia? Christopher would have to look after her, at least he did love his daughter and he would keep her safe for the evening.

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Jean ate her lunch and left a sandwich for Ruby. She put Amelia into the pram along with all she needed for the afternoon and headed out to view the two cottages with Lucien. He was sitting on the bench again, taking in the sun which caught the shaping of his face. She smiled, he needed to relax, take some time to re-evaluate his life. She smiled,

'Hello,' it was a shy greeting, but soft and inviting. He looked up,

'Can I help you?' He grinned.

'I don't know. Can you?' She lowered her eyes as he stood up.

'Jean,' He took her shoulders and leant in to kiss her. She lifted her face and allowed him to deepen the kiss, opening her mouth to accept his tongue, in broad daylight!

'I think we need to find you your new home.' Lucien broke the connection and grinned.

'Mmm...' She sighed.

They wandered along to the first cottage to be viewed. They had chosen it because it was close to Christopher's and had all she would need. On viewing it was discreet, a one bedroom villa with a living area and kitchen. Inside it was brightly decorated and well furnished. Lucien stood with the pram while Jean wandered through, looking into corners and cupboards, through windows and into the back garden. She liked it very much but would not make her decision until she had seen the second property, a little further away.

The second villa had two bedrooms, the living room was large and the kitchen had a separate dining area. The bathroom had recently been updated and, unlike the first had a shower as well as a bath. Jean again did her tour, and stood in the garden thinking. This was better. It would not look suspect if she had a visitor, as there was a second bedroom, although she was beyond caring about that, nobody knew her in Adelaide. The lease on this property was also more relaxed. She would lease on a week by week basis so if she had to leave quickly she would only have to pay the extra week. She wandered back into the hall where Lucien was holding Amelia and singing to her, softly and quietly. Her heart leapt, she'd never seen him with a baby before, he looked so much at ease, again that need came back to her. He caught sight of her over the top of the baby's head and smiled.

'I think this is best, Lucien.' She reached for the baby, 'it's got everything I need plus an extra bedroom should I have visitors,' she raised her eyebrow at this, 'and a nice garden to sit in.'

'if you're sure, we'd better go and sign the contract.' He leant over and kissed her cheek.

They arranged that Jean should take the lease two days hence, the beginning of the next week. She hoped she could manage until then at Christopher's, but if Lucien was going to stay a little longer she might.

She went home to change for dinner and they arranged to meet outside the hotel at six.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxChristopher opened his eyes in amazement, he couldn't remember the last time he saw his mother looking so lovely.

'Christopher,' she smiled, 'dinner is in the oven, Amelia is settled for now, her bottles are in the fridge. Ruby is sulking in her room. I will see you in the morning.' She lifted up and kissed his cheek, she was not about to get into a conversation about his wife.

'Um, right.' He muttered. 'I suppose I'll see you at breakfast.' He wasn't sure if his mother was going to be out all night, which worried him, or she would just be back after he had gone to bed. Jean wasn't sure herself. Staying out all night he would know she had stayed with the doctor, but that didn't mean anything.

'Yes.' She agreed. 'You'll probably be in bed when I get in, it's not often I get taken out to dinner, I intend to make the most of it.'

'Ok.' He looked at her and straightened up, 'well, have a nice time, then.'

'I will.' She smiled and skipped out of the house.

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Lucien stood waiting by the front of the hotel. It was a pleasant evening, perhaps a walk after dinner would be in order, he'd consider it. His thoughts were disturbed by the sound of footsteps approaching and he turned to see his housekeeper practically skipping along the pathway and smiled. He descended the steps and help out his hands in greeting.

She tipped her chin up and kissed his cheek,' Good evening, Lucien.' She whispered, he kissed her forehead, 'Good evening, Jean.'

She slipped her hand through his arm and he escorted her down the road to a small, intimate restaurant. He had found it while walking around one morning and thought it charming and the ideal place to take the woman he was courting.

'I didn't think you'd want to use the hotel dining room,' he ushered her through the door, 'and this place is rather nice, for courting couples.'

Jean blushed, 'It's lovely.' She squeezed his arm.

They were shown to a corner table where nobody would see them holding hands. They talked about home and Jean admitted she missed it.

'I will be coming back, Lucien.' She squeezed his hand to emphasize it, 'I just don't know when. There's so much going wrong.'

'Tell me.' He said, a simple request.

'Not now, sweetheart,' she shook her head, 'but I will tell you, perhaps tomorrow on our walk; that's if you want to go for a walk with me and Amelia.'

'I love walking with the two of you.' He smiled, 'you have two more nights at Christopher's will you be alright?'

'I think so.'

The dinner was lovely. She was wined and dined in a way she couldn't be at home. Lucien was attentive, he told her stories about his youth in Edinburgh and in Europe. He'd like to take her, one day, if she'd like to go.

'I'd love to, I've always wanted to see something of the world, but children and work and the war all got in the way.'

'Then we shall go together.' When she raised her eyebrows at this, 'perhaps a honeymoon trip, eh?'

'Perfect.'

They finished their dinner and wandered through a nearby park sitting on a bench for a kiss and a cuddle. Again he suggested that, even though they had only been officially courting for two days or so, perhaps they could take the chance and get engaged. They'd already slept together and planned the honeymoon,

'Seems silly to miss that bit out.' He grinned at her and her deep kiss told him she agreed.

He walked her back to the house. It was much later than she would usually be out, her son would either be asleep or feeding his daughter. Amelia woke about this time, usually. At the gate he took her in his arms and kissed her. A long, deep kiss that left her breathless but wanting more.

'Lucien,' she whispered, 'do you think we could get the lease started tomorrow?'

'Possibly,' he grinned wickedly, 'the cottage is empty, it was only propriety that got in the way and made you give them two days.'

She blushed, he certainly could read her mind.

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So how will Christopher take the news his mother is moving out so quickly?

Thank you for the reviews, and the pleas for more. Another chapter is brewing.