Last chapter for this story. I've enjoyed writing this fanfic, it's made me a bit braver about writing for these characters. Thanks for all the reviews.

Gradually, Jean and Lucien found a new rhythm to their lives as the months went by. Outwardly they returned to the life they had led before Mei Lin arrived at their door.

Jean was the housekeeper and receptionist she had always been, Lucien was her employer. To the patients and townspeople, that was all there was to it. Even those who had always thought there must be more to their relationship, came to think they must have been wrong. They were scrupulously careful not to give themselves away, not wanting to jeopardise the divorce, never letting their guard down except with the close friends who knew.

Yet whenever their work was finished, their lives slipped into their new routine; supper together, an evening by the fire in the studio, a walk by the lake, perhaps a drive out of town. For a few hours they could look ahead, see how life might be when Lucien was free, imagine themselves married even.

A few times they drove to Melbourne for a day out, hiding themselves in the anonymity of the city, walking hand in hand, eating out together, going to the theatre, planning a future that never seemed to arrive.

Occasionally Jean found herself imagining what would happen if they moved away, started again, lived together and told everyone they met they were married. But she knew it wouldn't happen. Ballarat was home, and she could not live a life of deception forever. They just had to be patient.

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On the day the divorce was final, Lucien and Jean took the train to Melbourne. For the first time she wore his mother's ring, and all day it felt strange on her finger.

They went straight from the lawyer to the registry office, and two hours later they were on the train home, with their wedding booked for three weeks time. They had spent many hours discussing a proper engagement. Lucien wanted to tell everyone, enjoy the moment, celebrate; Jean wanted to be discreet, cautious, and most of all, married. As usual, he knew she was right.

For the next three weeks, Jean wore her old wedding ring by day, and in the evening exchanged it for her new ring, putting off her old life and putting on the new. Their evenings together lengthened, as they watched the fire die down in the hearth before saying goodnight reluctantly.

One morning at breakfast, Lucien turned to Charlie. "Is it your day off tomorrow, Charlie?" He knew it was.

"Would you and Rose like a day out in Melbourne? Jean and I are getting married and we need a couple of witnesses." Lucien asked as casually as if he was offering Charlie another cup of tea, and it took a moment for the meaning to register in Charlie's brain. He looked from Lucien to Jean and saw in her smile that what he thought he had heard was right.

"Yes, of course we would," he replied. "Well, I need to ask Rose, but I'm sure that'll be fine. Why didn't you say something before?" Charlie looked both shocked and delighted.

"The divorce was finalised three weeks ago, Charlie. We decided to just get married without any fuss, this seemed the best way," said Jean quietly. "We'll tell everyone else afterwards, maybe have a little party to celebrate then."

"Well, I'm honoured to be asked," said Charlie, with a grin.

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The wedding may have been long-awaited but the ceremony took barely fifteen minutes, and before they knew it all four of them were standing on the pavement outside. Charlie suggested a drink, and they all walked down the road to the nearest pub, where the men went to the bar to order drinks.

"Congratulations, Jean," said Rose. "It's been a long time coming."

Jean glanced sideways at the younger woman, and saw a meaningful smile on Rose's face.

"Yes, but I'm sure it will be worth it," she replied, returning the look.

Lucien and Charlie returned with the drinks, Charlie made a toast, and they all chatted for a few minutes. When they had finished their drinks, Rose suggested quite firmly to Charlie that they should go, and stood up before he could object. Kissing both Jean and Lucien on the cheek, she virtually dragged Charlie out of the pub, much to his bemusement.

"I think they've waited long enough, Charlie. They've only got one night in Melbourne, Lucien's back at work the day after tomorrow." The penny dropped then for Charlie, though he looked slightly shocked.

"They are having a honeymoon, though, Rose, just not for a few weeks," Charlie added. Rose just rolled her eyes at him.

Meanwhile, Lucien and Jean were hand in hand in the pub, exchanging a few kisses, laughing together at Rose's haste and Charlie's confusion, and just savouring the moment.

Then Lucien got to his feet and held out his hand to Jean. "Come on, Mrs Blake," he said, and they set off to the hotel together, at last.