'Mattie!' Jean's voice rang through the house, 'I'm going shopping, do you need anything?'

'Don't think so, but if you can give me five minutes I'd like a walk,' came Mattie's reply as she poked her nose out of her room where she'd been feeding Grace, 'mind if we come too!'

'I'll get the pram!' Jean answered with a smile. She rarely got the chance to walk into town with Mattie. She often took the baby while Mattie was working but it would be nice for Mattie to accompany them for a change. Shopping with Grace in the pram meant she didn't have to carry the groceries, she'd forgotten how useful a pram was until she'd taken Grace out the first time to give Mattie a break. Now it was a regular occurrence. She'd worried at first that Mattie would think she was taking over, maybe getting broody, but Mattie said that as she did the shopping while she and Lucien were taking surgery it was probably good that Grace got so much fresh air. But Mattie did wonder if Jean was getting broody, sometimes there was a look of longing in Jean's eyes when she cuddled her daughter. It wasn't beyond the bounds of possibility, Jean having a baby, she was only forty-five.

Mattie appeared five minutes or so later, coat on, baby in her arms. Grace was asleep, well fed and smelling deliciously of baby powder, that lovely baby smell. She gently lay the infant on her side and tucked the baby blanket round her, and popped her handbag in the end of the pram. Jean resisted the temptation to start to push the pram and held the door open for Mattie.

'Shall we walk through the park on the way back?' Mattie asked, wanting to make the most of this time with Jean and Grace. It was rare the two women were alone together, there was always someone else there and they didn't get the chance to have, what Lucien called 'girlie time', very often.

'That's a lovely idea, next time we should bring a picnic.' Jean smiled back.

'I'd like that.' Mattie slipped her arm through Jean's and they both pushed the pram.

Shopping took longer than anticipated, because Mattie was there, people who knew her but rarely saw her anywhere but the surgery, stopped to talk and admire the baby. Jean had had Ballarat ladies come and look in the pram when she had been shopping but they had made one or two barbed comments about her being left to look after the younger woman's child while Mattie enjoyed herself. Jean had let it be known in no uncertain words that Mattie was working, helping Lucien, as they well knew, so she was happy to take Grace out for a walk. Some people, she thought, should keep their comments to themselves! She hadn't told Mattie, but she had told Lucien, and he was unhappy that the gossips just had to try to upset her. He wondered what Jean had ever done to them that she should be on the receiving end of so much gossip. Perhaps they were just jealous that she was pretty, clever, and had risen up in the world. There was nothing wrong in trying to better oneself. Although Jean was, in his mind, better than the lot of them.

'Honestly, Jean,' he'd said, 'haven't they got anything else to talk about?'

'They're just jealous that I bagged myself the handsomest, sweetest, gentlest man in Ballarat.' And she kissed him, leaving him under no illusion that that night wouldn't be just for sleeping!

Jean left Mattie to talk to some ladies and went to get the groceries. There were compliments about how lovely Grace was, and questions as to how well behaved she was. There was also 'sympathy' for Mattie, being alone, without a husband to provide for her and the child. Mattie found the comments false; she felt quite lucky really, she had Charlie, but she wasn't going to tell them that, they'd purse their lips and intimate that she had grabbed the first passing single male she could. She was under no illusion that anything she said would be inflated and turned into the next scandal. She and Charlie had really only just started 'courting' as Jean and Lucien put it, although they were both sure they would eventually marry, they just weren't going to rush into anything. She had a job, a home, things were no way near as bad as they could have been, in fact they were rather good. But she kept her thoughts to herself and just nodded politely and said 'Thank you' for the compliments, and 'Yes, Grace was an easy baby.'

Meeting up with Jean she heaved a sigh of relief.

'Everything ok?' Jean asked

'Fine,' Mattie replied, 'It's a bit like being under a microscope, isn't it. They were definitely trying to find out what I was going to do now I was a single mother. How sad it is that I have no husband to provide for me.' She rolled her eyes.

Mattie was very independent, Jean thought, and knew that even if Tom was alive she would still work. It wouldn't have been easy but she wouldn't have let motherhood stop her.

'You didn't tell them about you and Charlie, did you?' This was a worry for Jean, she really didn't want Mattie to have to run the gauntlet of gossip, that was why she'd given her the wedding ring. Mattie still wore it.

'Heavens, no!' Mattie laughed, 'That would have been very dangerous.'

'True, you'd be talked about more than me. I can just imagine the sniping about you, taking another man as soon as you were over the birth.'

'I heard someone, while you and Lucien were away, imply that you had to get married.' Mattie told her.

'No surprises there,' Jean smiled, 'did you say anything.'

'I was tempted to say that jealousy was such an ugly trait, but decided against it. But, Jean, that's all it is, jealousy.' Mattie squeezed her friend's arm. 'Come on, let's go before we get interrogated again!'

They giggled their way through the park and on home. Giving voice to some of the tittle-tattle they imagined was going around Ballarat about the two of them. Honestly, Mattie had said, it was as if Jean and Lucien had opened up a 'Home for Loose Women!' Jean had had a good laugh at that, she'd tell Lucien later, he'd find it hilarious, probably suggest it as a way to supplement their income! Not that they needed to.

They turned into the drive way still giggling to see a woman sitting on the seat by the front door. Mattie stopped in her tracks, 'Mum,' she gasped.

Martha O'Brien hadn't been waiting long, she assured Mattie, she apologised for dropping in unannounced but Martin was away on business and she'd taken the chance to come and see her daughter and granddaughter.

'Oh, mum, it' so lovely to see you,' Mattie hugged her, 'This is Jean, Dr Blake's wife,' she introduced the two women, 'and this is Grace, your granddaughter.' She indicated the sleeping baby in the pram.

Mrs O'Brien shook hands with the owner of the voice she had spoken to, just over three months ago, the voice that had informed her she was now a grandmother. Mattie looked so happy, she observed and this other woman had obviously done something she couldn't, she had loved her child! Although it hurt, she was pleased Mattie was settled and loved. She did love Mattie, but Martin had wanted to control their daughter and she was excited that Mattie had shown the spirit she had herself, hidden all her life. Grace was beautiful, she loved her from the first moment she saw her.

The three women went into the house where Jean and Mattie started to put the shopping away. Martha noted that her daughter was in turn domesticated and professional. Grace started to grizzle, she was hungry, so Mattie excused herself and went to feed the child.

'Mrs Blake,' Martha started to say.

'It's Jean,' Jean interrupted her, 'please.'

'Jean,' Martha started again, 'how can I thank you for all you have done for Matilda, she has always spoken about you and your husband in the highest regard.'

Jean smiled, 'Really, Martha,' she paused for the permission to use the woman's Christian name, Martha nodded, 'Mattie is a lovely girl, you should be so proud of her and we are more than happy to have her live here.'

Jean went to make some tea.

'It's so kind of you to say so,' Martha replied, 'but you don't have to do that.'

'Actually,' Jean started to feel Martha had the same views as Martin, 'We couldn't do without her; Dr Blake employs her as a Practice Nurse and, quite frankly, he couldn't run the surgery without her.'

Martha looked surprised at the passion with which Jean spoke. Did they really value her daughter that much.

Jean sipped her tea, 'Mattie,' urgh, she shuddered, what had she done to the tea? 'is very much needed here, really.' That was the second time that day she had not enjoyed her cuppa.

Martha O'Brien looked at this woman. Mattie had, in the past, spoken of Jean, how, when she couldn't talk to her own mother Jean had been a perfect substitute. Why could she not engage with her daughter the way this stranger did? She had been angry when Martin had disapprove of the marriage Mattie had made in England and hadn't known that Mattie had returned to home soil until Jean had called to say they were grandparents. Martin had dismissed the information when she had told him so she had resolved that at the earliest chance she would go and see her. Her marriage to Martin had been organised, she hesitated to think arranged, when she was quite young and life had been good. Martin had treated her well and really she had no complaints above this, Matilda was their only child and as such should be loved, whatever she did.

Jean broke the silence, 'Where are you staying?'

'I thought the Soldier's Hill hotel would be the best. I believe it is quite convenient.'

'I'll make up the guest bedroom,' Jean wanted Mattie's mother to see how valued her daughter was, and how capable and this was the best way.

'Oh no, I couldn't put you to any trouble.' Martha was horrified to think that she had engineered this.

'It's no problem.' Jean went to sort out the room, she felt strangely sick.

Mattie emerged from her room, cradling Grace, fed and changed. 'Mum would you like to hold her?' Mattie held out the child to her grandmother who took her, and held her like she'd held Mattie all those years ago.

Grace turned her head towards her grandmother, smacking her lips and sighing, Mattie smiled as the two bonded, Martha leant back in her chair, her granddaughter lay in her arms, and she loved her.

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Mattie woke early to silence. It was unusual not to hear Jean making breakfast and she was worried. Jean had seemed a little off colour yesterday, she hoped she hadn't come down with something. Lucien was in Melbourne, giving evidence in a court case so she'd have to go a see if she was alright. Mattie made some tea and took a tray into Jean. Knocking gently on the door of the bedroom,

'Jean,' she said, quietly, 'I've brought you some tea.' She opened the door and peered in. Jean was lying in bed, her shoulders shaking, Mattie realised she was crying. Not more evil gossip, surely?

Putting the tray down she sat on the bed and touched Jean's shoulder.

'What's the matter?' Jean turned over and sniffed.

'Oh, Mattie,' she gulped, 'did I wake you?'

'No, you've over slept,' Mattie smiled, sympathetically, 'it was the silence that woke me. What's upset you?'

Jean sat up, 'I've been sick,' she whispered, 'that's the third time this week.'

Mattie put her arm round her shoulders, 'Well, I wonder what could have caused that?' Raising an eyebrow.

'I think I'm pregnant.' Jean looked ashamed.

'All the usual indicators?' Mattie inquired, without a blood test she couldn't confirm or deny it.

'Mmm...what on earth's Lucien going to say?'

'Is that why you're crying? Are you afraid he won't want it?' Mattie thought she knew Lucien well enough to know he'd be tickled pink he'd fathered a child at his age!

'Well neither on us have a great track record, raising children, do we?' Jean sounded bitter at what she saw was her failure to raise her boys properly.

'You did your best. Christopher has turned out alright, and Jack, well ok he's a bit of a rebel, but he's not that bad! Lucien couldn't help Li, it wasn't his fault, it was the war.' Mattie looked at her friend. 'You'll be fabulous parents, but perhaps it might be a good idea if I take a blood sample and get the test done before you tell him. I'll rush it through, get Alice to do it for you, she'll be discreet and quick.'

'I'd better get up and make breakfast,' Jean felt a little happier. Perhaps Mattie was right and it would be a chance to get it right this time. If she was pregnant, and she was sure she was, she'd better warn Lucien she could be very moody during pregnancy! Now to find out if she could stomach a cup of tea.

'I'll make breakfast,' Mattie got up off the bed, 'I won't tell anyone until you've told Lucien. As soon as you've had breakfast come into the surgery and I'll take your blood.'

'What on earth will you mother think? I should have been up hours ago.' Jean suddenly remembered they had a guest.

'You're not the housekeeper now, I can do breakfast. I'm sure my mother thinks I'm pretty useless in the house, this will prove I'm not.'

Mattie left the room and Jean smiled, She was really a lovely friend, she was so glad she was there with her.

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Lucien returned from Melbourne later that week. He'd hated being away from Jean but the case had dragged on and he'd had to stay away a whole week! The house seemed very quiet when he entered. There was no-one in the kitchen but a strange woman was in the living room cradling Grace.

'Oh, hello,' he held out his hand, 'I'm Dr...'

'Dr Blake, yes I recognise you from your photograph. I'm Martha, Mattie's mother.' Martha smiled and shook his hand.

'Er, where are Jean and Mattie?' This was confusing, one or both of them were usually about.

'In the surgery,' Martha told him, 'Shall I make some tea? They could probably do with some by now.'

'That'd be lovely, I'll go into them.' Lucien headed off to the surgery, he wondered why Jean would be in the surgery with Mattie, unless she was ill. He knocked and called out.

'Come in!' Mattie's clear voice echoed through the door.

Inside Mattie was sitting in his chair while Jean was sitting opposite, reading a letter. Mattie got up,

'Hello Lucien, ' she smiled and looking at Jean, 'I'll leave you two together.' and she swiftly left before Jean could ask her to stay!

Lucien sat next to Jean, 'Are you alright?' She looked pale and shaken.

'Lucien,' she burst into tears, 'oh this is so silly.'

He pulled her onto his lap, and kissed the tears off her cheeks, 'What is?'

She handed him the letter she had been reading, her hands were shaking.

His eyes widened, he read it twice, then grinned, put the letter down and kissed her passionately. It was the reaction she needed and she relaxed at last.

'You are ok aren't you?' her tears had worried him.

'Apart from being sick every morning, not being able to drink tea and bursting into tears at the drop of a hat, I'm fine.' Jean curled into his chest satisfied that everything was going to be alright, just as Mattie had said. Quite wise for a youngster! was our Mattie, she thought.

'How far on are you?' Lucien asked.

'About two months, looking at the calendar. That's what Mattie and I had just been working out when you came in. She's been marvellous, Lucien, so supportive while I've been so silly, worrying about what you would say. We're grandparents, for goodness sake, we're not supposed to be having children, are we?' She looked at him. It had been a shock when she's suspected at first, she thought she'd be going through the change.

Lucien smiled, 'Perhaps we need to have a talk about the birds and bees, Jean. You see, when a man...'

Jean slapped his arm, playfully, 'Honestly, Lucien, behave. It's just that I didn't think I'd be having children at forty-five.' She rolled her eyes, he certainly knew how to make her feel better. 'Don't go telling everyone just yet though, will you. At least wait until I start to show.'

'We'll have to tell Charlie, he's bound to notice if you are suffering from morning sickness and Mattie starts making breakfast.'

'She has done this week. She told Charlie she was trying to show her mother she wasn't totally useless around the house.' Jean smiled at how easily Charlie had fallen for that one, he'd even teased that she'd make a good wife one day, in front of her mother. Martha didn't quite have the sense of humour to get the quip, but Mattie just smiled and threw a tea towel at him.

'So ...' Lucien started to say but was interrupted as Mattie knocked and announced she had some tea for them. She took in the tray and left. '...if you don't like tea what have you been drinking? Not whisky I hope.'

'No, I've had to drink mainly water. I've tried hot chocolate and even coffee but they just make me feel really sick.' She grimaced.

'How about tea without milk, but with a slice of lemon and some sugar instead. It's quite refreshing.' Lucien had tried it when he was in England years ago, and, as he didn't take milk in his tea it made a pleasant change.

'I'll try anything, I'd love a hot drink of something.' Jean liked the sound of lemon tea, she'd try it, there was a lemon in the fruit bowl, she was sure. Lucien left the room and returned with a slice of lemon and prepared the tea for her. She sipped it, almost gingerly, but it had a pleasant fresh taste and she felt she could drink it. Another sip and she decided it was definitely the drink she could take. She smiled and finished the cup.

'Thank you, it's lovely.' She put the cup down and kissed his cheek, feeling she had been rather a silly goose, but now that Lucien was home she knew everything would be alright.

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Martha left at the end of the week, she wanted to be at home when Martin returned. She'd found staying at the Blake's eye opening, so easy going and cosy. Was Mattie involved with the police sergeant who also lodged there? She wasn't sure, but if so it was a good thing. Charlie Davies, she had decided, was a reliable, gentle man and Mattie would be lucky to catch him. Martin wouldn't be impressed, he wasn't happy with his daughter's first choice of a husband and now she was, apparently, interested in another police officer. Why was he so antagonistic towards the police force?

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So what was Martin's reaction? That's for the next chapter. I can't find a reference to Mattie's mother's name so Martha seemed fitting. 'M' for Martin, Matilda and Martha! And sorry that I've written a pregnancy for Jean, somehow it doesn't seem right if Jean and Lucien marry they don't have a child!