Jean sighed and relaxed as the miles flew by. She knew Amelia would be safe with Mattie and Mattie would be safe with Charlie. A few days away, just her and her new husband would be lovely, even if she did feel she was being a little selfish. They stopped off for fuel and to stretch their legs. Jean offered to take over the driving for a while, but he insisted on continuing.
'Well, don't tire yourself out,' she said, mischievously, 'tonight is our wedding night.'
He reached over and squeezed the top of her thigh, grinning cheekily. 'Oh, I haven't forgotten.' He winked. She giggled in reply.
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Lucien had booked them into a suite at the Windsor Hotel. They were shown up by a rather sweet bell boy. He was nervous, confiding in them it was his first job and he hoped he got it right. Jean smiled sweetly at him and told him that as long as he didn't drop anything and remembered to wait until he was called into a room, he should do just fine. Lucien tipped him, rather well for a first go, but he was feeling very generous.
He closed the door and watched her investigate the rooms. The bed was so big he feared he may need a map to find her, at which she laughed and said she'd meet him half way.
She found the bathroom and smiled to herself, now he could scrub her back. In fact all sorts of wicked thoughts went through her head.
'I've ordered a light supper up here, if that's all right with you.' He wrapped his arms round her and nipped the nape of her neck.
'That sounds lovely,' she turned and put her arms round his neck, pulling him down to kiss her just the way she liked it. 'Do I have time for a bath, first?'
'I said I would ring down when we were ready, as I didn't know quite when we would arrive.' He smiled. 'so you can do whatever you want.'
She opened a suitcase and pulled out a robe, looked at him coyly, from beneath her lashes and headed for the bathroom.
He watched her swing her hips and go into the bathroom. He wasn't sure they'd get round to supper. He heard the tap stop running and grinned. Taking off his clothes and donning his own robe he knocked on the bathroom door.
'Jean?' He called softly. 'Do you want your back massaging?'
'Oh,' in the bath she was wondering what had kept him, 'that would be lovely.'
He slipped into the room and saw her lying under a sea of foam. She looked up and sat up, leaning forward to allow him to rub her back. He rolled up his sleeve and started to massage her shoulders and then down her back. His sleeve slipped down into the water.
'Damn.' he hissed, 'I'll have to take it off.'
'There's room for two.' She breathed, sexily.
'Is there now,' he whispered back, 'well then...' He slipped his robe off his shoulders and stepped into the bath, letting Jean see all he had to offer.
They started to massage each other, kiss and touch until Jean was able to move over him and set up her own rhythm, the water moving round them, the foam clinging to their bodies until she arched in release and fell onto him, kissing his soapy chest and sighing with satisfaction. He kept her there, touching her to make her gasp again.
She looked up at him with surprise, it was not something she expected. She thought she was going to learn a lot over the next few days.
He scooped handfuls of the now cooling water over her back and she shivered.
'Come on,' he murmured into her hair, 'out you get.'
She moved off him and he got out first, wrapping a towel around his waist. He held up a larger towel for her and she stepped out, to be wrapped in the towel and his loving arms.
'I love you, Lucien.' She hummed against his chest.
He kissed her, passionately, but gently. 'Supper?'
'Mmm...' she agreed, she was a little peckish.
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Dried, and in their robes, they were curled up together on the couch when there was a knock at the door. Lucien went to open it and it was the same young bell boy that had shown them their room.
'Your supper, sir.' He said, quietly.
'Thank you, young man,' Lucien tipped him again and pulled the trolley into the room and closing the door again. He wheeled the trolley over to the couch, hoping he had got the order right. Although they were both used to a full cooked meal at night, unless it was very hot, he had asked for a light meal, cold cuts and nibbles really. He lifted the covers off the dishes to find miniature versions of pies and rolls, prawns and cold chicken, salads and a bowl of fresh fruit. Sauces and whipped cream. A bottle of champagne and a jug of iced water completed the meal.
'Oh, Lucien,' she smiled, 'this looks lovely.'
'I hoped you'd like something like this, instead of a hot meal.' He was pleased.
'No, this is ideal.' She picked up a piece of chicken and offered it to him. He managed to take the meat in his mouth and kiss her fingers at the same time. She grinned and they continued to take it in turns to feed each other and kiss in between mouthfuls. He toasted the 'most beautiful woman in the world' in champagne and she giggled as the bubbles tickled her nose,
'To us.' she whispered.
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He pushed the trolley out of the room, secreting the small dish of whipped cream in his hand. He sat down next to her and pulled her close. She nestled against his chest and sighed.
'Happy?' He asked.
'Very.' She replied, looking up and him and smiling.
They sat in silence for a while, until Lucien reckoned she had sufficiently digested her meal. He checked she was still awake, she was. He kissed the top of her head and pulled her robe open. She grinned and waited for his soft touch. His hand slipped over her breast and she shrieked. He had smeared cream on her and proceeded to lick it off.
'Lucien!' She gasped, 'oh, oh...' she gave in to him anointing her and cleaning her in his inimitable fashion. If she could have reached the bowl she would have done the same to him, but she couldn't and anyway she found herself incapable of any reason as he picked her now naked self up and carried her to the bed.
He cleaned the remaining cream off her with his mouth as she writhed with pure pleasure under his ministrations. They made love again, until satisfied, panting with exertion, they lay in a tangle of limbs and sheets and slept, deep and dreamless sleep.
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Jean woke slowly as the sun broke through the curtains. She stretched and smiled at the memories of the previous night. Lucien opened one eye and looked at her. The sheet had slipped down and left her breasts exposed. At home she would have pulled the covers up, almost shy, but not this morning. But then, they weren't at home and they were now husband and wife, so perhaps... He watched her slide off the bed and head to the bathroom, without putting on her robe.
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In the bathroom she looked in the mirror. Her body was covered in marks from his mouth, scratches from his beard. Christopher had never left such evidence behind, she smiled, naughty girl! She would have to dress carefully, to hide some of the marks.
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Hearing the door to the bathroom open, Lucien gave up all pretence of being asleep and grinned at her from the bed. He had the sheet over him but she was in no doubt what his intentions were and she blushed. Not at the sight before her, but at her own wicked thoughts, and the fact that she had no objection to making love before breakfast.
He lifted the sheet and she slipped under it and snuggled close to him. He kissed her and stroked her shoulder. She invited him to deepen the kiss and ran her hands down his side and over his buttocks, pulling him close. She took charge again and set her own pace. His hands gently touched all the parts he had marked, he kissed them lightly until she was ready. She set up the rhythm this time, slowly at first then more urgently as she saw stars at the release and fell onto him, kissing his chest and murmuring his name over and over again, as his fingers stroked her spine.
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They made the dining room just in time for the end of breakfast, Jean a little embarrassed at how obvious it was they were late.
They decided that they would just wander around the city that morning, perhaps sit in a park. Lucien had told her he was taking her to the theatre that evening so a relaxing day was called for, perhaps back to the hotel for an afternoon nap. She looked at him when he suggested the nap, but his face told her he meant a nap, and not more bedroom antics. They would then have a light supper, again in their room, before heading to a performance of 'The Pirates of Penzance.' Jean was surprised at his choice, certain that given his taste in music he would have chosen something a bit heavier.
'I like G and S just as much as other more classical opera, my dear wife.' He smiled at her, 'and who wants something heavy on their honeymoon?'
'Thank you, anyway.' She leaned over on the park bench and kissed him, which still felt daring to her.
They had lunch in a small cafe before wandering through the market and back to the hotel.
They snuck up to their room where Lucien closed the curtains as Jean stripped down to her slip. Wrapped in his arms she found it easy to doze and then sleep, in spite of her not ever napping during the day. Lucien smiled at her. He didn't sleep, he knew he wouldn't but he was happy to lie there and watch her. He was looking forward to the rest of his life with this amazing woman and their adopted daughter. Perhaps they could adopt a sibling for Amelia, so she wouldn't grow up an only child, but that wasn't a conversation for their honeymoon.
She murmured and turned over, he adjusted his hold on her and buried his nose in her hair, breathing in her unique scent of citrus and flowers, shampoo and perfume.
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'Zip me up, darling,' Jean backed towards him, holding her hair out of the way. She had started to pin it up but Lucien had stopped her, telling her he preferred it down, that and she had a mark at the nape of her neck from the previous nights love making. She blushed but was grateful he hadn't let her go out with it on show.
After he had zipped up the dress he draped a strand of pearls round her neck and kissed her.
'Lucien,' she smiled, 'how lovely, thank you.'
'My pleasure,' he held out his closed fist, 'want to complete the set?' He uncurled his fingers to reveal a pair of matching earrings, drop pearls.
'Oh.' She gasped, 'they're beautiful.'
'So are you.'
She was wearing his favourite colour for her, green. A fitted satin dress with a neckline that was cut so it went from shoulder to shoulder and three quarter length sleeves. The skirt wrapped over in folds from her hip to just below her knee.
She pulled on her evening gloves and picked up her evening bag and they headed out to the theatre, her arm through his.
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The performance was excellent and they came out with smiles on their faces. Jean still giggling at the antics of the policemen's chorus. Lucien had enjoyed the performance, but more he had enjoyed her delight at the music and singing.
'Thank you, Lucien,' she grinned up at him, 'that was an excellent performance.'
'Glad you liked it.' He kissed her hand.
'You did too, didn't you?' Instantly concerned he had only booked it for her.
'I did, of course.' He smiled at her, 'lovely voices.'
At that she was happy, but she must let him take her to something that was alien to her.
They wandered hand in hand back to the hotel and he seemed to sense her thoughts.
'Tomorrow, Jean.' He opened the door to the hotel, 'would you like to come to a jazz club with me?'
'Well, I certainly wouldn't go without you, now would I?' She teased. 'I'd love to.'
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Sliding down the zip of her dress he kissed her back and nibbled her ears. She wriggled back into him and smiled. He pushed the straps of her slip over her shoulders and unclipped her bra and everything slipped to the floor. She turned and started to undo his tie and buttons.
'My turn.' She purred.
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Their lovemaking was tender, leisurely. Every time with Lucien was like the first time, a new experience. The way he touched her excited her, his kisses could be almost lazy then urgent and insistent. He found new places to touch her that left her gasping for more and when he loved her he took her beyond the universe. More than once she worried her limited experience was not enough for him, and each time he assured her she was more than enough, and even if she wanted to just cuddle up on the couch, that would be enough too.
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They shared the bath in the morning, and missed breakfast altogether! Lucien said,
'No matter, we can get something round the corner.' He smiled at the concierge while Jean looked at the floor, somewhat embarrassed at the reason for their tardiness. Lucien smiled,
'Come on, Jean.' He took her hand, 'let's go and see what Melbourne has to offer today.'
Outside she looked up at him, still a little pink.
'Don't worry, love,' He squeezed her hand, 'we are on our honeymoon.'
'Yes,' she smiled shyly, 'but I am a grandmother.'
'And a very young and beautiful one too.'
'Lucien.' She scolded lightly.
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They found breakfast in a little cafe and Lucien suggested they head to the gallery. There was an exhibition of Venetian Glass he thought she might be interested in. Or they could just walk round the city and in the parks. He was just content to be with her.
'The gallery would be lovely, Lucien.' She agreed, 'then perhaps a walk in the park.'
'Whatever you wish, my love.' He paid for their breakfast and they strolled through the mid morning crowds to the gallery.
Jean was amazed at the glass in the exhibition, from the seventeenth century onwards, the fact that it had survived astounded her, such delicate work, such vivid colour, particularly blue.
'One day I'll take you to Venice,' he murmured into her ear, 'and Paris and Rome, anywhere you want.'
She turned round and put her arms round his neck, and, right there in the middle of the gallery, kissed him, thoroughly!
'I love you, Lucien.' She whispered, ignoring the scandalized expressions of some of the good ladies of Melbourne walking through the gallery. After all, they wouldn't see them again.
Lucien grinned and kept his arm round her as they continued through the exhibition, determined to keep his, rather rashly made, promise, one day.
They lunched at a small cafe again, before strolling through a park and heading back to the hotel. Lucien said they would dine there before going out to the jazz club. Jean was a little worried about what she should wear, she didn't want to wear the dress she had worn to the theatre.
'Something you can dance in,' Lucien suggested. 'Did you bring anything like that with you?'
'I have a flared skirt that's quite nice, but only ordinary blouses.' She hadn't planned on dancing anything other than an intimate waltz.
'Come on, then.' He grabbed her hand and headed back towards the city centre. 'Let me buy you an outfit.'
'Lucien!' She tripped after him.
'Why not?' He stopped and pulled her to him, 'I'm your husband now.'
'But...'
'Mrs Blake,' he teased.
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Lucien and Jean looked in various windows until Lucien saw something he'd like to see his wife in, apart from her birthday suit!
Jean tried on the dress. Outwardly it looked like a simple, fitted dress, with short sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. There was a pleat at the centre back. Lucien indicated she twirl round and declared it perfect. It was a blue silk with very dark blue polka dots.
'Are you sure?' She asked, she had never had a dress bought for her. Christopher would give her the money to buy something, but she usually made anyway.
'Absolutely.' He went to pay while she changed back into the skirt and blouse she had come in, in.
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The club was noisy and rather crowded. Lucien took her to the bar but she only asked for lemonade. He had a whisky, but determined he would not drink much, he had to keep her safe.
They found a small table where she could observe the goings on, and get used to the noise and the music. When he felt she was relaxed he took her onto the dance floor and they both discovered new things about each other. He knew she could dance, they had waltzed round the living room when there had been no one around and he had seen her move to music around the house when she thought he wasn't looking, but Jean Blake was quite a mover, he decided. Jean in her turn, found Lucien an excellent partner, whirling and twirling her in time to the music.
The music stopped for the pianist to have a rest, to much jeering from the crowd. Lucien laughed and called him a light-weight. Jean could see he was thoroughly enjoying himself.
'Care to give it a go?' The leader called.
He looked at Jean and she looked at him. She couldn't deny him this so she nodded and smiled.
'Don't need asking twice.' He leapt onto the raised area that served as a stage and ran his fingers over the keys, to get a sense of the weight. Then started, slowly, Amelia's favourite a version of Brahms' lullaby. The trumpeter joined in, as did the clarinettist, then Lucien started to improvise, take up the tempo. Jean was amazed as the rest of the band followed him, in time and key. The crowd started to dance around her, as she stood near the stage. A man grabbed her hand and whirled her round. Out of the corner of his eye, Lucien could see her and it made him proud, proud that she had entered his world and proud that another man would wish to dance with her.
'Your old man?' Her partner asked, tilting his head towards Lucien.
'Yes,' she grinned.
'Lucky you...' He whirled her round. '...and luck him
'Thank you.' She laughed.
When the music finished there was loud applause, not least from Jean, who was jumping up and down like a school girl fan. As he left the band, the leader caught his arm,
'Blimey, what do you do?'
'I'm a doctor.'
'Bloody hell!' The leader gasped, 'anytime you get fed up of doctoring, you've got a place here.'
'Thanks.'
He rejoined Jean whose eyes, he noticed, were shining with pride and joy.
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It was nearly three in the morning before they left the club. Lucien had been cheered as he left, but he could see that Jean was flagging.
'Well past your bedtime,' he wrapped his jacket around her shoulders, against the cool of the night.
'Mmm..' she leant on his shoulder, 'thank you, for a lovely night.'
'Glad you enjoyed it.'
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Lucien undressed Jean and put her, as god intended, into the bed, where she almost instantly fell asleep. He smiled and joined her under the covers, pulling her close and falling asleep, himself.
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After bathing and packing they missed breakfast again. Jean giggled.
'Honestly, what will they think of us?'
'Don't care,' Lucien pulled her into a passionate kiss, 'we're leaving this morning.'
It was a short honeymoon, most people would say, but they had planned on stopping off at the cabin for their last night together without Amelia, then they would call in on Ruby before going home and back to normality, or what passed for it.
They found breakfast at the same cafe as the previous morning and then went to do a little shopping before leaving the city. A gift for Mattie for looking after Amelia and something for Charlie for looking after the both of them. Then some milk, bacon and bread for their breakfast in the cabin, and something for later. Jean had left tea there the last time.
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As Lucien pulled up at the cabin Jean woke from her doze. He smiled, she was not used to staying up into the wee small hours, he thought, maybe he could educate her.
They unpacked and Jean made the bed while he fetched water from the river and lit the stove.
'It seems strange,' she said as she sipped her tea, 'not having Amelia in the basket there.'
'Mmm...' he put his arm round her. 'Does it bother you?'
'She's being well looked after,' Jean wriggled closer, 'so, at the moment, I suppose it doesn't.'
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Jean stirred, and smiled. The sun was setting, it was all quiet, apart from her husband snoring gently next to her. Around the bed on the floor was a pile of their clothes, hastily shed hours ago when he had taken her roughly, tenderly, quickly, slowly, all opposites, but all ways he could. The bed was a mess, only a sheet covering them, and even the bottom sheet was un-tucked from the mattress and wrinkled under her. She picked up his shirt and headed to the 'bathroom'. Looking round, perhaps he was right, a bit of an upgrade would be a good idea. She used the facilities and went back to the bed. He was lying there, grinning, but at least he had straightened the sheet.
'Hungry?' She asked, thinking they ought to eat.
'Maybe,' he winked, 'what's on offer?'
'Well...' she started but didn't finish telling him what she had picked up in Melbourne, as his mouth found hers and his hands found her breasts, then went round her and pulled her close, so she could feel his hardness against her stomach.
'Lucien!' She finally shrieked. 'Oh, Lucien,' she melted, and started to touch him and guide him and took him in until she could take no more.
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'The stove needs relighting,' Lucien called through.
'I'm not surprised,' she came through from the bed, wearing his shirt, again.
'I wish you wouldn't wear my shirt,' he huffed.
'Oh, well,' she smiled, 'in that case.' And she shrugged it off.
'...and that's even worse.' He stood up, 'how can I concentrate on lighting the stove when I have you to look at?'
'Make your mind up,' she smirked.
'I have.' He closed the fire door on the stove and swept her up into his arms and to the bed.
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'Lucien,' she got up, again, and headed to the bathroom, cold water would have to do for a wash. 'we really do have to get going.'
'Alright, but it's all your fault.' He teased.
'Well you said you don't want me to wear your shirt.' She threw back.
'But standing there wearing nothing but a smile doesn't help, either.' He got off the bed and slapped her bare bottom.
'That will do, doctor.' She tossed her head and finally made it to the bathroom.
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He managed to get the water boiling for tea and made a bacon sandwich while she washed and dressed. She ate and drank while he did the same and then they both stripped the bed. Packing the car and locking the cabin, their honeymoon was over. Now onto Ruby then home and Amelia, surgery and cases. Jean sighed as she dropped the suitcase into the boot and closed it.
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Mrs Arthur was on the porch when they pulled up and waved when she recognised the car.
'Dr Blake, Mrs Beazley...' She smiled and held out her hand.
'Mrs Blake, now,' Lucien took her hand and grinned. 'Just on our way home from our honeymoon.'
'Oh, how lovely.' She shook Jean's hand, 'congratulations.'
'Thank you,' Jean smiled. 'How's Ruby?'
'She is very well,' Mrs Arthur took them into the house. 'She's still painting and drawing, but now she can bathe alone and wash up without incident. I do believe she is learning, slowly.'
'That's marvellous,' Lucien beamed.
'We've told her it's your day to visit and she is quite happy about that.' Mrs Arthur sat at her desk, 'she has a vague recollection of Jean, but without the baby...'
'We left her at home with Nurse O'Brien,' Jean smiled, 'we didn't think taking her on our honeymoon was a good idea.'
'Of course,' Mrs Arthur laughed, 'eyebrows would be raised, no doubt.'
'Precisely,' Lucien grinned.
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Ruby was quite happy to see her visitors, and she did have a 'vague recollection' of Jean.
Jean reminded her she usually had Amelia with her, but as they had been in Melbourne they had thought it a long journey for a baby, but she was being well looked after.
'Oh, I'm so glad,' Ruby smiled, 'she's such a lovely little baby.'
Lucien did her checks and was pleased to see she was doing well, eating properly and behaving herself. they didn't tell her they were now husband and wife, as it would probably confuse her.
As they pulled away Jean smiled. 'She's doing well, isn't she?'
'She'll always be a little girl, but she's healthy and happy,' he squeezed her leg, 'and that's all we can ask for.'
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So, that's the honeymoon over. Hope I haven't strayed into M territory, it was difficult not to, but after 30 odd chapters...
This may continue.
Now I think I'll go and lie down in a darkened room.