A little chapter where Lucien keeps his promise to take Jean to the cabin.
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Lucien stirred to the sound of Amelia gurgling in the nursery, next door. He smiled, he'd missed that. He stretched and slipped out of bed and took his robe off the back of the door, before heading to the bathroom. As the baby was gurgling he reckoned he had a minute before she began to demand her milk in earnest.
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In the kitchen as he waited for the kettle to boil he wondered if there was anything Jean had to do before they headed to the cabin. Of course they had to see Sam off first, perhaps they could drop him at the station on the way. His reverie was broken by the sound of Amelia getting into her stride then the murmurings of Jean picking her up and soothing her.
He picked up the tea tray and took it to their room where she was playing with the baby. Her hair had dried overnight and for the first time he realised it was naturally curly. Could he encourage her to leave it like that, or would she still insist on styling it?
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'You can leave Amelia with me.' Mattie smiled, 'have some time to yourselves.'
'That's very sweet of you, Mattie,' Jean sipped her tea, 'but she'll be fine in the cabin. You can spend time with your friends.'
'Jean,' she insisted, 'you and Lucien need some time together, and there'll come a time when you have ...'
Jean flashed her a look before she inadvertently let the whole household know about the baby she was carrying.
'...to spend all your time chasing her around. Honestly, she'll be fine with me.'
Jean did have to admit it would be nice to be with Lucien and not have to worry about Amelia rolling around the cabin, or being interrupted mid ... She blushed at her thoughts.
'Well, if you're sure?' Jean half smiled.
'We are.' Charlie had suggested it to Mattie before she had gone down to breakfast. He had a couple of days off, too, so it wasn't as if she would be in the house on her own with the baby.
'Alright, thank you.'
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Jean packed the cool box with all they would need at the cabin. Without Amelia's milk she could get a little more in and Lucien said he could probably catch a fish or two in the river. Well, she'd believe that when she saw it! Without the baby they could also see how they could extend the cabin, properly.
Lucien put the linen box and cool box in the car. Jean was packing a small suitcase, but she didn't need to put much in, based on their previous visits, just a change of clothes. No nightwear or robe, she tried not to smile at her very wicked thoughts, why waste time.
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They dropped Sam off at the station, thanking him again for his help and repeating the invitation to stay whenever he wanted to come and see his brother.
'I'll do that.' He smiled, 'I'm glad everything turned out ok, and it was really good to meet you at last, even if the circumstances could have been better.'
They watched him walk into the station then Lucien pulled away and they headed off to the cabin.
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They didn't speak on the journey but Lucien's hand strayed over to Jean's thigh and he slipped it under the fabric of her skirt and slip as far as he could without losing control of the car and himself! She gave him a wicked smile. She couldn't remember how much wood they had left in the cabin, hoping that all they would have to do was fill the water cans and make the bed.
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Lucien unlocked the door while Jean took the things out of the car. There was plenty of wood so Lucien left her to light the stove and make the bed while he filled the cans.
He stood in the doorway and watched her put things away. She turned as he kicked the door shut, and smiled. His sleeves were rolled up showing his strong forearms, his shirt open at the neck, about as casual as the doctor got when it came to his clothes. Well, as far as she was concerned nothing was going to stay on long, she ran her tongue across her teeth seductively. He strode over to the table and put the cans down then grabbed her and kissed her almost roughly. She nipped at his bottom lip and ground her hips against him. A week without Lucien in her bed was almost as bad as over ten years as a widow, even if they had made love the previous night, she needed him, now!
Clothes were ripped off, he hadn't bothered with a singlet that morning, saving one layer for her to remove, while he undid the zip on her dress and lifted it over her head with her slip.
She unzipped his trousers, pushed them down and he stepped out of them pushing her back to the bed, undoing her bra as he did so. She could barely breathe, more than ready for him, almost over the edge, already. The last inhibiting garments removed, their lovemaking was raw, desperate and neither held anything back, no one could hear them in the trees as Jean screamed his name at the moment of release, holding him down with her ankles as he called her name over and over again.
'God, I missed you.' He gasped as he rolled off her and lay staring up at a small spider weaving a web in the roof trusses.
'You'd never know.' She sighed and stretched, turning over to look at him.
'Oh really,' he grinned and reached over to tickle her, lightly running his fingers over her stomach, very slightly rounded from the child growing inside her.
The cabin rang with her laughter and squeals as she tried to get off the bed. He reached out to grab her arm but she slipped out of his grasped and ran, completely naked, into the living part of the hut, followed by her equally naked husband. She dodged him as he reached out,
'Can't catch me!' She held the end of the couch looking at him at the opposite end. He moved round the back of the couch, she to the front but she had misjudged his speed and agility as he leapt over onto the couch proper and pulled her down on top of him.
'Gotcha!'
She shrieked, 'Lucien!' and threw back her head with laughter.
They made love again, this time slowly, almost reverently, on the rug in front of the stove.
'You know,' She leant up on her elbow and looked down at his satisfied, almost smug, face, 'it's no surprise I'm pregnant, is it?'
'S'pose not.' He reached for her and pulled her so her head was on his chest, his strong steady heartbeat lulling her to sleep.
He smiled as her breathing became shallow. It wasn't very comfortable on the floor and it wasn't going to be easy getting up and taking her to the bed without waking her, but he'd give it his best shot.
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Jean woke to the smell of sausages frying. She didn't remember getting into bed, so she could only assume her husband had carried her there to let her sleep. She smiled, really they acted like oversexed teenagers, not that she was ever an oversexed teenager her mother wouldn't have allowed it, and should start to behave.
The smell made her stomach growl and looking at her watch, the only thing she still wore, she could see why, it was well past what was normally lunchtime. She slipped out of bed and went to the rudimentary bathroom, where she found Lucien had poured boiling water into the bowl and left it to cool. She used the toilet and had a quick wash. The only clothes in the bedroom area were her knickers, the rest having been shed near or around the couch. She blushed and wrapped the sheet round her before going to see what culinary delights Lucien had come up with.
He was standing at the table skilfully working a new camping stove, he wore his shorts and his shirt.
'Hello, sleepyhead,' he turned, 'hungry?'
'Famished,' she went to see what he was doing. 'This fresh air really gives me an appetite.' There were sausages and tomatoes in the frying pan and bread cut and buttered ready to make into sandwiches.
'Oh, is that what does it?' He grinned at her. 'Tea's made.' He nodded towards the pot and mugs sitting on the side. She poured them both a drink and took hers to the couch.
They sat munching on their sandwiches, Lucien kissing away a dribble of butter on her chin which made her giggle. He looked at her, her hair was a mess of disorganised curls, her makeup was gone and her eyes were shining. Underneath the sheet he knew were marks and probably a few bruises from when he had taken her roughly when they arrived. He took her plate off her and put it on the floor then gathered her into his arms and let her nestle against his chest, taking in that unique scent of Jean fresh from loving that a quick wash couldn't disguise. He rubbed his cheek against the top of her head and heard her sigh happily.
'Thank you, Lucien.' She whispered, 'for this, for...' What she wanted to say 'for loving me', but suddenly felt embarrassed.
He knew what she meant.
'You are everything to me,' he kissed her head softly, 'I love you so much, Jean.'
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Lucien locked the cabin door and took her hand. A walk in the fresh air was just what the doctor ordered, she thought, and not something they usually did. He showed her where he used to fish with his father. He had suggested he catch one, or maybe two for supper, if she was ok with gutting fresh fish, if not, he could do it.
'And if you can't catch one?' She raised an eyebrow.
'Oh you doubt me?' He teased, before crouching down at the edge of the stream and telling her to be quiet. He knelt on one knee and slipped his hand into the water without a ripple. A slow smile spread over his features and suddenly a fish was flying through the air to land at her feet. She jumped back with a squeak. He did the same again and another brown trout landed at her feed. Lucien grabbed a branch and dispatched the fish and picked them up by the gill flaps.
'Supper I think.'
'I'll never doubt your fishing skills again.' She linked arms with him and smiled, 'but you can clean them.'
'As you wish.' He grinned, glad she could cope with seeing her dinner caught.
She stopped just a little away from the cabin and tipped her head to one side. She had not really taken much notice of the outside as their visits were fleeting and usually for indoor activities. But as they were wondering if they could make a half decent holiday home stroke weekend retreat perhaps she had better consider it.
'Something wrong?' He stepped back so he was next to her again.
'No, I just wondered how we are going extend.'
'Oh.' He hadn't really thought about it, not properly anyway, 'well, this is the best side to extend from, don't you think?'
'Mmm...' still thinking. 'Just really enough space for another bedroom for the children.'
'Yes, I suppose so.'
'Who actually build it?'
'Dad and some mates.' He grinned, 'I think we're going to need someone who knows what they're doing, because I sure as hell don't.'
'Why am I not surprised?' She laughed and squeezed his arm.
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The fish, once cleaned and swiftly fried in butter was delicious, there was no doubt about it. Jean had brought some fruit which served as dessert and more tea to drink.
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They sat on the verandah, leaning against the wall, as the sun set, watching the stripes of light through the trees.
'Wonder what Mattie and Charlie are doing.' Lucien mused.
'From the looks between the two last night, I'd rather not think about it.' Jean smiled.
'Really?'
'Really.'
'Oh,' he grinned, 'no wonder she didn't mind having Amelia, a subterfuge, put us off the scent.'
'Lucien!' She batted his arm. 'She knows I wouldn't fall for that, Amelia sleeps through!'
'So...'
'None of my business.'
'Really?'
'Really.' She smiled, 'after the secrets they kept for us...' she raised her eyebrows.
'I suppose so.' But she could see he wasn't really sure if they should be condoning such activity.
'Lucien,' She turned and took his hands, 'Mattie and Charlie are not stupid. In fact she asked me if I was being careful, so I'm pretty certain that if they are intimate then they will be a darn sight more careful than we were. Even though we weren't caught out, we could have been, as is now evident, we were lucky, I know and I'd rather they felt they were able to be themselves in our house than have to go to a grubby hotel somewhere.'
'It's just,' he sighed, 'Mattie is like a daughter to me, you know that, I don't want her hurt.'
'I think that's the last thing Charlie will do.' She leant forward and kissed him. 'Now, it's getting a little cool out here...'
'Oh,' he wasn't with her, 'Oh,' now he was, 'best go inside and warm up, then.'
He stood up and held out his hand to her, pulling her up sharply so she ended up in his arms, her feet off the floor. She threw back her head and laughed, linking her hands behind his head. He adjusted his hold on her so she had her legs round his waist and one of his arms under her bottom.
'Right, inside!' He declared, masterfully, 'I have need of you!'
'Do you indeed?' she grinned at him, she could already feel his arousal.
'Indeed I do.' He opened the door and kicked it shut once inside. She looked at him, this was their last night and she had a feeling sleep wasn't on his to do list. She leaned in to kiss him and let him carry her to the bed.
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They had made love until the sun began to rise. She didn't think there was part of her body he hadn't kissed or tasted. He still managed to find things to do to her that even in her wildest dreams she had not imagined. How he kept going she had no idea, but she was glad he did, being loved by Lucien Blake was the most exciting thing nobody else would ever have. She had even learnt to conquer her initial reticence and touch him where her first husband wouldn't let her.
She stretched and sighed. Lucien was snoring gently at her side, it was almost musical she thought. She rolled away from him and picked up his shirt, the nearest item of clothing she could wear and went to heat up the kettle. She hummed to herself as she made tea and filled the kettle for washing.
Lucien stirred because the bed beside him was cold. He vaguely heard singing and smiled.
'Woman! Where's my tea?' He demanded with a laugh in his voice.
'It'll be over your head if you're not careful!' she called back, grinning.
She went into the bedroom with the two mugs of tea.
'Awh, Jean!' He remonstrated, 'what have I told you about wearing my shirt?'
'Oh, I am sorry,' she put the tea down on the floor and shed the offending garment. The tea was going to go cold, again!
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This time Lucien made the tea while Jean washed. Realistically, she thought, she ought to make Lucien do the tea on their last morning, that way they would get away earlier, there again...
She drank her tea while her husband washed, then stripped the bed and started to pack the clothes.
'Need any help?' Lucien rubbed his hair with the towel leaving it sticking up in all directions. Jean giggled at him,
'You better comb your hair, if anyone sees you...'
'I'll say you dragged me through a hedge, backwards,' he grinned, 'believable?'
Jean threw a pillow case at him, which he caught efficiently.
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Mattie stretched and sighed. Jean and Lucien were due back some time around lunchtime. She smiled at the memory of the previous night, a precious memory.
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They had got Amelia to bed, washed up from their dinner and settled on the couch with a drink. Charlie had put his arm round her shoulders and sighed. He'd been surprised when she had got into bed with him the night they had returned from Melbourne, claiming she was used to sleeping with Jean, and the way she had cuddled up and gone to sleep as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
She wriggled her shoulders against him and leant her head on his chest.
'You ok?' He asked quietly.
'Mmm..' she hummed, 'it's easier now Amelia is a bit older.'
'Will she sleep through?' He noticed her perfume, did she usually wear perfume? It was clean smelling, not sweet or cloying, fresh.
'Should do.' She leant forward to put her glass on the table. 'at least until sunrise.'
'Oh,' he smiled to himself. 'good.'
'Why would that be?' She teased, still not looking at him.
'Well,' he shifted a little, 'if she's going to sleep through, then I can do this.' He tipped her face up with his forefinger and lightly kissed her lips.
'Ooh,' she breathed, 'I like that.'
'What about this?'
He kissed her a little more firmly, teasing her lips with his tongue, while moving his hands up her side and into her hair. She melted. She had had boyfriends before, she was no innocent but what Charlie did to her, with such simple touches had her tingling all over. She really didn't know he had it in him.
'Or this?'
He nuzzled into her neck and slipped his hand over her breast tightening his hold slightly. She hitched.
'Charlie,' she managed to gasp out.
'Sh...' he moved down to her collar bone and nibbled gently as she went limp in his arms.
She wanted to tell him 'not there' and somehow he knew as he lifted her up and carried her up the stairs. She was powerless to resist and didn't really want to.
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Mattie was surprised Charlie had prepared for the evening, suspecting he had raided Lucien's stock of condoms he kept in the surgery. At least he had prepared. Mattie decided to ask Lucien to fit her for a diaphragm, even though she would have to admit to him she was being intimate with someone. She didn't have to specify who. She could go to the hospital and see the nurse there but she didn't fancy the kind of talk that would get about.
He was a generous and gentle lover, much more than she expected a young man to be. More what a man of the doctor's experience would be like, she thought, lucky Jean!
Hm...Jean. Had she abused her trust, or had Jean known it might happen? After all she had seen her hand on Charlie's thigh and, perhaps a little smile.
Oh well, nothing they could do about it now. She slipped out of bed and put her robe on.
'Hmmph.' Charlie snuffled and turned to where she had been tucked under him, it was a small bed.
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Mattie was just putting some laundry on the line and Charlie was reading the paper when the doctor and his wife returned home. Amelia was sitting in the pram playing with a rattle. Jean smiled as she looked out of the sunroom. She greeted the young nurse and asked if Amelia had behaved herself before picking the baby up and kissing her.
'She was fine.' Mattie kept on pegging out nappies, suddenly embarrassed. 'Slept right through.'
'Good.' Jean settled Amelia back down, 'I'm going to have a bath, the bathroom at the cabin is a bit...basic.'
'Ok.'
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Back to normal, Jean thought, as she lay in the bath, letting the warm water soak her tired muscles and bruises. She also thought back to Mattie avoiding eye contact, should she suggest they move into her old bedroom, the bed was bigger, a small double, not a single. No, that would mean she was encouraging them to be intimate outside marriage, and she knew what it was like to suffer the gossip about that, and true or not, she didn't want the young couple to have to go through it. She'd leave things as they were.
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Three days later they were truly back to normal as Lucien was asked to autopsy a young boy.
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The next chapter is a subject I have wondered whether or not I should get into. It has been prompted by a short serial on the radio here. A dark subject.