This is just a little epilogue because I've always been curious about how Christopher must have felt about his mother leaving after just a few days.
NancyMay has, coincidentally, recently written something about the same part of the story, and I wondered if I should just leave this story now without the epilogue. But I think it is important actually. Jean has effectively let her son down (again?) and I think that would have been difficult for them both. And my version is different, so here goes:
"So you're just going then, like that?" Christopher's voice started to rise in anger.
"You knew I wouldn't be staying forever." She tried to defuse the situation, speaking quietly but firmly. "I'm sorry, I know it's a bit sudden, but I'm needed at home. Matthew might be dying, and I have to go."
"Just a few weeks ago you were talking about staying here in Adelaide for good. Then it was just going to be a few months. But now you're just walking away, and you've scarcely been here much more than a week. Be honest, Mum, this isn't about Matthew Lawson." He looked so disappointed in her.
Jean took a deep breath, and let it out in a long sigh. "I've known Matthew for many years, and he's a good friend. But you're right. I want to go home. My home is in Ballarat, Christopher."
"Isn't this just about Blake? He wants you home, so you go, leaving Ruby and me in a mess. He's not your boss anymore, Mum. He's taken you out to dinner once, and suddenly you'll do whatever he wants. What's the matter with you?" His voice was harsh with emotion, but Jean could see it was mostly hurt, not anger.
"There's nothing the matter with me. And Lucien hasn't asked me to go home, Mattie has. Lucien and I have...grown very close recently, and I don't want to be so far away from him. I'm going to see what I can do to help with Matthew, and then I intend to go back to live at Lucien's house. I love him." Christopher saw her, both defiant and embarrassed by what she had just admitted, and he knew she would win. He shook his head in despair.
"Mum, I hope he makes you happy. I really do. But most of the town already think you're sleeping with him. Think about your reputation."
"That's my business," she retorted. "And he does make me happy."
Christopher nodded, defeated. He was worried for her. Blake was unreliable, much too fond of a drink, and liable to break her heart.
"I hope he loves you too," he said more gently, and smiled at her for the first time. "You'll always be welcome back, you know."
Jean nodded and kissed his cheek. "I know, and thank you. Now, I must go, the taxi will be here any moment."
She picked up her suitcases and opened the front door. The car was already there. Christopher took the bags from his mother and put them in the boot of the taxi. She climbed into the car and turned to him.
"Say goodbye to Ruby for me, and kiss Amelia for me." He nodded and waved as the car moved away. Still frustrated, and feeling rather bitterly towards Blake, he walked back inside. What did that man have that his mother couldn't seem to resist?