I feel I'm rushing through this story, but I've got the bit between my teeth. This chapter covers the others but from Jean's point of view, in the form of a letter to Mattie. Hope it's ok.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dear Mattie,

Heavens, it seems an age since I last wrote, five months have passed so quickly and things have been interesting here. I can't believe Lucien and I are celebrating out first anniversary next week, it doesn't seem five minutes since we were saying our vows. So much has happened since then.

Three months or so ago we had a visit from Jack's girlfriend; you remember, the one who was pregnant when Jack landed himself in hot water the last time he was in Ballarat. Well, as you know Jack and I have become estranged, which hurts quite a lot, but I hear about him from Christopher. Anyway, Sally turned up with the baby, well toddler, quite out of the blue. He's a lovely little boy, Bobby. Jack had walked out on them, being a father is tiresome, apparently, and Sally wasn't coping well. She thought I had a right to meet Bobby and he me, and I thought by that she meant she was moving away. She was, but, oh Mattie, she left Bobby with us; snuck out while I was washing up! Of course I was upset about this, mainly for Bobby but I had just found out I was expecting. Yes, I'm going to have Lucien's baby! Can you believe it, at my age! Lucien's ecstatic of course. Anyway, I can't tell you how supportive he's been. He loves our young man, got Bill Hobart to sort out cot sides for your bed; oh we've put Lucien's old double in your room for the time being.

I was a bit shocked to find out I'm pregnant and it took a couple of days before I summoned up the courage to tell Lucien. I hope I get it right with this one, guess I'm practicing with Bobby. Oh, Mattie, he's adorable and so placid. He calls Lucien 'papa' and me 'mama', loves cuddles and playing with Charlie. Charlie had a bit of a shock I can tell you. He was a way in Melbourne when Bobby arrived, but he's taken to his 'uncle' duties rather well, he even babysits if we want to go out for the evening. He is a dear.

As you know, Lucien is now my GP, old Dr King retired and I wasn't keen on his replacement so I'm on Lucien's list, unfortunately this means I can't get away with anything, however my checks are always ok, so apart from the fact he wants me to go into hospital to have the baby we are in accord. I have agreed that I will arrange some help with the housework as I get closer to my due date, so I'm going to ask Evelyn if she'd help with the cleaning and laundry. It should be interesting, Bobby hides behind me when she calls! He loves Agnes Clasby, though, she gives him sweets and treats so I have to keep an eye on that, but she reads to him when she comes for an appointment, which she's always very early for!

As regards the pregnancy, although I was a bit unsure at first, I'm really happy about it, I haven't got any strange cravings but I have gone off sherry and can't stand whisky at all! Lucien has to make sure he's cleaned his teeth or eaten a mint before he comes too close. Actually, he hardly drinks at all. Baby Blake is very active when I want to relax, typical, but I'd forgotten how much I liked the feeling of a new life in me.

When I told Christopher about Bobby he was cross. He suggested he and Ruby take Bobby in, he implied I was too old to look after a little one, the cheek of it! He was even angrier when I asked him to ask Jack for the birth certificate as Lucien and I would like to either become his legal guardians or adopt him formally. We nearly had a row about that; me and Christopher not me and Lucien, it was Lucien's idea! It would give the little chap some stability. So I'm not telling Christopher about my baby until it's here! Naughty I know but I think I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Don't shout about it, but I've got Lucien changing nappies, yes really! Good practice for the future. Bobby only needs them at night now.

Anyway, I'm sorry this is a bit of a jumble. Lucien says I am not too old to look after children, oh, Mattie I am so blessed, sometimes I wonder what I have done to deserve such happiness.

Oh, I'll have to close now, Bobby has just woken from his nap, please write soon and tell me all your news.

Oh, the baby is due late September.

Lots of love

Jean, Lucien and Bobby xxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter/letter. It's what I would have written when I found out I was expecting my first baby when I was 38, yes, a bit younger than Jean but just as happy.