A fluffy, light story, regarding baptisms. I know I'm stringing this along 'til Christmas, but having already got the Christmas story in my head I don't want to publish the end until round about then. I'm never convinced when shows show a Christmas episode in the middle of July! So there may be one or two more domestic insights into the Blake household until then.
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Jean had looked out the Christening Robe she had used for the boys; first used for her and her siblings it was handmade by her mother. Fine white cotton lawn with lace trim, it was beautiful, Jenny looked adorable. Jean had put it away after Jack's baptism, thinking it would come out for her grandchild, not a future daughter. She had shed a little tear, when she'd taken it out of the tissue, for the little boy she thought she knew.
She'd dressed Bobby in a white shirt and navy blue shorts. He'd wanted a tie like papa's so Jean had found a scrap of material that matched his shorts and made him one.
Just before they left for the service, Lucien found Jean in their bedroom. With her back to the door he could see her shoulders shaking as she leant over the bassinet.
He went to her quickly, his heart in his mouth, Jenny lay gurgling happily but Jean was crying.
'Jean, what on earth..?' he held her close.
'Oh, I'm just being silly, Lucien, she sniffed against his chest, 'I was just remembering Jack in this, and Bobby looks so like him.'
He kissed the top of her head, he didn't need to say anything, just being in his arms was enough.
'Take Jenny through for me, please. I'll just be a few moments.' She managed a small smile.
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The church service for the baptisms had gone well. Jenny had screamed the place down when the priest had poured the holy water over her head. Bobby had done his best to be brave, but he didn't like the cold water on his head. He had cried into Lucien's shoulder.
He told papa, 'want to go home,' with a sniffle.
Lucien ruffled his curls, so like his wife's, as they thanked the priest.
'I hope to see you soon, Dr and Mrs Blake,' he said with a smile.
'I'm sure you will, Father,' smiled Jean, slipping her free arm through Lucien's.
The baptism party left the church for a celebration at the Blake's. Jean had prepared food and drink for the godparents and friends; close, real friends who had stood by them through the years, ignored the gossip and innuendo being passed around Ballarat. The men at the station were invited to join them as and when their shift allowed.
Bobby was much happier back at home, he had so many people to make a fuss of him. Agnes and Alice both kept him happy with story reading and rhymes.
Rose took some pictures of the gathering and also a proper family portrait. Lucien looked every inch the proud husband and father. They asked for an extra copy for Mattie.
The majority of the guests left when Jean went to put Bobby to bed. It was past his bedtime and he was in danger of falling asleep on Agnes' lap.
After putting Bobby to bed, and leaving Lucien to entertain Agnes and the godparents, Jean went to attend to her daughter's needs.
She was sitting in the window-side chair when there was a gentle tap on the door. Alice poked her head round.
'It's ok Alice, you can come in.' Jean said.
Alice went over to her, 'Frank and I are just off now, we're going to drop Agnes off too.'
Jean raised an eyebrow.
'Frank gave me a lift!' Alice said, quickly, hoping to get out before Jean asked any questions she didn't want to answer.
'Really,' said Jean with mock seriousness. Then, 'Thank you for Bobby's gifts.'
'My pleasure, thank you for asking me to be his godmother,' she bent down and kissed Jean's cheek. 'See you soon.'
Lucien saw the last of his guests out and locked up.
Charlie suggested they tidy the kitchen for Jean, there was some washing up to do, not much, and it didn't take long. Excess food was placed in the refrigerator, and when Jean came through having settled Jenny, Charlie was saying goodnight.
Jean smiled at him, 'Night Charlie, and, thank you for helping Lucien tidy up.'
She sat down next to Lucien on the couch and nestled against his shoulder.
'Happy?,' he asked.
'Mmm..., you?'
'Couldn't be happier.' He kissed the top of her head.
Looking at her he decided she would fall asleep where she was if he didn't do something about it. Shifting his weight round he lifted her into his arms and carried her into their bedroom.
'Dr Blake!' in mock horror.
He grinned and laid her gently on the bed.
'Lucien,' she breathed.
He placed a finger on her lips, then drew her to him. Their kiss was long and deep, and when it ended Jean looked at him,
'Isn't this how we got into this, she indicated the bassinet, 'situation in the first place?'
'Want me to stop?' He teased.
Her reply was to draw him down to her, and, with one hand expertly undid his shirt buttons, kissing him all the while, then guiding his hand to the buttons down the front of her blouse.
