Chapter Five

"Dot, Mister Butler, Cec, Bert, I have several announcements to make."

Phryne glanced at her left hand to gather some courage. It was strange for her to be nervous about anything, but speaking of her wedding plans out loud made them more real. As long as no one beside the officials knew the whole situation seemed more of a fantasy than a life changing event. The ring which adorned her ring finger was part of that reality, a tangible symbol of what was to come. The jewelry piece was not actually an engagement ring, it was a wedding band of white gold. Inside, worn out by continuous use but still legible, was an engraving 'With boundless love'. Phryne did not feel she had the right to wear something that bore such deep emotion for the previous owner. Should Jack have not removed the engraving before he gave it to her or was he not aware of it?

"Miss Fisher? You were saying?"

"Oh, yes, Dot. I am… I am… getting married."

"Congratulations! When is the wedding?"

"We completed the paperwork yesterday, so in a month. There will be a small civic ceremony, you are all invited, of course."

"But why such hurry, Miss Fisher? Jane's ship will not arrive for another two months. Should she not also be present?"

"Yes, but there is some urgency…"

"Oh, Miss Fisher! Such wonderful news! When are you expecting?"

Leave it to a woman to connect the dots. "In February."

While Dot continued to gash about all the things they need to do for the wedding and the baby, Mister Butler silently (as all highly professional servants do) approached Phryne who reclined in the kitchen chair feeling exhausted emotionally and physically. "Miss Fisher."

"Yes, Mr B."

"Will the Inspector be moving in or you will be seeking larger accommodations?"

Thanking God for her butler's practicality (since no discussion was held about such details as of yet), Phryne began to answer when she realized what her practical butler actually said. "How did you know?"

"There is hardly any other man you will agree to marry… and vice versa."

The mistress of the house looked around the kitchen at her staff. They were all actively discussing her wedding and what changes the baby would bring, but none of them asked who she was marring. As if they all knew there was nobody else. And who else indeed would agree to marry her? Who knew her enough to accept her as she was? He agreed to leave her her freedom, but… What does that freedom entail? What will she be free from?

….

"Dot, I need your help."

"What is it, Miss Fisher? Something is wrong with your dress?"

"Is it?"

"It looks perfect, as everything you wear."

"It is not about how it looks like, it is about does it suit the occasion!"

"And what is the occasion, Miss Fisher?"

"Jack and I are going to visit his parents."

"Oh, this can be stressful."

"That is why I need your advice, Dot. I have no idea what to wear, how to act, what to say… What did you do when you meet Hugo's mother?"

"I do not think that the circumstances are quite the same, Miss Fisher."

"Why not?"

"I am sure, the Inspector has told them about you over the years."

"Why should he tell his parents about me?"

"Well, you and he are…"

"Are what, Dot?"

"I wanted to say 'close'. If he told them about you then this introduction is just a formality."

"But I do not know what he told them about me. I have no idea how to present myself."

"Just be yourself, miss."

"I highly doubt that it will be acceptable if what Jack told me about them is to be considered."

"And how did the Inspector describe them?"

"Jack said they are simple people, have a house outside of Ballarat. His father, Christopher Robinson is a retired accountant, mother, Sophia, is fond of gardening. They like country life, but also fond of reading classical literature."

"Do they know about… the baby?"

"Yes, we decided it is better to tell right away, because… It would be found out anyway. Mothers are like that."

"So you think, they will disapprove of such behavior?"

"I do not know! I do not want to look in Jack's parents eyes and see the scorn for their son who they did not bring up to treat women like this. And they indeed did not! I do not want Jack to be blamed for my mistakes. And by his parents no less."

"Miss…"

"Oh, posh, Dot. Do not tell me that you actually think that this baby is Jack's."

"I am only a maid, miss. It is not my business-"

"You are not only a maid, Dot. You are a friend. And friends talk about things, personal things. You came to me for advice when you wanted to prepare a romantic interlude for Hugo. You stammered for half an hour, but you asked me and I helped you. Now I am asking you to help me."

"But what can I do?"

"I do not know, Dot. What I know is that I am not the woman Jack's parents envision their son to be married to. I am not Rosie, I am an exact opposite of her."

"It does not matter, miss. What is important to the parents is for their children to be happy, and if they see that you make the Inspector happy then they will be happy for him and for you."

But did she make Jack happy?

…

Phryne should not have worried; the visit to Jack's parents went splendidly for both parties. The Robinsons were indeed the representatives of a middle class, but they were most definitely not simple in Phryne's eyes.

Christopher Robinson was indeed an accountant in the past. He was one of the rare members of the profession who was honest in his dealings never manipulating numbers to his clients' advantage. Phryne was sure it was he whom Jack inherited his values of righteousness and integrity from. Jack also inherited from his father his good looks if the photos on the mantel were any indication and the love for literature in general and classics in particular. More than an hour went on the excursion in the library that was started by Jack's grandfather and was expanded by Christopher with the hopes that Jack will continue the tradition.

The excursion was interrupted by Jack's mother, Sophie, who announced that dinner was served. As it turned up, Sophie was no housewife. She was a teacher in a girls' school majoring in musical education, so piano lessons for Jack were a must. It was clear to both mother and son that he would not be any star as a classical pianist, but Jack indulged his mother. He also indulged them after dinner by playing several duets with Sophie while she unceremoniously scolded him on his technique as only a mother could.

Phryne watched Jack interact with his parents and could not help but feel jealous. The Robinsons were clearly a family that was built on love and care and mutual respect. So different from her own dysfunctional family of a recklessly gambling father and mother who kept him around despite his indiscretions.

Phryne could not help wondering if there was possible for her and Jack to create such warm and loving family with pictures of them and their child around the house. She was also surprised by how much she actually wanted for her fantasy to become a reality. Were the motherly instincts already coming to the surface?

They left some time after dinner to get to the late Ballarat train. While saying goodbyes Sophie threw in passing that she was surprised Jack was introducing her to them only now since he did ask for his grandmother's ring half a year ago. The statement made Phryne confused and quite unsettled. Why did Jack ask for the ring? Was there another woman he wanted to share his life with back then?

…

The wedding ceremony was indeed very small. The announcement was placed in the local paper as per custom, but everything was kept as low key as possible. Only very close friends and family were invited. The ceremony was very official and to the point, the classical vows were said and documents signed. What left Phryne completely dumbfounded however, was the kiss of the newlyweds. It was not even a kiss, not more than a peck that was over even before it began. Even Jack's kiss in the restaurant when he claimed to be just fulfilling his duty had more feeling than the kiss from the husband. What was going on?