Chapter Six
"I have had enough of this, Jack!"
The tornado that was Phryne Fish- Robinson swept into Jack's bedroom while he was tying his tie in preparation to leave for his morning shift at the station. It was clear that it was fruitless to respond since Phryne seemed to be on a row to share something of importance, so he just continued with the task at hand.
"We have been married for a month and I have seen you less than when we were not living under the same roof! You made it to dinner not more than seven times during four weeks! I understood when you requested a separate bedroom, we both needed time to adjust to our new… situation, but your behavior is outright obnoxious! And do not blame it on work," she continued, not allowing Jack to interfere with a prepared excuse, "you have not brought me any cases the whole month! As you very well promised. So there were no murders that required your undivided attention. You do not talk to me, you do not touch me, you do not even acknowledge my existence! Is this your twisted version of "Taming of the Shrew"? What in the world is going on?!"
"Please, Phryne, calm down, it is not good for the baby."
"You did not marry the baby, Jack! You married me, and I have feelings, needs and desires! So if this is how our married life is going to unfold, with me sitting in the house and you being somewhere with not even a good morning greeting, then I do not want any of it!"
"Please, Phryne… " Jack took her hands in his and steered his newlywed wife to an armchair since she clearly needed to rest after her outburst. It showed how lost she was by bringing up the argument matter since she actually let him. "I do owe you an explanation, but first take some deep breaths. Yes, exactly like this. In… and out. In… and out."
Phryne followed Jack's instructions, but only because she just could not resist his soothing voice. She indeed was feeling slightly dizzy. And, if she was brave enough to admit, rather lost. They agreed to enter the marriage as equal partners, but the very next day she was left alone and confused and the loss of control over her body, the only thing she was always sure about, did not help things.
"I underestimated my ability to… cope with your constant presence in my life, Phryne. For years you have been a part of my life even if you were not physically there. My office is always filled with the fragrance of your perfume since you come around so often. Mrs. Collins' visits with Hugh's lunch always remind me of you, making me ask what trouble you are getting yourself into. The late phone calls make me wonder if it is going to be your calling for assistance. I try to guess at what moment you appear when I arrive at the murder scene. Your social outings are published in the newspapers that end at my table. Even when you flew to England and travelled in China you sent me telegrams with missives that were just so you.
"And I learned to live with you always on the edge of my mind, so I thought living with you would be no different. But it is not. When we agreed to this arrangement, I told you that I was not expecting you to be a good wife, but seeing you, dinning with you, sharing your daily routine… Makes me wish for you to be the wife you cannot be."
"But I cannot be any kind of wife, if we are not even sharing a bed!"
"Because you do not know what sharing a bed is, Phryne."
"Excuse me?!"
"Marital bed is not only for sexual pleasures. It is for two people to sleep together in. To have and respect their own sides. To be happy for each new day when you awake beside your spouse, holding her in her arms. To miss her warmth when you wake up without her. To sooth her worries if she wakes up in the middle of the night. To kiss her good morning and good night. Sharing a bed means to go to sleep and to get up together not for fulfillment of marriage duties, but just to be with each other."
Phryne left Jack's room perplexed by his explanation. He did not tell her fully why he was outright avoiding her, and she did not understand what he meant under his want for her to be a good wife (if he was not talking about sex, then what was it?). What baffled her even more was the state of his bed – the sheets were creased only on the right side. Even after years of not sleeping with his now former wife, he still did not allow himself to sleep in the middle as the sole occupant of the bed.
…..
"What are you doing here, Phryne?" Jack knew that she would not leave their morning conversation as it was, but was still surprised when she entered his bedroom that very same evening, wearing a robe and hopefully a nightdress underneath.
"I thought about what we talked today… and you are right. Despite my vast experience with sleeping with men, I have no experience with actually sleeping with them." Before Jack could react, Phryne took off her robe (fortunately for Jack she was wearing a nightgown), got under the covers and settled herself under, but with a small distance from Jack.
Jack had no choice but to put on the nightstand the book he was reading and turn off the lamp. "Good night then, Phryne." She did not demand a good night kiss, and for that Jack was happy since he was unsettled as it was.
"I do not want you to cope with me, Jack," Phryne said into the darkness. She did not want to look at her husband, afraid she would lose the nerve of sharing her intimate thoughts. "My mother has been coping with my father's gambling and lies all her life and look where it got her. I will never be like Rosie, a dutiful and perfect housewife, but I will try. I will learn to share. We must learn to navigate this marriage if we are to be proper parents to this child and I am prepared to… change for us to succeed, but you must help me, Jack. You were married before, you can teach me. Just do not disappear on me, alright? We are parts of each other lives now, partners, remember?" And then Phryne did something she had never done with a man in bed before: she took Jack's hand and squeezed it. And received a squeeze in return.
…
The next morning Phryne woke up alone. She did not feel any different but for the strange tingling on her neck. That evening Jack did return home in time for dinner, during which Phryne again complained about the lack of brought cases, to which Jack retorted that there is nothing to bring. To his wife's demand to know what he was investigating then day in and day out, Jack replied that there are cases which do not require investigation, but still need to be processed. Nothing further was said, but Phryne continued to puzzle on the nature of such cases.
That night Phryne came to Jack's room again, but woke up alone with the same mysterious tingling sensation on her neck. The next day was the same. Leaving the mystery of the feeling on her neck aside, Phryne understood that she needed to take the initiative. On the fourth day of Jack and Phryne sharing the bed, she managed to wake up early and rushed downstairs, fixing her robe on the way.
"Jack, wait!"
Phryne's hail stopped him at the door. He turned around surprised to see the immaculate Phryne Fi- Robinson with hair sticking in all directions, sleepy eyes and the robe coming off one shoulder. What could be so urgent?
"I came to send you off, Jack."
"Pardon?"
"This is what wives do, is it not?"
"Yes, but-"
"Then kiss me good bye, Jack."
There was no deterrent to a determined Phryne so Jack had to comply. He bended down, smiling at Phryne's puckered up lips, but she could not see that because of her closed eyes, and kissed her on the cheek.
Phryne opened her eyes, hearing the door opening and then closing. What was that? A mere brush of lips against her cheek? Her only conclusion was that she did not understand men anymore. Or was only her husband so enigmatic?
The next two mornings Jack kissed her the same way. Phryne came to understanding that Jack was just unsure how many liberties he could allow himself, so she decided to show him. Before he could bend to deliver another chaste kiss, Phryne grabbed his head and crushed his lips to hers. Everything went into play: Phryne's lips, tongue and teeth moved with passion of someone starved for affection. Upon release, Jack stumbled back so large was his surprise at his wife's actions.
The said wife was smiling with a feeling of great accomplishment. Managing to rattle the stoic Jack Robinson was not an easy fit. She heard movement behind her and turned around to see a beat red Dot who was an unwilling witness to the passionate exchange. "Well, Dot, you are an experienced wife. Is this the proper way for sending your husband off?"
"I…I cannot say, ma'am," Dot mumbled, looking anywhere but at her mistress. "I think… it is personal for… each couple…" With that said she hurried to the kitchen to help Mr. Butler with whatever she had to help with.
"And what is your opinion, Jack?"
"You said once that your kisses cannot be compelled easily."
"Indeed, but you are my husband, so it makes you entitled to receive my kisses at all times, does it not?"
"People do not give or receive kisses because they are entitled to them, Phryne."
…
The next few days Phryne could not bring herself to wake up early and thus to send Jack off, since she had to admit that her body required rest she could do without before. Despite of her inhibitions she was strong enough to deal with reality of her pregnancy. She has already started to show so the problem with the wardrobe should be addressed. Phryne had never seen pregnant women on society outings, not that they ever interested her, but she was not Phryne Fi- Robertson if she will hide indoors the whole six months. Who said that pregnant women cannot dress in style?
Commandeering Dot to raid the shops of women's wear (she could not possibly order her outfits at the salon since they will never be ready in time) and Bert at the wheel of the Hispano (Phryne did have a promise to keep), the trio went from one establishment to another in search for the garments stylish enough to have place in Phryne's enormous closet. Phryne was shocked by the sizes Dot suggested to her. It only now registered how huge she is going to be in several months. Always proud of her lean and clearly sexy physique, Phryne felt devastated about the possibility to lose it all, maybe forever. Did women not gain weight after giving birth? And the stretch marks? She will look hideous! Well, at least the men on the street were still giving her appreciative glances.
Not that her husband had any similar feelings! Phryne knew that there was a certain level of attraction between her and Jack. Numerous times they were close to acting on it, so why does not he? They were married, they were sleeping in the same bed, then why must she torture out every single kiss? Was Jack against touching the body of a woman who was caring another man's child but was not against bringing up the said child? But that was completely illogical!
On the way from one shop to another they passed the City South Station and Phryne wanted to stop for a visit, but refrained from it suddenly unsure. She did not know if the officers knew of the change in her and Jack's status. Frankly, she herself did not know how to act at the station. Did she now have any additional rights as Detective Inspector's wife? Did he even want her there? They did not discuss for how long they were going to keep her pregnancy under wraps. Officially at least. Phryne was certain all kinds of rumors were already circulating. She was distraught by the realization of how little they did discuss. Even Jack having a separate bedroom was arranged with Mr. Butler, she was informed already after Jack's things were moved in. No avoidance games anymore, she and her husband needed to talk.
The opportunity presented itself during dinner, but Phryne was reluctant to use it, since Jack looked exhausted and kept drinking more wine than was necessary to take with the meal or to enjoy said wine.
"Is something the matter, Jack? Something happened at the station?" she asked tentatively. The last time she saw Jack like this was after Gertie's car crash. It was the only time Jack looked defeated. So what could have caused his current disposition? Could someone from the officers died in the line of duty? But Hugh did not tell anything of the sort while he was picking Dot up earlier…
"I was called today to meet with Chief Superintendent. We talked about closure rates, possible promotions, budget, the usual police talk, but then he goes and asks why I am not enjoying my honeymoon. I replied that you and I agreed on postponing it to a later date. I thought the topic was closed, but then he said…"
"Speak up, Jack, my delicate ears are used to all manner of speaking, dignified or not."
"He said that since I have been enjoying you for the several years, I must be already tired of you. And if so, he was sure the men in the force would not mind if I pass you over as you are still quite easy on the eyes despite being over thirty and quite experienced at that. And then he asked why I married you in the first place or was I not satisfied with just an occasional shag anymore? Had to keep you all to myself not that it will help, knowing your reputation. And then he answered his question himself by declaring that I must have knocked you up, his words not mine, so at least now you will keep your nose out of police business."
"And that pompous… ass is your superior?! Did you at least hit him?"
"No, I did not."
Phryne wanted to protest Jack's in activity in protecting… well, not that she had a good name or an untarnished reputation, but seeing as Jack right hand was curled in a fist of suppressed anger, she refrained from further comment.
"He is a pompous ass, has been since he was promoted to the post, not that he will be promoted any further, but he is my direct superior. No, I took the cup with murky, supposedly extremely expensive, tea that tastes like mud and poured it over his head. Unfortunately, the tea was already cold."
Phryne smiled over the rim of her glass, imaging the wet and splattering Chief Superintendent. How she wished to see it with her own eyes.
"And while my wet and splattering boss cursed me, my parents and other ancestors, I pointed out to him that if he wanted to keep the same level of closure rate as we have been having for the last five years because of the cooperation with certain Lady Detective, then he better extend to her the courtesy of treating her with proper respect and continue to give her access to case notes and evidence. And here I poured his tea over his head. Just to get the point across."
Phryne laughed outright, making her dinner companion to join her in her amusement with a conservative smile that made his grim look dissipate, though if one looked closely, one could have seen the shadow that kept joy from completely erasing the pain from his amber eyes. And Phryne was very keen on details.
"I do not want for you to be in trouble with brass because of me."
"I am used to it."
"Maybe you are, but I do not want to put your career in jeopardy. You are an excellent policeman and a great detective. The brass will be utter idiots to dismiss you. But even if they do, you do not need to worry about the family finances. My investments are enough to support-"
"Phryne, we discussed this. I am not letting you-"
"Actually, we have not, Jack. So let us do it right now. Before you hide behind the case files and paperwork," she spat, putting her fork down with a loud clank. The relaxed atmosphere vanished in an instant.
"I am not hiding behind anything. My case load had grown considerably because there has been a major reorganization in the force, one of the brass's great ideas to date and the detectives and Detective Inspectors are stretched thin across town, moreover cases from the suburbs fall under the city police jurisdiction too now. Additional work load but no additional resources as always."
"You could have just told me, Jack."
"I do not need to explain myself-"
"No, you do not. But I do understand the repercussions of an understaffed police station. You deal with dangerous situations every day and sooner or later someone will get hurt. And I do not want it to be you, Jack. You know that I always have your back and if you require my participation-"
"No! We definitely talked about this. You are not going into the field."
"Unescorted, Jack. That was what you told me. I am still capable of examining crime scenes with you present like we usually do. For the next… three months at least."
"I… do not mind you investigating, I just do not want to subject you to… remarks of certain nature from the officers."
"You mean, those rumors and dirty comments about us? First, Jack Robinson, you must be aware by now that I can certainly talk back and quite dirty too, so you do not need to be concerned. Secondly, I do not care."
"Let us have a compromise. I will let you have access to the cases I am processing right now, but on one condition. The cases are kept in the safe in my office. You are to open it, but only by using the right combination. And promise me not to cheat."
"This is rather exciting. But you must at least give me a hint."
"It is a date. On that day my life had changed irrevocably."
"You have yourself a deal, Inspector."
"I will inform the constables that you have permission to access the safe. I will be working at the East Station so you have a whole week."
"East Station? Why?"
"Joined investigation."
"More exciting news? How can you keep something like this from me, Jack?"
"I cannot share the details. Even with you."
Phryne was not exaggerating when she expressed her opinion of Jack's excellent police work. She knew that his loyalty to the force could not waver even in the face of her, mostly idle, curiosity. He will tell her when time comes.
"It is enough excitement for me, it seems. I am going to have a bath and retire for the night."
"Phryne, wait," Jack's hail caught Phryne in the doorway of the dining room. "I have the next two days off. We can have that talk about the finances."
"Do you want to waste you days off on such trivial matters?"
"You asked me to teach you, Phryne. And finances are definitely not a trivial matter in marriage. Moreover, Jane is arriving in three days, what are we going to tell her?"
"We have much to talk about then."
…
"Mr. Butler?"
"Yes, Dot."
"Madam's bed has not been slept in again."
"Good. Very good. And you do know, Dot, that there is nothing inappropriate about it."
"Of course. They are married. But… when I was changing the sheets in Inspector's bedroom, there was no usual… signs as when madam has male company overnight."
"Is that so? Unusual it is, but you must know too, Dot, that marital bed is not only for marital duties. Still… Very good, very good indeed."