Chapter 12: Jack's Proposal
Once the foursome returns to Melbourne, life returns to some semblance of normality. After spending a few more days with Phryne gaining strength and healing, Jack returns to his cottage. He feels there is great impropriety in continuing to stay with Phryne and though he doesn't want to lose the closeness they have, it is the right thing to do. After Jack returns to his house, he still comes twice a day to St. Kilda to allow Phryne to clean his wounds. About a week after Jack returns to his house, the doctor removes the last of stitches. The doctor cautions Jack that he must continue to watch for infection and make sure the wounds stay clean and dry.
Jack is ready to return to work and also to talk with Phryne about the future. Some of the things that were said or that he thinks were said during his recovery are somewhat confused in his mind. Jack comes to St. Kilda for his evening wound check determined to talk with her. After one of Mr. Butler's delightful meals and an hour or so of reading aloud one of Richmal Crompton's Just William books with Jane, Dot, Phryne and Mr. Butler, Jack can put off leaving soon no longer. Jane goes to bed giving Jack a hug, "Good night Inspector," she says cheerfully, skipping off to go upstairs. Dot and Mr. Butler excuse themselves as well, a chorus of good nights echoing in the parlor.
Phryne and Jack retire to her boudoir where his wounds are inspected and treated. Phryne is pleased with the condition of his wounds. Running her fingers over the various scars she says brightly, "Well Jack, it looks as if my nursing services are no longer needed. I believe you are healed enough that normal bathing will be all that is required now. Should you notice any redness or additional soreness, I will take a look." Jack merely nods. Phryne is a bit confused by this response, "I thought you would be much more excited about not having to come visit me every day. What on earth is going on Jack?"
"We need to have a serious conversation, Miss Fisher," Jack responds heavily. "There are things from that night and the days after that I'm not sure I remember correctly, and I need to know the details now that I am lucid." "Very well Jack," Phryne says with a troubled sigh, "What do you want to know?" Jack looks at her curiously. It isn't like Phryne to have a moment when she is unsure or at least where she lets anyone else know she is unsure. He stalls for time suggesting, "Why don't we return to the parlor? I would enjoy a nightcap." Phryne smiles at this, her training coming to her aid and says politely, "An excellent suggestion Inspector." After she pours their drinks and they are sitting together in the window seat, Jacks gets to the point, "Phryne, did I ask you to marry me? I don't remember asking that question, and you said in our last serious discussion on the topic that you can't consider marriage. I need to understand where our relationship is at this moment. I feel like something is different, but I don't want to presume."
Phryne is silent for so long that Jack reaches out a hand and lifts her chin to look into her eyes. Her pansy blue eyes are pools of love and uncertainty. Jack is disturbed, "Did I ask you and you said no? Just tell me. I can handle whatever you say. I said I would…," his voice trails off as Phryne interrupts. "Jack you didn't ask me to marry you. I just assumed that you were trying to ask me when you woke up. It is what I wanted you to say. I realized while that maniac was attacking you that I love you and in those days when we didn't know if you would live or die, I realized that I don't want to live without you. I am ready to marry you Jack, but you didn't ask the question, so you are under no obligation," she says bravely, giving him a tremulous smile.
Jack looks like he can't believe what he is hearing, "Under no obligation? For such a brilliant detective Miss Fisher sometimes you are…" he splutters and shakes his head. At that moment Mr. Butler comes into the parlor. Jack and Phryne look enquiringly at him. "I'm sorry to interrupt, Miss, Inspector, but Constable Collins called and they need you at the station immediately. A body has been found in the Yarra," he says in his dignified voice. Jack looks regretfully at Phryne, "I have to go. Are you coming?" "Of course, Inspector. I wouldn't miss it," she gives him a very bright smile her eyes alight with the excitement of an investigation. "We will talk again Miss Fisher," Jack says his voice full of promise.
Now that Jack is sure of Phyne's feelings on the subject of marriage, he happily begins planning to officially ask her the question. Because of Phryne's impact on his life Jack wants a very special engagement ring for her. He desires a ring that is representative of Australia wanting to emphasize that they share common roots. Therefore he decides that the ring will be created from something mined in Australia and designed and crafted by a local jeweler. He also feels he must find something that captures the essence that is Phryne Fisher. He currently has no idea what this might be so he begins to research Australia's precious gems. In his research he makes interesting discoveries regarding many gems, but he is drawn time and again to opals and the things he learns about them.
He discovers that the Sanskrit name "Upala" means "precious stone" and the Latin and Greek "Opalus" and "Opallios" respectively mean "precious stone" and "to see a color change". Jack treasures these meanings for Phryne is most definitely precious to him and she certainly brought a color change to his life. He also learns that the opal is believed to clarify by enhancing and mirroring feelings, buried emotions and desires, lessening inhibitions and increasing spontaneity. He learns that some see the opal as a token of hope; falling from Heaven in flashes of lightning and that others see it as unlucky. But the key finding and what seals opals as the stone choice for Phryne's ring in Jack's mind is discovering that Mark Antony loved opals and wanted to give opals to Cleopatra. The symbolism echoing in the history of the opal is too strong for Jack to make a different choice. He believes for the two of them the "token of hope" rather than the "unlucky" connotation applies.
As he researches he notes the different opal colors: Milky or White, Black and Boulder that can be selected. Which one to choose? As he ponders, he thinks about Phryne asking him to remind her not to be afraid of shadows and also of the zest for life she exudes even amidst so much tragedy. There is no more thinking required. Black Opals it is; the symbolism of the dark stone and the flashing fire of the colors within it confirming his choice. He looks at the various cuts of the stone that he could select. There are so many types it is a bit overwhelming. He knows he doesn't want a round cut. Rosie's ring was a round cut diamond. As he continues to think about what shape is meaningful to Phryne and him, he decides that the tear drop shape is most apropos for the ring.
Once Jack decides the course of action and the type of stone he commissions a tear drop shaped Black Opal ring set in a wide filigree gold band with tiny diamonds all around the stone for Phryne's engagement ring. He selects a narrow matching filigree wedding band set with three small Black Opals. The effect is going to be stunning if the actual ring is anything like the sketches the jeweler makes based on his descriptions of what he desires. Jack is pleased with his choices believing that Phryne will be much happier with a ring that is symbolic of their relationship than with conventional diamonds.
When the rings are complete and Jack sees them for the first time, he is overwhelmed by how much the rings capture the essence of what he wants to convey to Phryne. He believes Phryne will immediately understand the meaning behind his choices. Jack is ecstatic and devises a plan for how to give Phryne her engagement ring. Other people probably won't understand, but Jack knows that an investigation must be involved – a murder no less! He hasn't wished for a murder so much since the night of George Sanderson's arrest. He feels slightly ashamed, but as he knows human nature will oblige him in the end, he shakes it off and prepares to wait. It's not a long wait, as he knew it wouldn't be. He enlists Constable Collins and Dot to help in making sure Miss Fisher gets to the scene of the murder in a timely fashion.
Jack tells Constable Collins to call Dot and cancel their plans for the evening due to the murder. Dot will of course let Miss Phryne know the details of what Hugh tells her. Jack is sure she will immediately come to the scene. Jack arrives on the scene and plants the ring box in the victim's pocket just as the Hispano pulls up. Phryne moves quickly to Jack's side. He asks her to give her opinion of the scene while he speaks to a potential witness. "Certainly Jack," she responds already bending to examine the body. Jack smirks, knowing she will find the box and will open it, her innate curiosity will not have it any other way. He asks a few questions of the witness, making sure Collins takes notes, while surreptitiously watching her. Phryne pulls the ring box from the body, vividly reminded of Yourka Rosen and Peter the Painter; Yourka with regret and Peter with fondness, but she is glad to note not lust.
She can't resist opening the box. A breathtaking Black Opal ring greets her curious gaze. What a beautiful ring she thinks admiring how the light causes the ring to flash brilliantly at her. She sees there is a scrap of folded paper in the top of the box and she carefully pulls it out and unfolds it. She reads the note: My Darling, will you marry me? My previous attempt to ask this question was silenced by a pair of fingers placed against my lips. Phryne pauses in her reading, glancing over at Jack, suspicion dawning on her. She sees his lips twitch almost imperceptibly as she catches his eye. He begins to move toward her and she drops her gaze again to the note. I know some will consider my method of proposing to be outrageous, but they know little of our first meeting and a request for my card that led to an unconventional partnership, a forever friendship and a love I know is unquenchable. For she does make hungry when most she satisfies. I will love you always. Phryne looks up, tears in her amethyst eyes, to find Jack kneeling before her, his blue eyes full of warmth and love and she lets her tears fall, knowing in her heart a life time with him will never be long enough; her fears finally vanquished, and smiling radiantly at him she whispers, "Yes, a thousand times yes. I love you Jack Robinson."
Conscious of the people around them, but not really caring what they think, Collins is in on it after all, Jack takes the box from her, removes the ring and slides it onto her ring finger, squeezing her hand gently then standing, pulling her up with him. He kisses her hand, his warm lips sending shivers up her spine. "Back to the business at hand Miss Fisher," Jack says his voice low, his face flushed and his grin transforming his handsome features. "Of course, Inspector," she beams, her beautiful face glazed with tears and joy, the ring sparkling with fire on her finger, as they turn to the job at hand.
Later as they discuss the case which they solved in record time, Jack takes Phryne in his arms. After systematically reacquainting himself with the feel of her lips on his he asks lazily, "How do you want to tell our news? Whom shall we tell first? Do you want me to ask your father's permission or Mrs. Stanley?" Phryne, lips slightly swollen from having been very thoroughly kissed, gives Jack a horrified glance. "You are joking aren't you Inspector? I do not require anyone's permission to do anything including getting married as you very well know," Phryne responds icily. "You're right, "Jack's tone is soothing, "Poor choice of words on my part, permission isn't really the word I was looking for. I don't care what they think. I love you and I will marry you no matter what they say. I guess I am hoping that your family will accept me. I am after all a divorced man and a police officer to boot."
Phryne gives him an understanding look murmuring, "The ones who matter have already accepted you. Jane, Dot, Mac, Mr. Butler, Cec, Bert, and Arthur are all on your team. What about your family accepting me? I am not exactly a paragon of virtue or acceptable behavior." She looks slightly defiant as she makes the statement, but Jack realizes she is as nervous as he is. He pulls her back against him and encircles her in his arms nuzzling the back of her neck. "Why don't we have everyone to dinner tomorrow evening, unless you want more time to adjust to the idea of being engaged," Jack says softly in her ear, pausing to nibble on her ear lobe. "Inspector, stop nibbling on my ear lobe this instant if you intend to leave this house tonight with your virtue intact," Phryne says her voice hot with sudden passion.
Turning quickly in his arms she covers his mouth with hers in a hungry, demanding kiss. She runs her hands along the sides of his body trying to pull his shirt out of his pants so she can get her fingers underneath. She is desperate to feel his warm skin against her fingers. Jack returns her kisses fervently, groaning against her lips and holding her tightly to him. He allows himself to run his hands under her shirt caressing her back and stomach with his seeking fingers. He runs his hands along her flanks stopping just short of brushing the sides of her breasts. Phryne gives an impatient grunt and finally pulls his shirt free and runs her hands along the flat planes of his abdomen and the muscles of his back. She carefully traces the scars and moves her hands to rest on his belt buckle. She feels Jack stiffen slightly so she changes tact and runs her hands up his stomach to his chest and rests her hands in his fine chest hair her palms warm against his skin.
They are both panting now, their desire for each other very evident. Jack catches Phryne's gaze seeing the passion in her dark blue eyes that he knows she must see mirrored in his. He looks into her eyes, mesmerized by the thought that she is going to marry him. He told her once that his hardest case to date was one that didn't concern her, and the divorce was difficult. But waiting for Phryne to love him has been so much more challenging. A test of his will and patience and heart, a case that continues to push the very limits of who he is as a person and Phryne is in the center of it all. He plans for the case never to close. "Phryne, I really must go to the cottage," Jack says reluctantly, "Soon, though, my darling, soon I will be with you, holding you and taking you to our bed, our boudoir. I will be dreaming of that day tonight." A smile ghosts across Phryne's lips as she says softly, "I'm counting on it Inspector."
The next day Phryne invites all of the people who truly matter to her to dinner. After they eat, they retire to the parlor and Mr. Butler brings champagne. Hugh and Dot are looking like cats that have swallowed canaries, but this seems to have been overlooked by the group as a whole. Phryne brings the group to order saying, "I want to propose a toast." Everyone settles down looking at her, "Actually the Inspector has some news to share first," she says looking over at Jack. He is nervous, but as he looks into Phryne's eyes the rest of the room ceases to exist and he is certain of his decision and says confidently, never breaking eye contact with Phryne, "Miss Fisher and I are to be married. I asked her yesterday and she agreed." The room erupts with noise. Everyone is talking at once. Jane squeals with delight running to hug Phryne. Mac gives Jack a hug, "It is about time you two figured things out," she says cattily. Jack smirks at her responding with, "Yes, yes it is." Hugh takes over the toasting responsibilities, "Everyone raise your glass to Miss Fisher and the Inspector. Congratulations on your engagement," he says with a boyish grin. "Here, here" comes the chorus of the others clinking their glasses. Jack and Phryne toast each other with looks of love that could cause a sailor to blush, but everyone is very indulgent knowing this moment has been a long time in coming to fruition.
The only person who isn't excited and hasn't congratulated them is Mrs. Stanley. Jack is not surprised, but he is surprised by how much he wants her approval. Phryne moves over to her aunt's side. "Aunt Prudence, can't you even pretend to be happy for us?" Phryne asks softly in a slightly disappointed voice. "This just isn't the news I was expecting to hear given you views on marriage, Phryne," Aunt Prudence says, "I need some time to adjust to the idea of the Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher marrying a policeman. What will your parents say? I think I need to get Arthur home. It has been a long evening for him." Phryne nods her understanding, "Good night Aunt Prudence," she says, "Thank you for being here for our announcement." As Mrs. Stanley stands and calls Arthur to her, Phryne moves to stand with Jack allowing Mr. Butler to see them out. Jack and Phryne spend the rest of the evening focusing on the rest of their guests and Jane, both hoping Aunt P comes around soon.
Once Jack and Phryne announce their engagement, they begin to make wedding plans. Jack is surprised at some of Phryne's desires. Having gone through a wedding once and being a divorced man, he would be just as happy to go to the Magistrate's Office, but as he sees Phryne jumping into the wedding plans with the enthusiasm she brings to everything she touches, he relaxes and lets the excitement fill him also. How can he deny her a wedding when it has taken her so long to agree to one? Jack knows Phryne will want to pay for everything related to the wedding and he has come to terms with her wealth, but for her rings he draws the line. "I am paying for your rings. They are my gift to you," Jack says firmly. Phryne acquiesces graciously realizing that the rings are display of his love and the sacrifices he willingly chooses to make – taking the chance on them – on her. "Very well Jack," she says bestowing one of her beautiful smiles on him and kissing him. Jack forgets everything except how wonderful her kisses taste and that soon he won't have to leave her. He grins against her lips and tugs her close running his hands along her curves. "I do enjoy kissing you Miss Fisher, he murmurs. "So do I Jack, so do I," she replies cheekily.