Chapter 14: We're Getting Married
The entire wedding party is to stay with Aunt Prudence the last two days prior to the wedding. There is a flurry of activity getting everyone out of St. Kilda and over to Aunt P's home. There is a lot of laughter between Jack, Phryne, Jane, Dot and Mr. Butler; Lord and Lady Fisher are also drawn into the excitement. Phryne is nervous about meeting Jack's family. It isn't often she feels like the grubby little girl from Collingwood, and she so hopes they will approve of her, something she rarely concerns herself with. Her fears are unfounded. Jack's family is kind and gracious. His father, Thomas, is much like Jack and his mother, Iris, is lovely. They seem genuinely glad Jack found her. Phryne is warmed by the reception from Jack's parents and his sister.
Jack's sister, Eleanor, and her husband, William, and his nephew, Robert, are also quite fascinating and they greet Phryne warmly. Phryne thinks that she and Eleanor, "Nora", to Jack, will get on very well. William or "Wills" as the family calls him is a professor of literature and obviously shares Jack's love of Shakespeare. Nora is expecting a baby, and she is due in about three months. Robert looks to be about 15 years old. Phryne wonders at the age difference between Robert and this new child and pulling Jack aside for an explanation says, "Tell me the story on why there is such a large age difference between Robert and the new baby." Jack responds sadly, "Nora has miscarried several times, and their daughter, Maria, died of Scarlett Fever when she was six years old".
Phryne can see the pain in Jack's eyes and hear it in his voice. "You were close to Maria," she states quietly. Jack nods saying softly his deep voice gravelly, "She was the one person who helped me return to humanity after the war." His voice cracking with suppressed grief, he swallows continuing, "Maria was delightful, a fairy child, delicate and joyful; her joy was infectious. I adored her, and she adored her Uncle Jack." Phryne catches his hands and looks deeply into his sorrowful eyes, "I am sorry you lost her," she says in a sweet solemn voice, "but thankful that in her short life she helped to bring you out of the shadows." Jack pulls Phryne to him tucking her beneath his chin and holding her for a moment, saying "It is difficult to lose a child, but Nora and Wills have handled it better than most people would. Her death brought them closer together rather than driving a wedge between them." He smiles into her hair, "On a happier note, I think Jane and Robert will get on quite well. They are both bright and funny and have seen tragedy." Phryne nods, hugging Jack tightly before they return to visiting with various members of the two families.
Jack finds Phryne's parents to be much as she described. Her father is stern looking and seems aloof. Jack thinks he is the quintessential description of a lord. Jack still hasn't forgiven him for trying to break Phryne's spirit as a young girl and he is slightly reserved with Lord Fisher. Jack does ruefully concede that it is possible Phryne drove her father to the point of madness, since he has been there on a number of occasions, but still, the emotional scar is undeniable. Phryne's mother appears somewhat reticent and quiet, but he can see where Phryne's beauty comes from when he looks at her mother. Lady Fisher and Phryne could be sisters. He can also see why Phryne does not mind being on a different continent from her parents. He doesn't expect they will see them again after the wedding.
Jack believes that his parents will note the situation and take Phryne under their wings and into their hearts. It isn't that they will see them for Sunday dinner every week, but he hopes Phryne will grow attached to them. He feels Phryne will benefit from receiving unconditional love and acceptance from his parents. He knows that hurt little girl is still inside looking for acceptance and perhaps forgiveness. Jack thinks this because Phryne blames herself for Janey's death, taking not only responsibility for not keeping a close enough eye on her, but also because Phryne has the December 21 birthday Murdoch Foyle was seeking in his "chosen ones" not Janey. Phryne was so quick to deny Jack's attempt to commute the sentence she pronounced on herself that Jack knows she continues to deal with those self-recriminating thoughts. Shaking off his melancholy thoughts, Jack takes a stroll through Mrs. Stanley's gardens with Nora. "Well Nora, what do you think of Phryne?" he asks in his smooth bass voice. "Jack, I like her," Nora says, "she seems a much deeper person than one would think on first glance. It seems she has suffered deep loss. I can sense it." Jack grasps Nora's hand and merely says, "Indeed," his signature half grin lighting his face. He feels another layer of peace fill him. His family likes Phryne. It wouldn't matter what they think; he loves her so and already knows he doesn't function well without her presence in his life, but it is a definite bonus to have their sincere blessing. As they walk in silence beneath the cool trees of the garden, he can hardly believe it is almost time for the wedding. He is going to marry his soul mate the day after tomorrow!
Phryne has a delightful time talking with Arthur. She really does enjoy his sweet and gentle nature. "I like Jack, Phryne," he says, "he helped catch the woodcutter and put him in jail." "Yes, he did Arthur. I am so glad you like Jack. I like him too!" Phryne tells him in a conspiratorial tone as she gives him a hug. Phryne makes a decision and hurries off to find Jack to see if he will agree. "Jack, come with me," she says mysteriously dragging him deep into the garden. He is intrigued asking seriously, "What is it Phryne?" She shakes her head continuing deeper into the trees. When they are out of sight and earshot of everyone else, Phryne stops and pulls Jack into her arms, tugging on his tie to bring his face down to hers and kissing him. "I need to talk with you," she says breathlessly. "Really Miss Fisher," Jack murmurs, "are you sure you don't just want to cover me with kisses?" and covering her mouth with his he proceeds to remind her just how much she enjoys his lips on hers.
When they come up for air again, Phryne giggles impishly, "I could kiss you all night long. You spoil me Inspector." Jack grins at her holding both of her hands in his, "What did you want to talk about? I got distracted." Phryne takes a deep breath, believing Jack will understand, but having been faced with those who don't over the years she is a tiny bit uncertain, saying imploringly, "I want to ask Arthur if he will be our ring bearer. I know the plan is to let Dottie and your Dad hold the rings, but I want to include Arthur in our day. I love him dearly and he is so often shunted to the side by people. Our wedding with just our closest friends and family is an ideal time to include him in a meaningful way rather than making him hide away in his room. Phryne pins him with her gaze in order to measure his response. What she observes there is complete acceptance of her idea. She smiles delightedly at Jack, moving to kiss him again. She kisses his chiseled lips and along his strong jaw and nibbles his ear before finally nestling her head in the hollow of his neck allowing his scent to fill her. She sighs softly as he holds her close. "Phryne," Jack says softly against her hair, "if Arthur wants to be our ring bearer, I am more than happy for him to stand with us."
"Let's find Aunt Prudence," Phryne states, "She will need to agree of course." Holding hands they return to the house and find Aunt P. "Aunt Prudence," Phryne asks in a cheerful voice, "Jack and I have something we want to discuss with you." Prudence nods and they move to the study. Jack takes the lead when they close the door behind them. "Mrs. Stanley," Jack says his voice deep and steady, "Phryne and I want to ask Arthur to be our ring bearer." "Jack, you may call me Aunt Prudence or Prudence if you like. Are you two sure about this? I know Arthur will be thrilled, but you do know that he might not make it all the way through the ceremony. He could embarrass you," Prudence says, "It is very kind of the two of you to offer," her voice breaking slightly. "Mrs. er Aunt Prudence," Jack says quietly with a smile at her, "Phryne and I love Arthur and accept him as he is. Whatever happens will not bother us and I believe our friends and family can handle it as well." "In that case," Prudence answers her eyes shining, "let's go talk to Arthur."
Phryne and Jack find Arthur and ask him the question, "Arthur, Jack and I want you to be our ring bearer. Can you do that for us?" "What will I do?" Arthur asks his eyes questioning Phryne. "You will hold our wedding rings and you will walk down the aisle in front of me and Uncle James. You will stand beside Robert. Then when Father O'Leary asks for the rings you will come to stand by us. Jack will take my rings from you and then I will take Jack's from you and then you will return to stand by Robert." Phryne explains in a patient voice. "I think I can do that," Arthur says excitedly. Phryne gives him a hug and Jack shakes his hand. "Thank you Arthur, Phryne and I are honored," Jack says warmly to him. Phryne skips off to let Dot know that they need to create a pillow for Arthur to carry the rings on. Dot smiles saying, "Miss that is a wonderful idea. I think we can manage to make a pillow for Arthur. Mrs. Stanley has plenty of sewing materials in the sewing room." Arthur runs off to tell Jane, Robert and his Mother the news. Jack goes to let the other groomsmen know the change to the plans, and everyone agrees with the decision.
The day of the wedding dawns clear and bright and the sky is deep blue and cloudless. There are many things to do, but there are many helping hands so all goes well. He and Phryne decided on 4:00 as the ceremony time. This will allow them to spend time with their families and guests, have a lovely wedding supper, and still take off to the Windsor at a reasonable hour. Jack is filled with anticipation, his body tingling as his thoughts turn to their wedding night. He can hardly wait to mark her as his own in their private world; the world where only the two of them matter and the rest of the world is locked out. He sighs contentedly as he contemplates Phryne's excitement when she finally learns his plans. Jack's contentment grows as the morning wears on. He writes Phryne a note, wanting to see her this morning, but knowing it just isn't done; he slips the note under her door and then goes to the parlor where the groomsmen are gathering for a few wedding day activities.
Phryne is awake and staring out of the window of her room at the beautiful gardens. She shivers slightly her mind on the immensity of this day. She has a few butterflies as she thinks about the commitment ahead. She hears a noise and looking around sees a note has been slipped under her door. She picks it up, inexplicably reminded of the one Foyle left all those months before. Sternly reminding herself it can't be from Foyle she opens the note. It contains Jack's somewhat untidy scrawl, "My Phryne," she reads and a smile curves her lips at the endearment, "Song of Solomon captures the essence of my love for you. You are altogether beautiful; there is no flaw in you. Phryne my beloved, my friend, my soul mate, I am honored to take this step with you and humbled that you are willing to have me. I am more than ready for 4:00 to arrive Miss Fisher! Never forget that I love you to distraction. Always, Jack
P.S. I think the hyacinths are a nice touch, and I am very glad my timing was not off."
Phryne takes out a piece of notepaper and after thinking for a moment writes the words "So am I Jack. So am I. I am yours, always" and has Mr. Butler deliver it. She sits on the bed for a moment searching her heart. She is relieved to find she has no feelings of being caged of trapped, just a few nerves about the day. This is Jack after all. She isn't giving up her freedom; she is gaining a lifetime of love. She smiles softly, her navy eyes soft with love for him.
Her last moments of peace are shattered as Jane comes bouncing in followed by Dot and Mac. There is a lot of giggling as they bathe and prepare for the wedding. Phryne's mother stops by to chat, "You are lovely my daughter, and I want to give you this for your "Something borrowed". She smiles at Phryne with tears in her eyes. "I know your father is a difficult man and at times he drinks too much, but I love him more than I can express. I hope you and your Inspector will love as fiercely. I think you will," she says softly. Lady Fisher slips her wedding band, a simple gold band given before they had money and which she resolutely refuses to part with though she could replace it with fabulous jewels, off of her finger, and taking Phryne's right hand places the ring on her finger, "You have both your father's and my blessing," she pronounces with a smile a few tears sliding down her cheeks. Phryne looks at the band, tearing up also. "Thank you Mama," she chokes out, the childhood endearment slipping past her lips, and she hugs her mother tightly. Her mother leaves and wiping her tears, Phryne goes through a mental check list. Something borrowed – check.
Something blue; her garters are blue, but Phryne goes to her suitcase and pulls a small delicate velvet pouch out of her jewelry case. From it she pulls the ribbon from Janey's hair that Murdoch Foyle left here in this very room. "I feel Janey would love this day, and I want her to be a part of the ceremony," Phryne says in a whisper. She takes the ribbon and winds it around her bridal bouquet pinning it with a few small pearl pins. Perfect she thinks feeling like this is the right thing to do with the ribbon. Watching Phryne wrap the bouquet with the ribbon, Jane comes over and slips a hand into hers and Dot and Mac come over as well taking her other hand and holding her shoulders. Phryne smiles at them in the mirror her tears glistening like diamonds on her lashes, their support warming her and affirming her decision to include Janey in this day. They all understand this tangible tribute to Janey's memory represents love and innocence and purity. For Phryne it is a sign of her pledge to Jack. "Mac, Dot, Jane, thank you. Your support and love today is a gift," Phryne says gently through her tears. Something blue – check.
Something new; Phryne pulls a handkerchief from her suitcase.It is a beautiful hankie embroidered by Dot out of the dainty cream silk of her dress which she will tuck into the hidden pocket she had Madame Fleuri add to her dress. Something new – check. Sixpence in her shoe; Mac had presented the sixpence to her the night before during the pre-wedding dinner. It will also go into her pocket as Phryne doesn't relish the thought of it digging into her heel the entire day! Sixpence in her shoe – check. "Ladies, we have a wedding to get ready for," Phryne says wiping her tears, "We don't want to be late."
Three hours later Mac, Dot and Jane are ready. They all look stunning! Phryne is ready to slip into her gown. She is waiting as long as possible knowing it will be a long time before she can sit down after she puts it on. She doesn't want to crush the dress before the wedding even begins! Covering her face with a silk cloth so her make up doesn't smudge or rub off on the dress as it goes over her head, she allows herself to slip into the gown. Her hair is easy to fluff back into place. Once they get the gown on her properly she tucks the sixpence and hanky into her pocket. And Dot brushes her hair. Then they look at her in the full length mirror. Jane gasps, "Mama, Miss Phryne, you are so beautiful." Phryne has to agree, the gown is exquisite. "Thank you Jane, darling daughter of my heart," she says giving Jane a tender glance.
Mac says half seriously, "I hope the Inspector doesn't faint dead away. This gown is definitely lethal." They all laugh at this, but the perfection of the dresses and Mac's suit can't be denied. They will have some lovely photographs to view in the future. Phryne knows the men will be equally handsome in their dress clothes. "It's time," says Mac giving Phryne a searching look. Dottie peeks out the window saying, "Everyone is here Miss." Phryne takes her engagement ring off and slips it over Dot's finger to rest beside Jack's wedding band. Dot will make sure the rings are tied to the pillow she made for Arthur. "I'm ready," Phryne says a bit breathlessly, but calmly, her amethyst eyes shining brightly.
They go downstairs and assemble in line. Dot and Hugh are first in line. They march through the garden to Pachelbel's Canon in D. Then Mac and Mr. Butler join them. Mr. Butler is so dashing and Mac looks so regal and beautiful beside him Phryne thinks. Jane and Robert go next. The two of them look absolutely adorable together. Then Arthur starts out, carrying the pillow with the rings as if it is breakable. He is grinning from ear to ear. Phryne thinks they all look stunning as they walk down and then line up in front of the guests under the edge of the portico by the pool.
As Phryne listens to the strains of Canon in D she reminisces back to the day when she and Jack talked about wedding music deciding to use the jazz pieces they both love during the reception and using classical pieces for the ceremony. Phryne insisted that her processional music be a secret, and Jack agreed saying, "I'll select the recessional music then," all the while grinning quite wickedly. "Alright Jack," Phryne agreed knowing she could trust his innate gentlemen's nature and good taste. She grins now knowing Jack will appreciate her processional choice once he is over the shock. He doesn't have long to wait now!
Alone except for her father, Phryne checks her heart. Can she do this? Can she commit to a lifetime with one man? She happily realizes that she feels no qualms or fear. Instead she feels like she is coming home. "Ready daughter?" her father asks, uncharacteristically sober. Smiling radiantly at him Phryne takes his arm and as the band begins playing Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by Handel, she says, "Yes Father, I am positively ready." The two of them begin the long walk toward the future.
As Jack recognizes the song, he grins appreciatively, watching for her to appear around the trees. He has no idea what her dress looks like. She kept it totally hidden from him. He sees her and completely forgets to breathe. Magnificent, breathtaking is the vision approaching on her father's arm. She is regal in her emerald and cream. Jack realizes he is shaking and sweating slightly. He doesn't deserve her. She deserves someone whole, not someone broken by life like he is. He is being selfish to tie her down. He will call it off. His father leans closer to him whispering, "Steady son, she chose you flaws and all." Jack glances gratefully at his father with a slight nod indicating he heard the words. As Phryne gets closer Jack forgets everything as he gazes into her eyes. Her gaze does not waiver. As always their eyes are mirroring their souls and each of them responds to the unconditional love they see emanating from the other's eyes. As Jack takes in more details of her dress, he remembers its twin, but the bronze dress is but a faint reflection of the beauty the cream and emerald dress captures. As Jack moves forward to take her hand, he whispers just for her, "Lethal." Phryne smiles placing her hand in his, trusting in the warmth she feels.
Father O'Leary begins the ceremony and before she knows it, Father O'Leary is asking for the rings. Phryne trembles as Jack turns to take her rings from Arthur. Jack takes her left hand in his giving her a reassuring squeeze, "With this ring I thee wed," he says in a deep solemn voice slipping the rings onto her finger and giving her a tender look. Phryne turns to Arthur for Jack's ring, giving him a smile. She chose a simple band with a bit of width, but no embellishments. Simple, but solid and strong; it reminded her of Jack when she saw it in the store. She had it engraved with just one word "Always". She takes Jack's strong left hand in her dainty one. He can feel her tremble, but she looks steadily into his eyes and says, "With this ring, I thee wed," slipping the ring onto his long finger. They are gazing at one another eyes shining with joy, hands still clasped together; the world falling away as it so often does for them.
They hear Father O'Leary clear his voice breaking the spell. He prays a blessing over them and pronounces them husband and wife. "You may kiss the bride," he says pleased with the love he witnesses between them. Jack grins and very carefully, as if she were a fragile baby bird, bends his head to kiss her. His lips are gentle and speak of promise and restrained passion. Phryne responds by opening her mouth to him her tongue tracing his lips. Jack breaks off the kiss before she embarrasses him, smiling down at her to find she is smiling up at him. Father O'Leary says cheerfully, "I am pleased to present Mr. and Mrs. Jack Robinson." Phryne and Jack turn to their family and friends as the band begins playing Bennie Moten's She's No Trouble (Sweetheart). "Jack Robinson, I don't know what to say," Phryne murmurs smiling up at him, her eyes suspiciously bright. Phryne is impressed by his selection and its message to her. "You are worth every bit of trouble you have ever or will ever cause me," Jack states with conviction. "Shall we?" And with that they begin the recessional to the back of the garden. The photographer takes many pictures including ones with all of their guests as the group is so intimate.
Phryne observes the party. The elder Robinson's and Phryne's parents are getting on well. Jane and Robert are thick as thieves she notices with satisfaction. Phryne feels content, but she is beginning to wonder when they can politely leave. "Not until after dinner," Jack whispers in her ear reading her expression, "Although it can't happen soon enough." Jack leads Phryne to the dance floor and they dance to Always, dreamily looking into each other's eyes as they circle the dance floor. Phryne dances with her Father and then Jack's Father. "Welcome to our family Phryne," Mr. Robinson says kindly as he twirls her around, "Jack told us you weren't the marrying kind. I am certainly glad you changed your mind Phryne. I haven't seen my boy this content since before the war." She smiles radiantly at him, already loving him as a father. "Me too," she says somewhat lost for words, but recovers quickly to quip, "He's in for a lifetime of trouble contrary to his song selection." The elder Robinson guffaws aloud at this drawing attention to them and causing Jack to come over to see what is causing such laughter. "Nothing my boy," his father says smiling conspiratorially and winking at Phryne, "just filling my daughter-in-law in on a few things she needs to know about you." "Like what?" Jack asks suspiciously. His father just chuckles, placing Phryne's hand in Jack's. "Our secret," he says mischievously.
Jack dances with his Mother. "Jack I'm truly delighted for you. I believe you will be very happy. I'm excited to think that Eleanor and Phryne will be great friends. Phryne is your soul mate, there is no doubt," his Mother says to him with a smile. Jack gives his Mother a hug at the end of their dance and then dances with Phryne's mother. "Jack," Lady Fisher begins, "I want you to know that I had given up hope of Phryne allowing herself to love one man; put away hopes of grandchildren as well. You must be a very special man to convince her to marry you." "Not so very special Lady Fisher, but I love your daughter more than I can express in words. I fought it knowing her feelings on marriage and anything that causes her to feel trapped," says Jack heavily, "I am blessed beyond words to know I have her as my wife. I need you to know that I will never pressure her regarding children. I already came to terms with not having children when Rosie miscarried and then never got pregnant again. We have Jane, and I am delighted she wants to call me Dad, so we have a daughter and you have a grandchild. Any other children are something Phryne will decide." Lady Fisher's eyes are twinkling merrily, "My daughter is a very blessed woman Jack and I am blessed to call you Son." Jack gives her one of his rare smiles and escorts her back to Lord Fisher looking around for Phryne so he can dance with her again.
Finally it is time to sit down to dinner. Jack hardly tastes the food, his mind on the evening ahead. Phryne sensing his mood, smiles at him, giving him a smile of promise. Phryne leans close to Jack and whispers, "I will change as soon as we finish dessert and we can head out.". "Please don't change your dress," Jack whispers back, "I have dreamed of this dress since the night of the fashion show. I want to take you out of this dress." Phryne's eyes sparkle with excitement "Inspector, you do know how to tease a lady. Your wish is my command – at least for tonight." Jack sucks in a ragged breath his blue eyes darkening with desire, "I'll keep that in mind Miss Fisher," her maiden name a term of endearment now.
After dessert Phryne makes her rounds of goodbyes, spending several minutes with Dot, Jane and Mac. She knows they will take good care of Jane, but Phryne wants to reassure her. Jane gives an understanding nod and hugs Phryne. "I will see you and Dad, er Jack, when you come home. I'll try not to require Aunt Prudence be called to school while you are away." Phryne laughs hugging Jane tight to her. "I love you very much," she says stroking Jane's hair and giving her a kiss on the top of her head. "I love you too Mama," Jane says hugging Phryne tightly, then running off to tell Jack goodbye and see if Robert wants to swim now that their wedding duties are complete.
"Silver Lady," Lin Chung's voice catches Phryne's attention from her perusal of Jane with Jack and then Robert. She smiles happily, "Yes, beautiful man," she says turning to him. Lin Chung smiles too. "Camellia and I are taking our leave and want to congratulate you once again." Camellia gives Phryne a hug, whispering in her ear, "Lin and I are having a baby. We aren't telling anyone else yet, but I want you to know. Thank you for your part in our marriage decision." Phryne whispers back, "How wonderful for you. I hope the baby inherits your inner strength!" Camellia nods, pulling away from Phryne and putting her arm through Lin's. Jack comes to Phryne's side and says his goodbyes with Lin and Camellia as well.
"Now Jack, I think I have said all of my goodbyes. Are you ready to whisk me away?" Phryne asks coyly. "Yes, my goodbyes are finished now as well," he says his voice thick with emotion, "it has been a wonderful day Phryne." She nods in agreement. To his delight Phryne allows him to drive the Hispano Suiza. He soon realizes she has a reason for this as she snuggles close to him and begins to use her hands to distract him. As her exploring fingers touch him and begin a torturous path from his knee to the top of his thigh and back to his knee, eliciting a very healthy response from him, Jack moans and grabs her fingers stilling their explorations. She looks at him in surprise, "You don't like my exploration of my husband?" she asks in a slightly heated voice. "I like it very much Mrs. Robinson. Too much; I fear if you don't stop I will have to park the car and take you right now. I really don't want our first time to be in the back seat of the Hispano. " He brings her hand to his lips and kisses it tenderly. Phryne pouts briefly, but says demurely, "Very well Inspector, we shall save that adventure for another day. Where are we going? Is it much further?" Jack gives her a cheeky look, "Not far now," he says as Melbourne's streets come into view. As they pull up to the Windsor, Phryne laughs delightedly, the significance of his choice not lost to her.