Epilogue
Jack popped the last piece of lemon cake in his mouth and rolled over on to his back, shielding his eyes with his arm. Phryne was sitting up, and watching Senior Constable Collins attempting to show Mrs Collins how to cast a fly. He was having little success, but neither of them seemed to mind. Eventually, she handed the rod to him with a laugh, and walked up from the bank to join Phryne on the rug, after a quick glance into the basket containing the twins.
"Dot, it's lovely to see you laughing again," Phryne smiled.
"It's all thanks to you, Miss Fisher – Miss Stubbs has quite simply transformed my life. I'm still a bit tired most of the time – I don't think anyone truly understands how having twins more than doubles the work! – but those two or three hours I get in the mornings let me get through the rest of the day so much more easily." She looked across at the basket. "And it's funny – I think that because I'm more relaxed, the babies are, too. They're sleeping much better these days."
"That would explain why I haven't caught Collins napping at his desk lately," remarked Jack, eyes still closed.
"What's happening about the baptism?" asked Phryne. "Is there another priest that can perform it?"
"Yes, Miss – I asked Father O' Leary if he could help out, and he's delighted." Hugh had reeled in his line and strolled up to join them. His eyes met Dot's, and a message was clearly sent. She bit her lip and looked at Phryne. "Actually, Miss, there was something we wanted to ask you … and the Inspector. I hope you won't think us very presumptuous …"
Phryne laughed out loud, "Dot, you couldn't be presumptuous if your life depended on it! Ask away."
"Well, Miss … my mother's going to stand as godmother to the twins, because it has to be a Catholic who'll promise to bring them up in the faith; but we – Hugh and I – we wondered if perhaps you and the Inspector would be witnesses? It's just that as well as growing up knowing about the Catholic faith, we want them to know about things like loyalty, and bravery, and friendship, and …" Dot was bright pink now and becoming more and more tongue-tied.
Phryne turned and gave her assistant a hug that left the girl quite simply breathless.
"Darling Dorothy, just when I think you couldn't give me any more joy, you put some icing on the cake. I would be absolutely honoured. Jack?"
"As Phryne said, it's an honour to be asked. And I really think that you need to start calling me Jack, Dot – at least when we're not at the police station!" he smiled, and shook Hugh's hand.
They packed up the picnic, and started to walk back to the car. Phryne took Jack's arm and looked up at him, her eyes dancing.
"Who'd have thought it, Jack? Me, standing in a church and making a promise?"
He surveyed her face speculatively.
And grinned.
"Miracles can happen after all, Miss Fisher."