Epilogue

One week later

Hugh and Dot stood at the front of the church with Father O'Leary. Both of their families sat in the front rows, including Hugh's mother and Dot's sister, sacrificing their disdain for the Catholic Church for love of their family. Phryne and Jack sat one row back with Mac and Mr. Butler. As Father O'Leary read the through the service, Phryne's thoughts drifted, marveling at the events of the past week.

On Monday, she and Jack had commandeered Cec's nephew, Jimmy, and the cab for the move. Jack had suggested bringing only his remaining clothes and bicycles. But as she'd toured the bungalow, pieces of Jack, little mysteries of who he was, surrounded her. His cycling and dance trophies, photo albums, Zane Gray collection, and even a few masculine knick-knacks. She couldn't leave them behind, locked away and forgotten, not if Wardlow was to be their home, not hers with Jack simply as another accessory. So, while Jack and Jimmy handled the rest, she ignored his demurring and packed everything that tugged at her heart in the Hispano's boot.

As she helped Jack settle his clothing in the armoire, Mr. Butler had placed the trophies, books, and knick-knacks in the parlor, beautifully incorporating them into the whole. When they'd come downstairs, Jack's awed joy had delighted her to no end. Then as she'd said, "Welcome home," he'd swept her into his arms and they'd made excellent use of their chaise lounge for the next hour. Phryne's lips twitched. It was a very good thing Mr. B had left to run errands and Dot had been out with her mother making final wedding preparations.

But on the heels of that glorious memory came crashing in other, less lovely ones and she frowned. She didn't care anything about her reputation in society, but she did care about Jack's, and his had taken a hit as word of their new living situation made the rounds. No one had said anything outright—at least not in her presence—but the sideways looks, the glances tinged with judgment spoke enough. Even Father O'Leary's welcome this morning at the church was more dour than usual.

Her heart ached at the reality even as her ire burned. But the only way to end the disapproval was to do the one thing she said she would never do. Marry.

She looked at him, his eyes shining with joy for Dot and Hugh as they said their vows of eternal commitment.

What would it be like to be married to Jack? She could never be a simple policeman's wife. But Jack wasn't a simple policeman, was he? He didn't have aspirations of rising through the ranks, and without them it was entirely possible he wasn't committed to life in the constabulary.

He met her gaze, the joy in his eyes now gleaming with contented love. He threaded their fingers together and returned his attention to the ceremony.

Phryne ran her thumb over the back of his hand, savoring the touch and her growing conviction. He certainly he was committed to her, and them. So if life took them away from City South and even beyond the Antipodes altogether? She had no doubt he would be right there by her side, enjoying their adventure.

"… you may now kiss the bride."

Hugh cupped Dot's cheeks, staring for a long moment as if memorizing her face. Dot blinked rapidly, banishing tears as she grinned. And then they kissed, sealing their vows. Phryne's own smile broke across her face. She glanced to Jack.

He leaned down, eyes teasing but filled with joy, and whispered, "Don't worry, love. I would never presume to be so brave … nor so foolish."

She blinked as his words hit home. But what about her? Could she be not only foolish, but brave? Breaking her long-held vow for the man she loved more than she ever imagined possible?

Maybe so.

As Father O'Leary introduced Mr. and Mrs. Collins to the cheers of their family and friends, Phryne took a deep breath, and let her heart speak. "Marry me, Jack."

Jack shook his head, certain he hadn't heard Phryne correctly, that the wedding was playing tricks on his heart. Hugh and Dot walked down the aisle together, joy beaming from their faces. He chuckled at their delight, reaching out to pat Hugh's shoulder as they passed by.

He lifted Phryne's hand to his lips, placing a kiss to her knuckles, then drew her out of the pew to greet and farewell the newlyweds. With hugs and kisses exchanged and lots of laughter enjoyed, Hugh helped Dot into the back of the cab, Jimmy in the front seat, and they headed to Sorrento for the honeymoon.

The newly formed in-law family stood chatting, each side making a valiant effort at coming together. Mr. Butler nodded to Phryne, who waved him on, telling him she and Jack would be home for dinner and requesting champagne on ice to toast the newlyweds. Mac gave Dot a final hug and disappeared in Mr. Butler's wake.

Jack drew Phryne's hand through his arm and turned them toward the Hispano, letting her request disappear, appearing unheard. He would love to have her as his wife. But he would not cage her. He loved her too much for that. Better to release the hope than lose the woman he adored. He was a practical and liberal-minded man, after all.

They reached the car and Jack opened the driver's side door for her. As he moved to go to the other side, Phryne placed a staying hand on his arm. Quiet sincerity gleamed in her eyes. Perhaps even a bit of wary hope too. "You didn't answer my question, Jack. Will you marry me?"

He brushed his knuckles against her soft cheek and sighed. Tender love filled his voice. "No, love. I promised myself what we have would never be a cage for you. And marriage would be just that. No matter how much I would love calling myself your husband."

She searched his eyes, desperation tingeing her earnest concern. "But what if it's a cage of my own making? One I willingly enter?"

Jack studied her for a long moment. There was more to her sudden, albeit heartfelt, offer. "What's the real reason behind your proposal, love?"

Phryne looked away, cheeks blanching, a biting tone iced her excuse. "Never mind. I was just caught up in the moment. Swooning over the vows and what they meant."

Jack sighed and pulled her into his arms. He'd hurt her, but she still hadn't told him the truth. Phryne Fisher didn't swoon over words. Cradling her against his chest, he stroked her back, rigid with irritation and maybe a hint of fear. Slowly she relaxed against him. He brushed a kiss to her temple, then tipped her chin up. He flashed a small, understanding smile and lifted his eyebrows in a silent prompt.

She rolled her eyes with a huff. "What Goodall said. How he would use my past against you. To frame you for my murder. He was right. To everyone it would have made complete sense. And then there have been the snide looks. I don't care about them for myself, but I find them unbearable for you."

He moved to object, but she placed a finger over his lips. "Don't deny people have been talking since you moved in with me. You are an honorable man, and I don't want anything—even me—impacting how others see you."

Jack's heart broke open, love deeper than he'd even known rushing out for this extraordinary woman. He brushed an achingly sweet kiss against her lips, then whispered, "Ask me again sometime. When we're months and miles down the road together. I might say yes. But for now, I'm happy to just be with you. No matter what people think."

A beautiful, heartrending smile bathed her face as joy and love radiated from her. Chuckling, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, planting a jubilant and enthusiastic kiss on him. She released him and climbed into the Hispano. As he opened his door, her eyes filled with mirth. "Oh and there's something I've been meaning to tell you, Jack … about Hugh and Dot's living situation …"

END

* I hope you've enjoyed my replacement for Death Do Us Part and Crypt of Tears. Phryne and Jack and Dot and Hugh have been an absolute joy to write, and researching this era for plot details was intriguing and eye opening!