Chapter Text
The next three days passed by in a blur. It was a flurry of packing and settling of legal affairs for Rosie and solving a murder for Phryne and Jack. They were not able to see each other again until the day of her departure. When Phryne and Jack located Rosie and Marjorie it was just as the kids were having a bit of a tantrum over a “need” for Streets Ice Cream. Poor Margie shuffled off with the kids in the hopes that it would allow Rosie a few moments of peace to give a proper farewell.
The three were relieved for the moment alone. As alone as you can be on a dock teeming with travelers and their respective families.
“There is so much to say and so little time. I cannot thank you both enough for…well, everything.”
“Rosie, you are truly a remarkable woman and I hope you explore everything Europe has to offer.” The two women hugged and Phryne gave her a chaste kiss on the mouth. While they embraced, she whispered in Rosie’s ear, “Farewell, my adventuress. Write and tell me everything .”
They separated and it was Jack’s turn. Phryne hastily went to join Margie and the kids in the ice cream line to give Jack and Rosie some space.
Rosie felt the tears stinging her eyes before she could even speak. “Darling Jack, I hardly know what to say. I feel like I have had to say goodbye to you too many times already.” She looked up at his face and realized his eyes were filled with tears too.
They leaned into each other, their foreheads touching for a few heartbeats before embracing tightly. When he opened his mouth and spoke she felt it from her hair to her toes and thought his words might take up residence in her bones.
“Doubt thou the stars are fire;
Doubt that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt I love.”
“Never,” she whispered, the tears flowing freely now.
Hamlet’s letter to Ophelia. The same words he had spoken to her the night he declared his intentions to marry her.
“My Rosie, always.”
They separated as they heard the thundering return of her niece and nephew and the softer approach of Marjorie and Phryne.
There was a last round of hugs, a few tears and even a few smiles courtesy of the shenanigans of the kids. Rosie then made her way onto the ship and found a spot amongst her fellow passengers to give a final wave to the loved ones staying behind. They all watched and waved until they became indiscernible dots, like a painting stared at too long.
Rosie reached into her pocket to retrieve a handkerchief when she realized a small bundle had been slipped into her pocket. She opened it to find the photo of herself and Phryne entering the nightclub and a list with several addresses on it. The list was clearly in Phryne’s hand and sealed with her trademark lipstick. At the bottom she had written, “Tell them Mac and I sent you.”
Rosie smiled to herself and carefully wrapped up the bundle and re-deposited it into her pocket. She then went in search of her cabin and, once inside, was only mildly surprised to find a bottle of champagne waiting for her. What was surprising, though, was the large box with a bow on it sitting on the bed.
When she opened it she discovered the most stunning pair of camiknickers she had ever laid eyes on. They were made of an incredibly delicate, hand-embroidered lace leaving them quite transparent in sections. The lace was in a deep shade of indigo. The darkest blue before black. The legs were longer than expected but of a beautiful silk. In the bottom of the box she found a note.
Darling Rosie, whoever you choose to share your heart or your bed with will be lucky indeed. Enjoy all the world has to offer but know that you are loved in Melbourne.
Always, Jack
P.S. Phryne insists that every great adventuress should have an extraordinary pair of lingerie and we agreed these fit the bill.
Rosie had to smile. Only those two could give a gift that simultaneously melted her heart and increased her pulse.
Well Rosie, she thought, there’s no turning back now. Time to see what adventures await you.