A Teacher or a Leader?

[kissofdeath]

Yeah, I recall this little bit from the movie~

Teddy: I'm forty three, Jean. How old are you?

Jean: I'm f-

And then she goes on to say that she's in her prime but I can't really tell if she's saying th or f So I always assumed late 30s or early 40s.

[dianahawthorne]

She was 49 in the book when she was forced to retire. Anyway, I've been watching that scene a LOT recently, and I know that she begins to say that she is forty-something, but in Edinburgh before the war (as the movie is set before the second World War), women didn't really have children "late" in life - even though thirty-five isn't really late. Also, Maggie Smith was 35 at the time the movie was made, so that's another reason why I chose to make Jean 35.

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Thirteen

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Later in the day, Teddy woke up and looked down at his wife, who was sleeping peacefully. He did not deserve her – she was so understanding, so loving, so forgiving – and he was not good enough for her. Perhaps that was why she had denied him for so many years... he shook his head. He would not allow himself to think badly of his wife. She had denied him because she was dedicated to her girls, and even that showed that she was a much better person than he. As he watched his wife, she began to stir.

“Teddy?” his wife asked, opening her eyes.

“I’m here, my darling,” he said, taking her hand. She brought her other hand up to his face.

“Teddy, you’ve been crying,” she said in amazement, her fingertips touching the teardrops lightly. “Why?”

“I’m not good enough for you, Jean,” he whispered, more tears falling down his face.

“Teddy, that’s not true,” she said, sitting up against the pillows.

“Yes, it is,” he said, looking down at the bedspread.

“Teddy,” she said firmly, taking his chin in her hand and forcing him to look up at her. “How can you think it?”

“How can I not think it?” he retorted. “Just in the past twenty-four hours I have almost ruined our marriage.”

“Teddy, I’m not going to give up on our marriage,” she said firmly. “I hope that you are not going to give up on it either.”

“Of course I’m not giving up on our marriage,” he said, his tears still flowing.

“Teddy,” she said sharply. “I will not allow you to wallow in misery. Yes, some mistakes were made, but they are in the past. Remember what you told me after we came together again?”

He shook his head.

“You told me ‘let us not dwell in the past, my darling, but look forward to our future,’” she said, wiping away his tears. “Let us look forward to our future, Teddy,” she said, taking his hand and placing it on her stomach. “I love you.”

“I love you, Jean,” he replied, kissing her. She returned his kiss before getting out of bed.

“Let’s get some lunch,” she said, taking his hand. They walked downstairs and made a very late lunch. They ate at their dining room table and then they cleaned up their dishes. Afterwards, Teddy continued working on the eleventh portrait. In the portrait, Jean was standing at the window, holding a yellow rose to her nose. She posed for him for four hours, and his brush raced across the canvas, etching her figure on the windows of time. Just as the sun set, he finished the portrait, and she came over to see it.

“I love you, Jean,” he said, kissing her.

“I love you, too, Teddy,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. He bent down and kissed her again. They made their way to the couch, shedding their clothes as they went. He kissed her passionately, and she opened her mouth, deepening the kiss. “Oh, God, Teddy,” she gasped as he entered her. He moved within her, his tongue still duelling with hers, and she began to come. He pushed her back against the arm of the sofa and continued to thrust within her.

“Ah, Jean!” he cried out. “Oh, yes, Jean!” he yelled, pushing into her once more as he climaxed.

They lay there together on the couch, his head resting against hers, and just enjoyed the feeling that they had had at the beginning of their marriage – the feeling of utter contentment, peace, and love. Little did they know that Sandy was watching them through their window, burning up with jealousy.

How could her plan not have worked? She had planted the seed of doubt in Teddy’s mind, and she had orchestrated a scene that would prove Teddy’s infidelity – even though he had remained faithful to Jean. But the plan had failed. As she watched them dress, she let out a scream of frustration and threw a rock through the window, hitting Jean on the head. Jean collapsed on the ground in a heap, blood seeping from her head.

She watched as Teddy knelt at his wife’s side, holding a handkerchief to the wound to try to stop the bleeding, and she ran before he could see her.

Teddy was in a panic – his wife was unconscious, and there was blood, so much blood... He ran to the telephone and dialled the emergency number, requesting an ambulance. He then rushed back to his wife’s side.

“Jean, Jean,” he begged her, “Please wake up!” She continued to lie there, motionless.

It seemed years before Teddy finally heard the sirens approaching, and he ran to the door, his wife in his arms. They brought her to the ambulance and Teddy climbed in with her. They drove to the hospital, and she was brought in immediately. Teddy was forced to stay in the waiting room, pacing nervously. A few hours later, a doctor entered the waiting room.

“Mr. Lloyd?” he asked, and Teddy rushed up to him.

“I’m Teddy Lloyd,” he said. “How is my wife?”

“I’m sorry to say that your wife is in a coma,” the doctor said. Teddy sank into a chair.

“A coma?” he asked faintly.

“Yes, a coma. Oftentimes the body will shut down so that it can heal itself. Your wife should emerge from the coma within a few days. She has some head trauma, but nothing too serious, and the baby is fine,” the doctor finished his assessment of Jean’s condition.

“Thank you, doctor,” he said. “Can I see her?” he asked.

“Yes, you can,” the doctor replied. “Follow me, please,” he said, leading Teddy down the hall. He showed Teddy Jean’s room, and Teddy stepped inside.

Jean was lying on the bed, incredibly still, dressed in a dark blue hospital gown. Teddy walked over to her bedside and took her hand in his. It was icy cold. He took a chair and pulled it up to her bedside. He held her hand to his cheek.

“Oh, Jean,” he whispered. “Please, please wake up.”

She didn’t move, and tears slipped down his face.

[KristaMarie]

Have I mentioned lately that I really, really, REALLY don't like Sandy?

[kissofdeath]

I second KristaMarie. Sandy sucks!

Loved the update though!

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Fourteen


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Hours turned into days, days turned into weeks, and still Jean did not emerge from the coma. Teddy was not allowed to move into her hospital room, but he stayed at her side every second he was allowed. At night, when the doctors forced him to leave his wife’s side, he returned to their empty home, incredibly lonely. He surrounded himself with the eleven portraits he had painted of his wife, staring at her visage. Surrounding himself with the portraits made him feel only slightly less alone.

He began working on the twelfth portrait of his wife the day after she slipped into the coma; the portrait portrayed the way she had looked just before she had been hit by the rock that had flown through the window. He knew that it had been Sandy that had thrown the rock – he knew it even though he knew that he would never be able to prove it.

She had been in a coma for two weeks when he finished the twelfth portrait, and he began the thirteenth portrait, showing her as he remembered her from the first time they had met. A month had passed from the day she slipped into the coma when she entered her sixth month of her pregnancy. The day that he finished the thirteenth portrait was the day that she emerged from the coma.

Teddy was by her bedside, as usual, when she began to stir. He ran to the hallway, calling for a nurse, before rushing back to her side, taking her hand.

“Jean? Jean, sweetheart?” he asked, stroking her cheek lightly as her eyes fluttered open.

“Teddy?” she asked, her voice hoarse from disuse.

“I am right here, my darling,” he said, smiling down at her, tears of happiness slipping down his face. The nurse and Jean’s doctor rushed in and began taking her blood pressure and testing her reflexes. They shooed him from the room and he stood outside in the waiting room, pacing nervously. An hour later the doctor emerged from her room and called out his name.

“Mr. Lloyd?”

Teddy rushed to him. “Yes?”

“Your wife would like to see you,” the doctor told him. Teddy tore down the hall to his wife’s hospital room.

“Teddy,” she whispered, stretching out her hand to him. He ran over to her and took her hand, holding it to his cheek. “Teddy, what happened?”

“Someone – I am quite sure that it was Sandy – threw a rock through our window and it hit you on the head,” he said. “You then slipped into a coma for a month.”

“A month?” she gasped. “I’ve been here for a month?”

“Yes, you have,” he said, stroking her hair back from her face.

The nurse came in. “Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd?” he asked. They looked to her.

“Yes?” Teddy said.

“If you’ll just fill out these papers, Mrs. Lloyd can be discharged,” the nurse said, handing Teddy a clipboard with several forms.

Half an hour later, Teddy was pushing his wife out of the hospital in a wheelchair. They returned to their home, and he brought her up to their bedroom.

“Teddy, I don’t know if we can live here anymore,” she whispered. “Sandy knows where to find us – I’m afraid that she will come back and do something even more horrible.”

“We’ll go to a hotel,” Teddy said, pulling a few suitcases out of the closet. He began to throw some clothes into the suitcases and quickly finished packing. “I’ll be right back,” Teddy said, going downstairs and putting the suitcases in the boot of the car. When he returned, his wife was waiting in their bed. “Just a few more trips, my dear,” he said, gathering the portraits of his wife together and loading them into the boot as well. When he returned after his third trip to the car, his wife was sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for him.

“Ready, my dear?” he asked her, and she nodded, holding out her arms to him. He picked her up and brought her downstairs, bringing her to the living room so that he could gather together her coat, hat, and shoes. When she was finished putting on her things, he helped her up and they walked slowly to the car. They drove off to find a hotel outside of Edinburgh.

After driving for half an hour, they found a small, cosy hotel just off the main road. Teddy pulled up to it and helped Jean out of the car. They went inside and registered for a room. When they received their key, Teddy helped Jean up to their room before getting their suitcases out of the car. When he returned, he found his wife curled up in bed, sound asleep. He set the suitcases down at the foot of the bed and locked the door, before taking off his socks and shoes and getting into bed next to his wife. She snuggled up next to him immediately, even though she was still asleep. He wrapped his arms around her and slipped off to sleep easily for the first time in over a month, content now that his wife was back with him at last.

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Sandy went by the hospital and was told that Jean Lloyd had been released. Sandy took the tram to Teddy and Jean’s house and snuck around to the back yard to look through the windows. The lights were off, and no one was home. She opened the back window and climbed into the house. The downstairs was somewhat cluttered, as was usual, so she walked upstairs. When she entered their bedroom, she stopped in surprise. Clothes were strewn about the room; the bedcovers were pulled back; and the room was in disarray. She walked to the open closet door and peered inside – it was empty.

Sandy screamed in frustration. How could they have just left? She ran downstairs to the kitchen and took all the plates and glasses out of the cabinets, smashing them against the walls. She would return every day until they returned, and she would make sure that Jean regretted crossing her.

[kissofdeath]

ugh, someone needs to slap Sandy across the face. *raises hand* I volunteer!

lol, great update chicka!

~kissofdeath

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Fifteen


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A/N: Still not the last chapter, don't worry!

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The next morning Teddy woke up to his wife snuggling against him, though she was still asleep. A few minutes after he awoke, his wife began to stir as well.

“Good morning, my love,” he said, capturing her lips with his in a sweet, tender kiss.

“Good morning, Teddy,” she replied, smiling up at him.

“Are you hungry, my dear?” he asked. She nodded. “I’ll go get some breakfast, then, and bring it back up.”

“All right, Teddy,” she said. He got out of bed, and she tried to get out as well, but her legs collapsed under her, causing her to fall back on the bed.

“Jean, darling – are you all right?” he asked her.

She blushed in embarrassment. “I don’t think that I can get out of bed by myself, Teddy,” she admitted. “Can you help me to the loo, please?” she asked him.

He nodded, wrapping his arm around her waist and helped her to the bathroom.

“Thank you, Teddy,” she said gratefully. “And could you possibly start a bath for me, please?” He nodded and walked over to the bathtub, turning on the hot water. “Thank you, Teddy,” she said again.

He bent down to kiss her lightly. “I’ll finish getting dressed and get some breakfast, all right, my love?” he asked.

“All right, Teddy,” she replied. “I’ll be in the bath.”

“All right,” he said, walking back towards the bedroom. He paused at the bathroom door, turning to face her. “I love you, Jean Lloyd,” he said.

“And I love you, Teddy Lloyd,” she replied.

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A half-hour later, Jean was soaking in the bathtub when Teddy returned.

“I’m back, Jean,” he called out, setting the tray of breakfast down on the small table near their bed.

“Teddy, can you help me out of the tub, please?” she said. “I don’t want to slip.”

“Of course, my dear,” he said. “Do you want me to bring in some clothes?”

“Oh, can you bring in my flannel dressing gown, please?” she asked him.

“All right,” he said, “Just a minute...” He rummaged through their suitcases and pulled out her flannel dressing gown before entering the bathroom. He laid the dressing gown across the sink and helped his wife out of the tub. She held on to the towel rack while he helped to dry her off, and when she was dry, he helped her into her dressing gown. After she was dressed, he helped her to the table where breakfast was waiting.

They enjoyed their breakfast, and after they finished, Teddy brought the tray of empty dishes downstairs to the hotel’s kitchen. Jean crawled back into bed and picked up the newspaper Teddy had brought up earlier. She began to read the paper, but soon set it down. She could not really focus on the newspaper with the threat of Sandy hanging over them. When Teddy returned, he joined her on the bed.

“Teddy, we can’t stay in the house any longer,” she said. “Nor do I think that we can stay in Edinburgh. Sandy scares me, Teddy – I’m desperately afraid that when the baby is born, she will harm our child.”

“Where should we move to, then?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” she said. “I really don’t. But I do not think that we can stay in Scotland any longer.”

“All right, Jean,” he said, rubbing her back. “What about Australia?” he suggested. “One of my cousins lives in Sydney; he could help us find a house.”

“All right,” she agreed. “Let’s leave as soon as we can.”

“I’ll start packing our things this afternoon, sweetheart,” he said.

“I can help,” she volunteered, and was startled by the vehemence of his response.

“No!” he cried out. “No, I don’t want to risk having you go back to the house – I don’t want Sandy to have the opportunity to hurt you again. You only just emerged from a coma, my darling. Please, I’ll take care of it.”

“All right,” she agreed.

“I’ll go now to see about getting tickets to Sydney,” he said, standing up.

“All right,” she said, stretching her arms out to him so that she could pull him down for a kiss. “I love you, Teddy,” she said.

“I love you, Jean,” he replied, kissing her again. He picked up his jacket and the car keys and, with one final kiss, left the hotel room.

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He drove to a travel agent’s to purchase two tickets on the H.M.S. Mauretania, which departed in three days. After buying the tickets, he drove to their house to begin packing. When he entered the house, he stopped suddenly as he saw their dishes and glasses smashed throughout the first floor. He ran up to the second floor – nothing was damaged there. As he was beginning to pack up their things, he heard a noise downstairs. He went to investigate, and was faced with a wall of fire.

He began to panic, trying to find a way out. Almost the entire first storey was on fire, but he managed to escape through the back window. He ran to his next-door neighbour’s and called the fire department. Several hours later, the fire was out, but their house was destroyed. Luckily, most of their clothes and the portraits he had painted of his wife were safe at the hotel, and luckily Jean had not come with him.

Exhausted and covered in soot, he drove to the insurance office to file the claim, and sent a telegram to his cousin while he was out.

EDWARD STOP MY NEW WIFE AND I ARE MOVING TO SYDNEY STOP WE WILL BE ARRIVING IN THREE WEEKS ON THE HMS MAURETANIA STOP TEDDY LLOYD STOP

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Finally, after what seemed like years, he arrived back at the hotel. His wife was waiting for him.

“Oh, God, Teddy – what happened?” she asked, rushing over to him.

“The house burned down,” he said numbly, collapsing in a heap on the sofa. She joined him, urging him to lay his head in her lap.

“Oh, Teddy,” she whispered, stroking his hair. “Thank God you are all right.”

“It was a near thing,” he said, looking up at her. “Oh, God, Jean – it was Sandy, I know it was.”

“It’s a good thing that we’re leaving Scotland,” she said.

“We’re leaving on the H.M.S. Mauretania in three days,” he told her.

“Good,” she said. “I can’t wait to leave Scotland. There’s no future for us here.”

“No, there isn’t,” he said, sitting up.

“I’ll get a bath ready for you,” she said, walking slowly to the bathroom to draw a bath for her husband. He grabbed her hand before she could leave him.

“I love you, Jean.”

“I love you too, Teddy.”

[kissofdeath]

ugh, seriously. Someone needs to smack Sandy.

awesome update though.

~kissofdeath

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Sixteen


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A/N: Sorry that it's taken so long to update, but I've been working on my National Novel Writing Month novel. This is NOT the last chapter.


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Three days later, the H.M.S. Mauretania set sail, with Jean and Teddy on board. They did not go out on deck until Scotland had disappeared behind them. Jean was not feeling very well, so she spent the first few days in their first-class cabin. Teddy, on the other hand, was feeling better than he had in years; they were finally away from Sandy, and they would be starting a new life in a new country, far away from all the pain and suffering they had experienced, especially in the past year.

After the first three days, however, Jean felt much better, and was able to emerge from their cabin, though they stayed in their cabin most of the time anyway, as it was quite cold on the ocean.

So Teddy and Jean spent most of their time in their cabin; Teddy continuing to paint his wife. His fourteenth painting showed her looking out the porthole to the ocean below them. It was one of his best paintings yet, even though the rocking of the ocean did not make for some easy painting. The finished product, however, was amazing.

When their time was not spent in either posing or painting, Teddy and Jean spent the rest of their time planning their new life in Australia. Teddy had received a telegram from his cousin Edward while they were on the boat.

TEDDY STOP I HAVE FOUND A HOUSE FOR RENT FOR YOU AND YOUR WIFE STOP I WILL MEET YOU AT THE DOCK WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN AUSTRALIA STOP EDWARD LLOYD STOP

“My cousin Edward has found a house for us to rent,” Teddy told his wife when he returned to their cabin.

“Oh, good,” she replied, stretching out in the bed. He kicked off his shoes and undressed, joining her in bed. She pulled him to her, but her burgeoning stomach prevented him from being able to embrace her fully, so he positioned himself behind her, wrapping his arms around her.

“You know that I love you, Jean, don’t you?” he asked her.

She smiled up at him. “I know, Teddy,” she said. “And I love you too.”

“I cannot wait to start our new life together,” he continued. “I love you so much.”

“And I love you, too,” she said. “I love you too.”


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They arrived in Australia in the middle of December, after three weeks at sea. Just as Teddy’s cousin Edward had promised, he met them at the docks when they arrived. Edward Lloyd greatly resembled his cousin, Jean’s husband, except that he was older, with greying hair. When they arrived, he greeted Teddy warmly.

“Cousin, I have not seen you in years!” he exclaimed. “How are you?”

“I am well,” he replied. “May I introduce my wife, Jean?” he said, and Jean smiled nervously at her husband’s cousin, extending her hand. He took her hand, raising it to his lips, still looking into her eyes. Jean shifted her weight, uncomfortable with Teddy’s cousin’s greeting. Teddy himself glared at his cousin and took his wife’s hand from his cousin’s grasp.

“Do you think that we could retire to your house now?” Teddy asked his cousin a bit coldly. “My wife is quite tired from our long journey.”

“Of course,” Edward Lloyd said, leading them to his car. They entered the car and drove to Edward’s house.

Edward had a large row house in the middle of Sydney, on one of the most prestigious streets in the city. His butler opened the door to them, then exited to bring Teddy and Jean’s luggage into the house. A maid brought Jean and Teddy to their room. Teddy saw his wife settled in and kissed her lightly, before joining his cousin downstairs.

“I would like to see where Jean and I shall be living,” Teddy said, and his cousin nodded, ringing a bell. A maid entered. “If Mrs. Lloyd is to wake, please inform her that we have gone to see their new house,” Edward said. The maid nodded and left the room. “All right?” Edward asked his cousin, and Teddy nodded, following him outside. They walked three houses down to a house that was only slightly smaller than Edward’s home. Edward unlocked the door and they stepped inside.

The house was just as spacious on the inside, and was decorated quite similarly to Edward’s house. It was already furnished. Edward led Teddy upstairs and gave him a tour of the house.


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Meanwhile, Jean was waking up from her nap. She looked around, disoriented, and spied a bell on the nightstand. She picked it up and rang it, and a few moments later, a maid appeared.

“Yes, Mrs. Lloyd? Can I help you?” the woman said, curtseying.

“Yes, do you know where my husband is?” Jean asked.

“He’s gone to see your new house, ma’am,” she said.

“What is your name?” Jean asked.

“Cornelia, ma’am,” she said, curtseying again.

“Cornelia, can you bring me up a cup of tea, please?” Jean asked the maid, who curtseyed again.

“Of course, ma’am,” she said, exiting the room. A few minutes later, Cornelia returned, bearing a tray with a cup of tea and a plate of croissants.

“Thank you, Cornelia,” Jean said as Cornelia set the tray on the bed. “Do you know when my husband will return?” she asked.

Just then, they heard the door close downstairs.

“I believe that is him now, ma’am,” Cornelia said. The door opened, and Teddy entered.

“Thank you for the tea, Cornelia,” Jean said. The maid curtseyed and left the room.

“How was the house, darling?” she asked him as he sat down next to her. He picked up a croissant and bit into it.

“It was wonderful,” he said. “Just a bit smaller than this one. It’s quite nice,” he said.

“Oh good,” she said. “Teddy?” she asked him tentatively.

“Yes, darling?” he replied.

“Teddy, your cousin makes me a bit... uncomfortable,” she admitted.

“I’m sorry, Jean,” he apologised. “He’s just a bit... affectionate with women,” Teddy said.

“But, darling,” she protested. He laid his finger gently on her lips.

“It’s all right,” he said. “Edward is fine. He won’t hurt you,” Teddy said.

“Teddy...”

“Let’s not talk about this anymore,” he said, and she nodded reluctantly. She knew that he would not bring up the subject again, so she allowed him to drop the topic.

He stroked her hair affectionately. “I love you, darling,” he said. “And I promise that nothing will ever come between us.”

“I love you, too, Teddy,” she said, kissing him. He broke apart from her, setting the tray on the nightstand. He then returned to her side, wrapping his arms around her waist, kissing her again.

“Mmm, my darling,” she moaned as he removed her nightgown. He positioned himself behind her, and she gasped as he entered her.

“Jean, Jean, my dearest, darling, Jean!” His words were muffled as he pressed his mouth against her shoulder to prevent himself from crying out. She clutched a pillow to her so that she could stifle her moans as she began to come.

She lay in his arms as they recovered.

“I suppose we should get ready for supper,” she said.

“We probably should,” he said, kissing her. They got out of bed and got dressed, before joining Teddy’s cousin for dinner.

[kissofdeath]

Yay! An update!

Teddy's cousin sounds like one of my cousins. I think I broke his nose the last time i saw him. Totally by accident though.

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Seventeen

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Still not the last chapter!
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Teddy and Jean got dressed and joined Teddy’s cousin Edward in his dining room. Though they had straightened up after making love, both Jean and Teddy’s hair was still rumpled, and they both seemed incredibly relaxed. Edward could feel himself burning up with jealousy inside – from the moment he first laid eyes on her, he knew that he wanted Jean for himself. But she was obviously happy with Teddy – despite that, he still wanted her.

“Did you have a nice nap, Jean?” Edward asked, gazing tenderly at her. She averted her eyes from him, as his gaze was making her feel uncomfortable.

“Yes, it was fine, thank you,” she replied, forcing herself to look up at him as she replied. She looked back down at her hands, which were folded demurely in her lap, as soon as she replied. Teddy noticed her discomfort, and took her hand beneath the table, squeezing it gently. He also steered the conversation away from his wife.

“So, Edward, are you seeing anyone?” Teddy asked.

“Not at the moment, no,” Edward replied, his eyes focussed on Teddy, though he could see Jean from the corner of his eye.

“Really? Why not?” Teddy questioned him.

“I just haven’t found the right woman yet,” Edward said, his gaze flickering to Jean briefly, before returning to Teddy.

For Jean, the dinner passed interminably slowly, as she felt very uncomfortable with Edward’s gaze constantly upon her. When dinner was finished, Jean, Edward, and Teddy retired to the parlour.

“Would you like to see your new house, Jean?” Edward suggested as he and Teddy sipped a glass of scotch each. Jean nodded.

“I would, but I’m a bit tired tonight. Can we go tomorrow?” Jean asked, looking at her husband. He nodded.

“Of course, darling. Do you want to get ready for bed?” he asked her lovingly. She nodded and stood up from the couch.

“Good night, Edward,” Jean said, extending her hand to her husband’s cousin. He took her hand in his own and placed a gentle kiss on the soft skin of her hand.

“Good night, Jean,” he replied, his eyes following her as she left the room.

Teddy and Edward remained in the parlour, finishing up their scotch.

“Thank you for having us stay with you, Edward,” Teddy said.

“Of course, Teddy,” Edward replied. “After all, what is family for?”

“Thank you all the same, Edward,” said Teddy, standing up from his seat on the couch. He yawned widely. “I should probably rejoin my wife. Good night.”

“Good night, Teddy,” Edward replied. “Sleep well, and I’ll see you and Jean tomorrow.”

Teddy nodded and walked up the stairs to the room he was sharing with his wife. Jean was sitting on the bed, leaning against the pillows, rubbing lotion into her hands.

“Hello, darling,” he said, sitting down on the bed next to her. She smiled up at him.

“Hello, Teddy,” she said, tilting her face up to him for a kiss. He obliged, and she opened her mouth to deepen the kiss. He continued to kiss her, pushing her back against the pillows, but stopped before he could begin to take of her clothes. She opened her mouth to protest, but then heard Edward’s footsteps outside of their room. Teddy sighed quietly and rolled off the bed, beginning to undress. Once he had stripped down to his boxers, he lifted the covers and crawled beneath the sheets, joining his wife.

“Good night, Jean,” he said, kissing her lightly. “Good night, baby,” he added, rubbing her stomach gently.

“Good night, Teddy,” she replied, returning his kiss. They drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other’s arms.


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The next three months passed quickly, as Jean and Teddy were kept busy planning the redecoration of their house. Luckily, the owner had decided to sell the house to them, instead of just having them rent it, so they were able to renovate the entire house. Edward helped them to hire contractors to fix up the house, and he also arranged for some of the most prominent Sydney stores to arrange catalogues of furniture, fabric samples, wallpaper samples, and paint chips to be sent round so that Jean could pick out the decoration. Their house had just been finished when Jean went into labour.

Teddy had gone to the post office the day that Jean’s water broke, and Edward had accompanied him. The only people who remained in the house were the maids.

Jean had been walking downstairs when her water broke, and she collapsed on the landing as pain lanced through her body.

“Aah!” she cried out, and Cornelia, Jean’s maid, came rushing up the stairs.

“Mrs. Lloyd!” Cornelia cried out. “What happened?”

“My water just broke,” Jean said through clenched teeth, struggling to stand up. Cornelia dashed to her side and helped her up. Jean leaned heavily against Cornelia as she helped her up the stairs to her bedroom.

“I’ll call the doctor,” Cornelia said, dashing back downstairs to the telephone. A few minutes later, Cornelia and another one of the maids, Millicent, returned to Jean’s bedroom, where she was clutching at the sheets, sweat popping out in beads on her forehead. She cried out in pain as they entered the room, Cornelia bearing an armful of towels and a jug, Millicent carrying a basin filled with boiling water.

“The doctor should be here shortly, Mrs. Lloyd,” Cornelia replied. She set the jug down on one of the nightstands and dipped a towel into it, folding the towel and mopping the sweat from Jean’s brow as she cried out again. As the pain subsided, Jean looked up at Cornelia.

“Where’s my husband?” Jean asked Cornelia, clutching the bedclothes.

“I’m not sure, Mrs. Lloyd – he has not yet returned,” Cornelia replied.

“Teddy, where are you?” Jean asked, her voice growing in volume as another pain shot through her body. A few moments later, the pain faded again, and the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it,” Millicent said, rushing downstairs. She returned with the doctor in tow.

“Mrs. Lloyd,” the doctor said, setting his bag down at the foot of the bed and opened it. He drew out a pair of gloves and, rolling up his sleeves, pulled back her skirts. “You’re quite dilated already,” he said in surprise, just as she cried out in pain again. He turned to Cornelia. “When did her labour start?” he asked her.

“Her water broke about an hour and a half ago,” Cornelia replied.

“And where is her husband?” the doctor asked.

“He went to the post office with my employer, Mr. Edward Lloyd, about two hours ago, and they have not yet returned,” Cornelia said. Jean cried out in pain again.

“All right, Mrs. Lloyd, get ready to push,” the doctor said. Jean nodded, biting down on her lip and, gripping the bedcovers tightly, began to push.

An hour and a half later, the doctor left, and Jean cradled her new baby boy in her arms. Her son had a full, downy head of dark brown hair the same colour as Teddy’s, and had the rest of Teddy’s features, but, as he opened his eyes, Jean could see that his eyes were the same colour as hers. With a gentle finger, she lovingly traced her son’s delicate features. He yawned sleepily and grasped her finger tightly. She smiled down at him, tears of joy filling her eyes. She couldn’t believe that they had a son! Their child yawned again and snuggled up against Jean, and she placed a gentle kiss on the top of his head. Leaning back against the pillows, Jean was content to watch her newborn son sleep.

A few minutes later, a quiet knock sounded at the door. It was Cornelia.

“Mrs. Lloyd?” she asked in a whisper, stepping closer to Jean.

“Yes?”

“Your husband is back. Should I send him up?” Cornelia asked. Jean smiled tiredly.

“Yes, please do,” she replied. “Does he know?” she asked, and Caroline shook her head. She left the room, and Jean sat up in bed, waiting for her husband to enter.

“Jean, darling,” he said as he entered the room, taking off his coat and walking to the wardrobe. “Sorry that it took so long. Edward and I stopped off to see the house. Did you have a good day?” he asked as he hung up his coat.

“Teddy,” Jean said, smiling.

“Yes, darling?” he replied as he walked over to the chair in front of their fireplace, taking off his shoes.

“Teddy, we have a son,” she said. He stopped untying his shoes, and turned towards her. He saw their son nestled in her arms, and stood up, one shoe still on his foot, and walked towards her.

“Oh, my God – Jean?” he looked at her questioningly. She nodded. He sat down on the bed next to her and looked down at their son.

“Would you like to hold him?” Jean asked, and he nodded, taking their son gently out of her arms.

“Hello, son,” he said, cradling their child in his arms. Jean began to cry, looking at the two men in her life. Teddy looked up at her.

“Are you all right, darling?” he asked her, an expression of concern upon his face.

“I’m so happy, Teddy,” she said, dabbing at her eyes.

“As am I, my darling,” he said, bending down to kiss her lightly. “How long ago was he born?” he asked.

“An hour and a half ago,” she replied.

“That long ago? How long was your labour?” he asked her curiously.

“Only a few hours,” Jean replied. “It was quite quick.”

“Jean, I am so sorry that you had to go through that alone,” Teddy said, looking down at his wife. She smiled tiredly up at him.

“It’s all right, Teddy,” she said forgivingly. “It’s not your fault. And I doubt that the doctor would have allowed you to be in the room any way,” she said. “It’s quite all right.”

“I am sorry though, Jean,” he said.

“It’s fine, Teddy,” she reassured him. “Now, what shall we name our son?” she asked, looking down at their beautiful baby boy.

“Why don’t we name him Edward?” Teddy suggested. Jean wrinkled her nose.

“I’d really like for him to have a name all his own, but I would like it to be Scots,” Jean said by way of explanation. “Maybe Duncan or Alistair.”

“I like Duncan,” Teddy said, looking down at their baby boy. “But can’t we use Edward as a middle name?” he asked, looking at her pleadingly.

“All right,” she acquiesced, and he kissed her lightly, before kissing their sleeping son’s head. Their son began to stir, opening his eyes, and then began to whimper slightly. “I suppose he’s hungry,” Jean said, and Teddy continued to hold their son as Jean unbuttoned the top of her nightgown. Holding out her arms for Duncan, Teddy watched as she held the baby to her breast. He latched on hungrily, and Jean winced slightly as she adjusted to the feeling of her son feeding.

“I love you, Teddy,” she said, tearing her eyes away from her son to look up at her husband.

“I love you too, Jean,” Teddy replied, kissing her lips lightly. “I love you so, so much.” She returned the kiss, and they turned back to their son.

After their son had finished feeding, he fell back asleep, and someone knocked on the door.

“Teddy? Jean?” Edward called out as he opened the door. Jean handed the baby to Teddy so that she could button up her nightgown. However, Edward caught a glimpse of her breasts as he entered, and was forced to stand behind a chair to hide his erection.

“Edward, we’ve had a son,” Teddy said, holding the baby proudly. Edward looked at Jean, who was smiling.

“Would you like to hold him, Edward?” Jean asked, and he nodded. Teddy placed Duncan into his cousin’s arms.

“What’s his name?” Edward asked as he handed the baby back to Teddy.

“His name is Duncan Edward Brodie Lloyd,” Teddy said.

“Edward?” he asked, looking at Jean and Teddy.

“Yes, Edward,” Jean replied, her heart melting a bit at the expression of pure joy on Edward’s face.

“Thank you,” Edward said. Jean smiled and nodded.

“I’ll leave you two now,” Edward said, looking once more at Jean.

Once Edward had left, Jean sagged back against the pillows, Teddy joining her. She curled up next to him.

“I love you so much, Jean,” Teddy said, kissing her.

“I love you, too, Teddy,” she replied. “Thank you.”

“Thank you?” he asked curiously.

“Thank you for our son,” she quantified her statement.

He smiled. “No, thank you, Jean,” he replied, kissing her lightly. She smiled up at him before snuggling up even closer, yawning. She laid her head against his chest and fell asleep, her son and her husband sleeping beside her.

[KristaMarie]

Awww! Why didnt you tell me you updated!? I forgive you because it was so wonderful!

[dianahawthorne]

Sorry, dear! It must have slipped my mind. Glad you liked it, though!!

[kissofdeath]

awww! Sweetness! Rocking update chicka!

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Eighteen

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A month after their son was born, Teddy was preparing to travel back to Scotland to present his exhibition of the portraits of his wife. During the time that Teddy would be gone, Jean and Duncan would be living with Edward. The exhibition would last six months, and it would take a month for Teddy to reach Edinburgh and a month for him to return, so Teddy would be away for eight months.

The night before his departure, Jean and Teddy had a romantic evening together at their new home.

They took their time undressing each other, relishing in the feel of the other’s hands on their bare skin. Tenderly stroking each other, they revelled in the feel of their bare skin against each other. He pushed her down on top of the bed, and she pulled him down on top of her.

“Oh, Teddy; darling, darling Teddy,” she moaned as he caressed her breasts. They had not made love for well over a month, and they would not make love for the next eight months. Gently, he ran his hands down her sides, causing her to shiver beneath his touch. She continued to moan as he caressed her, but pulled herself out of her haze of ecstasy to share the pleasure with her husband.

They took their time making love that night, both of them knowing that it would be a long time before they were together again.

Later on, as Jean lay in Teddy’s arms, she began to cry.

“What’s wrong, darling?” he asked her, stroking her hair gently.

“I don’t want you to leave me, Teddy!” she cried, burying her face against his chest. “You’re going to be gone for so, so long; and I don’t want to stay with Edward for eight months,” she said, still sobbing.

“Jean, Jean,” he said soothingly, “It will be fine. I’ll be back in eight months,” he said. “I love you, darling.”

“I love you too, Teddy; I love you so much,” she said.

They fell asleep, but Jean was still crying.


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The next morning, Teddy rose early in order to get on the boat in time. He woke his wife, who opened her eyes, her cheeks still damp with tears.

“Please, Teddy, don’t go,” she whispered, as he caressed her cheek lovingly.

“I have to go, darling,” he said. “I love you.”

Jean began to cry again. “I love you too, Teddy,” she whispered, pulling him down for a kiss.

He continued to kiss her, unwilling to let her go, but finally pulled back. “I’ve got to go, Jean,” he said sadly, kissing away her tears.

“Please, Teddy, don’t leave me,” she begged him, hating herself for needing him, loving him so much. She did not trust herself to be without him for so long – after all, the last time she had denied him, she had run to Gordon Lowther. Would she turn to Edward for comfort next? “Please don’t.”

“Goodbye, Jean,” he said, a single tear falling down his cheek. He stopped at his son’s cradle and kissed his forehead, before turning back to his wife. “I love you, Jean.”

“I love you too, Teddy,” she replied, tears streaming down her face. She climbed out of bed and threw herself into his arms for one final kiss. Gently, he stepped out of her embrace.

“Goodbye, Jean,” he said, and, with one final kiss to her lips, left her. Jean rushed to the window to watch her husband leave. He turned back, and waved to her, blowing her a kiss. He got into a cab and then drove away.

Jean threw herself onto the bed and sobbed her heart out, clutching her husband’s pillow to her.

“Oh, God, Teddy!” she sobbed. “Why did you have to leave me?”


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A few hours later, Edward rang, and Jean came downstairs, clad only in her dressing gown. She had tears staining her pale cheeks, but despite that, he thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

“Are you all right, Jean?” he asked her, following her into the living room. She sank onto the couch, burying her head in her hands.

“No, I’m not all right,” she said, crying. “Why did he have to go?”

“His career is very important to him,” Edward said.

“I can understand that,” she said, “After all, I denied him for years because I was a teacher,” she explained. “But he needs to be here; here with me, and here with our baby.”

Edward stood up and joined Jean on the couch, wrapping an arm around her. She stiffened in his embrace for a moment, before consciously relaxing, leaning against his chest.

Edward was filled with happiness as she curled up against him, though she was still crying. He could feel her tears seeping through his shirt, and he rubbed her back soothingly. A few moments later, Duncan began to cry upstairs, and Jean jumped up.

“I’ve got to get Duncan,” she said, looking down at Edward.

“All right,” he said, standing up as well. He followed her upstairs to the nursery, where Duncan was crying. Jean picked her son up, settling down in the rocking chair next to his bassinet.

“Shh, my dear,” she soothed him, rocking him gently. “Are you hungry?” she asked, as she opened her dressing gown, forgetting that Edward was in the room watching her. Holding her son to her breast, he began to suckle hungrily, and she let a few tears drip down her face onto his head. “I wish your father was here, dear heart,” she whispered. Edward quietly left the room, returning to the parlour.

A half hour later, Jean rejoined him,, now dressed simply in a navy blue frock.

“All my things, and all of Duncan’s things are packed, Edward,” she said.

“All right, Jean,” he replied. “I’ll send the maids around later today to bring your things over.”

“Thank you,” she said, sinking down onto the couch, and began to cry again. “Why did he leave me?” she sobbed.

“I don’t know,” Edward said truthfully. “I really don’t.”


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Teddy stood at the bow of the ship, looking back at Australia. Though he had thought that this was the right thing to do, he missed his wife and his son already. As he stared at the shore, he let a tear drip down his face. He loved his wife and son so much, and he could not believe that he had wanted to leave them to go back to Edinburgh, just to further his career. But it was too late to change his mind, and he would make the best out of his absence. He just hoped that Jean would be able to make the best of it, too.


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The months passed incredibly slowly for Jean, who continued to long for her husband’s return. She was able, however, to enjoy herself for brief amounts of time. Edward was so solicitous to her, often convincing her to leave Duncan with one of the maids so that he could take her out – either to a restaurant that he thought that she’d enjoy (which she always did), or to a museum, to the parks, or just to walk around Sydney. She loved their outings, and, despite herself, she could feel herself becoming attracted to him. She tried to resist, tried so hard to resist, but she had always been susceptible to flattery. And Edward was so devoted to her, and was trying so hard to win her heart, even though she was married to Teddy. But Teddy had been gone for so long now – seven months.


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Two weeks before Teddy was supposed to return, Jean received a letter in the mail. It was from Teddy.

My dearest Jean,

The exhibition is going marvellously well – so well, that I have to extend the tour for two years so that I can travel around Europe. I am sorry, darling, but I need to do this. I won’t be able to write much, but I will try to telegram as often as I can. I love you, Jean – please, never forget that.

All my love to you and Duncan,

Teddy.

“Oh, God,” Jean cried, collapsing into a flood of tears. Edward rushed to her, her son in his arms.

“Jean, what’s wrong?” he asked, sitting down on the sofa next to her.

“He’s not coming back for another two years,” she sobbed. Duncan began to cry, too, and Jean took him out of Edward’s arms, cradling her son against her chest.

“Oh, Jean, I am so sorry,” Edward said as Duncan’s cries stopped. She looked up at him with tears still in her eyes.

“Can you bring Duncan up to his room, please?” she asked him. Edward nodded, taking Duncan out of her arms. Jean buried her face in her hands and continued to cry. Why was Teddy doing this to her? She didn’t know how much longer she could last without him.

[kissofdeath]

aww! poor jean!

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Nineteen


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Rob Walter and his wife are characters created by Colleen McCullough for her book “The Thorn Birds.” I’m just borrowing them. Also, the lines marked with an asterisk are from her book.


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Teddy could not believe the good news – his exhibition was to travel all across Europe – London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Madrid... he could not believe that this was not a dream. The unfortunate part of the bargain was the face that he had to remain away from his wife and son for another two years. However, he felt that it was but a small price to pay for his success as an artist, something that he had wanted for years. Yes, he missed his wife and son, but he was able to suppress the longing that he felt for them. It wasn’t too bad – after all, he was used to living without Jean – he lived for years without her. And though he did love her, it was not as though he had to spend every night alone. As an incredibly successful artist, he had no lack of female companions to warm his bed at night.

He felt a bit guilty about cheating on Jean, but, after all, she knew him – she couldn’t expect him to remain faithful to her for over two years. And she had cheated on him, too – she had left him and run to Gordon. He conveniently forgot that he had cheated on her as well, with Sandy Stranger. But none of the women he slept with were anything like Jean. None of them could take her place in his heart, though they did take her place in his bed – at least temporarily.


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Four more months passed, and Teddy had been gone for a year. During that time, Duncan had said his first word – home – and had begun to walk as well. Now that he could walk, he was getting into everything. His vocabulary continued to improve, but Jean was disconcerted that Duncan began to refer to Edward as “dada.” It took some time to convince him that Edward was not, in fact, his father, and finally Duncan switched to calling Edward “Unka Eddy”.


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Teddy had been gone for over a year – fourteen months – and Jean was slowly wasting away. She had lost her appetite, and ate very little at meals. Teddy very rarely sent telegrams, and, as he travelled from city to city so often, she was not able to write to him either. Edward tried to bolster her spirits, taking her out even more often. Finally, her depression and despondency was too much for him to bear, and he booked them a cabin on Matlock Island for a month. She would be able to relax, get away from the pressures of city life. And, most importantly, though she loved Duncan, she would be able to take a break from motherhood, and the constant reminder of her wayward husband.

He told her two days before they were to leave, after she had tucked Duncan into bed.

“Jean,” he said, when she rejoined him in the parlour.

“Yes, Edward?” she asked, settling herself on the sofa, looking into the fire.

“I’m worried about you. You’re wasting away,” he said sombrely. “I’ve booked us a cabin for a month on Matlock Island.”

“All right,” she agreed indifferently.

“We leave in two days,” he said.

“All right,” she replied apathetically.

Edward stood up from his armchair and sat down next to Jean on the couch. She continued to stare at the fire. He took her chin in his hand, forcing her to look at him.

“Jean, you must get your strength back – for your son,” Edward said. “Please Jean, I beg you.”

She dropped her eyes to her lap. “I’ll try,” she said. “I’ll try.”


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Two days later, Jean bid her son a tearful goodbye, and she and Edward boarded a plane for Townsville, in Queensland. They would take a ferry from Townsville to Matlock Island. The ferry itself would take fourteen hours to reach the island.

Jean slept for most of the ferry ride, just laying her head on Edward’s shoulder as they sat in the ship. Edward alternated between watching Jean and watching the seascape slip by, but finally drifted off to sleep too. He woke up just as they docked at the island.

“Jean,” he said, stroking her cheek lightly. Her eyes fluttered open.

“Yes?” she asked, her voice groggy.

“We’re here,” he said, standing up. He reached down and helped her up, before picking up their bags.

A middle-aged man greeted them.

“Hello there,” he greeted them, as they walked to the car. “I’m Rob Walter.” He and Edward loaded their luggage into the boot of the car. Jean climbed into the back, and Edward joined her; Rob began to drive. “I’ve put you at the back of the island, to give you both some privacy.”*

“Thank you,” Edward said.

“There’s no one else on the island right now; it’s more of a winter resort, after all.” They drove past a long white building with a deep veranda. “That’s where I live with the Missus,” Rob explained. “The island is four miles wide and eight long,” he said. “I’ve put you in the farthest-out place we have. When you need something, just pick up your phone and I’ll bring it out. No sense walking all the way in.”*

“Thank you,” Edward said again. They pulled up to the tiny cottage.

“Here we are,” Rob said. He and Edward unloaded the boot and then, with a final wave, he drove off.

The cottage was a one-storey structure with three rooms, and had its own private curve of white beach between two prongs of the hill diving into the sea, and here the road ended. Inside it was very plain, but comfortable. The island generated its own power, so there was a little refrigerator, electric light, the promised phone, and even a wireless set. The toilet flushed, the bath had fresh water; easy to see most of the patrons were from Sydney or Melbourne, and so inured to civilisation they couldn’t do without it.*

Jean began to unpack their things in the bedroom, which had a soft double bed, which she and Edward would share. After she finished, she joined Edward on the veranda.

“Are you hungry, Jean?” he asked her as she settled in one of the chairs. She tried to muster up some enthusiasm and nodded.

“All right,” he said, and went into the kitchen to make some sandwiches for them. When he finished, he brought the sandwiches back outside. Jean was just where she was when he had left, and she looked up when he sat down next to her, handing her a sandwich. She actually finished the sandwich, the first meal she had finished for some time, and looked up at Edward when she was done.

“I’ll bring the dishes in,” she said, taking his plate. She returned a few moments later.

“Are you feeling any better, Jean?” he asked her. She nodded, looking up at him.

“Thank you, Edward,” she said. “Thank you so much for everything. I don’t know what Duncan and I would have done without you.”

“You’re welcome, Jean,” he said. She stretched up and kissed him on the cheek.

“I’m going to take a nap,” she said, standing up.

“All right,” he said. “I’m going to go for a bit of a swim, then.”

She smiled at him – and though it was a faint shadow of her old smile, it was a smile nonetheless.

“Be careful,” she said, and he nodded, watching as she re-entered the cottage.

Edward stepped into the house and got a towel, before walking the few yards to the beach. He stripped off his clothes, setting them on a large rock, and stepped into the water. It was very warm and clear, and he lay on his back, floating, looking up at the sky.


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Jean woke up an hour later, refreshed, and stepped out onto the veranda. Her breath caught in her throat as she noticed Edward’s clothes resting on a rock on the beach. She looked out to the ocean and saw him swimming. Taking a deep breath, she stepped onto the beach.

Edward looked up immediately as she stepped onto the sand.

“Did you have a good nap, Jean?” he asked her, and she nodded.

“Can I join you?” she asked, and without waiting for an answer, slipped out of her dress. Turning back to where he had laid his clothes, Jean folded her dress before slipping out of her underwear as well. Edward stepped out of the water and approached her; and once she was finished folding her clothes, she turned around to face him.

“Jean?” he asked her questioningly as she stepped even closer to him.

“Mmm?” she asked, placing her hands on his chest. He felt himself grow aroused as she trailed her hands down his chest.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Isn’t it obvious?” she chuckled, looking up at him. “Don’t you want me, Edward?” she asked coyly.

“Oh, God, yes,” he said. She took his hands in hers, and placed them on her waist. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Edward,” she said, and he opened his eyes. “Don’t you want to kiss me?”

He leaned down and captured her lips with his. Pulling her closer to him, he pressed his erection against her, and she moaned in desire.

“Oh, God, Edward,” she moaned. He broke out of the kiss and rested his forehead against hers.

“Jean, are you sure that you want to do this?” he asked.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and opened them again, nodding. “I’m sure,” she said, pulling him down with her. He rolled her onto her back, beginning to caress her breasts. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he stopped caressing her breasts, lowering his mouth to hers.

“I can’t wait any more, Jean,” he said, groaning as she rocked her hips against his. He took his erection in his hand and entered her.

“Oh, yes!” she cried as he pumped into her. “God, yes!”

“Jean!” he yelled as he released within her. He collapsed on top on her.

“Oh, God!” she cried as she climaxed. He rolled over and cradled her in his arms. She was utterly limp and relaxed in his embrace, resting her head against his chest. Feeling the happiest she had for some time, Jean drifted off to sleep. Edward picked her up and brought her into the bedroom, before he returned to the beach to gather together their clothes. When he returned, he joined her in bed.


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A few hours later, he woke up to an empty bed. He sat up. “Jean?” he called out. There was no response, so he got out of bed and padded out into the main room of the cottage. She was not there, so he stepped out onto the veranda. He could hear her splashing in the water. He walked out onto the beach and saw Jean frolicking in the water. She looked happier than she had in months. Looking up, she saw Edward and smiled up at him.

“Won’t you join me, Edward?” she called out to him. He nodded and loped across the sand, diving into the water. He emerged right in front of her, and she giggled as he wrapped his arms around her waist. She stretched up to kiss him. They continued to kiss, and she reached down to stroke his erection.

“Oh, God, Jean,” he groaned, breaking out of their kiss. “I want you again; my God, I want you again.”

“Then take me, Edward,” she said. “Take me hard.”

He nodded, lifting her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist and lowered herself onto him.

“Yes! Oh, yes, harder, Edward, harder!” she cried out.

He obeyed, thrusting into her harder as she commanded.

“Harder!” she demanded. “Harder, Edward, harder! Oh, yes!” She began to come, the force of her climax causing her limbs to tremble. Her orgasm triggered his own, and his climax prolonged hers. Finally, after what seemed like years of ecstasy, she collapsed in his arms.

“I love you, Jean,” he whispered as he cradled her in his embrace.

She took a deep breath before replying, “I love you, too. But, Edward –” she broke off to choke back tears. “I still am in love with Teddy.” Despite her best efforts, a few tears slipped down her cheeks.

He looked down at her and wiped her tears away. “I know, Jean,” he said tenderly. “It’s all right.”

“It’s not fair to you, Edward, that I cannot offer you my whole heart,” she said.

“As long as I can have the most meagre part of your heart, I am content,” he said, and kissed her lips. He could feel her shiver slightly.

“I’m cold,” she said. “Let’s go in.”

He nodded, and they walked out of the ocean, holding hands.

[kissofdeath]

ooh, snap.

totally didn't see this coming! (seriously!)I'd love to see Teddy's reaction!

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Twenty


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This is the last chapter, though there will be an epilogue.


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Their month on Matlock Island passed very quickly, and, at the end of the month, they returned to Sydney. Jean had gained some weight – she was not nearly as emaciated as she had been – and was much happier than she had been when they had first arrived. When they returned to the house, Jean moved many of her things into Edward’s bedroom, though she kept a few things – photographs and letters, as well as some clothes, for appearance’s sake – in her room.

Duncan had missed Jean so much during the time that they were gone, and, once they had returned, he would not let her out of his sight, crying whenever she left the room. It took him nearly three months before he became convinced that she would not leave him again.

Life continued for Edward, Jean, and Duncan. Jean still missed Teddy, whose telegrams were more infrequent than ever, but she had Edward to lean on. Edward had become her rock, and she relied on him for everything. Every night, she would lie in his arms, snuggling up against his chest as he stroked her hair. More often than not, they would just lie there for hours, even during the day – especially when Duncan was napping. Edward had retired from his position in the Australian Parliament last year to help Jean raise Duncan, so they were able to spend their days together. They did not make love as often they had during their days at Matlock Island, as they were no longer alone on an island paradise, but had the responsibilities of daily life weighing them down. When they did make love, however, it was still as wonderful as it had been on the island – though Jean did not feel the same... connection to Edward as she had to Teddy, even when they made love. But with every day that passed without her husband’s return, she loved Edward a little more.


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Teddy’s exhibition finally closed, and he headed home. All of his portraits had been purchased by art collectors or museums except the first portrait he had painted of his wife, the one he refused to sell, which he shipped back to Australia. The day before he boarded the boat that would bring him back to Australia, he sent his wife a telegram.

My darling Jean STOP I am on my way back to Australia aboard the HMS Queen Mary STOP I will arrive on October second STOP All my love to you and Duncan STOP Teddy Lloyd STOP

Boarding the boat, he thought for the first time about the numerous affairs he had during his time in Europe. How would he tell Jean about them – more importantly, should he tell Jean? He thought that he should – it wouldn’t be fair to her, after all, if he didn’t tell her. That settled, he settled himself on his bed and fell asleep.


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Jean received the telegram from Teddy the same afternoon that he had sent it. She brought it into the living room and curled up in Edward’s arms. She opened it with trembling fingers, knowing that it would bring the news of her husband’s return.

“My darling Jean, I am on my way back to Australia aboard the HMS Queen Mary. I will arrive on October second. All my love to you and Duncan. Teddy Lloyd,” Jean read aloud.

She looked up at Edward. “I suppose that we should start to move my things back to the house,” Jean said. Edward nodded sadly. “And I think that tonight should be our last night together.” He nodded again, and reached for the bell that was on the table next to the couch, ringing it. A few moments later, one of the maids entered.

“I would like you to open up Mrs. Lloyd’s house,” he said, and the maid nodded, exiting the room. He turned back to Jean. “Let’s go out for dinner tonight, darling,” he said, caressing her cheek. “And then have an early night in.”

She nodded, tears in her eyes. “All right,” she agreed, kissing him.

A few hours later, Jean tucked her son in to bed.

“Duncan, darling, your daddy is coming home in three weeks,” Jean said, sitting on the edge of his bed. “And we will be moving back to our house sometime this week.”

“Daddy’s coming home?” he asked.

Jean nodded, smoothing his hair back from his forehead. “Yes, he is, darling. Do you want to see a picture of him?” she asked, and Duncan nodded. “I’ll be right back.” Jean left the room, going to her bedroom. She picked up a frame that held a picture from their wedding – Teddy had brought a camera, and one of the judges’ clerks who had witnessed their wedding had taken the photograph. Jean was looking up into Teddy’s eyes, and Teddy was smiling down at her. She stood still for a moment, looking down at the picture. They had been so happy then... hopefully they would be happy again. She shook herself out of her thoughts and walked back to her son’s room, where he was sitting up in bed, waiting for her. Jean handed the photograph to her son.

“Is that Daddy?” Duncan asked.

“Yes, it is,” Jean said. “That’s your daddy and me on our wedding day four years ago. Now, darling,” she said, her tone first wistful, then soft and loving. “It’s time to go to bed.”

“All right, Mummy,” Duncan said.

“I love you, darling,” she said, kissing him lightly on his forehead.

“I love you, Mummy,” he replied.

“Sleep well,” she said, standing up to turn off the lights. She closed the door softly behind her and walked up the stairs to the third floor, where Edward’s bedroom was. He was getting dressed in one of his tuxedos, and she smiled sadly at him.

“I’ll just be a moment, Edward,” she said, taking a long, black silk dress out of the armoire. She entered the bathroom, and emerged a few minutes later. “Can you do up the zipper, please?” she asked, turning around. He zippered up her dress and placed a light kiss on the back of her neck. She turned around and smiled up at him, bringing her hands to the loose ends of the bow tie. She tied it neatly, straightening the bow, and kissed him lightly.

“Ready, darling?” he asked.

“Just a moment,” she said, turning to the vanity. She picked up a pair of pearl earrings and a pearl necklace, putting them on. “I’m ready.” He smiled down at her and offered her his arm, which she took, and they left the house for dinner.

Several hours later, they returned to Edward’s house. Edward and Jean walked slowly up to the third floor, and they slowly undressed each other. He carried her over to the bed, laying her on top of the covers. He joined her on the bed, kissing her lips softly, before trailing his lips down her neck, her collarbone, her breasts... he lavished attention all over her body, knowing that it would most likely be the last time they would ever make love. Finally, he kissed his way back up her body and entered her.

“I love you, Jean,” he said, kissing her as he pumped within her. “Oh, how I love you.”

“Edward; Edward, darling!” she cried out. “Oh, God, Edward!” she cried as she came spectacularly, her back arching, her hands clutching his back as she pulled him to her. He continued to move within her, carrying her into her second orgasm, and then her third, before he finally allowed himself to climax.

Afterwards, as she lay in his arms, she began to cry.

“What’s wrong, darling?” he asked.

“I want Teddy to come back, I do, but... I don’t want to lose you either,” she sobbed. He tightened his embrace.

“You won’t lose me, Jean,” he said. “I will always be here for you – always. I love you so much, and I want you to be happy.”

“Why are you so good to me?” she asked as she continued to cry. “Why? I don’t deserve your love, Edward – God knows I don’t deserve your love. So why do you love me?”

“I don’t know why I love you, Jean, but I do. I have loved you ever since I first laid eyes on you, and I doubt that I will stop loving you any time soon. As for not deserving my love... it is I who do not deserve the bit of your heart that you have entrusted me with. I cannot believe that you have consented to be with me for so long – it was beyond my wildest hopes and dreams. I love you, Jean; and I promise that I will always be here for you.”

“Oh, Edward, I love you,” she said, turning in his arms to kiss him on the lips.

“And I love you, Jean,” he replied. “Always; forever.”


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Three weeks later, the evening of October second, Jean and Duncan were waiting at the harbour for the HMS Queen Mary to dock. Edward had gone to Canberra for a month. He had several reasons for taking the trip: first, he did not want to be there when he lost Jean to her husband; second, he did not want to be there when Jean told him about their affair; and third, he had to separate himself from Jean, get used to the fact that he was no longer the man in her life.

So Jean and Duncan waited for Teddy to return without Edward. Duncan was nearly three now, and he was a very handsome boy who looked just like his father. As the ship pulled into port, Jean scanned the deck for her husband. She couldn’t find him. Holding her son in her arms, they scanned the crowds as the passengers departed.

“Jean!” she heard her name called from behind her, and she turned. It was Teddy, and she ran to him, their son in her arms. When she reached him at last, he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her. When they broke the kiss, he smiled down at her.

“This is our son, Teddy,” Jean said, Teddy looked at him.

“Hello, Duncan,” Teddy said, taking their son out of Jean’s arms.

Duncan refused to look at Teddy, reaching his arms back to Jean instead. “Mummy!” he said plaintively, and Jean took him back in her arms.

“This is your father, sweetheart,” Jean said, but Duncan turned back to Jean, burying his face against Jean.

“Let’s go home, shall we, darling?” Teddy said. “My luggage will be sent round later.”

“All right,” Jean said. Teddy hailed a cab, and they got in. Jean gave the address, and they were driven back to their house. As the cab meandered through the streets of Sydney, Teddy wrapped his arm around Jean’s shoulders. Duncan was perched on Jean’s lap, and he still had buried his face in Jean’s neck.

“Why don’t you tell your father about your trip to the zoo?” Jean suggested.

Duncan pulled back from Jean and looked at Teddy.

“Uncle Eddy took me to the zoo, and we saw giraffes and elephants and hippoppopmuses,” Duncan said excitedly.

“Hippopotamuses, darling,” she corrected him fondly, tapping him lightly on the nose.

“That’s what I said, Mummy,” Duncan said, giggling as she tickled his stomach.

“And what else did you see?” Teddy asked.

“We saw the lions and the monkeys,” Duncan said.

“Where is Edward, Jean?” Teddy asked. “I thought that he’d be with you.”

Jean stiffened, almost imperceptibly.

“He’s on holiday in Canberra for a month,” Jean said.

“Oh,” Teddy said. “How has he been?”

“He’s been fine,” Jean said, her voice a bit tense. Luckily, they arrived at their house, and the conversation stopped.

“Duncan, darling, can your father carry you? My arms are a bit tired, dear one,” she explained, and Duncan nodded. Teddy picked up his son while Jean paid the cabbie, and they walked up the path to the front door. Jean pressed the buzzer, and Cornelia, Jean’s favourite maid, opened the door.

“Welcome back, Mr. Lloyd,” Cornelia said, curtseying slightly.

“Thank you,” Teddy said, walking in to the house, Jean following him.

“Now, Duncan, sweetheart, it’s time for bed,” Jean said. “We’ll tuck him in, Cornelia,” Jean said, as the maid moved to take the sleepy boy from Teddy’s arms. “We won’t be needing you any more tonight.”

“All right, Mrs. Lloyd,” Cornelia replied. “Good night.”

“Good night, Cornelia,” Jean said, and the maid left the room.

Duncan yawned, and Jean turned to her son.

“Tired, sweetheart?” Jean asked, and Duncan shook his head, even as he yawned.

“I want to stay up with you and Daddy,” he said.

“Daddy will be here tomorrow, darling,” Jean said, stroking her son’s hair. “Let’s get you to bed.”

Jean led Teddy up the stairs, and brought him into Duncan’s bedroom. It had changed since Teddy had seen it last – it was now decorated in an animal theme, with elephants, giraffes, lions, bears, and monkeys.

“When did you do this?” he asked.

“Last year,” Jean replied as she turned down the sheets. Teddy laid Duncan down on the bed. “Teddy, can you get Duncan’s pyjamas? They’re in the top drawer of the dresser.”

Jean began to undress Duncan, and Teddy turned back to Jean, a pair of blue striped pyjamas in his hands.

“Here,” he said, and Jean took them from his hands. Duncan raised his arms obediently and Jean slipped the pyjama shirt over his head. He then stood up so that Jean could help him into his pyjama pants. Once he was dressed, he lay back in bed, and Jean pulled the covers up over him.

“Good night, my dear,” Jean said, kissing her son lightly on his forehead, leaning down to hug him. “I love you.”

“I love you, Mummy,” Duncan replied, giving her a sleepy kiss on her cheek. Teddy sat down on the bed next to his wife, and ruffled his son’s hair affectionately.

“Good night, Duncan,” Teddy said. “I love you.”

“Good night, Daddy,” Duncan replied. “I love you.”

Jean gave her son one final kiss on his forehead and then stood up from the bed. She walked to the light switch and turned off the light. Teddy closed the door behind them and took her hand, leading her to their bedroom down the hall.

As soon as he closed the door to their bedroom behind them, he turned to her.

“Jean –” Teddy began.

“Teddy –” she said at the same time. They both chuckled nervously. “You first,” Jean said.

“Jean, I have to tell you... well, I haven’t... Jean, I cheated on you,” he finally said.

“Oh, Teddy,” she sighed.

“I am sorry, darling, but... two years is so long, and...” he stopped when she laid her fingers on his lips.

“Teddy, I slept with Edward,” she said.

“What?” he exclaimed. “Edward? For how long?”

“How many women did you sleep with?” she countered.

“Answer the damn question, Jean!” he yelled, gripping her shoulders tightly.

“For two years, all right? Two years,” she said.

“Why?” he half-shouted at her.

“Because he was there! Because he cared for my health and well-being! Because he loved me, Teddy, and didn’t abandon me for nigh on three years!”

“Oh, God, you’re right,” he said, releasing her. “Why did I do this to you, to our son?” he asked, collapsing on the bed. She sat down next to him.

“Teddy, it’s all right,” she said, stroking his hair. “Let’s just... start over, I suppose. Forget everything that happened during your absence, just start again.”

“Really?” he asked, looking up at her hopefully.

“Really, darling,” she said.

“Oh, God, I love you, Jean,” he said, sitting up and pulling her into his lap. “You are the most wonderful woman in the world.”

“I love you, Teddy,” she whispered, as their lips met.

He began to unbutton her dress, but he was so impatient that he ripped the dress off her. She did the same to his shirt, and he stood up to remove his trousers.

“God, Jean, I love you,” Teddy said, already hard for her.

“Please, Teddy, now, do it now!” she moaned. “Oh, please, now!”

He obliged her, bypassing the foreplay, and entered her immediately. It had been nearly three years since they had made love, and, though neither of them had been celibate in those intervening years, they had needed each other so much.

“Oh, God, Teddy,” she moaned as she began to come, nearly as soon he entered her.

“Jean; Jean, my darling.” He muffled his groans as he came by capturing her lips again. He collapsed on top of her, rolling over onto his back, bringing his wife with him. She curled up against his chest, crying.

“Teddy, I missed you so much,” she sobbed.

“And I missed you, Jean, my darling,” he said, kissing her lips again. He tasted the salt of her tears on her lips. “Jean, please don’t cry; we’re together again,” he said, wiping her tears away.

“I can’t help it,” she wept. “God, Teddy, I needed you so much these past years!”

“Oh, Jean,” he soothed her. “I am so sorry that I wasn’t here for you – so, so sorry.”

“I am glad that you’re back, Teddy dear,” she said, her sobs abating a bit.

“As am I, darling,” he replied. “As am I.”

[dianahawthorne]

Epilogue


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The last chapter. Thank you to all of my readers and reviewers, especially KristaMarie and kissofdeath.
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Edward returned from Canberra a month later. Teddy and Edward’s relationship never was the same as it was before Teddy left. Teddy resented his son’s close relationship with Edward, and especially resented Jean and Edward’s close relationship, though he tried not to show it. Teddy was never able to forge a close relationship with his son, as Edward had become his father figure, and because Duncan was never really relaxed around Teddy.

It took Teddy a long time to come to terms with the fact that his wife had slept with his cousin, though he tried not to show his wife his discomfort. He never really accepted it, though. Jean tried very hard to make him forget, but it took many weeks for their relationship to get back on track, and it took months to return to normal.

Teddy, however, continued to sleep with other women. He thought that Jean did not know, but she was quite aware of his affairs. After a year of his constant affairs, Jean sat down with Teddy.

“Teddy, we can’t go on like this,” she said. “I know that you are sleeping with other women, and I can’t live like this.”

“Go back to Edward, then,” he spat.

“Teddy, I love you,” she said. “And I don’t want you cheating on me anymore. Please, darling, try to see it from my point of view – by cheating on me, you are saying that I cannot satisfy your needs. I need you, Teddy – I need you so much. I need your love, your affection... I need you. If you cheat on me again, Teddy, I will go back to Edward.”

“Jean...” he said, reaching out to caress her cheek. She pulled back. “Jean, I am sorry.”

“Don’t apologise, Teddy; just don’t do it again.”

But he did do it again, six months later.

“I’m not going to let you do this to our family anymore, Teddy! You’re not a good role model for Duncan, you’re abandoning us, and you’re not behaving like a husband and father! Teddy, I can’t take this anymore, especially with the baby coming...” she stopped, clapping her hands over her mouth.

“A baby?” he asked, his eyes full of joy. “Oh, Jean, a baby?”

“Yes,” she replied. “I’m due in November.”

“Oh, Jean, darling!” he shouted, picking her up and spinning her around. “Oh, my darling, darling wife!”

“Teddy,” she said when he put her down. “I want you to stay faithful to me – for my sake, for our family’s sake.”

“Of course, darling,” he said, kissing her. “I love you.”


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Jean gave birth to their second son, William Alistair, on the eleventh of November, 1941. Duncan was four years old, nearly five, and he was very excited about his new brother’s arrival. Teddy had been so supportive during her pregnancy – though he still could not accept the fact that Jean had slept with Edward, he was finally able to move past it.

After finally accepting the fact that she had slept with Edward, he stopped cheating on Jean. They were able to rebuild their marriage, start where they had left off. Finally, they were able to live in peace.

Jean, while she was very glad that Teddy had returned, longed for Edward. She was torn between the two men – her husband, who had abandoned her and their son for nearly three years, who had slept his way across Europe, who had loved her, but obviously not enough to stay with her; and his cousin, who had stayed with her when her husband had left her, who had taken care of her, who had helped her to raise her son, and who had loved her, even though she could not give him her whole heart. How could she choose between the two – the man she was in love with, who had abandoned her; and the man who was in love with her, who took care of her?

A year and three months after his return, Jean discovered that she was pregnant for the second time. She was very upset, especially as Teddy had not remained faithful to her. Six months after they had their first big row about his affairs, she found out that he had cheated on her again. They had another major row.

“I’m not going to let you do this to our family anymore, Teddy! You’re not a good role model for Duncan, you’re abandoning us, and you’re not behaving like a husband and father! Teddy, I can’t take this anymore, especially with the baby coming...” she stopped, clapping her hands over her mouth. She hadn’t meant to tell him about the baby, hadn’t wanted the baby to be a factor in this argument.

“A baby?” he asked, his eyes full of happiness. “Oh, Jean, a baby?”

“Yes,” she replied. In for a penny, in for a pound, after all. “I’m due in November.”

“Oh, Jean, darling!” he shouted, picking her up and spinning her around. “Oh, my darling, darling wife!”

“Teddy,” she said when he put her down. She wanted to make her point clear. “I want you to stay faithful to me – for my sake, for our family’s sake.”

“Of course, darling,” he said, kissing her. “I love you.”


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Teddy had been so supportive during her pregnancy, so kind, so loving, just as he had been at the beginning of their marriage. They were finally truly able to start again. And while Teddy had stopped cheating on her, he still flirted with nearly every woman he met. Jean could accept his flirting, though she did not like it – at least he was no longer sleeping with other women. He had also begun drinking heavily, apparently something he had begun during his exhibition in Europe. Teddy was not a violent drunk, but he flirted even more with women – even the maids – when he was inebriated.

Though Jean could accept it, she would often turn to Edward for comfort. Even though they were no longer intimate, Jean still relied on him, and, at times, wished that they could go back to the happy first days of their relationship on Matlock Island. She missed the love that she had received from Edward, missed the strength, security, and the comfort that he had provided.

Jean and Edward began to exchange love letters after Teddy had returned, even after Jean gave birth to her son. At times, when Teddy’s drinking became excessive and he came home drunk, Edward’s letters were Jean’s only refuge.


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My dearest, most darling Jean,

I know that Teddy’s behaviour has not been easy for you to deal with, but please remember that I am always here for you. I love you, my darling, and I want you to be happy. Please come to me if you need anything, my dearest – I will always be there for you.

I love you,

Edward


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Dearest Edward,

I love Teddy, but I don’t like him very much when he drinks. It is even worse than when he was away in Europe, because then I could be with you. Edward, why does he have to be like this? I need him to be strong for me, for Duncan... And, Edward, I am pregnant again. I need him to be here for our new baby, but I want him to be here because he wants to be. The problem is that I don’t think he does want to be here with me and Duncan. Edward, I just don’t know what to do. And I don’t know what I would do without you.

I love you,

Jean


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When William was eleven, and Duncan fifteen, Teddy was diagnosed with cancer of the liver from his excessive drinking. The doctor did not catch it early enough, and he died three months later, at the age of sixty-one. Jean was only fifty when her husband died. He was buried in the Sydney cemetery. Three months after Teddy’s death, Jean married Edward. They sold the house, putting the money in trust for the boys, and they moved to his house. Though Jean loved Edward, she missed Teddy.

Edward was the perfect husband – he truly loved her, and he loved Jean’s sons as though they were his own. Duncan and Edward had an especially close relationship. Jean and Edward were happy together, and Jean’s sons were happy, too. They had a very happy marriage, but Jean still missed Teddy, who had been the one true love of her life.

Things had changed in the past sixteen years – she was no longer a teacher, Teddy was dead, and she was married to another. And some things had changed for the better – Edward was a much better husband than Teddy had been – Edward was stable, comforting, and reliable, while Teddy had been passionate, tempestuous, and volatile. She loved both of them, though they were exact opposites, but she was happier with Edward as her husband. Teddy had been a marvellous lover, and was more temperamentally suited to being a lover, not a husband, while Edward was far more suited to being a husband.

Yes, things had certainly changed in sixteen years – for the better, and for the worst – but Jean had changed too. What she had wanted sixteen years ago – to go on teaching as long as she could – had changed to wanting to be Teddy’s wife and bear his children. And now... now, she just wanted to spend the rest of her days with her rock, her strength, her husband – Edward.

THE END

[kissofdeath]

awwww. You know, I thought I'd be a little sad when Jean and Teddy's relationship crashed and she ended up with Edward but I'm not. You made it work really well and made it plausible. But I am uber sad this story ended though! *tear*

~kiss

[dianahawthorne]

I'm actually considering writing a sequel to this story, dealing with the years in between the last chapter and the epilogue. What do you think?

[kissofdeath]

That would be spiffy! You should totally write it!

[Katheryn Mae]

*tear* Now that I've stayed up almost two hours after I should have gone to bed, I finally understand the sequel.

[dianahawthorne]

Dec 14, 2008 0:37:36 GMT -5 Katheryn Mae said:

*tear* Now that I've stayed up almost two hours after I should have gone to bed, I finally understand the sequel.

I'm glad that the story was so good that it kept you up!! Though I'm sorry that I kept you from your sleep

Thanks for the review!!

[Katheryn Mae]

Dec 14, 2008 0:47:31 GMT -5 dianahawthorne said:

Dec 14, 2008 0:37:36 GMT -5 Katheryn Mae said:

*tear* Now that I've stayed up almost two hours after I should have gone to bed, I finally understand the sequel.

I'm glad that the story was so good that it kept you up!! Though I'm sorry that I kept you from your sleep

Thanks for the review!!

It's perfectly alright. I could live on fan-fiction.

[KristaMarie]

So I know I tell you all the time how much I love this, but I thought everyone else should know too!

I love this and it rocks and you rock dear!! (is it obvious I am a little hoped up on caffeine right now?)