Fear and kindness
a Myclara Victorian AU
Chapter 1
It was more than appropriate. Even though he would have rather stayed in London, it was a welcome variety. His mind had solved another puzzle and the solution had been Lady Katherine Stewart. She held a very important position in the secret state buisness since her father's death a few years ago.
Mycroft Holmes was not a man for legwork. He was more than content with his position in London and traveling to the country had always been annoying him but it was necessary. Maybe it would keep him from eating too much as his younger brother always pointed out. Sherlock had once suggested the idea of a bet considering how long it would take him to get fat and die from it. Mycroft knew that he ate too much for a man his age but his form was still tolerable. Tall, broad-shouldered and physically stronger than he looked. His housekeeper had pointed out that the fresh air of the sea would probably be good for his lungs, though he still refused to see her point: he smoked the pipe occaisonally. The carriage stopped and the door was opened for him. Stepping outside, he found himself in front of a beautiful estate, wide stairs leading the way up to the doors, surrounded by rich green gardens and the smell of the sea. They were close to the coast, down here. The climate was much milder and there were more sunny days.
The whole house was expecting him, starting with the servants, standing in line. He was being greeted by the Mister Thompson, the concierge of Lady Stewart who took care of his bags on the carriage. He had not brought much. His plan was to stay for three days, or maybe four if Lady Stewart should insist but that was unlikely to happen. Nobody ever asked him to stay longer than necessary.
His host welcomed him at the open wooden front doors, which released the look inside the huge, marble-floored entrance hall. "Mister Holmes", she gave him a polite yet warm smile and he bowed in respect. Her blonde curls were made in a do and her dress was simple. She was 52 years of age, seven years older than him. "I hope your journey was well", she went on and looked to a young, slightly podgy woman next to her. "May I introduce you to my daughter, Miss Lydia Stewart." The young woman dropped a curtsy but almost lost her balance in doing so. Her cheeks blushed slightly and she casted her eyes downwards in embarrassment. Mycroft had not said a word until then. He knew it would be polite enough to just nod his head and sometimes give a smile, if necessary. He had come here for a reason and for one reason only: the safety of England.
In that moment, a young woman stepped out of the building in rapid moves. She was wearing a black top hat, almost as huge as his own (since when did women wear such large hats in public?), and a slender dress beneath a red army jacket with golden buttons. - Out for excitement, leasure activity, probably on her own, walking or maybe...
"This is my niece", Lady Stewart explained and gave the young woman a dunning look. "Miss Clara Oswald".
Said one gave her aunt a friendly, yet slightly sassy smile before she turned her attention towards Mycroft. She curtsied, her movements so graceful and full as if she was making fun of the gesture itself. Afterwards, she looked him straight in the eye with an almost challenging look. - Great amount of self-esteem, pride, a young spirit. Lady Stewart introduced him as well and he bowed, his eyes not leaving hers. They were of a deep and mesmerising brown.
"Mister Holmes", the young woman adressed him and he blinked as if he was expecting her to say something else, still unable to look away, his hands nearly clenched uneasily behind his back. It was her to break the eye contact then. "I will be out for a horse ride, dear aunt", she smiled at Lady Stewart and without another glance she walked past him and down the stairs.