"It was so nice of you to invite me for a walk, Doctor Watson." Miss Morstan said politely, taking my arm and resting her head against my shoulder.
I coughed nervously and tried to appear nonchalant to the fact that we were walking arm and arm. This walk was the fourth outing we had spent together and I was still adjusting to the life of courtship.
"Think nothing of it." I responded quickly. I hoped she couldn't hear my heart pounding.
But if Miss Morstan was aware, she gave no sign. Instead, she commented on how charming the park was this time of year.
She did have a point, and I took a moment to admire the fall foliage and the stark coolness that marked the air. Autumn was in full bloom and the sound of dry leaves crackling under foot added an air of mystery to the otherwise commonplace park.
I glanced around the park for a larger perspective and was taken aback to see a familiar form waving us closer.
"Why, Doctor, is that Mr. Holmes?"
I muttered a curse. Holmes better not be up to his usual meddling. "It appears so. Let's pretend like we didn't see him. I would hate to have him interrupt our outing."
"Nonsense!" Miss Morstan eagerly pulled me towards the detective and I had little else to do but follow.
As we drew closer, I noticed something was amiss. Holmes's usual smirk that was present whenever he noticed Miss Morstan and I together, was absent. Instead he looked quite grim and I faltered back a step.
"Miss Morstan, perhaps we shouldn't…"
"Afternoon, Doctor." Inspector Lestrade spoke from behind me and I watched as he hurried past to stand next to Holmes.
My sense of dread deepened and I pulled Miss Morstan to a halt. "I insist; we really don't need to go any closer."
A frown clouded her face and she pulled away from me. "Really, Doctor. This isn't necessary."
Holmes called me closer and I gave a frustrated sigh before walking up to my companion. I was aware of Miss Morstan's determined footsteps behind me that stopped suddenly as the scene I had tried in vain to keep hidden was unfolded.
"Hello, Watson." Holmes spoke mildly. "I didn't expect you to be here."
I closed my eyes to wish away the image before me. I could hear Miss Morstan breathing raggedly at my side.
"Holmes," I nodded in acknowledgement. "Would this be Mr. Smythe?" I inclined my head in the direction of the still form on the ground.
Holmes's look was rueful. "Indeed, it is."
His eyes flicked to Miss Morstan and back to me, and I saw the impish look returning. "It appears romance isn't dead, but Mr. Smythe most certainly is."