Based on the Mary Russell novels by Laurie R. King.

Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Laurie R. King and her work, nor do I claim to.

This story takes place during/after the novel Justice Hall. If you have not yet read that book there may be a few spoilers.

Reader's Key:

-Italics- Ali talking

-Bold- Ali thinking

-Underline- Marsh talking

-Bold and Italics- Holmes talking

A Wondrous Secret

"Ali, I cannot help you. Marsh wants nothing to do with me or his old life."

"Yvette, I beg you! Please? My cousin is not in his right mind. I know you care for Marsh as if he were your brother. Stay at Justice with me as my guest for a while. He will begin to see eventually."

"I will go to Justice with you, but I highly doubt that he will see. We'll do this your way, Alistair. I trust you."

"Thank you, my dearest Yvette. Words cannot describe how truly grateful I am."

"Anything for you, Alistair darling."

The unlikely friends loaded the bags into the front of the motorcar waiting outside the house and began their journey to the train station. Yvette had known Alistair since the beginning of his adventures in Palestine and had often written to him. How glad she was to be at his side again. His cousin, Marsh Hughenfort, however, she would rather strangle.

"Why are you back, Alistair? Trying to convince the Duke that he is acting a fool?"

"I want him to return to Palestine with me. He's not well here. Marsh just will not hear me out."

The silence of the motorcar grew very uneasy. Yvette stared silently stared at the man beside her.

"Oh, Ali…" she said, half crying at the sight of his face. His eyes said the things that he could not possibly through words. This man's dark eyes held so much sadness.

"When I couldn't get him to listen to me I came to you. Mahmoud always like you, Yvette. The constant attentions you gave me never ceased to make him jealous. When you left us for the comfort of Mycroft Holmes' employ, Mahmoud and I sulked for days. I was determined to find you again, for I am only happy in your presence."

"Ali, I never wanted to leave! Mycroft needed my help then. I'm here now, Alistair. I'm here and I promise that I'm not leaving again unless you grow tired of me."

For a moment Yvette could see through Alistair's Englishman appearance. She tightly gripped his hand and smiled. Ali held her dainty hand in his and the two sat in comfortable silence for the rest of their ride.

Their arrival at the train station signaled the beginning of another long trip. Their first class car was empty of all others. Alistair's arm snaked around Yvette's shoulders. Her shock and amazement froze her in place momentarily. Ali's deep, hearty laugh rang in her ears like sweet music. She leaned her head onto his shoulder and began to smile.

"Let me know when we get close to Arley Holt. I'll need to change into more suitable clothing."

She felt his nod and closed her tired eyes.

You're beautiful just as you are.

A gentle shaking roused Yvette from her sleep. Ali's voice whispered soft words in her ear. She got up and stretched soundlessly. Alistair turned his back on her at her signal to allow her to change, thought he looked disgruntled.

"I don't understand why you insist upon changing your attire. It's only Marsh. I don't know why you would even think about it because he won't appreciate it or anything else you do right about now."

"Ali dearest, I never said that I was changing to gain the approval of the arrogant Duke of Beauville. It is more for the eyes of the guests staying at Justice. I will look as if I belong at your side."

Alistair was shocked at the way Yvette had spoken. He rounded on her, preparing to furiously tell her to change her clothing back to the way it had been, but softened when he caught a glimpse of the look she was giving him. The look was one of apology. He felt instantly guilty. Ali took her hand and gently brushed his lips across the back of it.

My darling Yvette… You know nothing of the dark and wondrous secret I keep in my heart, but even as you have been left in the dark you still seek the light no matter what the light might reveal. Do not resent me when my secret is revealed. I cannot help myself; you are so beautiful…

Arriving at Arley Holt wasn't a major affair. That familiar landscape was so refreshing. Arriving at Justice Hall, however, caused more of a ruckus than expected. Alistair never left Yvette's side, ever wary of his cousin's sister, Phillida Darling. She and her husband Sidney could be quite overbearing.

"…and I once had the privilege to travel with Alistair and his cousin."

"I know. I had that privilege as well."

"That is quite lovely, Mr. Holmes."

"You know me, miss?"

As the conversation between the two progressed smoothly, marsh appeared at his cousin's side.

"You brought Yvette here? Why? I thought you had merely gone to visit her."

"Cousin, I have every right to bring her. You know nothing of what I plan to do with her while she is here. Are you not happy to see her? You've not spoken to Yvette since she left us in Palestine."

"I told you not to speak of those days here."

"You have not yet answered my question."

"Yes, Alistair, I am glad to see her. Tell me what you plan to do concerning her."

"I will not! If my little plan fails, I shall take the secret to my grave."

At those words, Marsh snorted and stalked off in the direction of Yvette and Holmes.