Short little missing scene for Language of Bees. I apologize for this not being written in first person but I'm horrible at it. Failed every attempt I've tried. :)
Title: Dusty envelope
author: Cindy Ryan
summary: While searching for Damian's file Mary stumbles across something else.
Mary Russell absently brushed a stray blonde bang away from her glasses as she continued her search for her stepson's file. She had almost finished with Holmes's lab when she opened one of the drawers on the left side of the table. Tucked inside, almost hidden by the shadows and a layer of dust, was a long white envelope. She almost dismissed it then she caught part of her name in her husband's familiar handwriting. Curiosity got the better of her and she pulled the item out. After all it was addressed to her. Sitting down on a stool Mary carefully opened it and dusted it off. Inside she found a letter dated a year ago before they had left for their world voyage which had ended in California. Pushing her spectacles back up her nose Mary began to read.
My Dearest Russell,
I do not know why I am putting pen to paper. I blame the lateness of the hour Perhaps it is a recent conversation with Watson of the old days whatever the reason I feel compelled to put thoughts into words.
I am a man who is not quick to affection or flowery words. I always felt being your husband was enough for you to know your importance in my life. However, with my work; with my enemies I wanted this correspondence to reflect our marriage in case something were to happen to me.
Mary pushed aside her thoughts of forbrooding that had plagued her since Holmes and Damian had left. The nagging sensation that Damian could be a danger to Holmes was insistent. As smart and wonderful as her husband was Mary knew he also had his blind spots. With a sigh she continued to read.
I felt a bond between us almost instantly. You have one of the most brilliant minds I have ever come across. Combined with your enthusiasm is one of the most endearing qualities I love about you. Not much gets in your way of a goal and if it does it is just another puzzle to solve. I count myself very fourtante that you came into my life and you have made me very happy these last few years. I never thought I would find a true partner mind, heart and soul and I did find that in you, Mary.
I love you. Do not ever question that. I look forward to seeing where the rest of our story takes us.
Holmes
Mary wasn't sure how long she sat there staring at the letter. She was certain she reread her husband's beautiful words three times. Mary wondered if he had forgotten to give her the letter or was rethinking writing it in the first place. Either way she was glad to have found it. Holmes's words warmed her heart. She had always known how he felt about her. She saw it in the little things. A smile from across the room, an arm around her as they walked, an assist with a task when she didn't ask.
Smiling Mary folded the letter and replaced it back in the envelope. She resealed it and after a moment's hesitation put it back where she had found it. Mary knew Holmes would give it to her when he felt the time was right. She closed the door and left resuming her search for the file. As she did Mary couldn't help but reread the letter in her mind. She hoped she would hear from her husband soon; she missed him.
end