Mrs. Hudson led Ashlyn past the staircase and into her private rooms. "Let me take those," she motioned towards the broken umbrella and soaked duffle bag still held by Ashlyn, "and I'll get you a fresh new pair of cloths to change into."

As Mrs. Hudson walked into presumably her personal bedroom after depositing the duffle bag in the living room, Ashlyn was amazed. Here was a friendly looking older lady, who didn't know a single thing about her, but yet was treating her with such kindness! The American didn't know whether to be suspicious or grateful…. Perhaps she was a bit of both.

"You're being way to kind…" Ashlyn started off as soon as Mrs. Hudson returned and handed her a bundle of fabric.

Mrs. H looked shocked for a moment before she regained her composure and gave her signature friendly smile. "Ah! An American!" Ashlyn then realized this was the first time she's spoken to her rescuer. "It's no problem dear! Not a problem at all." Ashlyn shot a grateful look then started to unravel the piece of fabric in her hand.

"The only thing I had that would most likely fit you was this dress. It's brand new so you don't have to worry about it being dirty." Ashlyn held up the rather pretty dress so she could get a better view.

"Thank you again…" Ashlyn smiled as she folded up the dress again.

"The bathroom is the second door to the left. Please do feel free to take a shower and get all cleaned up. I'll make us a cuppa, a cup of tea," Mrs. Hudson explained after seeing the confused look flash across the younger girls face. She gave a girlish giggle and motioned for Ashlyn to get a move on to clean up.

After getting all cleaned up, Ashlyn joined Mrs. Hudson in the living room, still fiddling with the tightness of the dress. "That dress looks so lovely on you!"

"Thank you…. Although it's a bit tight on the chest…" Ashlyn held back a grimace after readjusting it so her chest wouldn't spill out.

"Ah to be graced with bigger attributes…" While Mrs. Hudson gave her a cheeky smile, Ashlyn tried not to blush in embarrassment. Seeing her weakness, Mrs. Hudson assured her, "Having a larger chest is nothing to be ashamed of my dear. How does that saying go?. 'If you've got it, flaunt it.'" They both laughed. "So where are you from back in the states dear?" Ashlyn was handed a cup of tea.

"Born and raised in Southern California," her gaze focused on the steam rising from the little tea-cup, glad of the change in direction the conversation was going.

"I've always wanted to visit California… I did live in Florida for a bit with my husband," a look of nostalgia passed through her eyes before they refocused.

"England to Florida? That's a bit of a drastic change, isn't it?" The tone of amusement was unmistaken. "Going from what seems like the wettest places to one of the most humid places in America. Ah, I do not envy you for that."

"Yes, it was quite the change in weather! The first week, I thought I was going to melt!" They both shared a laugh. "May I ask what brings you all the way across the pond?"

"Change of scenery really. A little bit of work too, but mainly a change in scenery. California can get extremely dull if you've been there your whole life. So when the opportunity arose, I took it as quickly as I can. Granted I probably should've waited until I found a permanent place to stay-"

Mrs. Hudson was quick to interrupt and offer her a place to stay, "you can stay with me! I have an extra bedroom down here, and I've had such a lovely time talking with you, it would be absolutely my pleasure to have you live here!"

And that's how Ashlyn Carlyle found herself living under the same roof as the world's first and only Consulting Detective, she just didn't know it yet.

A/N

Hey guys, I meant to finish writing this chapter and update it yesterday, but I had my last photography class of the semester last night so the story had to be pushed back! The chapters will start to get longer after Mycroft comes into the picture. And since I forgot to add to the last A/N, there will be quite a bit age gap between Mycroft and Ashlyn. I dont think they say how old he is in the show, but since this is my little thought up imagination world, I'm gonna say hes about 40, and since there's a 7 year age gap between the brothers, Sherlock is 33.

P.s Thank you for those that are now favoriting and following this story! you guys are the coolest. =)