Hello all! Here's another short-ish chapter for you. Thanks to Whisper for the review and to those who have added this to your story alert. It means a lot to know that there are people reading and enjoying this story so far.
Please review and let me know what you think. Thanks, Lee
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Mycroft opened the front door, already knowing it would be unlocked. A soft glow filtered out from under the sitting room door and into the dark hallway. He sighed and hung his coat on the ornate coat-rack, placing his umbrella next to it. He slowly pushed the door open and closed his eyes at the sight before him. The lamp next to the grand leather couch was on and curled up asleep under its glow was Victoria. Mycroft walked over to the cabinet and poured two whiskeys. Taking the crystal glasses in hand he sat next to the woman's sleeping form. At the subtle clink of the tumbler on the glass table Victoria stirred awake.
"Oh gosh, sorry Mycroft" She mumbled as she stretched and sat up. "I only meant to rest a moment. What time is it?"
Mycroft gave her one of his rare genuine smiles and took a sip of his drink.
"It's early."
Victoria rubbed a hand over her face.
"I hope you don't mind that I..."
"I am not bothered or surprised at your being here." He interrupted her kindly. "I take it my brother is being childish?"
Victoria glanced at him before taking the glass off the table and taking a mouthful. She let out a little hiss at the whiskey's burn.
"Sherlock is being exactly how I should have expected him to be."
"So he is being childish."
She laughed and looked into her drink.
"He has every right to be frustrated with me."
Mycroft shook his head softly and took another drink.
"I will talk to him."
Victoria sat up straighter and turned to Mycroft quickly.
"No. Please Mycroft just leave it be."
His lips pursed in thought and he nodded once finishing his drink. His eyes flicked over her.
"You're tired. The guest room is understandably more comfortable than the couch. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish."
She nodded and set her unfinished drink down. "Thank you Mycroft."
He watched her get up and shuffle off to bed.
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The next morning Sherlock walked out of his room and came to an abrupt halt at the sight of his brother sitting in the lounge. He raised his eyebrows for a moment and then walked into the kitchen where John was making tea.
"What is he doing here?" Sherlock muttered, opening the fridge without purpose.
"Says he wants to speak with his... now let me get this right... his imprudent, obdurate, immature younger sibling." John gave Sherlock a swift smile. "I don't know what you've done this time Sherlock but it must be..." John fell silent as Sherlock swiftly exited the kitchen to sit across from his brother. He sat there fingers perched under his chin as he glared at Mycroft.
"She stayed with you last night."
"She needed somewhere to stay after the day she had."
"Oh indeed. Poor little Victoria." Sherlock squinted.
John came in with a tea for Mycroft and frowned at the brothers.
"Victoria?"
Mycroft ignored John and glared at his brother.
"She was absolutely exhausted. What did you say to her Sherlock?" Sherlock tilted his chin up and stared out the window.
"Hang on, is this about yesterday? Is this 'Victoria' the reason I had to listen to your violin screeching all afternoon?" John sat down watching Sherlock for an answer. "You said it was no-one important at the door and then you were in a right mood for the rest of the day."
"It was no-one important." Sherlock snapped.
"Oh for goodness sake Sherlock. I was the one who told her not to say anything to you before she left. I'm the one you should be angry with, not her."
"She has gone against your advice before Mycroft, she chose to listen to you. She knew exactly how I would react."
"Who is she?"
Mycroft stood and stared at his brother. "Yes, who is she Sherlock?"
"Growing up she was our Nanny's daughter, she spent her time following us around and being a nuisance. I believe that categorises her as no-one important."
Mycroft huffed in frustration and turned to John.
"She was the only other child at our family manor and the only other child who ever got along with my brother and I. She left a few years ago on my advice. There is a lot more to this than Sherlock will admit." Mycroft walked out of the room, yelling back to his brother as he walked down the stairs. "Grow up and talk to her Sherlock!"