Charlotte strolled elegantly down the streets of London. She let the breeze waft over her, bringing the smell of warm chocolate from a nearby sweets shop. She carried a white lace parasol in her right hand, shielding her from the unforgiving sun. Her hair was piled into a loose bun and she was dressed in a blue silk dress. She was on her way to 221B Baker Street to spend the rest of the day at home with her brother. He was in a fowl mood this morning so she decided to take a walk to get peace and quiet for a little while. Charlotte wanted to cheer him up, so she made a turn and stepped into the shop. Chocolates, caramel, toffee apples, fudge, cakes, and scones of all kinds were arranged artfully under the glass counter. A man with ice blonde hair and striking silver eyes stood behind the counter, grinning when she walked in.
"Good day, Miss Holmes." he greeted. She grinned back at him.
"A good day to you, too, ."
Gabriel Woodrow was the same age as Charlotte and Sherlock, and had grown up in the same town as them when they were children. Charlotte would come to the little shop to visit her friend at least once a week.
"What can I help you with?" he asked, his deep voice sounding warm and silky like the chocolates displayed around him.
"Hmm. Well, Sherlock hasn't been himself. I thought I would get him some sweets. I pray it will possibly make it a little less unbearable to be around him."
Gabriel nodded thoughtfully. He grinned and turned to the counter.
"I have just the thing. We made a fresh batch of raspberry scones. He fancies those if I'm not mistaken."
Charlotte nodded. "Some of those." she said, pulling out her change purse. "How have you been?" she asked him. He raised an eyebrow as he slid the scones into a red pastel colored bag with gold lettering, Woodrow Confectionery. He rolled the bag closed and pulled out a small box as well.
"I have been well. And you?"
"As well as I'll ever be with Sherlock on the loose." She handed the amount of money she knew to pay. He handed her the bag and box. Her eyebrows knit together at the extra handed to her. "Mr. Woodrow, I didn't-"
"I know," he interrupted. "It's a gift."
She beamed at him. "Thank you very much. Goodbye Mr. Woodrow."
"Goodbye." he chuckled. He watched her turn and leave, the small bell above the door twinkling as she left.
"Charlotte." he whispered lovingly.
"Did I just pass Irene Adler?" Charlotte shrieked as she burst into the room containing her brother and Watson. Her eyes were wide, her hands clutching the parasol and sweets.
"It appears you did." Watson supplied. She threw her parasol to the side, grumbling.
"I didn't catch that, my dear. What did you say?" Holmes asked because of her mumbling.
"I said. Why can't she just go and drown in the Thames. You know I despise her!" The tone of her voice slightly scared Holmes. It sounded as cool as ice, but burned with flames from the deepest pit in Hell.
"You've been out to see Woodrow?" Watson asked her, temporarily distracting her from the woman she had just seen. Sherlock sent a thankful look, since he hadn't planned on dying at the mercy of his sibling.
"Yes, and I brought back scones. But...It seems Sherlock has had his fill of something sweet." she wryly seethed.
"What flavor?" Sherlock approached her.
"Raspberry."
"Ah, but you do not only have scones. It seems Woodrow slipped you a little present."
Charlotte glared at him, throwing the bag into his awaiting hands. She approached the small table that Watson sat next to. She wrinkled her nose at the photograph along with the Missing Person report. She sat down her mystery sweets on the table.
"Sherlock? Are you going after a ginger dwarf?" She picked up the file and read it over.
"I see. Adler wants to find him. I guess you're not her type." she smirked.
"I said the same thing." Watson laughed. She looked at her friend and rolled her eyes.
"Yes well, this man intrigues me, you two. He's got Adler on edge." Sherlock huffed. "And by the way, he is a midget."
"Which is no mean feat."
"She's intimidated. She's scared of him."
"Yet she works for him."
"Right."
"It's nothing to do with me..." Watson casually said, inspecting his fingernails, "but I advise you leave the case alone."
"Well I may not have a choice. After all, I may be paying rent on my own, thanks to you." Sherlock picked up his violin's bow and pointed it at Watson's face.
"Get that out of my face."
"It's not in your face. It's in my hand."
"Get what's in your hand out of my face."
Charlotte giggled and went to answer the door when there came knocking at it. She pulled it open to Clarkie. He took off his hat and smiled.
"Miss Holmes."
She returned his smile
"Mr. Holmes."
"Clarkie!" her brother answered.
The man nervously walked fully into the room. "Sir, Inspector Lastrade asks that you come with me at once."
"What's he done now, lost his way to Scotland Yard? Watson, grab a compass. 'You' means 'us'." Sherlock laughed.
"No, 'you' means you."
"It's Lord Blackwood sir. He uh...it appears he's come back from the grave sir." Clarkie interrupted. Charlotte tensed behind him in fear.
You serve a great role in this story. No, I would have passed you up and chosen the female by your side. The man's words echoed in her head. Sherlock propped the bow against his forehead, thinking. After a moment or two, he sat forwards and placed it in his lap.
"Most engaging." he muttered.
"Very clever. I pronounced the man dead myself." Watson accused. Clarkie shifted uncomfortably.
"What are the facts?" her brother asked him.
"Groundskeeper claims he saw him walking through the graveyard just this morning."
"I'll leave this is in your capable hands." Watson leaned over and patted Sherlock's leg. "I have an appointment with Mary."
"It's not my reputation that's at stake here."
"Don't try that!" Watson pointed a finger at Holmes. Charlotte walked around Clarkie and took the seat that Watson just left, holding her head in her hands.
"The newspapers got wind of it?" Holmes asked.
"That's what we're trying to avoid." Clarkie informed.
"Certainly. What's the major concern?"
"Panic. Sheer bloody panic,sir."
"Indeed."
"You're not taking this seriously, are you Holmes?" Watson asked, sitting on the edge of the desk at the other end of the room.
"Yes, as you should." Holmes stood up. Watson opened and closed his mouth, making a noise of confusion.
"It's a matter of professional integrity. No girl wants to marry a doctor who can't tell if a man's dead or not."
Charlotte laughed and shook her head.
"What? Don't you agree? Get up Lottie, we have work to do." He said, patting her head. She stood up and swatted him away.
"Oh no you don't! You can drag John back into this, but not me! I have other things I would rather attend to." She walked back over to the door and picked up her discarded parasol and chose a flowery hat that matched her dress.
"Going for a stroll? Do you truly think it wise to go alone?" Holmes asked her.
"Oh, I won't be alone. I'm going to drop by Woodrow's during his break. At least in his company, I won't have to examine decaying corpses." she huffed, arranging the hat on her head perfectly. She strode back over to the table and opened the box Gabriel had given her, and smiled. Chocolate covered cherries. She left them where they were and maneuvered around Clarkie.
"Aren't you going to eat any?" Watson asked.
"I am not hungry, but it is kind to thank someone for a gift. I won't make a fool of myself by not even knowing what I was given. Have fun you three. Tell me of any reanimated bodies that you see." she called to them and slammed the door behind her.
"Back so soon?" Gabriel asked as she waltzed in through the door.
"I was wondering if you would care for a stroll whilst on your break."
He grinned. She had come in just as he was about to leave for an hour or two while his sister took over. He had his hat in hand and his coat on.
"Caught me just in the nick of time. I would love some fresh air. Shall we?" He walked past her and opened the door, placing the black hat in his head. She walked through the door and he followed her. He extended his arm to her and she linked their arms together.
"Holmes still in such a foul mood that you were driven to visit me?" He mused.
"I admit it may be part of it, but I also wanted to thank you. Chocolate cherries always make him less aggravating."
"Glad I could help." He chuckled as they weaved past people rushing past. Charlotte carefully opened her parasol and held it slightly above her head. She gazed at Gabriel from the corner of her eyes. Sure, he wasn't like Watson. He didn't have smart come backs or witty remarks, but he was kind and handsome. He always went out of his way to ask how her day was if he passed her on the streets. Gabriel knew how to read her emotions and he always saw past her facade. He wasn't Watson, but she still cared for him. She examined his face, raking her eyes over his profile. He had a strong jaw and perfect bone structure. His lips looked soft and warm and the line of his nose was straight.
"Is there something on my face?" His voice broke her from her thoughts. She looked down and shook her head, at a loss for words. He just laughed.
"Cat got your tongue, Charlotte?"
"No, Gabriel." she ground out. He sighed and pulled her closer as they bustling in the streets became thicker with more people scurrying about. He was warm against her, making her tilt her head so her hat hid her blush. She looked up to see a familiar figure walking towards Madison and Haig Pawn Shop. Her eyebrows furrowed as Holmes was followed by Watson. Gabriel noticed them as well.
"He doesn't seem to be in a horrid mood." he muttered.
"It's not that. He was supposed to be at the cemetery, not here. Oh, I guess I must see what he is doing now." She turned to Gabriel and smiled.
"Would you mind terribly if I go to him?" she asked a bit nervously.
"Of course not. I hope fate will have us meet again." He bowed slightly towards her and she laughed.
"Thank you."
He pulled her arm from his gently and kissed her knuckles. He tilted his hand and turned, walking away. Once he was gone, she scurried after her brother. He was standing next to Watson, whose hand was firmly grasped in the hand of a haggard gypsy lady.
"What of the warts?" Holmes was shouting.
"She's covered in warts." the lady rasped.
"Enough." Watson was pleading.
"Are they extensive?" Holmes bellowed.
"Please enough!" Watson shouted, quieting the lady. The woman brought a pipe to her mouth as she stared down Charlotte's friend.
"That's the most apt prediction Flora has made in years." Holmes walked closer to Watson. Flora nodded in agreement.
"And precisely the reason you can't find a suitable ring."
Charlotte was a foot behind them and crossed her arms, waiting to see how it played out, her actors unknowing of her presence. She saw Watson's eyes flicker to the engagement rings sign in the window behind Sherlock's head.
"Do you have my money?" he asked.
"You are terrified of a life without the thrill of the macabre."
"Do you have my money from the flight?"
"Admit it. Admit it!"
"Give me my money!" Watson bellowed. Charlotte flinched slightly. "Holmes."
Holmes followed Watson's gaze to the sign. "I see." He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the money, handing it to Watson. He kept one piece and gave him the rest.
"Thank you." he said in anger, walking into the shop.
"Must you always antagonize him like that." Charlotte whispered.
"I was unaware of your presence my dear. How is Gabriel?"
"He is fine."
"Have a good time?"
"It would have been more pleasant if I hadn't had to leave him to see what my darling brother was doing." She hissed. Charlotte closed her parasol and turned, following Watson inside of the shop. She found him leaning over a glass counter,looking at a large selection of rings.
"I'm sorry about my brother." she said as she rested a hand on his elbow.
"He is just being stubborn." he muttered. She laughed quietly.
"I think he just doesn't want to feel alone. You have Mary," she said in sadness," and I will be moving shortly."
He looked up at her and raised an eyebrow. "Has Woodrow wormed his way into your heart?"
"I wouldn't say that, but I am hoping one day we may start a family." she whispered.
"There is something holding you back from telling him how you feel. I can see it in your eyes."
She laughed again. "Am I truly an open book to you? I really should practice then."
"Tell me what is wrong, Charlotte."
"It is nothing."
"Lottie." He warned in exasperation. He rarely ever used her nickname, only using it when he wanted something out of her.
"I am scared." she confessed.
"Of what?"
"Heartache. I saw what happened when the rift overcame my parents. I remember how Mother cried. I don't want my love to end in disaster." she said, telling him only half of the truth. The part she didn't tell him is that she wished he would rid of Mary and notice her. He opened his mouth to say something, but she interrupted him.
"If my opinion counts, which I know it does, Mary will love this one." She pointed through the glass at gold ring with a circular ruby set in a ring of diamonds. He didn't look at it right away, gazing at her with eyes full of concern. He glanced down at it.
"I believe she will." He paid the cashier and nodded his head in thanks as the ring was handed over to him. As they walked outside, Watson grabbed hold of Charlotte's arm.
"Not all marriages end as your parents' did." He advised. She nodded to herself and opened her parasol.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Charlotte covered her nose so she would not gag at the odors wafting in the air around them. Only moments ago, they had broken into the home of what was once the ginger midget's home. Dead pigs lie on tables and a copper pot was filled with dead frogs. She walked along side her brother, hiding her face in his shoulder.
" Ammonium sulfate, among other aromas. Phosphorus." He walked around the room as Watson and Charlotte looked from a distance, not wanting to go near anything with flies buzzing around it.
"Formaldehyde." He looked through the glass containers and used a wip to lift up papers from a round stone with scorch marks covering it. She stayed in the middle of the room as Watson did a once over of the papers lining the walls.
"It looks like he was attempting to combine some kind of sorcery and scientific formula." he muttered. Charlotte cringed at the disturbing monsters carved into the wall's woodwork. Her brother walked over to a pile of burnt files and picked them up.
"More importantly, let's see what he was trying to dispose of. Potassium, magnesium." He lay the papers in front of Watson.
"Sultaphytic acid."
"It'll suck the iron right out of the ink as long as it's not too burnt."
Watson fetched a fresh piece of paper. Charlotte closed her eyes in frustration. She had left with Gabriel to avoid having to tag along, and in the end it hadn't made a difference besides spending time with him. She ignored their talking, letting Holmes pull her from the room once the two had finished investigating.
"That's one odor I can't put my finger on." Holmes said as the three looked down at a table, facing away from the door.
"Is it candy floss? Molasses?"
Charlotte sniffed the air and shrugged. "Maple syrup?" they said in unison. Watson was looking behind them.
"Barley sugar."
"Toffee apple." Watson informed, turning around and facing the door. The sibling turned to see to men standing in the doorway. True enough, one was chomping away at an apple, the other, though, was holding a tin can of oil.
"Let me guess. Judging by your arsenic tool kit, you're here to burn down the building and extinguish all evidence therein."
"Just one minute, boys. Darling." said the one holding the can. Charlotte wrinkled her nose at their lack of hygiene. "Oh, Dredger!" he called. The three tensed as they heard, as well as felt, heavy footfalls approaching. A large man with scars covering his face and shaved head marched in. He was a good four feet taller than Charlotte. He spoke in French, confusing Charlotte. While Sherlock had studied French, Charlotte chose to learn Russian, which did come in handy. Holmes pointed the whip at the man.
"Meat or potatoes?"
"I'm going home after this." Charlotte hissed.
"My ten minutes are up." Watson glared at her brother. He threw off his hat and hit the man coming at him in the eyes, forcing his backwards. The largest man went after Holmes, rolling up his sleeves. The man set down his can and proceeded towards her.
"Be a good girl, poppet. And I won't hurt you." He cackled. She smirked and daintily pulled off her hat, setting on the table behind her. She smiled sweetly as he came at her. She brought up her parasol and swung it around with such speed, it whizzed in the air. It cracked the man in his ear, a shout of pain bellowed from deep within his chest. He threw a clumsy punch at her, which she dodged and hit him again on the head. While he was in shock, she ran at him and rammed the blunt end of her parasol at his chest, so as not to pierce him. She then whacked him in the neck, making him pass out. She made a little giggle as the man fighting Watson gaped at her. This gave Watson the advantage, letting him hit the man in his eye. He howled in pain and turned on Watson. Charlotte looked over to her brother as he was lifted into the air and thrown over a table. She smirked and examined her nails as she waited for them to either finish, or for her opponent to awaken.
Her head shot up in shock as the Frenchman was thrown back in the air and propelled through a set of doors and out of the room. She gaped at her brother, who was holding a metal gadget. She raised an eyebrow and he shrugged. Everything went still as everyone look at him. The fight came alive once more as Watson kicked off from a table and pushed his attacker away. The man at Charlotte's feet groaned and staggered to his feet. She grinned at him. His eyes widened and he held up his hands in defeat. She cracked her neck from left to right before advancing on him. He somehow got his hands around her neck and was choking her, his muscular hand wringing her dainty neck. She gasped and scratched at his hands in vain. Watson hand his arms ready to slice a gash in his opponents head with a found sword, but he had a blade to his throat. Just when she thought she would pass out, out of no where the Frenchman was flying in the air again and knock the man from her and the one from Watson. She gulped in much needed air as the two stared at Holmes as he blew steam from the metal object.
"Holmes. What is that?" Watson puffed.
"I don't know." he said, in French. That was the only phrase Charlotte knew, for Holmes used it around her immensely as excuses as to why her petticoats went missing. She later found out from Watson that he had women over now and again whose own were torn in Holmes's passion. The Dredger jumped out of the window at that moment, Holmes quick to follow. Watson groaned as he realized his ring was missing and he had next to no hope of finding it. He ran after Holmes, leaving Charlotte alone. She picked up her parasol, frowning at the large bend in the wood.
"Damn. I dented it on that fools swollen head." She found her hat and arranged it on her head. Her neck was throbbing with a dull pain. She quietly left the building and traveled all the way back to Woodrow's shop. The bell rang once again as she entered. Gabriel was behind the counter, helping a lady and her husband pick out sweets to enjoy on their day out. As they payed for the goods, he called out to her.
"Three times in one day. That is a record. I'm starting to feel special." His voice was amused. She rolled her eyes and collapsed into a chair provided. Sometimes customers would enjoy their sweets inside the warm and brightly lit shop, so Gabriel had put out chairs and tables for them. She closed her eyes.
"He will be the death of me, Gabriel." She ignored the sniff of the woman in the room, not approving of the informal way she addressed the man. Gabriel ignored her too and fully took in Charlotte.
"By God! Whatever happened to your neck?" He exclaimed, rushing around the counter and sitting next to her. His sister, Grace, shooed the couple out of the shop and turned the sign so the shop was closed. She smiled at Charlotte, going back to give her and Gabriel privacy. Charlotte smiled thankfully at her.
"Well, Sherlock decided to inspect this dead man's home for clue. Three men came to torch it and get rid of evidence. I knocked one out, but when he was revived, he somehow got a hold of me. Thankfully Sherlock somehow managed to get him off of me for good."
"Should you see a doctor?" he asked, standing. He went back behind the counter and poured two mugs of some steaming liquid.
"I'll be alright. Thank you though."
He slid into the chair again and handed her a mug. She gazed at the thick and creamy brown liquid.
"Hot chocolate?"
He laughed and winked at her. "It's special. Just try it."
Charlotte complied and brought the porcelain to her lips.
"It has caramel." she announced warmly after it slid down her aching throat.
"Indeed."
He placed his hand over hers on the table, gently squeezing it. "Are you sure you are alright?"
"If you must know..." she started, looking into his silver eyes. Her face softened and she lost her serious tone. "I am much better in your company."
He beamed at her. "Glad to hear it."
She took another sip of her drink as the door burst open. A disheveled Watson limped in with Mary, dressed in black, gliding in behind him.
"I thought I would find you here." He rounded on her, his eyes slightly wild.
"John? Are you alright?"
"No I am not. That thing you call your brother got us arrested! I am lucky. Mary got me out. It is all up to you as when to bail him."
"I'd rather let him rot for a while. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be sore and have a broken parasol."
Watson stared at her for a minute. "You need me to take a look at your neck. It's bruising awfully!" he exclaimed. Her eyes shot to Gabriel
"Why didn't you say something?" she screeched. He lifted his hands in defense.
"I asked if you were to see a doctor. I think you look fine, even with a neck black and blue."
She sighed and smiled to herself, drinking more hot chocolate.
"Go home John. I'll be fine."
John gaped at her in astonishment. He turned to Mary for help. She shrugged and smiled kindly at Charlotte. Mary took Watson's hand and pulled it a little.
"Come. Charlotte is in good hands."
As she pulled him from the shop, Watson's eyes never left her. Gabriel sighed.
"Well, since the shop has been closed early, why don't we go to the park?" he suggested.
"I would like that."
Don't lose hope on Watson and Charlotte! XD This is setting up later chapters that pull them closer together. Please review!