Edith woke to see the digits on her alarm clock blinking back at her, already 11.17. She allowed herself some time to wake up properly before taking a shower and getting dressed. She pulled her ginger curls back into a tight ponytail and began work on the task ahead. Most of her belongings were still at her family home in Yorkshire, but the stuff she had brought with her seemed to be scattered all round the house. Having managed to fit most of her clothes into one large suitcase along with a few other personal effects, she then decided that she would have a cup of tea and a late lunch.
In the afternoon she made her way back to 221B and settled herself into the second bedroom. By the time she'd finished, the room certainly looked more homely*, with cushions and pictures scattered around. Happy with her day's work, she sat down with a book when Sherlock dashed in. He firstly went into the kitchen but eventually Edith became aware that he was sitting in the squishy black chair next to the fire place.
"Good day?" She asked casually.
"The bullet they found could have been obtained from any country store that sells that type of thing. A lot of guns take them, and that is where ballistics intends to leave it. I'd assumed you had a service revolver, but obviously I was wrong. So why do you have a gun for country sports?"
"It was a 21st birthday present from my dad. He still organises shoots, and he likes for us all to attend. I never had a gun in Afghanistan; I suppose I was only there for three weeks so it wasn't worth training me up." Edith explained.
"But you had a license already, and you're obviously not fazed at all by them. Your hand couldn't have shaken at all."
"Have you spent the whole day pondering over this?" She asked laughingly.
"It's not everyday that you find yourself sharing a flat with someone who can handle a gun well, let alone a woman who can." Sherlock commented. If anyone else had said it Edith would have, at the very least, feigned outrage, but coming from Sherlock, it felt like a commendation. Edith had never received any compliments for her shooting before. Of course everyone commented on the ease and grace that Mary retained, even when shooting.
~x~ Part 2- The Emerald Conundrum/Jade and Emerald/Shades of Green.
The rest of the week passed in a blur. A couple of times she went out with Sherlock to St. Bartholomew's where he was experimenting, but mainly she stayed at 221B. She had already become accustomed to her new home and since she'd had a week to firmly make her mind up she decided to call home to ask what to do about Grantham House.
"Sister, dear!" Edith exclaimed as Mary answered the phone. Sherlock smirked at the greeting, before slinking out of the room.
"You sound cheerful."
"I was hoping to speak to Mum."
"She's just here, but after you've spoken with her I've got some news regarding E.N" Mary passed the phone over.
"Hello darling." Cora greeted Edith. "How are you?"
"I'm fine. How are you, and daddy?"
"We are all well. It's nice having your sister home again."
"Talking of home," Edith quickly interjected before her mother started telling her all about Mary, "I've found myself a flat share, so I was wondering what to do about Grantham house."
"A flat share? Edith, are you sure that that is a good idea?"
"Mum, it's great! I get on really well with Sherlock, and I can help him with his work. Plus it keeps me busy, and Dad can tell you that keeping your brain active was one of the things that the Psychiatrist suggested."
"You're living with a man, unmarried?"
"Oh, please, this is the twenty first century, and Mrs Hudson, our landlady keeps us well looked after. She's like the Mrs Hughes of 221B Baker Street, except she'll protest that she's not a housekeeper. She wouldn't let anything untoward happen."
"Edith." Her mother sounded worried.
"Mum, truly it's fine. I've been here a week now, and I love it!"
"Well, I'll need to speak with your father about the house. I think he has business in London in a few weeks. Mary is standing here signalling for me to give her the phone, so I'll call you another time. Is it better to call your mobile?"
"Yeah, otherwise you'd have to go through Mrs Hudson."
"Okay darling. Look after yourself."
"What the hell was that about? You were talking for ages and Mum now looks terrified." Mary was back on the line.
"I told her that I've got a flat share."
"A what?"
"Flat share. You know, where two people move in together to avoid paying more rent."
"That makes perfect sense when you can live at home for free. Anyway, Evelyn Napier called me yesterday and asked if I was in London. I told him that I wasn't but you were. Apparently his date has stood him up, and they were going to some play or opera or something. I thought you wouldn't mind. The only problem is that I told him you were at Grantham House. I'll have to call him. What is your new address?"
"221B Baker Street. It's next to Speedy's café so you can't miss it!"
"Okay, darling I'll tell him."
"Mary, wait! When is it?"
"Tonight. You'll be ready, won't you?"
"You could have given me some notice!" Edith glanced at the clock. "It's nearly twelve now!"
"As you well know, I am not a morning person. That was always Sybil's trait. Anyway…" Mary lapsed into the details of the evening and Edith quickly jotted a few things down on the back of an envelope, along with Evelyn's mobile number. It was good to have a night out to look forward to, but Mary did like dropping her in it sometimes.
TBC...
*By homely I mean cozy and comfortable. EOlivet and I were debating the meaning!
Thank you to The Arcticourt Spellwright for the review! :)
