Seasons greetings everyone! Sorry I have updated in a while, but I've been busy. I hope that you all enjoy this chapter. The next chapter should be along shortly (shortly meaning whenever I get it back from my beta. I love you georgie d!) Anyway enough of this banter. On with the story!
-EMMA-
As the weeks went by, invitations for our wedding went out and June 11th drew closer and closer. The last two weeks in May, Hannah and I traveled to North Riding in order to help oversee the preparations. Since Sherlock and Watson were engaged on a case, they, as well as Mary, would follow us the next week.
The train ride to Yorkshire was hectic. Hannah, being two-years-old, was full of energy. She bounced about the compartment looking at everything. She almost got out and tried to run down the corridor, but I grabbed her before she got out the door. She didn't settle down even then. She continued to try and escape from the compartment.
I was never so happy to hear the sound of the train's whistle as it pulled into the station. I opened the door of the compartment and was helped out by a porter. I turned and picked Hannah up.
"Emma!"
I turned and saw Uncle Siger on the platform. He came over to us and took Hannah from me while I pushed loose strands of my hair out of my face.
"A little frazzled Emma?"
"Yes. Hopefully by the time we get to North Riding she'll be ready for her nap."
"Uh-ah," Hannah said. "I play all day."
"Oh really?" Uncle Siger asked. "You know that there's someone at my home that would love to meet you."
"Who?" Hannah asked.
"Her name is Diana and she's about your age."
"Weally?"
"Oh yes. Shall we go meet her?"
"Yes."
I smiled as Uncle Siger handed me into the carriage. Uncle Siger helped Hannah into the carriage. She climbed into my lap as Uncle Siger climbed in the carriage. The coachman whipped up the horses and we were off.
Hannah had never been to the English countryside. She stared out the window as the Yorkshire country passed by. She pointed to animals, buildings, and people and asked who or what they were. Uncle Siger answered her questions with the same patience that he had shown me when I was a child.
By the time we reached North Riding, Hannah was still full of energy. Uncle Siger couldn't help but smile as Hannah ran about the driveway. I could only shake my head. The front door opened and Aunt Violet stepped out with Diana behind her.
Diana and Hannah locked eyes. Hannah immediately came to me and took my hand.
"Who that?" she asked as she pointed to Diana.
"That's Diana. Why don't you go and say hello?"
Hannah let go of my hand and walked over to Aunt Violet. Diana shrank behind Aunt Violet's skirts.
"Hello," Hannah said to Diana.
"Hello," Diana said in a small, quiet voice.
"My name is Hannah. What's yours?"
"Diana. That's Miss Callaway isn't it, Grandmamma?"
"Yes, sweetling. Well come in all of you," Aunt Violet called to Uncle Siger and me. "We have a wedding to plan."
Hannah followed Aunt Violet and Diana into the house while Uncle Siger and I brought the rear.
"More like your mother and my wife have planned it all,' Uncle Siger whispered into my ear.
The moment I walked into the house, I felt like I was going to faint. There were boxes everywhere. Some boxes opened and overflowing with packaging material, while others were still sealed. The staff was bustling about the entryway and the main hall.
"What is all of this?" I asked Aunt Violet.
"This is all for your wedding, dear. Eleanor and I took the liberty of making a few trips to London in the last few weeks. Picking out china patterns, fabric colors, flowers, and arranging for the refreshments for the guests."
"You two have been busier than bees in a beehive. I thought that Sherlock and I made it clear that this was not to be a large wedding. We wanted it to be small."
"Emma, you can't expect the children of country squires to get married and not have a huge fuss made about it," Aunt Violet said.
"I think I need to sit down."
"Of course, dear," Aunt Violet said. "Martha, would you take the girls to the nursery?"
The nursemaid, Martha, nodded and took Diana by the hand. Hannah was unsure of what to do. She looked at me. I nodded and motioned for her to go with Martha. Hannah went to Martha and took her other hand. As the girls went up to the nursery, Uncle Siger, Aunt Violet, and I went into the parlor.
"I never realized that taking care of a two-year-old was so trying. How did you do it?" I asked falling, rather than sitting on the couch.
"It wasn't easy," Uncle Siger said.
"It never is," Aunt Violet said in agreement. "Every child is different. Sherrinford was a very independent child. Calantha was a very social child. Mycroft was a lonely child. Sherlock was like his brothers but he was a bit more sociable than Mycroft."
"I suppose that is true. I remember Nicholas was a very active and adventurous boy. I was a more of a stay at home child," I mused.
"Emma, when is Sherlock supposed to be here? I thought he would come down with you and Hannah," Aunt Violet asked.
"He'll be down sometime next week. He and Dr. Watson have loose ends to tie up in London. They'll come up with Dr. Watson's wife as soon as they have finished."
I couldn't wait until Sherlock came with Watson and Mary. Mother and Aunt Violet had continually bombarded me with the little details that seemed to go with planning a wedding. I vowed that if any children of mine got married, I would not be so meticulous about such things.
I had just walked into the main hall when Sherlock entered the house. Watson and Mary were flanked on either side of him. I practically ran into the arms of the man I loved.
"Emma, what's wrong?" Sherlock asked.
"I'm just so happy to see you. All of you. You wouldn't believe what I have been through."
Before Sherlock could answer, Aunt Violet walked in.
"Oh Sherlock I'm glad you're here. Your bride and I have been at odds."
"Really? About what?"
"The location of the ceremony. Emma wants it in the garden. I want it on the front yard. What do you think?"
Sherlock thought for several moments. "I agree with Emma. The garden is large enough to accommodate the wedding party and guests."
"It's not big enough," Aunt Violet protested.
"Mother, how many people did you invite?" Sherlock asked.
"About 150 people."
"150!" Sherlock and I cried simultaneously.
"Of course," Aunt Violet said. "You don't expect Eleanor and me to neglect friends and close and distant relations."
"We would have preferred close friends and relations. Not all this pomp and circumstance," Sherlock said.
"Whether you two want it or not, there will be pomp and circumstance, mark my words," Aunt Violet replied. "Now about the engagement ball."
The engagement ball had been planned for the 10th of June. It would be the last time I would be able to see Sherlock before our wedding. We spent to better part of the ball together. At the end of the ball we parted at the top of the staircase with an innocent kiss, before we went to our separate bedrooms. I found Calantha and Virginia waiting for me in front of my bedroom door.
"What is this all about?" I asked.
"Virginia and I decided that you shouldn't be alone tonight," Calantha said. "Sherrinford and Mycroft are staying up with Sherlock."
"Mama!"
We turned to see Diana, Thomas, and Hannah coming from the direction of the nursery. Diana and Hannah were trying to keep up with Thomas, who was two years older than they. Diana and Thomas went to their mother, while Hannah came to me. I lifted Hannah up and balanced her on my hip.
"Mama. May we stay up with you and Papa?" Thomas asked Virginia.
Virginia looked to Calantha and me. "I don't see any harm in it," I said. "They probably fall asleep before the night is out."
"No we won't," Thomas said. "We're going to stay up all night."
"I'm sure you will Thomas," Calantha said. "Come on. You're going to go spend some time with Papa, Uncle Mycroft, and Uncle Sherlock."
Calantha took her nephew by the hand and walked with him to where the men were for the night. Virginia and I took the girls into my room. On my bed were three nightdresses. I recognized mine and took the other two to be Virginia's and Calantha's. Virginia and I dressed for bed and sat with the girls. Calantha returned a short time later.
"I hope after we're married Sherlock will relax a little. He's has been so busy lately, that I worry about his health. He keeps having to reassure me that he isn't working too hard, but I'm still worried that he'll have another break down." I didn't bother keeping the concern out of my voice as I spoke.
"Sherlock does have a tendency to overwork himself. I remember once while he was at school he overworked himself and became very ill. Mother was in a spin of worry." There was a knock at the door. "Who is it?" Calantha called.
"It's Mary."
Calantha opened the door for Mary who was also clad in her nightgown. "Is this a private party?" she asked.
"Do come in Mary," I said. "I'm glad to have a friend who isn't about to become a relative of mine." Calantha took a pillow from my bed and threw it at me.
"I see," said Mary. "John decided to go and stay up with Mr. Holmes. I thought I would come and offer you similar company."
"Thank you, Mary. I'm so nervous."
"We all are," Calantha said. "I must that I though that I'd never see the day that my baby brother would final settle down."
"Even I was surprised," Mary replied. "Mr. Holmes never struck me as a man who thought marriage was of any importance."
"I suppose that is true," I uttered. "But Sherlock and I have been through so much together these last two years that this union between us seemed to be."
"I should say so," Mary declared, "finding each other accidentally in the backstage area of the Savoy, the Irene Adler papers affair, the brawl at the Irish Rose…"
"Brawl?" Virginia asked in alarm.
"Please do not ask," I answered and nodded for Mary to continue.
"Tricking Mr. Holmes into going to Vienna, solving a mystery, finally admitting your feelings for one another, bringing me to Vienna to see John, and now adopting a child. I think, Emma, that the two of you were meant for each other."
"Mama," a little voice said from my lap.
I looked down at Hannah. She sat there and played with my engagement ring. She turned her head up to me. "Mama," she repeated.
I smiled and held the girl, who would one day be my eldest child, closer to my body. She yawned and snuggled against me. I looked over toward Virginia. Diana had also fallen asleep in her mother's lap. I couldn't help but yawn myself.
"I think sleep is in order for all of us," Virginia said, quietly. "We all have a big day ahead of us."
I nodded and laid back on my bed with Hannah snuggled against me. I felt the weight of a blanket draped over me as I fell deeper into the arms of Morpheus.
The next morning the entire household was up and about earlier than usual. The day promised to be sunny and warm. Birds chirped and bees hummed as the start of another summer day began. The sun shone on the grassy dew and gave the impression of diamonds covering the land.
Hannah and Diana were taken back to the nursery in order to get ready for the ceremony this afternoon. Virginia, Calantha, and Mary took their breakfast with me in my room. Promptly after breakfast they ordered me into the bathroom in order to bathe. They in the mean time began to dress themselves for the wedding.
When I immerged from the steaming bathroom, my three attendants immediately set upon me. Mary helped me into my corset while Virginia and Calantha laid out my dress and veil. After I was dressed, they set themselves to work on my hair.
There was a knock at my door. Mary and Virginia ducked me behind the changing screen, while Calantha answered the door.
"What are you two doing?" I asked.
"If it's your husband to be, he can't see you until the ceremony," Virginia said.
"And why not?"
"Because it is bad luck."
"Oh really you two. Calantha who is it?"
"It is your mother and soon to be mother-in-law," my future sister-in-law replied.
I stepped out from behind the screen. Mother and Aunt Violet were standing with Calantha by my window.
"Emma, my dear you look beautiful," Mother said, taking my hands.
"Thank you, Mother."
"Oh my God," Calantha cried motioning for me to come to the window. "Emma you should see this."
Mother, Virginia, Mary, and I went the window. Calantha pointed out the window towards the lawn. There were representatives from four different nations on the lawn of my soon-to-be-parents-in-law.
"Good Heavens!" Mary cried out.
"Who are they?" Virginia asked.
"Representatives from nations that Sherlock has helped. The Scandinavian royal family, The Bohemian royal family, the French government, and our own British government," I replied very irate.
"But, are they doing here?" Aunt Violet asked.
"I suspect that Mycroft might have had a hand in all of this. Calantha would you be so kind as to go and tell your dear brother that I wish to see his august personage at this very instant?"
Calantha nodded and left to fetch her brother. I paced up and down, occasionally stopping to look out the window. When the door opened and Sherlock walked in followed by Calantha and Mycroft.
"I'm sorry, Emma, but I couldn't stop him," Calantha said as Sherlock came up to the window.
"Oh forget the bad luck fairytale. All of you. I don't believe in it."
"And neither do I," Sherlock said. "Now what's this I hear about foreign diplomats doing at our wedding?" He shot a glance at his elder brother.
Mycroft didn't make eye contact with him or me. He simply stared out the window at the band of people outside. "I am afraid that it is a state secret of the highest priority," he replied.
"State secret my left boot!" I snapped. "Mycroft this marriage should have been kept a state secret. We only wanted family and friends at this ceremony, not the entire continent of Europe."
"My dear Emma it is far from the entire continent. Only a selected few countries that Sherlock has been kind enough to offer his services to."
I sank into a nearby chair with my head in my hands. "Oh Lord in heaven how much more complicated could this day get?"
"Mycroft is this all that you have done?" Sherlock asked. "Or this there, as I suspect there is, more?"
"The subject of your marriage did come up at a meeting with the queen," Mycroft stated still looking out the window.
"The queen?" the rest of shouted in unison.
"I'm afraid so. Nothing escapes Her Majesty's notice, especially when it comes to her most faithful of subjects. Sherlock, you and Emma have done many great services to your country."
"But I haven't done anything worth such a distinction," I protested.
"You made the queen laugh. Her Majesty remembers you from the Savoy theatre."
"Mycroft how could she know that Adeline Carmichael and I were the same person?"
"Your friend, Nigel Green, or should I say Michael Winters, has many influential relations in the country. His father, Lord Winters to say the least."
"But what does any of this have to do with our marriage?" Sherlock asked.
"The queen wanted to thank you, which is why she arranged for these delegates to be here today."
"Mycroft," Sherlock said with a cheeky smile. "You've just given away the state secret of the highest priority."
We all laughed heartily. Mycroft's eyes narrowed and kept looking out the window. "Sherlock I believe that we should leave your bride to finish her preparations," he replied in a gruff tone.
"You look gorgeous," Sherlock said quietly.
"Thank you," I kissed his cheek.
He smiled and kissed my forehead before following his brother out the door. Uncle Siger met his son at the door.
"Sherlock, we'll be ready to start soon," Uncle Siger said.
Sherlock nodded to his father. Uncle Siger moved to allow Sherlock to get by, before he came into my room.
"Emma," Mother said. "I wanted to tell you how proud of you I am. I think that you and Sherlock will have many long and happy years together."
"Thank you, Mother." I said wiping a tear from my eye.
"You seem sad, my child."
"I just wish that Father would put aside our differences to come and be at the wedding."
"Your father has always been a stubborn man. He's been that way since before we were married. Once he sets his mind to something, he'll stay with it."
"I somehow feel that he doesn't love me."
"He does love you. But he became a broken man after Nicholas' death and when you left. Emma, please don't be sad. This is supposed to be a happy day. You and Sherlock are beginning a new chapter of your lives today. Now let me see you smile." I looked up and smiled at her. "That's the daughter I remember raising."
"Emma it's time," Uncle Siger said.
I exhaled deeply and nodded. Mother filed out the door with Aunt Violet, Calantha, Mary, and Virginia, leaving Uncle Siger and I alone.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
"Yes. I am. Uncle Siger."
"My dear?"
"Thank you for giving me away." I kissed his cheek and he blushed.
"None of that. You should save that for my son."
I laughed. He put my veil over my face and offered me his arm. I picked my bouquet and took his arm. He opened the door for me and we were on our way.
I stepped out onto the lawn. So many familiar faces were in the seats. I could see Inspectors Gregson, Lestrade, Bradstreet, and Hopkins. The Baker Street Irregulars were there as well, in their very best, though they chaffed at being clean and dressed for the occasion. Mrs. Hudson sat with my mother and Aunt Violet. Members of my father's old regiment formed an aisle all the way down to the altar, where Sherlock stood waiting for me. Mycroft, Sherrinford, Watson, and little Thomas, who held the pillow upon which the rings lay, stood at his side. Calantha, Virginia, and Mary stood with Hannah and Diana on the left side of the altar.
"Who gives this woman to this man?" the vicar, the Reverend Chester Smythe-White asked.
"I, Sir Siger Holmes, this woman's godfather, do." Uncle Siger took my hand and gave it to Sherlock.
I took a step closer to the altar and began the next stage of my life. The vicar cleared his throat and opened his prayer book.
"Dearly beloved: we have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. God established the bond and covenant of marriage in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.
The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy, for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity, and when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered in unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which God instituted it.
The vicar looked out into the crowd. "Into this holy union William Sherlock Scott Holmes and Emma Grace Amelia Callaway now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married speak now, or else for ever hold your peace."
No one spoke. The vicar turned to Sherlock and me.
"I require and charge you both, here in the presence of God, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be united in marriage lawfully, and in accordance with God's Word, you do now confess it."
Neither Sherlock nor I said a word.
"Good," the vicar replied. He turned to me before continuing. "Emma, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
"I will," I said. The vicar turned to Sherlock.
"William, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
"I will," Sherlock said. The vicar looked out towards to congregation.
"Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two in their marriage?"
A resounding "We will" flowed over us.
"May I have the rings please?" the vicar asked. Thomas stepped forward as proud as could be and presented the rings to the kindly old vicar. The vicar smiled as he took the rings from Thomas and patted the boy's head fondly. "Bless, O Lord, these rings to be a sign of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
The vicar gave my ring to Sherlock and nodded for him to proceed. "Emma, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. With this ring," he said as he slid the ring onto my finger. "I do wed thee."
The vicar gave me Sherlock's ring and nodded to me. "Sherlock, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. With this ring," I slid the ring onto his finger. "I do wed thee."
The vicar cleared his throat again. "Now that William and Emma have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of the rings, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder."
We all murmured, "Amen."
"William you may kiss your bride."
Sherlock smiled. He lifted my veil over my head and kissed my lips gently. I could hear cheering from those who had witnessed our marriage. As we parted, Hannah escaped Calantha's hold of her and ran toward us. Sherlock scooped her up and balanced her in his arms. I took his free arm and the three of us walked up to the house.
There was a wedding luncheon for our family and those who remained after the ceremony. Sherlock and I sat a table with our parents, Mycroft, and the vicar. Hannah sat in my lap as I spooned food into her mouth.
"I understand that this little angel in Emma's lap is a potential granddaughter of mine," Uncle Siger said.
"That's right Father. Emma and I have plans to adopt her," Sherlock replied.
"It is a noble gesture that you two are undertaking," the vicar commented. "You will let us know how it turns out?"
" Of course, vicar," I replied. "Though I fear it will take some time for the papers to go through."
"Maybe not," Mycroft said quietly. He stood. "Everyone! May I have your attention please?" Everyone's eyes snapped to my brother-in-law. "Most of you may not be aware, but my brother, Sherlock, and his wife, Emma, have endeavored to adopt a child." He took Hannah from me. "This child, in fact. I have something that might speed things along." He took from his pocket a paper and handed it to Sherlock. Sherlock and I stood as he unfolded the paper.
"My God," Sherlock whispered.
"What is it?" Mother asked.
"Hannah's adoption papers. They've been filled out completely and dated to take effect tomorrow."
"What?" I asked taking the papers from Sherlock. "Mycroft how did you…"
"Emma, you should know that there are several people who owe me favors within my particular position in life. I simply called in a favor or two. All that is required now are the signatures of you and Sherlock."
"Mycroft, I have one question," Sherlock said.
"What is that, brother of mine?"
"Might I borrow a pen?"
