Mother Dear Mycroft, I'm rather disappointed that the first proper letter you've sent me in five years is mostly comprised of gloating. Even Sherlock writes every few months or so. I do realize that your duties far outnumber his, but how long does it take to put pen to paper?
Mycroft wondered to himself why on earth she had not taken her own advice.
As you likely know, I have been focusing on my work and have hardly kept up on current events that do not affect me. It is difficult to even get the London papers in Russia, and harder to convince the supervisors of this project to allow them through. I had serious doubts that you have actually been married voluntarily until I wrote your brother. He did not respond, but Dr. Watson sent me an explanation of the events. Needless to say, it made things a bit more clear. The project ends in mid-December and I miss English soil. As well, I feel it is my duty as a mother-in-law to make sure you are not making this poor child's life a living Hell. Expect me on the twenty-third of December if you do not wish to defer this. If you do, I remind you there are less amiable means of investigation. Violet Holmes "Mother"