cqofegypt does not own Father Brown, Sherlock Holmes, or StarTrek Into Darkness
Enjoy!
44...45...46...47... gulp...49...50...
"I hope that humbug one isn't one you've already counted, Father"
Nathan, frustrated having lost count for the tenth time since Mrs. McCarthy had decided to 'check up on him', frowned.
"What do you take me for?" he asked, swallowing the remnants of his last goober candy.
He shook his head, dumped the jar, and decided to start all over again.
Where was Felicia? She could help him count faster than he could himself...
They were such good candies too... almost as sweet as his dearly loved Countess...
Speaking of which, said lady arrived on the arm of a strikingly handsome younger man in his mid-thirties, swept slick black hair, sharp suit and piercing light blue eyes.
Nathan frowned slightly. He'd spoken with Felicia once about his intentions and several times about his feelings, at least he was sure he did, so what was this niggling feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach?
Dr. Michael K. Sherwin looked around at the sights of the Kembleford fair and squinted, the sun in his eyes.
"Are you certain about this?" he asked in a slightly bored tone.
Felicia frowned, then nodded her head. Michael had mentioned nonstop of his childhood sweetheart, Molly, whom he hadn't seen since she was eighteen.
Having travelled around Europe, and no sign of her, He'd visited Kembleford on business, wondering if his classmate Xander Montague's wife Felicia would know anything about her.
Felicia had said she didn't know anyone by the name of Molly, but they could try to ask around.
Sherwin had shaken his head at first. He was a bit reserved, much like his grandfather Dr. John H. Watson had been.
He preferred much more to observe than interrogate. That had been Molly's style. Whenever someone had did him or any of her siblings wrong, Clara, Kyle, Laura and little Joan, she would intimidate by interrogation until all fessed up.
Michael smirked at the memory, then scanned the crowd for Little Molly Mortimer. Her real name was Eleanor, but since her middle name was Margaret, he had dubbed her Molly, after her grandmother, since the time they could walk.
They had been inseparable as children; thick as thieves and loyal to a fault. She was bold, brave, fearing nothing- Michael was shy, reserved, astute, and observant.
Many times, during their 'cases' she would turn to him for guidance, leaning on his observations. It gave him a sense of pride, that she would trust and lean on him.
About the time he was sixteen and she was fourteen., he'd fallen in love with the beautiful graceful, intelligent young woman she had become.
Taking after her grandfather, the famous Sherlock Holmes, she was a born certified genius in Michael's eyes, and nothing would hold her back.
When he'd gone to medical school, she'd entered college, and met him.
William Knight…
Michael scowled, then composed himself. Had Eleanor fallen in love and married William since Michael was away and inaccessible?
That was the only thing that made sense to Michael. Try though he might, he had wanted to send Eleanor letters during her stay at school, but had been afraid. Afraid she wouldn't return his affection and his affections would be all for naught.
Did she marry William because he reminded her of Michael? No... that was impossible... (1)
Little did he know...
He and Felicia parted ways, she with her stole and purse, and he with his medical bag. If anything went awry however, he knew he could count on her in a moment's notice. He hoped it would never come to that...
As she sat on the settee, listening to her husband's speech for the thousandth time, Eleanor Knight wondered just when her life had tumbled out of control.
When had William decided she was not enough for him?
Why oh Why hadn't she said yes to her childhood sweetheart Michael Khan Sherwin?
She knew offhand that if she had accepted Michael, her daughter Kathleen would never have been born… at least she could be grateful for that…
AS she listened to William stumble upon his words yet again, Eleanor rolled her eyes.
She knew she wasn't being fair, and she knew that if Michael were William, she would treat her husband with more respect, and would.
How could she honor a man who did nothing but berate and insult her and Kathleen at any given point?
What she would give right now to be able to string out her frustrations on her grandfather's Stradivarius violin, but alas, it was smashed to smithereens by her klutzy clod of a husband!
"Although the council may have its political differences, I know that we are united in our contrition Conviction… that in order to tackle the issues laid out in the…"
"Beverage sounds a bit pompous. Can't I just say drink?"
"You could, if you weren't talking about the economist William Beveridge and the report which inspired the welfare state."
Eleanor bit her lip as she slipped up yet again. William had been getting tired, and rather jealous of her genius IQ, inherited from her grandfather, William Scott Sherlock Holmes of 221 Baker Street.
"So, what do you think? Do I look the part?"
Kathleen made a face "It looked better on Mummy."
Wanting to slap her, William scowled. "Have you finished your chores?"
Kathleen tried not to grin triumphantly. She wanted away, out of this hell-hole, and away from this monster…
"Found this under your bed."
When Kathleen came in carrying a long-chained medallion of St. Matilda, Eleanor cringed.
"Silly me. I've been looking everywhere for that." She said, trying to save face.
Kathleen squinted at her, knowing she was lying. It was Dad's and all three of them knew it.
"You only ever wear pearls."
It's a leaving present.
For Matilda.
She handed in her notice last week.
You never said.
Why would I? It's got nothing to do with you.
She's been working for you for six years.
They continued arguing, until Eleanor threw the cup she'd been holding at the fireplace.
Bloody ingrate, she could kill him!
She tried not to allow the anger she'd inherited on both sides of her family, especially her mother's, get the best of her.
Her Grandfather had been known to whip corpses when he was angry.
Too bad she couldn't beat William now until he became one…
She had thought when they married she would be enough for her husband, then again, apparently not...
Eleanor did the best she could to shield the painful truth from her daughter; her father was an arrogant, lying ass, with no regard for anyone.
When Matilda came in, she thought it might be somewhat better in the car until William went off on one of his tirades.
Oh, the joy Eleanor felt at the thought leaving the lecherous pig- as for Matilda, she took him, and she could keep him.
Perhaps Eleanor would travel Europe- find her childhood friend and sweetheart, Michael Khan Sherwin. He was a doctor the last she'd heard, but hadn't seen or spoken to him since she was fourteen.
Would he remember her? Would Michael care for her the way William never did?
Michael, like William. had also had his moments of being shy, but when on a tangent of deductive reasoning, it was hard to shut him up.
Eleanor smiled secretly to herself at the memory of her childhood love.
Ah yes, to be free of William once and for all...
Michael was in the infirmary tent seeing to the magician that had been hired for the fair.
According to his symptoms, the man was suffering from acute sclerosis of the liver. He had but a few short months to live, by Dr. Ebersol's account, but that needed to be confirmed with further testing.
Unfortunately for the magician, though, Ebersol suspected that perhaps it was already too late...
"I do not have the proper equipment to make a proper diagnosis, but I'd say with that shadow of a flask in your pocket, you're well on your way to liver failure"
The magician winced. This doctor wasn't one to mince words.
"You need a full glass of water, sir... nothing more..."
Dr. Ebersol closed his case, then heard a scream outside. This scream was followed by more screams. Something was wrong.
"Doctor, come quick! something's wrong with the Mayor!"
The Mayor's inaugural speech was halting, and flighty, as if he were searching for, or trying to remember the words he was supposed to say.
Shortly after the speech started, it was interrupted by a man questioning the financial morals of the mayor, and his intentions with the Kembleford land fund.
The fund was supposed to support a Polish primary school, a cause deeply felt by Susie, but it was found that there were underhanded dealings underfoot.
The mayor in retaliation started to insult others, including his main accuser. His tirade was interrupted as he yelped in sudden pain.
The man screamed falling forward. Felicia gasped, having set down her mink, gloves and handbag. She rushed to the body, meeting Sherwin there.
He nodded to her, and she felt his pulse; a second later she shook her head- the man was dead.
Sherwin nodded, asking everyone to move back, and give him some space to work.
"Cause of death?" Felicia murmured. Sherwin frowned.
"Not sure at the moment, it's like he..." the doctor took a kerchief out of his pocket, covering his nose. Felicia did the same thing a second later.
"Steak and kidney pie" she murmured.
Sherwin hid a grin behind his kerchief, trying to remember this was a victim of a homicide, instead of rejoicing in the fact that his enemy for Eleanor's hand, this brute of a human being was dead.
"Ahem, Lady Felicia?" Felicia looked up at Father Nathan Brown, looking at her with a curious smile on his face.
"Ah, yes. Father Brown, Dr. Michael Sherwin. He was a friend of Monte's" Sherwin noticed the subtle glance that passed between the Lady and the priest.
Something was amiss about that, since Sherwin and Xander Montague hardly knew each other, let alone were considered friends...
"Dr. Sherwin, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, despite the circumstances"
Michael smiled, having a feeling he was going to like the priest. "A pleasure, I'm sure, Father. I hope we will be able to further our acquaintance in future"
Sherwin made to stand up, making room for Father Brown to be able to perform the death rites.
"Ah, before you go, I'm curious as to your idea of the manner of death"
"Which you are not privy to, Father, and you know it" barked Valentine, who joined them.
"Lady Felicia" he said, tipping his hat. Felicia nodded, smiling a little. "Inspector. This is Dr. Michael Sherwin, a friend of my husband's"
Again, Michael got a funny feeling that something was amiss. He decided to stick around, just in case something happened.
"Inspector," he said, shaking the man's hand. "As to your question, Father Brown, electrocution. Excuse me"
Nathan frowned as he knelt by the body, having a glance at the dead man's hands as Mrs. McCarthy came over.
He was still a bit peeved with her for barking at him earlier, tidying up as if he were a child of five.
Nathan really didn't see the need for all the fuss, especially when Mrs. McCarthy called him to her side like a child, or an absent-minded husband
Did she…? No! that was impossible! It was inconceivable that Mrs. McCarthy had…. designs…. on him…
Wasn't it?
Father, how much Pimm's have you had? Come along, Father, they'll be here by now! Father Brown! Now, don't forget, it's imperative we make a good impression.
Eleanor, good morning.
Father Brown.
Pleased to meet you.
Mr Mayor, on behalf of the parish of St Mary, may I say how delighted we are that you've chosen this special occasion to deliver your inaugural mayoral speech….
Michael K. Sherwin had been walking out of the infirmary tent, when he saw a face he'd never thought he'd find…
Lord in Heaven, Eleanor!
Just then, Eleanor's eyes fell upon someone she thought she'd never see again.
Dear Lord, Michael!
For the sake of Kathleen, both had to pretend they didn't notice each other.
Eleanor looked down, and Michel clenched his fists and teeth.
He'd stay a bit longer, to be sure nothing was amiss…
And, of course, we are extremely grateful for your help in our fundraising.
Remind me, what are the proceeds going towards? The primary school in a Polish resettlement camp.
I'm sure you're familiar with the community.
Not really, no.
No? No, well, why would you be? Kathleen, darling, come and meet the vicar.
Priest.
No matter.
Still in one piece.
I don't believe in God.
I do apologize.
She's a spirited little madam.
Takes after her mother.
An independent thinker with a questioning mind - qualities I value highly.
In a man, perhaps.
Rather unbecoming in a lady, however.
Oh.
Well, follow me, please.
Why, that no-good two-bit swine! How dare he insult Eleanor and Kathleen in that manner!
Michael swore if he got his hands on him… then thought better of it, due to the oath he'd sworn…
If there was a way to take the Mayor down without killing him, he'd find it!
A few moments later, he was in the medical tent with an obstinate self-proclaimed 'magician' who was drinking himself to death.
Michael had been giving the man instructions when he heard screams outside.
"Doctor, come quick! something's wrong with the Mayor!"
Mummy?" Kathleen was frightened. Eleanor, to shield her daughter from the gruesome sight, decided to distract her.
"I'm thirsty. Are you thirsty? Let's get something to drink." She moved quickly, not once looking back at Michael, but feeling his gaze on her back for a long moment, until she looked back and could no longer see him.
Father Brown studied the body carefully after the doctor had left, and Valentine was canvasing the scene.
Dr. Sherwin was right... William had been electrocuted.
The question was, by whom?
Later, Lady Felicia was looking around for Mrs. McCarthy.
She'd been fine earlier; they'd had their usual banter, and all seemed well...
However, when Felicia caught up with the woman, she snapped at her.
"Mrs. McCarthy..."
"My name, is Bridgette!" she cried, trying to tidy up and fix things. She usually did that when something was wrong.
Something was definitely wrong now, Felicia could see it on Bridgette's face.
Since she couldn't get a straight answer out of Mrs. McCarthy, Felicia asked Susie, and then learned about "Magic Man".
Did Mrs. McCarthy know the magician personally? Hmmm...
An idea popped into her head. Maybe if the two had a disagreement, they needed to have it out together, in private.
Felicity had always learned that in Sunday school when you have an argument with someone, you talk with them and have it out until the matter is resolved.
Maybe she could steer the two in the right direction...
It was done. Arangements had been made for the two to meet at three o'clock.
Felicia was so excited! How wonderful it would be for Mrs. McCarthy to have someone of her own, to love and care for…
A few moment's later, the magician caught up with her.
Hey, hey! I just wanted to thank you for believing in me.
Oh.
She smiled, glad she could help.
I realise it must have gone against all your instincts, as a friend.
What on earth did he mean by that?
My instincts?
He went on.
I know, I hurt her terribly, but I was young and foolish.
Didn't know which side my bread was buttered on.
To Felicia, it was as if he were looking for excuses.
You understand that, I can tell.
And just what was that supposed to mean? She thought.
Fine filly like you, bet you've known your fair share of married men
Why, of all the nerve! How dare he insult her that way! He didn't even know her! If she told Nathan, he'd be very sorry, very quickly, she was sure…
Hindsight being twenty-twenty, perhaps she shouldn't have stuck her nose in where it didn't belong… then again, she was only trying to help!
Maybe a nice friendly bouquet would smooth things over… hmm… what was the bloom for 'I'm sorry" again?
Bridgette was pissed.
Felicia could see that, and she winced as she held out the flowers she had bought from Mrs. Crabshaw.
Faith Crabshaw had frowned when she made the sale, muttering that Bridgette McCarthy deserved nothing more than a swift kick in the skirt for all her tongue wagging.
The Earl gives me so many, they've been cluttering up the house for weeks.
I thought someone ought to get some pleasure out of them.
That was a lie of course, she hoped Bridgette couldn't tell, since the Count was unaccounted for...
Felicia cheered when Bridgette moved past, so she could get inside.
Felicia was naturally curious as she inched open the photo book- perhaps she ought to learn more about Mrs. McCarthy than dread her existence...
Just one little peek...
Nope, especially with the book nearly slammed shut on her hand.
Watch where you're slamming that book! Felicia thought as her bad hand twitched with spasms of surprise.
Was there something in particular you came to see me about?
Felicia took a deep breath.
I just wanted to check you were all right, that's all.
Bridgette sniffed.
Quite all right, thank you.
And to say sorry.
For interfering when I shouldn't have.
Please don't settle for anything less than you deserve.
Trust me, I know from experience she thought to say, but didn't.
She was not expecting for Mrs. McCarthy to blow her apology aside as if it didn't matter.
You've changed your tune.
I just don't want to see you get hurt, that's all.
And since when have you given a flying fig about my feelings? We both know you think I'm a foolish old woman with ideas above my station.
Well, now, hang on!
"If you've felt that way, it's because you have never given me a chance! Ever since I've arrived in Kembleford., you've done nothing but berate, insult and try to push me away from-"
She was saying too much, despite Bridgette's expectant raise of the eyebrow.
"-away from here" Felicia refused to say more, to conserve her self-dignity. Mrs. McCarthy narrowed her eyes and sulked.
And, of course, I think you're a stuck-up madam with too much time on your hands, so we'll leave it at that, shall we?
Felicia huffed trying to soothe her frazzled nerves. All she had tried to do was apologize!
She had a feeling that Mrs. McCarthy's reaction had more to do with jealousy than insult.
She shivered at the thought of Mrs. McCarthy and Nathan together... he was too young for her!
And yet, Mrs. McCarthy had more of a standing chance with him than Felicia did...
Perhaps she ought to bow out gracefully...
I'll show myself out.
Later, Felicia went in search of Father Brown. Perhaps since he had known Mrs. McCarthy longer, and they worked so closely together, he would know best how to cheer her up.
Felicia winced at the tug in her stomach and heart, debating whether or not this was a wise choice...
Earlier…
Mummy, why does a policeman want to talk to you? I'm sure it's nothing serious.
If you could just come with me, please.
I want to stay with my mum! My bag.
I'll be back before you know it, darling.
They were taking her away and he didn't know why.
"Uncle Michael!" Kathleen cried when she saw him. She ran into him, nearly knocking him over.
"Hello, Kitty" Kathleen smiled. "What are you doing here?"
"That's what I'd like to know" barked Valentine.
"I am here as a doctor, and a friend of the... family. I will help support Mrs. Knight and her daughter in any way I can"
As the police took her away, Sherwin noticed the desperate look in his Molly's eyes. She was pleading with him.
Watch after Kathleen!
He nodded, placing a gentle hand on Kathleen's shoulder.
As the car drove away, Kathleen turned to her uncle, worried.
"Uncle Sherlock, is Mummy going to be alright?"
Sherwin grinned at the girl's pet name for him.
"Your mum will be back with you before you know it, Kitty... just wait and see"
Kathleen hugged him, allowing herself to cry a little.
"Are you alright, dear?" he asked.
"Yes, I'll be alright... I just remembered, I have to do something. I'll see you later, Uncle!"
Michael watched her go, having the feeling something wasn't right. He wouldn't rest until things were set right...
While walking in the sanctuary of St. Mary's, Father Brown noticed a child's toy sword on the floor of the confessional. He smiled sadly to himself. Well, if Kathleen had something to get off her chest, then so be it...
With Mrs. McCarthy…
I never meant to hurt you.
But you did.
If I could go back And you can't.
So if that's all you have to say, Frank, I think it's best that you Absolutely not.
We danced to this on our bunnymoon.
Oh, Francis.
I've changed, [Bridgette] (1).
Tell me it's not too late.
Oh, Francis! So much for having changed.
Aye, and I can clearly see you're still a nag.
But I'm prepared to overlook that.
Why are you here? Why now? Francis! What are you not telling me? Francis?
Cirrhosis of the liver.
I'm dying, Bridget.
So, how long?
A year, if I'm lucky.
I always told you you'd drink yourself to death.
You told me a lot of things.
And it serves you right … running off with that floozy.
I'm not proud of myself.
But I wasn't the same man that came back from the Front.
The things I'd seen.
Well, I didn't want to talk about them but you, you asked too many questions.
Cared a bit too much.
So I found comfort in the arms of someone who didn't care much at all.
And where is she now? Fled to the hills as soon as the going got tough.
Didn't want to play nurse.
And you think I do? You're a good woman.
Try hard not to show it, but .
I know you still love me.
Maybe this is our time.
Maybe it's supposed to be like this.
You and me.
We need each other.
We're both lonely.
I mean, what kind of life is this for you? Parish secretary? Ha!
Wait just a minute, she was proud of her position in the church, thank you very much!
Oh, come on, you must be bored out of your mind.
What would he know! He'd never worked a decent day in his life!
And who've you got for company? An infantile priest and a hoity-toity ice-queen?
Of all the nerve… She felt a stab of guilt, especially with the beautiful blossoms that the Count had given the Countess, broken and forgotten in the bin. And for what?
If you are talking about Lady Felicia, I'll have you know, she is compassionate and cultured and witty and intelligent! And a far better companion than you could ever hope to be! And Now, I think I'd like you to leave.
You don't mean that.
Goodbye, Frank.
She took off her wedding ring. He was dead to her as he'd always been- as he soon would be...
Later, Susie was busy packing boxes with items left from the fete.
Lady Felicia came in with a bottle of champagne in her hands.
Ah! You're both here! Marvellous.
Susie huffed. If the Countess wanted to be alone with the priest, she could have just asked…
I leave you to it.
Not in a mood for party.
Felicia put a hand gently on Susie's arm. "Stay, please." The Countess smiled. "There's been a development and I think you'll want to hear it."
Nathan raised an eyebrow. What havoc had his darling widow reeked now?
Susie sighed, folding her arms. Felicia grinned and continued.
I've just come back from the town hall.
So?
Nathan had half a mind to command Susie to listen without attitude, but thought better of it. The girl was disappointed, but perhaps Felicia had found a solution…?
In order for the power station to go ahead, the government need access to the river and railway.
Unfortunately for them, there's another stretch of land between the Polish camp and the station, which they don't own.
So who does the land belong to?
Nathan raised an eyebrow when Felicity grinned like a kitten. What had she found?
Me.
Both raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
And, having spoken to my husband, who has Polish family, I can confirm, we won't be selling at any price.
Nathan grabbed a candy out of the goober jar once more, and scoffed.
Humph! Wonder how many ears will wiggle with that one!
And what's more, given his high-profile connections in Westminster, no-one would dare put any pressure on him to do otherwise.
Since Susie was in the room, he didn't bother giving her the look; he knew she felt it anyway.
Susie was so excited she hugged Felicia, leaning on her.
Oh! Mind my dress.
We go drink at camp?
Nathan rose to join them, fully intending to personally reprimand the Countess for the evils of stretching the truth… in private.
Well, perhaps a small glass.
Will Mrs McCarthy join us?
Felicia's stomach flipped uncomfortably, considering her earlier thoughts and her disagreement with the secretary.
She supposed Nathan would want to speak with her later… then again, perhaps not…
Ah. I'm not sure Mrs McCarthy has much cause to celebrate.
Nathan turned his head in confusion.
Susie had left. The two were alone.
"What happened?" he asked, noticing Felicia was fighting back tears. Worry hitched in his chest.
"I did" she whispered, but he didn't hear her.
"Sit down" she murmured. "This may take a while"
Nathan sat down and listened to the whole story.
His mouth was in a line when she finished, and she didn't dare look into his eyes to glimpse the disappointment there…
"Oh dear…" he murmured. "Sounds like the two of you are in a bit of a scat"
She nodded, still refusing to look at him. She didn't tell him about the magician, or the flowers…
He stood up and retrieved the gold fish.
"If you would, please tell Susie thank you for me, and that I'll see her at Mass"
Felicia flinched, and nodded, still not looking at him.
Her heart and stomach pounded again, especially when he walked out the door...
Was this goodbye to their brief romance?
After glancing at her a moment more, Nathan left, an uncomfortable feeling hitching in his chest. Something was wrong with Felicia; it was too early to find out what…
He'd find out later. First things first, settle things over with the secretary…
With Mrs. McCarthy…
He knocked on the door and waited until she opened the door.
Oh, Father.
Whatever it is, can it wait until tomorrow?
He smirked.
Not without eating.
If you're talking about my strawberry scones, I think you've had your fair share already today.
Commanding himself not to roll his eyes, to in fact, be nice, Nathan changed the subject.
I was thinking more about plankton.
Or worms.
He took out the goldfish.
I thought, perhaps, he could do with some company.
And if I remember correctly, your kitchen faces north.
So, open the door, and let me in before my cassock starts smelling like fish!
She smiled, opening the door, and allowing him inside.
So it does.
Spoilers
Bridgette had fished the flowers out of the bin, trying to tidy up the mess she'd made- she had a feeling it would take a bit more time for the mess she'd made with Felicia...
Spoilers
She made way for him, filling a bowl of water for the wee little tyke.
When the fish was happily swimming around, Father Brown noticed the bouquet Bridgette was tending.
"What lovely blossoms" he smiled. He noticed some of the stems were bent and petals were strewn, not to be prepared.
"They were ah- a gift" she said, sighing.
Mm... Friendship, sorrow, apology, amends... a gentleman friend, perhaps?
"Here's hoping the friendship and blossoms can be mended" he said, idly, not intending to fish for information.
Mrs. McCarthy turned red, he noted, possibly out of embarrassment.
"If you'll excuse me, Father, if that be all, I'll see you tomorrow"
Nathan smiled, knowing he'd hit a nerve. "Until then, Mrs. McCarthy... good evening"
"The same to you, Father" Bridgette said,
Closing the door, she leaned against it sighing.
She'd made such a huge mess of things... could she ever get it fixed?
She hoped so, for Father Brown's sake. She shuddered as she remembered how angry he had been at the Quintons', saying if she ever made a remark like the one she did, she'd be dismissed.
Bridgette shuddered, then shook her head, setting to work once again on the disgruntled blossoms.
One week later...
Michael was up reading the newspaper by the time Felicia got back from her daily ride.
She was heading up the stairs to her quarters when suddenly, he spoke.
"He doesn't love her, you know"
Felicia looked back at him, confused. "Who?" she asked.
"Father Brown- He doesn't love Bridgette McCarthy"
Still confused, Felicia made her way slowly to him. "How do you know... that is... that I...?"
Michael sighed. He would have sworn that somehow, Eleanor's grandfather's DNA was infused in his bloodstream.
"Look at the basics of your physiology for the past week."
Felicia frowned. She didn't get it. That meant that Michael would have to spell it out for her, which annoyed him to no end. He rolled his blue eyes to prove it.
"Low diet, decreased Lean Body Mass, flushed face, increased heart rate indicates more than you've just been riding. You've been distressed for the past 168 hours since the moment you made a soul-searching attempt, however pitiful, of stepping aside to your assumed romantic rival" he took a moment to shudder deliberately, "indicating you are indeed in fact in love with the priest. All the while aforementioned clergy is desperate to find a way out of his present-" he paused "-predicament, indicating he is counting the moments until he is free to dedicate his life to you, which I assume he has done since asking for your hand in marriage, not... two weeks ago, am I right?"
He glanced at her with a smirk as she stood blushing red as a tomato. "Conclusion, don't go for anything less than you deserve' to coin a phrase" he winked.
Felicia blinked, and then smacked him upside his head with his own newspaper which he'd set down, so lost in his dissection of her innermost secret being, he'd abandoned it.
"Shut up, Khan" she hissed. His sudden grin was terrifying. "Just waiting in patient anticipation of your elopement to Gretna Green, my dear. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go plan my own."
He was halfway up the stairs before looking back at her. "Oh, um... you don't mind watching Kathleen while were away, do you?"
Felicia glared, flinging the paper at his head. Michael chuckled as he headed upstairs, delighted, yet another door he'd nicknamed Nalicia, appeared in his Mind Palace.
Oh, what endless possibilities awaited the Lady and her priest in the future...
Later that Evening...
The boat horn blared as the two passengers stood on the dock, ready to board. A woman, a recent widow and her young daughter, stood ready to board the boat that would return them to their native land of Scotland, where Eleanor's mother's family resided.
The boat was almost to the dock when Eleanor turned at hearing her name being called.
"ELEANOR! ELEANOR, WAIT!"
Both young women gasped as they noticed a young man with short black hair in a white shirt, black vest, trousers and shoes rush up to them.
"Michael?" she asked, confused, as Kathleen asked, "Uncle Sherlock?"
"Eleanor" he groaned, finally catching up to them, stooping over to catch his breath.
"Michael, what are you doing here? Why were you running so quickly?" she asked.
"Because" he whispered, placing a hand to her cheek. "Because I didn't run fast enough to catch you the first time. You got away from me once, Molly. Don't think it will ever happen again" he growled.
"Michael- Mmph!" she gasped as he placed his lips on hers, joining them together again after so long a separation.
"Say yes, Molly. Become my wife. Say yes, and I promise you'll never want for anything, you or Kitty"
Kathleen, with tears in her eyes, ran to her uncle's loving arms. Finally, she and her mother were home... they were free...
"And, before I forget, this little beauty belongs to you, my love" Michael smiled, handing her a small black, rectangular case.
Eleanor smiled in confusion, her heart so full of love for Michael and Kathleen, she felt she would burst.
"What is it, darling?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Open it and see"
Biting her lip and looking at Kathleen., who nodded, she opened the case.
Once open, her eyes fell upon one of her family's most sacred treasures. Her grandfather's Stradivarius Violin.
"B-but... I thought..." tears fell from her eyes, as Michael wrapped her in his arms and smiled sadly.
"No, my darling. Your grandfather Sherlock Holmes was a very astute man indeed. His last caper was involved your husband."
Eleanor looked quizzically, as she thought back to the time she had been courted by Kathleen's father. Her grandfather had been so worried he had sent his henchmen to watch her and William at school? Inconceivable!
"But he never said-" Michael shook his head. "Because he loved you too dearly. He made your mother swear never to intervene, especially when it was found you were pregnant."
Michael gently gave Kathleen a squeeze.
"And what about...?"
"They are very expensive, especially nowadays. He wanted it and you to be safe, and to united when you were safest"
"So, he planted a decoy..." Eleanor nodded, "and gave the Stradivarius to you"
Michael nodded. "It was to be my wedding present to you"
Eleanor's eyes misted with tears. "Oh, Michael..." He shook his head, drying her tears. "Hush my love, all is well, and can only get better from here."
He turned to Kathleen. "And now, young lady, about where you'll be going away to school..."
That's it for this chapter!
I wanted to give Sherlock and Molly some screen time, and explore where their love story began.
There will be more of Nalicia soon, as well as the ever-faithful Mrs. McCarthy... let's see if she can turn over a new leaf ;)
Stay tuned!
Read and Review!