"Will you marry me, Celeste Lefay?"

There was a moment of complete silence before Watson spit out his Earl Grey.

"Congratulations Doctor," said Celeste between giggles. "You've successfully vaporized tea. Now Derryn if you don't mind providing context?"

Holmes laughed as he lit his pipe. "My apologies for the dramatics. I couldn't resist. But the obstacle of the marriage license did remind me of the first time we had to alter a document without forging it. I'm sure you remember your name wasn't on the invitation to Dominique's." A mischievous nod from the Officer. "The invitation only said for me and a friend, so we altered which friend it accepted. We could do the same with a marriage license. I happen to have a contact in the British government who currently owes me a favor. He would be able to draw up not only a license but an annulment at the same time. We have a ceremony, purely as formality, and we shall be legally wed when we disembark at Brighton. But when we return, the case solved and your good name as a detective restored, the marriage will be annulled just as fast with Eurydice and her Arms being none the wiser. And with the marriage legally binding to those presenting it, enchanting our names to appear as pseudonyms won't be perceived as forgery."

Celeste sat blinking at Holmes for a moment, before a slow smile started to blossom across her face, much to Watson's horror.

"You know, Derryn, that might be just crazy enough to work. How soon can we put this plan into action?"

"I can wire Whitehall this afternoon and have everything arranged in three days. We can leave after the ceremony like proper honeymooners and be investigating the resort by the weekend." Holmes rose from his seat, clapping his hands together and looking for his coat. "So, if there aren't any objections-"

"I object!" Cried Watson, finally remembering the function of his vocal chords.

Holmes looked back in amusement. "Well speak now or forever hold your peace, Watson. What is the issue?"

'The issue is you playing fast and loose with your and her emotional well-being in a way that will inevitably explode, and I'm going to have to clean up the aftermath, but I don't want to embarrass you in front of your equally enamored friend,' is what Watson chose not to say. Instead, he took a more practical approach. "Every time you both investigate a case solo, you only come back by the skin of your teeth. It's very hard for two enthusiastic detectives who are both accustomed to jumping into battle to be each other's back-up. And you won't have any other back-up. Not the Office, and not me."

The two paused, considering his suggestion momentarily. Then, a bright smile lit up Celeste's face as she turned back to her satchel. "Then why don't you come with us, Doctor?" She asked, handing him another pamphlet. "This is the hotel bordering the one public courtyard accessible to the Arms. We could book a cabin on the West side and get you a room on the East."

Watson flipped through the brochure. "The Swan and Gander," he muttered. It was certainly more modestly presented than its next-door neighbor. Less decoration and amenities listed, but still a serviceable hotel.

Holmes read through it over Watson's shoulder. "Known throughout Brighton for its extravagant buffet. It looks like a bachelor's paradise, Watson. Perfect. We can probably communicate through the windows."

"Ah yes, my dream holiday. Peeping in on my best friend's honeymoon," noted Watson sarcastically. Holmes rolled his eyes.

"But you would be close enough to raise the alarm if anything went wrong," Celeste pointed out. "We could even fabricate a cover story for you to visit our rooms. The family doctor of a nervous husband or something." She winked at Holmes. "Just so you don't feel so voyeuristic."

Between his friend's encouragement and Celeste Lefay making puppy eyes like the little sister he never had, Watson's resistance was wearing thin. He sighed heavily. "No matter how clever your ruse, or good your intentions, a marriage this rushed can carry… implications, Ms. Lefay. My worry is the damage to your reputation should someone discover your plan and… misinterpret."

Celeste's answering smile was warm and a bit flattered. "I am touched you care so deeply about society's treatment of me, Doctor. But truly, I don't have much reputation as a lady left. It is an easy thing to lose, and I'm in no hurry to regain it. The reputation I do have is as an Officer. And part of being an Officer is fighting injustice wherever I find it, whether I have back-up or not. I just couldn't live with myself if I left some other bride's fate to chance for propriety of all things. You understand, don't you?"

Watson did understand. He also understood how her tenacity, curiosity, and conscience were all wrapped together. She would go to Brighton and tear through that resort stone by stone if that's what it took, whether anyone joined her or not. Having others along was her way of tempering all that drive and passion, and he couldn't help but notice her similarity to his friend standing just at her side. Said friend who wore an expression of complete and utter twitterpation at her speech. Maybe this was just the case to get Holmes' head out of his arse.

"Very well, Ms. Lefay," said Watson, before drawing his brows together sternly. "But only because you have a half-decent head on your shoulders and I'm sure Holmes will take care of both our bills. Isn't that right?"

Holmes laughed and clapped his friend on the shoulder before turning to Celeste. "So, that's all settled then. Do we have a deal, Leopard?" He held his hand out for a shake.

She took it with a lopsided grin. "Absolutely, Derryn."

"Then I shall come calling for you on Friday morning. Pack your finest gowns and your sharpest knives."

"You know I shall."

"And where might I find you?" Asked Holmes as Celeste gathered her things. He was already writing the letter to his 'government contact'.

"My residence is perfectly fine meeting place. I live at Dee House on Endor Street in the Fae District. My flatmate will probably insist on gawking at you before we leave."

"Dee House?" Piped up Watson. "The House with Seven Faces? Which one?"

Celeste paused at the top of the stair. "The Sixth Face and the only one on Endor Street. 52 West to be precise. Good thinking though, Doctor."

The trio descended the staircase as the men saw Celeste to the door. "I shall see you both on Friday, shall I? And then the work begins."

"Until then, fiance'," said Holmes with a mocking wink.

Celeste just laughed as she walked down the street. Holmes waved her off before turning to Watson. "I dare say I've changed my mind, Watson. Let's deliver the news to my dear brother in person. Seeing his face will be worth the cab fare twice over. Get your coat."

Watson spent the entire trip there praying this was going to work.