The amazingly talented Annorahrose has put together the following chapter on how the conversation might have gone between Sherlock and his Aunt when he went with her to ask her for Molly's engagement ring. I for one am sold and as far as I am concerned this is exactly how it played out.

She did send it through just for my eyes only but I decided then and there that you guys should be able to see it as well and Annorah thankfully agreed.

So, here it is and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Sherlock offered his arm to his aunt as they left the room. They moved up the stairs in silence. Upon reaching the first landing, they were approached by Graves.

"Excuse me, madam. Would you like me to light the fire in the honeymoon suite again tonight?"

"Yes Graves, as well as the mantle candles. Thank you." Sherlock looked at her through narrowed eyes. He hadn't noticed the other rooms hadn't had their fires lit - though when he thought about it, his never seen them already lit in previous visits. He studied her for a moment, then nodded to himself.

"You've executed quite the elaborate scheme. Finding Molly's former fiancée was particularly inspired. I didn't even know she had been engaged before I met her."

"Yes, well, you always did have a tendency to pay far too much attention to the wrong details, even as a boy. No regard for propriety, no respect for your elders. You invite people into your life without even knowing from where or which family they come. Honestly, Sherlock, you really must be more pragmatic."

"I pay attention to the important details, Catherine. What matters to me is how useful someone is, not their social standing. Many members of my homeless network are far more useful to me than the society members of whom you think so highly." Catherine grimaced, but Sherlock continued, undeterred. "And as it happens, if status was a criteria for me I wouldn't have any relationship with Molly." His steps faltered for a moment as his heart beat a little faster.

"But you didn't have a relationship with Doctor Hooper until very recently, did you?" Her words were phrased delicately, but her tone was not questioning. Her suspicions were confirmed by his silence. "Honestly, when will you boys learn? I may be old, but that doesn't mean I am easy to deceive." He stopped walking, facing Catherine in the hallway just in front of her bedroom.

"Forgive me, but deception is a large part of my job. I am usually quite adept at it, regardless of the subject."

"Not in matters of the heart, my boy. Both you and Mycroft are hopeless in that regard. As much as I always disapproved of your parent's marriage, at least your mother married and had children. And you're not getting any younger. I won't say I approve of this match wholeheartedly. I'd much rather see you with a proper member of society." Sherlock drew an angry breath, but Catherine silenced him with a gesture. "Now let me finish. Doctor Hooper is a fine person and from what I understand a skilled pathologist, but she has no idea how to function in society. Then again, neither do you. I have never understood why you defy your upbringing so strongly. Having said that, I am pleased that you have opened yourself to the prospect of being in a relationship at all. I can only hope that you continue."

Sherlock rolled his eyes and sighed in resignation. "This will always be a subject on which we do not see eye to eye, I expect. I shall agree to disagree with you on the understanding that you will treat Molly with respect as my partner moving forward. I am well aware that you never approved of my father, but I will not have Molly disparaged or treated so poorly, whether in my company or not."

Catherine pursed her lips impatiently. "Honestly, you all are so determined to miss the point. It drives me mad. Your father is also a fine man in his own right, but there are certain expectations to being in our family. Those whose status not equal to ours don't know how to meet those expectations." Again Sherlock draw breath to speak, and again she forestalled him. "I agree to your terms. I'd agree to almost anything to move this process along. And, for what it's worth, I do like her. Although you really must encourage her to tend more carefully to her wardrobe. She has presented a smart enough appearance these past few days, but I've seen pictures of her in clothing that simply turns my stomach."

"Molly's taste has always been... unique. Actually, it's quite endearing. She wears what she loves, and makes no apologies for it. If she was any other way, she surely would have heeded the warnings of those around he to avoid dealing with me."

"Well, regardless, don't dawdle. I refuse to die until I see an heir apparent, and I'm not getting any younger either." Her tone was firm, but her eyes twinkled and a smile tugged at her lips.

Sherlock drew a deep breath "Ah, that brings me to the reason for accompanying you just now."

"You mean you didn't want simply to spend time with me? Why am I not surprised?" Her expression remained wry and slightly amused.

Sherlock hesitated "Yes, well, on the subject of moving things along, I wanted to speak with you about Grandmother's wedding ring set." At this he paused nervously, searching for the right words. Before he could find them, Catherine smiled openly.

"Follow me, my boy." She opened her bedroom door and lead him inside.

The room was large and elegant, with rich, vibrant tapestries and lush carpets. An intricately detailed blue duvet lay on the bed, which was large and framed by matching blue hangings. A fireplace with a hand carved mantle had a fire that was crackling cheerfully. Catherine went straight to a large wardrobe, silently pulling out a faded red velvet box. She turned back to Sherlock, opened it, and presented it to him.

The ring was simple, beautiful, and perfect for Molly. A perfect pear-cut diamond nestled in the gold setting, catching the light with every movement. Sherlock found himself giving a rather shy smile to his aunt. It was a small expression, but more emotion than he had shown her for quite some time. "I had hoped things might progress as such this weekend. I had it sent from my vault, just in case."

"Thank you, Catherine. This really does mean a great deal to me."

"Yes yes, now hurry back down to your paramour before Mycroft frightens her away."

"You underestimate Molly. She wouldn't hesitate to bring him down a peg or two." He gave her a cheeky wink, paused, then asked "Where did you see pictures of Molly before this weekend? How did you even know about her at all?"

Catherine gave him a knowing smile. "You're not the only one in this family who is skilled in the art of deduction. You may see yourself out."

Sherlock gave her an uncharacteristic little bow, then leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek. Walking from the room, he closed the door gently behind him, put the ring in his pocket, and walked quickly down the hall.

He had a question for Molly, and he couldn't wait to ask her.

Please let me know you loved it as much as I did and I will pass all comments to Annorahrose who deserves all the praise xx