It's good to be back! I love doing this challenge every year, it's a core part of my Christmas. Next year will be ten years since Hades first invited me to do this challenge! Thank you so much for running it for all these years, Hades, and thank you for everyone who participates. I look forward to reading all of your stories!
Prompt from mrspencil: A secret revealed
It wasn't often I managed to keep a secret from Sherlock Holmes. His habit of deducing my every thought and deed was always impressive, occasionally irritating, but above all, made secret-keeping the next thing to impossible.
On one occasion, shortly before my marriage, I harboured the hope that I would be able to keep such a secret. I had just returned from buying an engagement ring for Miss Morstan, knowing Holmes was in France on a case, and hoping I would be able to hide any signs before his return.
It was not that I was ashamed of my courtship of Miss Morstan - far from it! I was eager to marry her and be able to call her my wife; however, I knew such a romantic act would draw Holmes' contempt, and did not want to have my joy spoiled before it could even come to fruition. I wished simply for a few days to bask in the rosy prospect of gaining the hand of Miss Morstan, before Holmes brought me back to cold reality.
To my dismay, I was scarcely through the door of our flat before I heard Holmes' voice remarking, "I have had quite the trip, Watson!"
I hid my dismay, choosing instead to focus on my honest delight at seeing my friend after his long few weeks away. "Do tell me, Holmes." I took my notebook from my pocket and settled into my chair, attempting to keep the pocket with the ring turned away from him.
Holmes' sharp eyes immediately picked out my action. "It seems you have your own story to tell, Watson. When are you asking Miss Morstan?"
To my surprise, there was not a hint of disdain in his voice. "Very soon, I hope." I paused, waiting for a response, but when there was none I could not help but ask, "You have no comment to make on my romantic tendencies?"
"Sentiment is your field, my friend, not mine, but I would have no right to call myself a detective if I did not see how happy Miss Morstan makes you." His eyes twinkled. "All other remarks can wait for your wedding day."