Unexpected Romance

The waltz ended too soon for Claire, who felt as if she could dance with Mycroft forever, as he escorted her back towards their party who were applauding their combined effort. Mycroft nodded simply in thanks before heading to the open bar for a much deserved drink. Somehow unexpectedly, his brother Sherlock appeared beside him.

"Well done, brother. I didn't think you could keep up with Miss Watson but I was wrong. Tell me, was it everything you deduced when you met the young lady? I think not, since your observation skills are being blinded for your attraction to her," he said very boldly.

This stunned his older brother who was very put off by his brother. "Sherlock, how dare you intrude upon my mannerisms with your assistant! You have said it yourself that it was impossible for a man such as myself to even think of your assistant that way," he said gruffly.

Claire wasn't having an ideal time either since she had sat down; since the oily William Gardner had spotted her, he was heading her way and she had to grin and bear it.

"Good evening, Mr. Gardner, thank you for inviting us to your party." Claire's smile was tight, and her eyes were hopelessly searching for someone from her party to dance with. She saw her cousin dancing with Mary, and Mycroft Holmes was talking with a stranger. William took her gloved hand and kissed it.

"It was no trouble Miss. Watson; it was the least we could do for rescuing me." His smile gleamed at her. "Now, would you do the honor of dancing with me?" William extended his hand to lead her to the dance floor. Claire gulped; she had to say yes, etiquette demanded it. She nodded and let him lead her where a waltz was about to start. She felt the eyes of her cousin boring into the back of her skull as they took up positions.

"So, Miss. Watson, how have you been since that fateful day in Mr. Holmes's office?" William sneered into her ear. Claire snorted at this but continued to pretend she was enjoying herself.

"I am fine Mr. Gardner, a lot better than when I first set eyes on you." Claire flashed another smile to those around her. William chuckled as he spun her around with ease.

"So, should I be congratulating you? I hear you have found a new desire." William nodded over to where Mycroft was partaking in the punch.

Claire although she could not deny she enjoyed Mycroft's company, she had no intention of forming anything beyond friendship with the man. "I am sorry to disappoint you Mr. Gardner; I have no new beau in my life." Claire's heart seemed to disagree with this statement. But, she knew in her heart that the two of them would never be more than friends. She only hoped Mycroft echoed this sentiment.

William's eyebrows rose substantially as they entered the last few moves, "It seems what I saw at the office was false then." William's oily demeanor had shifted into concern. "I thought there was a connection between you, but I guess I am wrong." He smiled once more before bowing to end the dance.

Claire stood up straight and looked him square in the eye, "What you witnessed at the office was not a romantic connection, Mr. Holmes was only concerned that I would hit or maim you." She curtsied and then swiftly returned to where her good friend Rodger stood. They exchanged glances before Doctor Watson came up to them. His face was a little flushed from dancing and his wife Mary seemed to echo this sense of joy.

"I caught a glimpse of you dancing with Mr. Gardner, Claire. How was it?" John Watson's tone was concerned as well.

Claire shrugged, "It went well enough, he was more of a gentleman than I expected. But, we are in a public setting, so he might just want to keep up appearances." Claire seemed alright and her cousin didn't press. The rest of their party returned and they watched a few dances, Claire could tell that Mycroft was itching to talk to her about something. Instead of waiting until the end of the dance, she decided to do this now. "Mr. Mycroft Holmes, would you please do me the honor of walking with me outside?" Claire was resolute on this.

The older man nodded and led her outside where it had begun to snow, he had been hiding his emotions well, or so he thought. The cold air gave him the push he needed to speak; "Miss. Watson, over the time I have known you I have come to enjoy your company. Your wonderful cousin Dr. Watson seems to believe that my feelings towards you are more than those of friendship. I do not wish to hurt you Miss. Watson, which is why this is so hard for me..." Claire cut him off, politely as possible.

"Mr. Holmes you do not have to worry about hurting my heart, I do have feelings for you but, they have always been ones of friendship. I think the reason we are being forced to reexamine them is everyone's perception of us." Her heart remained still; it was not broken in any sense. Mycroft Holmes breathed a sigh of relief and kissed her on the forehead.

They returned indoors and explained the situation to the party. Dr. Watson slapped a hand on his forehead, "I must apologize for my part in this, and trying to make you two get together. But, you must realize my actions were not unprovoked." The good Doctor took a hearty sip of brandy and sat down. His cousin patted his shoulder in return.

"Don't tear yourself up about it John, the evidence of my emotional connection with Mr. Mycroft Holmes was circumstantial, and nothing more. Also, Mr. Holmes is too set in his routine to be interested romantically in me." They all nodded at this, it was true that Mycroft was a man of habit that didn't include wooing women. There came a cough from Sherlock, which caused them to turn to see the man raising a glass of wine to them.

"See Watson, I told you they would only be friends in the end. Miss. Watson is far too hard-hearted to let another man into her life and my brother as stated before is not the type of man to run after a young woman." Sherlock drank the wine and placed it on the table. "But, I do not see this as a defeat for anyone, Mycroft gets to return to his routine and I get my secretary back in one whole piece." Sherlock gave Claire a hearty handshake, which she returned. As the clock began to chime midnight, Claire could not help but celebrate with more vigor. She had a job with her former gang member Sherlock and was able to come back into her Cousin John's life. Plus, she helped solve cases and even met a good friend on the way. This coming year was looking up and Claire couldn't wait for it to start.