Two weeks had gone bye, and it was sufficient to say that Sarah was settled in to 221B. She had a routine with Rosie, where their mornings would begin with breakfast, followed by some cartoon time while Sarah tidied up the kitchen. They would then go for a walk, either to do some errands or simply to get some air. They would return for nap time and lunch, laze around for the afternoon playing with toys, much to Sherlock's discomfort. On occasion, he would drag himself over to engage with Rosie, but would soon return to his seat and stare off into space.
Sarah noticed he did this the most after he had forced himself to interact with Rosamund, and had deduced for herself that he was likely grieving for Rosie's father. She would invite him to go for an evening stroll or grocery shopping to try and lift his spirits, but he would ignore her as though she had never spoke. By 8pm, Rosie would be tucked safely into her cot and Sarah would have some down time to herself to read a book with a cup of tea or listen to Sherlock play a sift tune on his violin (he had originally played rather harsh and up tempo tunes but a chastising from Sarah eventually conditioned him to play something that wouldn't Rosie).
One morning while Sarah was pushing Rosie's stroller along the path of a nearby park, she noticed a familiar face fall into step beside her.
"Oh Mr. Holmes! Fancy meeting you here" she smiled brightly up to Mycroft. "Look who it is Rosie" she cooed at the gurgling toddler. Mycroft nodded his head in greeting.
"Good afternoon Rosamund. I see she is doing well in your care Miss Farrell. Might I ask you about my brother? Is he also doing well under your watch?" he asked, a façade of innocence surrounding him. Sarah frowned and came to a halt.
"Mycroft, I was hired to mind Rosie. Your brother is a grown man that has no child-minding skills, hence why I am now a part of his life. That is the only function that I will fulfil. If I become friends with Sherlock, then I can guarantee you that I'd be much more concerned with making sure he is faring better. However, if he doesn't want me intruding on his business, then I am respecting his boundaries as a co-habitant should" she explained rather sternly. Honestly, what was it with the Holmes characters?
Mycroft's gaze hardened at her response.
"Miss Farrell, I highly suggest that you reconsider your response, considering that I am in fact the one making sure that you are receiving a steady wage under my brother's roof. If you do not, then I will withdraw payment and terminate your contract" he threatened. Rosie began to fuss in the pram. Sarah straightened her back and resumed walking along at a leisurely pace.
"Mr Holmes, if you are so concerned about your brother's welfare, then consider improving your relationship with him and be there for him in person during his time of grief. If not, then you have my word that at the very least, I will notify you if he exhibits worrisome behaviours that indicate he is a danger to himself or others. Now if you'll excuse us, we are off to feed some ducks. Good day". She was a few steps away when Mycroft snuck in the last word.
"Let me know if he starts smoking again".