DragonShifter: Well, I am glad that chapter is over. It was very hard to write, just as this next chapter will be. You guys will have to tell me what you think so far. I like to hear what you guys have to say.
Watson was the first one through the door, then Holmes. When Holmes came in, he looked around quickly, then at the girl. She was tall, and her wavy hair was cut to jaw length, and was a light brown. Her eyes were almond shaped, and the color of a stormy sea, with a hint of brown around the pupil. She was dressed in a midnight blue suit that fit her well. "Well, who would have thought you would be hiding here. What, with all the people who come through this house during any given week, dear Sherlock" was the first thing out of her mouth. Holmes raised his eyebrow and responded "It is nice to you to Winnie. Who would have thought? Surely not you, oh high and mighty queen of the imaginative minds." The girl smiled and came over and hugged Holmes. "Well, I wasn't sure IF you would hide here longer than a month or two. I figured you would be out of here faster than a wolfhound after a deer. It is hard to keep up with you, and I knew that Mr. Watson here was a very close friend of yours. I thought it best to ask him if he knew where you were."
"You knew I was here. Don't try to pretend you thought I had moved elsewhere."
"Oh please, I can pretend all I want, and you know it. You and Mycroft taught me too well. I am glad that you are alive and well…." Holmes snorted at that. "Winnifred, The only reason I am well is because I live with a doctor and a doctor's wife."
"Well," Watson said, making a move to sit down "I am glad to see that you have grown up without too much harm from living with your cousin." He settled into his chosen chair and watched the cousins turn and look at him with eyebrows raised. "That is because I was one of the few people to offset him enough to not have harm done. Obviously you are one of those few people as well." Winnifred came and sat down across from Watson; Holmes followed and sat down with a huff. "I wish you hadn't come here Winnie. You found someone to torment me with."
"No," Winnie replied looking at him with mild amusement "I don't think I have." The two cousins started to debate about torment. Watson watched for a few minutes then got up and went to the kitchen. He found his wife there helping the cook roll bread dough. "You will never guess who that girl is." He said leaning against the wall. "No, I probably won't if you don't tell me." Was her response, as she looked at him in question? "She is a distant cousin of Holmes. Apparently He raised her from the age of thirteen."
"Oh" Mary said, raising an eyebrow. "And she survived without harm?"
"Apparently, Can I make some tea please?" Watson asked the cook. The cook nodded her head, and then put the rolled bread in the oven. Watson went over to the stove and grabbed the kettle off of its hook. He then went over to the sink and filled it up with water, then put it on the stove to boil. "Well, I hope she comes around for visits after this." Mary spoke with hope. She took off her apron and gave Watson a kiss on the cheek. "Heaven knows, we need someone to cheer Holmes up. He hasn't quite been himself since Irene." Watson looked at his wife with mild amazement. She picked up on so much. "You know, I think Holmes needs to teach you his methods. Your mind seems particularly apt for detective work. If he does, we could start a detective agency." Mary just smiled. Holmes had been teaching her his methods. She had been bringing Holmes news of what was happening around London. "He has been, given I help him." She laughed when John looked at her with surprise. "Shut your mouth please. You will catch flies in it if you aren't careful." He did and turned to get the whistling kettle. He then got the tea stuff. Mary added a tea cup for herself, indicating she was going to join him and the cousins. He led the way to the parlor. Holmes and Winnifred were now talking about a book that Winnie was writing. As soon as the Watsons were comfortable in their chairs, Mary cleared her throat. The conversing cousins jumped. "Glad to see you guys getting along now" Watson remarked. "Yes, well, our arguments don't last very long, usually." Winnie commented. Her eyes wondered over to the tea. "Ah, Tea, Good. That's just what we need." Mary smiled. This girl may not have all the lady like qualities that a girl ought to have, but she had definitely learned how to get by. "Winnie, this is Mary." Holmes said gesturing in Mary's direction. "Nice to meet you" The girl said. "I am glad that you are around. My guardian cousin needs to have at least one lady around to keep him off his toes a little." Mary smiled more. 'Yes indeed.' Mary thought. 'this girl will most definitely be a good addition to this family.'