A Wife for Sherlock Holmes

Chapter 8 – The Tangled Webs We Weave

It was New Year's Eve.

Marion had gone into the museum to check up on her project that would open on the third. She had a large gala party to go to on opening night and one she was going to insist her husband and John attend. John was already trying to inquire into what Abigail was doing. Mari had told him if he could not find one, she would for ten pounds and she knew he would enjoy it better. He had brushed it aside and she had smiled. That would be the easiest ten pounds she ever made.

Sherlock was a different problem. He did not like the public and he would have many people flock to him there to speak to him. It was part of the point. With him there as a social icon perhaps they would increase their revenue a little and pay for the upkeep of their artifacts. Donations from the public were key and well she knew it.

It was just passed noon and she decided to go see about getting some lunch. Her stomach rumbled a little. She smiled and lifted her phone. Mycroft. Are you in the mood for some tea and lunch or are you busy saving the world? Sis

She waited a few moments. Her phone chirped and she looked down. That would be a lovely distraction, but you should know I do not often text. Where? MH

There is a lovely little tea and sandwich shop next to the museum. Shall I get us a table? Sis

I am already here. MH

She stared at the phone and then looked up into the window. He smiled and lifted his hand in a small wave. As ever in his pin stripe suit, his long frame sitting relaxed, umbrella leaning against his knee, his tie was of blue silk.

How in the world had he…

She walked in and went to the small intimate table for two near the window. He smiled up at her as she sat down, removing her purse. "Okay, that was amazing even for a Holmes brother. How did you…?"

"This is the only restaurant of note within three blocks that you frequent. I know you were out at the museum. I was waiting for you to pass to call and see if you would join me." He shrugged. "Now here we are." He smiled disarmingly.

She stared at him. He was seven years senior to her husband and his hair was thinning, but he still was ever watchful and clever. She then smiled. "So. What is good?"

"You tell me." He smiled.

She lifted a menu. "Everything really. What are you in the mood for, dear brother?"

"Pastrami, no mustard on rye and some conversation with my beloved sister-in-law."

She snorted. "You could come over any time."

"And have to deal with my brother's antics, no thank you. You are definitely the more mature in that relationship and your hormones are all over the map."

She frowned.

"You deny it? You are twenty-one weeks gone with child. I suspect you can be very…moody."

She rolled her eyes as the waitress came. They each ordered. She took some creamy chicken noodle in a bowl and a small half sandwich of avocado, Swiss, and brie. He ordered his and then they sat together, watching, waiting for someone to speak.

"You know, I have often wondered what kept him from having a string of lovers." Mycroft said with preamble. "He is handsome enough I suppose."

"He is easily bored." She chuckled. "Women who are merely interested in him for his looks would not last through dinner." She smiled more.

"The mark of immaturity."

"But someone has to keep up with him mentally as well as physically to make it last."

"Indeed."

"Therefore most women are out of the category."

"True enough." He sat forward, perching his chin on his hands. "You have to be brilliant in your own right. Degrees aside you must have some of the same quirks my brother and I do."

"Maybe I am just good in bed." She smiled sweetly.

He laughed at that. "That would not hold his interest this long. No. There is more about you. You are intriguing my dear. Do not sell yourself short."

She sighed and her hand pressed to the swell of her abdomen. He blinked, his eyes flashing concern. She smiled a little. "Oh, sorry, no the baby is moving." She said. "I am fine."

He seemed pacified by that for the moment at least.

Their lunch came and they ate exchanging pleasantries as they did.

Mari was finishing her sandwich as Mycroft watched her. "Has my brother been behaving himself?"

"That is relative." She said.

"I meant in his marriage."

She looked up at her brother-in-law. "You are jealous." There was something in his look. Mycroft actually was concerned about her and the welfare of her marriage, but it was more than that. Deeper.

"What?"

"You are." She set her sandwich down and looked at him as he sat up almost indignant. She smiled at him. "My masters is in psychology, don't bother to hide it."

He was not used to the tables being turned on him and watched her. She had blown through his guard and left him exposed. She was good. "I sent my brother to the studio on a dare." He said softly. "I should have gone. It was I who was invited."

She blinked at that revelation. "What?"

"I did not want to go and Sherlock's martial skills are considerable. I sent him and dared him into it. I never imagined you would cross his path. I should have been the one to win you." He said quietly.

She stared at him. "I was a dare?" She blinked.

He swallowed. "I would be married, father to be…"

She realized he was very jealous and wanted to be a family man. Unlike his brother who had it forced on him, Mycroft had wanted it all along. She reached out a hand and touched his. He looked down at her hand and then up at her. "Can you make due with being the best uncle on the planet for now, at least until we find you someone?"

He coughed and then smiled a little. "I would like that, but my dear my line of work isn't good for relationships."

"We shall see."

"Playing matchmaker then?" He asked taking her hand in his and holding it gently. He felt at ease with her. She was charming and brilliant in her own way. He smiled a little at her. Perhaps she could find him someone. If not he could have more tea with her and enjoy time with his niece or nephew. He smirked a little. Perhaps that would be better. All the fun and no responsibility.

"Why not? I need hobbies."

He laughed. "Oh, dear you are such a breath of fresh air."

The waitress returned and he paid the bill under Mari's protests. He lifted a hand. "No, sweet sister. I am going to treasure my time with you, the both of you, when I can. The least I can do is buy you lunch."

"Thank you Mycroft." She said.

He dipped his head a little.

She rose and they walked out together and he hailed her a cab. She thanked him and he kissed her cheek. "Remember sister. If you need me. Call."

"I will." She said kissing his cheek. He shut the door and the cab drove off.

"Where to Miss?"

"221 B Baker Street." She said absently, her mind reeling from the conversation. She could not imagine marrying Mycroft, but had she been there, would she have dated him? Perhaps? Or would she had been a one up pawn in the brother's game. Or was she now? She frowned.

ZzZ

Sherlock was looking out the window, his hands behind him as his wife came into the room after ascending the stairs. She took a breath. He was dressed in a black dress shirt that had the top three buttons undone. He wore black slacks and stood musing to himself, but he heard the footfalls of his small wife.

"Hello, my dear." He greeted without turning. "Feeling well?"

"Yes." She pausing.

He looked over his shoulder. He had heard the edge to her voice. "What is it?" He asked, eyes flashing concerned.

"Nothing." She said as she shook her head. She then smiled as he turned to face her.

"You met with someone didn't you?" He asked.

She blinked and then nodded. "Yes, but whom and where." She said.

He sighed. "Really? I thought you meant this to be hard." He said. She arched an eyebrow at him playfully. "You have a smudge of green on your sleeve so you have eaten avocado and there is a tea stain on your shirt so you went to that delightful delicatessen next to the museum that you are always talking about." He paused and then continued. "You came home annoyed, but with whom is the true question, more on that in a moment, but you tolerate most people well enough so not a stranger or co-worker, but this annoyance is because they made you think, which means I am the one you are annoyed with and that could have only happened had you been talking to my dear brother." He cocked his head. "How is my dear brother anyway? He will never lose weight going there."

She shook her head. "High marks for all the above, Mr. Holmes."

"Well that does explain everything." He rolled his eyes. "Next time make it more of a challenge."

"What kind of tea?"

"Darjeeling, lightly brewed for better nuttier flavor." He said looking at the stain.

"Seriously? How did you get that?"

"I will admit that was a partial guess, but thank you for proving me right."

She shook her head and took a deep breath. "And people wonder why our marriage has no secrets."

"Marion, you are like an open book and the pregnancy has frankly made you more of a klutz with foods than you normally are."

She narrowed her eyes and sighed moving to sit down.

"Are you tired?" He stepped to her.

She shook her head as she dropped into the seat. "I am fine Sherlock." She said.

He nodded and straightened. "You have an appointment tomorrow." He said absently pulling out his smart phone from his pocket. "Odd for a doctor to work New Year's Day."

"Not really. They are available holidays and since everyone is back from holiday they decided to open. Makes sense really, they were closed the whole week of Christmas."

"True." He said as he flicked the lock code with his thumb, watching her over it as he looked at his calendar and test messages.

"But yes, I do have an appointment." She smiled and looked up at him her hand going to her belly. "Are you going to come or will you pass again?"

He paused a moment and said nothing. He started to type a text.

"Well?" She asked. "John is coming."

He sighed and nodded. "I will come." He said softly. "I am curious." He said. "I have never seen a sonogram in action." He said. He looked up. "Why is John coming?"

"He is my Lamaze coach and he has gone to them." She said.

He blinked. "Really." His eyes lifted. "Since when have you been in Lamaze?"

"A month. John and I go to the classes. Have you not noticed?"

He shook his head a little. "But why John?"

"Because I need someone whose attention can last more than five minutes and he is a doctor. Made sense to me." She smiled. "And he is your best friend. And he lives here."

He sighed. "You could have asked me." He sounded hurt.

"I did." She said. "You wanted, and I quote, 'nothing to do with that nonsense until the baby is being born.'"

He grunted. "Well John I am sure is doing quite adequate then, I suspect."

She nodded. "He is John. Of course he is."

He rolled his eyes. "He is terrified about the whole thing."

"How would you know?" She asked.

"I read his blog too you know." He said. "He has a whole sub category called, 'And the baby makes four.'"

She rolled her eyes at him. "I am a woman living with two men. Sounds like blog material for me."

"Oh?" His eyebrow lifted.

"Naturally."

"But why is he discussing names? We have not even discussed that." He asked looking up.

"We don't know what it is."

"Of course not and neither does he unless he has some really interesting deductive powers that I am unaware of."

"What is the harm? I enjoy it." She said.

"He posts pictures."

"I let him. He does ask first." She pointed out. "Since they are of me, I do not see the harm." She smiled a little. "Actually I like watching how my belly has grown over time."

He sighed. "It isn't his child."

"In a way it is, Sherlock." She said. "He isn't leaving when the baby comes. He is part of this whole affair too."

He grimaced and sighed. "Perhaps you are right. I had not really considered his view on you invading the home and now the baby. It must be hell on his bachelorhood." He shook his head.

She decided to change the subject. "Don't forget the gala in a couple days. You will need to have Mrs. Hudson iron your suit."

He paused again, exhaling loudly as he rolled his eyes. "Must I go?"

"Yes, Sherlock, you must. At the very least to support your wife and her achievements."

His shoulders slumped. "But things are there." He protested.

"Things? The artifacts?" she asked.

"No, no. I would love to see those. No humans." He muttered. "In abundance."

"Sherlock!" She growled and levered herself up. "I mean really."

He sighed and closed his eyes. He then opened them and looked at her, his eyes green slits full of mischief. "What do I get in return?" He stepped to her, his hand going to her hip.

She looked at him. "I…well…"

His hand glided up the soft swell of her belly, up to her breast, then shoulder, and then down to her hand. He took it and lifted it to his lips. He then interlaced his fingers with hers. "I can think of several things."

She smirked as he pulled her close to him. "I bet you can." She said. She looked up at his eyes. "I will consider it, husband…" She kissed him, wrapping her arms around him. She clasped her arms behind his neck as she stood on tip-toe. His hands naturally went to her hips to support her, his palms against her swollen belly. His eyes shut. "If…" she said looking at him her face near his and he groaned a deep growl in the back of his throat. He frowned deeply and she licked his nose startling him enough to open his eyes again to look at her. "If you behave yourself."

He groaned again and she giggled, pulling him down for a kiss again. He resisted a moment and then let out a long sigh before pressing his lips to hers chastely. "Fine. I will do my utmost, but it will be so boring…" He almost whimpered.

"No it won't be. There will be people to watch and make judgments about and comments."

"But the people who come to these events are stuffy and have no sense of humor." He grumbled.

She pulled back and started for their room when his hand shifted and slapped her buttock as she shifted to move passed him. It didn't hurt, but it surprised her enough to look back at him.

His eyes narrowed. "Oh this had better be worth it." He hissed at her.

She grinned and blew a kiss at him. She made it to the room and had closed the door before he could comment further. He stared after her, hands on his narrow hips. What the hell had he just agreed to? He made a face and blew a raspberry in her direction before lifting his phone again.

"I heard that!" Came her muffled voice from the room.

He smirked as he continued his texting with Lestrade.

ZzZ

It was late evening and the four inhabitants of 221 B Baker Street were all together in the common room. Marion was seated on the floor, a blanket about her as she sat with her back to a chair, and near the hearth that had a warm fire. John was in the chair she was leaning against as she watched the flames. Mrs. Hudson was in the other. Sherlock was standing, sipping champagne as he watched his intimates together.

John and Mrs. Hudson were speaking together, while Mari was silent, her legs folded in a yoga pose, her hands on her belly under the blanket that was wrapped about her shoulders. The baby was quiet now, but it had been moving a couple hours before. She had been so thankful her morning sickness was short lived. With more fluids her syncope seemed to be better as well.

Sherlock set down his wine as he lifted his violin. He looked outside at the breeze stirring the snow. Then a boom was heard, though it was muffled by the glass, as Big Ben chimed midnight.

Sherlock smiled a little. "Happy New Year." He said softly. "To new beginnings." He smiled, eyes dropping to his wife.

"Happy New Year." Everyone in the room said as Sherlock began to play Auld Lang Syne. Everyone was listening, except for Mari who was back to watching the flames as she began to sing softly. John paused and looked down. Mrs. Hudson blinked and the both looked at Sherlock.

"Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and old lang syne?"

Sherlock seemed to realize there was a beautiful voice accompanying him and he played softer his eyes shutting, listening to the melody as his wife sang, forgetting there were others in the room

"For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely you'll buy your pint cup!

and surely I'll buy mine!

And we'll take a cup o kindness yet,

for auld lang syne."

Sherlock played a final round of the chorus as his wife smiled watching the flames. He ended the tune as Big Ben stopped the tolling of the New Year. He, squatted down, his knees cracking as he did so. He then sat down, sitting behind his wife as he wrapped his arms about her. His head dropped to her shoulder as he pressed a hand to the swell, watching the firelight dance on her features.

"That was beautiful Mari." He whispered, bringing her out of her reverie.

She gasped, realizing they had all heard, but Sherlock turned her to him a little and kissed her mouth softly, gently, but with a hint of promise as his hands rested on the swell.

This was his life now, his world, his child and its mother. He had never felt like this toward anyone or anything until now. This was home. It was a new year, a new life, and a new adventure and he was ready for it.

ZzZ

"Sherlock, darling, you are going to wear a hole in the floor, darling, if you keep pacing." Mari said softly. She was seated on the examining table, her lower half covered by a sheet. John was seated beside her, perched on a narrow stool in his normal place. Sherlock, however, had opted to stand and then when that became too much he began to pace about the room as they waited to be seen. There were two chairs nearby he could occupy, but he did not, he paced about, his hands behind him, long great coat still on, scarf around his neck, dark curls moving restlessly as he moved about the small room.

Mari looked at John and he just shook his head.

The doctor came in and started chatting to Mari as she looked at the chart. Mari answered smiling a little as she looked at John and then her eyes lifted to Sherlock. The doctor, a young woman who was only a couple years older than Mari followed her gaze.

"Oh hello. And who might you be?" She asked looking at Sherlock.

"Sarah, this is…" Mari started.

"You are Sherlock Holmes." The doctor said looking startled.

"Hummm another adoring fan?" He asked arching an eyebrow. "Doctor Richards?" He asked reading her name badge.

"I read Dr. Watson's blog." The doctor said. "And why are you looking at me like I am an object?"

"He does that." John said. "Pay him no mind."

Sarah blinked and then nodded. She then looked at Mari. "You really are married to him. THE Sherlock Holmes."

"I know funny isn't it?" Mari smiled.

Sarah chuckled and nodded. She looked back over her shoulder. "I don't bite, Mr. Holmes. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am also glad you finally decided to show your support in this adventure."

He blinked. "Forgive me, but you hardly look old enough to be a medical student let alone an obstetrician." He stepped forward, towering over the woman as he looked her up and down, keeping his hands behind him.

"Sherlock…" John hissed.

Sarah smiled. "I get that a lot from fathers, especially from first time ones, Dr. Watson." She chuckled and flicked her eyes back at him. "As I recall you were not too impressed the first time I met you, either."

"Got me there." He agreed.

Sarah turned back to Sherlock who was watching her. "What?"

"You are just out of surgery." He said.

"Yes. Rather difficult birth that ended in a C-section." She said.

"Tell me, SARAH, how many babies have you delivered in your short tenure?"

She smiled at him. "Five hundred and sixteen counting the twins this morning." She turned fully to face him. "I am thirty-five and I have been practicing medicine for seven years. Also as being the only one without Doctor before you name in the room you may want to use a slightly arrogant tone here. Anything else, Mr. Holmes?"

John covered his smile with a cough and Mari smirked a little.

He opened his mouth to speak and then clapped it shut thinking better of it. He blinked. "Tell me then, doctor, what are we doing today?"

She smiled at him as Mari. "Shall we get started then?" She asked nodding to Mari spread her legs so she could feel up in her. "Cervix is good." She said as Sherlock moved to the other side of his wife. Mari looked up at him and winced a little.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"Yes. I just have a rather full bladder is all." She said.

"Why in heaven's name didn't you…"

"Has to be for the sonogram." She muttered shifting a little as Sarah stood up.

Sherlock visibly relax. "Sorry for my lack of faith Dr. Richards." He said craning his neck to see what the woman was doing, but he could not see because of the cloth. He was not sure he wanted to know. Besides he was having issues with the fact this woman was nearly as old as he was, but looked ten years younger.

"You are a man who suspects everyone. Why should you or would you trust someone new who is caring for your wife and baby? Especially when you never met me before. I understand Sherlock really." Sarah smiled. She looked up from Mari's legs.

"Thanks." Sherlock said. He kissed Mari's hand and smiled at her.

Sarah pulled up a machine. "Okay Marion. I think we are going to do vaginal today to get a better picture and listen to the heart."

"Vaginal? What? Heartbeat? You can hear it so soon?" Sherlock looked at the doctor.

"Yes. You can start to about week twelve." She smiled cheerfully at the stunned father to be. "Actually she in her twenty-second week so yes. Also we can see if your little stubborn offspring will show us what we want to see."

"Stubborn?" Sherlock blinked and looked at John

"The baby has been…less than cooperative in letting us see the sex."

"Maybe it just wants to hide." Sherlock said.

"Pretty much what it does yes." Sarah spoke up. She nodded and pressed a small thing to Mari's belly where she had drawn down the blanket to reveal her slightly swollen belly. Sarah was listening to it and then smiled. "Sounds good." She said and turned the instrument from headphone to audio.

Sherlock jumped hearing the strange noise. He looked about and then down at Sarah's hand. He then looked up at Marion who smiled at him. "Oh my God. Is that…"

"Yep. That is the heartbeat." Sarah nodded.

"So fast." Sherlock said shutting his eyes to listen to the sound of the life in her. He pressed his hand to her belly as well and then smiled at her. "I do not think I have ever heard something so beautiful." He murmured.

Sarah let the new parents savor the moment before she took it away and reached for another instrument attached to a screen. She held a wand and put a condom on it and some lubricant.

Sherlock looked at her. "Wait you are putting that…in…why can't you do the…thing with the belly that gives a picture?"

"This gets a better picture. Don't worry, sir. It doesn't hurt and you are no doubt larger anyway." She said and Sherlock blushed, a little stunned at that. He tried to cover it with a cough, but failed. Mari noticing only flamed his cheeks more.

"Wow Sherlock. I did not know you blushed." Mari teased him softly. "That is twice I Sarah has stunned you into silence. A rare virtue." She smiled playfully.

He smiled at her a little nervously as he fought to regain his composure. "I do sometimes…" He chuckled. "Not often, however." He straightened and lifted his chin.

Sarah smiled and then turned out the lights and then turned to her task and looked at the monitor. "Oh there you are. Ha, try to get away this time." She chuckled.

The picture was distorted and then became clearer as a small think shifted on the screen. Sherlock was captivated and stepped closer.

"Heartbeat looks good." Sarah said. "Size…" she did some measurements as Sherlock cocked his head looking at the picture.

"An arm." He whispered, tracing the screen. "Leg…head…"

"Hey down in front." Mari muttered.

He looked back. "You have seen this before, I haven't. Heart…"

"It is my belly!" She growled.

He sighed and rolled his eyes coming back to her side. "But…I haven't seen it before." He said pouting a little in the low light.

"You can see perfectly from there. Some of us, can't move." She said a little testily.

He sighed and busied himself with lifting her hand in his as he watched Sarah typing into the computer.

"Well since you are here, do you want to know what you are having, Mr. Holmes?" Sarah asked looking up at him as she shifted the wand a little. The image blurred and then focused again.

"I already know." He whispered.

Mari and John looked up at him. Mari hissed. "Naturally." She muttered.

"It is quite simple." He smiled. "Ever you see and do not observe. John?" He blinked as the lights came back on.

John shrugged. "I really have no idea."

Sarah smiled. "Oh you know. You really do. Why am I not surprised? Wish to tell the class?"

Sherlock smiled at his wife a bit cheekily. "Do you want to know Marion?" He asked pressing his lips to her knuckles.

"Yes of course. Enlighten us." His wife said.

"I can keep a secret if you don't really want to know." He said teasingly.

"Tell me, Sherlock, now…" Mari hissed at him.

He beamed then, the light in his eyes as they danced made her smile as he pressed a hand to her belly. "We will be soon welcoming…" He paused and she growled at him which made him smile more. "A girl." He said softly.

"Oh Sherlock…a daughter…"

"Hummm." He smiled and looked at Sarah who chuckled.

Mari's eyes dropped to her doctor and Sarah lifted her hands. "Are you seriously questioning him? He is Sherlock Holmes. Of course he is right."

Mari's eyes misted and she looked up at Sherlock who was watching her with affection and love at that moment.

He dipped his tall frame down and kissed her before searching her face. His fingers touched her cheek. "Are you happy?"

"Yes. Are you?"

He smirked. "Of course." He grinned.

"Good, now kindly let me up." She said. He blinked at her. Sarah chuckled and offered her a hand. Mari nodded a thank you and hopped down with the sheet about her and ran out the door.

Sherlock looked after his face startled. "Where on earth is she going?"

"She told you, Mr. Holmes. Full bladder." Sarah smiled cleaning up. "I hope I will see more of you soon then."

He looked at her. "You can count on it." He said. He looked back at John who was beaming at him. "What?"

"You are having a girl. A little girl! That is so exciting. I can't wait to blog about it."

"Seriously does the world need to know?"

"Are you going to be keeping it a secret then?" John asked.

Sherlock then grinned again and shook his head. "No. I think I am going to run up the tallest building and shout." He said and the pair of them laughed together.