From I'm Nova: 8) Perfect weather
"Come on Holmes," I shouted impatiently as I waited for my companion at the foot of our stairs. "You did agree to this and the weather is quite perfect."
I heard my companion grumble in response, though I could not make out his words. There followed a loud crash.
"Damn!"
"What was that?" I asked. "Are you all right?"
"Yes Watson," he came out onto the landing and sped downstairs as he wrapped a thick muffler about his neck. "I could only find one of my boots. I knocked something over in my search. Well, shall we be off? I should prefer to get this humiliating experience over and done with as soon as possible. You are sure that the cold shan't trouble you?"
"Yes thank you Holmes," I responded with some annoyance. "I am quite well wrapped up against the weather."
His eyes swept over me for a moment and then he shrugged. "Very well."
We made our way to Regents Park, where a great many people were gathered already. There were children (and one or two adults) sliding down the hill on sledges, while battles were being fought with snowballs and men being made of snow.
I escorted Holmes to the lake, over which there was a thick layer of ice, and handed him the pair of skates that I had purchased for him the year before.
"Come along old fellow," said I with a smile. "Even you should be allowed an opportunity to enjoy yourself. Besides, you might one day have need of these skates during a case."
He snorted as he took the offered footwear and exchanged his boots for them. "I very much doubt it."
Holmes did not take long to remember how to skate and only fell over but the once. I, on the other hand, struggled more than I had anticipated as my wounds have left me somewhat stiff and ungainly.
I was just beginning to think that perhaps I should simply content myself with watching the rather more graceful skaters when my friend took me by the arm.
"Come along old chap," he said quietly and with a smile he guided me into the throng once more.
We remained skating until the sun started to sink low, casting a salmon-hued glow upon snow and ice. My leg was becoming increasingly stiff and painful as the temperature dropped, despite my many layers of clothing, and Holmes' expression as he steered us in the direction of the bank informed me that he could ignore it no longer, in spite of my protestations that I was perfectly all right.
"Thank you for persuading me to join you today," the fellow said quietly as we returned our cold boots to our chilled feet. "You were indeed right; I enjoyed myself very much. I have not skated since my university days."
I smiled at him and tried not to shiver. "It was good to see you so happy."
He patted my uninjured shoulder and then linked his arm through mine. "Come along Watson," said he with just the hint of a smile on his lips. "Let us see whether Mrs. Hudson has any mulled wine to offer to us."
It was a perfect proposal after such an activity and I readily agreed; the chill in the air already forgotten as we turned our steps in the direction of Baker Street.