I walked round the corner to Baker Street; we even lived on the same side of Hyde Park, and saw Angie waiting outside for me.
"Hey Angie, ready to do some serious shopping?"
"Yes. You know, since my wedding, I've been dress shopping approximately 3 times? And one of those times was for a cover for a bloody case."
"I can't believe you've only been dress shopping 3 times, in like ten years! We have to rectify that. So tomorrow night is black tie, more like red carpet, for some charity benefit that Mycroft is holding, I said I'd go months ago, I might've forgotten about it until this morning. I'm so glad you said you would come, I have to go on my own; Jim is out on some boy's night out."
"Where are we heading, Oxford Street, nothing too pricey?"
"Oh Angie, we don't have to worry about money. We're expected at Harrods in thirty minutes, so lets hail a taxi. You have to remember there are some very wonderful things about being Mycroft's little sister, one being he told me to spoil myself, and you."
"Harrods, really?" Angie asked.
"Yes! This means designer dresses and wonderful service. I can't decide of my inner artist is more excited or the giggling girl?"
A taxi pulled up when Angie stuck her hand out, I think I'm a taxi repellent.
"Harrods please." I told the cabbie and off we went.
You know those movie montages where you see the characters try on lots of different dresses and its insanely fun and girly, yes, that's how good it was. We had a stylist finding dresses for us, huge dressing rooms with full mirrors and comfy sofas to sit on whilst we showcased each new dress to the other. I fell in love with a stunning gown by John Galliano, a full-length, strapless ball gown in cream taffeta. The bodice and waist covered with blue printed tulips, the fabric twisting at the waist to give the illusion of extra layers. The long bell shape of the skirt moved like water, even with the full petticoat underneath. I felt like a princess.
I decided to keep the jewelry and make-up simple, long diamond earrings and my two rings, my engagement ring on my left hand and my moonstone ring on the right. I kept my make-up to shimmery white gold with a hint of blue for smokiness and long black hair in an intricate up doo. I added ivory silk ballet flats under the dress, I was tall enough and I never could last long in heels.
Angie chose the most incredible gold satin dress it looked like champagne. It hugged and skimmed her slender figure in all the places with a small train flowing behind her. She paired it with sparking gold accessories, some killer heels and she looked like a goddess. Sherlock won't know what hit him when he sees her in that dress. She'll be beating men off with a stick.
Our dresses boxed and ready to take home, we found another taxi and headed home. I left Angie at Baker Street and decided to walk the last five minutes of my journey home. Getting home I looked at the clock, I had 2 hours before the limousine arrived to pick me up; only just enough time for a bath. I hurried upstairs, laying my dress out on the bed and walked into the en-suite bathroom. The huge Victorian bath was so inviting.
My bathing rituals and routines completed, all I had to do was put the dress on and go. I carefully stepped into the dress, realising that I couldn't do the dress up myself. What was I going to do? I heard the front door open.
"Jim is that you?" I called, hoping it wasn't Seb, why he had a key to our house, I still didn't understand.
"Yeah, just coming home to get changed, where are you?"
"Bedroom, I need your help." I called back. I could hear Jim coming up the stairs.
"Everything alright…Wow, Percy you look incredible."
"Thank you, could you do me up?" I felt Jim's fingers brush along my spine as he did up the dress the sensation made me shiver.
"Don't start something neither of us can finish mister." I admonished playfully. Jim slid his hands round my waist and spun me round.
"I'll keep that in mind for later on. You really do look beautiful." With that statement he kissed me.
"Tonight is going to be dreadful without you, are you sure you can't come with me?"
"Sorry darling, I promised the boys a night out. I'll miss you too, I promise." I smiled he always knew what to say. Jim wondered into the bathroom.
"When did you get the dress?" Jim called to me
"Today, I went shopping with Angie, Mycroft paid." As I said this the doorbell rang.
"That's my cue, have fun with the boys tonight. Say 'hi' to Seb for me. There is left over dinner from last night in the fridge, remember to eat! I love you." I hurried, picking up my clutch and ducking my head round the door to kiss Jim good-bye.
"Bye love, try not to get into too much trouble." I heard Jim call from the bathroom as I headed downstairs.
I opened the door and was greeted by a familiar sight.
"Good evening Miss Percy how are you this evening?"
"Hello George, I'm well thank you. How's the family?" I responded. George is Mycroft's chauffeur; he used to drive me all over when I was living with Mycroft.
"They're all well thank you Miss."
George opened the door for me and helped me manage my dress into the car. I thanked him.
"We have to make a brief stop to collect Master Sherlock and Miss Watson, is that alright Miss."
"Of course George. It is lovely to see you again."
We pulled away into the oncoming traffic and the short drive to Baker Street. George stopped the car and got out to ring the bell. Promptly an entrancing Angie walked out the door, followed by handsome, but very sullen, Sherlock. I tensed inside; this was going to be an awkward journey to say the least. He would notice the ring, I know he would, I bet he'll make a comment too. I just have to keep an air of civility and ignore to his hawk like eyes and sharp tongue. George opened the door and Angie slid in first, followed by Sherlock.
"Wow, Angie, you really do look incredible."
"Thanks Percy, so do you."
"Persephone." Was the cold greeting I received.
"Sherlock." I nodded back.
The tension was so thick you could have cut it with a knife; I really couldn't wit to get out of the very enclosed car. Just keep breathing Percy just relax. Minutes felt like hours, and I don't really remember any of the conversation held, of there was any at all. After what felt like an age, we pulled up to the hotel. George came and opened my door and held a hand to help me out.
"Thank you George, it's been a pleasure as always."
"Your welcome Miss, have a nice night." I walked onto the welcoming red carpet leading into the hotel and didn't look back. I strangely felt more relaxed in room full of the rich and powerful than I did sitting in a car with my best friend and my brother. I could see the reflection of Angie and Sherlock behind me in the mirror above the reception desk. I was about to walk into the ballroom when I heard my name.
"Persephone, you made it, making quite the statement too."
"Hello Mycroft, a glittering display as always and one must keep up appearances, and after all we're family now."
"Quite right sister. Did you enjoy your outing today?"
"I did thank you, it was wonderful, I made sure Angie would lure Sherlock out of the house. It's about time he re-entered the real world."
"Is that a tone of annoyance, what has he done to upset you? I thought you both got on."
"We should, but we had a falling out. He started interfering where he isn't wanted."
"Yes, well he does do that. Did you not bring a companion this evening?"
"Sadly, he's unavailable this evening, a prior engagement." As soon as the word had left my mouth I regretted it. I think Mycroft could see my expression.
"Yes, I had noticed Percy, I'm not as blind as you think I am. Congratulations are in order then." Key took my hands and kissed my cheek.
"Thank you Mycroft, now you can't be neglecting all your guests, I should mingle, I'll see you later." His gracious acceptance that I was engaged was unexpected, but he didn't ask me to whom. I thought little more of it and carried on into the ballroom, seeing Angie I walked over to her.
"What do you think?" I asked her.
"It's big, I'm not sure I know where to start."
"Oh its just rich, self important people inflating each others egos, so it's just like dealing with Sherlock, except they're not as intelligent." I lowered my voice at the last part. I added. "To make it more fun, try and work out the scandals going on, or who's having an affair with who, its great fun and you learn things the papers could never print."
"Percy, come on, he's just worried about you, and he just isn't very good at showing you that."
"Well too little too late. He's coming back over, I'm off to mingle, and there are a few faces I know. See you later."
I stepped into the crowd, nodding to faces I knew, when I spotted Gilbert Farby.
"Gilbert, darling, how are you?"
"Persephone, dear, what a pleasure to see you. You're looking radiant as ever."
"You flatter me Gilbert. How are the children?"
"Well, well, thank you for asking. I'm surprised you remembered."
"Now Gilbert, of course, I remember your girls, they are such angels."
"I'm glad I saw you, I'd like to know if he would interested in one of my side projects. Is he with you tonight."
"Ah, straight to business, no, he's busy this evening, but I'm sure I could manage the arrangements for you, after all I'll be Mrs. soon enough."
"Mrs.? Oh, Congratulations. You will hear my proposal then?"
"For you Gilbert anything." I gave him the most seductive smile I could manage; he always was pulled in by the image of a woman. Money was tight, his gambling was getting harder to cover, he was losing money, and he owed thousands. His last effort was acceptable, but if he were desperate, he'd have to work for it.
I'd managed to spend the evening avoiding Sherlock, I was rather proud of myself. My plan failed when Mycroft came towards me, Sherlock in tow. If I ran now, it would cause more bother than it was worth, I really wished Jim was here, he was a wonderful brother repellent, as well as excellent company.
"Having fun Persephone, you've been charming the guests as per usual." Greeted Mycroft.
"All in a days work." I smiled, knowing he knew exactly what I was doing.
"Now, Sherlock you should dance with our sister, help show her off a little more, it would make Mummy so proud." I groaned, internally, at Mycroft's suggestion. This was going to be hell.
"Come, let's get this over with." Was all Sherlock could grind out, offering me his arm.
"Is that what you say to charm all the girls?" I responded.
"Can you waltz?" Was my answer, well I suppose if you ask a stupid question one should expect a stupid answer.
"Yes I can. Can you lead?" I said smiling, making it seem were having a lovely civil conversation. Mycroft having leaked around society that he's found his long lost sister.
"Obviously."
"Good."
Our clipped conversation ended as we stepped onto the dance floor. We twirled around the floor and it all seemed quite normal, even fun, but as soon as I began to relax, Sherlock ruined the moment.
"You certainly can flirt can't you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I've been watching you flounce around the room, flirting your way into politics and getting work for your devil of a fiancé. How many men have you seduced this evening? Does dear old Jim even know you?"
"Firstly, I did not flounce, I'm not three. It's called social skills, flattery and a well-placed smile has both made and stopped wars. I'm not seducing anybody; I always have and always will be faithful to Jim. Yes of course he knows me, you are very dense sometimes Sherlock."
"Something he said, made think, especially after watching you whore your way round the room, who's the real devil in your relationship. Maybe I should worry about Jim and not you."
"You really are obsessed aren't you? Are you only happy when you have an arch nemesis to bounce your pride off? Have you ever heard the phrase 'hell hath no fury like a woman scorned'? I will protect Jim and our life to my last breath and if that means I get my hands dirty then so be it."
"Of course I've heard that saying, it's an overused cliché. There is always good and bad, just ambiguity that blurs them. So is it you I have to thank for my little tumble of a hospital roof? Are you the mastermind?"
"Don't be ridiculous. Just keep your nose out of my business and you'll have nothing to worry about." With that, I let go of my brother and left the dance floor. He was too inquisitive for his own good, if he wasn't careful he'd get burnt. I walked to the bar and ordered and a cosmopolitan. I stood watching the dancing and the gossiping, money feeding money. The irony of it all, they were all liars and back stabbers, no different form any one else, just trying to leave some form of lingering impression upon the world.
The night continued much the same, schmoozing and networking; a night finding out the gossip. Flirting with politicians to help shift politics to suit ones ideals and plans. These nights were so antiquated, the men talked power and money, we women were there to attract our pray and to advance our men's careers, or sometimes our own if so inclined. If only Jim was with me, it was more fun when you could play and work. He always chose the most attractive women to make me jealous, so I'd retaliate by flirting with any and every man, never dancing with him, making him watch. Together we'd find all the secrets and the lies and keep them for later. Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Just as true boredom had set in, I felt a presence behind me. A soft Irish accent saying,
"How about we set this place alight?" I spun round to be greeted by Jim in a gorgeous tuxedo, looking positively sinful.
"Lead the way darling, Lord Berton is out to play as is Gilbert." The night had significantly brightened with the presence of Jim. We weaved in and out of the crowd; not stopping to talk to anyone I followed my hand in Jim's.
"Ignore them, I want to show you off, dance with me darling?"
"How could I refuse?" I smiled back at him. He pulled me close his arm tight around my waist, I felt so safe in his arms. Jim was a wonderful dancer and led me round the floor expertly. The music was changing and we kept dancing, wrapped in our own world, never disturbed. As the music slowed I caught both Sherlock and Mycroft staring at us, mixed expressions of rage and confusion on their faces. I leaned in and whispered in Jim's ear.
"Kiss me." I caught his eye and could see the passion ignite, he didn't let me down, and the fiery passion was palpable to all around us. I opened my eyes making eye contact with my brothers, issuing a silent challenge, stop me and regret it.