It is Christmas morning at 13 Paternoster Row London 1911.
Fiona hears a knock on the door and slowly gets out of bed as her muscles protest. She opens the door to no one and instantly looks down to see the message cylinder. She grabs it and closes her door.
She sits down on the bed and rotates the dials and out pops a note and a tiny box.
My Dearest Fiona,
I slept well for the first time in many days. I hope you are more comfortable and letting your body heal.
The box contains a simple bell. Once you attach the cylinder to the banister ring the bell to alert me there is a message. I will retrieve your message at my earliest opportunity.
Writing a note from time to time will help your hands having more control. Please be a dear and keep them short. I can't enjoy the letters if letter writing frustrates you. Please let me know if you want to put writing on hold.
Your Alaya
P.S. If you need help getting dressed ... undressed ... let me know.
Fiona goes out to the landing loops the blue ribbon around the banister bulb, returns to her room, cracks open the door enough to spy and rings the bell.
She waits.
Nothing.
She rings again.
Nothing.
Minutes have gone by and the cylinder remains.
She closes her door and heads to her window as Alaya might be outside.
Nothing.
She goes back to the door, cracks it a bit, the cylinder is gone.
She closes the door smiling, Alaya knows I was watching.
Alaya,
Yes, I need aid getting dressed.
I want to write
Fiona
Fiona places the bell down and heads over to the window and looks outside. It would be wonderful to take a walk, but it is too cold and she still is not strong enough.
She reminds herself it is Christmas morning.
Fiona smiled remembering her mother last night. We have friends, friends that understand. My mother is herself and accepted socially. Fiona is lost in thoughts which are interrupted by a knock at the door. "Please enter."
It is Alaya dressed in harem pants and a red blouse with a grin, "Happy Christmas".
Alaya face changes colors and her eyes quickly dart to Fiona's eyes.
Fiona looks down and see that the light from the window shines through her gown. She blushes and moves away from the window quickly.
Alaya offers a disappointed pout, "Why did you move? I was gathering courage for another glance."
Fiona quickly responds as she wipes away a tear, "Sorry dear not before the wedding night."
Alaya comes closer to Fiona, "Would it be an acceptable compromise if I offered a simple hug? If not I understand."
Fiona leans against the nearest chair, "Oh. I ..."
"I am sorry, forget that I mention anything."
"No, I want a hug. I am afraid ... "
"You have been through so much. I worry that if I touch your hand you will break like the China Joker in Dainty China Country."
"That is exactly how I feel. Like one word, one tease or even one look I will shatter and no mender to put me back."
Alaya moves closer to Fiona, "I do not wish you to shatter. Visible wounds are easily healed. Those inside are more difficult to mend. I will be gentle." She opens her arms and Fiona melts into her embrace.
Fiona starts to cry at first it is whimpering. A few seconds later it is like pouring a picture of water into a thimble overwhelming both women. Alaya holds Fiona tighter, "Please let it out. You are safe."
Fiona utter words loudly and forcefully, "Why? Why? Why?" and burying her head into Alaya's chest in vociferation, "Why!"
Alaya holds her tight. "We don't know. We honestly don't know."
Fiona grips Alaya in return. Slowly her anger subsides and returns to a snivel. "I need to sit." As she sits in a chair and Alaya kneels in front.
"I am so sorry. My heart aches at seeing you in such a state. Seeing in you in the hospital. They robbed you of your hair, your confidence and your life. I am angry. I honestly do not know what to do ... I don't want to lose you."
With a trembling hand Fiona touches Alaya's cheek, "They robbed us of our unveiling. I had such wonderful plans."
Alaya pulling a chair in front of Fiona, "Tell me, what were your plans?"
"I saved a little. I was going to pick you up in a cab at eleven in the morning. I didn't know if you were up late the night before sleuthing. I wanted you rested." Alaya nods and places both of their hands on Fiona's lap, on top of each other. It sends a shiver down Alaya's spine and it caused Fiona to pause. They look into each other's eyes. "I regretted not asking about your diet and food preferences."
"What? There is a time to unravel the personal mystery. Which is such fun. Don't you agree?"
Fiona blushes, "Yes, I rented a private room at Alan's Tea Room on Oxford. I believe that it would allow us privacy. After our luncheon, I rented a box at Pyke's Cambridge Circus Cinematograph Theatre to watch Jane Shore. I had reserved a box seat so that you could be sans veil. If everything went well, we would come back to Savile Row to join my mother for tea and supper. After which I would have returned you home."
"You planned rather well my dear. We will have opportunity for your plans. I would be honored to enjoy any outing with you. But, let us not worry about the past, today is Christmas. Shall we get you dressed?" Alaya stands up and offers her hand to Fiona.
Fiona stands and instantly grabs Alaya into a hug. Fiona's body is warm and the more they hug the warmer Alaya's body becomes. Alaya takes control, steps back and immediately regrets her maturity, she wants to feel Fiona's warmth against her own body.
Fiona asks looking into Alaya's brown eyes, "Do we really need to join the others?"
"It is Christmas. There are presents."
Fiona's eyes widen, "Yes, presents. So help me dress. Please."
"What do you want to wear today?"
"I believe I like what you are wearing."
Alaya blushing at the attention, "Excellent choice" and goes over to the closet and is looking for harem pants." Alaya turns to Fiona, "I am sorry dear it seems your mother didn't include any similar outfit."
"I don't own harem pants."
"Oh, I see. I will be right back" as she exits Fiona's room and returns in a few minutes with a pair of harem pants.
"These should fit you well." Alaya bends down and holds open the waistband as Fiona steps in each leg. Alaya pulls the pants around Fiona's knees, hips until they are secure.
Alaya successfully latches the pants while fighting for territory with the dressing gown.
Alaya returns to Fiona's closet and pull out a perfect blouse and displays it for Fiona. "I think this will look beautiful!"
Fiona trying not to blush with significant failure, "I agree. Please help me put this on ..." and dangling from a shaking hand is a shoulder strap connected to a lace bandeau brassière.
Alaya's mind is racing. "Turn around." Alaya pulls the dressing gown from the back around Fiona's head.
"Now pull one arm through." Fiona follows every instruction. "Good."
"Now hold on to your gown and put your other arm through. Good. We have successfully kept your honor. You are covering your bosom?"
Fiona nods yes.
Alaya is analyzing this delicate item and trying to ignore all the goosebumps growing on Fiona's back. "First we will put your arms through the straps one at a time, grab the front quickly and let the gown drop. I will then close the back. Sound like an idea?"
Fiona nods as her blushing has extended to her ears and neck.
The duo has successfully put on the brassière and the other items of clothing. Fiona sits down as Alaya bends to puts on Fiona's her footwear, "It is Christmas. I believe you and I need to confess something."
Fiona looking down at the back of Alaya's crown desiring to touch each ridge, "What confession?"
Alaya gently helps Fiona stand.
Alaya looks down into Fiona's eyes, "We are courting."
Fiona folds her arms, "Do I have a choice?"
"Of course you have a choice. It would break my heart if we didn't have a future, but I would respect our friendship I hold dearly." Alaya looks to the ground and she starts fidgeting her hands. "I should have asked. I am sorry."
Fiona whispers, "What if I shatter into pieces?"
Alaya picks up Fiona and spins her around the room. She gently puts Fiona on the ground. "You can break, fall, cry and run the full gambit of emotions. Remember this Fiona Saint Clair you will heal. You can allow yourself happiness even if it is for one moment. Currently, you are weak but it is not permanent. Dr. Louisa will be a great asset in your recovery. You will get stronger physically with Mother Vastra's curriculum and ..." pointing to the amount of books piled around Fiona's desk, "... you will focus on your studies. You will be in control."
Fiona looking at the mound of books, "We are to court conditionally."
"Yes, anything within reason."
"I need time to repair. Also without my hair my head is icy. Do you have a warm hat?"
"Of course" smiling, "I will gladly give you a hat in exchange for our courtship and future."
Fiona offers a muted smile.
Alaya has tormented eyes.
"I need time. I want to have hair. When my hair is ..." making an imaginary line on her own neck, "... here ... we can discuss marriage. In the meantime, I want a normal courtship. We are living in the same house and you can't assume liberties. Trust me."
"You must also trust me. I might know what is best. As in staying here in our home. I will not take advantage of our living situation. As for courtship rules ... are there any concerning human and half-Silurians?"
"True, we are not a conventional couple. I will trust you with all my heart as long as you help me understand your decisions and process."
"Deal" Alaya offers her hand to Fiona for a shake.
Fiona spontaneously pulling their faces close and kisses Alaya on her cheek.
"What happened to wait until you hair is down to here?" making a line gesture on Fiona's neck.
Taking Alaya's arm, "Escort me to the drawing-room. I said I didn't want to discuss marriage ... don't be so Edwardian."
Alaya and Fiona are going down the steps in better time than yesterday. As they enter the drawing-room with Fiona wearing a wool hat.
"Happy Christmas!"
There are more sweets, cold cuts, breads and full tea service on the table.
Jenny, "You're all on your own for food. April and I thought it over it is our holiday too." Jenny nods to April both sharing a smile.
Alaya and Fiona take the small sofa nearest to the fireplace. Alaya makes sure Fiona is all set and brings back a small plate with various items and places on the table nearest to their sofa. Alaya hands her a glass with a straw. Fiona looks up to Alaya whispering, "You need to pay attention."
Alaya sits next to Fiona whispering, "What did I miss?"
Fiona leans into Alaya, "You need to ask, not assume. I am grateful for the plate. But I am an adult and treat me as your equal, not a pet or hopeless."
Alaya sips her tea and immediately blushes, "I am sorry. "
Fiona offers Alaya a pleased look. She swiftly snaps out of her private conversation as she turns to her mother, "Did you bring all the gifts?"
"Every single one."
The Christmas Holiday is now in full swing at 13 Paternoster Row as gifts are given and received. Not one person is left out and nobody has more gifts than anyone else.
Fiona presents include a full men's cricket outfit from her mother, bicycle repair kit from Alaya, writing paper from Jenny and from Vastra a fountain pen with ink.
Alaya presents include a wool scarf with matching hat from April, Liverpool fingerprint kit from her Mother Jenny, a magnifying glass with a hip holder from Fiona and from Mother Vastra a chakram.
April presents include a journal from Alaya, a hat brooch from Jenny, a small picture frame with a drawing of April's wedding day from Fiona and from Vastra a fountain pen with ink.
Jenny presents include: a wool lined hooded coat from April, military grade utility belt from Fiona, Japanese throwing stars from Vastra and necklace with one birthstone from Alaya.
Vastra presents include a large wool button down sweater from April, tea assortment from Alaya, "Gaylord Bookcraft Box Traveling Book Binder Mending Repair Case" from Jenny and worn copy of a Latin book "Silurian Periit Culture" from Fiona.
It was fun to watch everyone open their presents. Everyone was pleased.
Since the mothers requested an effort free holiday, it was to Fiona and Alaya washing up and mothering the tea.
After everything cleared the atmosphere started to calm down.
April broke the silence, "Vastra and Jenny."
Vastra pulled herself out of the book with slight annoyance. Jenny touched Vastra's arm and pulls her in, "Yes, April."
"I finished the journal early this morning. It is extraordinary."
Fiona asks Alaya, 'What journal?"
Alaya replied briskly, "HomoReptiliaandHomoSapienReproduction: a Case Study 1892 - 1907".
"A case-study. Don't I get a holiday?" and goes back to laying her head on Alaya.
April, "I have to ask, Jenny, what did your parents think?"
Jenny curled into Vastra, "They were not pleased with me before I met Vastra. I was ostracised because of my 'preferences in companionship'. My parents strongly disagreed with my relationship with Vastras. When I told them of my intentions to marry Vastra they gave me a choice between them or Vastra. As you can see, chose Vastra."
"What happened then?"
"My parents were disgusted and embarrassed. They left me this house and moved 'Up North' to distance themselves from their daughter."
"I see. In my past ... future. Most of the world governments put laws in place to protect those who didn't conform to the social norms or 'preferences in companionship'. That didn't stop those from who were ignorant or lacked compassion to inflict harm." April gets sober, "Even death. It was rare, but it happened. You have to live your life as best you can. How old were you when you conceived Alaya?"
"Twenty-six"
"Twenty-six! My dear, Jenny you can't possibly be 50!"
"I am forty-four years old."
"Am I mistaken? I was told Alaya is twenty-four. The math is off."
Vastra, "Alaya time traveled to the future for her formal education. 'Our London' higher education lacks the curriculum for a detective, let alone a Silurian."
"How long was Alaya gone for her education?"
"In our time it was a year. In Alaya, it was six."
"Six years? Alone?" Turning to Alaya, "I am so sorry, we shall talk more about your educational opportunities at a later time." Turning to Vastra, "How old are you?"
"A Silurian never tells."
"Fair enough, how long is a general lifespan for a Silurian?"
"Two hundred to two hundred and fifty years. Sometimes to three-hundred."
April sits and stares at Vastra and Jenny. "Jenny you're human. How is your youthfulness possible?"
Vastra slightly irritated at the question, "The journal explains it all." Jenny slaps her wife's stomach. Jenny orders her wife to mind her manners.
April grabs the journal and pages it through, "blah blah blah, yadda yadda yadda infused blood? Is that correct infused blood?"
Vastra nods, "Exactly."
"Absolutely astonishing" jokingly adds with her hands spreading an imaginary banner, "Bottle it and sell it! The Silurian Mixture for long life"
Vastra, "What of your prime directive?"
"You are correct. Are side effects that aren't mentioned in the Journal? This is a record of 15 years. What about now?"
Jenny responds, "I am colder and slower in winter. I need to wear a tighter brassiere and my nails continue to grow at a faster rate. In the past six years we have found my libido, let me put this gently, less Victorian."
"Do you have a hypothesis?"
Vastra, "The Silurian blood affects different organs differently. At first it was the heart but now we think it is the ovaries. We believe it will pass once the limited supply is, shall we say down to null, her libido shall return to normal." She turns to Jenny with a sultry smile, "I am in no rush."
Jenny blushed, "Don't mind her. Do you have any other questions?"
"No, not at this point. I am more concerned with Fiona's safety. Do you have an idea if this," pointing to the journal, "will be the same for my Fiona?"
"Frankly, no. I wish we could be more helpful."
Vastra pulling Jenny close, "We have learned one thing, nature took care my Jenny. It will take care of your Fiona."
"Understand, it is still amazing. You sure you're over forty?"
Jenny laughs and nods her head.
April turns to Fiona and Alaya.
While Alaya is sitting back listening to the interview Fiona is frozen with her eyes and mouth wide open.
Vastra lets out a deep laugh and soon the room is full of laughter, except Fiona.
Fiona gets up, with Alaya's help and takes the journal from her mother, returns to her seat next to Alaya and reads. Everyone can feel Fiona body blushing as she turns each page.
Vastra, Jenny, April and Alaya sit back and continue a casual conversation. It soon was dominated by discussion of motherhood as April and Jenny will share details of their daughter childhood ups and downs. Jenny gets out the photographs she has taken over the years.
Alaya becomes mortified as the conversation topic is the Silurian's tongue and stops the conversation immediately, "Fiona and I have agreed to begin courtship."
All eyes are on Alaya and Fiona.
Fiona places a quivering finger down to mark her place but it won't be still. "Alaya, may I borrow your hand, please?"
Alaya gives her a hand. Fiona uses one of Alaya's finger to keep her place. "Thank you. What seems so important that our mothers have stopped talking? What did you say?"
Alaya repeated almost a whisper, "Fiona and I have agreed to begin courtship."
April stands up and loudly protests, "No you're too young!"
Alaya stands up while keeping her hand exactly that same place in the Journal and calmly looks to April, "Please, be cautious with your words. It could offend people I care about."
Vastra stands in solidarity to her daughter, because that is what Silurians do when one feels threatened.
April apologies to Jenny and Vastra. "I had no right in your home."
Jenny nods, "I am not so worried about Fiona's age as I am Fiona has been through."
Alaya looks to her mother Jenny and back to April. "One moment. I will be right back." Alaya looks the the journal and makes a mental note of placement. All the mothers sit down wait.
April begins to speak and Fiona looks to her, "Alaya asked for us to pause."
April closes her mouth.
Alaya comes in with a small service with five tall glasses, one with a straw. Alaya offers drinks to everyone in the room and returns to her seat next to Fiona. Alaya places her hand back on journal specific location.
Alaya looks to her mothers and then to April. "We have decided it together." Calmly adding, "Fiona and I will hold off on certain aspects until specific merits have been met. Also, it seems mothers Fiona is of the opinion that sexual intercourse is isolated within the bounds of marriage."
April and Jenny want to interject while Vastra is seeing the better part of a Silurian blood handling the humans. "You might have things to say about our arrangement. But honestly it is our arrangement. So let me clear the way for questions. One, Fiona will be going to finish her education and into medical school. Two, I will continue my studies to partake in my family business. We are open to any rules of courtship, as the are no rules concerning our situation. Any questions?"
Alaya sits back, with the finger still on the journal, asks Fiona, "How was that?"
Fiona, "Marvelous."
Vastra whispering, "Marvelous indeed."
April, "Please clarify certain aspects until specific merits are met."
Fiona turns to her mother, "That is personal, too private. I am sorry."
April taken back with a secret, "Oh."
Alaya, "So drink up mothers and celebrate. Happy Christmas!" She turns to April, "Merry Christmas to you. I am sorry that I am not what you expected as a suitor for your daughter."
April, "I am not disappointed in you. I just wanted more time before ... Fiona to focus on her education. Marriage can be a drudgery to a woman's spirit in 'Our London'."
Vastra makes a mental note, 'before what'?
Alaya, "I agree. If you have any doubts about your daughter's future and spirit look to my Mother Jenny and my Mother Vastra ... they are equals. They are more than married, they are partners in life. I offer that to your Fiona." She looks to her Fiona, "I will do my best to pay attention." Looking back to her future mother-in-law, "You are part of my family and just look around ... You will have a beautiful life with us, together as a family."
All the mothers take a drink out of their glass.
"May I hold your glass?" Fiona nods yes. Alaya holds the glass for Fiona as she sips wine through a straw.
Alaya removes the finger from the journal as Fiona continues to read. Alaya takes her glass takes a swig. She sees her Mother Vastra staring at her, all Mother Vastra did was nod with pleasing eyes.
Vastra also noticed April's eyes, even though she is smiling, there is sadness. Vastra glances towards Fiona, who is also seeing her mother's sadness. Fiona catches Vastra's glance and offers a subtle nod of shared awareness.
Alaya sits back to enjoy this tiny victory as Fiona leans into Alaya's shoulder for comfort and continues to read.
April and Jenny are now in their own little world. The wine helps.