Another late entry to my calendar. And still several more to come, because I really don't want to do even worse this year than last year (only wrote fic on five of the days last year)
Thanks to Hades Lord of the Dead for this prompt: Holmes and Mrs Hudson celebrate
"Why the long face, Mrs Hudson?" I cried, as she busied herself setting the table for Christmas dinner.
She didn't answer. I sprang up from my seat to help her with a heavy sauce dish.
"Now really, Mrs Hudson," I admonished. "You know this is the season of glad tidings and joy."
"Indeed it is, Mr Holmes," she said calmly. "I'll just go and fetch the ham."
She left the room, and my seasonal cheer disappeared. It had been as false as it was forced. I was faced with the inescapable reality of a Christmas dinner table set for one. My first Christmas at Baker Street without Watson.
The good doctor had invited me around for dinner with himself and his wife, insistently and on several occasions. I had repeatedly declined, however. Now, the thought of stuffing and mince pies was almost repulsive to me.
Mrs Hudson reappeared, bearing a platter of cold cuts of ham and turkey. I was struck by a sudden idea.
"Mrs Hudson," I said impulsively. "Your sister is not with you this year, I believe."
"No, she couldn't come. Her daughter's youngest - "
I waved an impatient hand to cut off her explanations. I had caught a glimpse of her sister leaving the house last Saturday, and the entire saga of her grand-nephew's twisted ankle and broken collarbone was already known to me.
"Won't you join me for dinner?" I suggested.
That brought a sudden, rare smile to her face.
"Gladly," she said, and within minutes another place was set at the table, and we were sitting down to Christmas dinner together.