It had now been two days since William Basil of Baker Street had finally tied the knot to the love of his life, Olivia Flaversham, and neither had been able to get the smiles of their face. They had certainly had a full-on day yesterday, with many rodents coming around to congratulate them so the newlyweds were hoping to have a less energetic day today.
''My, you two are certainly loved up,'' Mrs Judson said giddily over breakfast. ''I think I will still keep calling you Miss Olivia, even though you're now Mrs Basil,'' she added to her mistress, who told her that was just fine.
With a big smile on his face, Basil was reading yesterday's morning paper, that had a picture of him and Olivia at the wedding underneath the headline: ''FAMOUS DETECTIVE FINALLY TIES THE KNOT''. Underneath the picture was the smaller headline ''Detective Basil Marries Client of Famous Flaversham Case'', while the rest of the article was dedicated to his and Olivia's wedding (though the highlight was the archery contest), and detailing the history of their relationship, starting from when they had first met nine years ago to present.
''Reading it again, William?'' Olivia asked her husband.
Basil looked up. ''Of course, and until our wedding pictures are finished, I intend to keep hold of this.'' He put the paper down, stood up, walked to where his wife was sat, pulled her up and kissed her long and passionately. ''I know I've said this many times already, but I will forever thank Dawson for finding you and bringing you to me that night, Livy.''
Olivia giggled. ''Since we return to Mousefield College shortly, that means we can't have a honeymoon,'' she added, a little sadly.
''We can always have a belated one at some point,'' Basil assured her. ''And I was thinking, since I have never been to Scotland, perhaps we can have our honeymoon at your birth place if that's alright with you?''
Oliva looked as though she might cry. ''Oh, Willliam …That's just fine with me. It was also where Mummy and Daddy first met.''
She kissed him and Mrs Judson made sighs. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. ''Now who could that be?'' Basil asked, and Mrs Judson opened the door.
''Miss Juliet and Miss Marianne!'' she said in delight. ''Do come in.''
Juliet and Marianne Richmond stepped into the parlour. ''My, this is a surprise,'' Olivia said, and hugged the sisters.
''Hello,'' Juliet said. ''My sister insisted she wanted to apologise for what happened with her allergy, even though we've all told it's alright.''
''Your family are correct, Miss Marianne,'' Mrs Judson said. ''You just got so excited about trying some new food that you forgot about your allergy.''
''I know,'' Marianne said, ''but … even so …''
Basil and Olivia looked at each other. ''Come on, Marianne, cheer up,'' Olivia encouraged. ''You're never like this, you're always so energetic and lively.''
Marianne suddenly grinned, which surprised her sister. ''On one condition: teach me archery sometime, or show me. I was so disappointed when Father and Juliet told me. I never knew you two were so skilled.''
Olivia translated for Juliet through sign language. ''Is this the real reason why you wanted to come over?'' Juliet said, exasperated.
''Of course! I mean, I do still feel bad about my allergy, but I know it's alright.''
''We should've known,'' Olivia said, as she, Basil and Mrs Judson smiled at each other.
''Very well, Marianne, we shall teach you archery,'' Basil said, folding his arms.
''If it's fine with your parents, the next time we go to Scotland to visit my family, you two could come with us. I'm sure Uncle Rory and Aunt Aileen wouldn't mind having extra guests.''
''Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!'' Marianne said, pouncing on them with her usual big bear bugs. ''Mother knows we can travel independently due to Cornwall, but I think she'd feel better knowing you were with us.''
''I know the feeling,'' Mrs Judson said empathetically.
Olivia then looked at Juliet, curious. She was about to raise her hands to use sign language when Juliet held up her hand and told her she wanted to try and lip-read her words, as she wanted to keep practising. Olivia obliged and said, ''Juliet, there's something I've always been curious about: were you, by any chance, named after the Shakespeare character in Romeo and Juliet?''
''I know you said 'Shakespeare', 'Romeo' and 'Juliet', so I'm guessing you asked if my name is from the play?''
Olivia nodded.
Juliet laughed. ''I've been asked that many times, that's how I was able to read you saying it. Yes, I was. When Mother was younger, she was an absolute Shakespeare nerd, she loved reading the plays despite the tragedies of some of them.''
''And if I had been a boy, I would've been named Romeo,'' Marianne added, rolling her eyes. ''But thank goodness Mother didn't go overboard, otherwise she probably would've given us middle names of Shakespeare characters too! I'm Marianne Sarah and my sister is Juliet Eleanor, thankfully.''
Basil, Olivia and Mrs Judson chuckled.
''So, what shall we do today?'' Basil then asked his wife.
''I really want to visit Toby and Mummy,'' Olivia answered, holding up her ring finger to indicate she wanted to share the good news. ''Thomas, Emily and Violet as well.''
Basil hugged her close. ''Me, too,'' he whispered. ''Very well, darling, that's what we will do.''
'' 'Toby'?'' Juliet repeated, having read the word. ''You mean your dog friend? Helen did mention he wasn't very well.''
''He's gotten worse these last few months,'' Mrs Judson said sadly. ''He doesn't have long now, as Doctor Dawson said. Whenever they've returned from college, Mr Basil and Miss Olivia have been spending almost all of their time with him.''
''Can we see him as well?'' Marianne asked. ''We've never had the chance to meet him yet, as Mother said it was sometimes best to leave rodents grieving for a loved one, which was why we didn't visit you when you had your aunt's funeral. But I'm happy you were able to give her the send-off she deserved,'' she added, and Mrs Judson hugged her.''
''And you both came down with flu when we returned for October half term,'' Olivia added.
''Of course you can both come,'' said Basil. ''Toby would be delighted to make some more new friends.''
With that, the four mice set off for upstairs where Toby lived with Sherlock Holmes. ''Oh, speaking of which, how is Samuel?'' Olivia asked the girls. Even though she hated Samuel she was still concerned for his health.
Juliet said she couldn't read Olivia's lips then due to the darkness so she signed for her. ''Great-grandfather?'' she said. ''He's gone downhill significantly. We think he's nearing the end. He's bed-ridden now.''
''The doctor said he has never seen anyone deteriorate in such a short amount of time,'' Marianne added.
''I'm guessing having said goodbye to Violet, the last link left to Marianne, Samuel feels he no longer has a reason to live, so his body is shutting down,'' Basil theorised.
Juliet and Marianne agreed. ''All he keeps saying is 'I'll soon be with my dear Marianne again','' said Juliet.
''I know it sounds horrible,'' Mariane added, ''but none of us are really sad about it, Great-grandfather has never been popular amongst our family.''
Basil and Olivia weren't surprised. They arrived at their destination, and after checking to see if Holmes and Watson had left, Basil led the group to Toby, who was once again lying by the nice warm fire. ''Toby?'' he said gently.
The poorly dog yawned and slowly opened his eyes, though he winced in pain. He looked no different, though he was paler. ''Hello, Toby,'' Olivia said, patting his nose, and laughed when he weakly licked her ear. ''Still a silly doggy!''
''Toby,'' said Basil, gesturing to the sisters, ''we have some more new friends for you. Meet Juliet and Marianne Richmond.''
''Hello there,'' Juliet said, a little nervously, patting his nose like Olivia did.
''Don't worry, we're nice,'' Marianne added.
Both girls became as still as statues for a moment as Toby sniffed them, then their shoulders relaxed when the Basset Hound licked them. Basil explained Toby licked someone if he liked them.
''Good boy,'' Juliet said, kissing his nose.
Marianne nuzzled against his ear, burying herself against it. ''So furry!'' she giggled.
Juliet saw and told her sister not be too rough or loud given Toby was ill, and Marianne understood. The sisters introduced themselves to Toby properly and told him all about themselves. Despite being poorly Toby understood what they were saying, and when Juliet informed him she was profoundly deaf, Toby gave her an extra-long lick, as if he thought it would magically give her hearing. ''Awe, don't be upset,'' Juliet cooed, stroking his ear. ''It does sadden me that I will never be able to hear my loved ones' voices, but there are ways that can help me, such as sign language and lip reading, which I am now practising. Plus, I don't know how, but I can often hear everyone's voices in my head anyway.''
Toby looked happier, but still somewhat sad. He also gave Marianne an extra-long lick when hearing about her nut allergy, which made her giggle. ''Good doggy,'' she crooned.
''Toby,'' Basil said suddenly, stepping forward, ''Olivia and I have some good news for you.''
''We got married!'' Olivia announced, and she and Basil held up their wedding rings., as well the turquoise ring she still wore on the right hand.
Toby let out the biggest smile he could manage and gave the newlyweds great big licks that were slobbery, but Basil and Olivia didn't mind. They then proceeded to tell their friend all about the wedding, and Toby seemed delighted to hear it all, evidenced by his tail waggling weakly, though he winced in pain. When they were done, Toby let out a big yawn and went to sleep.
''When you're as ill as Toby you just want to sleep,'' Olivia explained.
''Sweet dreams,'' Juliet and Marianne said together, patting the dog's nose.
Just then, voices were heard and Basil knew Holmes and Watson had returned. After saying goodbye to the sleeping Toby the four mice returned to the rodent quarters. ''I like Toby,'' Marianne said when they got back. ''He's so soft and furry! I just wish he wasn't so well; he must be in so much pain.''
She suddenly got teary-eyed and Juliet hugged her sister. ''I know, sis, I know.''
''Toby is sterner than you think, so he will hold on as long as he can,'' Basil said, trying to sound upbeat, but his voice cracked.
Olivia squeezed his hand.
Basil then cleared his throat. ''Anyway, we will make the most of the time Toby had left and make as many memories as possible,'' he added, and Olivia and Mrs Judson looked proud, the housekeeper holding a tray of fresh cheese crumpets. Everyone ate some and that brightened up the atmosphere.
''Miss Juliet,'' Mrs Judson then piped up, with Olivia translating, ''I'm eager to know: how are things with Tony?''
''He popped by yesterday,'' the young woman answered. ''He's really sweet. Peter went to visit Helen, of course. I think we have a new friend.''
Everyone nodded. Basil and Olivia then put on their coats and announced they were going to the cemetery to visit Annabel, Thomas and Emily. After saying goodbye to Juliet, Marianne and Mrs Judson, the newlyweds took the trolley and arrived at their destination. ''Hello, Mummy,'' Olivia said when they reached her mother's headstone. ''William and I finally tied the knot. I really wish you could've been there. I know Daddy said you would be there in spirit, and I did feel as though you nearby watching me, but it just wasn't the same.''
She swallowed and Basil hugged her. ''Uncle Malcolm was there, though,'' the young woman added. ''He said that I reminded him so much of you, and he gave William a hard time,'' she added, giggling.
''Yes,'' said Basil, ''but I managed to win him round, Annabel. Like Olivia, I have a … certain charm.''
Olivia folded her arms, smirking. ''Uh-huh, sure,'' she said, knowing full well Basil was too proud to admit that Malcolm had intimidated him. She then pressed her finger to her lips and touched the headstone. ''We'll bring flowers next time. See you soon, Mummy,'' she said. ''I love you.''
The couple walked away, Basil with his arm around his wife, and they made their way to where Thomas, Emily and Violet rested. ''Hello, Mother, Father, Violet,'' Basil said to the headstones, just as Olivia had done, and told them the good wedding news. ''As you know, Mother, I was never fussed about marriage or children, I just wanted to focus on my smarts, and after that night when you and Aunt Violet died, Father, that became a solemn vow.'' He smiled at Olivia. ''But, of course, that vow broke thanks to this beautiful lady. We will solve cases together and see the world, just as I did with Dawson.'' He then fumbled, not knowing what else to say, and Olivia stepped forward.
''William's still bad at socialising, but I will make sure he works on that,'' she promised, and took his hand.
Basil smiled and turned to Thomas's headstone once more. ''I will make you proud, Father,'' he added, and Olivia told him he already did.
After saying goodbye, Basil and Olivia darted across the cemetery and stopped when they saw Sally, Theodore and their children standing in front of headstone, laying flowers. They had a hunch who it was and didn't want to invade their privacy. Sally and Theodore then looked up and waved, gesturing them to come to them. If Sally was inviting them, it was okay, they thought, and made their way to where the family of five were.
''We wanted to wish her an early Christmas,'' Sally said, staring and the headstone, and the Basils followed suit.
Emma Sally Hopkins
Born 5th April 1890
Died 5th April 1890
You will forever be in our hearts
''Merry Christmas, Emma,'' Susan, Lucas and Arthur said together.
''I'm so sorry, Sally,'' Olivia whispered.
Sally wiped the tears from her eyes. ''I know you've been wondering about her ever since Pauline told the Viper.''
''We didn't want to upset you,'' Olivia said, a hint of pleading in her voice, and Sally and Theodore nodded in gratitude.
''She would've been sixteen now,'' Basil said, looking at the date.
''She was four years older than me,'' said Susan.
''We've never met her, but we love and miss her,'' Arthur piped up.
Sally and Theodore hugged their children. ''Why did she have to go?'' Lucas asked, a hint of anger. ''She didn't even live one day, it's not fair.''
''It was just one of those things, son,'' Theodore said sadly, and looked at Basil and Olivia. ''Pauline probably told you, but Emma was born prematurely.''
''Only five months long,'' said Sally. ''I went into labour far too soon. She was too tiny to survive, but she was so precious. I just wanted to hold her and never let her go.''
''Even the funeral was difficult to get through,'' Thedore revealed, holding his wife. ''It took us a long time before we were ready to try again.''
''Then four years later, I was born and made Mother and Father happy again,'' Susan said cheerfully, and her parents smiled.
''You did, sweetheart,'' said Sally. ''When Susan was born, I held her close and made sure she had all fingers and toes. The first few months I was overprotective of her.''
''As was I,'' Theodore admitted, stroking his daughter's head. ''We don't really talk about Emma because it still hurts.''
''This is partly why you're so protective of Clara and Pauline and worry about their pregnancies, isn't it?'' Olivia asked Sally gently. ''Not just because you're the eldest?''
Sally confirmed it. ''When Clara was pregnant with Martha, I was so scared of the same thing happening. And I know Pauline is save in David's hands with him being a doctor, but even so …'' She trailed off.
''Dawson knows, Sally,'' Basil said.
Sally smiled sadly and clasped Olivia's hands. ''I wish you a safe pregnancy Olivia, I wouldn't want anyone else to go through what we went through with Emma.''
Olivia thanked her and Basil assured her would be just as protective of Olivia as she was with her sisters. They wished everyone a merry Christmas, even Emma, and left the family be. They trekked once more across the cemetery when Basil stopped once more and, as though once again being pulled by some invisible force, made his way to another headstone, Olivia right behind him. ''I feel I should talk to her at least once,'' the detective said to his wife. ''After all, she was Violet's birth mother, and I didn't get the chance to say anything last time.''
Olivia nodded and they both gazed at the grave in front of them laid out with orchid flowers, Basil feeling his heart skip a beat as he swallowed.
Marianne Doris Ratigan
23rd August 1818-16th March 1850
Beautiful Woman
You will be greatly missed
''Hello, Marianne,'' Basil said in a heavy voice. ''You already know this, of course, but we gave Violet the send-off she deserved. We loved her very much, and always treated her as part of the family.'' He then scowled darkly, as though he had seen an irksome fly. ''I'm sorry the same can't be said for your son. My grandparents gave him and Violet everything when they had nothing and yet that wasn't enough for him. All he cared about was power. If you were really the sort of person I hear you were, you would no doubt have been ashamed of him becoming the Napoleon of Crime.'' He sucked in his breathe, having got all of his ranting out of his system.
''I believe if you hadn't died he might have turned out differently,'' Olivia said earnestly. ''It seems he did have affection for you, along with Violet and Ruby, albeit twisted.''
Basil agreed.
''I hope you have reunited with Violet,'' Olivia added.
''And met my grandparents,'' Basil added.
Oliva turned to her husband. ''Do you want to say anymore?''
''I'm done. My apologies, Marianne, for ranting a bit, but I just wanted you to know how I'm feeling.''
''If she was anything like Violet she would've understood your anger,'' Olivia said, and led him away from Marianne Ratigan's grave.
They departed the cemetery this time. Olivia said she didn't want to go back to Baker Street just yet, as she hadn't really had the chance to explore London properly since she returned from Mousefield College that summer. Basil was surprised but happy to oblige. They walked down one street that looked unfamiliar to Olivia, and had just passed one house that was well-kept when Basil felt something against his foot. He bent down and picked up a ball. The couple saw a young boy about 9 or 10 approach them from the garden. ''Thank you, mister!'' said the boy, and Basil handed him the ball.
''Here you go, young man,'' said the detective, but as he looked at the boy more closely, he couldn't help but feel this boy looked familiar, as if he had met him before. He had brown fur, with bits at the back of his head standing up, and his eyes were an intelligent brownish-blue.
The boy was also staring at Basil as though he found him familiar. ''Basil of Baker Street?'' he asked slowly.
''Indeed I am.''
Immediately, the boy's face lit up like a street lamp. ''I thought so!'' He saw Olivia. ''Are you're Mrs Basil of Baker Street, right?''
''Aye.''
Olivia felt pleased to be called that.
The boy smiled even more. ''Oh, boy! Mother will be pleased to see you both. She'll –''
''Simon! I told you not to run out into the road!'' said a female voice, and a woman that looked a little older than Basil approached them. Her fur was light-beige, but the bits at the back stood up like her son's, and had the same brownish-blue eyes. She was carrying an infant. She was about to scold her son when she saw Basil and looked as though she had seen a ghost. ''William?'' she said. ''This is a surprise.''
Basil blinked. ''Camilla?'' he asked, but smiled slightly. ''Indeed, long time no see.''
Olivia looked from Basil to the woman, a fluttering feeling swirling in her stomach, as though she had a tummy upset. So this was Camilla. Secretly, Olivia had always wanted to meet her, even though she knew she would have feelings of insecurity, and now here she was.
Camilla looked at Olivia and smiled warmly. ''You're Olivia, right?'' she said, in a tone similar to Simon's.
Olivia said she was, and was taken by surprise when Camilla suddenly hugged her with one arm, the other carefully holding the infant. ''Even though it didn't work out between us,'' she said to Basil, ''I'm glad we both found our soulmates.''
''As am I,'' Basil agreed, placing an arm around his wife, and Olivia suddenly felt a lot better about Camilla.
The baby in Camilla's arms giggled. ''Awe, he's cute,'' Olivia cooed.
''Say hello, Oscar,'' Camilla said, but Oscar just babbled. He looked like a baby version of Simon. ''Bless him. Simon and Oscar are my two boys, and I love them more than anything, apart from my husband Miles.''
''Thanks again for getting my ball, Mr Basil,'' Simon said, holding it up. ''It's my favourite.''
Basil chuckled. ''They seem to have been brought up rather well.''
Suddenly, Oscar started fussing. ''It's feeding time,'' Camilla said. She paused. ''I know this is a bit awkward to ask,'' she added slowly, ''but would you like to come in for a cup of tea? You both look as though you could do with one, and you must be cold.''
''Are you sure?'' Basil asked. ''What about your husband? I wouldn't want to cause trouble for you two.''
''Don't worry. Miles is a little insecure at times, but it'll be fine. He knows I love him.''
''Oh, please do,'' Simon pleaded, holding his ball like you would hold a hat under your chin, his eyes suddenly big and trying to look cute. ''I would like to hear stories about your past cases, Mr Basil,'' he pouted.
''Why, Livy and I just can't say no to a face like that!'' the detective chortled.
''That face again!'' Camilla sighed, and even Oscar giggled. ''He's always doing that. When he was little, he liked reading books about adventurers, like Robinson Crusoe and Jim Hawkins, and there was one that featured a swashbuckling cat doing a similar trick to sway people. I just hope grows out of it.''
''He will,'' Olivia assured her. ''And I'm guessing he's a fan of William's work?''
''He's just like our nephew Duncan,'' Basil added.
''Let's just hope they don't meet, otherwise they'll start a 'Basil of Baker Street fan club,' '' Olivia teased her husband, and everyone laughed. ''Camilla is right, though; we could do with a cup of tea after visiting the cemetery, and as she said it is cold.''
Basil agreed and Camilla and Simon led them inside, where they heard the sound of a hammer. ''Do excuse the noise. The floor upstairs has had a hole for a while, Miles is fixing it,'' Camilla explained. ''He's very handy with tools. In fact, that's how we met.''
''A chance encounter. I love it when that happens,'' Olivia said, smiling.
''When I grow up, I want to be like Dad,'' Simon said, flexing his muscles like a strong man.
Camilla called upstairs: ''Miles! We have some guests for tea!''
''I'll be right there!'' called back a deep voice that sounded tired. ''Almost finished!''
Camilla went into the kitchen to warm up a bottle of milk. ''Simon, can please lead out guests to the living room while I feed Oscar? Once he's full, we'll mash some tea. Oscar gets really fussy if he's not fed immediately.''
''Yes, ma'am. Right this way,'' the boy added to Basil and Olivia, as if he was a waiter. He led them to the living room and had them the sit on two dark green chairs. Basil and Olivia looked at the mantlepiece and saw lots of framed pictures of the family, such as baby pictures of both Simon and Oscar. ''Camilla seems to have done well for herself,'' Olivia commented.
''I second that,'' Basil agreed. ''I'm relieved to know. While she was smart, she didn't really have a plan of what she was going to do after University of Mouseford.''
''Yeah, Mother had brains, but she didn't really know what she could do where she could use them, particularly as they didn't let many women do proper work then. She actually got depressed for a while after she graduated, she was in a really bad place, but then she met Father and a friend of his managed to secure her a job at the local sweet store. It's not what she had in mind, but she enjoys working there, handing out sweets to kids. She's the happiest she has ever been. She can use her brains there, for she can add up the numbers of total sales they make yearly.''
''That's right, maths was your mother's specialty,'' Basil said.
Camilla returned from the kitchen, feeding Oscar. She sat down in the chair opposite Basil and Olivia.
''Simon likes my job, mainly because he always gets excited if I bring home some sweets for him. He has a bit of a sweet tooth.''
''Don't eat too much, or you'll rot your teeth out,'' Basil said to Simon sternly.
Simon grinned.
''All fixed up! Now we don't have to worry about anymore drafts coming in.''
Miles had appeared, his sleeves rolled up, looking tired but happy. He had Simon's brown fur, and appeared somewhat buff, which made sense given his job. ''Oh, are these the guests that –?'' He stopped when he saw Basil and Olivia. ''Basil of Baker Street!'' He glanced at Camilla with a nervous look in his eyes and placed an arm around her. ''What are you doing here?'' he asked.
''Olivia and I come in peace,'' Basil said, holding up a hand. ''We were just passing by your house when Simon's ball rolled to us.''
''Camilla thought we could do with some a warm drink seeing as we have been outside in the cold for a while,'' Olivia added.
''Well, if that case then let's get the tea brewing,'' Miles said, a bit better, but still looking at Basil warily.
Simon offered to make the tea and carried a small box into the kitchen. ''Don't worry, Mr and Mrs Basil, I know how to make tea, Mother and Father taught me,'' he said with a shrug, as if it was no big deal, seeing Basil and Olivia look worried.
''Smart boy,'' Basil said approvingly.
''We wanted to teach him the essentials so he can to look after himself when he's old enough,'' Miles said, smiling, proud of his son.
''Nothing wrong with that, Miles,'' Basil commended. ''I think you've done sensible.''
''William and I will certainly do the same with our children,'' Olivia added.
Camila's eyes shined like diamonds. ''Congratulations!''
''Hold on,'' Olivia said, holding up her hand. ''I'm not pregnant just yet.''
Miles sat next to his wife and buried his face in one hand. ''Are you okay Miles?'' Olivia in concern.
''I'm fine, I've just been working overtime,'' Miles said, in a slightly irritated voice, and Camilla patted his arm.
Basil frowned and put his arm around his wife but didn't say anything. He normally didn't like it if someone was rude to Olivia, but since Miles was just tired out from his job he would pardon him. Plus, Basil didn't want make a fuss in front of Simon and Oscar.
Simon returned carrying two cups at tea for Basil and Olivia, then went back to the kitchen with two more for his parents. He spent his time on the floor playing with his baby brother while the grown-ups talked, though he joined in every now and then.
''We read about your wedding in the paper,'' he said when Camilla and Miles congratulated them on their marriage. ''Mother told me so much about you and she always hoped you would find someone just as she found my dad, after her and Mr Basil didn't work out.''
''Looking at you two together now, I have no doubt in my mind that you two are made for each other. You may be only nineteen, Olivia, not much older than myself at the time, but from what I have heard about you, you are braver and far more emotionally mature and wise beyond your years. While I was smart, I was rather faint-hearted. William will have told you about how I was put off by him being Ratigan's nephew?''
''You don't need to hate yourself for it, you were just scared, and you were so young,'' Olivia said reasonably, ''so I think you both ultimately released that you weren't ready for a relationship.''
Camilla nodded. ''I was seventeen when I entered, a year after William did, the same as Gideon Richmond,'' she said with a scowl. ''We weren't really sorry to hear about his death at the hands of the of the Viper,'' she added coldly.
''It sounds as though he was really messed up,'' Miles agreed.
''Oh, he was,'' Basil said, a hint of venom in his voice.
''But it turned out alright for us both,'' Camilla concluded, gesturing to Miles and Olivia.
Olivia was glad the atmosphere was no longer awkward or uncomfortable, which was visibly present when she and her husband first entered Camilla's home, like a block of ice. With each mice speaking, however, it was as though that ice was being chipped away, in rather large chunks. Miles was still wary of Basil, but didn't make a scene. Olivia told Camilla about her time at school and college and the studying she did. It reaffirmed Camilla's belief that Olivia was indeed Basil's soulmate.
Afterwards, Oscar reached his arms out to Basil and Olivia. ''He likes you,'' Camilla said, and let Olivia hold him.
''Well, I'll be,'' Miles said in amazement. ''Oscar never takes to strangers so easily.''
Basil told them that his wife had a certain charm that no-one could resist, pointing out that he himself fell for it.
Camilla then told Olivia some embarrassing stories about Basil's time at University of Mouseford: the time he had been found in the library asleep surrounded by books and claimed to have sleepwalked there, the time it was so windy that all of Basil's clothes came off him and landed in the lake, the time that …
''Alright! I think that's enough!'' Basil exclaimed; his face very red as Olivia giggled, and Camilla and Miles smirked.
Basil and Camilla were acting like siblings more than anything else, Olivia thought. If anything could get rid of the last chuck of ice, this could. Simon then asked Basil to tell him about some of his past cases, which Basil was more than happy to do so, wanting to change the subject. With each story told, Simon got more excited and by the time he had finished telling his last, the boy's eyes were shining like stars in the night sky. ''How thrilling!'' the boy said. ''You really do lead an exciting life, Mr Basil! You're so lucky.''
Basil said. He really did sound like Duncan.
Oscar started fussing and yawning. ''It's Oscar's nap time,'' Camilla said, and looked at the clock. ''Oh, my! Look at the time! How long have we been talking?''
Olivia handed the baby back to his mother, and Simon whined. ''Mr and Mrs Basil need to get home,'' Miles said to his eldest son.
''Indeed, Mrs Judson will be worrying,'' Basil agreed, putting his coat. ''It's been nice catching up, Camilla, glad to see you are doing well for yourself.''
Camilla gave him one last hug goodbye, to Miles's chagrin. ''Same for you,'' she replied, then hugged Olivia. ''You will be great mother.''
''And William will be a great father.''
Camilla took her sons upstairs, leaving Miles to see the Basil's out. ''It was a pleasure to meet you, Miles,'' Basil said.
''Likewise,'' Miles replied, trying to sound friendly, but still contained a hint of wariness.
Basil looked at Miles' muscles. ''Camilla told us you get a little insecure at times, but I want to say that any ideas you have about her and me is all in your head. My darling wife here is the only woman I have eyes for.''
''Oh, I know that, but even so …''
He flexed his muscles, but Basil smiled despite this. He understood where Miles was coming from; he remembered how jealous he himself was when he first met Saul, as ''Charlie'', and he was trying it on with Olivia – not that he was going to say that out loud, of course. ''Take good care of her and her and those children, as well as your business.''
Miles smiled and said he would. Despite his cautious nature he clearly loved his family. ''And take care of yourself,'' Olivia added, stepping forward and Miles's expression softened slightly.
''Likewise, Mrs Basil. You keep him on tight leash.''
''I will,'' Olivia giggled.
Miles gave her a nod and one last glare at Basil, and closed the door a little hastily. ''I think he's a little too insecure,'' Olivia said. ''Then again, so can you, Wiliam.''
''Me? Basil of Baker Street is never insecure!'' her husband protested, and they playfully argued about it on the way back to Baker Street, with Olivia pointing out certain facts and Basil stubbornly denying them in his usual eccentric fashion.
''Welcome back,'' Mrs Judson said when they walked through the door, ''though I was starting to worry, you were so long.''
''We took a detour, Mrs Judson,'' Basil said.
''Where to?''
''You won't believe this,'' said Olivia, ''but we bumped into Camilla by chance.''
''Camilla'? As in Camilla Anderson, Mr Basil's –?''
''Elementary, my dear Mrs Judson,'' Basil confirmed. ''Once we started chatting to her we couldn't stop.''
''Oh, my! That is unexpected! How is she?''
''She's doing well,'' Olivia said. ''She has a family of her own now.''
''I'm glad to hear that.''
The housekeeper asked if they wanted anything made. Basil and Olivia declined tea as they had just had one at Camilla's, but said yes to cheese crumpets. When the three mice sat down on the blue couch, Basil and Olivia told their housekeeper all about Camilla and her family.
''Miles does maintenance, huh?'' Mrs Judson said, sounding interested. ''Perhaps next time we get a hole somewhere we know where to call? And Simon sounds a lot like Duncan.''
''Aye, that's what I said,'' Olivia chuckled.
Basil saw Mrs Judson then look him in the eye, a look he knew too well, and held up his hand. ''Mrs Judson, before you begin your accusations, I would like to remind you that that Olivia is the only one for me,'' he said, simply and seriously, taking his wife's hand. ''I said the same to Miles. You know I am not that kind of mouse.''
Mrs Judson looked ashamed. ''I know, Mr Basil, it's just it must've been weird seeing your old girlfriend again, so –''
''I understand your concern, but you needn't worry. Same goes for you, Livy,'' the detective added, turning to his wife. ''I hope you are not jealous. While I do have a bit of history with Camilla, and while she may have been my first love, it's not exactly the most memorable period of my time of UoM. Don't forget, I was only sixteen at the time.''
''I won't lie, I did feel somewhat uncomfortable at first, but as soon as she said she was glad you had found your true love, I knew she was alright, I could see it in her eyes. No offense, but there was hardly any chemistry between you two, and you two acted like long-lost siblings.''
Basil nodded in agreement. ''As I told you before, we realised we lacked the passion and intimacy, as well as the emotional bond that we possess. Looking back, it puzzles me why we even went out at all when it was clear from the beginning we were too incompatible, but I guess it was because she was smart and that was all I focused on.''
''Of course.'' Olivia rolled her eyes. ''Given how any rodent who is smart gets your respect, that was undoubtedly the case. I did actually wonder this from everything you told me about her.''
''You need to stop this fixation with other rodents' cleverness, Mr Basil,'' Mrs Judson said in exasperation, placing her hands on her hips.
''But I've always been fascinated with brainpower,'' Basil protested excitedly, grinning. ''What makes one rodent smatter than another? How does it work? And it' a challenge to compete with someone, to find out how much smarter than me they are! That's why Beatrice and I had competitions.''
Mrs Judson shook her head while Olivia giggled. ''Delightful crumpets, as usual!'' Basil then said, taking a bite of one. ''On the whole, I'm glad we bumped into Camilla. I can now put the last bit of my past to bed and focus on everything else.'' He smiled at Olivia hungrily.
After they finished the crumpets, Olivia helped Mrs Judson tidy up and then she spent the rest of the afternoon reading more of her husband's journals of his and Dawson's past cases. She decided to start with the first case they had solved after she left, which Basil had called ''The Case of the Missing Emerald Ring.''
''So this high-class lady, Harriet Beaumont, came just moments after Daddy and I left?''
''Affirmative. Dawson was about to go also when Miss Beaumont arrived, distressed over her emerald ring, which was, as I said at the time 'missing from the third finger on the right hand'.''
''How did you deduce that without any information?''
Basil shrugged. ''Intuition, my dear.''
''Hmmm … Am I right in thinking that you also took advantage of her arrival to sway Dawson to stay and be your assistant?'' Olivia asked shrewdly.
Basil froze. ''You've got me there,'' he admitted with a tiny smile. ''I had just let you walk out of my life – even though I didn't want to – and I didn't want to lose Dawson as well.''
''Ah. And it worked, obviously. I know you too well, William.''
Olivia read her way through the rest of the entry. Harriett Beaumont had discovered that her beloved emerald ring, which had belonged to her late grandmother, had been stolen from her house just hours before Mousetoria's Jubilee, and was desperate to get it back. Basil and Dawson remembered having seen the pianist at the Rat Trap wearing an emerald ring, something Basil at the time had found strange, so they had gone to the Thames prison where all of Ratigan's associates had been rounded up. Newton had the ring in his possession and agreed it was unusual for an employee of a seedy pub to be wearing such a fine ring. After interrogation, the pianist confessed to the crime, revealing he was a part-time burglar who stole jewellery. The next morning, Basil and Dawson returned the ring to Miss Beaumont, closing the case.
''That sure was fast,'' Oliva remarked after she had finished reading. ''I'm glad Miss Beaumont got her ring back. I find it interesting that she was friends with the daughter of that lord whose disappearance you had solved the day before my birthday.''
''That's the one, Livy. She had read about me finding her friend's father in the paper, and they gave her directions on where to find me.''
''As did I. After Fidget took Daddy, I sat down at the table and started to cry, but then I caught sight of the newspaper and I remembered having read something about a detective, so I scoured for it and found the headline: 'Famous Detective Solves Baffling Disappearance', which talked about the sudden disappearance of a Lord Trumpshaw. If you could find him, you might the best chance of finding Daddy. I don't know why, but I tore the article out of the paper and put in my pocket, as though I thought it might lead me right to you. I gave to Dawson when he found me.''
''Well, you've certainly never told me this before, darling, but I had always wondered how you thought to come to me about Hiram.''
Olivia stood up and placed the journals back on the shelf, then took her husband into her arms. ''And to think, we wouldn't be where we are now if I hadn't,'' she said, and gave him a long kiss, which he eagerly returned.
''I second that, Livy,'' Basil said, placing his arm around his wife and leading her upstairs.
From then on, time seemed to go fast. Basil and Olivia celebrated their first Christmas together with Mrs Judson and Hiram. Dawson and Pauline had lunch with the latter's sisters and their families, though stopped by to wish the Basils a Merry Christmas. While Roger, Beatrice and their family hadn't come, they had sent presents and rung Basil up. ''Next year, Olivia and I will visit you,'' Basil said to his siblings, and Olivia was keen on the idea as she had never been to Wales.
A few days later, the Richmonds announced that Samuel had passed away. Similar to Gideon, there was no trace of doubt that everyone was glad with this news, but they still cremated Samuel, though they scattered his ashes.
''If we kept them, it would feel as though he was haunting us,'' Victor said with a shudder.
Emmett approached Dawson and asked how to get into medical school. ''Now that I have quit photography, I want to do something useful where I can help other rodents,'' he informed the good doctor. ''I don't want to end up anything like Gideon.''
Dawson was surprised but delighted to hear the news and agreed to help Emmett. Marianne, having finally figured out she wanted to do, also asked Dawson to help her get into the medical field. ''After all, if Olivia can be a detective, why can't I be a doctor?'' she said, and Olivia and Dawson offered their full support to her, as did her family, though Dawson informed her she would need to attend college first.
When the new year rolled in, the Russell family celebrated Fidget's 30th birthday, at which Lavender presented him with an engagement ring, and Fidget used it to propose marriage, which Lavender happily accepted. ''This is the best birthday I've had in years,'' Fidget said to his family. ''I have my family back, and I'm engaged to the bat girl of my dreams.''
With her sister having figure out her path, Juliet tried approaching dancing instructors of how to become one. Due to her profound deafness, they turned her down saying it might be too difficult for her (and Priscilla and Tony nearly strangled the life out of the one instructor who was down-right insensitive). Miss Kitty, who happened to be visiting one of the dancing schools as part of a charity event, sympathised with Juliet and suggested that, if she was really passionate about dancing, she could become a performer instead. Juliet was reluctant since she was shy, but her family and friends encouraged her to go for it, reasoning it might help her become more confident. Juliet began having dance lessons. Miss Kitty also offered to give Juliet lessons at the dancing school she worked at in the country with her sisters when she reached a high enough standard.
Beatrice abruptly announced that she was returning to London permanently, to Basil's delight. Beatrice explained she was thinking about all of those employees who had worked for ''Regina'' who were now out of job, and how everyone with children were now struggling to find good clothes of their kids to wear. ''If I can resume the business, those ladies will have their job again of making clothes, and all of those little kids will have decent clothes again. I'm smart, so I can come up with designs way better than anything Ruby Ratigan could think up – and it'll be more honest,'' Beatrice said. Soon enough, she moved back into 221½ Baker Street where she was born, at Basil's insistence.
Toby finally passed away just before Basil and Olivia returned home for February half-term, having died in his sleep. When he heard the news, Basil howled for hours, distraught they had last seen him before they returned to Mousefield College in the new year. ''I know, William,'' Olivia crooned, rubbing his back as she held him. ''I wish we had seen him one last time, too, but at least he went peacefully.''
''Olivia's right,'' said Dawson. ''And he held out for much longer than I had anticipated.''
''Because he was stubborn,'' Hiram said, ''just like William.''
Their words did make Basil feel better before he resume howling like a wolf. After the detective calmed down, they held their own memorial in memory of Toby, at which Basil and Dawson shared their favourite cases with the Bassett Hound.
As sad it was about Toby, everyone soon had a more joyous occasion: days later, Pauline's waters broke and she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. He was rather strapping and looked very much like Dawson, but had Pauline's eyes. She and Dawson named him Eric, after Pauline's father. ''Eric Toby Dawson,'' said the good doctor. ''I know how much he meant to you, Basil,'' he added, seeing his friend's face. ''We agreed if we had a son we would give him Toby's name to honour him and –''
Basil interrupted Dawson's explanation by pulling him into squeezing hug. ''You didn't have to explain, old fellow. You have my approval. Thank you.'' He turned to Pauline and smiled down at the new-born in her arms. ''Eric Toby Dawson, welcome,'' the detective said, and Eric cooed.
Everyone celebrated Eric's birth, and Clara revealed she and Alonzo were trying for a baby, for her sister's pregnancy had made her broody. Martha was ecstatic at the possibly of becoming a big sister.
Early May, after studying and working very hard, Olivia finally graduated from Mousefield College with flying colours. ''I knew you had it in you,'' Miss Callahan congratulated her. ''You've inspired other young ladies to attend here, including your friend Marianne Richmond. I met her earlier, she's so lively, I can't wait to have her as a student.''
Indeed, many of Olivia's family and friends attended the graduation ceremony: Basil, Hiram, Mrs Judson, Beatrice, Dawson, Pauline, her sisters and their families, the Richmonds, Fidget, and even Rory, Aileen, Malcolm and Finlay arrived from Scotland. Roger also attended, but since it was school time Amanda and the children were absent, though they sent their congratulations.
As Miss Callahan began her speech Olivia sat with her fellow graduating students, doing her best to relax, for she had had periods of morning sickness the last few days, but she was determined to get through the ceremony. It would be a double celebration later when she told everyone. She couldn't wait to see Basil and Hiram's reactions.
''As headmistress of this institution, I must say that I am proud of all of the students here,'' Miss Callahan said in her speech. ''Those who are graduating today,'' she looked at all of the students sitting behind her, ''well done to all of you for putting all of their efforts into achieving your best academic potential. I hope many more students will come and go and achieve similar results. There is one particularly student I would like to mention, who overcame her boundaries when she was still at school and that carried on all the way through to her two years here. She was brave, determined and, most of all, stubborn. In fact, she was one of the most stubborn pupils I have ever seen,'' Miss Callahan said, and everyone laughed. ''I am talking about, of course, Miss – no, pardon me, Mrs Olivia Basil, nee Flaversham, wife of the famous detective Basil of Baker Street!''
The audience clapped as Olivia stood up and walked over to the headmistress. ''Thank you, Miss Callahan,'' said the young woman. ''There's not much to say really as everything has already been said. All I will say is that is been a privilege to have studied here under Miss Callahan's supportive and compassionate watch. I will also say that many years ago, when I found I didn't want to be a housewife, the inspiration I had to study hard and reach where I am now was the intelligent mouse that saved my father from Ratigan – the very same mouse who is now my husband. If I hadn't met him, who knows what would've happened to me? So you could say he helped me in more ways than one.''
She smiled down at Basil, who beamed, and everyone erupted with perhaps the biggest cheers of all time, though some were looking scornful, namely admirers of Basil and Olivia who were just jealous of their marriage, but they were ignored. Olivia suddenly looked a little green, as though she was going to be sick, but recovered. ''As Miss Callahan said, good luck to everyone!'' she finished, to another round of applause.
After the ceremony was over, Olivia approached her family and friends, who hugged her. ''Well done, my wee bairn,'' Hiram, said, a little misty-eyed. ''I'm so proud of you. Your mother would be too.''
''I second that,'' Malcolm agreed. ''In fact, I thought I felt her presence.''
''We'll have to celebrate with a Scottish cuisine,'' Aileen said giddily.
''See if we can finally get William to eat Haggis,'' Rory added, and the Flavershams grinned, but Basil waved his hand dismissively.
''You truly are a Basil,'' Roger said, shaking his sister-in law's hand.
''Congratulations, my dear,'' Vera said, hugging the young woman. ''Mrs Judson said you were sick earlier and I was worried about you.''
''Thank you, Vera, I'm fine,'' Olivia said, but Vera looked at her with a shrewd smile so she had obviously guessed. It wasn't surprising, given that Vera had been through it three times herself.
''I can't wait to come here when I'm old enough,'' Marianne said ecstatically. ''I will study hard as you did. Dawson and Miss Callahan both said I need a few good exams results to get into medical school.''
''Uh, well done,'' Fidget said, unable to think of anything else to say.
Eric babbled and reached his arms out to Olivia. ''I think he's saying congratulations,'' Pauline said adjusted her son in her arms so he was comfortable. ''Goodness, you're getting big, young man.''
Olivia let the baby play with her finger, as did Basil.
When everyone was done fussing, all eyes turned to Basil. ''Aren't you going to say something, William?'' Hiram asked has son-in-law.
Basil swallowed. ''Olivia,'' he said slowly, ''was I really your inspiration?''
''That all you have to say?'' Olivia said in mock exasperation, then smiled. ''Aye, you were.''
Basil suddenly took his wife's face into his hands and kissed her. ''I'm flattered,'' he said with a grin.
''Honestly, Mr Basil!'' sighed Mrs Judson, putting her hands on her hips. She then tickled Olivia's cheek. ''I knew you could do it, Miss Olivia.''
When everyone started to leave, Miss Callahan caught up with Olivia for a few final words. ''If you ever want to come back as a mature student,'' she said, ''there will be a place for you.''
''Thank you, Miss Callahan, I will,'' Olivia replied, and cradled her abdomen. ''Although, it might be a while before I do. William and I are going to be very busy …''
Miss Callahan's mouth fell open as she understood. ''So you shall. Good luck, my dear. You and Mr Basil will be great.''
''Thank you.''
''Olivia!''
Basil had approached them. ''There you are, darling! Miss Callahan, I'm glad you're here, I wanted to personally thank you for everything to have done for both me and Livy.''
''Don't mention, it, Mr Basil. Since Olivia has left college, what now?''
''Well, firstly we are having a party to celebrate her graduation. After that, who knows? But whatever happens, Olivia and I will face it together.''
''I don't doubt that.''
She winked at Olivia.
''After all, I am Basil of Baker Street, the great mouse detective.''
If you say so, Basil. Chuckles.
Hi, everyone, sorry it's a bit late, I had literally the worst flu ever. Hope you guys are fine, there's a lot of colds and flus going around now that it's almost winter.
If you watch the Rat Trap scene in the film, you will notice the pianist is wearing an emerald ring, and I agree with the idea of it being the same one that the lady from the film's end was missing. I also thought it would be interesting to link her to the lord whose disappearance Basil had solved before Olivia's birthday. I gave her the last name Beaumont named after Kathyrn Beaumont, the voice of Alice and Wendy.
Saw Once Upon A Studio. It was so good. And the GMD characters made a cameo! This proves that Disney hasn't forgotten about them, so perhaps there is still hope of seeing them again?
Yes, Camilla has finally appeared. I wanted her to appear just so Basil could face the last bit of his past and put it all behind him.
Who could this swashbuckling cat who Simon likes to imitate be?
Poor Toby has finally passed away, but Basil and his friends will never forget him. On the plus side, welcome, Baby Eric. Congratulations to Dawson and Pauline.
Speaking of which, what is Olivia hiding from Basil?
Time to answer some reviews:
MillenniumPrincess: Really? Basil did archery in the books? Interesting. I've never read the books so I had no idea. As I said, I was just thinking about the archery tournaments in Brave and Robin Hood, but it does link film Basil to his book counterpart.
Disneylover93: Hello! Hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the story.
Next time, as Olivia said, she and Basil are going to have their hands full as the Basil family expands.
See you soon!
