A Russellian Fugue
by "What this old thing? It's scarcely decent"
Epilogue
Well, it definitely wasn't a normal courtship or marriage, but then who could define "normal?" Neither one of them had ever bowed to convention and this was certainly no exception.
Holmes had dismissed Watson one day, when his biographer had commented on the romance in his friends' marriage. This was Sherlock Holmes and Mary Judith Russell they were talking about, not mooning teenagers. At the time, he had thought that theirs was a practical marriage that had no need of romance, except in certain activities best kept quiet.
But, as Holmes looked back at these memories and Russell's account, he was amazed at the romantic qualities of their relationship. If he hadn't realized it at the time, he certainly saw it now. Watson would be stunned! He chuckled at this.
A movement outside the cottage caught his quick eye and he was amazed to see that it was dawn. He had been awake all night, captivated by memories. Well, he had always said that sleep was a matter of convenience. The movement outside had been Russell's Morris pulling into the drive. He hadn't expected her back until this afternoon. A sudden impulse hit him and he went to meet her.
"Good morning, Holmes. You're looking rested."
He grinned, took her in his arms, turned her around, and enveloped her in a passionate kiss. At first, her shock held her, but slowly her body relaxed into the moment and she returned his kiss with equal fervor. Her arms unconsciously snaked around his neck.
"Well, ahem," she tried to regain her composure, but did a rather poor job, he noted mischievously. "I'm glad to see you too, Holmes."
"Your manuscript is marvelous, Russell. You're turning into a regular Boswell. Well," he amended, "not regular, but talented."
She gave him an impish smile. "There's something else I'm ‘talented' at, Holmes. Would you like me to demonstrate?"
He returned her smile. "Indeed," he said and offered her his arm. She grinned as he led her up to the bedroom. As she said, it was not a marriage of conventional bliss, but it was never dull.
Not Even Remotely the End
(With more to be added in the future.)
Author's Note:
My gratitude goes out with this story to my wonderful editor and inspirational guru! Thank you from the bottom of my bookshelves to "Vestige of Femininity!" I truly couldn't do this without you! (Well, I probably could, but it would suck! Big time!) Thanks again!
Merci, to my wonderful webmaster and mistress! :)
- "SD"