Kissing Sherlock Holmes by McKinney T.D. & Wylis Terry

Author:McKinney T.D. & Wylis Terry
Language: eng
Format: epub

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It was really quite enchanting, watching Lucy through the doorway between the bedroom and the sitting area as she straightened Holmes’ tie. I can’t say he enjoyed it nearly as much, but he didn’t pull away as he might usually have. Perhaps because of my friendship with her. And she seemed to realize he didn’t deal well having women close, nor did he truly wish to leave my side; her ministrations were brief and succinct, and her smile understanding.

“I’ll take good care of your colleague, Sherlock. You go entertain your surgeon friend who was so kind to come down. And poor Robert could use the moral support. He’s a wreck right now, and your friendship means a great deal to him.”

“Well, I dare say it is hardly my job to insure those around me maintain a jovial spirit.” He flicked a probably non-existent bit of lint from his immaculate cuff. “However, I shall endeavor not add to their gloom.”

A quick knock at the door was followed almost immediately by a familiar voice and form. “Sherlock? Sir Thomas is already in the parlor. Aren’t you coming to dinner?”

Holmes stiffened, his already straight shoulders pulling back.

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KISSING SHERLOCK HOLMES

“Winnie! A lady never enters a gentleman’s chamber without being first invited.” His tone made my headache worsen. I knew it well, having been on the receiving end of his censure more than once. Generally in regards to some blunder I’d made on a case or when my deductive abilities didn’t achieve his exacting standards.

Poor girl.

“Aunt Lucy’s here.” Her tone wasn’t a lot warmer.

“She knocked as was appropriate and was invited in.” The chill in Holmes’ voice rivaled the ice pack I’d used for my head.

“Of course I did.” Lucy was all serenity. “Mr. Holmes is quite correct. A lady never walks into a gentleman’s room without first knocking and receiving permission to enter. I never entered Lord Wyre’s chambers without doing so. Even a wife is expected to show proper delicacy in these matters.”

Lucy’s calm and gentle tones seemed to only inflame her niece.

“I don’t expect delicacy. I expect to be treated as Sherlock’s helpmeet, not his servant. You filled the role admirably enough, dear aunt. Cowering and rushing to do Uncle’s least whim. You never even dared call him by name.”

“Winnifred! That is quite enough. Lord Wyre and I were very content. He was a noble and decent man.” Lucy drew herself up very straight. “I realize you are in the throes of preparing for a wedding and have a great many things pressing on you at once.

Therefore, I will ignore this outburst.”

“Ignore it!” Miss Winnifred’s voice rose in pitch and volume, and I winced.

“Winnifred!” Holmes’ thundered over whatever she might have been about to say. “Enough.” He modulated his tone considerably, no longer threatening to crumble the walls with his ire. “I will not have Watson disturbed in this fashion. He needs rest and quiet.

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KISSING SHERLOCK HOLMES

Until he is recovered, it is best you not visit me here. Should you want me, you’ve only to send a servant with a request.

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