A New Mystery at 221 Baker Street

Chapter 73: The East Wind Comes

Episode Transcript provided by Ariane DeVere/Callie Sullivan

Also big thanks to ADayToRemember.London

***

Mycroft stared at the outside world through the glass wall of a meeting room. "As my colleague is fond of remarking, this country sometimes needs a blunt instrument. Equally, it sometimes needs a dagger- a scalpel wielded with precision and without remorse. There will always come a time when we need Sherlock Holmes,"

Several of the men sitting at the nearby table looked at him silently. "If this is some sort expression of familial sentiment-" One man spoke up.

"Don't be absurd. I am not given to outbursts of brotherly compassion. You know what happened to the other one. In any event, there is no prison in which we could incarcerate Sherlock without causing a riot on a daily basis," He turned around to Lady Smallwood. "The alternative, however, would require your approval."

"Hardly merciful, Mr. Holmes," Lady Smallwood replied.

"Regrettably, Lady Smallwood, my brother is a murderer,"

*

The four gathered in the living room of 221b. Sherlock sat in his chair with Alice on the armrest while a heavily pregnant Mary sat in John's seat and John in the chair for clients between the two armchairs. All of them were unsure of what to do or what to say.

"I imagine Mycroft is having a meeting on what to do with me," Sherlock said to the group. "No doubt that they are planning to send me somewhere,"

The group remained quiet. None of them wanted to discuss what had happened at Appledore.

"Let's just elope," Alice spoke up.

"Alice..."

"I'm serious, The Old Marylebone Town Hall is only a few blocks away. We've been engaged for a year. And I think everyone can agree that we've never been the traditional type,"

*

Alice had never imagined that she ever elope, but with Sherlock, it just felt right. The past day and a half felt like a whirlwind, from going down to the register's office to booking a venue on short notice, there was barely any time left to sleep. They had a total of six guests: John, Mary, Molly, Lestrade, and Mrs. Hudson with Alice's brother watching on his computer. Mycroft was invited out of politeness but he declined the offer.

Sherlock and Alice stood across from each other in the small room, John and Molly stood beside them.

"Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen," The officiant began "My name is Arthur Howes and I have the privilege of conducting today's wedding ceremony. On behalf of Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Miss. Alice Whitmer, I would like to welcome you all here to share their special day with them. However, if anyone present knows of any lawful impediment as to why this marriage should not take place, they should declare it now,"

No one wanted to mention the fact that Sherlock was now a criminal in the eyes of the British Government.

"Sherlock and Alice, before you are joined in matrimony, I have to remind you of the solemn and lasting character of marriage and the nature of the vows that you are about to make to each other today. Marriage according to the law of this country is the union of two people voluntarily entered into for life to the exclusion of all others. More than this, marriage marks the beginning of an important chapter in your lives and is intended to provide love, friendship, and support on your journey through life together. Sherlock and Alice, the moment has now come for you to make your marriage vows. As these words are spoken you will legally become husband and wife,"