Pride and Deduce

The Game, Miss Watson, is Afoot

I have had the urge to write a story like this since I read an original Sherlock Holmes book for an assignment in Literature class. Sherlock will be called Holmes, John will be called Watson, and Alex will be referred to either as Alexandra or Miss Watson. I have been doing lengthy research on Victorian times (courtship, why the roads were so dirty, women's rights, ect.) and I know the way that they speak and the language won't be perfect. Alex will most certainly not be what society back then viewed as a 'well-bred lady' due to her unwillingness to follow the rules and, unlike in BatHFS, she and Sherlock will hate each other at first and not be best friends. Yes, there will be romance between them, but no friendzoning or anything like that at first. I would like to dedicate Pride and Deduce to @katrina231 and @bookworm392. So, enjoy the story!

------

August, 1885

A young woman walked through the streets of London, two men on either side of her. She kept her head down, not making eye contact with strangers. She did not want attention drawn to herself. She and the man on her left kept glaring at one another, while the man on her right would sigh occasionally and role his eyes. The woman's name was Alexandra Watson. The man on her left was called Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and the man on her right was her brother, Doctor John Watson. They finally arrived at the home they shared, 221B Baker Street. Alexandra had only moved in just a few months ago after a divorce with her abusive husband. Men were legally allowed to hit their wives, but Alexandra hadn't wanted to take it. Her husband had beaten her when she said she wanted to wait at least a year to have children since she didn't feel ready. She had instantly gone to her brother and begged his detective friend to help her get a divorce. He had done this and then, reluctantly, allowed her to move in with him and her brother.

As soon as they had gotten through the door, Alexandra sat down in a chair and picked up the latest book she had been gotten. It was Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Alexandra wanted a marriage full of love, not tolerance. She wanted to marry someone who she knew loved her and didn't only want her to produce children. Holmes looked at the book.

"I'm surprised you can actually read. Most women these days can't do a thing except sit at home and tend to their children." He scoffed.

"That just shows how little you know." Alexandra murmured. "I am actually quite intelligent, you know."

"That just shows how little you know, Miss Watson." Holmes said.

Alexandra didn't reply. She didn't think Holmes was worth the trouble. Besides, she wouldn't be here forever. She just needed a little time to get back on her feet and then she would leave this place. The thought of never having to see Holmes again was what got her through every day. Watson sat across from her. He knew the Holmes' words, though not enough to fire her up, had stung his sister. Everything he said to her did. He usually insulted her intelligence since he couldn't bear anyone as intelligent as him in the same living quarters. Holmes hated to admit to even just himself, but Alexandra was just as intelligent as he. She just didn't practice it as much as he did. She was content to not use it at all. Watson looked up as it the clock struck 5:30 in the evening. He looked at his sister.

"Alexandra, it's time for you to practice the piano." He said. Alexandra looked up at him with a sigh. She hadn't even been reading for five minutes.

"Must I?" She asked.

"I let you skip yesterday." Watson said. "I'm trying to groom you for the next man who wants to court you."

"There will not ever be a next man." Alexandra said as she grudgingly got up and made her way over to the piano. "I will lead a bachelorette's life."