My Mr.Holmes

Chapter 5: new beginnings

Sofia's POV:

It had been a while since Flower became a lord, and already he was the subject of change and excitement in London. He was becoming the man I always knew he could be, and slowly, everything began to feel better.

But things weren't quite as they had been, and sometimes I found myself longing for the adventure again, praying that Enola might one day knock at my door in search of a new case.

She had visited me once or twice, but I knew she hadn't been to see Flower—and I wasn't entirely sure why.

They were both adults now and surely aware of their feelings for one another, yet she kept her distance. We'd spotted her a few times during our walks to the Lords, but she never came over, and we never approached her either. It had become a silent routine: seeing her at the park, always at a distance, and the moment I'd leave Flower, I'd run back, hoping to catch her. But she'd always disappear before I could.

I had begun to lose hope—until one day I stumbled across a shopfront with the words Enola Holmes etched across the window. I knew at once it was fate.

I stepped inside and saw Enola behind the counter, unpacking boxes, her back to me. She hadn't noticed I was there.

"Have you been avoiding me, Enola, or are you just too distracted to notice me?" I teased.

She looked up sharply. Her face shifted from fear to surprise. "Sofia! What are you doing here? How did you find me?"

She sounded flustered, as though she'd been caught doing something she shouldn't.

"Relax, Enola. I haven't been spying. I just happened to walk past and saw the sign. It's rather hard to miss." I laughed, amused by the idea that I might've gone to such lengths.

"Oh, right. Of course. Sorry. I've just been so busy and tired—I haven't been able to see you in so long."

"That's all right. I've not exactly made the effort either. But I was hoping you might join me for breakfast—or lunch, now that you've no excuse."

We agreed on lunch in the park on the way to the Lords, and I had a feeling she knew as well as I did that Flower would pass by.

"So," I began, "what have you been up to? Besides opening a new business?"

"Just the usual, really."

"Ah. Fighting crime, then. Anything interesting?"

"Yes, actually. But you mustn't tell anyone, I'm working on a case."

"Don't worry. I won't breathe a word unless you want me to."

"Good. It's about a missing girl. She worked at the match factory, and her sister came to me for help. I thought it would be simple, but it's turned into a never-ending circle."

She sounded exhausted, poor girl. I was feeling especially grateful to be selling books for a living.

"Oh, Enola. I'm sure you'll figure it out. You always do. And if you ever need help, I'll be here. Always."

"Thank you. Truly. I have been meaning to see you, but this case has taken up so much of my time."

"That's all right. I'm just glad we've found the time now."

As I finished speaking, I noticed Flower walking towards us. I opened my mouth to warn her, but he got there first.

"Enola? It is you."

"And it is you."

"Well," I cut in quickly, "what a lovely day it is. I think I'll take a walk into town. You two have a chat. I'll meet you later."

They both looked rather confused by my abrupt announcement, especially given I'd just arrived and insisted on lunch. But seeing them together reminded me they might need space, so I left.

"Umm... all right, Sof. See you at home. Stay safe," said Flower.

"I'll have lunch with you again soon, Sofia. Goodbye," Enola added.

"Goodbye."

I hadn't even reached the end of the park when I saw Flower jogging after me.

"Well, that was quick."

"I know," he sighed, "but I didn't know what to say. She's been avoiding me, yet she sits in that park and watches me almost every day. Why?"

"I've no real answer. But this is what I believe—she's worried about you. Watching you from afar is her way of making sure you're safe. Especially now that you're so well-known. You never know what could happen, and she wants to be close enough in case it does."

"Yes, you're right." He nodded. "I should head off to the Lords now. Where will you go?"

"I'm not sure yet. I thought I might visit William."

"Oh yes—William Lyons. I'd forgotten we're still acquainted. And I've just remembered—you're my date to the ball he'll be hosting, and you cannot say no. After all, I am your little brother."

"All right, fine. But only if you get me a new painting for my room."

"Deal. Now off you go, I'm already running late."

"Bye, Flower. See you later."

I hated balls, mostly, but the dancing was something I always looked forward to, even if my usual partner was my brother.

Recently, however, I met a young Mr Lyons, William. A very kind man whom I befriended almost immediately. He wandered into the bookshop one day, recognised me as Flower's sister, and ever since we've been fast friends.

So, I decided the ball might just be worth attending if it meant seeing him again. Rather than visit him now, I headed home instead to prepare. I had a feeling the ball would be eventful—perhaps more than I expected.