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－~－
A telegram had come in the post for Adeline late last night, requesting her presence at the House of Lords that very next morning.
Of course when the telegram came from Enola, Adeline couldn't decline. So, there Adeline was that next morning strolling down the street to meet Enola as requested.
Adeline could see Enola in the distance talking to someone through the gate. Adeline assumed it was of course Enola's marquess, she smiled to herself, glad that Enola had found some companionship.
As she grew closer you could just hear Enola and the marquess conversation over the bustling noise of the crowd.
"When will I see you again?" The marquess asked, awe, Adeline couldn't help but think.
"You're not rid of me yet, Viscount Tewkesbury, Marquess of Basilwether." Enola responded. Adeline comes to a stop a short distance away, waiting for Enola.
The marquess bought Enola's hand up for a kiss, and they started at each other. The marquesses eyes briefly turned to Adeline and furrowed when he noticed her staring.
"There is some lady staring at us across the street." The marquess said in a whisper so Adeline couldn't hear them. Enola sneaked a look and replied louder.
"Oh, don't worry, that's my friend Adeline, my brother is totally in love with her." Adeline shook her head with a blush at Enola's words.
"Not the snobby one, right?" The marquess asked, Adeline let out a chuckle.
"No... the good one." Enola replied and started to back away from the gates.
Adeline held out her arm, and Enola entangled her own with Adeline's once she reached her. The pair walked off down the road, with the marquess staring wistfully after Enola.
"I finally got to see your marquess, Enola." Adeline said with a giggle.
"Be quiet."
－~－
Enola had insisted upon having their meeting at Edith's tearoom, so the two arrived, and Edith seated them with a smile.
"How have you been Enola?" Adeline finally asked the pressing question.
"I've been fine, you needn't worry so much." Enola replied.
"You know I cannot help myself." Adeline remarked.
Edith set down their tea and the cakes the pair had ordered.
"Thank you." Adeline said, Edith smiled and walked back to serving other customers.
"I have some news for you Enola." Adeline said.
"Oh no."
"It's nothing bad... Sherlock and I are going to be getting married!" Adeline told the girl, showing Enola her hand which now had a ring on it. Sherlock had given it to her once they arrived back at his home, apparently he had had it for a while.
Enola was speechless for a while before replying.
"That's fantastic! So you're going to be my real sister now?"
"I will." Adeline said and reached her out to take Enola's as the two smiled at each other.
"Wow, you and Sherlock... I thought it would never happen." Enola remarked.
"Neither did I, but the world works in mysterious ways." Adeline replied.
"And to think, if my mother had never disappeared you wouldn't have reunited." Enola said with a thoughtful look.
"Yes, I suppose."
"Your brother is still looking for her, so hopefully we will be able to reunite the two of you soon." Adeline said.
"You're not going to find her, but I appreciate that you're still looking for her." Enola replied while playing with her fingers.
"There's one more thing I'd like to talk to you about." Adeline said, changing the subject.
"Yes?" Enola replied.
"Sherlock and I would like to take you in as our ward-" Adeline began.
"No."
"Enola-" Adeline tried again.
"Adeline I love you, and Sherlock he's alright." Adeline smiled.
"But. I like being by myself. I've realised I can survive on my own, and being alone isn't the worst thing in the world." Enola remarked.
"Are you sure? I know you're not the biggest fan of your brothers, but it's me Enola, you know I'm always in your corner." Adeline pleaded.
"And that's why I can tell you this, and not have you forcing me into your care." Enola said.
"Is there really nothing I can say or do to get you to stay with me?" Adeline asked.
"No, you know there isn't Adeline."
"Okay, I don't like it, but I can accept it." Adeline responded.
"Thank you."
"You know your brothers aren't ever going to stop looking for you." Adeline said.
"No, probably not, but at least I have you steering them from me." Enola said.
"You're lucky I respect your wishes, I should drag you back to my home and keep you their forever." Adeline responded playfully.
"Trust me, I know you would." The two went quiet.
"I'm going to miss you." Adeline said with a sad smile.
"We will see each other again, I'll make sure of it." Enola said.
－~－
Adeline and Enola had just parted ways outside of Edith's tearoom, the two were sad to part, but with Enola's reassurance that they would see each other again Adeline felt better.
Sherlock had asked Adeline to meet him and Mycroft at the Royal Academy just before five tonight. Adeline couldn't fathom why, because why would Adeline want to go to a historically sexistplace?
Nonetheless Adeline would meet the two there.
Adeline, before turning the corner spun around to have one last look at Enola, she knew their next meeting wouldn't be anytime soon.
Adeline saw Enola looking through a newspaper, and smiled sadly.
She knew Enola was looking for any messages from her mother, she could only hope that Eudoria would reach out to Enola at least once to reassure the young girl.
