Enola Holmes- The Fox In The Henhouse

Chapter 14

24th of December 1982

Christmas is a time for family. And while this is true for most, it is not true for the Holmes. The previous Christmas I happily spent the day with my own company, such is the case for many events where other families would congregate. My brother Sherlock despises any mention of his birthday, and tends to spend Christmas either alone or with the Watson's. My brother Mycroft will work through both his birthday and Christmas. The only occasion where us three siblings purposefully make time to spend time together is my birthday, but even on that day we usually stray from normal traditions, having developed our own.

I intended to spend this Christmas in much the same way as I did the last, alone. The only Christmas related interactions I have with anyone being sending a gift to Mycroft and Sherlock through the post, and brief comments on the time of year with people in passing conversations. However Tewksbury was rather insistent on my spending time with him and his family, with a dinner party on Christmas eve and present exchanges and games on the day. Now, had anyone else suggested I would have very quickly declined the offer; confident in the fact that I would much rather do anything else. But, this was Tewksbury, and one skill he has quite mastered is the art of the "puppy eyes". So, reluctantly, I agreed.

It wasn't until arriving at the Basilwether Hall it dawned on my how truly terrible of an idea it was to accept the invitation.

The only thing I learnt at Miss Harrison's Finishing School for Young Ladies, is that I am in no way adept in the social arts; and I was now walking into one of the trickiest social events there is.

Upon arriving I am greeted by Tewksbury, and after a brief exchange with his family I am able to hint to him that we need to go somewhere private. Under the guise of giving me a tour of the house (without having someone trying to kill us), we slip around the back.

Tewksbury leads me into a room, and as soon as we enter I can't help but gasp. It's a greenhouse, with greenery and flowers blooming in every direction. Shelves and hanging pots contain multitudes of varieties and colours, and the fragrance of the flowers combine with the earthy tones to create a phenomenal scent that fills your lungs. 'It's... Beautiful!' I utter.

Tewksbury beams as I look around in awe, 'I'm surprised you like this place so much, given that you don't give a fig about flowers!' I jokingly glower at him, before sitting down on a wicker seat, patting next to me to get him to join me.

'We have a big problem.' I say and turn to him.

His eyes widen, 'What? What is it?!'

'I have never been to a dinner party before!' I exclaim. He stares at me, startled- and then bursts out laughing. I recoil, scowling at him as he clutches his stomach with glee.

Finally he's able to calm himself enough to say 'Well, considering the problems we've faced before I think it's fair to say we'll be fine.'

'No! No we won't! Look, if you need me to track down and fight a murderer; I'm great. But... Well... This isn't my area of expertise.'

'I never thought I'd see the great Enola Holmes scared of something.' He teases, and while I know it's in good faith I turn away, blushing at the floor. Realising that I'm hurt by his joke, he takes my hand in his, kissing it gently. 'Why are you so worried about this? It's just my family.' He says calmly. It's a fair question, and one I hadn't contemplated until now.

'I don't know. I just.' I pause, unsure of how to, or whether I even should, say the truth. I sigh. 'I just want your family to like me.'

Tewksbury smiles at me, resting his hand on my cheek. 'But they already do.'

'Your mother does. And that's only because I saved you. But I have my personality and the fact that I had your grandmother imprisoned working against me!' We both chuckle. I lean my head against his shoulder, quietly taking in this serene moment as the sun sets and the world begins to turn a deep blue.

'Well, we'd better get to work then!' Tewksbury declares as he stands up. I stare at him confused, but he just smiles and holds out his hand. 'I've got about an hour to teach you all the things you need to learn to get through this evening.'

I roll my eyes, take his hand and stand up, as he walks me through the countless customs and traditions.

The dinner itself was as tedious and boring as anticipated, but it went well. I was able to discuss pointless topics of conversation and (along with a few prompts from Tewksbury) enact all of the meaningless social conventions.

When it was finally finished, I breathed a sigh of relief and began to say my goodnights to the family before I retired to the guest room, when Tewksbury whispered into my ear 'Meet me in the greenhouse in an hour.' I agree, my interest peaked.  

An hour later, after taking off all of the dreadfully uncomfortable, yet fashionable, apparel I was wearing, and replacing it with a flowing baby blue nightgown;  taking an oil lamp with me, I crept down the stairs and slipped inside the greenhouse. Tewksbury is sat on a picnic blanket with candles dotted on the floor and shelves. I join him on the ground, careful not to set my nightgown alight.

'What's all this about then'

He goes into his jacket pocket, and brings out a small brown parcel with a green ribbon tied around it. I beam at him, and excitedly open it. Inside the box sits a beautiful silver hair pin with an iris signet at the end. I gasp, looking at the elegant yet simple gift in awe.

'I want you to wear it tomorrow. Do- Do you like it?' I hold it to my chest.

'I love it.' I look into his eyes, the golden light from the candle reflected against the dark brown iris. 'I love you...' I breath out. It's the first time I have allowed myself to admit it. He hesitates, unsure if he heard me correctly, before a look of pure joy falls across his face and he draws me in for a passionate kiss.