I don't think I've ever read another story which left Watson's child alive when Holmes came back - very original. This was a poignant, well thought out story. Thanks for writing!

THIS STORY IS SO DETAILED ITS BEAUTIFUL

Aww! this is absolutely brilliant! I read this last night and when Mary died :( I literally felt really teary. And that NEVER happens! Great job! :)

Very satisfying ending. I love how you explain Elsie's existence outside of canon. Wonderful story!

Oh, a wonderful trip through the couple's relationship. I enjoyed this so much. Thank you for the respect and honor you show to their marriage.

Oh my word, this is beautifully done. The little details you included just add to the poignancy-the fever enhancing Mary's beauty; Watson's old clothes now fit him again. Thank you for doing such a respectful and heartfelt job with this story.

Oh, my. I never cry when I read fanfic, but you have me weeping over my laptop. This is just too well done.

Ah, this is so sad and so wonderfully written. It has always bothered me that poor Watson did not have Holmes to help him through his bereavement. It seemed so unfair of ACD to deprive him of both his friend and his wife in such a short time. Thank you for filling in this hole in the canon! It's quite lovely.

I am so happy I've found your lovely story. It's just beautiful. And oddly enough, my daughter's name is Elspeth Grace! Synchronicity!

Omigosh this is so heartwarming and sad and happy and emotional! U should replace Conan Doyle!

"Hope it wasn't too horribly sentimental for you."

Sentimental - yes. Horribly? Try delightfully. THANK YOU so much for this lovely story! Who can resist a Holmes, Watson, and a baby story? I can't. You wrote this with the PERFECT blend of realism and tenderness. It's very evident by your writing of Mary's delivery and subsequet death that you are a mature writer and one with sound storytelling skills.
I found Mary's letter to John so very moving and the content, totally believable as something a woman of her time would write.
I was totally enthraled by the vision of Holmes meeting Elsie and how he interacted with her. I would DEARLY love to read more, whatever the plot, BUT only if you continue to write her as a believable child. You would not believe how many writers apparently have NEVER interacted with the average toddler. UNLESS they have gone out of their way to demonstrate that the child is intellectually a genius, they usually have a normal 3 -year old talking like a 5-year old, and 5 year olds end up talking like 10 -year olds. It makes me roll my eyes.

It was absolutely fantastic. I don't normally go for even the slighter AU twists, but this was so well written I found myself applauding the ingenuity. Thank you so very much for this.

Great reunion with Holmes.

That was some good advice.

The letter should be interesting.