A/N: I have recently rearranged the chapters of this collection in chronological order. So, you may have to search for stories that you haven't read yet! Also, to those who have just encountered this story, please note that the stories that are less than wonderful were written earlier.

Disclaimer: I own neither Sherlock Holmes nor Mary Russell. They belong to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Laurie R. King.

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Woman

The boy is but a child; his spectacles are nonchalantly tilted upon his upturned nose and he holds a book by Virgil in his remarkably feminine hands. I am intrigued. We will be sure to collide as he evidentially does not believe in road impediments.

"What on earth are you doing? Lying in wait for someone?" he asks, eying me as if I were particularly unsavory meat. He seems to discount the belief that elders should be treated with respect; I fancy this child much more than I am comfortable with.

And then, he removes his cap. God, a woman.