Title: Five’s and Three’s
Fandom: Murdoch Mysteries
Rating: G
Length: 345 words
Content notes: None.
Author notes: Post-ep for Murdoch Au Naturel. Also for the summer mini challenge prompt orchid.
Summary: William perched on the arm of one of the chairs, “About Darcy?”



A discarded game of dominoes and cold cups of tea were still on the table, while Julia gazed aimlessly out of the window lost in thought, her fingertips brushing against the orange orchids in the vase on the sill. Her attention returning to the present when William accidentally bumped into her with the service trolley from room service.

“What is it?” he enquired, careful to let her to direct the conversation as he opened the lid on one of the trays to reveal roast lamb with potatoes and seasonal vegetables that was the main evening meal for all guests at Queens Hotel.

Julia shook her head, “Oh it’s nothing. I was just thinking.”

William perched on the arm of one of the chairs, “About Darcy?”

Turning to face him, Julia admitted. “Kind of but I’m thinking more of the hold that he seems to have over us. We’ve done nothing wrong William and yet we’re being punished because he’s ashamed that he couldn’t keep a society bride let alone mould her into a subservient housewife who stayed home while he worked.”

Sensing that she was keeping something back, William went to her placing an arm around her waist. “I thought that we didn’t have secrets Julia.”

A small smile briefly appeared on her lips. “We don’t, it’s just that all of this feels so sordid and unnecessary.” The tears slowly rolled down her cheeks. “I feel like I’m being punished for making a bad decision, do you understand what I’m saying?”

Drawing her into a hug, William sighed at their closeness. “I do understand and if this was an ideal world the divorce would be finalised already and we’d be free to be together, however, it isn’t and here we are tonight giving in to a man who clearly has an agenda. What that agenda actually is remains to be seen.”

Slowly pulling away, Julia said, “Thank you, it means a lot to me that you’re willing to have your name and reputation brought into question for me.”

“I’d do anything at all for you.”