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Holmes templed his hands before him and set his chin upon them to watch Watson’s expression. “That’s it?”
“Oh no, it got much worse.”
Holmes chuckled. “I’d hardly call loving the woman of your life anything in the direction of bad or worse.”
“No, no, no. Not that. What happened next?”
Watson got up. “Wait here.”
He went into his room, gathered up the prize he wished to reveal to Holmes, and then dropped it onto the table. “My coat!”
“Dear God, Watson!”
The coat was shredded. Huge tears were across its shoulders and back.
“Cost me quite a pretty quid too, mind you.”
Holmes smiled. “Ever the practical one.”
“Well, it’s not like we’re rich, is it?”
“Considering how many papers your articles sell for the London Times, I’d suspect you’d be well past rich by now.”
“You’ll know when that happens.”
“Why?”
“We shall stop having adventures together.”
Holmes broke into laughter.
Watson wasn’t laughing.
Then his solemn face broke into laugh lines. “Kidding.”
Holmes shook his head. “Well, it is likely one day we will stop having adventures. When you have children...”
“...And you!”
Holmes shook his head. “The skies look clear ahead for you, John, but for me, they seem cloudy and dark.”
Watson shook his head. He put a hand on Holmes arm. “You just haven’t met the right woman yet. I’d hardly call a Duchess and an exotic queen proper material for a good marriage. Not to mention that Japanese princess who was enamored with you.”
“Oh, she’s lovely. We still correspond.”
“I didn’t know that.”
Holmes smiled. “A proper man doesn’t brag about his relationships.”
“Well, I’m glad at least one of us is proper then. Because most of the time I feel anything but that.”
Holmes laughed. Rose. Went to the coat rack to grab his cape and cap. “Coming, Watson.”
“Coming? We haven’t had scones yet.”
Mrs. Hudson came into the room with a large cloth that was steaming. “I’ve put four in here. Be careful you don’t burn your hands, they’re still quite warm.”
Watson looked at Holmes. “Quite clever of you, old chap.”
“No, I just knew your mind would be on scones the whole time we were beneath the London Times and your attention will be sorely needed elsewhere if we are to survive our new...adventure.”
Watson gave Mrs. Hudson a kiss after he put on his own coat and cap. “Thank you, love.”
“Be safe.”
She turned to Holmes. “The game may be afoot, Sherlock, but just remember I expect my player to return home to get more fat from his scones.”
“I’m not fat!”
Holmes laughed. “Ah, Watson, you’re such a joy to my ears and soul.”
Mrs. Hudson smiled. “And don’t either of you forget that! Now be safe, John.”
“As safe as a pussy cat with a dog chasing it.”
Watson pulled her close and gave her a light kiss on the lips. She clung to him a long moment, then let go. “That was better than a scone.”
“Then give me back the scones and I’ll give you another.”
Watson chuckled and let her go.
She gave him a huge smile. “Thought so. Scones will be our bridesmaid and probably your wife as well when we get married.”
Watson laughed. “I think that could be quite a workable arrangement, don’t you?”
“Just be safe, that’ll suit me just fine.”
He lost his smile. “I will. I always have a good reason to be so, don’t I now?”
She leaned against him a moment, then shoved him lightly away.
“Hurry or Sherlock will think you’ve abandoned him!”
Watson turned around.
Holmes was already gone.
