Chapter Five

3 April, 1890

After a night spent at The Black Swan, Mr. Holmes, Dr. Watson and I took the train back to London. I hope to never see The Copper Beeches again…although now that I have left, I am once again without employment.

"Have you a place to stay?" Dr. Watson asked me as we sat in the train compartment.

I shook my head. "I'm sure I can find myself a hotel that will take me. I'm more worried about finding a situation." I tried not to sigh. I do not look forward to seeing Miss Stoper again.

The doctor frowned. "Do not trouble yourself about it, Miss Hunter. Both Holmes and I thought it would be likely that you would find yourself without employment after this…incident. I spoke to my wife before we left, and the both of us are willing to have you stay with us for a few days, just until you are settled."

I gasped, amazed at his offer to a homeless girl he barely knew. "Oh, Dr. Watson! That's not necessary…I don't wish to inconvenience you at all…" I ran out of things to say. It was so very kind and unexpected an offer that I just stared at him.

Dr. Watson smiled. "It would not be an inconvenience. My wife will be glad of the company, as I'm out so often."

I don't know why I accepted—maybe because I am so tired of being independent that I want to be taken care of, just for a day or two. My emotions are still in turmoil—if I hadn't meddled, if I hadn't done anything about the situation I found myself in—would Mr. Rucastle have escaped such a terrible injury? He is alive, but in terrible pain and his face will never be the same. Dr. Watson says it will be likely that he shall be bedridden for life. I cannot make myself feel true sorrow for it. the consequences for his actions fall on his own head. But his wounds were not necessary; if I had not arrived, Alice would still have escaped and…well, maybe Mr. Rucastle still would have set the dog out. I do not know. I shall not let myself think about it again.

The rest of the trip to London was spent in a conversation with Mr. Holmes about maths equations and ciphers (cryptology has always been a pet interest of mine, and Mr. Holmes's knowledge was extensive; I admit I became quite animated at times. It has been so long since I've had good conversation, and I don't think I've met anyone who shares my interest in this matter!) And arithmetic has always been my favorite subject to teach, and it is rare to find others who share the enjoyment of a problem well-solved. Dr. Watson seemed amused by this, and I think he was listening to us even after he had hidden behind a newspaper. In any case, the talk made me feel much better, and by the end of our journey I found myself looking forward to meeting Mrs. Watson more than I was apprehensive of it.

Mrs. Watson is a lovely woman, and worthy of the kind doctor. She made me feel at home at once, and had me settled in front of the fire with a piping cup of tea and a plate of warm, buttery scones before I could blink. Mr. Holmes was polite to her, but excused himself from the house quickly, and I am under the impression that the domestic side of Dr. Watson's life is one he does not feel comfortable with.

I, however, am very much glad that my pride did not overcome my need. I think I shall enjoy staying with the Watsons very much.

4 April, 1890

I went to see Miss Stoper again today. I shall not bore you with those details.

Mrs. Watson—Mary—has taken the time to become acquainted with me. She is a pretty woman, petite and blonde, and though at first I felt awkward, as it has been so long since I've had a real friend, she has quickly put me at ease. I've asked her to call me Violet, and how sweet it is to hear my Christian name again! I've been known as "Miss Hunter" for so long I'd nearly forgotten what my name sounds like said aloud.

We talked of many subjects, including how she met her husband (Dr. Watson recently published a book titled The Sign of Four, which details the case that brought them together. I shall try to get a copy of it.) and his relationship with Mr. Holmes.

"I encourage John to spend time with him," Mary told me. "It means so much to the both of them, and they need each other."

I understood. Some might think their friendship is odd, but I personally do not think I have ever seen two friends more suited. Their differences are Providential; relationships are meant to change and grow people for the better, which would never happen if the two of them were too similar.

"Do you mind?" I asked, hoping I was not overstepping my bounds with the question.

Mary understood my caution, and smiled. "No. I love John too much to begrudge the small spans of time he spends elsewhere. Besides," she added, a little impishly, "After a few days running around the muck and mud of London's underbelly with Mr. Holmes, he seems to appreciate coming home to his wife even more than usual."

We both laughed, and I am under the distinct impression we have begun to forge a true friendship.

7 April, 1890

This is my fourth day at the Watsons; I fear overstaying my welcome and the only consolation I have is that Mary does seem to truly enjoy my company. I certainly enjoy hers, and the doctor's presence is agreeable as well. They are very good to me, and I am grateful.

8 April 1890

On my way back from Miss Stoper's today I was accosted by a young street urchin of perhaps eight years.

"Is you Miss 'unter?" he asked.

Immediately wary, I replied that this was indeed my name.

"I've a message for you from Mister 'olmes. 'e said's for you to come see 'im at Baker Street at four o'clock, if you kin make it."

I crinkled my brow. "I see. I shall be there." Mr. Holmes has not seen me at all since he delivered me to the Watson's doorstep, and I could not imagine his reason for requesting my presence now. Not that I dreaded the meeting; I would be glad to see him again. But I was puzzled, and as it was already half past three, I simply waited in the park until the allotted time.

The kind landlady opened the door, and I was led into the same room that I was shown to last time. (Has it only been three weeks? It feels like a lifetime ago.) The only difference was that Dr. Watson was not present.

Mr. Holmes stood when I entered. "Miss Hunter," he greeted. "I hope you are well?"

"I am very fine, Mr. Holmes," I answered. "Dr. Watson and his wife have been the most gracious of hosts, despite the fact that my stay has extended a bit longer than was intended."

"And have you found situation?" he asked, as we both sat down.

"I'm afraid not. But I am sure something will come up."

"I have something to show you." He handed me a letter. "Tell me what you think of it."

My curiosity piqued, I took the opened letter, which was addressed to "M. Holmes." I was amazed at its contents.

"A school?" I asked in disbelief. "I've been, that is, I've been recommended as headmistress of a girls' school?" My heart lifted, despite my best efforts to tell myself to be sensible and not get too excited.

"Indeed," Mr. Holmes said, smiling at my astonishment. "Highly exclusive, I believe, filled with several daughters of international businessmen and politicians."

The pay was even better than Mr. Rucastle's offering, and the position far more prestigious. I looked at the letter. "M. Holmes…?" I inquired.

"My brother." Mr. Holmes answered. "Mycroft. He holds a somewhat…influential position and managed to secure you the situation."

"But why?" I narrowed my eyes—not in distrust, exactly, but speculation.

"I will not deny, Miss Hunter, that I have been impressed with your quick thinking and impeccable conduct. I do not give out praise lightly, but you seem to be blessed with a rationale far above the usual sensibilities of your sex. And with your familiarity with cryptology intrigued me."

I was too distracted by his mention of my hobby to take much offense at his insult to the rest of the feminine population. "Cryptology?"

"The position at the school involves certain activities slightly more unusual that that of a simple headmistress." He then went on to detail some "duties" that made my heart thrill.

"Our government is in a precarious situation as always, Miss Hunter. My brother and I both agree that your cooperation would be most helpful to our nation."

"For queen and country," I said, smiling. "I accept."

We spoke for perhaps a half hour more, mostly about Mycroft Holmes's letter and the school.

"I assume you do not wish it known that you had anything to do with my appointment as the headmistress of the academy?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.

"Yes, I would thank you not to mention it."

"I assumed so when I saw that Dr. Watson was not here. The street urchin, of course, was also highly irregular."

I do not know why Mr. Holmes dissolved into laughter at this statement, but the sight of him doing so was strangely gratifying, and I laughed with him.

I've packed my things. I leave London tomorrow, and Mary and I have promised to correspond. My leaving is bittersweet, for I shall miss her, and I doubt I will see Mr. Holmes again. However, I shall never forget this strange episode in my life, and the part he played in it.

Never see him again? Are you sure….? Heehee. You thought that was the end, didn't you? Actually it is, for this story. But I have quite a few ideas running around my head for a sequel. It will not be written through journal entries (although I'll probably stick with first person perspective for it, as it's very fitting for any writing that's Sherlock-Holmes-related) and won't be based on any ACD cases. It should "fit" into the canon, though. Not *quite* sure when I'll be able to get around to it, since school is starting and I usually like to write a first draft of the first couple of chapters for before I post anything. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this version of one of my favorite Sherlock Holmes stories! Thanks for reading! God Bless ~