"Do you think Sir Henry will be pleased to see us, Holmes?" I asked.
"Of course, Watson. The telegram he sent me said he was delighted to hear we were returning for the holidays. From what you and he both have told me, the two of you became rather close."
I smiled at the memory of the extremely likeable young earl, Sir Henry Baskerville.
We pulled up to the Hall, momentarily stunned at how cheerful, pleasant, and welcoming it now looked.
"Watson! Holmes!" came the familiar, rich, baritone of the Hall's owner.
The tall form of Sir Henry Baskerville came rushing towards us.
We climbed out of the cart just as he reached us, his long, powerful legs carrying him a great distance in a short time. He clasped our hands warmly, grinning.
His dark eyes gleamed with joy at seeing us.
"It's so good to see you again. Come inside. We have much to discuss. I want to hear all about the cases you've had since we parted," he said, nearly bouncing with excitement and happiness.
I wasn't sure if his great body could hold his vigour much longer.
"And so you shall, my young friend."
Sir Henry let out a whoop like a school boy would at the start of the summer holidays.
"Forgive my school boy behavior," he said, blushing.
"Henry," a melodic voice drifted out to us.
Sir Henry bolted inside, leaving us nearly in a cloud of dust. He came back out with a beautiful young woman in tow.
"Detective Holmes, Dr. Watson, I'd like you to meet my fiancée, Violet Taylor."
We both greeted with a tip of the hat.
"A pleasure, Miss Taylor," we said in unison.
"The pleasure is all mine, gentlemen. Henry has told me everything he knows about each of you. When he recieved you telegram, he went on and on about how good it would be to see you both again."
Beside her, the earl in question blushed furiously.
Holmes and I studied the couple for a moment.
Sir Henry stood at a hulking 6'5", was powerfully built, had coal black hair slicked back from his forehead, deep brown eyes, and very lightly tanned skin. Violet stood at 5'10", had long blonde hair, crystal blue eyes, and very lightly tanned skin, lighter than Sir Henry's skin.
They made a cute couple.
When Sir Henry looked at her hsi dark eyes filled with adoration, and I knew that he truly loved her.
"Now then, lets all go in for some tea."
********
"So you caught the snake charmer?" asked the mystified Sir Henry.
Holmes smiled slightly and nodded.
"We did indeed, Sir Henry."
"Incredible."
I smiled at the young earl.
"They're as amazing as you've told me, my darling," Violet said.
"We're just doing our job, Miss Taylor," Holmes said humbly.
Sir Henry grinned.
"Nonsense. You're both heroes. You stop criminals and save lives. You saved mine a year ago."
The three of us shared a look that took us all back to the terrifying moment when Sir Henry had been attacked by the Hound.
I noticed Sir Henry touch his forearm where he had been bitten gingerly.
"Did the wound scar, Sir Henry?" Holmes asked.
He had pushed too far.
Violet stood up.
"Mr. Holmes, I much ask you not question Henry of what happened."
"Darling, it's all right."
She turned on her fiance.
"It's not all right, Henry. You still have nightmares about it. I don't want you reminded of it even more."
We became quiet, and Sir Henry went to make more tea.
Violet turned on Holmes and myself.
"You are not mention what happened that night on moor or anything around that time. Henry is still haunted by what happened and what he saw. Never speak of the Stapleton, Cecille, or the Hound to or around him. Is that clear?"
"Crystal clear, Miss Taylor," Holmes said.
She looked at me.
"I'll not breathe a word."
"Good."