Dec 1 - From W. Y. Traveller - Watson purchases a gift for Mrs. Hudson and signs it from Holmes


Dearest Mary,

I hope the writing of this letter finds your well. Do give my love to Gladstone and the children.

I was pleasantly surprised to receive your Christmas package, as was Mr. Holmes, who as you know is no longer one to celebrate the holidays of his own accord. I hoped one of your mince pies would be enough to brighten his spirit and indeed, it was the first true scrap he'd eaten in weeks to my knowledge. I worry that should he not find another case soon, he'll have become too melancholy and distracted to take notice.

I believe a visit from yourself and Dr. Watson would be just the thing to cheer him. I on my own am no longer enough to be of help, and I've found it necessary to take leave to visit my sister. I find it's wearying to be in two places at the same time and can now only raise my concerns for my lodger.

Please respond at your earliest convenience as I am hoping to catch the train Tuesday next. You know you are always welcome.

M. Hudson


My dear Mary,

I am sending this along with Wiggins in the hopes it reaches you before dark so you do not worry. I've seen fit to stay with Holmes for the night while Mrs. Hudson is away. I hope to return home tomorrow. Sending love to you and the children.

John


Mycroft,

Whatever alarm bells you've chosen to raise in my landlady's absence appear to have done the job. I can report Watson's arrival at my flat yesterday afternoon as you no doubt planned. I assure you, I'm perfectly capable of finding my own way between cases, whatever time of the year it may be, though I acknowledge the atmosphere within 221B has been a bit thick.

Watson, in his infinite wisdom, thought this would be an ideal time to teach me a particular craft that I would have thought beneath the both of us. But as his concern for my well-being was apparently genuine, I chose to humor him. The result of which can now be seen on my bedside table as I've found cause to keep my hands busy at night when my mind is prone to wander.

Now that Mrs. Hudson has returned, I have no further use for the thing and am contemplating giving her my blasted scarf to keep the peace, even with Watson's immaculate knitting on the mantle taunting my dropped stitches. Having told Watson my attempt at Christmas cheer, I'm expecting him at the flat any time now to talk me out of it.

S.H.


Dearest Mary,

A wonderfully happy Christmas! A quick note to accompany my Christmas package.

I've sent the knit cap for little John and I do hope it fits; they grow so quickly at his age. But as luck would have it Sadie will take ages to outgrow this blanket and one never has enough of those this time of year as it is.

A curious thing happened this morning when I awoke. There were two wrapped packages sat on my kitchen table and they were from Mr. Holmes and your husband. Having not expected Mr. Holmes to take any further notice of the season, I don't mind telling you that I nearly shed a tear at his kindness. He flushed when he came into the kitchen and saw me holding both packages and he asked me how my sister fares. A Christmas miracle indeed!

Please do come by and have a cup of tea soon.

M. Hudson


Watson,

I know you switched labels on the packages. Now you'll have her thinking this is a skill I both express talent and interest in. I will hold you personally responsible for this if I'm extended any invitations to sit by the fire in her kitchen with a ball of wool.

S.H.