He wasn't wearing a sheet, but he was just as unimpressed as the last time he'd been there.
"Mr Sherlock Holmes, I presume," the old lady spoke in her dulcet tones.
"No, you don't."
"I beg your pardon?"
"You don't 'presume'. I was summoned here, and that means you know exactly who I am."
Something close enough to a smile flickered across her features. "Of course I do. I also know you're not particularly fond of etiquette."
"I don't concern myself with irrelevant matters."
"Perhaps you're right in doing so."
"Why am I here?" he prompted, not bothering to hide the fact he was starting to get bored.
"You foiled an imminent terrorist attack, I believe that deserves some recognition."
He all but shrugged. "This is not the first time I've provided my services."
"I am well aware of that too. That's why I hope you will accept a small token of my gratitude."
With that she handed him a small box, which he opened without any sing of enthusiasm.
"An emerald tie-pin. I'm flattered, but I don't do ties."
The old lady merely offered him a knowing glance. "You could save it for a special occasion. I've heard that your friend is going to get married soon."
"I'm sure my brother Mycroft was in the knowledge even before my friend did. Good morning, Madam," he announced as he bowed slightly, then made his way out of the room.
He wasn't going to wear the tie-pin to John's wedding anyway.
