The Case of the Cursed Corpse, Chapter the Second.
A/N Many thanks to those who took the time to read, review, or favorite. I just hope that you had as much fun reading this as I had writing it. Have some virtual cookies!
Watson woke up and looked at the ceiling. He got out of bed and started to get ready for the day. Then he remembered that Anstruther was taking care of his patients for the next two weeks. He dove back in bed and snuggled under the covers. He would get up in about fifteen minutes, but for now, he was gloriously warm.
As he was descending the stairs to the sitting-room, he heard Holmes stirring in his room. He had settled himself at the table when Holmes came out and sat down also. Mrs. Hudson had put together quite a breakfast for them. She must
have heard the doctor moving around, and brought up their tray.
Watson looked on at the eggs, bacon, biscuits,sausage, jelly and jam, tarts, and coffee. Again his stomach sang the culinary praise of his landlady.
Holmes noticed the cup of coffee that Watson had poured for him. He looked up and favored Watson with a smile.
"Thank you. Are you ready for this, old man?"
"Never better. Are you all packed and ready?"
"Yes. And you?"
"Packed last night. Here is the newspaper. I need to step out for a bit, but I should be back in plenty of time to meet the carriage."
"What shall I say if you are late?"
"Just tell the driver to wait while I attend to the needs of my paying clients."
With a grin, Holmes left the sitting-room and left Watson to enjoy the newspaper.
The doctor had started off reading the paper, but he must have dozed off. Watson looked at the clock upon the mantel. It read 12.25 and still no Holmes. Mrs. Hudson came up to say goodbye. She also pressed a package into Watson's hands.
Watson was waiting for the carriage driver, the same driver as yesterday to put the last piece of luggage in place, when saw Holmes running up Baker Street. He breathlessly got in beside the good doctor, who could not resist.
"I thought you were going to be back in plenty of time."
"Well, it all worked out, did it not?"
"Yes, I suppose it did. Oh, by the way, gave us something for the road ahead. I have not unwrapped it yet."
As Watson did so, a wonderful aroma rose from the box.
"Lamb sandwiches! And-and there are tarts here, too! And a couple of sausage sandwiches! Oh, that woman is so thoughtful..."
"Yes, she is, at that. We must do something special for her, Watson. She really is a gem."
"Watson, did you think to pack your revolver?"
"Yes, I did. Why, do you think that there will be a need for it?"
"No, I have no idea what to expect. But it is good to know that it is handy if there should be a need for it. However, do not let my question color your observations."
"Certainly, Holmes. Holmes, look at the scenery! Is it not beautiful? I know that it may hide much deviltry, but you cannot deny that it is beautiful."
The only answer that the doctor got was a noncommittal grunt. That would have to do, for he did not open his mouth until we got to our destination.
Watson looked out of the window and enjoyed the view. After a bit, we turned down a lane that led to a modest but well-kept house. There was a woman sitting on the porch that he assumed was Mrs. Porter. Sitting on chairs beside her were two children. The woman was a blonde, and the way she wore her hair reminded Watson of Mary. She looked to be very slight and dove grey dress that she wore complemented her figure. The children were both blonde, and were smiling. The boy had on a navy outfit, and the girl was wearing a pink dress. She had pink bows holding her pigtails, and she was wearing black slippers. The boy sported ringlets.
All three of them rose as we got out of the carriage.
Our driver had jumped down from his perch and was putting our bags on the porch. After we assured him that we could take them the rest of the way up to our rooms, he bade us a good day and hopped back up to his seat. Then he clicked his tongue, and the horses disappeared up the lane.