Thanks to Lucillia for the prompt 'Igloo'.
.. .. ..
"I'm most grateful to you, Watson, for remaining here with me tonight," Holmes said suddenly.
We had been sitting in silence for the past half hour, in an overgrown boathouse on the Ryders' Berkshire estate, gazing intently through the branches overhanging the entrance. Beyond it, we had a view of the moonlit lake, its waters undisturbed since we had settled in for our vigil.
I had no idea what Holmes had been thinking about as we waited. Speaking for myself, I had been meditating on how cold and wet my seat was, and whether I might hope that Mr Alderney Ryder would put in an appearance before we both froze to death.
"Grateful?" I said. "Nonsense. I wouldn't have dreamt of being anywhere else."
The arrest of Alderney Ryder would be the culmination of a case we had been working on together throughout most of the month of December, and I certainly could not have countenanced leaving Holmes alone at the very end. I was surprised, nonetheless, by his remark. He rarely expressed regret for dragging me out of my bed, away from my dinner, or in any other way inconveniencing me.
I glanced sideways at him, but could barely even make out his silhouette in the dark, never mind his expression.
"It's Christmas Eve, after all," he said after a pause. "I believe I remember promising you an evening of carols and good cheer. I know how much you enjoy this season. But instead we're sitting here in the cold and the dark."
"I can put up with a little discomfort, Holmes, Christmas Eve or not. After all, our Lord spent Christmas in a humble stable."
"This is closer to an icehouse than a stable," Holmes muttered.
"Nevertheless, it is ridiculous of you to think I'd rather be anywhere else."
I heard a rustle of cloth, and felt a slight pressure on my arm, before Holmes withdrew again.
"Good old Watson," he said quietly. "Why, you - "
That was when we heard the splash of oars in the water, and saw Ryder's rowing boat glide into view. Perhaps we might be back in London in time for Mrs Hudson's Christmas lunch tomorrow after all.