DOMESTICITY
Details
In which the doctor is not in
Mrs. Hudson thought that particular shade of mauve made Ms. Adler's skin look rather lovely. The younger women smiled sweetly at the compliment and took the teacup with a nod, watching the housekeeper leave.
"I trust the train ride here was agreeable enough."
Irene turned her smile to the man before her, eyebrows lifted in mock-surprise. "However did you know, Mr. Holmes?"
"There is a return ticket sticking out from the wrist of your left glove."
She nodded. "The little details are the most important. Speaking of which, where is Dr. Watson?"
"At the clinic."
"Ah. How is he doing?"
"Your meaning, madam?"
She titled her head at his sudden defensiveness. "His wounds – he was caught in the worst of the explosion, after all."
Holmes took several puffs of his pipe before answering. "He is doing better. Leaning on his cane and wincing when he thinks no one's looking but better."
"But someone is looking." And the woman sipped her tea politely and looked out the window.