Chapter 4: Brideshead Visited

Summary: Sherlock takes John to Brideshead. John learns more about the Holmes family.

Chapter Text


"Where are we going?"

"To see a friend."

"Who?"

"Name of Hawkins."

We got back into the car and in the early afternoon came to our destination: wrought-iron gates and twin, classical lodges on a village green, an avenue, more gates, open parkland, a turn in the drive; and suddenly a new and secret landscape opened before us. We were at the head of a valley and below us, half a mile distant, grey and gold amid a screen of boscage, shone the dome and columns of an old house.

"What a place to live in!" I said.

"Brideshead. It's where my family live." He said, stopping the car at a side court. "Everything's shut up. We'd better go in this way." He led me through the servants' quarters, a labyrinth of passages and steep stairs. "I want you to meet Mrs. Hudson."

Sherlock's nanny was seated at the open window of the nurseries. "Sherlock, hello!"

Sherlock leaned down to kiss her, and handed her a small bunch of pink flowers. "For you, nanny. And this is John Watson." He sat down at her feet.

"You've come at just the right time. Mycroft's also coming up for the day from London. I told the kitchen to bring in a walnut cake from Fuller's. Now what's the news? Are you studying hard at your books?"

"Not at all, nanny."

They talked on, while I stood by the chest of drawers and studied the collection of small souvenirs and presents brought to her at various times by her charges. Presently Mrs. Hudson said: "Ring the bell, dear, and we'll have some tea."

But Sherlock said we had to go.

"And miss Mycroft? It would have been such a surprise for him."

We hurried back through the maze of corridors. "We must leave before my brother arrives. I'm not having you mixed up with my family. All my life they've been taking things away from me. They'd make you their friend not mine, and I won't let them."

"All right. We'll go. But am I to see any more of the house?"

"One day – not now."

As we drove out, a Rolls-Royce was stopped at the front. The chauffeur opened the door, and a dark suited figure alighted, swinging his umbrella as he walked leisurely up the steps. He turned around and looked at us before continuing into the house.

"Mycroft," said Sherlock. "We only just got away in time."

That is the full account of my first brief visit to Brideshead. Could I have known then that it would one day be remembered with tears by a middle-aged captain of infantry?


Towards the end of that summer term, I received the last visit and Grand Remonstrance of my cousin Donovan. He fretfully declared that he had taken precious time out of preparing for his examinations, such was the burden of his concern for me upon his overtaxed conscience.

"You may think it none of my business, but I must tell you – stay away from Sherlock Holmes."

"Why?"

"Whether you realize it or not, you are being talked about. I've become a figure of mockery on your account at the Dining Club. Just last week, I heard that you and Sherlock were thrown out of a music hall for disturbing a performance."

"Well … "