Thank you to all readers and for your comments! This story takes place just before Diana leaves to find Steve ('Hell Hath No Fury');
Holmes can be interpreted in any way you see fit (he was an expert at fitting himself to any situation!)
6
"You believe, Miss Prince, there is evidence linking our recent eruption of crime with those of thirty years past?"
Mr. Holmes; or simply 'Holmes' as he was identified by many they passed on the street; had invited Diana to his nearby London flat, noting that while it was the most simply furnished among the lodgings available to him, it's proximity made it the most efficient, and for purposes of their discussion, rooms in which he would be least distracted as he had recently misplaced his violin and while not currently certain of its locale, was confident it would not be found at this location. The building Holmes indicated, Diana was surprised to see, consisted of four stories of plain brickwork which at one time was fronted by a grey or tan decorative facade which had turned a mottled black in the London soot. It stood crowded between a pub on one side and on the other some type of rooming house, apparently for women only by lace curtains in the windows and ladies in various states of dress gathered on the front steps. Fronting Holmes' building, one-half of the bottom stair was missing, leaving a rough crack and muddied hole; and the entrance door's glass had been replaced with a poorly - fit scrap of lumber. By the esteem many seemed to hold for this 'detective', Diana expected an address more fitting of his reputation; perhaps this home, along with his tattered and worn clothing, was all he could justify. Diana did not know to what extent London valued their 'detectives'.
The living space; on the first floor to the rear of the stairway; was as expected: Faded furniture; frayed carpet; on the walls hung unidentifiable, darkened pictures. Everything was clean and, to the extent possible, cared for; yet, Diana vowed to herself, if this 'Holmes' should provide any assistance toward fulfilling her duty, she would ask Etta for an appropriate sum she could offer him in payment.
"Good even', Squire" came a voice from the kitchen, immediately followed by the round and reddened face of a woman peering around the corner. "Is that Dr. Watson yo'v been bringin' with ya?"
"And a pleasant evening to you, Mrs Piltsdown. No, I'm afraid Watson is out of the country for the time; some sort of conference on the Continent. This," gesturing toward Diana, "is Miss Prince. Is that correct Miss? Prince, as in the younger members of a royal family? Of course, in your case, being the feminine Princess?"
"Yes, Prince. Diana Prince." This Holmes, she considered, either does not reveal all he knows, or is fortunate in his guesses.
"Nice ta' meet ya' miss. Now has Squire Holmes ben' helpin' ya with a problem?"
"Now now, Mrs Piltsdown, you know I can't reveal any of my current projects. Miss Prince and I may be working toward similar goals; an evening's discussion will illuminate the issue and we should, I believe, be working for the next two hours at minimum so as not to disturb your supper. Please relay my best to Mr Piltsdown."
" 'Course, Squire. Come 'n go anytime yu'd like, ya' know taint no bother at'tall."
And Holmes walked through the living area; down a short hallway; rounded a small closet; and disappeared.
"Miss Prince! I don't believe Mrs Piltsdown was expecting an 'extra' for her evening meal. Come ahead, the nights' wasting."
Perhaps, Diana thought, Holmes shared these rooms with others and he was directing her to his portion of the space; she followed his path to find him at the end of the passageway, holding back a thick, embroidered curtain revealing an open door.
"Ah! Come in; make yourself at home."
The room she entered held chairs overstuffed and carpets finely woven. A broadly-patterned sofa dominated one-half of the room, between two intricately-carved tables with marble tops. The fireplace, fueled and flaming, set centered within the far wall, flanked by two other doors. These rooms seemed to have no connection with the rooms she had just passed through; nor with the building itself; but appeared to be an entirely different structure.
"It's not much, but one must make do. Please have a seat while I exchange this costume for something more fitting." He disappeared behind the right-hand door while Diana, uncertain of who this Holmes was, where she had been led, and how Mr and Mrs Piltsdown fit into this puzzle, sat first in one chair, finding she fell into it as if sitting on a pile of wool; moved to the other chair only to see it provided even less structure; and returned to the first chair just as Holmes returned somewhat formally dressed in burgundy jacket and black pants.
"Far better. The disguises are invaluable for their purpose, but one can't argue with what one finds most comfortable. I'm interested in your impression of the seating you've selected. Rumor has it, it was among the Kaiser's favorites before our recent unpleasantness. Rescued it from a mob storming the palace, and, I dare to say, from being lost to history."
"The chair is suitable."
"I shall take that as a whole-hearted recommendation. Now...do you mind if I smoke? Thank you. You believe, Miss Prince, there is evidence linking our recent eruption of crime with those of thirty years past?"