And a New Shipmate

-Watson's POV-

I returned to the lodgings hoping to find Mr. Brown gone. As I came in the door Mrs. Hudson came to greet me and take my coat.

"Is he gone?"

"You mean that horrible man with the deep voice?" Mrs. Hudson asked.

I looked at her with a smile. She was kind to most, but could voice her dislike.

"Yes," I said.

"Thankfully he left. Frankly, I was a little surprised when you left while Holmes had a client, but when I fetched him tea I found out why," Mrs. Hudson said.

"I spent a charming afternoon getting to know the Weavers, two brothers who have opened a shop nearby." I briefly told her of my afternoon.

"And I see you made a purchase," she said, curiously.

"Yes, I used to be interested in boats as a boy. You might have to start calling me Captain Watson," I joked.

"Well, First Mate Holmes is upstairs. I'll bring up lunch."

"Thank you, Lieutenant Hudson," I said, saluting comically.

As I ascended the stairs my leg felt uncomfortably stiff. When I got upstairs, I was faced with the decision of going into the sitting room and possibly facing Holmes, or taking the boat to my room. I took a step towards the sitting room door, then turned and headed, slowly, for my bedroom.