John didn't ask how Sherlock found a body to pass off as his brother, nor did he ask what had actually happened to Mundbora's body.
Sherlock had turned sad eyes on him that night at the Knightsbridge house and asked to be left alone, and the next John had heard was that there had been a fire and it appeared that Mycroft Holmes, powerful member of the British Government, had died in the conflagration.
When the grieving dragon didn't return home for days John stretched his acting abilities, persuading Mrs Hudson, Lestrade and anyone else who asked that Sherlock, despite their differences, was more upset about Mycroft's death than he cared to let on and had locked himself in his room to avoid having to talk to anyone.
Two days before the funeral Sherlock reappeared, looking tired and drawn. In silence John made him a cup of tea and sat opposite him, waiting for him to speak.
When he did finally open up he sounded deflated.
"My brother spent much of his life making money and accumulating property, property of which I'm sole heir."
John held his peace.
"I want to sell it, all of it," the blue-green eyes looked up from contemplation of his hands. "All except the cottage and land that makes up part of Cole Wood, near Bexhill."