December 25: "A mystery for a snowy day" (from V Tsuion)
A/N: Merry Christmas, friends!
"Mr. Holmes, what have you done with my flour?" Mrs. Hudson demanded. "There are a good two or more cups missing."
"I have done nothing to your flour," he replied stiffly from behind a monograph. "Perhaps you simply forgot you used it."
The landlady left in a huff, but returned a few minutes later to demand to know what had happened to her sugar. Holmes' reply was the same.
Mrs. Hudson was dubious, but ready to chalk it all up to forgetfulness. That is, until she realized the same fate had met her butter, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, and apples. But now, at least, she had a working theory.
The good landlady continued her kitchen-related tasks, but stopped when there was a ring at the bell. Who should greet her there but a dozen little street urchins, all beaming from ear to ear, Watson following behind. Snowflakes floated gently down from the sky onto their shoulders and hats.
The lads held out two apple pies, rather poorly constructed, but baked properly. "Merry Christmas, Mrs. 'Udson!" they cried.
"I confess, I may have taken a thing or two from your kitchen," said Watson with a smile.
"That's quite all right," she replied. "Merry Christmas to you as well!"