A/N: prompt 10 from cjnwriter: "An unusual request from Mycroft."
A 221B
Assistance
Three knocks at the door, she looks up from her work;
A moment or two to prepare,
Brush flour from her hands, put her apron away,
And she neatens stray tendrils of hair.
~0~
She's been watching the clock for the past hour or so,
Relieved that her tenants are out.
Her guest had insisted he would not appear
If Watson and Holmes were about.
~0~
His note was still safe, folded up in her purse,
His handwriting neat, copperplate;
Her reply had been brief, she was happy to help;
"Kitchen door, three short raps, don't be late."
~0~
She opens the door, sees two gentlemen there,
With hats doffed, and a large wooden case,
Which is placed on the swiftly cleared table with care,
And chairs are moved back for more space.
~0~
The taller, more portly, more statesmanlike fellow
Then sends his assistant away;
There won't be a witness to what he has planned,
No fuel for the gossips today.
~0~
Once door keys are turned, and the curtains are closed,
The wooden box lid's opened wide;
He winds up the phonograph nestled within,
Then moves to the landlady's side.
~0~
One hand on her shoulder, one arm round her waist,
As they waltz from tiled kitchen to hall.
Mrs Hudson's agreed to teach Mycroft to dance,
So he'll shine at the next Palace Ball.
~0~