Chapter 6 – Breakfast and Plans
Sorry for such a big delay in this chapter but I had to stop for exams and that. Anyway, here it is, sorry it's a bit short, I promise the next one will be longer. Enjoy!
The following morning, Dr Watson was up early to tend to Miss Allan. The poor girl was in a terribly fragile state, but was gradually gaining strength; certainly she was much better than the day before.
Having made sure she was quite comfortable, and giving more instructions to the housekeeper, he left to go down to breakfast.
Upon descending the stairs, he found Sherlock Holmes in the hallway taking off his coat, evidently just arriving.
"Morning, Watson!" he said cheerfully, "sleep well? No doubt you have if your quarters are as comfortable as mine?"
"Holmes, where have you been at this time?"
"In London," he replied, taking his hat off.
"What time did you go to London?" Watson asked increduously.
"Oh about six o'clock – or was it five? – It was a necessary journey, and I didn't want to waste the day travelling."
"What on earth did you need in London?"
"Research, my dear Watson, research! The missing links in the chain, which I intend to look over throughout the course of the day."
"You know who committed the murder?" asked Watson as they made their way to the breakfast room.
"Of course!"
"Who?"
"All in due time, Watson, for I shall need your help in capturing the guilty one. But for the moment, not a word."
They had just entered the breakfast room where Miss Summerley was there to greet them – or rather, there to greet Dr Watson, for she completely ignored Sherlock Holmes, who sat down with a humoured smile.
The breakfast room, like every other room in the manor, was large and magnificent. Due to the design, it was the only room without a fireplace, for on it's eastern side, were grand patio doors, where the sun would shine brilliantly and light up the entire room. The doors lead out onto the veranda and the vast garden, and so, with the doors wide open and a fresh morning breeze coming in, breakfast was very charming. Dr Watson was as bright and sociable as ever, and he interacted with their pretty hostess while Holmes watched and listened intensely.
When the servants arrived with the breakfast trollies, he looked directly at Miss Summerley to analyse her behaviour. If she felt suspicious of anyone, she hid it beautifully, for she smiled at them all and Holmes breathed a sigh of relief. For whatever reason, she was complying with his instructions from the night before.
Holmes didn't eat any of the food set out before him, but drank some coffee, which he took with him as he left his seat and stood by the patio doors, admiring the scenery, while the doctor and Miss Summerley finished eating.
"So tell me, doctor" said Miss Summerley, "How is Judith doing? Is she better?"
"Alas!" said Holmes before Watson could answer, "Doctor Watson was just telling me Miss Allan's condition has deteriorated since yesterday."
Miss Summerley looked from Holmes to Watson.
"It has?"
Watson looked as bewildered as Miss Summerley, and simply looked at his friend, who had now resumed his seat across from him.
"Well is it serious?" Miss Summerley asked, a note of panic in her voice.
"Oh, you need not fear, Miss Summmerley," Holmes continued, "you may rely upon Watson to have your friend up on her feet once more, is that not so doctor?"
By this time, Watson had recovered and, having received the hints from Holmes, was ready to answer.
"It was a slight deterioration, Miss Summerley. But I have no doubt Miss Allan will get better as the day goes on."
Miss Summerley nodded, apparently satisfied her friend was not in eminent danger.
"May I see her?" she asked after a while.
"I'm afraid not," Watson replied, catching a subtle movement from his friend, "although she is not in danger, I would rather be on the safe side, and leave her undistubred throughout the day."
Miss Summerley nodded. "Of course, doctor, as you wish. Well, gentlemen," she said, rising: " If you need me I shall be in the library."
She made her way to the door before Holmes called her back.
"One thing, Miss Summerley," he said cheerfully, "these doors – are they left unlocked all day?"
"Only when it is not raining," Miss Summerley replied coldly.
"Who is in charge of locking them?"
Miss Summerley narrowed her eyes. "Why?"
"If you wish me to be of any use," Holmes retorted impatiently, "you will have to give me the information I ask for."
There was a moment's silence as the two sized each other up.
"The housekeeper has the keys," Miss Summerley eventually replied, and with that she opened the door and left them.
As soon as she'd gone, Holmes sprang across the room and closed the door, then returned to his seat and leaned across the table to the perplexed doctor.
"Holmes! What in heaven's name – "
"Hush Watson! A woman's life is in danger and time is of the essence – Now listen"...