A.N. PLEASE READ

I'm really sorry about how short this chapter is and how long it took to get out, but I'll try to do better with the chapter after this. Alot of this chapter and the chapters following will discuss the scientific method or at least one version of it, I've heard four separate versions. Also this chapter makes a reference to Holmes's past that might sound familiar to those of you who have read the novel The Seven Percent Solution, which I do not make any money off of. Be aware that this chapter may seem like a step back from the last one and for that I apologize.

Thank-you to everyone who reviewed. And because I could not reach you...

Lurking in the shadows...: You're right the phrase does not fit well with a Victorian gentleman of England,but sadly I'm not exactly an expert on what a Victorian gentleman might say.Thanks for your review.

For a fulldisclaimer, summary, etc., read teh first chapter.

Chapter 2: Research

If one followed the scientific method perfectly it would go something like the following: state the question, research the topic, form a hypothesis, experiment, analyze the data, and form a conclusion. Holmes considered the letter a form of research and was currently pulling up every romance related memory he had, for further research. His parents in Holmes's opinion were not the best of candidates, William and Emily Holmes had not had the best of marriages. William Holmes was pushy, controlling, and gone often on long trips. Emily Holmes, whether out of spite or loneliness, started an affair with one of Mycroft and Sherlock's tutors. When William Holmes learned of his wife's infidelity, he divorced her and fired the tutor.

Holmes supposed that because each romance, each person, was unique that he would have to research Watson himself. He would have to be careful what questions he asked Watson, because it would not do to make Watson suspicious of his behavior or uncomfortable. After all as curious as Holmes was to Watson's romantic feelings, he would not want to harm the friendship that they both shared. As Holmes's mind processed all of this at lightning speed, Watson returned home.

"Hullo Mrs. Hudson" greeted Watson as he came through the door. "Welcome home Dr. Watson, supper will be served soon" said Mrs. Hudson to Watson as he went up the stairs in a decidedly cheery mood. Holmes knew Watson was in a good mood from his quick but loud steps and his tone of voice. Watson strolled in the room with a large grin on his face and sat across from Holmes with a "Good evening Holmes how was your day?" Holmes gave what was closest to a smile for him, more of smirk really, and responded "Well enough Watson but then I didn't assist in a birth today". "How on earth did you deduce that," exclaimed Watson in surprise.

"Quite simply my dear fellow, you are in a good mood so obviously something pleasurable happened to you today. You do not smell of the unique brandy you enjoy so much at your club and your shoes do not have hardly any wear at all. Therefore you did not travel much today and because you are home so early you obviously felt you'd worked a full day. It obviously was not a recovery from an illness since it absorbed a full day, leaving a birth as the only happy occurrence possible" answered Holmes. "Once again, you make it all absurdly simple Holmes" said Watson with a laugh.

As Mrs. Hudson brought up dinner, Holmes began to formulate the questions he would ask Watson and how he'd ask them.

I'll try to have the next chapter out soon! I appreciate compliments and critism, plus reviews urge me to keep writing. '.