From V Tsuion: Alternate first meeting between Dr. Watson and Mary Morstan
"-and it is said that the treasure brings bad luck." The recently-widowed Mrs Sholto sniffed and dabbed at her eyes. "I am sorry, Mr Holmes, I know it all must sound ridiculous. I only wondered..."
"I deal in fact." Holmes's tone was not entirely devoid of sympathy. He had spotted the faint sheen of sweat on her brow, the white handkerchief she pulled out intermittently to cough into and - most importantly of all - the look of concern his flatmate could never have concealed even had he tried. "As it happens, I looked into your husband's death before you came to consult me. With all the intrigue in the papers I thought there might be something more to this, but the Scotland Yard coroners are correct. It was illness that took your husband, not foul play. And certainly no treasure's curse."
She forced a smile. "I see. In that case I am sorry to have wasted your time."
She stood to leave, but was stopped by Doctor Watson who asked, "Are you being seen to? Medically, I mean?"
Her blue eyes flashed angrily. "Is it really so obvious?"
Watson looked apologetic. "I am a Doctor myself. I only wanted to be sure-"
"I am well looked after." She nodded to them both - "Good day gentlemen." - and departed swiftly.
"Do not take it personally, Watson."
"I don't," Watson answered sadly. "I only wish there were more we could do for her."
Holmes got to his feet and watched Mrs Mary Sholto hail a hansom from the window of 221B. "Perhaps if she had come to us all those years ago... I think there was more to her father's death than she was ever aware..."
Watson came to join his friend at the window. "Even so, knowing as much would not have saved her from the tuberculosis. Her handkerchief, Holmes, did you see?"
"Speckled with blood." Holmes turned from the window. "Let us not dwell, Watson. You have seen today's papers?"
Watson's expression darkened. "I did. The Professor?"
"Indeed. It would seem things are progressing faster than I had hoped." Holmes closed the curtains, forgetting all about the ill fate of Mary Sholto - he and Watson had important matters to plan, and an urgent trip to the continent that needed to be discussed.