Prompt: a assassination plot is foiled (mrspencil)
Assassination made me think of spies, and so this happened.
After a brief luncheon, Watson and I returned to the hotel and he kindly occupied himself with a book while I smoked my pipe by the fire, considering the evidence which had been laid out before us.
It was some hours before, at last, I declared, "I hope you packed your evening best, Watson, for tonight we dine in the most esteemed company."
Watson put aside his book with a questioning glance. "For the case?"
"As astute as ever, my dear Watson."
He appeared no less bemused, but acquiesced all the same.
I briefly sent a message to our host for the evening that we might be expected among the company, and then we soon put our afternoon occupations aside to dress for dinner.
Before we set off into the stormy evening, I said, "You ought to bring your old revolver, Watson, though I hope we do not need it."
To his credit, he did not question it, only slipped the revolver into its holster with a serious nod.
The rain poured down without reprieve as we departed, but the doorman of the hotel obligingly hailed us a cab to take us to the manor of one of the most esteemed residents of the city, and so we stepped from one doorway to the other with our shoes hardly dampened despite the unending pounding upon the rooftops and down the streets.
"Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson," the man in livery at the door announced us as we arrived as the maid took our overcoats.
"You were not exaggerating," Watson murmured as we were ushered into the opulent parlour, adorned in the latest style with intricate patterns across the furnishings and walls.
Several gentlemen and a few ladies were already gathered for aperitifs and talk, and the oldest and largest among them stepped forward to greet us. "Welcome! I was astounded to hear that the Sherlock Holmes would be dining with us this evening. What brings you to our stormy city?"
I dismissed the question with a wave. "I am fortunate to not always travel for work, but also at times for pleasure. Thank you, gentlemen, for your gracious welcome on such short notice."
As we made our way to the table for dinner, Watson discretely pulled me aside with a glance at the younger of the gentlemen of the company, and asked, "Is that…?"
I inclined my head, but said no more as dinner began.
It was an excellent meal, as such affairs always are, furnished with details on all the prominent houses in Edinburg and beyond. Afterward, the gentlemen retired to the parlour for the true highlight of the evening over fine digestifs.
At the insistence of our host, I sat down at the small table for the first round, opposite a young officer, while the rest of the party gathered around to watch with open curiosity. I glanced over my shoulder at Watson, who stood behind me, his hand upon my chair, and he only shook his head in quiet amusement.
Then, I faced the young officer and inclined my head in greeting. "Captain Bond, if you would be so kind as to deal."
He obliged. "Mr. Holmes, you're of course familiar with baccarat chemin-de-fer?"
"Yes, but do not go yet, Mr. Marcus." I held up a hand to detain the other young man in attendance, who had begun to discreetly make his way to the door. "When I am done, my associate and I should like a word with you." As that seemed not to convince him, I added severely, "We have reason to believe your very life is in danger."