Subject: 27th Dec Prompt 2022 from Michael JG Meathook: "That woman"

That Woman

Arthur, a young and perceptive irregular,

Learned to survive by his nerve and his wit,

And still kept an eye out for new signs of trouble

Alert for whatever seemed odd, didn't fit.

~0~

He'd noticed the figure in cloak and blue bonnet,

Three times, just outside Mrs Hudson's front door.

Mr Holmes and the doctor were out when it happened…

A glimpse of her face…had he seen her before?

~0~

Her bonnet was velvet, looked rather expensive;

Her cloak was fur lined and swept down to her feet,

Her head was held high, every movement was graceful;

She paused at the steps, then she left Baker Street.

~0~

The first time, young Arthur had been on an errand,

The blue of the bonnet just catching his eye;

The second, the sweep of her cloak was unmissable;

The third time, he watched as she left, wondered why.

~0~

Before he informed Mr Holmes, he'd need evidence;

What she was up to and why she was there;

He'd follow the lady the next time he saw her,

And gather some clues with meticulous care.

~0~

Disguise was important; a chimney sweep's helper…

Quite easy to wear ragged clothing, soot-smeared

And borrow a brush from the Baker Street kitchen,

And wait, out of sight, till the lady appeared.

~0~

Next morning, he watched Mr Holmes and the doctor

Head out for a walk in the park; their routine.

He crouched, out of sight by a gate, fifteen minutes

Had passed till the elegant figure was seen.

~0~

He took a deep breath, and stepped out of his hiding place

Grinned, doffed his cap and then sauntered ahead.

He'd learned from the masters; Holmes, Watson and Wiggins

He'd arouse more suspicion behind her instead.

~0~

He stooped to examine the cobbles in close up,

And listened till two nimble footsteps went by;

Then straightened up slowly, and, space kept between them.

He followed her trail; as a wary young spy

~0~

She entered a shop, selling feminine garments;

He noted the goods and the signs with a blush.

Of course he'd stand out if he lurked by the entrance,

So settled to watch from a distance; no rush.

~0~

A few minutes later, a well-dressed young gentleman,

Exited briskly, a swing to his gait

Arthur glanced briefly, turned back to his vigil,

But something he saw made him stop, hesitate.

~0~

The gentleman's stature and stride seemed familiar;

He had to think quickly and make up his mind.

He took the initiative, judged it instinctively;

Followed him, leaving the clothes shop behind.

~0~

He hoped he was right; hadn't misread the evidence,

Jumped to conclusions and made the wrong call;

The pair, one in shadows and one walking jauntily

Walked through the streets and the winter snow fall.

~0~

The route that his quarry was taking was circular,

Bringing them round to the start; Baker Street .

Arthur, concealed, to the greatest astonishment,

Saw Wiggins appear, whistle loudly and sweet.

~0~

Quick footsteps on cobbles with all the Irregulars

Pouring from outbuilding, alley and lane.

Mr Holmes and the doctor appeared on their doorstep.

He tried to make sense of the scene, but in vain.

~0~

He watched them all trooping inside, they're expecting this;

His "quarry' moved forward, expecting the same,

Then stopped, looked around as though something's forgotten;

Stared straight at his hiding place, called out his name…

~0~

The parlour is noise and excitement and chaos…

Holmes spoke to young Arthur, "It's clear you've improved!

Young Wiggins suggested a test of your tracking skills"

He smiled as the stranger's top hat is removed.

~0~

As Arthur deduced, there in fact, was no gentleman,

A quick change of clothing, designed to distract…

And there stood that woman, from Mr Holmes photograph…

Irene Norton, née Adler; she knew how to act.

~0~

"Young Wiggins required a Lieutenant, a sidekick,

And asked me to set an appropriate test.

Mrs Norton was willing to act as the subject,

As bait," explained Holmes, "you, of course, know the rest."

~0~

You picked up the cues and you sought further evidence,

Her deft change of clothes didn't muddy the trail,

You looked past disguise, saw instead similarities,

And let your fine instinct for tracking prevail."

~0~

Mrs Hudson appeared with hot drinks; celebration

Of Arthur's promotion, saluted by all.

And a final surprise, front seat tickets presented,

For Irene's performance at the Royal Opera Hall.

~0~