Old Acquaintances

A few hours later, Sherlock had picked up John and they were on their way to the client's home a few miles out of London, for a consultation. As they pulled through the wrought iron gates onto what looked like an unnecessarily long driveway, Sherlock let out a soft sigh of recognition.

"Of course. I thought I recognised the name." He murmured, as the pieces came together in his mind.

"You've been here before?" John asked, turning away from the view to question his friend.

"Yes. Many times. The Lord of the manor, and our employer on this case, Sir Christopher Buckley, Earl of Didcot, has two daughters. His oldest, whose wedding the jewellery was stolen from, is a few years younger than Mycroft, while his youngest is only a year younger than myself. When we were children, our Mother used to bring us out here for 'playdates' with them; as a means of social climbing. We were regular visitors for a few years, before abruptly ceasing contact with them." Sherlock explained.

"What did you do?" John asked with an eye-roll and accusatory glare

"Me? Who said it was my fault we stopped coming?" Sherlock shot back.

"Because… you're you. What was it? Did you announce your observations that the Countess was having an affair with the gardener, or something like that?" John took a guess.

"It was the cook actually." Sherlock corrected "But no, Mycroft was the only one I told about that little observation, and he warned me to keep my mouth shut."

"And since when did you ever listen to him?"

"Believe it or not, when we were younger I rather looked up to him. Anyway, it wasn't me who told about the affair, but somehow the news of the scandal got out among the upper classes. The family lost its social standing, and it was suddenly more prudent to avoid the family than associate with them, so that's what my mother did. So ended our visits." Sherlock concluded his explanation as their cab pulled to a stop in front of the house.

They paid the cabbie and climbed the steps; Sherlock with casual disinterest, while John stared in wonder at the grand manor, with its sprawling, well maintained grounds. The door was opened to them before they reached it, by a butler; who showed them into the entrance hall, took their coats and asked them to wait while he announced their presence to the Earl. Again John stared in wonder at the opulent surroundings, as Sherlock appeared bored, until an excited feminine voice echoed across the hall.

"Sherlock!" Exclaimed a rather stunning young woman, her blue eyes wide and bright in her soft oval face, her long blonde hair waving softly behind her as she raced across the entrance hall, flinging her arms around him in a tight embrace. Her radiant smile faltered somewhat though, as his arms merely hovered uncertainly either side of her, rather than return the embrace. She pulled back slightly, looking into his eyes hesitantly. "What? Do you not remember me?"

Sherlock's shocked expression quickly melted into a fond smile, re-igniting hers, though his posture was no less awkward. "Elsie. Of course I hadn't forgotten you. You took me by surprise is all. You've grown rather a lot since I last saw you." His eyes scanned quickly down her, obviously seeing more than her snug angora tunic jumper and designer skinny jeans.

"So have you." She replied with a flirtatious tone "Though some things never change. You still have your curls." Her fingers reached up into them as she spoke, taking a light grip and using it to pull his face down towards hers, tilting her face up so their lips could meet.

Sherlock quickly but gently turned his face away, catching the look of shock on John's face as he did. Elsie relented, letting go of his curls and lowering her face in a pout, looking up at Sherlock from under her eyelashes.

"What, no kiss?" She inquired.

"I don't think my wife would approve." Sherlock replied, with a small smirk.

"Oh!" Elsie gasped, stepping back properly, glancing down at his hand and the ring on it, before her eyes dropped to herself, straightening her jumper. "Of course. Silly of me not to think you'd be… of course, you would be married, what sane girl would pass up a man like you?" She said, trying to regain her dignity, though still rather flustered.

Sherlock couldn't resist a smile at the boost to his ego. "And what about yourself? I'm surprised you would have no young man of your own." He inquired. He had read the signs of her singleness, and couldn't make sense of it given her flirtatious personality.

"Oh, I've had my share of admirers" She sighed "A stupid bunch of rich boys, who think money, looks and athletic prowess is all they need to impress a woman. Barely a brain cell between the lot of them. Not like you. After you I could never settle for anyone of less than moderate intelligence." She gave him another admiring smile, before finally noticing John beside him. "And who is your friend? I don't believe we have been introduced."

"How rude of me." Sherlock replied, rolling his eyes so only John could see, as her attention was no longer on him. "Lady Elsabeth Buckley, meet Dr John Watson, former Captain of the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers." Sherlock reeled off their full titles.

"Pleased to meet you." John politely smiled, offering his hand for a handshake.

"Oo, Brains and brawn." Elsie, smiled, taking his hand.

"And, also married." Sherlock pointed out.

"All the best ones are." Elsie grumbled, letting John's hand go and stepping back again. "So, you're here about Lottie's ring, and the other jewellery I take it?"

"That is correct."

Elsie's lip quirked in a conspirational smile. "Bit ironic, my Father hiring you to catch a jewel thief, don't you think?"

"To catch a thief, you must think like a thief. Isn't that right, Mr Holmes?" A voice boomed from above them. They looked up to see the Elsie's Father, Earl Buckley, standing on the first floor balcony above them. He was a rather large man, with a jolly face, sporting a rather bushy moustache. His 3 piece suit reminded John of Mycroft's, albeit in a much larger size.

"Technically I didn't steal the ring, since it never left your property. I simply relocated it, from your wife's jewellery box, to Elsie's finger." Sherlock replied with a sly smile, his eyes meeting Elsie's with a fond glint of remembrance.

"Mmhm. And what about the other trinkets that disappeared after your visits?" The Earl countered, with a fondness that suggested no harm done.

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Sherlock replied coolly.

The Earl laughed heartily at his response. "It's good to see you again, Sherlock. But we can't stand around all day reminiscing; we have business to discuss. Come on up to my office, it's…"

"The third on the left. I have a good memory." Sherlock finished for him. The Earl laughed again, nodding before heading back to the office himself.

"So, I guess I'll be seeing you around?" Elsie asked.

"Possibly for a few days, depending on how long it takes to crack the case." Sherlock replied.

"Well, good luck." She smiled, nodding to them and dismissing herself. Sherlock smiled at her retreating form, before turning to John.

"Well come on then, let's not keep him waiting."

AN: Thanks for all the follows and favourites so far guys, and thanks to ballykissangel, GypsyRose2014, ThouArtPenuin and superlc529 for the reviews. Welcome back my old friends