Prompt: A new neighbor, from Hades Lord of the Dead
A/N: I did think the Baker Street neighbors have been slightly overdone, so I went in a different direction here
From the desk of Mr. George Stackhurst, South Downs Preparatory School - 4 April, 1904
Well, the rumor about town is that the old Hartsville Cottage is let at last. I do not know how long the place has remained empty, only that ever since I came to this quiet little corner of England I have known it as the Hartsville Cottage without ever having met any of the Hartsvilles. Long time denizens of the village tell me the last Hartsvill left long ago. In any case, I am far more curious about the new neighbors than ones which left long ago. My school is far out of town, and I have often thought how pleasant it would be if the cottage I pass on my way into town was occupied. I have tried to find out about who might be taking it, with no luck, for the postmaster knew only that it was a retired gentleman from London. Pity. Such a fellow is likely to keep to himself and not engage much out of doors. I enjoy this picaresque spot but it would be nice to have some company between the ages of sixteen and sixty.
From the desk of Mr. George Stackhurst, South Downs Preparatory School - 10 April, 1904
I have heard news today that I scarcely believed true - in fact, I laughed the first I heard of it, but the more it was repeated, the truer it seemed to be. It appears that the new occupant of the old Hartsville Cottage is the famous detective, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!
I am hardly less surprised that he is retiring than that he chose such a quiet, unassuming spot to do so. We have nothing to attract so great an intellect. It is well known that he enjoys going out to concerts and making use of the British Museum's library, never mind that we have no crime to speak of. The entire village is in an uproar, as are the boys at school. We have all read the stories of Mr. Holmes, and it is the most exciting thing to happen to Sussex Downs in an age. I would not be surprised if Mr. Holmes arrives to find a queue awaiting his autograph outside his door!
For myself, I am rather excited. I would relish some cultured talk and Mr. Holmes's interests are known to be varied, though of course, he is also known to be impatient and eccentric. Mrs. Bampers in the grocer's today humphed at the news and said, "He'll be shooting up the walls of that place before long, just like he did to 221b, you wait and see."
"I always did feel badly for poor Mrs. Hudson," Mrs. Tollerson answered, her arms full of both turnips and twins, screaming (the twins, not the turnips). "Having to deal with all that."
"We can at least be assured of no foul odors," the grocer answered. "No one lives close enough. Those poor Baker Street neighbors must have been patient indeed."
"And if he is retired he will not have clients coming day and night, nor assailants either," I said. "I am looking forward to someone new about, especially one so interesting."
I wonder if Dr. Watson might be joining him. No one thus far has said anything, and while I have never met them, I feel as if I know them, as does everyone in Britain, I wager. I would feel quite badly if they had a falling out.
From the desk of Mr. George Stackhurst, South Downs Preparatory School - 15 May, 1904
I have had a sighting!
Ever since Mr. Holmes retired to our corner of England, Sussex Downs has been abuzz, but few have seen our illustrious new neighbor. He gets his groceries delivered and comes into town only to buy tobacco occasionally (the tobacconist has found himself inordinately popular, as everyone finds reason to stop in and ask him about the great detective. I suspect business has never been better for Mr. Campbell).
I confess to walking past the cottage more often in the hopes of catching him out, but it appears the stories were correct, and Mr. Holmes is solitary to the point of reclusivity. His habits appear to be quiet; I smelled no odors, heard no gunfire, and saw no practicing of baritsu. I did not even hear the strains of a violin. The only activity has been the construction of some wooden crates outside in the garden, the purpose of which I could not guess until today, when I saw a tall, thin figure in beekeeper's garb busily working among the boxes.
I saw enough to know it was Holmes I saw, though why he is now a beekeeper I cannot tell.
From the desk of Mr. George Stackhurst, South Downs Preparatory School - 30 May, 1904
At last, I have met Mr. Holmes! It was quite by accident. I was returning from an errand in town when I saw him outside, seated by the beehives and thought to introduce myself. I am not a shy man, but I found myself rather intimidated. Far from his fame alone, it appears as if the reports of his masterful and dominating nature are true, for I felt suddenly as if I were the student again, facing my own headmaster, instead of headmaster myself!
After introductions were made, however, Mr. Holmes proved to be a perfect gentleman, inviting me in for tea and telling me how he had long wished to retire to pursue beekeeping - evidently a subject he is both passionate and knowledgeable about, for it took little to keep the conversation going. His character, suffice it to say, was accurately described by his loyal biographer. Still, he asked questions of me as well and seemed interested in my scientific hobbies; as it turns out, he shares an interest in the ancient inhabitants of this area, a subject which I have made a small hobby of. His knowledge of chemistry, too, rivals that of my science master, and his stories of his travels and dealings with illustrious clients are enthralling. I should be glad to spend an evening, hopefully the first of many, in discussion with him, as he is quite fascinating to talk to.
I wonder if he might consent to give a talk to the boys, for I doubt I can hold their curiosity at bay for much longer.
