Blue

Chapters 21, 22, and 23

Prompts:

From W. Y. Traveller - One of Holmes' disguises is a step too far.

From Book girl fan - Holmes is having a blue Christmas

From GWBear - Christmas invitations.

Author's Note: I was hoping to incorporate Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory but sadly, the novel was written in 1964

"You ready, Holmes? It's time to leave for the Yarder's Ball."

"Coming, Watson."

"Holmes! You look stunning in your evening formal wear but why is your traditional pallor tinted with a distinctly blue hue?"

"It's a rather long story, Watson."

"You can share on the way over during our carriage ride."

~221B~

"I may have overdone things a bit on my last disguise."

"Oh what disguise?"

"I was working on a case that required blue make up. My supplier didn't have blue in stock so I improvised."

"You made your own home-made blue dye on your chemistry set, didn't you, Holmes?"

"Yes. The color worked marvelously for its purposes. Unfortunately, it is a bit more permanent than regular make-up. I have tried the usual solvents."

"This might be awkward when we get to the party. Some of the Yarders may think you're cyanotic and near death."

"I'm hardly that, Watson. My hands are perfectly pink."

"Yes, but Holmes, not all the Yarders will be so observant and just look at your face."

"I shall tell them I am suffering from a rare form of pneumonia then."

"That may not be the wisest idea. They may worry you're contagious and again, your general health."

"I'm not coughing or sneezing though. My eyes are not watery and red. I have no feverish sweats."

"Yes, but we're not discussing the finer aspects of respiratory illnesses. We're talking about our invitation to the Yarder's Christmas party and how to explain your blue hue."

"Fine, Watson. I will just say I'm having a blue Christmas."

"You are certainly having a blue-tinted day. It might be simpler though just to tell the Yarders the truth. They may feel concern about your mental state if you go around letting everyone know you're having a blue Christmas. Just inform people you are suffering the side effects from a chemistry experiment that didn't quite turn out as anticipated. They'll understand."

~221B~

"We've arrived, Watson. Thank you for your suggestions. I shall take them into consideration should I be asked."

"Not a problem at all. Onwards to the ball, my dear blue friend."