An Interview with Holmes & Watson

It was no use, I decided, attempting to fabricate a tale in order to deceive Mr Sherlock Holmes. Even if I could devise a plausible tale, it was not in my nature to maintain such a deception. And, there was no telling how much information Mr Holmes had already gleaned upon me. My best course of action was to simply tell the truth and rely on his generosity – not something he was known to possess. My final option was one I loathed, but had used from time-to-time when all else failed; my feminine charms. As Mr Collinwood had said in our interview, “how you do it, Madam, is your affair”. We both understood what he meant.

As the cab rattled down Baker Street, I grew more and more despondent at the task ahead. “Generosity, feminine charms and Mr Sherlock Holmes. What have I gotten myself into?”

Upon arrival at number 221B, I was shown to the room shared by Mr Holmes and Dr Watson by a kindly lady who I presumed to be Mrs Hudson. Holmes and Watson stood up to greet me, but while Dr Watson was warm and gracious, I could tell immediately that Holmes suspected me. He was civil, but curt, his grey eyes burning into mine. The effect was both frightening, and attractive.

I had no sooner taken a seat before Holmes blurted, “now, Miss Purbright, shall we get down to the facts? I will tell you what you are, and the purpose of your visit. You are a journalist, one of many who have come here to uncover any unsavoury detail about me, and about Watson and myself.”

His use of the separate phrase, “Watson and myself” was intriguing to me.

“Of interest on this occasion”, he continued, “was the choice of sending a woman, albeit a very attractive one”. A faint smile crossed his lips as he completed the sentence. “If you have suffered any of Watson’s scribbles, you will no doubt remember reading my quote that the fair sex is his department."

I glanced at Dr Watson, who gave me the most endearing grin. I was calmed by his presence.

“Mr Holmes”, I said, “you do me a disservice. You are correct, I am a journalist, but I am not here to deceive you.”

Holmes glared at me disbelievingly.

“I cannot deny it was my original intention to invent some imaginary problem for you to solve, but I realised the futility of the plan.”

Dr Watson rose from his chair and sat beside me on the sofa. Softly he said, “Miss Purbright, your candor is refreshing.” He gave my hand a gentle squeeze and I saw Holmes roll his eyes in apparent disgust.

I flushed visibly as I realized how attracted I was to these two men; Holmes because of his strength and aloofness…his…unavailability that so many women find challenging and Watson because of his kind and gentle nature. I suddenly felt ashamed.

“Mr Holmes,” I said as I rose, “I won’t take up anymore of your time. I’ll simply tell Mr Collinwood, my editor, that you were unable to take my case. I’m sorry to have troubled you.”

“Wait! Just a moment, Miss Purbright”, Holmes exclaimed. Then, in a softer, almost guttural tone I found intoxicating, he said, “you needn’t go if you don’t want. Please, have some tea with Dr Watson and myself. We’ll see if there is anything we can do to help you.”

**Coming Soon - Chapter Three "The Game Is Afoot" ***