Mary Watson And The Departed Doctor

by Fred Thursfield

  With these stated intentions my explanation would be sound and plausible if anyone should question at any length my reason for leaving the United Kingdom for a short time.

  From what I had learned from Mycroft the actual purpose for my trip was far more personal. Having already arranged train travel to Dover and ocean passage across to the African continent with reserving a room (under my maiden name) at the Monarch Hotel located in Rosebank, a prestigious suburb of Johannesburg all that was needed was an invitation to a gala ball. Which I very much hoped would be attended by van Steenwyk where an opportunity could present its self to be asked by him for a waltz.

  While travelling through the quiet night time lit streets of Johannesburg by taxi cab on my way from my hotel to an evening social event taking place at the Pretoria Hotel I again opened the envelope and looked at the engraved invitation (that had been anonymously delivered to my hotel).

  It read I would be attending (as an invited guest at the request of Willem Bastiaan van Steenwyk) the annual ball held in celebration of The Battle of Spion Kop.

  ***

  The Battle of Spion Kop was fought about 24 miles west-south-west of Ladysmith on the hilltop of Spioen kop along the Tugela River, in Natal province South Africa from January 23 to 24 1900. It was fought between the South African Republic and the Orange Free State on the one hand and British forces during the Second Boer War it was a campaign during the war to relieve Ladysmith. It was a British defeat.

  ***

  I stood unaccompanied (dressed in an elegant blue evening gown) at the darkened curtained entrance to the grand sparkling crystal chandelier lit ballroom while awaiting my formal introduction... this is the custom at occasions such as this.

  Parting the dark heavy draped curtains slightly and stepping forward for a moment I briefly looked in and viewed all the sights and took in all the sounds of the gala ball taking place within.

  What I beheld was a vast well-appointed chandelier lit room almost to overflowing with elegantly dressed and formally attired couples all dancing together in time to a familiar Strauss waltz.

  With the last rousing notes of the Emperor waltz fading into the air there was a pause for appreciative applause from all the waltzing couples and guests.

  As I was silently being directed to come through the entrance the maestro conducting the orchestra noticed me then spoke into the microphone formally announcing to all in attendance. “Ladies and gentlemen introducing Miss Mary Morstan from London in the United Kingdom.”

  While I was making my entry into the bright and spacious room I noticed that there was the occasional curious glance given in my direction. While passing by those in attendance my presence was accompanied to the sound of polite light applause.

  When I was of no further interest to anyone in the room I quickly and inconspicuously made my way across the now empty polished parquet ball room floor to an unoccupied chair which was located by the wall opposite to the entrance.

  While comfortably seating myself and appreciating the sophisticated atmosphere surrounding me I felt assured and confident that I would now finally have my chance to bring the quarry (van Steenwyk) to account. I fully intended to take advantage of any opportunity that should present its self during the evening.

  While in his company I would be bold as I asked the questions that I needed answers to. I assured myself that I would be safe undertaking this task knowing while he and I were being observed by other couples no action would be taken against me and that I should not come to any harm.

  Although I had no idea as to his exact appearance as I casually listened to bits of passing conversations and at the same time searched all the faces of the people moving about in the room I was confident that somehow I would recognize him long before he would recognize me.

  But as I was returning my gaze to what was directly in front of me I heard a strongly accented Boer (the descendants of the Dutch who had settled in the country that would one day be known as the Union of South Africa) male voice to my immediate right announce in a commanding manner that required no reply.

  “Good evening Miss Morstan or I should more properly address you as Mrs. Watson... please allow me to introduce myself I am Willem Bastiaan van Steenwyk. I am pleased you accepted my invitation to attend the ball this evening and I should like to have this next waltz with you?”

  Momentarily caught off guard with this sudden development (and the apparent knowledge of my identity) I shifted my gaze to the direction the voice had originated from.

  Looking up for a moment at the gentleman formally dressed in a tuxedo now boldly presenting himself to me I shockingly realized that the man who had just made the demanding request was quite possibly a suspect in John’s death.

  While trying to regain my composure from the initial jolt I had experienced I heard myself (almost as if an entirely another person) blindly reply to him “yes” without thinking of any possible repercussions of my decision.

  As the familiar opening strains (being played by French horns and the violins) of The Blue Danube waltz began to play and we were making our way out and onto the ball room floor... with this wholly unexpected turn of events I watched with some regret as all my cleverly thought out plans began to slip away behind me like sand flowing out from the bottom of a broken hour glass.

  With the stirring notes of the orchestral music building and then filling the vast room and as we began the waltz together in and amongst the company of the other couples on the ball room floor my mind suddenly went blank and I could not think of any of the questions I had so confidently expected to ask.

  To break the growing awkward silence between us my dance partner inquired... and not in the manner of polite conversation or general curiosity but rather as a question posed in the threatening manner a powerful lion exhibits as it begins to hunt its prey.

  “And what brings you to Johannesburg Mrs. Watson?” Not sure if I was going to be giving away what little advantage I might still retain I found myself quickly replying in a nonchalant manner with what I knew to be a totally fictitious answer “to visit with family”.

  And although he did not come out and state that he had found my weak attempt at an answer both lacking and somewhat transparent his expression implied that he wanted to know more.

  Before I had any chance to carefully think through a more substantive (yet safe) reply I heard myself without any thought or caution follow up with “and to visit a delft factory I have heard of which I believe is located somewhere in Selby an industrial district of this city.”

  Suddenly I realized with that revealing answer I had now put myself in a potentially dangerous position. While trying to concentrate on the rhythm of the waltz and mask my growing dread I waited anxiously and with some trepidation to hear what his response might be.

  Observing his immediate reaction I could tell that my statement had been unexpected and that the former prime minister was no doubt thinking of several different ways to acknowledge it.

  In a panic at that moment I found myself suddenly wanting to quickly retract my rash answer with an “Excuse me but my mind must have been elsewhere for a moment.”

  But before I could get those words out to my considerable surprise and relief he obliquely answered with a deflecting response of “are you thinking of starting a delft collection or are you adding to an existing one?”

  Realizing that I had unexpectedly been presented with an opportunity in which I might pursue at least part of one of my questions I cryptically started my reply (having already gained knowledge from Dr. Briggs) with “I have recently acquired an interest in delft porcelain and wanted to know more about it.

  While I am in Johannesburg I thought I might visit the factory.” Then drawing on my inner courage I finished with “Do you perhaps know the name and the directions as to how to get there?”

  Just as I though
t I was about to acquire some valuable information regrettably I heard the final notes of the waltz being played.

  With the music ending and while witnessing couples now slowly leaving the ball room floor to return to their seats I suddenly found that my dance partner was quickly excusing himself.

  “I do not wish it to appear that I am rushing away Mrs. Watson... and I would enjoy another waltz with you... but I have matters that need attending to. So I will wish you a good evening and I hope you will enjoy the rest of your visit to Johannesburg and perhaps we shall meet again.”

  Wondering at that moment if maybe I had struck a nerve with that unusual departure I watched as the former military leader and philosopher Willem Bastiaan van Steenwyk quickly depart from the still much occupied ball room to retrieve his hat and evening coat from the check room.

  From his hurried exit into the night I had some suspicion that he was soon going to be sharing the contents of our brief waltz conversation with others who may have had an interest in my visit.

  Chapter 18

  Loosdrechts Porselainas the factory is known is located at 437 Booysen Road off of Main Reef Road in Selby, an industrial district of the city.

  It is a sizeable yet unassuming one story weathered white brick building. Despite the descriptive sign located next to where the factory delivery vans arrive and depart from... the building’s functional construction and general appearance gave no indication as to the military manufacturing purpose it had served during the Great War.

  ***

  After paying the fare and dismissing the taxi cab I looked about until I located a sign that would direct me to an entrance. Almost in front of me I saw a functional looking door bearing the precisely hand lettered words indicating “Main Office” in English and “Hoofdkantoor” in Afrikaans.

  Not sure as to what my next step in the investigation would be I realized as I was making my way inside the building and to the customer reception area I was going to have to create a believable, convincing character and role in order to acquire further information regarding the manufacture of delft porcelain .

  I decided I would pose as a professional business woman engaged in possible mercantile trade with this manufacturer of ceramic goods and not as a mere female entering a London department store to casually browse their Wedgewood figurines to complete her collection.

  ***

  “Good afternoon madam... my name is Marius Bakeberg may I be of any assistance?” queried the gentleman I turned to see entering the reception area just after I had.

  From his immediate presence and professional manner I quickly took him to be either the managing director or someone in authority with the company.

  Knowing that I could not reveal my actual intentions for the visit my answers would have to be somewhat general in nature and yet at the same time hopefully pique his interest.

  Taking on my new persona I confidently answered “Yes I am seeking a ceramic manufacturer who may assist the company I am employed with to develop a specialized product.”

  With a mixture of both professional interest and at the same time caution he inquired “And what type or kind of product might this be?”

  Knowing that I did not have a ready supply of well thought out replies to his question I quickly and bravely responded with “small delft porcelain pellets.” Of course before going any further I was tempted to enquire if this question had been posed by anyone to him before.

  As if trying to probe the nature of my request his answer was somewhat elusive in nature. “Delft porcelain may take on many shapes or forms and serve many purposes... from functional to decorative.”

  “Pellets”...here he thoughtfully paused for a moment then continued... ”would not be a common use for something so beautiful unless they were to be used to make... perhaps an enchanting necklace?”

  “But I assume you did not come to Loosdrechts Porselain seeking material to manufacture mere costume jewellery.” Giving me what I took to be a knowing look he continued with “Perhaps you are seeking a more practical use for our product?”

  With those words spoken I hoped that I had attained the purpose of my visit. However I assessed the person standing in front of me then realized I had reached an impasse.

  I weighed the answer I wanted to give in regards to the manner of John’s death there by possibly revealing the actual intention of my visit and my identity but lose a valuable lead.

  Or I could give a fictitious answer that would serve at best to reveal if this company had in the past manufactured small delft porcelain pellets capable of delivering poison and not reveal who I was.

  Crossing my fingers in my mind I confidently replied “my company supplies various types of materials used in industrial polishing machines.” Seeing that my opening statement required some explanation I continued...”material such as silica and fine sand”...not sure if I was being believed or not I carried on with “also small glass and metal beads”.

  Realizing I had now reached the point as to where I was stretching the very bounds of credibility I finished with “and now possibly ceramic beads or pellets that are manufactured by your company.”

  With that the business-related conversation came to a sudden and unexpected halt when instead of receiving any conformation that I had found a connection I was instead pointedly asked “Excuse me but I do not remember if I asked or if you gave me your name and the name of the company you are employed with when we first met.”

  Realizing that with my presence in Johannesburg and at the gala ball the previous evening my name and its many possible associations would already be well known to a select few... with apologies to John and Sherlock I convincingly gave my name as Mrs. Adler... Mrs. Irene Adler.

  Hoping that the person who had just posed this question was not too well versed about the names of British manufacturers I gave the first business name that came to mind being Courtin and Warner as my employer.

  Although not being sure if he was fully persuaded with the information that I had just provided him my visit to Loosdrechts Porselain located at 437 Booysen Road off of Main Reef Road in Selby had ended.

  With a certain cold finality it concluded with a cynical “Mrs. Adler” there was a slight pause in his closing statement... indicating a lack of believability as to the identity I had just given.”If you will please give me the name of the hotel you are staying at I will get word to you shortly as to whether my company and your employer will be able to conduct any business.”

  Chapter 19

  Later that day as I was walking through the Monarch hotel lobby I noticed there were only a few seated guests present(some talking together others engaged with newspapers) as I made my way past them to the front desk to ask for my room key and to see if there were any messages waiting for me.

  “Good afternoon Miss Morstan” the smartly attired desk clerk cheerily greeted me “I trust you had a pleasant day today.” I smiled and answered “yes I did and may I have the key to my room please?”

  While handing the key to me I noticed that a small envelope bearing only the name of the hotel was also being passed across the desk... this action finished with the desk clerk stating “this note just came for you.”

  Thinking that it was too soon for a reply from the delft porcelain factory I decided it might be from either Mycroft or Dr. Briggs. With both the key and the unaddressed mail now in my possession curious as to who the sender was... I went and sat in a red leather wing back chair close to the front desk.

  Going back to my initial suspicion... today’s event confirmed that when I did undertake an examination I was now discovering that there were certain (as of yet unknown) individuals who may in fact have had a hand in the matter I was investigating for reasons best known only to them... the envelope I was now holding onto which I was about to read would soon confirm this

  Setting the roo
m key down on a small table to my left I slit open the envelope using my nail file and removed the contents. Instead of the expected folded piece of paper in its place there was only a small card of the same dimensions as a place holder that is used at formal dinner settings.

  But unlike a place holder there was no first or last name engraved on it only the quickly hand written words “Mrs. Watson... some events and the people involved in them are better left undisturbed.”

  ***

  Like the unforeseen card there was an unexpected letter that had arrived from Gravesend awaiting my return to London. It’s revealing contents holding some promise of bringing me one step closer to connecting the delft porcelain pellet to the fatal powder it had been coated with.

  Chapter 20

  65A Perry Street,

  Gravesend

  Mrs. Watson:

  Further to my previous letter regarding the particular toxic material that was used to take your husband’s and Miss Paraskeva’s life I decided to go back to examine it in more detail and conduct further research.

  To this end I consulted Medical Chemistry and Toxicology James William Holland 3rd edition. Casarett&Doull’s Toxicology 2nd edition. Medical Toxicology, Principles of Toxicology Edited by G. Lestrade and a Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology Dr. Jaising P. Modi. All confirm ricin’s method of extraction, chemical composition and terminal effects on the human body.

  Each text corroborates that castor beans are processed throughout the world to make castor oil. Ricin is part of the waste “mash” produced when castor oil is made.

  Once the substance is extracted (with the chemical acetone) it can then be produced in the form of a powder (possibly in Dr. Watson’s case that was used to coat the porcelain pellet), a mist, or a solid pellet, which can be dissolved in water or weak acid.

  It is a stable substance under normal conditions but can be inactivated by heat above 80 degrees centigrade (176 degrees Fahrenheit).