The Detective, The Woman and the Winking Tree
Page 16
This time was different. Holmes considered himself neither a psychologist nor a romantic, but he was a student of human behaviour. He steeled himself for the eventualities of a half-empty flat and evenings spent smoking alone by the fire.
He understood not one whit why a man would voluntarily surrender his freedom to the fragile but iron-willed fingers of a woman. Even Mary, who had been, by most comparisons, an understanding wife, had required Watson at times when Holmes had needed his presence. No woman wanted to be married to a detective, not really.
Women in general, he thought, were different from The Woman. She was no less infuriating than any of them, but she was clever. She played The Game, and there was something to be said for that.
Epilogue: Irene
Edith Phillimore sold Oakhill Farm to Peter Warren, who cried when he signed the papers that made it legally his. The widow took her daughter to London, where they were able to settle comfortably on the money she’d made. I received a few letters from her, but they stopped after several months. I heard nothing more of Eliza for many years, until the day that the papers reported her name as part of a group of women who were the first to cast feminine votes in a national election. Holmes, who was beside me when I read the story, declared that it surprised him not at all.
Edward and Julia Rayburn remained at their farm outside Fulworth. In the eyes of all in the village, Julia’s baby, a son named Steven, belonged fully to Edward, and her father’s reputation did much to counter the few stories that claimed otherwise. Tongues wagged about the exact date of the birth, as they always do in a village, and Edward bore the brunt of all suspicion, as if any shame belonged only to him. Still, I had never seen a man so happy with his lot in life. In time, with the help of a son whose laugh was like music, his wife began to smile again.
About the Author
Amy Thomas met Sherlock Holmes around the age of ten, when she was scared out of her wits by an audio recording of “The Speckled Band.” From there, she went on to experience heartbreak on Dr. Watson’s behalf, only to be told by her older sister that Sherlock Holmes hadn’t died after all. Several years later, the gift of a contemporary novel starring Sherlock Holmes rekindled her love of the detective. She re-read the original stories, and a lifelong passion was born.
Amy is a graduate of Regent University, where she majored in professional communication. When she’s not podcasting with the Baker Street Babes or writing a novel, she works as an administrative support professional.
An avid knitter and crocheter, Amy has knitted a deerstalker hat and crocheted miniature versions of Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, and James Moriarty. She also enjoys reading and reviewing Holmes-related literature.
The Baker Street Babes
The Baker Street Babes is an international, all-female podcast started by Sherlockian extraordinaire Kristina Manente. They cover topics as diverse as the illustrations of Sydney Paget and the preservation of Undershaw, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s home, as well as commenting on all kinds of Holmes-related media.
The Babes’ blend of irreverent, witty, and intellectual commentary has won them a devoted and ever-widening group of listeners. They were particularly delighted to be featured on NBC during the 2012 Olympic Games.
www.bakerstreetbabes.com
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