Sherlock Holmes and the Charlie Chaplin Affair (2020) by Val Andrews

Author:Val Andrews [Andrews, Val]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, General
ISBN: 9781901091717
Google: 60SRzQEACAAJ
Publisher: Baker Street Studios Limited
Published: 2020-09-04T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Comparing Notes with Sherlock Holmes

“Watson, my dear fellow, I have much to tell you, but first I feel that I should hear your own report. Let us comfortably seat ourselves, and partake of some excellent coffee.”

Holmes had been awaiting my arrival as I walked into the entrance lobby of the Charing Cross Hotel. He steered me to a long sofa before which he caused a steaming pot of coffee, some rolls and butter and some digestive biscuits to be placed. We had the entrance lounge almost to ourselves for once, which was convenient.

“I have much to tell you, Holmes …”

“In good time, Watson, rest and refresh yourself first. It is a splendid morning for the time of year, is it not?”

I found this manner of his a trifle irritating for I was bursting to tell him about Ada Foster, and other findings. However, it was typical of the mercurial Sherlock Holmes who on another day, and in another place, would be admonishing me for pausing for refreshment. He waved the hovering waiter aside and poured the coffee, then smiling enigmatically, he said, “Now, Watson, waste not a moment in giving me your findings.”

I breathed hard at his irritating changes of mood, staged especially in this instance to vex me. I breathed hard, yet could not prevent the quick return of that feeling of suppressed excitement concerning what I would tell him.

“Holmes, I believe it possible … only possible, mark you … that I have actually found Hannah Chaplin.”

I had his full attention as he turned to face me and said, “Tell me about this possibility.”

Plunging in at the deep end, I began,

“Staying currently at Vaudeville House is a woman who reminds me of the later photograph of Hannah. Moreover, she had told me of a son who went to America to work for Mack Sennett, as indeed did Chaplin if you remember? She says that she had plans to join him in Hollywood.”

“What is this woman’s name?”

“She calls herself Ada Foster, but her real name is Ada Harding she claims, and gives her son’s name as Robert Harding.”

“Is she currently employed?” “No, but she has expectations.”

“You say she is a small, slightly built woman with grey hair?”

“Yes, with something in her face which makes me think of the way Hannah Chaplin might appear if those problems which had caused her expression of anxiety had been resolved.”

“What colour are her eyes?”

I had only to pause momentarily to consider. “Blue-grey.”

By way of reply Holmes took the photograph of Hannah Chaplin from his inside breast pocket and laid it upon the long, low coffee table. He pointed at it with great drama as if in reply.

I said, “Being a photograph, the picture is in black and white.”

Holmes shook his head, “Black, white and a number of shades of grey; yet see how dark her eyes appear.”

“Might not the photographic process have translated them misleadingly?”

“No, indeed blue-grey would appear as very pale indeed, almost non-existent. I am afraid your Ada Foster is not Hannah Chaplin.

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