Sherlock Holmes: These Scattered Houses by Gretchen Altabef

Author:Gretchen Altabef
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mystery, detective, adventure, Sherlock Holmes, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B Anthony, Harry Houdini, Atlantic steamship, steamship Lucania, New York, Dr Joseph Bell, violin, Blanchard violin, Vassar College, Vassar Brewery, Poughkeepsie, Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle, Hudson River, Poughkeepsie Ice Yacht Club, ice yacht, National Geographic, Samuel Morse, psychiatric hospital, mental hospital, The Hudson River State Hospital, Hudson Asylum, meditation, Italians, Italian Americans, Italian
ISBN: 9781787054882
Publisher: Andrews UK
Published: 2020-02-12T00:00:00+00:00

16. Two Broken Threads

“It makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on whom I can thoroughly rely.”

— Dr. John H. Watson. “The Boscombe Valley Mystery.”

My dear Watson,

This American journal has shown me how admirable are your writing talents, dear friend. Yet, what foul mood led you to paint me as a “heartless calculating machine?” Nonetheless, when I return, you may find this trip has certainly made some appreciable changes.

For privacy’s sake, you must know, I obscured some of my feelings from you, a requirement when living with one’s biographer. Yet there were several from our exploits I had feelings for. My keenness concerning Miss Adler I kept from you entirely as I knew it would wind up in the middle of the romantic story you were writing. And where could it have led? Watson, there are some things I do like to keep private.

Two great ladies I have met here have appreciably continued Miss Adler’s mind opening endeavours. One is turning ninety while the other would never be interested in my attentions, yet I am grateful to be considered a friend. Together they have realigned the world’s axis towards true justice. But you already know the wisdom and power of women, sharing your life with your wonderful wife, Mary.

As you know me to be, dear friend,

Very sincerely yours,

S. H.

It was a singularly agreeable morning as I transported Miss Marietta to Vassar for breakfast in the Faculty Dining Room. Classes had already started and it was fairly empty.

She said. “Next month Vassar will be beautifully in bloom.”

“It is perennially in bloom, with the exceptional minds of young ladies who can see beyond what society demands of them.” I looked in her eyes and reached for her hand. “And I will miss what I have found here.”

The servers took our orders and I poured the coffee.

“Yesterday, Miss Anthony also corroborated your thoughts about the annulment. It is indeed your sister’s freedom from Pinto.”

“Yes and soon I hope, from that horrible place. There’s a question I’ve been meaning to ask, do you—?” She hesitated a moment and I looked to her. “Do you have anyone special waiting for you in London, professor?”

I dropped the sugar tongs. “I am as unfettered as you are, Miss Marietta. Why do you ask?” Our meal arrived yet we hadn’t acknowledged its presence.

“It’s a shame such an intelligent, gentleman is alone.”

I put down my coffee cup. “It is my choice, my work is supreme.” I engaged her beautiful eyes. “But I have noticed that your perfume is one I fancy. And I do look forward to our conversations.” She beamed at me and with a laugh we discovered our bangers and eggs.

Later in the privacy of our cab we travelled down Main Street close together and enwrapped in rugs. The Hudson River’s icy silver majesty sparkled opal-like ahead of us.

“Miss Marietta, you impress me, and not just how keenly you face your challenges.” I nuzzled her hair and she squeezed my hand under the rugs and leaned her head on my shoulder.

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