Secret Archives of Sherlock Holmes, The, The Read Online Free PDF Page B

Holmes?’
    ‘Indeed it is; from Hamlet , to be precise, and refers to Claudius, one of the Bard’s most cunning villains.’
    ‘Together with Iago,’ she riposted, before adding with greater certainty, ‘I feel most strongly that he and his sister have wheedled their way into Mrs Huxtable’s good books with dubious intentions.’
    ‘Is that your belief? Then tell me about your employer, Mrs Huxtable,’ Holmes continued, leaning back in his chair in a comfortable manner, inviting her confidence. ‘How old is she, for instance? I deducefrom your letter that she is in her late sixties. Am I correct?’
    ‘Yes, you are.’
    ‘And she is also a widow in poor health?’
    ‘Her late husband was George W. Huxtable, a manufacturer of Sheffield tableware. 5 They had no children and as far as I can ascertain there are no close relatives. He died about four years ago, leaving the house and a considerable fortune to his widow. After his death, she advertised for a companion to accompany her on foreign travel. As I have lived abroad for several years – tutoring the children at various embassies and overseas delegations – and wanted a change of occupation, I applied for the post and Mrs Huxtable engaged me. Since then we have been travelling on the Continent together, largely in the Mediterranean, staying at spas and seaside resorts. She suffers from a bronchial complaint, you see, and her doctor has advised a dry, warm climate. We returned to England this summer so that Mrs Huxtable could settle one or two financial arrangements with her bank and oversee the sale of the house in Sheffield, which she had been leasing to tenants. The transaction took longer than expected and, rather than remain in London during theheight of summer, she decided to move to Brighton so that her agent and solicitor could visit her fairly easily by train.’
    ‘Tell me about Dr Wilberforce and his sister. How did they become acquainted with Mrs Huxtable?’
    ‘That is another aspect of the situation which causes me anxiety,’ Miss Pilkington continued. ‘They were already staying at the Regal when we arrived, and as soon as they met that first morning at breakfast, they seemed – now, how can I describe it? – drawn to her like bees to a honeypot. She is a lonely lady and was greatly flattered by their attentions, particularly those of Dr Wilberforce.’
    ‘And the sister? What can you tell me about her?’
    ‘Judging by her accent, she seems to be of English origin. His accent is difficult to define but is definitely not English.’
    ‘South American?’ Holmes suggested.
    ‘Possibly.’ Miss Pilkington sounded dubious.
    ‘Or Australian?’
    ‘That is more likely,’ she agreed. ‘But I would not wish to swear to it. I am not well acquainted with Australian speech. She is a tall lady with a strong personality, I would have said, although she is much overshadowed by her brother, if that is indeed the relationship between them.’
    ‘You doubt it?’ Holmes inquired sharply.
    ‘I can see very little physical resemblance betweenthe two of them but that is no real proof, is it? They could be half-brother and -sister or step-relations. But whatever the connection, Miss Wilberforce is closely involved with the doctor.’ Reaching into her reticule, she produced a small oblong of white cardboard which she passed to Holmes. ‘I found this in Mrs Huxtable’s pocket yesterday evening when I hung up her clothes. She herself has not yet noticed it is missing but, knowing you were coming today, I thought it might be of interest to you.’
    After looking at it carefully, Holmes passed it to me so that I, too, could read the words printed on it, which were: ‘The Hollies, Randolph Road, Harrogate, Yorkshire. Private Spa Treatments for Rheumatism and other Related Illnesses, including Circulatory Complaints, Chest and Lung Ailments, Blood and Heart Disorders and General Infirmities. Remedies include Hydrotherapy, Mesmerism, Galvanism, Magnetism