The Sherlock Holmes Megapack: 25 Modern Tales by Masters: 25 Modern Tales by Masters Read Online Free PDF

outshone women half her age. No one attending the ball that night could have failed to admire her verve and beauty. Even now, so many years later, I picture her clearly.
    “Ah, yes. That costume did suit me rather well, did it not?” She smiled and pressed my arm. “I am flattered you remembered me.”
    “You were impossible to forget.”
    “Doctor, you missed your true calling,” she said with a laugh. “You are quite the diplomat.”
    At that moment, the count appeared before us, flanked by the dowager duchess’s son and grandson. I could not help but see the trio as examples of the worst traits of modern man: Count von Kratzov, coarse beneath his veneer of urbanity; Lord Maurice, colourless and cowed, living his life in a perpetual state of nervous exhaustion; and Viscount Sheppington, whose youthful attractiveness hid, by many accounts, a dissolute character.
    “Doctor Watson!” Denbeigh appeared startled. “I did not expect to see you here. Is Mr Holmes also in attendance?”
    “Yes, he’s about,” I said. “We were pleased to accept Count von Kratzov’s invitation.”
    “The pleasure is all mine,” said the count before turning to the dowager duchess. “Your Grace, I would be honoured if you would give me the next dance.”
    She sighed, the exhalation so soft I am certain I alone heard it. With a final squeeze, she released my arm and turned to the men.
    “Thank you, Count von Kratzov. However, I am a trifle fatigued. Might I prevail upon you to show me those magnificent emeralds instead?”
    For a moment the tableau stilled, as if each player were frozen in time. Even the music paused, and during that short-lived quiet, I heard a soft, sharp inhalation, although I could not tell from whom it issued. Then a woman’s shrill laugh rang through the room, and the silence ended as suddenly as it had begun, movement and sound resuming.
    The count’s expression briefly darkened, then his scowl disappeared as quickly as it had come.
    “But of course, dear lady,” he said, bowing and offering his arm.
    The dowager duchess hesitated only a heartbeat before resting her gloved hand upon his. She glanced at me over her shoulder, and I do not believe I mistook the plea in her gaze.
    “Doctor, you will join us, won’t you?”
    “It would be my very great pleasure, Your Grace.”
    Von Kratzov escorted her across the room. Denbeigh and I followed in their wake, as cygnets paddle behind a swan. The four of us had gained the receiving room, and I saw that Stanislaw still stood guard before the door. Denbeigh plucked at my sleeve.
    “Doctor, a word, if you please.”
    The count ushered the dowager duchess into the small room that housed the emeralds as I turned to Denbeigh.
    “Her Grace asked me to…” I began. Stanislaw closed the door and turned to face us, his broad Slavic features impassive.
    Denbeigh’s grip tightened and he pulled me to the far side of the room. “I will only take a moment.”
    “A moment, then.” I glanced at the drawing room’s closed door.
    Leaning close, Denbeigh spoke low. “Where is Mr Holmes?”
    “As I said before, he is somewhere about.”
    “But why is he not here, observing my mother?” His fingers dug into my arm.
    “You must ask Holmes yourself. I cannot speak for his actions.” I pulled from his grasp and stepped away.
    “Of course not,” he said, the colour high on his cheeks. “Forgive me, I am simply concerned about my mother.”
    “I understand,” I replied, my irritation fading. “Holmes and I both share your concern, and I am certain that, whatever he is doing, he is endeavouring to prevent any incidents from occurring that would involve Her Grace. Now, if you will excuse—”
    “One more question, please, Doctor.” He waited until I nodded before continuing. “Do you think it significant that she asked to see the emeralds?”
    “Not at all. They are unparalleled in Europe and justifiably famous. I would think it odd if she did not.”
    Before he