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  • Front
  • Back
Laurie R. King The Language of Bees The ninth book in the Mary Russell series, 2009 For Lynn and Robert on whose backs this book was written One.
Laurie R. King The Language of Bees The ninth book in the Mary Russell series, 2009 For Lynn and Robert on whose backs this book was written One.
Sussex August 1924 1 First Birth (1): The boy came into being on a night of celestial alignment, when a comet travelled the firmament and the sky threw forth a million shooting stars to herald his arrival Testimony, I: 1 AS HOMECOMINGS GO, IT WAS NOT AUSPICIOUS.
Sussex August 1924 1 First Birth (1): The boy came into being on a night of celestial alignment, when a comet travelled the firmament and the sky threw forth a million shooting stars to herald his arrival Testimony, I: 1 AS HOMECOMINGS GO, IT WAS NOT AUSPICIOUS.
The train was late.
The train was late.
Portsmouth sweltered under a fitful breeze.
Portsmouth sweltered under a fitful breeze.
Sherlock Holmes paced up and down, smoking one cigarette after another, his already bleak mood growing darker by the minute.
Sherlock Holmes paced up and down, smoking one cigarette after another, his already bleak mood growing darker by the minute.
I sat, sinuses swollen with the dregs of a summer cold I'd picked up in New York, trying to ignore my partner's mood and my own headache.
I sat, sinuses swollen with the dregs of a summer cold I'd picked up in New York, trying to ignore my partner's mood and my own headache.
Patrick, my farm manager, had come to meet the ship with the post, the day's newspapers, and a beaming face; in no time at all the smile was gone, the letters and papers hastily thrust into my hands, and he had vanished to, he claimed, see what the delay was about.
Patrick, my farm manager, had come to meet the ship with the post, the day's newspapers, and a beaming face; in no time at all the smile was gone, the letters and papers hastily thrust into my hands, and he had vanished to, he claimed, see what the delay was about.
Welcome home.
Welcome home.
Just as it seemed Holmes was about to fling his coat to the side and set off for home on foot, whistles blew, doors clattered, and the train roused itself from torpor.
Just as it seemed Holmes was about to fling his coat to the side and set off for home on foot, whistles blew, doors clattered, and the train roused itself from torpor.
We boarded, flinging our compartment's windows as far open as they would go.
We boarded, flinging our compartment's windows as far open as they would go.
Patrick cast a wary glance at Holmes and claimed an acquaintance in the third-class carriage.
Patrick cast a wary glance at Holmes and claimed an acquaintance in the third-class carriage.
We removed as many of our outer garments as propriety would allow, and I tore away the first pages of the newspaper to construct a fan, cooling myself with the announcements and the agony column.
We removed as many of our outer garments as propriety would allow, and I tore away the first pages of the newspaper to construct a fan, cooling myself with the announcements and the agony column.
Holmes slumped into the seat and reached for his cigarette case yet again.
Holmes slumped into the seat and reached for his cigarette case yet again.
I recognised the symptoms, although I was puzzled as to the cause.
I recognised the symptoms, although I was puzzled as to the cause.
Granted, an uneventful week in New York followed by long days at sea-none of our fellow passengers having been thoughtful enough to bleed to death in the captain's cabin, drop down dead of a mysterious poison, or vanish over the rails-might cause a man like Holmes to chafe at inactivity, nonetheless, one might imagine that a sea voyage wouldn't be altogether a burden after seven hard-pressed months abroad.
Granted, an uneventful week in New York followed by long days at sea-none of our fellow passengers having been thoughtful enough to bleed to death in the captain's cabin, drop down dead of a mysterious poison, or vanish over the rails-might cause a man like Holmes to chafe at inactivity, nonetheless, one might imagine that a sea voyage wouldn't be altogether a burden after seven hard-pressed months abroad.
* And in any case, we were now headed for home, where his bees, his newspapers, and the home he had created twenty years before awaited him.
* And in any case, we were now headed for home, where his bees, his newspapers, and the home he had created twenty years before awaited him.
One might expect a degree of satisfaction, even anticipation; instead, the man was all gloom and cigarettes.
One might expect a degree of satisfaction, even anticipation; instead, the man was all gloom and cigarettes.
I had been married to him for long enough that I did not even consider addressing the conundrum then and there, but said merely, “Holmes, if you don't slow down on that tobacco, your lungs will turn to leather.
I had been married to him for long enough that I did not even consider addressing the conundrum then and there, but said merely, “Holmes, if you don't slow down on that tobacco, your lungs will turn to leather.
And mine.
And mine.
Would you prefer the papers, or the post?”
Would you prefer the papers, or the post?”
I held out the newspaper, which I had already skimmed while we were waiting, and took the first item on the other stack, a picture post-card from Dr Watson showing a village square in Portugal.
I held out the newspaper, which I had already skimmed while we were waiting, and took the first item on the other stack, a picture post-card from Dr Watson showing a village square in Portugal.
To my surprise, Holmes reached past the proffered newspaper and snatched the pile of letters from my lap.
To my surprise, Holmes reached past the proffered newspaper and snatched the pile of letters from my lap.
Another oddity.
Another oddity.
In the normal course of events, Holmes was much attached to the daily news-several dailies, in fact, when he could get them.
In the normal course of events, Holmes was much attached to the daily news-several dailies, in fact, when he could get them.
Over the previous months, he had found it so frustrating to be days, even weeks in arrears of current events (current English events, that is) that one day in northern India, when confronted with a three-week-old Times, he had sworn in disgust and flung the thing onto the fire, declaring, “I scarcely leave England before the criminal classes swarm like cockroaches.
Over the previous months, he had found it so frustrating to be days, even weeks in arrears of current events (current English events, that is) that one day in northern India, when confronted with a three-week-old Times, he had sworn in disgust and flung the thing onto the fire, declaring, “I scarcely leave England before the criminal classes swarm like cockroaches.
I cannot bear to hear of their antics.”
I cannot bear to hear of their antics.”
Since then he had stuck to local papers and refused all offers of those from London-or, on the rare occasions he had succumbed to their siren call, he had perused the headlines with the tight-screwed features of a man palpating a wound: fearing the worst but unable to keep his fingers from the injury.
Since then he had stuck to local papers and refused all offers of those from London-or, on the rare occasions he had succumbed to their siren call, he had perused the headlines with the tight-screwed features of a man palpating a wound: fearing the worst but unable to keep his fingers from the injury.
Frankly, I had been astonished back in Portsmouth when he hadn't ripped that day's Times out of Patrick's hand.
Frankly, I had been astonished back in Portsmouth when he hadn't ripped that day's Times out of Patrick's hand.
Now, he dug his way into the post like a tunnelling badger, tossing out behind him the occasional remark and snippet of information.
Now, he dug his way into the post like a tunnelling badger, tossing out behind him the occasional remark and snippet of information.
Trying to prise conversation out of Sherlock Holmes when he had his teeth into a project would be akin to tapping said preoccupied badger on the shoulder, so I took out my handkerchief and used it, and addressed myself first to the uninspiring view, then to the unread sections of the papers.
Trying to prise conversation out of Sherlock Holmes when he had his teeth into a project would be akin to tapping said preoccupied badger on the shoulder, so I took out my handkerchief and used it, and addressed myself first to the uninspiring view, then to the unread sections of the papers.
Some minutes passed, then: “Mycroft has no news,” my partner and husband grumbled, allowing the single sheet of his brother's ornate calligraphy to drift onto the upholstery beside him.
Some minutes passed, then: “Mycroft has no news,” my partner and husband grumbled, allowing the single sheet of his brother's ornate calligraphy to drift onto the upholstery beside him.
“Is he well?”
“Is he well?”
I asked.
I asked.
My only reply was the ripping open of the next envelope.
My only reply was the ripping open of the next envelope.
On reflection, I decided that the letter would not say if its writer was well or not: True, Mycroft had been very ill the previous winter, but even if he were at death's door, the only reason he would mention the fact in a letter would be if some urgent piece of business made his impending demise a piece of information he thought we needed.
On reflection, I decided that the letter would not say if its writer was well or not: True, Mycroft had been very ill the previous winter, but even if he were at death's door, the only reason he would mention the fact in a letter would be if some urgent piece of business made his impending demise a piece of information he thought we needed.
Holmes read; I read.
Holmes read; I read.
He dropped the next letter, a considerably thicker one, on top of Mycroft's, and said in a high and irritated voice, “Mrs Hudson spends three pages lamenting that she will not be at home to greet us, two pages giving quite unnecessary details of her friend Mrs Turner's illness that requires her to remain in Surrey, two more pages reassuring us that her young assistant Lulu is more than capable, and then in the final paragraph deigns to mention that one of my hives is going mad.”
He dropped the next letter, a considerably thicker one, on top of Mycroft's, and said in a high and irritated voice, “Mrs Hudson spends three pages lamenting that she will not be at home to greet us, two pages giving quite unnecessary details of her friend Mrs Turner's illness that requires her to remain in Surrey, two more pages reassuring us that her young assistant Lulu is more than capable, and then in the final paragraph deigns to mention that one of my hives is going mad.”
“‘Going mad’?
“‘Going mad’?
What does that mean?”
What does that mean?”
He gave an eloquent lift of the fingers to indicate that her information was as substantial as the air above, and returned to the post.
He gave an eloquent lift of the fingers to indicate that her information was as substantial as the air above, and returned to the post.
Now, though, his interest sharpened.
Now, though, his interest sharpened.
He studied the next envelope closely, then held it to his nose, drawing in a deep and appreciative breath.
He studied the next envelope closely, then held it to his nose, drawing in a deep and appreciative breath.
Some wives might have cast a suspicious eye at the fond expression that came over his features.
Some wives might have cast a suspicious eye at the fond expression that came over his features.
I went back to my newspapers.
I went back to my newspapers.
The train rattled, hot wind blew in the window, voices rose and fell from the next compartment, but around us, the silence grew thick with the press of words unsaid and problems unfaced.
The train rattled, hot wind blew in the window, voices rose and fell from the next compartment, but around us, the silence grew thick with the press of words unsaid and problems unfaced.
The two surviving aeroplanes from the American world flight were still in Reykjav read aloud the latest turn in the Leopold and Loeb sentence hearing, two young men who had murdered a boy to alleviate tedium, and to prove they could.
The two surviving aeroplanes from the American world flight were still in Reykjav read aloud the latest turn in the Leopold and Loeb sentence hearing, two young men who had murdered a boy to alleviate tedium, and to prove they could.
Holmes turned a page.
Holmes turned a page.
A few minutes later, I tried again.
A few minutes later, I tried again.
“Here's a letter to The Times concerning a Druid suicide at Stonehenge-or, no, there was a suicide somewhere else, and a small riot at Stonehenge.
“Here's a letter to The Times concerning a Druid suicide at Stonehenge-or, no, there was a suicide somewhere else, and a small riot at Stonehenge.
Interesting: I hadn't realised the Druids had staged a return.
Interesting: I hadn't realised the Druids had staged a return.
I wonder what the Archbishop of Canterbury has to say on the matter?”
I wonder what the Archbishop of Canterbury has to say on the matter?”
He might have been deaf.
He might have been deaf.
I shot a glance at the letter that so engrossed him, but did not recognise either the cream stock or the pinched, antique writing.
I shot a glance at the letter that so engrossed him, but did not recognise either the cream stock or the pinched, antique writing.
I set down the newspaper long enough to read first Mrs Hudson's letter, which I had to admit was more tantalising than informative, then Mycroft's brief missive, but when I reached their end, Holmes was still frowning at the lengthy epistle from his unknown correspondent.
I set down the newspaper long enough to read first Mrs Hudson's letter, which I had to admit was more tantalising than informative, then Mycroft's brief missive, but when I reached their end, Holmes was still frowning at the lengthy epistle from his unknown correspondent.
Kicking myself for failing to bring a sufficient number of books from New York, I resumed The Times where, for lack of unread Druidical Letters to the Editor, or Dispatches from Reykjavminded me that it was high time to think about a new motor-car; and the London Pavilion offered me a Technicolor cowboy adventure called Wanderer in the Wasteland.
Kicking myself for failing to bring a sufficient number of books from New York, I resumed The Times where, for lack of unread Druidical Letters to the Editor, or Dispatches from Reykjavminded me that it was high time to think about a new motor-car; and the London Pavilion offered me a Technicolor cowboy adventure called Wanderer in the Wasteland.
“They are swarming,” Holmes said.
“They are swarming,” Holmes said.
I looked up from the newsprint to stare first at him, then at the thick document in his hand.
I looked up from the newsprint to stare first at him, then at the thick document in his hand.
“Who - Ah,” I said, struck by enlightenment, or at least, memory.
“Who - Ah,” I said, struck by enlightenment, or at least, memory.
“The bees.”
“The bees.”
He cocked an eyebrow at me.
He cocked an eyebrow at me.
“You asked what it meant, that the hive had gone mad.
“You asked what it meant, that the hive had gone mad.
It is swarming.
It is swarming.
The one beside the burial mound in the far field,” he added.
The one beside the burial mound in the far field,” he added.
“That letter is from your beekeeper friend,” I suggested.
“That letter is from your beekeeper friend,” I suggested.
By way of response, he handed me the letter.
By way of response, he handed me the letter.
The cramped writing and the motion of the train combined with the arcane terminology to render the pages somewhat less illuminating than the personal adverts in the paper.
The cramped writing and the motion of the train combined with the arcane terminology to render the pages somewhat less illuminating than the personal adverts in the paper.
Over the years I had become tolerably familiar with the language of keeping bees, and had even from time to time lent an extra pair of arms to some procedure or other, but this writer's interests, and expertise, were far beyond mine.
Over the years I had become tolerably familiar with the language of keeping bees, and had even from time to time lent an extra pair of arms to some procedure or other, but this writer's interests, and expertise, were far beyond mine.
And my nose was too stuffy to detect any odour of honey rising from the pages.
And my nose was too stuffy to detect any odour of honey rising from the pages.
When I had reached its end, I asked, “How does swarming qualify as madness?”
When I had reached its end, I asked, “How does swarming qualify as madness?”
“You read his letter,” he said.
“You read his letter,” he said.
“I read the words.”
“I read the words.”
“What did you not -” “Holmes, just tell me.”
“What did you not -” “Holmes, just tell me.”
“The hive is casting swarms, repeatedly.
“The hive is casting swarms, repeatedly.
Under normal circumstances, a hive's swarming indicates prosperity, a sign that it can well afford to lose half its population, but in this case, the hive is hemorrhaging bees.
Under normal circumstances, a hive's swarming indicates prosperity, a sign that it can well afford to lose half its population, but in this case, the hive is hemorrhaging bees.
He has cleared the nearby ground, checked for parasites and pests, added a super, even shifted the hive a short distance.
He has cleared the nearby ground, checked for parasites and pests, added a super, even shifted the hive a short distance.
The part where he talks about ‘tinnitusque cie et Matris quate cymbala, circum’?
The part where he talks about ‘tinnitusque cie et Matris quate cymbala, circum’?
He wanted to warn me that he's hung a couple of bells nearby, that being what Virgil recommends to induce swarms back into a hive.”
He wanted to warn me that he's hung a couple of bells nearby, that being what Virgil recommends to induce swarms back into a hive.”
“Desperate measures.”
“Desperate measures.”
“He does sound a touch embarrassed.
“He does sound a touch embarrassed.
And I cannot picture him standing over the hive ‘clashing Our Lady's cymbals,’ which is Virgil's next prescription.”
And I cannot picture him standing over the hive ‘clashing Our Lady's cymbals,’ which is Virgil's next prescription.”
“You've had swarms before.”
“You've had swarms before.”
When bees swarm-following a restless queen to freedom-it depletes the population of workers.
When bees swarm-following a restless queen to freedom-it depletes the population of workers.
As Holmes had said, this was no problem early in the season, since they left behind their honey and the next generation of pupae.
As Holmes had said, this was no problem early in the season, since they left behind their honey and the next generation of pupae.
However, I could see that doing so time and again would be another matter.
However, I could see that doing so time and again would be another matter.
“The last swarm went due north, and ended up attempting to take over an active hive in the vicar's garden.”
“The last swarm went due north, and ended up attempting to take over an active hive in the vicar's garden.”
That, I had to agree, was peculiar: Outright theft was pathological behaviour among bees.
That, I had to agree, was peculiar: Outright theft was pathological behaviour among bees.
“The combination is extraordinary.
“The combination is extraordinary.
Perhaps the colony has some sort of parasite, driving them to madness?” he mused.
Perhaps the colony has some sort of parasite, driving them to madness?” he mused.
“What can you do?”
“What can you do?”
I asked, although I still thought it odd that he should find the behaviour of his insects more engrossing than dead Druids or the evil acts of spoilt young men.
I asked, although I still thought it odd that he should find the behaviour of his insects more engrossing than dead Druids or the evil acts of spoilt young men.
Even the drugs problem should have caught his attention-that seemed to have increased since the previous summer, I reflected: How long before Holmes was pulled into that problem once again?
Even the drugs problem should have caught his attention-that seemed to have increased since the previous summer, I reflected: How long before Holmes was pulled into that problem once again?
“I may have to kill them,” he declared, folding away the letter.
“I may have to kill them,” he declared, folding away the letter.
“Holmes, that seems a trifle extreme,” I protested, and only when he gave me a curious look did I recall that we were talking about bees, not Young Things or religious crackpots.
“Holmes, that seems a trifle extreme,” I protested, and only when he gave me a curious look did I recall that we were talking about bees, not Young Things or religious crackpots.
“You could be right,” he said, and went back to his reading.
“You could be right,” he said, and went back to his reading.
I returned to The Times, my eye caught again by the farmer's letter demanding that a guard be mounted on Stonehenge at next year's solstice, so as to avoid either riots or the threat of a dramatic suicide.
I returned to The Times, my eye caught again by the farmer's letter demanding that a guard be mounted on Stonehenge at next year's solstice, so as to avoid either riots or the threat of a dramatic suicide.
I shook my head and turned the page: When it came to communal behaviour, there were many kinds of madness.
I shook my head and turned the page: When it came to communal behaviour, there were many kinds of madness.
* The events of those months may be found in The Game, Locked Rooms, and The Art of Detection.
* The events of those months may be found in The Game, Locked Rooms, and The Art of Detection.
2 First Birth (2): The boy's mother knew the meteor to be an omen when, at the very height of her birth pangs, one of the celestial celebrants plummeted to earth in a stripe of flame that hit the pond with a crash and a billow of steam.
2 First Birth (2): The boy's mother knew the meteor to be an omen when, at the very height of her birth pangs, one of the celestial celebrants plummeted to earth in a stripe of flame that hit the pond with a crash and a billow of steam.
It was still hot, after hours in the water Testimony, I: 1 WE HAD LEFT OUR HOME ON THE SUSSEX COASTLAND one freezing, snow-clotted morning back in January, to return on a high summer afternoon when the green-gold countryside was as full and fragrant as a ripe peach in the palm of one's hand.
It was still hot, after hours in the water Testimony, I: 1 WE HAD LEFT OUR HOME ON THE SUSSEX COASTLAND one freezing, snow-clotted morning back in January, to return on a high summer afternoon when the green-gold countryside was as full and fragrant as a ripe peach in the palm of one's hand.
I was pleased that we had caught the Seaford train rather than the one to Eastbourne.
I was pleased that we had caught the Seaford train rather than the one to Eastbourne.
This meant that, instead of motoring through an endless terrain of seaside villas and sunburnt holiday-makers, we quickly shook off the town to cross the meandering tidal reaches of the Cuckmere, then threw ourselves at the steep hill onto the Downs.
This meant that, instead of motoring through an endless terrain of seaside villas and sunburnt holiday-makers, we quickly shook off the town to cross the meandering tidal reaches of the Cuckmere, then threw ourselves at the steep hill onto the Downs.
Sussex had always enchanted me, the mix of sea and pasture, open downland giving way to dark forest, the placid face of beach resorts cheek by jowl with the blood-drenched site of the Norman conquest.
Sussex had always enchanted me, the mix of sea and pasture, open downland giving way to dark forest, the placid face of beach resorts cheek by jowl with the blood-drenched site of the Norman conquest.
Daily, one encountered history protruding into modern life like boulders from the soil: Any foundation dug here was apt to encounter a Bronze Age tool or a Neolithic skeleton; ancient monuments dotted the hillsides, requiring ploughs and road-builders to move around them; place-names and phrases in the local dialect bore Medieval, Norse, Roman, Saxon roots.
Daily, one encountered history protruding into modern life like boulders from the soil: Any foundation dug here was apt to encounter a Bronze Age tool or a Neolithic skeleton; ancient monuments dotted the hillsides, requiring ploughs and road-builders to move around them; place-names and phrases in the local dialect bore Medieval, Norse, Roman, Saxon roots.
In this land, in the hearts of its people, the past was the present: It did not take much imagination to envision a local shepherd in winter-bearded and cloaked beneath his wide hat, leaning on a crook-as Woden, the one-eyed Norse god who disguised himself as a wanderer.
In this land, in the hearts of its people, the past was the present: It did not take much imagination to envision a local shepherd in winter-bearded and cloaked beneath his wide hat, leaning on a crook-as Woden, the one-eyed Norse god who disguised himself as a wanderer.
The motor that had coughed and struggled its way up the hill now seemed to sigh as it entered the tree-lined downgrade towards East Dean.
The motor that had coughed and struggled its way up the hill now seemed to sigh as it entered the tree-lined downgrade towards East Dean.
Holmes shifted and reached for his cigarette case, and the abrupt motion, coming when it did, suddenly brought the answer to Holmes 'mood as clearly as if he had spoken aloud: He felt Sussex closing in over his head.
Holmes shifted and reached for his cigarette case, and the abrupt motion, coming when it did, suddenly brought the answer to Holmes 'mood as clearly as if he had spoken aloud: He felt Sussex closing in over his head.
Sussex was his chosen retreat from the press of London, the rural home in which he could write and conduct experiments and meditate on his bees yet still venture out for the occasional investigation; now, after seven busy months in free flight across the globe, it had become small, dull, tedious, and claustrophobic.
Sussex was his chosen retreat from the press of London, the rural home in which he could write and conduct experiments and meditate on his bees yet still venture out for the occasional investigation; now, after seven busy months in free flight across the globe, it had become small, dull, tedious, and claustrophobic.
Sussex was now a trap.
Sussex was now a trap.
I had forgot for the moment that Mrs Hudson would not be there to greet us, but when Patrick pulled into the freshly gravelled circle in front of the house and shut off the engine, the front door remained closed.
I had forgot for the moment that Mrs Hudson would not be there to greet us, but when Patrick pulled into the freshly gravelled circle in front of the house and shut off the engine, the front door remained closed.
Holmes climbed down from the car before its noise had died.
Holmes climbed down from the car before its noise had died.
He tossed his coat across the sun-dial and dropped his hat on top, then set off in shirt-sleeves and city shoes, heading in the direction of the far field near the burial mound.
He tossed his coat across the sun-dial and dropped his hat on top, then set off in shirt-sleeves and city shoes, heading in the direction of the far field near the burial mound.
Patrick was well used to my husband's eccentricities, and merely asked me if I wanted the trunks upstairs.
Patrick was well used to my husband's eccentricities, and merely asked me if I wanted the trunks upstairs.
“Thank you,” I told him.
“Thank you,” I told him.
The front door opened then, to reveal Mrs Hudson's helper Lulu, pink and bustling and spilling over with words.
The front door opened then, to reveal Mrs Hudson's helper Lulu, pink and bustling and spilling over with words.
“Ma'am, how good it is to see you, to be sure, Mrs Hudson will be so vexed that she couldn't be here, and I hope you don't mind, but yesterday night a gentleman -” The sudden appearance of a person who was not the one I wished to see, and a sudden unwillingness to immerse myself in the busy turmoil of homecoming, had me adding my own coat and gloves to the impromptu hat-stand and following in Holmes' wake, out onto the rolling expanse of the South Downs.
“Ma'am, how good it is to see you, to be sure, Mrs Hudson will be so vexed that she couldn't be here, and I hope you don't mind, but yesterday night a gentleman -” The sudden appearance of a person who was not the one I wished to see, and a sudden unwillingness to immerse myself in the busy turmoil of homecoming, had me adding my own coat and gloves to the impromptu hat-stand and following in Holmes' wake, out onto the rolling expanse of the South Downs.
Once clear of the flint wall around the gardens, I could see him ahead of me, striding fast.
Once clear of the flint wall around the gardens, I could see him ahead of me, striding fast.
I did not hurry.
I did not hurry.
It mattered not in the least if I caught up with him before he turned back for home, which he would do soon-even a hive infected with madness was bound to shut down with dusk.
It mattered not in the least if I caught up with him before he turned back for home, which he would do soon-even a hive infected with madness was bound to shut down with dusk.
I merely walked, breathing in the air of the place that, for nine years, had been my home.
I merely walked, breathing in the air of the place that, for nine years, had been my home.
My headache faded, and before long my sinuses relaxed enough that I could smell the sea, half a mile away, mingling with rich traces of hay recently cut.
My headache faded, and before long my sinuses relaxed enough that I could smell the sea, half a mile away, mingling with rich traces of hay recently cut.
I heard the raucous complaint of a gull, then the lowing of a cow-no doubt Daisy, belonging to the next farmer but one, prized because she bore a healthy calf every year like clockwork and gave the creamiest milk that a bowl of porridge had ever known.
I heard the raucous complaint of a gull, then the lowing of a cow-no doubt Daisy, belonging to the next farmer but one, prized because she bore a healthy calf every year like clockwork and gave the creamiest milk that a bowl of porridge had ever known.
The rattle of a motor-cycle followed the roadway between Eastbourne and Seaford; five minutes later, the evening train from London whistled as it drew near Eastbourne.
The rattle of a motor-cycle followed the roadway between Eastbourne and Seaford; five minutes later, the evening train from London whistled as it drew near Eastbourne.
I caught sight of a head of white clover being worked over by a late bee, and I watched until the busy creature flew off-in the direction of the orchard behind me, not towards the madness of the far field.
I caught sight of a head of white clover being worked over by a late bee, and I watched until the busy creature flew off-in the direction of the orchard behind me, not towards the madness of the far field.
I bent down to pick the flower, and as I walked, I plucked its tendrils, sucking out each infinitesimal trace of nectar.
I bent down to pick the flower, and as I walked, I plucked its tendrils, sucking out each infinitesimal trace of nectar.
It was a perfect summer's evening in the south of England, and I dawdled.
It was a perfect summer's evening in the south of England, and I dawdled.
I meandered.
I meandered.
Had I not been wearing the formal skirts and stockings of travel, I might have flopped back onto the cropped grass and counted the wisps of cloud.
Had I not been wearing the formal skirts and stockings of travel, I might have flopped back onto the cropped grass and counted the wisps of cloud.
India was spectacular and Japan was exquisite and California was a part of my bones, but God, I loved this country.
India was spectacular and Japan was exquisite and California was a part of my bones, but God, I loved this country.
I found Holmes squatting beside the hive, shirt-sleeves rolled to his elbows.
I found Holmes squatting beside the hive, shirt-sleeves rolled to his elbows.
At a distance I was concerned that he would come away with a thousand stings, but closer up, I could hear the absence of the deep, working hum of a summer hive.
At a distance I was concerned that he would come away with a thousand stings, but closer up, I could hear the absence of the deep, working hum of a summer hive.
The white Langstroth box was silent, its landing-board empty, and when he lifted the top of the hive, no cloud of winged fury boiled up from within.
The white Langstroth box was silent, its landing-board empty, and when he lifted the top of the hive, no cloud of winged fury boiled up from within.
The only sound was the light jingle of the bells his friend had hung there.
The only sound was the light jingle of the bells his friend had hung there.
I hoisted myself onto the wall, taking care not to knock stones loose, and waited for him to finish.
I hoisted myself onto the wall, taking care not to knock stones loose, and waited for him to finish.
The nearby burial mound was small enough to have remained undisturbed for four millennia, escaping even the attentions of the ever-curious Victorians.
The nearby burial mound was small enough to have remained undisturbed for four millennia, escaping even the attentions of the ever-curious Victorians.
It cast its late afternoon shadow along the ground to the base of the wall.
It cast its late afternoon shadow along the ground to the base of the wall.
Raising my gaze to the south, I could make out the line carved by six thousand years of feet treading the cliff-side chalk soil; beyond it, the Channel had gone grey with the lowering sun.
Raising my gaze to the south, I could make out the line carved by six thousand years of feet treading the cliff-side chalk soil; beyond it, the Channel had gone grey with the lowering sun.
Suddenly, the odour of honey was heavy in the air as Holmes began to prise up the frames of the super.
Suddenly, the odour of honey was heavy in the air as Holmes began to prise up the frames of the super.
Each was laden with dark, neatly sealed hexagons of comb, representing hundreds of millions of trips flown to and from the hive from nectar-bearing flowers.
Each was laden with dark, neatly sealed hexagons of comb, representing hundreds of millions of trips flown to and from the hive from nectar-bearing flowers.
Abandoned now, with not a bee in sight.
Abandoned now, with not a bee in sight.
More than that, we could not see, although I knew that come morning, Holmes would be out here again, hunting for a clue to the hive's catastrophe.
More than that, we could not see, although I knew that come morning, Holmes would be out here again, hunting for a clue to the hive's catastrophe.
Now, he allowed the frames to fall back into place, and replaced the top.
Now, he allowed the frames to fall back into place, and replaced the top.
As I have said, I care not overmuch for Apis mellifera, but even I held a moment of silent mourning over the desolate rectangular box.
As I have said, I care not overmuch for Apis mellifera, but even I held a moment of silent mourning over the desolate rectangular box.
“Dratted creatures,” Holmes grumbled.
“Dratted creatures,” Holmes grumbled.
I had to laugh as I jumped down from my perch.
I had to laugh as I jumped down from my perch.
“Oh, Holmes, admit it: You relish the mystery.”
“Oh, Holmes, admit it: You relish the mystery.”
“I wonder if I can get a message to Miranker this evening?” he mused.
“I wonder if I can get a message to Miranker this evening?” he mused.
“He might be able to come at first light.”
“He might be able to come at first light.”
He shot the white box an irked glance, then turned back across the Downs towards home.
He shot the white box an irked glance, then turned back across the Downs towards home.
I fell in beside him, grateful that the moody silence between us had loosed its hold a degree.
I fell in beside him, grateful that the moody silence between us had loosed its hold a degree.
“Was that who wrote you the letter?”
“Was that who wrote you the letter?”
The signature had been less than precise.
The signature had been less than precise.
“Glen Miranker, yes.
“Glen Miranker, yes.
He retired and moved here last summer.
He retired and moved here last summer.
He's a valuable resource.”
He's a valuable resource.”
To tell the truth, I'd never been able to pin down why Holmes found bees so fascinating.
To tell the truth, I'd never been able to pin down why Holmes found bees so fascinating.
Whenever I'd asked, he would say only that they had much to teach him.
Whenever I'd asked, he would say only that they had much to teach him.
About what, other than a flagellant's acceptance of occasional pain and perpetual frustration, I did not know.
About what, other than a flagellant's acceptance of occasional pain and perpetual frustration, I did not know.
As we walked, he mused about bees-bees, with the sub-topic of death.
As we walked, he mused about bees-bees, with the sub-topic of death.
Alexander the Great's honey-filled coffin, preserving the conqueror's body during the long journey back to Alexandria.
Alexander the Great's honey-filled coffin, preserving the conqueror's body during the long journey back to Alexandria.
The honey rituals of The Iliad and The Rig Veda.
The honey rituals of The Iliad and The Rig Veda.
The Greek belief that bees communicated with the beings of the underworld.
The Greek belief that bees communicated with the beings of the underworld.
The use of honey in treating suppurating wounds and skin ulcers.
The use of honey in treating suppurating wounds and skin ulcers.
An ancient folk custom called “telling the bees,” when a dead beekeeper's family whispered to the hives of their master's death.
An ancient folk custom called “telling the bees,” when a dead beekeeper's family whispered to the hives of their master's death.
The infamous poison honey that decimated Xenophon's army-After a mile of this, I'd had enough of the macabre aspects of the golden substance, and decided to throw him a distraction.
The infamous poison honey that decimated Xenophon's army-After a mile of this, I'd had enough of the macabre aspects of the golden substance, and decided to throw him a distraction.
“I wonder if Brother Adam might not have some suggestion as to your hive?”
“I wonder if Brother Adam might not have some suggestion as to your hive?”
The reminder of the dotty German beekeeper of Dartmoor 's Buckfast Abbey cheered Holmes somewhat, and we left behind the shadow-filled hive to speak of easier things.
The reminder of the dotty German beekeeper of Dartmoor 's Buckfast Abbey cheered Holmes somewhat, and we left behind the shadow-filled hive to speak of easier things.
When we reached the walled orchard adjoining the house, the sun was settling itself against the horizon, a relief to our dazzled eyes.
When we reached the walled orchard adjoining the house, the sun was settling itself against the horizon, a relief to our dazzled eyes.
The hives here were reassuringly loud as a thousand wings laboured to expel the day's heat and moisture, taking the hoarded nectar a step closer to the consistency of honey.
The hives here were reassuringly loud as a thousand wings laboured to expel the day's heat and moisture, taking the hoarded nectar a step closer to the consistency of honey.
I watched Holmes make a circuit of the boxes, bending an ear to each one before moving on.
I watched Holmes make a circuit of the boxes, bending an ear to each one before moving on.
How many times over the years had I seen him do that?
How many times over the years had I seen him do that?
The first time was on the day we had met.
The first time was on the day we had met.
Holmes and I first en-countered each other in the spring of 1915, when I was a raw, bitterly unhappy adolescent and he a frustrated, ageing detective with little aim in life.
Holmes and I first en-countered each other in the spring of 1915, when I was a raw, bitterly unhappy adolescent and he a frustrated, ageing detective with little aim in life.
From this unlikely pairing had sprung an instant communication of kindred spirits.
From this unlikely pairing had sprung an instant communication of kindred spirits.
He brought me here that same day, making the rounds of his bees before settling me on the stone terrace and offering me a glass of honey wine.
He brought me here that same day, making the rounds of his bees before settling me on the stone terrace and offering me a glass of honey wine.
Offering, too, the precious gift of friendship.
Offering, too, the precious gift of friendship.
Nine years later, I was a different person, and yet recent events in California had brought an uncomfortable resurgence of that prickly and uncertain younger self.
Nine years later, I was a different person, and yet recent events in California had brought an uncomfortable resurgence of that prickly and uncertain younger self.
Time, I told myself: healing takes time.
Time, I told myself: healing takes time.
When he returned to where I was standing, I took a breath and said, “Holmes, we don't have to remain in Sussex, if you would rather be elsewhere.”
When he returned to where I was standing, I took a breath and said, “Holmes, we don't have to remain in Sussex, if you would rather be elsewhere.”
He lifted his chin to study the colours beginning to paint the sky.
He lifted his chin to study the colours beginning to paint the sky.
“Where would I rather be?” he said, but to my relief, there was no sharpness in his question, no bitter edge.
“Where would I rather be?” he said, but to my relief, there was no sharpness in his question, no bitter edge.
“I don't know.
“I don't know.
But simply because you have chosen to live here for the past twenty years doesn't require that we stay.”
But simply because you have chosen to live here for the past twenty years doesn't require that we stay.”
After a minute, I felt more than saw him nod.
After a minute, I felt more than saw him nod.
Communication is such a complex mechanism, I reflected as we rounded the low terrace wall: A statement that, at another time or in a different intonation, would have set alight his smouldering ill temper had instead magically restored companionship.
Communication is such a complex mechanism, I reflected as we rounded the low terrace wall: A statement that, at another time or in a different intonation, would have set alight his smouldering ill temper had instead magically restored companionship.
I was smiling as my feet sought out the steps-then I nearly toppled down them backwards after walking smack into Holmes.
I was smiling as my feet sought out the steps-then I nearly toppled down them backwards after walking smack into Holmes.
He had stopped dead, staring at the figure that stood in the centre of our terrace, half-illuminated by the setting sun.
He had stopped dead, staring at the figure that stood in the centre of our terrace, half-illuminated by the setting sun.
A tall, thin man in his thirties with a trimmed beard and long, unruly hair, dressed in worn corduroy trousers and a shapeless canvas jacket over a linen shirt and bright orange cravat: a Bohemian.
A tall, thin man in his thirties with a trimmed beard and long, unruly hair, dressed in worn corduroy trousers and a shapeless canvas jacket over a linen shirt and bright orange cravat: a Bohemian.
I might have imagined a faint aroma of turpentine, but the colour beneath the fingernails playing along the gaudy silk defined him as a painter rather than one of Bohemia 's poets, playwrights, or musicians.
I might have imagined a faint aroma of turpentine, but the colour beneath the fingernails playing along the gaudy silk defined him as a painter rather than one of Bohemia 's poets, playwrights, or musicians.
The ring on his finger, heavy worked gold, looked positively incongruous.
The ring on his finger, heavy worked gold, looked positively incongruous.
I felt a spasm of fury, that whatever this stranger wanted of us couldn't have waited until morning.
I felt a spasm of fury, that whatever this stranger wanted of us couldn't have waited until morning.
He didn't even look like a client-why on earth had Lulu let him in?
He didn't even look like a client-why on earth had Lulu let him in?
I stepped up beside Holmes and prepared to blast this importunate artist off our terrace and, with luck, out of our lives.
I stepped up beside Holmes and prepared to blast this importunate artist off our terrace and, with luck, out of our lives.
But as I cast a rueful glance at the man by my side, the expression on his face made my words die unsaid: a sudden bloom of wonder mingled with apprehension-unlikely on any face, extraordinary on his.
But as I cast a rueful glance at the man by my side, the expression on his face made my words die unsaid: a sudden bloom of wonder mingled with apprehension-unlikely on any face, extraordinary on his.
My head whipped back to the source of this emotion, looking for what Holmes had seen that I had not.
My head whipped back to the source of this emotion, looking for what Holmes had seen that I had not.
Unlike many tall men-and this one was a fraction taller even than Holmes-the young man did not slump, and although his hands betrayed a degree of uncertainty, the set of his head and the resolute manner with which he met Holmes 'gaze made one aware of the fierce intelligence in those grey eyes, and a degree of humour.
Unlike many tall men-and this one was a fraction taller even than Holmes-the young man did not slump, and although his hands betrayed a degree of uncertainty, the set of his head and the resolute manner with which he met Holmes 'gaze made one aware of the fierce intelligence in those grey eyes, and a degree of humour.
One might even - The shock of recognition knocked me breathless.
One might even - The shock of recognition knocked me breathless.
I looked quickly down at the familiar shape of those fingers, then peered more closely at his features.
I looked quickly down at the familiar shape of those fingers, then peered more closely at his features.
If one peeled away all that hair and erased five years, two stone, and the bruise and scratch along the left temple … I knew him.
If one peeled away all that hair and erased five years, two stone, and the bruise and scratch along the left temple … I knew him.
Rather, I had met him, although I should not have recognised him without Holmes' reaction to guide me.
Rather, I had met him, although I should not have recognised him without Holmes' reaction to guide me.
Five years earlier, the face before us had possessed a delicate, almost feminine beauty; with the beard, the weight, and the self-assurance, he could play a stage Lucifer.
Five years earlier, the face before us had possessed a delicate, almost feminine beauty; with the beard, the weight, and the self-assurance, he could play a stage Lucifer.
The amusement grew on his features, until it began to look almost like triumph.
The amusement grew on his features, until it began to look almost like triumph.
The lips parted, and when he spoke, the timbre in his voice reminded one that his mother had been a famous contralto.
The lips parted, and when he spoke, the timbre in his voice reminded one that his mother had been a famous contralto.
“Hello, Father,” he said.
“Hello, Father,” he said.
Two.
Two.
France August 1919 3 First Birth (3): The boy's mother breathed her last when the full moon lay open in the sky, a round and luminous door to eternity.
France August 1919 3 First Birth (3): The boy's mother breathed her last when the full moon lay open in the sky, a round and luminous door to eternity.
Testimony, I: 1 I MET DAMIAN ADLER ON THE SAME DAY HIS FATHER did, in August 1919.
Testimony, I: 1 I MET DAMIAN ADLER ON THE SAME DAY HIS FATHER did, in August 1919.
Damian was twenty-four then, I was nineteen, and Holmes at fifty-eight had only discovered a few days before that he was a father.
Damian was twenty-four then, I was nineteen, and Holmes at fifty-eight had only discovered a few days before that he was a father.
It was not a happy meeting.
It was not a happy meeting.
At the time, none of us were happy people.
At the time, none of us were happy people.
None of us were whole people.
None of us were whole people.
Apart from it bringing peace to the world at last, 1919 was not a year one would like to repeat.
Apart from it bringing peace to the world at last, 1919 was not a year one would like to repeat.
Its opening had found us in ignominious flight from an unknown and diabolically cunning enemy-we told ourselves we were merely regrouping, but we knew it was a rout.
Its opening had found us in ignominious flight from an unknown and diabolically cunning enemy-we told ourselves we were merely regrouping, but we knew it was a rout.
Mycroft, who held some unnamed and powerful position in the shadier recesses of His Majesty's Government, had offered us a choice of retreats in which to catch our breath.
Mycroft, who held some unnamed and powerful position in the shadier recesses of His Majesty's Government, had offered us a choice of retreats in which to catch our breath.
For reasons I did not understand, Holmes gave the choice over to me.
For reasons I did not understand, Holmes gave the choice over to me.
I chose Palestine.
I chose Palestine.
Within the month, he was taken prisoner and tortured to the very edge of breaking.
Within the month, he was taken prisoner and tortured to the very edge of breaking.
On our return to England, Holmes 'body was whole, but his spirit, and our bond, had been badly trampled.
On our return to England, Holmes 'body was whole, but his spirit, and our bond, had been badly trampled.
When I looked at him that spring, all I could see was that my choice had put that haunted look into his eyes.
When I looked at him that spring, all I could see was that my choice had put that haunted look into his eyes.
Then at the end of May, we finally met our enemy, and prevailed, but at the cost of a bullet through my shoulder and the blood of a woman I had loved on my hands.
Then at the end of May, we finally met our enemy, and prevailed, but at the cost of a bullet through my shoulder and the blood of a woman I had loved on my hands.
When Holmes looked at me that summer, all he could see was that his past had put that drawn look of pain and sleepless nights on my face.
When Holmes looked at me that summer, all he could see was that his past had put that drawn look of pain and sleepless nights on my face.
Thus, that August of 1919 found the two of us wounded, burdened by guilt, short-tempered, and-despite living under the same roof while my arm recovered-scarcely able to meet each other's eyes or bear the other's company.
Thus, that August of 1919 found the two of us wounded, burdened by guilt, short-tempered, and-despite living under the same roof while my arm recovered-scarcely able to meet each other's eyes or bear the other's company.
Certainly, we both knew that the intricate relationship we had constructed before our January flight from England lay in pieces at our feet; neither of us seemed to know how to build another.
Certainly, we both knew that the intricate relationship we had constructed before our January flight from England lay in pieces at our feet; neither of us seemed to know how to build another.
Into this tense and volatile situation fell the revelation that Holmes had a son.
Into this tense and volatile situation fell the revelation that Holmes had a son.
Mycroft had known, of course.
Mycroft had known, of course.
Holmes might keep his finger on the pulse of every crime in London, but his brother's touch went far beyond England 's shores.
Holmes might keep his finger on the pulse of every crime in London, but his brother's touch went far beyond England 's shores.
Mycroft had known for years, but he had let slip not a hint, until the day the young man was arrested for murder.
Mycroft had known for years, but he had let slip not a hint, until the day the young man was arrested for murder.
Two unrelated letters reached us towards the end of July 1919.
Two unrelated letters reached us towards the end of July 1919.
The first was for Holmes; I did not see it arrive.
The first was for Holmes; I did not see it arrive.
The second followed a few days later, addressed to me, written by a child we had rescued the previous year.
The second followed a few days later, addressed to me, written by a child we had rescued the previous year.
The simple affection and praise in her laboriously shaped words reduced me, at long last, to the catharsis of tears.
The simple affection and praise in her laboriously shaped words reduced me, at long last, to the catharsis of tears.
A door that had been tight shut opened, just a crack; Holmes did not hesitate.
A door that had been tight shut opened, just a crack; Holmes did not hesitate.
“I need to go to France and Italy for six weeks,” he told me.
“I need to go to France and Italy for six weeks,” he told me.
Then, before I could slam the door shut again, he added, “Would you care to come with me?”
Then, before I could slam the door shut again, he added, “Would you care to come with me?”
Air seemed to reach my lungs for the first time in weeks.
Air seemed to reach my lungs for the first time in weeks.
I looked at him, and saw that, in spite of everything, in Holmes' mind our partnership remained.
I looked at him, and saw that, in spite of everything, in Holmes' mind our partnership remained.
Later that evening, sitting on the terrace while the darkness fell, I had asked him when we were to leave.
Later that evening, sitting on the terrace while the darkness fell, I had asked him when we were to leave.
“First thing in the morning,” he replied.
“First thing in the morning,” he replied.
“What?”
“What?”
I stood up, as if to go pack instantaneously, then winced and sat down again, rubbing my shoulder beneath its sling.
I stood up, as if to go pack instantaneously, then winced and sat down again, rubbing my shoulder beneath its sling.
“Why the rush?”
“Why the rush?”
“Mycroft always needs things done yesterday,” he said.
“Mycroft always needs things done yesterday,” he said.
Far too casually.
Far too casually.
“This is another job for Mycroft?”
“This is another job for Mycroft?”
“More or less.”
“More or less.”
By this time, my antennae were quivering.
By this time, my antennae were quivering.
An off-hand attitude invariably meant that Holmes was concealing something of which I would disapprove.
An off-hand attitude invariably meant that Holmes was concealing something of which I would disapprove.
However, as I watched him reach for the coffee pot to refill a near-full cup, it seemed to me his discomfort had a deeper source than a need to manipulate me into cooperation.
However, as I watched him reach for the coffee pot to refill a near-full cup, it seemed to me his discomfort had a deeper source than a need to manipulate me into cooperation.
He looked genuinely troubled.
He looked genuinely troubled.
A year before, I would have pressed and chivvied him until he gave it up, but after the events of recent months, I was not so eager to beat my mentor-turned-partner into submission.
A year before, I would have pressed and chivvied him until he gave it up, but after the events of recent months, I was not so eager to beat my mentor-turned-partner into submission.
He would tell me in his good time.
He would tell me in his good time.
“I'll write Patrick a note, to let him know I'm away,” I said.
“I'll write Patrick a note, to let him know I'm away,” I said.
Holmes hid his surprise well, simply nodding, but I could feel his eyes on me as I went into the house.
Holmes hid his surprise well, simply nodding, but I could feel his eyes on me as I went into the house.
The next day, the train had been crowded with summer merrymakers; the boat across the Channel was so heavy-laden it wallowed; the train to Paris contained approximately half the population of Belgium - none of whom were stopping in Paris.
The next day, the train had been crowded with summer merrymakers; the boat across the Channel was so heavy-laden it wallowed; the train to Paris contained approximately half the population of Belgium - none of whom were stopping in Paris.
No-one in his right mind stopped in Paris in August.
No-one in his right mind stopped in Paris in August.
With this constant presence of witnesses, it wasn't until we stood in the hallway of our Paris hotel that Holmes slid his hand into his inner pocket and took out the envelope that had been teasing his fingers all day.
With this constant presence of witnesses, it wasn't until we stood in the hallway of our Paris hotel that Holmes slid his hand into his inner pocket and took out the envelope that had been teasing his fingers all day.
“Read this,” he said abruptly, thrusting it at me.
“Read this,” he said abruptly, thrusting it at me.
“I shall be in my room.”
“I shall be in my room.”
He crossed the corridor and shut his door.
He crossed the corridor and shut his door.
I waited for the boy to deposit my cases and receive my coin, then closed my own.
I waited for the boy to deposit my cases and receive my coin, then closed my own.
I laid the letter on the desk, eyeing it as I unpinned my hat and stripped off my gloves.
I laid the letter on the desk, eyeing it as I unpinned my hat and stripped off my gloves.
Mycroft's handwriting, the unadorned copperplate he used for solemn business.
Mycroft's handwriting, the unadorned copperplate he used for solemn business.
No postal franking, which meant that it had been delivered by messenger.
No postal franking, which meant that it had been delivered by messenger.
The envelope had seen a lot of handling.
The envelope had seen a lot of handling.
I had an odd image of Holmes, taking it out of his pocket and reading it again and again.
I had an odd image of Holmes, taking it out of his pocket and reading it again and again.
I sat down on the hard little chair before the decorative, unusable French desk, and unfolded the letter.
I sat down on the hard little chair before the decorative, unusable French desk, and unfolded the letter.
It bore a date six days before-the day, I suddenly realised, that he had disappeared for many hours, to return even more preoccupied than usual.
It bore a date six days before-the day, I suddenly realised, that he had disappeared for many hours, to return even more preoccupied than usual.
Dear Brother, In the autumn of 1894, half a year after you made your dramatic return to the London scene, I received a visit from a French gentleman whom I had met, briefly, some years before.
Dear Brother, In the autumn of 1894, half a year after you made your dramatic return to the London scene, I received a visit from a French gentleman whom I had met, briefly, some years before.
His purpose was to urge me to travel to a village named Ste Chapelle, thirty miles south of Paris.
His purpose was to urge me to travel to a village named Ste Chapelle, thirty miles south of Paris.
As you well know, I do not travel, and told the man as much.
As you well know, I do not travel, and told the man as much.
He, however, put before me certain information that convinced me such a trip was necessary.
He, however, put before me certain information that convinced me such a trip was necessary.
At the other end of the journey was an American lady of your acquaintance, whose name I shall not put into writing, but with whom, as you had already informed me, you had a liaison.
At the other end of the journey was an American lady of your acquaintance, whose name I shall not put into writing, but with whom, as you had already informed me, you had a liaison.
You were led to believe that she tired of your presence after some months, that she resolved to return alone to her native country.
You were led to believe that she tired of your presence after some months, that she resolved to return alone to her native country.
In fact, she did not return to the United States.
In fact, she did not return to the United States.
Although she had become a British citizen after she married Godfrey Norton, after your departure, she moved to the village near Paris.
Although she had become a British citizen after she married Godfrey Norton, after your departure, she moved to the village near Paris.
There she bore a child.
There she bore a child.
It was to Ste Chapelle that I went, there to meet her and the infant.
It was to Ste Chapelle that I went, there to meet her and the infant.
A boy.
A boy.
She named him Damian, appending her own maiden surname.
She named him Damian, appending her own maiden surname.
He appeared in lusty good health.
He appeared in lusty good health.
Certainly, he sounded so.
Certainly, he sounded so.
The lady wished me to know of the child, on the chance that something happened to her.
The lady wished me to know of the child, on the chance that something happened to her.
She also swore me to a promise that you were not to be told while she was alive, and thereafter not until such time as I deemed it necessary.
She also swore me to a promise that you were not to be told while she was alive, and thereafter not until such time as I deemed it necessary.
Her concern was that you not be, to use her word, distracted.
Her concern was that you not be, to use her word, distracted.
The price of my agreement was that she accept a monthly stipend, that the boy might be raised without financial hardship.
The price of my agreement was that she accept a monthly stipend, that the boy might be raised without financial hardship.
Reluctantly, she accepted.
Reluctantly, she accepted.
I came near to telling you in 1912, when she died, but at the time you were involved in the Mattison case, and that was followed by the Singh affair, and by the time that was over, you were in America preparing a case against Von Bork and his spy ring.
I came near to telling you in 1912, when she died, but at the time you were involved in the Mattison case, and that was followed by the Singh affair, and by the time that was over, you were in America preparing a case against Von Bork and his spy ring.
There seemed no time when you were immune from distraction.
There seemed no time when you were immune from distraction.
I did keep a close eye on the young man following his mother's death.
I did keep a close eye on the young man following his mother's death.
He was then eighteen, attending university in Paris.
He was then eighteen, attending university in Paris.
In 1914 he joined the French forces-he being more French than American-and served honourably, starting as a junior officer and ending up, in the autumn of 1917, a captain.
In 1914 he joined the French forces-he being more French than American-and served honourably, starting as a junior officer and ending up, in the autumn of 1917, a captain.
He was wounded in January 1918, blown up in a barrage.
He was wounded in January 1918, blown up in a barrage.
He received a head wound and a cracked pelvis, spent a week unconscious, and was eventually invalided out.
He received a head wound and a cracked pelvis, spent a week unconscious, and was eventually invalided out.
Unfortunately, he did not manage to get free of the drugs used to control the pain.
Unfortunately, he did not manage to get free of the drugs used to control the pain.
Unfortunately, he fell into hard ways, and among evil people.
Unfortunately, he fell into hard ways, and among evil people.
And now, the reason I am forced to write to you in this manner: He has been arrested for murder.
And now, the reason I am forced to write to you in this manner: He has been arrested for murder.
Stark details, and with your current responsibilities, no way to soften this series of blows.
Stark details, and with your current responsibilities, no way to soften this series of blows.
I have begun enquiries into the case against him, but as yet do not know the details-as we both know, the evidence may be so grossly inadequate, all he requires is legal support; on the other hand, it may prove so strong that neither of us can help him.
I have begun enquiries into the case against him, but as yet do not know the details-as we both know, the evidence may be so grossly inadequate, all he requires is legal support; on the other hand, it may prove so strong that neither of us can help him.
I have arranged for one of the better criminal avocats to assume his case, but in any event, it is no longer my place to stand between you.
I have arranged for one of the better criminal avocats to assume his case, but in any event, it is no longer my place to stand between you.
I hope you will forgive me, and her, for keeping Damian from you.
I hope you will forgive me, and her, for keeping Damian from you.
By all accounts he was a promising young man before the War, and before the scourge of drugs befell him.
By all accounts he was a promising young man before the War, and before the scourge of drugs befell him.
I should mention that, to go by his photograph, there is little reason to deny that he is yours.
I should mention that, to go by his photograph, there is little reason to deny that he is yours.
Tell me what I can do to assist you.
Tell me what I can do to assist you.
He is being held in the gaol in Ste Chapelle, the town where he was born, thirty miles to the east of Paris.
He is being held in the gaol in Ste Chapelle, the town where he was born, thirty miles to the east of Paris.
If you speak to him, please convey an uncle's best wishes.
If you speak to him, please convey an uncle's best wishes.
Mycroft P.S. I forgot to say: Damian is an artist, a painter.
Mycroft P.S. I forgot to say: Damian is an artist, a painter.
Art in the blood … 4 First Birth (4): The meteorite was the boy's first plaything, his constant companion, as it remains to this day, reshaped and resubmitted to the fires to better suit his needs.
Art in the blood … 4 First Birth (4): The meteorite was the boy's first plaything, his constant companion, as it remains to this day, reshaped and resubmitted to the fires to better suit his needs.
Testimony, I: 1 DISTRACTED.
Testimony, I: 1 DISTRACTED.
THAT WAS A HELL OF A WORD.
THAT WAS A HELL OF A WORD.
And why had Holmes waited nearly a week before setting off for France?
And why had Holmes waited nearly a week before setting off for France?
I turned back to where Mycroft had written “with your current responsibilities.”
I turned back to where Mycroft had written “with your current responsibilities.”
Did this mean me?
Did this mean me?
Was it I that had kept Holmes from flying to the aid of his son?
Was it I that had kept Holmes from flying to the aid of his son?
It took me some time to work up the nerve to cross the hallway.
It took me some time to work up the nerve to cross the hallway.
When I did, I found my friend and teacher at the open window, smoking and staring down at the darkening streets.
When I did, I found my friend and teacher at the open window, smoking and staring down at the darkening streets.
Not a breath stirred.
Not a breath stirred.
I sat on the hard little chair before his useless, ornate desk, and arranged the letter in the centre of its gilt surface.
I sat on the hard little chair before his useless, ornate desk, and arranged the letter in the centre of its gilt surface.
“Well,” I said.
“Well,” I said.
“That must have made you feel …” “Guilt-ridden?”
“That must have made you feel …” “Guilt-ridden?”
His voice was high, and bitter.
His voice was high, and bitter.
Guilt, yes.
Guilt, yes.
But, to be honest, gratitude as well, that she had not forced him to re-shape his life, his career, around a child.
But, to be honest, gratitude as well, that she had not forced him to re-shape his life, his career, around a child.
And gratitude would have brought shame, and resentment, and righteous indignation, and anger.
And gratitude would have brought shame, and resentment, and righteous indignation, and anger.
Then in the days since the news had reached him, no doubt curiosity and sadness, and a mourning of lost opportunities.
Then in the days since the news had reached him, no doubt curiosity and sadness, and a mourning of lost opportunities.
“It must have made you feel as if you'd been kicked in the stomach.”
“It must have made you feel as if you'd been kicked in the stomach.”
He did not respond.
He did not respond.
The traffic sounds that had beat at the window when we first arrived were fading, replaced by the voices of pedestrians on their way to theatre or restaurant.
The traffic sounds that had beat at the window when we first arrived were fading, replaced by the voices of pedestrians on their way to theatre or restaurant.
It was quiet enough that I heard the faint shift of ice in the silver bucket that had accompanied our arrival.
It was quiet enough that I heard the faint shift of ice in the silver bucket that had accompanied our arrival.
At the suggestion, I rose and went to fill a glass with ice, covering it with a generous dose of some amber alcohol from the decanter beside it.
At the suggestion, I rose and went to fill a glass with ice, covering it with a generous dose of some amber alcohol from the decanter beside it.
I carried it over to Holmes, who just looked at it.
I carried it over to Holmes, who just looked at it.
“Russell, I've known about this for the better part of a week.
“Russell, I've known about this for the better part of a week.
The time for a good stiff drink is well past.”
The time for a good stiff drink is well past.”
“But I didn't know until now, and I think you can use this better than I.”
“But I didn't know until now, and I think you can use this better than I.”
He did not argue with my roundabout logic, simply took my offering.
He did not argue with my roundabout logic, simply took my offering.
I went back to the chair.
I went back to the chair.
“This is Irene Adler's son that Mycroft is talking about?”
“This is Irene Adler's son that Mycroft is talking about?”
I asked: facts first.
I asked: facts first.
The ice rattled as he raised the glass against his teeth.
The ice rattled as he raised the glass against his teeth.
I took the gesture as confirmation.
I took the gesture as confirmation.
“It … happened during the three years you were away from London?”
“It … happened during the three years you were away from London?”
When all the world except his brother thought Holmes dead, although in fact he had travelled-to Mecca, to Lhasa, and to the south of France.
When all the world except his brother thought Holmes dead, although in fact he had travelled-to Mecca, to Lhasa, and to the south of France.
“After Reichenbach Falls,” he agreed.
“After Reichenbach Falls,” he agreed.
“When I came down out of Tibet and was sailing for Europe, news reached me that Miss Adler-Mrs Norton-that Irene had been in a terrible accident, which took the life of her husband and caused her to retire from the stage.
“When I came down out of Tibet and was sailing for Europe, news reached me that Miss Adler-Mrs Norton-that Irene had been in a terrible accident, which took the life of her husband and caused her to retire from the stage.
As I happened to be passing near Montpellier, I thought it … acceptable to call on her.
As I happened to be passing near Montpellier, I thought it … acceptable to call on her.
I suppose I entertained the notion that, if grief had driven her to abandon her career, perhaps adding myself to the chorus of protest might make her reconsider.
I suppose I entertained the notion that, if grief had driven her to abandon her career, perhaps adding myself to the chorus of protest might make her reconsider.
She had an extraordinary voice,” he added.
She had an extraordinary voice,” he added.
“It was a pity to lose it.”
“It was a pity to lose it.”
“But it wasn't grief?”
“But it wasn't grief?”
“No. She had sustained injuries, subtle, but definitive.
“No. She had sustained injuries, subtle, but definitive.
When I found her, she was living on the fine edge of poverty, eking out a living as a voice coach.
When I found her, she was living on the fine edge of poverty, eking out a living as a voice coach.
I was in no hurry to return to London, so I paused there for a time, helping her become more firmly established.
I was in no hurry to return to London, so I paused there for a time, helping her become more firmly established.
I lent her sufficient funds to purchase a piano and a small studio, and amused myself doing odd jobs in the city, everything from research into some aspects of coal-tar to peeling carrots for a restaurant.
I lent her sufficient funds to purchase a piano and a small studio, and amused myself doing odd jobs in the city, everything from research into some aspects of coal-tar to peeling carrots for a restaurant.
During those months we became … friends.”
During those months we became … friends.”
I hastened to interrupt.
I hastened to interrupt.
“And it would seem that the news of the mysterious death of Ronald Adair in London reached you at about the time she …” Threw you out?
“And it would seem that the news of the mysterious death of Ronald Adair in London reached you at about the time she …” Threw you out?
Tired of you?
Tired of you?
In any case, discovered herself with child. “- told me she planned to return home to America,” he provided.
In any case, discovered herself with child. “- told me she planned to return home to America,” he provided.
“Alone.
“Alone.
And as soon as I was back in London, the life of the metropolis closed over my head.
And as soon as I was back in London, the life of the metropolis closed over my head.
Nine years passed.
Nine years passed.
It seemed but the snap of a finger.
It seemed but the snap of a finger.
Then I retired, and nine years turned into a chasm.
Then I retired, and nine years turned into a chasm.
Had she wished to communicate with me, she knew where I was.
Had she wished to communicate with me, she knew where I was.
She had not.
She had not.
Thus, it seemed, the matter had been decided.
Thus, it seemed, the matter had been decided.
One of the more foolish decisions of my life.”
One of the more foolish decisions of my life.”
He stared into his glass, but he must have been thinking of the nine-year-olds he had known, if nothing else among the street urchins he'd dubbed his Irregulars.
He stared into his glass, but he must have been thinking of the nine-year-olds he had known, if nothing else among the street urchins he'd dubbed his Irregulars.
Had he ventured an overture, he might have met the boy then, on the edge of adolescence.
Had he ventured an overture, he might have met the boy then, on the edge of adolescence.
Had he sought her out-and he would certainly have found her-he might have had another life.
Had he sought her out-and he would certainly have found her-he might have had another life.
A life that did not include bees or a hermit's retreat on the Sussex Downs.
A life that did not include bees or a hermit's retreat on the Sussex Downs.
Or an encounter with an orphan named Russell.
Or an encounter with an orphan named Russell.
“She was-going by Watson's story-a highly gifted woman,” I ventured.
“She was-going by Watson's story-a highly gifted woman,” I ventured.
“In both talent and brains.
“In both talent and brains.
I was twenty-seven years old when the hereditary king of what Watson chose to call Bohemia came to me, demanding that I retrieve an incriminating photograph possessed by this vain and scheming prima donna from New Jersey.
I was twenty-seven years old when the hereditary king of what Watson chose to call Bohemia came to me, demanding that I retrieve an incriminating photograph possessed by this vain and scheming prima donna from New Jersey.
I saw myself a god among men.
I saw myself a god among men.
An easy case, I thought, a satisfying payment in both gold and glory: A dab of paint, a change of costume, a dash of human nature, toss in a smidgen of distraction and a childish smoke-bomb, and voil would take back this adventuress's tool of blackmail.
An easy case, I thought, a satisfying payment in both gold and glory: A dab of paint, a change of costume, a dash of human nature, toss in a smidgen of distraction and a childish smoke-bomb, and voil would take back this adventuress's tool of blackmail.
“Except that she was not out for blackmail, merely self-preservation from her royal paramour.
“Except that she was not out for blackmail, merely self-preservation from her royal paramour.
What is more, she was one step ahead of me all the way-including on my very doorstep, utilising my own tools of disguise.
What is more, she was one step ahead of me all the way-including on my very doorstep, utilising my own tools of disguise.
‘Good evening, Mr. Holmes,’ she said to me.”
‘Good evening, Mr. Holmes,’ she said to me.”
He dropped his voice for her imitation of a man's speech, bringing an eerie trace of the woman into the room.
He dropped his voice for her imitation of a man's speech, bringing an eerie trace of the woman into the room.
“And even with the scent of her under my very nose, even as I put up my feet and crowed to Watson how clever I was, she was laying her own plans, carrying out her own solution.”
“And even with the scent of her under my very nose, even as I put up my feet and crowed to Watson how clever I was, she was laying her own plans, carrying out her own solution.”
He turned from the window, searching me out in the dim room.
He turned from the window, searching me out in the dim room.
“You know she used me as a witness in her marriage ceremony to Godfrey Norton?”
“You know she used me as a witness in her marriage ceremony to Godfrey Norton?”
“I remember.”
“I remember.”
He laughed, a sound that contained amusement and rue in equal parts, and I saw his outline stir, heard the rustle of his clothing.
He laughed, a sound that contained amusement and rue in equal parts, and I saw his outline stir, heard the rustle of his clothing.
Something small and shiny flew in my direction, and I snatched it from the air: a well-worn sovereign coin with a hole in it.
Something small and shiny flew in my direction, and I snatched it from the air: a well-worn sovereign coin with a hole in it.
“She paid me for my witnessing with that,” he said.
“She paid me for my witnessing with that,” he said.
“I assumed at the time that she had failed to recognise me, but later found that she well knew who I was, and was amused, despite the urgency of her distress.
“I assumed at the time that she had failed to recognise me, but later found that she well knew who I was, and was amused, despite the urgency of her distress.
I carry it always, to remind me of my limitations.
I carry it always, to remind me of my limitations.
Here-I even had her autograph it for me.”
Here-I even had her autograph it for me.”
He crossed the room and switched on the desk lamp.
He crossed the room and switched on the desk lamp.
I held the coin under its beam, and there on the back side of it I saw the scratched initials IAN.
I held the coin under its beam, and there on the back side of it I saw the scratched initials IAN.
Irene Adler Norton.
Irene Adler Norton.
I rubbed at the smoothness of the coin, oddly pleased that it served as a reminder of professional inadequacies and not of a person.
I rubbed at the smoothness of the coin, oddly pleased that it served as a reminder of professional inadequacies and not of a person.
I handed it back to him.
I handed it back to him.
He turned it nimbly over in his fingers, then clipped it back onto his watch-chain and tucked it away.
He turned it nimbly over in his fingers, then clipped it back onto his watch-chain and tucked it away.
“Let us go and eat,” he said, sounding relieved that the worst of the self-revelation was over.
“Let us go and eat,” he said, sounding relieved that the worst of the self-revelation was over.
“Can we find a place out of doors?”
“Can we find a place out of doors?”
I requested.
I requested.
“Paris is not at her best in the summer,” he agreed.
“Paris is not at her best in the summer,” he agreed.
When I had freshened and changed my dress, we left the hotel and walked down the street until we found a likely bistro, one that spread its tables onto the pavement.
When I had freshened and changed my dress, we left the hotel and walked down the street until we found a likely bistro, one that spread its tables onto the pavement.
But after facts, and before relaxation, I required instruction.
But after facts, and before relaxation, I required instruction.
“Since the letter came,” I asked, “have you found any more about the charges against …?”
“Since the letter came,” I asked, “have you found any more about the charges against …?”
I found it difficult to shape the phrase your son.
I found it difficult to shape the phrase your son.
“Damian.
“Damian.
As you read, Mycroft has arranged the assistance of one of France 's more capable defence attorneys.
As you read, Mycroft has arranged the assistance of one of France 's more capable defence attorneys.
I have an appointment with him in the morning, and we shall then go to Ste Chapelle and meet the lad.”
I have an appointment with him in the morning, and we shall then go to Ste Chapelle and meet the lad.”
Did we include, or exclude, me?
Did we include, or exclude, me?
If the latter, would he not have said he and I?
If the latter, would he not have said he and I?
“But, Holmes, why didn't you set off immediately you received the letter?”
“But, Holmes, why didn't you set off immediately you received the letter?”
“I did, in fact, telephone to Mycroft to say that I would leave instantly, but he talked me out of it.
“I did, in fact, telephone to Mycroft to say that I would leave instantly, but he talked me out of it.
He thought I might be more effective if I waited until we had some data with which to work, but beyond this, he pointed out that, if the boy was coming out from under the influence of drugs while in gaol, he would not thank me for seeing him for the first time in that condition.
He thought I might be more effective if I waited until we had some data with which to work, but beyond this, he pointed out that, if the boy was coming out from under the influence of drugs while in gaol, he would not thank me for seeing him for the first time in that condition.
And although I am not accustomed to permitting the personal to influence my investigations, in the end, I had to agree that it might be better to wait until the boy had his wits about him.”
And although I am not accustomed to permitting the personal to influence my investigations, in the end, I had to agree that it might be better to wait until the boy had his wits about him.”
Somewhat mollified, although not altogether convinced, I picked up my knife and began thoughtfully to cover a piece of bread with near-liquid butter.
Somewhat mollified, although not altogether convinced, I picked up my knife and began thoughtfully to cover a piece of bread with near-liquid butter.