Sherlock Holmes and The Other Woman Read Online Free Page A

the subject. I hoped he would witness these occurrences for himself but, alas, that has not been the case.”
    â€œAh, that is helpful. Tell us about the objects that were moved.”
    â€œWell, the first thing to go missing was the bell. It’s a little brass figurine like a crinoline lady. We keep it on the mantle and one day I noticed it wasn’t there. We searched everywhere and I questioned the children, but there was no sign of it. Then several days later it showed up in the back garden.”
    â€œDo you use the garden often?”
    â€œDuring the summer we do. It’s small but pleasant enough when the weather’s good. We tend not to use it at all during the bad weather. Connie hasn’t even been able to hang the washing outside because it’s been so wet these past few weeks. But Agnes went out one afternoon to tidy up and she found it lying there.”
    â€œAnd the other items?”
    â€œWell, there was the cheese. A fresh block of good cheddar went missing. We never did find it. And the children’s coats one day were flung all over the hallway. Then there was the broom. That was exceedingly odd: it just vanished one day and then reappeared in a cupboard in the cellar. Another thing was Agnes’s petticoat mysteriously moved from her drawer and we found it hanging outside on the front door. Oh, she was embarrassed.”
    â€œNaturally,” I said. “Please tell us about the household. I understand your maids have been with you a long time?”
    â€œYes, Agnes worked in this house for my late aunt Esmerelda. When we inherited the building, it made sense to keep Agnes on. She’s such a good worker and very devoted to me and to the children.
    â€œConnie came to us about eight years ago when she was fourteen. It was her first position and it took her a little while to adjust, but she’s come along very well. She’s particularly good with the children.”
    â€œDo you employ anyone else? A gardener or tradesman?”
    â€œI take care of the garden myself. The only tradesmen are people like the butcher or the milkman who deliver every day. We have the chimney sweep in every year in October, and I had a man come and look at the basement last September. We have a problem with mould. There has been no one since.”
    â€œI believe this is a pretty settled district. Do you get many newcomers here?”
    â€œTo live, you mean? Now and then, I suppose, although not so many in the past year or so.”
    â€œWho are the newest neighbours in the Square?”
    â€œWell, there’s an African man moved in around Christmas. He’s just a few doors down.”
    â€œAnyone else?”
    She thought for a moment. “There’s more transition in the Crescent. Artists and people of that sort. I don’t know them, I’m afraid. The only one I know of is a widow woman. I see her walking in the square sometimes.”
    â€œHow well do you know the rest of your neighbours?”
    â€œI know most of the people on this side of the square. We visit each other from time to time but we are all very busy people.”
    â€œI assume they are good enough neighbours who would tell you if they saw someone prowling around the house?”
    â€œCertainly. Good heavens, Mr Holmes, do you really think that is the case?”
    â€œHolmes is merely exploring all the possibilities, Mrs Prentiss,” Watson said.
    â€œYes, of course,” I said, taking my cue. “I must have all the facts if I am to get to the bottom of this matter.”
    My client looked sceptical. “Come, Mr Holmes, I am not a child. I do not need to be protected from the truth. You have a theory about this situation, I can tell.”
    â€œI have formed six theories so far,” I said. “But I must investigate further before I can come to any conclusions. I must ask you to be patient a little longer, Mrs Prentiss. I am confident we shall resolve this