Enola Holmes- The Fox In The Henhouse

Chapter 26

June 12th 1982

Sherlock emerged from his bedroom, still in his blue striped pyjamas, to find Dr Watson in his study. This itself was of course not an unusual sight, but given the fact that it was rather early in the morning, Sherlock immediately suspected there was some urgent matter that required his attention. While usually he would welcome the prospect of an exciting case, today was different.

Upon seeing his friend's expression, Watson smiles and greets him. 'Good morning Holmes. I assure you I am here for a Social call. Nothing else.' He folds the copy of the Gazette he had been reading and places it on the floor.

Now at ease, Sherlock takes a seat in his comfy armchair, packing tobacco into his pipe. 'And for what reason, might I ask, are you making this social call so early in the morning?'

'Well, I thought I ought to ask you to deliver this to Enola for me.' He produces a small package from his pocket, wrapped in brown paper with blue ribbon tied around it ending with a fancy bow on top. 'I would deliver it myself, but I felt it more fitting for you to pass it along.'

Sherlock took the gift, weighing it up in his hands. 'It's a locket. Mary chose it.' Watson explains. Sherlock nods, letting Watson know he'll give it to Enola, and puts it down on the cluttered coffee table next to his chair.

Today was Enola's 17th birthday, and given that her last birthday was... less than ideal, Sherlock and Mycroft felt some responsibility to ensure this one was better as she was now under their care. A surprisingly difficult task.

Sherlock was not one for festivities of any kind, and this lack of experience was made worse by the fact that it was Enola's birthday. Who knew what the girl liked? Mycroft's solution to the enigma was to have a luncheon at a teahouse. Not a grand plan, but a fine enough one. Sherlock had spent many frustrating hours pondering on what gift to give Enola, but the answer seemed to be more elusive than Jack the Ripper. At least Jack the Ripper had a clear interest.

How curious it is that Sherlock couldn't solve this simple enigma!

It was actually while pondering the curiosity of said enigma, that he realised the solution. The solution being mystery! Enola had proven herself to be a fine detective, so Sherlock had chosen his gift accordingly. It had taken him quite some time to put together, which is why when Watson asked what Sherlock had gotten her, he explained it in great detail and with a great deal of pride.

Once he had finished, Watson remained expressionless. 'What is it Watson? Do you think she won't like it?'

Watson stayed silent, trying to think of a way to say "No, I don't" without hurting Sherlock's feelings.

Finally, he said 'I think the present itself is splendid. I just think that the puzzle is a little... convoluted.' Despite his delicate phrasing, a great blow had been dealt to Sherlock's pride. Upon seeing Sherlock pouting, Watson added 'I appreciate the fact that Enola has a sharp mind, but she is still a woman. There are limits to her cognitive processes. Perhaps it may be too much to ask of her.'

Sherlock stared at the gift that he had so lovingly prepared, with doubt. Eventually he agreed, and decided to simply give Enola the gift - without the mystery, and removed the ribbon from the present.

5 hours later, Sherlock stepped out of his cab in front of Clariges, only 10 minutes after he was supposed to arrive there, and went inside. He had never been here before, but it became immediately apparent as to why Mycroft had chosen it. While Mycroft had agreed to let Enola continue living in London, he didn't necessarily approve of her lifestyle. So, whenever possible, he continues to attempt to expose Enola to polite society; as if that will miraculously convince her that she should go back to Miss Harison's Finishing School for Young Ladies.