The rumbling carriage was one of only a few in the early morning street. Elona sat besides Eliza within. Elona was in a an autumnal orange wool coat cinched at the waist that was designed to sit atop her bustle, her black skirt flowed out around her. Sarah had pinned to her hair a hat, the same color as the coat. Eliza sat straight backed in her black frock. Across from them sat David. He wore a silk embroidered autumnal red leaf vest underneath his black top coat. His light hazel eyes were especially piercing set against the dark attire. He studied Elona and Eliza periodically.
"When you don't speak you look like a real lady with her chaperone, Elona." The Marquess of Exeter said, purposely dropping the formality.
"Thank you, David. I think that's the best compliment you have given me. I'm not sure what your problem with me is but I'm trying to figure out this case and the sooner I do then the sooner you will be rid of me." Elona said.
"My problem with you is simple. I do not particularly care for liars or cheats. And that's what I feel you are Miss Holmes, a liar. You're trying to sell yourself as a lady detective but what you are is a con artist. You, say you solved 7 cases but your brother is Sherlock Holmes. How many of the cases were solved by him? You are getting a great deal out of this bargain. A free season sponsored by a duchess, maybe you don't even solve the case, but instead end the season with a husband."
Elona surprised by David's candor responded honestly,
"Sir I can only assume that you judge me only against the women acquaintances you may know. But we women can accomplish a great deal more than just finding a husband. We can change the world if you cannot tell already by the formation of the matchmakers union, leading the charge in amending the lives of factory workers. I assure you I'm very serious about my job. I will find out what happened to the earrings. If you can convince your mother to forgo the London season I will be more then amenable to that idea."
"We shall see, Miss Holmes. But there is no dissuading my mother. I have tried. You will need to go through the season and do try not to besmirch my family name."
They continued the remaining ride to Victoria Square in silence. Both Elona and David avoiding eye contact with one another.
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They stopped in front of a formidable 3 floor brick house with a wrought iron gate in front.
David was the first to step down. The footman helped both Eliza and Elona step down.
When they entered the drawing room, Prince Leopold stood to clap Lord Phipps on the shoulder.
"Baroness Vetserra, I'd like you to meet Miss Elona Holmes" Prince Leopold introduced.
The lady he addressed was a dark haired beauty. Her posture and smile were by the book as was her soft greeting. Clearly attended many years of finishing school thought Elona.
"Nice to meet you Miss Holmes. Thank you for taking the case. Please take a seat. The maid will bring in some tea. Do you have any questions for me?" Lady Vetserra said taking the position of the lady of the house even though the house belonged to Lord David Phipps.
"It's nice to meet you, Lady Vetserra. I wish to get started right away in order to not take too much of your time. Please could you provide in your own words how you discovered the earrings to be missing?"
YOU ARE READING
Elona Holmes's First Season
Romance"Their eyes met across the dance floor" his widened imperceptibly, surprised at seeing her there. Set after Elona Holmes 2 the movie. Elona Holmes Detective Agency is now much more well known at least amongst the actresses and the business class sin...
