Murder In The Ton

The Queen's Ball

When the queen invited the Baker Street duo, they were not surprised, to say the least. It was a much better approach rather than abruptly joining the ton in the middle of the season. Her Majesty's decision to host a ball under the guise of welcoming him and Dr Watson to society was a clever ruse indeed.

Sherlock Holmes stood at the edge of the ballroom, his keen eyes surveying the crowd. The grand ballroom of Buckingham House was a sight to behold, resplendent with chandeliers casting shimmering light over the assembled guests. Gilded columns and elaborate frescoes adorned the walls, while the floor was polished to a mirror-like sheen. The Queen had outdone herself with this ball. This would surely make Lady Whistledown write it in her next column.

Looking around Sherlock saw his companion John dancing with a young debutant. Being ever the gentleman, Watson took it upon himself to entertain whoever came near them, lest they didn't want to be analyzed by Sherlock.

The taller man did do it.

The poor Lord Fife came to test his powers and was now nursing his bruised pride with a glass of lemonade.

Watson could only pat the older man as he was about to leave.

The said man was now, talking to a group of young ladies. They both had decided that it would be better if John did the talking with the ladies. His charm was evident in their smiles and laughter.

Sherlock had no patience for such frivolities, but he understood the necessity of playing their roles convincingly. If the ton believed they were here to find wives, it would provide them the cover they needed to investigate.

The current young generation of the Holmes family was not interested in the marriage mart. With Mycroft blending and being the government itself, he quoted that marriage was not up to his alley.

And when it came to Sherlock, he made it clear that he was already married. To his work.

With their younger sister Elona yet to debut, their parents were a bit more leaning towards her. The young woman has been cleverly avoiding her debut for the past two years.

Smart girl.

John Watson came to his side with some lemonade.

"The Queen initially suspected Miss Eloise Bridgerton," Watson stated quietly, his eyes following the Bridgeton family.

Sherlock nodded, looking towards the second daughter of the family. "Yes, but she is far too outspoken and rebellious in nature. Her disdain for societal norms is genuine, not the subtle manipulation of a writer like Lady Whistledown. I observed her earlier, and her behaviour does not align with someone maintaining such a clandestine operation."

"And she cannot keep quiet even if her life depended on it, John."

John smiled causing slight wrinkles around his eyes.

"And I assume we are not going to talk about Miss Cowper right? Since she did proclaim herself as Lady Whistledown, after all." John sighed, as they knew why the young woman did such a thing. But it would not hurt to be sure.

Sherlock's lips twitched in a brief, dismissive smile. "An act of desperation, my dear friend. From what we gathered, she wished to avoid an unwanted marriage to a man thrice her age. A clever move, but yet transparent. She lacks the wit and observational skills required for Whistledown's sharp commentary."

"The poor lass must have been frantic to use such a move."

Sherlock hummed in response as his eyes caught someone.

A redhead.

John followed Sherlock's line of sight. "Ah, that would be the youngest Featherington, Miss Penelope. The biggest scandal around her is her broken engagement last year with the third Bridgeton son, Mr Colin Bridgeton."