JohnLock 3: Missing Sherlock

On Board Shelby's Mariner

Sherlock, never having been aboard a large ship, was wary of the gently-rocking deck. He moved to an opening on the deck, fronting scores of windows slanting to the sky, beaming candle-light to the stars. Pausing at the top of a curved staircase leading to the lower deck, he surveyed the hall below. The murmur of voices softened at his presence, as many turned to view the newcomer. Although he didn't know most of these people, with Adrian tailing him, he casually strolled toward the again-noisy crowd of mingling, cocktail-sipping guests, laughing at everything and nothing.

Most of the ladies were costumed as Medieval princesses, Cleopatra's, shepherdesses, or Greek goddesses. The majority of the gentlemen sported dominoes and half masks. Locke silently mocked their lack of imagination. Spotting a couple of pirates, who snapped to attention and "Aye-aye'd" him, he nodded perfunctorily and then gave them a big grin. (One of them had a genuine peg leg, featuring intricately carved dragons and gargoyles etched into highly-polished mahogany.)

(Later that night, Locke learned that the two were brothers, the younger of whom had lost his leg in a hunting accident. When they had received invitations to this party, they were inspired by the younger brother's "limb" to dress as pirates. Frequently during the rest of the evening, Locke would spot them playing his "crew." He counted them as new friends and formally invited them to visit Watson Hold.)

A small orchestra played soft music from a raised platform, enticing a few intrepid couples to dance across the gently swaying deck. Smiling ladies fluttered their lashes at Locke as they danced by, the gentlemen less than pleased to see such a dashing gentleman attracting the attention of their partners.

Unaware of the stir his appearance was creating, Locke was looking for a genuine smile, for someone with whom he might start a conversation. Playing the coquette, a blonde young lady on the fringe of the crowd caught his eye, gazed directly at him, smiled with affected shyness, and peeped at him through her lashes. She swished her full skirts, exposing several lacy petticoats, and moved her beautiful hand-painted fan slowly in front of her face, all the while holding his gaze.

Locke lifted his hand slightly, indicating to Adrian that he would like him to hang back a little. As Adrian nodded, Locke beamed him a grateful "thank you" smile. The young lady was costumed as a shepherdess, blue calico dress and stark white apron, complemented with a tiny lamb tucked under one arm. Locke was impressed that the little animal snuggled contently against his lady's bosom in such a noisy environment.

Locke's beautiful smile thrilled her playful heart. ("What a handsome man. Maybe this party will be more fun than I thought.") Approaching Locke with flipping skirts, and pursed lips, she curtsyed and offered him her gloved hand, murmuring, "Oh, Captain, I am at your mercy. My name is Mary, Princess of Dennesdale. Please be gentle with me." Adrian overheard her remarks. Grinning and shaking his head, he turned his back to the couple.

With a deep bow from the waist, Locke replied, "Most certainly, my dear Princess, I am always gentle with the fairer sex. I am known as Sherlock Holmes, Royal Knight of the Realm Watson Hold."

Realizing who he was, with a sudden sharp intake of breath, she stammered, "Oh, sir, I am so sorry. I did not mean to... I just thought to flirt a lit...Oh, dear."

The flustered princess colored a becoming shade of pink and looked as if she might cry. Locke offered his arm and tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. She handed the little lamb to another young lady standing behind her. Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, "Do not fret, my dear. I can only be flattered by your comment. I am pleased that you find me worthy of your notice." He strolled toward Adrian, guiding the young lady away from the crowd, so she could regain her composure. As he passed his guardian, Adrian fell in behind them.