The MacGuffin Affair

Argyll Hall

Shamus exited first and directed the driver to bring the provisions to the kitchen. As we stepped out of the carriage, a young groomsman, came from behind the house and eagerly took the reins, telling the driver he would be happy to take the horses to the barn. The driver was forced to agree to Shamus' command, disappointedly climbed down and went to the boot. Shamus loitered for a second looking at the groomsman, then called back to the driver picking up the food provisions, "Mind that cake box, Murray. The missus ordered that special for the guests." He then turned and brushed past the approaching footman entering the home. There was a look of fear on the young footman's face as he stepped out of the much larger Burraid's way. Holmes loitered as his case was lowered from the roof of the carriage into the footman's arms.

"Welcome to Argyll Hall Misters Holmes and Watson," greeted the footman. We thanked him as he gathered both our bags and began laboring toward the entrance.

"What is your name?" Holmes inquired, already collecting evidence and making keep observations.

"Gilcutty, sir," the footman responded with a smile as he escorted us into the large entrance hall.

At this point several members of the kitchen staff came out to help the driver bring the provisions into the house.

"Does Mr. Burraid often stay in Argyll Hall?" Holmes asked Gilcutty as we removed our waterproofs.

"No sir. He comes to provide Sir Henry updates of the shipyard, but he does not stay. He will be returning to Glasgow tonight."

"Return so late? Is there a problem?"

"No problem sir," choosing his words carefully. Then leaning in to whisper, "Lady MacGuffin does not approve of him, but Sir Henry regards him as indispensable."

As the footman disappeared with the bags, we were met by the butler Jameson, a tall elderly gentleman with a long clean face and snow-white hair pulled straight back, accentuating his prominent nose. He too extended welcome in a formal manner while taking our coats. Jameson offered to take us to our rooms to freshen up before meeting out hosts. We agreed and he led us upstairs with myself in the lead, Holmes ascended slowly taking in the goings on of the household downstairs. Within a quarter hour, I answered a tap on my door to Holmes who had the excited light in his eyes when beginning an investigation.

"As I suspected, there is much that is singular about this affair, Watson. Why would the head of security for John Stevens Shipyard act as an escort for us to meet the MacGuffins? The carriage driver, Murray, could easily have performed the task," he exclaimed as if finding an important clue. "Mr. Burraid was being made to act as a delivery man by Mrs. MacGuffin. There is much that is queer in this house. We must keep our senses keen tonight, my good friend."

We descended together and were met by the butler at the base of the stairs. As Jameson inquired to our satisfaction with the accommodations, it became obvious he was waiting for Sir Henry and Lady MacGuffin to be ready. There was some rustling amongst the house staff regarding our arrival. Shortly, a lady's maid appeared and nodded to Jameson. Jameson wrapped his inquiry regarding our travel with panache and led us into the carpeted parlor where opposite a newly stoked fire sat Sir Henry and Lady MacGuffin.

Lady MacGuffin initially moved to stand but as her husband stayed seated, she checked herself and remained next to him. Sir Henry wore formal attire with laced boots and flanked by a cane with a sterling silver handle. Lady MacGuffin wore a plumb colored dress with high collar that was the latest in fashion.

Amongst the initial pleasantries and compliments to Sherlock Holmes for his past deductive successes, it became apparent that Lady MacGuffin was very familiar with the many cases my colleague and I shared. Sir Henry, through much of this remained quiet. Finally, the reason for our travel came around as Lady MacGuffin thanked us both for our prompt response to help find the precious item and remove distraction that has upset her husband.