directly to the photograph and pinpointed its location for me.’
‘As you may recall, Mrs Norton recovered very nicely from that mistake,’ I said with a chuckle. ‘She turned the tables in the end.’
‘She certainly did,’ Holmes said, suddenly lost in distant memories. ‘But the point I want to make is that the plans will only be safe if we remain cautious of our moves at all times. Do we understand each other, Miss Norton?’
‘Fully, Mr Holmes.’
‘Good. Now, this door over here — where does it lead?’
‘It communicates with the next cabin. It is occupied by a rich dowager, Mrs Applegate, who travels frequently on the White Star Line. Captain Smith booked her there, knowing she was no threat to the security of the plans.’
‘Very well,’ said Holmes.
‘Fine,’ Miss Norton said, looking to each of us with a wry smile. ‘Now, why should we not put these plans away so that you gentlemen might take me on a tour of the ship?’
On deck, the spectacle was nearly over. The
Our self-guided tour of the ship whetted my appetite for the journey ahead. There were so many things to do, and comforts to enjoy. And, at every turn, I was awestruck by the fine construction of this elegant ship.
Public rooms available to us first-class passengers included the dining saloon, reception room, restaurant, lounge, reading and writing room, smoking room, and the verandah cafes and palm courts. For recreation, travellers could exercise in the gymnasium, compete on the squash-racket court, go for a swim or relax in the Turkish and electric baths. Further services for passengers were provided by a large gentleman’s hairdresser’s, a darkroom for photographers, a laundry, a lending library and a telephone system.
I was most impressed by the grand staircase in the forward section. More than sixty feet high and sixteen feet wide, it extended up to the boat deck, with large entrance halls at each level. It featured Louis XIV wrought- iron scroll work relieved by occasional touches of bronze. The oak panelling of the stairwell was illuminated by sunlight, entering through a large dome of iron and glass. On the uppermost landing there was a huge carved panel, with a clock at its centre. The female figures on the clock, I was told, depicted Honour and Glory, crowning Time.
As Holmes, Miss Norton and I gazed up at this impressive sight, my attention was diverted by something of even greater beauty. A figure in light blue was descending the staircase. It was Miss Holly Storm-Fleming, the lady I had met on the train. She smiled warmly in my direction, as she managed each stair with the utmost care.
‘Doctor Watson! I was hoping I might meet you this afternoon. Is not this the most magnificent ship you have ever seen? As many times as I have crossed the Atlantic, I am still looking around as though it were my first time on an ocean liner.’
‘Indeed it is, Miss Storm-Fleming. And may I add, the surroundings suit you very well.’ I found myself speechless for a moment, until Miss Norton broke the silence by clearing her throat.
‘Forgive me, Miss Storm-Fleming, this is Miss Norton. I met Miss Norton on board a short time ago. Her parents are close friends of mine.’ I turned to Miss Norton. ‘Miss Storm-Fleming and I met on the boat train, and had a very pleasant conversation.’ The two women smiled and nodded to each other.
‘And this is Commodore Giles Winter of the Royal Navy. We met this afternoon in the lift.’
‘I am always pleased to meet a Navy man,’ Miss Storm-Fleming said, extending her hand. ‘If I have any technical questions about the ship, I will know who to see.’
‘Cruise ships are a little out of my field, but I will certainly oblige if I can. Pleased to meet you, madam.’
‘Well, Doctor. I was just going down to my cabin to change for dinner.’
‘My friends and I were planning an early dinner in the restaurant. Would you care to join us?’
‘I would be delighted.’
‘Would five o’clock be suitable?’
‘I will meet you there at five. Until then, I hope you enjoy your tour of the ship.’
Holmes watched Miss Storm-Fleming disappear down the stairway, and then turned to me with an amused expression. ‘Well, Watson, I see that yet another lady has fallen prey to your charms.’
‘Really, Holmes, I have only just met her. She is alone on board and looking for company.’
‘And I’m sure she will be a very charming dinner companion, old fellow. But be cautious, just in case her inquisitiveness strays in undesirable directions.’
THE EVENING OF WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL 1912
The restaurant offered first-class passengers smaller, more intimate surroundings than the dining saloon. Its fawn-coloured walnut panelling and rose carpet created an atmosphere that was most tasteful and relaxing.
Its main attraction was convenience. The dining saloon had fixed hours for each meal — 8.30 to 10.30 for breakfast, 1 to 2.30 for luncheon and 6 to 7.30 for dinner. The restaurant remained open daily from 8 am to 11 pm. When travelling with Mr Sherlock Holmes, one could never count on eating regular meals at regular times.
Miss Storm-Fleming looked most fetching in her evening gown, although its bright red colour attracted the attention of diners at nearby tables. Or perhaps it was the gleam of her gold necklace and cameo. Miss Norton wore a soft gown of rich blue. Both Holmes and I, of course, had dressed in formal attire for dinner.
Dinner conversation was largely introductory, with each of us providing a little personal history, and our reasons for taking the voyage. I was both impressed and amused by Holmes’s totally fictitious account of Commodore Winter’s naval career. I made a mental note to suggest to Holmes that he take time from his beekeeping to try his hand at writing sea stories.
Miss Norton too showed some creativity in avoiding the subjects of her government job and the prominent role her mother had once played in one of Holmes’s adventures. Instead, she spoke of her education, and her plans to find adventure in life before settling down. I was able to remain truthful on most counts, except for my reasons for being on board.
‘Tell me, Doctor Watson, are you writing any more stories about your friend, Mr Holmes? I believe I’ve read nearly all of them, and look forward to future adventures.’
‘In answer to your question, Miss Storm-Fleming, since Holmes retired, I have done little writing about his adventures. From time to time I dig out my notes to a past case and prepare a manuscript. But these days, my time is mostly occupied in writing historical novels.’
‘Historical novels. How interesting,’ Miss Storm-Fleming said. ‘In what period?’
‘My latest effort takes place during the Boer War.’
‘I would like to read it when it is finished.’
‘I will send you a copy. Meanwhile, please remind me to give you one of my more recent works before we leave the ship.’
‘That would be most appreciated. And you will inscribe it, of course.’
‘If you wish.’
She smiled, confirming her request, and turned her attention to Holmes. ‘Tell me, Commodore, have you read any of Doctor Watson’s work?’
‘Oh, I do quite a lot of reading when I am out at sea. I know I have read that one about the
‘What did you think of them?’
‘Well-written little yarns. Quite up to the mark.’
‘As a navy man, there were a couple of stories, I imagine, that were especially interesting to you. Let me think...’ Miss Storm-Fleming put her hand to her forehead. ‘You may have to help me Doctor Watson... There was
