Sherlock Holmes and the Missing Shakespeare by J.R. Rain, Chanel Smith Read Free Book Online Page A

Chiswick or Twickenham though?”
    “Ah, but that would require even more good fortune to relocate to such towns.”
    Kendricks and Jennings both laughed and it was then the maid came to summon us to the dining room.
    Mrs. Jennings and Jennings’s boys and daughter were waiting there. The table was wonderfully laid out with a roast, roasted vegetables and potatoes. It was a meal that made my mouth water immediately, as it was a rare treat to find this bounty in the center of London. Even with the income of a doctor, as I had the fortunate disposal of, access to this kind of fresh country produce was very limited.
    The conversation over the meal inevitably turned to business and of course life in London. Mrs. Kendricks was quite interested in the social affairs of the city, the gossip of town and what was currently in the theater. The latest play I had seen was a production of Marc Anthony and Cleopatra at Drury Lane and she was quite keen to hear about it, even if the play itself must have been well known to her.
    At the end of the meal, the maid servant brought in a trifle, which was consumed with relish to the last spoonful. Mrs. Jennings and the children then retired and Jennings produced some excellent brandy and choice cigars.
    “You do have a superb taste in tobacco, Jennings,” remarked Kendricks.
    “A gift from Lord Galham, Kendricks.”
    “You are close with the new earl?” I inquired of Jennings.
    He nodded, blowing out a large cloud of smoke. “We have known each other for quite a while. Reginald and I went to Sunday school together, right here in Stratford-upon-Avon. They, of course, were taught by a governess and tutors, but their mother insisted they attend local Sunday school. Reginald and I, being the same age, we became fast friends.”
    “Why did she insist on that?” Kendricks demanded. “Does Galham House not have a chapel?”
    “It does, but Lady Edith, the Dowager Countess Galham, is the daughter of a parson. She insisted the family attend a service in the town church every week.” Jennings grinned. “Though there was a rumor about it at the time that she did so for less than holy reasons.”
    “An affair?” I asked.
    “With Reverend Jones, yes.”
    Kendricks blinked. “Reverend Jones? The retired minister? Does his land not border the dowager’s?”
    Jennings touched his finger to the side of his nose and said no more.
     
    ***
     
    With the brandy and cigars finished, we had coffee and as the night fell over the town, Kendricks and I quitted the house and each went our way, agreeing to meet for lunch the next day. When I returned to the inn, I found Holmes was not there.
    I spent an hour in the common room to read the day’s newspaper while enjoying the inn’s fine ale. With the newspaper read, I made to retire to my room but just as I began to climb the stairs, Holmes entered the inn and waved at me the moment he noticed me there. As I turned and made to descend again, Holmes ran up and took me by the elbow. “Shall we partake of something in the privacy of my parlor, my dear Watson?”
    I agreed, although quite filled up with fine food and liquors, and while I waited there upon the step, Holmes darted down to ask for a tray of something to be brought up to his room. He then marched up after me with his long strides.
    “I will not ask you about your progress,” Holmes said the moment we entered his room, “as it is still early days for you.”
    “You wished to talk to me in the privacy of your room to tell me that?”
    Holmes let out a chuckle of laughter. “You are right, of course, in thinking I have an ulterior motive in wanting your presence here.”
    “What would that be, Holmes?”
    “I need your professional opinion on a matter of great importance.”
    There were a table and some comfortable chairs by the window, so I sat down there. A moment later, there was a knock on the door and a maid brought in a tray with brandy and coffee for us. She placed it on the table