‘You have pinned all of your hair up under that straw hat over there and have done so recently. The dampness I remark on that linen shirt hung out to air – and on your own hair there – indicates a recent outing in the hot sun. You have not bothered to change your shoes – men’s tennis shoes, I wager – since you have returned. And that pair of dark spectacles meant for the bright sun, there on your bedside table, added an effective touch to your disguise. One of the better male impersonations, I would imagine, and the trousers, being a bit worn at the hems, tell me that this was certainly not your first such adventure.’

As he spoke, her fear transformed into anger at having been so revealed, and a storm of emotions clouded her beautiful face. Clearly she had not expected his response. But then fury won out and she slapped him. Hard.

He winced only momentarily, averting his face from the stinging blow, then looked back at her, undaunted. The red imprint of her hand showed on his pale face.

Holmes smiled at this improbable creature, and I marvelled at his self-control. My friend was never fully at ease with women, and at times could be oblivious. But he was always civil and usually a gentleman, except in the face of duplicity. To have two women slap him in the space of twenty-four hours was certainly some kind of record.

I almost suppressed a laugh at the thought, but the remarkably spoiled young lady before us did not find this humorous at all. She glanced at me.

‘Stop smiling. It is not funny. Get out! Both of you!’ she cried.

CHAPTER 16

An Uneasy Alliance

Holmes did not move. ‘Or what, exactly, Miss Wyndham?’ said Holmes gently. ‘We have already agreed you will not call the police.’

‘Do not be so sure! I … I will say you attacked me!’ said she. ‘You broke in here and attacked me! It will not go well for you.’

I stepped forward. ‘Young lady, I am a witness here and will stand up for this gentleman. He is known by the London police, whom he assists on a regular basis, Miss Wyndham, and his reputation is impeccable.’

Her own reputation would clearly be compromised had she called the police, but the situation was not without risk, and Holmes and I knew it.

She was improvising, frightened, and the momentum of her anger seemed to add wind to her sails. ‘The two of you came in and attacked me!’ She stepped away from my friend and slammed her wrist hard on the edge of the table with a cry of pain. ‘You see!’ She exclaimed, holding her arm out before us, her eyes shining. The blow brought up an immediate welt.

Holmes glanced at me uneasily. This young woman seemed dangerously unbalanced. He held up his hands and took a step back towards the door.