Read Online The Hudson Diaries by Kara L. Barney - Free Book Online

worked alone. I suspect she must have been watching the shop your Mr. Hudson walked into, and when he bought a ring of such worth she followed him, believing him to be a wealthy man. You, once he placed it on your finger, were the target. Her one mistake, however, was committing her crime in the dark. Not knowing who you or Watson were, when I made up the same scheme against her, she only realized her folly after she was caught in the trap. ”
    “Do you know much about her?” I asked.
    When he fell silent and grew pale, I decided not to press him. Since that time, when I have asked after Miss Adler in other cases, he still would not divulge much about her. To this day I fear that he might have had affections for her, but alas, I can do nothing more than conjecture on this matter. And so I must cease my speculation and, at least in the case of Miss Irene Adler, let Mr. Holmes alone.

Wedding Bells and Warnings
    In the summer months that followed the diamond investigation, my wedding plans came to the forefront, and although Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson later admitted that all went well during those months, they were largely left to themselves, for which I later felt the pangs of friendly penitence. During that time, I was constantly moving back and forth between Baker Street and Charing Cross, gathering material for my wedding dress—which was sewn late at night by the fire at Baker Street. I have never since heard Mr. Holmes utter more words in one sitting than on those nights—forming guest lists, and the overall preparations for my upcoming nuptials. My relief, in a large part, also came from Rupert’s mother, my soon to be mother-in-law, who not only helped in my preparations, but also treated me as one of her own children in times of particular strain. Thus, though my own parents had passed away, I had others to take part in the great event.
    At last the wedding day arrived, and I arose wishing to remain calm, though it was nearly impossible. I began to prepare a meal, as I always had done at Baker Street. A few minutes later, Mr. Holmes came into the kitchen; when he saw me his expression clouded.
    “What are you doing here?” he said roughly.
    Somewhat astonished by his treatment of me, I said carefully, “Preparing a meal, sir.”
    “You have a wedding to prepare for,” he answered. “You should be in Charing Cross this very moment.”
    “I have neglected you long enough,” I said, fighting to keep my voice even.
    “Of all the days…” Mr. Holmes mumbled to himself, then said aloud to me, “one more day of neglect will kill no one.”
    “Can I do this, Mr. Holmes?” The truth was out; I wrung my hands and could not focus properly on any one object in the room.
    Mr. Holmes met my eyes and took me squarely by the shoulders. “You do love him, don’t you?”
    “More than anything in the world.”
    “Then it is time to show the world who you love the most. Now go, before the entire town decides to hunt me down.”
    I breathed deeply, relieved by this encouragement. As I opened the door to depart, Mr. Holmes called after me. “Watson will bring your dress in a couple hours’ time.”
    I ran down the porch steps, but just before the cab arrived, I did the unthinkable—I ran back into the house, embraced Mr. Holmes where he stood, whispered a quick “thank you” and rushed out again. I believe I heard something like “silly girl” muttered in my wake.
    The next few hours were spent in the hands of my mother’s friends, who insisted that my face and hair be primped and polished until I could bear it no longer. My fingers suffered the same fate. The ladies positively howled when Dr. Watson arrived with my dress, appalled that a man should be carrying a woman’s apparel, especially on her wedding day.
    “May I speak with the bride for a minute or two?” asked Dr. Watson cordially.
    I left the ladies to surmise and gossip as they pleased, and stepped into the hallway.
    “What is it, sir?” I asked