The Detective and the Woman (13 page)

Epilogue

Baker Street

December 10, 1903

Dear Irene,

These separations between visits grow irksome, and as Watson declares his intention of soon limiting his practice to near-retirement, I shall come down on the 20th by the 8:00, with no intention of ever returning to Baker Street. I think—I hope, at least, that this will be as congenial a prospect to you as it is to me and, of course, to your bees.

Yours,

S.H.

Fulworth

December 15th, 1903

My Dear Holmes,

The bees find your message quite congenial, as do I. I will meet your train, and you will find me prepared to become Mrs Holmes.

Yours,

Irene

Afterword

Several of the individuals mentioned in this story walked the streets of Fort Myers, Florida, at the turn of the 20th century, though they might be surprised to return and find themselves part of a case involving the great detective Sherlock Holmes. Thomas Edison and his second wife Mina spent many happy winters at Seminole Lodge. Marion Edison married Lieutenant Karl Oeser and lived with him in Germany until 1921. John Murphy built a beautiful home that was later bought by Nelson Burroughs and his wife, who became prominent citizens of Fort Myers. Tootie and Ambrose McGregor also made Fort Myers their permanent home, and Tootie was a respected humanitarian and citizen, whose contributions to her city are still enjoyed. Both the Edison and Burroughs homes are historic sites today.

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