Title: The Lady in the Hat
Fandom: Sherlock Holmes (ACD)
Author: smallhobbit
Rating: G
Challenge: #56: Reverse Fandom: The Golden Girls: That Was No Lady
Spoilers: None
Summary: Holmes has a new client, but unfortunately he's out

"I regret,” I said, “that Mr Holmes is currently not available.  You would be welcome to wait, I am expecting him back shortly.”

The lady looked at me disdainfully, said in a haughty fashion, “Here is my card.  You may tell him I shall return later,” and swept out of the room, the feathers on her hat quivering in indignation.

I heard her descend the stairs, where she must have been met by Mrs Hudson, on her way to answer the front door to yet another visitor.  I heard our landlady sniff audibly and then sigh loudly.

The front door was opened and then I heard Inspector Lestrade say, “Good morning, madam,” as the lady exited.  He then greeted Mrs Hudson and came up to see me.

Since the door to our rooms was still open, he knocked and walked in.  “Holmes not around?” he asked.

“No, I’m expecting him back shortly,” I replied.

Unlike my previous visitor, Lestrade nodded and took a seat.

Shortly afterwards, Mrs Hudson came in, carrying a tray.  “Coffee for two,” she said, placing the emphasis on ‘two’.

I thanked her.  When she had left, Lestrade said, “Is everything all right with Mrs Hudson?  She does seem to be acting strangely.  When I arrived and commented on the striking nature of your previous visitor, she said, ‘That was no lady’.  It’s all very odd.”

I laughed and passed over the card the lady had given me.  I hadn’t bothered to look at it, since I knew what it said. 

Lestrade looked at the card curiously.  “You mean that lady was Holmes himself?”

“Yes, he’s trying out a new disguise.  The hat came from a recent church bazaar, and I told him it looks hideous.  Unfortunately, Mrs Hudson said the same thing, so now he’s sulking.”