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Watson was quite certain that Holmes and Mrs. Hudson were up to something. They’d been conferring in hushed tones all week when they thought Watson wasn’t looking. And today, when Watson came downstairs, Holmes had startled with a rather guilty expression while Mrs. Hudson giggled and fled to the kitchen.
The subterfuge really was quite endearing, especially as Watson didn’t quite see the point of it. His birthday was tomorrow, and so it was quite evident that they were planning something to celebrate, just as they always did.
As he was always trying to hone his deductive reasoning, he considered the available evidence, and concluded that they were most likely plotting a meal for him. Previous years suggested that dinner was the most likely surprise, although on occasion, it was a special lunch or breakfast instead. Sometimes, a special meal here at Baker Street, and sometimes an outing to Romano’s or one of his other favorite restaurants.
Watson failed to gather any further evidence for the rest of the day, but went to bed with eager anticipation. No matter what Holmes and Mrs. Hudson had planned for him, they were all certain to have a wonderful time.
While it was still dark, however, Holmes awakened him with a gentle pat on the shoulder. “I am exceedingly sorry to wake you so early, especially on your birthday,” Holmes said, face almost anxious in the candlelight. “However, a case has come our way, and I fear we must depart immediately and take a train to Brighton. Are you game to accompany me?”
Watson rubbed his eyes, struggling to even think. But there was no question of his reply. “Of course, old man.”
“Excellent.” Holmes twitched a smile and patted him on the arm again. “I’ll see you downstairs in five minutes.”
Sleepy as he was, Watson struggled to dress and prepare for his day with any haste. He did his best, though, and stumbled outside into the first glow of dawn. Holmes waited with a cab, and soon they were on their way.
Holmes spoke not of the case while the cab rattled along, but of violins and compositions. This was hardly unusual, and although Watson nearly dozed off along the way, he was quite content. Listening to Holmes’ eager chatter about his favorite subjects was a pleasant way to spend the first part of any birthday.
“Here we are, Watson!” Holmes sang out at last, jostling him. Watson startled back to something vaguely resembling full wakefulness and yawned. “Ah, dear me, you really are most tired. Perhaps I ought to have let you sleep.”
“Not at all, my dear chap.” Watson dragged himself out of the cab and followed Holmes into the station. They continued down the platform and boarded the train, Watson still struggling to stay awake. “What sort of case is it?”
Pausing by their compartment, Holmes whipped to face Watson. His eyes gleaming, he wrenched open the compartment door. “The case of how to provide one Dr. John Watson with an unexpected birthday surprise!”
Inside the compartment, Mrs. Hudson sat on one of the cushioned benches with a picnic basket on her lap. She gave a cheery wave. “Happy birthday, Doctor! Mr. Holmes and I thought it might be exciting to do something a bit different this year.”
“Exciting indeed!” Laughing, Watson let himself be ushered into the compartment. “Why, I had no idea whatsoever that we were all going on an outing. I knew you were up to something, but I thought it was simply dinner.”
“That is what we wished you to think,” Holmes said, eyes still sparkling with amusement. “After so many birthdays spent similarly, a little variation seemed in order.”
“And it was awfully fun sneaking about.” Mrs. Hudson gave a little giggle and patted her basket. “I’ve packed a lovely breakfast, too, so we won’t go hungry on the way to our seaside holiday.”
“I’m very grateful to you both. Thank you for such a lovely surprise.” Watson settled in, unable to stop smiling. The consideration of his friends, these two people who were practically family to him, made the day awfully special already. “But is there truly a case after all, Holmes?”
Holmes chuckled, eyes still gleaming. “Well, perhaps if we are very lucky, we shall stumble across one.”