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showed some creativity in avoiding the subjects of her government job and the prominent role her mother had once played in one of Holmes’s adventures. Instead, she spoke of her education, and her plans to find adventure in life before settling down. I was able to remain truthful on most counts, except for my reasons for being on board.
    ‘Tell me, Doctor Watson, are you writing any more stories about your friend, Mr Holmes? I believe I’ve read nearly all of them, and look forward to future adventures.’
    ‘In answer to your question, Miss Storm-Fleming, since Holmes retired, I have done little writing about his adventures. From time to time I dig out my notes to a past case and prepare a manuscript. But these days, my time is mostly occupied in writing historical novels.’
    ‘Historical novels. How interesting,’ Miss Storm-Fleming said. ‘In what period?’
    ‘My latest effort takes place during the Boer War.’
    ‘I would like to read it when it is finished.’
    ‘I will send you a copy. Meanwhile, please remind me to give you one of my more recent works before we leave the ship.’
    ‘That would be most appreciated. And you will inscribe it, of course.’
    ‘If you wish.’
    She smiled, confirming her request, and turned her attention to Holmes. ‘Tell me, Commodore, have you read any of Doctor Watson’s work?’
    ‘Oh, I do quite a lot of reading when I am out at sea. I know I have read that one about the Beast of the Baskervilles . Some of the shorter stories too.’
    ‘What did you think of them?’
    ‘Well-written little yarns. Quite up to the mark.’
    ‘As a navy man, there were a couple of stories, I imagine, that were especially interesting to you. Let me think...’ Miss Storm-Fleming put her hand to her forehead. ‘You may have to help me Doctor Watson... There was The Naval Treaty , about a stolen government document, and just a few years ago there was The Bruce-Partington Plans , about some stolen submarine drawings. Did you read either of those?’
    ‘I cannot admit that I did. But I must ensure that I do before I make my next voyage.’
    Miss Storm-Fleming’s eyes were fixed on Holmes. Fortunately, he had the makings of a great poker player. The mention of submarine plans did not cause him to change his expression. I wondered whether Miss Norton and I had displayed a similar lack of interest.
    When the dessert tray came by, Miss Norton and I pointed our selections out to the waiter. Holmes and Miss Storm-Fleming declined the offer of sweets and ordered coffee. We continued our conversation as the Titanic slowly made its way to Cherbourg, France, where it was due to pick up 200 to 300 additional passengers. After we had finished our dessert, Holmes pushed his chair back from the table and looked at his watch. ‘It is half past six. We appear to be dropping anchor. Would anyone care to go on deck and take a look? It is too dark to get much of a view of the coast, but we will be able to see the lights of the city.’
    As we rose, Miss Storm-Fleming pulled her watch from her handbag and double-checked the time. She then excused herself, saying she would prefer to go back to her cabin and rest.
    ‘It has been a wonderful evening,’ Miss Storm-Fleming said. ‘I have enjoyed meeting all of you... I expect we will meet later, Doctor Watson. And please do not forget that book you promised me.’
    We wished her a pleasant evening and made our way to the boatdeck. This afforded us a high vantage point for watching the arrival of new passengers.
    The sun had set and the faint afterglow of daylight was fading. The Titanic was fully illuminated with electric lights, and must have made an impressive sight from shore.
    Cherbourg was a deep-water port protected by a long sea-wall. One of its most charming features was a walkway that jutted out into the harbour, leading to a small lighthouse. Unfortunately, the harbour did not have docking facilities to handle ships as large as the Titanic .