The bed and breakfast place would take him off his route, but it was cheap.
He was parked in a layby looking up his travel guide. The light was fading. He hated driving in the dark. But hey! This was all part of the joy of taking time off wasn’t it? Besides, if he didn’t like it he could move on and be prepared to arrive later in the next town. It was almost dark when he arrived. It was a small cottage. The lady made him welcome and he got settled in his room. Although it was normally just breakfast that was provided, she had kindly suggested that she would prepare some food for him, at very little extra cost. He thanked her and they set a time for him to go down.
She was waiting with food and drink in a quaint little dining area off to one side of the front entrance. It was full of interesting objects and wall hangings, all looking old, but kept clean. It was all obviously quite precious to the landlady. They sat talking about some of the objet d’art as he ate. The most intriguing pieces were line up along an antique looking mantelpiece. When he had finished eating he approached the figurines.
“I must say, the detail on these is remarkable.”
“You like them?”
“I do. Very much. Haven’t seen anything quite like them before.”
“No. You wouldn’t. I make them.”
“You do?”
“Yes, not for a while now. I tend to need inspiration I suppose.”
He raised his arm
“No!” she cried. “I’d prefer it if you didn’t, touch them I mean. Sorry, they are quite delicate. I didn’t mean to be rude. They are precious to me. I hope you understand.”
“Of course. I understand perfectly.” He stepped away from them and slapped his hands on his sides. “Do you know, I might just go for a quick walk? Maybe just up to the main road and back. I do like a constitutional after I’ve eaten.”
“That’s sounds nice. I hope you enjoy it. I’ll have a hot drink ready for you when you get back.”
“That’s very kind of you. I’ll just get changed.”
When he came down he was wearing a jacket and hat.
She stared at him for a moment. “I must say, that’s a very nice jacket, tweed is it?”
“Yes.” He flapped his arms proudly.
“How inspiring! Just a minute. Look, I have the perfect thing!”
He smiled childishly as the deerstalker hat was exchanged for his own. He tried it on. “How’s that?”
“Almost perfect, hold on.” She turned her back, picked up a small wand and began chanting under her breath, she turned back and handed him a pipe.
He took it and struck a pose with a thoughtful look on his face.
She brought up the wand, and in an instant he froze, maintaining his grand posture. He then began to shrink slowly down to an appropriate size.
“Holmes! How wonderful” she cooed, as she shuffled things along a bit to make room for him on the mantelpiece.