*comment *if (alpha_testing)
*comment        *input_text selected_label
*comment        *gotoref selected_label
*set testingWithBag false
*set implicit_control_flow true

*comment /// temp variables and other
*comment *set chapter 4

*temp playedFromStart false

*if (chapter != 0)
	*set playedFromStart true

*temp hHandsome2 "handsome"

*if (hHandsome = "enchanting")
	*set hHandsome2 "lovely"
	

*comment temp variables








*temp whatTeaDrunkWithH "undefined"



*temp typeOfFood "undefined"
*temp preferredTeaStyle "undefined"
*temp preferredCoffeeStyle ""
*temp timeConsumingFood false
*temp food false
*temp drink "undefined"





*temp snoop 0


*set myLady "My Lady"

*if (genderMC = "man")
	*set myLady "sir"

	*set Anne "Neel"
	*set maid "footman"
	*set isMaid false
	*set m_woman "man"
	*set m_female "male"
	*set mName ""

	*set m_miss "mr"

	*set m_she "he"
	*set m_hers "his"
	*set m_her "his"
	*set m_herm "him"
	*set m_herself "himself"
	*set m_s "s"
	*set m_es "es"
	*set m_girl "boy"

*if (genderMC = "them")
	*set myLady "ser"





*temp hHasYourHand false
*temp hWasSitting false
*temp hWasLeaving false
*temp mrsHudsonWasAlreadyThere false



*if (playedFromStart)
	*goto skipQuickCharacter

























*comment *goto obligatoryInfo2


*comment story starts.


*label skipQuickCharacter

*if (playedFromStart)
	*goto oldBeginning

*fake_choice
	#use random beta test character
		*set mc_name "Amelia"
		*set mc_lastname "Holmes"
		
		*set mc_lady "lady"
		*set mc_miss "miss"
		*set mc_rude "girl"
		*set mc_term ", madam"

		*set genderMC "woman"
		*set mc_them false
		*set mc_xhe "she"
		*set mc_xir "her"
		*set mc_xirs "hers"
		*set mc_xim "her"
		*set mc_ximself "herself"
		*set mc_s "s"
		*set mc_es "es"
		*set mc_re "'s"
		*set mc_ve "'s"

		*set m_callsMC "M'lady"
		*set myLady "My Lady"

		*set appartmentAdjective "modern"
		*set birdName "Snowball"
		*set vegetarian false
		*set sentimental 65
		*set proper 50


		*set attractive 3
		*set prefersHeels true

		*set eyeColour "blue"
		*set cope "eating"
		*set bodyDetail "hands"
		*set bodyDetailT "slender"

		*set friendshipW 90 
		*set typeOfFriendshipW "Kindred Souls"
		*set romanceW 5

		*set hasSuit false
		*set hasDress true

		*set outfitColour1 "black"
		*set outfitColour2 "white"

		*set skinBlushes true

		*set outfitWord "bold"

		*set optimism 2
		*set reputation 3
		*set sleepTime "undefined"
		*set cope "smoking"
		*set appartmentAdjective "french"
		*set birdName "Snowflake"
		*set vegetarian true

		*set mc_madam "madam"

		*set mcFirstCaseReputationGood true





		*goto skipTesting
	#make character

Do you play with Hamish or Helena
*fake_choice
	#Hamish

	#Helena
		*set hName "Helena"
		*set hMan false
		*set h_man "woman"
		*set h_male "female"

		*set h_mr "mrs"
		*set h_sir "my Lady"
		*set h_sir2 "lady"
		*set h_myLady "my lady"

		*set h_he "she"
		*set h_his "her"
		*set h_hi "hers"
		*set h_him "her"
		*set h_himself "herself"
		*set h_s "s"
		*set h_es "es"

		*set full_nameH "Helena Bartholomea Jones Hawthorne"

		*set hHandsome "enchanting"
		*set hHandsome2 "lovely"
		*set h_gentleman "lady"
		*set h_gentlemen "ladies"

is Lestrade a woman or man?
*fake_choice
	#woman
		*set lestradeMan false
		*set l_man "woman"
		*set l_male "female"
		*set lestradeName "Grace"
		*set lestradeFullname "Grace Lestrade"
		*set lestradeVoice "husky"

		*set l_he "she"
		*set l_his "hers"
		*set l_hi "her"
		*set l_him "her"
		*set l_himself "herself"
		*set l_s "s"
		*set l_es "es"
		
		*set l_mr "miss"
		*set l_sir "madam"
	#man

is Watson a woman or man?
*fake_choice
	#woman
		*set johnMan false

		*set j_man "woman"
		*set j_male "female"
		*set johnName "Jane"
		*set JohnSlur "secretary"
		*set JohnFullname "Jane Helena Watson"
		*set j_mr "miss"
		*set j_mister "miss"

		*set j_he "she"
		*set j_his "hers"
		*set j_hi "her"
		*set j_him "her"
		*set j_himself "herself"
		*set j_s "s"
		*set j_es "es"
	#man



is Adler a woman or man?
*fake_choice
	#woman
		*set adlerName "Irene"

		*set adlerMan false
		*set a_man "woman"
		*set a_male "female"

		*set a_mr "miss"
		*set a_sir "my Lady"
		*set a_sir2 "lady"
		*set a_madam "madam"
		*set a_madam2 "madam"

		*set a_he "she"
		*set a_his "her"
		*set a_hi "hers"
		*set a_him "her"
		*set a_himself "herself"
		*set a_s "s"
		*set a_es "es"
	#man



Could a lock of your hair come loose? (+ hair longer than very short).
*fake_choice
	#yes
		*set hairStyleLoose true
	#no


*fake_choice
	#You are optimistic
		*set optimism 2
	#You are not optimistic

*fake_choice
	#You have a good reputation + other factors (H simp factor +)
		*set mcFirstCaseReputationGood true
		*set optimism 2
	#You have a "bad" reputation + other factors (H simp factor -)
		*set mcFirstCaseReputationGood false

Did you gossip with Watson in ch2?
*fake_choice
	#yes
		*set gossipedWithWatsonAndHeardAboutBalls true
	#no


[b]Preference of gender[/b]
*line_break
This will affect what gender the romanceable characters are (Excluding Watson).
*line_break
You are attracted to, or prefer the company of:
*fake_choice
	#Men
		*set sexuality "men"
	#Women
		*set sexuality "women"
	#Both men and women
		*set sexuality "bi"
	#Gender does not matter to me
		*set sexuality "bi"


Were you primarily:
*fake_choice
	#proper
		*set proper 80
		*set sentimental 50
	#rowdy
		*set proper 20
		*set sentimental 50
	#sensible
		*set sentimental 20
		*set proper 50
	#sentimental
		*set sentimental 80
		*set proper 50
	#none
		*set sentimental 50
		*set proper 50
	

What was your clothes' adjective?
*fake_choice
	#bold (the sexy one)
		*set outfitWord "bold"
	#proper
		*set outfitWord "proper"
	#charming
		*set outfitWord "charming"
	#delicate
		*set outfitWord "delicate"
	#simple
		*set outfitWord "simple"
	#unique
		*set outfitWord "unique"
	#atypical
		*set outfitWord "atypical"
	#demode
		*set outfitWord "demode"
	#don't know
		*set outfitWord ""


Did you wear heels?
*fake_choice
	#yes
		*set prefersHeels true
	#no
		*set prefersHeels false

are you attractive?
*fake_choice
	#very attractive
		*set attractive 4
		Were you:
		*fake_choice
			#always attractive
				*set alwaysWasPretty true
			#used to be unattractive
				*set wasUgly true
	#attractive
		*set attractive 3
		Were you:
		*fake_choice
			#always attractive
				*set alwaysWasPretty true
			#used to be unattractive
				*set wasUgly true
	#plain
		*set attractive 2
	#unattractive
		*set attractive 1




What is your cope?
*fake_choice
	#eating
		*set cope "eating"
	#taking drugs
		*set cope "taking drugs"
	#gambling
		*set cope "gambling"
	#smoking
		*set cope "smoking"
	#inaction/sleeping
		*set cope "inaction"
	#berating
		*set cope "berating"
	#drinking
		*set cope "drinking"
	#taking risks
		*set cope "taking risks"
	#experimenting
		*set cope "experimenting"


What's your eye color?
*input_text eyeColour

What main colour is your outfit?
*input_text outfitColour1

Did you have a suit or dress?
*fake_choice
	#Suit and trousers
		*set hasSuit true
		*set hasTrousers true
	#Dress
		*set hasDress true
	#Dress and trousers
		*set hasDress true
		*set hasTrousers true

Does your skin blush?
*fake_choice
	#yes
		*set skinBlushes true 
	#no
		*set skinBlushes false 



Choose a skin colour 
*fake_choice

	#Dark
		*set skinColour "dark"
	#Dark brown
		*set skinColour "dark brown"
	#Brown
		*set skinColour "brown"
	#Light brown
		*set skinColour "light brown"
	#Tan
		*set skinColour "tan"
	#Light
		*set skinColour "light"
	#Fair
		*set skinColour "fair"
	#Very fair
		*set skinColour "very fair"
	#[b]Set your own colour[/b]
		Please use all lowercase letters
		*input_text skinColour



Is your MC's best bodily feature their hands?
*fake_choice
	#yes, slim hands
		*set bodyDetail "hands"
		*set bodyDetailT "slender"
	#yes, strong hands
		*set bodyDetail "hands"
		*set bodyDetailT "strong"
	#no

Did you have a positive relationship with Watson
*fake_choice
	#Yes
		*set friendshipW 90 
		*set typeOfFriendshipW "Kindred Souls"
	#No
		*set friendshipW 75
		*set typeOfFriendshipW "Partnership"

Do you have a romance building with Watson
*fake_choice
	#Yes
		*set romanceW 5
		*set johnAttracted true
	#No

What's your relationship with Lestrade
*fake_choice
	#Romantic + very antagonistic
		*set romanceL 5
		*set friendshipL 35
		*set bickeredL 10
		*set timesMadL 3
	#Romantic + teasing
		*set romanceL 5
		*set friendshipL 50
		*set bickeredL 5
		*set timesMadL 0
	#Romantic + friendly
		*set romanceL 5
		*set friendshipL 65
	#platonic + very antagonistic
		*set romanceL 0
		*set bickeredL 10
		*set timesMadL 3
	#platonic + friendly
		*set romanceL 0
		*set friendshipL 65

Did you talk to L in ch2, get the good non yelling scene, and then asked L about the case they were going to next—and they told you?
*fake_choice
	#Yes, they told me of an old lady.
		*set hasLdeductionInfoCH2 true
		*set hasAnyCH2DeductionInfo true
	#Yes, but they just said they had a case after this.
		*set hasAnyCH2DeductionInfo true
		*set hasLdeductionInfoCH2 false
	#No
		*set hasLdeductionInfoCH2 false
		*set hasAnyCH2DeductionInfo false


Is your character a vegetarian?
*fake_choice
	#Yes
		*set vegetarian true
	#No

*fake_choice		
	#You are a woman. (She/Her/Hers/Herself)
		*set mc_lady "lady"
		*set mc_miss "miss"
		*set mc_rude "girl"
		*set mc_term ", madam"
		*set mc_madam "madam"
		*set myLady "My Lady"

		*set genderMC "woman"
		*set mc_them false
		*set mc_xhe "she"
		*set mc_xir "her"
		*set mc_xirs "hers"
		*set mc_xim "her"
		*set mc_ximself "herself"
		*set mc_s "s"
		*set mc_es "es"
		*set mc_re "'s"
		*set mc_ve "'s"

		*set m_callsMC "M'lady"
		
	#You are a man. (He/Him/His/Himself)
		*set mc_miss "mr"
		*set mc_lady "lord"
		*set mc_rude "boy"
		*set mc_term ", sir"
		*set mc_madam "sir"
		*set myLady "sir"
		
		*set genderMC "man"
		*set mc_them false
		*set mc_xhe "he"
		*set mc_xir "his"
		*set mc_xirs "his"
		*set mc_xim "him"
		*set mc_ximself "himself"
		*set mc_s "s"
		*set mc_es "es"
		*set mc_re "'s"
		*set mc_ve "'s"

		*set m_callsMC "Sir"

		*comment maid/footman
		*set Anne "Neel"
		*set maid "footman"
		*set isMaid false
		*set m_woman "man"
		*set m_female "male"
		*set mName ""

		*set m_miss "mr"

		*set m_she "he"
		*set m_hers "his"
		*set m_her "his"
		*set m_herm "him"
		*set m_herself "himself"
		*set m_s "s"
		*set m_es "es"
		*set m_girl "boy"


		
	#You are non-binary. (They/Them/Theirs/Themselves)
		*set mc_miss "mx"
		*set mc_lady "liege"
		*set mc_rude "kid"
		*set mc_term ", ser"
		*set mc_madam "ser"
		*set myLady "ser"
		
		*set genderMC "them"
		*set mc_them true
		*set mc_xhe "they"
		*set mc_xir "their"
		*set mc_xim "them"
		*set mc_ximself "themselves"
		*set mc_s ""
		*set mc_es ""
		*set mc_re "'re"
		*set mc_ve "'ve"

		*set m_callsMC "Ser"

What is your Mc's first name?
*input_text mc_name

What is your Mc's last name?
*input_text mc_lastname

What word describes your apartment?

*input_text appartmentAdjective

What is the bird called?

*input_text birdName

*fake_choice
	#hate birds
		*set birdAttitudeStart "HateBirds"
	#Like birds
		*set birdAttitudeStart "LikeBirds"
	#neutral to birds
		*set birdAttitudeStart ""


Is your weakness Strength/speed?
*fake_choice
	#yes
		*set speedStrength 10
		*set badAt "strength and speed"
	#no
		Is your strength (main trait) Strength/speed?
		*fake_choice
			#yes
				*set speedStrength 50
				*set goodAt "strength and speed"
			#no

Is your strength (main trait) knowledge?
*fake_choice
	#yes
		*set knowledge 50
		*set goodAt "knowledge"
	#no


Did you have a large argument with Lestrade in chapter 2?
*fake_choice
	#Yes
		*set arguedLCh2 true
	#No


Choose a hair colour 
*fake_choice
	#White
		*set hairColour "white"
		*set hairColourC "white"
	#Silver
		*set hairColour "silver"
		*set hairColourC "silver"
	#Salt and pepper
		*set hairColour "salt and pepper"
		*set hairColourC "greying"
	#Raven
		*set hairColour "raven"
		*set hairColourC "black"
	#Jet black
		*set hairColour "jet black"
		*set hairColourC "black"
	#Dark brown
		*set hairColour "dark brown"
		*set hairColourC "brown"
	#Chestnut brown
		*set hairColour "chestnut brown"
		*set hairColourC "brown"
	#Ash brown
		*set hairColour "ash brown"
		*set hairColourC "brown"
	#Light brown
		*set hairColour "light brown"
		*set hairColourC "brown"
	#Dark blonde
		*set hairColour "dark blonde"
		*set hairColourC "blonde"
	#Golden blonde
		*set hairColour "golden blonde"
		*set hairColourC "blonde"
	#Light blonde
		*set hairColour "light blonde"
		*set hairColourC "blonde"
	#Ash blonde
		*set hairColour "ash blonde"
		*set hairColourC "blonde"
	#Platinum blonde
		*set hairColour "platinum blonde"
		*set hairColourC "blonde"
	#Strawberry blonde
		*set hairColour "strawberry blonde"
		What is the more general colour? Is it more red or blonde?
		*fake_choice
			#Red
				*set hairColourC "red"
			#Blonde
				*set hairColourC "blonde"
	#Copper
		*set hairColour "copper"
		*set hairColourC "red"
	#Red
		*set hairColour "red"
		*set hairColourC "red"
	#Cherry red
		*set hairColour "cherry red"
		*set hairColourC "red"
	#Dark red
		*set hairColour "dark red"
		*set hairColourC "red"
	#[b]Set your own colour[/b]
		Please use all lowercase letters
		*input_text specificHair
		*set hairColour specificHair
		What is the more general colour?
		//For example, Dark brown = brown, Strawberry blonde = choose 'red' or 'blonde', red = red.
		*input_text specificHairC
		*set hairColourC specificHairC


*label skipTesting





*temp newVersion true

*set newVersion false
*goto oldBeginning


*fake_choice 
	#old beginning
		*set newVersion false
		*goto oldBeginning
	#shorter beginning (its not as good and not fixed like the other one -- use and start with the "old beginning")


You awake—

*fake_choice
	#Early morning—with only one thought on your mind.
		*set sleepTime "early morning"

	#Late morning—with only one thought on your mind.
		*set sleepTime "late morning"


	#Almost noon—with only one thought on your mind.
		*set sleepTime "noon"


[i]Today is a day for change.[/i]

And to bring change—you must act. 

Well then—the cold of the fall floor meet your warmed feet. They take much too long to adjust to the sensation. Past the window of your ${appartmentAdjective} apartment you see leaves fluttering orange and green. 

The answer, goal, and path is all too clear to you. For it is all the same.

You need a good case.

There will be the case in Edinburgh or a client of decent excitement. This will bring you joy. Adequate joy. A calm, collected, and completely normal amount of joy. It will be a case with medium hope and little in the way of crushing disappointment. There will be no talk of letter conspiracies, no former rival of murderous intent, and absolutely [i]no ${cope}[/i]. 

This is the solution.

*page_break

Not long after waking, a two-legged creature approaches your door. Its steps are light and dragging and familiar. 

It knocks two polite times, immediately followed by two very insistent ones.

*fake_choice
	#"Ye—"
	#"Wha—"
	#"Co—"
	#"Go aw—"

Mrs Hudson hastens into the room. Her gaze on you quick, much like a cat would look upon a mouse—yet she utters not a soft purr but a loud roar, “Ohh, ${mc_name}, why are you not dressed!"

Trouble is afoot. This is the face she makes when she has caught the [i]news[/i] from the neighbors. 

"—Did you know? No, of course not. [i]$!{h_he}[/i] said you didn't. Sherlock—${h_he} is so very charming—and uncommonly handsome! Furthermore—" 

*fake_choice
	#“Whatever are you speaking of—“

But Mrs Hudson does not explain; instead, she struts towards the window of the apartment, and her pointed glare outside suggests you should follow suit. However, she does not wait for you to do so before speaking again, “You know I do not particularly appreciate discussing a person's wealth... [i]ignoring that[/i]—his post-chaise is the most exquisite thing. To drive [i]four[/i] horses, in town!" 

She hurries back over to you and attempts to whisper in confidence, only to fall short of a quieter tone, "${h_he} and I, we only spoke a short while... $!{h_he} is single. $!{h_he} prefers tea to coffee—${h_he} is, oh, so rich. And from a good family—there is no mistaking it. Well done, ${mc_name}. Such excellent connections! Most excellent!”

[i]…Huh?[/i]

*fake_choice
	#"There has been some—"
	#"I—who? Speak plainer words—"
	#"[i]Did you hit your head—[/i]"
	#"Why are you telling [i]me[/i]—”
	#"..."

Mrs Hudson squeals, “There is a gentleman caller—at the door—for you!"

*fake_choice
	#"It might be a case—I should meet him this instant!"
		"How wonderful this will be, I always knew you could do it, ${mc_name}!"

	#"An uncommonly handsome gentleman? ...[i]Perhaps[/i] I can spare the time."
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
		"That's the spirit! I always knew you had it in you, ${mc_name}!" 

	#"Well, I might as well see what this is all about."
		"How wonderful this will be, I always knew you could do it, ${mc_name}."

	#"BUT I AM NOT DRESSED!"
		"BUT I AM NOT DRESSED!" you exclaim in horror.

		"My point precisely, ${mc_name}! It is a disaster, but one that we must persevere—I shall fetch ${anne}, and we shall hurry beyond reason—"

	#"I am all too busy to entertain today. Send the visitor away."
		"I am all too busy to entertain today. Send the visitor away," you say. You are simply swamped waiting for a better case to fall into your lap.

		"${mc_name}! Don't be rude to that ${h_man} downstairs. You mustn't!"
		*goto noToSeeingH11
	#"I have no interest in whatever you are suggesting."
		"I have no interest in whatever you are suggesting."

		"—I am only suggesting going downstairs—Sherlock, please!”
		*goto noToSeeingH11

	#"No."
		"No."

		"${mc_name}, please! Don't be rude to that ${h_man} downstairs—you mustn't be!"
		*goto noToSeeingH11


Mrs Hudson then averts her gaze. "But, before you go... You need to get properly dressed..."

*goto yesToSeeingH11


*label noToSeeingH11

"Mrs Hudson—" you begin, but are once again cut off.

Mrs Hudson stares at you with fierce eyes, tight lips, and  hands firmly on her hips. "If you don't go down to that ${h_man}," she warns, "I daresay I may never serve you tea or biscuits again!"

*fake_choice
	#"Oh no—not the biscuits!"
		"Oh—[i]not the biscuits![/i]"

		"That's right! Even the best's ones!"

		"I concede, Mrs Hudson... You have won."
	#"..."

"And I will no longer turn a blind eye to those suspicious things you have stored away in that musty attic!"

*fake_choice
	#"Not my attic experimentations!"
	#"..."

"$!{mc_miss} ${mc_name} ${mc_lastname}! I will send you right out of this apartment if you wouldn't at least attempt this connection for a moment after all I tolerate with you—"

[i]Oh...[/i]

The thought of being kicked out of the house, no longer welcomed in your home, was enough to make your stomach churn.

This protest is becoming much more work than any acceptance would ever be. 

Reluctantly—you give in. 

*fake_choice
	#"[i]Alright[/i]. I shall go. But you owe me, Mrs Hudson."
		"Yes, yes. Off you pop now, dear—"
	#"You are a cruel old woman. A cruel, conniving, [i]old[/i] woman."
		"You may call me all sorts of things if it only gets you downstairs—"
	#"If it is so important to you..."
		"It is, dear."
	#"I WANT IT REMEMBERED I THOUGHT THIS WAS A TERRIBLE IDEA AND I WAS VERY RELUCTANT!"
		"Yes, yes. Of course, off you go now, dear—"





*comment ADD STUFF HERE

*comment ADD STUFF HERE

*comment ADD STUFF HERE

*label yesToSeeingH11



*fake_choice
	#You spend much time priming and achieving pomp.
		*set levelOfPomp "high"
		*if (sleepTime = "early morning") 
			*set H_Approval + 2
		*if (sleepTime = "noon") 
			*set H_Approval - 1
		Keeping the gentleman waiting for very long, $!{anne}, the ${maid}, assists Mrs Hudson in assisting you in what may only be described as a fashionable tornado.

		Ready to depart, in your ${outfitWord} outfit, Mrs Hudson stops you with her hand.
	#You spend only a little time achieving respectable levels of dress and order.
		*set levelOfPomp "medium"
		*set H_Approval + 1
		Keeping the gentleman waiting for not too long, $!{anne}, the ${maid}, is brought in by Mrs Hudson to assist in dress, and to fill a hurried bath.

		Ready to depart, in your ${outfitWord} outfit, Mrs Hudson stops you.
	#You spend no time getting ready. At best one could say you are mostly clean.
		*set levelOfPomp "low"
		*set H_Approval - 1
		Keeping the gentleman from waiting, $!{anne}, the ${maid}, is dejectedly shooed away by Mrs Hudson when she submits to your plans, plans of which require no finesse and little time.

		Ready to depart, in your ${outfitWord} outfit, Mrs Hudson stops you.



*if (hasSuit)
	Her fingers deftly straighten the fit of your tie,
*elseif (((outfitWord = "bold") or (outfitWord = "delicate")) and (hasDress))
	Mrs Hudson's fingers correct some of the unruly lace by your shoulder,
*else
	Her palm smooths the fabric of your shoulders,
then meets your gaze with a kind but firm expression. 
*temp mrsHcounter 0
*if (proper > 60) 
	"I don't attempt to give you advice too often. You are a very clever
	*if (genderMC = ")
		girl... but you have a habit of being utterly tight-laced, and terribly correct. [i]${mc_name}[/i]—a man likes a little excitement. My advice is this,
	*if (genderMC)
		girl... but you have a habit of being utterly tight-laced, and terribly correct. [i]${mc_name}[/i]—a man likes a little excitement. My advice is this, 
	*if (genderMC)
		girl... but you have a habit of being utterly tight-laced, and terribly correct. [i]${mc_name}[/i]—a man likes a little excitement. My advice is this, 
	*if (outfitWord != "bold")
		*set mrsHcounter + 1
		show a little skin, 
	*if (((outfitColour1 = "black") or (outfitColour2 = "black")) or ((outfitColour1 = "black") or (outfitColour2 = "black")))
		*set mrsHcounter + 1
		wear a little more colour, 
	*if (((levelOfPomp = "low") and (skinBlushes)) and (genderMC = "woman"))
		*set mrsHcounter + 1
		pinch your cheeks for blush, 
	*if ((levelOfPomp = "low") and (skinBlushes = false))
		*set mrsHcounter + 1
		throw cold water on your face to perk it up, 
	*if (mrsHcounter > 0)
		and bend the rules a little! 
	*else
		bend the rules a little! 
	I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies, my dear. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."

	Mrs Hudson simply smiles at you then.



*elseif (proper < 40) 
	"I would recommend, ${mc_name}—although I doubt very much you might listen—[i]attempt a more demure tone[/i]. That is what these gentleman fellows prefer. Calm and quiet, but never too much—simply the right amount! My dear, be yourself. Only... a little less. I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."

	Mrs Hudson simply smiles at you then.

*elseif (sentimental > 60) 
	"I say this only to aid you... You are a little too feeling, my dear. A proper lady does not wear her heart on her sleeve like you do. [i]Unless[/i] she employs it in such a way that both parties know it is nought but a scheme. If so, fainting is highly efficient. Therefore, be yourself. Only... a smidgen less. I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."

	Mrs Hudson simply smiles then. Very happy with the sage advice, she parted.

*elseif (sentimental < 40)
	"I don't attempt to give you advice too often. For you are a very clever girl... but you are also, my dear, in dire need of 'loosening your collar', as it were. If ${h_he} is witty, [i]flatter him a little[/i]. It wouldn't kill you. And a light laugh is very charming on a woman. Only, do not overdo-it. Never cackle—it is most unbecoming. Simply, be yourself. Only... less. I have no wish to impede your natural tendencies—it is merely a matter of presenting our best selves! $!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."

	Mrs Hudson simply smiles then. Very happy with the sage advice, she parted.

*else
	"Please, my dear, be yourself. Only... a little less. I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."

	Mrs Hudson simply smiles then. Very happy with the sage advice, she parted.


*fake_choice
	#Leave

Exiting your apartment with Mrs Hudson's eyes on your back—

[i]Why did you agree to this again?[/i]
*fake_choice
	#I wanted to get Mrs Hudson off my back. A quick hello—goodbye—will suffice.
	#I still need a case. I [i]so badly[/i] need a case.
	#Charming, rich, and handsome, she said… might be worth a look.
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
	#A proper gentleman... I find the idea of such a person very appealing.
		*set hRomancePoints + 1


*goto setHApproach

















































































*label oldBeginning

*text_image chapter4.png center Chapter 4
*page_break

*temp saidNoToMrsHudson false
*set chapter 4
*if (optimism > 0)
	You awake calmly and comfortably. Your arms stretch, pull, and a deep breath rouses your senses.
	*goto nextWake

*else
	You awake ruffled and troubled. Your arms stretch, pull, and a deep unhappy breath attempts to rouse your senses.
	*goto nextWake

*label nextWake

[i]Today is a day for change.[/i]

And to bring change—one must act. 

The cold of the fall floor meets your warmed feet. A stirring panic shoots through your limbs as they seem unwilling to adjust to the sensation.

[i]No time like the present[/i]—

The answer, goal, and path is all too clear to you. For it is all the same.

You need a good case—

*page_break
[i]—You need a good case—[/i]

And, [i]there will be one[/i]; the case in Edinburgh or a client of decent excitement. [i]This[/i] will bring you joy. Adequate joy. A calm, collected, and completely normal amount of joy. It will be a case with medium hope and little in the way of crushing disappointment. There will be no talk of letter conspiracies, no former rival of murderous intent, and absolutely [i]no ${cope}[/i]. 

This is the solution.

Adorning a robe, you ring the bell for the help to come warm the fire. 

[i]What hour is it now? When did you wake?[/i]

*fake_choice
	#Very early morning.
		*set sleepTime "early morning"
		Past the window of your ${appartmentAdjective} apartment you see leaves fluttering orange and green. 

		The sun rising with you sends its bright morning greeting. 

		Early bird gets the worm, you always say. 

	#Late morning.
		*set sleepTime "late morning"
		Past the window of your ${appartmentAdjective} apartment you see leaves fluttering orange and green. 

		You wake, as always, not too late, not too early. Balance is found in a somewhat structured sleeping schedule. 

		And as such, you make it a habit of stirring fashionably late.

	#Almost noon.
		*set sleepTime "noon"
		Past the window of your ${appartmentAdjective} apartment you see leaves fluttering orange and green. 

		You wake as the sun rose many hours past. It is rather unfortunate—for had you lived in a perfect world the hours would have been many more. Sadly, the croaking of the birds outside seems to object to this wish. 

		At least ${birdName} has had the decency of keeping mum at these reasonably late sleeping hours you keep.

*page_break

Today you [i]must[/i] return to normalcy. And it starts now.

[i]Yes.[/i]

To do so, you could contact Lestrade about the Scottish case or reach out to your regular contacts—

Your musings are interrupted by a knock, followed by your apartment door opening.

*if (genderMC = "them")
	*fake_choice
		#It is Anne, the maid—
			It is Anne, the maid, who always takes care of you.
		#It is Neel, the footman—
			It is Neel, the footman, who always takes care of you.
			*set Anne "Neel"
			*set maid "footman"
			*set isMaid false
			*set m_woman "man"
			*set m_female "male"
			*set mName ""

			*set m_miss "mr"

			*set m_she "he"
			*set m_hers "his"
			*set m_her "his"
			*set m_herm "him"
			*set m_herself "himself"
			*set m_s "s"
			*set m_es "es"

			*set m_girl "boy"


*fake_choice
	#“Ah, ${anne}. Light the fires and then fetch me my meal.”
		*set sentimental - 6
		“Ah, ${anne}. Light the fires and then fetch me my meal," you say.

		The young ${maid} follows your orders without any
	#“${anne}—my saviour. Would you please warm the rooms?”
		*set sentimental + 6
		“${anne}—my saviour. Would you please warm the rooms?” you say.

		The young ${maid} does as you wish without any
	#“Thank you for coming. I'm afraid I need some help with these [i]things[/i].”
		*set proper + 6
		“Thank you for coming. I'm afraid I need some help with these [i]things[/i],” you say, gesturing towards the dead fire.

		The young ${maid}, ${anne}, helps you without any
	#“There you are—took you quite long enough!”
		*set proper - 6
		“There you are—took you quite long enough!” you scold. “Light the fires, now—“

		But the young ${maid}, ${anne}, does not mind and follows your orders without any
	#I simply point to the fire.
		You say nothing and simply point at the fire.
		
		The young ${maid}, ${anne}, does not mind and follows your silent orders without any
delay. 
"Good morning, M'${mc_lady}!“ A large smile and a loud voice bursting forth from ${m_her}, and with a disposition that is much like a boiling kettle. Warm, too warm, and makes high-pitched sounds when bubbling.

*if (isMaid)
	$!{anne} is a rather new addition to the house, compared to the footman and the cook. $!{m_she}'s a hard worker, but… 
*else
	$!{anne} is a rather new addition to the house, compared to the maid and the cook. $!{m_she}'s a hard worker, but… 

$!{m_she} prepares the tools for the bed of coal. $!{m_her} mind rarely present while doing so, instead preferring to spout all that comes to ${m_herm} in ${m_her} large daydreaming capacity, soot flying and coating the previously clean surfaces. "—And so, barely feel my toes today. Tomorrow, it will rain [i]yet[/i] again, on top-of-it-all—”

$!{m_she}'s a bumbler. $!{m_she} bumbles.

*fake_choice
	#I find it rather endearing
		$!{m_her} bubbly temperament is constant and warm. You find it rather sweet.
	#I find ${m_herm} rather annoying
		$!{m_she} talks a lot about very little...
	#I find ${m_her} constant cheerfulness absolutely suspicious
		$!{m_she}'s [i]so[/i] steadfast in ${m_her} saccharine behaviour… It's unnerving… You are not fooled. No one can remain so cheery for so long; [i]not even Watson.[/i]

*if (sleepTime = "early morning") 
	Hovering by the barely lit fire, $!{anne} vigorously waves at it to wake. “—Wish it not be so terribly cold on pretty morrows, would have wanted a walk later, with the leaves turning and all—oh! Your food! You've gone up before the rest of the house, $!{mc_miss}. But me and the cook, we could well make your breakfast quick. Anythin’ special you’d care for?”
	*goto foodChoice

*if (sleepTime = "late morning") 
	Hovering by the barely lit fire, $!{anne} vigorously waves at it to wake. “—Wish it not be so terribly cold on pretty morrows, would have wanted a walk later, with the leaves turning and all—oh! Mrs Hudson and $!{j_mr} Watson are already up, $!{mc_miss}. They ate earlier—I could fetch you some. Anythin' special you’d care for?”
	*goto foodChoice

*if (sleepTime = "noon") 
	Hovering by the barely lit fire, $!{anne} vigorously waves at it to wake. “—Wish it not be so terribly cold on pretty evenings, would have wanted a walk later, with the leaves turning and all—oh! $!{j_mr} Watson's out, some errand ${j_he} had. Mrs Hudson's here—but she already ate. How-bout I bring you something to eat, anythin' special you’d care for?”
	*goto foodChoice

*label foodChoice
*set food false
*set typeOfFood "undefined"
*set timeConsumingFood false
*set drink "undefined"
*set preferredTeaStyle "undefined"
*set preferredCoffeeStyle "undefined"

*fake_choice
	#I specify—
	#"Oh, just the same as I always get." It's not too important.
		"Oh, just the same as I always get," you say.
		*set food true
		*goto afterFood

	#"I do not eat breakfast, [i]ever[/i], remember?"
		*set food false
		*set drink "water"
		"I do not eat breakfast, [i]ever[/i], remember?" you say.

		"Ain't I a right fool! Oh, but then I'll fetch a glass of water, something to wake ye up." ${Anne} scuttles off to prepare your morning’s meager sustenance as the fire and heat in the apartment continue to grow.
		*goto afterFood2
	#"I do not care for breakfast today."
		*set food false
		*set drink "water"
		"I do not care for breakfast today," you say.

		"Oh, but then I'll fetch a glass of water, something to wake ye up." ${Anne} scuttles off to prepare your morning’s meager sustenance as the fire and heat in the apartment continue to grow.
		*goto afterFood2

You specify—

*fake_choice
	#"Bring me a full spread—skimp on [i]none[/i] of it!”
		"Bring me a full spread—skimp on [i]none[/i] of it!”

		*set food true
		*set typeOfFood "full spread"
		*set timeConsumingFood true
	#"Fruit platter and some eggs."
		"Fruit platter and some eggs."
		*set food true
		*set typeOfFood "fruit and eggs"
	*if (vegetarian) #"Yesterday morning’s meat pie with a side of last night's pheasant.”
		"Yesterday morning’s meat pie with a side of last night's pheasant.”

		“… I — are you sure, $!{mc_miss}? You never used to eat… [i]such things[/i]?"
		*fake_choice
			#"I am only joking, ${Anne}. No, I will have—"
				"I am only joking, ${Anne}. No, I will have—"

				*goto foodChoice
			#"Yes, of course I am sure. [i]I am[/i] allowed to change my mind."
				"Yes, of course I am sure. [i]I am[/i] allowed to change my mind."

				*set food true
				*set typeOfFood "pheasant"
				*set timeConsumingFood true
	*if (vegetarian = false) #"Yesterday morning’s meat pie with a side of last night's pheasant.”
		"Yesterday morning’s meat pie with a side of last night's pheasant.”

		*set food true
		*set typeOfFood "pheasant"
	#"Apple-cinnamon-Porridge.”
		"Apple-cinnamon-Porridge.”

		*set food true
		*set typeOfFood "apple porridge"
	#"Desserts, as many as you can find."
		"Desserts, as many as you can find."

		*set food true
		*set typeOfFood "dessert"
	#"I do not much care—something with sustenance."
		"I do not much care—something with sustenance."

		*set food true
		*set typeOfFood "sustenance"
	#“Perhaps an apple, if you have one?”
		“Perhaps an apple, if you have one?”
		*set food false
		*set typeOfFood "apple"
	*if (cope = "drinking") #"Irish coffee or one of Watson’s sweet herb-smelling medicinals, I am in need of a proper waking up to-day."
		"Irish coffee or one of Watson’s sweet herb-smelling medicinals, I am in need of a proper waking up to-day."

		*set food false
		*set drink "a pick me up"

		“Watson said… “

		“Never mind what Watson said!”

		*goto afterFood
	*if (cope = "smoking") #"My usual—get me a cup of coffee, and I'll pair it with a few drags of my pipe—"
		"My usual—get me a cup of coffee, and I'll pair it with a few drags of my pipe—"

		*set food false
		*set drink "coffee"
		“Watson said… “

		“Never mind what Watson said!”
		*goto coffee
	*disable_reuse #"Hmm... wait—what do you suggest, ${Anne}?”
		"Hmm... wait—what do you suggest, ${Anne}?”

		"The eggs and fruits are fresh, $!{mc_miss}. I also picked up $!{j_mr} Watson's favourite bread. When toasted, ${j_he} said ${j_he}'d be tempted to eat it forever!" The ${m_girl} freezes, fearing what ${m_she} just spoke. "Oh, please don't hear me wrong now, $!{mc_miss}, $!{j_mr} Watson is no glutton—${j_he}'s just a healthy eater, is all!" 

		$!{m_she} turns red. “I hope you'll forgive me if I say no more on that, $!{mc_miss}... Ahem—what suits you then, what of the fruits, eggs, and toast?"
		*fake_choice
			#"No, no no, I'll have—"
				"No, no no, I'll have—"
				*goto foodChoice
			#"That sounds good. I'll have that!"
				"That sounds good. I'll have that!"
				*set food true
				*set typeOfFood "fruit and eggs"
 
	#You do not eat breakfast. A cup of tea will suffice.
		"Tea," you order. The breakfast of champions.
		*label teaChoice
		*fake_choice
			#"Black."
				"Black." Refreshing, clean, and invigorating. It's morning in a cup.
				*set drink "tea"
				*set preferredTeaStyle "black"
			#"With milk and sugar."
				"With a splash of milk and a spoonful of sugar."[i]Ahh[/i]. It is refreshing, warm, and wonderful. What could be more perfect?
				*set drink "tea"
				*set preferredTeaStyle "milk and sugar"
			#"With milk."
				"With a splash of milk." [i]Ahh[/i]. It is refreshing, warm, and wonderful. What could be more perfect?
				*set drink "tea"
				*set preferredTeaStyle "milk"
			#"With honey and lemon."
				"With a spoon of sweet honey, and a few drops of lemon." [i]Ahh[/i]. It is refreshing, warm, and wonderful. What could be more perfect?
				*set drink "tea"
				*set preferredTeaStyle "honey and lemon"


		*goto afterFood
	#You do not eat breakfast. A cup of coffee will suffice.
		"Coffee," you order. The breakfast of the rich and lively.
		*label coffee
		*fake_choice
			#"Black."
				Black, refreshing, clean, and invigorating. It's morning in a cup.
				*set drink "coffee"
				*set preferredCoffeeStyle "black"
			#"With milk and sugar."
				With a splash of milk and a spoonful of sugar, [i]ahh[/i]. It is refreshing, warm, and wonderful. What could be more perfect?
				*set drink "coffee"
				*set preferredCoffeeStyle "milk and sugar"
			#"With milk."
				With a splash of milk, [i]ahh[/i]. It is refreshing, warm, and wonderful. What could be more perfect?
				*set drink "coffee"
				*set preferredCoffeeStyle "milk"
			#"With sugar."
				With a spoonful of sugar, [i]ahh[/i]. It is refreshing, warm, and wonderful. What could be more perfect?
				*set drink "coffee"
				*set preferredCoffeeStyle "sugar"
				
		*goto afterFood


*label foodChoiceDrink
“Would you like to have tea with that, $!{mc_miss}?”
*fake_choice
	#"No."
		"No."
	#"Yes."
		"Yes."
		*goto teaChoice 
	#"Coffee—"
		"Coffee—"
		*goto coffee
	#"Water is fine."
		"Water is fine."
		*set drink "water"
	*if (cope = "drinking") #"Irish coffee or one of Watson’s sweet herb-smelling medicinals, I am in need of a proper waking up to-day."
		*set drink "a pick me up"
		*set preferredCoffeeStyle "alcohol"
		"Irish coffee or one of Watson’s sweet herb-smelling medicinals, I am in need of a proper waking up to-day."

		“Watson said… “

		“Never mind what Watson said!”
	*if (cope = "smoking") #"My usual—get me a cup of coffee, and I'll pair it with a few drags of my pipe—"
		*set drink "coffee"
		"My usual—get me a cup of coffee, and I'll pair it with a few drags of my pipe—"

		“Watson said… “

		“Never mind what Watson said!”
		
		*goto coffee
*comment #"Juice, or as you might call it—cordial or [i]squash[/i]—fruit or berry, I do not mind."
*comment *set drink "juice"
*label afterFood

*if (timeConsumingFood = false)
	“Yes, $!{mc_miss}! Right away!”
*else
	"Yes, $!{mc_miss}. It might take a little while, but I’ll get it here lickety-split when it is warm and ready!"


${Anne} scuttles off to prepare your morning’s sustenance as the fire and heat in the apartment continue to grow.

*page_break
*label afterFood2

The room is now warm, and so are you.
Finally the day starts, as
*if (food) 
	breakfast has been
*elseif (drink = "tea") 
	tea has been
*elseif (drink = "coffee") 
	coffee has been
*elseif (typeOfFood = "apple") 
	an apple has been
*else
	a glass of ${drink} has been
had in front of today’s paper. 

But there are no mysteries to read about in the rough ink. Only natural causes and constructed conspicuous crime. Is it too much to ask for some good old-fashioned double homicide? A new disease spreading without a clue in a match factory? At this point, you would even take a somewhat strange robbery.

Above the paper, ${Anne} is preparing your usual ${outfitWord} outfit for the coming day. 
*comment Without warning or change of behaviour, more of her habitually sudden mind, 
Then, ${m_she} squeaks a thought which seems to stumble and trip out of ${m_her} mouth, “Watson, ${j_he} told me. Well, I heard—is it true there is a new mouth to feed? Where is she? Can I—oh!” ${Anne} notices the quiet bird ${m_she} somehow managed to miss.

How surprising it is what most people are capable of missing in their environments—

*if (birdAttitudeStart = "LikeBirds")
	Well, only somewhat surprising in this case. $!{birdName} has kept a most polite tone since you took her in. You suppose her still, quiet figure might have looked more like taxidermy in her peripheral.
*else
	Well, only somewhat surprising in this case. $!{birdName} has kept a most muted tone since you took her in. You suppose its still, quiet figure might have looked more like taxidermy in her peripheral.

The ${maid} puts ${m_her} face close to the birdcage, and yet $!{birdName} does not move. “How sweet she must be in temperament, $!{mc_miss}! And that lovely white colour an' feathers. Though… She is ah—a bit... exotic-looking. Ain't she? Where'd you say you got her?" 

*fake_choice
	#"[i]Technically[/i], from a tree."
		"Oh... [i]Well[/i]."
	*if (birdAttitudeStart = "LikeBirds") #“It’s a long and fantastic story—“ I say and tell the whole tale—[i]with related bird trivia.[/i]
		"Oh. Well... Isn't that something."
	*if (birdAttitudeStart = "LikeBirds") #“She's a real marvel is she not—“ I say and gush of her rare beauty.
		"Oh. Well... something quite like that, yes."
	*if (birdAttitudeStart != "LikeBirds") #“It’s a long story—“ I say and explain it all.
		"Oh. Well... Isn't that something!"
	*if (birdAttitudeStart = "HateBirds") #"It doesn’t matter. What matters is it is mine now."
		"Oh... [i]Well[/i]."
	*if (birdAttitudeStart != "HateBirds") #"It doesn’t matter. What matters is she is mine now."
		"Oh... [i]Well[/i]."
	#"$!{anne}, I am aware it is ugly. Please don't remind me..."
		"Oh…"
	*if (birdAttitudeStart != "HateBirds") #"She may be an unattractive bird, but we shouldn't say that to her face."
		"Oh... [i]that is true[/i]…"
	#"Don't you have work to do, $!{anne}?" I remind ${m_herm} sternly.
		"Oh. Yes—yes, of course."
${Anne} smiles in the direction of ${birdName}. "I’ll leave you both to it," ${m_she} says, then leaves.

[i]What were you doing again[/i]… oh, yes! Reading the paper looking for crime and clues—

*comment #"She won’t stay for long, so the [i]how[/i] rather isn’t of any concern."
*comment "Oh... [i]Well[/i]..."


*fake_choice
	#'[i]Parisian green is the new purple![/i]' the headline reads.	
		Usually, you were far too busy solving the unsolvable to catch the gossip. 
		
		Now, there was nothing to solve—no nut to crack—and, therefore, you caught yourself skimming the paper's culture section. 
		
	*comment #And, really, who doesn't also like a spot of gossip in the morning?
		*comment You were, of course, far too busy solving the unsolvable to catch the gossip as a whole. 

		*comment Well, you were [i]usually[/i]. 
		*comment 
		*comment Now, there was nothing to solve—no nut to crack—and, therefore, you were reading the paper's culture section and breathing it in with gusto. 

*fake_choice
	#I adore all such gossipy matters, but I hide this side of me.
		You secretly relished the gossip and the sophisticated web of trysts and secrets but could tell no one. It did not fit your or others' idea of you—but when you could indulge, it tickled some deep part of your brain you despised yet delighted in feeding.
		
	#Watson, Mrs Hudson, and I often have tea and discuss spilled secrets from both papers and people.
		Mrs Hudson and Watson together is damn near the best network of information this side of the Thames—if one seeks the inconsequential, that is.
		
	*selectable_if (cope != "taking drugs") #Having given up the coca leaf and the opium fog, all distractions were welcome.
		
	#I hoped to uncover a hidden case on the pages of cravat trends and smeared sophistication.
		Filled with the overtly involved interpersonal issues of the upper crust, you hoped to find answers, or at least questions, which had little to do with gossip, but that could still thrill you for a time.

	#All reading serves a purpose. The shallow and silly can [i]especially[/i] educate one on the common man.
	
		There was not much to be said about the state of the town—everyday people's problems. But any and all information is key to being well-rounded in the art of deduction. Even… [i]you squint your eyes reading the following line[/i]—green macarons.


Turning the black and white page, you read about masquerade balls—filled with the respectable but rumoured to be anything but, stories of matrimony between the well-bred, and the soaring trend of pigeons as pets.

Really, birds better stop being so apparent and numerous in recent days, or you might start believing in conspiracies… [i]again[/i].

*page_break



*if (sleepTime != "early morning") 
	*goto wakeLate




${Anne} returns to your side soon after—
getting you dressed and ready for the day.
*fake_choice
	#Spending much time priming and achieving pomp.
		*set levelOfPomp "high"
		*set H_Approval + 1
	#Spending a little time achieving respectable levels of dress and order.
		*set levelOfPomp "medium"
	#Spending no time. You are at least mostly clean…
		*set levelOfPomp "low"
		*set H_Approval - 1





It is early noon when a two-legged creature approaches your door. Its steps are light and dragging and familiar. 

The likeliest suspect: Mrs Hudson. 

There are two polite knocks immediately followed by two very insistent ones. And a question appears in your mind. Will she wait for a response before barging in?

*fake_choice
	#No, I know her too well at this point.
		You know the truth of your landlord… as someone once succinctly put it, her courteousness is more for show than use.

		Ah, what an unsatisfactory victory it is as
	#Yes, I believe in her and her propriety!
		"${mc_name}, dear? I'm coming in!"

		You wonder if perhaps you wished for too much  as
Mrs Hudson hastens into the room. Her gaze on you quick, much like a cat would look upon a mouse. “Ohh, ${mc_name}!"
*comment —yet she utters not a soft purr but a loud roar


Trouble is afoot. This is the face she makes when she has caught horrible news from the neighbors. 
*comment Or, more often, when she has a fresh catch of scandal. [i]Not very often a good thing[/i]. 

"[i]—Did you know?[/i]" she questions. "No, of course not. [i]$!{h_he}[/i] said you didn't. Sherlock—${h_he} is so very charming—and uncommonly ${hHandsome}! Furthermore—"

*fake_choice
	#“Whatever are you speaking of—“
“Whatever are you speaking of—“ you hasten to ask.

Mrs Hudson does not explain; instead, she struts towards the window of the apartment, and her pointed glare outside suggests you should follow suit. But she does not wait for you to do so before speaking again, “You know I do not particularly appreciate discussing a person's wealth... [i]Ignoring that[/i]—${h_his} post-chaise is the most exquisite thing—to drive [i]four[/i] horses, in town!" 

She hurries back from the window over to you and attempts to whisper in confidence, only to fall short of a quieter tone, "$!{h_he} and I, we only spoke a short while... $!{h_he} is single. $!{h_he} prefers tea to coffee—${h_he} is, oh, so rich. And from a good family—there is no mistaking it. Well done, ${mc_name}. Such excellent connections! Most excellent!”

[i]…Huh?[/i]

*fake_choice
	#"There has been some misunderstanding..."
	#"I—what? Plainer words, please, Mrs Hudson."
	#"Mrs Hudson, I believe you forgot the tale's beginning again?"
	#"Yes, yes, but why are you telling [i]me[/i] all this nonsense?”
	#"..."

*if (hMan)
	Mrs Hudson squeals, “There is a gentleman caller at the door—[i]for you[/i]!"
*else
	Mrs Hudson squeals, “There is a most distinguished lady at the door, she came to call—[i]on you[/i]!"

*page_break

*if (hMan)
	—Mrs Hudson squeals, “There is a gentleman caller at the door—[i]for you[/i]!"
*else
	—Mrs Hudson squeals, “There is a most distinguished lady at the door, she came to call—[i]on you[/i]!"

But…

1. You're not expecting company today.
*line_break
2. You can't say you know any ${h_gentleman} that fits the description Mrs Hudson gives.
*line_break
3. There has been no letter informing a visit, right?
*label testingAThing
*fake_choice
	#Is it a client?
	*disable_reuse #A social call?
		No… no, it can't be. As you remind yourself, you do not know anyone that fits that description, and a person of such alleged rank and assumed manners would not appear unannounced.
		*goto testingAThing
	*disable_reuse #The beginning of a gigantic conspiracy?
		You try and remind yourself you were going to avoid such thoughts. Oh, but really, this is too clearly a strange situation and can't be anything but—
		
		No, [i]no[/i]. 
		
		Occam's razor. What is the simplest solution here?
		*goto testingAThing


"Is it a new client, Mrs Hudson?" you ask.

"Oh—that does not matter, ${mc_name}! What matters is that you make the best of this opportunity. [i]For all of us[/i]."

*fake_choice
	#"Well, I should meet with ${h_him}. For the sake of the probable case."
		"Oh, how wonderful this will be, I always knew you could do it, ${mc_name}!"

		"Oh, but before you go..."
	#"Did you say an uncommonly ${hHandsome} ${h_gentleman} [i]and a possible case[/i]? ...Perhaps I can spare the time."
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
		"That's the spirit! I always knew you could do it, ${mc_name}!"

		"Oh, before you go..."
	#"Hmm... I wonder what a ${h_man} such as you describe is doing here... You have me rather curious! I accept!"
		*set H_Approval + 1
		"That's the spirit! I always knew you could do it, ${mc_name}!"

		"Oh, before you go..."
	#"I am all too busy to entertain today. Send the visitor away."
		"I am all too busy to entertain today. Send the visitor away," you say. You are simply swamped waiting for a brilliant case to fall into your lap. This all sounds too easy to be any fun.

		"Sherlock! Don't be rude to that ${h_man} downstairs. You mustn't!"
		*set saidNoToMrsHudson true
		*goto noToSeeingH1
	#"Whatever you are suggesting, Mrs Hudson, I have no interest in it."
		"Whatever you are suggesting, Mrs Hudson, I have no interest in it."

		"—I am only suggesting going downstairs—${mc_name}, please!”
		*set saidNoToMrsHudson true
		*goto noToSeeingH1
	#"No."
		"No."

		"${mc_name}, please! Don't be rude to that ${h_man} downstairs—you mustn't be!"
		*set saidNoToMrsHudson true
		*goto noToSeeingH1
*goto yesToSeeingH1


*label noToSeeingH1

"Mrs Hudson—" you begin, but are once again cut off.

Mrs Hudson stares at you with fierce eyes, tight lips, and hands firmly on her hips. "If you don't go down to that ${h_man}," she warns, "I daresay I may never serve you tea or biscuits again!"

*fake_choice
	#"Oh no—not the biscuits!"
		"Oh—[i]not the biscuits![/i]"

		"That's right! Even the expensive ones!"

		"I concede, Mrs Hudson... You have won."
	#"..."

"And I will no longer turn a blind eye to those suspicious things you have stored away in that musty attic!"

*fake_choice
	#"Not my attic experimentations!"
		"Not my attic experimentations!"
	#"..."

"$!{mc_miss} ${mc_name} ${mc_lastname}! I will send you right out of this apartment if you wouldn't at least attempt this connection for a moment—after all I tolerate with you—"

[i]Oh...[/i]

The thought of being kicked out of the house, no longer welcomed in your own home, it was enough to make your stomach churn.

This protest is becoming much more work than any acceptance would ever be. 

Reluctantly, you say—

*fake_choice
	#"[i]Alright[/i]. I shall go. But you owe me, Mrs Hudson."
		"[i]Alright[/i]. I shall go. But you owe me, Mrs Hudson."

		"Yes, yes. But before you go."
	#"You are a cruel old woman. A cruel, conniving, [i]old[/i] woman."
		"You are a cruel old woman. A cruel, conniving, [i]old[/i] woman."

		"You may call me all sorts of things if it only gets you downstairs—[i]but before you do so[/i]."
	#"If it is so important to you..."
		"If it is so important to you..."

		"It is. Thank you, ${mc_name}. Oh, and before you go."
	#"I WANT IT REMEMBERED I THOUGHT THIS WAS A TERRIBLE IDEA AND I WAS VERY RELUCTANT!"
		"I WANT IT REMEMBERED I THOUGHT THIS WAS A TERRIBLE IDEA AND I WAS VERY RELUCTANT!"

		"Yes, yes. Of course. But before you go."


*label yesToSeeingH1
*if (hasSuit)
	Mrs Hudson's fingers deftly straighten the fit of your tie,
*elseif (((outfitWord = "bold") or (outfitWord = "delicate")) and (hasDress))
	Mrs Hudson's fingers correct some of the unruly lace by your shoulder,
*else
	Mrs Hudson's hand smooths the fabric of your shoulders,
then meets your gaze with a kind but firm expression. 
*temp mrsHcounter 0
*if (proper > 60) 
	"I don't attempt to give you advice too often. You are a very clever 
	*if (genderMC = "woman")
		girl... 
	*if (genderMC = "man")
		lad... 
	*if (genderMC = "them")
		youth... 
	but you have a habit of being utterly tight-laced, and terribly correct. [i]${mc_name}[/i]
	*if (h_man = "man")
		—a man likes a little excitement. My advice is this, 
	*else
		—ladies like a little excitement. My advice is this, 
	*if (outfitWord != "bold")
		*set mrsHcounter + 1
		show a little skin, 
	*if (((outfitColour1 = "black") or (outfitColour2 = "black")) or ((outfitColour1 = "black") or (outfitColour2 = "black")))
		*set mrsHcounter + 1
		wear a little more colour, 
	*if (((levelOfPomp = "low") and (skinBlushes)) and (genderMC = "woman"))
		*set mrsHcounter + 1
		pinch your cheeks for blush, 
	*if ((levelOfPomp = "low") and (skinBlushes = false))
		*set mrsHcounter + 1
		throw cold water on your face to perk it up, 
	*if (mrsHcounter > 0)
		and bend the rules a little! 
	*else
		bend the rules a little! 
	*if (genderMC != h_man)
		I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies, my dear. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."
	*else
		I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies, my dear. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will be your most devoted fan before tea time, just as I am."

	Mrs Hudson simply smiles at you then.



*elseif (proper < 40) 
	*if (h_man = "man")
		"I would recommend, ${mc_name}—although I doubt very much you might listen—[i]attempt a more demure tone[/i]. That is what these gentleman fellows prefer. Calm and quiet, but never too much—simply the right amount! My dear, be yourself. Only... a little less.
	*else
		"I would recommend, ${mc_name}—although I doubt very much you might listen—[i]attempt a more demure tone[/i]. That is what these genteel women prefer. Calm and quiet, but never too much—simply the right amount! My dear, be yourself. Only... a little less.

	*if (genderMC != h_man)
		I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."
	*else
		I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will be your most devoted fan before tea time, just as I am."

	Mrs Hudson simply smiles at you then.

*elseif (sentimental > 60)
	*if (genderMC = "woman")
		"I say this only to aid you, my dear... You are a little too feeling. A proper lady should not wear her heart on her sleeve, like you do. Not unless she employs it in such a way that both parties know it is nought but a scheme. [i]If so[/i], fainting is highly proper and recommended.

	*elseif (genderMC = "man")
		"I say this only to aid you, my dear... You are a little too feeling. A proper gentleman should not wear his heart on his sleeve, like you do. Not unless he employs it in such a way that both parties know it is nought but a scheme. [i]If so[/i], being over-dramatic is highly proper and recommended.

	*elseif (genderMC = "them")
		"I say this only to aid you, my dear... You are a little too feeling. A proper person, such as yourself, should not wear their heart on their sleeve. Not unless they employ it in such a way that both parties know it is nought but a scheme. [i]If so[/i], being over-dramatic is highly proper and recommended.


	
	*if (genderMC != h_man)
		"Simply, be yourself. Only... a smidgen less. I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves." Mrs Hudson simply smiles then. "$!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."
	*else
		"Simply, be yourself. Only... a smidgen less. I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves." Mrs Hudson simply smiles then. "$!{h_he} will be your most devoted fan before tea time, just as I am."


*elseif (sentimental < 40)
	*if (genderMC = "woman")
		"I don't attempt to give you advice too often. For you are a very clever girl... but you are also, my dear, in dire need of 'loosening your collar', as it were. If ${h_he} is witty, [i]flatter ${h_him} a little[/i]. It wouldn't kill you. And a light laugh is very charming on a woman. Only, do not overdo-it. Never cackle—it is most unbecoming.
	*elseif (genderMC = "man")
		"I don't attempt to give you advice too often. For you are very naturally clever... but you are also, my dear, in dire need of 'loosening your collar', as it were. If ${h_he} is witty, [i]flatter ${h_him} a little[/i]. It wouldn't kill you. And a light laugh is very charming on a man. Only, do not overdo-it. And, never chuckle at one of your own puns—it is most unbecoming.
	*else
		"I don't attempt to give you advice too often. For you are very naturally clever... but you are also, my dear, in dire need of 'loosening your collar', as it were. If ${h_he} is witty, [i]flatter ${h_him} a little[/i]. It wouldn't kill you. And a light laugh is very charming on you. Only, do not overdo-it. Never cackle—it is most unbecoming.
	*if (genderMC != h_man)
		"Simply, be yourself. Only... less. I have no wish to impede your natural tendencies—it is merely a matter of presenting our best selves! $!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."
	*else
		"Simply, be yourself. Only... less. I have no wish to impede your natural tendencies—it is merely a matter of presenting our best selves! $!{h_he} will be your most devoted fan before tea time, just as I am."

	Mrs Hudson simply smiles then. Very happy with the sage advice she parted.

*else
	*if (genderMC != h_man)
		"Please, my dear, be yourself. Only... a little less. I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."
	*else
		"Please, my dear, be yourself. Only... a little less. I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will be your most devoted fan before tea time, just as I am."

	Mrs Hudson simply smiles then. Very happy with the sage advice she parted.





*page_break
Exiting your apartment with Mrs Hudson's eyes on your back—

[i]Why did you agree to this?[/i]
*if (saidNoToMrsHudson)
	[i]Aside from getting Mrs Hudson off your back.[/i]
*fake_choice
	#I still need a case. I [i]so badly[/i] need a case.
		You need a case. You [i]really[/i] need a case.
	*if (saidNoToMrsHudson = false) #I wanted to get Mrs Hudson off my back. A quick hello—goodbye—will suffice.
		Let's get this over with.
	*if (saidNoToMrsHudson) #No. That is all. A quick hello—goodbye—will suffice for my Mrs Hudson-related purposes.
		Let's get this over with.
	#Charming, rich, and ${hHandsome}, she said… might be worth a look.
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
		You find yourself rather curious now…
	#A proper ${h_gentleman}... I find the idea of such a person very appealing.
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
		You find yourself rather curious now…
	#I'm just curious... this sounds fun!
		*set H_Approval + 1
		You find yourself rather curious now.

*page_break
*goto setHApproach






*label wakeLate



It is early noon, and soon after waking when a two-legged creature approaches your door. Its steps are light and dragging and familiar. 

The likeliest suspect: Mrs Hudson. 

There are two polite knocks immediately followed by two very insistent ones. And a question appears in your mind. Will she wait for a response before barging in?

*fake_choice
	#No, I know her too well at this point.
		You know the truth of your landlord… as someone once succinctly put it, her courteousness is more for show than use.

		Ah, what an unsatisfactory victory it as
	#Yes, I believe in her and her propriety!
		"${mc_name}, dear? I'm coming in!"

		You wonder if perhaps you wished for too much  as
Mrs Hudson hastens into the room. Her gaze on you quick, much like a cat would look upon a mouse. “Ohh, ${mc_name}, why are you not dressed!"

Trouble is afoot. 
This is similar to the face she makes when disapproving of the fish—or the fresh catch of scandal.
*comment [i]Not very often a good thing[/i]. 

"We will have to solve this promptly, but one emergency at a time—[i]did you know?[/i]" she questions. "No, of course not. [i]$!{h_he}[/i] said you didn't. Sherlock—${h_he} is so very charming—and uncommonly ${hHandsome}! Furthermore—"

*fake_choice
	#“Whatever are you speaking of—“
“Whatever are you speaking of—“ you hasten to ask.

Mrs Hudson does not explain; instead, she struts towards the window of the apartment, and her pointed glare outside suggests you should follow suit. But she does not wait for you to do so before speaking again, “You know I do not particularly appreciate discussing a person's wealth... [i]Ignoring that[/i]—${h_his} post-chaise is the most exquisite thing—to drive [i]four[/i] horses, in town!" 

She hurries back from the window over to you and attempts to whisper in confidence, only to fall short of a quieter tone, "$!{h_he} and I, we only spoke a short while... $!{h_he} is single. $!{h_he} prefers tea to coffee—${h_he} is, oh, so rich. And from a good family—there is no mistaking it. Well done, ${mc_name}. Such excellent connections! Most excellent!”

[i]…Huh?[/i]

*fake_choice
	#"There has been some misunderstanding..."
	#"I—what? Plainer words, please, Mrs Hudson."
	#"Mrs Hudson, I believe you forgot the tale's beginning again?"
	#"Yes, yes, but why are you telling [i]me[/i] all this nonsense?”
	#"..."

*if (hMan)
	Mrs Hudson squeals, “There is a gentleman caller at the door—[i]for you[/i]!"
*else
	Mrs Hudson squeals, “There is a most distinguished lady at the door, she came to call—[i]on you[/i]!"

*page_break

*if (hMan)
	—Mrs Hudson squeals, “There is a gentleman caller at the door—[i]for you[/i]!"
*else
	—Mrs Hudson squeals, “There is a most distinguished lady at the door, she came to call—[i]on you[/i]!"

But…

1. You're not expecting company today.
*line_break
2. You can't say you know any ${h_gentleman} that fit the description Mrs Hudson gives.
*line_break
3. There has been no letter informing a visit, right?
*label testingAThing2
*fake_choice
	#Is it a client?
	*disable_reuse #A social call?
		No… no, it can't be. As you remind yourself, you do not know anyone that fits that description, and a person of such alleged rank and assumed manners would not appear unannounced.
		*goto testingAThing2
	*disable_reuse #The beginning of a gigantic conspiracy?
		You try and remind yourself you were going to avoid such thoughts. Oh but really, this is too clearly a strange situation and can't be anything but—
		
		No, [i]no[/i]. 
		
		Occam's razor. What is the simplest solution here?
		*goto testingAThing2


"Is it a new client, Mrs Hudson?" you ask.

"Oh—that does not matter, ${mc_name}! What matters is that you make the best of this opportunity. [i]For all of us[/i]."

*fake_choice
	#"Well, I should meet with ${h_him}. For the sake of the probable case."
		"Oh, how wonderful this will be, I always knew you could do it, ${mc_name}!"
	#"Did you say an uncommonly ${hHandsome} ${h_gentleman} [i]and a possible case[/i]? ...Perhaps I can spare the time."
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
		"That's the spirit! I always knew you could do it, ${mc_name}!"
	#"Hmm... I wonder what a ${h_man} such as you describe is doing here... You have me rather curious! I accept!"
		*set H_Approval + 1
		"That's the spirit! I always knew you could do it, ${mc_name}!"

		"Oh, before you go..."
	#"I am all too busy to entertain today. Send the visitor away."
		"I am all too busy to entertain today. Send the visitor away," you say. You are simply swamped waiting for a brilliant case to fall into your lap. This all sounds too easy to be any fun.

		"Sherlock! Don't be rude to that ${h_man} downstairs. You mustn't!"
		*set saidNoToMrsHudson true
		*goto noToSeeingH2
	#"Whatever you are suggesting, Mrs Hudson, I have no interest in it."
		"Whatever you are suggesting, Mrs Hudson, I have no interest in it."

		"—I am only suggesting going downstairs—${mc_name}, please!”
		*set saidNoToMrsHudson true
		*goto noToSeeingH2
	#"No."
		"No."

		"${mc_name}, please! Don't be rude to that ${h_man} downstairs—you mustn't be!"
		*set saidNoToMrsHudson true
		*goto noToSeeingH2
Mrs Hudson then averts her gaze. "But, before you go... You need to get properly dressed..."

*label getDressedLate
*page_break

${Anne} returns to your side soon after—
getting you dressed and ready for the day.
*if (sleepTime = "late morning") 
	*fake_choice
		#Spending much time priming and achieving pomp.
			*set levelOfPomp "high"
			Keeping the ${h_gentleman} waiting for an improperly long amount of time, $!{anne}, the ${maid}, assists Mrs Hudson in assisting you in what may only be described as a fashionable flurry of fabrics and creams.

			When you are ready to depart in your ${outfitWord} outfit, Mrs Hudson stops you.
		#Spending a little time achieving respectable levels of dress and order.
			*set levelOfPomp "medium"
			*set H_Approval + 1
			The ${maid} is brought in by Mrs Hudson to assist in dress and to fill a hurried bath. You keep the ${h_gentleman} waiting for a decently long time.

			And when ready to depart in your ${outfitWord} outfit, Mrs Hudson stops you.
		#Spending no time. You are at least mostly clean…
			*set levelOfPomp "low"
			*set H_Approval - 1
			*if (attractive < 3)
				Mrs Hudson is not easily convinced, she claims your "particular looks" simply need some work to reach "great heights". But finally she submits to your plans; plans of which require no finesse and very little time.
			*else
				But the ${maid} is dejectedly shooed away once Mrs Hudson submits to your plans; plans of which require no finesse and very little time.

			When ready to depart, in your ${outfitWord} outfit, Mrs Hudson stops you.
*elseif (sleepTime = "noon") 
	*fake_choice
		#Spending much time priming and achieving pomp.
			*set levelOfPomp "high"
			*set H_Approval - 1
			Keeping the ${h_gentleman} waiting for an improperly long amount of time, $!{anne}, the ${maid}, assists Mrs Hudson in assisting you in what may only be described as a fashionable flurry of fabrics and creams.

			When you are ready to depart in your ${outfitWord} outfit, Mrs Hudson stops you.
		#Spending a little time achieving respectable levels of dress and order.
			*set levelOfPomp "medium"
			The ${maid} is brought in by Mrs Hudson to assist in dress and to fill a hurried bath. You keep the ${h_gentleman} waiting for a decently long time.

			And when ready to depart in your ${outfitWord} outfit, Mrs Hudson stops you.
		#Spending no time. You are at least mostly clean…
			*set levelOfPomp "low"
			*set H_Approval - 1
			*if (attractive < 3)
				Mrs Hudson is not easily convinced, she claims your "particular looks" simply need some work to reach "great heights". But finally she submits to your plans; plans of which require no finesse and very little time.
			*else
				But the ${maid} is dejectedly shooed away once Mrs Hudson submits to your plans; plans of which require no finesse and very little time.

			When ready to depart, in your ${outfitWord} outfit, Mrs Hudson stops you.
"Oh, and..."

*if (hasSuit)
	Mrs Hudson's fingers deftly straighten the fit of your tie,
*elseif (((outfitWord = "bold") or (outfitWord = "delicate")) and (hasDress))
	Mrs Hudson's fingers correct some of the unruly lace by your shoulder,
*else
	Mrs Hudson's hand smooths the fabric of your shoulders,
then meets your gaze with a kind but firm expression. 
*temp mrsHcounter 0
*if (proper > 60) 
	"I don't attempt to give you advice too often. You are a very clever 
	*if (genderMC = "woman")
		girl... 
	*if (genderMC = "man")
		lad... 
	*if (genderMC = "them")
		youth... 
	but you have a habit of being utterly tight-laced, and terribly correct. [i]${mc_name}[/i]
	*if (h_man = "man")
		—a man likes a little excitement. My advice is this, 
	*else
		—ladies like a little excitement. My advice is this, 
	*if (outfitWord != "bold")
		*set mrsHcounter + 1
		show a little skin, 
	*if (((outfitColour1 = "black") or (outfitColour2 = "black")) or ((outfitColour1 = "black") or (outfitColour2 = "black")))
		*set mrsHcounter + 1
		wear a little more colour, 
	*if (((levelOfPomp = "low") and (skinBlushes)) and (genderMC = "woman"))
		*set mrsHcounter + 1
		pinch your cheeks for blush, 
	*if ((levelOfPomp = "low") and (skinBlushes = false))
		*set mrsHcounter + 1
		throw cold water on your face to perk it up, 
	*if (mrsHcounter > 0)
		and bend the rules a little! 
	*else
		bend the rules a little! 
	*if (genderMC != h_man)
		I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies, my dear. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."
	*else
		I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies, my dear. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will be your most devoted fan before tea time, just as I am."

	Mrs Hudson simply smiles at you then.



*elseif (proper < 40) 
	*if (h_man = "man")
		"I would recommend, ${mc_name}—although I doubt very much you might listen—[i]attempt a more demure tone[/i]. That is what these gentleman fellows prefer. Calm and quiet, but never too much—simply the right amount! My dear, be yourself. Only... a little less.
	*else
		"I would recommend, ${mc_name}—although I doubt very much you might listen—[i]attempt a more demure tone[/i]. That is what these genteel women prefer. Calm and quiet, but never too much—simply the right amount! My dear, be yourself. Only... a little less.

	*if (genderMC != h_man)
		I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."
	*else
		I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will be your most devoted fan before tea time, just as I am."

	Mrs Hudson simply smiles at you then.

*elseif (sentimental > 60)
	*if (genderMC = "woman")
		"I say this only to aid you, my dear... You are a little too feeling. A proper lady should not wear her heart on her sleeve, like you do. Not unless she employs it in such a way that both parties know it is nought but a scheme. [i]If so[/i], fainting is highly proper and recommended.

	*elseif (genderMC = "man")
		"I say this only to aid you, my dear... You are a little too feeling. A proper gentleman should not wear his heart on his sleeve, like you do. Not unless he employs it in such a way that both parties know it is nought but a scheme. [i]If so[/i], being over-dramatic is highly proper and recommended.

	*elseif (genderMC = "them")
		"I say this only to aid you, my dear... You are a little too feeling. A proper person, such as yourself, should not wear their heart on their sleeve. Not unless they employ it in such a way that both parties know it is nought but a scheme. [i]If so[/i], being over-dramatic is highly proper and recommended.


	
	*if (genderMC != h_man)
		"Simply, be yourself. Only... a smidgen less. I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves." Mrs Hudson simply smiles then. "$!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."
	*else
		"Simply, be yourself. Only... a smidgen less. I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves." Mrs Hudson simply smiles then. "$!{h_he} will be your most devoted fan before tea time, just as I am."


*elseif (sentimental < 40)
	*if (genderMC = "woman")
		"I don't attempt to give you advice too often. For you are a very clever girl... but you are also, my dear, in dire need of 'loosening your collar', as it were. If ${h_he} is witty, [i]flatter ${h_him} a little[/i]. It wouldn't kill you. And a light laugh is very charming on a woman. Only, do not overdo-it. Never cackle—it is most unbecoming.
	*elseif (genderMC = "man")
		"I don't attempt to give you advice too often. For you are very naturally clever... but you are also, my dear, in dire need of 'loosening your collar', as it were. If ${h_he} is witty, [i]flatter ${h_him} a little[/i]. It wouldn't kill you. And a light laugh is very charming on a man. Only, do not overdo-it. And, never chuckle at one of your own puns—it is most unbecoming.
	*else
		"I don't attempt to give you advice too often. For you are very naturally clever... but you are also, my dear, in dire need of 'loosening your collar', as it were. If ${h_he} is witty, [i]flatter ${h_him} a little[/i]. It wouldn't kill you. And a light laugh is very charming on you. Only, do not overdo-it. Never cackle—it is most unbecoming.
	*if (genderMC != h_man)
		"Simply, be yourself. Only... less. I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. I have no wish to impede your natural tendencies—it is merely a matter of presenting our best selves! $!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."
	*else
		"Simply, be yourself. Only... less. I have no wish to impede your natural tendencies—it is merely a matter of presenting our best selves! $!{h_he} will be your most devoted fan before tea time, just as I am."

	Mrs Hudson simply smiles then. Very happy with the sage advice she parted.

*else
	*if (genderMC != h_man)
		"Please, my dear, be yourself. Only... a little less. I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will love you before tea time, just as I do."
	*else
		"Please, my dear, be yourself. Only... a little less. I do not wish to impede your natural tendencies. It is merely a matter of presenting our best selves. $!{h_he} will be your most devoted fan before tea time, just as I am."

	Mrs Hudson simply smiles then. Very happy with the sage advice she parted.

*goto gotdressedLate





*label noToSeeingH2

"Mrs Hudson—" you begin, but are once again cut off.

Mrs Hudson stares at you with fierce eyes, tight lips, and hands firmly on her hips. "If you don't go down to that ${h_man}," she warns, "I daresay I may never serve you tea or biscuits again!"

*fake_choice
	#"Oh no—not the biscuits!"
		"Oh—[i]not the biscuits![/i]"

		"That's right! Even the expensive ones!"

		"I concede, Mrs Hudson... You have won."
	#"..."

"And I will no longer turn a blind eye to those suspicious things you have stored away in that musty attic!"

*fake_choice
	#"Not my attic experimentations!"
	#"..."

"$!{mc_miss} ${mc_name} ${mc_lastname}! I will send you right out of this apartment if you wouldn't at least attempt this connection for a moment—after all I tolerate with you—"

[i]Oh.[/i]

The thought of being kicked out of the house, no longer welcomed in your home, was enough to make your stomach churn.

This protest is becoming much more work than any acceptance would ever be. 

Reluctantly—you give in. 

*fake_choice
	#"[i]Alright[/i]. I shall go. But you owe me, Mrs Hudson."
		"Yes, yes. Now get dressed, dear."
	#"You are a cruel old woman. A cruel, conniving, [i]old[/i] woman."
		"You may call me all sorts of things if it only gets you dressed and downstairs—"
	#"If it is so important to you..."
		"It is, dear. Now get dressed—"
	#"I WANT IT REMEMBERED I THOUGHT THIS WAS A TERRIBLE IDEA AND I WAS VERY RELUCTANT!"
		"Yes, yes. Of course. Let's get you dressed, though, dear—"



*goto getDressedLate

*label gotdressedLate

*page_break
Exiting your apartment with Mrs Hudson's eyes on your back—

[i]Why did you agree to this?[/i]
*if (saidNoToMrsHudson)
	[i]Aside from getting Mrs Hudson off your back.[/i]
*fake_choice
	#I still need a case. I [i]so badly[/i] need a case.
		You need a case. You [i]really[/i] need a case.
	*if (saidNoToMrsHudson = false) #I wanted to get Mrs Hudson off my back. A quick hello—goodbye—will suffice.
		Let's get this over with.
	*if (saidNoToMrsHudson) #No. That is all. A quick hello—goodbye—will suffice for my Mrs Hudson related purposes.
		Let's get this over with.
	#Charming, rich, and ${hHandsome}, she said… might be worth a look.
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
		You find yourself rather curious now…
	#A proper ${h_gentleman}... I find the idea of such a person very appealing.
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
		You find yourself rather curious now…
	#I'm just curious... this sounds fun!
		*set H_Approval + 1
		You find yourself rather curious now.

*page_break


























*label setHApproach

*temp snoop 0

*temp jeAccuse 0
*temp gotoApproach

*if (mcFirstCaseReputationGood = false)
	*set H_Approval - 1
*else 
	*set H_Approval + 1


*if (outfitWord = "proper")
	*set H_Approval + 1

*if (outfitWord = "charming")
	*set H_Approval + 1

*if (outfitWord = "delicate")
	*set H_Approval + 1


*if (((mcFirstCaseReputationGood) and (outfitWord != "bold")) and (H_Approval > 1))
	*set SimpH true


*if ((SimpH) and (hRomancePoints > 0))
	*set gotoApproach "positiveRomanceEntrance"
	*goto continue
*elseif (((SimpH) and (hRomancePoints < 1)))
	*set gotoApproach "positiveNonRomanceEntrance"
	*goto continue
*elseif ((H_Approval > 0) and (hRomancePoints < 1))
	*set gotoApproach "neutralEntrance"
	*goto continue
*elseif (((H_Approval < 1) or (mcFirstCaseReputationGood = false)) and (hRomancePoints < 1))
	*set gotoApproach "negativeEntrance"
	*goto continue
*elseif (hRomancePoints > 0)
	*set gotoApproach "negativeRomanceEntrance"
	*goto continue
*else
	*set gotoApproach "negativeEntrance"
	*goto continue


*label continue







You travel down the townhouse’s creaking stairway. 

On the ground floor, where you are heading, there is a grand parlour with much natural light, which sits largely unused; [i]unless[/i] you have clients. This is surely where she would have placed the guest.

[i]Mrs Hudson will be in a good mood for days.[/i]

She often repeats that the pretty curved ceilings go to waste. All those windows so well-dressed and unseen. A home fit for a lord inhabited by a widow, a doctor, and a detective. None of whom use it quite enough to warrant such space or splendour.

Until now, that is.

There have been some very rich and titled clientele to visit before—but your landlord seems unusually charmed today.

[i]Why?[/i]

You halt just as you are but a step from the bottom landing—your hand gripping the carved walnut newel. 

*comment Your footsteps halt, your hand gripping the carved walnut newel. 

*comment A stranger lurks beyond this step.

[i]Who is this person?[/i]

[i]Why are they here?[/i]

*fake_choice
	#I am terribly curious, and so I decide to sneak a peek.
		*comment old line: My curiosity is piqued and parched, and I decide to satiate it by sneaking a peek.
		*set snoop 1

		*if (prefersHeels)
			Your heels land carefully on the firmer wood. If you are quiet, you may glance at the visitor without them noticing.
		*else 
			Your shoes land carefully on the firmer wood. If you are quiet, you may glance at the visitor without them noticing.

		Simply to get an idea.

		A gleam. Of what to expect. See them when no one is watching. While your breath slows and your pulse quickens in a silent approach to the room.

		*page_break
		
		Still outside the parlour, you hear someone's hard soles shuffling on the patterned floor. Mrs Hudson [i]did[/i] place the ${h_man} there.

		*if (h_man = "man")
			Or, you allow your mind to drift; it is a thief, an intruder, who wandered in to loot the place. Possibly the fellow you sought has left and, followed in his place, is a quick way to a case. One caught in the act—[i]in flagrante[/i]; sadly, a much rarer occurrence than one would think in this line of business.

		*if (h_man = "woman")
			Or, you allow your mind to drift; it is a thief, an intruder, who wandered in to loot the place. Possibly the woman you sought has left and, followed in her place, is a quick way to a case. One caught in the act—[i]in flagrante[/i]; sadly, a much rarer occurrence than one would think in this line of business.

		But what a win it would be to do so now...

		[i]Hmm.[/i]

		The door is only a little ajar, but it is more than enough—
		
		*fake_choice
			#I lean forward.
		*if (h_man = "man")
			You lean forward, catching a glimpse of a ${h_man}'s shoes. [i]Shoes[/i] whose wearer would be, sadly, unlikely to steal anything at all. For, by only a glance, you see that his footwear is immaculate to such a degree that, if this ${h_man} stole anything at all, you would assume it would soon be put in a museum and all too legally.

			Indeed, Mrs Hudson is right about that ${h_man}’s access to wealth.

			The figure pivots, and you notice an outfit consisting of exquisitely careful colours, shy colours. Not bold—nothing brave, but not without style.
		*else
			You lean forward, catching a glimpse of a laced hem. [i]Lace[/i] whose wearer would be, sadly, unlikely to steal anything at all. For, by only a glance, you see that this handiwork is immaculate to such a degree that, if this ${h_man} stole anything at all, you would assume it would soon be put in a museum and all too legally.

			Indeed, Mrs Hudson is right about that ${h_man}’s access to wealth.

			The figure pivots, and you notice an outfit consisting of exquisitely careful colours, modest colours. Not bold—nothing brave, but not without style.


		[i]Cares for ${h_his} appearance.[/i]

		*fake_choice
			#I peek further into the room—
				*set snoop 2

				With a lean forward and a steadying hand, you glean more.

				*if (h_man = "man")
					You regard his outline—his decently tall frame elongates to commanding by his positively aristocratic backbone. Fitted in a suit of soft grey crisp lines. Shoulders held square and broad but with a lean proportion and a tapering waist. 

					It would be called a handsome form by most. By all.

					This form all unaware before you.
				*else 
					You regard her outline—her significantly shortened form shrinks to waifish by her thin limbs—yet held strong by a positively aristocratic backbone; fitted in a corset pulled tight and a long neck held high. All in regal purple and pearls. 

					It would be called a pretty picture by most. By all.

					This picture all unaware before you.

				*fake_choice
					#I manoeuvre the small gap with my full weight held only by the tips of a few toes—
						*set snoop 3

						[i]Oh, it is fascinatingly peculiar—[/i]

						*if (h_man = "man")
							For he does not appear to possess a workingman's build. And he does not seem to be without exercise or carry the usual lethargic figure of the genteel. 

						*else
							For she does not appear to possess a working woman's build. And she does not seem to be without exercise or carry the usual lethargic figure of the genteel. 

						[i]Then—[/i]

						[i]Does ${h_he} perhaps[/i]—you lean closer to catch more of the figure, and the weight shifts. More so the fault of the old floorboards, but the wood creaks. 
						
						The damage is done. 
						
						Two unfamiliar eyes turn on you.

						*fake_choice
							#“…”
								Not a word, nor peep, exits your lips.
							#“Hello?” The words escape my lips by the uncomfortable rush of being caught in the act.
								“Hello?” you straighten and attempt to look unsettled by the event that just occurred, but your unsure tone betrays you.
							#“Welcome, $!{h_sir}. You wished to see me?” I say, as if no faux-pas ever occurred.
								*set H_Approval + 1
								“Welcome, $!{h_sir}. You wished to see me?” you straighten admirably and do not let the error affect you.
							#“And [i]who[/i] are [i]you[/i]?” I ask with suspicion in my voice.
								“And [i]who[/i] are [i]you[/i]?” you question the stranger, completely ignoring how you were the one just caught.

								*set SimpH false
								*set jeAccuse 1
								*set H_Approval - 2
								*if (hRomancePoints > 0)
									*set gotoApproach "negativeRomanceEntrance"
								*if (hRomancePoints < 1)
									*set gotoApproach "negativeEntrance"


						Now, inside the parlour, in the bright daylight, you see ${h_him} fully. 
						
						Piercing gaze fixed on yours. Eyes, like emeralds in low light. Even from across the room, dark green, vibrant—nothing disturbs their intensity. Like complete darkness, they are constant in their shade.
						
						"$!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}, I presume?" 
						*page_break

						*gotoref gotoApproach

					#I quit this stalking journey.

						*goto skipSnoop

			#I regret this decision and go to open the door instead—

				*goto skipSnoop

	#I go to open the door of the parlour. I am less than curious about this whole situation and rather more eager to get it all over with.
		*comment old line: I find myself less than curious and more eager to get it all over with.
		On your path past the stairs, you let the creaks crack, and the sounds sound heavy. You do not care not to forewarn your arrival as you enter the room.
		
		Let us swiftly conclude this strange affair.

		*goto skipSnoop
	#Rather than delay any longer, I hurry towards the door. Growing more and more eager to meet this ${h_man} as the seconds pass.
		*comment old line: I find myself curious and, therefore, more eager to get through the door.
		On your path past the stairs, the creaks crack, and the sounds sound heavy as you enter the room in haste.

		You feel your adrenaline pulse. Let's begin whatever this strange affair brings—

		*goto skipSnoop

	#I do not know to feel about this... so I head for the door and hope for the best.
		
		On your path past the stairs, the creaks crack, and the sounds sound heavy as you enter the room at a languid pace.
		
		Let's begin whatever this affair is—

		*goto skipSnoop

*label skipSnoop

The door opens fully by your hand, and the ${h_man} standing there turns towards you. 

*page_break

Inside the parlour, in the bright daylight, you see ${h_him} fully. $!{h_his} gaze fixed on yours. Eyes, like emeralds in low light. Even from across the room, dark green, vibrant—nothing disturbs their intensity. Like complete darkness, they are constant in their shade.

"$!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}, I presume?" 
*page_break

*gotoref gotoApproach


*label negativeRomanceEntrance

—"$!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}, I presume?" $!{h_his} voice was soft.

*if (h_man = "man")
	You feel your brows rise a little before you temper the expression. For his voice was steady and commanding—yet held a velvety softness you had rarely heard. It was not too muted nor unbecoming of his sex, but you remain astonished at the quiet tenderness found in the stranger's voice. How a voice like a warm breeze exits a ${h_man} so sharp is beyond you.
*else  
	You feel your brows rise a little before you temper the expression. For her voice was steady and commanding—yet held a velvety softness you had rarely heard. It was not too muted nor unbecoming of her stature, but you remain astonished at the quiet melody found in the stranger's voice. How a voice like a warm breeze exits a ${h_man} so prim and proper is beyond you.

*fake_choice
	#I swallow thickly, feeling suddenly even more aware of the ${hHandsome} stranger.
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
		*set woundedBirdPoints + 1
	#I feel my heart rate rising without my permission. How irritating.
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
	#How unusual...

	#How unattractive.
		*set hRomancePoints 0
		Waiting on your response, the ${h_man} smiles—the slightest, barely-there turn of the lips. The perfect form of polite distance. Perhaps it is for the best. You are not sure that ${h_man} would have been dressed well by a wide welcoming boisterous display of teeth. 
		
		*goto entrance2H
		
The ${h_man} smiles then—the slightest, barely-there turn of the lips. The perfect form of polite distance. Perhaps it is for the best. You are not sure a ${h_man} so sharp would have been dressed well by a wide welcoming boisterous display of teeth. 

But, in ${h_his} approach, there are things you cannot fully grasp. Something hidden. $!{h_he} seems perhaps…curious?

Curious of you.

[i]Much more than a regular client would…[/i]

*goto entrance2H

*label neutralEntrance

—"$!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}, I presume?" ${h_his} voice is steady, commanding, and yet a much softer quality than expected. 

The ${h_man} smiles—a small, barely-there turn of the lips, the height of modern polite reservedness. Perhaps the muted action is for the best; you are not sure a ${h_man} so sharp would have been dressed well by a wide welcoming boisterous display of teeth. 

In ${h_his} approach, there are things you cannot fully grasp. Something hidden. $!{h_he} seems perhaps…curious?

Curious of you.

[i]Much more than a regular client would be…[/i]

*goto entrance2H

*label negativeEntrance

—"$!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}, I presume?" ${h_his} voice is steady, commanding, and somewhat softer than expected. 

The ${h_man} smiles—the slightest, barely-there turn of the lips. The perfect form of polite distance. Perhaps it is for the best. You are not sure a ${h_man} so sharp would have been dressed well by a wide welcoming boisterous display of teeth. 

*goto entrance2H

*label positiveNonRomanceEntrance

*if (h_man = "man")
	—"$!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}, I presume?" ${h_his} voice is steady, commanding. Yet… softer than expected. The ${h_man} smiles—a genuine and kind smile, ${h_his} eyes wrinkle—the corners of ${h_his} mouth lift, and white teeth show. In ${h_his} approach, there is something more than kindness. More than politeness. Something hidden. 
*else  
	—"$!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}, I presume?" ${h_his} voice is steady, and commanding. Yet… softer than expected. The ${h_man} smiles—a genuine and kind smile, ${h_his} eyes wrinkle—the corners of ${h_his} mouth lift, and cheeks round. In ${h_his} approach, there is something more than kindness. More than politeness. Something hidden. 

$!{h_he} seems curious, curious of you.

[i]Much more than a regular client would be…[/i]

*goto entrance2H

*label positiveRomanceEntrance

—"$!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}, I presume?" $!{h_his} voice was soft.

*if (h_man = "man")
	You feel your brows rise a little before you temper the expression. For ${h_his} voice was velvet, so soft you had not often heard a sound so steady and pleasant. It was not too muted nor unbecoming of ${h_his} sex, but you remain astonished at the quiet tenderness found in the stranger's voice. How a voice like a warm breeze exits a ${h_man} so sharp is beyond you.
*else
	You feel your brows rise a little before you temper the expression. For ${h_his} voice was velvet, so soft you had not often heard a sound so steady and pleasant. It was not too muted nor unbecoming of ${h_his} stature, but you remain astonished at the quiet tenderness found in the stranger's voice. How a voice like a warm breeze exits a ${h_man} so prim and proper is beyond you.

*fake_choice
	#I find myself rather annoyed at the way my increasing pulse betrays me.
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
	#I swallow thickly, feeling suddenly very aware of the ${hHandsome} stranger.
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
	#How unusual...

	#How unattractive
		*set hRomancePoints 0
		Waiting on your response, the ${h_man} smiles—the slightest, barely-there turn of the lips. The perfect form of polite distance. Perhaps it is for the best. You are not sure that ${h_man} would have been dressed well by a wide welcoming boisterous display of teeth. 
		*goto entrance2H

*if (h_man = "man")
	The ${h_man} smiles then—it is, too, a soft smile—a genuine and kind smile. $!{h_his} eyes wrinkle—the corners of ${h_his} mouth lift, and white teeth show. It is all very purposefully inviting. Still, you think there is something more in ${h_his} approach. $!{h_he} seems curious?
*else
	The ${h_man} smiles then—it is, too, a soft smile—a genuine and kind smile. $!{h_his} eyes wrinkle—the corners of ${h_his} mouth lift, and cheeks round. It is all very purposefully inviting. Still, you think there is something more in ${h_his} approach. $!{h_he} seems curious?

Curious of you.

[i]Much more than a regular client would be…[/i]

*goto entrance2H

*label entrance2H

*fake_choice
	*if (jeAccuse = 1) #"I asked [i]you[/i] who you [i]are[/i] first!"
		*set jeAccuse 2
	*comment #"That depends on who's asking."
	#"You presume correctly. And you are?" 
	*comment #"I am her. But I am at a disadvantage, $!{h_sir}, for I do not know your name."
	#"I don't know you. [i]Why are you here[/i]?" 
	#"Yes, I am $!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}. Who may you be, $!{h_sir}?" I stand tall, regarding ${h_him} as an equal, despite the apparent high rank of the stranger.
		*set H_Approval + 1
	#I feel surprisingly weak under ${h_his} strong gaze and answer a delicate, “Yes."
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
		*set woundedBirdPoints + 1

*if (jeAccuse = 2)
	*if (h_man = "man")
		"...[i]Yes.[/i] Pardon my abhorrent manners.” The ${h_man} bows; nothing deeper than decorum demands, keeping ${h_his} cool eyes firmly on yours.
	*else
		"...[i]Yes.[/i] Pardon my abhorrent manners.” The woman curtsies; nothing deeper than decorum demands, keeping ${h_his} cool eyes firmly on yours.
	*goto hIntroduction
*elseif (((hRomancePoints > 0) and (H_Approval > 0)) or ((hRomancePoints > 0) and (SimpH)))
	*if (h_man = "man")
		"Please pardon my abhorrent manners.” The ${h_man} bows, hand onto heart.
	*else
		"Please pardon my manners.” The ${h_man} curtsies, hands holding the skirt, lowering gracefully and head bent.
	*goto hIntroduction
*elseif (hRomancePoints > 0)
	*if (h_man = "man")
		"Please pardon my abhorrent manners.” The ${h_man} bows; nothing deeper than decorum demands, keeping ${h_his} eyes firmly on yours.
	*else
		"Please pardon my abhorrent manners.” The ${h_man} curtsies; nothing deeper than decorum demands, keeping ${h_his} eyes firmly on yours.
	*goto hIntroduction
*else
	*if (h_man = "man")
		"Please pardon my abhorrent manners.” The ${h_man} bows, no deeper than decorum demands. 
	*else
		"Please pardon my abhorrent manners.” The ${h_man} curtsies, no deeper than decorum demands. 
	*goto hIntroduction

*label hIntroduction
*if ((SimpH) and (outfitWord != "bold"))
	“Allow me to introduce myself. $!{h_sir2} ${full_nameH}. It is a genuine pleasure to make your hurried acquaintance. I had hoped we might meet under better circumstances… Alas." $!{h_his} eyes look you over-ever-so-slightly. “While I do desire to create a proper connection as I have long admired your work—” A green gaze returns to yours. “I am afraid your services are most urgently needed." 

	*if (h_man = "man")
		A yellow paper, once folded into letter-shape, but now only folded once, is drawn from inside ${h_his} suit. “I have the letter with me now. Would you read it and tell me what you think?"
	*else
		A yellow paper, once folded into letter-shape, but now only folded once, is drawn from inside a small silk drawstring reticule. “I have the letter with me now. Would you read it and tell me what you think?"
	
	*goto hGivesLetter

*elseif ((hRomancePoints > 0) and (outfitWord = "bold" ))
	“Allow me to make an overdue introduction. $!{h_sir2} ${full_nameH}, pleasure.”

	“I had hoped we might meet under different circumstances. Alas." $!{h_he} looks over your
	*if (hasTrousers)
		daring suit
	*else
		revealing dress and its lace
	ever-so-slightly with a narrowing gaze. “I have long been a follower of yours—but I am not here to create a connection. Your services are most urgently needed.” 

	*if (h_man = "man")
		A yellow paper once folded into letter-shape, now only folded once, is drawn from inside ${h_his} suit. “I have the letter with me now. Would you read it and tell me your thoughts?"
	*else
		A yellow paper once folded into letter-shape, now only folded once, is drawn from inside a small silk drawstring reticule. “I have the letter with me now. Would you read it and tell me your thoughts?"
	
*elseif (((outfitWord = "bold") or (hRomancePoints > 0)) or (jeAccuse = 2))
	“Allow me to make an overdue introduction. $!{h_sir2} ${full_nameH}, pleasure.”

	“I had hoped we might meet under different circumstances. Alas." $!{h_he} looks over you ever-so-slightly with a narrowed gaze. “I have long been a follower of yours—but I am not here to create a connection. Your services are most urgently needed.” 

	*if (h_man = "man")
		A yellow paper once folded into letter-shape, now only folded once, is drawn from inside ${h_his} suit. “I have the letter with me now. Would you read it and tell me your thoughts?"
	*else
		A yellow paper once folded into letter-shape, now only folded once, is drawn from inside a small silk drawstring reticule. “I have the letter with me now. Would you read it and tell me your thoughts?"
	
	*goto hGivesLetter
*else
	“Allow me to introduce myself. $!{h_sir2} ${full_nameH}. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I had hoped we might meet under better circumstances. Alas." $!{h_his} eyes look over you ever-so-slightly. “I have long admired your work. However, I am not here to create a connection.” A green gaze returns to yours. “I am afraid your services are most urgently needed." 

	*if (h_man = "man")
		A yellow paper once folded into letter-shape, now only folded once, is drawn from inside ${h_his} suit. “I have the letter with me now. Would you read it and tell me your thoughts?"
	*else
		A yellow paper once folded into letter-shape, now only folded once, is drawn from inside a small silk drawstring reticule. “I have the letter with me now. Would you read it and tell me your thoughts?"
	
	*goto hGivesLetter

*label hGivesLetter

You take it from ${h_his} gloved outstretched hand.

And the black ink reads—

*page_break

Dear distinguished $!{h_sir2},

I trust this letter finds you in good health and spirits. My reason for writing is this; I have heard from a mutual acquaintance that you are hosting a grand ball in the near future, and I am hereby informing you of my presence there.

You see, I am an incidental purveyor of rare and exquisite objects, and I have learnt there is an item of great interest in your possession that I would be honoured to borrow indefinitely. Be assured I will take the utmost care with the item and handle it with proper respect.

It is understandable you may be hesitant to release such a valuable object to a stranger, but I assure you my intentions are purely material and good and will be of great advantage to me.

*if (mcFirstCaseReputationGood)
	Furthermore, as you are now informed of the incident, please indicate your assent by inviting the saintly $!{mc_miss} $!{mc_name} $!{mc_lastname} to the evening of the ball. I will be in attendance and will take this as a sign of our game’s beginning.
*else
	Furthermore, as you are now informed of the incident, please indicate your assent by inviting the devilish $!{mc_miss} $!{mc_name} $!{mc_lastname} to the evening of the ball. I will be in attendance and will take this as a sign of our game’s beginning.

Thank you for your consideration, 

And I hope to have the pleasure of meeting the detective soon. Very soon.

Sincerely,

M

*fake_choice
	#What is this strange obsession the world has with letters all of a sudden?
		It must be some sort of frequency illusion. Once honed on a subject, I hear it always. Same as the birds… yes. This is the simplest and most probable deduction. Must be so.
	#Ohh, well, this is quite something—
	#What in damnation?


*if (((hRomancePoints > 0) or (SimpH)) or (H_Approval > 0))
	“What do you think this all means, $!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}?” Emerald eyes are heavy on yours. $!{h_his} focus is on your next words, in your following opinion; rapture radiates from the previous stranger.
*else
	“What do you think this all means, $!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}?” Emerald eyes are heavy on yours. ${h_his} focus is on your next words, in your following opinion.
	
*label returnICantThinkOfAName

*fake_choice
	*disable_reuse #"It is quite a strange letter...."
		"It is quite a strange letter...." you say.
		
		“I may be without your same experience on the matter—yet—I have to agree. I imagine you're not called to attend balls in quite this manner often?”
		*fake_choice
			#“No. Never.”
				“No. Never.”
				
				*if (SimpH)
					*if (h_man = "man")
						“A first, then. I am most glad to be here to witness it.”
					*else
						“A first? I am most glad to be here to witness it.”
					*page_break
					*goto returnICantThinkOfAName
				*elseif (hRomancePoints > 0)
					*if (h_man = "man")
						“A first, then. What an avant-garde letter writer we seem to share.”
					*else
						“A first? What an avant-garde letter writer we seem to share.”
					*page_break
					*goto returnICantThinkOfAName
				*else
					*if (h_man = "man")
						“A first, then. What an avant-garde letter writer we have.”
					*else 
						“A first? What an avant-garde letter writer we have.”
					*page_break
					*goto returnICantThinkOfAName
			#“I am not called to balls at all, $!{h_sir}.”
				“I am not called to balls at all, $!{h_sir}.”
				*set woundedBirdPoints + 1
				
				*if (H_Approval > 0)
					*if (genderMC != h_man)
						*if (attractive > 2)
							*if (mcFirstCaseReputationGood)
								*if (h_man = "man") 
									“No? That is a surprise. You're a celebrated subject of the city, and many a men dream of you on their arm.” 
								*if (h_man = "woman") 
									“No? That is... a surprise. You're a rather celebrated subject of the city. I've heard many a women dream of you on their arm.”  
							*else
								*if (h_man = "man") 
									“No? That is a surprise. You're a notorious subject of the city, and many a men dream of you on their arm.” 
								*if (h_man = "woman") 
									“No? That is... a surprise. You're rather a notorious subject of the city. I've heard many a women dream of you on their arm.” 

						*else
							*if (mcFirstCaseReputationGood)
								“You're a notorious subject in the city, and many would surely want such a topic at their gathering. Well, their loss, I say.”

							*else
								“You're a notorious subject in the city, and many would surely want such a topic at their gathering. Well, their loss, I say.”
				
					*else
						*if (attractive > 2)
							*if (mcFirstCaseReputationGood)
								*if (h_man = "man") 
									“No? That is a surprise. You're a celebrated subject of the city, and many surely dream of you on their arm.” 
								*else
									“No? That is... a surprise. You're a celebrated subject of the city. Many surely dream of you on their arm.” 

							*else
								*if (h_man = "man") 
									“No? That is a surprise. You're a notorious subject of the city, and many surely dream of you on their arm.” 
								*else
									“No? That is... a surprise. You're a notorious subject of the city. Many surely dream of you on their arm.” 
						*else
							*if (mcFirstCaseReputationGood)
								“You're a celebrated subject in the city, and many would surely want such a topic at their gathering. Well, their loss, I say.”

							*else
								“You're a notorious subject in the city, and many would surely want such a topic at their gathering. Well, their loss, I say.”

				*elseif (hRomancePoints > 0)
					“No? I suppose consulting detectives rarely mingle in such circles. Shame.”

				*else
					*if (h_man = "man") 
						“No? I am all astonishment, $!{mc_madam}.”
					*else
						“No? I am astonished, $!{mc_madam}.”


			#“It’s quite a kick to be sought in this manner.”
				“It’s quite a kick to be sought in this manner.”
				
				*if (SimpH) 
					*if (h_man = "man") 
						With a seemingly amused tone, ${h_he} says, “I am very glad to be a deliverer of enjoyment, $!{mc_madam}.”
					*else
						With a seemingly amused tone, ${h_he} says, “I am rather glad to be a deliverer of enjoyment, $!{mc_madam}.”
					*goto next1
				*elseif (hRomancePoints > 0)
					With an indescribable tone, ${h_he} says, “I am glad to be a deliverer of such enjoyment, $!{mc_madam}.”
					*goto next1
				*else
					With an overtly neutral tone, ${h_he} says, “I am very glad to be a deliverer of enjoyment, $!{mc_madam}.”
					*page_break
					*goto returnICantThinkOfAName
			#“Well, I was once invited to attend a ribbon cutting by a puzzle.“
				“Well, I was once invited to attend a ribbon cutting by a puzzle.“
				
				*if ((SimpH) or (H_Approval > 0))
					“Oh? And did you attend?”
					*goto didYouAttend
				*else
					“And did you attend?”
					*goto didYouAttend
				*label didYouAttend
				*fake_choice
					#“No. It was not a very good puzzle.”
						“No. It was not a very good puzzle.”
						
						“Mmm, shame.”
					#“I did. And it was about as interesting as one might expect for shears to pass through fabric.”
						“I did. And it was about as interesting as one might expect for shears to pass through fabric.”
						
						*if ((SimpH) or (H_Approval > 0))
							*if (h_man = "man") 
								“Mm, shame.” $!{h_he} smirks.
							*else
								“Mm, shame.” $!{h_he} smiles.
							*page_break
							*goto returnICantThinkOfAName
						*else
							“Mmm, shame.”
							*page_break
							*goto returnICantThinkOfAName
					#“No, I was otherwise engaged that day.”
						“No, I was otherwise engaged that day.”
						
						“Mmm, shame.”
				*page_break
				*goto returnICantThinkOfAName
		*page_break
		*goto returnICantThinkOfAName



	*disable_reuse #"I adore it—to be summoned by name is quite flattering, isn’t it?"
		"I adore it—to be summoned by name is quite flattering, isn’t it?"
		
		*if (SimpH)
			$!{h_he} displays a hint of a smile. “I am most pleased you feel as such, $!{mc_madam}. Then I am not the bringer of distress I feared I might be.”
			*page_break
			*goto returnICantThinkOfAName
		*elseif (hRomancePoints > 0)
			*if (h_man = "man") 
				$!{h_his} eyes remain on you. “Is that so.”
			*else
				$!{h_his} eyes remain on you. “Is that so?”
			*page_break
			*goto returnICantThinkOfAName
		*else
			*if (h_man = "man") 
				$!{h_his} expression remains blank. “Excellent. Then I am not a bringer of distress at this time.”
			*else
				$!{h_his} expression remains blank. "Wonderful. Then I am not a bringer of distress at this time.”
			*page_break
			*goto returnICantThinkOfAName

	#"Huh...."
		"Huh...."
		
		*if (SimpH)
			“Surprise, then? Or lacking in the necessary details? I can assist with the latter. 
			*label whatDoIEvenCallThis
			You see, the fuller story is this—I could have cancelled the social engagement were it not for obligations and contracts and honour dictating it. There must be a ball, and I must attend—and so will what I suspect this letter writer is after—do.”
			*goto next2
		*elseif (hRomancePoints > 0)
			“Are you so astonished? Or simply lacking in the necessary details? I can endeavour to assist with the latter.
			*goto whatDoIEvenCallThis
		*else
			“Astonished? Or lacking in the necessary details? I can attempt to assist with the latter.
			*goto whatDoIEvenCallThis


	#"Frankly, it smells of a trap. You'd best cancel this ball, $!{h_sir}."
		"Frankly, it smells of a trap. You'd best cancel this ball, $!{h_sir}."
		
		*if (h_man = "man") 
			"I am afraid I can’t. Obligations and contracts and honour dictate it.” $!{h_he} says but waves $!{h_his} hand in the air as if to say it does not matter at all. “There must be a ball, and I must be present—and so will what I suspect this letter writer is after.”
		*else
			"I am afraid I can not. Obligations and contracts and honour dictate it.” $!{h_he} says but makes a face that says ${h_he} find the whole thing rather distasteful. “No—there must be a ball, and I must be present. And so will what I suspect this letter writer is after.”

		*fake_choice
			#"And what is that?"
				"And what is that?"
				
				"…Ah. Well, to clarify, the ball is for almsgiving. And I have promised a rare stone to be displayed. Simple puffery, but it brings the crowds with the right pockets. All for very good things—of course."
				
				*label charityThing
				*fake_choice
					#"Not a ${h_man} for charity, $!{h_sir}?"
						"Not a ${h_man} for charity, $!{h_sir}?" you ask.
						
						“I participate often.”

						“Not sure that is an answer."

						“Isn’t it?” 

					#"Kind of you."
						"Kind of you."
						
						*if (h_man = "man")
							"Mmm, well, that is what I am told."
						*else
							"Mmm, well, I hope so."

					#"What sorts of things?"
						"What sorts of things?"
						
						"Education of the misfortunate is a popular topic. Orphans, of course is another. Archeology to zoology, the topics travel the whole gamut."

				*page_break

		*goto wrapBackToCase

	#"I need more information before I can give my conclusion—"
		"I need more information before I can give my conclusion."
		
		“Of course—the fuller story is this—I could have cancelled the social engagement were it not for obligations and contracts and honour dictating it. There must be a ball, and I must be present—and so will what I suspect this letter writer is after.”

		*goto next2
	

*label next1
*page_break

*if (h_man = "man") 
	"But. On the matter at hand, I cannot cancel. Obligations and contracts and honour dictate it.” $!{h_he} says but waves ${h_his} hand in the air as if to say it does not matter at all. “There must be a ball, and I must attend—and so will what I suspect this letter writer is after—do.”
*else
	"But. On the matter at hand, I cannot cancel. Obligations and contracts and honour dictate it.” $!{h_he} says but makes a face that says ${h_he} find the whole thing rather distasteful. “No—I am afraid there must be a ball, and I must be present. And so will what I suspect this letter writer is after.”

*label next2
*fake_choice
	#"And what is that?"
		"…Ah. Well, to clarify, the ball is for almsgiving. And I have promised a rare stone to be displayed. Simple puffery, but it brings the crowds with the right pockets. All for very good things—of course."
		*goto charityThing

*label wrapBackToCase

"If we return to the case."  $!{h_he} gestures to the letter in your hand. "These circumstances of mine lead me to believe a thief will be in attendance. And they will attempt to steal the stone. Now—this is the only conjecture I will allow myself to share with an expert on the matter. Do you have any further questions?"

You do have questions, but...

Is this even something you should get involved in?

This case appears unusual. So unusual you might come to expect more than it can give, should your mind stretch circumstances beyond reality’s reach. It is so far from what you were looking for. You wanted normal. Safe. Where the dangers of disappointments were lessened. Instead, now you may either trek towards possible pain or hide from it and seek safer prospects... 

The Edinburgh case promised more, proved problems, a worthy adversary.

What if this is not even entertaining enough to distract me? What if there is no thief or no sophistication to their methods?

Will it end in boredom and hurt?

*line_break

[i]Yet... perhaps, you can still afford to know a little more...[/i]

*label obligatoryInfo2
*temp yes true

*temp counterObligatoryInfo 0
*temp hSaidDelight false
*temp hIsOfferedTeaButNonSimp false

*label obligatoryInfo

*fake_choice
	*disable_reuse #"Your ball, when and where is it?"
		*set counterObligatoryInfo + 1
		"Your ball, when and where is it?" you ask.
		
		"The day after tomorrow. Nine-o-clock. The Natural History Museum. The main venue shall be the central hall, if that is of any assistance.”
		*comment the day after tomorrow, you see why I came to you in haste.

		*page_break
	*disable_reuse #"Who’s in attendance?"
		*set counterObligatoryInfo + 1
		"Who’s in attendance?"
		
		“Everyone of importance, and yet no one of interest.”
		*fake_choice
			#“That isn’t very helpful.”
				“Then I shall send you a list, $!{mc_madam}.”
			*if (hMan) #“Are you being glib on purpose, Mr?”
				*set H_Approval - 2
				$!{h_his} tone softens and slows further, now wearing an empty smile, “No, [i]$!{mc_madam}[/i]. I am not. I will arrange for you to receive a list. Surely then, you may have enough to grasp the situation.”
			*if (hMan = false) #“Are you being glib on purpose, lady?”
				*set H_Approval - 2
				$!{h_his} tone softens and slows further, now wearing an empty smile, “No, [i]$!{mc_madam}[/i]. I am not. I will arrange for you to receive a list. Surely then, you may have enough to grasp the situation.”
			#“I would need more than this, $!{h_sir}.”
				*if (H_Approval > 0)
					“Of course, I shall send you a list, $!{mc_madam}.”
				*if (H_Approval < 1)
					“I shall send you a list, $!{mc_madam}.”
			#“The queen?”
				*if (H_Approval > 0)
					“Ah–no.  I assure you, she would be of rather large interest, as well as importance.”
					*comment "Ah–no. I assure you she would be of considerable interest and importance."
				*if (H_Approval < 1)
					“No. She would be of rather large interest, as well as importance, I assure you.” 
		*page_break
	*disable_reuse #"How is the security?"
		*set counterObligatoryInfo + 1
		"How is the security?"
		
		“I would assume it is decent? I really would not know too well. Depths of delegation, I am afraid.”
		*page_break

	*disable_reuse #"This stone, tell me more about it."
		*set counterObligatoryInfo + 1
		"This stone, tell me more about it," you say. Knowing what the thief wants would be key in an investigation such as this.

		*if ((SimpH) and (H_Approval > 0))
			"‘El Corazón Sangrante," ${h_he} says with an accent far from a native speaker. "Here in London, with our English tongues, it is most often referred to as [i]the bleeding heart[/i]. It is a ruby of fame, size, and splendour. Precisely cut into the shape of its namesake. Although." The ${h_gentleman}'s brows furrow. "It’s not the figure found in medical books and cadavers… What would you call it, $!{mc_miss}? The two halves that become one?"
			
			You rack your brain for an answer but come up empty. "I am not sure it has another name. The ivy leaf, perhaps, although one could call it many things."
			
			*if (h_man = "man") 
				"A heart, then." $!{h_he} nods in agreement. "Simple. Symmetrical. Quite the lovely little thing. And approximately the size of a fist.” $!{h_he} holds ${h_his} closed hand to you. And the length from ${h_his} wrist to knuckle displayed by ${h_his} steady hand would be a remarkably large and heavy rock indeed. $!{h_he} seems to recognise this and says, “Perhaps not quite… But, your hand could do—may I borrow it?"
			*else
				"A heart, then." $!{h_he} nods in agreement. "Simple. Symmetrical. Quite the lovely little thing. And approximately the size of a fist.” $!{h_he} holds forth ${h_his} closed hand to you. And the length from ${h_his} wrist to knuckle displayed by ${h_his} small hand wouldn't be quite as impressive nor as heavy a rock as described.$!{h_he} seems to recognise this and says, “Perhaps not quite… But, my ${mc_lady}, your hand could do—may I borrow it?"
			
			*fake_choice
				#"Yes."
					*set letHborrowYourHand "yes"

					"Yes."

				#"May as well."
					*set letHborrowYourHand "yes"
					"May as well."

				#"I'd rather not."
					*set H_Approval - 1
					*set letHborrowYourHand "no"
					"I'd rather not." You keep your hand where it is, firmly placed by your side.
					
					$!{h_he} frowns yet again. "Well. The ruby is approximately the size of your closed hand."
					
					*page_break
					*goto obligatoryInfo
			
				#"No."
					*set H_Approval - 1
					*set letHborrowYourHand "no"
					"No." You keep your hand where it is, firmly placed by your side.
					
					$!{h_he} frowns yet again. "Well. The ruby is approximately the size of your closed hand."
					*page_break
					*goto obligatoryInfo

			"Good. Well then." 

			You do as ${h_he} asks and hands ${h_him} your hand.
							
			"Close it."
					
			Yet again, you do as ${h_he} says.
					
			"There." Two hands held close as if two halves of a heart. “Your hand is perfect. This is its size. Does that draw enough of a picture for you, $!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}?”
		
			*label handMesured

			*fake_choice
				#"I...Yes..."
					*set hRomancePoints + 1
				#"Yes, thank you."
					*set hRomancePoints + 1
				#"I suppose?"
					"I suppose?"
					
					"Good."
				#"$!{h_sir}, I meant the carat and exact measurements. This does nothing for me..."
					*set H_Approval - 1
					"$!{h_sir}, I meant the carat and exact measurements. This does nothing for me..."
									
					"I do not have the measurements on me, $!{mc_madam}." 

					"Insufficiency of skill, I say."

					$!{h_he} does not deign that with an answer.

		*else
			“‘El Corazón Sangrante,” ${h_he} says with an accent far from a native speaker. “[i]The bleeding heart[/i]. A ruby of fame, size, and splendour—cut into the shape of its namesake. Symmetrical. Two halves that become one. A peculiar little thing. And approximately the size of a fist.”

			*if (h_man = "man") 
				$!{h_he} holds ${h_his} closed hand to you. And the length from ${h_his} wrist to knuckle displayed by ${h_his} steady hand would be a remarkably large and heavy rock indeed. “Perhaps not quite…” $!{h_his} eyes turn towards you. “—Your hand could do. Hold it up."
			*else
				$!{h_he} holds forth ${h_his} closed hand to you. And the length from ${h_his} wrist to knuckle displayed by ${h_his} small hand wouldn't be quite as impressive nor as heavy a rock as described. “Perhaps not quite…” $!{h_his} eyes turn towards you. “—Your hand could do. Hold it up."

			*fake_choice
				#I keep my hand where it is, firmly placed by my side.
					*set letHborrowYourHand "no"
					*set H_Approval - 1
					$!{h_he} frowns. "Well. Approximately the size of your closed hand."
					*page_break
					*goto obligatoryInfo
				#I comply.
					*set letHborrowYourHand "yes"
					*if (hRomancePoints > 0)
						"—Hold it up. Closed. There." 

						Two hands held close as if two halves of a heart. “Your hand is... perfect. This is its size. Does that draw enough of a picture for you, $!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}?”

					*else
						"—hold it up. Closed. There.” 

						Two hands held close as if two halves of a heart. 

						“Perfection. This is the exact size. Does that help draw a picture for you, $!{mc_miss}?”
			 
			*fake_choice
				#"I...Yes..."
					*set hRomancePoints + 1
				#"Yes, thank you."
					*set H_Approval + 1
				#"I suppose?"
					"I suppose?"
					
					"Good."
				#"$!{h_sir}, I meant the carat and exact measurements. This does nothing for me..."
					"$!{h_sir}, I meant the carat and exact measurements. This does nothing for me..."
									
					"I do not have the measurements on me, $!{mc_madam}." 

					"Insufficiency of skill, I say."

					$!{h_he} does not deign that with an answer.

		*page_break

	*disable_reuse #"Do you have any enemies, $!{h_sir2} Hawthorne?"
		*set counterObligatoryInfo + 1
		$!{h_his} mouth sets, “Don’t you? Don’t we all.”
		
		“All, meaning?”
		
		*if ((genderMC != h_man) and (genderMC != "them"))
			“All great men and women.”
		*elseif (genderMC = "them")
			“All people—with a modicum of power.”
		*elseif (genderMC = h_man) and (h_man = "man")
			“All great men.”
		*elseif (genderMC = h_man) and (h_man = "woman")
			“All women—with any modicum of power, of course.”
		
			*comment“Those of us who have more than others, in some form or another.”
			
		*page_break

	*selectable_if (counterObligatoryInfo = 5) #"I believe that is all I require—"
		*comment *selectable_if (counterObligatoryInfo = 5) 
		*goto jumpOutInfo

*goto obligatoryInfo

*label jumpOutInfo

“—Will you be able to attend, $!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}?”

*if ((SimpH) and (H_Approval > 1))
	[i]Perhaps, perhaps I should...[/i]
*else
	[i]I shouldn't...[/i]

*label attend
*fake_choice
	*disable_reuse #“Attend? You expect me to attend the ball?”		
		“Attend? You expect me to attend the ball?”
		
		*if ((SimpH) and (hRomancePoints < 1))
			“I had rather assumed this was well implied. But, yes, certainly! I need you there, $!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}. No other would do.”
		*elseif (SimpH)
			“I had rather assumed this was well implied. But, yes, certainly! I need you there, $!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}. No other would do. Surely you would not allow a thief to rob me of my ruby and your company in one night?”
		*elseif ((hRomancePoints > 0) and (H_Approval > 1))
			“I had rather assumed this was well implied. I need you there, $!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}. No other would do.”
		*elseif (hRomancePoints > 0)
			“Surely you would not allow one eccentric letter’s failings to rob me of my ruby? Moreover... it might be a night to remember.”
		*elseif (H_Approval > 0) 
			“Surely you would not allow the thief to win—when you could instead puzzle and catch them in the act?”
		*else
			"I assumed this was well implied. Surely you won't allow the thief to win over you?"

		*comment “Surely you wouldn’t allow a thief to rob me of my ruby, when it is in your power to do everything about it?”
		*comment “Surely you wouldn’t allow the thief to win—when you instead could line your pockets and catch them in the act?”
		*comment “I had rather assumed this was well implied. Surely you won’t allow the thief to win over you?”
		
		*goto attend

	*disable_reuse #“You should know, I am very expensive.”
		“You should know, I am very expensive.”
		
		“Good. So you should be. I will match your rate. You have my word," ${h_he} assures you. "Is it a yes then, $!{mc_miss}? Will you attend?"

		*goto attend
	#No—in my current state, this case seems dull and dangerous
		You decide to decline the invitation—
		*set yes false
		*fake_choice
			#“That sounds very boring. Therefore, no.”
				*set H_Approval - 1
				“That sounds very boring. Therefore, no.”
				*goto declined
			#“No… I’d rather not.”
				“No… I’d rather not.”
				*goto declined
			#“No… I do not think I should. I am sorry.”
				“No… I do not think I should. I am sorry.”
				*goto declined
			#“I have another case I am waiting on. Therefore, I have to decline this.”
				“I have another case I am waiting on. Therefore, I have to decline this.”
				*goto declined
			#“I will have to decline, $!{h_sir}. The case does not seem inclined to need me, and I do not need it.”
				“I will have to decline, $!{h_sir}. The case does not seem inclined to need me, and I do not need it.”
				*goto declined
			#Return 
				*goto attend


	#Yes—I will bet on distraction and joy
		You decide to accept the invitation—
		*set yes true
		*fake_choice
			#"Declining such a tempting offer, from a ${hHandsome2} ${h_gentleman}, no less? Perish the thought.”
				"Declining such a tempting offer, from a ${hHandsome2} ${h_gentleman}, no less? Perish the thought.”

				*if ((hRomancePoints > 0) and (SimpH))
					*set hRomancePoints + 1
					$!{h_his} right eyebrow lifts. “I did not realise—” ${hName} clears ${h_his} throat.“ You are very kind. But. An offer of labour, $!{mc_madam}, is all I can offer to-day. I do apologise..."

					*if (h_man = "man")
						${h_he} seems almost uncomfortable at your words. Well, as uncomfortable as a man with such a tight-laced cravat deign to express.
					*else
						She seems almost uncomfortable at your words, well, as uncomfortable as a woman with such a tight, unyeilding, expensive laced bone-corset deign to express.

					"I will have an invitation delivered to you before the day is done." Although ${h_his} expression remains tempered, ${h_his} tone suggests ${h_he} is pleased with the prospect of you joining ${h_him} at the ball.
				*elseif (SimpH)
					*set hRomancePoints + 1
					$!{h_his} right eyebrow lifts. “I did not realise—” ${hName} clears ${h_his} throat.“ An offer of labour, $!{mc_madam}, is all I can offer. I do apologise.

					*if (h_man = "man")
						$!{h_he} seems almost uncomfortable at your words. Well, as uncomfortable as a man with such a tight-laced cravat deign to express.
					*else 
						She seems almost uncomfortable at your words, well, as uncomfortable as a woman with such a tight, unyeilding, expensive laced bone-corset deign to express.

					"I will have an invitation delivered to you before the day is done." Although ${h_his} expression remains tempered, ${h_his} tone suggests ${h_he} is pleased with the prospect of you joining ${h_him} at the ball.
				*elseif (hRomancePoints > 0)
					*set hRomancePoints + 1
					$!{h_his} jaw hardens. “I believe there has been a misunderstanding. I offer labour. Nothing more. If I gave you an offer of courtship—I would not invite hesitation.” 
					
					*if (h_man = "man")
						$!{h_he} seems, beyond the faint anger, almost... uncomfortable at your words. Well, as uncomfortable as a man with such a tight-laced cravat deign to express.
					*else 
						She seems almost uncomfortable at your words, well, as uncomfortable as a woman with such a tight, unyeilding, expensive laced bone-corset deign to express.

					"I will have an invitation delivered to you before the day is done." Although ${h_his} expression remains stern, ${h_his} tone is somewhat tempered at the notion of you joining ${h_him} for the ball.
				*else
					*set hRomancePoints + 1
					$!{h_his} face blanks. “I rather believe there has been a misunderstanding, $!{mc_madam}. I offer labour. Nothing more, nor less. It was not an offer of courtship—if I gave the wrong impression, I beg your pardon.

					*if (h_man = "man")
						$!{h_he} seems almost uncomfortable at your words. Well, as uncomfortable as a man with such a tight-laced cravat deign to express.
					*else 
						She seems almost uncomfortable at your words, well, as uncomfortable as a woman with such a tight, unyeilding, expensive laced bone-corset deign to express.

					"I will have an invitation delivered to you before the day is done." Although ${h_his} expression remains tempered, ${h_his} tone suggests ${h_he} is pleased with the prospect of you joining ${h_him} at the ball.

			#“… Are you asking me to a ball, $!{h_sir}?” I feel my breath heavy in my lungs.
				“… Are you asking me to a ball, $!{h_sir}?” You feel your breath heavy in your lungs.

				*if (SimpH)
					*set hRomancePoints + 1
					*set woundedBirdPoints + 1
					*set gotAskedToBall true
					*set driver false
					*set goingWithH true
					*if (h_man = "man")
						$!{h_he} ponders the question with a deep furrow of brow, until ${h_he} seems to find an answer. “If you would have me."
					*else
						She ponders the question with what seems a uncharacteristic act of biting her lip. Until, she finds her answer, “If you would have me."

					That is a yes. [i]$!{h_he}[/i] said [i]yes...[/i]

					*comment // “If it be your wish/will.”
					*if (h_man = "man")
						"I believe we would be skirting propriety, the letter invitation does not hold my name as it should. Nevertheless, it did enter your hand from mine…" $!{h_his} gloved hand clasps tighter at ${h_his} side, but ${h_his} expression softens. "${mc_name}, I would be delighted if you would do me the honour of accompanying me on the day?"
					*else
						"I believe we would be skirting propriety, the letter invitation does not hold my name as it should. Nevertheless, it did enter your hand from mine…" $!{h_his} gloved hand clasps tighter at ${h_his} her skirt but ${h_his} expression softens. "${mc_name}, this is beyond the pale, and I feel rather foolish to be the one to ask—but—I would be delighted if you would do me the honour of accompanying me on the day?"

					"Y—"

					*if (h_man = "man")
						“—And—I beg your pardon for not bringing flowers. I should have had more forethought, that was foolish of me. I simply did not think... Well. Ah. My ${mc_lady}, I should, too, apologise in advance for the role I have to play at the ball—I might not be the most attentive companion, but, I will make time. For you."
					*else
						“—And—I beg your pardon for not bringing flowers. I believe one should have flowers. I should have had more forethought. I simply did not think... Well... And I should, too, apologise in advance for the role I have to play at the ball—however, while I might not be the most attentive companion, I will make time, for you."

					*fake_choice 
						#"My ${h_gentleman}. I would be delighted to." 
							"My ${h_gentleman}. I would be delighted to." You find yourself smiling at the mere prospect of the night.
						#I seem unable to speak, and instead, as acceptance, I nod. Fervently.
							You nod and nod, a smile creeping upon your face without your explicit approval.
						#"Yes..."
							"Yes..." you say, while a smile spreads upon your lips.
						#"—Yes! I mean... [i]Yes[/i]."
							"—Yes!" you say in haste. "I mean... [i]Yes[/i]." You can't help but smile at the mere prospect of the night.

					*if (h_man = "man")
						"Excellent! Most excellent. I will have a proper invitation delivered to you before the day is done." The ${h_man}’s usually controlled face adorns a wide and white smile, fitting ${h_him} well. $!{h_he} seems most pleased at the prospect of you joining ${h_him} at the ball.
					*else
						"Wonderful! I will have a proper invitation delivered to you before the day is done." The ${h_man}’s usually controlled face adorns a wide and white smile, fitting ${h_him} well. $!{h_he} seems most pleased at the prospect of you joining ${h_him} at the ball.


				*elseif (hRomancePoints > 0) 
					*set hRomancePoints + 1
					“I did not realise—” $!{h_he} clears ${h_his} throat. “I believe there has been a misunderstanding, $!{mc_madam}. I offer labour. Nothing more. If I gave you an offer of courtship—I promise, I would not invite hesitation.” 

					Green eyes of confounding intensity stare back at you. "I will have an invitation delivered to you before the day is done." Although ${h_his} expression remains indecipherable, ${h_his} tone does suggest ${h_he} is quite pleased with the prospect of you joining ${h_him} at the ball.
				*else
					*set hRomancePoints + 1
					“I did not realise—” Clears ${h_his} throat. “ An offer of labour, $!{mc_madam}, is all I can offer. I do apologise for any wrong impression I may have given.”

					*if (h_man = "man")
						$!{h_he} seems almost uncomfortable at your suggestion. Well, as uncomfortable as a man with such a tight-laced cravat deign to express.
					*else 
						She seems almost uncomfortable at your words, well, as uncomfortable as a woman with such a tight, unyeilding, expensive laced bone-corset deign to express.

					"I will have an invitation delivered to you before the day is done." Although ${h_his} expression remains indecipherable, ${h_his} tone does suggests ${h_he} is quite pleased at the prospect of you joining ${h_him} at the ball.
			#“As I am rather in need of a case—I accept!”
				“As I am rather in need of a case—I accept!”

				*if ((hRomancePoints > 0) and (H_Approval > 0))
					“Wonderful, then it is settled—${mc_name} $!{mc_lastname}—at the ball. What a delight it will be. I will have a proper invitation delivered to you before the day is done." The ${h_man}’s usually controlled face adorns a wide and white smile, fitting ${h_him} well. $!{h_he} seems most pleased at the prospect of you joining ${h_him} at the ball.
					*set hSaidDelight true
				*elseif (H_Approval > 0)
					“Capital! Then it is settled—${mc_name} $!{mc_lastname}—at the ball. What a triumph! I will have a proper invitation delivered to you before the day is done." The ${h_man}’s usually controlled face adorns a wide and white smile, fitting ${h_him} well. $!{h_he} seems most pleased at the prospect of you joining ${h_him} at the ball.
				*elseif (hRomancePoints > 0)
					“Then it is settled—${mc_name} $!{mc_lastname}—at the ball. What a thing that will be to behold… I will have an invitation delivered to you before the day is done." Although ${h_his} tone remains indecipherable, ${h_his} expression does suggests ${h_he} is quite pleased at the prospect of you joining ${h_him} at the ball.
				*else
					“Then it is settled—${mc_name} $!{mc_lastname}—at the ball. How exciting. 
					I will have an invitation delivered to you before the day is done." Although ${h_his} tone remains indecipherable, ${h_his} expression does suggests ${h_he} is quite pleased at the prospect of you joining ${h_him} at the ball.
			#Return
				*goto attend
*goto skipRepeatTextH
*label accepted
*set hSaidDelight true
"Wonderful, then it is settled—${mc_name} $!{mc_lastname}—at the ball. What a delight it will be. 
*label skipRepeatTextH
*comment I will have an invitation delivered to you before the day is done." The ${h_man}’s controlled face changes and adorns a white smile, fitting ${h_him} well. $!{h_he} seems most pleased at the prospect of you joining ${h_him} at the ball.

*page_break
*if (SimpH)
	Although nothing more is needed to be discussed, ${h_he} lingers. 

	Of course, the rules of civility dictate you offer tea. It is the only polite action; you have shared a room for multiple minutes.

	Perhaps that is what ${h_he} is waiting for?
*else
	The ${h_gentleman} looks ready to depart, unless... Well, rules of civility dictate you should offer tea. It is only polite; you have shared a room for multiple minutes now.

	Will you?


*fake_choice
	*if (hSaidDelight = true) #"I am sure it will be a delight, $!{h_sir}! Now, will you do me the honour of accompanying me to tea?”
	#"You must allow me to offer you tea before we part ways."
	#“Before you go—would you have tea? I'd rather know more of my new client and the hopefully upcoming crime.”
	#“Mrs Hudson would have my head if I did not ask—would you have tea?”
	#"Tea?"
	*if (genderMC = "them") #You are a busy person—there's no time for tea. "Well... All has been said then, has it not?"
		"Well... All has been said then, has it not?"

		"Yes."
		*label leavingH
		*if (h_man = "man")
			The ${h_man} quickly bows. "Rather the time to be going then. Again, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, despite the circumstance... Well then—" You cannot tell if the ${h_man} is bored or in a hurry to leave, the expression on ${h_his} face so impassive.
		*else
			The ${h_man} quickly curtsies. "Rather the time to be going then. Again, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, despite the circumstance... Well then—" You cannot tell if the ${h_man} is bored or in a hurry to leave, the expression on ${h_his} face so impassive.

		As ${h_he} is almost at the door—
		*goto wWalksinNeutral

	*if (genderMC != "them") #You are a busy ${genderMC}—there's no time for tea. "Well... All has been said then, has it not?"
		"Well... All has been said then, has it not?"

		"Yes."
		*goto leavingH

*if (SimpH)
	*page_break
	*goto offerTea
*else
	*set hIsOfferedTeaButNonSimp true
	*page_break
	*goto offerTeaToNonSimp








*label declined
*set triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall true

*if (SimpH) or (H_Approval > 1)

	*set triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall true

	*if (SimpH = false)
		${hName} nods, ${h_his} lips pursing in displeasure. "I see," ${h_he} pauses, then continues slowly, as if confused, or carefully considering the following words. "Then I must tell you, I am deeply sorry for wasting your time. Please accept my apologies."

		*if (h_man = "man")
			$!{h_he} bows deeply, and ${h_his} body turns partly towards the door in a sign of approaching departure. But then reverts ${h_his} course and moves closer to you, gazing deeply into your eyes. "If I am overstepping my boundaries, forgive me," ${h_his} tone warm, "I severely failed in expressing my high regard for you. Would you... despite me behaving quite unworthy of it, would you allow me another chance in persuading you? Could you give me such a foolish attempt?"
		*else 
			$!{h_he} curtsies deeply, and ${h_his} body turns partly towards the door in a sign of approaching departure. But then reverts ${h_his} course and moves closer to you, gazing deeply into your eyes. "If I am overstepping my boundaries, forgive me," ${h_his} tone warm, "I severely failed in expressing my high regard for you. Would you... despite me behaving quite unworthy of it, would you allow me another chance in persuading you? Could you give me such a foolish attempt?"

		*comment Would you... at the risk of behaving quite unworthy to you, would you allow me the chance to persuade you? Could you give me such a foolish attempt?"

	*if (SimpH = true)

		${hName} nods, ${h_his} lips pursing in displeasure. "I see," ${h_he} pauses, then continues slowly, as if carefully considering ${h_his} following words.  "Then I must tell you, I am deeply sorry for wasting your time. Please accept my apologies." 

		*if (h_man = "man")
			$!{h_he} bows deeply, and ${h_his} body turns partly towards the door in a sign of approaching departure. But then reverts ${h_his} course and moves closer to you, gazing deeply into your eyes. "If I am overstepping my boundaries, forgive me," ${h_he} continues warmly, "But may I ask if there is any possibility of convincing you otherwise—despite me being unworthy of it? May I be so bold..."
		*else
			$!{h_he} curtsies deeply, and ${h_his} body turns partly towards the door in a sign of approaching departure. But then reverts ${h_his} course and moves closer to you, gazing deeply into your eyes. "If I am overstepping my boundaries, forgive me," ${h_he} continues warmly, "But may I ask if there is any possibility of convincing you otherwise—despite me being unworthy of it? May I be so bold..."


	*fake_choice
		#"Very well, $!{h_sir}. I shall call for tea, and you may explain your case further—"
			"Very well, $!{h_sir}. I shall call for tea, and you may explain your case further—"
			*goto offerTea
		#"You may try, I suppose? Although it seems pointless if you ask me..."
			*set H_Approval - 1
			"You may try, I suppose? Although it seems pointless if you ask me... Oh—and Mrs Hudson would have my head if I did not ask—would you have tea while you give your [i]arguments[/i]?"
			*goto offerTea
		#"No, I am afraid I am unlikely to be persuaded."
			"No, I am afraid I am unlikely to be persuaded."

			"I see... well."
			*goto leavingH

		#"No."
			"No."

			"I see... well."
			*goto leavingH

	*comment not used currently i think... hopefully
	The ${h_gentleman} looks quite dejected and ready to depart unless... well, the rules of civility dictate you should at least offer tea. It is only polite; you have shared a room for multiple minutes now.

	*fake_choice
		#"I could offer tea... if nothing else."
		#“Care for a spot of tea? It may serve as an apology for me not accepting your offer.”
		#“Mrs Hudson would have my head if I did not ask—would you have tea?”
		#"Tea?"
		*if (genderMC = "them") #You are a busy person—there's no time for tea. "Well... All has been said then, has it not?"
			"Well... All has been said then, has it not?"

			"Yes."
			*goto leavingH
		*if (genderMC != "them") #You are a busy ${genderMC}—there's no time for tea. "Well... All has been said then, has it not?"
			"Well... All has been said then, has it not?"

			"Yes."
			*goto leavingH

*elseif (hRomancePoints > 0)
	
	*comment forced tea scene

	*if (h_man = "man")
		The ${h_man}'s eyes remain fixed on yours, though ${h_his} face turns ever so slightly away; ${h_his} posture still commanding and upright. "I see," ${h_he} pauses, then continues slowly, as if carefully considering ${h_his} following words. "Then I must tell you, I am sorry for wasting both our time. Please accept my apologies. I shall take my leave—" $!{h_he} bows quickly and is halfway to the door when—
	*else
		The ${h_man}'s eyes remain fixed on yours, though ${h_his} face turns ever so slightly away; ${h_his} posture still commanding and upright. "I see," ${h_he} pauses, then continues slowly, as if carefully considering ${h_his} following words. "Then I must tell you, I am sorry for wasting both our time. Please accept my apologies. I shall take my leave—" $!{h_he} curtsies quickly and is halfway to the door when—

	*goto forcedTea


*else
	The ${h_man}'s eyes remain fixed on yours, though ${h_his} face turns ever so slightly away; ${h_his} posture still commanding and upright. "I understand your reluctance... to... engage in such a case. I am aware you have [i]preferences[/i] for the work you do." $!{h_he} speaks softly, but the weight of ${h_his} words conveys more than what is said. 

	"But please allow me to persuade you. Would you allow me such an attempt?"

	*fake_choice
		#"Very well, $!{h_sir}."
			"Very well, $!{h_sir}."
			*goto preForcedTea
		#"You may try, I suppose? Although it seems pointless if you ask me..."
			*set H_Approval - 1
			"You may try, I suppose? Although it seems pointless if you ask me..."
			*goto preForcedTea
		#"No, I am afraid I am unlikely to be persuaded."
			"No, I am afraid I am unlikely to be persuaded."

			"I see... well."
			*goto leavingH
		#"No."
			"No."

			"I see... well."
			*goto leavingH

	*comment not currently used
	$!{h_he} looks dejected and quite ready to depart unless... well, the rules of civility dictate you should at least offer tea. It is only polite; you have shared a room for multiple minutes now.

	*fake_choice
		#"I could offer tea... if nothing else."
		#“Care for a spot of tea? It may serve as an apology for me not accepting your offer.”
		#“Mrs Hudson would have my head if I did not ask—would you have tea?”
		#"Tea?"
		*if (genderMC = "them") #You are a busy person—there's no time for tea. "Well... All has been said then, has it not?"
			-- (polite leaving)
			*goto leavingH
		*if (genderMC != "them") #You are a busy ${genderMC}—there's no time for tea. "Well... All has been said then, has it not?"
			-- (polite leaving)
			*goto leavingH
	*goto offerTea








*label offerTea

*if (SimpH = false)
	*set halfSimpH true

*set hadTeaInCh4 true
*set talkedInCh4 true

*temp believesYouDoNotLikeTeaH false
*temp canBeTaught false
*temp teaTaken true

You pull the soft rope that rings for the ${maid}.

And soon after, you hear the shuffle of familiar feet outside the door, followed by Mrs Hudson's finest silver tray, what looks like two tea cups, a kettle, a pot, a sugar basket, and the shaking grip and tone of ${Anne}, "${myLady}—a—and—${h_myLady}—I have brought tea..." The rattle of the metal of spoons makes ${m_her} lowered voice almost unheard.

"I do beg your pardon—your Honor—I would have asked if you intended to have tea, or of which tea that would be—but you see, Mrs Hudson assured me there was no need to. She told me to say, 'w—with such clever words you are both daring, I presumed your tongues must be properly perched'... [i]yes, that was what she said[/i]..."

*page_break

$!{m_she} sets the tray down on the small table by the window. "...The Mrs's also 'borrowed' $!{j_mr} Watson's very favourite biscuits... she declared that ${h_he} won't mind..." ${Anne}'s eyes look into yours, and ${m_her} pursued expression and lightly worried brow seem to have a different expectation of such a discovery. 

"There is a green and black tea." The ${maid} places your saucer and then the ${h_gentleman}'s while avoiding ${h_his} gaze. "I can prepare whichever one you'd like and stay to—OH I—No I may not—the Mrs said I was to leave you alone—I mean, return promptly—[i]hair emergency[/i] was to be had... Goodbye!" 
*if (isMaid)
	$!{m_she} curtsies low and quickly, only to rush out of the door, closing the door [i]firmly[/i] behind ${m_her}.
*else
	$!{m_she} bows low and quickly, only to rush out of the door, closing the door [i]firmly[/i] behind ${m_her}.


... Mrs Hudson is not very discreet with her schemes, is she?

*page_break

*if ((genderMC != h_man) and (genderMC != "them"))
	If this was not related to work, this house's chaperone abilities would be found horrendously wanting. 
	*if (hRomancePoints > 0) 
		Who knows what two people might get up to in a closed room? All alone. $!{h_his} eyes frightfully piercing. 

		Why—society would write about it in the papers.

*else
	You wonder what the papers might say should they know the surely-high-esteemed-something-or-other was here now. Perhaps a closed door is best; it lowers the risk of gossip.

	*if (hRomancePoints > 0) 
		But.

		It is daring of Mrs Hudson. Does she envision simply a friendship built by tea? With that ${h_man} across from you now, alone in a closed room... $!{h_his} eyes frightfully piercing. 

		Well, it does not feel particularly platonic...

*page_break

The room is very quiet now. And the only moving thing in your view is the steam from the kettle's spout.

*comment outside of one finger of an ungloved hand  /// maybe use this instead below

"Allow me." Clearing ${h_his} throat before doing so, ${h_he} gently grazes the side of the kettle with the ungloved touch of one finger. Quicker then, ${h_he} retreats. "I have found—especially with certain things in life—that if something is to be done properly, one must learn to do it oneself." $!{h_he} removes the lid of the ornate pot that Mrs Hudson surely never has dared use and steadily swirls a small portion of warm water from the kettle into the pot, only to soon return the water to whence it came.

*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall)
	"$!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}..." You cannot help but notice how the previously piercing glare now seems softened as it meets your eyes yet again. "Before I give my arguments, I have to ask... Do you have any particular care for the black or the green?" 

*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall = false)
	"$!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}..." You cannot help but notice how the previously piercing glare now seems softened as it meets your eyes yet again. "...Do you have any particular care for the black or the green?" 

*label tea
*fake_choice
	*disable_reuse #"I am unsure which blend these are—" I bring them close and breathe them in.
		They all smell of warmth, heady in that way of tea. 

		But the green is softer, fruity—almost candied, with hints of jasmine and pear.

		And the black is strong, piercing, with a light touch of spiced ground nuts.

		*goto tea

	#"I feel rather inspired by your eyes, $!{h_sir}. Let us have the green."
		*set canBeTaught true
		*set whatTeaDrunkWithH "green"
		"I feel rather inspired by your eyes, $!{h_sir}," you say. "Let us have the green."

		The eyebrows rise a little on ${h_his} forehead, and a small smile tugs at the edges before ${h_he} asks, "Are you fond of such a shade?"

		*comment "I have to admit the compliment is one of the most flattering I have ever received.
		*comment"I am sure a ${h_gentleman} should never accept such exquisite flattery."
		*comment"It is a pleasure to be so compared, $!{mc_miss}."

		*fake_choice
			#"I am now."
				*set hRomancePoints + 1
				*set H_Approval + 1
				"I am now," you reply.

				$!{h_his} smile grows wider still. "$!{myLady}, you are quickly climbing the ranks of my most favourite and intriguing people."

				*goto skipTheExcellent

			#"I believe I am..."
				*set hRomancePoints + 1
				*set H_Approval + 1
				"I believe I am..."

				$!{h_he} leans forward a little, already close by, hovering over the middle of the table by the tea. "Then I have to admit a burgeoning preference of mine own.
				*if (eyeColour = "black")
					Obsidian has always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your black eyes.
				*elseif (eyeColour = "brown")
					Smoky quartz has always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your brown eyes.
				*elseif (eyeColour = "hazel")
					Opals have always been a dear favourite... but I fear I did not appreciate their iridescence sufficiently till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your hazel eyes.
				*elseif (eyeColour = "green")
					Emeralds have always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your green eyes.
				*elseif (eyeColour = "blue")
					Sapphires have always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your blue eyes.
				*elseif (eyeColour = "grey")
					Labradorite has always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your grey eyes.
				*elseif (eyeColour = "red")
					Rubies have always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your red eyes.
				*elseif (eyeColour = "purple")
					Amethyst have always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your purple eyes.
				*else
					$!{eyeColour} has always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your eyes.



				*goto skipTheExcellent

			#"Not particularly."
				*set hRomancePoints - 1
				"Not particularly."

				"I see..."

				*goto skipTheExcellent

	#I look down and away from ${h_his} warm scrutiny, and then find my ears to now be unbearably heated. "...What of the green?"
		*set canBeTaught true
		*set whatTeaDrunkWithH "green"
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
		*set woundedBirdPoints + 1
		"...What of the green?" you ask the ${h_gentleman}.

		A small smile tugs at the edges of ${h_his} mouth before ${h_he} asks, "May I ask, are you generally fond of such shades, ${myLady}?" $!{h_his} deep emerald eyes staring back at you. 

		*comment "I have to admit the compliment is one of the most flattering I have ever received.
		*comment"I am sure a ${h_gentleman} should never accept such exquisite flattery."
		*comment"It is a pleasure to be so compared, $!{mc_miss}."

		*fake_choice
			#"Forgive me if this is too bold, but I believe I am..."
				*set H_Approval + 1
				"Forgive me if this is too bold, but I believe I am..."
				
				$!{h_he} leans forward a little, already close by, hovering over the middle of the table by the tea. "Then I have to admit a burgeoning preference of mine own.
				*if (eyeColour = "black")
					Obsidian has always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your black eyes.
				*elseif (eyeColour = "brown")
					Smoky quartz has always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your brown eyes.
				*elseif (eyeColour = "hazel")
					Opals have always been a dear favourite... but I fear I did not appreciate their iridescence sufficiently till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your hazel eyes.
				*elseif (eyeColour = "green")
					Emeralds have always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your green eyes.
				*elseif (eyeColour = "blue")
					Sapphires have always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your blue eyes.
				*elseif (eyeColour = "grey")
					Labradorite has always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your grey eyes.
				*elseif (eyeColour = "red")
					Rubies have always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your red eyes.
				*else
					$!{eyeColour} has always been a dear favourite... but I did not know how favoured till now." $!{h_he} stares deep into your eyes.



				*goto skipTheExcellent

			#"I... Do we still talk of tea, $!{h_sir}?" you can not help but feel something slipped your understanding...
				"I... Do we still talk of tea, $!{h_sir}?"

				$!{h_he} clears ${h_his} throat for some reason. "The green was it—" It must have been tea we were talking of then. [i]Good.[/i]

			#"Not particularly..."
				*set hRomancePoints - 2
				"Not particularly."

				"I see..."

				*goto skipTheExcellent
	#"Green."
		*set canBeTaught true
		*set whatTeaDrunkWithH "green"
	#"Black."
		*set canBeTaught true
		*set whatTeaDrunkWithH "black"
	#"I do not have a preference. Whatever you suggest."
		*set H_Approval + 1
		*set canBeTaught true
		"I have rather a preference for a good green, and when found lacking, a black tea with milk hides many imperfections. These rather look like blends..."

		$!{h_he} reaches for them and, from a slight distance, allows the scent, one after the other, to rise to the centre of smell. "Sencha—jasmine, and... Ceylone?" A hint of a smile is on ${h_his} lips. "I believe I'd like to risk it. I shall bet on the green."
		*set whatTeaDrunkWithH "green"
		*goto skipTheExcellent
	#"I do not."
		*set canBeTaught true
		*set whatTeaDrunkWithH "green"
		"Then I shall take the lead—commonly, I have rather a preference for a good green, and when found lacking, a black tea with milk hides many imperfections. These rather look like blends..."

		$!{h_he} reaches for them and, from a slight distance, allows the scent, one after the other, to rise to the centre of smell. "Sencha—jasmine, and... Ceylone?" A hint of a smile is on ${h_his} lips. "I believe I'd like to risk it. I shall bet on the green."
		*goto skipTheExcellent
	#"If I am honest, I find black tea too bitter and green much too strange."
		*set canBeTaught true
		*set believesYouDoNotLikeTeaH true
		"If I may be so bold—would you allow me an attempt in changing your mind?"

		*fake_choice
			#"You may."
				*set H_Approval + 1
				*set whatTeaDrunkWithH "green"
				*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall) 
					"Excellent." $!{h_he} smiles. "Then I shall endeavour to change your mind on two things to-day." 
				*else
					"Excellent." $!{h_he} smiles. "Then I shall hope to not add to your disappointment in teas."

				*goto skipTheExcellent
			#"You may, but be warned—I will be truthful."
				*set H_Approval + 1
				*set whatTeaDrunkWithH "green"
				"I would wish for nothing else, ${myLady}.
				*goto skipTheExcellent
			*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall) #"No. There's been too much convincing already—I shall simply have some hot water."
				*set whatTeaDrunkWithH "water"
				"I see..."
				*goto skipTheExcellent
			#"No. I shall simply have some hot water."
				*set H_Approval - 1
				*set whatTeaDrunkWithH "water"
				*set hadTeaInCh4 false
				"I see..."
				*goto skipTheExcellent
			#"No. I shall simply have some hot water with one of these small slivers of lemon."
				*set H_Approval - 1
				*set whatTeaDrunkWithH "water"
				*set hadTeaInCh4 false
				"I see..."
				*goto skipTheExcellent
	#"Neither. And I shan't be having tea at all—I shall simply have some hot water."
		*set H_Approval - 1
		*set believesYouDoNotLikeTeaH true
		*set whatTeaDrunkWithH "water"
		*set hadTeaInCh4 false
		"I see..."
		*goto skipTheExcellent
	#"Neither. Some hot water, with one of these small slivers of lemon, shall suffice."
		*set H_Approval - 1
		*set believesYouDoNotLikeTeaH true
		*set whatTeaDrunkWithH "water"
		*set hadTeaInCh4 false
		"I see..."
		*goto skipTheExcellent


"Excellent."

*label skipTheExcellent
*page_break
*temp adoresTea false
*temp liedAboutTea false

$!{h_he} deposits a generous amount of loose leaves into the porcelain pot, pours a rather small amount of water over it, and then closes the lid.

*if (whatTeaDrunkWithH = "water")
	*goto skipTeaConvoSimpH

*if (whatTeaDrunkWithH = "green")
	"My preference—and most, I dare say, who have tried it—is to brew the green tea at a lower temperature for a little longer.
*elseif (whatTeaDrunkWithH = "black")
	"My preference—and most, I dare say, who have tried it—is to brew the black tea precisely below boiling.


*if (believesYouDoNotLikeTeaH)
	"I am rather a... [i]stickler[/i] for a proper cup. I assume you are not an enthusiast?"

*else
	"I am rather a... [i]stickler[/i] for a proper cup. Are you an enthusiast?"

*fake_choice
	#"I would not call myself an enthusiast."
		"I would not call myself an enthusiast."

		"Oh?"
		*set canBeTaught true
	#"I [i]adore[/i] tea," I lie.
		*set H_Approval + 1
		*set liedAboutTea true
		"I [i]adore[/i] tea," you lie.
		*if (believesYouDoNotLikeTeaH)
			"Oh?" $!{h_he} sounds unconvinced.
		*else
			"Oh?"
	*selectable_if (believesYouDoNotLikeTeaH = false) #"I [i]adore[/i] tea," I say truthfully.
		*set H_Approval + 1
		*set adoresTea true

		"I [i]adore[/i] tea," you say. "One key feature I have found is to not press—" and at this part, ${h_his} voice joins yours in unison, "The last drops from the tea leaves!" 

		"Yes, exactly, $!{h_sir}!" you exclaim. "If one does so at the end of the brew, it is bitterly ruined." 

		"Quite right, $!{mc_madam}. This ruins too many good brews."
		*page_break


"But," you begin.

*fake_choice
	#"I am rather ignorant to the finer points of tea—would you teach me?"
		*set H_Approval + 1
		*if (adoresTea = true)
			"I do not believe that, $!{mc_miss}. You seem to be quite remarkably informed on such matters."

			"All the more reason I would still like to learn."

			*if (h_man = "man")
				"Very well.
			*else 
				"Very well, I would be glad to do so.
		*elseif (h_man = "man")
			"Very well.
		*else 
			"Very well, I would be glad to do so.
	*selectable_if (adoresTea = true) #"I like nothing more than to learn—would you care to share your uncovered secrets of tea with a fellow admirer?"
		*set H_Approval + 1
		*if (h_man = "man")
			"Very well.
		*else 
			"Very well, I would be glad to do so.
	#"May I admit something? I usually pour my milk first, then the tea."
		*set H_Approval + 1
		"May I admit something?" you ask, but do not wait for a reply before continuing. "I usually pour my milk first, then the tea."

		"If we are admitting to tea crimes, Earl Grey's mixture is not my favourite..."

		*goto skipTeaConvoSimpH
	#"That's rather enough talk of tea, for me, for one evening..."
		*set H_Approval - 1
		*goto skipTeaConvoSimpH
Tea, $!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}, is an amalgamation of science and art—and would one fancy a [i]very[/i] long conversation, philosophy. There are, as a science, the hard facts. Pour boiling water onto leaves, and they burn. Bitter and unbearable become the flavours. There are hard waters and soft waters. Delicate leaves. Durable ones, too. They all vary—and one could make something of an accountant book to distil this knowledge."

$!{h_he} pauses. "But then... there is a softer art to its making. Each shipment, each bushel, all unique. One has to understand—call it art, call it knowing—one day we may explain it, akin to Joseph Fourier's trigonometrical series. But as it stands within our grasp today—it is intuition and repetition. Careful, purposeful study perhaps, but something quite unlike any known scholarly pursuits."

${hName} leans in, ${h_his} eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "And let us not forget the different types of tea—"

*fake_choice
	*if (liedAboutTea) #"I lied... I don't care for the topic of tea. I was trying to be polite. Halt... [i]this[/i]."
		"I lied... I don't care for tea. I was trying to be polite. Halt... [i]this[/i]."

		"I see."

		*label preBanismentFromSimping
		Following your deception, the air in the room is a little less welcoming, and no words are spoken as the ${h_gentleman} prepares the tea.

		*set SimpH false
		*set H_Approval - 2
		*set hadTeaInCh4 false
		*set talkedInCh4 false
		*goto banishedFromSimping
		
	*if (liedAboutTea = false) #"I was being polite. Please halt... [i]this[/i]."
		"I was being polite. Please halt... [i]this[/i]."

		"Ah." $!{h_he} takes a deep inhale, then exhales. "I suppose I misread this situation."

		*goto skipTeaConvoSimpH
	#I nod, smile, and nod.
	#"Mmm." I say, quite disinterested.
		$!{h_he} is still talking about tea...
	#"Mmm." I say, [i]actually[/i] interested.
		This ${h_man} sure is capable of talking about tea at length. It's rather impressive.

"—green tea is most susceptible to heat and quickly becomes unpalatable. Then there is the delightful Valerian tea, a calming herbal infusion that flows through the tea strainer and into the cup like a tranquil stream. Chamomile, with honey and lemon, good when business has you stretched paper-thin. And let us not forget the history of tea, how it once surged from China to England until Indian tea took over and burgled the market.

"—And, ah, I could talk all evening on the different teapots and how each one has a unique charm that enhances the flavour and experience. Yixing for oolong and pu-erh, ceramic for easy cleaning and heat retention, and cast iron for that rustic charm. Truly, tea is a world unto itself!"

*fake_choice
	#"Mmm, yes... [i]quite[/i]."
	#"Indubitably."
	#"Fascinating, $!{h_sir}. There are few topics I care for more."
	#"Huh."

*goto skipTeaConvoSimpH

*comment There is a saying in China: 'Tea is better than wine for it leadeth not to intoxication, neither does it cause a man to say foolish things and repent there of in ${h_his} sober moments. It is better than water for it does not carry disease; neither does it act like poison as water does when it contains foul and rotten matter.'

*comment “omg they are still talking”, “just nod and smile, nod and smile”, “PLEASE STOP TALKING I CHANGE MY MIND” “STOP. I lied. Tea is horrible plz stop.

*fake_choice

















*label skipTeaConvoSimpH
*if (whatTeaDrunkWithH = "water")
	*goto skipTeaAgain
*page_break

*if (whatTeaDrunkWithH = "green")
	"There—" $!{h_he} places the strainer over your cup, pours out a hue balancing between toasted straw and mint leaf, and then serves ${h_himself} in the same manner. "Please—" $!{h_he} gestures to your cup, "Tell me how it fares."
*elseif (whatTeaDrunkWithH = "black")
	"There—" $!{h_he} places the strainer over your cup, pours out a dark golden hue, and then serves ${h_himself} in the same manner. "Please—" $!{h_he} gestures to your cup, "Tell me how it fares."

*if (whatTeaDrunkWithH = "black")
	"Oh—forgive me—do you take it with milk or sugar?"

	*fake_choice
		#"Milk."
		#"sugar."
		#"Both."
		#"Neither."
		*selectable_if (cope = "eating") #"A splash of milk and an abundance of sugar—that means a lot... [i]I want you to fill the cup with it.[/i]"
			$!{h_he} drops a little milk into the tea and then places one, two, three cubes in the drink. "More?"

			"More."

			The tea surface ripples once more. 

			"More." 

			The dark drink makes a soft sound as it is breached.

			"More." 

			Once more unto the breach.

			"More..."

			To ${h_his} credit, the ${h_gentleman}'s following tone is at least a tad apologetic, "We are, I'm afraid to say, out of sugar cubes..."
			
			"...That's enough then." 




*label skipTeaAgain
*page_break

The china is warm and smooth in your hands.

*if (whatTeaDrunkWithH = "water")
	And a sweet, heady aroma lifts from the tea ${hName} brewed and fills your senses, overpowering your chosen water.

*elseif (whatTeaDrunkWithH = "green")
	And a sweet, refreshing aroma of tea fills your senses.

*else
	And a sweet, heady aroma lifts from the tea and fills your senses. 

*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall)
	"I know I am rather delaying it, the business at hand. But I have to ask, for I have been curious about..." ${hName} pauses, a corner of ${h_his} lips curling upwards while stirring a silver spoon. "Did I already say I am something of a habitué, a follower of your adventures?"

*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall = false)

	"I am quite curious of—" ${hName} pauses, a corner of ${h_his} lips curling upwards while stirring a silver spoon. "Did I already say I am something of a habitué, a follower of your adventures?"

	*comment "I am quite curious of—" ${hName} pauses, a small tug at the side of ${h_his} lips. "Did I already say I am something of a habitué, a follower of your adventures?"

$!{h_his} gaze never seems to leave yours for long. Currently, it pierces your eyes with a shade of birch leaves and may grass.

*fake_choice
	#"You did not, $!{h_sir}." I meet ${h_his} look with one of my own, welcoming the attention. 
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
		"You did not, $!{h_sir}." You meet ${h_his} look with one of your own, welcoming the attention. 

		"I am. Very much so. And—I beg of you—no false modesty, it would be wasted on me." $!{h_his} voice softens to silk as ${h_he} leans in a little. "For [i]you[/i], $!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}, are by far the most interesting individual I have met in a long time.
		*if (genderMC = "woman")
			Having this rare pleasure of being so near the only woman, except her majesty, of course, London ever talks about... [i]I am a lucky ${h_man}."[/i]
		*if (genderMC = "man")
			Having this rare pleasure of being so near the only man, except perhaps Wilde, that London ever talks about... [i]I am a lucky ${h_man}."[/i]
		*if (genderMC = "them")
			Having this rare pleasure of being so near the only person, except perhaps Wilde, that London ever talks about... [i]I am a lucky ${h_man}."[/i]

		*fake_choice
			*if (skinBlushes = false) #You feel your cheeks warm. "You are very kind."
				*set hRomancePoints + 1
				*set woundedBirdPoints + 1
			*if (skinBlushes) #You feel your cheeks colour. "You are very kind."
				*set hRomancePoints + 1
				*set woundedBirdPoints + 1
			#"...Oh." You feel your cheeks warm; surely, it is simply from the warmth of the drink.
				*set hRomancePoints + 1
				*set obliviosToHRomance + 1
			#"I do not believe in luck. It is probabilities and effort wrapped into one."
				"I do not believe in luck. It is probabilities and effort wrapped into one."

				"Then what is luck, if not this exactly? Be assured, I do not believe in praying for fortune. What is the phrase, 'It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.' But back to the previous—$!{mc_miss}, you mentioned mathematics—are you a devotee yourself? I find, personally, the subject of numbers evolves too fast—I do not have the time to study it as much as I should want, as fascinating as it might be."

				*fake_choice
					#"It is useful often in my deductions. I have learnt it well enough."
						"It is useful often in my deductions. I have learnt it well enough."
					#"Mathematics is a small passion of mine."
						"Mathematics is a small passion of mine."

				${hName} continues the topic with a comment about the paper on transfinite numbers by Georg Cantor, "Have you read it? Very elegant proof, and beautifully simple—for something so strange to the mind. Infinity... quite the concept." 

				As the conversation stays on the topic, the ${h_man} seems fascinated by your theories and offers some insights from ${h_his} own knowledge of mathematics. You both discuss different aspects of mathematics for a while in a manner one would be unlikely to find outside of places of higher learning until ${hName} changes the topic abruptly.

				*page_break


			#"You are most charming, $!{h_sir2} Hawthorne."
				*set hRomancePoints + 1
			#"Mmm." You say and sip your tea.

		*label perfectCrimeConvoCh4

		"I feel compelled to ask—" $!{h_his} stirring stops with a clank. "Is there such a thing as a perfect crime? I have always wanted to ask you, as the foremost expert—is there a leading [i]best[/i] method of murder? I always surmised a good poison would be it. Some untraceable, silent, slow, deadly thing? Is it?"

		You find you do not have to think long, for you already know the answer. "A misconception. The perfect crime [i]fits perfectly[/i] to the requirements of the case. However, ignoring my own preference for something more complex in its solution, a perfected compound might be best. In general, hypothetically."

		"Yes, of course. [i]Hypothetically[/i]... And how would you have done it? Say you kill me here and now?"

		"Your tea seems a fine place."

		*page_break

		—"Your tea seems a fine place."

		"Indeed?" ${h_he} asks with amused surprise.

		"Using something which would work slowly, of course. I would rather prefer to construct an alibi than move a body. Very ill-advised business. Let's see—there are materials that absorb the solution yet hide the poison for hours. This would work. Additionally, I could hide the strange odours or flavours, despite being such a transparent medium in both sight and smell and taste as tea is, by presenting it as a new exotic blend that matches the flavours of the poison and absorbent?" 
		*if (whatTeaDrunkWithH != "water")
			You sip your tea. "Now—this is all speculation on the scene before me, of course."

			"Of course. Do not worry—I am not alarmed. As I, myself, poured the tea from the same pot into yours."
		*else 
			You sip your water. "Now—this is all speculation on the scene before me, of course."

			"Of course. Do not worry—I am not alarmed. Despite it being only I who drinks it... However, what if I had pressed you on the tea?"
		
		"—Simple solution to that. Touch not the tea, but lace the cup."

		"And how would you have made me take the right one?" ${h_he} asks, green gaze on yours, as ${h_he} places ${h_his} cup to ${h_his} lips, tilt, and swallows.

		"Hmm, well—"
		*page_break
		"—I could lace both—but only the top of one side—use my other hand to yours to drink?" you propose.

		"I suppose."

		"No... Not good enough, I agree. How about... What if I... Ah. What if I got to know you?"

		"Do tell?"

		"If I knew you well enough—afforded by a momentary glance and a few pointed questions—I could anticipate the scene, control it, and assure my survival."

		"And my death."

		"Yes."

		"Well—do then. Read me, play me like you would. I have read the stories. I'd love to see it in turn."

		*fake_choice

			#Deduce
				*set deducedHinCh4 true

				*if (snoop = 0)

					Let's start at the bottom. 

					*if (h_man = "man")
						You look down at the ${h_man}'s shoes. Shoes which, even if worn by a much lesser ${h_man}, undoubtedly would give the impression of money so ancient that the royal line itself appears as a mere upstart in comparison.
					*else
						You look down at the dress and its laced hem. Lace which, even if draped on a much lesser ${h_man}, undoubtedly would give the impression of money so ancient that the royal line itself appears as a mere upstart in comparison.

					*comment/ newborn
					*comment / fresh faced debutante
					*comment / in comparison.

					*if (h_man = "man")
						As you examine ${h_him}, ${h_he} places ${h_his} leg over the other. Shifting only a little as your eyes glide upwards. 

						You notice ${h_his} outfit consisting of exquisitely careful colours—shy colours. Not bold—nothing brave, but not without style.
					*else
						As you examine her, she lifts her chin up, followed by the smallest lift of one brow. Staying firm as your eyes glide upwards. 

						You notice her outfit consisting of exquisitely careful colours—modest colours. Not bold—nothing brave, but not without style.

					[i]Cares for ${h_his} appearance.[/i]

					*if (h_man = "man")
						You regard ${h_his} sitting outline—${h_his} decently tall frame elongates to commanding by ${h_his} positively aristocratic backbone. Fitted in a suit of soft grey crisp lines. Shoulders held square and broad but with a lean proportion and a tapering waist. 
					*else
						You regard her outline—her significantly shortened form shrinks to waifish by her thin limbs—yet held strong by a positively aristocratic backbone; fitted in a corset pulled tight and a long neck held high. All in regal purple and pearls.

					"Would you stand for me?" you ask the ${h_man}.

					*page_break

					[i]It is fascinatingly peculiar—[/i]

					*if (h_man = "man")
						—And as ${h_he} unravels, it is clear. $!{h_he} does not possess a workingman's build. And yet ${h_he} does not seem to be without exercise or carry the usual lethargic figure of the genteel. 

						The now taller stranger stands much as a military ${h_man} does at attention, with polished shoes meeting at the heel and perfectly angled at the toe. Remaining still is the ramrod-straight posture. 

					*else
						—And as she unravels, it is clear. She does not possess a working woman's build. And yet she does not seem to be without exercise or carry the usual lethargic figure of the genteel. 

						The now barely taller stranger stands much as a military ${h_man} does at attention, with polished shoes meeting at the heel and perfectly angled at the toe. Remaining still is the ramrod-straight posture. 

					Yet...

					$!{h_he} tucks ${h_his} gloved left hand behind ${h_his} back—not military, then. More likely... an aristocrat with a fancy for fencing? 

					Strict parents—no governess could inflict the terror needed for such order. 

					Perfection, proper... overtly so.

					What else... 

					What is needed to know ${h_him} well?

					What affects what cup you choose? Placement, nearness—for most. If not, the trust could have an effect... So does a need for control—which, by the cleanliness and the candour—you suspect there is in spades. $!{h_he} seems to be left-handed but trained to use ${h_his} right. Which usually comes with a lifelong unseen disadvantage with, or the near-perfect use of, both... 

					The latter, in this case.

					[i]Which will be enough.[/i]

					*comment What affects what cup you choose—placement, nearness—for most. $!{h_he} seems to be left-handed but trained to use ${h_his} right. This usually comes with a lifelong unseen disadvantage with, or the near-perfect use of, both... 

					*comment The latter, in this case.

					*comment Trust could have an effect... So does a need for control—which, by the cleanliness and the candour—you suspect there is in spades.

					*comment [i]This will be enough.[/i]

				*else
					*comment (You have already deduced them)
					*set deducedHinCh4 true

					*if (h_man = "man")
						There were ${h_his} impeccable shoes. And ${h_his} impressive height, further lengthened by the posh posture—which in turn led to the moneyed thread of old money and blue blood. 

						All—attention to detail, full of wealth, manners—in its most rigid form.

						Exercise—unlike the rest of ${h_his} kind.

						$!{h_he} was usual yet unusual; in that way you found that humans often are, yet ${h_he} was more.

						Well. If ${h_he} wants a show, you do not have to strain much to do so—

						Let's start at the bottom. 

					*else
						There was her immaculate lace. And her diminutive size, only made imposing by the posh posture—which in turn led to the moneyed thread of old money and blue blood.

						All—attention to detail, full of wealth, manners—in its most rigid form.

						Exercise—unlike the rest of her kind.

						She was usual yet unusual; in that way you found that humans often are, yet she was more.

						Well. If she wants a show, you do not have to strain much to do so—

						Let's start at the bottom. 


				
				*temp politeDeduction false
				*fake_choice
					#Deduce ${full_nameH}. And hold nothing back.
						*set deducedHinCh4 true
					#Deduce ${full_nameH}. And be polite about it.
						*set politeDeduction true
						*set deducedHinCh4 true


				*label deduce
				*set deducedHinCh4 true

				*if (h_man = "man")
					"You are rich. Your shoes, they say it all. Such mastery of form and material is not just expensive—it is rare. I would assume one of the old masters in Florence made those? The stitching, the shape of the heel—am I right? [i]Do not answer.[/i] It is far from the only clue to that effect. You are wealthy, not that you are hiding it. No, merely not announcing it very loudly to the unaware. You, who are keeping the garish accoutrements of wealth to a minimum."
				*else
					"You are rich. Your needle lace, it say it all. Such mastery of shape and material is not just expensive—it is rare. I would assume the famous women of Alençon made these pieces? The flower pattern, the delicate stitching—am I right? [i]Do not answer.[/i] It is far from the only clue to that effect. You are wealthy, not that you are hiding it. No, merely not announcing it very loudly to the unaware. You, who are keeping the garish accoutrements of wealth to a minimum."

				"Is that all?"

				"I have barely begun." 

				*if (snoop > 0)
					*if (h_man = "man")
						As you examine ${h_him} yet again, this time while aware, ${h_he} shifts a little—just as your eyes glide upwards from the dye-grey leather Oxford shoe. 
					*else
						As you examine her yet again, this time while aware, she remains firm and still—as your eyes glide upwards from the dyed mauve french laced hem.

					You never got your answer last time. And it is hidden in this sitting position.

					"Would you stand for me?" you ask the ${h_man}.

					*if (snoop != 3)
						[i]It is fascinatingly peculiar—[/i]

						*if (h_man = "man")
							—And as ${h_he} unravels, it is clear. $!{h_he} does not possess a workingman's build. And yet $!{h_he} does not seem to be without exercise or carry the usual lethargic figure of the genteel. 
						*else
							—And as she unravels, it is clear. She does not possess a working woman's build. And yet she does not seem to be without exercise or carry the usual lethargic figure of the genteel. 

					*page_break

					*if (h_man = "man")
						The now taller stranger stands, much as a military ${h_man} does at attention, with polished shoes meeting at the heel and perfectly angled at the toe. Remaining still is the ramrod-straight posture. 
					*else
						The now barely taller stranger stands, much as a military ${h_man} does at attention, with polished shoes meeting at the heel and perfectly angled at the toe. Remaining still is the ramrod-straight posture. 

					Yet...

					$!{h_he} tucks ${h_his} gloved left hand behind ${h_his} back—not military, then. More likely... an aristocrat with a fancy for fencing? 

					Strict parents—no governess could inflict the terror needed for such order. 

					Perfection, proper... overtly so.

					What else... 

					What is needed to know ${h_him} well?

					What affects what cup you choose? Placement, nearness—for most. If not, the trust could have an effect... So does a need for control—which, by the cleanliness and the candour—you suspect there is in spades. $!{h_he} seems to be left-handed but trained to use ${h_his} right. Which usually comes with a lifelong unseen disadvantage with, or the near-perfect use of, both... 

					The latter, in this case.

					[i]Which will be enough.[/i]

					*page_break

				*if (politeDeduction = false)

					*if (h_man = "man")
						The words out of your mouth are honest—very honest. "You take your cup with your right. Nothing could convince you otherwise—rather something akin to death, than fear causing offence. Brought on by a puritanical parent, perhaps? I would assume the father. [i]But[/i] it could be an uncle or grandfather. A paternal figure—that fits the pattern more of your rigidity. You are left-handed—but forced right. As is the custom. And as the cup was placed in this particular manner, tuned for the right-handed man, you could not change it. For if the cups turned, you would know that [i]I would know[/i]. Likewise, you could not reach over and take the further cup—that would be unthinkable. Even, god forbid, rude. And despite your apparent quickness with a foil, for I doubt it is a sabre—this you knew would not go unnoticed."

					*else
						The words out of your mouth are honest—very honest. "You take your cup with your right. Nothing could convince you otherwise—rather something akin to death, than fear causing offence. Brought on by a puritanical parent, perhaps? I would assume the father. [i]But[/i] it could be an uncle or grandfather. A paternal figure—that fits the pattern more of your rigidity. You are left-handed—but forced right. As is the custom. And as the cup was placed in this particular manner, tuned for the right-handed, you could not change it. For if the cups turned, you would know that [i]I would know[/i]. Likewise, you could not reach over and take the further cup—that would be unthinkable. Even, god forbid, rude. And despite your apparent quickness with a foil, for I doubt it is a sabre—this you knew would not go unnoticed."

					You take a breath before continuing to dress the ${h_man} down. "And as I pose no threat to you—which you would expect, with your knowledge of me. Knowledge which I assume to be vast. Although, perhaps more importantly, with your attention to detail and clever gaze, you would then be able to [i]know[/i] that I pose no harm to you.

					"So, you take the cup offered. 

					"Which I could have prepared correctly, without much effort.

					"And you would succumb to the poison in, [i]oh[/i], about nine to eleven hours."

				*if (politeDeduction)

					*if (h_man = "man")
						The words out of your mouth are honest—to a degree. "You take your cup with your right. Nothing could convince you otherwise—rather something akin to death, than fear causing offence. Caused by a parent, perhaps. This fits the pattern of your formal air. You are left-handed—but forced right. As is the custom. And as the cup was placed in this particular manner, tuned for the right-handed man, you could not change it. For if the cups turned, you would know that [i]I would know[/i]. Likewise, you could not reach over and take the further cup—that would be too rude. And despite your apparent quickness with a foil, for I doubt it is a sabre—this you knew would not go unnoticed."

						You take a breath before continuing to dress the ${h_man} down. "And as I pose no threat to you—which you would expect, with your knowledge of me. Knowledge which I assume to be vast. Although, perhaps more importantly, with your attention to detail and clever gaze, you would then be able to [i]know[/i] that I pose no harm to you.
					*else
						The words out of your mouth are honest—to a degree. "You take your cup with your right. Nothing could convince you otherwise—rather something akin to death, than fear causing offence. Caused by a parent, perhaps. This fits the pattern of your formal air. You are left-handed—but forced right. As is the custom. And as the cup was placed in this particular manner, tuned for the right-handed, you could not change it. For if the cups turned, you would know that [i]I would know[/i]. Likewise, you could not reach over and take the further cup—that would be too rude. And despite your apparent quickness with a foil, for I doubt it is a sabre—this you knew would not go unnoticed."

						You take a breath before continuing to dress the ${h_man} down. "And as I pose no threat to you—which you would expect, with your knowledge of me. Knowledge which I assume to be vast. Although, perhaps more importantly, with your attention to detail and clever gaze, you would then be able to [i]know[/i] that I pose no harm to you.

					"So you take the cup offered. 

					"Which I could have prepared correctly, without much effort.

					"And you would succumb to the poison in, [i]oh[/i], about nine to eleven hours."

		*page_break

		"I am impressed, detective. I believe you have earned my demise. Well done. But you never did ask any questions."

		*comment "Interesting. Not without possible errors, I am sure. But you would surely stump Scotland Yard."

		"Pardon?"

		"Ahem—'if I knew you, well enough—afforded by a momentary glance and a few pointed questions—I could anticipate the scene,' these were your words."

		"Ah. Well. In the end, there was no need for them."

		*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall)
			"Impressive. Yet... [i]a shame[/i]. I'd rather like an excuse for us to talk more. To get better acquainted before it is all business yet again. I already know so much of you—from your stories—I would not mind levelling the playing field, as it were?"

		*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall = false)
			"Impressive. Yet... [i]a shame[/i]. I'd rather like an excuse for us to talk more. To get better acquainted. I already know so much of you—from your stories—I would not mind levelling the playing field, as it were?"

		*page_break

		*fake_choice
			#I enjoy the conversation immensely

				*if ((H_Approval < 3) or (SimpH = false))
					There was an ease of conversation—perhaps because of shared interests. Or, on ${h_his} part, because of some overtly polished politeness of manners. $!{h_he} proposes that in the future, you two should converse about books, almost as if ${h_he} already expects there to be another meeting much like this one.

				*else
					There was an ease of conversation—perhaps because of shared interests. Or, because, on ${h_his} part, a talent for hearing your words at such a capacity you think you were plastered permanently in ${h_his} mind. $!{h_he} proposes that in the future, you two should converse about books, almost as if ${h_he} already expects there to be meeting another much like this one.

				The conversation flowed on these shared topics until the drink in your second cup was cold on your tongue. 

				Whatever the scene you found yourself in, it was too engaging to call calm and too calm to call it lively; rather, it existed in a state of curious animation, like the buzz of a beehive disturbed by the intrusion of an unfamiliar hand.

				[i]Whatever it was.[/i] 

				It was pleasant...

				Comfortable.

				[i]Interesting.[/i]

				*page_break

				*if (hRomancePoints < 1)
					Then
					*goto wWalksinNeutral

				"I can't help myself—I notice you keep a copy of Jane Eyre on display. Is it yours, ${mc_miss} ${mc_lastname}?" $!{h_he} stands, and heads for the small collection of books Mrs Hudson allowed, to her it was more of a decoration of education than anything to be read. "—Keep an edition myself, you see. Currer Bell on the spine, Charlotte Bronte in hand on the titled page. I rather treasure it..."

				*if (( (hRomancePoints > 0) and (h_man = "man") ) and (speedStrength < 11))
					*fake_choice
						#"$!{h_sir}, are you telling me you have a [i]signed first edition of Jane Eyre[/i]?!"
							"$!{h_sir}, are you telling me you have—" You stand to join the ${h_gentleman} at the books to continue the conversation, but instead
						#"It is mine, I am rather an ardent admirer."
							"It is mine, I am rather a—" You stand to join the ${h_gentleman} at the books to continue the conversation, but instead
						#"No, it's not mine, Mrs Hudson must have simply placed it there."
							"No, it's not—" You stand to join the ${h_gentleman} at the books to continue the conversation, but instead
						#"Wait, please don't touch it, it is rather delicate."
							"Wait, please don't—" You stand to warn the ${h_gentleman} not to remove it from its place, but instead
					*if (hasTrousers)
						trip on Horatio, the cat, that comes skating from under the table. You feel yourself falling forward, and into the surprisingly strong arms of your new acquaintance.
					*else
						trip on the hem of your dress. You feel yourself falling forward, and into the surprisingly strong arms of your new acquaintance. 
					*set catchc4 true
					*set simpInArms true
					"It is rather a surprise to find you in my arms so soon, detective..." A smile creeps upon ${h_his} somewhat self satisfied lips, while ${h_his} eyes search yours.
					*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall)
						"I suspect... we could end up much like this at the ball, [i]were you to go[/i]. The waltz is rather an [i]intimate[/i]—"

					*comment "$!{myLady}, please be careful... Wouldn't want you falling and hurting yourself, now would we?" A smile creeps upon ${h_his} somewhat self satisfied lips, while ${h_his} eyes search yours.
					*comment "One misstep and you're in my arms, be careful lest you hurt yourself, ${mc_miss}..."
					*comment "$!{myLady}, While it is a pleasure to have you in my arms, I would be reminiss of the inpropriety... of having you so upclose."
					*comment "It is rather a suprise to find you in my arms so soon, detective..."
					*comment "Stumbling into me already? Rather second meeting material don't you think?"

					And as ${h_he} still holds you close—
					*goto watsonEntersScandal

				*else 
					*set hHasYourHand true
					*fake_choice
						#"$!{h_sir}, are you telling me you have a [i]signed first edition of Jane Eyre[/i]?!"
							"$!{h_sir}, are you telling me you have—" You begin to stand to join the ${h_gentleman} at the books to continue the conversation, but
						#"It is mine, I am rather an ardent admirer."
							"It is mine, I am rather a—" You begin to stand to join the ${h_gentleman} at the books to continue the conversation, but
						#"No, it's not mine, Mrs Hudson must have simply placed it there."
							"No, it's not—" You begin to stand to join the ${h_gentleman} at the books to continue the conversation, but
						#"Wait, please don't touch it, it is rather delicate."
							"Wait, please don't—" You begin to stand to warn the ${h_gentleman} not to remove it from its place, but
					the sudden movement scares Horatio, Mrs Hudson's cat, who apparently had hid himself under the table 
					and took this moment to skate forward, bumping the table, and cause what remains in the milk pot to spill all over the front your
					*if (hasTrousers)
						trousers.
					*elseif (hasDress)
						dress.

					"Oh dear." $!{hName} removes a handkerchief from ${h_his} person, lowers ${h_himself} to be by your side by the pooling milk, attempting to stop it from spreading to the carpet. "This is rather—" $!{h_he} blots and presses at what ${h_he} can but is rather too much for the thin piece of fabric.
					*fake_choice
						#"Devilish cat."
							"Devilish cat," you curse at the escaped trickster—Mrs Hudson really ought to keep better watch over that thing.

							"And even your arm is covered, here, allow me—" $!{hName}, somehow pulling out a second handkerchief, dabs at your arms, then your hands that in that moment are ungloved, and... so is ${h_hi}. And ${h_he} seems to notice this, just as you do, just as your eyes meet—just as—

							*goto watsonEntersScandal

						*if (hasTrousers) #"For the love of—this was one of my absolute favoured trousers!"
							"For the love of—this was one of my absolute favoured trousers!" 

							*label spilledOutfitBold

							*if (outfitWord = "bold")
								"It is?" $!{h_he} questions, but then soon thinks better of it. "—And even your arm is covered, here, allow me—" $!{hName}, somehow pulling out a second handkerchief, dabs at your arms, then your hands that in that moment are ungloved, and... so is ${h_hi}. And ${h_he} seems to notice this, just as you do, just as your eyes meet—just as—
							*else
								"—And even your arm is covered, here, allow me—" $!{hName}, somehow pulling out a second handkerchief, dabs at your arms, then your hands that in that moment are ungloved, and... so is ${h_hi}. And ${h_he} seems to notice this, just as you do, just as your eyes meet—just as—

						*if ((hasDress) and (hasTrousers != true )) #"For the love of—this was one of my absolute favourite dresses!" 
							"For the love of—this was one of my absolute favourite dresses!"
							*goto spilledOutfitBold
						#[i]Sigh.[/i]
							You sigh. Perfect...

							"Even your arm is covered, here, allow me—" $!{hName}, somehow pulling out a second handkerchief, dabs at your arms, then your hands that in that moment are ungloved, and... so is ${h_hi}. And ${h_he} seems to notice this, just as you do, just as your eyes meet—just as—
						#"Thank you."
							"Thank you."

							"No need I—and even your arm is covered, here, allow me—" $!{hName}, somehow pulling out a second handkerchief, dabs at your arms, then your hands that in that moment are ungloved, and... so is ${h_hi}. And ${h_he} seems to notice this, just as you do, just as your eyes meet—just as—

				*label watsonEntersScandal
				*if ((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted))
					"Sherlock—" a familiar voice rings out, laced with confusion and something akin to anger from the now open hallway door.
				*else
					"Sherlock—" a familiar voice rings out, laced with confusion and appearing akin to a shriek from the now open hallway door.
				*goto watsonEntersScandalFinal























			*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall) #I find myself quickly bored by the situation and attempt to get to ${h_his} arguments before I tire completely.

				But the ${h_gentleman} does not have the time to start to make ${h_his} case before—

				—The door opens, and Watson stands in its place. "Sherlock?"

				*goto wWalksinNeutralSkip


			*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall = false) #I find myself quickly bored by the situation and attempt to end it most promptly.

				The conversation quickly ebbed, and before the drink was adequately cooled, you hurried it down.

				And before you can make the case to end this—

				—the door opens, and Watson stands in its place. "Sherlock?"

				*goto wWalksinNeutralSkip



	#"You did not, $!{h_sir}." I smile a little at the ${h_man}, but not reciprocating the particular attentions I am given. 
		*set H_Approval + 1
		"You did not, $!{h_sir}." You smile a little at the ${h_man}, but not reciprocating the particular attentions you are given. 

		"I am. Very much so. And—I beg of you—no false modesty, it would be wasted on me." $!{h_his} voice softens to silk as ${h_he} leans in a little. "For [i]you[/i], $!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}, are by far the most interesting individual I have met in a long time.
		*if (genderMC = "woman")
			Having this rare pleasure of being so near the only woman, except her majesty, of course, London ever talks about... [i]I am a lucky ${h_man}."[/i]
		*if (genderMC = "man")
			Having this rare pleasure of being so near the only man, except perhaps Wilde, that London ever talks about... [i]I am a lucky ${h_man}."[/i]
		*if (genderMC = "them")
			Having this rare pleasure of being so near the only person, except perhaps Wilde, that London ever talks about... [i]I am a lucky ${h_man}."[/i]

		*fake_choice
			*if (skinBlushes = false) #I did not expect to, but I feel my cheeks warm. "You are very kind."
				*set hRomancePoints + 1
				*set woundedBirdPoints + 1
			*if (skinBlushes) #I did not expect to, but I feel my cheeks colour. "You are very kind."
				*set hRomancePoints + 1
				*set woundedBirdPoints + 1
			#"...Oh." I feel my cheeks warm; surely, it is simply from the warmth of the drink?
				*set hRomancePoints + 1
				*set obliviosToHRomance + 1
			#"I do not believe in luck. It is probabilities and effort wrapped into one."
				"I do not believe in luck. It is probabilities and effort wrapped into one."

				"Then what is luck, if not this exactly? Be assured, I do not believe in praying for fortune. What is the phrase, 'It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.' But back to the previous—$!{mc_miss}, you mentioned mathematics—are you a devotee yourself? I find, personally, the subject of numbers evolves too fast—I do not have the time to study it as much as I should want, as fascinating as it might be."

				*fake_choice
					#"It is useful often in my deductions. I have learnt it well enough."
						"It is useful often in my deductions. I have learnt it well enough."
					#"Mathematics is a small passion of mine."
						"Mathematics is a small passion of mine."

				${hName} continues the topic with a comment about the paper on transfinite numbers by Georg Cantor, "Have you read it? Very elegant proof, and beautifully simple—for something so strange to the mind. Infinity... quite the concept." 

				As the conversation stays on the topic, the ${h_man} seems fascinated by your theories and offers some insights from ${h_his} own knowledge of mathematics. You both discuss different aspects of mathematics for a while in a manner one would be unlikely to find outside of places of higher learning until ${hName} changes the topic abruptly.

				*page_break


			#"You are very charming, $!{h_sir2} Hawthorne."
				*set H_Approval + 1
			#"Mmm." You say and sip your tea.

		*goto perfectCrimeConvoCh4



	#"No." I find ${h_his} stare unnerving.
		*set H_Approval - 1
		*set hRomancePoints - 1
		"No." Your words are clipped and leave little room for further elaboration. You take a sip of your drink to fill the empty void.

		*label snubH
		*set hWasLeaving true
		"I see. Well." $!{h_his} back was so straight now you foresee aching muscles in the near future. "Entertaining quaint stories they are—holds polite society quite captive. Please give your publisher and writer my regards."

		*fake_choice
			#"Of course."
			#"Mmm, yes, yes."
			#"Thank you, $!{h_sir}, I will."
			#"Perhaps, [i]should I remember to do so[/i]."

		A quiet moment drags. Then—

		The clank of ${h_his} cup-to-saucer punctuates a show that the final drop has been drunk.

		*if (h_man = "man")
			"Lovely tea and company. I thank you very much for it." $!{h_he} grabs ${h_his} gloves, laid horizontally across one leg, and puts them on quickly. "And please thank Mrs Hudson for me—" $!{h_he} stands and bows. "I really must be going. But, again, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, despite the circumstance... Well then—" You cannot tell if the ${h_man} is bored or in a hurry to leave, the expression on ${h_his} face so impassive.
		*else
			"Lovely tea and company. I thank you very much for it." $!{h_he} grabs ${h_his} gloves, which lay primly across ${h_his} skirt, and puts them on with quick well practiced ease. "And please thank Mrs Hudson for me—" $!{h_he} stands and curtsies. "I really must be going. But, again, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, despite the circumstance... Well then—" You cannot tell if the ${h_man} is bored or in a hurry to leave, the expression on ${h_his} face so impassive.

		As ${h_he} is almost at the door—

		—the door opens, and Watson stands in its place. "Sherlock?"

		*goto wWalksinNeutralSkip

	#"I think not..." I look away—for I would prefer meeting a lessened expression.
		*set hRomancePoints - 1

		"I think not..." Your words are disapproving and leave little room for further elaboration. You take a sip of your drink to fill the empty void.

		*goto snubH

	#"You seem to say so many things, I never know which of it is true." I do not know why, but I dislike this ${h_man} and ${h_his} posh ways.
		*set H_Approval - 2
		*set hRomancePoints - 1
		"You seem to say so many things, I never know which of it is true." Your words are disapproving and leave little room for further elaboration. You take a sip of your drink to fill the empty void.

		*goto snubH







*goto wWalksinNeutral













*label offerTeaToNonSimp
You pull the soft rope that rings for the ${maid}.

And soon after, you hear the shuffle of familiar shoes outside the door, followed by Mrs Hudson's finest silver tray, two tea cups, a kettle, a pot, a sugar basket, and the honeyed voice of Mrs Hudson herself—sweeter than any beverage she might bring, "Ohhh, with such clever words you are both sharing, I presumed your tongues must be positively parched! ... [i]That is to say[/i], I assumed tea was what you were after when you rang, and I thought I'd bring it myself—as a treat!"
*goto skipPartOFForcedTea

*label preForcedTea

The ${h_gentleman} does not have time to start to make ${h_his} case before—

You hear the shuffle of familiar shoes outside the door, followed by Mrs Hudson's finest silver tray, two tea cups, a kettle, a pot, a sugar basket, and the honeyed voice of Mrs Hudson herself—sweeter than any beverage she might bring, "Ohhh, with such clever words you are both sharing, I presumed your tongues must be positively parched! ... [i]That is to say[/i], I brought the tea you must have meant to ring for long ago, Sherlock! We are normally very good at serving our guests here, $!{h_sir}..."

*goto skipPartOFForcedTea



*label forcedTea

—you hear the shuffle of familiar shoes outside the door, followed by Mrs Hudson's finest silver tray, two tea cups, a kettle, a pot, a sugar basket, and the honeyed voice of Mrs Hudson herself—sweeter than any beverage she might bring, "Ohhh, $!{h_sir}—you are not leaving yet I hope! With such clever words you are both sharing, I presumed your tongues must be positively parched! ... [i]That is to say[/i], I brought tea!"

*label skipPartOFForcedTea

She sets the tray down on the table by the window. "I also borrowed some of $!{j_mr} Watson's best biscuits... ${h_he} won't mind." 

[i]You really doubt that...[/i]

As Mrs Hudson places ${h_his} saucer and yours, she turns her head to you. Her eyes are intense with what can only be described as a painfully pointed look, her head beckoning once, twice towards the ${h_gentleman}.

*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall)
	*fake_choice
		#"Thank you, [i]Mrs Hudson[/i]." I do not mind a drink while I hear ${h_his} arguments.
			*set H_Approval + 1
			"Thank you, [i]Mrs Hudson[/i]." You do not mind a drink while you hear ${h_his} arguments.
		#I roll my eyes but accept the situation.
			*set H_Approval - 1
			You roll your eyes but accept the situation.
		#Despite being perplexed at her actions, I accept the situation. For I find myself strangely... warm, at the outcome.
			*set hRomancePoints + 1
			You find you do not mind it. Not at all.
		#I roll my eyes but accept the situation. At least ${h_he} is handsome.
			*set hRomancePoints + 1
			You roll your eyes but accept the situation. At least ${h_he} is handsome.
		#I feign ignorance to her schemes, "Whatever is wrong with your neck, Mrs Hudson?!"
			You feign ignorance to her schemes, "Whatever is wrong with your neck, Mrs Hudson?!"

			She sputters, shocked, appalled—caught. "Sherlock—you—I, I am fine, it's nothing! Nothing!"

			"...Alright. If you are sure it is [i]nothing[/i]." 

		#I have no idea what she is doing, "What are you trying to say, Mrs Hudson?"
			You have no idea what she is doing, "What are you trying to say, Mrs Hudson?"

			She splutters, completely taken aback. "Sherlock," she stammered in surprise, "you—I…I slept oddly on it, is all!"

			"Huh... Well, perhaps you should ask Watson about it?" The good doctor must have ideas on how to help it.

			"Mmmm, yes, yes. Don't worry about me now—" she says, shushing the conversation to a close.


*elseif ((triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall = false) and (hIsOfferedTeaButNonSimp))

	*fake_choice
		#"Thank you, [i]Mrs Hudson[/i]." This was what I wanted.
			*set H_Approval + 1
			"Thank you, [i]Mrs Hudson[/i]." This was what you wanted.
		#I accept the situation. For I find myself strangely... warm, at the outcome.
			*set hRomancePoints + 1
			You find you do not mind it. Not at all.
		#Despite being perplexed at her actions, I accept the situation. For I find myself strangely... warm, at the outcome.
			*set hRomancePoints + 1
			You find you do not mind it. Not at all.
		#I roll my eyes at Mrs Hudson's attempt to get me—and her—closer to the ${h_gentleman}.
			You roll your eyes at Mrs Hudson's attempt to get you—and her—closer to the ${h_gentleman}.
		#I roll my eyes at Mrs Hudson's attempt. Well, at least ${h_he} is handsome.
			*set hRomancePoints + 1
			You roll your eyes but accept the situation. At least ${h_he} is handsome.
		#I feign ignorance to her schemes, "Whatever is wrong with your neck, Mrs Hudson?!"
			You feign ignorance to her schemes, "Whatever is wrong with your neck, Mrs Hudson?!"

			She sputters, shocked, appalled—caught. "Sherlock—you—I, I am fine, it's nothing! Nothing!"

			"...Alright. If you are sure it is [i]nothing[/i]." 
		#I have no idea what she is doing, "What are you trying to say, Mrs Hudson?"
			You have no idea what she is doing, "What are you trying to say, Mrs Hudson?"

			She splutters, completely taken aback. "Sherlock," she stammered in surprise, "you—I…I slept oddly on it, is all!"

			"Huh... Well, perhaps you should ask Watson about it?" The good doctor must have ideas on how to help it.

			"Mmmm, yes, yes. Don't worry about me now—" she says, shushing the conversation to a close.

*else
	*fake_choice
		#"Thank you, [i]Mrs Hudson[/i]." I do not mind the opportunity to know ${h_him} further.
			*set H_Approval + 1
			"Thank you, [i]Mrs Hudson[/i]." You do not mind the opportunity to know ${h_him} further.
		#I roll my eyes but accept the situation. Escaping would be more trouble than it is worth.
			*set H_Approval - 1
			You roll your eyes but accept the situation. Escaping would be more trouble than it is worth.
		#I roll my eyes but accept the situation. At least ${h_he} is handsome.
			*set H_Approval - 1
			*set hRomancePoints + 1
			You roll your eyes but accept the situation. At least ${h_he} is handsome.
		#Despite being perplexed at her actions, I accept the situation. For I find myself strangely... warm, at the outcome.
			*set hRomancePoints + 1
			You find you do not mind it. Not at all.
		#I feign ignorance to her schemes, "Whatever is wrong with your neck, Mrs Hudson?!"
			You feign ignorance to her schemes, "Whatever is wrong with your neck, Mrs Hudson?!"

			She sputters, shocked, appalled—caught. "Sherlock—you—I, I am fine, its nothing! Nothing!"

			"...Alright. If you are sure it is [i]nothing[/i]." 
		#I have no idea what she is doing, "What are you trying to say, Mrs Hudson?"
			You have no idea what she is doing, "What are you trying to say, Mrs Hudson?"

			She splutters, completely taken aback. "Sherlock," she stammered in surprise, "you—I…I slept oddly on it, is all!"

			"Huh... Well, perhaps you should ask Watson about it?" The good doctor must have ideas on how to help it.

			"Mmmm, yes, yes. Don't worry about me now—" she says, shushing the conversation to a close.

		#"I do not have time for tea today, Mrs Hudson, $!{h_sir2} Hawthorne."
			*set mrsHudsonWasAlreadyThere true
			"I do not have time for tea today, Mrs Hudson, $!{h_sir2} Hawthorne. I am quite busy."

			"Sherlock—" Mrs Hudson begins but is cut off by a lifted hand and the calm tone of the ${h_gentleman}.

			"That is quite alright."
			*goto leavingH
			
		#I stare back with equal passion. [i]I. Do. Not. Want. This—[/i]
			*set H_Approval - 1
			You stare back with equal passion. [i]You. Do. Not. Want. This—[/i]

			*fake_choice
				*if (drink = "tea") #"I have no interest in having more tea today. 
					*label noMoreTea
					*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall)
						"As I have already declined the invitation, our interactions may be finished for good now. Goodbye."
					*else
						"As I have already accepted the invitation, our introduction may be finished for today. Goodbye."
				*if (drink != "tea") #"I have no interest in having tea today. 
					*goto noMoreTea
			*set mrsHudsonWasAlreadyThere true
			*goto leavingH

*page_break
*if ((drink != "tea") and (drink != "undefined"))
	*comment "coffe/water/juice"
	Mrs Hudson pours the tea for the ${h_gentleman}. But when she gets to you, she whispers instead of pouring, "I put ${drink} in yours, ${mc_name}."
*if (drink = "tea")
	Mrs Hudson pours the tea for you and the ${h_gentleman}.
	*set hadTeaInCh4 true

Then—quickly and quietly, she takes her leave. Closing the door firmly behind her. 

*if ((genderMC != h_man) and (genderMC != "them"))
	If this was not related to work, this house's chaperone abilities would be found horrendously wanting. 
	*if (hRomancePoints > 0) 
		Who knows what two people might get up to in a closed room? All alone. $!{h_his} eyes frightfully piercing. 

		Why—society would write about it in the papers.

*else
	You wonder what the papers might say should they know the surely-high-esteemed-something-or-other was here now. Perhaps a closed door is best; it lowers the risk of gossip.

	*if (hRomancePoints > 0) 
		But.

		It is daring of Mrs Hudson. Does she envision simply a friendship built by tea? With that ${h_man} across from you now, alone in a closed room... $!{h_his} eyes frightfully piercing. 

		Well, it does not feel particularly platonic...

*page_break

*label banishedFromSimping 
*set talkedInCh4 true

You take a sip from your cup. Savouring the warmth building in your body. Knowing ${h_his} eyes are firmly on you.

*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall)
	"Do you know why I came here today?" ${hName} pauses as if waiting for a reply, ${h_his} lips thin while stirring a silver spoon. "—I could have sent a footman to gather your answer. And as it looks to be a decline, that might have been the sensible thing to do. But." The ticking of the metal on porcelain halts. "I had to meet you."

*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall = false)
	"Do you know why I came here today?" ${hName} pauses as if waiting for a reply, ${h_his} lips thin while stirring a silver spoon. "—I could have sent a footman to gather your answer. And I doubt whatever I had to say might have convinced you to take the case... The merit and appeal of it all are either to your liking, or they are not. But." The ticking of the metal on porcelain halts. "I had to meet you."

*fake_choice
	#"Is that so?" I find myself curious now.
		You raise an eyebrow at the unexpected confession, and feel drawn in by this sudden shift in the conversation. "Is that so?" you reply, taking yet another sip of your drink.
	#"And... why is that, $!{h_sir2} Hawthorne?" 
		You raise an eyebrow at the unexpected confession, and feel drawn in by this sudden shift in the conversation. "And... why is that, $!{h_sir2} Hawthorne?" you reply, taking yet another sip of your drink.
	#"And why is that?" I find myself uncaring of the answer.
		*set H_Approval - 1
		"And why is that?" you reply, taking yet another sip of your drink.
	#"Oh?"
		You raise an eyebrow at the unexpected confession. "Oh?" you reply, taking yet another sip of your drink.

"Because, [i]$!{mc_miss} $!{mc_lastname}[/i], you are a mystery I have yet to solve."

*temp roseWasSaid false

*if (mcFirstCaseReputationGood)

	*comment Remember some who get here are thrown from the simp route.

	*if ((hRomancePoints > 0) and (H_Approval < 1))

		"I find myself in a most peculiar spot. I read about you. All there was. On the page were a singular intellect, a commendable curious mind, and talents in deductions. A rose among, well, rabble. But meeting you, ${myLady}, was not quite what I expected. 
		I suspect you may turn out to be quite the thorn in my side.
		And yet despite myself, I find myself still here, awaiting to be pricked.
		*comment And despite myself I came to be cut.
		*comment And despite myself I came and got cut.
		*comment And despite myself I seem to want to be pricked.
		I do not know the words to describe how far that is from my modus operandi.
		A ${h_man} such as me can fall far should I get involved and caught with the wrong sort.
		I do not make it a habit, then, to do so.
		Only now.
		Only with you, it seems."

	*elseif ((hRomancePoints > 0) and (H_Approval > 0))
		"I find myself in a most peculiar spot. I read about you. All there was. On the page were a singular intellect, a commendable curious mind, and talents in deductions. A rose among, well, rabble. But meeting you, ${myLady}, was not quite what I expected. 
		I suspect you may turn out to be quite the thorn in my side.
		And despite myself, I find myself still here, awaiting to be pricked.
		This is not, well—my modus operandi.
		A ${h_man} such as me can fall far should I get involved and caught with the wrong sort.
		I do not make it a habit, then, to do so.
		Only now.
		Only with you, it seems.
		You might see why I'm hesitant..."

	*else
		"I find myself in a most peculiar spot. I read about you. All there was. You possess a singular intellect, a commendable curious mind, and talents in deductions. A rose among, well, rabble. But meeting you, ${myLady}, was not quite what I expected. 
		I suspect you may turn out to be quite the thorn in my side.
		And despite myself, I find myself still here, awaiting to be pricked.
		This is not exactly my modus operandi.
		A ${h_man} such as me can fall far should I get involved and caught with the wrong sort.
		I do not make it a habit, then, to do so.
		Only now.
		Only with you, it seems.
		You might see why I'm worried..."


	*goto thornDialogue


*elseif (mcFirstCaseReputationGood = false)
	*if ((hRomancePoints > 0) and (H_Approval < 1))

		"I find myself in a most peculiar spot. I read about you. All there was. On the page were a singular intellect, a commendable curious mind, and talents in deductions. A rose among, well, rabble. But your... reputation... ${myLady}, you are quite the lovely thorn. 
		And despite myself, I find myself here, pricked.
		*comment And despite myself I came to be cut.
		*comment And despite myself I came and got cut.
		*comment And despite myself I seem to want to be pricked.
		I do not know the words to describe how far that is from my modus operandi.
		A ${h_man} such as me can fall far should I get involved and caught with the wrong sort.
		I do not make it a habit, then, to do so.
		Only now.
		Only with you, it seems."

	*elseif ((hRomancePoints > 0) and (H_Approval > 0))
		"I find myself in a most peculiar spot. I read about you. All there was. On the page were a singular intellect, a commendable curious mind, and talents in deductions. A rose among, well, rabble. But your... reputation... ${myLady}, you are quite the lovely thorn. 
		And despite myself, I find myself here, pricked.
		This is not, well—my modus operandi.
		A ${h_man} such as me can fall far should I get involved and caught with the wrong sort.
		I do not make it a habit, then, to do so.
		Only now.
		Only with you, it seems.
		You might see why I'm hesitant..."

	*else
		"I find myself in a most peculiar spot. I read about you. All there was. You possess a singular intellect, a commendable curious mind, and talents in deductions. A rose among, well, rabble. But your... reputation... You are quite the thorn. 
		And despite myself, I find myself here, pricked.
		This is not exactly my modus operandi.
		A ${h_man} such as me can fall far should I get involved and caught with the wrong sort.
		I do not make it a habit, then, to do so.
		Only now.
		Only with you, it seems.
		You might see why I'm worried..."

*label thornDialogue
*temp girls false
*if ((genderMC = "woman") and ( h_man = "woman"))
	*set girls true
*fake_choice
	#"I do not know whether to be insulted or flattered..."
		"I do not know whether to be insulted or flattered..."

		"That is your prerogative, ${mc_madam}. However, as my presence is rather a rarity rather than a regular sighting, I should see it as generally flattering."

		*page_break
		Then
		*goto wWalksinNeutral

	*if (girls = false) #"There will be no pricking here, $!{h_sir}." [i] What an unseemly metaphor[/i].
		*set H_Approval - 1
		"There will be no pricking here, $!{h_sir}." [i] What an unseemly metaphor[/i].

		"I—no—I of course n—why in damnation are you implying such a thing?!" ${h_he} sputters.

		"[i]Why are you?[/i]"

		"..."

		"..."

		"Let us forget the words in their entirety, detective. They do neither of us any favours." $!{h_he} clears ${h_his} throat and then drinks ${h_his} tea to fill the tired silence.

		Then—breaking the lull—the door opens, and Watson stands in its place.
		*goto wWalksinNeutralSkip
	*if (girls) #"$!{h_sir}, that is rather an unseemly metaphor and I do not approve!"
		*set H_Approval - 1
		"$!{h_sir}, that is rather an unseemly metaphor and I do not approve in the least!"

		"I—why—I of course did not mean—why in damnation are you implying [i]I said that which you are implying I said[/i]?!" ${h_he} sputters.

		"[i]I am of the belief you implied this first.[/i]"

		"..."

		"..."

		"Let us forget the words in their entirety, detective. They do neither of us any favours." $!{h_he} clears ${h_his} throat and then drinks ${h_his} tea to fill the tired silence.

		Then—breaking the lull—the door opens, and Watson stands in its place.
		*goto wWalksinNeutralSkip

	#"Oh, $!{h_sir}, do not worry. Not that you look the sort, but even if you were to prick me poorly, I wouldn't tell," I say, heavy on the euphemism.
		*set H_Approval - 1
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
		"Oh, $!{h_sir}, do not worry. Not that you look the sort, but even if you were to prick me poorly, I wouldn't tell."

		*if (hMan) 
			Possibly in such shock at your colourful meaning delivered with such ease of manners—${hName}'s cup tips. Fragrant tea spills the sides, right by the pressed pleat of ${h_his} pants.
		*else 
			Possibly in such shock at your colourful meaning delivered with such ease of manners—${hName}'s cup tips. Fragrant tea spills the sides, right down the front of ${h_his} dress.
		*if (girls)
			"Much like the devil and holy water... Do you find good manners repellent, detective? Or is it only sense that you lack—seeing as your attempt at humour fails all relevance in both your and my current circumstances."
		*else
			"Much like the devil and holy water... Do you find good manners repellent, detective?"
		$!{h_he} removes a handkerchief from ${h_his} person, dabbing and pressing, but all attempts at saving the fabric are lost. At this, ${h_he} sighs. "The Bible says something of the wife of Ahab, her end seems a good end to entice penance."

		...Did ${h_he} just call you a Jezebel, that you will be thrown from a window, trampled, and then eaten by dogs—in one sentence? 

		[i]That's almost impressive[/i]...

		You are just about to return the scalding when—

		*goto wWalksinNeutral

	*if (attractive > 2) #"I have been called a rose many ways before, but never that."
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
		"I have been called a rose many ways before, but never that."

		"No? Too beautiful and yet much too sharp... seems rather an apt description of the 
		*if (genderMC = "them")
			person
		*else
			${genderMC}
		in front of me. You should collect better admirers, ${mc_madam}," ${h_he} says, then sips ${h_his} tea.

		*goto RoseComparison

	*if (attractive < 3) #"I don't think I have ever been compared to a rose before, even its thorns."
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
		"I don't think I have ever been compared to a rose before, even its thorns."

		"No? Vibrant and much too sharp... seems rather an apt description of the 
		*if (genderMC = "them")
			person
		*else
			${genderMC}
		in front of me. You should collect better admirers, ${mc_madam}," ${h_he} says, then sips ${h_his} tea.

		*label RoseComparison

		*page_break

		*if (hRomancePoints < 2)
			Then
			*goto wWalksinNeutral

		*label nonSimp
		"I am curious—I noticed you keep a copy of Jane Eyre on display. Is it yours, ${mc_miss}? ${mc_lastname}?" $!{h_he} stands, and heads for the small collection of books Mrs Hudson allowed; to her it was more of a decoration of education than anything to be read. "—Keep an edition myself, you see. I am rather fond of it... The book rather rewards holding firm to ones beliefs and goodness. Perhaps I can explain myself better with its contents—"

		*if (( (hRomancePoints > 0) and (h_man = "man") ) and (speedStrength < 11))
			*fake_choice
				#"It is mine, ${h_sir}, I am rather an ardent admirer."
					*set H_Approval + 1
					"It is mine, ${h_sir}, I am rather a—" You stand to join the ${h_gentleman} at the books to continue the conversation, but instead
				#"No, it's not mine, Mrs Hudson must have simply placed it there. But any comparison is uncalled for—"
					"No, it's not—" You stand to object the ${h_gentleman}'s monologue, to desist the conversation, but instead
				#"Wait, please don't touch it, it is rather delicate."
					*set H_Approval + 1
					"Wait, please don't—" You stand to warn the ${h_gentleman} not to remove it from its place, but instead
			*if ((hasDress) and (hasTrousers = false))
				trip on the hem of your dress. You feel yourself falling forward, and into the surprisingly strong arms of your new acquaintance. 
			*else
				trip on Horatio, the cat, that comes skating from under the table. You feel yourself falling forward, and into the surprisingly strong arms of your new acquaintance.
			*set catchc4 true
			"One little misstep and... [i]here we are[/i]. Do be more careful, ${mc_miss}... lest next you fall, proves perilous..." he speaks quietly, ${h_his} eyes searching yours.

			*comment "$!{myLady}, please be careful... Wouldn't want you falling and hurting yourself, now would we?" A smile creeps upon ${h_his} somewhat self satisfied lips, while ${h_his} eyes search yours.
			*comment "One misstep and you're in my arms, be careful lest you hurt yourself, ${mc_miss}..."
			*comment "$!{myLady}, While it is a pleasure to have you in my arms, I would be reminiss of the inpropriety... of having you so upclose."
			*comment "It is rather a suprise to find you in my arms so soon, detective..."
			*comment "Stumbling into me already? Rather second meeting material don't you think?"

			And as ${h_he} still holds you close—
			*goto watsonEntersScandal2

		*else 
			*set hHasYourHand true
			*fake_choice
				#"It is mine, ${h_sir}, I am rather an ardent admirer."
					*set H_Approval + 1
					"It is mine, ${h_sir}, I am rather a—" You begin to stand to join the ${h_gentleman} at the books to continue the conversation, but
				#"No, it's not mine, Mrs Hudson must have simply placed it there. But any comparison is uncalled for—"
					"No, it's not—" You stand to object the ${h_gentleman}'s monologue, to desist the conversation, but instead
				#"Wait, please don't touch it, it is rather delicate."
					*set H_Approval + 1
					"Wait, please don't—" You begin to stand to warn the ${h_gentleman} not to remove it from its place, but
			the sudden movement scares Horatio, Mrs Hudson's cat, who apparently had hid himself under the table 
			and took this moment to skate forward, bumping the table, and cause what remains in the milk pot to spill all over the front your
			*if ((hasDress) and (hasTrousers = false))
				dress.
			*else
				trousers.

			$!{hName} removes a handkerchief from ${h_his} person, lowers ${h_himself} to be by your side by the pooling milk, attempting to stop it from spreading.
			*fake_choice
				#"Devilish cat."
					"Devilish cat," you curse at the escaped trickster—Mrs Hudson really ought to keep better watch over that thing.

					"And even your arm is covered, allow me—" $!{hName} dabs at your arms, then your hands that in that moment are ungloved, and... so is ${h_hi}. And ${h_he} seems to notice this, just as you do, just as your eyes meet—just as—

					*goto watsonEntersScandal2

				*if (hasDress) #"For the love of—this was one of my absolute favourite dresses!"
					"For the love of—this was one of my absolute favourite dresses!"

					*label spilledOutfitBold2

					*if (outfitWord = "bold")
						"It is?" $!{h_he} questions, but then soon thinks better of it. "Even your arm is covered, allow me—" $!{hName} dabs at your arms, then your hands that in that moment are ungloved, and... so is ${h_hi}. And ${h_he} seems to notice this, just as you do, just as your eyes meet—just as—
					*else
						"Even your arm is covered, allow me—" $!{hName} dabs at your arms, then your hands that in that moment are ungloved, and... so is ${h_hi}. And ${h_he} seems to notice this, just as you do, just as your eyes meet—just as—

				*if ((hasTrousers) and (hasDress != true )) #"For the love of—this was one of my absolute favoured trousers!"
					*goto spilledOutfitBold2
				#[i]Sigh.[/i]
					You sigh. Perfect...

					"Even your arm is covered, allow me—" $!{hName} dabs at your arms, then your hands that in that moment are ungloved, and... so is ${h_hi}. And ${h_he} seems to notice this, just as you do, just as your eyes meet—just as—
				#"Thank you."
					*set H_Approval + 1
					"Thank you."

					"No need I—and even your arm is covered, allow me—" $!{hName} dabs at your arms, then your hands that in that moment are ungloved, and... so is ${h_hi}. And ${h_he} seems to notice this, just as you do, just as your eyes meet—just as—

		*label watsonEntersScandal2
		*if ((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted))
			"Sherlock—" a familiar voice rings out, laced with confusion and something akin to anger from the now open hallway door.
		*else
			"Sherlock—" a familiar voice rings out, laced with confusion and appearing akin to a shriek from the now open hallway door.

		*label watsonEntersScandalFinal

		*comment hHasYourHand
		*comment hWasSitting 
		*comment hWasLeaving 

		*if ((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted))
			*set wThinksYouLikeH true
			*set watsonSawSomethingCh4 true
			*if (hHasYourHand)
				*comment H is sitting holding your hand
				In the doorway stands ${johnName}, hand gripping the frame, slack-jawed and pained. Staring at you, and where your hand is practically in another's.

			*else 
				*comment H holding you
				In the doorway stands ${johnName}, hand gripping the frame, slack-jawed and pained. Staring at you, held firmly by a man in a rather compromising position.
		*else
			*set wThinksYouLikeH true
			*set watsonSawSomethingCh4 true
			"...I—did i come at a bad time?" Watson asks, not meeting your eyes, looking away from the compromising situation ${j_he} finds you in.

		*fake_choice
			#"${johnName}?!"
				"${johnName}?!"

				You untangle yourself from ${hName} and attempt to right yourself as much as you are able. "You see what happened was—" you begin to describe but is interrupted.
			#"...It's really not what it looks like."
				"...It's really not what it looks like."

				You and ${hName} untangle, and you attempt to right yourself as much as you are able. "You see what happened was—" you begin to describe but is interrupted.
			#"Well. Good morning, Watson."
				"Well. Good morning, Watson."

				${hName} untangles from you and attempts to right ${h_himself} as much as ${h_he} is able.
			#"No need to look so appalled, ${johnName}."
				"No need to look so appalled, ${johnName}."

				${hName} untangles from you and attempt to right ${h_himself} as much as ${h_he} is able.

		*if ((romanceW < 1) or (johnAttracted = false))

			"Sherlock," $!{johnName} says you name strangely, and having averted ${j_hi} eyes as untanglement occurred, when ${j_he} turns ${j_his} attentions back to the pair of you there's a painful blush on ${j_his} cheeks. "Is this a new... client?" 

			"[i]Yes,[/i] Watson, let me introduce you to $!{h_sir2} ${full_nameH}."

			*goto theWriter

		*else

			"Who is this?" Watson asks you harshly, but directs ${j_his} attention, confusion, and scrutiny at the stranger.

			*fake_choice
				#"Let me introduce you to $!{h_sir2} ${full_nameH}, ${johnName}."
					"Let me introduce you to $!{h_sir2} ${full_nameH}, ${johnName}."

				#"Well, rather rude of you but—$!{h_sir2} Hawthorne, meet Doctor ${johnName} Watson, the writer of my stories."
					"Well, rather rude of you but—$!{h_sir2} Hawthorne, meet Doctor ${johnName} Watson, the writer of my stories."

				#"..."
					And when you do not find the words to speak, thankfully the one next to you does. "$!{h_sir2} ${full_nameH}. And [i]you[/i] are?"

					"Doctor ${johnName} Watson."


		*goto theWriter
		











A quiet moment drags. Then—

The clank of ${h_his} cup-to-saucer punctuates a show that the final drop has been drunk.

*if (h_man = "man")
	"Lovely tea and company. I thank you very much for it." $!{h_he} grabs ${h_his} gloves, laid horizontally across one leg, and puts them on quickly. "And please thank Mrs Hudson for me—" $!{h_he} stands and bows. "I really must be going. But, again, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, despite the circumstance... Well then—" You cannot tell if the ${h_man} is bored or in a hurry to leave, the expression on ${h_his} face so impassive.
*else
	"Lovely tea and company. I thank you very much for it." $!{h_he} grabs ${h_his} gloves, which lay primly across ${h_his} skirt, and puts them on with quick well practiced ease. "And please thank Mrs Hudson for me—" $!{h_he} stands and curtsies. "I really must be going. But, again, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, despite the circumstance... Well then—" You cannot tell if the ${h_man} is bored or in a hurry to leave, the expression on ${h_his} face so impassive.

As ${h_he} is almost at the door—

*label wWalksinNeutral
—the door opens, and Watson stands in its place. "Sherlock?"

*label wWalksinNeutralSkip
*page_break
	*comment "Sherlock?" your companion asks but directs ${j_his} words, confusion, and scrutiny at the stranger. Then this scrutiny is quickly turned to where your hand is firmly in ${h_his}.

"Sherlock?" your companion asks but directs ${j_his} words, confusion, and scrutiny at the stranger. Then this scrutiny is quickly turned to the saucer in the middle of the table. "...[i]Are those my biscuits?[/i]"

*comment did i come at a bad time? / did i come at an innopertune time?

*fake_choice
	#"Watson, I promise—I did not touch a crumb of a single biscuit—and it was all Mrs Hudson's idea!"
		"Watson, I promise—I did not touch a crumb of a single biscuit—and it was all Mrs Hudson's idea!"

		*if (mrsHudsonWasAlreadyThere)
			"I don't... I do not mind, ${mc_name}. I can take it up with Mrs Hudson... [i]later[/i]." Watson says to the landlady, then turns ${j_his} attentions back to the ${h_gentleman}. "—A new client?"
		*else
			"I don't... I do not mind, ${mc_name}. I can take it up with Mrs Hudson... [i]later[/i]." Watson turns ${j_his} attentions back to the ${h_gentleman}. "—A new client?"
		*goto introducingHtoWNeutral
	#"Watson, you're home! Let me introduce you to $!{h_sir2}  ${full_nameH}.
		"Watson, you're home! Let me introduce you to $!{h_sir2} ${full_nameH}.
	#"Watson, you're home! Let me introduce you to $!{h_sir2} ... Uh... $!{h_sir2} Haw-borne?"
		*set H_Approval -1
		"Watson, you're home! Let me introduce you to $!{h_sir2} ... Uh... $!{h_sir2} Haw-borne?"

		"...Hawthorne... And you must be the writer... Mm. Yes, I see the resemblance of the on page description."

		"—I am rather more than simply ${mc_name}'s writer. As you would know reading the stories. I am ${mc_xir} companion in crime hunting, also."

		"I see. And you... live together? Here?"

		"Yes. A very good situation for all involved."

		"Is it? How wonderful."

		*goto mrsHudsonEnters

	#"Ah. There you are. $!{h_sir2} Hawthorne, meet Doctor ${johnName} Watson, the writer of my stories."
		"Ah. There you are. $!{h_sir2} Hawthorne, meet Doctor ${johnName} Watson, the writer of my stories."
*goto theWriter

*label introducingHtoWNeutral
*fake_choice
	#"Watson, let me introduce you to $!{h_sir2} ${full_nameH}."
		"Watson, let me introduce you to $!{h_sir2} ${full_nameH}."
	#"Watson, let me introduce you to $!{h_sir2} ... Uh... $!{h_sir2} Haw-borne?"
		*set H_Approval -1
		"Watson, you're home! Let me introduce you to $!{h_sir2} ... Uh... $!{h_sir2} Haw-borne?"

		"...Hawthorne... And you must be the writer... Mm. Yes, I see the resemblance of the on page description."

		"—I am rather more than simply ${mc_name}'s writer. As you would know reading the stories. I am ${mc_xir} companion in crime hunting, also."

		"I see. And you... live together? Here?"

		"Yes. A very good situation for all involved."

		"Is it? How wonderful."

		*goto mrsHudsonEnters

	#"Ah. There you are. $!{h_sir2} Hawthorne, meet Doctor ${johnName} Watson, the writer of my stories."
		"Ah. There you are. $!{h_sir2} Hawthorne, meet Doctor ${johnName} Watson, the writer of my stories."

*label theWriter

*if (j_man = h_man)
	"The writer..." ${hName} says, not looking much at the other ${j_man}. "Mm. Yes, I see the resemblance by the on page description."
*else
	"The writer..." ${hName} says, not looking much at the ${j_man}. "Mm. Yes, I see the resemblance by the on page description."

"—I am rather more than simply ${mc_name}'s writer. As you would know reading the stories. I am ${mc_xir} companion in crime hunting, also."

"I see. And you... live together? Here?"

"Yes. A very good situation for all involved."

"Is it? How wonderful."

*page_break

*label mrsHudsonEnters
*if (mrsHudsonWasAlreadyThere)
	Mrs Hudson takes this opportunity to halt the visitor.
*else
	Mrs Hudson appears, her excited visage peering around $!{johnName}'s taller height firm by the doorway. 
*if (mrsHudsonWasAlreadyThere)
	"You can't leave now, $!{h_sir2}! Watson has just arrived!"
*elseif (hWasLeaving)
	"You are not leaving, are you, oh good $!{h_sir2}?"
*elseif (hWasLeaving = false)
	"Oh, $!{h_sir}! I see you have met all inhabitants of our humble address. We all welcome you so!"

*comment (if bad situation but romance)
*comment $!{h_he} turns to you with a suspiciously warm smile. "Especially by all our dearest detective, is that not right, $!{mc_miss} ${mc_lastname}?"
*comment *fake_choice
*comment	#"...That's right, as Mrs Hudson says, we only want you very welcome here." you lie. Mrs Hudson would not let you hear the end of it otherwise.
*comment	#"I don't see what you could possibly be referring to."

*if (mrsHudsonWasAlreadyThere)
	"I am most grateful, madam. But I really aught to leave—I have been warmly received
*else
	"I am most grateful, madam. I have been warmly received
*if ((H_Approval > 1) or (SimpH))
	by you and London's dearest detective. [i]I thank you both.[/i]
*else
	by you. [i]I thank you.[/i]
*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall)
	I am terribly saddened we won't see each other at the ball the day after tomorrow. What splendid fun that may have been."

	"B—ball, $!{h_sir}? Who—what ball—[i]Sherlock[/i], did you know of a ball?" Mrs Hudson turns to you in rather a tizzy.

	But it is ${hName} that answers, "Oh, it's simply a charity ball I am involved with its hosting. I came to ask for $!{mc_miss} ${mc_lastname} help in keeping us burglar safe, it's rather a strange case you see, but it seems I shall have to look elsewhere for help.
	Such a shame it is too, when the invitation would have of course extended to enormously kind and helpful land-ladies. And I, that had wanted to show you the Joseph Wolf birds, they hang beautifully in the back foyer. You showed yourself to be a pure and devoted aviphile when we talked earlier—therefore I felt it was practically criminal to keep you from those masterpieces. Ah—how terribly sad this all is..."

	Mrs Hudson turns again to you, honeyed voice and stinging eyes. "${mc_name}..."

	*comment Mrs Hudson if Mcc won’t go to the ball:
	*comment I—I, I will sneak into your room every time you are out and move one important paper to a new place—and I will burn another! Then your whole system will fall apart I dare say!
	*comment - you wouldn’t. 
	*comment She would…
	*comment - You may rely on it sir!

	*fake_choice
		#"No."
		#"No!"
		#"NO!"
		#"Don't do this to me, Mrs Hudson."

	"I am afraid Mrs Hudson's wishes here are the correct ones, ${mc_name}," your [i]usually[/i] loyal doctor says.

	*fake_choice
		#"Huh?"
		#"But, ${johnName}?"
		#"Oh, not you [i]too[/i]!"
		#"Et tu, Brute?"

	"You should take the case." $!{j_he} sighs. "You'll need it." $!{j_his} hand holds forth an opened letter, with Lestrade's handwriting. "I came to tell you the bad news—"

	[i]Watson.[/i]
	*line_break
	[i]No Edinburgh. Fell through.[/i]
	*line_break
	[i]Tell ${mc_name}—and prevent reckless reactions.[/i]
	*line_break
	[i]G.L.[/i]
	*page_break

	"—So you see. We are rather in need of a case."

	*fake_choice
		#Well—[i]what in all hells do I even do now?![/i]
			Another bloody disappointment! What can you even do?! The only thing, it seems is...

			The damn ball—

			For what choice remains now?
			*fake_choice
				#If Edinburgh is lost, then this case is all that remains.
					What choice do you have. If Edinburgh is lost, then, this case is what remains. At least it is something, even if not perfection.
				#Without a good case to distract my disappointment I fear what I might do. 
					What choice do you have. Without a good case to distract your disappointment you fear what you might do. This is the only alternative in sight.
				#They all conspire against me! But I can not stand against such a cruel united front! 
					What choice do you have when they all conspire against you so! You can not stand firm against such a cruel united front. No, you are beaten. And you have to accept the terms of such a defeat.

			But, ugh... [i] Yes—Fine![/i] 

			"I accept the case, ${h_sir2} Hawthorne," you accept begrudgingly. 

		#Oh... This could go really very badly...
			Another disappointment. Another danger of falling, all that is left, it seems is...

			The ball—

			For what choice remains now?
			*fake_choice
				#If Edinburgh is lost, then this case is all that remains. For good or for bad.
					What choice do you have. If Edinburgh is lost, then, this case is what remains. At least it is something, even if not perfection...
				#Without a good case to distract my disappointment I fear what I might do. 
					What choice do you have. Without a good case to distract your disappointment you fear what you might do. This is the only alternative in sight.
				#They all conspire against me! But I can not stand against such a cruel united front! 
					What choice do you have when they all conspire against you so! You can not stand firm against such a cruel united front. No, you are beaten. And you have to accept the terms of such a defeat.

			But, [i] Yes—alright...[/i] 

			"I accept the case, ${h_sir2} Hawthorne," you say, disheartened. 
		#Damn Lestrade! The blame is entirely on ${l_hi} shoulders; ${l_he} toyed with my hopes cruelly!
			Another darn disappointment! You knew Lestrade would ruin everything all over again! Now you are stuck with, it seems—

			The damn ball—

			No other choice remaining.
			*fake_choice
				#If Edinburgh is lost, then this case is all that remains.
					What choice do you have. If Edinburgh is lost, then, this case is what remains. At least, it is something, even if far from perfection.
				#Without a good case to distract my disappointment I fear what I might do. 
					What choice do you have. Without a good case to distract your disappointment you fear what you might do. This is the only alternative in sight.
				#They all conspire against me! But I can not stand against such a cruel united front! 
					What choice do you have when they all conspire against you so! You can not stand firm against such a cruel united front. No, you are beaten. And you have to accept the terms of such a defeat.

			But, ugh... [i] Yes—Fine![/i] 

			"I accept the case, ${h_sir2} Hawthorne," you accept begrudgingly. 
		#"Crumpets!"
			"Crumpets!" you swear, as Mrs Hudson counters with "[i]language![/i]". But how can she blame you for expressing your dismay so harshly—when faced with yet another disappointment. Now all that is left is...

			The ball.
			*fake_choice
				#If Edinburgh is lost, then this case is all that remains. For good or for bad.
					What choice do you have. If Edinburgh is lost, then, this case is what remains. At least it is something, even if not perfection...
				#Without a good case to distract my disappointment I fear what I might do. 
					What choice do you have. Without a good case to distract your disappointment you fear what you might do. This is the only alternative in sight.
				#They all conspire against me! But I can not stand against such a cruel united front! 
					What choice do you have when they all conspire against you so! You can not stand firm against such a cruel united front. No, you are beaten. And you have to accept the terms of such a defeat.

			But, [i] Yes—alright...[/i] 

			"I accept the case, ${h_sir2} Hawthorne," you accept begrudgingly.

	"Excellent. Then it is settled—${mc_name} $!{mc_lastname}—at the ball. What a delight it will be! And, of course, you too Mrs Hudson." $!{h_he} inclines ${h_his} head politely to your land-lady.

	*if ((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted))
		"[i]We[/i] will be there," Watson says, standing arms crossed in the doorway. "I am ${mc_xir} writer. $!{mc_xir} companion. I am a constant in ${mc_xir} life, and I am part of the deal. You hire ${mc_xim}, you hire me."
	*else
		"[i]We[/i] will be there," Watson says, remaining firm in the doorway. "I am ${mc_xir} writer. $!{mc_xir} companion. You hire ${mc_xim}, you hire me."

	"Is that correct?" questions the client, for the first time meeting the other's glare, coaxed by the strong force in Watson's words and tone.

	"How wonderful, all four of us attending the ball!" Mrs Hudson interjects cheerfully, before an argument on the matter could ever appear. "How charming! Oh—${h_sir} your kindness has made me so very happy to-day!"

	${hName} clears ${h_his} throat. "Erm—yes, indeed." Seemingly unable to deny her such pleasantries without risking ${h_his} good repute with the older woman, it appears the land-lady wins this round.

	Mrs Hudson really is without equal when it comes to pressing politeness upon her acquaintances...

	*comment *fake_choice
	*comment #Watson is being unusually assertive... [i]Hmm. Strange...[/i]
	*comment #"Watson you're being a snob again. The ${h_gentleman} can't help ${h_he} is rich."

*else
	*comment if accepted ball
	But now that matter of the ball is settled, I should take my leave."

	"B—ball, $!{h_sir}?" Mrs Hudson turns to you in rather a tizzy. "Who—what ball—[i]Sherlock[/i], did you know of a ball?"

	But it is ${hName} that answers, "Oh, it's simply a charity ball I am involved with its hosting. I came to ask for $!{mc_miss} ${mc_lastname}' help in keeping us burglar safe, it's rather a strange case you see, therefore I am most grateful I shall receive ${mc_xir} aid."
	
	Mrs Hudson turns again to you, swallowing heavy and looking at you with large dreamy eyes. "${mc_name}... A ball."

	*if ((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted))
		"[i]We[/i] will be there," Watson says, standing arms crossed in the doorway. "I am ${mc_xir} writer. $!{mc_xir} companion. I am a constant in ${mc_xir} life, and I am part of the deal. You hire ${mc_xim}, you hire me."

		*comment "Is that correct?" questions the client, one brow raised in a look of disapproval at the strong force in Watson's words and tone.
		"Is that correct?" questions the client, for the first time meeting the other's glare, coaxed by the strong force in Watson's words and tone.

		"And I simply have to be there too, ${h_sir}!" Mrs Hudson interjects, before an argument on the matter could ever appear. "I am Sherlock's chaperone in moments such as these, 
		*if (genderMC = "them")
			they are
		*else
			${mc_xhe} is 
		unwed you know, and in lieu of a mother to handle such matters I take it much upon myself!" 
	*else
		"[i]We[/i] will be there," Watson says, remaining firm in the doorway. "I am ${mc_xir} writer. $!{mc_xir} companion. You hire ${mc_xim}, you hire me."

		And then Mrs Hudson interjects,
		"And I simply have to be there too, ${h_sir}! I am Sherlock's chaperone in moments such as these, 
		*if (genderMC = "them")
			they are
		*else
			${mc_xhe} is 
		unwed you know, and in lieu of a mother to handle such matters I take it much upon myself!" 

	${hName} clears ${h_his} throat. "Erm—yes, indeed." Seemingly unable to deny her such propriety without risking ${h_his} good repute with the older woman. It appears the land-lady wins this round.

	Mrs Hudson really is without equal when it comes to pressing politeness upon her acquaintances...

	*if (((romanceW > 0) and (johnAttracted)) and ((hRomancePoints > 0) and (H_Approval > 0)))
		$!{hName} looks between you and Mrs Hudson, and then at Watson. $!{h_he} finally nods ${h_his} head as if making a decision. "Very well then. I shall see the three of you at the ball." 
	*else
		"All shall go to the ball then. How... fine," ${hName} says grimly while looking at the satisfied trio in-front of ${h_him}.

*page_break

"Before you go, ${h_sir}," you say. "There are a few matters I need sorted. I will need manpower, I can't do preventative measures without controlling the exits and entrances."

"You have full rights to act as you see fit. Simply send me a letter of the details, beyond that you may have free reign to the goings on of the party. Expenses will be payed—in fact—here." $!{h_he} hands you a card with ${h_hi} details on it. "Tell the
*if (((genderMC = "woman") and (hasDress)) or ((hasDress) and (genderMC = "man")))
	modiste
	*set isModiste true
*else
	tailor
	*set isModiste false
my name, and tell them to hurry. Once they have your measurements taken, order what you need, and it shall be taken care of in time for the ball. Any further details I shall send to you post haste."

*fake_choice
	#"Good."
	#"Thank you, ${h_sir}."
		*set H_Approval + 1
	#"Oh, you are very kind, ${h_sir}." [i]Why was that so terribly attractive?[/i]
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
	#"[i]Oh[/i], that is... you are very kind, ${h_sir}." [i]Why did that rouse you something terrible?[/i]
		*set hRomancePoints + 1
	#"Mm-hmm." Ugh, what a show off. I too can afford an appropriate outfit. Probably...
		*set H_Approval - 1

*if (((hMan) and (genderMC = "woman")) and ((hRomancePoints > 0) and (H_Approval > 2)))
	"Then, I shall take my leave." Hamish says to the group, and turns to you. "It was a pleasure to meet you, ${myLady}." 

	And as he takes your hand in his, a now gloved hand, he touches with his lips the fore of his thumb, enough that you feel the heat of his breath on your naked hand. "A true pleasure," he says, looking into your eyes with such searching depth.
	*comment, as if trying to uncover in them something that is written behind your gaze.

	It is rather peculiar, for you feel seen, perhaps too seen, by the meeting of this sharp regard. 

	He releases your hand and then moves towards to door, but pauses as he reaches it. Turning back, he smiles broadly at you. "I will be looking forward to our next meeting immensely." 

*elseif (((hMan) and (genderMC = "woman")) and ((SimpH) or (H_Approval > 1)))
	"Then, I shall take my leave then." Hamish says, turning to you, smiling. "It was a pleasure to meet you, ${myLady}." He takes your hand, and bends his waist over it in a bow. "A true pleasure."

	He releases your hand and then moves towards to door, but pauses as he reaches it. Turning back, he smiles broadly at you. "I will be looking forward to our next meeting immensely." 

*elseif (hRomancePoints > 0)
	"It has been a pleasure meeting you all." $!{h_his} gaze lingers with yours for just a moment too long, before turning to Watson and Mrs Hudson in goodbye. "Farewell." 

	Moving towards to door, just as ${h_he} reaches it. Turning back, ${h_he} directs ${h_his} eyes to you. "Until we meet again." 
*elseif (SimpH)
	"It has been a pleasure meeting you all." $!{h_his} gaze lingers with yours for just a moment, before turning to Watson and Mrs Hudson in goodbye. "Farewell." 

	Moving towards to door, just as ${h_he} reaches it. Turning back, ${h_he} directs ${h_his} eyes to you. "Until we meet again." 
*else
	"It has been a pleasure meeting you all." $!{h_his} gaze lingers with yours for just a moment, before turning to Watson and Mrs Hudson in goodbye. "Farewell." 

	Moving towards to door, just as ${h_he} reaches it. $!{h_he} pauses. But whatever force held ${h_him} still does not linger, and neither does ${h_he}—as ${h_he} leaves without a second glance at you, or the others.

	*if (H_Approval < 3) 
		You wonder if you may have imagined it... But ${h_his} hesitation, his gaze, just as ${h_he} left...
		*fake_choice
			#Was there a quality of... There was frustrations, yes. However, there was also something... more? All terribly directed towards [i]me[/i].
				*set hRomancePoints + 1
			#I barely know the ${h_man} and yet I still know ${h_he} leaves things unsaid.
			#That ${h_man} can't stand me! How rude.
			#That ${h_man} can't stand me! Could be rather fun?
			#Oh, who cares—not I!



*comment You feel the warmth of his palm against yours through the glove, a gentle pressure as he holds it.

*comment Hamish turns to you, smiling. "I shall take my leave then," he says extending a hand. You feel the warmth of his palm against yours and a gentle pressure as he shakes it. He looks deep into your eyes, as if trying to see something in them that you can't quite make out. With a polite nod of his head, he releases your hand and takes one step back before bending at the waist in a graceful bow. 


*page_break

Just as the door sounds its close, Mrs Hudson coos,
*if (h_Man = j_man)
	*if (hMan)
		"$!{h_he} is just what a gentleman aught to be, is ${h_he} not, ${johnName}? ${hName}—a real proper name, Scottish even."
	*else
		"She is just what a lady aught to be, is she not, ${johnName}? Helena—a real proper name, dignified, even."

	"My name is ${hName}!"

	"I believe I would know [i]that[/i], ${johnName}." She chuckles, as if ${j_he} told the wittiest of jokes.

	"Mrs Hudson—[i]my middle name[/i]—my middle name is ${hName}."

	"Oh, you're quite right—I can't believe I practically forgot you existed in all this excitement. Nevertheless, it is only a middle name. It is not the same, I should think."
	*comment "Oh, is it, dear? I always just heard as H, ${johnName} H Watson. I rather did not know what it stood for. Nevertheless, it is only a middle name. Not quite the same."

	While your same door neighbors argued about names, you were in your own world.
*else
	*if (hMan)
		"$!{h_he} is just what a gentleman aught to be, is ${h_he} not, ${johnName}? ${hName}—a real proper name, Scottish even."
	*else
		"She is just what a lady aught to be, is she not, ${johnName}? Helena—a real proper name, dignified, even."

	"I do not see the appeal of such a name, nor particularity ${h_his} person, Mrs Hudson."

	"Oh—you simply do not know ${h_him} as I do! $!{h_he} is the most charming individual I've met—since, well, ever!"

	"You can't be serious! You knew the ${h_man} for what can't have been more than an hour—"

	"We talked for less than five minutes—and—I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO CHARMED!"

	While your same door neighbors argued about the level of proper infatuation with a stranger, you were in your own world.

You have a case.

And it needs doing, and doing now. You will need schemes, and plans of the building, and—
*fake_choice
	#"I need to talk to Lestrade!" To get help for the case.
	*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall) #"I need to talk to Lestrade!" To get help for the case, [i]and to also yell at ${l_him} about Edinburgh.[/i]

*if (triesToConvinceYouToGoToBall)

	"I need to talk to Lestrade!" you burst out into the air. "Watson, give me Lestrade's letter—the address on this letter—if I leave now ${l_he} may still be there."

	[i]The game is afoot![/i]

*else
	"I need to talk to Lestrade!" you burst out into the air. "Watson, I shall—"

	But the doctor interrupts your monologue, "Ah—this is rather on the note of why I hurried home—" $!{j_his} hand brings forth holds an opened letter, with Lestrade's handwriting. "I came to tell you the bad news, which thankfully are not [i]so disastrous[/i] any longer."

	*fake_choice
		#"What does it say?"
			"$!{l_he} wanted me to tell you that, the... Edinburgh case... is no longer. So you see. We were rather in need of a case..."

			*goto haveNotLetter
		#"..."
			"$!{l_he} wanted me to tell you that, the... Edinburgh case... is no longer. So you see. We were rather in need of a case..."

			*goto haveNotLetter
		#"Give me the letter, Watson!"
			"Give me the letter, Watson!" you demand, and ${j_he} hesitantly complies.

			[i]Watson.[/i]
			*line_break
			[i]No Edinburgh. Fell through.[/i]
			*line_break
			[i]Tell ${mc_name}—and prevent reckless reactions.[/i]
			*line_break
			[i]G.L.[/i]
			*page_break

			—So you see. We were rather in need of a case...

			*goto haveLetter

		#I take the letter from ${j_hi} hand.
			You take the letter from ${j_hi} hand, and it reads:

			[i]Watson.[/i]
			*line_break
			[i]No Edinburgh. Fell through.[/i]
			*line_break
			[i]Tell ${mc_name}—and prevent reckless reactions.[/i]
			*line_break
			[i]G.L.[/i]
			*page_break

			"—So you see. We were rather in need of a case..."

			*goto haveLetter


	*label haveLetter
	*fake_choice
		#"It does not matter now—I have a case!"
			"It does not matter now—I have a case! Watson—the address on this letter—if I leave now ${l_he} may still be there!"

			You do not care of losses, not when—

			[i]The game is afoot![/i]
		#"Then all the more reason I need to talk to Lestrade!" To yell at ${l_him} about Edinburgh!

			"Then all the more reason I need to talk to Lestrade! Watson—the address on this letter—if I leave now ${l_he} may still be there!"

			You may care for losses, but one still thing remains now—a ball, a thief, and a mystery to solve—

			[i]The game is afoot![/i]
	*finish

	*label haveNotLetter
	*fake_choice
		#"It does not matter now—I have a case!"
			"It does not matter now—I have a case! Watson, give me Lestrade's letter—the address on this letter—if I leave now ${l_he} may still be there!"

			You do not care of losses, not when—

			[i]The game is afoot![/i]
		#"Then all the more reason I need to talk to Lestrade!" To yell at ${l_him} about Edinburgh!

			"Then all the more reason I need to talk to Lestrade! Watson, give me Lestrade's letter—the address on this letter—if I leave now ${l_he} may still be there!"

			You may care for losses, but one still thing remains now—a ball, a thief, and a mystery to solve—

			[i]The game is afoot![/i]

		

*finish


















Watson and H meet

Mrs Hudson enters too

convincing happens if it has to / congratulations + glee or conversation about ball. + L letter is brought up by W.

H leaves. (flirts or not)

Mrs H + W comments.

MC prepares for departure to L.



- Push Sherlock out of comfort zone. Has to get “close” to people, rely on people. + has to team up/ not lead.  + sounds quite boring(?).

- Boredom(lack-of-happiness) vs disappointment 

- Take the risk, to get the gold. “If you never trust the promise of a case. And cases are what makes you happy. How will you ever be happy?”






- w: "And of course, I require an invitation. ---. I am their writer. Their companion. I am a constant in their life, and I am part of the deal. You hire them, you get me too.

I don't leave their side, and if you force my hand I will break in myself which might confuse the situation, I imagine.




















*label skipAllTea

(Skip tea, watson enters)




*label watsonEntersNoScandal

(non scandal version)
"Sherlock?" your companion asks, but directs ${j_his} words, confusion, and scrutiny at the stranger. 
		

*comment multiple different versions (flirty/non and accepted/non)
*fake_choice
	#"Watson—there you are..."
	#""
	#"1"
	#"2"

(scandal version)
"What in the world—" a familiar voice, laced with confusion and something akin to anger rang out from the hallway door.




(H leaving version)


(Sherlock showing H the door)  

Watson enters.

Possible jealousy scene:
3 options

A: MC falls into H by tripping on their hem or trying to avoid stepping on the cat or something
C: H takes their hand and bow, or they shake hands, or MC takes helenas hand etc etc
D: For some reason MC needs a handkerchief and H offers theirs—watson enters in that moment


Possible convincing scene. 







(--Non flirty not-accepted version)
H introduces themselves to W.
Says they presented a crime but Sherlock declined.
Watson say's "We will be there."
"Watson?!"
"Here, sherlock." w hands mc a letter, adressed to the doctor, from lestrade.

The letter describes how there wont be a Edinburgh case. They caught a suspect. (There is an adress on the letter, or something that says its at the bar.)

// otherwise if accepted -- W presses "WE will be there" —pressing the (we), meaning Watson is going too.


*line_break

basic H leaving version

The clank of ${h_his} cup-to-saucer punctuates a show that the final drop has been drunk.

"Lovely tea and company. I thank you very much for it." $!{h_he} grabs ${h_his} gloves, laid horizontally across one leg, and puts them on quickly. "And please thank Mrs Hudson for me—" $!{h_he} stands and bows. "I really must be going. But, again, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, despite the circumstance. Well then—" You cannot tell if the ${h_man} is bored or in a hurry to leave, the expression on ${h_his} face so impassive.

As ${h_he} is almost at the door—

—the door opens, and Watson stands in its place. "Sherlock?"



*finish


"If you never trust the promise of a case. And cases are what makes you happy. How will you ever be happy?"






(When H leaves—if everything went perfectly, “It was a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.” — and they mean it, you feel it somewhere deep down, close to your chest or guts or wherever warmth travels in strange unexplainable ways.)



— I might just poison Mrs Hudson's tea next time for making me sit through this. (if forced).








A: MC falls into H by tripping on their hem or trying to avoid stepping on the cat or something
C: H takes their hand and bow, or they shake hands, or MC takes helenas hand etc etc
D: For some reason MC needs a handkerchief and H offers theirs—watson enters in that moment




MC and H continues talking, (choice: pours more tea), cat knocks it over—leads to handkerchief.
//
If when H is leaving, MC stands and has low strength—trip over dress or cat.
--
--Fall into H? or have H offer a hand if MC is woman to get up, or if they are both men. If MC is man and H is Helena then she offers a handkerchief to your hands, tho she stands close and you are both touching the handkerchief and W enters.
//
If nothing of these happen and you have positive relationship, romantic, or have accepted ball job—then you get the shaking hand, or bowing over hand.









$!{h_his} expression as ${h_he} speaks ${h_his} words is not unkind. Although, ${h_his} air was of something unapproachable, similar to a jewel behind glass. 

*if (hRomancePoints > 0)
	$!{h_he} seemed impossible. Impossible to approach, to deny, to touch. 
*else
	$!{h_he} seemed impossible. Impossible to approach, to know, to deny. 




