[Report This]Date: 07/02/2011 03:53 pm Title: A Brave New World -- 2
I am a Holmes fan, and a Canon reader, as well as a fanfic reader from way back (My first "chapter book" was The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes.). I can quite confidently write that I have not ever read any Holmesian fanfic written so well! It was very much in the style and tradition of the canon books and stories; the language and vocabulary was spot on! This was tremendously well-written, and had Holmes ever found a woman to love, I'm certain she would have been just like Helen. I always wished Sherlock had found such a love, and these stories have been tremendously gratifying to me. Thank you so much! I am very much looking forward to your new Holmes works!
[Report This]Date: 05/02/2007 06:43 pm Title: A Brave New World -- 2
Hey, it's Amanda_B, now with a slightly different username at the new site. I'm glad that you finished this story. I loved Watson's talk with Helen; she certainly knows exactly what she is getting into. This new case sounds interesting, and it's typical that it happens on their honeymoon. Holmes doesn't strike me as a man that takes a lot of time off. :) I have my suspicions that Helen is pregnant, because that is something that Holmes wouldn't really think about, but is bound to happen eventually. I look forward to the next story whenever you can find time next year to continue.
[Report This]Date: 04/07/2007 01:03 pm Title: Uncharted Waters - 1
I have just stumbled upon your wonderful stories. Just got a few DVDs of the series starring Mr. Brett for the weekend and was totally hooked. I had seen it many years back. Reading your stories was like seeing the Sherlock Holmes series run in front of my eyes in slow motion. You have made Mr. Brett come alive with your words. I absolutely adored the slow burn between Holmes and Helen. Wonderful read! When are you going to post the next chapter. The last one is really a cliffhanger. Good luck with the writing!!
Author's Response: Thank you pash_p!! As our Holmes was indeed based on Mr Brett (hence his eye colour change) that's a wonderful compliment indeed. We're incredibly glad you enjoyed them and liked the growing relationship with Helen, we've enjoyed the storytelling process and watching them go closer in what we hope was an organic fashion. You got here just in time as we are just in the process of putting up the final chapter in this story to resolve this cliffhanger ending. We hope you enjoy! Thanks again. ~LFire (of Aerynfire)
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 12:01 am Title: Of Duchesses and Doctors
01-03-2007 01:41 Rated 9
I love Holmes's predictions always coming true, for good and bad. The tediousness of those parties would have been awful to stand. I also agree with Watson about Holmes's drug use, and I look forward to Helen's reaction when she finds out. Speaking of being found out, I trust that Holmes will not be caught in his noctural wanderings, or things will not be pretty. Thanks for the wonderful update, and Happy New Year to both of you.
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 12:01 am Title: The Best Laid Plans
12-01-2006 04:36 Rated 10
At last they are engaged! I've plowed (ok, bad wording, as they were extremely enjoyable) through 3 1/2 novels to get there, and it was worth it. You're both brilliant writers, through and through. I'm definitely looking forward to more.
Incidentally, I may be in the minority in saying this, but I'm very thankful that you didn't make the last chapter more explicit than it was. It's much more in keeping with the tone of the story, the era, and the views of the characters. Very sexy, but not raunchy - I like that.
One line in particular stuck out to me in this chapter. "You have already feigned blindness and near death this past while...all that is left to you is to feign death itself!"
I'm getting "cruel irony" vibes from that one. Reichenbach Falls looms on the horizon. Brilliant foreshadowing. I wonder how Helen will deal with THAT particular incident. Hopefully, you will continue to write so that I may find out.
Thanks, to both the authors and their beta for a thoroughly excellent series of novels - they are fun, intelligent, and downright fascinating.
P.S. I've brought this up once already, but could you possibly take a look at the second chapter of "The Respectable Harlot?" I think perhaps the chapters got mixed up in the switch to Mage or something, but at any rate, it's got a chapter from "Blind Justice" instead of "The Respectable Harlot."
Author's Response: Hi! Thanks for responding, it's great to get reaction to the stories, the fact that you *did* plow through them all is in of itself a compliment. We're glad you're enjoying it and we're in agreement about the affairs of the last chapter. We made a conscious decision not to be more explicit than that as it would be far too jarring a development given the tone of the story. We both felt a more subtle tone was absolutely necessary while conveying the immediacy of the moment. As for the 'feigning death' line I have to admit to not quite being able to resist a little foreshadowing. In our timeline Holmes has been feigning quite a bit between canon and fanon and I couldn't help but tip a nod to the ultimate 'feign' to come. As for how Helen deals with it? Well that's quite literally another story. Thanks for the headsup on the second chapter of Harlot, I'm sure Aeryn (who so stalwartly manages all of our story archives *bows down*) will take a look! Thanks again RishaStar! - LFire of AerynFire
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 12:00 am Title: The Best Laid Plans
11-19-2006 07:04 Rated 9
I'm glad to see that you updated. It was worth the wait, as usual. I was thinking the same thing as Helen, so Holmes's proposal caught me off guard as well, but in a pleasant fashion. I also appreciated Holmes thoughts, and I hope he will continue to be honest with Helen. Oh boy, you really can't say no to the Dutchess, can you? I hope Mary and Helen will be all right, and that Holmes and Helen can ensure their wedding will go as they want it to. But then what's a wedding without input from friends, family, strangers, etc. :) Keep writing. PS. This is Amanda_B, I just forgot to sign in...
Author's Response: Oh help, I'm amazingly slacking in responding to reviews, and I heartily apologize. *irons hands* Right! Thank you so much the compliments! We will be finishing this story...but dang have we been distracted by British scifi telly lately. Noses will be put to grindstones! And I think we'll preen just a little for catching you off guard...yay! Okay, done. :D As for the Duchess...nope...you really can't say no to her. As for what is to come...ahhhh...that would be telling. *winks* Thank you again for your lovely review! ~Aeryn (of aerynfire)
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 12:00 am Title: The Best Laid Plans
10-19-2006 23:17 Rated 10
I enjoyed re-reading this chapter now that it is also up here. When I first read it, I was as unsure as Helen about what would happen. You managed very well to keep up the tension and have me wonder. I also like how Holmes slowly gets the hang of it all. He's definitely learning. It's very funny to see that no one - not even Holmes - has a chance against the Duchess, and I really look forward to reading about the reception. Yes, indeed, I want more!
Author's Response: Hey there, Veradee! Thank you so much for the review (our first on the new site -- woot!). First off yes, there will be more. We're horrible for being distracted -- first with Doctor Who and now Horatio Hornblower...the movies not the books.
As for the chapter, so glad you enjoyed it! The next will deal in part with the enforced engagement party, clue you a bit more on Alice's past, Watson and Holmes have an important discussion, and more returning characters than you can shake a stick at! Now...we just have to finish the ruddy thing. *snicker* Thank you again! ~Aeryn (of aerynfire)
[Report This]Date: 06/09/2006 09:49 am Title: Pandora's Box
How does one comment on this chapter without spoiling anything? You had me on the edge of my chair throughout my entire reading. Since I had already started worrying about two chapters ago, this one really tore at my nerves. You did a brilliant job particularly with Helen's POV - her emotions were so palpable. Originally I hadn't expected the ending but then after about two thirds of the chapter decided that it could lead to it. The way you depicted the outcome was perfect. Anything more detailed would have destroyed the mood, in my opinion. So, is the ending what came out of Pandora's Box or will they have to face it in the next chapter?
Author's Response: You did a fine job of non-spoilage, veradee!! :D And thank you! It was a tricky one to put together, it's no exaggeration to say we've been dwelling upon it for over a year, tweaking and the like. But I'm especially glad you liked Helen's POV, that was rather a last minute change and so it's great to hear you felt it was effective. As for what exactly are the contents of Pandora's Box we shall leave it until the next chapter for you to judge for yourself. ;) Thanks so much for taking the time as always veradee, we do look forward to your thoughts!
Author's Response: *sigh* I'm terrible at signing reviews, that was me ~ LFire :)
[Report This]Date: 06/09/2006 02:44 am Title: Pandora's Box
About darn time! Lovely chapter, lovely story.
Author's Response: :D Happy you're enjoying it MM!! I suppose by our standards this has been a long time coming, ah but Victorians...they're so *Victorian*. ;) Thanks! Great to hear from you.
[Report This]Date: 06/08/2006 11:16 am Title: Pandora's Box
Thak you, girls, this is bellisimo.
Author's Response: Thanks Susana! Glad you enjoyed it! :D
[Report This]Date: 06/07/2006 10:52 pm Title: Pandora's Box
Woah! You guys always manage to surprise me, but it's in a pleasant way. I like how Holmes reflects that he is not a family man. I can't say I was that surprised about Holmes's decision, but I like how you portray that though a part of him knows it might be for both their own good, (or at least his own good) another larger portion cannot tear himself away from her. I wasn't expecting the ending, though your foreshadowing of Holmes having to come to a decision about his need for her should have made me thought of it. I loved how although Helen is aware of the proprieties, she doesn't care, because she loves him, and will always have some sort of conection with him. Using an anology of an investigation of secrets was also very appropriate to Holmes. I really enjoyed how you focused on the emotion behind the sex, while still being able to convey both the passion and the initial tentativeness. The fact that both were lost for words was a great way to convey how caught up in each other and the moment they both were. I have a feeling though, that part of Holmes might regret what happened. Is it possible he will ask to marry Helen because he feels that it's the only way to restore propriety? If she got pregnant, tongues would certainly wag, and not in a good way. I hope this isn't where the story is going, and I eagerly look forward to the next chapter to find out.
Author's Response: Hi AmandaB :) Yes, there was a fair amount of conflicted thoughts involved with Holmes in particular, at least in the build up to this. His thoughts *are* crucial in where they end up. Helen is in a very different place, and acting purely on emotion and you are exactly right, her connection to him is at that moment the most important thing in the world to her. As for the repercussions well...they will soon be made apparent. :D Thanks so much for such a comprehensive review we thrive on such as these! - LFire
[Report This]Date: 05/29/2006 06:13 pm Title: Familial Duty -- 2
When I had finished reading the previous chapter, you had me slightly worried. I'm still not sure whether I should be relieved or not, but I assume there's reason for hope. It's really sad to see Holmes being so unsure of himself although it certainly fits his character. That's not the best starting point to built a long-lasting relationship, but I trust your writing skills to make Holmes see that Helen is thoroughly aware of his faults. Mycroft is right, as if women were as stupid as not to see them. Will we get to see Mycroft again? It would be nice to witness another conversation between the big and the little brother.
Author's Response: Allo Veradee! Thank you so much for your thoughts and review. *grins* So you have ominous feelings, huh? Yes, poor Holmes has a few things he needs to figure out, and indeed, Helen is very much aware of both his positives and his negatives (Holmes seems to be a step behind her). We'll see how Holmes copes soon, so stay tuned. As for Mycroft...oh, I think we'll be seeing him again before this story is over. :D ~Aeryn
[Report This]Date: 05/19/2006 10:56 am Title: Uncharted Waters - 1
Pooor Watson, so sweet, so in love. Well, poor Helen too, żno? But she managed to take care of you love (and lover) very well. Bravo authors, and thank you for sharing.
Author's Response: Thank you, Susana! Glad you enjoyed it! ~Aeryn
[Report This]Date: 05/18/2006 01:48 am Title: Familial Duty -- 2
Wow, two great chapters (as always). I'll review Part One first. Just by having Watson unable to concentrate, and the small act of the rain, you really illustrate his grief and loss. I also do think that Mary would be the type not to want to sit in bed, though if anyone is going to run her household, Helen would be the one most likely to get along with her. :) I hope she doesn't blame herself for this latest miscarriage. I loved Watson's observation about even Holmes having to deal with nitpicky in laws, and Helen's surprise at finding out about Mycroft was wonderful, and well written. Now for Part Two. The remark about the police never having children was insightful and amusing. I can see Mycroft has the same wit and practical no nonsense air that seems to be a family trait. I loved how Helen explains to Mycroft that she loves Holmes for who she is, and I applaud the fact that she realises that life with Holmes will not always be pleasant, smooth, or perfect but that she can't imagine life without him. Mycroft's comment about women being the practical ones in romances was also wonderful. I look forward to Mycroft's talk with Holmes in the next chapter, and how Helen and Sherlock's relationship will progress from here. Did you leave a clue in the title? I'm starting to wonder... Anyway, please continue this marvelous story soon.
Author's Response: Woah! First of all thank you so much for the amazing and meaty review (damn, I love these). These really mean a lot to us. Now, let's see...personally, thank you for the thoughts on Watson. I'm really rather proud of that and so immensely pleased my use of the rain worked. Watson sheds no tears...so the heavens are doing it for him. :( And yes, Mary is not one to sit in bed at all, but does accept Helen's help because someone has to do it and Helen is her closest friend. I don't think she blames herself at all for the miscarriage...she accepts it as a fact of life, but it doesn't make her pain and heartache any less. Mycroft was a hoot to do! I did the first bit...Lian did the second. We get so little opportunity to use him, that we have to take advantage where we can, no? :D But I've always loved the character, so this was a personal bit of glee here. And you have really hit all the main points on the nose. Helen understands much more than even Holmes realises she does...something I'm sure his brother will point out to him. That girl is made of some rather strong mettel, lucky for him. :D Now, lastly...alas, we won't be seeing the Mycroft/Sherlock talk...but we will, of course, let you all know what was said. And as for the title...well, that would be telling, wouldn't it! *cackles* Again thank you, Amanda, for all your thoughts. We're thrilled you are continuing to enjoy our story. ~Aeryn
[Report This]Date: 05/03/2006 09:41 am Title: Uncharted Waters - 1
Please, Aerynfire, a help: I need know what mean this phrase: "I asked you a question, you hopped up seamstress,". Than You. (I suposse is some desagradable...) no?
Author's Response: Hi Susana! Yes, it is a disagreeable phrase. When Lord Duncan says "You hopped up seamstress." he is sneering at Helen's formerly impoverished background when she was forced to earn a living as a 'seamstress' sewing dresses so she and her mother could survive. Even though she is wealthy now and moving in higher society he still regards her as that poor seamstress so she is not *better* in his estimation, merely 'hopped up'. I hope that helps explain it. If not you can always come back to us at the Yahoo group! :D ~ LFire
[Report This]Date: 04/27/2006 08:09 pm Title: “L'amour Est un Oiseau Rebelle”
I know I repeat myself, but it's still true. I still feel sorry for myself for only ever having watched "Carmen" on TV and all on my own. The way you describe the scenes in the opera were so vivid and emotional that I pictured myself in the the box - sadly only as an onlooker. I love the way Holmes is overcome by his feelings, and I think you picture his "struggle" in a very realistic way. After all, he has repressed all his emotions for so long. While his reactions to Helen seem to have been slightly enhanced by a certain substance, it seems that Helen didn't mind his attentions - for now. I wonder what she will say when she ever gets to hear about his little problem. …a tightness about his jaw that became acceptance and finally a determined sort of contentment. I’m not quite sure whether I like this sentences right at the end but will hope for the best.
Author's Response: Thank you veradee, we're so pleased you enjoyed it and it's very good of you to say. I often complain about Holmes being 'an awkward sod' when I write him and it's scenes like this when I wrangle with him that make me say it, so it's nice to know that you feel it works. We're very glad you found the scenes realistic, we try hard to keep it as close to a canonically believable situation as possible so that's great to hear. As for Helen and 'his problem' and Holmes' own thoughts on all this, good queries...and somethings for the future ;)- LFire
[Report This]Date: 04/24/2006 10:09 pm Title: “L'amour Est un Oiseau Rebelle”
This chapter was definately worth the wait! Boy, that Duncan is a scary character, and hopefully Helen doesn't come across him again, or she might do something unladylike... Then again, Holmes is not to be dismissed, and his protectiveness and concern were well in character, especially his admiration for Helen's reaction. Your portrait of Mrs Patterson-Hill and her husband was amusing, but also a little bit unsettling, in the fact that women, who were often left with nothing else to do, could influence other's lives with that amount of gossip. I certainly hope that Holmes is not seriously reconsidering the relationship now that he is very aware of the danger to Helen. I look forward to his discussion with Watson... Their stolen kisses were passionate, tender, and intoxicating. I liked the line about comparing them to the fragmentation of the couple on the stage. I also loved Helen's very realistic mixed feelings about the propriety of their relationship. I also noticed that you used the phrase 'for now' twice, which really serves to emphasize that sometimes, actions are better then words... Please continue.
Author's Response: Thanks AmandaB! Yes Duncan isn't exactly someone you'd like to meet alone on a dark evening, Helen comported herself well. In it's own way that night was just as much a jumble of emotions for her as it was for Holmes. Your point about Mrs Patterson-Hill is exactly right. With little by way of influence in monetary or political terms, women's influence was very much behind the scenes and some of them made quite a weapon of words. As for whether we see Duncan again or Holmes reconsiders where they are going, that remains to be seen. ;) Thank you so much for such a thorough and thoughtful review, we really appreciate them, and we're glad you're enjoying it! - LFire (of AerynFire)
[Report This]Date: 04/23/2006 02:29 pm Title: “L'amour Est un Oiseau Rebelle”
Yay....a new chapter. I'm so pleased to see one. I really Holmes hadn't turned back to the cocaine but seeing things through his heightened senses was definitely intriguing. I liked how Helen stood up for herself against Duncan and how Sherlock handled him when he returned the to the box.
Great read and am looking forward to the next installment.
Author's Response: Glad you enjoyed the chapter, Kimi! Alas, the seven percent solution is very much a part of his life (and something we needed to address again after so long)...and will continue to be so for a bit longer. As for Helen...heh, she's a lady, but she's one that has learned how to stand up for herself. Can't work in a man's world without learning to do so. The next installment is in editing now, and should be around in hopefully a couple of weeks. Thank you so much for the review! ~Aeryn (of aerynfire)
[Report This]Date: 03/24/2006 08:55 pm Title: Turning Point
Woo hoo....an update to one of my favorite stories. I so enjoy each chapter you put up of this story. It keeps getting better and better. I like Sherlock's solution to letting everyone know about their relationship. Quite crafty.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! We are glad you are enjoying the story! :D He's quite the crafty soul, isn't he. *snicker* We hope to put up another chapter in a couple weeks. Stay tuned! ~Aeryn
[Report This]Date: 03/24/2006 04:28 pm Title: Turning Point
This is yet another great chapter. I love how Holmes is so taken aback by her declaration of her feelings that he feels compelled to kiss her to show that he returns those feelings. I like how you've set up the tension between the mind and the body, which want different things, and how although Holmes knows he has to govern himself, a part of himself doesn't want to. It will be a relief that they can be seen openly. Will we hear anything more about Mrs Watson and the coming baby? I look forward to how this continues.
Author's Response: Hey there Amanda! To answer your question first -- yes, we will be hearing about Mary Watson and her baby. It probably won't be this next chapter...but the chapter after. We have to get this duo through their first public date first. :D As for Holmes, yes, he most certainly is now learning the fine line that is him in a relationship. He's always been a brain and appendix...now the rest of his body is fighting for an ear too. But that is truely what this story is -- Holmes learning what it means to be in love and having to not only navigate this new path, but learning walk the delicate tightrope between his life's work and what his heart wants. But yes...he hates talking about his feelings...but he had no problem showing her! :D Thank you again for such a wonderful and thoughtful review. ~Aeryn
[Report This]Date: 03/23/2006 07:53 pm Title: Turning Point
While there is nothing wrong with a nice PWP, this chapter proved that subtle romance can be much more erotic. I just loved the chapter from the first sentence to the last. You did a marvelous job showing how Holmes acts upon his feelings without letting him appear OOC. Despite the romance, there are always glimpses of the rational man he is. For some reason (I don't know why it didn't happen sooner), I fell in love with Mrs Hudson in this chapter. I really could iamgine her being amused and exasperated at Holmes at the same time. Perhaps you should think of a spin-off? What about Mrs Hudson writing a book, "My days with the world's most famous detective" or something like that? I'm sure her point of view would be very diffrent from Watson's.
Author's Response: *beams wildly* Thank you so much! I must say a great deal of your praise must go to Lian for this chapter. Would you believe we wrote it a year ago?! It was a heck of a lot sappier. She beat Holmes mercilessly back into character. *grins* I, as Helen, get to be a bit more emotional and...wicked (parfait, anyone?). Mrs. Hudson is woefully underused, I agree. I hope to get a chance to play with her more, but with most of Helen and Holmes's story not taking place at 221b it makes it a little harder. As for a PWP...I'm not adverse to writing one with Holmes...but let's see where this goes first. *snicker* I agree...sublty is everything -- a kiss on the wrist here, a breathless moment there, a heated glance...oh, there's nothing like it. Again thank you so much for such a thoughtful review! ~Aeryn
[Report This]Date: 03/11/2006 02:41 pm Title: A Singular Gift
Wonderful chapter! I really like the way you make the minor characters come to life. Despite that fact I felt a bit sorry for Helen at first because the party seemed quite dull (discussions about cheese, people playing piano and then - worst of all - charade). But I realise that at Victorian times parties most probably were exactly like that. And then there was no need to feel sorry for Helen after all. Instead I'm very envious. It's fantastic to see Holmes opening up and showing more of his feelings. I hope he'll stay like that in the next chapters.
Author's Response: Thank you! :D You always know just what to say to make us beam. We take great pride in our other semi-regular characters and try to make them as real and different as we can, so it's a kick to us when people choose to comment on them. Yes, would have to agree, the party isn't exactly a rave, but yes, most Victorian parties (and indeed most get togethers) were quiet, all too reserved affairs...in fact to some the likes of Charades would have been quite the 'wild' thing to do. As for Mr Holmes...well we shall see. ;) Glad you're enjoying it and thank you again for such excellent feedback! ~ LFire (of AerynFire)
[Report This]Date: 03/09/2006 07:06 pm Title: Blind Justice -- Part Three -- 2
Reckless Helen! And Holmes is more cunning than I thought him to be. I understand his reasoning but if I were Helen I would be angrier with him for hiding the truth. I liked the dialogue between Holmes and Mr X. Holmes really has a way with words.
Author's Response: Normally I let Lian answer the reviews on the mysteries...but as this mentioned Helen, I'll shuffle in for a moment. Do not judge Helen too harshly. She's seriously miffed. He lied to her about something huge...however...he warned her about his work and she knows damned well that it is the priority in his life. All else pales to it. Now, she's a very very close second, but she knew when she got involved with him that times like this might happen. She can't blame him for it; she made the choice. She's let him know in her own way that she's not happy, but does know that justice was served and the ruse was for a very good reason...and he did understand why she might be upset. So she let it go. Now a modern Helen might not be so nice...but she's also very much a woman of her times. Men knew best in such matters and it is her role as his sweetheart to support him. But it all adds up to Holmes getting of a tad lightly for us modern gals tastes. :D On your other comment, so glad you enjoyed the chapter and dialogue! Lian deserves just about all the credit on the dialogue between Holmes and his prey (he was totally her invention). Thank you so much for the review! ~Aeryn (of aerynfire)
[Report This]Date: 03/09/2006 06:40 pm Title: Blind Justice -- Part Three -- 1
I just re-read the chapter and therefore already knew who is behind the crimes.I would have never guessed it though. Not that I wouldn't miss Holmes in the first half of the chapter, but it's is very exciting despite his absence because the action and other characters are so vivid.
Just out of curiosity... Do you usually use the word "Kaiser" in reference to the German one. I would have thought it would be "Emperor."
Author's Response: Thank you! Your comments are wonderfully pleasing. I was afraid as there weren't too many suspects on offer, and clues had to be thrown in, that it might be quickly unravelled. It is very pleasing to hear that the perpetrator wasn't so easily unveiled! And poor old Watson deserved a little centre stage time after doing all that leg work for Holmes! :D As for the word Kaiser...as the German royal family was so closely related to Victoria's house, the Victorians were very used to talking about them, and the respectful use of the indigineous term of Kaiser was commonly used. Especially as there were a number of Emperors at the time, and Kaiser told one immediately the Emperor of which country you were referring to. Thanks again, always great to hear from you! ~ LFire
[Report This]Date: 02/28/2006 04:40 pm Title: A Singular Gift
Yeah, an update! Her family is hilarious, especially Roger. I also loved the Shakespeare sonnet, and Holmes's reaction. He doesn't strike me as a man who reads a lot of literature, probably considering it too sentimental. I'm happy for Mary and Watson, I wonder when Holmes will find out, if he already hasn't. The kisses were tender, passionate, and gentle, and they were an unexpected and well written surprise. I like the fact that you're showing how much love is changing Holmes, while at the same time keeping him the rational intellectual that's his basic personality.
Author's Response: :) So glad you enjoyed the get together, doing secondary OC's is always fun for us, but you never know if people are going to like them as much as we do, so it's great to hear positive comments on them! Yes, Holmes isn't a literary lover, and does like to discard 'superfluous' knowledge when he can, so these things when they do appear must have their purpose...as for love, well not even intellect is completely impervious to it's effects. ;) Thank you so much as always! - LFire