A Jolly welcome to you all
It is my understanding that you shall be joining me, in spirit at least, on my next venture alongside the illustrious Mr. Sherlock Holmes.
While Holmes remains unaware of your presence, consider yourself my confidant, my extra pair of eyes and ears. Together, we shall endeavour to keep pace with his extraordinary mind.
Remember, when Holmes declares a matter settled, it invariably is. Resist the temptation to pursue extraneous lines of inquiry.
As we never know when the next enigma may present itself, allow me to prepare you with a recent case that unfolded just this very day, Saturday, October 17th, I89I. Holmes, as ever, shone brilliantly, leaving me, I confess, feeling somewhat dim in comparison.
I have meticulously documented my recollections of the evening’s events and, with a stroke of luck, managed to capture an image of the lady in question with one of those newfangled photographic contraptions.
Furthermore, I encourage you to peruse a selection of cuttings from our morning papers, which may prove illuminating in your deductions. You will also find a curious note and a letter from Mycroft, Holmes's enigmatic brother.