“It’s rather on the bright side,” Greg said dubiously. He and Mycroft were standing in the car park, looking at the electric lights which had been strung up on the front of Holmes Hall. “I should think those lights can be seen from the main road.”

Mycroft shook his head. “Actually, they can’t. I did check, because I didn’t want the hassle of applying for planning permission. They do, however, become visible as soon as the driver comes through our main gates, which is all we need.”

Greg looked again at the red heart which was shining out. “I don’t understand how that works.”

“I suggest you don’t enquire too closely. It took a combination of Jim and Claudius. And before you say anything, it isn’t possible for some of the bulbs to go out leaving the rest spelling an obscene word.”

The two men walked back inside and surveyed the main hallway. Even Greg looked impressed. Last year the Wonderland had been very brash, but this time, although still bright and cheerful as befits a family attraction, the colours had been toned down and incorporated pastels as well. “Molly and Gertrude have done an excellent job here,” he said.

“Indeed,” Mycroft agreed. “And the shop has an impressive selection of chocolate, designed, so Gertrude tells me, to cater to various budgets.”

“Oh, that reminds me. Did you sort out who had hacked into the computer again? I know Sherlock and Jim both denied responsibility, but I never believe anything either of them says.”

“It turns out it was Claudius. Quite literally a ghost hacker. Anyway, I’ve given Gertrude her own login, so that shouldn’t happen again.”

If Mycroft was going to say more, he was interrupted by a loud crash coming from the East Wing. He and Greg hurried to find out what had happened.

“It wasn’t my fault,” Seb said, as they arrived.

The chandelier was in the middle of the floor, its LED light bulbs flashing. In his hand Seb was holding the end of a rope, which was still wound round the top of the chandelier. It was notable that the only staff still present, apart from Seb, were Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who were underneath the chandelier and Polonius, who was looking critically at the scene.

“Get up!” Mycroft snapped at the two on the floor.

“We can’t!” Rosencrantz said.

“We’re trapped,” Guildenstern added.

“You are both ghosts,” Mycroft replied. “You cannot be trapped.” When they still failed to move, he turned to Seb. “Move the chandelier a bit so they can get up.” Once this had been done, he added icily, “And do tell me, which particularly bright idea caused the current debacle.”

Polonius cleared his throat, ready to give a long explanation, but Mycroft glared at him, so he said, “They were supposed to be cupids, suspended from the chandelier.”

“What, with bows and arrows?” Greg asked in some alarm.

“They hadn’t got that far.”

“Probably as well.”

“And which bright spark came up with the idea?” Mycroft asked.

Polonius looked dubious. “Um…”

“Right, it was my brother. I might have known. So no doubt Jim decided to sabotage it. You know, Greg, we still have the love hearts costumes from last year. I was wondering whether to use them. I think I’ve just found some volunteers.”