A Scandal in the British Empire Act 2

Synopsis

Albert arranges a masquerade ball based on rumors of a Lord of Crime. Adler attends the ball to see Albert. He offers to spare her life in exchange for what is in the documents, so Adler reveals a scandal concerning the very British Empire itself. Albert points out one of the guests, Baron Ronald Rollinson, burned down a theatre for insurance money, killing everyone inside. Rollinson abruptly dies of poison and Adler realizes Albert is involved with the Lord of Crime. Albert explains his plan to change society and demands the documents. Adler returns to Sherlock's home, which suddenly explodes. Sherlock and Watson claim a bomber was looking for Adler, tricking her into retrieving the documents, revealing the British government secretly started the French Revolution. Albert shares this with William who decides they must have the documents. Adler explains she had been trying to change society, so she stole the documents so she could blackmail the monarchy. Sherlock gives the documents to Adler to return to the government. He then reveals to Watson he deduced Adler is actually planning to give them to the Lord of Crime and plans to use her to finally learn his identity. (Source: Wikipedia)