of course.

I think Irene might have felt something like that in some kind of amused, teasing way. But i think Sherlock had a sort of grudging respect for her after being beaten.

^ that! Respect for her intelligence. Besides, he barely new her personally. Just because he called her "the woman" people think they had some sort of affair or something, I don't understand how so much subtext can be taken out A Scandal in Bohemia. I think I need to read it again...

But I do read to much fanfiction...

They both might have feelings for each other, but a romance seems highly unlikely.

Let's just say: Holmes was fascinated by this woman, kept her picture all the time...Maybe it's a bit unusual, but when Sherlock Holmes is impressed, it MEANS A LOT=)