The Adventure of the Copper Beeches: Two Stories - "Geography" and "Recognition"

[methylviolet10b]

Author: methylviolet10b
Rating: PG
Character(s): Doctor John Watson, Sherlock Holmes
Summary: Holmes ponders two mysteries. 
Warnings:  Some spoilers for The Adventure of the Copper Beeches, so if you haven't read that, you might not want to read this.
Word Count: 60, times two
Author's Notes:  60 words of my own inspired by one of the canon stories.
Disclaimer: I don't own them. 

I couldn't resist writing two 60-word stories this week. Pick and choose whichever one you like best as this week's official entry, if you like.

COPP -- The Adventure of the Copper Beeches

Geography

I had, perhaps, been guilty of theorizing without data when I disdainfully showed Watson the letter. The matter Miss Violet Hunter put before me had many intriguing aspects.

Miss Hunter’s stated past history was another mystery, although not mine to solve. Watson criticizes me for gaps in my knowledge, but even I know that Halifax is in Canada, not America.


Recognition  

Rucastle’s stratagem made little sense when looked at logically. How could he have believed that Mr. Fowler would mistake Miss Hunter for Miss Rucastle, even at a distance and only from behind? I am admittedly more observant than most, but I can pick out my Watson from a hundred yards’ distance on a crowded railway platform full of similarly-dressed men.

The Adventure of the Copper Beeches: Saviour, G

[tweedisgood.livejournal.com]

"Saviour"
Rated G
Canon story: The Adventure of the Copper Beeches
Author: tweedisgood






Yes, Sherlock Holmes came to our house. Quick, little Miss Hunter was in danger. I still dine out on the story: my sister's escape, Father's disfigurement, Mother's vocation. Then my rise to eminence from the ashes of my family.

The fool ripped away the cord strung across the stairs, without comment: saving the weak from the strong. Unnatural. Illogical. Dangerous.

Discussion Post: The Adventure of the Copper Beeches

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

What did everyone think of The Adventure of the Copper Beeches? Some questions for pondering:

- Was Holmes ever really interested in Violet Hunter as anything more than a client? She was clever and curious, true, but beyond Watson's wishful (or at least so he would claim) thinking, is there any real evidence Holmes felt anything for her?

- How exactly was this plan by Mr. Rucastle supposed to work? The fiancée was supposed to be convinced by an impostor in his beloved's dress in the window -- always laughing hysterically with her back to the window, always in that same electric blue dress. This strange set of circumstances was meant to deter him rather than make him even more concerned? And what exactly was the plan with Alice? What would happen to her if she did sign the papers? Was she just supposed to die locked away? What was the nature of her illness? Stress, heredity, poison?

- What happened to the first Mrs. Rucastle? All we know of her is that she is dead. Natural causes, or something else? How much complicity did the second Mrs. Rucastle have in this scheme? Holmes believed the frighteningly violent son acquired his cruelty from her. Will the son grow to be a serial killer himself some day, given his youthful torturous proclivities?

The Copper Beeches

[flawedamythyst.livejournal.com]

Author: flawedamythyst
Rating: PG
Prompt Story: The Copper Beeches
Pairing: Holmes/Watson
Word Count: 60


“'Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further interest in her',” he read. “ Watson, what interest would I have in a woman? Especially when compared to you?”

“You have been in an abominable mood for weeks,” I said. “At this point, I would find it a relief if you were to develop an interest in women.”


*

The Adventure of the Copper Beeches: Sworn

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: The Adventure of the Copper Beeches
Title: Sworn
Author: spacemutineer
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: violence and injury


It is in his hands one can see Watson’s true nature. His finger pulls the trigger, eliminating the threat with one shot. His palm presses the kidnapper’s gaping wound while his other hand reaches for gauze and anesthetic. Watson’s hands save lives, good or evil, deserved or not. All life is life, and the doctor is sworn to protect it.