Discussion Post: Adventure of the Priory School

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Another short week, or at least it seemed that way to me. What did you all think of The Adventure of the Priory School? As always, I have a few questions and thoughts of my own for the story -- please add your own!

- It's a dramatic entrance for the client, Dr. Huxtable, walking into 221B and promptly fainting on the bearskin rug! The poor fellow is really the hero of the piece, doing the right thing and traveling to fetch Holmes and tell him the full truth despite the Duke's wishes and rather contrary to his "pompous" description from Watson. He seems to run a good school with caring and loyal instructors as well. So here's to Dr. Huxtable! (Also, 80's American TV fans -- did you not immediately think of Bill Cosby in a sweater?)

- On the other end of the spectrum is James Wilder, a bad seed and another villain who Holmes allows to escape criminal punishment. Does that bother you? What about the Duke himself? Shouldn't he have to face charges for the real crimes Holmes knows he is guilty of? It must be nice being so "noble" the laws no longer apply to you. Maybe not so much has changed from the Victorian era after all.

- The Priory School is plush with sweet bits of friendship and partnership between Holmes and Watson. If "two old hounds like Watson and myself" doesn't get you, Holmes clambering up onto Watson's shoulders to peek into a window surely must.

- Back to James Wilder and his father. I was surprised Holmes lacked even an inkling of their true relationship. Given the suggestive nature of this business and the men's resemblance in the dark, I expected him to at least suspect they might be related.

- One last question. What were your feelings about Holmes' open enthusiasm for the money here? He usually is more focused on the quality of the puzzle instead. I suppose in this case he got the best of both worlds. Still, I found his behavior unseemly, especially when the king's ransom he receives (doubled at the last minute) carries the discomforting air of a bribe for leniency.

The Adventure of the Priory School

[shadowycat.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: The Adventure of the Priory School
Author: shadowycat
Rating: G


As dawn lit the sky I dressed as quickly as possible. Holmes was a hound eager for the scent while I was the leash that held him back. With a last swallow of cocoa, I reached for my hat signalling a release from his bondage. Following on his heels, I smiled to myself, hoping as always to be of service.

The Adventure of the Priory School: Financial Planning

[methylviolet10b]

Author: methylviolet10b
Rating: PG
Character(s): Sherlock Holmes, Doctor John Watson
Summary: Holmes plans ahead.
Warnings: Very mild spoilers for PRIO.
Word Count: 60
Author's Notes: 60 words of my own inspired by one of the canon stories.
Disclaimer: I don't own them.

PRIO -- The Adventure of the Priory School

I knew he would not appreciate my asking, but my curiosity was too great to refrain. “Why?”

As ever, my friend read my mind. “Why accept the cheque?” He held it up. “For one, we earned it. For two, he can afford it. And for three…” His voice softened. “Old hounds such as we cannot run forever, my dear fellow.”

The Adventure of the Priory School: Between

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: The Adventure of the Priory School
Title: Between
Author: spacemutineer
Rating: PG-13
Author's Note: It's always interesting when you end up somewhere not at all where you expected when you started out writing a piece, especially when it's only 60 words. Implied H/W UST.

He paddled out in bare feet and nightgown, rubbing at the pearls of water left glistening in his hair with a towel.

"So, what have you got?"

I shook out the match between my fingers half a moment too late. The smooth roll of tobacco smoke across my tongue made up for the mistake.

"This case grows upon me, Watson."

The Adventure of the Priory School: The Bribe?

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: The Adventure of the Priory School
Title: The Bribe?
Author: thesmallhobbit
Rating: G

Once again, inspired by the discussion post

“Why did you accept all that money, Holmes?  It’s not as if you need it”

“It seemed churlish to refuse it.”

“It could be construed as a bribe to keep quiet about the son.”

“You know someone would have hushed it up for him.”

“True.”

“I, at least, will use the money for the benefit of those who need it.”