A Scandal in Bohemia: Substitution

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: A Scandal in Bohemia
Title: Substitution
Author: scfrankles
Rating: PG
Author's Notes: “When a woman thinks that her house is on fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she values most. … In the case of the Darlington Substitution Scandal it was of use to me... A married woman grabs at her baby—an unmarried one reaches for her jewel box.” Mothers aren’t always married.



“He’s not my baby!” sobbed Mrs. Darlington.

Her husband glanced at Holmes. “She’s not well…” But a cry interrupted him.

“FIRE!”

And a maid rushed in and desperately snatched up the boy.

Holmes smiled sadly. “When danger threatens, a mother thinks only of her child. Mr. Darlington, I believe you will find your other son safe at the local convent.”

Comments

re: Substitution

[vaysh]

This is awesome. And refutes Holmes' point, and at the same time makes it. :) A whole tale of adultery, deception and heartbreak in 60 words. This deserves to be told in full length. *nods*

Re: Substitution

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much ^_^

I did think myself that the story could do with doing told in a longer form. I'm not terribly good with serious subjects and with emotions on the whole, but I am tempted to have a go at expanding this one.

[tardisjournal.livejournal.com]

What an interesting "substitution"! This would make a great full-length story.

That observation of Holmes's about women grabbing what they value most during a fire sure comes in handy!

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

Thank you ^^ I might indeed have a go at expanding this one ^_^

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

Excellent story. So much in so few words.

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much - I was pleased with this one ^^

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

Excellent detective work, by both Holmes and frankles. I hope they did better by the maid and her son afterwards.

Now I find the case more intriguing than ever.

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

Thanks ^^ I did wonder if maybe Mr. and Mrs. Darlington agreed to adopt the maid's baby. I'm not sure either of the couple would want to help the maid herself though - as she did swap the babies and put Mrs. Darlington through a lot of distress.

[debriswoman]

Oh, nicely done:-)

*Hands over small posy*

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much ^^ *graciously accepts posy*