The Adventure of the Dying Detective: Best Served Cold

[gardnerhill.livejournal.com]

Title: The Adventure of the Dying Detective: Best Served Cold
Author: gardnerhill
Word Count: 60
Rating: G
Warning: None.
Summary: It is unhealthy both to eat a heavy meal after a 3-day fast, and to mis-use the affections of one’s closest friend.

***

“No Simpson’s for you tonight.” I pushed my friend back into his bed and raised my voice. “Mrs. Hudson! A bowl of broth. Unsalted.”

The dismay on Sherlock Holmes’ face was not feigned.

“A teaspoon every quarter-hour,” I said firmly. “Or is that prescription beyond my ‘mediocre qualifications’?”

I suspect the grim smile on our landlady’s face mirrored my own.

Comments

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

It does seem optimistic on Holmes' part at the end - going off to Simpson's to eat. After not eating and not drinking for three days it would seem likely that he'd just bring everything back up ^^"

And I can well imagine Watson and Mrs. Hudson being angry after going through such a traumatic experience. There's such a heartbreaking line earlier: Mrs. Hudson was waiting, trembling and weeping, in the passage.

[gardnerhill.livejournal.com]

I think both Watson and Mrs. Hudson are 110% done with Holmes' shit. Watson has the right of it - in the sickroom he is the master.

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

I can visualise Watson and Mrs Hudson taking it in turns to administer the teaspoon of broth; Watson while describing the dinner he was about to eat, Mrs Hudson making deliberately 'come along dear, drink your nice broth' sounds.

[gardnerhill.livejournal.com]

"...and the oysters at Marcini's were so succulent - perfect with the champagne. Of course I ended the meal with their fruit tart. ...You were saying something, old man? That broth isn't too warm, is it?"

"Oh, no, Dr. Watson, it's just tepid."

"Mrs. Hudson, you're a jewel."

[okapi1895.livejournal.com]

I think it would make Watson and Mrs. Hudson even stauncher allies, devising their plan of revenge. And Holmes first had claret and biscuits. 'Cause that's what a dehydrated (the lack of water/fluid is far more grave than the lack of food) man needs: booze!

[gardnerhill.livejournal.com]

A Victorian medical kit seems to consist only of a bottle of brandy. (In the BBC Radio SH series, Watson actually commits Victorian heresy by nixing the suggestion of a dram of spirits for a fainting man.)

[okapi1895.livejournal.com]

I find this hilarious. I'm going to tuck it away for use in...something, sometimes.

[debriswoman]

Such a great image
I presume followed by Mrs H and Watson dining out at Holmes' expense?

[gardnerhill.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah. Oysters, champagne, a nice joint of beef - and they'd describe it in lip-smacking detail while feeding Holmes his little, bitty, teaspoon of bland, room-temperature broth.

[debriswoman]

Oh yes, I think they could keep this going for some time:-)

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

Most excellent and just prescription. I do hope that happened.

Not too hot, either. Must be careful.

[gardnerhill.livejournal.com]

"Gah! Mrs. Hudson, I can't even taste what kind of broth it is!"

"Perfect. Mustn't irritate your poor shrunken stomach, Mr. Holmes."

"Well, you're in good hands, Holmes, I'm off to Marcini's for oysters and champagne, and some of their lamb chops. My word, I need a restorative after the terrible fright I've had today."

"...i hate you."

[laurose8.livejournal.com]

Thanks for that, too!

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

LOL sweet revenge for Watson!

[gardnerhill.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah. It's unwise to anger a writer - who can describe in loving detail a magnificent dinner whilst feeding someone a little spoonful of bland, tepid broth.