The Blue Carbuncle: The Gift of Redemption

[okapi1895.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: The Blue Carbuncle
Rating: Gen
Summary: Ryder isn't the only one who gets a bit of compassion.

“Mr. Baker? Something to read to your children.”
“Greek Myths. Oh, you’re too kind, Doctor Watson.”
“The illustrations are quite good.”
“Thank you again, sir.”
The door closed.
“He may sell it, Watson.”
“He may. Harry liked books, too. Never had any for long. But, who knows, reading aloud about heroes might just remind a man who he could be.”

Comments

[debriswoman]

I like this idea...I tended to write Mr Baker off...you are giving him a choice:-)

[okapi1895.livejournal.com]

I feel sorry for Mr. Baker. I'm not naïve about his chances for turning things around, but it's Christmas, so one likes to hope for a fresh start in the New Year.

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

Lovely thought of Watson's.

[okapi1895.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

I do have to wonder what caused Mr. Baker's downfall. Three years ago he was apparently a prosperous man, able to buy an expensive hat and now he's poor and drinks too much. Did he always drink and it got out of control? Did something happen to make him start drinking?

But the fact it's only been three years does give some hope that, with a little encouragement, he might be able to reclaim his self-respect. It's a great idea of Watson's - and yours ^__^

[okapi1895.livejournal.com]

Yeah, we don't really know the whole story. I do find the Granada version of him very sympathetic, though. A bit of goodwill and encouragement (though indirect) to parallel Ryder's at the end.

[gardnerhill.livejournal.com]

Still, there's more resolution in Henry Baker than in James Ryder.

[okapi1895.livejournal.com]

I think so, especially the Granada version. I like him.