The Illustrious Client: The House that Gold Built

[okapi1895.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: The Illustrious Client
Rating: Gen

“Built by a South African gold king?” I mused.
I gave the turrets one last glance, then  followed the butler inside, thinking to myself that an imposing, nightmare of a house obtained as a result of the ruthless extraction of something precious by a unwanted, unwelcome, and violent outside party might hold great appeal for a villain like Baron Gruner.

Comments

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

Indeed, Gruner would no doubt appreciate the the house builder's work.

[okapi1895.livejournal.com]

You know as much as we tease Watson about noticing women's wardrobe, Doyle has a thing about houses, I've noticed. I don't think the description of Gruner's house is a coincidence.

[scfrankles.livejournal.com]

What a fascinating detail to pick up on. I've just gone back to read that part of the story. I genuinely don't think I've ever taken that paragraph in before - I've always just skidded over it to get to Watson and Gruner meeting.

Your theory fits so, so well - it really does look like ACD is indirectly commenting further on Gruner's personality. And the double meaning in your 60 of the ruthless extraction of something precious by a unwanted, unwelcome, and violent outside party makes me shiver.

[okapi1895.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I think Doyle had a thing about architecture. I still remember in one story the house had bosoms (or no bosoms? I can't remember) so I think it was intentional. The house was beautiful in some respects but also odd and sinister in others. Perfect for our Baron who wants to keep the cloak of respectability but is really just a monster.

[debriswoman]

Yep...figures.

[okapi1895.livejournal.com]

There's no such thing as just a house (or just a ship) in Doyle's world.