The Adventure of the Second Stain - Noble Causes (plus an extra drabble, Notable Appearances)

[methylviolet10b]

Author: methylviolet10b
Rating: PG
Character(s): Sherlock Holmes, Doctor John Watson
Summary: Holmes reflects on a client.
Warnings: Mild spoilers for SECO and also SCAN.
Word Count: 60
Author's Notes: 60 words of my own inspired by one of the canon stories. This week, two very different quotes inspired two extremely different takes on this story. The second quote in particular struck me as extremely unusual, and made me wonder. The first of these is the 60, the second a proper 100-word drabble, once you subtract the quotes (in italics).
Disclaimer: I don't own them.

SECO -- The Adventure of the Second Stain

Noble Causes

…that the indiscreet Sovereign will receive no punishment for his indiscretion…

My brother and certain Yarders excepted, I am rarely hired twice by a client. Truthfully, I was not hired a second time by the King of Bohemia. He retained me once, but I ‘saved’ him twice: once by helping cover up his affair, and second by helping retrieve his indiscreet letter.

In both I acted to save others, not him.

Notable Appearances

“The other, dark, clear-cut, and elegant, hardly yet of middle age, and endowed with every beauty of body and of mind, was the Right Honourable Trelawney Hope…”

Holmes’ voice faltered. His eyes fixed me where I lay half-reclining on the settee, bundled under blankets despite the mild spring day. I was still an invalid, too old to recover swiftly from the injuries I had suffered in the War.

“Watson, what is this?” His eyebrows rose. “I know you are still unwell, my dear fellow, but the pseudonymous Hope was ginger and appallingly plain!”

 “I wasn’t describing him, Holmes.” I felt my cheeks heat. “For once, I wanted to write a true description of you. Under disguise, of course, but…”

“Oh.” Holmes’ age-paled cheeks pinkened. “Oh, my dear.”

Comments

[tweedisgood.livejournal.com]

I love these! The King of Bohemia is so full of himself he would surely be a candidate for the guilty party, and the second one is adorable. Hits my big soft spot for happily-growing-old-together H & W!

[methylviolet10b]

I always thought the King of Bohemia was a likely candidate, if only because ACD liked to reuse incidents and characters. As for the second, I really couldn't resist; the description was just too striking, and I too love together-in-retirement Holmes and Watson!

Thanks!

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

And indeed, the King of Bohemia was living in just the right country to cause all sorts of problems, which wouldn't concern him if his ego was effected.

And the second is very sweet.

[methylviolet10b]

Yes, Bohemia was right in the middle of the mess. Thank you!

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Aha! You've tracked the culprit! Awesome. Makes sense it would be him!

And your drabble... just adorable and so warm. I love Holmes' embarrassment at the reveal. I want to hug them both (and you, for writing it!).

[methylviolet10b]

Aw, shucks - thank you! I had fun with the first, and couldn't resist the second one. It might not be entirely IC, but honestly, how else to explain the description of Trelawney Hope?

[castiron.livejournal.com]

Awwwww!!! Lovely.

[methylviolet10b]

Thank you!

[shadowycat.livejournal.com]

These are both lovely, but I must admit to a preference for the second one. So touching. :D

[methylviolet10b]

Thanks so much! The second one... well, I just couldn't resist. ;-)