Fic: Affairs of the Heart: G
Feb. 16th, 2020 05:39 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
smallhobbit posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
holmes_minorForm/Word Count: 328
Characters/Pairing: Dr Watson, Sherlock Holmes, Inspector Hopkins, Esme the maid
Rating: G
Warning/Content: Esme is singing while dusting their room - this is practically unheard of, so what is going on?
“Esme is behaving rather strangely this morning,” Holmes commented when I returned to our rooms late one morning. “She was singing whilst she dusted in here.”
I chuckled. “Yes, that does seem rather odd behaviour considering the state of the room. I cannot imagine our good landlady having a similar reaction.”
“And I am unable to ascertain any reason for this behaviour.”
“I think you’ll find it’s an affair of the heart.”
Holmes snorted, and was no doubt about to launch into a lecture as to why such matters were never beneficial, when he was distracted by a knock at the front door.
He looked out of the window and exclaimed, “I wasn’t expecting Inspector Hopkins to call this morning.”
“Maybe not,” I agreed. I went to join him by the window and was in time to see Esme step outside, wearing what I believed to be a new bonnet.
Hopkins offered her his arm, which she took, and the two set off together along Baker Street.
Holmes shook his head and returned to the newspapers he was perusing.
Some time later there was a knock on our door, and upon opening it I found Hopkins outside. “Come in, dear fellow,” I said.
He came in and looked rather nervous.
“Can I help, or have you come to consult Holmes?”
“Mrs Hudson said in the circumstances I should speak to you,” he began with a rush. “As you know, Esme is an orphan, and Mrs Hudson says it’s okay, but I should ask you too.”
He paused, as if waiting for the answer. Sadly, I wasn’t sure what the question was and remained silent.
It was Holmes turn to chuckle. “I believe what Hopkins is trying to do is ask for your permission to marry Esme.”
I smiled and shook Hopkins’ hand. “Of course you have it. And many congratulations to you both.”
“And from me too,” Holmes said. “I think that calls for a toast in celebration.”
