holmes_minor | Fic: One Shilling Each: G

Title: One Shilling Each
Form/Word Count: 252
Characters/Pairing: Dr Watson, Sherlock Holmes, Mrs Hudson, Inspector Lestrade, Stanley Hopkins
Rating: G
Warning/Content: Watson is surprised when Mrs Hudson demands a shilling from him and others

When Mrs Hudson marched into our rooms one afternoon and demanded a shilling from both Holmes and myself, I was surprised, but nonetheless complied, knowing it wisest not to argue. However, I was considerably more surprised when both Lestrade and Hopkins handed over a similar sum. Holmes gave a knowing nod, but I remained in utter darkness.

It was about ten days later when Mrs Hudson once more admitted both detectives and said, “Everything’s ready, gentlemen. If you could collect them on your way out.”

Curious, I followed them downstairs when they left. Mrs Hudson came out of her kitchen and indicated two sacks, and Lestrade and Hopkins took one each. I must have made some sort of exclamation, because Hopkins opened his sack to reveal several small dolls, all brightly clothed, some in pretty dresses and others in soldiers’ uniforms.

“They’re for a Christmas party we’re holding for the children at St Barnabas School,” Lestrade explained. “Most of the children there will not receive another present, so Mrs Hudson very kindly arranged for all the local landladies to make the dolls’ clothes and also collected donations to buy the dolls.”

“Of course,” I said, “that’s what my shilling was needed for.”

“What did you think it was for?” Mrs Hudson asked. “Gin?”

“Never that,” I said hastily. After all, I wanted to receive supper that night.

The two detectives went on their way, and I returned to our rooms smiling. “Mrs Hudson never fails to surprise me,” I remarked to Holmes.