Friendly Forewarning

[capt_facepalm]

Title:  Friendly Forewarning
Author: capt_facepalm
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: Sherlock Holmes (Gaslight)
Characters: Miss Mary Morstan
Summary: Miss Morstan receives a letter
Warnings: (miaow)
Word Count: 100
Author's Notes: July 11th prompt: (Use a female point-of-view)

Dearest Mary,

I cannot in good conscience stand as your matron of honour.

I’m sure John Watson has made many sweet promises but I will not see my best friend led into a life of squalor. John has no prospects. Good looks and pleasant manners won’t keep a roof over your head.  And, you’ve always wanted a family. How would that be possible on an army pension? Not to mention his roving eye— that rakish smile is not reserved for you alone.

I'm so sorry.

Your loving friend,
Matilda

PS. Mrs Forrester agrees, but is unlikely to tell you so.

.oOOo.

Please sign the guestbook

Comments

[donutsweeper.livejournal.com]

Oh HARSH. What an unflattering (if vaguely true) look at Watson!

[capt-facepalm.livejournal.com]

The most convincing lies are those with an element of truth in them.

[monkeybard]

Ah, Victorian cattiness. Always so politely rude. ;)

[capt-facepalm.livejournal.com]

Yes, and this one has an underscoring of spite for good measure!

[sabrinaphynn.livejournal.com]

Sometimes that Three Continents reputation works against our dear Watson, I guess. I am certain Mattie means well, in her own spiteful way-sour grapes there, dear?- but I can't see our steadfast John being anything but a devoted spouse. Well... He might occasionally enjoy the view. :-)~

[capt-facepalm.livejournal.com]

To expect Watson, in his early to mid-thirties, former soldier and sportsman, to be a star-struck, inexperienced youth is not reasonable. When he and Mary find each other, they share the same sensitivities and are truly devoted to each other.

[sabrinaphynn.livejournal.com]

exactly. And Mary is confident enough to understand that. I am sure she sees the catiness for exactly what it is- spite.

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

I do hope Mary sends a suitable reply, stating that in the circumstances she is extremely grateful that her one-time friends is unable to fulfil the role.

[capt-facepalm.livejournal.com]

I would like to think that Mary would not stoop to her level, and yet, Matilda surely needs a telling-off.

[arwen-kenobi.livejournal.com]

Is it bad that my first reaction was a bit of a snort of laughter? Harsh but I love how essential polite rudeness is to the culture. Nice one!

[capt-facepalm.livejournal.com]

Laughter is fine! The usual portrayal of Watson is favourable, so this is a bit left-field. Also, Matilda writes this to her best friend... her BEST FRIEND. With these half-truths and nasty innuendo, she actually wishes to harm Mary's and John's relationship.

[med_cat]

Ouch! This would do well expanded sometime, I'd like to hear more about Matilda.

"Who can compare to my Matilda?" ;)

Fits in gaslight-verse very well. Well done!

[capt-facepalm.livejournal.com]

Matilda is a false friend to Mary and is jealous of the love Mary and John share. She may seem to have written this with the best of intentions, but I assure you, she knew exactly those words would be.

[med_cat]

Of course :) What I meant was to have this made into a longer story

[methylviolet10b]

*snort* *guffaw* Oh, meow indeed!!!

[capt-facepalm.livejournal.com]

Hee hee! Miaow!

[gardnerhill.livejournal.com]

Feels very true to Gaslight time - when women had to make marriages based on financial stability before love.

Ah, cattiness. Women weren't allowed to be direct - and then they got castigated for becoming masters of indirectness.

[capt-facepalm.livejournal.com]

Poor Matilda. She had to marry for wealth and security. Mary has some means of her own and a career of a governess to fall back on if she needed to. Mary could afford to marry for love, and I think this must be the case considering the romantic and mutual attraction she and Watson have in SIGN.

And while there is truth in that Watson is not a wealthy man, the thing about the roving eye is not true, and is said out of spite. The most convincing lies are those with an element of truth in them. Watson has an easy way with people, including women. He is in his early to mid thirties and is not some inexperienced youth. While he may cast an appreciative eye around the room, when he beholds his Mary, she becomes the centre of his universe.

Matilda has seen this, and does not have this in her own life, hence the jealousy.

[gardnerhill.livejournal.com]

Yep - projection. Matilda simply can't believe that an egalitarian marriage can even exist. She's unhappy, and assumes that of course all other women are.

(Bet you anything Matilda is one of the birds who flock to Mary's lighthouse for help in later years.)

[debriswoman]

An interesting twist:-)
Telling it like it is, or envy speaking?

[capt-facepalm.livejournal.com]

Thanks, and this one is all about envy!
Mixing in believable half-truths just makes it sound more plausible.

[pompey01.livejournal.com]

Oh, for pete's sake, Matilda!

(Although, it's sort of innovative to read a story in a pov that doesn't like Watson. Even if I want to smack her. ;) )

[capt-facepalm.livejournal.com]

Go ahead! Smack her! She deserves it for being such a spiteful shrew and a false friend.

[maestress83.livejournal.com]

Well then Matilda, don't let the door hit your derriere on the way out. :P

[capt-facepalm.livejournal.com]

Yup! Mary does not need false friends like you!