Chapter Text
4 February, 1887
Mrs. Hudson was kind enough to visit today, and she brought back a letter from home— I am glad for some familiarity in this strange time. I believe Seishirou is somewhat frightened of her, when she was walking down the street, he turned and walked the other way. With our windowless flat, I cannot imagine what would happen if he happened upon her inside. I suppose I cannot blame him, Mrs. Hudson was rather upset the last time he was at Baker Street, and I did have to repair the door frame he managed to crack.
She was kind enough to stay for tea, however, it was rather awkward. She worked very hard to avoid talking about him, and rather focused on mundane topics while we spoke.
“Mrs. Hudson, I appreciate your kindness, but you do not have to pretend that he does not exist,” I sighed. “I won’t go mad if you tell me how he has been since…”
“Oh, well, of course, you would want to know, I suppose,” She replied, wringing her hands together. “He’s been awfully quiet, just sitting at his chair with his legs drawn up… he occasionally visits his brother…”
I do not envy her position. She cares for him, just as much as I do did. She cares for us both, I think. From what she has told me, it is possible that he is working on some sort of case. A part of me rather resents how quickly he has gone on with business as usual, though I suppose it is good to have a distraction from his habit.
I am terrified that it will consume him. He could die, and think I hate him. I want to hate him, but I cannot. I should hate him, but I cannot.
“Dr. Mikotoba, may I ask a favour of you?” Mrs. Hudson asked. “I’m terribly worried about my niece, Vivian. Do you remember when I last brought her up, the one who is recently engaged?”
“I recall you mentioning her around Christmastime, yes, is everything alright?”
“She sent me a telegram the other day, on occasion she rides her bicycle into town to run errands as she has the weekends to herself, but lately, something has frightened her terribly!” she said. “A man is following her, and she may have an idea of who, but she did not name him…”
“This does sound rather frightening, has he done anything to her?” I asked.
“It seems that he is only following her, but that is not what I am worried the most about,” Mrs. Hudson replied. “She has lately been writing rather fondly of her employer, Mr. Carruthers, and how he acted particularly gallantly one night…
“You must understand, as a governess, she dearly cherishes the little girl, she teaches her piano, and it seems that the child’s father is also rather fond of music… now Doctor, I mean no ill will towards dear Vivian when I say this,” Mrs. Hudson continued. “I say this with all of the love in my heart towards her, but she is rather fantastical, she has her head in the clouds, and she reads far too many romantic stories!”
“You aren’t saying that she is infatuated with Mr. Carruthers!” I gasped.
“I’ve met her Cyril, and I’ve seen them together, she does cherish him dearly… I do hope that she does not act rashly over this, especially over a man so much older than her!” Mrs. Hudson replied quickly. “Of course, I do not mean to imply anything untoward about Vivian’s character!”
“Perish the thought,”
“I only ask this of you because, well, you have been married before,” Mrs. Hudson said. “And I believe you will be more sensitive toward her feelings, and that you may talk sense into the poor child…”
After all that she explained about Vivian Smith, I would loathe to imagine what would happen had he tried speaking to her— I readily accepted her task, and she wrote down the station where Vivian would be waiting for me on Monday morning.
20 January, 1887
My Son,
It’s been a particularly cold winter this year, we’ve had much snowfall. Dearest Susato enjoys playing outside, although she is loathe to come back inside! However, we have been able to warm up inside, and thanks to her wonderful father, she has been enjoying the book of fairytales that you sent. I must admit, I am also rather intrigued by the stories, especially of Jack and the Giant Beanstalk! Imagine a world above in the clouds, full of giants and geese that lay golden eggs! Whoever came up with this story first must have had a tremendous imagination!
I do hope that you stay warm in London. Genshin’s wife has received a telegram from him, he is concerned about your current situation. Please stay safe, and accept their help if you must! I hope this letter will reach you before it is too late, I do not want to worry more about you than I already do (And I always shall, it is the fate of every parent). Young Kazuma was apparently so incensed by the telegram, he immediately started practising his sword forms outside.
Please let me know that you are well,
Your Mother