Classic Wodehouse Illustrations, Part 6: "Aunt Agatha Takes the Count"

[wotwotleigh]

So, in the last couple of posts, we've gotten to see a bit of Bertie's family: Aunt Dahlia, Cousin Angela, the errant (and surprisingly aged, at least in Skidmore's illustrations) Wooster twins, and even Uncle George. But so far we have had only a brief glance at the dreaded Aunt Agatha. So let's have a closer look.

Comments

[cosmosmariner]

I want to acknowledge to one and all that I despise Skidmore's Bertie. He is not *my* Bertie, not in the least.

Also, I hereby also formally request that Mills' Bertie and Raleigh's Jeeves meet somewhere and, erm, do whatever Bertie and Jeeves are wont to do. :P

[ladymoondancer]

I think all four of them should meet. I can just see double!Berties arguing over which of them is more "willowy" and "sylph-like." (Mills!Bertie. Totally Mills!Bertie.)

[stalkerbunny]

Raleigh's!Bertie's reaction to Mills'!Bertie/R.!Jeeves:

"But Jeeves, how could you! D':"

"I'm most sorry sir, but I did mention my distaste at the moustache. >_>"

M!Bertie: "...x3x~"

Meanwhile, Mills'!Jeeves is off somewhere planning revenge and/or being grumpy and Raleigh's!Bertie is going: "I could have told you that was going to happen... *sigh*"

[stalkerbunny]

(And that last is actually supposed to be Skidmore's!Bertie. All these names got me confused.)

[wotwotleigh]

Hahaha, oh man, this fic needs to be written now.

[stalkerbunny]

I suspect Skidmore's Bertie is despairing either over his shapeshifting manservant or lack of love from said s. manservant due to the Ghastly Moustache. I mean, really, at least Raleigh's Bertie's is somewhat dashing and stylish, as 'staches go. *shakes head*

[ladymoondancer]

Seriously, Skidmore!Bertie's mustache is not at all what I could see Bertie even WANTING. It makes him look like a sad walrus. I mean, I know he occasionally refers to "the old soup strainer", but it's not meant to be literal!

[wotwotleigh]

He's definitely my least favorite. I even like Leete's comically ugly Bertie better. At least he seems to have something akin to a Bertie-like personality and the ability to feel emotions other than despair.

Hee, yes! Mills!Bertie/Raleigh!Jeeves, OTP 4EVA!

[cosmosmariner]

First, he just looks desperately old; for a fellow who is called the young master, he actually should look the part. Bertie's very essence is one of good cheer and unceasing happiness, and Skidmore's Bertie looks like he's never laughed in his entire life.

Second, and to me most important, he's just not attractive. I don't think there's a beazel alive who would throw themselves at the Skidmore!Bertram.

[ladymoondancer]

Indeed, you could throw bricks in the most populous streets of London without hitting one girl willing to become Mrs. Skidmore!Wooster. Or, indeed, to write Skidmore!Wooster slash.

Okay, I've figured out who Skidmore!Bertie reminds me of: a younger Uncle Tom. Only he needs to be a little less sad and more fiery and bad-tempered.

[wotwotleigh]

My brother's comment on seeing these was something along the lines of "Wha? But he looks like Spode!"

[ladymoondancer]

On the topic of Skidmore, is it just me or is that heartbroken, unjustly accused maid lounging on the sofa like she's the starlet in a movie about to be served a box of chocolates?

[cosmosmariner]

Yes, she does! She seems a little too...IDK...glamorous to be a lowly maid.

You half expect her to ask Bertie to peel her a grape or something.

[wotwotleigh]

She totally does! Look at the casual dangle of her right hand and the way her leg is tucked under her. Not every female character is glamorous, Skidmore!

[ladymoondancer]

"I'm not accused of larceny every day, but when I am I want to be looking my best. That's why I use Panetene. Pantene: Don't accuse me of theft because I'm beautiful."

[wotwotleigh]

Maybe she stole it! Maybe it's Maybelline!