[Intro Post]

[no_motherhen]

The new house is ... Nice. Watson is still getting used to the general silence (at times he wakes up at peculiar hours, concerned he's not hearing a violin). But he's happy to be married, even if now and then he misses the old life. No time to think about it, though, as he's got a lot of new patients to sort through. Holding some notes in his

Comments

[theother_mother]

The other mother smiles sweetly. "Mary is in the parlour, dear. I'll call for you when supper is ready, shall I?"

[no_motherhen]

Watson's suspicions start flaring mildly in the back of his mind. New staff? They couldn't afford it - and there's something ... Distressing about this woman.

"Yes. That would be lovely, thank you," he says with an air of politeness. "And where would I find the parlour?"

He doesn't believe Mary's there.

[theother_mother]

"Just where it is in your other house," she says, as if it ought to be obvious. And then, like a reminder, "Down the hall and to the left."

If Watson goes to the parlour he will certainly find someone very like Mary, though perhaps a bit too pale, and with black buttons for eyes.

[no_motherhen]

"I see." He'll pass the parlour for now, but keeps it on his to-do list. Perhaps when he's feeling slightly less threatened.

"Out of curiosity, where exactly do I find myself?"

[theother_mother]

"It's the other mansion," says the other mother. "Much like where you came from. Only better."

[no_motherhen]

Cryptic and ominous.

"I see. And am I to assume we're still in London as well?" No, Watson does not sound pleased.

[theother_mother]

"Not exactly," she says. "But of course you can go back to London if you like." And he can, if he finds his way back. He just might not find anyone he knows.

[no_motherhen]

"Of course." He puts on a smile, although it's intentions are obviously false.

"I'll be on my way, then. Thank you very much for your assistance." With a slight nod, Watson backs away slightly before turning and going.

[theother_mother]

"You're very welcome, dear. Do call if you need anything. Anything at all!"