Offer

[rabidsamfan]

I lit my pipe, buying time to think before I spoke. This was not the listless, friendless invalid I had first known, but an accomplished man who had built a life which I had not always deigned to share. Charity was out of the question. So too was a position of servitude, for all that we had joked about his being my amanuensis not so long ago. That left me only one inducement, as difficult as it would be to swallow my own pride.

"Recent events," I began, meeting his eyes, "have proven to me that I require a partner..."

Comments

[kcscribbler]

Bingo! I have no doubt at all that that's exactly what happened. *nudges Holmes encouragingly*

[surgicalsteel.livejournal.com]

*nods* Yep, that's about the only thing that's going to entice Watson away from his own life and practice, the chance to do something he'll find even more rewarding.

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

He asked him! He asked him!

[pebbles66.livejournal.com]

Yes, I think that was exactly the way Holmes needed to phrase it. A partner, a helper, not merely a biographer or secretary. That would be fulfilling and rewarding enough to induce Watson to give up his practice!

Good for Holmes!

[rabidsamfan.livejournal.com]

Holmes wasn't the only one who had to think the offer through, believe me! I'm glad you think it's plausible.

[pebbles66.livejournal.com]

That's also probably as close as Holmes could get to actually saying: "I need you".

[daylyn.livejournal.com]

Oh... I just read these all in one go and they are WONDERFUL!!!! This is now exactly how I will think of the adventure of the Dutch steamship Friesland, and of Holmes' request for Watson to move back to Baker Street. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!

[lame-pegasus.livejournal.com]

Very believable. This is IMHO exactly the reason Watson would need to take the offer. Well done!

[lllazlllong.livejournal.com]

Ach. This is good one, building a trap so that Watson even do not notice being lured in:)

[amymccabe.livejournal.com]

Ive just caught up with the Friesland series and I love it.

[only-po.livejournal.com]

Oh FINALLY, Holmes! Yes, just admit that you need Watson and do it to his face.

That also explains how Watson managed to make a living, having given up both his practice and his publishing (both at Holmes's request.)