Work Text:
“Watson?”
“Yes, Holmes.”
“I must apologise, my dear fellow. I am heartily sorry...”
“No, you are not.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You are not at all sorry for insulting me, you do it frequently. You are not sorry for maligning my investigative techniques, you have done that on any number of occasions. I am quite reconciled to both these things. What you may be sorry about is that I am sufficiently affronted so as not to return to Charlington Heath with you.”
“if you were reconciled, you would not be affronted.”
“I am affronted for a different reason.”
“Ah. Let me see. You say you are not aggrieved that I criticised your investigation, although perhaps the fault is mine for not giving clearer instructions. I do not believe I have insulted you...”
“You never do.”
“...but if that is not the cause...”
“I am not going to lead you through this. A child of five would understand.”
“I see... Watson?”
“Yes, Holmes?”
“May I extend my gratitude for your having made these investigations yourself, regardless of the outcomes, to enable me to complete my research. It was very good of you to take the trouble.”
“You are quite welcome, Holmes.”