(Note: This work contains direct quotes from the novel Pride and Prejudice by the lovely and brilliant Jane Austen, the 2005 movie adaption, the BBC Sherlock, and the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I do not take credit for any of the material, characters, or story. All rights go to the respected owners.)
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of someone to share it with. This truth, however, may be disputed depending on the man in question. Sherlock Holmes, for example, was perfectly content in keeping his vast fortune to himself. John Watson, on the other hand, had little money to his name and had always been unlucky in life and love. Unable to find the right person to settle down with, Dr. Watson was certain that he would live out the rest if his days as a bachelor. It may surprise the reader to learn that two very different individuals may cross paths and find that they have so very much in common.
The Watson household was a happy environment but this did not stop Mrs. Watson from worrying constantly about the future of her children. John, being an army doctor, had recently returned home due to a serious injury to the shoulder. No longer fit for duty, he came home to his mother's constant complaints that he is not yet married.
"My dear Mr. Watson! Oh, John!" Said Mrs. Watson as she hastily entered the drawing room. "Have you heard? Netherfield Park is let as last?"
Both gentlemen replied that they had not.
"But it is. Mrs. Gregson has just been down there and she told me all about it."
John furrowed his brow and looked to his father. They both made no answer.
"Do you not want to know who has taken it?" Cried Mrs. Watson impatiently.
"You want to tell me, therefore I have no objection to hearing it." Mr. Watson finally replied.
"His name is Stamford and Oh! He is single! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!"
"But mother, how can it affect them?" John finally spoke.
"Oh, John do not be so tiresome! Of course he must marry one of them!" Mrs. Watson released an exasperated sigh. "You refuse to marry anyone so one of the girls must marry rich so the family is taken care of after Mr. Watson passes away!"
At this imprudent remark, all three of the Watson girls had burst through the drawing room door.
"Did you say single mama?" Harriet giggled. Apparently the only words she had heard from the conversation were "single" and "men".
Mr. Watson ignored Harriet and turned back to continue his argument with his wife.
"My dear, I have no plans on dying yet, but if it calms your nerves, I have knowledge that Mr. Stamford shall be present at the assembly this week."
"Mr. Watson how can you abuse me in such a way? You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion for my poor nerves."
"You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They have been my constant companion these last twenty years."
"Mr. Watson! Thank you, you are such a good father to our girls! Perhaps Mr. Stamford even has a sister for you, John!" Mrs. Watson pinched John's cheeks with both hands and left, most likely to tell everyone in her acquaintance the news.
Jane, the oldest of the Watson ladies, squeezed John's hand. "Do not mind mama, she only does what she thinks is best for us. She does not understand what you have been though." She smiled.
"Oh Jane, you always manage to make the best of every situation. It sometimes seems that you and I are the only sane people in this house hold."