10. From Domina Temporis - One of the Irregulars is upset and Holmes is at a loss.
He had looked on the verge of tears as he recited his afternoon's observations, and Holmes had no idea when he asked little Arthur what was wrong it would end up like this. Arthur had barreled into his lap, sniffling, and buried his head in the detective's stomach, sobbing out an explanation so quickly and coarsely Holmes feared he was missing major details. So far he gathered a bigger, richer boy had said mean things about Arthur and his family, and Arthur was distraught.
"An' then he said me mum was a- a mean word, I shan't like to say it aloud in your presence, Mister 'Olmes- and I was just a dirty li'l street rat and to top it all off, he threw a few pennies at me and said 'that's more'n you deserve, beggar, but I bet your mum won't make much more on the corner!"' With that, Arthur turned his face into Holmes' ribs and cried all the harder.
Oh, heavens, where was Watson when you needed him? He would know how to soothe Arthur properly, how to make him smile again.
"Sh, it's alright," Holmes said awkwardly, stroking over Arthur's hair. "Where did you say this happened?"
"O'er by Lambeth Palace," Arthur sniffed.
"Now, this boy might not be so well-off as you think, lad," Holmes said. "Mere proximity to a palace does not make one a prince. There's many working-class neighborhoods in that area, as well. Most likely this boy's home is poor and rough, and he targeted you to make himself feel bigger. But that says more on him than you, doesn't it?"
Arthur wiped at his eyes. "I s'pose."
"What would you say to some tea and cake, my lad?" Holmes asked. "You deserve a bit of rest. You can take some home, if you like."
Arthur smiled tremulously. "Sounds real nice, Mister 'Olmes."
Man, I adored this prompt. Sorry it's so late! I've had finals and Christmas stuff keeping me busy. I intend to catch up as soon as possible!