Ficlet from train trip the second (Dresden/Marcone, bonnetsverse)
In my request for prompts to write on the train, Luce asked for 'Epistolary sequel to the bonnet fic'. Here's a G rated no-warnings required ficlet that will make absolutely no sense unless you've already read Buckets of Bonnets.
Dear Mr Dresden, or as I believe you now style yourself, ‘Wizard’ Dresden, I hope this note finds you well.
I intended to accept your invitation, and call on you in your place of business now that you are established. As you are absent, and I can see great billows of smoke rising from the other side of town, I presume you are otherwise engaged. Please do me the courtesy of a reciprocal visit at your next convenience. I look forward to seeing you.
Your faithful servant,
John Marcone
Dear Mr Marcone, thank you for your note, and you shall call me ‘Wizard’, or nothing at all, as it is my rightful title. I’m afraid it won’t be convenient for me to call on you for some little while, as I have been engaged on urgent business that requires my close attention. I shall let you know when my diary is more forgiving.
Yours sincerely,
Wizard Dresden
Dear Wizard Dresden,
I believe I may have injured your pride, please allow me to apologise. I made mention of your title in an attempt at humor, as the advert you have taken out in the Gazette is a topic of frenzied gossip in every parlour I have set foot in over the last month.
However, in reference to the coach house you burnt down Thursday last, I feel I may also be owed an apology.
Yours,
John Marcone
Dear Mr Marcone,
That was not my fault.
Harry Dresden
Dear Wizard,
I rather think it was.
John Marcone
Marcone,
I had an excellent motive for destroying your property, and if I hadn’t, you and I and the general populace would be much sorrier about the entire affair.
Harry Dresden
Harry,
I think you owe me an explanation in person. I’d be happy to play host tomorrow, at five? I can invite Nathan and Sigrun to chaperone.
John
Marcone,
I believe you’ve forgotten my title again, not to mention my last name. As I currently earn a living from dashing about the countryside unsupervised, and jumping into magical scraps, why on earth would I require a chaperone to drink tea with you?
Harry Dresden
Wizard Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden,
I offend you with letters, and I cannot tell if it’s the kind of vexation where you alternate your barbs with smiles, or if I honestly displease you. Let us meet, as and where you chose, that I may understand your mind in this matter.
John
Dear Marcone,
Why should it matter to you what is in my mind? It never has before. I never thought that saving your life would make you so eager to please me.
Harry Dresden
Dear Wizard Dresden,
It has always mattered, and I have always wanted to please you, and for the love of propriety burn this after you have read it. I have no desire to sully your reputation further.
John
Dear John,
Ah, but you forget I have no great love of propriety in my new life. If you should like to burn your last missive, then come and take it from me.
Harry Dresden
Dear Wizard Dresden
You would save it for a keepsake, then? I am flattered.
John
Dear John
I am always in need of bookmarks.
Harry Dresden
Dear Wizard Dresden
Have you read anything interesting of late?
John
Dear John,
Only your persistent notes. I concede. If it will stop you laying waste to my supply of stationery, you may call on me at four tomorrow. Come armed, if you wish; I may have other, less welcome visitors.
Harry
Dear Harry,
I am glad to hear I am welcome. I look forward to our meeting.
John
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