Chapter Text
Vienna
April 1867
My dear Mycroft,
It is a matter of great surprise to me that I should learn of your brother’s most recent misadventures and of your involvement in their resolution. I cannot think it an unreasonable expectation that such matters be communicated to me directly, particularly when they concern one whose age renders him especially vulnerable.
That you should come to Sherlock's aid is in principle, only proper and indeed I expect it of you. A young man of your position must be able to fulfill his duties toward those dependent upon his care. Alas, I cannot overlook the frequency with which your attention to your brother’s situation is required, nor the manner in which you chose to undertake it.
I must convey my thoughts with the utmost frankness. It has long been my expectation that you, as my eldest son would choose to be an example of steady character and a moderating influence upon your brother. I cannot imagine that you have forgotten your mother in such matters. Assaults on her constitution are not to be borne, and it would be a grave disservice to us all if she were to be troubled by consequences which a steadier hand might have prevented. That your chosen course continues to soften the consequences of his conduct suggests a particular failure of judgement, rather than one of mere action.
I have will not have my son placed at a disadvantage in the world. It is, however, a fact that your reputation, if called into question, would create obstacles within your career. You occupy a position in which your conduct more closely observed than you may suppose. You must be aware that it would be unfortunate if certain impressions were to take hold.
I would find it an arduous task to have to make enquiries on your behalf, and I trust that your desire for propriety would recoil at such a notion.
I will admit, for the moment, that you have acquitted yourself tolerably well in the position I saw fit to provide for you; though I worry that your efforts to meet the demands of your profession have diminished your capacity for proper and dutiful oversight within your own family. It is important for you to understand that such an imbalance is not acceptable. A man who cannot govern those who rely upon his actions must be judged harshly by his peers.
I can only implore you to reflect seriously upon the example you set, and the degree to which you allow sentiment to override proper judgement. Your brother’s prospects will not be improved by your indulgence, nor will you improve your own station by your inability to contain his youthful exuberance.
I write in the hope that you will take this in the spirit intended.
Your affectionate father,
SH
~ooOoo~
Vienna
April 1867
My dearest Sherlock,
Your most recent difficulties have, of course, been communicated to me and I am relieved to learn that the situation in which you found yourself has been resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. These petty entanglements and their consequences are not uncommon in a young man of spirit, and you can be assured that I would be the last to see in them anything irredeemable.
Indeed, as you well know it has long been my view that a certain liveliness of mind and quickness of intellect will serve a man better than unthinking adherence to propriety. You possess a natural and unconfined curiosity and a readiness for decisive action, which, under the right sort of discipline, I am assured will carry you very far.
It is, my dear boy, a question of direction and application.
You must take care not to squander the advantages you have over your peers. A little restraint makes for a more precise conclusion; I am sure you agree.
An occasional misstep in life is expected, but it would be foolish to rely on forgiveness and accommodation indefinitely, least of all from the world beyond family, which is seldom inclined to such charity.
I am glad to hear that your brother was able to assist you, though I cannot help but wish that the need for his attentions was less frequent.
For your own sake and to a lesser extent his, I implore you to consider the position in which you place both yourselves.
Still, I have every confidence that you will heed my advice and prove yourself equal to better conduct in future. I know that you are eminently capable of meeting any contretemps with gravitas and persistence.
Your Loving Father,
SH