Title: Buttons and Bows
Fandom: Sherlock Holmes (ACD) [Ocelot Tales AU]
Rating: G
Length: 531
Summary: Preparations for another pageant are progressing about as well as usual.

"Regency outfits for all three of us, in less than a week,” Aemelia Vole said.  “What does Mr Holmes expect?”

“Well, at least we’ve still got our dresses and bonnets from when we were carol singers,” Mouselet replied.  “We can trim the bonnets and add a little lace to the dresses, and they should be quite suitable.”

“But the Ferret will need a new coat.  His greatcoat wouldn’t be suitable even if he hadn’t got it all sooty.”

“And one of the sleeves looks a little like the part of the tablecloth Mr Holmes has hidden at the back of the table, so Mrs Hudson doesn’t suspect he set fire to it.”

“She does know about it.”

“Of course she does,” Mouselet nodded in agreement.  “I presume the Ferret has made suggestions as to what he would like.”

“Oh, yes.”  Aemelia pulled a face.  “Cream with red piping and buttonholes.”

Mouselet giggled.  “And how long would it stay cream?”

“About three seconds.  You’re going to have to convince him that mid-grey will look very distinguished.”

“Why me?”

“Because I shall be making him a cravat, with all the folds stitched into place so it can be tied round his neck with a piece of ribbon.  And I might be tempted to tie it a little too tight if I have to explain it to him.”

Mouselet thought for a moment.  “If there are buttonholes, does this mean there are buttons?”

“Sadly, yes.  I give the buttons slightly longer on the coat than it would stay cream, but I’m still not sure they’ll remain until we’ve finished the pageant.”

***

The outfits were ready for the dress rehearsal, and Dr Watson commended Aemelia and Mouselet on all their hard work.

The Ferret’s coat looked smart and only slightly bulged in front when he put it on.  Mouselet suspected he might be pulling his tummy in to make sure it fitted, but she refrained from saying anything.

Sherlock Holmes took his seat and said, “Let’s see how it goes.”

The Ferret began to sing:
East is east (he pointed to one side)
And west is west (he pointed vaguely upwards)

Mouselet:
He’s wrong, do you think he knows?

Ferret:
We’re dressed up as smart as anything

Aemelia:
With hats (she and Mouselet pointed to their bonnets)

Mouselet:
And dresses (they curtseyed)

Ferret:
And buttons (one pinged off his coat)
And bows (he flicked the cravat, which hit his nose making him sneeze)

Aemelia:
One down

Mouselet:
Two left

Ferret:
And buttons (the second joined the first)
And bows (this time he flicked the cravat sideways; there was a small ripping sound)

Aemelia:
The Ferret should go on a diet

Mouselet
And then he might see his toes

Aemelia & Mouselet:
We’re both quite trim and pretty (they twirled round together)

Ferret, Aemelia & Mouselet:
We’re all wearing our Sunday clothes

Ferret:
And that is why they’ll admire my outfit,
Top hat and coat and buttons (the third and last button shot off)
And bows (the cravat gave up the unequal struggle and landed in a crumpled heap)

“Hmm,” Holmes said.  “How quickly can you let the coat out a little and replace the buttons?”