ext_7640 ([identity profile] sine-que-non767.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] crack_van2006-05-19 12:16 am

Mr. Wooster and the Restorative Preparation by innocentsmith (PG)

Fandom: JEEVES & WOOSTER
Pairing: Jeeves/Bertie Wooster, allusions to Jeeves/would spoil it to say
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] innocentsmith
Author Website: check lj for updates
Why this must be read:

Simply one of the best fics in fandom for speculation on Jeeves' life before he came into Bertie's service. We get some scattered references in canon, and innocentsmith takes every one of them and weaves a delicious tale of Jeeves' wheelings and dealings, from the aristocracy to American crooks, and the sartorial checks he suffers in the process.

Via disappointed love and family visits, to that favourite first scene where Jeeves comes to Bertie's door for the first time. Was it only a happy coincidence that he 'happened' to be in need of employment at the moment when Bertie needed a valet? It's Jeeves, after all...

Contains crossover hints with other Wodehouse characters, for which the author deserves a slap-up tea with macaroons on the side.



I had not been long in Mr. Todd’s service before I began to wonder if my talents might not be better used elsewhere. The periodic arrival of gentlemen who expressed an intention to horsewhip him did not in a concrete sense cause me much travail, for Mr. Todd was very thoroughly possessed of the art of dealing with the Unusual Situation. The visitors would generally leave after a half-hour’s conversation, laughing heartily and smoking one of his cigars.

Nevertheless I did not feel wholly sanguine with this state of affairs. It seemed to me highly probable that the subtleties of Mr. Todd’s manner of conducting business would eventually come to light, especially in connection with a new venture concerning Argentinean gold mines--the existence of which I suspected of being somewhat apocryphal.

I had, however, no intention of resigning before I found a new position, for my energies are not well-suited to a lack of occupation. When I left Lord Worplesdon’s employ, I had no prearranged situation waiting; my savings were considerable and I expected to be comfortable enough for a few months. I was mistaken.


Mr. Wooster and the Restorative Preparation

[identity profile] merelyn.livejournal.com 2006-05-19 02:15 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't keep up with this fandom as much as I used to, so I hadn't read this one before. Thanks for the rec!

[identity profile] franciskerst.livejournal.com 2006-05-19 03:51 pm (UTC)(link)
I very much enjoyed this remarkable piece of work; though my memories of the novels are ancient, I perfectly recognized Jeeves' voice. It's clever and touching.

[identity profile] innocentsmith.livejournal.com 2006-05-23 10:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you! What a lovely compliment. ^_^

And thank you [livejournal.com profile] sine_que_non767 for reccing me! I'm hugely flattered and tickled by having the new comments coming in. You've been doing a great job with all the other recs, as well, and I'm delighted that my particular pet fandom is getting more exposure. No such thing as too much J/W!