Cracks in the Pavement
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House
Who is the "good guy" in Conqueror?
Jack
63%
 63%  [ 14 ]
Joey
9%
 9%  [ 2 ]
Jem
0%
 0%  [ 0 ]
Cecilia
13%
 13%  [ 3 ]
Madge
0%
 0%  [ 0 ]
Mary Lou
0%
 0%  [ 0 ]
Reg
4%
 4%  [ 1 ]
Other
9%
 9%  [ 2 ]
Total Votes : 22

#1: Cracks in the Pavement Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 3:05 pm

Updates will be slower for this, as it's far more research intensive. However, I wanted to celebrate my 500th post, and Drabble seemed to be a good way to do it. If you want to read the original Conqueror, it's on my Livejournal, uninterrupted: Part Ia Part Ib Part Ic Original Thread ---------------------------- Part II of Conqueror: Cracks in the Pavement The rest of the term passed uneventfully, with Cecilia returning to school to find herself in the throes of exams and with no time whatsoever for mischief. She had been very subdued to receive letters back from the family that left her in no doubt at all of how they saw her. Uncle Jem had had a few choice words and Helena had been as scathing about their mother as about Cecilia. Margot’s letter had been the one that got under her skin though, something that Steve and Mike had unwittingly built on. They had all pointed out why they thought she was a mean-spirited irresponsible little idiot, and in Mudglish as well in the case of the two boys, which meant she had had all the epithets of the component languages bestowed on her at will. Felicity had refused to speak to her since Bruno’s death, and Pippa and Geoff had followed their sister’s lead. Coupled with this was the fact that her form didn’t want much to do with her, for ‘bringing the Middles into disrepute’ – a turn of phrase that made the staff choke with laughter on hearing it. Because of this, Cecilia threw herself into her work, and was likely to get promoted to Vb which, ironically, meant that she was unlikely to be staying in Switzerland, as an improvement in her grades was her father’s condition for going to Canada her mother’s had been an improvement in her behaviour. Joey had received a couple of letters from Mary Lou, which had lessened some of the sting of Len's missives. She had been full of the lectures that she had been to, and the preparations that were being made for the digs out in Egypt later that year with the Cambridge team. She had also commented a little on the news that was coming out about the conversations between the Anglican and Methodist Churches, and that she wouldn't have to choose between her spiritual home and her adopted church. It didn't help that she liked to go to Kingsway in preference to All Souls, which was the alternative, and probably her local church She talked at length about the social work she had been involved with, and how she had been invited to lead a Class, something which provoked a little envy on the part of Joey when she described what that entailed, which was both pastoral care (something brilliant for the self-confessed butter-in that was Mary Lou) but the intellectual and theological rigour that she also enjoyed which kept her in her place, surrounded as she was by older and wiser folk. Madge's letter had been full of Vietnam, and her fears that her sons in law would be sent out there. Both Sybs and Josette had married Australians, and were presently living out there. She had suffered much when David had gone out to Korea with the Medical Corps, returning with many scars, most of which were not immediately visible to the naked eye. Rix had not returned, which had killed Mollie Bettany, and left Dick a shadow of himself. She mentioned little that was not to do with the family, asking if Joey planned to celebrate her silver wedding in England as well as on the Platz, knowing that the family had been negotiating with her to ensure that they would all be in one place. Other Chaletians were married to Australians, or Americans, or had children that were citizens of one country or the other. Lilamani had been in Laos as a missionary, and little had been heard from her as things had got more fraught. Lavender Leigh had kept up with her, passing on the news at reunions. Madge ended on a conciliatory note about Cecil, noting that sometimes girls would be as mischievous as the boys, and sometimes even more so. Remembering Sybs and her own Margot, Joey had nodded slowly, and returned the letter to its envelope, where it had been forgotten. She hadn't entirely forgotten Cecilia's activities in Berne and the protest, and now it was coming closer to home, she was starting to wonder who and what was right.

Last edited by Angel on Fri Sep 03, 2004 8:02 pm; edited 6 times in total

 

#2:  Author: *Aletea*, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 3:45 pm

HURRAHH!!!!!! Angel, you're, well, an angel!

 

#3:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 5:58 pm

Ooh thank you Angel, you are so kind!! Good luck with your research!

 

#4:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 6:07 pm

Thanks Angel. Good to see Joey thinking more about Vietnam. All the best for the research.

 

#5:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 8:24 pm

Hurrah! More of this wonderfullness.

 

#6:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 8:55 pm

Thanks Angel! Crying or Very sad Rix died, that's so sad. Good luck with the research!

 

#7:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 9:12 pm

Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Yay! So glad to see the drabble back Angel - keep up the good work!

 

#8:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 9:22 pm

Thank you Angel, I am really enjoying this. Glad to see it back. Hope all goes well with the research.

 

#9:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 10:53 pm

Thank you Angel - such a lot of information! Sad about Rix and Mollie.

 

#10:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 10:53 pm

Joey busied herself with her preparations for the Reunion, Sale and Ball. She had invited the Millies, and it had been decided that those girls over 17 would be allowed to buy tickets. Some bright spark, probably Rebecca Martin, had suggested that the boys (and their parents) of Villa Beata should be invited, that is those that were over 17, or had recently left, as their term was ending that same weekend.Cecilia would be playing Cello that evening, and Felicity would be attending, as well as Felix and his friends. Felix, Jean-Luc, Marc and some of the others of his circle had booked a table, and various elder brothers would be there, notably Mike and Steve who would be back from university. Charles had written to say he would be working for the first few months of Long Vac, and couldn’t possibly be away from Durham.With the musical side of the evening, Joey had had a stroke of luck. She had had a band recommended to her by friends in England, and booked them, only for them to have broken into the top twenty in the UK Charts. They were quite happy to come over at the agreed rates, and it had considerably upped interest in the ball. The tickets that had looked like they would never sell suddenly became like hot cakes, and she had a waiting list of about a hundred. There were to be two marquees on the campus, and accommodation was provided in sundry places across the Platz. The summer season hadn’t fully begun, and consequently all available spaces had been booked in the pensions, which brought a welcome income to the people thereabouts.Cecilia had gone on the half-term trip with her form, but hadn’t particularly enjoyed it, although she had been wanting to go to Florence for some time. Two of the form had wound up in trouble, and initially Miss Wilmot had thought that Cecilia was involved, but had had to apologise when she found out that the two girls that were responsible had deliberately implicated Cecilia. Mme Courvoisier had stood up for her brevet niece at the time, something for which Cecilia had been profoundly grateful.-----------Thanks. Glad you like it. This is all that's written so far...*runs off to read feverishly*

 

#11:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 7:24 am

Thank you again, Angel! Sad that Cecilia obviously doesn't fit in with her form - the rest are not behaving as cs girls if some feel they can implicate her in any triuble. Good that Biddy stood up for her.. What band has Joey booked??? Intrigued.

 

#12:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 8:44 am

Thanks Angel! Love it that Joey has booked a famous band Very Happy , really want to know who they are! Yay for Biddy, she's great!

 

#13:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 10:24 am

Wow. Didn't expect to see this so soon,, and it's really, really good! Thank you.

 

#14:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 11:05 am

Joey had later remarked to Biddy that it was to be expected, of course. Cecil hadn't exactly been willing to take the fair share of the blame for most of her school career, and therefore she had set herself up for it. Biddy had been shocked by the disloyalty shown by Joey. There was a grain of truth in what was said, but she couldn't help feeling that if Joey had spent a little more time with Cecil some of this trouble might have been avoided. She taught part-time herself, having her children happily ensconced in St Nicholas during the day, and driving them, Marjorie Graves and various others back to their homes in the evening. She had held her tongue with the older woman, knowing that fiery Irish invective would get her nowhere. Joey was a good teacher, and generally good with her family and the girls of the school, and it wasn't fair to judge her so harshly. At least, that's how Biddy consoled herself. ----------------------------- OK, feeling grotty, so wrote this bit. The story of the band is based on the story of Alnwick college in the late 50s/early 60s. Apparently, they'd booked a band, and in the intervening period they hit the charts big time. Their name? The Beatles. It's how my aunt got to see them for a couple of shillings.

 

#15:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 11:25 am

yeah, I had guessed it was the beatles. I think i read about it somewhere. I love your style of writing

 

#16:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 11:28 am

Poor Cecilia, she's learning the consequences of her actions the hard way. Im glad she has some sympathy from Biddy.

 

#17:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 1:22 pm

Thanks Angel, it's interesting to see that Biddy was more understanding to Cecillia than Joey was!

 

#18:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 1:32 pm

Pity in a way that Biddy didn't say something to Joey - it might have got through! Thanks for the latest bit, Angel - hope you fell better soon!

 

#19:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 1:40 pm

The last time Biddy had said anything to Joey about her children, specifically Cecilia, Joey had pretty much dismissed what was said out of hand. What Biddy didn't realise was that Jem had said pretty much the same thing, in that ever so diplomatic way of his that was guaranteed to rile his sister-in-law. It was a pity, because generally Joey tried to listen to what was said by those around her, taking it with appropriate pinches of salt or sugar, and generally Biddy's advice was good. Cecilia had sought out Aunty Biddy one evening after school, a few days after the Florence incident, and gained permission to go to tea one evening, Biddy having made mental notes to ask Joey to mind her brood for the evening, without telling her precisely why. Biddy had debated asking whether Cecilia could stay over, but decided against it, instead limiting her invitation to Kaffee and dinner. It was very similar, in fact, to the invitation that the Maynards had received from the Entwhistles earlier that term.

 

#20:  Author: lizzieb, Location: Ireland/France PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 3:00 pm

intrigued! good for biddy! this is so good! glad to see that cecilia is behaving herself, but a wee bit annoyed at joey - she's so good at seeing and butting into problems that aren't in the family, and can't see whats under her own nose?! really well written. Smile

 

#21:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 3:58 pm

There's a NEW POLL! (My first on the boards). I posted it because I was curious as to who is presently considered the 'Villain' of the piece. Should I ever get onto Part III I'll post another poll then, to see how things shift.

 

#22:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 5:21 pm

Oh Angel. Thank you so much for sending me this last night, it was a great thing to read just before I slept and now my exams over I came here as a reat and I can leave you some feedback. All the stuff about Korea and Vietnam, we had a thread about that a while ago didn't we, it must be hard with such large families you're bound to get caught up in some of the wars and I hope Joey does recognise Cecilia's need to protest against them in the end too because i think it showed a greater awareness on Cecilia's part than Joey gives her credit for. The stuff with Biddy, well I always liked Biddy for common sense so I hope Joey does pay attention to her at some point but more immediately that Cecilia is able to talk to her and make use of her brevet aunt (it's a good system when it gives her lots of adults to talk to). The comment about inviting boys made me laugh as I have a younger friend called Rebecca Martin who would be the very first person to suggest such a thing. The band too, one of my school teachers booked (I believe) Blur for his uni ball just before they took off and they then turned up and behaved atrociously because they wanted more money, hope that doesn't happen to Joey. Maybe Cecilia can take up with a roadie and shock them all Very Happy

 

#23:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 5:28 pm

Ohhh thanks for the poll Angel, will have to think of all the clues you've given me before I cast my vote! Wink

 

#24:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 6:00 pm

Thank you for writing some more even though you're poorly, Angel. I hope you're feeling better soon. I'd like to think Biddy is the good guy, but that's probably too obvious

 

#25:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 8:16 pm

Thank you Angel, for the last post. Cannot give a reply to the poll just yet - will have to think on it and re-read Conquers - a testament to your writing that all your characters have both good and bad points - as normal people in fact!

 

#26:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 2:34 am

*agrees with Lesley* One of the strengths of this drabble is that people aren't painted as heroes or villains, but as people!

 

#27:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 7:02 pm

It had taken longer than Reg had expected to pin down his boss to the dinner date. Jack had had to go to Berne again to sort out paperwork, and to look at Jem's business proposals, before a flying trip to Florence. The new patients meant that they had hardly seen each other at work, let alone to spend an evening at the Entwhistle Chalet. Marianne had resorted to more underhand tactics, going around to Freudesheim one evening with their diary, having checked the San diary, to pin Joey to an evening. Once organised, it had been a good evening. Jack brought some wine he'd picked up in Florence at the same time as his daughter. Marianne had cooked, and the four had eaten on the terrace outside, where Reg had built a charming outside room, like the ones they had seen in Tuscany on their honeymoon. Mostly it had been an evening of listening, picking up the undercurrents and gently diverting them into more productive territory. Joey was still a little spiky from Cecilia being 'in trouble' yet again, even though this time it was not the girl's fault. Helping Marianne with serving the food, she'd confided that things had been difficult, especially with Charles. Marianne liked the Maynards second son, knowing his attachment to her younger sister, but had been very careful never to mention it. Joey understood a lot of what had gone on, but Jack still seemed oblivious to the amount of damage that he had done. Now was not the time to open that barrel of worms, but Marianne talked to Joey about a lot of things, especially about the loss of Bruno, trying to gauge whether another dog would be an acceptable present. Joey seemed enamoured of their cats, finding time after dinner to make a lap that the tabby enjoyed covering in long fur. In turn Joey asked about their plans - Marianne let slip that she and Reg had decided not to have children. Joey was flabberghasted. After her exams Felicity spent most of her time preparing for the sale. She and Amelie were organising a ballet and had decided to choreograph some pieces from Gisele for them and the other ballet pupils. A teacher had been coming once a week from Berne, but Felicity would be glad when the summer school started at Lucerne and she would have the same standard of teaching that she had had before. Others worked on their handcrafts. For several years now, it had been that an old girl provided a Dolls’ House. Not this time. Instead a model railway had been created, with several stations, yards of track and trains decorated to look like the Venice-Simplon Orient Express. Each Station had a guard, small luggage on luggage trolleys and working signals and points. They were all in different styles, and Tom’s challege had been to name the five countries portrayed. The answers were in the flags bound tightly to the flagpoles “So as you don’t fly them the wrong way round, and make holland out of France.” Tom’s tie-breaker had been to guess the number of sleepers used on the trackbed. Needless to say, this had provoked much interest from the menflk, and was to produce a necessary diversion from Clock Golf or the game of football that Stephen, Charles and Mike had instituted the previous year. Joey had been horrified but Nancy and Jack had decided it was a good idea, and Kathie had decided to organise a five a side tournament. Villa Beata were having a fencing exhibition. – as so many of the seniors and parents were coming to the Ball, it had been deemed appropriate to have some joint events. Villa Beata had had their prize-giving the previous day, so that things would dovetail well, and those that wished could take their children home on the Sunday. Felix, as the fencing captain the previous year, was to be the first person to spar, taking on this year’s captain, Marc. Some of the older girls had been heard to comment on this, and a number of chaperones had duly been appointed. Generally the term had gone well, aside from a series of practical jokes in the last week of term, perpetrated not by the Middles, for once, but by the staff. Joey had begun it, and the rest had followed, finding ingenious ways to get revenge on young ladies all too eager to abandon their books for the beach.

 

#28:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 7:28 pm

Love the idea of the staff playing tricks on the middles! Is this Joey's 2nd childhood? Did her first really finish. Hope your research goes smoothly and we can have more story, Angel.

 

#29:  Author: *Aletea*, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 7:35 pm

Loving this Angel!!! The sentence about 'cheperones being duly appointed' was fantastic!

 

#30:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 7:40 pm

An Out-take... OK, this didn't fit into the main story, but thought would include it for amusement factors... Marianne handed Joey a glass of Lemonade, and the two women 'admired' their menfolk as they moved the table outside, along with the chairs, cloth and crockery, having gratuitously stripped to the waist to do so. It certainly wasn't that hot, and neither would both replacing the collar and tie they'd donned for the evening. "I'm all for women's lib, and all that, but why should we do more work than we have to." Marianne's voice had a grin in it, echoing the nod from Joey. "Too true. It's amazing how acting the helpless female gets so much done around the house. If only it worked with Publishers." She sighed. "How do you do it, Joey?" "Do what?" "The children, the man, the school, the books..." "I don't. Always had someone else to help." Joey winked "Being the main income earner has always had its uses." Marianne's eyes went wide. "You had... you earn..." Joey grinned. "So what are your plans for the future? Are you going to be busy soon." Marianne looked blank. "Well, we've got plans for renovating the garden." Joey looked frustrated for a second, and Marianne, blushing, cottoned on. "Children? Not for us. Pretty to look at, but I'd rather hand them back, thanks." Joey nodded, and Marianne was called out to the terrace, so didn't notice the spasm in Joey's jaw, or her guest spitting her lemonade into the sink in shock, only catching the expression of sheer gobsmackedness as she returned to pick up the drinks.

 

#31:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 7:53 pm

Oooh swoonable Jack again, thank you very much Angel!!! I love your descriptions of the sale, and the model railway sounds wonderful, I want to play with it!!!

 

#32:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 9:30 pm

Very Happy at Marianne and Joey.

 

#33:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 9:58 pm

Oh Angel, could we hear more about those tricks? Pretty please??? Lovely posts!

 

#34:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 10:03 pm

Thanks Angel! Loved hearing all about the sale! More as soon as you've researched it please Very Happy

 

#35:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 10:26 pm

Loved this when you posted it on LJ for me and love it here too Very Happy especially the lengths Marianne had to go to to organise her dinner party and then that outtake. Priceless Laughing

 

#36:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 10:18 am

just caught up again, after being away for a while. its even more thrilling than before angel. please post some more soon. i'm still worried about this business with charles. you keep refering to it, but that's all you do!

 

#37:  Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 1:48 pm

Thanks for the posts, Angel. Looking forward to more! *feeling rather silly having only just twigged who Pippa is! Embarassed *

 

#38:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 11:12 pm

I just posted an out-take on a CBB-ers LJ. It's what happens between Joey and Jack in Berne before Fliss gets back *grins, hugely* If you'd like to read it, then PM me, and I'll give you a link. Note: It's not exactly, ahem, traditional CS material, and would probably be 15-rated. For this reason, I'm not posting it on the board, or making the link freely available. Please assure me that you're over 16, and won't be offended easily in the PM if you do want to read it.

 

#39:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 11:22 pm

Any over 16s I'd recommend you go read the outtake, it's really very good and very Joey&Jack. It's nice to see them being a real couple too, what we all said when you posted Newlyweds way back when Angel. Very Happy

 

#40:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 11:34 pm

Oh my hat! Shocked Actually it's very sensitively written - thanks Angel!

 

#41:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed May 19, 2004 11:37 pm

Ann wrote:
Oh my hat! Shocked Actually it's very sensitively written - thanks Angel!
Thanks. I was trying for the 'we're grown up but we have fun' thing Smile And 'oh my hat' is not in it, though I'm now tempted to work that line into the fic somewhere!

 

#42:  Author: Rach, Location: Cheltenham, England PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 10:36 pm

My goodness. I'd never seen Joey and Jack in quite that light before... Confused Well, you've certainly made them seem far more real, Angel! And as Ann says, it's very sensitively written. Edited to add And no, I wasn't offended, it's just as I'd have imagined them behaving if my imagination had ever got around to it!

Last edited by Rach on Fri May 21, 2004 8:52 am; edited 2 times in total

 

#43:  Author: Jay, Location: Aberdeen PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 10:58 pm

Shocked Shocked Shocked Not quite what I was expecting but thanks Angel. It was great to see that side of their relationship and it was wonderfully written - and very Joey & Jack!! Laughing

 

#44:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 11:13 pm

Jay wrote:
Shocked Shocked Shocked Not quite what I was expecting but thanks Angel. It was great to see that side of their relationship and it was wonderfully written - and very Joey & Jack!! Laughing
What were you expecting?? Shocked (PM the answer to that if you want) And thank you...

 

#45:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 8:18 pm

*Bump* I know you said you needed more time for research but...

 

#46:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 8:32 pm

It had been the end of the university term that had begun it. With three young men in the house, Joey had had less time than usual for preparation, and she had been determined that they would pitch in and pull their weight. Roddy had been very good, showing up Mike and Steve very thoroughly. This had led to a waterfight, and several of the girls had been seen leaning out of their dorm windows to look at the young men. To quote Joey later "They may be my own sons, but I'm damned if I'm going to deny that they're somewhat attractive" which had led to varied levels of interest from the younger members of staff, especially when Stephen had volunteered to escort Signorina Alessi, the new Chemistry teacher to the ball, when he had encountered her with the fourth forms on a ramble. She was only just twenty, having graduated far earlier than one might expect, and was rather taken with the architect son of one of her colleagues. Joey had decided that to avoid Maynard Fever being diagnosed among the girls she taught she would have to do something rapidly. After half-term, Joey's first lesson had been with Inter V, and they had been going over some ecclesiastical Latin, as was her wont after exams were over. She usually got it so that all the year groups were able to answer the mass, instead of the select group that she'd heard at other girls schools, and this meant that she'd spend a week's worth of lessons with them. The girls liked it, as she would talk about the history of the Mass, and some of the shades of meaning in the words employed. They also didn't get any prep for that week, as they generally knew the words and most of the coaching surrounded pronunciation. The following week the music department would coach them in the singing, and that was when the fun set in. However, when Joey walked in, the only thing in the heads of Inter V were images of her sons that she'd rather they hadn't shared with her. After a few minutes of hints that invitations to tea at Freudesheim would be very welcome, Joey decided to abandon her lesson plan and, silencing the class, began to write on the board, translating in her head as she went along.

 

#47:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 8:51 pm

Yay! Dreads to think what Joey would be writing.

 

#48:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 8:55 pm

Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Well, can't say I blame the girls really - not with such solid lumps of comfort just next door!

 

#49:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 8:57 pm

Thanks Angel Very Happy

 

#50:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 9:07 pm

Five minutes later, she finished, to glum expressions on the faces of the girl. She'd gone for quite complicated structures, and as she dusted off the chalk, she smiled. "Your prep is in the paragraph on the board." The words sunk in. The class blanched. Mrs Maynard had actually set their prep in Latin, and disguised it in the middle of quite a nasty paragraph. They just couldn't believe it.

 

#51:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 9:11 pm

Good for Joey!

 

#52:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 9:22 pm

Slowly the girls unravelled the sentences one by one, the quicker ones catching Joey's eye, and then blushing at what they saw there. Not for nothing was she a proud mama of eleven. Afterwards she taught two more classes, doling out similar treatment for each, and then wandered into the classroom at break, wordlessly making coffee for the others, and sitting back on her favourite cushion by the window, looking very smug. Caterina Alessi walked in a few minutes later, and asked her her in rapid Italian what on earth she had done to Inter V. Joey queried her intent, in English, and Caterina responded in kind, remarking that Inter V had been somewhat embarrassed when she had made enquiries about the Latin lesson they had just had. Joey had laughed, and to the delight of her colleagues explained that she had decided to rub into them that such undecorous behaviour was not expected of the girls of the Chalet School. She outlined the substance of the paragraph, including the relevant pieces of repetition, and fairly soon the rest of the staff were laughing at her florid translation. "Oh my hat, Joey Maynard, you didn't, did you." "I did as well, so stick *that* on your needles..." "... and knit it." The rest of the staff joined in the laughter, and Miss Carter followed suit at having been the recipient of one of Joey's familiar expressions, ignoring the blatant Freudian overtones of the metaphor, and joining in with some of the comments about the Maynard menfolk once Joey was out of earshot.

 

#53:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 9:34 pm

So are we to be treated to a translation of what she did write on the board, or are you going to leave it to our imaginations? Twisted Evil

 

#54:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 9:39 pm

I think a prize of an out-take of choice (or alternate PoV for a scene) will be awarded to the best 100 word offering for 'what Joey Maynard wrote on the board'. Postings to this thread... Gist: She compared the girls to the beasts of the field and the birds of the air in their unbridled enthusiasm for her eldest son, and suggested that embarrassment was not the way to go...

 

#55:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 10:09 pm

Very Happy Good for Joey! Looking forward with what people come up with!

 

#56:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 10:20 pm

Very Happy I must conffess to being very impressed with Joey's skill at Latin composition.

 

#57:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 25, 2004 10:33 pm

caz wrote:
Very Happy I must conffess to being very impressed with Joey's skill at Latin composition.
She speaks Italian, French and has been teaching Latin for some time. The teacher I had at school could do that, which partly gave me the idea. Don't forget, Latin was more common in the early sixties, as the mass was still said in that language.

 

#58:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 12:55 am

Wonderful Angel Very Happy With the Maynard boys so close to the school I suppose "Maynard fever" was bound to come along at some stage!

 

#59:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 11:48 am

Not sure if this is anything like what you had in mind, Angel, but here goes: What Joey Maynard wrote on the board: Aristotle said that all living things have a soul which guides their basic functions. For animals, these functions include reproduction. Although you seem to have been excessively interested in this particular function, you are, I believe, humans, and therefore, according to Aristotle, possessed of the ability to reason in which case you will be able to consider why your behaviour towards my sons, particularly my eldest son, and subsequent embarrassment is both inapprpriate and unnecessary. Please learn Hett’s translation of the passage from Aristotle’s On The Soul II.2. This should help you to appreciate the difference between you and the beasts of the field and the birds of the air. [110 words]

 

#60:  Author: *Aletea*, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 1:25 pm

*weeping gently* oh this is too good, too good!!!

 

#61:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 5:34 pm

*applauds caz for her entry Very Happy * *berates self for lack of inspiration hammer *

 

#62:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 6:11 pm

That was fantastic caz! I've been trying to think of something but there is no way I'll beat yours Very Happy

 

#63:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 7:44 pm

The 100 word version: One is reminded that discretion is the better part of valour, and modesty the better part of virtue. One is also reminded that girls should be able to recite the Credo on page twelve of your service books and to say the confession from Cranmer’s prayerbook with understanding and meaning. This will be tested on Thursday of next week. It does not escape my notice that to seek the affections of one so young in a manner so vulgar and asinine serves only to induce embarrassment in the recipient and in those of both close and casual acquaintance to the perpetrator. (Although Caz's is far better) Keep 'em coming, and I may be persuaded to do more than one out-take if they're good enough. Smile

 

#64:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 7:45 pm

OK, what is going on - that's the second time I've had 'big pile of porridge' inserted in a post... It seems to be replacing the word 'm-o-r-e' Experiment: more

 

#65:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 7:50 pm

Liss has changed the auto censor to replace m.o.r.e. with big pile of porridge Angel.

 

#66:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 9:05 pm

Lesley wrote:
Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Well, can't say I blame the girls really - not with such solid lumps of comfort just next door!
a problem not considered or dealt with by EBD (except for by getting rid of the boys) in our girls boarding school, the headmaster stopped bringing his sons to the saturday lunches at some point, when it became embarrasing for both sides

 

#67:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 10:00 pm

Thanks for the post, angel. I wasn't entirely convinced that Joey would turn to Aristotle... (though was tempted to have her set them rep. in Greek!) And please don't let the autocensor put you off writing!

 

#68:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 10:20 pm

I shall be posting Caz's out-take *The Ramble* at some point soon... *grins* If you have further offerings and requests for out-takes, I shall be pleased to add. I'm researching quite a lot of details to do with Catholicism at that time, as well as Vietnam, and if anyone has stuff on the Canadian education system at the time (although I can assume a certain similarity with the UK system) I would be grateful. I have Ally's request for a Jack piece to complete as well. Will post here when I've done, and be warned, it will induce GJMs.* *Gratuitous Jack Moments...

 

#69:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed May 26, 2004 10:27 pm

Quote:
it will induce GJMs.*
Oh Goody!!!! Very Happy

 

#70:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu May 27, 2004 2:01 am

Quote:
if anyone has stuff on the Canadian education system at the time (although I can assume a certain similarity with the UK system)
It depends what Province you send her to, as education is a Provincial responsiblity. When exactly is this set? I know I should be able to figure it out, but it's too hard.

 

#71:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu May 27, 2004 4:43 pm

What a wonderful punishment, thank you Angel and thank you Caz for your fabulous attempt!!! Please keep going Very Happy

 

#72:  Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 12:07 pm

I suppose we should have expected it. Well done caz for the out take, can't wait to read another one.

 

#73:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon May 31, 2004 7:34 pm

Decided on a separate Out-takes thread First one has been posted. Thanks for all the compliments. I will post a Jack story when the bunny behaves.

 

#74:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 2:40 pm

Loved all the outtakes angel, but hope they won't distract you.

 

#75:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:02 pm

Chapter Two The day dawned for the sale, a spectacular July day, with the light mists already burning off as Jo left Freudesheim for the school. Jack had rolled over, only to be woken up by his sons demanding the car keys. Stephen had passed his driving test the previous summer in both England and Switzerland, and had been put on the insurance for the various family vehicles. He had driven over to Villa Beata with his parents and assorted family in order to see the Prize-giving there, with Felix taking several prizes, including the equivalent of the Margot Venables - for being the epitome of what it meant to be a VB man. The family had clapped loudly and been congratulated for having such a remarkable son. They had taken two cars, and Stephen, Felix and Mike were trusted to behave themselves taking equipment up to the Platz leaving Joey and Jack to come back with Cecilia and Felicity. The latter group had been delayed by various conversations – Cecilia with Marc and Felicity with Jean-Luc. Joey and Jack had talked the Embureys among others who had sent their younger sons to the school, as well as Peter Martin, father of Rebecca and Christian. The former group had been delayed for other reasons, and it had been with great surprise that the two vehicles had returned to the Platz at the same time. The three lads had had drinks at a bar in Interlaken - Stephen have a light beer, while the others going for white beers which they all enjoyed before wending their way up the hills, and meeting their parents. As they prepared for the football and fencing, they’d caught up on the week. Mike had laughed about their father noting the various plants that he introduced to the garden. Felix looked a little scandalised, but then relaxed as they discussed places to go that summer – they were hoping to work on one of the farms locally or else act as guides or interpreters during the tourist season. A tour company had reopened offices on the Platz, having seen that the new road would make it an excellent base for gentle walking tours. It was talking about this that caused Stephen’s concentration to lapse, and the car to skid out of control.

 

#76:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:35 pm

Sorry for the hiatus, and I need to refresh my memory about what's going on, but you should have more frequent updates now.

 

#77:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:40 pm

Angel, don't leave us on such a cliff! Argh!!!!!

 

#78:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:44 pm

Cazx wrote:
Angel, don't leave us on such a cliff! Argh!!!!!
Why not? ----------- Stephen was thrown across the car as it rolled over. They'd had the bad fortune to be on part of the old road that had become increasingly unstable with the amound of use it got. Had Jack been more awake he would have told them in no uncertain terms not to go that way. As it was, the first he knew was being hauled out of bed by a white-faced Reg.

 

#79:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 9:45 pm

Oh dear this does not sound good...

 

#80:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 10:26 pm

Well glad as I am that you wrote some more I would just like to say ANGEL!!! Come back here and tell us that the boys are alright this instant! Confused Confused Confused *wibbles*

 

#81:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Jun 07, 2004 10:56 pm

Quote:
It was talking about this that caused Stephen’s concentration to lapse, and the car to skid out of control
eeeek!
Quote:
As it was, the first he knew was being hauled out of bed by a white-faced Reg
eeeek eeeek eeeek! Angel - PLEASE can you get us down from this cliff (preferably gently)

 

#82:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:53 am

Great cliff, Angel, but please post more very soon!

 

#83:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 10:00 am

Im just as white and scared!!! Hope theres more soon so I can stop a-dangling

 

#84:  Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 3:16 pm

ANGEL!!!!

 

#85:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 3:57 pm

*Halts sharply at the edge of a very nasty cliff* Angel, please don't leave it there. oh, and I loved Joey's way of dealing with the smitten kittens. *off to read the out-take thread* wohoo

 

#86:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 10:06 pm

Good cliff, Angel!

 

#87:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 4:31 pm

*bounces up and down with excitement at fresh drabble postings* ...but please don't do anything too horrific with the Maynard boys! Surely the death of Bruno was tragic enough!

 

#88:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 9:43 pm

Joey rushing around like a headless chicken was about as far removed from her adopted persona as Hercule Poirot as one could possibly imagine. She had spent the last few hours in a state of near-delerium preparing for the Oriental Ball, and making sure that all the band members were present. She left Matron Henschell and Cecil in charge of the Guest Band's sound check - Cecil because she knew what she was doing, and Matron Henschell because she didn't entirely trust her daughter. The swing band from Villa Beata were also at the sound check, along with the chamber group from the Chalet School. The Guest Band seemed to be quite charming young men - Cecilia was only glad her mother hadn't seen their dance routines. Joey got herself progressively more wound up until she found herself being collared by Captain Kathie Ferrars-Hastings and propelled to the 'dining car' - in reality one of the winter passages between the chalets - and ordered to drink lemonade and take a break. The school itself was in a ferment - this was the first time that their relationship with VB had been so formalised, and as a result every girl wanted to look her best. No member of staff was under any illusion that it was simply a matter of civic pride, and therefore every member of staff was at his or her most watchful over their charges. The older ones were inclined to be a little more snooty - after all they would be at the ball that evening, but the younger ones were happy to be seeing their brothers as well as their families again. Joey, once recovered proceeded to her stall with great alacrity to ensure that the precautions instituted five years ago were in place and that she would be able to cover her bookstall, placed by the steps to the garden, at a moment's notice. She didn't notice that the trestle wasn't quite square to the board and was therefore unprepared for the inevitable result.

 

#89:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 9:53 pm

Sounds like it's going to be the usual eventful sale (and Ball...). I can't wait to see the Chalet School girls with the VB boys around at the ball, though I also want to know who the Guest Band is, do we know them? Not sure about Joey setting someone to watch over Cecil, although to be fair she is only a school girl so it's probably neccessary.

 

#90:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 10:16 pm

Love that Joey's racing round like a headless chicken! Laughing Nice to see CS start to move with the times!

 

#91:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Jun 09, 2004 10:39 pm

Lovely image of Joey in my head now! When do we find out about the accident?

 

#92:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 11:11 am

*Giggles at Joey as Hercule Poirot* The sale sounds like its usual chaotic self!! And the ball sounds very swish!!

 

#93:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 6:10 pm

Very Happy at the description of the preparations. *also wants to hear about the aftermath of the accident*

 

#94:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 6:42 pm

Luckily for Joey, the books sailed over her head, down the stairs and into the ornamental pond. Unluckily for her, she landed on her rump in the most inelegant manner possible, and was heard to bemoan her bruises on many subsequent occasions. Rebecca, with her unerring sense for trouble, came up and picked up Madame Maynard, along with Caterina Alessi who seemed a little agitated. She couldn't very well say to the others that she was wondering where her date for the Ball was, when it was still 10 hours before it was due to start, but she felt a little worried, given that they were supposed to be in the gym now to set up the fencing, and the football. She refrained from saying anything, knowing how susceptible her brothers were to over-sleeping. The school telephone lines being fully occupied with last minute preparations, the phone call from the San didn't get noticed, and no one could be spared to go over in person. The recent arrivals were taking up far more resources than anyone expected, and two of the doctors were away at conferences. Phil Graves had been the first at the scene, and had been alerted to the crash by the massive landslip that had taken place due to the recent weather. He was therefore surprised to see the Maynard's car at the bottom of it, hanging off the ledge with the door open and a pool of blood by the front tyre.

 

#95:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 6:53 pm

Oh 'eck, that doesn't sound good!

 

#96:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 6:58 pm

Angel don't leave us with just a big pile of blood as a clue for what happens next!

 

#97:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 7:04 pm

NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!Literally a cliff-hanger!!!Come back and write more now!!!!!

 

#98:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 7:04 pm

Cazx wrote:
Angel don't leave us with just a big pile of blood as a clue for what happens next!
Why not?-------------The car had seemed unnaturally still, and just as he was looking at the scene, Phil realised the earth was rumbling again, and found himself caught up in another landslip.

 

#99:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 7:14 pm

Ally wrote:
NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Literally a cliff-hanger!!! Come back and write more now!!!!!
I just did. Satisfied? ----------------- Phil found himself in a discrete landslip - the car seemed unaffected as he slid further down, although he couldn't see inside it, until he found himself at a halt several yards further down, and clinging onto a pine tree.

Last edited by Angel on Thu Jun 10, 2004 7:17 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#100:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 7:17 pm

Pah!! They still seem to be hanging off the cliff, so I don't think that qualifies Wink

 

#101:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 9:30 pm

A cliff-hanger where they are hanging off of a cliff - sublime! Laughing

 

#102:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Thu Jun 10, 2004 10:31 pm

Shocked I'd forgotten Joey and the rest at school didn't know yet Confused Now are you going to come and tell us what's happened to the poor Maynards... and Phil for that matter... Please.

 

#103:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat Jun 12, 2004 8:00 pm

Explanation for the infrequent updates. (Add major computer trouble - 25 crashes today) Phil waited as the land around him settled. The tree he was on seemed to be very deep rooted, and he surmised that it was in cave that had been filled in by a previous landslip. He sat astride it for a minute, carefully examining himself to make sure the important things were intact, as he would need his legs and arms for the climb up. Slight bruising, but wanting to move before shock set in, he started to stretch. He got to the actual earth, and tested it, realising that it was too soft and crumbly to get real purchase on. His whistle wasn't much use, but he would probably have some strong rope, even if not much of it, in his pockets somewhere. Patting himself all over, he located several more bruised patch before realising that he had a coil attached to his belt. Wondering if he'd bumped his head, or whether it was simply premature ageing, he started by fixing the rope around his tree, and then round the nearest solid object - a rocky outcrop a few feet above his head. In the car, still no one moved. The goat that had been killed by the falling car gracelessly slid down the mountain, giving Phil quite a shock, but otherwise it was very quiet here, away from the main roads to the Platz, and insulated from the sound by the pine trees around.

 

#104:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Jun 13, 2004 12:27 am

I hope the poor goat was the donor of that large pool of blood

 

#105:  Author: Guest,  PostPosted: Sun Jun 13, 2004 8:35 am

Ann wrote:
I hope the poor goat was the donor of that large pool of blood
Yup. --------- Phil worked his way up the mountainside until he was level with the car. The morning sun was on his back, and he could feel himself starting to burn already. Gritting his teeth, he got himself up to the vehicle, noting that there was no way he could see further up the cliff yet, and steeled himself to look into the car. He was so shocked by what he saw, he very nearly slid back down the mountain, and was only rescued by the fact that he was secured to a nearby outcrop.

 

#106: oooops Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sun Jun 13, 2004 8:36 am

That was me, promise Sorry bout that.

 

#107:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 13, 2004 9:51 am

Love Phil checking for his important bits and wondering if he's got a head injury - obviously being married to a chalet girl rubs off then - just happens to have a coil of rope! Excellent Angel, more when able please! PS Hope you are OK?

 

#108:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Jun 13, 2004 11:56 am

Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Oh dear the signs aren't looking good, and the poor little mountain goat Wink

 

#109:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Jun 13, 2004 4:31 pm

Maybe Phil's shocked because there's no-one in the car - the Maynards have all escaped with minor injuries and fled the scene! Ever the optimist!

 

#110:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 12:31 am

I think that sounds good Ann! Glad to hear the blood was from the goat (well sorry for the goat of course but better it than the Maynard boys)

 

#111:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Jun 16, 2004 4:18 pm

This is the first time I have been able to catch up with this in a while Angel. Hope you are feeking better and the Mynard boys are rescued soon.

 

#112:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Jun 20, 2004 3:35 pm

I hope we find out whether the boys are ok soon...

 

#113:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sun Jun 20, 2004 8:39 pm

massive computer problems. As anyone that has tried to talk to me on IM will know Sad( ---- What had so surprised Phil had been the smell that was emanating from the car. The boys were smoking something of dubious legality but good provenance, in order to stay calm enough not to shift in the car. They were perfectly fine, the goat having bit the dust rather literally when they'd steered into her to try and slow down. The reason for needing to stay calm were fairly obvious. Whenever they shifted even slightly, the fencing foils shifted. Stephen already had two running either side of his neck, effectively pinning him into his place. He had had a packet of something in his pocket, and Mike had somehow managed to roll it without disturbing the delicate situation. When Felix had tried to move the car, another foil had sailed out of its landing place, and planted itself between Stephen's legs. Stephen, having the prospect of a date that evening, was significantly unimpressed and forbade his little brother from so much as twitching. Instead they lit up and pretty soon they were enjoying the light that was filtering through the leaves and all the pretty colours of the valley and trying very hard to think about not needing to go to the toilet or the fact that they were getting cravings for chocolate. The latter was easily solved - Jack had always kept some in the glove compartment in case of emergencies, usually when Joey was having an 'Eggshells' week and it fell to Mike to ease it out. The bumpy ride down, which had dislodged their cargo from its place of safety had also loosened the glove compartment, which made his job easier. Easing back he passed his brothers chunks of chocolate between puffs on the cigarette the older boys were passing around. Felix had declined on grounds of not liking it, and had been content to smoke passively. It was left to Mike to survey the scene. "Boys, I think we have what they call 'a situation'

 

#114:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Sun Jun 20, 2004 8:43 pm

Glad the boys are fine thanks for that post, angel Very Happy Hope your computer problems get sorted.

 

#115:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Jun 20, 2004 8:48 pm

*breathes a sigh of relief* *sniggers at Stephen nearly being impaled in a delicate area* Sorry to hear about the computer problems Angel - I hope it stops playing up soon. Screen of Death

 

#116:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Jun 20, 2004 9:37 pm

Very relieved, and very amused!! Joins in the kicking of the computer

 

#117:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 1:49 pm

ROFL ROFL ROFL Joins the kicking the puter party

 

#118:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 6:33 pm

I thought for a minute you were saying they'd been smoking before the accident Confused Glad to see they're all in one piece, for the moment anyway.

 

#119:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 7:15 pm

"you don't say. Now shut up and smoke the stuff, or else come up with a plan that's going to get us out of here, little brother." Stephen drawled, barely moving his lips, but conveying a promising level of menace. Mike scowled resentfully, and deliberately threw himself in his seat, having the satisfaction of watching his elder brother wince with horror and his younger brother grin wickedly. Ever the inventive one, Mike had a school record that matched the unexpurgated version of their mother's and topped it by half a head. He was involved in various mountaineering clubs with the cadets, and had tried pot-holing the previous term. He knew that the car would have various ropes in - their father always seemed to take his years in the Boy Scouts far too seriously - it was simply a matter of employing them. Stephen was starting to sweat now, and Mike wondered whether smoking random things was a good idea. The windows at the back had been opened, as had Mike's which meant that Felix wasn't nearly so badly affected as he might have been. Even he seemed transfixed by apparently random manifestations, and Mike smiled grimly. At least he was in a fit state to move, which as he was the only one that was safe to do so was probably a good thing. He slid a little at a time, easing himself around and pushing a little against the door. It opened easily enough, and Mike found himself looking at a usefully placed tree that was growing out of the cliff. He passed a rope round the steering column first, very very slowly, and then knotted it. He looked out and down the hill, to find himself staring straight into the face of his uncle Phil, who looked singularly unimpressed.

 

#120:  Author: *Aletea*, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 9:28 pm

LMAO!!! The Maynard boys on weed - fantastic!!!

 

#121:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 9:57 pm

Good for Mike - he always had bad press!

 

#122:  Author: Guest,  PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 10:01 pm

*Aletea* wrote:
LMAO!!! The Maynard boys on weed - fantastic!!!
Glad someone likes it. -------- Between them, Mike and Phil secured the car, in grim and total silence. Steve was getting more worried about the foils now, something that Mike recognised as the drug talking, and Felix was grinning so inanely he'd be all but useless for the fencing later on. Phil said nothing, which worried Mike more than anything. Steve was over 21, and relatively independent - he was being sponsored through the present stage of his course and although he received money from the family, it was his by right and not simply by gift. Mike on the other hand had an army career ahead of him, and he wasn't entirely sure how kindly they would take to reports of him in a foreign country sampling the not-so-local flora that he'd imported surreptitiously as they crossed Europe by train. They being his parents. His mother could be very understanding about somethings but he rather suspected that this was not one of them. Worse still, Felix was still at School, Head Boy and expected to be a role model. Admittedly he hadn't had much choice in this, and hadn't actually *smoked* the substance, but even so, Mike couldn't imagine it being particularly appreciated. He wasn't worried about his parents being angry. He wasn't even worried about his father being angry. It was his father *not* being angry that worried him the most, the thinly veiled contempt for Mike and self-loathing that hall-marked the major transgressions of that young man's life. His father not being angry was ten times worse than anything anyone else had ever thrown at him, and scared him more, because he knew his father could get angry. His mother too, for that matter, but the control... He and Phil worked until the three were standing by the car, and only then did Phil let them see how close they had been to oblivion. Silently he tied the towrope to the back of the car, and then looked for a convenient outcrop. They weren't so far from stable land, and it was then that they saw Reg peering over the edge and indicated that help would be required, scaring him more than a little by the fact that their hands were covered in blood.

 

#123:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 10:03 pm

GAH! Twas I. I didn't know this story was going in this direction, or I would have shoved Mike's name in the poll.

 

#124:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 10:26 pm

Poor Mike, to suffer contempt from his father. Crying or Very sad

 

#125:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 10:32 pm

by the time that Jack got to the scene, the school was still in general ignorance about the fate of the Maynards. Their teachers were somewhat relieved as it allowed them to drill words into their brains, instead of fighting continual Maynard fever. Joey was very quiet, sensing something was very wrong and unable entirely to resolve it. Her sixth sense took her through the rest of the morning, towards the beginning of much anticipated fencing match. It was only then that she realised that there was a major problem, or rather, that everyone else did.

 

#126:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 10:53 pm

Good to see Mike in a positive light - I hope Phil doesn't tell Jack about the illicit substances...

 

#127:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 5:00 pm

Nice to have a bit about the boys! It seems that Mike and Jack don't get on all that well - I hope we see more of this.

 

#128:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 8:40 pm

Joey didn't know how she got through the rest of the day. She'd wanted to collapse with relief when her boys came through the door, and had to force herself not to embarrass them by running over and hugging them (although it might have reduced their somewhat inflated egos a little) in front of the two schools. Cecilia was very distant, most of the day, and carried out her jobs with calm aplomb. She had a letter from Robin to read that evening, during her breaks, and she had saved it carefully, making sure not to open it. Jack had not been terribly impressed with the accident. It wasn't so much the smoking that he was bothered about, more that he thought it an abuse of hospitality. He had explained to Mike and Felix that he considered them guests in Switzerland, and it might be one thing for them to break the laws of their own country, but it was quite another to do so in a foreign land. He mentioned Cecilia's own skirmish with the police and the two young men were profoundly grateful to get away as they did. Felix was in no fit state to do any fencing for a few hours at least, and Jack decided the kindest thing to do was to blame the accident. Instead Felix got to watch his two best friends fencing with small tokens that betrayed for whom they were champions. Mike had joined in, taking on the winner in his brother's place before they'd made a mad dash for the beginning of the five-a-side tourney grabbing Geoff as they ran.

 

#129:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 10:01 pm

Shame we don't get descriptions of Felix fencing! Wink I fell sorry for Mike and Felix if they feel like guests in the country they grew up in.

 

#130:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 10:04 pm

Poor Felix, still it could have been worse! Laughing

 

#131:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 10:04 pm

Ally wrote:
Shame we don't get descriptions of Felix fencing! Wink I fell sorry for Mike and Felix if they feel like guests in the country they grew up in.
'them' includes Jack as well, because they don't have Swiss passports. Only Cecilia, Pippa and Geoff have dual nationality in Crax. And you may get something on Out-takes with fencing going on...

 

#132:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 10:23 pm

Felix was the family captain for the five-a-side, and had grabbed his siblings to make up the team, with Roddy to make up the numbers. Jack had pretended to sulk at being left out, before bringing out the San 'A' team, while Phil, also fully recovered from events, was leading out the San 'B' side. To everyone's surprise, a team appeared from the school, led by Kathie Ferrars and Nancy Wilmot, and including various members of staff, and announced their intention to join in. As there were only four, a few eyebrows were raised, until Joey came flying over, dressed in tennis whites and wearing training shoes 'borrowed' from Con. The boys groaned, but the school cheered at this, especially as there were three Villa Beata teams and numerous other parents, brothers and sisters to slot in. Altogether ten teams were formed, with a pool of 7 reservists available in case any of the San doctors were required urgently. The agreed format was that everyone would play five minutes each way against all the other sides on the four pitches that had been roughly marked. There would then be semi-finals and a Grand Final. The Sale was rapidly forgotten, which allowed those less interested in grown men sweating over a ball to tidy up the school, ready for the dancing displays later in the afternoon when it would be cooler. Cecilia had feigned disinterest, knowing full well that whichever team she supported it would invariably be wrong, and therefore had decided to cater to her fellow disinteresteds by running her stall. Those that followed suit did a fairly brisk trade, until the semi-finals were announced. To great surprise the CS team would be playing San 'A' and the Maynards would be playing Villa Beata 'C'. Even Cecilia and Felicity were expected to watch now, and gamely they trundled across the grounds, carrying refreshments for the players. Joey and Jack were eyeing each other across the pitch, open hostility evident. Felix came over to his twin, and filled the girls in on events of the afternoon. Joey had taken umbrage at some comment made by Jack, and now all hell was breaking loose, or rather, her braids had come undone and she had glittering eyes - something definitely to be avoided. Jack also had a look on his face that meant trouble, and the Maynards found the old Cricket Roller to sit on, in order to enjoy the spectacle.

 

#133:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 11:15 pm

*Enjoying the prospect of warring Maynards* I'm glad you're able to post more of this despite the computer problems, Angel.

 

#134:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2004 11:34 pm

Wehayyy! Jack verses Joey - and Joey with a gleam in her eye! Bet she cheats and wins! Laughing

 

#135:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 1:12 am

Quote:
Joey and Jack were eyeing each other across the pitch, open hostility evident. Felix came over to his twin, and filled the girls in on events of the afternoon. Joey had taken umbrage at some comment made by Jack, and now all hell was breaking loose, or rather, her braids had come undone and she had glittering eyes - something definitely to be avoided. Jack also had a look on his face that meant trouble, and the Maynards found the old Cricket Roller to sit on, in order to enjoy the spectacle.
Sounds like it good be good clean fun - not Twisted Evil

 

#136:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 2:59 am

Laughing Joey v Jack on the football pitch... what a wonderful image!

 

#137:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 9:44 am

Thank you, angel. Looking forward to the final! But Felix seems to have come off badly: he was only smoking passively, wasnt he? And how come Mike could fence when Felix couldn't?

 

#138:  Author: *Aletea*, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 10:21 am

Used to it?

 

#139:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 11:07 am

Definitely looking forward to the final!! Can't wait to see the tactics employed.

 

#140:  Author: *Aletea*, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 11:17 am

I can imagine dirtier tactics than the entire Argentine squad put together!

 

#141:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 10:36 pm

Ironic laughter greeted Madeline Carter as she took up the referee's whistle. "Now, I want a good clean game, and no repeats of your previous encounters." Jack and Joey didn't look at one another, as both had been sent off for various misdemeanours, usually involving the other. Both were playing centre positions, and it was Joey who had first pass this time. She sent it neatly across to Kathie Ferrars, who then passed to Nancy, but it was intercepted by Jack, and it was game on. Joey tackled him mercilessly, getting the ball away, and the first goal was conceded by the San team. The second, third and fourth, however, were conceded by the school, and it was starting to look as if they were facing a heavy defeat. The Maynards were markedly silent from their vantage point on the roller - on the one hand, their father had potential for nasty doses, on the other, their mother could inflict her fair share of dirty tricks. Come to think of it, so could they all. Mike, who being used to cannabis had recovered enough to fence well, was already contemplating a few events to liven up what would be a very interesting summer. He nudged Felix, who was inclined to be dozy from the five-a-side, and the family were pulled into full conclave for a planning session that went unnoticed by the Matriarch and Patriarch, engaged as they were in all-out (highly entertaining) war.

 

#142:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 10:40 pm

Excellent! Love that both Jack and Joey were sent off on previous occasions! Laughing

 

#143:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2004 10:54 pm

They were disturbed in this endeavour by the half-time whistle. Joey had pulled off two spectacular goals, determined not to be outdone by her husband, and the score was tied at three-all. Jack's face was thunderous, as he had been warned by the referee for ungentlemanly behaviour and 'un-English' conduct. The children laughed when they heard this, and decided that perhaps they should watch the second half. The men's strength began to tell. Most had played football in their youth, and although three of the CS team had been good, it had always been something played at home with brothers, rather than properly, although Nancy, who was the CS goalie, had been heard to suggest that having a football club might be a good idea, especially with interest in the upcoming World Cup. The school was transfixed by the sight of their most senior mistresses getting so messy that it didn't fully register that they'd lost 9-7 until a few minutes after the last whistle. Joey shook hands with Jack, a little grudgingly, even if she had got him sent off while she had stayed on the whole game. He scowled for a little and walked off with his team in a sulk, before turning round and picking up the tray of drinks that Felicity and Cecilia had laid out for the teams. He gallantly took it over to the ladies, which prompted a grin from the rest of them. Eager to patch up relations, he placed it on the ground and handed Joey her drink, before scooping her up in a hug and a kiss, to the approval of those around. The Maynards groaned a little, used as they were to occasional public displays of affection, and watched as the pair walked hand-in-hand towards their children to chat about the match.

 

#144:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 5:24 am

Awwwww! Laughing Thanks Angel!

 

#145:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 4:40 pm

Laughing The match was hilarious. Glad to see Jack and Joey making up at the end too *grins* I can imagine them being pretty annoying as parents though, you just don't like it when your parents do things like that in public. I'm now intrigued by the Maynard children's plotting... Thanks for those bits Angel!

 

#146:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 9:16 pm

I love that depiction of the Maynard family, thank you.

 

#147:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 10:07 pm

Cecilia and Felicity watched as Caterina Alessi hovered near the family group, looking very uncertain. Stephen caught her eye and grinned, and then remembered what his father had said, and excused himself from the group who were now plotting a summer of Maynard Mayhem. Cecilia's vicious streak was rising to the surface, and it could only be imagined by the others what she was plotting - and it didn't even come close to the heights she was ascending. Seeing Marianne and Reg stopped her short though, and she was very very quiet after that, leaving her siblings to start a tickling fight. Felicity ran inside to do something for her display, and Cecilia remembered the bookstall. It was only then that she remembered the tumble that their mother had taken that morning, and she was left wondering how on earth Joey had managed to play football after that bruising. She walked inside, determined to carefully check up on her mother. It didn't quite work like that, and Joey, by now feeling quite sore with the adrenaline wearing off, snapped more viciously at her daughter than she realised, ticking her off for fussing and 'interfering'. Stung, Cecilia went off, and joined Rebecca and the others for Kaffee and Kuchen, which had been brought forward a little, leaving Joey to fuss about the ball.

 

#148:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 10:56 pm

Poor Cecilia! Even when she's trying to be thoughtful she gets knocked back! A very realistic portrayal.

 

#149:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 10:58 pm

Yay! More story! shame it's about football... Crying or Very sad

 

#150:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 11:06 pm

Ann wrote:
Yay! More story! shame it's about football... Crying or Very sad
No football in the last bit!! And France is still in Very Happy. ----------- The Guest Band, named after the founder, Richard Guest, were warming up in the main marquee. They had scored three top ten hits since they'd been booked by Joey, and had promised to include cover versions of other popular hits, in their own inimitable style. The rehearsal turned into an impromptu concert for the younger girls who were unable to go to the Ball, and the young men really didn't know what to make of this international crowd of schoolgirls. One of them, Pieter Witterson, was heard later to comment that there were some good looking girls among them, and it was a pity that they were so prissy, something that had been shouted down by the others. They hadn't wanted to risk getting involved in the football, prefering to get set up and then take off walking up to the Rosleinalpe for a couple of hours in order to escape the screaming fans. It was in doing this that they encountered Caterina Alessi who was walking back alone from the small Poste on the Platz.

 

#151:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Jun 26, 2004 5:45 am

Just catching up here -- sounds like quite an event! (side-note: At first I thought the five-a-side was in fencing, and pictured them all running at each other with weapons Laughing .) (sorry - sports illiterate)

 

#152:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Jun 26, 2004 12:21 pm

Lovely Angel! I want to hug Cecilia though.

 

#153:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat Jun 26, 2004 1:08 pm

Tall and vampirish Pieter was the least visually attractive member of the Guest Band - German by birth he was principally tolerated by the record company because he could play the socks off anyone else on the guitar, and his singing voice was stunning, so much so that on records he would frequently lead the vocals, although Richard and Martin were usually the frontmen on tour. He liked it that way, as for most of the fans he was the mysterious one at the back, who would harmonise on ballads and rock the room with the more uptempo numbers. The drummer, Franck, was half-french which meant that their influences were cosmopolitan and their music had a different quality from that of their contemporaries. Generally though they preferred to stay mainstream for the commercial stuff, and do the stranger things in the intimate gigs they did in their free time as 'Witters On' in the pubs and clubs of London and Paris.Generally it was Richard and Martin that attracted the attention of the groupies, while Franck seemed to attract the attentions of the more discerning female, with his dark good looks and sexy accent. Pieter on the other hand could have any woman he wanted at five minutes notice and really didn't care for any of them. He was the youngest of the group, barely eighteen, and cared more about music than vanity, to the point of obsession. He wanted to study music once the band ended, take it seriously for life, not just for Christmas, and although doing a posh 'do' in Switzerland had a lot of appeal for his musical sensibilities, he would far rather have been back in London working on the solo album he'd decided to make, or the audition pieces for one of the music schools. Caterina Alessi however fascinated him - demure, Italian, intelligent and head-and-shoulders above anyone else, and he was determined to get to know her better, never mind some public schoolboy called Stephen Maynard.

 

#154:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Sat Jun 26, 2004 6:19 pm

Uh oh. If he knew anything about the Maynards and their talent for trouble he'd think twice about stealing Stephen's girl... Looking forward to the inevitable fun Twisted Evil

 

#155:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 26, 2004 6:52 pm

Ha! Go Steve, trying to steal your girl! Laughing Thanks for that Angel!

 

#156:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 10:47 pm

Stephen and the rest didn't see the school at large (including Cat) until the ball was about to begin. Following the evident disapprobation of Phil Graves towards her sons, Joey decided to make use of the free labour and kept them busy with just enough time for the family to get ready to go to the ball. The older ones walked across decorously, while Cecilia had gone harum-scarum to sort out her Cello to play during the meal. She would be eating during the Swing Band's set, and it had therefore been a toss-up as to who would go first. Joey was on her husband's arm, her hair in a chignon, and her make-up classical but understated. She wore a rich green Kimono, and she looked like a 'grown-up Snow White' according to Marie-Claire who had never seen the family all looking so grand. It was made of silk, and she had bought it during their oriental travels to a conference one summer. Jack was wearing a dinner jacket, in black tie, as was Stephen, Mike, Roddy and Felix. Felicity was wearing a geisha costume that she had copied from a book, complete with a black wig that she had borrowed, her dainty feet moving easily beneath the heavy clothes. They walked in, ready to greet the other guests, and moving among the lanterns and decorations that were scattered through the marquee. Chopsticks were provided at each table, and the kitchen staff had provided great bowls of rice to go with the dishes of fish, chicken and beef laid out on the tables before them. slowly guests came in, showing their tickets and being shown to their seats by the girls of St Mildreds and Villa Beata who had chosen to act as Waiting staff for the evening. The school had costumes from the Willow Pattern Sales and these were employed to great effect. Lanterns glittered outside in the twilight as the grounds were used to create the effect of a fairytale oriental land.

 

#157:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 9:30 pm

Dressed as she was in simple black and white, Cecilia stole the Maynard show. She was seated with the other string players, wholly focused on the quartet they were playing, her fingers lingering on the strings long enough to show the love she felt for every note. Intensity was written over her face as she communicated her world through a stick and horsehair. Her hair was swept back into a chignon also, her young face more beautiful than ever, and drawing admiring glances from the other guests at the ball as they drifted past in multi-lingual conversation, vaguely aware of the universal language that bound them together in that place. Pieces from the Mikado flowed alongside pieces from the orient, music that sounded oddly discordant sometimes, but blended among the evening's novelties seamlessly.

 

#158:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 6:53 am

Beautiful, thank you Angel.

 

#159:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 6:46 pm

Thank you Angel, it sounds like a heavenly ball. I liked the sound of Felicity's kimono too, all the Maynards dressed up to the nines Very Happy

 

#160:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 7:05 pm

I wish I was there...

 

#161:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 11:39 pm

I've had a couple of PMs, and have now created a Word version of the whole of Conqueror, plus a separate one with all the out-takes (including the 15-rated one) If you'd like a copy, please pm me with your e-mail address.

 

#162:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 01, 2004 10:00 pm

Exactly *how* did I get to 800 posts? *oops* Forgot to add more drabble* ------ Cat took her place beside Stephen at the boys' table, while Felicity was shown to her seat by Jean-Luc. Rebecca Martin sat with Roddy, while Felix had chosen to escort Amelie. Most folks had chosen to restrict the 'oriental' theme to accessories to go with simple evening dresses, although those still at school, not in possession of suitable frocks had availed themselves of the acting cupboard. Joey had made sure that those who wished to come and mertited a ticket had received one. Some girls could ill-afford the luxury of a ball-ticket and she had therefore slipped them into envelopes along with the morning post. A few of the American Girls, who had previously expressed regret at missing out on their High School Prom were now wondering if the Ball might be an annual event. Some of the St Mildreds Staff were thinking that it would make a suitable social occasion for their girls, and all in all Joey was the most popular she had been in a very long time. Mostly people were enjoying the spectable laid before them. Slowly Joey felt herself starting to relax, chattering easily to people at her table. Mostly they were connected to the San, notables from most of Switzerland, as well as their own doctors. She had decided to be 'Frau Doktor Maynard' rather than 'Josephine Bettany' for the occasion, relishing the chance to be among people who were unconnected with her usual life of teachin, motherhood and writing. She glanced across at her children, wondering if Cat would be able to maintain her dignity among people so close to her own age. That she was well-respected in the school was beyond doubt, but she... Sternly reminding herself that it was none of her business, Joey noted a slightly awkward demeanour, although Cat was now talking to Mike, and then turned to her neighbour and joined in the conversation. He asked her about her daily life. Rather than mention that she taught at the school, she expressed her interest in taking a degree. The gentleman, an older, Swiss doctor, expressed some concern, mentioning that it was not a good thing. To her right, Dr Rosomon disagreed, as did Daisy who had chosen to sit next to her husband. Next to Marianne, Jack watched the conversation with interest. Much was made of the shifts across Europe, and he maintained a level of detachment from it, significantly refusing to proffer an opinion when asked. The rest of the table had no such scruple, and the conversation became animated, clear lines drawn that had no obvious foundation. Jack busied himself with the main course as the Swing Band began their set. He also glanced at the boys, noting that Felix, who normally ate the least, was eating voraciously, on top of several large chunks of chocolate cake that seemed to have vanished that afternoon. Phil Graves had also noticed, and Jack judged that the queer look on his colleague's face meant there was far more to the story. He had arrived at the scene in time to haul the car up the slope, all the windows opened to allow the foils and gear to be removed. Shrugging, he turned back to the table, and saw that his wife was being drawn deeper into the argument she had inadvertantly started. Faces were getting heated, and he made an effort to listen, promptly wishing he'd heard more. "Next, you'll be saying that the Mass shouldn't be in Latin, and a woman should be at the altar." Having made such a ridiculous pronouncement, the table fell in with laughing at the Swiss Doctor, who had proved himself a wit in the discussion. Reg looked ready to do battle against the combined Anglican and Catholic might of the table, and Marianne rapidly changed the subject, sensing that perhaps starting the religious wars again was not a good idea, and turned them to the new novels, drawing Joey back in turn. Jack carried on watching, and saw as she flushed red, and forgot the thread of her conversation. She excused herself, flustered and awkward, and left the room to clean up. She returned at desert with some of the younger girls, and made a passing remark about being among girls more grown up than their fellow guests. Jack eyed her carefully, and was therefore surprised when she started slightly. Following her gaze, he picked up Cecilia, who had evidently used her mother's kohl, and, unused to it, had rubbed her eyes. Equally evident was that she had done so without her mother's permission, and sparks were starting to fly.

 

#163:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 1:06 am

Uh oh... not sure that was one of Cecilia's brightest plans! I'm wondering now if Jack is going to figure out what went on in the car, he does seem to be pretty on the spot there. Cecilia might not be the only Maynard child in trouble! Love the hints of the debates going on round the table, especially the last comment from the Swiss Doctor Laughing Thank you Angel

 

#164:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 7:52 am

Thanks for that, Angel!

 

#165:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 2:46 pm

Lots of gorgeous posts thank you Angel Very Happy Poor Cecilia she can never do anything right in her mothers eyes!

 

#166:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 5:27 pm

Cecilia realised what she had done and exited to their table, hastily looking for her handbag. She had been given the Kohl by Margot in honour of the ball, and had been very careful with it, the small glass bottle residing in her skirt pocket, beside a little brush. Excusing herself, she went to a different bathroom, letting herself in by a side door, and used the fourth form splashery instead of the main ball splashery. She fixed her make-up, and then sat down at the table, anxious to avoid her mother.

 

#167:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 11:01 pm

As dinner drew to a close, the string consort took to the stage again, playing some more upbeat arrangements of famous pieces, including some waltzes and a lively rendition of the pizzicato polka. Feet were tapping in the direction of the main stage now, and a few of the younger ones were ready to exit with a lot less decorum than up to now they had previously been exhibiting. Joey stood up, and tapped her glass. Briefly she thanked them for coming, and announced that the Guest Band had donated some of their fee to the San, which drew gasps and applause. Jack stared at Reg, knowing that only he could have pulled off the coup, to be met by a grin and a shrug, and Herr Doktor Maynard was none the wiser. Which was probably just as well. Some of the guests stayed at the tables to talk, while a space was cleared to make a smaller dancefloor, while the rest went through to the main stage, to be greeted by Richard Guest on vocals and Pieter Witterson on guitar. They began with covers of recent Elvis tracks, getting feet moving to rock'n'roll. Some of the VB boys took the hint, and started to try to outdo one another with the moves, swinging girls above their heads, and through their legs to the consternation and admiration of the rest of the guests. Some of the younger parents and older siblings decided that the whippersnappers should be shown how it was *really* done, and a full scale dance-off ensued, with a dazzling array of footwork, handwork and daring. The Guest Band played their recent top ten hits, album tracks and their new material, much to the appreciation of the room, which pumped them up still more - drum solos followed guitar solos, followed vocal gymnastics and even some sharp footwork. Cecilia was dancing with her brothers and Jean-Luc in her loose fitting trousers. She and Felicity were engaged in a pitched battle about who could dance to 'real' music better, and this rather amused Stephen. Cat was still slightly shy around him, although the awkwardness had faded. She didn't look at the band once, and seemed to vanish when the Swing Band took over for a set. Richard had come over to the Maynards and asked to dance with the two girls in turn, while Pieter sulked in the corner. He could be heard commenting that no one here really caught his eye, and that Richard and Franck were dancing with the two prettiest girls in the room. Cecilia let her voice carry back, suggesting that vampires were best off in the caves, rather than in civilised company, much to the general amusement of all concerned. She was to leave at eleven, along with the rest of the younger musicians, while a group of parents were to provide a jazz ensemble to mix with the Guest Band in the final sets. Seeing the time, she said her goodbyes and left the room to report to Matron. As she walked out of the door into the gardens, a voice caught her unawares. "And exactly where do you think you're going, Cecilia Maynard."

 

#168:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 11:18 pm

Oh! A mini cliff - wonderful! Laughing Thanks for both posts Angel - excellent!

 

#169:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 11:37 pm

Cecilia stumbled in surprise, and tumbled down the steps into the sunken garden, catching her head as everything faded to blackness. Inside the tent Cat and Stephen had been getting on well, although not as well as Felicity had expected. On paper Cat seemed such a good match for her elder brother, but she had been somewhat distracted. He still hadn't told her the whole story of the crash, promising that they would go outside and talk. He'd told her all that had happened, including the fear of dying, and smoking dope - something she heartily disapproved of, and said so - and was just reaching around to kiss her when he broke away into a run and a strange, frightened yelp. "That's my little sister."

 

#170:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 11:40 pm

Inside Jack was talking to Reg at a table, trying not to ask about the donation as Reg had made it perfectly clear that he wasn't going to tell. Jack had got to the point of wondering what the third disaster of the day was going to be - with Joey taking a tumble down the stairs, Stephen heading down a cliff, something else had to happen.Reg had laughed, suggesting that such thoughts were highly superstitious, and the two men joked about it, Jack wondering whether it had already happened, and that was what Reg was with-holding. Before Reg could reply, Cat had re-entered the tent, alone, and panic-stricken.

 

#171:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 7:31 am

And again! Thanks Angel! Nice that Steve could recognise Cecilia.

 

#172:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 12:02 pm

Lovely posts Angel, but whats happened to Cecilia!!!! Shocked

 

#173:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 2:55 pm

Meanwhile, Joey had got the shock of her life. Meaning to confront her wayward daughter, she had moved across the tent, only to overhear someone addressing her daughter, and then a yelp. Looking out she had seen Stephen disengage from Cat and come hurtling towards where she stood, veering at the last second towards the rock garden. He looked into the darkness - the little lamps had gone out now, and the routes away from the ball were clearly outlined, making it harder to see the dark patches. He didn't see his mother in the shadows inside the tent, and was only distracted by Cat's arrival. "What's happening?" "Cecilia." "How do you know?" "It's the little yelp she made - always does it when she's feeling guilty about something and gets caught. We heard it so often when she was little I could spot it a mile off." He laughed, and laced his hand through Cat's. "I'm just wondering what the hell she's gone and done now. He moved towards the rockery, and senses dulled a little by the hour and the day he found himself flying through the air for the second time that day, although this time without the convenient metal box around him.

 

#174:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 03, 2004 6:58 pm

Has he just tripped over Cecilia??? Thanks Angel!

 

#175:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Jul 04, 2004 4:03 pm

*Wibbles at thought of not knowing what happenms next for another week*

 

#176:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 12:52 pm

Argh! What has happened to Cecilia and Stephen??

 

#177:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 12:55 pm

"I said I'd get you back for Florence." The girl's voice was sinister, familiar, but Stephen couldn't place her at all. He spoke softly, with just the right amount of menace to scare the living daylights out of the girl who was standing over the corpse-like body of his little sister.

 

#178:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 1:40 pm

Oooh eerrr whats Stephen been up to?

 

#179:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 6:22 pm

*wibbles*

 

#180:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 6:31 pm

"Was I supposed to see this?" The girl looked up, and in the eery light of the dying torches he could see the white of her eyes. She backed away and seemed to disappear into thin air before any of the others arrived. Cecilia groaned a little, and Stephen bounded over to her, checking she was OK, and generally being her big brother as he had when she was small. A powerful light blinded them as Jack came down with Reg and Phil, ceding the situation to them, and only checking over his eldest son. Joey, already wound up with the ball, the fall and the accident seemed very white and overwrought, and it was Marianne and Helen that steered her towards the nurse's room, as quietly as possible so as to disturb neither the school nor the other guests.

 

#181:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 7:08 pm

Well thank heavens Stephen arrived just then. Do we know who the malicious girl is? What happened in Florence? Am I being forgetful or has that yet to be revealed? Very Happy

 

#182:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 7:48 pm

"Echoes everything Sarah just said!"

 

#183:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 8:15 pm

florence is mentioned a long way back as being the location for the incident at half-term Very Happy and we only get the gist. Let me see, is this deliberate.... Yes. ------ Term ended with Cecilia not much the worse for wear, Joey overcooked and everyone else chilled out after the ball, with ardent requests for the experience to be repeated. Joey had sworn she wouldn't be involved in any repeats, and had contented herself with resting. Nancy Wilmot had been unsure what to do about Cecilia's 'accident' - no one had fathomed the intent of the other girl, nor had anyone been aware of someone with a grudge. Time did not permit the interviewing of all the girls - some of whom had been whisked off before dawn to the railway by their parents to catch planes and boats and trains, before the incident was widely known. Cecilia herself was very quiet, and it took a couple of weeks before a letter from Charles really stirred things up.

 

#184:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 05, 2004 8:25 pm

thanks Lesley, Sarah, Ally, Caz, Cazx and Ann - it's nice to know that people do still care about this drabble. I think now is probably a good time to make an announcement - at some point in the next few posts, the narrative will split between a CBB-safe version, and a 'higher-rated' version - not in the sense of that out-take but in that there is a major plotline concerning abuse. If anyone has suggestions about how this can best be accommodated, in terms of posting and linking, then I would be glad to hear them. I'm a survivor myself, and I realise that for some people it can act as triggers while for others it can be cathartic to read stories. I have no plans for anything graphic, but I am trying to be considerate.

 

#185:  Author: *Aletea*, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 1:20 pm

Hmm, is there any wya that Liss can set up a filter? By the way, this is truly excellent, angel Smile

 

#186:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 2:00 pm

Angel, Liss is away at the moment, so please could you hold off with either posting that storyline or links to it till she gets back and can decide on the best way forward. That would be easier all round than having to move threads or links elsewhere, if that is what she decides, Thanks for posting.

 

#187:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 2:02 pm

I agree with Carolyn on this.

 

#188:  Author: *Aletea*, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 3:17 pm

Nothing stopping you putting it on LJ though - for those of us who can't wait!!

 

#189:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 9:42 pm

This is really wonderful angel! I have been reading it, I just don't get the time to comment.

 

#190:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 06, 2004 11:50 pm

OK, not a problem - it won't be on my main LJ either, but I will post links to it from there. Does that help solve the problem? In York, randomly...

 

#191:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 07, 2004 10:44 am

Thanks Angel, I think that will solve any problems for the moment.

 

#192:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 5:07 pm

Looking forward to what Charles hyas written!

 

#193:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 1:44 pm

Cecilia had been playing cards with Stephen, Roddy and Roger when the post had come. Stephen's call had been '7 no trumps' eliciting a groan from Roddy and Roger, and a grin from Cecilia. They were sitting at the small table under the big tree in the garden. Once they were certain that the older generation (Dick was in Switzerland) were safely diverted) they returned to their discussion. Margot had written a fwe days ago, mentioning that she had a date for her graduation and saying that she hoped the family could be together again. This had sparked a conversation about the last time they had all been together, at the lake in Italy for their parents Silver Wedding. Collectively the four faces had darkened at the memories - some of the wounds still hadn't healed. ( ... ). Uncomfortably Stephen led the first trick, and equally uncomfortably the others followed. Margot's letter to her siblings had also made mention of various things she hadn't told her parents - Charles was considering a vocation in the church and she wasn't happy aboyut it. He had changed to a Theology degree and 'made enquiries' at St Chad's as to the best way forward. During her last two years she had been based at the RVI in Newcastle and had consequently seen far more of Mike (to whom the joint letter had apparently been addressed) and Charles than any of the others. Having won six of the seven tricks required, Steve had called for a break and they'd sent Roddy inside for Lemonade. He came back reporting a letter from Charles which generated simultaneous, spontaneous winces from Stephen and Cecilia. "Sis, if you've got anything to get off your chest, I suggest doing it now, because Dad's not going to forgive anything of anyone once he's got his hands on that letter." "So the trip to Zurich will be off you think?" She paused and her voice changed. "You mean you think Charles would tell them in a letter?!" "You bet" Cecilia looked round and saw Mike and the two sets of twins coming outside, having finished their house chores. It was mike that had spoken, and he was still stood behind her. Steve grinned as Cecilia found herself being tickled by her most mischievous brother. The others laughed - that had been revenge for the 'dorm raiding' that had been going on for the last couple of weeks. Cecilia kicked out, and the table flipped over. She made a funny hopping motion - which was actually amusing because she was on her back at the time and she was clutching her stubbed toe. Steve grabbed a glass of water and chucked it over Mike. "Silly idiot, we were about to win that hand!" "Just as well you did then, Thanks Mike". Roddy and Roger were stood well back and fully enjoying the spectacle before deciding that any attempts of being decorous twenty-somethings could go to hell and once the breakables had been rescued it was an all out scrimmage on the grass. Felicity had disappeared inside with the tray, not keen to damage herself before summer school, and returned with the end of the hosepipe.

 

#194:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 2:14 pm

Thanks Angel, a really nice insert of family life, but with enough undertones to get you worried! Laughing

 

#195:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 2:19 pm

Its lovely to see the young Maynards together as a family, thanks Angel Is anyone else having problems posting at the moment???? I can't even post a problem Crying or Very sad

 

#196:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 2:34 pm

Turning the tap at the end, she let them experience the delights of the mountain water at full, icy, blast, not stopping until all the combatants had stopped and stood apart, scowling at her. "Well, it's what you do when Cats fight, so I thought it might work on you." Roger, now an accountant, and Roddy, training as a teacher, looked about as undignified as could be managed, Stephen not far behind. All three were in full line of sight as the older generation, accompanied by Cat Alessi, Biddy Courvoisier and numerous other Platzervolk. It was Biddy who rescued the situation - the others were laughing far too hard, although the laughter didn't quite meet Dick's eyes. "I suppose that's one way to keep cool and get the garden watered." The younger generation joined in the general laughter, Stephen doing his best to edge around the group so as to change into something respectable. He slipped into the kitchen garden and grabbed some dry shorts from the line. Looking round he decided to risk getting changed outside so that he could get back to the group. There was a dry-ish towel on the line so he grabbed that and dried his hair first, before stripping off his top and rubbing down. Glancing round he pulled his shorts and underpants off, and found himself being followed by gales of laughter. He pulled the dry shorts on, and then turned round to see Cat Alessi with mischief on her face. Since the Guest Band had left they had been getting on well, and he greeted her with an easy kiss, desperately wishing his blushes weren't so obvious. She smiled as he pulled away, and then spoke. "Perhaps it's just as well it was I and not your mother. I don't think she realises you've grown up *quite* so well." He blushed again, which had been the object of the exercise, and he wound his arm round her waist as they went back to the main garden. Felicity had been dunked in the water barrel by Felix and Mike, which had accounted for Stephen's not getting caught. Cecilia was standing on the edge of the group, shivering, Pippa having been ordered inside by their mother. She was still prone to worrying them all with bouts of serious illness, and given that she had spent two weeks in the valleys with friends Joey hadn't had the chance to check how she was doing, and consequently was more inclined to panic. Seeing the chance to chat to Cecilia, Stephen detached himself from Cat and propelled his troublesome singleton sister towards the washing line where he grabbed the other really large towel and wrapped it round her. Once her teeth stopped chattering, Cecilia got her voice back. "I'm sure that was deliberate, her keeping that hosepipe on me for longer than anyone else." Knowing Felicity's temper there was only one answer: "Probably - what did you do this time?" "Only borrowed her Rosin so I could do some Cello practice. And I forgot to put it back." Stephen laughed. "Go and grab some clothes, I want to talk to you, and this is the first I've seen of you in weeks." "Well, if Mamma will lump me with Pip and Geoff and pack us off for 3 weeks so she can spend time with you lot, then you won't see me." In response he mussed her hair. "Tell you what, I'll grab you a coffee to warm you up and we'll go and sit on the swing." She grinned and ran off, back to being a kid again while he went inside to grab a couple of mugs and explain to Cat and arrange to meet her for a picnic lunch. He hadn't had chance to talk to her about the incident at the Ball since Cecilia had come back the previous evening and he wasn't missing it now. Uncle Dick was busy with the others, and they wouldn't be missed before lunchtime.

 

#197:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 3:06 pm

*likes the Stephen moment*

 

#198:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 8:24 pm

She returned to the swing and he handed her a coffee. "Careful, don't spill it." "Stephen, I'm not four any more. I can hold a coffee cup and aim it at my mouth quite successfully, you know." He laughed and leaned back. "OK, Florence, Spill." She looked confused. "Didn't Ma tell you?" She shook her head. "How about you tell me what you remember from the end of the ball?"

 

#199:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 9:22 pm

Two excellent posts - thanks Angel!

 

#200:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 10:04 pm

Excellent work! Now write MORE! Razz ~LadyG

 

#201:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 5:37 am

This really is wonderful angel! I am looking forward to more Why? Because this is fantastic! and is the only reason I've come online today (and much of the last few weeks). And I desperately want to know whats going to happen next.

 

#202:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 7:32 pm

Your Ladyship: You read all of it, plus out-takes in a single afternoon. I suppose, if it's a single word you want: MORE. The question is: Why? Kelly - I can see your posts, even if no one else can Sad Have duplicated the post to see if can persuade it to work *scowls*
kelly wrote:
This really is wonderful angel! I am looking forward to more Why? Because this is fantastic! and is the only reason I've come online today (and much of the last few weeks). And I desperately want to know whats going to happen next.
---------------------------------------------- Cecilia looked at him. "Miss Wilmot said I had to be back in my dorm by 11:05, so I left at 11. I got to the edge of the sunken garden, and someone tapped me on the shoulder and spoke. I moved away. Next thing I know, you're lifting me up and next thing after that Marianne is checking me over. What's Florence got to do with it?" "Whoever it was said that this was a payback for Florence."

 

#203:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 12:22 pm

Cecilia sat very quietly, listening to the happy chattering of teeth in the main part of the garden. The swing was behind the kitchen garden, put there with the intention of moving it to the main garden, but the youngsters had found more use for it where it was and somehow it had never moved. Stephen looked at her. "Look, I know butting in is more in Le- sorry, Helena's or Mamma's line than mine, but what's been going on." "You know I'm going to Canada?" Stephen looked a little surprised. "Did they tell you why?" He shook his head, sat back and sipped his coffee.

 

#204:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 12:56 pm

"You know I've wanted to be a changeling? I always felt I was all Maynard on the outside and completely wrong on the inside. Always in the wrong sort of trouble - never like Margot or Mike or Len or Fliss - always stuck on the outside of the known universe and wanting to find my own world, instead of filling in the cracks in the established family paths?" Steve nodded - the number of times she'd been yanked back from all sorts of trouble were legion - and seldom the nice sort of naughtiness that would be indulged for long by the brevet relations with which they were surrounded. She had stopped talking, and suddenly broke away. "Cave. Ma" The two disappeared as easily as they usually did, and Joey found only the two mugs on the swing.

 

#205:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 5:00 pm

More would be great Very Happy And the site has just invented a whole new page... hmm

 

#206:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 6:55 pm

Thank you Angel!

 

#207:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 7:11 pm

Very interesting snippets, thanks Angel!

 

#208:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 7:38 pm

They watched from the tree-chalet that Mike and Felix had built the year that Felix had started at Villa Beata. Stephen grinned as their mother pointedly ignored the mugs, and didn't notice his long legs hanging out of the small chalet. "You were saying you didn't feel like you fitted. Sometimes I wonder if you were more like Dad as as kid - Ma says Mike, Felix and I take after him more, but Charles - he's as different as you in a way." Cecilia nodded, unconsciously loosing her hair, and letting it dry down her back. "So is this why you're going to Canada." "You know, I'd like to be somewhere that I'm not just another bloody Maynard - " she paused, realised how loud she was, and quietened down. "Fliss has the dancing, and you have your friends from school and university." "Well, you could always be the first Maynard to go to Cambridge." Stephen paused. "You know, I think there's a lot about Dad we don't know. I think you're more like him than even you realise. Con as well." He tucked his gangling figure into the treehouse, Con doing likewise, and almost overbalancing out. "How do you do that?" she muttered as he had to grab her to keep her in. "Look, I need to meet Cat soon." Cecilia pulled a soppy face at him, which earned her a punch on the arm. "Stop that, one of us is going to be out of this tree-Chalet and it's not going to be me."

 

#209:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 7:52 pm

"What about the pipsqueak?" "Well, she's the youngest, and so delicate and then Marie-Claire is an adoptee." They clambered down carefully. "They said if I got into trouble one more time I'd be expelled. But if I pulled myself together I could go to Canada." She turned to her brother. "Steve - I'm scared. I'm scared I'm going to do something so wrong and lose this trip that I'm going spare. I've not even told my friends properly about it. I keep praying to God to show me what to do and for someone who cares he's being pretty silent. And I want to smack him, and then I remember someone already did that." Steve smiled. His little sister could be so earnest at times, and he forget it to his detriment. "Don't smirk, it's not funny." "Sissy, calm it." He caught her in a brief hug, which cheered her up a bit. "Let me think about it, and I'll chat to you once I get back from seeing Cat." "Have fun, and make sure she knows her colour preferences." "Pardon." "I think Mamma's already planning the wedding..."

 

#210:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 7:58 pm

Laughing Love the last line! Thanks Angel!

 

#211:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 8:13 pm

(Note - this will be the last chapter of this section - I plan to start Part III of Conqueror (Of Horses and Chestnuts) with my 1000th post) I don't know where I get off on the long chapters though Smile Chapter Three - (Cracks) Joey watched her eldest son slip out of Freudesheim and sat down in the garden. She had in front of her the first letter from the University outlining the details of her course and seeing an unsought opportunity she took it. Fliss was doing barre work in her room. Phil and Geoff were upstairs, and Marie-Claire was with them. Mike and Cecil had gone to join Roger and Roddy, the plan being that the four of them would go out for a ramble on a shelf further along the railway and walk back in time for dinner. She'd given Mrs Myers a hand preparing the salads for the evening and then suggested that she should go to see her husband. Stacie was around the house somewhere, but generally they didn't see much of one another. She had her reading list and some notes, and pulling out her reading glasses Joey settled down to read.

 

#212:  Author: Matthew, Location: Birmingham, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 12:34 am

Another great drabble, especially the football match! Laughing It's drabbles like these that have brought me out into the open.

 

#213:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:47 am

I haven't commented for ages Angel, sorry, it's still just as brilliant though. I love the relationship between Cecilia and Stephen, it's nice to knwo there is someone in the family who really listens to her and seems to be supporting her. I've got everything crossed that she does get her trip to Canada too... you wouldn't be that mean to her... would you? Thank you for all the wonderful new bits!

 

#214:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 2:39 am

Thanks for all the updates, Angel. The Cecil-Stephen dynamics are excellent, and it's good to see Jo's still planning on her course.

 

#215:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 7:24 am

Thanks again Angel! Very Happy

 

#216:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 9:49 am

Thank you. Very Happy This really is fantastic.

 

#217:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 11:42 am

Thanks for the new bits Angel*Looking forward to Part III*

 

#218:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 12:04 pm

*intregued by the subtitle to Part 3*Thanks Angel, this continues to be wonderful.

 

#219:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 11:12 pm

Beside her she had the uncorrected galleys for her latest opus - an second anthology of fiction and verse that had been commissioned following the success of her first. It had come together far more easily than the first, having had the responses of teachers and parents alike to guide her. She eyed the galleys thoughtfully, then decided that she would do them later, keeping them for when she had less approving company. Which included her husband. She had resolved not to open the letter to both of them until the evening meal. It was strange how, as newlyweds, it had been breakfast that they spent together. Now, in middle age, they would spend their evenings drinking coffee after dinner. She heard a muffled sob, and went to investigate. First, she carefully covered her book, unwilling for anyone to see what she was doing, not at the moment. Jack of course would see when he went over the finances at some point, but it was nicely balanced against her spring royalty cheque, which she had saved for the purpose. She found Phil and Geoff in the Saal, Geoff being the subject for one of Phil's efforts. She seemed to be intent on noting the changes in her twin, document his growing up and away. He was happy to sit still, unlike his brothers in the steadiness that had accompanied a frail sister through a turbulent life. Felix was doing some fencing practice in another part of the garden, which he had set up for the purpose, apparently, and Joey, having taken a sufficient interest in her children, followed the sob to which they all seemed accustomed or at the very least oblivious. ----- I'm afraid that the subtitle to Pt III is at root the post appalling pun on Conqueror (Conkers, anyone??)

 

#220:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 5:07 am

Interesting, intrigued.

 

#221:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 8:49 pm

She found Felicity in the middle of her room, the music from Gisele winding down on the Dansette. She was curled into a spiral, from which emanated some sobs and occasional wails. Joey stood there, unsure of what to do. Normally when Felicity was upset she would channel all of that into her dancing. It was how she coped with life. Joey didn't know what to say to her when dancing itself was the problem. She considered finding some different music, but she wasn't so sure of the Dansette, and didn't want to risk breaking any of her daughter's precious collection. She could too well remember the last time. She stood there, willing her daughter to uncoil and to let herself cry properly, shaking herself mentally for not knowing what to do. For the first time she really saw Felicity as the adult she was, and she didn't like the feeling. Suddenly she was more remote than ever, unsuited to the usual family pursuits of reading and writing in times of stress. Music seemed to be aggravating... The record stopped, and still Felicity stayed still. Joey paused, and then began to sing the Red Sarafan, not as Robin had sung it, but with more emphasis to the beat, something that Felicity had learnt to dance to as a very small child. Felicity turned with anger in her eyes that put Joey off completely, so much so that her voice cracked on one of the top notes, which made her daughter utter a harsh, barking laugh. "You always sing that when you don't know what else to do." The sneer was channelling Cecil at her worst, and later Joey was to wonder if she'd been taking lessons. "I find it helps." "Why don't you just leave me alone." "Because I'd rather you didn't hurt your back when you're going to Summer School tomorrow." Joey was so taken aback by the aggression that she answered more abruptly than she intended. "Do you want help packing." "No, thank you. I wouldn't want to risk you falling in the packing case." Felicity snapped back, bending and stretching, as taut as a Cello String. "You may be seventeen, Young Lady, but that gives you no excuse to be rude to your mother whatsoever." "I wanted to be left alone. Dad." She added the name carelessly, in a tone that suggested that she couldn't care less that she happened to be related to him. "Then you should have said." He spoke calmly. "I suggest that you complete your exercises fully and we will see you in the study in an hour." She stood there frozen like a rabbit in the headlights. Jack strode across the waxed floor in his socks, and put on the recording of the Nutcracker which she used for exercises. Without saying a word he strode out, touching Joey's arm affectionately, and headed into the garden and up to their private garden.

 

#222:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:42 pm

A very interesting insight into Felicity, and also Joey's weaknesses. I felt sorry for her feeling so helpless.

 

#223:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:49 pm

:S So what's happened to poor Felicity to make ere so angry at her Mother? Definately intrigued (and more than a little worried)

 

#224:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:31 pm

Intriguing. Feel for Jo not able to respond.Good for Jack.

 

#225:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:42 pm

An hour later she walked down the study. Jack was already sitting down, and indicated that she should do the same. "Now then, young lady, I would like to make one thing perfectly clear: until you are of age, you do not speak to anyone like that, not least your mother, and while you are under my roof I do not ever want to hear either of us addressed in that manner. It is not acceptable, and is most unbecoming for a girl who is rapidly approaching her eighteenth birthday, much less my daughter. I do not know where you learnt such vulgar behaviour, nor do I want to, but if there is a repeat of it then I will seriously have to reconsider your attendance at Summer School, or your fitness to attend the Royal Ballet School. I do not wish to speak to you again before you leave, and you will apologise immediately to your mother." Felicity was white now, anger and fear consuming her. Seeing the prospect of her entire life was on the line she bit through her lip, the trickle of blood vibrant against her alabaster face. She turned away slightly, and he carried on as if he hadn't noticed. "Now go." She walked out, poised as ever, and Jack questioned whether his words had had any effect on her. He hadn't noticed the blood, he had been so scared that the red mist would fall over his eyes again. He had turned on the Dansette but had intended to smash it. Struggling to retain his composure he watched the space where she had stood, and then turned away and dropped his head in his hands. Joey had shown him Charles' letter, and the two had read it together. He wondered where he had gone wrong, neglecting that most of the time the family were happy, that the ties that bound them ran deeper and stronger than most would credit. He stared at the smiles in the photograph on the wall, and wondered if it was false, whether they were ever really that happy, wondered if Joey taking this course would only split them further, take them away from what they had always been. Things had changed so much.

 

#226:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 12:10 am

*shivers* Jack can hold onto his temper but it's still scary to read about him like that. Not sure that was at all helpful for poor Felicity really, in fact I have a feeling it pushed her just the wrong way.

 

#227:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 7:07 am

As bidden she didn't speak, simply placed an arm around the shoulders of her sobbing father, and held him tightly. He stood up and hugged her in return, shaking rather than crying, and apologised to her, over and over. She didn't respond, simply leaving the room when he was calmer, and leaving him more desolate than ever.

 

#228:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 7:20 am

First part, with Jack so angry - very disturbing, next snippet, with Felicity comforting her father - unexpected and lovely! Smile

Last edited by Lesley on Fri Jul 16, 2004 11:46 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#229:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 11:24 am

A lovely contrast between posts, Jack's struggles with his temper, make him seem more real than ever.

 

#230:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 4:49 pm

Joey watched her daughter come into the kitchen, and stopped singing. Felicity stood there, perched like a flamingo in her leotard and skirt, still wearing her tights and shoes. "I'm sorry." "Accepted." Joey closed the gap uncertainly, and hugged her daughter awkwardly. She wanted to say something, but knew that she was only half there, half with Jack in the study. "Dad's upset. Doesn't want to talk to me before I go. Then he was kind of sobbing. And he kept apologising, and I didn't know what to do." "Come and help with supper. There's some peppermint in the garden, if you'd like to cut some." Joey carried on laying out the salad, presenting it neatly. "What do you think of Pippa?" "Ma, you worry about her too much." "When you've sat through every one of a fortnight's darkness thinking that would be the last time you saw your child, then you can say that." Pippa had had meningitis four and a half years ago, and for two weeks after had drifted in an out of unconciousness, in an alarming state for all concerned. "I sat with her in the days when you were sleeping. So did Cecilia, so did Con, remember. That was when Len saw fit to tell us she was engaged." Joey nodded, wiping a tear away with an onion stained hand. Felicity walked into the garden and chopped the mint finely to make the tisane for her father.

 

#231:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 6:25 pm

Poor Pippa, but it doesn't quite seem that Joey has gotten over that time, even though others also suffered.

 

#232:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 8:13 pm

Is there some resentment re Len there -or am I reading too much into it?

 

#233:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 12:02 am

Echoing Lesley, looks like something between Felicity and Len, she sounded fairly cool. Then again after having that interview with Jack perhaps she's stillr ecovering from that.

 

#234:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 7:45 am

I'm wondering too . . . Looking forward to more.

 

#235:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 9:26 pm

I've given up guessing where Angel's concerned! And even when she gives hints they're no help Razz But the installments are worth waiting for.

 

#236:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 10:12 pm

Just doen a big 'catch up' Angel. I find this interesting, enjoyable and disturbing all at the same time. Well worth reading, thought provoking and very deep. *signed, 'a Fan*

 

#237:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 10:43 pm

For those wanting to catch up, there's going to be an hiatus for a few days. Got some more written on Saturday but I've got quite a lot to think about with the next bit. Thanks for all the kind words, and I might even be inclined to give out some clues. Alex - what's wrong with my clues?!? they're always perfectly accurate!

 

#238:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 12:26 am

your clues may be accurate!, but they are HARD!!!! Very Happy Very Happy At least *I* find them hard, but I'm not good at seeing the hints etc. 'Tis why, unfortunately I don't do well with anything to do with lateral thinking or anything of that sort! Sad Looking forward to more when you can write it. I can imagine there would be a lot to think about with writing this . . .

 

#239:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 3:31 pm

Angel PMed me extra clues one time and I still couldn't figure it out!

 

#240:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 6:01 pm

*eeebles* But I don't mean to be nasty or hard or... Sorry. Crying or Very sad

 

#241:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 10:43 pm

*hugs* You're not nasty at all, don't be sorry - hard clues are good! *nods* There are just some of us (like me) who need everything spelt out to them! Very Happy

 

#242:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 1:16 pm

So hurry up and spell! Very Happy

 

#243:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 10:02 pm

lol! (at first I thought I'd made a spelling mistake! *bangs head on desk*, talk about stupid! BTW, I do get it now)

 

#244:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 10:18 pm

Jack sat there in the study, glancing at the only trophy in the room, a medal for boxing that he won in his third year at Oxford. Joey didn't even know what is was for, just that every time that they had moved, he had refused point blank to throw it out. Beside him there was the peppermint tea that Felicity had left in silence. For something that had been intended as a punishment for her, it had resulted in punishing him still more deeply when she refused now to speak to him. THrough the house echoed her music as Fliss practiced again. There was laughter in the Sall as Pippa and Geoff worked, and the music of a couple in the early stages of love echoed from the conversation between Cat and Stephen. Dick was nowhere to be seen - he was propbably still with Stacie Benson talking about something. His interest in classics had been re-kindled from his universtity days. It helped that it was an elegant lady doing the talking, admittedly. It was a pity because Jack could have done with the company of an equal. The stresses of the last few months had taken their toll and long-buried emotions had been allowed to seep to the surface amongst the familial volcanic eruptions. Cecilia was to go to Berkshire for the penultimate weeks prior to her going to Canada. The family were going to Plas Gwyn for two weeks, allowing them to spend time with their English friends and relations, and the Joey and Jack would have a week there to themselves, while visits were returned. Mary Lou was expected to drop by as were those of their wards that weren't on the Platz. Adrienne would be there for a few days to ensure that all the tickets and passports were correct, and that they had everything that they needed. Jack couldn't look forward to it. He sipped his tea, all the while wanting to hurl something, sitting twisted, coiled in his chair. Social summers were hard - he was naturally a shy man - but this was threatening to over-whelm him. He longed for the baby days which had been so much less demanding - now he had to be a grown up with his eldest children. He frowned a little when he thought of Charles [...] and put the letter that was in his pocket on top of his correspondence case.[...] Joey watched him, unable to reach into his private hell, and then slipped away to their room returning with his rosary beads and his book of hours. The prayer was a simple one, and slowly the connection between them was restory - Joey didn't need her eyes to know her husband was troubled, and that that would not ease so soon, but she hoped that he would realise that the family were in it together.

 

#245:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 10:54 pm

For a shy man Joey's life must be awful, though at least he has her and the family with him as Joey thinks. He seems a very troubled man (especially with the extra bits on bunnyfarm but even just here). I love the idea of Dick with Stacie, a nice grown up romance for her Smile

 

#246:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 11:00 pm

How can we access the additional bits?

 

#247:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 11:16 pm

*feels much sympathy for Jack* Do we get to see Cecilia in Canada, or will the focus still be in Switzerland?

 

#248:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 11:16 pm

Ann, go here and it's the first post.

 

#249:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 11:51 pm

Thank you angel. *Also feels sorry for Jack* This is wonderfully written, you really get into the feelings and mood of the character/scene as you read.

 

#250:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 11:57 pm

Thanks Angel.

 

#251:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 7:12 pm

Chaos reigned the following morning. The whole family had decided to go with Felicity to Lausanne, or else to be dropped off at different points on the way there. Some of the elder ones were to make their own way back, while the younger ones - including Cecilia but not Felix - were to go with their parents. Fliss stood there in a blind panic, trying to remember what was on her list. It took her father to walk past her room once and realise what was going on - seeing the muted appeal in her eyes he knocked and walked in. She looked as if she had been crying and given the early hour that wasn't so surprising. Joey wasn't so much better - Jack had ordered her to see to breakfast and stop fussing about Cecilia, who at the last minute had decided to go and see a friend in Berne, which had necessitated a phone call to ensure that the young lady in question would be available. Lucy had come over from England for a brief holiday, and Cecilia was delighted to be able to show off 'her' country. Fliss looked panic stricken, chewing the scab on her lower lip. Jack swept across the floor and holding out his arms for a bear hug. She grinned and responded happily, the tension of the last twenty four hours forgotten. "You don't want to forget this?" He handed over a small frame with a picture of Gisela and Fliss in it. "I was looking for that!" "I took the liberty of borrowing it last night, and adjusting a frame to fit it." "How did you...?" "Because sometimes fathers have to be good for something."

 

#252:  Author: *Aletea*, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:03 pm

"Because sometimes fathers have to be good for something." That line has just made me cry! Poor Fliss, poor Jack....

 

#253:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:14 pm

Within five minutes the pair of them had packed her trunk, ballet bag and overnight case, and Jack had man-handled it down stairs, the two talking more easily than they had done in ages, Jack offering some salve for the bruise on her lip. Joey and the others breathed a sigh of relief as Jack wandered in, brandishing a plate with a request for 'a proper fry-up' - which Stephen and Mike duly provided him with. Felicity had grabbed herself some fruit from the basket on the sideboard, and sat munching happily. Cecilia, Felix and Mike were having a quiet waterfight with the dishcloths, while Pip rescued her father's breakfast as Stephen was altogether too distracted, looking out as he was for Cat, much to the general amusement of all when his diminutive sister pointed it out. Claire was also to go to the summer school, and she had been expertly packed by Felix and Geoff, who had decided that she was an easier proposition than Fliss to sort out. By seven the family, plus hangers-on had piled into the minibus, and Jack's fine baritone could be heard leading the singing of 'a hundred green bottles' which was a guaranteed way of getting the family going. He steered expertly down the mountain, passing through Interlaken with barely a glance. Stephen had sat himself between Cat and Cecilia at the back of the bus, and once Cat (not being a morning person and especially not in the holidays) had fallen asleep in his arms he turned his attention to Cecilia. "Now then. Florence. You've got a couple of hours, and with the singing, no one is going to notice. Spill."

 

#254:  Author: *Aletea*, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:28 pm

*intrigued*

 

#255:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:32 pm

Im glad Felicity and Jack made up. So are we finally going to find out a few things??

 

#256:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 9:10 pm

mmmmmm,maybe! *Lesley patiently waiting!*

 

#257:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 9:42 pm

"You know I've been in trouble all year?" "Ye-es. I think it's fair to say I've had the edited highlights of a somewhat eventful twelve months." Stephen eyed her quizzically, and she wriggled. Neither had noticed that Cat wasn't quite as asleep as she first appeared, and therefore it came as quite a shock when she added 'To say you've been in trouble is something of an understatement. Although to be fair, you've been good in my Chemistry lessons.' All this without hardly twitching. Stephen ruffled her hair, and Cecilia decided to carry on. "Well, I er haven't always been so good about owning up, and two of the girls in the other form decided that I needed to be reminded about honesty. The first time they refused to answer to get me out of trouble at school, when I hadn't done anything wrong." "And?" "And I got told off by Ma, and Miss Wilmot and Miss Ferrars. And Auntie Rob had a few words as well in her next letter. Ma told me off twice." Stephen raised his eyebrows. "You don't get it - she tells me off for being a student and then cos she's Mamma. Why should I have to be twice as good as everyone else?" Stephen grinned, Cecilia continued. "Well, owning up doesn't pay - I always got into twice as much trouble, so I stopped doing it all the time." "Just enough so they'd think you were fundamentally honest?" Stephen's voice was sharp, and still low enough that the singers didn't pay any attention to the back seat. "And don't wriggle - I don't find your bony hips to be good cushions." Cecilia subsided - her brother knew her too well. Sitting awkwardly still she continued. "Well, in Florence, two of the girls decided that they weren't going to speak to me. I'd been in lots of trouble by then, and they thought I wasn't fit to be a Chalet Girl, even though I'd been out of trouble for weeks and everyone had agreed it would be all right. The others joined in, and wouldn't tell me where we were supposed to be meeting. And then when I paused to do up my shoelaces, I stood up and found myself on my own." Stephen and Cat tensed as one. Cecilia continued, oblivious. "Well, it went from there. The final thing was that they arranged for Mme Courvoiser's purse to be found in my room. She'd been in there that evening, to see if I was all right after the man chased me through town earlier when I'd been on my own. She had dropped it in another room, and then the next day she asked me if she'd left it in mine. I said no, and then they found it there. I'd had more money than Auntie Biddy realised, although our other escort knew, and when I spent it, they suggested I'd stolen it." Stephen looked shocked - he hadn't realised she'd been quite so unpopular. "The other girls owned up immediately, that they'd moved the purse, but by then they'd decided to send me home. The other two girls were spoken to by Miss Wilmot, but otherwise I don't know what's going on. No one told me what happened after." "So why would they pay you back for Florence?" Stephen didn't have a clue, and said so, but Cat stirred. "I think I might have the answer."

 

#258:  Author: *Aletea*, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 9:45 pm

*begins chants* Blimey Angel, you're on form tonight!

 

#259:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 9:59 pm

Wow,don't think much of these other girls - hardly cs! Plus think Joey was being very unfair - should learn to separate the two beings - teacher and mum. Angel - definitely want to know all Cat has to say! Laughing

 

#260:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:01 pm

Those girls ARE very un-CS-like. Love the Stephen/Cecelia dynamic, but when do we get to see more of Stephen/Cat? I find them incrediibly intriguing. ~LadyG

 

#261:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:08 pm

Her Italian accent was more pronounced than usual due to her sleepy state, and she was careful to ensure that the singing was still continuing - they were onto 'Charlie was a Parachuter' by now, having gone through 'Farewell and Adieu' and other family favourites. "Have you any idea how much trouble you have caused this year? For your mother as a teacher, as well as for her as your mother? You have single-handedly disrupted more lessons than any other student, and have had more reports than anyone else. The worst of it is that you haven't - how do you say - seen fit to own up promptly. Now I know some of why, then I can understand, but you have caused much problems for your fellow students, and they have suffered because of your dishonesty." Cat paused, and Stephen watched his little sister's eyes grow enormous. "I didn't realise." Cat nodded, snuggling closer to Stephen, still ostensibly talking in her sleep. "Those girls had had enough. I know that the story is a long one, and that there were faults on both sides - nothing is so clearly cut as one would like, indeed the school would like. I would not like you to think so ill of your little sister..." "Trust me, my dear puss-cat, that I have known my naughty little sister all her life, and I am old enough to remember that she began creating havoc from her earliest days." Cecilia winced, at the epithet, and realised she was for it now. "In fact, perhaps I should fill you in...." However, this conversation was destined not to be concluded for some time to come due to ensuing events. ------------ You can blame Lesley for the cliff - that last one was added just cos she said she liked them....

 

#262:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:25 pm

I feel sorry for Cecilia that the others girls were so nasty to her, but Im glad she's hearing these things about her behaviour, and from someone she will listen to ~ rather than her mother! *Awaits the resolution of the cliff*

 

#263:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 11:33 pm

Bah. Cliffs. I don't care... much... *wibbles* Jack fixing the picture frame was perfect, just a little thing but enough to put him and Fliss back to being father and daughter Smile As for Cecilia, sounds like a very easy way to slip from generally good kid to terror. I can see how having Joey for a mother would put a lot of pressure on her, Joey complained abotu Madge being more on the spot with her but Cecilia seems to have felt it more. Thank you for all those wonderful bits.

 

#264:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 11:48 pm

Thanks Angel! Kiss

 

#265:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 11:58 pm

I've just caught up on those last three posts! Thank you angel!

 

#266:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 12:00 am

Thank you, Angel! *most pleased with the Jack/Fliss reconciliation, and enjoying the complexities of the other relationships* *EXTREMELY curious about the rest of the Florence story and its prequels* (and no doubt destined to dangle a while yet* *glad Cecil gets to go to Canada after all* *Charlie was a parachuter?*

 

#267:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 8:17 pm

Angel only has to make 9 more posts now....

 

#268:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 9:16 pm

It's just not happening at the moment, sorry folks. If this gather is anything like the last one I was at, then I'll curl up in the corner and write - calling out random questions at people for canon facts. I know what's going to happen, but it's just not flowing into the writing channels...

 

#269:  Author: Matthew, Location: Birmingham, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 9:21 pm

I thought you'd posted some more story! Not fair! Evil or Very Mad

 

#270:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 9:31 pm

*sighs* The song 'Charlie was a parachuter' is sung to the battle hymn of the republic. ----------------- The first thing was that Jack braked rather sharply to avoid a random chicken, which led to a general slide inside the minibus. Most of the family were jolted out of whichever reverie they were presently in, and the singing was quelled, much to the relief of the most musical member of the family. They'd made good progress - they were at the edge of the farm where the ballet school was located on the edge of Lausanne. Felicity grabbed her overnight bag, while Mike and Felix managed her bigger bags. She hugged all the family in turn, until she got to Cecilia, and then she paused. Cecilia looked down at her feet, still very subdued from what had been said to her on the journey, and impulsively Felicity grabbed her into a quick hug. Cecilia muttered in her ear a quick apology, which confused the young ballerina, and then Jack and Joey moved towards a poised young woman who introduced herself as the secretary of the school. The others stretched their legs, mindful that their parents would only be a few minutes at most. Stephen handed round the drinks, and Pippa handed round the glasses. Cecilia sipped her mint cordial quietly, still thinking about what had been said. As they drove up to Fribourg she contemplated the small bible that she had taken to carrying in her bag, and the book that her father had lent her during her suspension. She was lost to the rest of the family, not responding even to the offer of her favourite sandwiches (Stephen) or being threatened with having to eat the corned beef (Mike) until Pippa brought her out of it by handing her a glass of pineapple juice when she was expecting tea, and then laughing as she spluttered all over the van.

 

#271:  Author: Matthew, Location: Birmingham, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 9:36 pm

Thank you! Very Happy That's the first time I've been rude on a drabble and it worked immediately! Now, where next! Twisted Evil

 

#272:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 10:22 pm

Quote:
The first thing was that Jack braked rather sharply to avoid a random chicken,
LOL! That's still keeping me giggling Razz ~LadyG

 

#273:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 10:55 pm

Thanks for the little snippet, you make the Maynards become a real family.

 

#274:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 11:41 pm

Love the random chicken bit! Thanks Angel, like Mike's teasing!

 

#275:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 12:38 pm

This should probably be on out-takes.... At home Dick was trying to make Stacie some lunch, and cursing quietly that he'd forgotten all the culinary skills various Maynards and Bettanies had drilled into him. He managed in the end a very nice salad, much to the amusement of Stacie who had watched through the window from the garden, unbeknownst to Dick. Her back was hurting a little, and it was nice to have adult company as a distraction from it. Dick was proving an excellent conversationalist, although they could both be taciturn if they so chose - Dick brooding about Molly and Rix, and Stacie about what might have been. Generally though they were proving good for one another, and Dick was inclined to be less gruff when Stacie was about, and had been seen to smile once or twice. She carefully arranged herself so he wouldn't know that she'd been looking, and feigned exquisite surprise at the appearance of lunch, claiming that she had just been about to get some for herself. Dick had made them a pot of tea - in middle age Stacie was not a great fan of coffee, and for that matter neither was Dick. He had taken to preparing the Chai he had enjoyed so much in India, and in Stacie had found a willing convert, particularly in the heat of the summer days. They enjoyed the cheeses that Dick had raided from the fridge with the manner of a naughty schoolboy, along with some ham and the produce of the kitchen garden. Sipping the tea afterwards, Stacie asked about Madge and Jem, knowing that Dick was more likely to give her an untainted portrait of present events, with which Dick gladly obliged, a rare smile tinting his features away from the engulfing sadness.

 

#276:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 6:44 pm

Awww, that was lovely, Angel.

 

#277:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 7:30 pm

Dick must be quite a lot older than Stacie? But this is a very nice romantic interlude Angel.

 

#278:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 7:35 pm

Dick's the same age as Madge - so 12 years older than Joey, who is 2 or 3 years older than Stacie - 15 years, not such a difference as far as EBD is concerned!

 

#279:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:29 pm

Lovely. Thank you Angel.

 

#280:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 10:42 pm

Very Happy I love Dick and Stacie together, especially the comment about them being good for each other. It's nice to see a little bit of a romantic scene amidst all the rest. I love Fliss for hugging Cecila and Cecilia for apologising to her sister. Also for being totally distracted, her siblings attempts at snapping her out of it were very familiar too, sounds like loving brothers and sister to me. Thanks for those 2 bits.

 

#281:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 4:39 pm

Angel wrote:
... and the singing was quelled, much to the relief of the most musical member of the family.
LOL *beams joyfully at more drabble*

 

#282:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 4:53 pm

*beams too, but looks forward to more Very Happy * loving the random chicken!

 

#283:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 9:08 pm

eeeeeeeek - how did I get to 1000 so quickly!??! I really don't have an ETA on the next section now. I need to cover the next month, and then we'll pan out a bit and cover the next 5 years in 'Horses and Chestnuts'. Part IV (Fountains of Youth) will probably be more like 30 in its scope, taking us to the present day. And I think it's going to be about 100k in length. Which is one RCS novel - how the hell does Lesley write so much in such short timescales?!?! I've been going a month longer, and she's done twice as much... Story later this evening, I hope.

 

#284:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 9:53 pm

OH! angel, how can you. I have to have an early night tonight, having had a bad night last night with dreams that would baffle a psychiatrist! Having to attend the Job Centre in Keighley, Not being able to find my way out of Keighley (now there's a nightmare for you) and generally feeling like a wrung out dishcloth tonight! I love the intricacies of the family dynamics. I think I've said before, but it's worth repeating. You don't waste a word. It's superb, deep and despite what I have said above, it's well worth waiting till you feel the next post is right.

 

#285:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 10:56 pm

Angel wrote:
And I think it's going to be about 100k in length. Which is one RCS novel - how the hell does Lesley write so much in such short timescales?!?! I've been going a month longer, and she's done twice as much...
Because it is an obsession and I can't stop them telling the story! Shocked Laughing

 

#286:  Author: Matthew, Location: Birmingham, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 11:30 pm

Also, of course, Lesley is mad! Laughing

 

#287:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 11:35 pm

Matthew wrote:
Also, of course, Lesley is mad! Laughing
*Another one to place in RCS5.* Wink

 

#288:  Author: Matthew, Location: Birmingham, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 11:43 pm

I'll look forward to it! Laughing Whatever it is it's sure to be a laugh! Laughing

 

#289:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 12:21 pm

*starts making list of suggestions to pass onto Lesley about what she could do to Matthew!!!* Twisted Evil Twisted Evil (not that she needs any help thinking of evil things to do to people in RCS............)

 

#290:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 12:35 pm

"Madge and Jem are fine - was there a few weeks ago. Just before I came here, but then you knew that." Stacie grinned back, and Dick continued, his accent the queer mixture of South West and Indian that she found so entertaining. "Well, it was pukka. Stayed in the bungalow on their estate - the lodge I think they call it - and saw them most days. Madge seems well enough - although she still loves the school, I think she's moved on from it, and going back wasn't really the right thing to do. It was only the pressure from Joey that made her even think of doing it while Jem was away for so long, and the grandchildren were so small. Did I show you the piccies?" He reached into a pocket and drew out some small snaps of his great-nieces and nephews, and his own grandchildren, slightly crinkled and much loved. Stacie had seen them three times, and didn't have the heart to tell him so, instead enjoying them all over again, preferring vicarious parenthood to the real thing. "Jem's full of this idea of rotating his men round the various units - you know he's developing this cottage hospital idea. Doesn't want all his eggs in one basket. They're closing bits of papworth down, and he thinks that's bad news, people won't want to go away when they can get the drugs at the local chemist. I can see the point. Soil goes dry if you put one crop on it for too long." He puffed on his pipe and then carried on. "Jem's very much his own man, got a few ideas, and trusts young Maynard to implement them." Stacie all out laughed at this - Jack was barely 3 years younger than Dick and yet Dick treated her as an equal and his sister and brother-in-law as little more than kids at times. She sipped her Chai and let him carry on. "Madge - she's always been happier to let others be the show-pony at the gymkhana. She prefers the background, getting on with it, and knowing full well that there wouldn't be any school, or any home without her. Solid as ever, those two." He grinned, his adored twin very much in mind. "Did a good job with all our lasses, did Madge. Bride especially. A real credit, she is."

 

#291:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 2:30 pm

Its lovely to hear Dick's opinion of his sister, and to see that they are still so close, and that he appreciates everything she and Jem have done for his children. Thanks Angel.

 

#292:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 4:31 pm

Angel wrote:
"Madge - she's always been happier to let others be the show-pony at the gymkhana.
Such a good metaphor, and so right for Madge. It's good to see that even though Dick is now a grandfather, he's still got that boyish enthuasiasm he had as a young man.

 

#293:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 6:10 pm

I like this new mellow Stacie. I think the old one would not have humoured him about the photos. I also like seeing more of Dick. He was just a shadowy figure in letters most of the time and his link with Madge wasn't eally emphasised. It's interesting to hear how Jem is thinking Cottage Hospital and multi-tasking by rotating the doctors. Very up to date! And I love the metaphor for Madge - so apt. Great, Angel.

 

#294:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 6:11 pm

A lovely picture of Dick. So real. Thank you.

 

#295:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 7:10 pm

I love the part where you say that he has an Indian accent. after not only being born there, but also living there so many years he indeed would not have had a regular English accent, but it is so thorough of you to have thought of it!

 

#296:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 10:40 pm

I like hearing (well reading) Dick talking about his sisters, he's got Madge exactly Smile. Hearing how Jem's managing is interesting too, nice to see him adapting to the situation. "young Maynard" made me giggle madly though!

 

#297:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 10:05 pm

Angel wrote:
how the hell does Lesley write so much in such short timescales?!?!
We can harrass you in an RCS fashion if you wish, Angel: MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE Trying to ease you in gently!

 

#298:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 12:35 pm

It's been nearly a month *sobs* I hope there will be more soon Angel!

 

#299:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 11:15 pm

He took another puff on the pipe. "How's things been here. I mean really been. I heard all about young Cecil from every source imaginable. She's had a face like thoughtful thunder all summer long - what little I've seen of the lass. And there's something I can't quite figure between Joey and Jack - they've always had their ups and downs, but this..." He paused. Stacie had leant back and was steepling her fingers, trying to work out what the most diplomatic thing to say was. In former years she would not have been shy of expressing her opinion, but she was unsure where to begin, and what would be gossip in the eyes of this man. He seemed to read her mind. "Come on, Stacie-girl." The epithet made the forty-something woman blush vividly. "You're not one to hold your tongue when your two pennorth will fill the kitty. Now then, spit it out, and we can pretend it's tactful later." He gave his boyish grin, and somehow she caved. "It's this degree of Joey's. I don't know if it's a symptom or the cause, but it seems like what she has isn't enough. I'd be satisfied with half what she had." "The husband or the kids?" Catching each other's eyes they both realised what had been said, and lapsed into silence.

 

#300:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand PostPosted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 11:21 pm

Thank you Angel. I've really been missing this. Looking forward to more when you can write it.

 

#301:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 11:48 pm

Yay! Crax is back! Very Happy

 

#302:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 6:36 pm

Yay! It's good to see this is going again.

 

#303:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 7:52 pm

Ooh good! Thanks Angel Very Happy

 

#304:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 8:01 pm

Even Marie-Claire had gone to spend a few days at Paxwold with a Brownie Company from Yorkshire. The centre was quite new, and had all mod cons for the little girls, and Marie-Claire had been bouncing with excitement at being allowed to go. The week that they had so far been there had not been without incident, most notably various dinner parties at which members of the family had been present. They had gone to see Helena and found themselves met with a frosty reception, and one that didn't improve when they produced Cecilia. In fact Joey had later commented that it was as if their eldest couldn't wait to get her hands on Cecilia soon enough. Cecilia herself had been happy enough, as Helena had mentioned having invited Lucy round for afternoon tea, and then suggested that she wash and brush up before their guest arrived. They had dawdled into London, meeting Con, Mary-Lou and one or two other friends for an impromptu evening meal, and had found themselves whisked off to a promenade concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Con had asked about Len, and much was left unsaid by all concerned, leading to a great deal of contemplation, and not a little misunderstanding. Jack had retreated into himself, hearing more than he let on, and deciding that his best course of action was to talk to Jem and Dick when he had the chance...

 

#305:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 8:16 pm

Slight spreeing. Major apologies for the long delay in updating - I haven't forgotten about Crax, but it's not been as high up my priority list as sorting my life out has been. I have job interviews and holidays coming up, but should update reasonably often until the 20th, then I'll be off till October.

 

#306:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 8:17 pm

Excellent - glad more of thisis on offer! Thanks Angel- very intriguing.

 

#307:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 1:33 pm

Angel wrote:
Major apologies for the long delay in updating - I haven't forgotten about Crax, but it's not been as high up my priority list as sorting my life out has been. I have job interviews and holidays coming up, but should update reasonably often until the 20th, then I'll be off till October.
Angel, I've just spent the day reading all of your writing I can find. The single word I can say is WOW.

 

#308:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 1:37 pm

*blushes* I'm working on an original fiction project for NaNoWriMo, which has absorbed all my time away from fanfiction and the CBB. Crax hasn't been forgotten, but won't have anything done with it until New Year now. If you want to read my other stuff: Fiction Index has links to my major archives and individual pieces.

 

#309:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 2:27 pm

Thanks for the link. There does seem to be a problem with some of the links on the page though - even though I'm logged into LJ I get
Quote:
You are not authorized to view this page You might not have permission to view this directory or page using the credentials you supplied. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you believe you should be able to view this directory or page, please try to contact the Web site by using any e-mail address or phone number that may be listed on the www.livejournal.com home page. You can click Search to look for information on the Internet. HTTP Error 403 - Forbidden Internet Explorer

 

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


output generated using printer-friendly topic mod, All times are GMT + 1 Hour

Page 1 of 1

Powered by phpBB 2.0.6 © 2001,2002 phpBB Group