My Filthy Temper Part II Completed 25/2
Select messages from # through # FAQ
[/[Print]\]

The CBB -> St Agnes' House
#1: My Filthy Temper Part II Completed 25/2 Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 7:04 am
    —
I was inspired to continue JayB's story and she said it was okay by her so this one is for her!

Margot stumbled out of the room. She felt angry and humiliated and heartsick at Miss Wilmont’s words. Whatever Miss Wilmont said she would not go to her lesson with Miss Armitage. She just wanted to run away and cry.
‘Auntie Hilda would never have made me,’ she thought rebelliously.
Unfortunately for her plans Miss Dene was walking towards her. Miss Wilmont was worried Margot would not turn up to class with the way she was feeling and asked Miss Dene to ensure Margot went.
“Hello Margot,” she said, “don’t you have a class to go to?”
“Yes with Miss Armitage,” answered Margot unwillingly.
“Good, I’m walking that way,” and Margot had no choice but to fall in step with Miss Dene. Miss Dene never spoke to her the entire walk more from the fact she didn’t know what to say than anything else. Margot didn’t notice being busy with her own thoughts. Miss Dene’s heart ached more for her friend Joey than for Margot and it was then she understood why Hilda Annersley had never punished Margot too seriously, She was too close to Joey and that would always affect how she treated Margot. Nancy on the other hand wasn’t.
“In you go Margot,” she said gently when they arrived at the door of the classroom. Margot turned a miserable face to Miss Dene but Miss Dene merely waited for Margot to enter.
Margot had a bad time with Miss Armitage that lesson. Miss Armitage was singularly unimpressed by Margot’s poor preparation and performance. Her face grew darker as Margot stumbled through her lesson. She could understand that Margot would be upset by The Head’s decision but Margot was showing clearly that she had not prepared for the lesson at all.
“Margot,” she said at last, “this is a waste of my time coaching you like this. If you don’t have the maturity to come prepared for my lesson then I don’t see why I should give you an individual coaching like this.”
Margot’s temper rose at this and with all the emotion she was feeling and burst into tears.
“It’s not my fault,” she stormed, “Auntie Hilda wouldn’t have sent me here she would have given me time alone.”
“Margot,” said Miss Armitage with steel in her voice “I made allowances for your bad news however you cannot expect me to believe that this lesson today is the result of everything she said. You very clearly have not prepared for the lesson and I cannot believe you would lie about that and blame the Head.”

Last edited by Fiona Mc on Sun Feb 25, 2007 1:36 am; edited 21 times in total
#2:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 7:52 am
    —
Glad that the staff are finally standing up to Margot - she got away with far too much!
#3:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 10:21 am
    —
Excellent! Thanks for continuing this Fiona.

Margot really is behaving like a 5 year old!
#4:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 1:34 pm
    —
Worrying about upsetting Joey is a poor excuse for letting Margot get away with so much in the past. It won't do Margot any good in the long term. I'm glad Miss Wilmot acted as she did.
#5:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 2:59 pm
    —
It's great to see some more of this - I enjoyed seeing Margot properly dealt with! Thanks Fiona.
#6:  Author: JayB, Location: SE England PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 9:22 pm
    —
I'm glad someone has taken this up. I really like how Miss Armitage dealt with Margot.

(And if anyone else is inspired, I'm sure there are lots of different directions the story could take.)
#7:  Author: kimothy, Location: Glasgow PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 9:37 pm
    —
thanks fiona (and jayb!) i really enjoyed this first time round so second is good!!
#8:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 10:20 am
    —
Those words pulled Margot up short. Her face grew hot; she knew she had not prepared for the lesson. She also realized that no one was going to make any allowances for her at all and it started to hit home how far from grace she had fallen.
“Now,” continued Miss Armitage, “if you want to act in this immature and irresponsible way that’s up to you, but if you do then I will treat you as such so for the next lesson I fully expect that you prepare thoroughly for this lesson and for the next. If you don’t, I will discuss with Miss Wilmont about ceasing these private coaching.”
“Yes Miss Amitage,” replied Margot unwillingly.
Miss Armitage looked at Margot expectantly. She fully expected an apology from Margot. Margot bit her lip, she knew she should apologize,
“I’m sorry I wasn’t prepared for the lesson,” she continued unsteadily and burst into tears afresh. “If only I had then I wouldn’t have lost my temper the way I did,” she sobbed.
“Margot,” said Miss Armitage kindly, “I know you’re finding this hard, but this is also your chance to show us who really are. Are you a spoilt baby who loses her temper and still expects to get her own way or do you have a finer character than that and will show everyone how sorry you are and willing to make amends. Now I would think there are a few ways you can show us that in the next few weeks. What do you think you could do? I want you to start thinking about it.”
Margot looked at Miss Armitage “I could show the new Games Prefect my support,” she said with tears in her voice.
“That’s a start,” said Miss Armitage, “What else?”
“I could apologize to the girls involved,” said Margot in a low voice, with her head hanging. Ever since babyhood Margot had hated saying she was sorry for anything.
“I think that would the best thing you could do,” said Miss Armitage briskly. “It takes a courageous person to apologize especially in your position.”
Margot lifted her head. “Do you think I could do it now?” she asked, “before the Head tells everyone I’m no longer Games Prefect.”
“I think that could be arranged,” replied Miss Armitage heartily. “Now why don’t you sponge your face and just before break we will see the girls involved.”
#9:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 11:23 am
    —
Glad she's going to apologise.
#10:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 11:44 am
    —
Thganks, Fiona. It's good to see the staff are supporting Nancy and really dealing with Margot.
#11:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 12:50 pm
    —
Miss Armitage did well there too, glad all the Staff are supporting the decision.



Thanks Fiona
#12:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 1:43 pm
    —
Good for Margot. It's not going to be easy for her, but I hope she can make the best of this and come out a stronger, nicer person.
#13:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:05 pm
    —
She's definitely got the strength to deal with this, if she wants to. Thanks Fiona.
#14:  Author: RroseSelavy, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 5:49 pm
    —
Miss Armitage was fantastic there. Thanks, Fiona!
#15:  Author: Smile :), Location: Location? What's a location? PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 6:54 pm
    —
Miss Armitage was great.

I'm glad she's realised she needs to apologize.

Thanks Fiona, this is great.
#16:  Author: Sandra, Location: Oxfordshire PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 7:07 pm
    —
Margot really seems to have woken up to her behaviour. It's good to see as EBD let her get away with murder.
#17:  Author: JustJen, Location: waiting for spring training PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 7:21 pm
    —
Oh thank you for writing more of this Fiona,.Hopefully some good will come out of all of this.
#18:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 11:45 pm
    —
This is just what Margot needs - to be made to do what she should and have to face the consequences if she doesn't. Nancy and Miss Armitage have certainly got it right!
#19:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:50 am
    —
Well done Miss Armitage! I think between them, Nancy and Davida have achieved Hilda's "justice with mercy" aim.
#20:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sun Jan 21, 2007 7:34 am
    —
At the end of their lesson just as the break bell rang the Fifth formers were stunned when Margot walked into their classroom with Joan Dancey trailing after her. Margot spoke to Miss Charlesworth and asked permission to speak to everyone. Margot stood in front of everyone and bravely looked them in the eye.
“I just wanted to apologize to you all for the way I treated you during your Hockey coaching especially to you Evelyn. I –I-I,” she stammered before continuing, “My behaviour was bullying at that wasn’t fair to you. I’m also sorry for not listening to you Joan when you tried to stop me,” said Margot swinging around to Joan. “It was wrong and I’m sorry. The Head has said I’m not fit to be Games Prefect and she’s right.”
The Fifth formers sat stunned. No one had expected Margot to apologize or be demoted. Everyone looked at Evelyn wondering what she would say. Evelyn looked at Margot, part of her was glad Margot was no longer Games Prefect and yet another part of her could appreciate how difficult it was for Margot to apologize and in front of everyone.
“Apology accepted,” she said quietly. Joan Dancey was stunned by Margot’s news. Miss Charleworth interrupted, “Thank you Margot.” Margot trailed out and dashed off to be on her own. She did feel a lot better for it.
“Now girls,” continued Miss Charlesworth after she left, “I think you should go get your milk and biscuits. I also think you should not speak of Margot demotion as Games Prefect until the Head announces it to the school.”
The girls murmured their assent, they could not wait to be able to discuss the situation.
Miss Charlesworth had felt stunned not just by Margot's apology but also by her announcement that she had been demoted. She could scarcely believe that Margot herself had told the form about her demotion. She couldn't help but feel a little impressed by Margot's behaviour,
'Maybe Nancy is right; this could help Margot turn around far better than anything else has so far,' she thought
#21:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jan 21, 2007 9:15 am
    —
That must've been horrible for Margot, but maybe it'll do her good.
#22:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 21, 2007 10:17 am
    —
Well done Margot - that can't have been easy.


Thanks Fiona.
#23:  Author: kimothy, Location: Glasgow PostPosted: Sun Jan 21, 2007 10:40 am
    —
that shows a stronger side to margots character than we ever got to see in the books, thanks fiona
#24:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun Jan 21, 2007 11:04 pm
    —
Brave of her to tell the girls herself. And at last she's taking responsibility for her own actions. It could, indeed, do her more good than anything else has.
#25:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 21, 2007 11:08 pm
    —
It makes one wonder how much different the triplets would have been had they not been at the CS, or at least the Swiss branch, with Joey next door & the close relationship the staff have with Joey.
#26:  Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 11:25 am
    —
This makes me think that the close relationship between Joey and school was good for her but oh so bad for her girls. But what else could EBD have done, she was her heroine after all.
#27:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 1:21 pm
    —
That was very brave of Margot. I think this will do her more good than anything else.
#28:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 4:53 am
    —
Meanwhile, Miss Armitage had gone to see Nancy Wilmont during break.
“Hello Davida what can I do for?” asked Nancy with a smile.
“I’ve come to see you about Margot,” said Davida Armitage plunging in to what she had to say before she lost her nerve.
Nancy’s smile disappeared, “What about her?” asked Nancy guardedly, “She didn’t cause you any problems did she?”
“She wasn’t prepared for the lesson,” admitted Davida, “but I think that will be better after what I said to her or else I will no longer give her private coaching as I have been doing.”
“I don’t think anyone could fault that,” said Nancy quickly, “then what seems to be the problem?”
“It’s about her demotion,” answered Davida looking at Nancy steadily, “I am just wondering if it really is the best thing for Margot to be present when you announce it to the school that she is no longer Games Prefect.”
Nancy sat back in her chair surprised. She had half expected Davida to intervene on Margot’s behalf and ask for that to be rescinded.
“I think Margot has been given far too much leniency over the years and that has neither been fair to her or the school,” Nancy started slowly.
Davida looked thoughtful. “I know when Diana Skelton wrecked Bride Bettanys’ study she was not asked to be present when her punishment was explained to the rest of the school.” said Davida, “she was in solitary for a week. Her behaviour showed that she was not fit to be amongst everyone else.”
Nancy looked stunned. I didn’t want to do that with Margot because I think it’s important that she faces the girls, not hides from them,” said Nancy slowly, “I am hoping she will apologise to the girls involved at the Hockey game off her own bat.”
“Margot is doing that as we speak,” said Davida quickly. “She realized it was something she should do to make amends.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” said Nancy with relief. “I know Margot has it in her to be a better person than what she’s often shown. I just hope she starts showing us her better side and not just be Margot, the bad tempered one.” She fell silent for awhile. “I just don’t know how I’m going to tell Joey,” she said at last, she won’t take it well.”
“We usually inform the parents via the reports,” pointed out Davida sensibly. “So why should Margot be any different? If she wants to let her Mother know then she may.”
Nancy considered Davida’s suggestion. “That’s not a bad idea,” she said, “It’s woth thinking about and I don’t want to give Margot or Joey special consideration as it’s not fair to anyone else.”
Davida nodded. “I think she may tell her Mother herself. She, Len and Con usually do,” she said.
Nancy agreed, “they do.”
“Davida,” she asked, “would you mind having lunch with Margot away from everyone else? I would like to break the news to everyone after Mitagessen and it probably would be easier if Margot wasn’t present at that.”
Davida nodded “I can do that,” she said.
“Have you told Hilda Annersley?” she asked changing the subject completely.
Nancy nodded. “I spoke to her last night,” she said simply. “Hilda was supportive and said there was little else I could do in the circumstances; that we couldn’t have a Prefect bullying the younger girls. She was disappointed in Margot. She’s had so many chances to make good.”
“Nancy,” said Davida gently, “I think Margot might this time. She certainly has made a good start.”
“I hope so,” said Nancy with a sigh, “But she usually does make a good start, it whether or not she can keep it up. However, I can’t see Margot ever being Games Prefect again. She may be allowed to be a prefect but I doubt the school could ever trust her in that position, unless she changed so drastically. Thanks Davida for everything you've been a huge support and help.”
“You’re welcome,” said Davida with a smile and took her leave.
#29:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 5:19 am
    —
Glad Hilda has been supportive. Davida Armitage was very good there - especially in talking Nancy round about Margot not being there.


Looking forward to seeing how Joey takes this.


Thanks Fiona.
#30:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 7:50 am
    —
I hope Joey doesn't start barging round having a go at Nancy or saying she'll take it up with Hilda. Hopefully she'll have the sense not to interfere.
#31:  Author: alicat, Location: Wiltshire PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 8:46 am
    —
Not sure if Joey can manage to be detached about this. After all she is the spirit of the school!

And it is very hard for a parent not to go charging in when they feel their darling has been unfairly treated - it will be very interesting to see how honest Margot manages to be with her mother. and lawdy lawdy, what IS Jack going to do???? per haps its a good thing for margot she is at school, he can't send her to bed for a week then.
#32:  Author: Joan the Dwarf, Location: Er, where am I? PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:58 am
    —
Well, during the Lucerne incident, Joey did say that she never interfered with the school's punishments - so maybe she'll remember that! I'm also trying to remember if she was ever told about the bookend-throwing (if not, precedent there for not telling her)...
#33:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 1:25 pm
    —
I too hope Joey keeps out of it and realises that this is what's best for Margot.
#34:  Author: JayB, Location: SE England PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 1:54 pm
    —
Joan the Dwarf wrote:
Well, during the Lucerne incident, Joey did say that she never interfered with the school's punishments - so maybe she'll remember that! I'm also trying to remember if she was ever told about the bookend-throwing (if not, precedent there for not telling her)...

She wasn't told all the details of the Theodora affair, so there's certainly precedent for not telling her everything.

Margot's doing well so far. It will be interesting to see how she copes when she has to face the whole school.
#35:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:21 pm
    —
Being de-Prefected can't be hidden, though, and I'd be a bit shirty myself if I only heard about it via a report. I think they have to tell Jo - and hope she copes as well as Margot is doing.
I wonder if Hilda Annersley feels she got it wrong??
#36:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:55 pm
    —
Nancy dreaded the announcement she was going to have to make at Mitagessen. She knew that Con and Len would find it hard, Len in particular. Nancy sighed. It was not going to be easy. Nancy thought for a moment and rang her bell. When a maid arrived, she asked her to find Primrose Trevaose and Ruey Richardson and send them to the study. The two girls arrived wondering what it was about.
“Primrose, Ruey,” began Nancy quietly, “I would like you both to know that I have asked Margot Maynard to step down as one of our Prefects. Her behaviour on the Hockey field was bullying and as a result we do not think she is fit to be a Prefect.” Both Primrose and Ruey looked shocked.
“Therefore,” continued Nancy, “We are short a Games Prefect so Primrose as Second Games Prefect you will be promoted to Games Prefect and Ruey you will be her second.”
Ruey characteristically broke in first “But Miss Wilmont I can’t,” she said. “I couldn’t do that to Margot.”
“Ruey,” said Nancy gently. “Margot bought it on herself. I have to look at what is best for the school. If you don’t feel you would be good at the job then perhaps we will consider it but we need someone strong enough to stand up when people are aren’t being fair to others.”
Ruey looked and felt stunned. Part of her could understand what the Head was saying but another part felt awful. How could she face Margot. Aunt Joey had been so good to her. She owed the family a lot.
“All right,” she said at last.
Nancy nodded. “Primrose, what about you?”
“I would be happy to be Games Prefect,” she said sturdily.
“Thank you girls. I will make the announcement at Mittagessen. I would appreciate it if you don’t speak of it until I announce it to the rest of the school at Mitagesson,” said Nancy.
“Excuse Miss Wilmont?” asked Ruey struck by a sudden thought, “Is this promotion likely to be permanent?”
Nancy was in a quandary; as far as she was concerned it was but Hilda Annersley could very well revert the situation back to what it was if she wanted to.
“Unless Margot shows definite signs of improvement,” she said at last, “I doubt she will ever be reinstated as Games Prefect, however she may become a prefect again. It will depend a lot on her behaviour and what Miss Annersley decides. I’m sorry I can’t be clearer than that.”
“I understand,” said Ruey quietly and the girls left for their classes. Ruey felt at sea. Part of her was thrilled with her promotion but another part of her felt awful for Margot. Margot was almost like a sister to her! What was she going to say?
#37:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:15 am
    —
Very difficult situation - yet, as Nancy said, Margot did bring it upon herself.


Thanks Fiona.
#38:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 7:45 am
    —
Very awkward for Ruey, but it was Margot's own fault.
#39:  Author: JayB, Location: SE England PostPosted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 10:03 am
    —
Ruey really should have been Games Prefect after Margot, but in the circumstances it's just as well that she wasn't. It would have been very difficult for her.
#40:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 1:27 pm
    —
That's a tough situation for poor Ruey.
#41:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 7:49 pm
    —
JayB wrote:
Ruey really should have been Games Prefect after Margot, but in the circumstances it's just as well that she wasn't. It would have been very difficult for her.


I had actually thought of promoting Ruey until I read that Primrose was the Second Games Prefect and thought it would be unfair not to promote her to Games Prefect. It certainly would have made for a couple of uinteresting story lines, but I kind of like staying relatively true to the books

Len and Con noticed Ruey looking upset when she arrived to their English class. Len asked her after class if she was all right. Ruey gave a weak smile.
“I can’t talk about it yet. The Head has given me some news that has been a bit of a shock.”
‘Oh I hope it’s not what I think it is. I guess Margot really is being demoted,’ thought Len with dismay even while she murmured a response to Ruey. Len excused herself and went to look for Con.
“Con?” she asked, “can I talk with you for a moment.”
Con simply nodded and excused herself from the group she was with. Primrose was part of that group and eyed Len speculatively. She wondered if Len had guessed at hers and Rueys unexpected promotion. Con looked grave as she walked into the dinning room. Len had just murmured to her that she thought Ruey had been promoted to Margot’s job as Games Prefect. In her heart of hearts Con could understand why Margot had lost her position but a part of her was filled with dismay for her sister. Len on the other hand looked frankly worried.
“Len,” hissed Con, “relax will you you’ll upset everyone looking like that. You know Margot’s behaviour wasn’t what you’d expect from a prefect and Margot has to live with that.”
Len nodded and tried to relax. She busied herself with her duties and fortunately was kept busy. It wasn’t until the end of Mitagessen that the school was told. Nancy rang the bell for everyone’s attention.
“Girls,” she said, “I have some news. It is with regret that I must inform you that Margot Maynard will no longer be our Games Prefect. Her behaviour has shown us she is unsuitable for this position. Primrose Trevaose will be our new Games Prefect and Ruey Richardson will be her second. Margot lost her temper while running a coaching session and became rather bullying in her manner. This will not be tolerated from anyone,” said Nancy gravely as gasps went around the room at her announcement. “Margot is genuinely sorry about her actions and apologized to those concerned and I hope you will all help her to put this behind her; that is all girls.” There was a buzz of conversation at the announcement and everyone looked at Len and Con to see what their reactions were. Both girls held their heads high and in Con’s case she looked at Ruey who was sitting at her table and said quietly, “Congratulations Ruey. I can’t think of two girls who deserve it more.”
“Thanks,” said Ruey who was greatly wondering what Margot’s reaction would be to her promotion.
#42:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 8:40 pm
    —
I'm hoping Margot'll be nice about it. It's hardly Ruey's fault that any of this has happened.
#43:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 9:49 pm
    —
Hmmm, wonder if telling everyone the reason why Margot was asked to resign is such a good idea?

Glad Con, at least, can talk some sense into Len.


Thanks Fiona
#44:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 12:53 pm
    —
Lesley wrote:
Hmmm, wonder if telling everyone the reason why Margot was asked to resign is such a good idea?

My immediate reaction as well, Lesley.

Thanks, Fiona
#45:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 2:56 am
    —
At least it will stop speculation on the subject - although it might make things harder for Margot.

How hard for Ruey, though.
#46:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 5:11 am
    —
I really think this will do the trick with Margot; such humiliation will make her a much better person. I'd like to hear how Jo took the news, though!

Thanks Fiona.
#47:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 1:31 pm
    —
I've just read this from the beginning - and now I want MORE!

Thanks, Fiona Very Happy
#48:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 1:48 pm
    —
I thought that was rather more information than the school at large needed to know.

Hope Margot is ok with Ruey. Any chance of some more?
#49:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 7:28 am
    —
It was a difficult afternoon for all three triplets. Margot had so many looks directed her way and conversations tended to stop as she drew near. She went to the Prefects room after school that day to collect her things and conversation stopped as she entered the room.
“I’ve come to collect my things,” she said quietly.
“Certainly,” replied Carmela Walther.
Both Primrose and Ruey were sitting at the table discussing how to divide their duties and stopped talking feeling awkward. Margot saw them both and guessed at what they were feeling. She was genuinely fond of Ruey and cared for her like a sister. “Primrose, Ruey,” she said quietly, “Congratulations. I know you will do a better job than I did.”
“Thanks,” said both girls in unison relieved at Margot’s words. Primrose wondered if Margot would be so generous as the term progressed and she had lived with the demotion longer.
Len felt her sister’s humiliation keenly. Part of her could not believe Nancy’s decision and yet another part of her had to acknowledge Margot’s behaviour so clearly showed her to be unsuitable for Prefectship. Out of all three Con was the most serene, unlike Len Con tended to see Margot’s faults more clearly and realized the Heads decision had been warranted and refused to worry about it. Afterwards Margot admitted she could not have gotton through those days without her sisters support. She found it extremely difficult to become an ordinary part of the school. She wasn’t sought out as much by people and closest friends were all prefects and they were usually busy with their duties or spent most their free time in the Prefects room. Although Margot liked most of the girls who weren’t prefects the only one she really knew was Prudence Dawbarn and it had been years since she and Prudence had spent a lot of time together. Most of the girls in the Sixth who weren’t prefects had their own groups of friends and although they were friendly towards Margot and felt sorry for her, it wasn’t the same thing. From her earliest days Margot had loved being the centre of attention and being looked up to and now she wasn’t. And despite the support from all the girls she felt incredibly lonely.
#50:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 8:09 am
    —
Very difficult for her - especially as everyone knows why she's in that position. Good of her to speak with Ruey and Primrose - I wonder if Primrose particularly will be of help - after all her twin is not a Prefect?

Interesting that Con can accept it better than Len. Are we to see Jeoy's reaction please?

Thanks Fiona.
#51:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:25 am
    —
Feel a bit sorry for her there. She never seemed that close to anyone after Emerence left school.
#52:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 2:14 pm
    —
I know it's hard for Margot, but perhaps it's a necessary part of growing up for her.
#53:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 8:00 pm
    —
No matter how hard she found it, she dredged up the courage to wish them well. Which they will have appreciated.

Thanks, Fiona.
#54:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 11:23 pm
    —
Just realised there's more of this and I've missed it!

Margot is taking this very well, and it must be so hard to lose all the glamour and attention. I'm so glad she had the generosity of spirit to congratulate the others. Terribly difficult for Ruey and Len and Con, and I've never thought that keeping the Prefects as a separate group was a good idea. I wonder if it will get worse as it goes on.

I'll be interested, not only in Jo's reaction, but in Miss Annersley's as well.
#55:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 11:57 pm
    —
This is very hard for her; she's having to cope not only with the loss of her status, but also with a number of her companions simply not having the time to be with her.
At least she was able to congratulate Primrose and Ruey
#56:  Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 12:56 pm
    —
I love the way that Con was more understanding than Len and that Margot had the strength to congratulate the other girls. Thanks, Fiona.
#57:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 1:22 pm
    —
I'm glad Margot is really thinking about things. I do feel sorry for her, but I think this might be the making of her.
#58:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 3:02 pm
    —
I do feel a bit sorry for her, being unable to spend so much time with her friends and feeling a bit on her own. However, she knows she brought it on herself, so I guess she'll make the best of things.
#59:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 7:59 am
    —
Sorry I know this is a long update but I didn't know where I should divide it into two so decided to post it in it entirity

Nancy herself was also having a difficult time of it. She had decided that she should break the news to both, Joey and Jack rather than leaving it. She realized it was too big an event not to tell them and the only reason she didn’t want to tell them was because of their potential reaction.
‘Get a grip Nancy,’ she thought, ‘you are the Head mistress here not Joey.’ She took a deep breath when Joey and Jack arrived to the Heads study brushing off the snow. Rosalie had shown them in giving Nancy a sympathetic smile. She was fully aware how hard Joey would take this.
“Joey, Jack began Nancy, I’ve asked you to come for a very serious reason. Joey despite herself had a feeling of dread creep over her. Nancy rarely looked so serious. “What is it?” stammered Joey.
Nancy took a deep breath. “I have had to rescind Margot’s prefectship. Her behaviour has been bullying towards the younger girls during Games Practice and her excuse was she lost her temper. Now in her favour,” continued Nancy ignoring the shocked looks on Jack and Joey’s faces, “she came forward herself and confessed and has shown to be truly repentant. However I cannot allow Margot o remain in her position of power when she so clearly shows that she abuses that power. It would not be fair to any of the other girls.”
Jack suddenly stood and started pacing the floor.
“But she’s been so good,” said Joey. “I can’t believe you’ve demoted her for one infringement,” cried Joey in disbelief. “One bad practice and you’ve decided to demote my daughter. She’s apologized and is truly sorry isn’t that enough.”
“No,” replied Nancy quietly. “This isn’t one isolated incident; it’s the culmination of many. She tends to bully the younger girls in practice especially those not inclined to love games and she does nothing to help them.”
“Hilda believed she was the best person for the job,” snapped Joey her eyes sparkling with anger, “I can’t believe you’ve rescinded her appointment. Does she know?” she asked with venom in her voice.
Nancy recoiled stunned by Joey’s reaction. She suddenly stood and for a moment showed how truly frightening she could be when roused.
“Josephine Maynard, I am the Head of the school and as such I am the person who decides what is best for this school. I discussed this with Miss Wilson and the other mistresses and no one disagreed with my decision in fact the only thing they were concerned with was your reaction and as I refused to allow this school to be pulled down by one person regardless of who that person is. Even if your sister started the school or you were its first pupil. Now I understand you’re upset but that does not excuse your behaviour in fact it reflects badly on Margot because now I have some understanding as to why she believed she should get away with her behaviour.”
Joey sat back stunned. Nancy had never in all their years of friendship spoken to any one the way she spoke her then.
“Nancy, I am very sorry for what’s been,” said Jack said formally. “You are right. You are the Head and as such should do what you believe is best for the school. Joey, Nancy has the full backing of all the Mistresses and the co-Head I think that shows that Margot is fully deserving of her demotion and needs to live with the consequences.”
“I’m sorry Nancy,” apologised Joey in a small voice, “I was shocked by your news. May we see her please?”
Nancy was in a quandary. She felt Margot had taken all she could take. Would seeing her parents help her or make things worse?
“What would you say?” she asked at last, when the silence was starting to become uncomfortable.
“What do you mean?” asked Joey outraged. “We love Margot more than you could and we would not be horrible to her deliberately; whatever you may think of us as parents. Margot is going through a difficult time and despite our disappointment in her behaviour we still love her and always would. That is what we will tell her.”
“Josephine,” said Nancy sternly, “The School cares about Margot. I was asking because I cared. She has had an extremely difficult time of it and I didn’t want it to become any harder for her. You need to learn some self control and stop thinking that we are doing this purely out of spite. How can we expect Margot to control herself when I see so clearly that you can’t seem to?”
“But..but,” said Joey agitatedly, “Jack?”
Jack sat down heavily, “Nancy’s right,” he said at last. “Jo, is seeing Margot right now the best thing? It will do her no good if you’re feeling so emotional about it all. It won’t help her if you have the attitude that the School is being horrible to her. I don’t think we can fault anyone here. She has so many chances. Margot has always gotten away with things and it’s not fair to her or anyone else.”
“My poor baby,” said Joey miserably.
“Joey, Margot is eighteen and is responsible for herself. We’ve failed her and the school by not teaching her to control herself more,” said Jack.
“Margot has shown she is truly sorry for what she has done,” said Nancy quietly, “and I believe this could either make or break her.”
“Nancy,” said Jack heavily. “Thank you for letting us know. I think perhaps we need to have some time to process it.”
By which Jack meant as Nancy realized that Joey needed time to calm down.
“Thank you for informing us.”
“Wait,” said Joey still upset. “How are Con and Len coping with it all and does everyone know.”
“Len and Con seem to be fine. They find it difficult but they also realize that Margot’s behaviour warranted it. And,” continued Nancy steadily, “the entire school was informed. I believed it was best that the truth be told and not covered up in any way shape or form.”
Jack closed his eyes. He wished that not everyone was told. This would affect everyone. He could only imagine the consequences. Part of him felt like losing his temper with Margot but a lifetime of being a doctor had taught him to hold his emotions in check rather than show how he felt. There had only been twice when he had lost his temper so completely. Once with Margot when she had blackmailed Ted and the other with Mike when Joey had collapsed as a result of Mike climbing down a cliff. His reaction had terrified him and he vowed to never lose it like that again. He felt relieved he had already said that he and Joey needed time to process before everything had truly sunk in. He needed time to process it all himself. And what on earth could he say to her that would truly help her to control her temper better.
#60:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 8:31 am
    —
Well done, very well done Nancy - that can't have been easy, standing up to Joey like that. In Joey's attitude you can see why Margot has acted as she has - it's not enough to be truly repentant after doing something wrong - you have to ensure you not repeat the behaviour. Margot was always sorry but it never stopped her from doing it again.

Like that Jack has learnt from times when he totally lost it.


Thanks Fiona.
#61:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 9:03 am
    —
Nancy handled that really well. Hope that Jack can manage to do something useful to help this time Rolling Eyes !
#62:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 9:25 am
    —
Go Nancy!
#63:  Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 7:51 pm
    —
About time that it was pointed out to Joey and Jack that Margot's behaviour has not really improved. And that at nearly 18 she should be expected to have better self-control. Quite an interesting conversation!
#64:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:41 pm
    —
Jack is clearly the best person to help Margot through this as he has learned from his own experiences, whereas Jo can't really see beyond her own reactions. Nancy is very courageous here.
#65:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 7:34 am
    —
After the two left Nancy sat back in her chair with a sigh. That is probably the worst conversation I have ever had. She thought for a moment wishing Kathy was there before standing up and walked out of the room.
“I’m heading out for awhile,” she called out to Rosalie. Nancy walked to Hilary Grave’s chalet. Hilary and Nancy had been friends since they were tinies at school and Nancy felt like all she wanted was to be with a close friend. Hilary took one look at Nancy’s face and drew her in.
“Oh Nancy you poor thing I take it, it went badly by the look on your face.”
“Worse than I thought,” said Nancy ruefully. “I’ve never seen Joey like that,” and Nancy burst into tears.
Hilary let her cry it out. Her tears didn’t last long.
“I think you needed that,” Hilary said sympathetically. “It’s been a rotten experience for you and you’ve been extremely brave through it all. Margot deserved everything she got and you did what was needed despite the pressure of Joey being a friend.”
“I’ve never seen Joey like that before,” said Nancy a little sadly, “I don’t think I’ll ever see her in the same light again.”
Hilary wisely said nothing but changed the topic to lighter things. After an hour of chatting, Nancy stood up, ‘Well I must fly back to the little darlings goodness knows what they’ve been up to in my absence. Thanks Hilary for everything,” she said a little unsteadily before dashing out the door.
‘Poor Nancy, well I don’t envy her job,’ thought Hilary.
#66:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 7:42 am
    —
Being in charge can be tough Rolling Eyes . Glad Hilary was supportive.
#67:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 8:07 am
    —
Poor Nancy - she needed that, glad Hilary was there.
#68:  Author: JustJen, Location: waiting for spring training PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 1:03 pm
    —
I'm glad that Hilary was there for Nancy abd I'm glad that Nacny has opened her eyes to Joey's behavior.
#69:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 1:22 pm
    —
Poor Nancy. It was a horrible situation for her, but I think she's done the right thing by Margot - though neither Margot nor Joey might think so in the short term.
#70:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 3:36 pm
    —
I'm so glad she was able to stick to her guns and point out to Jo that Margot needed a sharp lesson. Well done Nancy. And thanks Fiona.
#71:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 5:13 pm
    —
Well done, Nancy. jo needed to learn that being a Maynard doesn't mean that you can get away with anything and everything. I always thought that Margot's appointment as Games Prefect was a bad one, because she had no patience with people who didn't like Games or were not very good at them.
#72:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:06 pm
    —
Nancy watched Margot for the next few days and noticed she seemed to be a lot quieter than usual. She knew her punishment was a difficult one but also knew Margot had to face it.
“How are you going Margot?” she asked her one day when she saw her alone studying in the library. Margot turned and looked at the Head.
“I’m all right,” she said quietly. “I have a lot of study to get done,” and looked back at her books.
“I’ll leave you to it then,” said Nancy. She had never seen Margot so subdued and was unsure of what to do or say. Part of Nancy wished Hilda would return and another part was dreading seeing Hilda’s reaction. Despite a letter from Hilda stating she supported her decision, Nancy was wondering if she would promote Margot on her return.

Margot wasn’t the only one who was listless. Joey seemed to be in a daze. Part of it was because she was upset for Margot and to a lessor extent Len and Con and Felicity, but another part of her thought. How could Margot let down the school like that? She’s had so many chances. Where did we go wrong? Joey couldn’t believe her daughter would behave so badly. She had always believed with her gift for understanding other she was a good Mother. How could she not be? She understood girls

Jack was also thoughtful. He struggled with his work at the San, but seemed to spend most of his time staring into space. He was disappointed in Margot but not shocked. She had always struggled in controlling her temper and although she was better about not going into rages it still came out in other ways. She was scornful and impatient of others weaknesses and would push them regardless without concern. Margot was extremely taking when she wanted to be and most liked her but she could also push people away because of her manner.
Jack sighed and Margot wanted to be a doctor. He wondered was he blinded by the gratification he felt that his daughter wanted to follow in his footsteps and hadn’t thought if she would be good at it. Margot was brilliant and had proved to him and everyone else she could work hard and Medicine was extremely demanding. He had no concerns there but would she good with the patients? You couldn’t afford to lose control. You had to always be calm and patient. Your patients were usually terrified and or angry and would usually let you know. It did you or them no good if you lost control whatever you did in your home life and Margot had just shown that she couldn’t put on the calm, patient exterior when it was needed. He sighed heavily. “Penny for them,” said a voice.
Jack looked up to see Phil Graves standing at the door.
“Here are those histories that you wanted,” continued Phil.
“Thanks,” said Jack absently.
“You look deep in thought,” commented Phil.
“I was just thinking how Margot would manage being a doctor and if she had really thought it through what it’s like,”
Phil looked at Jack thoughtfully. He had met the triplet quite a few times and although he liked all of them, it was Len he thought would make a good doctor. Margot was brilliant and charming, but she rarely had patience for others.
“Why not bring her in here for a week over the holidays as a kind of work experience. It would help her to realize exactly what the job entails and see if she’s suited for it,” suggested Phil.
Jack sat back stunned. It was the perfect idea especially as she would be supervised through it all.
“It’s a pity,” said Phil, “that it can’t be made part of the school curriculum, because I’m sure a lot of the girls who want to be doctors or nurses would like to really know what the job entails.”
“I could discuss it with Nancy,” said Jack with hope flaring, “and we should probably check with the other staff affected, Helen Graves for one.”
Phil grinned. “Helen would love it,” he said. “She loves the teaching side of nursing.”
The Sanatorium staffs were approving on the whole but they all agreed that there should not be more than two pupils at a time at the San and it would be only for two weeks with two assignments to complete. One was a personal journal needed to be kept and another was an assignment of a patient the pupil had cared for.
“They would also need to sign confidentiality agreements,” said Helen Graves thoughtfully, “but I think it’s an excellent idea.”
“See I knew you recognize my genius one day,” said Phil preening.
Helen gave her brother a withering look, “I recognize the swell head that goes along with it too,” she said.
Jack laughed. “I’m sure Helen has had plenty of practice living with such a modest person. Now I just need to speak with Nancy and see if she thinks it’s a good idea and if Hilda will like it.”
Jack left feeling a lot happier. As much as he loved Margot and wanted what was best for her he also realized that Margot had to decide what kind of person she wanted to be. He could only help her with that.
#73:  Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:33 pm
    —
thanks fiona i think work experience is a god idea
#74:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:38 pm
    —
A very good idea - will sort those that view medicine/nursing as a romantic profession from those that realise it can be hard work with little thanks.


Thanks Fiona.
#75:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 5:09 am
    —
I hope Margot does learn from this - Jack's right that she needs self control if she's to deal with patients. I'll be interested to see how she gets on with her work experience at the San.
#76:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 7:42 am
    —
What a good idea! Assuming that the school let her do work experience with all those male doctors around, of course Wink .
#77:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 9:05 am
    —
Ohhh, wow, what a catch up.

Poor Nancy, but she did brilliantly.

Joey was as expected, but at least she calmed down and listened, which was good.

Jack was great, he is really thinking and concerned about this. Even if the school decides not to go for work experience, Margot could do it during the hols as was originaly suggested. It wil do her good to spend time with Jack and see how he has learned to cope with a temper as strong as hers. He is the best person to help, and Joey could as well if she began to think about it.
#78:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 1:13 pm
    —
That's a great idea. I've always thought its ridiculous to expect teenagers to know what they want to do with the rest of their lives when they may have no idea what their chosen profession may involve - hence why I dropped out of both teacher and nurse training!
#79:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 3:35 pm
    —
Feeling rather sad for Margot here, as no one seems able to help her.

Thanks, Fiona.
#80:  Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 12:10 am
    —
Work experience is an interesting idea and rather modern for the CS, how will they react? Thanks for this Fiona and to JayB for the original that inspired this.
#81:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 7:38 pm
    —
The idea of work experience wasn't a new experience for me. My school did that when I was in High School and I know it's now pretty much standard here in Victoria, Australia. (Don't know about the other states). Anyway I wondered if Margot really had any idea what it'll be like caring for sick people as patience is one of the main virtures you need!

“Now let me get this straight, you want to offer work experience to any of the girls who want to become doctors, nurses, physiotherapists or radiologists,” said Nancy stunned.
Whatever she expected Jack to say this wasn’t it. She leaned back in her chair and eyed Jack thoughtfully. When Rosalie Dene had announced that Jack Maynard was on the phone asking for an appointment to see her, Nancy had expected that it was to do with Margot but instead Jack had surprised her with this.
“Yes,” replied Jack. “We thought that it would be good experience for those girls thinking of following any of those careers. They would see what the jobs really entail and get an idea if they really can do the job. The staff at the San thinks it’s an excellent idea and Phil Graves has come up with a very workable program. I know Hilary helped him there.”
“Oh I’m not disputing it’s an excellent idea,” said Nancy slowly and grinned, “Hilary was always one for good ideas. It’s not what I expected you to be seeing me about.”
Jack flushed a little. “Margot was the reason this came up.” He owned. “I don’t know if Margot is really cut out to be a doctor and when I mentioned that to Phil, he suggested this. Nancy,” said Jack earnestly, “Margot has be talked to and punished for her temper so many times and she still does it and she has been protected a lot by being at this school. Now when she starts University and works in a Hospital, people won’t always make allowances and not only that it wouldn’t be fair on her patients. Can you imagine if she was treating an ill person like that? It wouldn’t be fair to them. I’m hoping that if she spends two weeks at the San she will be able to understand that better.”
“Won’t she still be protected by you in a sense? You’re the Head of the San and Margot’s Father. How do you plan on helping Margot see that?” asked Nancy quietly.
Jack shook his head, “She’ll be supervised by someone that isn't so easily influenced by that so much, I hope,” replied Jack, “The idea is we would want to know what each girl’s strengths and weaknesses are and basically put them into situations which will force them to address their weaknesses. For example Margot struggles with having patience and her temper. She will be given a lot of patient contact especially with the more difficult patients. We will also ask the girls to keep a journal detailing their experiences and they will need to write a case study about a patient.”
Nancy was intrigued with the idea. Besides sounding exactly what Margot needs a lot of the girls would benefit.
“I think it sounds great,” said Nancy, “but I think it’s too big a decision for me to make. I will need to consult with both Nell and Hilda and probably it will need to go to the Russells, so I don’t think it would be able to be organised before next term. However,” she added as Jack’s face began to fall. “I think we could arrange for Margot at least to do it.”
“Thanks Nancy,” said Jack gruffly his face clearing.
Nancy studied him and decided to ask, “How is Joey coping with it all?”
Jack looked up. “She’ll come round Nancy,” he said gently. “She mainly disappointed in Margot and feels like she is a terrible Mother. She keeps asking what did she do wrong. Just give her time. I am sorry for the way she spoke to you. It wasn’t fair on you.”
Nancy blinked back the sudden tears. She never expected compassion from Jack, not over this.
“I’m sorry too Jack,” she said with a quiver. “It wasn’t an easy decision to make.”
“I know,” said Jack with a gentle smile, “but it was a courageous one.”
“Perhaps I shouldn’t have told the school why she was being demoted,” said Nancy almost inaudibly.
She looked up at Jack and made the split second decision not to mention the impact this was having on Felicity. Jack would certainly be furious at the events that had occurred. She gave a wobbly smile instead.
“What is it that they say?” said Jack “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”
“I know,” said Nancy quietly, “but Margot and the girls involved would know the truth. Did the rest of the school need to?”
“Nancy there’s no point in trying to second guess yourself. You did the best you could do,” said Jack comfortingly, “and what is done is done. Who knows this could be the best thing for Margot.”
“I hope so,” murmured Nancy, thinking of Felicity. “Anyway,” she said briskly, “I’ll discuss this with Nell Wilson and let you know soon.”
“Thanks,” said Jack quietly, “for everything.”

Last edited by Fiona Mc on Mon Feb 12, 2007 7:17 am; edited 1 time in total
#82:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 8:13 pm
    —
Hmmm, well it all sounds good - but there was that little cliff-ett about Felicity, wasn't there? I await further developments.


Thank you.
#83:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 8:36 pm
    —
Wondering about Felicity now!

We all did work experience at school in the early '90s, but I'm not sure how common it was in the 1950s. I think it would've been great to see some of the CS girls being sent out to work in the "real world" - looking forward to seeing how Margot goes on at the San.
#84:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 10:30 pm
    —
It will be interesting to see the effect that this has on Margot. Am wondering about Felicity...

Thanks Fiona.
#85:  Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 10:49 am
    —
wandering about felicity...
#86:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:57 pm
    —
Also wondering about Felicity...
#87:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:11 pm
    —
“Well,” said Nell Wilson briskly after Nancy had explained Jack’s visit in it’s entirety to her, “I think it’s an excellent idea.”
Nancy nodded, “So do I,” she said. “Do you think Hilda will?”
Nell nodded, “Hilda will,” she said with certainty. “In fact I can think of several girls who would benefit here at St Millie’s, Heather Clayton for one. She starts her Nurses training in January. It’s a shame she couldn’t get her chance before she goes.”
“I don’t see why not,” said Nancy easily, “I was thinking I would send Margot and use her as our guinea pig so to speak.”
Nell laughed and looked thoughtful. “Why not? I would think it would do Margot good to be away from the school for a couple of weeks. “How is it going?” she asked.
Nancy started to wander restlessly around the room. She watched her interestedly. “Nancy,” she said eventually, “I think you’ve picked up and put down every ornament in this room at least once. Why don’t you sit down and tell me what is on your mind.”
“I’m sorry,” apologized Nancy and she sat down with a thud. “Nell, did I make a mistake in telling the whole school about Margot’s demotion?” asked Nancy abruptly.
“Second guessing yourself are you?” asked Nell. “Don’t worry every good teacher does that? Margot deserved everything she got. We can’y have prefects bullying the younger girls or losing their temper with them constantly.”
“I don’t doubt she deserved the demotion,” explained Nancy, “it’s the telling the rest of the school that I’m starting to question.”
Nell Wilson knew with certainty that Hilda would never have publicly demoted Margot. It would have been explained by Margot’s workload or something else. She would never have embarrassed Margot like that or her family, or made it more difficult for the rest of the prefects. Nell didn’t doubt the Prefects were bearing the ramifications of Margot’s behaviour.
“Why don’t you tell me why you are starting to regret demoting Margot publicly then?” she commanded gently.
Nancy gave a heart felt sigh and leaned back into the pillows.
“Felicity was teased pretty badly over it al,” she began quietly.
“Felicity!” exclaimed Nell sitting upright
“Yes,” said Nancy quietly. “Jean Allison and Amarilla Van Der Kock were pretty nasty to her. I don’t know if they realize how nasty they were or how badly Felicity felt because of it, but they certainly rubbed it in. Jack Lambert and Wanda Von Eschenau discovered Felicity crying about it one day.”
#88:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:24 pm
    —
Hmmm, so Felicity is being bullied about the fact that her sister is a bully?
#89:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:26 pm
    —
Glad Nell could see that Hilda wouldn't have handled it like that - and Felicity being bullied would seem to bear that out. Oh dear!

Thanks, Fiona
#90:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:26 pm
    —
Sadly I suppose that's the sort of stuff that does happen at schools - poor Felicity.
#91:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:33 pm
    —
Yes, poor Felicity. but, if the demotion had been explained away as workload, would Margot have fully realised what she had done? Must the Maynards always have their faces saved?

I think the real question is: what would Nancy have done if it had been another girl in that situation?
#92:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 10:06 pm
    —
Not pleasant for Felicity, no - but perhaps Margot needs the public humiliation - nothing else has worked to get her to control her temper.


Thanks Fiona
#93:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 10:54 pm
    —
The trouble is that there are so many conflicting views and needs to be balanced; perhaps it might have been better had Nancy explained matters fully to the Sixth forms, but let the lower school believe that it was pressure of work. But then the message about bullying being unacceptable has to be got across. Oh dear, it's difficult.
#94:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 10:56 pm
    —
Just caught up. The work experience is an excellent idea, though I'm not sure what'll happen to the girls who don't want medical careers!

I do feel for Nancy, and I'm sure Hilda would have handled it differently, but I agree with Jennie that glossing the reason for the demotion over might not have been as salutary for Margot. Not surprised that Nancy's upset that Felicity's suffering, though. Nell usually has a store of brisk common-sense, I'm sure she'll be able to help.
#95:  Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 8:40 am
    —
Unfortunately for Nancy I think this is one of the things she had to learn the hard way. It is a shame that Felicity has had to bear the brunt of this, but it does show that there is a bit of a problem with bullying in the school. I agree that it was really the only way for Margot to learn just how bad her behaviour was and why it was unacceptable.

The only case I can think of that was a little bit similar was Grizel and some of her behaviour.
#96:  Author: Loryat,  PostPosted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 11:55 am
    —
I don't think it was necessary for the reason for Margot's demotion to be made public, though it was fair that the prefects should know. I don't know if the added shame of being labelled as a bully would make any difference to Margot's reform. Being publicly (sp? all variations look wrong!) demoted is humiliating enough and Margot would have known that a good many of the girls suspected the reasons. As it is this punishment reflects on all the prefects so it is being unfair to them as well, and clearly the message about bullying hasn't gone home.

This is a good drabble though, coming from an interesting angle. It really shows the difficulties of dealing with a situation like this. Cool
#97:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 1:29 pm
    —
Poor Felicity. It does seem unfair that she is being punished for Margot's failings, and yet I still think that Margot needed something that would make her sit up and take notice. She's going to feel very bad indeed if she finds out about Felicity.
#98:  Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 4:15 pm
    —
((felicity))
#99:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 4:52 pm
    —
It's a tough one, isn't it. If they had explained it away by saying she had too much work to do, would Margot have realized just how serious her behaviour was. But really they should wonder how they would treat another girl if she had done the same. Have they come down so hard on her because she is a Maynard and Maynards are always prominent. How would they deal with Primrose if she'd done the same thing? Although she wouldn't have had the history of flying off the handle of course.

Anyhow, thanks Fiona, for making us all think so much!
#100:  Author: Loryat,  PostPosted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:16 pm
    —
I think if Margot was told, and the prefects, that would have been enough. I don't thnk the demotion should be explained away, but that all the younger girls should be told is that Margot has been demoted. (And for it to be made clear it is a demotion rather than a resignation type thing). Though then I suppose you'd have all the kids wondering why and fabricating insane stories. Tricky! Confused
#101:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 6:19 pm
    —
Fatima wrote:
But really they should wonder how they would treat another girl if she had done the same. Have they come down so hard on her because she is a Maynard and Maynards are always prominent. How would they deal with Primrose if she'd done the same thing?


Actually I think, until now, it's worked the other way - and perhaps Margot hasn't been treated like everyone else to her advantage because she is a Maynard. I always felt that she deserved expulsion after throwing the book end at Betty - and that the fact she was sorry afterwards was taken to mean she had learnt her lesson - when she obviously hadn't.
#102:  Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 6:45 pm
    —
Lesley wrote:
and that the fact she was sorry afterwards was taken to mean she had learnt her lesson - when she obviously hadn't.


Except, though, do you remember Darrell in the Enid Blyton books - Malory Towers, I think - and she kept losing her temper and then being dreadfully sorry after, and their headmistress said that she would go _on_ trusting Darrell, and one day Darrell really would learn to handle things better. So not just Margot.

And speaking as one who has a pretty fiery temper herself, my sympathies are all with Margot!

Interestingly, when a girl at the school I was at was demoted, the headmistress didn't actually announce it, but made it quite clear what the reason was - and when she was reinstated a couple of terms later, she was practically cheered!
#103:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 6:59 pm
    —
But Darrell did have consequences - she lost her Form Prefectship in the Fourth Form, didn't she? And didn't have any problems with her temper that we were told about after that.
#104:  Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 11:27 am
    —
It's an interesting dilemma. There are so many instances of Margot doing things as a senior that were quite horrendous. There was the bullying of Ted, the attempted bullying of Richenda, the bookend incident as well as the hockey incident. I also remember Joey warning her not to be hard on Felicity as she was not as keen on school as the others.

I tend to agree with Lesley that perhaps Margot was treated a little more leniently because of her family history. And I think many of the staff recognise that Joey was not as strict on Margot when she was growing up because of her delicate health. Yet we are reassured that the trip to Canada was a cure for her. So by this time there is no real reason for her to continue to be treated with kid gloves.
#105:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:36 pm
    —
Jennie wrote:
Yes, poor Felicity. but, if the demotion had been explained away as workload, would Margot have fully realised what she had done? Must the Maynards always have their faces saved?

I think the real question is: what would Nancy have done if it had been another girl in that situation?


EBD has demoted anothe prefect in Lorna at Wynards and the reason was given was due to the amount of work she had sitting for a scholarship not due to the fact she was abusing her power with Lorna's form. The Head gave the reason as it would reflect badly on the rest of the prefects and respect for them would go down. That was why I thought Hilda might not, not so much because of the Maynard thing. Anyway, thanks for all the comments.
#106:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 9:31 am
    —
Jack and Wanda were dawdling back from Games lesson.
“I must admit I do like Games better now Margot isn’t Games Prefect anymore,” said Wanda with a sigh.
Jack gave her a quick look.
“Primrose certainly keeps her temper more she agreed but still it must be hard lines on the others. I mean Poor Len and Con must be finding it hard. Some of those Middles must be glorying in it.”
“Do you think so?” asked Wanda curiously, “I feel sorry for Margot it must be awful being demoted like that. I’d loathe it myself.”
She broke off her conversation as a Junior bowled through the pair.
“Hang on a sec kid slow down you’ll cause an accident if you hare around like that.” Jack’s voice was kind despite her words as held onto her Junior to stop her from falling.
“Felicity Maynard are you all right?” exclaimed Jack Lambert.
Felicity stood there with silent streams of tears sliding down her cheeks.
“Hey,” said Jack gently pulling the little girl to one side, “What’s wrong?”
Felicity shook her head. “I’m all right,” she choked.
Jack looked at her friend and Wanda tried.
“Felicity,” she said warmly, “Maybe we can help you? Sometimes it doesn’t seem so bad when you talk to someone about it.”
“I’m no sneak,” sniffed Felicity, shaking.
“Felicity, when someone has upset you this much it’s not sneaking, I promise,” said Jack looking straight at her, and we’ll do our utmost to help.”
“It’s the others they keep teasing me about Margot losing her post. I’m Second Form Prefect and anytime I say that something needs to be done they say I’m bullying. I’m not honest but I have make sure rules are kept, but they say I am bullying them just like Margot an’ I’ll be demoted to. They just laugh at me an’ everything,” said Felicity running down.
“Is it everyone?” asked Wanda softly.
Felicity shook her head, No Jean an’ Lucy don’t. It’s mainly Amarilla and Jean Allison but nobody else stands up for me they don’t say anything at all.”
Jack who had bullied Jane during her first term and Wanda who had gone along with it felt a growing sense of shame. Seeing Felicity made it sink home all the more how badly they had behaved towards Jane.
“I think we need to have talk to them,” said Wanda firmly. “This isn’t fair or right. Jean and Amarilla and the others need to see they are all behaving badly.”
Wanda had felt awful about following Jack’s lead in bullying Jane had made a decision she would never follow anyone’s lead in that ever again. This was reinforced by a conversation she had had with her Father over the Summer.

“Who were you talking about with Tante Bernie and Onkle Kurt?” asked Wanda after dinner one night. Wolfram looked at his daughter gravely.
“Wanda,” he said with a sigh, “We were talking about Bruno and Frieda Von Ahlen. Bruno Von Ahlen is married to your Tante Bernie’s sister Frieda. He ended up in a concentration camp during WWII because he refused to stay silent while the Jews were being sent to concentration camps. Bruno was a doctor before the War, but after what they did to him and your Onkel Friedel, his hands were destroyed and now he works in the Bank instead.”
“Remember one thing Wanda, he didn’t have to stand up, he could have stayed silent but he didn’t. That takes a lot of courage to do that.”
The conversation had turned to other things but that part stayed in Wanda’s mind and she burned with shame that she had not stood up to Jack when she was bullying Jane

“Felicity,” she said turning to the little girl. “We need to talk to your form. I’m sure they don’t realize it but they are bullying you which is the very thing they say your doing.”
“She’s right,” said Jack firing up, “and we need to talk to them. I don’t think the silly mokes realize what they’re doing and we don’t want them to get into trouble over it. Especially if they are decent kids then they’ll pull up if someone says something, sooner rather than later.”
Jack was thinking of all the times Len had saved her from exactly that.
“But I don’t want to make things worse,” wailed Felicity.
“Felicity,” said Wanda gently, “it’s not sneaking telling us and what they’re doing is wrong. If any of the Prefects or Mistresses heard they would be in worse trouble. If we say something to them hopefully they’ll stop.”
“Felicity?” asked Jack squatting down, “Are you worried they’ll tease you more if what we say to them doesn’t have an effect?”
Felicity nodded, sniffing
“We can’t promise they’ll stop but if they don’t then we will need to tell either Miss Andrews your Form Mistress or the Head. I promise you though that Wanda and I will stand by you. You’re not alone okay.”
Felicity nodded and agreed reluctantly for Jack and Wanda to talk to the other girls in her form.
#107:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 9:47 am
    —
Good for Jack and Wanda!
#108:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:09 pm
    —
I like Jack and Wanda here. They are very mature and thoughtful. True Chalet School girls!
#109:  Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:21 pm
    —
thanks i especially like wanda here

(((felicity)))
#110:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:48 pm
    —
Having realised just how bad their own behaviour was earlier, hopefully Jack and Wanda can help Felicity.

Thanks, Fiona
#111:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:55 pm
    —
Good for Jack and Wanda. I hope they get the message across to Felicity's form.
#112:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 5:33 pm
    —
Well done Jack and Wanda.
#113:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 6:44 pm
    —
Pleased that Felicity was able to tell Jack and Wanda - and that they both learnt from the episode only four terms previously.

Thanks Fiona.
#114:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 10:30 pm
    —
Jack really is growing up isn't she? It's good to see that both she and Wanda have learned from their own experiences - and what a splendid explanation for Bruno's change of career!
#115:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 10:31 pm
    —
Aren't children delightful ...

Very glad Jack and Wanda are going to take action, and was moved by the way in which Bruno's courage and suffering had affected Wanda.
#116:  Author: Karry, Location: Stoke on Trent PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 12:54 am
    —
I like the explanation of why Bruno mysteriously changes from doctoring to banking! Thanks for all of this
#117:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 1:34 am
    —
I think it was right that Nancy told the whole school why Margot was demoted as it was not an isolated incident. That it was not an isolated incident is why she has been demoted. Glossing over it would give the school the impression that it was acceptable to behave as she had done. Yes, Felicity is now being bullied but bullies bully people. Amarilla & Jean would bully people anyway, this has just given them a rationale for picking Felicity.
#118:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 8:38 am
    —
True to her word it did.
“What I don’t think you girl’s realized,” said Jack firmly standing in the Common Room, “is that you’re bullying Felicity. It’s not her fault what Margot did and it’s not fair that you’re holding her accountable for it. All she has done is tried to keep you out of trouble by reminding you of the school rules and this is what you’ve repaid her by doing.”
“It was only Amarilla and Jean Allison,” said Hortense indignantly, “the rest of us weren’t so mean.”
“But did you stand up for her when they started?” asked Wanda gravely. “If you didn’t then it show’s you’re being just as mean as they were. Margot has made her mistakes and she’s trying hard to make up for it at this school we try to give girls chances to make good.”
“May be we should tell the Head and she can tell the whole school that these girls were being bullies too,” suggested Jack with a wicked grin at Wanda.
“I don’t think so,” said Wanda firmly as she bit back a grin at the junior’s gasps of horror at that suggestion, “but I do think those involved should apologize to Felicity for tormenting her.”
Jean and Amarilla weren’t the only ones to go red but the girls were decent girls at heart and all felt awful for the way they treated Felicity that they apologized to her straight away.
Jack looked on approvingly. “It takes a lot of courage to admit you were wrong,” she said conversationally, “and I’m glad you all have that kind of courage. Now I think you should all let bygones be bygones.”
Jack and Wanda kept a friendly eye on Felicity form and were relieved to see the group all chattering like magpies together and no one was being left out. Jack was hoping she had done the right thing by not reporting it to one of the Mistresses and decided to fill Len in on what had gone

“So how did you hear about it if Jack and Wanda never reported it?” asked Nell.
“Oh Sharlie Andrews was standing outside the door,” explained Nancy with a sigh “She was meant to be on duty with them and had been held up but when she heard what was going on she left them to it. As she said none of the girls are usually mean and she was glad Jack and Wanda had sorted it out. She said she thought it would come better from them than herself. If she said it then it is seen as the sort of thing a grown up would say but if it comes from the girls themselves then it becomes the done thing to do. She did have a chat with them about all that’s been happening and bullying in general and she said they seem to be going out of their way to be nice to each other. Poor Felicity, I must admit I thought the Prefects might come under fire but I didn’t expect that she would.”
“What about the rest of the school, though?” asked Nell carefully.
Nancy gave her a quick glance.
“They seemed unsettled and there seemed to be an air of revolt around. I know some of the Prefects have been complaining about it. They said they seemed to be tested more than usual. So we decided to follow Sharlie’s lead and have all the Form Mistresses for the Middle School discussed Margot’s demotion and bullying in general.”
“The girls seemed to accept it and settled down though Stacie Benson was a bit flummoxed over Agneta’s question of what do you do when it is someone in authority doing the bullying. She’s taken over Kathie’s form of Upper IVa. It certainly led to an interesting discussion. Victoria Wood’s suggestion was that you could report it to someone higher until Stacie decided to liven the conversation and questioned what would you do if the highest person you could go to was the bully. That seemed to shock a few people and they didn’t know what to say. Some bright spark said you would just put up with it. I was surprised to hear Gretchen say you would stand up and fight regardless. That injustice shouldn’t be tolerated.”
“I’m not,” said Nell softly remembering seeing Bruno and Friedel again after the months of worry and discovering they had been in a concentration camp for their pains of standing up against a country of bullies. “Her Father spent some time in a Concentration Camp for standing up to Nazism.”
“Oh,” said Nancy stunned. “I had no idea. Anyway,” she resumed, “that lead to an interesting discussion because Stacie leapt on what Gretchen had to say and they discussed a lot of what had happened during WWII. It certainly has made the girls think a lot more about their behaviour. I’d have to say all the girls seem to be a lot more thoughtful about the way they act.”
#119:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 9:38 am
    —
Interesting - that the entire School can be unsettled because one of the Prefects has been shown to be wrong.


Thanks Fiona.
#120:  Author: JayB, Location: SE England PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 9:46 am
    —
It had never occurred to me, but of course Wanda and Gretchen are related by marriage, aren't they. I don't think EBD had thought of it either!

I think all this might turn out to benefit the whole school in the long run. The girls are being made to think, and the staff are having to try new approaches.

Well done especially to Jack (nice to see her showing some maturity at last) Wanda, Gretchen, Sharlie and Stacie.

I now have a new plot bunny nibbling, a possible long term consequence of all this.
#121:  Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 10:07 am
    —
thanks this is really thought-provoking
#122:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 11:38 am
    —
This is really interesting.
#123:  Author: Clare, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 6:34 pm
    —
This is brilliant - thank you Fiona!
#124:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 11:05 pm
    —
There have been some interesting results as a consequence of this - and Gretchen's response was so very revealing....
#125:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 12:42 am
    —
How very interesting. Even if Nancy is now uncertain that she was right, the consequence has been to make the girls think much more deeply than ever before, and to realise the sort of adult cruelty that their 'bullying' is the first step towards. I think that's probably worth it!
#126:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 1:12 am
    —
JayB wrote:
I now have a new plot bunny nibbling, a possible long term consequence of all this.


I think you should go for it. I've almost ran out of inspiration. I know where I'll end it but I would love to see what the long term consequences are. Sending lots of bunnies your way Hopefully I'll have the rest posted by the end of next week


“Then what seems to be the problem?” asked Nell. “It seems that you’ve managed to tackle a pretty difficult subject pretty well and gotten everyone thinking about their own behaviour.”
“I know,” said Nancy with a sigh, “but. Nell, part of the reason I reacted the way I did was I felt I was too lenient with Jack when she was bullying Jane. It felt like we were trying to protect Jack but what about poor Jane during it all.”
“What was this?” asked Nell alertly.
Nancy briefly explained the situation from four terms previously, and concluded,
“We didn’t tell Hilda because she had so much happening and Jack already had one Head Report and we didn’t want her to get another. I’ve always felt bad for Jane. It seemed she was blamed as much as Jack was and yet it wasn’t her fault at all. She was defending herself.”
Nell smiled at her younger colleague, “Nancy, it sounds as though you’ve learnt from experience and bullying is one issue you can’t afford leniency over. And as hard as it has been, your actions have been necessary. I think you’ve learned an important lesson, which behaviours you can afford to be lenient with and which ones you can’t. This is just as important as the ones the school is learning and you’ve done your best to ensure that the school will learn and grow from it as much as possible.”
“That’s just it Nell, by being lenient to Jack, she has shown maturity, how do I know if Margot would have done the same?” questioned Nancy quietly.
"I guess it depends how many chances you want to give. You gave Jack a chance and she’s made good. Margot has had several and still hasn’t completely reformed, though is trying. I think that’s your answer. You need to be tougher on someone after having had as many chances as she has done.”
Nancy nodded thoughtfully, “Thanks Nell. That makes sense. I just wonder what Hilda will say about it all?”
“I think she’ll be as impressed as I am,” said Nell firmly, “I don’t want you to be worrying about it anymore,” and changed the subject,
“I think how about we organize Margot and Heather to do their work experience. They could probably start sooner rather than later. It won’t affect their schooling at all. And both girls would probably leap at the chance.”
#127:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 8:04 am
    —
Very interesting - had forgotten that Nancy knew of Jack's actions and didn't take it further - it seems that Jack did make good. Of course Hilda and Nell would not know - at least officially - of Jack's bullying of Jane.


In the book did Nancy ever get told of Margot's actions?


Thanks Fiona.
#128:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 8:59 am
    —
I always thought Jack got off too lightly - and poor Jane seemed to get half the blame even though she was the victim Shocked .
#129:  Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:42 am
    —
thanks- some interesting points here
#130:  Author: JayB, Location: SE England PostPosted: Sat Feb 17, 2007 11:37 pm
    —
Quote:
I think you should go for it. I've almost ran out of inspiration. I know where I'll end it but I would love to see what the long term consequences are. Sending lots of bunnies your way Hopefully I'll have the rest posted by the end of next week

I've got enough to keep me busy at the moment with Con. Maybe if and when I reach a natural stopping point with her story. If I ever do go ahead with this idea, it will be set when Janice, Judy et al are Upper VI and prefects, as I like them, and we don't know much about the year after the triplets'.

I think Nell was right to remind Nancy that Margot has had plenty of chances to reform. And the fact that she was in a position of responsibility made her offence worse than Jack's.
#131:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 1:57 am
    —
Sorry just a short update. Am madly trying to finish the story before I start my Crit Care Course and have no time to finish it. Anyway fingers crossed. This drabble seems to have a mind of its own and went in a totally different direction to what I otiginally planned, but I have enjoyed writing it

Margot was both thrilled and nervous when Nancy gave her the news. Thrilled for the chance to see what being a doctor was like and nervous at the thought of seeing her father. Nancy could see the question Do my parents know in Margot’s eyes but refused to answer it or even bring it up. Two weeks with her father at work would answer that question for Margot. She dismissed Margot with the rejoinder that she be ready first thing Monday morning as Jack would be collecting both her and Heather on the way to work.
Margot headed straight for her sisters and for a wonder they weren’t in the Prefects Room or busy with their duties.
“Guess what,” she said excitedly when she found them. “Miss Wilmont said that Papa has asked if the school would be interested in allowing some of the girls to do work experience at the San. Heather Clayton and I have been chosen to go. Isn’t that fabulous?”
With the excitement of the news Margot was bubbling with her old enthusiasm again. Len and Con were thrilled for her though Len expressed a wish that she could have a chance doing that.
“Len,” said Con amused, “you get that in Prep every night. If you like I’m sure the rest of the prefects would let you take all Preps’.”
Margot and Con shrieked with laughter at Len’s look of disgust. And for a moment it seemed like how everything used to be
#132:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 7:50 am
    —
Oh that's nice! Love Con's response - of course Len is getting teaching experience. Good that Margot is so keen and happy.


Thanks Fiona.
#133:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 8:55 am
    —
That's lovely. Hope they don't pack Con off for writing experience with Joey!
#134:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 2:49 pm
    —
I'm glad Margot's pleased about the work experience. I hope it goes well for her and that she can show how much she's learnt from her recent experiences.
#135:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 2:50 pm
    —
She wouldn't get any, she'd be looking after the little ones all day.

That brings me to the notion that Len, Con and Margotwould probably not want any children, after all, they've spent their formative years doing childcare, and might be completely fed-up with it.
#136:  Author: Loryat,  PostPosted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 5:34 pm
    —
JayB wrote:

I think Nell was right to remind Nancy that Margot has had plenty of chances to reform. And the fact that she was in a position of responsibility made her offence worse than Jack's.


In this instance, I'd disagree. Margot fails to control her temper and as a result behaves aggressively to younger girls. While this is clearly wrong and deserves punishment, I don't think it's as bad as the way Jack treated Jane. Jack systematically bullies Jane for no good reason, encourages the rest of her form to join in (although she can't be blamed for their lack of spine, really) and physically attacks her because she thinks Jane has 'stolen' 'her' job. Although Jack is younger I still think this is a much worse offence.

While typing this I was startled by the similarities in Jack's treatment of Jane and Margot's treatment of Ted, and their motives. Margot is scarified for her behaviour towards Ted. What punishment does Jack receive for her bullying of Jane? I can't remember but I'm pretty sure it was completely insufficient. Did the staff even know all the details of Jack's behaviour?

Fiona, that was a lovely scene with the triplets. I am looking ofrward to seeing how you will resolve this situation.
#137:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 12:52 am
    —
Margot was unaccountably nervous about seeing her Father on Monday. Jack had already collected Heather from St Millies aware that he didn’t want to speak to Margot alone just yet. He wanted her to spend at least a week at the San first.
Heather grinned at Margot. “Can you believe this,” she said. “I’m so looking forward to this.”
Jack glanced across at her and smiled. “Matron Helen Graves is looking forward to this too. She has lots of bedpans that need cleaning and beds that need making,” he said his eyes twinkling.
Heather made a face. “I hope we get to do other things as well,” she said emphatically.
“You will,” said Jack easily. “I’ve seen you schedule. You might even get to tidy the patients rooms as well,” and started laughing at the look on Heather’s face.
“Heather, Matron has a few things in store and you will be allowed to see completely what nursing entails. For starter, you will have patients to care for as well, but I know Matron would like you to see exactly how hard nursing is and how much fun it can be. We have requested that you both stay in the nurse’s quarters together so you can really see what your future jobs entail. My advice is to observe what goes on around you. You are both being assigned a mentor, someone you can ask questions and talk about how you are coping with everything. You will also each have a supervisor. They will assign your workload and discuss any issues that arise. Matron Graves will be yours Heather and Dr Graves will be yours Margot. Now I know you may know these people outside of this but you are to always address your supervisors by their title and I am always to be addressed as Dr Maynard at all times.
Heather glanced sideways at Margot at this. Margot wondered if she would be able to remember to call her father ‘Dr Maynard.’ Both girls were looking nervous.
Jack smiled. “Relax,” he said, “it won’t be so bad. The first day will mainly be to follow your mentor day. You will see what we do. You will each spend some time with each department to see how they all work. You will also be assigned three patients. You will do an assignment on each of them. We also require you both to keep a journal of your experiences describing what you like and dislike about this and things you’ve found hard and easy and why. Girls we need to assess this in order to ascertain how best to run this program. Use your mentors, they are there to support you. Now if there are any problems you can always come and see me and I will do what I can.”
“Yes,” said both girls in unison.
They drove into the staff car park and Jack walked in and introduced both girls to their respective supervisors.
#138:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 6:24 am
    —
Very interesting - they should get a lot from the programme. Hope Jack can soon bring himself to speak to Margot though.


Thanks Fiona.
#139:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 7:49 am
    —
Hope it goes well.
#140:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 9:43 am
    —
Margot’s mind was a whirl of information that she felt she could hardly keep up with it all. Dr Graves gave both Heather and Margot a folder of information before giving them a quick tour of the facilities. Inside was an assignment and a journal. There was also a confidentiality agreement which Dr Graves told the girls they had to sign and adhere to, which they did.
“Heather,” said Phil Graves with a smile, “Matron will take you off now. Enjoy your time here.”
“Thank you,” said Heather simply, “I will.”
“Margot we have a doctors meeting each Monday where we discuss our patients and then we’ll be doing a ward round. Dr Entwhistle will be joining us and he’ll be your mentor for the next two weeks. We thought you should have someone closer to your age, if however you find you would prefer someone else then we’ll see what we can do. I’ll try to answer any questions you may have, but try to save them for when I have a free moment.”
Margot was quiet for the first few days trying to get her bearings. Dr Graves seemed to go through patients histories at a fairly rapid pace. She soon learnt to keep up as Dr Graves had a disconcerting way of asking her questions in regards to patient care or their prognosis. The first time he did this Margot stumbled through her answer and although Reg smiled at her sympathetically he didn’t help her out. Margot lifted her chin and tried to pay more attention. All the doctors seemed to be up with everything and Margot was determined not to be the silly little school kid tagging along. By lunch time she was exhausted when Reg led the way to the staffroom.
“How are you coping with everything?” he asked sympathetically. “Dr Graves always tends to drop you in it. At least he’s not as bad as some of the consultant’s I’ve worked with.”
Margot’s eyes widened, “all doctor’s are like that?” she asked incredulously.
Reg nodded. “If you do well they’ll spend more time helping you out but they will remember you if you stumble all the time and tend to ask you everything. Most don’t have much patience if you don’t know the answers, so it’s important you learn everything you can.”
“How do you keep,” she faltered.
“It takes practice and a lot of these people we’ve cared for awhile so we tend to know them pretty well. Look at your Aunt Grizel, she was here for a few months. So do you have any questions?”
Margot tried to think of all she wanted to know. Reg tried to answer all he could and what he couldn’t a couple of other junior doctors joined in.
“It takes time,” said Dr Gavi, “and if you think Dr Graves is bad try doing a round with Dr Maynard. He’s tougher.”
Reg nearly choked on his drink.
“Don’t you think so Reg?” asked Dr Gavi.
Reg struggled not to laugh. “He is,” he agreed. “He doesn’t suffer fools gladly or have much time with what he terms childish behaviour. Don’t sulk, don’t lose your temper or patience and above do not hide your mistakes.”
“You’ve got that right,” said Dr Gavi feelingly. “He’ll give you all the help you need Margot and I’ve seen him with the most recalcitrant patients. He stays calm”
“and I’ve seen him sitting in a chair by some kid’s bed nursing them until they fall asleep,” added Reg softly, “just because they were homesick.”
“I wouldn’t be telling Margot all my secrets,” said Jack walking in. “Eaten all the sandwiches Dr Gavi?”
Dr Gavi grinned, “not quite. You arrived just in time.”
Margot watched as her father joked and teased with the younger doctors. She could see they held him high regard and the relaxed way he was with them.
“We should head back,” said Reg looking at his watch. “I need to introduce Margot to her patients.”
There was a chorus of good byes. “Don’t they realize he’s my father?” asked Margot quietly when they left.
“Some do, some don’t,” shrugged Reg. “Margot just a word of advice, I would stand on your own two feet. People accept you more and don’t want people to assume you’ll be favoured because of it. It’s up to you.”
Margot was determined it wouldn’t. Fail or succeed it would be on her own steam.
#141:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 10:01 am
    —
Sounds like this'll do her good.
#142:  Author: Loryat,  PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 11:00 am
    —
I am interested in Margot's work experience experiences, more please. Very Happy
#143:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 1:05 pm
    —
I think this is just what Margot needs.
#144:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:14 pm
    —
This is going to do both Margot and Heather a power of good. I hope Jack isn't too tough on Margot though, as she really seems determined to make good now.
#145:  Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 4:53 pm
    —
i think we are going to see a stronger, better margot after this
#146:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 7:10 pm
    —
Good for Margot - hope she seizes the opportunity.


Thanks Fiona.
#147:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 7:38 pm
    —
It might make her appreciate her father as well.

Thanks, Fiona
#148:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 9:24 pm
    —
“Now Margot we are going to give you three patients we want you to interview. Find out all you can about their illness and write a plan how you would best help them. You’ve got the assignment. The first is Miss Gray.”

Margot made a face when she heard that name. Miss Gray was notorious in the Maynard family as the woman who refused to see any other doctor but Jack Maynard.

“The other is an Italian boy of eight. He’s in one of the San’s free beds and the third is a man dying of TB. He doesn’t have much longer. Now you can find a lot of information in the library and ask for help. That’s what we’re here for. But remember these are your patients.”

Reg took Margot to meet each of them and her day took a turn for the worse. Miss Gray was every bit as demanding as she remembered. She was whiny, threw tantrums and Margot nearly lost her patience with her a score of times but somehow gritted her teeth and kept at it. Alessandro the eight year old Italian boy didn’t know a word of English. Dr Gavi was the only Italian doctor in the San and he couldn’t care for Alessandro all day every day. He tried to present for any procedure and did chat with him when he had a free moment but Alessandro struggled with the lack of communication. Margot could understand bits and pieces with her French but she found it frustrating not being able to ask the simplest things, but it was Matt Walker, the young man dying of TB that affected her the most. Matt was only a few years older than Margot. He teased her, cracked jokes and generally remained cheerful, but Margot struggled watching him cough blood and try and stay positive. He was her most willing patient. He answered her questions and explained everything she needed to know about TB. From time to time nurses came in and gave Matt morphine for pain and she nearly ran from the room a few times but something in his eyes kept her there. Matt asked about her life and Margot found herself talking about what it was like being a triplet and one of eleven kids. It was nearly 1900hrs when Reg stuck his head in and said it was time he Margot finished. Matt was asleep but Margot still held his hand, it seemed the least she could do.

“Dr Graves wants to see you,” he said. “I’m sorry Margot I thought you had finished awhile ago.”
“That’s okay,” said Margot tiredly trudging along.
Reg dropped Margot at Dr Graves door.

“Hi Margot,” said Phil Graves pointing Margot to a seat. “How was your first day?”
Margot yawned, she couldn’t help it. It had been a long day.
Dr Graves laughed. “That bad huh?”
“I’m sorry,” apologised Margot and the next thing she knew she was pouring out how she felt, her frustrations with Miss Gray, the difficulties with communicating with Alessandro and Matt dying. Dr Gray let her talk.
“Margot you sound exhausted.”
“Exhausted and exhilarated,” said Margot. “I feel like I’m closer to becoming a doctor and not just marking time.”
Dr Graves looked at her thoughtfully.
“Margot,” he said, “Some of your patients will push your buttons more than others. You’ll feel angry, frustrated, impatient, upset. That’s completely normal. We all have patients like that. I try to find some connection with my patients; something that would give me a small measure of sympathy and understanding. Alessandro for example is eight years old and is far away from home. His Mother can’t be here as she has eleven other children to care for. Can you imagine what that’s like for him? He can’t even speak the language. Dr Gavi is the only Italian speaking person here so he is his doctor. Try and find that connection for yourself. It does help you feel less impatient or irritated with people. The other things make sure you take breaks. Do something fun. It helps with the stress levels of working here.”
Margot nodded. “Thanks Dr Graves,” she said thinking hard.
She trailed out of the room preoccupied.
#149:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 10:29 pm
    —
She's learning a lot - this was a really good idea of Phil's (and yours Very Happy !).
#150:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 10:46 pm
    —
Wow, juist caught up and feel a big like MArgot, in a whirl. Enjoying this.
#151:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 6:12 am
    —
Poor Margot - really thrown in at the deep end. She'll be a better doctor than most for being able to empathise with her patients.


Thanks Fiona.
#152:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 1:16 pm
    —
Margot must feel really overwhelmed, but I suspect this is possibly the first time in her life she has really had to stop to think about other people.

Thanks!
#153:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 3:07 pm
    —
This was such a good idea, not just to get Margot used to the work required of doctors, but to give her something else to think about instead of her own problems. Thanks Fiona.
#154:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 4:37 pm
    —
Margot went looking for Dr Gavi and found him in the staff common room. Heather was already there with a few of the other nurses. She waved to Margot but stayed where she was much to Margot’s relief.
“Dr Gavi,” she said walking over to him. “Would you teach me Italian please?”
Dr Gavi looked up from his paper. “Si, means yes,” he said. “Have you had dinner yet?” he asked.
Margot shook her head.
“Always eat,” he commanded, “you’ll faint otherwise and trust me there is nothing more embarrassing than becoming the patient yourself. Come, I’ll teach you over dinner.”
Margot found Dr Gavi a lot of fun and he in turn found Margot an apt pupil with a flypaper memory.
“It will help caring for Alessandro, but I think he’s lonely,” said Dr Gavi.
“I hated being in Hospital when I was little,” said Margot suddenly. “I was always sick and I hated it. It was always no when I wanted to do something.”
“Most children find that when they are in Hospital,” said Dr Gavi looking at Margot, “how did you survive?”
“I screamed a lot. Threw tantrums and fought it every step of the way.”
Dr Gavi started laughing. “You are fiery yes.”
Margot nodded, “I’m always getting into trouble for it,” she said looking down.
“Use that temper to fight. Be stubborn and don’t give up,” said Dr Gavi. “I have a temper to, most do, but use it to fight the diseases not the people. If someone makes you truly angry walk away, don’t let them get you down and when come back fight you temper not them.”
“It’s harder than it looks,” said Margot sadly.
Dr Gavi gave her a quick look; something was upsetting her on this.
“I know,” said Dr Gavi sympathetically, “you have a fighting spirit, it is part of you, but use it, don’t squash it down use it for good.”
#155:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 4:56 pm
    —
Wise words there. He's a nice man.
#156:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 5:03 pm
    —
He does sound nice.
#157:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 5:20 pm
    —
Very wise words - pity she wasn't given them years ago. Hope they help her.


Thanks Fiona.
#158:  Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 6:16 pm
    —
I think it is good for Margot to be dealing with people who don't know her so well. That is one of the disadvantages of the whole School/Gornetz Platz set up - just about every knows her.

I think hearing these things from a person outside the situation will be good for her.
#159:  Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:16 pm
    —
fiona this is great, Margot is getting some really good advice here
#160:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 10:58 pm
    —
Now that is truly wise advice - to channel the anger, give it a purpose. Merely squashing it down won't remove it, but if it is directed and controlled, then it can be used positively.
#161:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 7:32 am
    —
Margot found the next two weeks stimulating. She found herself pushed to her limits. Somehow she formed a bond with Alessandro asking him to teach her Italian, Margot recounted her days as a patient in Hospital, played games with him and somehow the two became friends. She like Matt and found it heartbreaking to watch him slowly slip away piece by piece. His constant cheer, made her determined to be a help but it was Miss Gray who irritated and annoyed her with her constant demanding ways and her spoilt attitude to life. So many times she wanted to snap and fly off the handle but she refused. She tried to do what Dr Graves said and find something she could sympathise with and what Dr Gavi said and get up and walk away and come back and fight feeling annoyed or impatient, but it was just so hard. Jack was a silent presence throughout this. He observed Margot from a distance. He could see she was trying and was relieved and proud of her. One the last day he called her to his office to have a chat with her.
Margot walked to her Father’s office. The last two weeks had meant more to her than anything else had. She realized more than ever that she wanted to be a doctor.
“Sit down please Margot,” Jack said when his daughter arrived.
He had already spoken with Heather Clayton and with Phil and Helen Graves about the previous two weeks. Everyone so far had been extremely positive about the experience.
“So how have you found everything?” He asked.
Margot poured out everything. How much she loved learning how to be doctor had enjoyed the last two weeks and how happy she had been. Somehow she also found the courage to talk about what she had found hard and everything Dr Graves and Dr Gavi had said and how much that had helped. It was with a low voice Margot finally told her Father of her demotion and everything that had happened since.
“I didn’t think I would ever be able to conquer my temper, but this past two weeks I feel like there’s hope,” she concluded.
Jack gazed at his daughter. “I’m proud of you Margot,” he said softly. “Not of losing your temper but of how you have handled everything since. You apologized to the girls involved and you have been supportive of Primrose and Ruey and you have learnt so much in these past two weeks about yourself and being a doctor.”
“But I keep messing up,” said Margot with a quiver.
“Margot,” said Jack gently, “we all make mistakes. I know I do. Everyone has their faults and having a temper is often seen as worse because it affects everyone around you so badly.”
“I have one,” said Jack ruefully, “and I know there are times when I struggle to keep it under control. When I’m like that sometimes all I can do is walk away. I know that doesn’t help those around me.”
“Is that the best I’ll be able to do?” asked Margot concerned. “I don’t want to always walk away. And sometimes I can’t.”
Jack looked at her thoughtfully. “How would you handle the Hockey practice now if you could do it all over again? You’re Games Prefect and you’re angry and you have to run the practice. What would you do now?”
Margot started, she had thought of little else after she had been demoted.
“I think I would acknowledge to myself that I was angry, not at the girls but myself for not getting all my work done,” said Margot slowly, “and that some of the girls would rub me up the wrong way especially those who weren’t keen on Games. It would probably be better if Joan took charge of those girls or I allowed her to take the lead in practice while I stood back and if I felt the need to pull anyone up that I did it when I was calm enough to not yell at them.”
“There’s your answer then,” said Jack.
Margot looked bewildered.
“What was the first thing you did?”
“Acknowledge that I was angry, but I realize that and can’t seem to stop,” gasped Margot.
“And then what,” said Jack, his voice gentle.
Margot thought. “I said I was angry at me,” said Margot with her eyes closed. “I knew what I was angry about and tried to find a way not to take that out on anyone else. I could have asked permission to work later than usual, so I could get my work done.”
She opened her eyes and smiled, the same rueful smile as her father had earlier. “Now all I have to do is somehow do that all the time.”
“That’s the hard part, especially when your emotions are running wild and you would do almost anything to just stop and scream,” agreed Jack. “Remember though we are here to help and although at time I may be disappointed in your behaviour I do love you and I am very proud of the way you have handled everything since.”
“Thanks Papa,” said Margot, her voice quivering with emotion.
Jack held his daughter. “I know you’ll do it Margot. You will get there one day, I promise. Now I need to get you and Heather back to school.”
Margot left feeling a lot happier and more at peace than she had for a long time. She was determined to make good.

Last edited by Fiona Mc on Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:50 am; edited 1 time in total
#162:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 7:57 am
    —
Oh good. This is much more convincing than her deciding to try to reform just because OOAO told her to!
#163:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 9:47 am
    —
Oh good for Margot! Hope Jack is reassured by her commitment to being a doctor.
#164:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 12:58 pm
    —
This really is the best thing that they could have done to help Margot. She's really had to stop and think and I think she'll be a happier, and nicer, person from now on. Good on her!
#165:  Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 3:56 pm
    —
great, and i actually like this Jack!!
#166:  Author: JustJen, Location: waiting for spring training PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 5:54 pm
    —
Good fpr Margot!
#167:  Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 6:13 pm
    —
This is excellent, and really interesting. Superb character development - I envy it! Congratulations.
#168:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 6:16 pm
    —
Well done for getting there, Margot - and for showing her Jack.


Thanks Fiona
#169:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 9:33 pm
    —
Margot returned from the San her heart singing. Her Father’s, Dr Graves and Dr Gavi’s words stayed with her and for the first time Margot felt hopeful that she could actually start controlling her temper and become more patient. Just use every difficult situation as a test she whispered to herself. Margot hadn’t spoken to anyone of her dearest wish and often despaired especially in the past few weeks that she would ever be able to serve as a Nun. It was with complete shock she literally walked into Len as she went though the side door; and a very different Len. Len’s was furious.
“What’s wrong?” Margot asked quietly.
She had never seen Len look so angry in all her life.
“Like you care,” snapped Len. “Everything has always been about you.”
“Len,” interrupted Con, “I don’t think this is the best place to discuss this.”
Margot started she hadn’t noticed Con standing there.
“Fine,” hissed Len, “My study now.”
By virtue as Head Girl she had her own study and the three headed straight for it Margot stole a glance at Con. Con refused to look at her younger sister.
Jack had seen Len and filled her in about everything Felicity had gone through. Len had been horrified. Len was extraordinarily responsible, especially when it came to her younger siblings and she was fiercely protective of them. For the first time in a very long time Len’s temper surfaced; a sight that made Margot’s heart sink. She lifted her head. She knew she was trying and felt like she was starting to control herself better. Margot breathed a quick prayer of ‘Please God, help me not lose my temper no matter what is said, please.’
Len in turn told Con what had happened. What Len had told Con had stunned her and Con’s temper was slowly beginning to boil. She had rarely felt so angry. The last time she had she and Margot had fought, it over Con’s right to have friends.
“Now,” said Len stalking into the study. Margot had never seen Len so furious. “This has got to stop. Margot, Felicity was bullied because of what you did. Two girls in her form kept rubbing it into her that her sister was bullying and everything she had done as part her responsibility as Second Form Prefect was thrown back into her face and told she was bullying just like her sister Margot. Now how do you think that made her feel?”
Margot didn’t dare answer. She had never dreamed of how hard this would have been for Felicity.
“Not only was this going on,” continued Len-who had spoken to Felicity, “but she felt she couldn’t come and see us as you were our triplet and we would stand by you. She felt that by not saying anything she was showing she was standing by you and not letting the family down.”
In all her years of facing irate Mistresses and Prefects Margot had never felt as awful as what she felt by Len’s words. Nor had she ever been stung by the contempt in Len’s voice.
“Len I’m sorry. If I could undo it I would but I can’t,” said Margot with real anguish. “That’s not good enough Margot. That’s what has been so easy for you. Say you’re sorry and your forgiven and nothing more gets said to you. The rest of us have to live with the consequences and I think the price Felicity has had to pay has been too high.” Margot stared at her feet miserably. ‘Was she ever going to put this behind her?’
She left the study with a gulp, knowing if she stayed she would either burst into tears or explode. She took a few deep breaths and tried to think rationally. ‘What could she do to make this right?’
Margot started walking towards the Heads study preoccupied and went to report her return. It was with a shock that she saw it wasn’t only Miss Wilmont in the study but Miss Annersley had returned.
#170:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:15 pm
    —
Feel rather sorry for Margot - obviously both she and Len are bound to be upset that Felicity was being bullied, but it's not really Margot's fault that people had a go at Felicity over it all.
#171:  Author: Lexi, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:22 pm
    —
Poor Margot. Len and Con should go and get angry with the girls that were bullying Felicity, it's much more their fault.
#172:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 10:41 pm
    —
Margot took a deep breath. Part of her had dreaded what Miss Annersley would say to her about everything.
“I’m reporting my return,” she said properly hardly daring to look her Headmistress in the eye.
“Margot,” said Hilda looking closely at the girl. “Miss Wilmont was filling me in on everything that has been happening. How did you enjoy your work experience?” Margot bravely looked up. “I found it very helpful,” she said with a smile and eagerly started talking about her experiences.
“I even spoke to Papa about my demotion,” she said in a low voice. “Miss Annersley, I let you down when you were away by my behaviour, I’m sorry. And Miss Wilmont, I am truly sorry for what I’ve done. I know I can’t make it up to you but I will try. You were right. I don’t deserve to be Games Prefect.”
Nancy looked at Margot in surprise. She never expected Margot to acknowledge that. Hilda Annersley looked at Margot closely. She could see a new thoughtfulness about Margot.
“Margot I was disappointed in your behaviour. I won’t say anything more because Miss Wilmont has dealt with it, but I’m glad you are able to acknowledge that you aren’t suitable for prefectship. You will need to show us a definite change in your behaviour before we could ever reinstate you and Primrose will remain as Games Prefect for the rest of the school year with Ruey as her deputy.”
Margot nodded. “It wouldn’t be fair to demote them.” She said softly.
Miss Annersley smiled at Margot. “Thank you Margot. That will be all.”
Margot gave her regulation curtsey and left the room. If only she could make things right with her sisters.
#173:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 11:32 pm
    —
So Len wasn't angry until Margot's behaviour impacted on their younger sister? Sorry Len - you should have done more to help Margot in the past- rather than continually shield her from the consequences of her bad temper. Yes, Margot did wrong - but she has been properly punished. What the girls did to Felicity was bullying - there is no excuse for that.


Thanks Fiona
#174:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 1:32 am
    —
Good to see that Margot can accept the conserquences of her behaviour and acknowledge this to others.

Len's response...hmm, I wonder, is part of this due to a sense that she has failed? That because she has been encouraged to take on responsibilty for her siblings, she should have been able to avert this, and that because she hasn't Margot's behaviour somehow reflects on her?
#175:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 7:07 am
    —
Thought I would post more as RL is getting busier in the next few weeks and so I won't have as much time for this. I've only got one or two posts more before I wrap it up. Thanks for all the comments

The next day in her free time Margot wandered to the Junior Common Room. She decided to spend some time with her younger sister and her friends. She couldn’t think of what she was going to do with or say to them but it felt right and somehow it was despite Miss Andrews look of surprise or Felicity anxious look. Somehow it turned into a fun morning for everyone. Margot spent time playing games and soon had an uproarious game of “I went to the market one day” happening.
“I didn’t realize Margot could be so much fun,” said Jean Allison to Felicity afterwards and Sharlie Andrews hid a smile, and shooed them off to Mittagessen.
“I think they enjoyed that,” she smiled at Margot.
“Good I’m glad,” said Margot with relief. “Len told me what Felicity went through,” she added awkwardly.
“Margot,” said Miss Andrews softly, “I want you to remember something, it wasn’t you fault, what happened to Felicity. You didn’t tell the girls to bully her; they decided that on their own.”
“But if I hadn’t done what I did, then it would never have happened said Margot sadly.
Miss Andrews looked at Margot seriously, “They still need to decide for themselves if they want to be like that and obviously they did. I do want to say I think its great that they got to see what you’re really like, not just know you as the prefect who was demoted for bullying. That shows a lot of courage on your part. Don’t forget that all right.”
Margot left feeling a lot happier. It was a hard road to hoe and she knew she had yet to face Evelyn and somehow try to make it up to her. It happened slowly and most of it took place over the Christmas holidays when Margot went back to visit some her patients she had cared for and Evelyn was visiting her Mum. Little by little Evelyn’s defences were dropped and although the two became friendly they were never going to be close friends.
Margot knew she had finally regained some of the trust lost when Evelyn agreed somewhat hesitantly to Margot coaching her in ski-ing. It was a huge test for Margot and she very determinedly tried hard not to lose her temper or become impatient or scornful of the other girls efforts but there was one day when Margot woke on the wrong side of bed.
Nothing went right for her that day and she knew she would have to be very careful around Evelyn or she could explode. Evelyn’s unathletic ability combined with her lack of enthusiasm could often grate on Margot. Margot decided reluctantly to excuse herself. She was sure Evelyn would be contemptuous of her but if she didn’t say anything she would explode and that would worse. She felt even more frustrated when Evelyn was running late. Evelyn found she quite liked ski-ing. She wasn’t a big fan of organized sports but ski-ing felt like flying.
Margot apologized trying to keep her voice even and explained why she would prefer not to coach her today. Whatever Evelyn had expected that wasn’t it. She had seen Margot was fuming about something and half expected to hear all about being late. This threw her off balance.
“That’s okay,” she said disappointed but also relieved that she didn’t have to face Margot in a rage again.
“Margot thanks,” she said somewhat hesitantly.
Margot gave her a funny look. “I should thank you,” she said ruefully. “I don’t know what’s wrong, I just feel so irritated by everything and I think I need to be by myself so I don’t take that out on anyone.”
Somehow that struck Evelyn as funny and she burst out laughing which Margot soon joining in and it seemed to clear the air.
#176:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 7:47 am
    —
Glad she's cleared the air with Evelyn.
#177:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 12:58 pm
    —
Also glad she's cleared the air. I think Len's reaction was very unfair.
#178:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 2:22 pm
    —
Unfair and so badly timed, too. Talk about back to earth with a bump.
#179:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 5:00 pm
    —
Well done Margot - I must say she's handling this in a far more mature way than Len.


Thanks Fiona.
#180:  Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 5:41 pm
    —
thaks fiona, i just read through all these updates

and for the first time im starting to like margot as a person
#181:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 10:13 pm
    —
brie wrote:
thaks fiona, i just read through all these updates

and for the first time im starting to like margot as a person


That's one of the nicest compliments. I have to admit after all this so am I. I always felt sorry for her because EBD wouldn't let her reform and before Theodora she just seemed like a normal mischievious kid.
#182:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:29 pm
    —
Margot enjoyed the Christmas holidays more than usual. Len and Con had apologized and Len admitted she had taken her anger about Felicity being bullied on Margot. Margot forgave Len and Con pretty quickly. They had stood by her and forgiven her so many times when she had hurt them and they had stood by her during that difficult term. She also seemed to be spending more time with her Father. Jack had enjoyed having Margot doing work experience at the San and the two spent a lot of time discussing medical scenarios. They found an interested third party in Mike. He seemed interested in all the stories especially anything with blood and gore. Jack wondered if his most two difficult children would turn out to be the two who would follow in his footsteps. He gave a mental shrug. If Mike wanted to that was up to him, but he decided to encourage his interest and so talked about it a lot with them both, ensuring that Mike could understand what he was saying.
Part of Margot dreaded going back to school and facing everyone again, however she didn’t find it as difficult as she thought. Most people seemed to have moved on from it all and everyone could see the change in Margot. Hilda Annersley watched her for the entire term. She wrestled with herself over whether or not she should promote Margot even to Sub Prefect. Margot was controlling herself better. She had formed a real bond with the Juniors and was coaching them in Games in her own time and proving she could do it well. Their only concern was, would Margot fall back into old habits if she did promote her again? Would she rest on her laurels? It was a concern Nancy Wilmont and Nell Wilson both shared when they discussed it, however they all said they had been very impressed with how Margot handled her demotions and the maturity she showed throughout it all. It was a difficult decision.
#183:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 1:00 pm
    —
I can understand Hilda's reluctance to promote Margot; after all, it's only been a while since she suffered the humiliation of demotion, and will she continue to show such improvement when the effect of it all has worn off a little?
#184:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 2:42 pm
    —
Possibly a little too soon - though she has certainly improved beyond all recognition. Pleased that Con and especilally Len apologised - Len's attitude was unneccessary, though it's good to see that Len can be wrong - she never is in the books.


Thanks Fiona
#185:  Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:36 pm
    —
OK for possibly the first time ever I don't like Len. I think I like not liking her.

Thanks, Fiona.
#186:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 1:34 am
    —
Margot was looking forward to finishing her final term at school. Jack had continued to talk to her about medicine and had allowed her to spend a lot of her holidays at the San. She couldn’t wait to go to Edinburgh and get started on her Medical career. Miss Armitage noticed a new excitement about Margot that term.
“I’m looking forward to going to Edinburgh and becoming a doctor,” admitted Margot. “It’s not that I don’t love school, I do, it’s just I feel like its time to move on.”
Miss Armitage smiled at Margot, “Well I think you’re more ready for it now,” she said, “more so than last year. And you seem more focused on becoming a doctor. You’ve certainly grown a lot in the past year.”
“I have tried,” said Margot a little wistfully. “And succeeded Margot,” said Miss Armitage gently.
Margot turned to Miss Armitage. “I feel like I am sometimes and other times I feel like I’m failing miserably.”
Miss Armitage put her hand on Margot’s shoulder. “You’re succeeding more times than you fail.”
“You know,” said Margot a little dreamily, “I wondered if Miss Annersley was going to reinstated me this term.”
“Do you want her to?” asked Miss Armitage, looking at Margot intently.
Margot looked at her in surprise. “Part of me would love it she admitted but another part of me is happy the way I am. I feel like I’m helping others a lot more than I ever did as a prefect. It’s just it would be nice being one again. I do miss the privileges and all my closest friends are prefects and it hasn’t been the same since I was demoted.”
“Do you think that’s been because you’ve changed so much in the past year?”
Margot looked thoughtful. “It could have been,” she said. “When you change so much, it does seem to change the friendship. I know Emmy and I were different but we still seemed close, it was just a different kind of closeness.” She shook her head. “I think some of them were pretty unhappy with how I behaved. I know it did make their jobs harder and I think it embarrassed them. I get the feeling sometimes that they don’t truly believe I’ve changed and that they’re waiting for me to lose my temper again.”
Miss Armitage looked at Margot, “How do you feel about that?” she asked.
“It’s understandable,” admitted Margot, “part of me is scared of the same thing and I am worried I would slide back to how I used to be if I did become a prefect again.”
“That’s understandable,” said Miss Armitage, a little surprised Margot had even thought like that, “but Margot remember, you do have a choice with how you behave.”
Margot nodded. “I know. Thanks Miss Armitage. Thanks for everything,” she went on feeling unaccountably shy. “I don’t think I would have had the courage to apologise to the Fifth formers without your support.”
“You’re welcome Margot,” said Miss Armitage, flushing a little herself. “That’s the nicest compliment I could ever be given by one of my students.”

Miss Armitage talked to Hilda about her about the conversation she and Margot had. Hilda looked at her.
“I don’t know Davida,” she said with a sigh. “I’ve discussed with Nell and Nancy whether we should reinstate Margot. All of us have concerns about reinstating her.”
Davida Armitage said, “In a way it’s a shame this is her last term. If she continued doing this well, you could make her a prefect next term.”
Hilda smiled, “It would give us more time to see how long these changes would last,” she agreed.
“I do think you should talk to Margot about it,” said Davida quietly.
Miss Annersley looked at her closely. “I think Nancy’s right; you have been hiding your light under a bushel.”
“What do you mean?” Davida exclaimed.
“Nancy said you were amazingly helpful and insightful the term I was away.”
Davida went red at this unexpected compliment

Hilda asked Margot to join her in the study and the two discussed every thing that had happened that year in regards to Margot’s demotion.
“Margot,” said Hilda gently. “I won’t be reinstating you as prefect at all.” Margot nodded. It was what she expected even though she had nursed a quiet hope that perhaps this term she could be a prefect again. She felt a lump in her throat.
“Why?” she asked, trying to stop her voice shaking.
“I think you have enough to focus on,” explained Hilda gently. “You have controlled you temper amazingly well and you have really tried this previous term and I realize how hard it has been for you. I don’t want you having the extra pressure of being a prefect. At the moment if you are struggling, you can take the time away from others that you need. As a prefect you don’t have that luxury. How do you think you would go if as a prefect you couldn’t take the break you need?”
“I would find it hard,” admitted Margot with honesty.
“Margot,” continued Hilda. “I have never been more proud of you than I have this past term and a half. You have justified all the chances we have given you and all the faith we have had in you. I am more proud of you than I could say. You have shown amazing honesty and courage, far more I think than most; they haven’t had to fight what you have fought and you are succeeding.”
Margot felt tears stinging her eyes. “Thanks Miss Annersley,” she said choked. She didn’t mind so much not being a prefect after hearing that.
Margot always remembered that final year with a mixture of pride and shame, but she was grateful, that no matter how hard it had been at the time Miss Wilmont had demoted her and enabled her to finally learn how to control her temper. It had been the most difficult year but also her best.
The End
#187:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 7:31 am
    —
Thank you Fiona - that was an excellent end to the drabble. Miss Annersley's words to Margot, I think, more than made up for her disappointment at not being reinstated. Margot will be a better doctor and a better person for, finally, seeing the consequences of her actions, and being given the opportunity to change.. What a pity that, in the original series, Miss Burnett didn't take the matter further.


Thank you again.
#188:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 9:06 am
    —
Thanks Fiona - really enjoyed this.
#189:  Author: Karoline, Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 9:32 am
    —
Thanks Fiona, I really enjoyed this drabble
#190:  Author: Elbee, Location: Surrey PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 10:04 am
    —
Thank you Fiona, I enjoyed this and thought the characters were very realistic.
#191:  Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 11:05 am
    —
thanks fiona that was really great.... and i loved miss armitage here too
#192:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 3:13 pm
    —
That was a great ending, thanks Fiona. I'm so glad Miss Annersley told Margot all that, so that she didn't leave feeling that no one believed in her reformation.
#193:  Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 10:36 pm
    —
Thank you, Fiona.
#194:  Author: JustJen, Location: waiting for spring training PostPosted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 3:18 am
    —
Well done Fiona!
#195:  Author: Clare, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:07 pm
    —
*Applauds wildly*

Brilliant Fiona, I loved it!
#196:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:00 pm
    —
Thanks so much for that, Fiona, a really thought-provoking recreation, and so much more effective and life-changing than in the original canon!
#197:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 10:22 am
    —
This has been great, Fiona. Thank you!
The CBB -> St Agnes' House


output generated using printer-friendly topic mod. All times are GMT

Page 1 of 1

Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group