In the Eye of the Beholder ~ Part Two
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House
#1:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 4:39 pm

Jiggling her legs up and down nervously, Cornelia glanced at the clock on the mantle for the umpteenth time. Her father was out with one of his business associates, and she was sitting alone in the salon, waiting anxiously for Mike to come and take her out for lunch. Her stomach was churning with the same mixture of nerves and excitement she had had on their first date, the feelings that had been missing with Ed. Unable to sit still any longer, she got to her feet, walked towards the window, and stood staring out at the cold, crisp winter’s day.

She had arrived home on Valentine’s Day to find a telephone message from Mike wishing her Happy Valentine’s. Then, on the Monday, the biggest bunch of flowers she had ever seen were delivered by a local florist, and were followed a couple of days later by a Valentine’s card containing the long-awaited letter. In it, Mike had apologised profusely for not being in touch and for forgetting Valentine’s Day, and then gone on to pour his heart out, telling her how much he had missed how and how he was looking forward to seeing her again.

She was so glad to hear from him, so relieved to know that he was still interested in her, that she forgot all about being angry or reproachful, and instead turned her attentions to looking forward to him coming home. He had kept his word, calling her as soon as he had arrived back in Boston that morning, and they had arranged to meet for lunch. Heaving a sigh, she turned back from the window and stared at the clock again. It was exactly one minute since she had last looked.



Mike turned his car into the Van Alden’s driveway, and pulled up in the forecourt of their house. Switching off the engine, he took the keys from the ignition and sat back in his seat, staring straight ahead of him. Running round and round in his mind was the conversation he had had with Richard just before leaving home…

Helping himself to a second cup of coffee, Richard sat back down at the large pine table and stared at his brother as if he had gone mad.

"Are you serious?"

"Completely serious. All I’ve done since I returned from Europe is travel from pillar to post, and now I’ve met Corney, I’m fed up to the back teeth of it all. I’ll be talking to the boss first thing tomorrow morning, and if they can’t accommodate my needs, then I’ll start looking elsewhere. I’ve been approached a couple of times recently, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find something else."

"And you’re doing all this for Corney?"

Mike shook his head. "No, I’m doing it for me because I want to be near her. Why does it matter, anyway?"

"No reason." Richard took a sip of his coffee. "It’s just a big step, considering you’re not even together, that’s all. I mean, you’ve only known her a few months."

"I know her enough to realise that I want to be near her. Then I get to know her more. I can hardly do that when I’m gallivanting from state to state, can I?"

Richard shrugged. "Well, it’s your life, I guess."

"Yes, it’s my life." Mike gave his brother a quizzical look. "What’s got into you anyway? I thought you liked her?"

‘So did I."

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

"Have you spoken to her since you got back this morning?"

"Of course I have! How else do you think we arranged to have lunch together. And speaking of which, I should really make a move," he added, checking his watch. Richard scowled back at him, and Mike set his cup down on the table and looked his brother square in the face. "Look, are you gonna tell me what’s wrong, or do I have to drag it out of you?" Richard remained silent, and shaking his head, Mike got to his feet. "Fine, then I’m off. I’ll see you later," and he walked towards the kitchen door.

"Mike!"

Mike stopped, turning back to face his brother, and Richard swallowed hard.

"I saw her on a date on Valentine’s Day. With Ed Choate."

Dumbfounded, Mike stared back him with wide eyes, and it was a few seconds before he pulled himself together enough to speak.

"I don’t believe you," he said eventually, his voice very quiet.

"It’s true! They were outside ‘The Barnhouse’."

"Why are you saying this?"

"Ask her yourself if you don’t believe me."

"Well maybe it wasn’t a date? Maybe it was something perfectly innocent?"

"The goodnight kiss didn’t look so innocent from where I was standing!"

Mike could tell from Richard’s voice that his brother was being sincere, and he felt his stomach churn and a feeling of nausea wash over him. The bottom was rapidly falling out of his world, and he grabbed the chair in front of him to steady himself.

Richard could see the hurt on his brother’s face, and he felt a surge of hatred towards Cornelia. "Look, perhaps I’m wrong, perhaps it was nothing. It may have not even been her."

But Mike knew full well that Richard was just trying to make him feel better. "Thanks, but it was her, wasn’t it?"

Richard nodded slowly. "Mike, I’m so sorry. I wish I hadn’t seen them, I really do."

There was silence for a moment, as Mike continued to stare at his brother, his head pounding. Then with a brief nod, he turned and slowly left the room.

As he finished replaying the conversation in his head for the hundredth time, Mike looked up at the Van Alden’s home, his stomach churning again. He knew he had to ask her, to find out if it was true. Taking a deep breath to steel himself, he climbed out of the car and made his way towards the front door.


As the doorbell sounded throughout the house, Cornelia almost ran out of the salon and across the entrance hall to answer it. Then remembering herself just in time, she quickly checked her appearance in the mirror and smoothed down her skirt, before opening the door, a wide smile on her face.

"Hi!"

"H…Hi!"

Mike stared at her in shock, and Cornelia suddenly realised what was wrong.

"Don’t you recognise me?" she asked cheerily, and Mike shook his head.

"Sorry, you…you just look different, that’s all."

Cornelia glanced down at herself, and then grinned. "Don’t I know it – I get a shock every time I look in the mirror! I’m still not sure about it, to be honest, but it’s been fun getting lots of attention!"

He didn’t reply, just stared at her with a blank expression, and she gave him a puzzled look.

"Shall we go then? I’m famished!"

Mike looked at ground and pulled himself together. "Would you mind if we had a quick chat first?"

Raising her eyebrows in surprise, Corney stepped back from the door. "Er, yes, okay. Come on in."


She followed him through to the salon, and watched as he seated himself in an armchair near the door. His demeanour was making her nervous, though she wasn’t sure why, and she was wracking her brain trying to think why he would be acting this way. Sitting down on the sofa opposite him, she gave him a smile.

"It’s good to see you, Mike. I’ve missed you." He nodded, but said nothing, and she tried another tack. "Thanks for your letter. It meant a lot."

"You’re welcome."

His voice was stony, and fed up of the stilted conversation, Corney decided to come straight to the point. "Mike what’s wrong?"

He swallowed hard before he spoke. "Did you have fun on Valentines Day?"

Surprised at his question, she stammered, "I…er…yes I did. Why?"

"How was ‘The Barnhouse’? Did Ed treat you well?"

One look at her face told him that Richard was telling the truth. She was gaping at him, open-mouthed.

"H…how do you know about that?"

"Does that matter?"

"Well no, I…"

"Were you going to tell me?"

"There’s nothing to tell!"

"You think so? You went on a date with another man – one of my friends at that – and you don’t think there’s anything to tell?"

"Mike, it wasn’t like that, I…"

"You kissed him!"

"He kissed me - on the cheek!"

Bu Mike wasn’t listening. "Why did you do it, Corney? I thought we had an understanding?"

His tone of voice was beginning to put her back up, and at this, her temper finally flared. "Did we? I hadn’t heard from you in five weeks! I got nothing on Valentines Day. What kind of understanding is that part of?"

"I’ve explained about that!"

"Yes I know, you were too busy! What kind of excuse d’you think that is?"

"Not a good one, I admit, but I didn’t exactly expect you to be dating someone else."

"Why not?" She was almost shouting now, as her indignation reached fever pitch. "Why shouldn’t I have another date? I thought you’d lost interest, Mike. Can you blame me?"

"Of course I’m still interested. You know that."

"Do I? You’ve never even kissed me…"

"You need me to kiss you to show how much I like you?"

He sounded incredulous, and his words brought Corney back to her senses. " No of course not, it’s just…"

"I don’t believe this! Just because I hadn’t kissed you, you think I don’t care…"

"That’s not what I said…"

"So, I’m a terrible correspondent, and I’m sorry, but I would have hoped you’d try to find out what was going on before dating other men!"

"I tried to – you didn’t return my calls remember!"

The room fell silent as he stared at her, both of them shaking. When Mike finally spoke again, his voice was very calm, quiet and full of hurt.

"So you thought I’d given up on you? I would never have done that, Corney. It’s a shame you couldn’t afford me same courtesy."

"Mike…"

"I think I should go."

Cornelia glared at him. "Yes, maybe you should."

Getting up from his seat, he made his way slowly towards the door. As he reached it, he put his hand on the handle, and turned to face her once more.

"You know something? I was ready to change jobs, change my life, so that I could be here with you. But Richard’s right – I don’t know you at all. I can't believe I was such a fool!"

He walked out of the door, leaving it wide open behind him. Cornelia stared blankly after him, watching the front door close as he left the house. Then, hearing his car engine start and the scrunch of gravel as he drove away, her features began to crumple. Lying down on her side, she buried her face in a cushion and began to cry.

Last edited by Josie on Sat Oct 29, 2005 11:27 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#2:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 4:57 pm

Oh good grief!

*Getting ready to bang their heads together if someone doesn't point out how silly they're both being!*

Maybe Ed?

Thanks Jo.

 

#3:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 5:04 pm

ARGH!!! *bangs heads together*

Thanks Jo! Very Happy

 

#4:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 5:28 pm

Oh dear! I almost cried then! Why are they so stupid? Can't they see that they are both utterly in love?! Thank you Josie! Very Happy

 

#5:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 5:31 pm

Chalet_school_lover wrote:
Oh dear! I almost cried then! Why are they so stupid? Can't they see that they are both utterly in love?! Thank you Josie! Very Happy


Okay maybe I was going a little over the top! Wink Very Happy But this is one fab drabble! Thank you so much! Very Happy

 

#6:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 6:43 pm

Oh, dear! Talk about misunderstandings Shocked

Do I really have to say "Thank you", Josie?

Make it better, do!

 

#7:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 6:50 pm

Hmmm - how old are they? they are certainly not acting their ages! All it would have taken was Corny explaining what had happened, but they both got het up and angry and the point never came out!

How silly people are - Very true to life sometimes Josie, thanks. *sits back to wait to hear about the plotters who will no doubt help to heal the rift over, or for the course of time to soften the anger and make the pain of missing each other come to the fore fully*

 

#8:  Author: JoW, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 8:03 pm

Oh no! Mike was my favourite SLOC on the whole board and now he's being so silly.

 

#9:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 9:05 pm

Stupid bl**dy men!

Corney, become gay and be done with it for goodnes sake!

 

#10:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Oct 28, 2005 10:39 pm

Silly people! *throws things at them*

ETA: Sorry Jo! Embarassed Did mean to say thank you for update and grateful-type things - am sure they'll sort it out *nods*

 

#11:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 2:22 am

Oh Heavens! Come on you two... and Mike, I still don't think it's a good excuse for five weeks total silence!

Thanks Josie -super update!

 

#12:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 9:28 am

*sniffles* Poor Corney

Poor Mike

Thanks Jo Crying or Very sad

Liz

 

#13:  Author: Christine, Location: Logan Lake, BC, Canada PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 5:27 pm

Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad There goes the makeup. Poor Mike.

 

#14:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 8:18 pm

Oh dear, what a mess - why did Richard have to be in that place at that time? Please, somebody, put it right!

I nominate Ed!

 

#15:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 10:36 pm

Tsk hope the banging of heads works in time for the next post!

Thanks Jo!

 

#16:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 11:16 pm

*pokes nasty interfering richard*

why oh why did he have to say anything?! and why couldn't he just let her explain?!

thanks...even if i am now ready to throw something at then

*chants mantra "they are not real, this is a drabble, they are not real"*

 

#17:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 1:47 am

As her sobs finally began to die away, Cornelia sat up and dried her eyes on her sleeve. Her shoulders were still heaving from the force of her outburst. Tears were foreign to her – she could count on one hand the number of times she had cried in the past few years – and she found herself shaking as much from that, as from her sobs themselves. Glancing down at her sleeve, she noticed the make-up stains on the cuffs where she had scrubbed her eyes. She knew it was ruined, that the marks would never come out of the fine material, but she couldn’t have cared less.

Getting to her feet, she made her way across to the mirror above the mantle and stood looking at her reflection, shaking her head at the person staring back. The hair, the clothes, the flawless make-up - it just wasn’t her, and the more she saw it, the more she disliked it all. It didn’t help that ever since she had decided to change her image, things had begun to go wrong with Mike. Deep down, she knew that it was pure coincidence, but in her fragile state, she couldn’t help drawing the comparison. Torn between anger at herself for going on the date, and resentment towards Mike for refusing to listen, she felt tears welling up in her eyes once again. How could she have been so stupid? Why did he have to be so stubborn? How had something that had felt so right gone so horribly wrong?

The clanging of the doorbell cut through her thoughts, bringing her back to her senses, and she turned away from the mirror, making her way back to the sofa. Whoever it was at the door, she would ignore them and hope that they went away. She was not in the mood to face anybody just yet. As it rang again, she leant back and stared up at the ceiling, tears filling her eyes once more. The sudden realisation of the true strength of her feelings towards Mike had taken her by surprise. She liked this man so very, very much, and now it was all ruined.

The doorbell rang for a third time, and this time it didn’t stop. Whoever was there was refusing to give up, and was clearly going to keep ringing until somebody answered. Heaving a sigh that caught in her throat, she got to her feet, wiping her eyes on her sleeve again in a desperate bid to prevent her tears from brimming over, and made her way to the front door. Then, doing her best to compose herself, she pulled it open, ready to speak. The sight of the person standing on the doorstep caused the words to freeze on her tongue.

As she stared mutely up at him, Mike gazed down into her wide, blue eyes, noting the brimming tears that threatened to spill at any moment, giving away how upset she was, how deep her feelings ran. He hesitated, unsure what do do next, fighting his natural instinct to take her in his arms. Then suddenly that instinct won over, and slowly lifting a hand to her face, he lowered his lips to meet hers.

"Wha...you..."

For a split-second after he pulled back, Cornelia stared at him, lost for words, shocked both at his actions, and the sensations the unexpected kiss had awoken within her. Then throwing caution to the wind, she flung her arms around his neck, melding her body into his, and kissed him passionately back.

When they finally broke apart again, Mike tightened his arms around her, holding her as closely as he possibly could and muttering, “I’m so sorry,” into her hair, as she buried her face in his shoulder.

Cornelia clung to him as if her life depended on it, reluctant to let him go. Then slowly pulling her head back, she gazed up at him once more. Her cheeks were flushed and smeared with make-up, and releasing her, Mike lifted his hand to her face, gently wiping away the dark smudges with his thumb as he reiterated his words.

“I’m so, so sorry, Corney.”

“So’m I.” Her voice caught as she spoke, and she impatiently dashed away a couple more tears with the back of her hand. “Look at me, I’m like a waterspout! I never cry!”

Mike chuckled, and pulled his handkerchief from his pocket. “Here, try this,” and as he handed it over to her, he stooped to kiss her once more.

“Ahem!”

They both jumped, startled at the sudden voice, and turned to see the Flowers’ next-door-neighbour brandishing his secateurs and frowning at them over the privet hedge.

Cornelia lifted her hand and gave him a little wave. “Hi, Mr. Norton.”

“How are you, Sir?” Mike asked, his face the picture of innocence as he stared nervously at the secateurs.

Mr. Norton glared at the pair of them, and then with a harrumph, he returned to clipping his hedge. They stared at each other for a second, and then burst out laughing.

“You’d best come in,” Corney scrubbed her eyes on Mike’s handkerchief as she stepped back to let him through.

"You read my mind - those giant scissors are making me a little nervous!" She giggled as he crossed the threshold, and shutting the door behind him, Mike turned to her and ran a hand down her arm. “Can we talk?”

Cornelia smiled and nodded. “Sure. Go on through. I just have to take care of something first,” and leaving him to do as she said, she ran off up the stairs.

Mike watched her go, waiting until he could no longer see her, before making his way through to salon, and settling himself comfortably on the large sofa opposite the door. Corney returned two minutes later, her face washed and her outfit changed. He glanced up as she entered the room, and seeing her dressed in her old familiar clothes, his face broke into a wide smile.

“Oh, thank heavens you’ve changed!”

Cornelia stopped dead and stared at him for a second, and then started to laugh. “I know! I couldn’t stand that stupid get up any more. It’s not me at all!”

“You’re right about that, it wasn’t,” he returned with a grin. Reaching his hand out to take hers, he pulled her down next to him on the sofa. “I do like the frames though,” he added, examining her glasses, “and the hair.”

“Well in that case, I think I’ll keep them.”

“Good.”

They lapsed into silence, their fingers entwining together as they both stared down at their hands and turned the afternoon’s events over in their minds. After a few moments of thought, Corney lifted her enormous blue eyes to his face.

“What made you come back?”

“I got halfway home and realised how stupid this all was.” Mike smiled, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear and then taking hold of her other hand. “I want to be with you, Corney. I don’t care about some idiotic date or who said and did what. I just want to be with you. I’ve missed you so much.”

Cornelia felt tears pricking the back of her eyes once more, this time through happiness, and she blinked hard to keep them at bay. “I’ve missed you too,” she replied, quietly. “I’m sorry I went on that date, Mike. Nothing happened. I didn’t…”

“Shhh!” Releasing her right hand, he lifted his fingers to her lips to silence her. “It doesn’t matter, Corney, honestly, you don't need to explain. It’s my fault anyhow. I’m the ass who was too stupid to stay in touch with you, and it serves me right! I'm only glad I've not lost you.”

"I promise you've not lost me," she returned, a tender smile touching her lips. “You were rather an ass, though!”

“Hey!”

Grinning at his indignation, she reached across to kiss him. “But I forgive you.”

“Glad to hear it!” Then, grasping her fingers tightly, he asked in a more sober voice, “So what do you say? Shall we give things a go? Will you properly, officially be my girl?”

Her eyes sparkled with delight, and her smile was as wide as the Cheshire Cat’s. “Yes please!”

“Excellent!" His voice radiated happiness, his expressive grey eyes twinkling as he spoke. "So have I finally managed to convince you how much I like you?”

She nodded sheepishly, and then gave him a wicked grin. “You may just have to prove it a little more though.”

“Will I now? Well in that case…” and placing a hand on the back of her neck, he bent his head to kiss her deeply again.

They were so engrossed in one another, that they didn’t hear the front door slam, and had to break apart hurriedly as Joe opened the salon door and burst into the room.

“Corney, I…oh, say, I’m sorry!” and flustered, he hurriedly backed out again.

Cornelia jumped to her feet to stop him. “Poppa, come back! It’s okay, we were just chatting.”

Joe raised his eyebrows, a smile touching his lips as he re-entered the room. “Yes, so I could see!” His daughter blushed to the roots of her fair hair, and seeing that she had nothing else to say, he turned to Mike. “Welcome back, Mike, it’s good to see you again. I hope you’ll be sticking around a little longer this time?”

“Yes, I hope to, Sir.”

He shot a meaningful glance at Corney, who blushed and smiled back. Joe caught the look that flashed between them.

“That's good to know. Anyhow, I have work to be getting along with, so I’ll leave you two to it. Will you be joining us for dinner?

“Thank you, I’d love to, if you’re sure it’s not too much trouble.”

“No trouble at all. We can always squeeze an extra one in, can’t we, Corney?”

“Sure thing.”

“Excellent. Well, I’ll catch you two kids later,” and with an affectionate glance at his daughter's glowing face, he turned and headed off to his study.

Mike winced, as Cornelia sat down next to him again. “I can’t believe he caught us like that!”

“I don’t think he’s too upset,” she grinned. “He likes you. You’re approved of.”

“Oh? And why’s that?”

“Because you’re funny and kind and smart and you treat me real well.”

“So in other words, I’m really quite perfect?” Mike joked. Then catching her raised eyebrow, “Okay, dangerous territory.”

She giggled and shook her head. “It is rather. Say Mike, did you mean what you said before about changing jobs to be near me?”

Gazing down at her tenderly, Mike nodded and lifted his hand to cup the side of her face. “I meant every word. I’ll be speaking to my boss on Monday.”

Blushing again, Corney gave him a shy smile. “I’m really glad.”

“Pleased to hear it.” He ran his hand down her cheek, tracing her cheekbone with his finger, and then let it drop into his lap. “Now, Miss Flower, where were we?”

She grinned and lifted her arms to wrap them around his neck, her face close to his. “Somewhere about here, I believe,” and as he slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, she pressed her lips to his once more.

Last edited by Josie on Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:53 pm; edited 6 times in total

 

#18:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 5:06 am

I'm also grinning like a Cheshire Cat here! That was lovely Jo, thank you. Laughing

 

#19:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 5:12 am

Yay! Yippeeeeee! Hurrah!

I had every belief that it would come out right -- but am so glad they didn't have to gloom around for weeks. Very Happy

 

#20:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 6:38 am

Phew, thank goodness - and they didnt *have* to have an explanations scene either! Loved the ending, it was fab. Thanks Jo

 

#21:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:00 am

Isn't nice that you didn't make this a long cliff.

 

#22:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:52 am

Hurrah!!! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

Thanks Jo!

 

#23:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 10:04 am

Hooray and general bounciness! Thank you Jo!

 

#24:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 10:05 am

Oh yay!
Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

Love Corney's dad!

Thanks Jo

 

#25:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 12:28 pm

Yes! Yes! Yes! Mexican Wave Mexican Wave

Corney and Mike have finally come to their senses and they're officially a couple! I'm really happy!

 

#26:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 12:37 pm

Yay! Mike's finalyl come to his senses! Very Happy

Thank you Jo!

 

#27:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 1:35 pm

Yay yay yay!!!! Finally!!! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy *sat grinning rather stupidly!* Very Happy Very Happy Thank you Josie!!! Very Happy Very Happy

 

#28:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 1:38 pm

Oh, thank goodness!!!

That was LOVELY Jo!

 

#29:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 1:51 pm

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

So lovely, Jo, I had to read it again Very Happy

Thanks

Liz

 

#30:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 4:43 pm

Oh thank you Jo!

*grinning like a loon*

 

#31:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 11:48 pm

Wondrous!! Thanks Josie.
Mike, go home and tell Richard to mind his own business!

 

#32:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester, UK PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:28 am

I have to say, I can understand Richard's motives, and it's good that he's looking out for his brother. After all, what he saw was Corney out on Valentine's day with another man who kissed her. I very much doubt that he knew that Mike hadn't spoken to her for 5 weeks - even if he know that Mike is the world's worst correspondant, he probably didn't appreciate the fact that Corney didn't. The fact that both brothers automatically jumped to conclusions about the incident is an entirely separate issue.

Thanks, Jo, excellent as usual.

 

#33:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 1:56 pm

Lovely, lovely, lovely!!!! Mike came to his senses!

Thanks, Josie, wonderful post!

 

#34:  Author: Sarah_G-G, Location: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time! PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 7:31 pm

Oh, that was so lovely! And (helpfully for once!) I was away for the weekend and have only just caught up so I neatly avoided the nasty cliff!

*grinning from ear to ear and rather relieved there's currently no-one around*

 

#35:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 2:01 pm

Wow - just caught up on about 8 pages of this. Very glad I avoided that last cliff and lovely that they're a proper couple



and it meant I got a lot of knitting done while reading - thanks Jo Wink

 

#36:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 4:18 pm

*g* at Dawn. Glad to be of service Wink


"This pot roast is really quite outstanding! We should have one more often!"

As she watched her husband heap another spoonful of creamed potatoes onto his plate, Martha van Alden tutted loudly and shook her head.

"Really, William, must you be such a gourmand? With you setting that kind of example, it’s no wonder that Richard’s turned out the way he has!"

"Gee, thanks Ma!" Richard’s voice dripped with sarcasm, and his mother turned to look him up and down.

"Well look at you. No manners, no finesse, no wife…"

"What’s that got to do with Pop stuffing his face every lunchtime?"

"I don’t ‘stuff my face’!" William replied, not sounding unduly perturbed. "I just have a healthy appetite, that’s all."

"Pop’s right, Mom, the roast really is good, you know," Mike put in, in an effort to smooth things over.

"Yes, well with the amount of time and effort it takes to cook, I should hope it would be…"

"What do you care? You don’t cook it!" Richard replied lazily, shovelling another forkful of beef and carrots into his mouth. "And why are you worrying about me having a wife anyhow? I’m twenty-five and still studying! Mike’s twenty-nine and has a proper job, and he’s not married yet – why don’t you pick on him for once?"

"Michael will be married soon enough."

Mike glanced up in surprise, his glass halfway to his mouth. "Will I?"

"Of course you will, don’t be silly. Now you’ve met this new girl, I’m sure you’ll be on the way down the aisle before too long."

Mike stared at her in disbelief, as she speared a tiny morsel of beef with her fork and put it in her mouth. "I’ve been with her for a week – I’m not about to ask her to marry me tomorrow! And even if I did, I doubt she’d say yes."

"I’m simply saying it won’t be too long, that’s all," Martha returned complacently. "You can’t leave it forever, you know. I hear she’s dated Edward Choate already."

Mike snapped his head round to glare at Richard, who held his hands up in surrender. "Hey, don’t look at me! I didn’t tell her!"

"I heard from Mimi Saltonstall, who’d heard from Victoria Lowell," his mother informed him, pushing her food to one side of her plate, and laying down her knife and fork. "And speaking of which, when do your father and I get to meet her? It’s really quite embarrassing finding out details of our son’s life from our friends."

"Our friends should mind their own business," William muttered, and earned himself an icy glare from his wife.

"So when are we going to meet her?"

"When I’m ready to introduce her to you."

Martha pulled an injured face, and decided not to dignify him with an answer.

"Her surname’s Flower, isn’t it?" William asked, his brow furrowed in thought. Mike nodded. "Do I know her father? Have I played golf with him?"

"I don’t think so, Pop," Mike replied, as Richard rolled his eyes. "Mr. Flower’s not been too well since they’ve been here."

"Ah, well, sorry to hear that. Just thought I knew the name, that’s all."

"Where do they hail from, anyway?" Martha asked, unable to stay quiet for long. "They can’t be local, or I’d know them."

"From Vermont, originally."

"Vermont? Really? I must ask Cici Bellows if she’s ever heard of them."

"Why must you?" her husband asked. "Who cares if Cici Bellows has heard of them or not!"

"I doubt she has, Mom," Mike interjected quickly, before his mother could respond. "Corney said they spent most of her childhood in Europe."

"Europe? Whereabouts? Paris? London?"

"Austria."

"Ah, Vienna. Fine city before Hitler got his hands on it." William declared loudly. Then as his wife continued questioning Mike on his new girlfriend, he turned to Richard and asked, "How’s Eliza these days? I bumped into her father in the club last week. They’ve just bought some little pad down in Greenwich, Martha. He invited us down sometime," he added, beaming across at his wife.

But Martha wasn’t listening. "He wouldn’t know how she is, because she finished things with him!" she snapped, sounding thoroughly cross with her son.

"How do you know that?" Richard returned indignantly. "No, don’t tell me…Mimi told Cici who told Victoria who told Charlotte who told Mickey Mouse!"

"There’s no need for sarcasm!" Martha sniffed, and rising imperiously from her seat, she turned on her expensive heels and stalked out of the room.

William heaved a sigh and got to his feet. "You really shouldn’t talk to her like that you know, she is your mother. And you know it makes her worse!"

"You’re just complaining because you have to deal with her when we’re gone!"

William grimaced as he walked to the door. "Well wouldn’t you?"

Richard waited until his father had left the room and was out of earshot, and then pulled a face in his brother’s direction. "I told you that would happen. Why d’you always drag me down here?"

"Because they’re our parents, that’s why, and however much they drive us crazy, we still have to have Sunday lunch with them every once in a while! Anyway, Pop’s alright, and Mom doesn’t really mean it! It’s just the way she is."

"That’s alright for you to say, you’re the apple of her eye, whereas I am the scourge of the devil!"

"Oh tosh! Stop feeling so sorry for yourself. Now what’s this about Ela finishing things with you? I thought you broke it off with her?" Richard turned scarlet and stared at the floor, and Mike threw his head back and laughed. "It’s true isn’t it? Someone finally rejected the mighty Rich van Alden! What happened?"

"I confronted her about Corney going on the date with Ed," Richard replied, blushing. "I was sure she knew about it and I wasn’t too pleased."

"And?"

"She told me I was pathetic and immature and she needed a proper man, not a schoolyard boy," he mumbled defensively. "I was only looking out for you!"

"Aww, you poor old man!" Mike patted him patronisingly on the shoulder. "You’ve had something of a week of it haven’t you? What with Corney chewing you out and all."

Richard glared at him. "No need to rub it in."

At that moment, the door opened and their parents returned to the room, Martha looking somewhat mollified, thanks to whatever it was William had said to calm her down. Taking her seat again, she turned to Mike.

"We’d like to invite Cornelia to join us for lunch in two weeks time. Is that alright with you?"

Mike hesitated for a second, wondering whether Corney was ready to face his parents yet. Then catching the pleading look in his father’s eye, he acquiesced.

"I’m sure that’ll be fine, Mom. I’ll ask when I see her tomorrow."

"Well let me know either way. Now, who’d like dessert?"

"That sounds good, thanks."

"That would be lovely, dear."

Mike stood heavily on Richard’s foot, eliciting a strangled, "Yes please!" and happy once more, Martha got to her feet to ring the maid’s bell.

Last edited by Josie on Sun Nov 06, 2005 10:05 pm; edited 6 times in total

 

#37:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 4:26 pm

Thank you Jo. Look forward to seeing Corney meet Mike's mum! *g*

 

#38:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 4:46 pm

Mike's Mom sounds like a complete nightmare! Laughing Hope Corney can handle her.

Thanks Jo.

 

#39:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 7:14 pm

Poor Corney! She sounds like the mother-in-law from hell. Perhaps Corney will charm the socks off her?

Thanks Jo.

 

#40:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 7:32 pm

Poor old Corney.... hope it goes okay!

Thanks Jo Very Happy

 

#41:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 8:11 pm

Hehe oh well she can't be as bad as Joey would be! I can't wait for Corney to go to dinner with them sounds like it will be fun! Thank you Josie! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#42:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 10:10 pm

Thanks, Jo. Mike and Richard's parents made me laugh! At least his Mum doesn't mind him getting married and is looking forward to meeting Corney.

 

#43:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 11:45 pm

Hope Martha's eagerness for Corney and Mike to marry doesn't make Corney back away

*feeling rather sorry for William*

Thanks Jo Very Happy

Liz

 

#44:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 4:36 am

Martha certainly has her web of contacts.... Still, for all her gossip, she doesn't seem malicious about it. At least I hope not.

Richard has had a week of it, hasn't he. Cool He may yet grow up.

Thanks, Josie!

 

#45:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 5:04 am

Are you sure her name is Mrs Van Alden. Not Mrs Bennett?

 

#46:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 10:18 am

Miss Di wrote:
Are you sure her name is Mrs Van Alden. Not Mrs Bennett?


what I was thinking! Hope Corney doesn't do anything too embarrassing at lunch.

Thanks Jo Very Happy

 

#47:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 10:26 am

Thanks Jo - this is excellent. Kiss

 

#48:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 3:34 pm

Let's hope Mrs. Van Alden likes Corney, and doesn't ask her for a potted history and all her connections the minute she steps in through the door! She is rather Mrs.Bennettesque, ins't she?!

There's this tradition/saying in Germany that if you are served a piece of cake, and it falls over on your plate, you will get a horrible mother-in-law - I just hope Corney's stays upright!

 

#49:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:10 pm

Wonderful Jo

Richard's an idiot - a well-meaning idiot but an idiot. And he really dropped Mike in the soup there!

 

#50:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 9:13 pm

dackel wrote:

There's this tradition/saying in Germany that if you are served a piece of cake, and it falls over on your plate, you will get a horrible mother-in-law - I just hope Corney's stays upright!


So do I!!!!!!!!!
Everything seems to be coming together-it's great! Razz

 

#51:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 3:18 pm

Thanks Jo!
I now have everything crossed that Corney's first meeting with her future in-laws goes okay!

 

#52:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 1:07 pm

Pulling the car up in front of his parents’ home, Mike switched off the engine and turned round in his seat. It was now two weeks since his mother had invited Cornelia to dinner, and she was about to meet his parents for the very first time. If anything, he was more nervous than she was.

"Okay, I have to tell you something before we go in. My mother’s a bit of a handful, but she doesn’t really mean what she says, I promise."

Cornelia grimaced back at him. "I know, you’ve told me that exact same thing about fifty times in the past two weeks! It’s not exactly giving me the best impression of her, or making me more confident!"

"Sorry!"

"And stop apologising for heaven’s sake!"

"Sorry!"

"Right that’s it. Look at me!" Reaching out, she took hold of his hands and stared into his soft, grey eyes. "I will be polite, and friendly, and well-behaved and won’t spill anything. I promise to be the model girl, okay?"

"It’s not you I’m worried about!"

Corney chuckled and shook her head. "Mike, will you just relax, it’ll be fine. You never know, we may get on great and all this worry’ll be for nothing!"

Mike stared back at her for a moment, a little unsure, and then his face broke into its familiar grin. "You’re right." Leaning forward, he pecked her on the lips, and then turned to open his door. "Come on, let’s get going before my mother comes barging out to see why we’re sitting in the driveway!"

Laughing, Cornelia climbed out of the car. "Well, it must look a little strange."

"True." He rang the doorbell, and then turned back to face her with a smile. "Plus, the sooner we get in there, the sooner we get to leave again!"

"Mike!"

He opened his mouth to reply, but was interrupted by the sound of someone fiddling with the lock, and he turned his head just as his father opened the door. The relief on Mike’s face was obvious, and William gave a deep chuckle.

"Don’t worry, your mother’s busy berating your brother."

"Why, what’s he done now?"

"Oh, just been himself," William replied with a grin. Then turning to face Corney, he smiled and held out his hand. "You must be Cornelia? Welcome to our humble abode."

Cornelia could see instantly where Mike got his looks from. With the exception of William’s brown eyes, he was the spitting image of his son, just thirty-odd years older. Smiling, she held out her hand to shake his. "Nice to meet you, Sir. Thanks for inviting me."

"It’s a pleasure to have you. And please, call me William."

"And please call me, Corney."

"You have a deal!" William laughed and stepped back to usher them into the house. "Come on in, make yourself at home." Then, as Mike took her coat for her, his father closed the front door. "Can I get you a drink, Corney? Scotch okay?"

"Yes please, that would be great." She gave William a friendly smile and then turned to Mike. "Is there a bathroom where I can freshen up after the drive?"

"Down the hall on your right."

"Thanks. I won’t be a moment," and she made her way along the hall, opening a couple of other doors before she finally found the right one.

Watching her go, William took the coats from Mike and nodded after her, a wide grin on his face. "Scotch, eh? Girl after my own heart. I might even break open the good stuff," he said with a conspiratorial wink.

Mike laughed and felt himself relax a little. "Thanks, Pop. You’ll like her, I know you will."

"I already do."

"Michael? Is that you?"

Hitching the coats up in his arms, William mouthed ‘good luck’ and escaped towards the cloakroom, as his wife appeared from a door to the left of the hall.

"I thought I could hear your voice!" Seeing her son standing on his own, she stopped dead and looked around her. "So, where is she?"

"Hello to you too, Mom."

"Oh yes, hello dear. How are you?" She reached up to peck him on the cheek, before glancing around again. "So what have you done with her?"

Mike was just about to reply, when the door to the bathroom opened, and Corney appeared. Spying her guest, Martha turned to greet her.

"You must be Cornelia? Charmed to meet you at long last," she gushed, taking hold of Corney’s shoulders and looking her up and down critically.

Startled, Cornelia glanced at Mike, who grimaced and mouthed ‘sorry’ in return. "Ni…er…nice to meet you, Mrs. Van Alden."

"Yes." Martha released her, a flash of disappointment crossing her face before she broke into a half-hearted smile. "Indeed. Well, do come on through, won’t you?" and turning on her heel, she marched into the salon, leaving Mike and Corney to follow on behind.

"You sit there, Cornelia," she directed, indicating an uncomfortable-looking armchair, as Mike shut the door behind them. Corney did as she was told, and Martha sat down in front of her, and looked her up and down again. "Dinner will be chicken pot pie and mash. I hope that’s okay with you?"

"It sounds lovely, thank you." Cornelia replied, trying hard to keep her voice steady. Martha’s critical eye was making her feel very nervous, and she was glad she had chosen to wear the same blue dress that she‘d worn on her first date with Mike. At least she knew it suited her.

Nodding her approval, Martha sat back and folded her arms across her chest, eyeing Cornelia in a way that made her feel like she was being interviewed.

"So tell me, how did you meet my son?"

"At the Sherwood Benefit Dinner, Mom," Mike put in, before Cornelia could reply. "I’ve told you that already. Richard introduced us."

"Oh that’s right, so you did."

Cornelia gave her hostess a warm smile. "Richard was so kind to me back then. I scarcely knew anyone, as Poppa and me had only been here a couple of months. Richard introduced me to so many people. Including Mike, of course," she added, glancing across at her beau.

Martha raised her eyebrows. "Yes, I’m sure he did."

Her off-hand manner silenced Cornelia, and seeing her discomfort, Mike hastened to join in the conversation. "Where is Rich anyway, Mom? Pop said he was here."

"He’s in your father's study sulking. We had words," his mother replied, shortly.

"So, Corney," William interrupted, before his wife could begin a rant about their youngest son, "Mike tells us you spent a lot of time in Austria as a child?"

Thankful for the change of subject, Cornelia grinned and nodded. "From when I was fourteen, yes. Pop did a lot of his business in Europe, so he found me a school out there. It was in a beautiful place in the mountains, by a lake called the Tiernsee. Have you ever heard of it?"

"Can’t say I have. Where’s it’s close to?"

"I guess Innsbruck is the nearest big place."

"Ah, well, that’s a beautiful town."

Cornelia smiled. "Yes, it is."

"So what is it that your father does for a living?" Martha put in, in an interrogatory manner.

"He has his own company, and is involved in all kinds of business. I moved all over the world with him until I went to school. He’s not so involved as he was though, he takes more of a back seat these days. That’s why we’ve finally found somewhere to settle down."

"So you were from Vermont originally?"

"My parents were, yes. We’ve not been back since Poppa and I left when I was a baby."

"You and your father? What about…?"

"Whereabouts in Vermont, Corney?" William asked hastily, seeing where his wife’s questions were leading, and not wanting her to embarrass their guest.

"Burlington, near Lake Champlain. I’ve never been though. Pop and I are hoping to get up there later in the year, as he’s dying to show me where I’m from. He says he loves how friendly people are and how simple it all is."

Martha smiled. "Yes, it is…er…simple."

Her tone was pleasant enough, but her words made Cornelia flush. Seeing this, Mike was quick to change the conversation onto his search for a new job, and as his mother quizzed him on how it was going, they all began to relax a little. Even Martha toned down the questions, opting to complain about Richard instead.

After an hour, she announced that lunch would soon be ready, and Cornelia excused herself for a quick bathroom break before it was served. Standing in front of the mirror, she wiped away a tiny smudge of make-up from under her eye and took a deep breath. Okay, so Martha was a little difficult, but Mike had warned her about that. And William was lovely, she was fond of him already. Admittedly, it wasn’t the most comfortable day of her life, but so far she hadn’t embarrassed herself, and she knew how much it all meant to Mike. She looked at herself again, and smiled. She could do this. If she just got through meeting them this first time, it would all be alright.

Opening the bathroom door, she turned to make her way back to the salon. She was brought up short by Mike’s raised voice coming from the room, clear as day.

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly what I say," she heard Martha reply, in her high, shrill voice. "She’s a nobody for goodness sake, her father made his own money!"

"So what?" William put in. "So did my great-great-grandfather, and so did one of your ancestors, if I remember rightly!"

"And what’s this about her and her father?" Martha asked, clearly not listening to her husband. "Don’t tell me he walked out on her mother?"

"Her mother died, Mom. When she was a baby. That’s why they left Vermont."

"Oh." There was silence for a moment, as Martha clearly gathered herself again. "Well anyway…"

"Personally I like her," William interrupted firmly. "She’s charming and polite, and she’s handled your interrogation beautifully, which is more than I can say for most of the over-bred fillies Richard’s brought home in his time!"

"That’s beside the point. She’s a nice girl, I grant you, but hardly Michael’s type!"

"She’s exactly my type," Mike shot back.

"Oh please. You can do a lot better than her."

"No, Mom, I can’t."

"Stop putting yourself down! There are plenty of lovely women far more on your social strata that you could date."

"I don’t want to…"

"Let me see what I can do, I’ll soon get you over this folly!"

As the argument continued, Cornelia suddenly regained her senses and realised she was still rooted to the spot, effectively eavesdropping. Looking around her, panicking slightly, she realised she had no choice but to go back to the salon. They would come looking for her otherwise and she didn’t want to do that to Mike. Steeling herself, she was about to open the door when she suddenly caught a movement from the corner of her eye. Whipping her head around, she saw Richard standing further down the corridor, watching her with some concern. It was clear that he had heard everything as well, and Cornelia flushed bright red under his gaze. Then, before he could speak, she set her shoulders firmly, and made her way back into the room.

As the door opened, Martha spun round, forcing a somewhat-fake smile on her face. "Ah, here she is. Did you find the bathroom okay?"

Corney hesitated for a second, and then gave her a dazzling smile. "Yes, thanks. You have a lovely house, by the way," she replied, as pleasantly as she could.

Martha flushed slightly, as she felt Mike glaring at her. "Thank you."

William shot his wife a disgusted glance, and then turned to their guest with a warm smile. " Would you like a proper tour round once we’ve eaten?"

"Yes please. That would be lovely."

‘Excellent. Now then, I believe lunch is ready," and before his wife could say anything else, he ushered them all out of the room.

Lunch went quite smoothly, thanks in the main to Richard, who was quick to interrupt his mother’s questions at every turn. Once it was over, William bore Corney off on the promised tour, and Martha was called to the phone, leaving the two brothers alone in the salon.

From his vantage point in one of the fashionable-but-uncomfortable armchairs, Richard watched his brother closely, as Mike read the sports pages of the Boston Herald.

"That girl deserves a medal."

Mike lifted his head with a smile. "Yes, it’s gone okay, hasn’t it? Pop likes her already, and even Mom’s not been too bad."

"That’s not quite what I meant. She heard, Mike."

"Heard what?" Mike asked, looking thoroughly confused.

"What Mom was saying about her when she went to the bathroom."

His brother cringed. "How? How do you know?"

"Because I saw her, in the hallway. You could have heard Mom from the next town, she was shrieking so loud."

"Oh God." Mike leant forward and put his head in his hands. "She never let on…"

"That’s what I mean. She heard every word Mom said, and then she walked back in this room and was sweet and charming and didn’t give it away for a second, because she knew how nervous you were about today and what it meant to you. She deserves more than a medal."

He paused for a moment, and Mike took a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling, feeling thoroughly distressed.

"Do her a favour," Richard said eventually. "Get her out of here as soon as Pop’s through with his tour."

As he finished speaking, the door opened and Martha flounced back into the room. "Well, that’s just great. The man Mimi booked to do the flowers for your father’s birthday has gone and broken his leg, and now we’ve only two weeks to find someone else! What am I supposed to do? And then there’s the guestlist to finalise as well." She stared from one of her sons to the other. "It wouldn’t hurt you two to help a little, you know."

Richard rolled his eyes at Mike, and then without a word, got to his feet and walked out of the room.

"Well really!" Martha blustered as she watched him go. "I suppose assistance from him was too much to expect. Michael, have you sorted out your father’s present?"

Mike was still angry at her earlier comments, even more so now that he knew Cornelia had heard them, and his eyes were hard and cold as he replied.

"Yes, Mom, it’s all done. I told you that last week. And whilst we’re on the subject, I’ll be bringing Corney, so please make sure she’s on the list."

"Well I don’t think…"

"She will be my date, Mom. End of discussion."

Martha opened her mouth to argue back, but whatever she might have said was never known, as the door opened and William and Cornelia came into the salon.

"Nice tour?" Mike asked, as Martha did her best to put on another friendly smile.

"Yes thanks." Cornelia grinned up at him. "I had no idea this place had so much history, and your father’s very informative!"

Mike chuckled. "I gather Pop showed you the wine cellar then?"

Cornelia laughed and nodded. "He sure did."

"And she was very impressed, I might add!" William boomed, giving his guest a glance of approval. "She knows a great deal about wine, this young lady."

"Poppa’s something of a collector, so he’s made sure I know all about it."

"Well perhaps he and I should get together and compare bottles some time."

"I reckon he’d enjoy that."

"So do I. Thanks Pop." Mike placed a hand on his girlfriend’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "Anyway, we should get going, we’ve somewhere else to be."

Cornelia shot him a grateful glance, and then turned back to her hosts with a charming smile. "Thank you so much for having me to lunch. It was delicious and it’s been wonderful to meet you both."

"Yes, you too, dear." Martha stepped forward and kissed her on both cheeks in the continental style. "Perhaps we’ll see you again soon."

"You’ll see her at Pop’s party," Mike put in, his voice firm as he glared at his mother.

"Oh you’re coming, wonderful!" William shook Cornelia’s hand warmly and gave her a beaming grin. "We’ll look forward to seeing you then."

"Yes, we’ll see you then," Martha added, with a strained smile.

"Come on, Corney, let’s go. Tell Rich I’ll speak to him tomorrow, will you, Pop?" Mike asked William, and then placing his hand on Cornelia’s back, he steered her out of the door.

"Well that wasn’t too bad," she said cheerfully, as Mike started the car and they set off up the drive. "It was great to meet them both at last, and lunch was scrumptious."

Mike didn’t reply. Instead, as soon as the house was out of sight, he pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned off the engine.

"What are you doing?" Cornelia asked, looking confused. "Did you forget something?"

He stared at her for a moment, and then reaching out, he placed a hand behind her head, pulled her towards him and kissed her firmly on the lips.

"What was that for?" she asked, a little stunned. "Not that I’m complaining."

"For being you," came the simple reply.

"What does that…?"

"I know you heard what she said. Richard told me."

"Oh."

Her face clouded over and she stared down at her lap. Mike put his hand under her chin, and lifted it so that he could look into her deep, blue eyes.

"Thank you for doing that for me."

Cornelia’s cheeks flushed red. "Well thanks for sticking up for me."

"You’re welcome. I’m so sorry about her, Corney."

She smiled and shook her head. "It’s okay. I like your Dad a lot."

"Yes, he’s a good man. A little crazy, perhaps, but good. And he likes you a lot too." Corney grinned and Mike ran his fingers through her hair. "Take no notice of Mom. She really does have a good heart, I promise. She’ll get over the other stuff."

"Mike, it’s really okay. I’m not upset - or not much anyhow. I want to be with you, so I can deal with your parents!"

Mike laughed and pecked her on the cheek. "Come on, let’s go."

"Where to?"

"There’s one other person I want you to meet."

"Who?"

"Mrs. Ruggles."

"Mrs. who?"

"I know, terrific name isn’t it?" he chuckled, as he started the engine once again. "She's mine and Richard’s old nanny, and one of the most wonderful people in the world – the perfect antidote to my mother! I’ve been meaning to introduce you two for weeks, so I just hope she’s in!" Cornelia looked doubtful, and he squeezed her hand before continuing up the drive. "Don’t worry, you’ll like her, I promise. And unless I miss my guess, she’s gonna just love you to bits!"

Last edited by Josie on Tue Nov 08, 2005 3:00 pm; edited 6 times in total

 

#53:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 1:18 pm

Thank you Jo!!!

I am REALLY feeling the urge to poke Mike's mother with a very large s***n!!!!

 

#54:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 1:19 pm

well done Corney!!! She definitely came out on top there - money doesn't necessarily mean manners (or whatever the saying is!)

thanks Jo

 

#55:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 1:50 pm

Good for Corney! Mike is so lovely. I hope Martha will improve in time. How nice of Richard to speak to Mike and sort it all out. Very Happy

 

#56:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 1:57 pm

Thanks Jo

Forget the urge Vikki! poke Martha

Corney and Mike are so perfect for each other Very Happy

Liz

 

#57:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 4:20 pm

Horrid woman... glad Corney knew how to handle her!! Mrs Ruggles sounds lovely though Very Happy

Thanks, Jo Very Happy

 

#58:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 4:31 pm

Poor Corney - Mrs Van Alden sounds even worse than my SLOC's mother, and I didn't think that was do-able.

But Mrs Ruggles sounds fantastic! What a great name!

Thanks Josie.

 

#59:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 5:03 pm

Lovely!!! Thank you Josie! This is certainly one of the best drabbles! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#60:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 5:46 pm

I've been to Burlington on Lake Champlain! Laughing

Martha deserves a red hot poker applied to her rear end, grrr. Silly snob! She's well written though Laughing

Thanks Jo, loved the updates!

 

#61:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 5:49 pm

Thanks Jo

Lovely characterisation of Mike's Mum!

I love his father, though and Richard is growing in my estimation by the post Razz

Looking forward to Mrs Ruggles.

 

#62:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 6:57 pm

poke Martha!!!
Corney handled it all perfectly though, so I hope she enjoys herself with Mrs Ruggles!

 

#63:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 7:48 pm

You know Richard might not be quite as wonderful as Mike but I'm getting fairly fond of him! I hope they're mum comes round eventually, I guess she might when she realises how serious Mike is!

Mrs Ruggles is a great name and going to meet the nanny is a very important thing, makes me think of Brideshead Revisited Very Happy

Thanks Josie

 

#64:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 9:20 pm

Corney definitely deserves a medal, as to what Martha deserves - unable to say, this part of the board isn't locked!

Thanks Josie, wonderful writing.

 

#65:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 10:09 pm

Thank you Jo!

Lovely characterisation of Martha there! Very recognisable!

 

#66:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 11:07 pm

Wonderful Jo.

Mrs Ruggles is a great name - and I do hope she'll approve of Corney whatever Martha says poke

 

#67:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 11:18 pm

Thanks, Jo. I'm glad Corney is definitely back in Richard's good books after putting on a brave face. I'm sorry that Martha was so horrible to Corney. I feel even more relieved that my future parents -in-law are nothing like that!

 

#68:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 5:50 am

*volunteers to research skeletons in Martha's genealogy,
preferably the sort that get her thrown out of the D.A.R.Twisted Evil

I do like William, though, and it's nice to see Richard back firmly in Corney's camp.

ETA: D.A.R.- Daughters of the American Revolution. Requires proof of direct descent from someone who aided the cause, and stereotypically the bastion of matrons of "old families." Were she American, Hyacinth Bucket would be desperate to belong.

 

#69:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 9:28 am

Thank you Jo. Wonderful Corney and Martha is fantastically awful!

 

#70:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:40 pm

Thanks Josie! Martha is breathtakingly brilliant, and so good to see that Corney is resilient snough to cope with her.

 

#71:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 10:14 am

Doing a spot of drabble jumping here. Please may we hear some more about Corney? Please?... Very Happy

 

#72:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:36 pm

As Mike she stepped out of the car onto the pavement of East Broadway, Cornelia surveyed the South Boston street with rampant curiosity. The area was traditionally an immigrant neighbourhood, populated in particular by those people with strong connections to the Emerald Isle.

"Is Mrs. Ruggles Irish then?"

Mike locked the car and looked up with a grin. "She’s not, but her husband was. He grew up in this neighbourhood and they lived on the next street after they got married."

"Her husband was?"

"He died of pneumonia within a year of them getting married."

A look of distress crossed Cornelia’s face. "Oh, poor Ms. Ruggles! That’s awful!"

Walking around the vehicle to stand next to her, Mike smiled and squeezed her elbow. "I know. But she’s a tough old thing, she got by. She always says it’s how she came to work for Mom & Pop. She wouldn’t have any children of her own, as she had no intention of remarrying, so she decided that looking after other people’s would be the next best thing. She moved back here after she finished working for us; said she’d missed the colour and vibrancy of the place over the years." Keeping hold of her arm, he led her towards a battered-looking, three-storey building a little further down the street. "Here we are. Come on, let’s go see if she’s in."

They made their way inside and up to the second floor, where Mike knocked on a smartly-painted, blue door adorned with a shiny brass number ‘3’.

"Who’s there?" came the faint reply from within.

"It’s me, Mrs. Ruggles. I’ve brought a friend along to meet you."

"Michael! My dear boy, come on in, the door’s open!" Mike turned the handle and stood back to usher Cornelia into the hallway. "Go on through to the salon!" the voice called cheerily. "I’ll be with you in a moment. Would you both like tea?"

Mike looked at Cornelia, who nodded in return. Then as he turned back to the doorway to answer, she entered the salon and glacing around at the room. It was furnished with an eclectic mishmash of furniture, from a couple of expensive antique chairs, to a handmade, slightly lopsided coffee table that obviously had more sentimental value rather than anything else. Silk throws adorned the backs of the seats, the floor was strewn with Turkish rugs, an old wire birdcage, no longer containing a bird, hung from a stand in one corner and a half-knitted jumper was thrown over one arm of a chair. On the mantle, candlesticks and glass ornaments mingled with letters and photographs, and in the middle stood a beautiful, ornate art deco clock. The whole room was tidy, but cluttered, and was filled with the warm aroma of vegetable soup and freshly baked bread. It all made Cornelia feel instantly at home.

The sound of tinkling china brought her back to her senses, and she turned to face the door, just as a the owner of the apartment entered the room carrying a fully-laden tray. She was a tall, slim, striking woman in her late-fifties, and had obviously been quite a beauty in her day. Despite her imposing stature, the warm hazel eyes, that shone behind her pince-nez, and the friendly, welcoming smile obliterated any sense of intimidation, though Cornelia had no doubt she could be a very daunting figure if she chose.

Placing the tray down on the table, the lady caught Mike in a huge, motherly hug as she berated him for not visiting her for at least a month. Then releasing him, she turned to Cornelia with a beaming smile.

"So, whom do we have here then?"

Mike came forward to make the introduction. "Mrs. Ruggles, this is my friend Cornelia. Corney, this is Mrs. Ruggles, my old nanny and one of my most favourite people in the entire world!"

Mrs. Ruggles noted the adoring glance that he gave Cornelia as he introduced her, but choosing not to say anything just yet, she held out her hand to grasp that of her guest.

"Wonderful to meet you, my dear. Any friend of Michael’s is a friend of mine."

Cornelia returned her smile. "Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Ruggles."

"Oh, please, call me Velma," came the laughing reply. "Just because Michael refuses to call me by anything but my formal name, doesn’t mean that you should too!"

"I can’t call you Velma, it’s just not right!" Mike put in calmly, as Cornelia chuckled.

Their host looked at Mike with a roll of her eyes. "Yes, Michael, I know. You’ve told me that a hundred times. Now," she said, making her way back towards the tray, "who’d like a cup of tea?"

"Mrs. Ruggles likes her tea!" Mike explained, as he passed a cup across to Cornelia and then sat down net to her with his own. "She drinks it by the bucket load!"

Ignoring his teasing, Mrs. Ruggles smiled. "I visited England many moons ago and fell in love with it there. I’ve drunk nothing else since. Well, almost nothing," she added, with a conspiratorial grin at the bottle of gin standing on her dresser. Tipping her sleeping cat off a large armchair, she sat down and turned to Mike. "Now, young Michael, what’s been so important that it’s kept you from visiting a frail, old lady," she asked, with a wink at Cornelia.

Corney grinned back. She couldn’t imagine a less-fitting description of the vibrant woman before her. As she listened to Mike trying to talk his way out of it, she sat back, relaxed and took a sip of her tea. Martha’s words had stung more than she had cared to admit to Mike, but Mrs. Ruggles’ warm, friendly, welcoming manner was helping to alleviate some of that hurt. Cornelia had taken to her instantly, enthralled by her open, friendly manner, and a couple of hours later, by which time the third pot of tea had finally run dry, she felt as if she had made a new friend for life.

Laughing at yet another embarrassing tale from Mike’s childhood, she leant forward and without thinking, placed her half-full cup on the wonky coffee table in front of her and sat back in her seat. The next moment she shrieked as it slid to the floor, emptying the contents onto her legs and the patterned rug.

"Oh damn…I mean gosh, Velma, I’m so sorry!" she cried, her face scarlet as she bent down to retrieve the cup.

Mrs. Ruggles simply laughed. "No matter, dear, I’m sure much worse has been spilled on that rug over the years."

She got to her feet to go and fetch a cloth, but Cornelia beat her to it.

"Let me go, please. I spilt it after all."

"Don’t be silly now," her host replied kindly. "You fetch me a cloth from under the sink, and then see to washing your stockings and shoes down. They’ve received far more damage than my battered, old rug!"

Realising it would be fruitless to protest, Cornelia fetched the required cloth and some soapy water, and then departed for the kitchen again to sponge down her stockings and shoes. Mrs. Ruggles dropped to her knees and gave the carpet a quick scrub, as Mike helped move the table. Then throwing the cloth into the water bowl, she brushed down her skirt and returned to her seat.

"There we are, no damage done."

Mike grinned back at her. "Efficient with a cloth as ever," he teased. "Must be all that practice that Richard and I gave you over the years!"

"You watch it, young man. You’re not too old to be given a good dressing down, let me tell you!"

Chuckling, Mike drained his teacup. Then he placed it beside him, his face taking on a more serious expression. "So, what do you think?" he asked anxiously.

Mrs. Ruggles observed him with amusement. "Just a friend, is she?" Mike's cheeks turned scarlet, and she gave a delightful laugh before deciding to spare him his blushes. "I like her very much."

"I knew you would!" he replied, his relief evident in his voice, as his face slowly resumed its normal colour. Then, as his old nanny regarded him quizzically, he explained, "We had lunch with Mom and Pop today. Pop adored her, but Mom didn’t seem quite so keen."

Velma Ruggles sat back in her seat, her face mouth drawn into a straight line. "Why am I not surprised?"

"She doesn’t mean any harm, you know that."

Heaving a sigh, Mrs. Ruggles shook her head. "I know she’s your mother, Michael, but sometimes you give her too much benefit of the doubt. I know she’s like she is because she’s never known any different, but that’s no excuse for the way she treats people." Mike stared at his lap and said nothing, and his host looked at him with sympathetic eyes before she continued. "Something tells me that if Martha only bothered to take the time to get to know Corney before judging her, then she’d soon discover that where you come from or who you know does not matter one jot."

Mike glanced up at her with a smile. "You really do like her, don’t you?"

"Yes, I do. She’s warm, friendly, funny, caring, and she clearly adores you. She’s also clumsy and quirky and imperfect, and unapologetic for any of it." Mike looked mildly alarmed, puzzled at how this was meant to be a complement. Seeing the confusion on his face, Mrs. Ruggles grinned. "In other words she’s real, she’s doesn’t put on any airs and graces. Exactly as any girl of yours should be."

At that moment, the door opened and Cornelia returned to the room. Mrs. Ruggles looked up with a grin.

"Ah, here she is. We were just talking about you."

Cornelia glanced nervously at Mike. "Were you?"

Mrs. Ruggles laughed. "Don’t look so scared, my dear, I won’t bite," she said, her hazel eyes twinkling as she spoke. "At least, not unless I’m provoked! I was saying how glad I am to have met you."

"Thank you," Cornelia replied, a little taken aback. "I’m glad to have met you too."

Mrs. Ruggles gave her a warm smile. "Well in that case, how would you feel about joining me for a spot of lunch on Friday? We can go somewhere fancy and make a proper outing of it. It’s been a while since I’ve done anything of that kind, and then we can get to know each other properly, without Michael hanging around," she added, with an affectionate wink in Mike’s direction.

"That sounds swell, I’d love to." Corney replied, a warm glow coming over her, as she realised she had made a good impression on someone so important to her beau.

At the mention of food, Mike glanced at his watch and quickly jumped to his feet. "Say, Corney, we’d best get going, we’re meeting your Pops in a half hour. We’re grabbing some dinner before we go see a play," he added, by way of explanation to their host.

Cornelia groaned at his words. "I’m not sure I can eat any more ever again after that lunch your parents gave us!"

Mrs. Ruggles smiled. "Order the seafood, my dear, that always slips down easily." At this, Mike and Corney caught each other’s eye and both burst out laughing. "What’s so funny about that?"

"Let’s just say Corney and seafood don’t quite get on," Mike replied, still chuckling. "But that’s a story for another time."

"Or a story for never!" Cornelia added, giving him a stern look. Then turning to her host, she held out her hand. "It really has been grand to meet you, Velma."

"Let’s forget all that formal nonsense," Velma responded, brushing her guest’s hand away and kissing her on the cheek instead. "It’s been an absolute pleasure to meet you too. I’ll get your number from Michael and be in touch about Friday, okay?" Before Corney had time to reply, she turned to Mike. "Michael, you make sure you come back and see me soon, or you’ll be persona non grata in these parts, do you hear me? "

"Loud and clear!" Mike replied, grinning.

They said their final goodbyes, and waved to their host as she watched them walk down the stairs. As they descended the final flight to the front door, Mike took Cornelia’s hand in his own.

"So? What did you think of her?"

"She’s such a dear!" Corney replied, a wide smile on her face. "No wonder you adore her so."

"Well you’ll be glad to know that she adores you right back! It’s lucky really, because I can be with a girl my mother doesn’t approve of, but not one that Mrs. Ruggles doesn’t like!" he retorted, tongue in cheek. Cornelia’s eyes shone as he spoke. Stopping her at the bottom of the stairs, Mike scanned her smiling face and then put a hand on her waist, pulling her towards him. "Come here, you," he said, lowering his lips towards hers.

"Mike! Someone might see!" she cried, stepping back.

"Who?" Mike replied, glancing around the empty hallway. "And anyhow, I don’t care!" and pulling her forward again, he kissed her full on the lips.

Cornelia returned his embrace, and then pulled out of his arms, her face alight with laughter. "Come on, we have to go meet Poppa."

"Are you trying to get away from me?" he asked with mock-suspicion, eyebrow raised.

"Perhaps!" came the cagey reply.

"Really? Well we’ll see about that!" and grabbing her waist again, he began to tickle her.

"Owww! Mike, stop it! Get off of me!" she laughed, gasping for breath. Then pulling free, she stuck her tongue out at him and ran out of the front door, leaving him to follow in hot pursuit.

Last edited by Josie on Tue Nov 15, 2005 5:32 pm; edited 4 times in total

 

#73:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:47 pm

How lovely Josie! I'm so pleased that Mrs Ruggles and Cornelia got on well.

 

#74:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 5:21 pm

Yay!!! Thanks Jo!!!

Mrs Ruggles is lovely. And trust Corney to spill her tea!!! Very Happy

 

#75:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 5:22 pm

Mrs Ruggles is just lovely! Very Happy

 

#76:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 5:49 pm

What a contrast!

Thanks Jo - that was absolutely lovely Very Happy

Liz

 

#77:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 6:29 pm

Awwww that was so sweet!!! Mrs Ruggles is lovely. And Corney and Mike are just perfect!! Very Happy Very Happy Thank you so much!!! Very Happy Very Happy

 

#78:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 7:02 pm

Thanks, Josie. It seems like Corney has impressed the person she most needed to impress. That was a lovely scene!

 

#79:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 7:41 pm

Very Happy

I'm glad Corney and Velma got on alright, she seems much nicer (and more sensible) than Mike's mother.

Thanks Josie.

 

#80:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 8:07 pm

Velma is wonderful - and doesn't she compare well to Martha?

Thanks Josie - a lovely episode, and Corney was herself - perfect.

 

#81:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 8:49 pm

Lovely Mrs Ruggles - the perfect antidote to Martha Wink

Thanks Jo

 

#82:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 10:12 pm

I'm joining the Mrs.Ruggles fan-club - what a lovely lady! I'm so glad she likes Corney. Grrrrrrr at Martha.

 

#83:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 1:20 am

Is Mrs Ruggles any relation to Mrs Ruggles from One End Street?

I'm glad Corney made a favourable impression on her.

 

#84:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 5:56 am

Awww! That was lovely - and good for Mrs Ruggles reminding Mike not to pay too much attention to Martha. Very Happy

 

#85:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 10:47 am

LizB wrote:
What a contrast!

Thanks Jo - that was absolutely lovely Very Happy

Liz


What Liz said!

Very Happy

 

#86:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 1:11 pm

I have a great big grin on my face after the last few lines! Thanks again Jo, for writing this - tis fantabulous Very Happy

 

#87:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 1:16 pm

Quote:
She’s also clumsy and quirky and imperfect, and unapologetic for any of it."


I think that's a lovely compliment!

Hope someone talks some sense into Mrs Van A though! Evil or Very Mad

 

#88:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 5:48 pm

Miss Di wrote:
Mrs Ruggles from One End Street?

Er...who? (Probably showing my incredible ignorance here! Embarassed )


Richard smiled down at the blonde, fairy-like woman hanging onto his left arm, and groaned inwardly as he saw her gazing back up at him with simpering adoration. How on earth had he got himself into this one? Glancing around the room in desperation, he saw his brother and Cornelia watching him from a table on the far side of the room. Seeing him look over, they both raised their glasses in his direction and laughed. Grimacing back at them, Richard turned back to his date, as a sudden idea struck him.

"Oh look, Mike’s waving me over!" he said, doing his best to sound disappointed. "I’d best go see what he wants."

"I’ll come with you!" came the high-pitched, slightly squeaky reply, as the girl clung tight to his arm.

But that wasn’t in Richard’s plan at all. "No, no, it’s okay, really. It’ll probably be desperately dull, to…to do with Pop’s present or something," he replied quickly. "You wait here, I won’t be long." Then, spotting Annabel in conversation with his mother and another woman, "Look, your sister’s just over there. Why don’t you go speak to her," and before his date could answer, he set off across the room, leaving her standing in his wake.

It was now two weeks on from Cornelia’s awkward first meeting with Mike’s parents, and tonight was William’s sixtieth birthday. Martha had hired out the ballroom of a large hotel in the city, and everyone who was anyone in Boston society was there. If they were perfectly honest, all the hob-nobbing and gossiping was Mike and Cornelia’s idea of a nightmare, and after the initial niceties, they had spent the first hour and a half holed up at a table in the corner, away from everyone else, just chatting amongst themselves.

Now, as they watched Richard walk towards them, Mike looked up with a grin and raised his glass.

"Hello there, little brother. How’s the lovely Heavenly tonight?"

Richard glanced back at his girlfriend, who was talking to her sister and throwing him mawkish looks across the room. "She’s a complete and utter horror, thanks all the same," he replied despondently.

"Why don’t you tell her it’s over then?"

"I’ve tried! She won’t take no for an answer!"

"Won’t take it for an answer, or doesn’t understand what you’re saying?"

Richard pulled a face. It was no great secret that Heavenly Peabody was none too bright. "You think that’s funny? I’d like to see you trying to get rid of her!"

"Ah," Mike replied superciliously, "but you see, I wouldn’t have been idiot enough to get involved with her in the first place!"

Richard was about to reply, when a shrill cry of "Michael!" cut through their conversation, and the three of them looked up to see a very glamorous-looking Martha bearing down on them. As she reached the table, smothering them with a cloud of expensive scent, she gave her youngest son a glare.

"Well I see you’ve made it at last."

"I’ve been here over an hour!" Richard replied indignantly.

Martha ignored his response. "What on earth is that jacket you’re wearing?" she asked, tugging critically at his dinner jacket lapel.

"What’s wrong with it?"

"You could at least have dressed up for the occasion. It’s your father’s night, after all! I suppose it’ll have to do now you’re here, won’t it?" Richard scowled, biting back the retort that was on the tip of his tongue, and Martha turned to look Cornelia up and down, an insincere smile touching her lips. "Cornelia, dear, I do hope you’re enjoying yourself."

"Yes, th…"

"Michael, come with me," she continued on, talking over Cornelia and grabbing Mike’s arm. "I want you to meet Cece’s daughter, Esther. She’s just wonderful! Oh, and Annabel Peabody’s here. Did you know? Such a shame you two never made a go of things, you would make such a dashing couple," she added pointedly, shooting Cornelia a look out of the corner of her eye. "Come on, dear, hurry up."

Heaving a sigh, Mike reluctantly got to his feet, making a point of kissing Cornelia on the cheek before following his mother across the room. Corney watched them go, a frown clouding her face, and Richard slipped into his brother’s seat, shooting her a concerned look.

"Just ignore her, Corney."

Tearing her eyes from Mike, Cornelia turned and gave him a smile. "I will. So anyway, how is Heavenly?"

Richard grimaced. "Don’t you start! What was I thinking there?"

"You tell me!"

Richard stared at her for a moment and then began to laugh. "I only wish I could!" He grabbed two drinks from the tray of a passing waiter and handed one across to her. "Here, this may help! Here’s to us surviving this godforsaken night!" and chinking his glass against hers, he took a slug, swallowed, and heaved a satisfied sigh. "Phew, that’s better."

Cornelia laughed. "Oh quit being a mope! It’s not that bad!"

"Really?" Richard raised his eyebrow and nodded his head in the direction of Mike, who was pretending to listen to the conversation of a strikingly beautiful brunette, whilst all the time throwing glances in Cornelia’s direction. "Look around you. Mike’s being introduced to other women by our blue-blood snob of a mother, I can’t get rid of Heavenly for love nor money, Pop is well on the way to getting drunk as a skunk, and…oh that’s just swell." Cornelia looked up in surprise as his voice hardened. "Now Ela’s here."

Ever since the whole Valentine’s Day debacle and their subsequent break-up, things had been decidedly frosty between Eliza and Richard. Not as quick as Cornelia to forgive Richard for his assumptions about her friend, Ela had made certain to give him a wide berth. For his part, Richard was used to remaining on jovial terms with his ex-girlfriends, and Eliza’s attitude had rather shaken him. Now, as he stared at her, he realised that she wasn’t alone.

"Who’s that with her?" he asked, trying to get a better look. "Hey, isn’t that Ed?"

Cornelia grinned at the note of jealousy in Richard’s voice, as she saw that her friend was indeed with Edward Choate. "So what if it is? They’re old friends, aren’t they?"

At that moment, Ed caught sight of Mike, and bending to mutter something in Eliza’s ear, he kissed her on the cheek and set off towards his friend.

"They sure look more than friends to me!" Richard muttered bitterly.

Eliza gazed around the room, and suddenly spotted Corney sitting at the table. Cornelia gave her a wave, and Eliza smiled and made her way over.

"What did you do that for?" Richard asked.

"Because she’s my friend, why d’you think? Anyway, isn’t it about time you two buried the hatchet?"

Richard muttered something under his breath as Eliza approached them. She bent to give Cornelia a hug, and then turned to Richard with a conciliatory smile.

"Hi Richard."

Richard mumbled "Hello" in return, but undeterred, Eliza tried again.

"It’s a good party, isn’t it?"

Setting his mouth in a straight line, Richard glared up at her. "I’ve had better evenings," he replied frostily.

Eliza frowned. There was something she wanted to say, and now seemed as good a time as any. "Listen, I…I know we’ve not exactly been on the best of terms recently," she began haltingly.

"You don’t say?"

She flushed red at his tone of voice, but she persevered. "I’d like it if we could call a truce? Be friends, perhaps?" she asked, as if she had read Cornelia’s mind.

Richard was about to retort that he wasn’t interested, when he felt a sharp kick to his shin. Suppressing a cry of pain, he glowered at Cornelia, who raised her eyebrows in return.

"I suppose," he said slowly, turning back to Eliza. "I mean," he added hastily, as he felt another kick, "yes, that’d be good." There was an awkward pause for a moment, and then he got to his feet. "I’d best go see Heavenly, I’ve been rather neglecting her. I’ll see you both later," and with that, he stalked off without a backward glance.

Eliza looked a little downcast as she sat in his seat, and Cornelia reached over to squeeze her arm. "He’ll come round, Ela, you know he will. I reckon he’s more fed up about being stuck with Heavenly to be honest," she added with a slight grin. "You’ve caught him in a black old mood."

"Yes, I suppose." Eliza’s eyes followed him across the room, and a smile touched the edge of her lips. "What in the world does he see in her?"

"That’s just it – he doesn’t! He blundered in there after finishing things with you, and now he just can’t get rid of her – you know how dumb she is! Taking a hint is not exactly in her line!"

Eliza laughed. "She always has been four cents short of a nickel."

"Well she still is!" Cornelia chuckled. "It’s not that for me, though – it’s her name I can’t get over. Honestly, what were they thinking of, calling her Heavenly? I can’t quite bring myself to say it – I just call her ‘you’!"

"You forget," Ela replied with a grin, "these are the same parents who bred Annabel!"

Corney grimaced. "Good point. At least she’s not as bad as her sister, I guess." She sat back in her chair and regarded her friend with curiosity. "Anyhow, enough of that. How’s Ed?"

To her friend’s delight, Eliza flushed bright red. "He’s just over there with Mike. Why don’t you ask him yourself?" she said, trying to sound nonchalant.

"’Cause I don’t want to ask him," Corney replied with a wicked grin. "I want to ask you." Eliza flushed again, and Cornelia squealed with delight and cried in her clarion tones, "I’m right, aren’t I? You’re dating him!"

"Shhh!" Ela replied hurriedly. "We don’t want the world to know just yet!"

"Sorry!" Cornelia lowered her voice, sounding no less excited. "So how long?"

"Only since Thursday." Eliza’s cheeks were still burning red, and she took a sip of her drink and fanned herself with her hand. "He asked me out on a date, and suddenly I saw him in a whole different light! I’ve known him forever, Corney, it’s so odd! In a good way," she hastened to add. Then regarding her friend anxiously, "You don’t mind do you?"

"Why would I mind?" came the incredulous reply.

"Well you did date him once."

"Hardly! We picked at our meals awkwardly until he made me admit I wasn’t interested. Not exactly date of the century!"

Eliza laughed and shook her head. "I guess you’re right." Then lowering her voice further, she almost whispered, "I know it’s early days, but I think he may be the one for me! I’ve never felt like this with anyone! I tell you, if he proposed tomorrow, I’d say yes!"

"Really?"

"Shhh! You know you’ve a voice like a foghorn?"

"Sorry!" Corney dropped her voice again, utterly unperturbed. "But that’s so exciting! All this time and he’s been right under your nose!"

"I know! I’ve been so dumb I’m almost rivalling Heavenly!"

Cornelia laughed. "Well I’m mighty pleased! I couldn’t think of anyone nicer for you than Ed – except Mike, of course, but you can’t have him ‘cause he’s mine!" Then, catching sight of William barrelling towards them, slightly unsteadily, she put a finger to her lips. "Hello William," she grinned up at him. "You having a good night?"

"Absolutely top dollar!" the birthday boy boomed at the top of his voice. "I’ll take my hat off to my wife, she sure knows how to throw a party!" He plonked himself down in a chair, and leaning forward, said in a conspiratorial stage-whisper, "Don’t tell Martha, but I’ve been dancing with lots of rather lovely young fillies. Makes me feel twenty-one all over again," he added with a wink.

Eliza snorted into her glass of champagne, and trying her hardest to stifle her giggles, Cornelia grinned back at him. "I promise I won’t let on."

"That’s my girl," William chuckled. "How about you? What have you done with my reprobate son?"

"Which one?"

"Not Richard. I saw him a moment ago with that awful, fluffy-headed idiot chasing him around. I was talking about Mike. Where is he?"

"Over there."

Cornelia pointed to where Mike was standing, still being talked at by the stunning brunette. His mother was holding onto his arm to stop him getting away and Ed was still hovering around for moral support. William suddenly sat up straight.

"Oh for the love of Peter," he blustered, looking thoroughly cross. "I told her to keep her nose out, but she just couldn’t help herself, could she?" He turned back to Corney and squeezed her arm. "Don’t you worry, my dear, I’ll go and free him," and good as his word, he got unsteadily to his feet and marched off across the room.

Eliza and Corney watched, half-nervous, half-amused, as William accosted his wife, exchanged a few words with her, and then dragged her off to the dancefloor, clearly against her will. Mike instantly took advantage of the diversion and making his excuses, he indicated to Ed to follow him, and made good his escape. They were halfway across to the table when suddenly Annabel appeared from nowhere.

"Mike, there you are! You haven’t asked me to dance yet, you naughty boy!" she cried suggestively, following it up with what she obviously thought was a seductive laugh.

Mike shot a horrified glance at Ed and then answered her through gritted teeth. "Hello Annabel. How are you?"

"You used to call me Bella," she simpered, fluttering her eyelashes and placing a hand on his chest.

"Yes, well that was a very long time ago." He removed her hand calmly, letting it drop back to her side. "I do hope you’re having a good time. Please excuse me, won’t you? I promised Corney a dance," and pushing past her, he carried on towards Cornelia, ignoring the malevolent glare she threw at his back.

"What did she want?" Corney asked him, as he came round the table, pulling out a chair and placing an arm along the back of hers as he sat down.

"She wanted Mike, I think," Ed put in with a laugh, seating himself on the far side of Eliza. "Your man’s just irresistible, Corney. Aren’t you my dear?" he added, with a coy wink at Mike.

Mike fluttered his eyelashes back at his friend. "You know you only had to ask, Edward!" He laughed as Corney hit him playfully in the chest, and then his mouth fell open as he saw Ed take hold of Eliza’s hand. "Well, well, what’s all this?"

Eliza turned scarlet for the umpteenth time that night, and Ed grinned back at his friend, utterly unabashed. "You don’t have the monopoly on good taste, you know!"

Mike laughed and extended his arm to shake his friend’s hand. "And a good thing too. I know he's my brother, but I always thought you were rather wasted on Richard, Ela." He beamed from one to the other. "I’m very glad."

Before Ela could reply, a loud screech of feedback echoed throughout the hall, and the next second, William’s voice could be heard.

"Testing…testing…"

"We can hear you!"

There was a ripple of laughter around the room, and taking a huge slug of scotch, William began his speech.

"Thank you all very much for being here," he slurred, one hand resting on the shoulder of the band’s saxophonist. "I’d no idea I had so many friends. In fact, I’m not even sure I know who you all are!"

Mike sank into his seat as another chuckle rang around the room. "Who gave him the microphone with him in that state?"

"He’s not that bad!" Corney hissed.

"…I hope you’re all enjoying yourselves and dancing along to this magnificent band. I know I have been!" he added with a wink in cornelia's direction. "Now, I won’t keep you for long. I just need to say thank you to my two marvellous sons. I’m very proud of you both, and Michael, perhaps that lovely young lady of yours will be part of the family one day too, eh?"

It was Cornelia’s turn to sink down into her seat, as everyone turned to stare at her. Mike looked down at her with a grin. "You were saying?"

But William wasn’t quite finished. ‘And lastly, I need to thank my wife. Martha, where are you?" Staring around the room, he finally located her directly in front of him. "Come on, up you come." He held out his hand and helped her up onto the low stage. "Thank you for my party, my dear. I’ve had an absolute ball!" and tipping her backwards, ignoring her shrieks of protest, he planted a great, sloppy kiss on her lips. As the guests roared with laughter and applauded, he stood up straight again and released her. Then, ignoring her muttering as she straightened her dress and smoothed down her hair, he raised his glass to his audience. "Drink and be merry folks!" and taking hold of Martha’s hand, he led her down onto the dancefloor, tripping over the microphone stand on the way.

Cornelia watched on, chuckling, as William placed his drink on the corner of the stage, and began to twirl his wife around expertly as the band struck up the next song. Martha even looked as if she were enjoying herself. Then grinning up at Mike, she said, "I do like your Pops!"

Mike laughed. "My Pop is one hundred percent, certified crazy! And you know what?"

"What?"

"I quite like him too!" He winked at her and got to his feet. "May I have this dance, Miss Flower?"

Placing her hand in his, Corney let him pull her to her feet. "You certainly may, Mr. Van Alden!" and laughing as Mike pecked her on the cheek, she slipped her hand threw his arm and they made their way onto the floor to dance the rest of the night away.

Last edited by Josie on Tue Nov 22, 2005 3:00 pm; edited 4 times in total

 

#89:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 6:09 pm

Razz You've just succeeded in making me glad I'm no longer young Wink How they do suffer!

Thanks Jo. That was great.

 

#90:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 7:57 pm

Thank you Josie! What a gorgeous long post!! Very Happy

 

#91:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 8:07 pm

Awwww! So lovely - Mike's Pop is wonderful. Laughing

Thanks Jo

 

#92:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 8:37 pm

That was wonderful Jo!
I DO like Mike's dad, but may I PLEASE slap Heavenly?

 

#93:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 9:24 pm

Oooh wonderful!!! That was soo sweet! Thank you Josie!! A lovely long post! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#94:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 9:57 pm

Thanks, Josie. Has anyone got a good cliff to send Martha and Annabel off please? It would be very much appreciated. William's Dad made me laugh. That was a lovely scene.

 

#95:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 10:36 pm

Very Happy How all parties should be!

 

#96:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 11:09 pm

*g* I quote Corney - I love Mike's Pops!

Glad that Ed and Ela are happy - now Richard just needs to find someone nice and settle down...

 

#97:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 11:12 pm

I really like Mike's dad, but his mother.... Mad

 

#98:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 11:21 pm

Thanks Jo

Great party! I love the relationship between Richard and Mike Very Happy

And William was brilliant Laughing

Liz

 

#99:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 11:21 pm

Thanks Jo, that was fabulous!

I hope Martha comes round soon - thank goodness Mike's dad is nice.
Annabel deserves a good slap! Laughing

 

#100:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 11:35 pm

Oh, that was fun!! I love Mike's dad...he is gorgeous!

Heavenly Peabody?!! That was asking for trouble wasn't it? Some parents...

Thanks Josie

 

#101:  Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 12:02 am

Very Happy
Thanks, Josie - Corney's great, and Mike & family are drawn so well.

"Heavenly Peabody" - oh dear!

 

#102:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 3:11 am

Josie wrote:
Miss Di wrote:
Mrs Ruggles from One End Street?

Er...who? (Probably showing my incredible ignorance here! Embarassed )


Mrs Rosie Ruggles is the mum of "The Family from One End St" by Eve Garnett. It won the Carnegie Medal in 1937, beating "The Hobbit".

There are three books in the series, "The Family from One End St", "Holiday at the Dew Drop Inn" and "The Further Adventures of the Family from One End St".

I loved these books as a child but now find some of the attitudes a little hard to swallow. I believe (but feel free to correct me) that they were amongst the first childrens books with working class protaginists. Very working class - Mrs Ruggles takes in washing and Mr Ruggles is a garbo!

 

#103:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 12:19 pm

Am grinning away - love Mike's dad!
Hope Richard finds someone nice too.

Thanks Jo

 

#104:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 4:20 pm

Awww that was lovely

Apart from Martha......and Richard being a prat....

 

#105:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Nov 19, 2005 9:37 pm

Glad to see Corney & Mike have weathered the evening so well. And I'm sure Martha is absolutely thrilled with Bill's antics. Laughing

Oh, and I do like Mrs. Ruggles!

But Miss Di - What's a garbo? Other than the surname of a movie star?

 

#106:  Author: Kathryn, Location: Kyabram (north of Melb) PostPosted: Sun Nov 20, 2005 12:22 am

Kathy_S wrote:

But Miss Di - What's a garbo? Other than the surname of a movie star?


A garbo is a garbage/rubbish collector, not a Greta!

 

#107:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 4:12 pm

Richard absently fingered the expertly-carved table leg that lay on Mike’s workbench, a look of frustration wrinkling his brow. It was now two weeks since William’s party, and he still hadn’t managed to explain to Heavenly that he no longer wanted to be dating her. Despairing of ever managing to do so, he had come to ask Mike for some help.

"…She was only meant to be a prop girl, it’s gotten ridiculous now. I know she’s not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I didn’t realise she was quite so dumb! Take yesterday for example. I sat her down and explained slowly and carefully for the five hundredth time that I didn’t think things were working out and that we should just go our separate ways, and then when I’d finished I asked her if she understood, and d’you know what she did? She nodded her head and then asked me where we were going for dinner that night, as she had to choose what to wear! Can you credit it?" He placed the wooden leg back down on the bench and turned around to face his brother. "I’ve no idea what else to do! Don’t suppose you’ve any ideas, have you?"

Mike didn’t react. He simply stared down at the piece of wood that he was supposed to be sanding.

"Mike?"

"Do you think Mom will ever get used to me being with Corney?" Mike asked, as he slowly turned around, a frown creasing his brow.

Richard stared at him with indignation. "I don’t know! I asked you a question first, anyway!"

Mike shook his head, as if trying to bring himself back down to earth, and gave his brother a remorseful smile. "Sorry, Rich, I was miles away. What did you ask?"

Richard watched him for a few seconds, taking in the look of worry on his face. "You know what?" he said at last. "It doesn’t matter." Reaching behind him, he pulled up one of the high stools that Mike rested on when working, and sat himself down. "Why are you getting all het up over Mom?"

"I’m not it’s just…" The frown returned to Mike’s face. "Well, do you think she’ll ever accept Corney as part of my life?"

Richard shrugged. "I don’t know, if I’m honest. Probably not, you know Mom. Why do you care anyhow? It doesn’t matter what she thinks."

"Yes, it does. To me, at least." Mike replied, looking a little downcast.

"Why?" Richard asked again, regarding his brother as if he had lost his mind. "You and she are having fun, Pop and I both love her to bits, Mrs. Ruggles absolutely adores her. Who cares about Mom?"

"I do."

Leaning back against the workbench, Richard gave his brother a curious look. "Why? Why is her approval so important to you?"

"Because she’s my mother."

"When it suits her!"

"That’s not true, Richard, and you know it. She does care, she just…she just doesn’t always show it in the right way, that’s all."

"Okay, fine, have it your own way." Richard sighed and shook his head. "If it makes you feel any better, it’s not as if Mom doesn’t like Corney – as a matter of fact, I think she does. She’d just rather you didn‘t date her, that’s all."

"I know that, that’s the whole point!"

"But why do you care what she thinks of who you date? You never have before – not that there’ve been all that many!"

"Ha ha ha."

Richard grinned at his brother’s consternation. "Come on, tell me. Why d’you care so much?"

"Because it’s different this time, that’s why. It’s…" Mike paused for a moment, as if thinking about what to say. "Well, it would just mean a lot to me if she’d accept Corney in my life, okay? And I need her to do that before…"

He stopped speaking abruptly, and Richard raised his eyebrows. "Before what?"

"Nothing."

His brother eyed him thoughtfully. "No it’s not. What’s going on?"

"Nothing, it doesn’t matter. I just want Mom to get along with her, that’s all."

But Richard was persistent. "That’s not all, there’s something else. Why don’t you just cut the crap and…Hang on, I’ve got it!" He suddenly sat up straight, his eyes very alert and a huge grin on his face. "You’re gonna propose to her!"

Mike said nothing, but his flaming-red cheeks gave him away.

"You sly old dog! You’re gonna ask her to marry you!" Richard jumped to his feet and strode across the small room, grabbing Mike in a hug and thumping his back. "I'm so glad, Mike, that's wonderful!"

Choking, Mike pushed him away. "Don’t strangle me, for pete’s sake! And I’m not proposing tomorrow, Rich, so don’t get too excited!"

"You’re not?"

"No, I’m not. We've not even said...well never mind. But yes, if things keep going as well as they have been, I will ask her someday. Hopefully someday soon." Richard was still grinning widely, and Mike laughed. "Well I’m glad you’re pleased anyhow. I just wish I could think that Mom would be too."

Richard nodded his head up and down, doing a good impression of an enthusiastic puppy. "She will be, we’ll work on it. Maybe we could rope Ela and Ed in too. Mom thinks they’re the bees knees."

"I thought you weren’t talking to Ela? Or have you forgotten that performance you put on a couple of weeks ago at Pop’s party?" Mike asked, amused.

"It’s not like that," came the rather pompous reply. "I am talking to Ela, it’s just…hard to see her with Ed, that’s all."

"Are you really that hung up on her?" Mike asked, surprised. This was a new development on Richard’s part. He usually got over girls in the space of an hour, and it was over a month since he and Eliza had parted ways.

Richard, however, shook his head vehemently. "No, it just grates that she’s so happy with Ed, and I’m lumbered with Heavenly, that’s all?"

"And whose fault’s that?"

"No need to rub it in," Richard replied with a scowl. Then changing the subject back to Cornelia, "And as I was saying, I reckon if we enlist Ela and Ed’s help, Mom’ll come round to Corney in no time. Just leave it to me."

Mike looked a little skeptical. "I guess it might work."

"Don’t be such a Doubting Thomas," Richard said reprovingly. Then seeing the expression on his brother’s face, "We’ll get Mom to accept her, Mike, I promise you." Mike nodded and Richard turned to pick up his coat. "Now, I have to get going. I’ve a lecture in an hour and I left all my books at the dorm." He pulled his coat on and made his way towards the door. "I’ll be round the day after tomorrow, okay? So get thinking about how I can finally get rid of Heavenly, ‘cause I need all the help I can get!"

Mike chuckled. "What are you gonna do with your afternoons when I start my new job next week?"

Richard raised his eyebrows in a look of surprise. "Why, come to your office, of course!" he joked, and then quickly shot out of the room before his brother could think of any reply.

Last edited by Josie on Tue Nov 22, 2005 12:47 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#108:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 5:57 pm

Ooooooh yay!

But poor Richard. Maybe he just needs to come right out with it. Or cheat on her.....*not that I am condoning infidelity in any way, shape or form but it might get through to her*

 

#109:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 7:21 pm

Thanks, Josie. I hope Mike will be able to work miracles and get his Mum to like Corney!

 

#110:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 8:11 pm

Thank you Josie. I think Richard is beginning to grow up Wink

I do feel sorry for Mike. It's sweet of him to worry about what his Mother thinks but I do think she's not worth the candle really.

 

#111:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 8:56 pm

I read this earlier... but I didn't post! I don't know why! Silly me! Thank you sooo much Josie! This is wonderful I love reading about Corney and Mike and Richard and so on!! I can't wait for more!! I really hope Mike proposes to Corney without worrying too much what his mother thinks!! I can't wait for more! Thanks again! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#112:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 9:15 pm

Yay! Wonderful to see Mike is really serious about Corney Very Happy and it it sweet that he's worried about his Mum's opinion - I hope she comes round.

Poor Richard - what a predicament he's got himself into. But maybe in future it'll make him think before getting himself a 'prop girl'.

Thanks Jo Very Happy

Liz

 

#113:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 9:27 pm

Don't know what else Richard can do - stensil the words 'We're through!' to his forehead! Laughing

Nice to see what Mike's considering - hope he can win his mother round, or that he no longer feels it necessary to do so.

Thanks Josie.

 

#114:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 9:57 pm

Hope Martha can be convinced - it's so lovely of Mike to want her approval. Only natural, really, she is his mother, after all! Even if she is snobbish with the best of them!

 

#115:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:27 pm

Oh, Mike is lovely!
And I must be very mean, because I do find Richard's predicament amusing... Very Happy

 

#116:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 12:33 am

Oh me too. Serves him right for consorting with really dumb blondes.
She is blonde isn't she? She'd have to be with a name like Heavenly. Alternatively, it sounds like a VC Andrews character's name.




(Me? Oh I'm a smart brunette of course!)

 

#117:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 5:37 am

Idiot Mrs. Van! She's so easy to dismiss as a hoity toity social climber .... But, I hope Mike's right and her good side shows shortly.

*giggles at Richard and Heavenly*
I don't suppose there's an equally obtuse soul mate out there?

 

#118:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 8:24 am

*stealths in the hug Mike*

Im glad he does have confidence that his mother will come round, it's rather nice. Thanks Jo Very Happy

 

#119:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:00 am

Thank you Jo.

Poor Richard, though it is rather amusing! Mike is very sweet, caring what his Mother thinks even when she is as she is...

 

#120:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:16 am

Poor Richard! Although I think Heavenly's being a touch clever actually, by 'not understanding' what he's trying to say!

Hope Mike can get through to his mum and propose to Corney SOON!

Thanks Jo Very Happy Very Happy

 

#121:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 10:18 am

Nasty Mrs van Alden!

I propose we poke her until she accepts poor Corney!

Sharpens poking sticks. poke

Thanks Josie!

 

#122:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 11:09 am

I hope Mrs Van A comes round and also that Mike doesn't wait until she does until he proposes to Corney, especially if she doesn't come round!

Sorry this makes no sense, I'm too ill! But many squees for the fabulousness of this drabble!

 

#123:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 2:19 pm

Good ole Mike!

*Giving Heavenly a poke* I actually feel sorry for Richard!

Btw Jo, where on earth did you find a name like that?! Laughing

 

#124:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 9:05 pm

Jo, that was a lovely post!

Mike is such a sweetie!

 

#125:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 12:13 am

Awww - that was so lovely. Thanks, Jo Very Happy

 

#126:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 12:45 am

Following the promise he made to his brother, Richard pulled out all the stops over the next couple of months in an effort to make their mother warm to Cornelia. He invited Eliza and Ed to lunch with his parents, organised days out, and made sure Corney was centre of attention as much as possible whenever she was around. Although unaware of Richard’s plans, Cornelia was as sweet, polite and demure as she always felt she should be in Martha’s company.

Despite all of this effort, however, Martha remained immovable. Cornelia Flower was not good enough for her son, and that was that. She even had the temerity to invite Annabel and her parents to dinner a few times when she knew that Mike would be there, on the pretence that as Richard was still dating Heavenly, they should all get together.

By mid-June, Mike was beginning to despair of his mother ever coming round. In fact, he told Mrs. Ruggles as much when he visited her on his birthday, whilst Cornelia was shopping in the city. Not wanting to be dragged from store to store all afternoon, he had decided to call in to see his old nanny, and arranged that Corney would come and meet him there when she had finished her shopping.

"Sometimes I wonder why I’m bothering at all," he lamented, finishing yet another long diatribe about Martha. "Richard thinks I’m crazy. I suppose you do too."

Velma Ruggles watched him toying with the handle of his bone china cup, her heart going out to him as she saw the forlorn expression on his face. "Well, why are you bothering, Michael?"

Mike stared despondently down into his cup of tea and shrugged. "Because despite all her faults she’s still my mother. And because I know that if she just made the effort to get to know Corney, that she’d like her."

Mrs. Ruggles opened her mouth to respond, but then thought better of it. Mike didn’t even notice. Getting to his feet, he placed his tea on the table beside him and strolled across to the large bay window, where he stood, staring down at the street below.

"Her mother died when she was a baby," he said quietly, as he watched a deliveryman unloading a chair into house opposite.

"Yes, I know," Velma replied gently. "She told me."

Mike nodded slowly. "Well I guess…I guess part of me hoped that if she got to know Mom, that Mom could maybe … oh I don’t know." His voice tailed off and he fell silent again. He rarely ever talked about his innermost feelings like this, especially those involving his mother, and he was finding it difficult to explain himself.

Mrs. Ruggles watched him carefully. "You hoped that she might be something of a mother to Corney?" she asked. He nodded. "Mike, that is never going to happen."

Looking a little upset at her words, he turned from the window to face her. Velma smiled and patted the sofa next to her.

"Come and sit here with me," she said, shuffling up a little. Mike simply stared back at her, but not to be defeated, she tried again. "Please, dear. I need to explain something to you."

Relenting, he crossed the room and sat next to her. She looked up at him, and he felt his demeanour softening as he stared down into the kindly, dark eyes that had mesmerised him ever since he’d been a young boy. Mrs. Ruggles gave him a warm smile.

"Mike, your mother loves you. She loves you very much in her own way, but she is never going to be a motherly woman. She wasn’t when you were tiny, and she isn’t now." Velma paused for a moment and Mike nodded to indicate that he understood. "Above anything else, Martha is interested in other people’s station in life,” she continued, a trace of anger creeping into her voice. "She cares about what club they belong to, what family they were born into, and who they know, not whether they are kind or honest or worthwhile. Though it pains me to say it, that attitude extends to William and you boys, and it most certainly includes the people you two intend to marry." Mike looked a little shocked at her final words and she gave a gentle laugh. "Yes, I’m well aware that you intend to marry Corney one day. You and Richard always forget how well I know you both."

Mike stared at her for a moment, and then gave a wry laugh. "Don’t I know it! I haven’t forgotten how terrifying you were when we were little."

Mrs. Ruggles laughed and squeezed his forearm. "I’m sorry I had to put it so bluntly, Mike. I just thought somebody should spell it out to you."

"It’s okay," he replied, shaking his head. "I know you’re right. I guess I just keep hoping…"

"And don’t you give up that hope," she smiled, as his voice tailed off again. "It’s what makes you you, and I don’t want that changing for the world. Just don’t let it affect the way things are between you and Corney, okay? She’s just right for you, Mike. You won’t find another like her."

"I know."

At that moment, they were interrupted by a knock at the door, and Cornelia’s voice called "Helloo-oo!" from the other side. Giving Mike a wink, Mrs. Ruggles got up to let her in, welcoming her new guest with a hug and then disappearing to the kitchen the refill the pot of tea. Cornelia hung her coat on the stand in the hall, and made her way through to the salon.

"Hey there!"

Pushing his worries aside, Mike glanced up with a wide smile as she entered the room. "That was quick!"

"I know, I’m a fast shopper!" She placed the bags on the floor by his feet and let him pull her down onto the couch next to him. "I don’t like doing it really, but don’t tell anyone," she confided cheerfully, lowering her voice.

Mike laughed and put an arm around her shoulders. "So, what did you buy?"

"I got a new skirt for me, to replace the one I tore on that wire last week, and a new sweater for Poppa, as I burnt one of his on the iron," she replied, reaching down into her bags. Then pulling out a long, thin parcel, she sat up again and put it behind her back. "Oh, and I got something for you too," she added with a grin.

"What’s that?"

Corney shook her head. "Uh-uh. You have to earn it first."

Mike raised an eyebrow. "Do I indeed?"

"Yes, you do."

"Okay then," and leaning forward, he kissed her and simultaneously reached round behind her, snatching it out of her hands.

"Hey! That’s not fair!"

"Not my fault you’re not quick enough for me!" Mike winked, tearing open the brown paper that covered his gift. Then peeling it back, he pulled out a mahogany nameplate, with "Michael van Alden" written along it in gilt lettering. "Oh Corney, thank you! That’s terrific."

"It’s not your real gift, that’s at home just now," Cornelia explained, as he admired at it. "Only I noticed you didn’t have a nameplate when I had to drop those papers in for Poppa, so I thought I’d get one made up for you. Every man should have his name on his desk!"

”You’re absolutely right, they most certainly should!” Putting his arm back round her shoulders, he pulled her towards him and kissed her again. “I love it. It’ll take pride of place on my desk.”

“Glad to hear it!” She beamed back at him, and then looked up as their host re-entered the room. “Oh, scrummy – is that fruit cake?”

Mrs. Ruggles smiled at her. “Yes, it is. Do I detect that you’re a little hungry then?”

“Ravenous! There’s nothing like shopping to work up an appetite, as they say.”

“Who’s ‘they’?” Mike asked, an amused smile touching the edge of his lips.

“’They’ is them,” she replied absurdly, pulling a thoroughly unflattering face.

Placing the tray on the large, battered dining room table, Mrs. Ruggles laughed as she took the lid off the teapot and stirred the liquid inside. Then picking up a plate, she placed a piece of cake on it and passed it across to her hungry guest. “Here you are, tuck in. Cup of tea?”

“Yes please!” Cornelia nodded vociferously, and then picked up the cake and took a huge bite. “Delci’us,” she mumbled, spraying crumbs all over Mike.

Grimacing, Mike brushed down his trousers and then held up his new nameplate for Mrs. Ruggles to see. “Look what Corney bought me!”

“Very smart!” She placed a cup of tea on the small end table next to Cornelia and then sat back down in her seat. “You can help yourself if you want a refill, Mike.”

“No thanks, I’m good.”

“Okay, well, as I’ve got you both here, I have something I want to ask the pair of you.” Lifting her handbag up from by her feet, she rummaged around inside it for a moment, and then pulled out a white envelope containing what looked like bits of card. “Is there any chance I can interest you both in a trip to Suffolk Downs?”

Mike looked across at her with a wide grin. “Am I likely to say no to that?”

“Well, no, I didn’t think you would,” she acquiesced, with a roll of her eyes. “How about you, Corney? How would you feel about a day at the races? It’s one of my favourite pastimes and I’ve not been once this year. Now I’ve managed to get my hands on six tickets, so I need people to come with me.”

“How did you get hold of six?” Mike asked, with wide eyes.

“Mr. Miller, of course!”

Mike burst out laughing, and Cornelia looked thoroughly confused.

“Who’s Mr. Miller?”

“Mr. Miller lives downstairs, and he’s rather, shall we say ‘sweet’ on Mrs. Ruggles,” Mike chuckled, his eyes twinkling.

“Michael, don’t be so vulgar!” the lady herself replied, her cheeks as red as her crimson cushions. “He’s nothing of the sort. He’s just an old friend who’s well connected, and sometimes he gets hold of these things and passes them on to me.”

Mike looked utterly unabashed. “Is he really?”

“Yes, he most certainly is! Why, he’s not even coming along with us. He’s passed them on out of the goodness of his heart.” Then, before Mike could say anything else, she turned to Cornelia and hurriedly asked, “So, my dear, think you may be interested?”

“Rather!” Corney replied, grinning. “I’ve never been to the races before. It sounds like fun. Say, Velma, if you’ve a spare ticket, would you mind if I invited Poppa too? He’d enjoy it no end, and it’s about time you two met, anyhow.”

“Of course I wouldn’t mind. I’ve been looking forward to meeting him, I’ve heard so much about him. And we need to put aside one for Richard too,” she added, counting off on her fingers, “so that leaves us with one spare. And I’m afraid I’m stepping in now and saying that we are absolutely not inviting Heavenly! Richard brought her around here the other day, and she’s just as ghastly as I remembered. So, who else do we know?”

“What date is it?” Mike asked.

“July twelfth.”

Corney swallowed her tea quickly and looked up eagerly. “Say, Mike, Evvy’ll be staying then. Maybe she could come? She’s my friend from school, she lives in New York,” she added, for the benefit of her host.

Mrs. Ruggles smiled back. “Well that’s it all sorted then. She’ll be most welcome. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine. Now, who’s for another cup of tea?”

Last edited by Josie on Thu Nov 24, 2005 10:34 am; edited 2 times in total

 

#127:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 12:58 am

If it weren't for the fact that Evvy is happily settled with Edgar I'd suggest that she and Richard got together Wink

Thank you, Jo Very Happy Mrs Ruggles is so lovely!

 

#128:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 1:35 am

Glad Mrs Ruggles could tell Mike some home truths about his mother.

Thanks Josie.

 

#129:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 7:07 am

Poor Mike. I never thought that he might be hoping his mother would be motherly for Corney's sake. I just thought he was constantly searching for her approval for himself.

It's a good thing Velma is there. I think she's more of a mother to him than his own mother is.

Looking forward to the day at the races!

 

#130:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 9:01 am

Mrs Ruggles is so lovely Very Happy

And Mike is a sweetie Very Happy

Thanks Jo - a lovely start to my day Kiss

Liz

 

#131:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 9:58 am

All your characters are great, Josie, even Martha! They're so real. Very Happy

 

#132:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 10:11 am

Am I right in thinking/remembering this trip to the races and Evvy's visit all fit in with A Second Chance?

Thank you Jo, wonderful and I love Mrs Ruggles.

 

#133:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 10:17 am

Nell wrote:
Am I right in thinking/remembering this trip to the races and Evvy's visit all fit in with A Second Chance?


I'm sure they do - Jo's very clever like that!

Thanks Jo, Velma is great. Very Happy

 

#134:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 3:23 pm

Gem, behave! Laughing

Feel sorry for Mike and Richard having such an awful woman for their mother Sad They deserve someone much nicer *thinks Martha should be killed off and then Mrs Ruggles and William can get married and live happily ever after Laughing*

Thanks for the post Jo! Very Happy

 

#135:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 3:23 pm

Aww lovely!! They are all so life like! Looking forward to more! Thank you very much, this is such a wonderful drabble! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#136:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 8:27 pm

Shiny shiny shiny!

Thank you Jo!

 

#137:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 10:32 pm

Thanks, Josie. I'm glad everyone seems to be looking forward to the races and that Mrs Ruggles has told Mike a few home truths about his mother. I also thought Corney's present for Mike was perfect.

 

#138:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 10:41 pm

Oh, that was nice! I was sorry that Mike had to hear that - but there does come a time when you have to accept that people won't change and you have to deal with that. And the important thing is that Mike and Corney belong together.
Now... what havoc can Corney wreak on race-day? Very Happy

 

#139:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 10:57 pm

Thank you Jo for the lovely shiny post! Very Happy

 

#140:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Nov 25, 2005 1:05 pm

Thank you Jo!

I do love Mrs Ruggles, and she told Mike what he needed to hear in a very sensitive way, even if the sentiment was quite harsh

 

#141:  Author: jacey, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 5:16 pm

Ahem, Josie? Any chance of a little more?
And while you are at it, the next installment of Evvy and Edgar would be nice too Wink

 

#142:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 1:42 am

Apologies for lack of updates recently. RL's been a bit of a pain.


Evadne duly arrived for her fortnight’s visit with the Flowers on the third of July, and the following day saw her and Cornelia heading off to a fourth of July party at Corney’s friends, Carol and Geoff Hancock. They had been ready for some time, and as the pair of them sat in the salon, waiting for Mike to come and collect them, Cornelia studied her friend carefully as that young lady stared out of the window into back garden. Neither of them had yet mentioned how Evadne was coming to terms with the loss of Ralph, but Corney could see that she was clearly beginning to get her life back together. Although Evadne still looked pale and tired, she had put on a little weight, and had already lost the listless air she had had about her ever since her return from England.

“This party isn’t going to full of society types is it?” Evadne asked, oblivious to her friend’s scrutiny. “I was rather hoping to get away from all that for a couple of weeks!”

Cornelia laughed. “Probably, but don’t worry. There’ll be plenty of nice folk as well.”

“Well I sure hope so, ‘cause I…what?” she broke off, as she turned to see her friend eyeing her intently. “Why are you staring at me as if I’ve two heads?”

“I was just thinking you looked a little fatter!” came the insouciant reply.

“Thanks a bunch!”

Cornelia grinned. “It’s a good thing, you dope! You were a regular skinigalee last time I saw you!” she retorted, cheerfully. Then her tone of voice softened as she asked, “Seriously though, Evvy, how are you getting along?”

Evadne sat down on the window seat, and returned her friend’s smile with a thin one of her own. “A little better, I guess,” she replied slowly. “Just taking it one day at a time.” There was silence for a moment as she stared down at her hands and twisted her fingers together. “I sold the ring last week.”

“You what? Why?”

“Because there was no point in keeping it, that’s why! Ralph never even saw it, Corney. It’s just been sitting there, like some horrid great reminder of it all.” She paused and took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “I put the money in a trust for Cassie’s two children. That way Ralph gets to leave them a legacy, and I get to move on a little. It’s all for the best.”

Cornelia simply stared at her friend, unsure of quite what to say. Seeing this, Evadne gave her a warm smile, stood up and decisively changed the subject.

“Where’s Mike got to, anyhow? Shouldn’t he have been here twenty minutes ago?”

As if on cue, the doorbell rang, and grinning, Cornelia got to her feet. “He probably forgot to lock up again,” she replied, as they made their way out into the hall. “Honestly, Evvy. I’m surprised he’s not been robbed, the way he just leaves his door open. Part of me’s tempted to go slip in one day when he’s out and take something, just to teach him a lesson! I’d do it too, if I didn’t think he’d skin me alive!”

She reached up, taking her light summer coat from the rack, and pulled it on. Then opening the door, she found not one, but two people standing on the doorstep, both wearing big cheesy smiles.

“Sorry we’re late,” Mike apologised, bending to kiss her on the cheek. “We got halfway here and had to turn back.”

“Forget to lock up again?” Mike went red at her words, and Corney turned to Evadne with a grin. “Told you so! And what are you doing here?” she demanded, frowning up at the younger Van Alden. “I thought you were going separately with Heavenly?”

Richard grinned back at her. “Change of plan.”

“Rich seems to think he’s found a way of getting rid of her at last,” Mike put in, with what sounded distinctly like a note of despair in his voice.

“Really? What?”

“You’ll see. But Evvy, I’ll make it known now that I apologise in advance on his behalf!”

From her vantage point behind Cornelia, Evadne stared suspiciously at the two men. “Why?”

“No reason,” Richard retorted, shooting his brother a warning glance. Then pushing ungraciously past Cornelia, he turned a charming smile on Evadne and bent to kiss her on the cheek. “Evvy, how are you?”

“Good thanks,” came the wary response. “You?”

“Glad to hear it,” he replied, ignoring her question. Instead, opening the door to the downstairs toilet, he waved his hand towards the room and asked, “Can I see you in my office?”

“Why?”

“I have a favour to ask…”

“What favour?” but she was talking to thin air, as Richard disappeared into the cloakroom.

Evadne grimaced at her two friends, and then, against her better judgement, she did as he asked and followed him in.



Almost an hour later, the four of them arrived at the Hancocks’ Duxbury home, and as they walked around the side of the house and into the vast gardens that led down to the ocean, Richard took hold of Evadne’s hand and pulled it through his arm.

“What are you doing?” she exclaimed, trying to pull free again, and failing as Richard kept a tight hold.

“She may be the first person we see, for all we know,” he replied calmly. “We have to look the part from the off, or it’ll never work.”

Evadne glared at him for a moment and then relented. “You’d better be making this worth my while, that’s all I can say,” she grumbled.

“I will, don’t worry.”

“She’s never going to fall for this, anyhow. Surely nobody could be that stupid.”

Richard simply chuckled and shook his head. “Oh she is, believe me. In fact, I can almost guarantee she’ll fall for it! I’ve been dropping your name into conversation for past few weeks and she’s already suspicious. Apparently if anything can permeate the thick cloud between her ears, its mention of another woman. Especially a beautiful one.” Evadne stopped and looked up at him, eyebrows raised. “Well I have to compliment you if it’s going to be convincing!” he added defensively.

“Fine.” With a roll of her eyes, she resumed her stride. “So are you cheating with me then?”

“No, not at all. I’ve told her every time I’ve seen her in the past four months that she and I are through, she just never seems to get it! I have, however, told her, so technically we’re not cheating.”

“Technically we’re not doing anything!”

“Pah! Details!” Then spotting their hosts chatting to Eliza and Ed, he waved and towed her across to meet them. “Geoff, Carol, may I introduce Evvy Lannis, Corney’s friend from school, and a special friend of mine!” he added with a cheeky wink.

Out of the corner of her eye, Evadne could see Cornelia and Mike laughing, as they watched on with Eliza and Ed, and she grimaced at them before greeting her hosts with a polite ‘How d’ye do.’

“So, no Heavenly today then?” Geoff asked, an innocent expression on his face, though the corners of his mouth twitched as he spoke.

Richard grinned and shook his head. “Not now, and hopefully not ever again!” he announced proudly. “Young Evvy here has offered to help me out.”

"Excuse me! First off, I’m older than you,” Evadne interrupted indignantly, “and second, I’m not sure ‘offered’ is quite the right word – bribed would be more like it!”

Carol laughed at her words. “Well if it helps him get shot of her, we’ll all thank you!” she replied with a grin. “I’m not sure how much more we can take of her being there every time we go out! She’s not here yet, by the way,” she added, turning to Mike. “Annabel’s just got here, though, so doubt she’ll be far behind.”

“Is she really that bad?”

“Worse! Come and help me get some drinks, and I’ll tell you all about her!” and slipping her hand through Evadne’s arm, she led her off towards the house.



Fifteen minutes later, Evadne was back and talking to Mike when a tall, slim, dark-haired girl came towards them, dragging a sad-looking sack of a man behind her.

“Oh please, not again!” Mike muttered under his breath, as he saw her approaching.

Evadne glanced surreptitiously over her shoulder and then looked back at him with a furrowed brow. “Who’s she?”

“Heavenly’s sister Annabel. She keeps…”

He broke off suddenly as Annabel got too close.

“Mike, how are you?” she gushed, giving Evadne a supercilious glance. “Long time no see. Have you met Arnold yet?” Then, lowering her voice, she added in a sickly tone, “You should have taken your chance sooner, I’m a taken woman now!” and she threw her head back with a laugh.

Over Annabel’s shoulder, Mike pulled a face at Evadne and then gave Annabel a smile. “I’m very glad for you,” he replied graciously.

Ignoring him, Annabel reached out and tugged at Richard’s sleeve. “I thought you were collecting Heavenly?” she asked accusingly.

Removing her hand from his arm, Richard shook his head. “Well you thought wrong then,” he replied coldly. “I said I’d see her here at some point.”

“That’s not what she thinks! When did you tell her that?”

“Last night, and then again this morning. Five times, as it happens. not that it’s any of your concern.”

Annabel glared at him disbelievingly. Then spinning back round, she poked her monosyllabic date in the ribs. “Make yourself useful and go and get some drinks, Arnold.”

Arnold grunted and trudged off in the direction of the house, and Annabel turned back to Mike with an exaggerated roll of her eyes.

“He’s a dear boy, but just between you and me, he is a little dull!” Mike said nothing, and gazing up at him, she touched his arm flirtatiously. “You know, I could always become available again given the right persuasion. If you ever feel you could do...er...better,” she added, nodding her head towards Cornelia.

Recoiling slightly, Mike raised his eyebrows in shock. “I’ll be sure to let you know, Annabel,” he replied, a sarcastic edge creeping into his voice.

Annabel either missed it, or ignored it, and stroked his arm before she let her hand drop. “Make sure that you do,” and then turning on her heel, she strode off across the lawn in the direction in which Arnold had gone.

Thankfully, Cornelia had been too engrossed in her conversation with Eliza to notice Annabel’s behaviour, but Evadne had heard every word, and now she stared up at Mike in horror.

“What was that all about?”

“Charming, isn’t she?” Mike grimaced, rubbing his arm as if trying to wipe it clean.

“A tacky, two-bit piece of scum is what she is! What cheek!”

Mike laughed. “Clearly I’m just irresistible,” he said, jokingly. Then seeing her face, he added hurriedly, “Don’t you worry, I’m not planning on leaving Corney. I’m not sure I’d dare even I wanted to! You’re a scary woman, Evvy Lannis, and I’m quite aware you’d let me know all about it!”

“Yes, well just you remember that!” Then seeing Corney turn towards them, she gave her friend a wide smile. “Come and tell this beau of yours whatfor, Corney!”

“Why, what’s he done?” Cornelia grinned, slipping her hand through Mike’s elbow. “What are you two gossiping about, anyhow?”

Freeing his arm from her grasp, Mike placed it around her shoulders and kissed the top of her hair. “You of course!”

“Jolly good,” she replied, grinning up at him. “So long as you’re being nice! Evvy, I think Richard wants you.”

At that moment, Richard poked Evadne hard in the side and hissed for her to come and join him.

“What?” she retorted indignantly. “I’m not your lackey!”

“I know that idiot! Heavenly’s coming!”

Evadne looked round to see very pretty, tiny-featured girl coming across lawn. She just had time to register the fact that Heavenly looked nothing like her sister, before Richard grabbed her by the elbow and yanked her towards him.

“I know, would you credit it?” he began at the top of his voice, as Heavenly drew closer. “We’ve known each other for a while now, but we’ve only just realised what we mean to each other, haven’t we, darling?”

Evadne grimaced. “Yes, poopykins. Whatever you say,” she replied sweetly, and Richard cringed.

“Poopykins?”

Evvy shrugged and grinned up at him, but before she could reply, Heavenly arrived on the scene.

“Richie, you were supposed to collect me!” she berated, in the squeakiest voice Evadne had ever heard. “I waited and waited! You left me to come all on my own!”

“But that’s what we arranged, Heavenly,” Richard replied, his tone a little weary.

“No we didn’t!”

“Yes we did. Remember, I told you last night and again this morning?”

“I didn’t think you actually meant it!”

Evadne stared at the newcomer in amazement, marvelling at how obtuse this girl actually was, and suddenly noticing that Richard had his arm around a stranger, Heavenly seemed to bristle visibly.

“Who is this, Richie?”

“Ah, sorry, forgot about introductions, didn’t I? Evvy, this is Heavenly, a friend of mine. Heavenly this is Evadne, my girl. She’s up from New York for a couple of weeks, aren’t you, sweetheart?” and he bent his head to peck her on the cheek.

Evadne smiled up at him and then reached out to shake Heavenly’s hand. It was the limpest handshake she had ever felt. “Pleased to meet you.”

Heavenly stared at her, and then back at Richard again. “Evadne? Your girl?”

Richard nodded. “Yes, that’s right.”

“You kissed her!”

“Well yes, that’s what you do when you’re in love with someone, isn’t it darling?”

He grinned down at Evvy, whose eyes widened in a warning not to try and kiss her again. Oblivious, Heavenly continued to stare at Richard.

“But I’m your girl!”

“Heavenly, we broke up!”

“When?”

“Several times over, as it happens! Last night you told me you understood, don’t you remember?”

“But you were only joking!”

“No, I wasn’t.”

“Yes you were, you must have been! Nobody finishes things with me!”

Her voice had lowered considerably, the squeaky veneer completely gone, and a little shocked, Richard swallowed hard before saying, “Well I have, okay?”

Heavenly’s eyes narrowed as she glared at him. “They told me you were a cad, Richard van Alden, but I didn’t believe them. I said my Richie’s not like that! But you are! If you think I’m hanging around here, you’ve another thing coming! We’re through!”

“Fine by me! I’ve been trying to tell you that for months!”

Uttering an indescribable squawk, Heavenly turned on her heel, flounced across to where her sister and Arnold were chatting to some other guests, and then stomped out of party. Annabel watched her sister go, and then marched across the lawn, literally dragging Arnold behind her.

“You’ll be sorry, Richard van Alden!” she screeched. “Nobody messes with a Peabody!” and with that, she stormed out after her sister.

Evadne watched her go in amazement. “Is she for real?”

Cornelia, to whom this comment had been addressed, merely laughed. “Unfortunately, yes. Delightful family, aren’t they? And Mike’s mother thinks they are models of well-bred, society girls!”

“Well from what you’ve told me of her, I’m not surprised.”

“I know. Don’t let Mike hear you say that though. He feels duty bound to stand by her.”

“It must be hard for him though,” Evadne replied, eyeing her friend curiously. "She is his mother after all, however awful she is."

“I know, but I still feel a little angered by it. I try not to, Evvy, honestly, but I can’t help it!”

Evvy grinned. “Don’t worry, I reckon you’ll always come first where Mike's concerned.”

Hearing someone tunelessly singing the words ‘She’s gone!’ behind them, the two of them turned their heads to see Richard bounding towards them. “Thanks to you!” he cried, planting a sloppy kiss on Evadne’s cheek.

Evvy grimaced and wiped it away with her sleeve. “I guess you’re welcome. Just don’t forget I’ll be collecting what's owed to me!”

Richard laughed. “Well remember, I’m footloose and fancy free now!” he replied suggestively.

Evadne glared at him. “You never let up, do you?”

“Not with things I really want, no.”

“Well you’ll be waiting a long time, Mister, let me tell you!” Then taking Cornelia’s arm, “Come on, Corney, let’s go hunt out some food. Leave this sad sack to prey on some other poor girl,” and with that, she towed her friend off across the lawn, leaving Richard chuckling in their wake.

Last edited by Josie on Sat Dec 03, 2005 7:46 am; edited 6 times in total

 

#143:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 6:26 am

Oh wonderful! Finally Heavenly gets the picture - it didn't take much! Rolling Eyes

Thanks for a lovely episode Josie - love Evvy's protectiveness toward Corney.

 

#144:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 6:50 am

Very funny, but I pity her next victim!!!

Thanks Josie! Hope RL improves.

 

#145:  Author: jacey, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 8:46 am

Thanks for the update, Josie. Well worth waiting for. I wonder what Rich will have to do for Evvy as payback?
I'm sorry RL has been such a drag, hope things start to improve.
There's a lot to be said for snuggling in to the CBB and ignoring RL as much as possible Smile

 

#146:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 11:43 am

Grrrr... slightly worried about Heavenly! *glares at her* Glad that Evvy seems to be recovering a bit though!

Thanks Jo Very Happy

 

#147:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 11:50 am

Thanks, Jo. I'm glad Evvy got on well with everyone at the party and Heavenly finally got the message.

 

#148:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 6:28 pm

Thank you Jo! That was fantabulous!

(answer me one question though please! Does Heavenly possess two brain cells to rub together? Rolling Eyes )

 

#149:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 6:45 pm

*pokes the Peabody sisters*

Lovely Jo, thanks!

Glad Evvy is OK(ish) as well

 

#150:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 7:25 pm

Hehe that was great! I'm glad heavenly finally got the picture!! I am wondering what Richard will do for Evvy! I hope they get together some day when Evvy is fully recovered! I'm glad things with Corney and Mike are going well! Thank you very much! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#151:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 8:24 pm

Laughing What a break up! I would feel sorry for Heavenly for being so dumb, but nope, I just can't! Very Happy

*gives a poke to RL to sort itself out* Hope things calm down a little soon, Jo Smile

 

#152:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 8:46 pm

Thank you Josie!
I struggle to believe that some people can be that stupid but I have met people like that in real life too!

 

#153:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 10:57 pm

Thanks Josie

*pokes RL*

That was a simply wonderful episode - Heavenly was just so believable.

 

#154:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 12:03 am

Chalet_school_lover wrote:
I'm glad heavenly finally got the picture!! I am wondering what Richard will do for Evvy! I hope they get together some day when Evvy is fully recovered!


Willow you can read more about that in A Second Chance (also by Josie) and you should be able to find links to that in the Index Drabble-orum.

Thanks Jo - that was wonderful Very Happy

Liz

 

#155:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 11:08 am

I just hope the Peabody sisters don't wreck some sort of revenge on the Van Alden brothers!

 

#156:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 10:42 am

Sorry RL is being a pain Jo, hope it's a bit better now.
That update was worth the wait though!

Thanks Very Happy

 

#157:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 10:50 am

Absolutely wonderful! The Peabody sisters really are somethingelse.

Thank you Jo!

 

#158:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 3:46 pm

Wow just caught up on PAGES of this- it's oh so great!!! Thank-you Josie Very Happy

 

#159:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Dec 14, 2005 6:10 am

Thank you, Josie! Glad to see someone could get through to Heavenly. Do we get to see what payment Evvy demands from dear Richard? ROFL

 

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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