Rachel tests the Chalet School - 5/9
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#501:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Tue Aug 02, 2005 7:00 pm

Squirrel - I think you are correct that Mary Dorothy makes that comment in Abbey Girls in Town, though it's a while since I read it. I think that's why Biddy and Ruth spend so much time riding round London on various buses in an evening - to give Mary Dorothy the opportunity to listen to her 'secret radio.'

Love this scenario of Nancy and Kathie planning for Hilda, Nell and other 'older' staff members' retirement - it's a complete change from the rest of your story, but does show how they all care about each other. And Nancy's right, you know - for them to join Joey at Freudesheim is a great idea. Joey wouldn't leave the Platz since Jack is buried there. Freudesheim is far too big for her alone, but if the 'older' staff move in there as they retire, it would continue to be a 'happy home', only in this case for these older people, rather than for the family who grew up there! I'll be interested to see if this 'theme' develops alongside your story of Rachel and Tamara. Am I right in thinking that Kathie would become head in due course?

Look forward to more when you have time.

 

#502:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Aug 02, 2005 7:39 pm

Oh Squirrel, I loved this chat. It made me smile, chuckle, wipe away a tear and generally feel love for all of them.

What a splendiferous idea. Laughing

But what ideas are Nell and Hilda going to spring on them? The plot's afoot, methinks.

Wonderful. Thanks, Squirrel

 

#503:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 2:54 pm

I think that's a great idea about everyone moving into Jo's home. Please could somebody tell me how Jack died in this drabble? Was it a heart attack?

 

#504:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 7:20 pm

Chair - Jack didnt die during the drabble, so I have no idea how he did die. I guess there is a possibility that Mr Bunny will give me the details at some point, but I'm not betting on it at the moment!

 

#505:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 9:00 pm

Squirrel, as you thought and Elder agreed, it's from The Abbey Girls In Town .Ruth and Biddy have been reading through what Mary-Dorothy has written, and Biddy complains that it is not what she and Mary-Dorothy had agreed.
Quote:
"But you're making it up!" Biddy cried, staring at her uncomprehendingly.
"I suppose so," Mary said doubtfully. "That's not the feeling I have, though. I never have had the feeling of making anything up."
"What do you feel?" Ruth asked curiously.
Mary considered the matter. "That I'm discovering something that exists already. For some reason, I'm the only person who can discover it, and I have to write it down for you to read. But I'm not inventing it. It's there; and I find new bits of it all the time. I can't alter them; and I've got to put them down as they come to me. That's what I really feel."
"Like listening-in; but you're the only person who hears that particular wave," Ruth suggested.

 

#506:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 9:02 pm

I love the fact that Gwynneth tells the staff she's at a rest home while she's training up! I suppose a change is as good as a rest?

 

#507:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 10:56 am

Sorry for the delay in posting - I had no time to write yesterday!

Chapter?

Rachel was sitting with the other girls at the evening meal when something less than usual happened. Miss Annersley rang the bell for silence, and when the girls quietened down she informed them that Miss Wilson and herself would be retiring at the end of the term.

“We have not decided yet what we are going to do with our retirement girls.” She continued, “But we will not go far away. The school is too close to our hearts to allow us to go far. And where we are, you will always be welcome.”

She finished to a muffled hum of disquiet. None of the girls had ever thought that the head would retire. They were too much a part of the school to do that.

However, just as their disgruntlement was beginning to get the better of them Miss Wilmot stood up. She and Kathie had been holding a quiet debate about whether or not they should speak up, and which of them it should be. Kathie prevailed on this matter, Nancy was also talking about retiring, she had her own announcement to make to the girls, therefore she was the best person to answer this statement.

“Thank you for telling us this so soon Miss Annersley. For I know the only reason that you have not got any plans for the future quite yet is because you have only just come to the conclusion that this is the right thing to do. I too am considering retirement, although I am the shortest serving member of staff to leave.”

She looked sternly at Kathie as she said this, and the younger mistress looked away from her to try and hide the tears, which would come at this statement. “I do have one idea for the future, which I am hoping that you will consider joining me in, though it is only just an idea at the moment, and will have to be perfected in the future.

“I’ll only add just now, that Miss Ferrars, although she is not retiring at this precise moment in time, has agreed that my idea is a good one. Girls, I can assure you that none of us will be very far away. We will be so close that you will have time to visit us in any of your breaks – as long as you are not confined to the house of course.” She finished with a laugh.

Then as she sat down, Kathie hurriedly tried to compose herself so that she could finish this off. “My word, Miss Wilmot, that certainly sounds exciting. We will wish you well as you and the heads move on. Those of us left behind will do our best to keep up the high standards you have set. And you are always close enough to tell us if there is something which you feel we could do better on!”

With that she sat again, and Nancy squeezed her hand under the table. This would be a difficult time for both of them, and she appreciated Kathie’s efforts to keep those more private feelings hidden while she dealt with the girls.

Kathie had always found it difficult to hide deep feelings – that had been the thing which had first disclosed to Nancy just how much the younger mistress cared for her. When Nancy would have been hesitating about how right it was for her to form a close relationship with one who was so much younger than herself, Kathie had had no such scruples as to age.

She just allowed those feelings to work in her life, and her emotions had been as easy to read as if they were hidden behind a glass door rather than deep inside her person. Not that Kathie hadn’t had doubts of her own; she had just found it harder to disguise the things she had felt, and that had given Nancy the confidence to take things one step further.

They had got as close to each other in the end as Hilda and Nell were to each other, and it would hurt them even to leave each other behind as much as they were doing. However, Hilda and Nell had had several periods of time when they had ended up being separated for one reason or another.

They had been able to grow both in their love for each other, and had been able to mature fully in a way that they would not have been able to do if they had lived in each other’s pockets the whole time. If Hilda and Nell could do it, Nancy reasoned, so could she and Kathie.

Nancy was now trying to insist, so far unsuccessfully, that Kathie would take on Hilda’s role. “There is no one else for the job” she reasoned. Len has too much to do with looking after her children to be head at present, and you know that no one in their right mind would consider Audrey. She is to prone to lashing out, and doesn’t know the meaning of the word empathy, never mind understand how to use it. Look at the way she hurt Tamara a few weeks ago. The rest are all in need of experience first.”

Kathie had merely looked at her before responding. “Hilda took over headship when she was about Tamara’s age”. She pointed out quietly. “Kathie, you are not retiring yet” Nancy told her forcefully. “You are young enough that you would get bored if you retired now. You need to have a new challenge my love; well this is one you can take on easily. You have been doing half the job for the last 3 years and you know it!”

Kathie smiled at her and took time to think about the last three years. When she replied it was with a feeling of pain that could somehow be heard in her tones. “Yes, I have taken on part of the job for Hilda over the last three years, and do you not know how much it has hurt me to do that.

”Looking at her struggling to complete the amount of work a head has to do. Slipping in to her office at the times when she has been out to write the letters for her, and get everything organized so that all she had to do was sign them. Sometimes even that was too much. She is so tired Nancy, and I worry about her constantly.”

“Do you really think I would enjoy my time as head, while I remembered how hard it was for her, and how hard I worked to support her in that job? I couldn’t take that on as well. Please Nancy; please let me join you when you go.”

But Nancy had been adamant. She was going to retire, and Kathie was not. Kathie could decide for herself whether or not she would take the headship to help the school through the difficult time it would face with the others leaving, but Nancy knew that in the end she would.

Rachel was stunned at the noise which broke out in the common room at these announcements. The heads were not as young as all that, even Rachel could see by looking at them that they were tired, and she knew that these people could not stay away from the school that long. She was willing to bet that they would have more fun with them when they were retired than they could while they still had so much work to do.

The rest of the year couldn’t take it that way though. They had grown up hearing about these teachers, and had dreamed of being taught by them. Now they were leaving the school and would not be back to teach ever again.

“It’s not fair” stormed Sally. “I wanted to have Bill for science next year; there was a chance of it you know.”

Tan had grievances of her own, though they tended to be towards her missing out on the head’s literature lessons. Neither of them took on board the thought that they would certainly make sure that there were good teachers in place before they gave up teaching all together.

Even Joanne and her friends were very down, though Joanne took time out to try and explain things to Rachel. “I’m sorry honey; you find it so hard to understand us. We know in our head’s that we will see a lot more of the head’s once they are retired, but we can’t quite see that yet. We are still trying to take in the fact that they are retiring at the end of the term.

“Give us a few weeks and we will be used to the idea, and able to take comfort from what you are saying, by then we will be used to the idea. Please don’t say all that much about it until then, or you will just meet with angry people telling you that you don’t understand.”

After this, Rachel felt it was for the best that she withdrew to her own room for a while. That way she could avoid the cacophony of noise which was the common room, and could avoid blurting out the thought that was uppermost in her head – that they were all idiots, and if they thought about it rationally they would realise that they were actually gaining from this rather than loosing.

 

#508:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 11:58 am

Thanks Squirrel - have just caught up with loads of this - lovely to see Tamara's developing relationships with those around her, mirroring Rachel's in some ways, and how the staff are all making an effort to understand AS.

I hope Nancy insisting that Kathie stays doesn't cause them problems - However much I love someone I wouldn't like to be told that I couldn't leave my job if I wanted to!

I'm glad Hilda and Nell are able to take their retirement - they've worked very hard for a long time and deserve a rest while they can still enjoy it.

Liz

 

#509:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 12:40 pm

That whole conversation between Nancy and Kathie was wonderful, Squirrel. And oh dear, Hilda must have been tired if Kathie had to do some of that awful correspondence.

Thank you, my dear.

 

#510:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 2:10 pm

I, too, loved the conversation between Nancy and Kathie - I think Kathie is somewhat torn between rising to the obvious challenge of becoming school head, and having the freedom to be with Nancy all the time, which she would have if she, too, retired. But, knowing Kathie, in the end, she'll do what is best for the school, following the many examples before her. I can imagine her being nervous of the thought, even from the viewpoint of the paperwork involved - but it's good that she'd already tried to help Hilda with some of this.

I also loved seeing the girls' reactions to the prospect, and their dismay that these teachers would not now be teaching them, something which each of them had clearly been looking forward to. Good for Joanne for trying to help Rachel understand their reactions - but I'm not really surprised that she needed to get away from the clamour for a while.

Looking forward to the next bit. Thanks Squirrel.

 

#511:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 2:59 pm

It was lovely to see the relationship between Nancy and Kathie being described. Why is Nancy the shortest serving member of staff? I didn't quite understand that.

 

#512:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 3:02 pm

Nancy says she is the shortest serving member of staff who is going to retire Chair. That is so that Kathie doesnt try to join in these announcements because she has not been working at the school for as long as Nancy.

However it does mean that if Rosalie, or Matron who have both been working there since before Nancy joined the staff wish to retire they can do so without contradicting her word.

Of course it doesnt stop the other staff members from leaving the school to find other employment!

 

#513:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 10:30 pm

Hi all, and sorry about the lateness of this post to all who have a bedtime before this (myself included!) It's also rather long, though part of that is due to my copying and pasting some of what went before as an aid to memorys! Why? Well, because this bit starts off with Rachel's story again of course, and I wouldnt want to loose anyone so near the beginnign due to the length of time it has been since that came up!


Chapter

“In the shadow of the Minster, Rosemary walked along past the tall building that was the Minster.

”St Michael le Belfry didn’t look much if you were comparing it to the vast building towering above it, but Rosemary didn’t bother about that one. It cut off a bit of sun, and yes, it might have some architectural fancy playing about. There was no doubting that it was advanced for its times, but Rosemary by far preferred her own church. Well, to start off with it was her own.

”Moving quickly so as to avoid any charges of loitering Rosemary took one last glance at St Michael and then went off to her next task. Had she but known it, her daily pilgrimages to look upon the building and enjoy the peace that seemed to envelop it were not going unnoticed, and this was to create a big change in her life in the near future.

She was but a humble cloth maker in a building not far away, and she often passed the building as she went about gathering the different things that she needed to make the cloth. Her mother was the head of the house, and when she did not grumble over her daughter’s love of the kirk, she would turn to her and remind her that she was well past marriageable age.

Yes, most of Rosemary’s friends were now mamma’s themselves, but that didn’t mean that Rosemary herself was ready to be wed. She was managing a living, even if it wasn’t the best paid kind of a living. She was better off than many of the others she visited when she could get a few hours off.

Other than on a Sunday, this was rare, but she did her best to try and make things easier on the people who were in such deep need. She was lucky that cloth was in such high demand. Many of the poor people couldn’t get employment.

The store keepers would buy the beautiful cloths that she brought them, and in the few evening hours she was often able to provide herself with the cloth she needed for clothing. It was such a long process though.

She would make herself up a die, and would then soak the wool she was going to use in the fabric in the die, to give it it’s bright colours. Then, once it had stood in the die long enough it had to be taken out and dried for 24 hours. Here again her Mother was good at making life difficult. She would complain about the smell of the wet wool, and the space that was taken up by the cloth as it dried.

Rosemary had learned just to let her complain as to try and explain about it would just encourage her to dump the wet wools on the floor, and that would mean the whole process had to be started again, as the wool would then need washed, and as the die wasn’t fast by that point, and so most of it washed out.

Rosemary had not been impressed, but it had taught her to mind her tongue when talking to her mother at any rate…

…However she had no time for that now. Her mother did make life difficult, and thoughts like these did intrude into Rosemary’s life more than they ought, but with the Minister coming to visit her later on today she would have to get on with her work so that she would be finished by the time he arrived. If she did not, minister or not, Mother would be making a fuss.

As she went about her work Rosemary allowed her mind to dwell on this rather more pleasant issue. Why would the minister want to talk to her? Was there perhaps someone in the village who needed some help? Perhaps if he knew that Rosemary did her best to help these people out he would come to her if one of them was in trouble and he knew that Rosemary was in a position to be able to help. Perhaps it was that. And Rosemary’s mind was already going along the different branches of economy she could practice to help that person out.

But then she recalled how serious he had looked upon her as he made his request to call on her that evening. Perhaps there was something in her conduct that displeased him. Maybe she was not attending to his sermon’s well enough, or had misunderstood his injunction to be helping the poor. It was possible that he felt she was receiving too much praise for the little she did, and not giving enough glory to God.

However that did not fit with his words, his countenance was serious, but his words had been friendly, if sad. It was possible that someone had died in the parish, and Rosemary could do some good with the people there.

Or possibly it was a home matter. The young vicar had no immediate family, but he did have relatives in the surrounding districts. It could be that he was grave because of some trouble amongst them, in which case he could be coming to talk to Rosemary about almost anything.

Sighing, she wisely put the whole subject out of her head. It was no use conjecturing. She would either drive herself to distraction with worry, or she would raise her hopes so high she would wear herself out with excitement. Neither state was any good when it came to getting work done.

So she put her mind to her work, and got on with such a vim that she had cleared all she had to do that day by lunchtime. Part of that was due to the fact that she had purposefully given herself less to do in honour of the visit, and part was the rate she had worked at. She was feeling rather exhausted as she put her things away, and her Mother spoke tartly to her as she organized herself some lunch

“See, I told you you could do that work faster if you put your mind to it child.”

Rosemary ignored the statement, and like a dutiful daughter brought her mother something to eat. She knew that she could only keep up that pace of work for so long, and she knew it more especially now that she had tried it. The work was back breaking, and had tired many a stronger constitution than Rosemary’s was.

She had just cleared away lunch when a tapping came at the door…”

Right on cue a tapping came at the door to Rachel’s room. Sighing she pulled her head out of the clouds produced by the story and went to answer it. It was Miss Darleigh.

“Rachel, I’m sorry to disturb you. I just wanted to make sure you were alright as the girls said they hadn’t seen you for the last few hours.” Rachel smiled up at the mistress. She was glad to see her in a way.

“Oh do come in Miss Darleigh. I was just writing a little more of my story.” Noting the general air of tiredness surrounding the girl Tamara cautioned her against doing too much more that evening.

Sighing Rachel accepted this dictum. It seemed like she never managed to get any headway at the story. There was always something else which needed to be done. Tamara smiled at her consolingly.

“It won’t be long until Saturday, and I know Mrs Maynard wants to get an idea of your capabilities. Why don’t you take what you are writing along with you, and you can have some time to continue with it while you are there?” Rachel decided this was a good plan.

Just before the mistress left the room Rachel decided to ask her the question which had been confusing her ever since she had left the girls. “Miss Darleigh, why are the rest so bothered about those mistresses leaving? After all, they can only become closer by this separation.”

Tamara who was feeling a little daunted at the change herself stopped in the act of leaving the room, and breathed a quick prayer for guidance on the best way to answer this query.

“Firstly Rachel, I don’t think they have quite taken in how close the mistresses are going to be. They have been so shocked by the announcement that all their minds have room for is the fact that they are leaving.

“Second, I don’t think that your words of wisdom will be much comfort to them as they will not be able to see for themselves how much closer they become to the mistresses until it happens. They will continue to regret the lessons they have been looking forward to for many a year until they see that taking place.

“Also, while a great number of them will find your words to be accurate, I do not think that all of them will. For as much as the heads and Nancy, sorry, Miss Wilmot, will try to keep up with every girl, however close they are living, it will not be the same as them living in the school grounds. However much more time they will have to spend with the girls, it won’t be the same. You of all people should know how difficult that is to deal with.”

Then as understanding began to dawn in Rachel’s eyes a last sudden idea came to her. She had been permitted a few days ago to skim read Rachel’s story, and a thought from what she had read returned to her.

“You know, Rachel, can you get into Rosemary’s mind well enough to take in how startled, confused, bewildered and just plain upset she would be if St Michael Le Belfry suddenly disappeared over night? Or if she was told that the building was going to move to the outskirts of York?

“A strange thought isn’t it?” she asked seeing some confusion and other emotions flickering across Rachel’s face before her customary blank expression took hold again. “For these girls the notion that their beloved mistresses might retire is the same as the loss of St Michael le Belfry would be to Rosemary.

“They have taught here more or less since the school was founded, just over 50 years ago. Mrs Maynard calls them the foundation stones of the school, and many of the girls must have forgotten that they were getting older. I know that even though I did know how old and tired they were, I never imagined that they would be thinking to retire soon.

“For the girls, the announcement must have been even more of a shock, and its one that they will take a long time to recover from, just as Rosemary would take a long time to get used to the idea of her beloved building not being in the shadow of the Minster any more.

“I’m sure that she would rejoice at it being more easily seen, but she would also have to get used to the fact that it was not in the same place. Each time she looked at the place where it used to stay, she would feel an aching inside her heart for the building which was elsewhere, even if it made it easier for her to visit it.

“For these girls, the same is true for them loosing their head teacher. It’s like one of the basic facts of life – St Michaels will never move from the spot where it stands, Miss Annersley will always be the head of the Chalet School – has been irrevocably changed. St Michaels has moved, the head has retired, it will just take them some time to get used to it.”

Rachel had been standing eyes wide at this way of explaining the changes. Yes, it certainly helped her to understand the feelings of the girls. She just had one further question to make.

“But you are not saying that the heads and Miss Wilmot are a building? I cannot see the resemblance between them and a building at all.”

Tamara smiled gently at her. “No” she stated decisively “I’m only drawing out a comparison of feelings. The same feelings that Rosemary would have if St Michael’s was to suddenly move, are the feelings held by the girls at this announcement. Now, if you can remember this comparison it will perhaps give you the compassion and understanding you are going to need when dealing with them.

“The first shock will wear off very soon, but they will continue to talk about it amongst themselves for a long time to come.” And with that she left Rachel, a much happier girl, and one who was amused at the way Tamara could draw out an example of a work of fiction she was writing to help her understand a most confusing situation.

 

#514:  Author: Joyful, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 11:09 pm

What a lovely example to draw out how the girls must feel. And how right for Rachel to understand,
Thanks Squirrel

 

#515:  Author: Guest,  PostPosted: Sat Aug 06, 2005 1:47 am

That explanation was a stroke of genius on Tamara's part. It certainly helped Rachel to understand why both girls and staff were upset at the idea that Miss Annersley, Miss Wilson and Miss Wilmot were planning to retire. And Tamara's right, of course, even though they are going to remain so close, it's not the same as being right on the spot. It's going to be very interesting to see how that all plays out.

I enjoyed this re-cap of Rachel's story, too. I also liked the way Tamara persuaded Rachel to stop writing for the night - and I'm going to be very interested to see what Jo Maynard makes of her story.

This is developing beautifully, Squirrel - thank you.

 

#516:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 06, 2005 8:33 am

I don't think Tamara needs to worry about the strength of Rachel's story - it is developing beautifully and one is made to feel such empathy with Rosemary - I can't wait to see what the Vicar has in mind. I do have one or two ideas but they are probably wrong. Rolling Eyes

I love the way Tamara finds a concrete way of illustrating how difficult it is for the girls to lose these wonderful women - and no, it won't be the same, but a new and different relationship can be formed with them.

Thanks, Squirrel.

 

#517:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Sat Aug 06, 2005 11:50 am

Sorry - that guest post was me, I didn't realise my automatic log in wasn't on!!

 

#518:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 06, 2005 9:17 pm

I thought it was nice having the door knock in the story and with Tamara as well. I also liked the way Tamara helped Rachel to understand about Hilda and Nell retiring.

 

#519:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Aug 07, 2005 9:02 am

Thanks Squirrel.

 

#520:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Sun Aug 07, 2005 7:43 pm

Wonderful new posts, Squirrel, thanks a lot!

 

#521:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Aug 07, 2005 8:43 pm

Squirrel that was pure genius. I'm absolutely in awe at the way you are drawing such diverse threads of this story together. Please keep writing!

Thank you very very much.

 

#522:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 10:27 am

Wonderful. Thank you Squirrel.

 

#523:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:37 am

Thank you Squirrel. Fantastic posts Very Happy

 

#524:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 6:47 pm

Thankyou all for your kind comments. I have begun the next part properly now, and know where I am going with it for the next several posts, so all is safe to continue for the present.

Chapter – Who will be our new head mistress?

It took a day or so for the obvious question to surface in the minds of the girls simply due to the strength of the shock they had received. However they gradually recovered from it, and it was left to impetuous Sally to voice the question as soon as it occurred to her.

“But if Miss Annersley, Miss Wilson, and Miss Wilmot are all retiring, who is going to be our next head?”

Some of the girls were quite quick enough to have an answer of sorts for her, but Joanne and her crew were out of the common room having received permission from Miss Darleigh to spend some time with Rachel.

Tamara felt that Rachel needed to be quiet for the moment, so Sally would not have been allowed, and Tan, recognising this fact had stayed in the common room when the others left. Her continuing presence meant that Sally had no desire to leave the room.

Tan could have perhaps tried to answer the question, but everyone else was so wrought up that to make any impression against the hubbub which sprang up at this would have required far more confidence than Tan owned at present.

As it happened, Tamara was walking along the corridor when the noise broke out and she went into the room to find out what was happening in there. It took her a little while to calm them all down they were so excited and it would have taken the head’s themselves to make any immediate impression. Even the prefects would have found themselves faced with a difficulty if they had happened across it.

Fortunately Tamara was a favourite, and they knew that if she wanted to she could administer a punishment which left you wishing you had never even thought about whatever indiscretion you may have carried out. She rarely wished to, and on this occasion she merely looked icily at them and asked to know the meaning of such an uproar.

“Well, it’s this way, um” Sally was the person who tried to answer and only got so far. “I’m waiting.” The voice acted as a spur on the girl and she blurted out what was uppermost in her mind.

”Oh Miss Darleigh: Who is to be our head mistress when Miss Annersley retires?”

Tamara understood the point immediately, and deciding that she had made enough of a point about their noise levels for the present she answered pleasantly. “I can’t really tell you Sally. Discussions have begun to take place in the staff room, but they are not yet reaching any complete conclusion yet. We are going to have to have new mistresses, but it does look like the head mistresses will be replaced from those of us who are staff members already.

“It’s going to be a job, because don’t forget we still have the Millies to organize as well. There may be one or two other people from my university who may apply if that happens. I know some of them were interested in my decision to apply over here. If they do I can assure you they are decent people, who will fit in well here from what I heard.

“As for those of us who are still here, well, we shall have Miss Ferrars, and I believe that the Head’s may be asking her to consider some kind of promotion. It might not be to Head Mistress though. And, I think we may well loose a few other members of staff, though Rosalie Dene would be the only ‘foundation stone’ amongst them, and naturally she will be joining the Head’s and Miss Wilmot in their quiet retirement.

“So far, Matron Lloyd has no plans to retire, but she has agreed to cut down the number of hours she will work, and we are going to employ some more staff to help her.

“I think she looks forward to having a role which is more related to helping you girls if things get hard for you, so remember that she is there, and if any of you are finding loosing these mistresses especially difficult then go to her. She hasn’t said much, but I know this must be affecting her as well.

“You have to remember that many of the people who are now retiring she has worked with since she joined the school. Also, the rest were pupils and at school about the same time.”

With that she left the room, having succeeded in giving them something fresh to think about. Several somethings if it came down to it! But one or two of the girls, Tan amongst them, looked thoughtfully after the mistress, they would remember the last thing she said. It might be something which would help them in the future.

They were not used to looking upon Matron as someone you could go to for that much comfort, but it might be worth trying when the time came.

Wow, in fact I've just been counting - I have another 6 chapters or so more or less ready for posting. I must have spent more time on Rachel yesterday than I thought I did! Of course, with so many different threads to pull together I may insert one or two extra's inbetween what I have already got, you never know!

 

#525:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 7:59 pm

Thanks for letting us see more of how Rachel's class are reacting to the idea of these retirements, Squirrel. Wonder what Rachel, Joanne and the others are thinking, too. Even though the present heads and Miss Wilmot won't be far away, their retiremen will certainly be an epoch-making event for the school.

 

#526:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 8:03 pm

I look forward to finding out who will have the new senior positions. I have thought of another mistress who I think could make a good Head.

 

#527:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 9:43 pm

Tamara certainly believes in giving wholehearted explanations, doesn't she? Laughing

I hope her words get through, especially about Matey, who will be feeling very lonely, even if her friends are only next door. To have the girls come to her would fill her heart with some joy.


Thanks, Squirrel

 

#528:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:36 pm

Gosh you have been productive Squirrel! I hope we get to see these new chapters speedily - I'll be really interested to see where you're going with this.

 

#529:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:54 am

Thanks Squirrel. I liked Tamara's answer to the question and very true that sometimes it can take a while for the obvious question to be voiced. Look forward to seeing more soon.

 

#530:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 5:21 pm

Hi all, OK this next peice grew out of nowhere, it wasnt the next in line, and there is a chance that I'll follow up this even further before going on with what I have typed up already. Ok, looks like its going to last until Sunday then!

I might have to start thinking up original ideas after that, but possibly not. I might be able to tell you what Rachel, Joanne and co are up to and thinking soon Elder. I'll see if Mr Bunny is kind to me on that subject. Of course, I could immitate Mary and do a flashback with that bit!

Another Mistress who could make a good Head Chair? You will have to share that thought with us then. I make no promises that I will include them though. I think that the new Head is probably decided upon, unless something major happens to change it.

Of course Tamara explains everything Mary, it wouldnt occur to her to do anything else. She could have tried to be a little more conservative about it, but she wanted to provide reassurance for the girls as well as diverting their attention slightly. Of course, she was also exploring it properly herself as well.

Alright, I think that is everything. Hopefully I havnt been too repetitive over what I have said here and what is in the post itself!

Chapter - confessions

Tamara headed straight for the head when she left the girls. She felt that she had probably gone a little too far with her explanations, but it had been her working out for herself what would happen as much as anything else.

She may have heard about what was happening as much as anyone else, but as it didn’t have much to do with her she had not really taken much notice in the proceedings. That was other than to note who was going and who was staying.

Having got so much closer to Gwynneth it was a relief to her to know that she wasn’t going to retire, though it would be difficult for her to stay on when the others left. “The school is my life” Gwynneth had told Tamara. “I work during the holidays, because I honestly could not stand doing nothing.” She then went on to give Tamara a brief outline of one or two things which had happened before she arrived at the school.

“Before Jack Maynard died, one of the last things he recommended was that I cut down on the amount of work I did. He saw to various different things. One of his suggestions was that I go to stay at penny rest each year during the summer holidays.

Penny rest is a recuperation home, mainly for people like mothers who have full time jobs and need a rest cure during the holidays. While he was alive, I was in a kind of daze and did as he suggested without thinking. To be honest, that first year I was in need of a break.

“However the year that passed between my first visit and what would have been my second he died. No, don’t ask me how, it was a horrible time and I’m not going to rehash it again. Don’t you go asking Jo to explain either.”

Gwynneth looked so severe that Tamara hastened to agree that she wouldn’t ask Jo. She wouldn’t have done so anyway, having heard a little about the horror of that time from one or two other staff members and she had no wish to learn any more about it than she knew already.

“Thank you” Gwynneth responded before continuing. “Anyhow, respect for the wishes of the dead or not I soon took the decision that needing a break during the summer or not, the kind of rest given by penny rest wasn’t for me.

“I went to another place the second year, and found that while this professed to be a place where you could rest, it also gave opportunities for proper rambles about the hills, and activities of the kinds that the girls enjoy here. I was able to take part in these which I did, but more importantly I found that a fair amount of study was possible.

“We had to stick to one subject of course, and while the girls who came would stick to school subjects, I was able to begin my research on different medical conditions. I was able to learn much about new diagnoses, and how I could recognise these different problems in the girls. It also gave me ideas as to how I could help any of the poor children who came to us undiagnosed, but who, in my eyes had the extra needs

“Since then I have moved on to a place where I still have the same mix, but I am able to study these things properly. I am constantly amazed by the new things I am learning. I just wish I could put it to greater use.” She ended sorrowfully.

Tamara looked at her quickly. “Gwynneth, I think you do a lot with your learning. Look at how you have helped Rachel and I. You knew a little about Rachel, but had never experienced it before, and yet you were ready to meet her where she needed to be met. Then, with me, you picked up on something. Possibly before Rachel came here, possibly after, I know that my own needs have been rather more pronounced since she came”

“I only studied Aspergers and Autism over the summer”. She admitted. “I was rather amazed when I found that there was a girl with it coming to the school after that. I was also very relieved that I had covered it rather than one of the other things which caught my fancy. I’d love to look at Fragile X Syndrome for example.

“As for you, I wouldn’t have noticed the similarities of you to the diagnostic criteria if it hadn’t been for my seeing you and Rachel together. Just remember that I was applying my learning to the pupils. It had never crossed my mind that the staff might have difficulties of the kind.

“Now, I know, and I will remember for the future, so that if any other poor child comes in place of Hilda and co I can be ready to help her.”

It was that comment of Gwynneth which had set Tamara’s mind racing. There were two or three people she knew at the university who had determined to see how well she did as a teacher before considering whether or not they might like to teach themselves. They had agreed with her whole heartedly that a boarding school might be the place to start. She did nothing about it then, but stored it in her mind for the future.

While she had been thinking Tamara had arrived at the Head’s office. She knocked on the door a trifle nervously. What if Hilda felt she had gone too far.

“Come in” the voice called cheerfully. She entered to find an almost empty room. For the first time that term, Tamara entered the office to find only Hilda in it.

“Oh Tamara, come and have a seat. You just missed Nell; she was hurrying off to take a class. Now, what can I do for you?”

Tamara told her all about Sally’s question and the way she had answered her, relaxing as she saw Hilda was smiling.

“Thank you my dear, that cannot have been an easy situation for you, but you answered clearly and well, giving your own knowledge to them without suggesting that anyone in particular would become head.

“You were able to both comfort and then distract them. Yes, I know you find it hard to believe, but you have done well with this. Well done Tamara. I’ll deal with it and give all of the girls an answer.

“Now I suppose I had better get on with this work again. I’m pleased to know that I have such a level headed girl amongst my staff members though, and I will remember it.”

Tamara left the room looking rather flushed. She quickly headed up to her own room where she soon lost herself in what work she had to do.

 

#531:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 6:28 pm

Gwyneth is such a sweetheart

Will we ever get to hear what happened after Jack Maynard died? It sounds intriguing.

 

#532:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 6:32 pm

It's nice that Tamara was able to go and talk to Hilda. I also liked hearing Gwyneth's explanation. Will we find out what happened to Jack at a later date or will it always be a mystery?

My idea for a Head was Sharlie Andrews. I didn't say in case you had decided on her and wanted to surprise everyone with the choice. Or is she no longer at the school?

 

#533:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 6:51 pm

Good for you, Matey, showing it's never too old to learn new ideas and use them to help others. And being so involved, you won't have time to miss the others - and they're not far away, anyway.

Ooh, intriguing though, about Jack. Shocked What have you done to him, Squirrel?

It's lovely to see, as well, how much Hilda is now beginning to appreciate Tamara.

 

#534:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 7:12 pm

I've just done a post-holiday catch up and found it as fascinating as ever. Thank you Squirrel.

 

#535:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:34 pm

It is indeed good to see that Hilda is beginning to appreciate and understand Tamara better, and to compliment her on the way she handled this situation with the girls.

It will be interesting to see who does finally become head here, Squirrel.

Thanks for another interesting post.

 

#536:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 1:28 am

Squirrel, over the lat three days, I've just read my way through this from the start, and am amazed!!! You are doing a great job, and I ahve thoroughly enjoyed every post. I particularly love the way Gwynneth is developinginto a counsellor figure; she's gaining such depth.

 

#537:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:18 am

Gwynneth is lovely. And I'm pleased Hilda has come to appreciate and to show her appreciation of Tamara. Thank you Squirrel.

 

#538:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 2:29 pm

Thanks Squirrel - and I'm another who likes your portrayal of Gwynneth

 

#539:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 5:30 pm

Thanks one and all. Right, lets see if I can answer any of the questions I have picked up.

Jack Maynard - well, you all know I am several pages ahead of you, and so far I'm still only being given hints, though one of the characters who is a nasty peice of work as you will see later on, has taken steps which means it will have to come out sooner or later. In fact, it's one of the bits waiting to be written. alright, I'm a tease. I'll leave it at that for now.

Sharlie - nice idea but she hasnt been mentioned yet, so it is safe to say that she has left. In fact, you can count that for all staff members. They have either retired or gone on to new things.

As for Sharlie herself, well the bit I've just put up has been an inserted responce to a question from a little while back (thanks Elder) so I got them to tell me a bit more about Sharlie while I was at it. In other words read on.

Thinking about it Cath, and all the others too, you are right, we never do get much about Gwynneth from the books. Yet I have always liked her. I like the way she can develop out in many of the drabbles so that we can see her caring side as well as just hear a bit about it.

Ok I think that is us done for now. No doubt I'll have more questions to answer the next time arround Laughing

Chapter – Joanne and the girls

Joanne, Vicki, Lyn and Hannah were all crowded into Rachel’s small room. “How lovely that you should have a room of your own” Lyn had said as soon as she had heard of it. And upon seeing it she had commented that it was “A duck of a place”. The others had shrieked at this. “Where on earth did you get that term?” Joanne had asked quickly.

“Mam of course. I told you that she had an endless supply of slang, though I believe that one came from Aunt Becca originally.”

The room was a small one, so with 5 of them in there it was a bit of a squash. Rachel was huddled in one of the chairs, but other than this, she hid her discomfort well, and tried to forget about it.

The other four were curled up on the bed chatting, and Rachel was listening as usual. It wasn’t that she didn’t have much to say this time. She was as interested in the topic as any of them, but she felt that she could learn a lot more by listening to what they were saying.

“I cant quite explain how I feel about that announcement this afternoon. I’m finding it hard to get my head around it. I hate the uncertainty that it has produced. What if the school closes?” This was Lyn. Rachel began to understand how the girls were feeling even better. Uncertainty - that was something she had to deal with on a more or less daily basis when things changed.

“Don’t be so silly Lyn” This of course was Joanne. She knew that Lyn was a bit of a nervous creature, and it had been for her sake as much as anyone else’s that Joanne had asked permission to come up here, and then started the topic of what would happen in the school now that the heads were retiring. “All that will happen is that a new head will be appointed, from within the staff already here I would imagine, and other staff will be taken on to replace them.

“Like what happened when Miss Andrews went to head up that school in England. We got Miss Bannock instead, but she didn’t go up to being head of department immediately. Miss Watson did that, and it was only when she married that chap from England that Miss Bannock took her place, and Miss Darleigh came.”

Having backed up her point with this explanation Joanne hoped that the others would accept it and would stop scare mongering amongst themselves. They were old enough to work out this kind of thing without help, but since they had all been shocked by the information that their beloved heads were retiring Joanne took the decision to start them off thinking properly.

“Who would you imagine would become Head next then?” Hannah asked her. This time Vicki was the one to respond. “No one will know for sure right now. If Joanne is right that it will come from within the staff though, I think that the most likely candidates are Miss Ferrars – after all, she does kind of count with the other 3 who are retiring. It might seem to her that if she is left behind she could do the work of those three for them.

“After all, with everyone else retiring, or going to other work, she told me last year that other than Miss Wilson, Miss Annersley and Miss Wilmot she is the longest serving member of staff now.

“I’m sure she has some friends amongst the rest of the staff, but it won’t be the same for her without all of the others and I don’t see her leaving to go to another school now.

“She doesn’t have the same reasons that Miss Andrews had for leaving. I think her only relations died a few years before we arrived at the school, and she has no one but those three and the school for relatives now. I don’t see her moving away from here any more than I see the rest of them doing so.”

She decided that she had said enough there. Joanne felt that she had said far more than she would have, but it got them thinking as well.

“I would also say that Mrs Entwhistle will probably get a promotion of some kind. She is the next person in line, and has been involved with the school since her own days as a pupil. I don’t need to say anything about her abilities as a teacher – we all know she is one of the best we have. In fact if others get promoted and she doesn’t I will be disappointed”

Lyn then added her piece. “You know, I would imagine that Miss Bannock wants the top job. It is so like her. She always seems to be after the job of the person above her. It’s like she thinks she could do it so much better then they do.”

“But that is terrible” So from Hannah “She isn’t likely to be in the running anyway. She doesn’t think about the feelings of others, and I know that she doesn’t treat the other staff right. She thinks she is so superior than they. My aunt taught her, and she told me once by mistake that she had never known a girl who was worse organized than her.

Joanne hastened to quieten her. “Hannah, I really don’t think it is a good idea to talk about a mistress like that. It’s one thing bringing our own grievances to bear, but its another thing entirely when it comes to passing on what others say.” Hannah apologised for her mistake, but had she but known it far greater damage than she would have imagined possible had been done by her heedless statements.

 

#540:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 7:29 pm

ooooh dear Hannah let slip something she shouldn't there! Glad Joanna squashed her thoroughly though.

Thanks Squirrel, it's really nice to have an insight into how the girls are feeling at this time and seeing their speculations.

 

#541:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 8:46 pm

Wow, a complete run-down on all the staff, and with lots of information about their characters that we wouldn't have heard if it had been the adults talking, especially that bit about Miss Bannock wanting the top job all the time. Ouch! Shocked If the staff could be flies on the wall!

This conversation also gives us an insight into the characters of some of the girls, even of Rachel, even though she is silent.

Thanks, Squirrel.

 

#542:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:17 pm

Thanks for letting us know about Sharlie and I hope Len does get a promotion.

 

#543:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 1:46 am

It really is very interesting to see how this smaller group of girls are reacting to the news too, Squirrel, and weighing up the various possibilities. I'm glad Joanne is mature enough to gently reprove both Hannah and Vicki for being indiscreet.

 

#544:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:08 am

Intersting to see the girls speculatons on the Headship but I'm now concerned about Miss Banock and her future behaviour and how Hannah's comment can effect things...

 

#545:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 5:45 pm

Miss Bannock, Hmmmm, yes. Well, lets see what happens next.

Chapter – Miss Bannock’s view.

Audrey had been wandering along the corridor quietly when she heard her name mentioned by one of the girls. She was half tempted to go in and tell them what she thought of them for breaking the rules in this way when she remembered that this was Rachel’s room. ‘Silly way of philandering to a girl anyway’ she thought to herself. However she put off doing anything and settled down to listen. ‘You never know, I might be able to benefit from some of what they say.

At first there was nothing interesting, the girl was merely talking about how people came to the school, worked in a minor position for a while, and then got promotion as others left. After that they began to talk about the next head. This was far more interesting. Audrey thought she was well up in the running having dismissed Kathie as too old, and Len as too young. ‘She has too much to do with all those children anyway’ she had concluded.

Therefore hearing Kathie’s name brought forwards as the best logical choice, and then having Len brought in as someone who the girls wanted to get a promotion made her skin crawl. She had just decided that there was nothing for her here when her name came up again.

Not only was she someone the girls didn’t want as a head, but they actually had the cheek to talk about the opinions of the people who had worked with her when she was a child. They didn’t know anything about her. They were always judging, telling her that unless she changed her attitude she would never get anywhere. And they were wrong. She was here, she was head of department, and if she could but get Len out of the road she would be able to take another step up and perhaps make head of the school.

Kathie was of no consideration here. Kathie didn’t want the job. Len might. Len was the one she needed to deal with, but she needed to do something which would upset her, and not necessarily be known to be an attack from within the school. What could she do?

She wasn’t sure, and for a moment she nearly gave up in disgust. However she soon found an answer. There was all that business about her father. That would be a good place to start. And it wouldn’t happen until after the weekend which was just the right time for her to be doing something. Good. Now there were just one or two little bits she had to organize, and she would be ready to go.


Ok, I know it's not as long as you are used to. However the next peice seems to be longish so I'm not sure whether or not to give you it yet, or to wait until tomorrow. I'll see anyhow.

 

#546:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 5:57 pm

Ouch - you *are* making Miss Bannock sound like a nasty piece of work, Squirrel! Please can someone deter her from her evil plans? If she really wants the headship, they certainly aren't going to help her at all, even though she thinks they may do so, by discrediting Len!

 

#547:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:00 pm

I hope for Len's sake that Miss Bannock isn't plotting anything too bad! Isn't Miss Bannock also meant to set a good example by not eavesdropping?

 

#548:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 8:54 pm

Stupid Miss Bannock - if she were suitable Headmistress material, in the future if not right now, she would realise how detrimental her actions would be to the school in general.

How long are you planning for this to last Squirrel? Because I was thinking "what an excellent Head Girl Joanne will make" but then I realised we might not get that far.

In this drabble.

 

#549:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:14 pm

Unfortunately Elder, I dont think anything would deter her from her chosen course of action. She is being as wrongheaded as any middle and it will probably take a real shock to wake her up again. And people dont know what she is thinking either.

Chair I dont think the question of eavesdropping ever came into her head. She is so consumed by this jealousy that anything is reasonable to achieve her goal.

Lyanne I'm not sure how long it will last for, though I do have a rough idea of a kind of ending I could use as a round up - waaaaaaaaaaaay on in the future. I'll just have to wait and see if the inspiration keeps on coming to provide me with material up until that point.

Anyhow, I wondered about giving you the next bit tonight, and I think that after that unpleasentness this may provide some light relief. Oh and please don't worry about any revenge for the present. I think there will be a lot happening over the weekend before that comes in!

Chapter – continuing discussion

Joanne wasn’t quite sure what to do after that. She didn’t want to have any trouble within the group, and everyone had to learn. She looked at the interest she could see in Rachel’s face. Actually, this was a good way to tell her about the other staff members. Of course, she knew Miss Darleigh, and Mrs Entwhistle. Besides, no one would even think about suggesting that Miss Darleigh would be appropriate as Head.

Joanne, young though she was, knew that even when Tamara had a bit more experience she would need help to cope as even head of department, never mind Head of the school.

“What does anyone think of Mdlle Desmiones? Or Mdlle Louis perhaps – she has been here a fair amount longer, and with Frau Ackart being here as well the languages department would be far better suited to cope with someone leaving it for promotion.” She pointed out.

It was Lyn who responded to this “Mdlle Desmoines is great as head of languages, but I don’t see her being comfortable as head mistress, not yet anyhow. And Mdlle Louis is probably a little young at present. She only arrived a term before Miss Darliegh remember, and is such a shy creature she seems to be more of a newcomer than Miss D.

”Frau Ackart is perhaps a little more likely than either of them, except that she doesn’t live at the school, and her travelling in would be more of a problem than for Mrs Entwhistle. She lives further away remember, and you have to remember that she spends much of her spare time caring for her daughter Marta.”

The girls were silent for a minute, even Rachel having heard about the young girl who was confined to her bed after her involvement in a car accident which had left her as an invalid. Her parents had also been involved in it, and it had taken her mother a long time to get over it. They were hoping that when she was a little stronger she would be able to attend the school, but for the moment she was still tired by simple things like getting dressed, so it wouldn’t be thought of for the present.

“OK then” said Vicki, “What about Miss Lawson or Miss Thompson? I think they have the potential for the job.”

The others sat and thought about the two mistresses. Miss Lawson saw to their P.E. and Miss Thompson was part of the music department.

“I don’t know” This came from Hannah who was determined to make up for her previous slip “Miss Lawson, her heart is in games. She hates all the paperwork that is involved in it. I’ve heard her grumbling about it from time to time.”

Hannah was one of the two people who most enjoyed games in their form, the other person being Sally. Sally was games daft, and the others could see her quite happily becoming another teacher like Miss Lawson.

Both Sally and Hannah had been happy to offer their services to the teacher over one or two jobs that she had to do, and when they had enquired about the paperwork which needed done she had refused them, but in such a way that Hannah who was pretty perceptive had come to realize that she hated the work.

“So in that case Miss Lawson wouldn’t want the position” Joanne admitted, anyone got views on Miss Thompson then?”

Lyn was the only one who took music, and she sighed. “Miss Thompson is a great music teacher, and the kids love her. However we are talking a lot of organization here. I don’t think she could cope with a department head. I hate to say it, but she is a good deal of a scatterbrain.

“She’s daft on music of course, and had she been given the right training soon enough she could have gone far. She still could, but not as far as she might have done, and she doesn’t want to hear anything about it now. She’s put her dreams in that direction away.”

When Lyn got started on things related to Music, she was hard to stop, and on this occasion the others were interested in what she was saying, so as long as they diverted her off of it when she left her currant topic they were happy enough to let her continue on.

“I feel so sorry for her, you know she could have been this brilliant performer, yet, because of the lack of money, she has had to give up on it all.” She paused and then thought to tease the other, less well read girls “I just wish that there was a Lady Marchwood I could have got in contact with”.

To her surprise Rachel was the girl who responded first, and she gave the show away without even realizing it.

“Or a Mrs Raymond, pity it’s all just a story. I believe that Oxenham wrote some things from experience though, some of her characters and the like.”

“You said she.” Vicki stated quietly. “In that case, it’s obvious that you are not talking about John Oxenham. Which one is it?”

Lyn blushed. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have teased you. It’s Elsie Oxenham, well Elsie Jeannette. She wrote childrens books, unlike her father. You know about him of course so I don’t have to say much about that.”

Rachel, having finally begun to talk asked her to enlarge upon what she had said. “I’ve heard of John Oxenham – I presume it’s him you are talking about. Can you tell me a bit more about him please?”


This was a subject that Vicki had gone into a little the previous year as part of a project she had done for history. “John Oxenham” she said considering, wondering what would be the best way to give Rachel the information.

“He lived from the late 1800’s to the early mid 1900’s. He was an author who wrote under his own name which was William Arthur Dunkerley, and two others, one of which was John Oxenham. He wrote mainly Christian adult literature, and was brave enough to go and publish his works himself if his publishers made any difficulty. This happened with one of his best known works “Bees in Amber” which he published in 1913.

“Bees” is verse as were many of his other works, though he also wrote many novels. What his writing is actually like I do not know, but I would imagine that there will be some of his works in the senior library if anyone is tempted to go take a look.

“And apparently his daughter, whom I have never heard about until this moment is also an author.”

With this supply of information Vicki ran down, not knowing what else to say about him. The project had been rather short, they had been asked to write a brief biography of the life of a famous author and she had come across the name a little before this and followed it up.

This creating a natural pause gave Joanne time to think. She decided that really there was no point in bringing them back to thinking about the various staff members again. The subject had dropped quite naturally and the girls all seemed relatively happy about matters now. Besides, when it came down to it, the rest of the staff the girls knew were even less likely to be promoted than those last mentioned, and they couldn’t say anything about those they didn’t know.

(All information on John Oxenham courtesy of: http://www.collectingbooksandmagazines.com/jo.html, and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Oxenham )

 

#550:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 10:06 pm

It was interesting to hear their views on the different teachers and giving us the information on John Oxenham. Thank you, Squirrel.

 

#551:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 10:45 pm

Very interesting - girls can be very perceptive when they choose to be. Of course an ill-wishing person would dismiss this as idle gossip but it's fascinating to me!

Thanks Squirrel - looking forward to what you make of the situation with Miss Bannock.

 

#552:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 12:08 am

Just caught up on masses and masses of this Squirrel - Thank you.

And I can't help wondering - it's two heads retiring, but they girls seem to be assuming there'll be one replacement - are they in for a surprise?

Liz

 

#553:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 12:39 am

Very interesting to see just how perceptive the girls are with regard to their staff!

Thanks Squirrel.

 

#554:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 7:38 am

I can't remember if you've covered this already Squirrel, but is Glendower House still open? Because if it is, there could be a member of staff come from there. (Obviously if it's closed, there couldn't be. Smile ) Also, Tamara has mentioned the Millies. Are there any members of staff there who would apply?



(Squirrel, I'm guessing that you know who it will be whether one head as we have assumed or two as Liz B suggested. And I'm also guessing it's/they're someone we've already seen.)

 

#555:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 8:21 am

More staff appreciation from the girls. They do know them well, don't they? And interesting information on John Oxenham

I am rather worried about what Miss Bannock is going to get up to, though. A very nasty piece of work indeed!

 

#556:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 6:09 pm

Oh well, it's the weekend now, so lets forget about nasty teachers for just now! I guess we will have to return to her in the end, and all of the staffing issues on top of that. That may well come one thing from another, you never know! Anyhow, lets have a change of scene for a bit!

Chapter - Saturday Morning at Joey’s

Rachel had been amazed when she had heard about her invitation to meet up with Jo on a weekly basis. Jo herself was rather nervous at the prospect, finding herself unable to get the shock she had received 2 Saturday’s before out of her head. Tamara saw Rachel over with her story and having seen the two of them settled in the salon she wandered off about her own business – another visit to Len and Ashley.

Rachel was in quite a different mood on this occasion however, and Jo had no need to fear her excess raptures. She came with a mind which was more than ready for work, and Joey was amazed at how studios the girl appeared to be.

She smiled at her quietly however and proceeded to distract her from the work. It was no idea of hers to let the girl get in such a stew over writing that Matron came down on her about the girls physical appearance.

“Oh leave that just now Rachel, we have plenty of time for that. After all, you are spending the entire morning with me you know!” she informed the girl.

Rachel was reluctant to leave her work, and only did it because she had promised Miss Annersley that she would do exactly what Mrs Maynard told her while she was with her.

Jo soon saw the girl settled down with a glass of lemonade, and began to chat with her on all sorts of different topics. The fact that this was J. M. Bettany taking an interest in her, and not some casual stranger helped Rachel to open up. “After all” She thought, “As Mrs Entwhistle said, my story might be included in one of her books at one stage, and wouldn’t that be a treat, to be written about by your favourite author”. And though it wasn’t to happen for many years to come, and would actually be the last book written by Jo to be published, it was eventually written. Well, of course it was, otherwise you would not be reading it!

Chapter – Rachel’s diagnosis

When Rachel was settled down fully, Jo asked her a question she had been longing to know the answer to for a long time. “Rachel, I don’t mean to pry or anything, but your father told us that you had only received your diagnosis a little while ago. Would you mind telling me about how you came to get it?”

Rachel sighed, this was going to be difficult, but she had known that this question would come from someone at some point. She rather wished that her father had seen fit to explain in his letter, but he had refused to do more than tell them about the diagnosis as he felt it was her story and had to come from her.

“My diagnosis”. Rachel paused as she thought about how well to phrase what she wanted to say. “I’d had some difficulty in school. It was with one of the teachers. She had told me to do something, and I did it. Unfortunately, as I found out later on, she had not meant me to take her instruction literally. I got the usual talking to about using my head when it came to doing what others asked me to.” Rachel paused for a moment as she worked out how she could put into words what happened next.

“Oh it doesn’t sound all that bad when you put it into words, but living through it was a complete nightmare. I’d been getting into trouble with my parents anyway, due to some of the things that I’ve found to cope with life. Well, my parents have told me that’s what it is now.

“Then the last straw came in the shape of some boys who thought a great way to spend their time was to tease me. I’m told that on this occasion they were only coming to apologise to me for some of the worst of their behaviour. I’m told that their posture showed it, though if you ask me, those particular boys could have put it on if they wanted to.

“I know it was true though, because I found out later that the oldest of them had had a right ticking off from his mother. Anyhow, I was so angry that when I saw them coming for me again I removed an item of clothing and began to hit him with it.”

Jo looked at her in surprise, hardly knowing what to think. She let the silence continue for a few moments, and then, the girl’s embarrassment making her think she knew the answer to her question already she asked her gently “What item of clothing Rachel?”

Rachel coloured still further before answering in little more than a whisper “my top underwear”. Jo was dumbstruck. “Your what?” she asked scandalized before adding quickly. “No, I don’t want the answer to that Rachel thank you.”

She surveyed the girl severely, a sparkle in her eye showing that the humour of the situation was striking her now. Having said that Rachel didn’t catch it, all she knew was that her hostess was rather shocked by her behaviour, and it brought home to her again exactly how inappropriate that kind of behaviour really was.

Jo was thinking while she looked at Rachel. While she wasn’t the most developed girl for her age, she did have a figure coming, and she could just imagine the faces of those boys as she brandished what she called her ‘top underwear’ at them. They probably hadn’t seen that kind of clothing since they were suckling infants.

Suddenly she began to chuckle, and Rachel, who had not been expecting this response to her revelation looked at her in amazement. That look finished Jo, and she decided to shelve more discussion on the subject of Rachel’s diagnosis for a future date as she gave in fully to laughing, and Rachel, confused as she was to what exactly it was her hostess found so funny, found that she just had to join in.

 

#557:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 6:59 pm

Poor Jo - bending over backwards to try to understand Rachel better - I can just imagine what she must have made of that response! No wonder she burst out laughing.

A lovely episode, Squirrel - and so was the previous one - the girls really do have a lot of knowledge about their teachers.

 

#558:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 9:18 pm

I love the way you showed Jo's and Rachel's reaction to these meetings, Squirrel, both tentative and feeling a little uncomfortable as yet.

And like Elder, I loved Jo's reaction to Rachel's behaviour.

Thanks, Squirrel.

 

#559:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 12:43 am

It's nice to see Jo and Rachel getting to know each other and I enjoyed hearing about Joey's laughter at Rachel's story. Thanks, Squirrel.

 

#560:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 6:54 pm

Ok on with the next part.

Chapter - Tamara’s visit to Len and reflections on her previous visit

Tamara wandered slowly along the pathway towards Len’s abode. At first her thoughts centred upon how Rachel would get on at Jo’s house. Then giving herself a mental shake as she didn’t have to worry about any of the girls right now she remembered the shock she had received the last time she had been to Len’s house.

It seemed like it had been a while back, but in reality it had only been the previous Tuesday. Ashley had been overjoyed to see her. “Mara, Mara. Mamma told me you were going to come. Fank you Mara” Tamara looked down at the small child and couldn’t help but smile back at the beaming child. Ashley had her arms raised, so Tamara picked her up, and the small girl had tried to burrow her way into Tamara’s chest.

“Ashley, be careful with that cast of yours or you will hurt Mara. It’s far harder than your arm you know” Len stated gently to her young daughter. Ashley carefully took her injured arm from its former position and showed it to Tamara.

“Ashley hurt her arm at Grannies” she said cheerfully. “But Granny doesn’t mind, Ashley saw Granny today.”

Len spoke sotto voice to Tamara “Granny does mind really, she was so upset last night about what had happened that I had to bargepole her into taking her today!” Ashley didn’t catch this as she was happily inspecting Tamara’s top which had frills on it designed to attract the attention of the young.

“That top of yours is so pretty Mara” Len told her quietly. “It’s highly practical too” Tamara returned. I’m able to wear it like this, or over something if it’s a little colder, and it has a really warm jacket to go with it for indoor wear during the winter months. It will be getting a little cool for it in a week or two, so I’m making the most of the warm weather while we have it”. Tamara had explained. Then the subject had wandered around as it was prone to do and they had not returned to any of the subjects they had covered in that brief few minutes.

Ashley had insisted that Tamara put her to bed that night. “Pwease Mara, Pwease.” And Tamara had not had the heart to refuse that pleading look which Ashley had put on especially for the occasion.

She was just marvelling at the way the whole family had admitted her into membership when a voice hailed her.

“Mara ahoy! Don’t you want to spend the day with us since you are marching happily past the gate then?” She looked round to see Reg. “Oh Dr Entwhistle, I beg your pardon, I hadn’t realized I was so close.”

“Well come away in now. Len will be back in a moment. She was just going to pick up our young guest Zini who was getting a little fractious.” He paused for a moment, and Tamara thought he was finished when he started again. “Mara, you call my wife Len don’t you?” He asked her seriously. She agreed that she did. “Yes, why, is it wrong of me to do so?” She returned.

“Oh no, it’s not wrong at all. She would be horrified if you were to change it. Now where was I, oh yes, you call my wife Len, you call my daughter Ashley, but you call me Dr Entwhistle. There must be something wrong there. Don’t you know my name child?” He asked her quietly.

Tamara blushed, and then began to laugh. “Oh you pig, you’ve been teasing me!” she accused him.

“Too right I have” he informed her, “And I’m going to keep it up until you give me my proper name. Or of course I’ll start calling you Miss Darleigh, and I fancy you won’t like that at all” he challenged her.

“But I don’t like to” she responded. She looked so abject as she said this that Len, who arrived back on the scene just a little before this took a hand.

“But you see Mara, when he is called by his surname it makes him think that he is back at work. He works even harder than I do, and I like him to get as much rest as possible. You will do it for me, wont you Mara.” She continued confidently, “And after all, he has asked you to do it.”

With this powerful statement Tamara felt there was little else she could do about it, and so she made a tremendous effort. “OK then, Reg” she gulped out the last word. Reg was about to tell her that it wasn’t that hard, when Len took a hand again. “Well done dear. I could see that wasn’t easy for you, but believe me, it is best. Now come and take a seat and you can bet that young Ashley, or even Zini here will be climbing all over you within a few minutes.”

Then she led their guest towards the house, leaving Reg with a lot to think about.

 

#561:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 7:41 pm

How lovely that Tamara has been so accepted by all of Len's family in this way - and Ashley is so cute. Very Happy

But I can see Reg will have to work a bit harder before she relaxes with him.

Thanks, Squirrel, it's great to see her out of school like this.

 

#562:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 8:22 pm

A lovely portrait of Tamara and her growing relationship with Len and family outside school time. Reg's teasing was so affectionate and I can see that once Tamara can relax with them, that will be a good relationship for her too - a great change from the Reg we sometimes see in other drabbles!! As for Ashley - she sounds gorgeous - and a typical 2 year old imp, too.

Thanks so much, Squirrel.

 

#563:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 9:22 pm

Awww Reg is luffly!

Thanks Squirrel

Liz

 

#564:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 10:04 pm

I'm glad that Tamara is feeling so welcomed by Len's family.

 

#565:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:00 pm

Thanks Squirrel - a really realistic and warming picture of Tamara with Len's family there

 

#566:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 4:38 pm

Lovely new posts, thanks, Squirrel!

 

#567:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 5:47 pm

You are welcome - next little bit - now posting without having done any writing today - that seems quite strange. Having said that I can allow myself a break - I've 30 pages typed up, in just under 20 posts so I have time to take a few days off before I start again! And no, I wont promise to give you more than one a day!

Chapter

Once she had recovered from her giggles Jo turned the topic onto literature. She was especially interested to find out what her literary tastes were so that she could know what kind of writing was most likely to be her best style.

That was not to be as easy as she had thought at first for Rachel was very widely read and she chattered with ease on such wide ranging books as Wuthering Heights, and Alistair Maclean’s The Guns of Navarone.

“So what other authors do you read?” She eventually asked the girl.

“Oh, anything and everything” came the response. “Barring the Mill’s and Boon type anyway. Well, I did start one which I found at my gran’s house, but my parents soon stopped that!” She ended with a laugh, which Jo joined in. “Naturally, I wouldn’t want any of mine reading them even now” Jo retorted. “They are not the best written books in the world either, and after reading the Bronte sisters I can’t actually believe that you can stand books like those!”

Rachel smiled. “I didn’t like them, it was just that it was a light read – nonsense if you like. And my parents keep on telling me how naive I am, well how on earth am I going to become less so if I never have any experience to build on.” She pointed out quietly.

Jo nearly laughed again, but she turned to and attended to the girl’s morals. “That is neither here nor there. While you are at school that kind of book is not appropriate. Now you were going to tell me what other authors you read, so get on with it!”

“Kid’s books include Oxenham’s, you, Hodgeson Burnett, and Rowling. Adults, Mary Stewart, Austen, the three Bronte’s, Alistair Maclean, Dick Francis, Terry Pratchet, I’ve also read Tolstoy, I don’t really like him though. Oh the list is endless, and doesn’t include those authors whom I like but only have one or two of their works. There are several people who write fiction about the war whom I enjoy – besides you that is.”

Jo hastened to intervene, agreeing that she was well read. “I wouldn’t worry about Tolstoy; you can get in to him as you get a little older no doubt. In that case madam, why don’t you get on with writing that story you brought over with you, and I’ll give you a few hours at it before I come and check on you. Of course, you are to come and get me if you get stuck.

“Oh and one last thing, I implore you not to add in too many characters. That is a nightmare in itself to deal with when you are writing never mind reading it.” And then she went on to give the girl some advice as to what length of piece she might be aiming for.

 

#568:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 5:55 pm

I enjoyed reading Joey and Rachel's discussion on reading. Thank you, Squirrel.

 

#569:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 6:52 pm

A book lover's post! Laughing *Giggled* at the bit about Mills and Boon!

And I liked the advice about not having too many characters in your books. Laughing Laughing

Thanks, Squirrel

 

#570:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 9:33 am

Thank you Squirrel. Love the way Len's whole family have accepted Mara - Ashley is very sweet. And its good to see Rachel and Jo together too.

 

#571:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 6:21 pm

awww great advice from Jo there

I tried to write a Mills and Boon book once......my mother said it was "very much in that style" and then told me she wanted 20% of all my royalties!

 

#572:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 7:09 pm

20% of all royalties Frances Laughing Oh well, that's mothers for you. The advice about the number of characters was one I got often when I first started writing for my own amusement. I'd want a crowd scene and would soon get lost with the different people you had to keep up with. Now I either have a greater ability to deal with a greater variety of different people, or I am far better at sticking with the advice I was given!

Chapter – Rachel’s story

Rachel looked at her words again feeling rather unsure about what she was going to write. She knew what she wanted it to say, but would it be acceptable to a lady like Mrs Maynard. Some of the way she expected it to go could be described as being out with Rachel’s own experience.

It wasn’t that she was writing anything which she should be ashamed of, but for the most part, her knowledge came from aunts discussing certain things without being as discreet as they should have been before a girl of her age. And then there were the experiences she had had. No, Rachel was not even going to consider going there.

How could she write about it then. She paused and thought about the different ways she could do it. The mother was most objectionable anyway; she would not respect a conversation between the vicar and her daughter.

Rachel sighed it would be nice to perhaps make something more of the woman, to show why she had become the way she was. However it didn’t really fit within the confines of the story she had at the back of her head. Possibly it was something she could work in if Jo decided it needed considerable redrafting. Rachel often liked to do several versions of more or less the same story.

“I love to see the different way’s they work out if you change this action or that one. I often give up on them all in the end though” she continued, “Cause the characters always do tend to go and do something very silly, and I know that they are going to end up doing it or something sillier however much of a variation I try to make.”

Then hearing how that sounded she explained further. “It’s like this. I usually try to keep what I am writing to stuff which happens in real life. Sooner or later one of them does something that I cant imagining happening in real life, but I cant see any way out of it, so I have to give up on it. On the occasions I have tried to sort it out the characters are there telling me that no, it has to be that way. I’ve always given up at that point, not knowing which way to turn.”

Sally, who was listening to this explanation did not have any advice for her on this issue so the subject dropped, and the conversation went on to other things. By some freak it had moved on to silly things which previous girls had done, and they had gone off to the library again to read the book of legends which was held there.

Now Rachel spent the next little while concentrating on what she was writing. If she got her head down she would soon finish it. Jo looked in on her from time to time, noting the serious look upon the girls face as she went about her work.

“It’s not easy when you have to write a story” she confided to Ben and Barney the two St Bernard’s she currently owned. It was less than usual for her to have more than one at a time, but when the owners said they were not very happy to part with just one, leaving the other without a companion she had accepted this and taken in the two dogs.

There was more behind the story than she had ever confided to anyone, and as the two dog’s were largely responsible for cutting through the depression she had succumbed to when her husband died, she was as devoted to them as she had been to their predecessors – Rufus, Bruno, and Tam.

Rachel finished off her story with a sigh. She was sure she could have made it longer and better, but Jo had said to her only this morning that it would be a good idea to stick to writing relatively short stories. At least then she would get the satisfaction of finishing them with comparative ease. Now it was time for her to show her work to the gifted authoress and see what she thought about what she had written. Feeling rather nervous Rachel looked up, and handed over the pages of scrawl to be read, while Joey banished her to the kitchen to have her elevenses.


The story itself has grown out of something I can post in this house - look out for it appearing in St Hild's at some point in the future.

 

#573:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 9:39 pm

Thanks, Squirrel. I look forward to hearing Jo's opinion on the story. Rachel is doing really well at writing the story and you're doing really well at writing this drabble, Squirrel.

 

#574:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 12:03 am

Rachel must be very mature to write this story. It doesn't sound like she's had an easy life.

I look forward to seeing it in St Hilds, Squirrel

 

#575:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 2:20 am

Fascinating to see Rachel dealing with and analysing her processes of writing and creating. Thanks Squirrel.

 

#576:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 9:28 am

Thank you Squirrel. Interesting to see the way Rachel writes and I look forward to seeign her story in St Hilds.

 

#577:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 1:46 pm

Thanks, Squirrel.

 

#578:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 6:51 pm

Hi all - I dont know that Rachel has all that much more than a surface maturity. I would say that to write a story which belongs in St Hilds all she would have done is include things she has heard others saying.

Chapter – And back to Tamara

Tamara soon settled into the family atmosphere again. She wasn’t really one for company, but she had missed the family atmosphere far more than she had realized. Len had underestimated when she had told Tamara she would probably have one or other of the children climbing over her, for it was both, and she soon had her hands so full of children that she couldn’t waste any of her attention on listening – she was so busy trying to deal with the antics of the younger generation.

Len who had left her in the care of Reg while she dealt with getting some coffee and cakes for their guest, looked at the spectacle of Tamara forming a mountain for children-like-goats to climb on, and began to laugh helplessly as the plate she had in her hand began to spill it’s burden of cakes onto the floor.

Reg hurried over and steadied it, crushing one of those which had fallen into the floor as he did so. “Just as well it’s a wood floor we have in here.” He commented quietly. “Now, where are those hounds of your mother’s when we want them!” This finished Len, and she let go of the plate, and sat down on another cake as she rocked with laughter.

Tamara was affected by her giggles and began to laugh as well, making the mountain even more shoogly than it had been previously. At this Ashley saw her mother sitting on the floor and she descended to run over to her and sit down in her laugh. It wasn’t often an adult decided to turn themselves into a self powered rocking horse, she decided, and she was going to take advantage of it.

Unfortunately she chose to launch herself at her mother, and her weight sent them both backwards, where Len lay on her back, continuing to laugh. The look of astonishment on Ashley’s face at this nearly finished Reg as he surveyed the scene that surrounded him.

There was Tamara, still with young Zini trying to climb all over her, there were the abandoned toys scattering the floor, there were the cakes which were lying on the floor, and there was Len lying on her back, shaking from laughter still, slightly winded from receiving her daughter on top of her unexpectedly.

Ashley herself was another sight as she had found some of the cake crumbs and was placidly leaning off of her seat on top of Len to pick them up.

Reg didn’t know how clean his wife’s clothing might be, but with Ashley doing that he knew that her hands were going to make it less presentable than it had been to start off with.

He was just grateful that they wore modern clothing rather than the things which they had worn when he had first met up with her. That would have taken some cleaning. Alright, denim wasn’t the simplest kind of cloth to have to deal with, but it was far better to wash a pair of jeans than billowing dresses with all their numerous petticoats.

He took a few minutes and then began to act. His first job was to deposit the plate of cakes where small hands could not get to them. Then he pulled his daughter off her mother and handed her to a rather bemused Tamara, asking her to please keep a hold of her. Then he went to Len, and pulled her up. He sent her up to change, and went for the mop to deal with the floor.

That done, he turned his attention to his young monkey of a daughter. Ashley was still rather sticky, Tamara still having to play horsy to Zini who had not felt there was any reason for her fine game to be spoiled just because Mara happened to have her hands full of Ashley.

And Ashley had used her time to good account, managing to get sticky handprints everywhere from Tamara’s clothing, face and hair, to the floor, tables and sofa which were in the surrounding area.

Len walked in at this point, and handing a girny Zini, who was upset at having her lovely game interrupted, over to Reg, and taking her own daughter from Tamara, she led the guest upstairs, bidding her have a shower, and to leave her clothing in the washing basket. She then provided her with a change of clothing, and took Ashley to the nursery bathroom to get washed up.

As it happened, she had arranged for one of the girls who stayed close by to come and look after the children for a few hours to allow Reg and Len the chance to talk to Tamara without worrying what those horrors might get up to, and by the time Tamara emerged with damp but clean hair, they were just about ready to go upstairs for a ‘picnic’ tea with Sophia.

The rest of the visit passed peacefully, without incident, and while Len sometimes lapsed into giggles as she recalled the scene, they had a good long chat, which left Tamara no room to believe anything but that they counted her as part of the family and she was to use their house as a refuge point if ever she needed to get away from school.

“Though I cant guarantee that it will be quiet, your own room will probably be the best place to go if you need that kind of thing, but sometimes a change of scene is useful in combating stress.”

And Tamara, who had never mentioned the issue of her own stress levels to Len, was deeply grateful for a friend who just picked up the inference and knew how to apply it in so many different ways.

 

#579:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 6:59 pm

It was nice to have a good laugh at the story of the cakes getting squashed!

 

#580:  Author: Joyful, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 7:02 pm

Squirrel wrote:

He was just grateful that they wore modern clothing rather than the things which they had worn when he had first met up with her. That would have taken some cleaning. Alright, denim wasn’t the simplest kind of cloth to have to deal with, but it was far better to wash a pair of jeans than billowing dresses with all their numerous petticoats


Heehee! Laughing

Thanks Squirrel, lovely scene

 

#581:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 8:10 pm

Squirrel wrote:
shoogly

lovely word - beautifully descriptive Very Happy

Thanks Squirrel

Liz

 

#582:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 10:45 pm

Thanks Squirrel - I love Ashley's view of her mother as a "self-powered rocking horse"!

 

#583:  Author: Karry,  PostPosted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 8:56 am

Echoes LizB
Quote:
Squirrel wrote:
Quote:
shoogly


lovely word - beautifully descriptive

Thanks Squirrel

Liz


This brings a delightful image of a mountain that shook and is giggly!

 

#584:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:25 am

Thank you Squirrel. A wonderful mix of fun and family and time to be more sensible. Also liking shoogly!

 

#585:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:45 am

Thanks Squirrel, just caught up with your last few posts.

 

#586:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 5:40 pm

Thanks guys, and thanks for the comments in St Hild's as well! Shoogly, I seem to have grown up knowing it, the only thing which has helped me to understand that it's not common parlance is the fact word doesn't have it in the dictionary Rolling Eyes Mind you, since when did it become the definition of common English words!

Chapter - Jo’s opinion of the story

Jo glanced through the story while the girl fetched her milk and biscuits. Rachel had asked that she have the same food as she got in school, and Jo, attempting to wipe out all that had gone before, had agreed with this request – strange though it seemed to her.

The first part was inconsequential enough, and what she might have expected from a girl of about Rachel’s age. There was no doubt as to the talent there, and there was a strong foundation of empathic story telling – or the ability to write in such a way that the story would actually touch the reader – on which the girl could build.

However she got a shock as she glanced at the later paragraphs. How could Rachel know anything about this? Jo was sure that her own eldest grandchildren, who were older than Rachel by some years, would not know half of what she hinted at in her tale.

Incidentally, Jo was wrong about this. All of her grandchildren were quite up to date in their knowledge. Times were changing and the whole business of keeping the marriage bed – and probable result of this - secret until the actual night was long since blown away.

However, Rachel at the age of 15 was probably slightly young to have as full a knowledge of her subject as she demonstrated, and Jo determined that she would have it out with the girl before she went home.

When the girl had finished her eats, Jo took her over to the study desk and they both looked at the finished work. “Rachel, this is quite good for a first draft” Jo began quietly. “However, there are one or two bits you will need to look at again. To start off you have some grammatical errors. These are alright when you are just writing for yourself, but I imagine that you want to go further than that, and you will need to learn to deal with things of the kind.

“I know that some of these are your way of expressing yourself, and while this is important, it is better practice to find another way. The same is true of your spelling. It’s a bit wild and woolly at present my child. If you can get into better habits you will save yourself a lot of bother in the future.”

Here Rachel interrupted. “Oh, I can spell alright when I spell the word out. It’s just when I have to write it down that I hit a snag.”

“Oh, it’s pure laziness then!” Jo retorted.

“No, I don’t think so” Rachel returned hesitantly. “You see, I do try to think about it, but my head doesn’t work well that way. I just cannot remember it, and I always get it wrong.”

“Why not murmur the spelling to yourself then? No one else will be able to hear you, as long as you don’t actually whisper it – just speak normally but in a low tone, like this.” Rachel attempted to copy what she had said. Jo laughed before trying to help her out a little more. “Don’t hiss your letter S. That has the same effect as a whisper.”

Rachel tried but found it incredibly difficult to follow this instruction, concentrating as she was on what she was doing. In the end Jo told her to give it a rest. “I think you will have to put up with that for now my lass, I think it’s just the way you talk.

“Anyhow to go on with this, Rachel, do you have any knowledge of what you are writing about in the second half of this story of yours?”

Rachel looked at her hesitantly. “Um, you mean what happened to young Gretchen?” Jo was studiously trying to avoid the knowledge that this name was also the first name of Frau Ackart. “Yes, that is precisely what I do mean.”

Rachel studied the floor for a little, and Jo realised that she was in for yet another shock. “Yes, I have first hand experience of some of it. If you don’t mind though Mrs Maynard I would far rather not go into it. I was young, and though my faith and conscience saved me in the end, I was easily led.” With that she left it, and even Jo, the inquisitive, decided that she had heard enough for once.

While she did not want to discuss it with Rachel she was privately horrified at this, and she made up her mind that she would have a serious talk with her before she left the school. Boarding school was not like the real world, and it didn’t prepare girls for the things they could meet there even as well as a day school would.

Jo shivered as she considered how more dangerous the world was for young girls than it had been in her day. Of course they had had the Nazis to deal with, but at least the morals of the world in general were far better

After checking up on the rather more patchy knowledge that Rachel had on the subject of birth, and finding that all she knew about that was what she had heard from Aunt’s chatter, and vague references in story books she warned her not to write about things she did not know, arguing that even first aid does not give you all that much knowledge.

Feeling that things had gone far enough for the moment she told the girl that as long as she began to practise these other things she had mentioned, tried to keep her work for a specific audience, and pinned her work down to a specific date, with all of the relevant historical research being done properly.

“For example, I suspect you just put in your own ideas upon the subject of Rosemary’s job. I’d research different ways of how this was done, the properties of the dies they used and the like, then you could use a technique that was proven and working in your tale, and it would be educational as well as interesting.”

As Rachel had not thought about researching for her writing she had no answer to this comment, though she did privately acknowledge to herself that it was those authors who had obviously spent a bit of time researching things they were writing about who impressed her the most. Like Alistair Maclean’s “Athabasca” in which he had given a lot of information about oil, even if there was a lot of drinking involved as well!

Having said that Jo then went on to tell her that in her opinion there was no doubting that she could make an author one of these days. And Rachel, though feeling a bit astounded that there was far more to writing than she had thought previously, was content to leave it at that.

Jo then turned the conversation to something far more pleasant and they continued to chat until Tamara turned up to escort the girl back to school.

 

#587:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 7:20 pm

I'm glad Jo liked Rachel's story and gave her such good advice.

 

#588:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 8:48 pm

It looks like both Joey and Rachel are learning things from each other.

I keep forgetting this is set quite late on and girls do know more than they did in the fifties. Joey clearly hasn't grasped that yet either.

Thanks, Squirrel.

 

#589:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 9:03 pm

Thanks Squirrel, this is really good. I liked the way Jo spoke to Rachel about her work.

 

#590:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 11:46 pm

Thank you, Squirrel

I like the way that Jo isn't talking down to Rachel but giving her sensbile, friendly and practica advice. I should apply some of that to my own writing!

 

#591:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 12:02 am

Thanks Squirrel

I think Jo handled the advice, and the questions about how much Rachel knew very sensitively

Liz

 

#592:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 12:36 am

Yes, Jo really does seem to have grasped how to deal with Rachel, and is being very thoughtful.

 

#593:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 4:17 pm

Oh dear - this is the last post in our quiet weekend. After this, the more relaxing parts of life have gone for the present and we are back with unpleasent reality. Oh well, lets enjoy the weekend while we have it. Hmmmm - strange to be finishing with the weekend while it's just beginning!

Country dance evening – teaching the dashing white sergeant

Tamara had cause to regret that she had ever thought to mention Scottish country dancing to Joanne. While the school were keen country dancers they had stuck to Old English dancing for the most part. Now Joanne had convinced her that it was time to teach the other girls at least one of the dances she had loved at what she called a ceilidh.

She had however laid her plans carefully, and found out that Kathie, Nancy, Stephanie Louis, Mary Lawrence and Patricia Thompson all knew it. Mary was needed for the accompaniment however, and that left her one person short. She knew that they could pull in a novice; she didn’t want to do this however. A flash of insight had come to her aid however. Rachel also came from Scotland, and may well know the dance. She had asked her on the way back to school.

Rachel had been overjoyed at the idea. “Oh Miss Darleigh, can I play piggy in the middle please?”

Tamara had been rather stunned at this adaptation to the game, but had agreed that she may as well do most of the hard work. “After all, you are by far the youngest of us all. I suggest that you pair off with Mdlle Louis, and Miss Thompson – that will help you to get to know them better than you do at present, and will help in class time. I’ll be ‘piggy’ as you call it for Miss Ferrars and Miss Wilmot.”

Now the evening was about to begin, and the girls were seated around the outside of the hall to watch what was happening. The mistresses and Rachel appeared to be in 2 sets of 3 which had come together only for this one dance. Together they formed one set, but they seemed to be separate little groups as well. Tamara, as the person who had agreed to teach the dance, was also spokeswoman.

“Right girls, you can see that we are split into two groups of three. We could give you a far better idea of the dance if we had another few sets, but this is all we really need for the purposes.

“We start in a circle, and do a normal round for eight, and back for eight. Then the group splits into its two component parts, and the three’s have a dance amongst themselves. I have done this dance with very young children on either side of me, and as long as the adult plays ‘piggy’ as Rachel called it they can cope with it splendidly.

“Now Rachel, if your side would mimic the actions for me. ‘Piggy’ turns firstly to the right and sets to that partner.” The group slowly went through this bit. “Then she turns her so that she is facing to the left. This figure is repeated with the opposite partner. When ‘piggy’ is facing the person on her right again they swing them around. If you are quick and know the music well you can usually fit in two swings with each partner before the music goes on – it doesn’t always work that way though. Then you take the hands of your two partners and take two steps forwards towards the other set of three. You walk up to them, meet, go back again, clap, walk forwards again, and this time one set – it doesn’t matter which – raise their hands in the air for the other to go underneath. While all this has been happening other groups on either side have been doing the same thing, and you meet up with the next group you are to dance with on the other side.

“Of course it’s not always simple to meet up with your opposite pair. I have been involved in a dance where some sets have had to dive across the room to find their next set, and others where it has been a case of turn round and dance with your previous partners again, but it’s all good fun.”

With this the music began, and the first set showed the dance to the rest. After this the others were eager to try the dance, which was, as had been already said, perfectly simple, especially for girls as experienced in folk dancing as these ones were. Then, once they had danced this ‘party dance’ they turned their attention to the next thing, which was to return to the usual dances again.

When this ordeal was over and had been declared a great success, at the end of the evening, Hannah, having heard Rachel talking of an eight-some-real begged Tamara to teach them this. She got an outright refusal however. “Oh No! You have learned a Scottish country dance. I don’t know the eight-some well enough. You’ll have to put up with it Hannah, for I am not going to try and explain how you do that one.”

“Oh but Rachel say’s it’s a really pretty dance Miss Darleigh. And she says there is more ‘piggy in the middle’ work.” But Tamara refused to change her mind on this occasion.

“Perhaps Miss Annersley or someone will bring in one of the ceilidh band’s at some point and they can teach you all of the party dances” she remarked. “Just be warned, the eight-some is a fast paced dance, and is not for those who are already tired out. It needs far more concentration than ‘sergeant’ does I can tell you. Sergeant you can do with small children.

“Eight-some is for adults mainly, though a few older children can be scattered about the set’s if you want them to be!” She remarked with an inward laugh at a memory of being whirled off her feat when dancing between her father and her opposite partnering male when she was about 10 or 12 years old!

With that the party ended and the girls went up for the night on a high. Rachel had had another pleasant evening, and was beginning to get used to the way these evenings panned out. She admitted to herself that she might not attend every single one of them, but she had a good time when she did attend them.

Last edited by Squirrel on Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:40 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#594:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 4:45 pm

Thanks Squirrel - Nice to see Tamara and Rachel demonstrating to the others.

I seem to remember doing that dance recently Very Happy

Liz

 

#595:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 7:28 pm

It's good that Rachel's enjoying herself but heartening to know that she seems to recognise her limits and is able to stick to them.

Thanks Squirrel

 

#596:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 7:31 pm

It sounds like they had a lovely evening - I wish I had been there. I have been to quite a few barn dances where I've danced the Dashing White Sargeant.

 

#597:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 8:12 pm

Thank you, Squirrel, a different view altogether of Tamara and Rachel. Laughing

 

#598:  Author: Joan the Dwarf, Location: Er, where am I? PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:35 pm

Sounds very energetic!

btw, is that post an internal duplicate, or have I had one wee dram too many?? *checks glass*

 

#599:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:42 pm

The double post was unintentional and un noticed. Thanks Joan. Boy, if I was tired enough to post it twice without realising when I posted it, goodness know's what I'm like now! lol Rolling Eyes

 

#600:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 5:11 pm

Ok sorry for the spree. I hope you are all ready for this!

Chapter – Miss Bannock’s revenge

Len picked up her Monday morning paper with casual interest. She had a few more minutes before she had to leave the house in order to reach the school. The next thing she was throwing her cup away in sheer horror. What on earth was happening that the newspapers felt the need to revive that old story? Had they not done enough damage as it was?

Reg looked up at the sound of the breaking china. “What’s up Len?” He exclaimed in surprise. Len merely handed him the paper. Her hand was icy cold. Realising that he didn’t have time to deal with the cause of the incident at present he took his wife upstairs and made her lie down for a while. Then he brought her a cup of hot sweet tea and saw to it that she drank it.

He was relieved to see her looking a good deal more her usual self by now, and he had to ask her again. “What was it my pet?”

“It was the paper, it talked of Pappa. I have to go to Mamma. She must not see it, or she will be by far worse than before.”

Reg swore at this news before apologising to Len. “I and the school will sort it out. We will not let anyone bring that up again without a fight. They were warned off and they know it. Don’t worry darling, I’ll deal with it.”

Len smiled gratefully at her husband. As her mother had found before her, in a major difficulty like this one he was her rock. “I’d better get going” she informed him. “The school don’t know about it, and if I can keep going as usual then if someone has been playing silly tricks it should convince them that they have missed the bus this time. But oh I could throttle whoever it was for bringing this down upon us now.”

With this she left the house, leaving Reg to phone the school to account for her late arrival.

Hilda, having seen the news report, was rather surprised that Len was coming in at all, but she was relieved that she was. Unlike Len she had read the article all the way through and knew that Len herself was the target of the writing.

She had immediately rung up Tina, the young girl who had come to assist the family when Anna had returned to her home, and instructed her to keep all newspapers away from her mistress. Tina may well be young but she had something of Matron in her, and when she chose to give an order of that kind Jo knew better than to try and disobey her.

She had then looked through all the papers which were delivered to the school on a daily basis and removed the ones which had reference to the episode herself. Then she had begun to think. There were very few people within the school who would have been able to get the information for such a piece to the papers for this. And of them a small percentage would have had the credibility with the papers for them to actually print something based on what she said.

Hilda sighed in disappointment. She had hoped that petty back stabbing was far from the minds of any of her staff. For that this had come from a member of staff she was in no doubt. She looked at the headline again. “School maintains link to family of Madman.” Then the story which followed it, “The Chalet School, based in the Bernese Oberland, has reason to hit the press yet again. About 5 years ago they were noted as standing up for a man who had been found guilty of killing many of his patients. While it was later found that the man was suffering from a mental disorder which severely impacted his ability to administer drugs to his patients, and that he was so horrified by finding out what he had done, courtesy of the press, that he took his own life in a horrific fashion that any well meaning person would have avoided for the sake of those dealing with it.”

Here Hilda paused. Did whoever wrote that article have one shred of decency in preserving the feelings of the family involved. Many of the staff of the school were fond of Jack and prayed for him daily.

They knew that he had done things which were wrong, as did everyone, but did the people who wrote this think that they would abandon the family after he was discovered to be ill?” She sighed, even if Jack had been so evil as to do the things he had been accused of on purpose, in cold blood, she would have stood by his family.

“The school has retained contact with the family” the piece continued “And one of his daughters is currently teaching there. However, as if this was not danger enough to the pupils at the school, for who knows, it could be a hereditary ailment, the heads of the place are considering retirement at the end of the term, and she is ‘in the running’ for the post.

“An inside informer stated ‘the children are all frightened of Mrs Entwhistle, but no one listens to them when they say so. In fact they are all trained to tell the world how much they enjoy her classes. It’s all because her Aunt was the one who set up the school in the first place.’ This heroine refused to comment when she was asked if she would be willing to apply for the post herself.”

There was little more, but the damage was done in those few paragraph. Now Hilda had to consider how she was going to deal with it.

 

#601:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 5:35 pm

LizB wrote:
Thanks Squirrel - Nice to see Tamara and Rachel demonstrating to the others.

I seem to remember doing that dance recently Very Happy

Liz


As do I Very Happy

 

#602:  Author: Joan the Dwarf, Location: Er, where am I? PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 5:40 pm

Shocked

Miss Bannock needs to be pounded flat and roasted on a girdle...

 

#603:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 5:43 pm

I feel sorry for Joey and the rest of the family having to go through all this. Also, everything that Jack had to go through when he was still alive. I hope Hilda will be able to get through to the bottom of the matter.

If Rachel has a laptop, am I right in guessing she or other CS pupils might have access to the internet? If so, might they see the story somewhere on the internet?

 

#604:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 5:58 pm

Shocked Oh my. Poor Len and Jo

 

#605:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 6:30 pm

Squirrel. where on earth did that come from, about poor Jack? Your plot bunny has been having a field day, my dear! Far too much lettuce!Crying or Very sad

I have every confidence in Hilda to root out the person responsible - and to deal with them very faithfully indeed!

 

#606:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 9:31 pm

Chair wrote
Quote:
If Rachel has a laptop, am I right in guessing she or other CS pupils might have access to the internet? If so, might they see the story somewhere on the internet?
Eek! I hadn't thought of that!

Squirrel wrote
Quote:
There were very few people within the school who would have been able to get the information for such a piece to the papers for this. And of them a small percentage would have had the credibility with the papers for them to actually print something based on what she said.
It sounds as though it will not take Hilda long to work out WHO it is. But to decide what to with the libeller - I wouldn't want to be her shoes.

 

#607:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 3:34 pm

Um - When laptops were mentioned before Rachel felt that it was a forbidden thing to be on it. I would imagine that one of the school rules are that you can only use equipment of the sort during set hours. And I can imagine that Hilda and co would institute an internet ban if they were really worried - or that the school would have a firewall which would stop anything like that coming up!

Acht the bunny got that down ages ago Mary - I'm still well within stuff which was typed up at least a week ago, though I did start to do some more yesterday. I can assure you that Hilda copes very well with what has occurred and she will get things under control soon. It might be going to far to hint at good coming out of evil...

Anyhow, on with the next part - I'm afraid it only progresses in small stages at the moment!

Chapter – Hilda decides

Len’s first action when she got to the school was to go to Hilda to see what must be done about this. “Oh Auntie Hilda, what shall we do?” She asked her in a rush. “I’ll leave of course, that will stop the talk as far as the school is concerned, but how are we going to keep the worst of this away from Mamma? It’s enough to give her a bad relapse.”

Hilda looked at her brevet niece smiling gently. Len’s first consideration was to try and help the school, and to try and help her Mother. She was taking the first possibility which came to mind as being the best solution.

“Len, firstly, I refuse your resignation. It is the worst thing which could happen to the school, it is the worst thing for your mother, and quite frankly Len it is the worst thing for you.” Len looked at her in shock. What was she trying to say here?

Hilda looked at her keenly, could she take this extra shock. Reg had told her how badly she had taken the knowledge that this had happened again. He of course was fuming from having read through the paragraph, and he had agreed with Hilda in her sketchy plans to keep it all from Joey.

Reg was actually off today, but on Hilda’s suggestion he created last minute business to attend to which would mean that Joey would have to look after Ashley. He threw in her slightly older cousin who was over to play with Ashley today. Jody didn’t often see his Grandmother as he lived in the Tirol, and had a large enough family now that it was only at intervals that any of the family came out.

Con and Rodger were not exactly rich either, and Reg often took one or two of their brood off for a trip to the Oberland to give their family a little slack. Whenever he did this he would take the whole family out for a meal. They were not poor, but they often did without some of the little luxuries that the others took for granted.

Now Hilda turned to what she could say to Len. “Len, you may not have realised it, but that article, while hitting at the school, is actually aimed mostly at you. If you were to resign, it is unlikely that you would get another post. They have insinuated that you may be suffering, or rather be at significant risk of suffering from the same illness which affected your father.

“They will not get away with this Len, I can assure you. There is strong medical evidence that shows your fathers illness was not related to genetics. However, if you were to leave this post you would more than likely find that you became strictly unemployable. While it may damage the school to keep you in the short term, it will damage you and your family even more if you leave.

“Of course the school would find it difficult to rehire you, and you would not want to be in that position either. The last thing is of course that you would actually be doing far more harm to the school by leaving than by staying. Other than what you will do to both Rachel and Tamara.

“The latter has already been to see me by the way to request that I keep you on the staff no matter what.” She chuckled as her mind went to that incident. Tamara was a very impulsive girl and had more or less made up her mind that the Head would sack Len on this tarnishing she had received.

“Now, it is time for you to be off my child. Do your work, and do it well, and trust God. It will all work out.”

With that she ushered Len out of the room and settled down to work out the best way to bring the perpetrator of this horrible revenge to justice.

Oh and I guess I should say, I'm working on the fact that the brain is a highly complex thing - I've no idea what Jack suffered from, but if pushed I'd say something similar to Altzhimers, except that he did have stunning clarity and remembered something which was said about him some time after he developed whatever it was...

 

#608:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 4:03 pm

Thanks, Squirrel, for explaining about the laptops and about Jack's illness. I'm glad Hilda refused Len's resignation for two reasons:

A Len is a really good teacher.
B Len hasn't done anything wrong.

 

#609:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 8:56 pm

Well, Hilda soon sorted Len out, didn't she, and I am sure that she will also sort out the perpetrator of this!

Heaven help anyone who has to face Hilda's wrath!

And please, Hilda, no mercy with that justice. Rolling Eyes

 

#610:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 9:20 pm

MaryR wrote:
And please, Hilda, no mercy with that justice. Rolling Eyes


Hesitates to point it out, but Mary, it is Hilda we are talking about here - rolling eyes or not!

There is a bit more to come before that scene though, and you can be sure that if she does show any mercy it will be within limits. She will be like a tigeress as well - cause the moral's of one of the staff members will impact upon the girls, and Hilda can't have a truely terrible person to have any influence over them whatever she may feel about mercy. Her pupils are the most important thing after all.

 

#611:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:05 am

Thank you Squirrel.

 

#612:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 12:53 pm

Thanks Squirrel

So is Jack is actually dead, or is he still alive (and presumably imprisoned/undergoing treatment) somewhere?

Liz

 

#613:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:24 pm

Thanks Squirrel. Glad that Hilda refused to let Len go.

 

#614:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 2:47 pm

Hmmm - some people have devious minds! I'll have to think about that one Liz!

Chapter

The first decision Hilda took was to phone the press who had been involved in the smearing and invite them up to talk to the girls, view some of the classes, and to generally set them right. She had warned Reg that this would be necessary, and advised him to do the same with regards to the San.

She hated doing this to Len, but she couldn’t ignore the attack on the school, and it appeared that this would be the best way to deal with both sets of problems. In a quick break she hurried along to the staff room to let the staff know what was happening.

Kathie was at the door when it opened, but seeing the head turning up she quickly went back to her seat with a surprised “Hilda, what brings you here?”

“Kathie, I’m afraid to have to inform all of the staff that we are having an inspection. This is not an ordinary inspection however. The press have chosen to besmirch the name of the school and one of the teachers, and their representatives are going to be coming up to sit in on some of the classes and see if they can find any proof for what they have been told.

“They will be part of the school, joining the walks, and taking part in Saturday morning rambles. I know that I need not ask you all to play up. The school will have received some damage from the allegations made, and it will not be easy to quieten it down.”

She paused and waited a moment or so. “Of course” she continued when the surprise she could see on the mistress’s faces had subsided a little, “I still have to consider how on earth they decided to attack us in this fashion. The press rarely do something without being provoked, and I don’t quite see how they can even have known about the plans for the future of the school.

“We are trying to keep the news away from Joey just now, after the last week or so, this would be the worst thing for her. It would be bad enough anyway, but after all the worry about Ashley we have no other choice.”

She left it at that, and surveyed the assembled staff. Len, looking drawn, was huddled up a little, looking down at her hands. Tamara who had been sitting next to her was curled up on the floor in front of her now, holding one of those hands, giving what comfort she could.

Kathie was over, boiling the kettle, and organizing a cup. “I expect you could do with a hot drink Len” she said. “You shall drink it or you’ll have Matey after you, and you wouldn’t want that would you!” This brought a short chuckle from Len, relieving Hilda’s concern for her at the present.

In fact the whole of the staff was rallying around her in one way or another. All barring one person that was, she seemed to be so consumed by what she had heard that the others moving about her, and organizing things as one went over to Joey, another organized the timetable to give both Len and Tamara the day off, a third went to catch Rachel and explain that neither mistress would be available today due to bad news, and to get Joanne and Sally to keep her busy.

The other mistresses found small tasks and things they could do, some pressing little sweet things upon Len “as an antidote to shock”. Others gladly gave up their free time either to give a hand to Joey, or to free up the two other Mistresses for the day.

Tamara was rather surprised that she was voted the best person to distract Len, but having been given the job she put her whole heart into it. She felt rather concerned about it, since she didn’t always know what was best for another, but Len should understand.

What the others knew, but Tamara could hardly take in, was that the thing Len needed the most was the wordless sympathy Tamara could convey so clearly, just by her being there. Len also needed touch, and someone to be close enough to touch her. Hilda could have provided some of that, but she had to deal with the school.

Other than her, Tamara was the only person who was fearless enough in her relationships to do it. For Tamara it was a matter of course, if someone seemed to need it, or had helped her in a certain way, she would just hug them. And Len had taken her into her family in more ways than one.

As quickly as the bustle began it died away, and the mistresses left the room, leaving the two there to get used to the new state of affairs.

 

#615:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 3:35 pm

I'm glad Tamara is able to help Len. I hope the press won't be too annoying.

 

#616:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 3:37 pm

Well, Hilda certainly seems to have found an original way to sort things out! Shocked Poor mistresses, facing that in the classroom!

Now, how will she find out the perpetrator - or does she already suspect, one wonders......

I'm so glad Tamara knows how important wordless sympathy and the holding of one's hand can be. Hopefully, Len will soon feel much better.

 

#617:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 2:54 pm

What were you saying about justice and mercy Mary? I hope she has been strict enough for you!

Chapter

Having left Len in Tamara’s care, Hilda went to the study in order to think. She thought she knew who the perpetrator of this crime was. There was no other reason why the person concerned would have been so struck by the news. The rest of the staff hadn’t been affected by it that much. There was no doubting that they would grumble when they were being ‘inspected’ but they would brush it off for all that.

How sad it was that a member of staff could let cold ambition and petty jealousy take over their reason, but it had happened. Ambition without humility, or compassion, mixed with jealousy without respect, were the culprits of this action.

The person who perpetrated it was obviously past redeem-ability, the question was should Hilda confront her with the knowledge, or make a staff wide appeal. Looking deeply unhappy, she realized that to have a fixation so strong that she would stoop to this kind of behaviour was such that ‘owning up’ would not be something on the author’s agenda.

In fact, Hilda could just see her sitting there smugly ignoring what was going on around her. No that would be the worst thing possible for Len. With a deep breath, during which Hilda murmured a quick prayer for help, she buzzed through to the office and asked them to see that Miss Bannock received a summons to the office.

****************

Miss Bannock turned up, ice and fire apparent in her gaze. Hilda knew this was not going to be an easy interview. “Why did you do it?” She asked in simple non comprehension. This pulled the mistress up and wrong footed her. If she had been a school girl this would have embarrassed her, but she was an adult, and after considering her options she replied with the tones of a viper.

“I did it because the girls seemed sure that she was headed for one of the top positions. She is incompetent and you know it well. She cannot control a class. I am better than her, and yet the girls, who know a thing or two, cited her as one of the most popular people for the job. I knew I wouldn’t get away with striking at Kathie, but Helena is young enough that it shouldn’t have made any difference at all. I guess I was reckoning without the nepotism there is here.”

Hilda looked at her, the sorrow apparent in her eyes. “Have we failed to show you the way we operate then my dear? I am so sorry. I had thought you were becoming all we could ask in a mistress.” Hilda wondered if she could see a slight glimmering about the eyes and tried to get through to her once more. “My dear child, what has led you to such a pass as this? Perhaps we can put it right.”

For about 5 minutes there was hope as Audrey struggled with herself and did admit a little about her background. “My Father was someone I looked up to. I adored him. He always taught me to be considerate of others, and to do my best for him. When he died I was heartbroken, but my Mother wouldn’t hear of any thought that I might be upset, and she sent me off to boarding school.”

Audrey paused there, and thought for a moment. Hilda’s eyes showed so much compassion that the chance of doing her good became slightly stronger. I put in my time there, and learned that compassion was for fools. It was a ‘hard knock’ way of learning. None of the mistresses had any faith, and if I ever opened up about how I was feeling I was told to ‘grow up’.

“Things went from bad to worse as I became a teenager when my mother re-married. I have no idea why she did it, but he would beat me. It was just something he did, I never provoked him. I was too frightened of him to even consider doing that.

“Again I received no sympathy, and life taught me that to get anything you have to be the best at what you do.”

She stopped there and Hilda looked at her. She had talked to the headmistress of the school that Audrey had attended before she had sanctioned her working at the school. The mistress told her that Audrey was a very focussed individual, who had hated any sympathy to be shown.

She had never allowed anyone close to her, the head acknowledged that the school was partly at fault for not trying harder with her, but Hilda had reminded her that it has to come from the girls themselves not from those who cared about them.

“Audrey, I wish you had told me truth rather than some cobbled half-truths.” The mistress looked at her and stated firmly. “I did tell you the truth Miss Annersley”. Hilda returned gaze for gaze. Could Audrey believe that she was telling the truth, could she be as far gone as that entailed? She had one last go to bring the lady to admit to her wrongs.

“I have spoken to Miss Templeton of course. She has an excellent memory and told me on more than one occasion that while the school made mistakes in their treatment of you, the fault was more in your control. No one can go on lavishing care upon a girl who refuses all help you know.”

The Mistress blushed scarlet before responding. “I should have known that she would never uphold me. Alright, very well, I played a mean dirty trick to discredit a lady I knew had done no harm. I risked great injury to her, her family and the school, and quite frankly I couldn’t care less about it! Now, what are you going to do?”

Hilda looked up, pain showing in her face. “Audrey, I hate to do this, but if you stick by your stated opinion that you couldn’t care less about what you have done I have no choice. We decided to give you this chance because Miss Templeton thought it might be the making of you.

“She thought you may well respond well if a decent institution gave you a reasonable chance and helped you to progress through the ranks as quickly as you could possibly hope. And for a while, I thought she was right, I certainly saw some improvement in your work recently.”

Audrey flushed again, before looking at her “Ah yes, a lovely bunch of do-good-ers aren’t we. I had forgotten that.”

Hilda eventually lost her patience with the woman. “Miss Bannock will you please be quiet” She said in tones which would have frozen any middle who heard her. Rosalie who was coming to the door to see how things were going turned round and went back to her own abode. What’s more she vowed to her staff that she was not going near the Head for the foreseeable future.

“You have perpetrated a despicable act against the family who founded the school as well as the school itself. You have pushed a young mother to the stage of nearly deciding to resign her post. You have shown no thought for anyone but yourself, and nothing but your own ambition.

”I am the headmistress of a school which cares for young impressionable girls. I cannot allow this kind of influence to be ignored any further. From now on you are relieved of all duties Miss Bannock – you have left me no choice. You will be paid a term’s wages in lieu of notice and will pack up and leave now. You will write a letter of resignation now, and will then remove your presence from this room. You will have vacated your own room by lunchtime. Do I make myself perfectly clear?”

The younger woman nodded, and followed out her instructions carefully and that was the last that anyone in the Chalet saw of her. They did however watch her progress carefully. She was a rising star for the first few years, and then she pushed her luck too far. She ended up ignominiously as a resident in an asylum for those who could not cope with the realities of the world.

 

#618:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 5:08 pm

Yes, thank you, Squirrel, she was more than strict enough - but there was mercy there as well, if Miss Bannock had chosen to avail herself of it.



But, my dear Squirrel, what a punishment - a lunatic asylum? Shocked

 

#619:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 6:24 pm

Shocked Poor Miss Bannock (but she did sort of deserve it I suppose)

Thanks Squirrel

 

#620:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 9:40 pm

I felt sorry for Miss Bannock but I'm glad she has been asked to leave the CS.

 

#621:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 2:58 am

Typical Hilda; first the mercy and then the justice stemming from the individual's acceptance (or not) of that mercy.

Thank you Squirrel

 

#622:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 9:23 am

Thank you Squirrel. That was just right.

 

#623:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 4:45 pm

I think that if Miss Bannock had not decided that she could easily make a better Prime Minister, Queen and World Ruler roled into one she might not have ended up being put in a place of safety. As it was I imagine that her craving for power got the better of her. I somehow think she is better off in an asylum rather than in prison. Now onto more interesting (I won't say pleasent) matters.

Chapter – dealing with the fall out

Tamara surprised herself by managing to get Len laughing. She had remained quiet for a good twenty minutes, giving what comfort she could, and then a thought had come to her mind. Tamara wanted Len to know exactly how much she appreciated all she had done for her. So she started talking about the time just before she had come out to the post, and the way she had been touched when she learned that Len had volunteered to spend part of her holiday’s in Scotland so that she could pick the new mistress up and bring her to the school. “Well, no one else was coming, and it wasn’t as if I had wanted to go anywhere else badly.” Len retorted with a grin. “I wasn’t having anyone being surrounded by a barrage of mixed languages without a guide when they first arrived, need to know French and German well enough to teach in them or not!”

Tamara’s growing affinity to the elder mistress had come about through her thoughtfulness, and the way she seemed to know just how to give comfort when Tamara was at her most stressed. Not that she knew any more than the rest of the staff about Tamara’s diagnosis, she just knew how to talk to her.

“Then Tamara went on to the kindness which she had received far more recently. The way Len had brought her into her home, and made her one of the family. This had brought Len to remember the scene she had seen the previous Saturday, and unsettled or not, she couldn’t help but laughing about it again.

Tamara was as affected by the image this time as Len herself, so that when the Head arrived back, looking rather grave at the scene she had just left behind in the study, she found the two of them giggling almost uncontrollably.

When she had quietened them down, heard their tale, and had a quiet chuckle herself, she brought them back to business quickly. “Len, I’m sorry, but I’m afraid that I’m going to want Tamara and yourself back at work far sooner than I expected.” She said quietly. “I have spoken to the perpetrator of this nasty trick, and she has been completely non-repentant, and vindictive about it. She admits she did it to discredit you, and to try and give herself a better chance of gaining promotion.”

At that, Tamara interrupted. “Hang on a minute, do you mean to tell us that it was a staff member then?” Her hand was once again holding Len’s protectively, and she had her other arm about her shoulders. “Yes, Tamara, as much as I hate to admit it, it was done by a member of staff. It had to be, the press would not have taken the word of one of the girls.” She pointed out quietly.

Len was coping far better with this revelation. She had got so far herself, and had been expecting it. “And what have you done about it Auntie Hilda?” She enquired, going back to the name she had used during her childhood in her distress.

“I have had to require her resignation of her Len. If she had been repentant then I might have managed to keep her on, after administering a severe warning. However, with the attitude she retains, that was impossible. I’m sorry Len”.

Len was sufficiently master of herself that she was able to deal with this news far better than her Head had thought possible. “OK, she is resigning. Do I take it that this is effective immediately?” This was Tamara again, coming in, looking for the facts to be spelt out to her.

“Yes Tamara and that leaves us with a problem. You see, this staff member is your Head of department.”

Tamara gasped. That really was a problem. Her department was a rather small one, and the only other member of teaching staff was ill and in bed. “Are you hinting at what I think you are hinting at?” She asked horror in her voice.

“It will only be for a few weeks Tamara,” the head consoled, “just until we can employ someone else, or at least until Miss Finley is well again. The rest of the staff can help with the teaching; many of them have more than enough knowledge of History to do that. However the Head of department has to come from within the teaching staff of that department, and that leaves you.

“I’m sure that Len will help you out all she can.” Then she turned to Len. “You see why I can’t allow either of you to rest then my dear? Even if we can cover a third person, or no, fourth person’s classes amongst ourselves, Tamara really needs you to go over all that is involved in heading up a department with her.”

With that she left two rather astonished people behind her, after promising that when lunch arrived in about half an hour’s time she would gather the mistresses together again to look at the timetable again.

When she had left Tamara turned to Len quickly. “Len, what on earth is involved in an inspection? Will they let me off if I don’t have a full grip on what is happening in the department having only taken over this afternoon?”

Len hastened to reassure her, wishing that things were far more straight forwards, and told her that if there wasn’t a staff meeting tonight she should come over to Len’s house at about 8pm when the small fry would be in bed, and they could relax together and get over some of the worst of the events of the day together.

 

#624:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 5:34 pm

I'm glad Rachel and Len were able to laugh together. I'm sure Tamara will do a really good job as Acting Head of the Department.

 

#625:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 5:38 pm

I hope Tamara will. Thanks Squirrel

 

#626:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 12:35 pm

We shall see how Tamara does, a little at a time.

Chapter – with Matron

Tamara sat facing her computer again. She was rather tired by all that had occurred this afternoon. The lunchtime meeting had gone fine, and they had re-organized things to such an extent that she was able to fit in sessions with Len, get used to what was needed in the department, and deal with her own classes.

She had had to get used to the idea of teaching the senior senior classes far more regularly than she had done up until now. One of the staff from St Mildreds was going to come over on a regular basis to give her a bit of a hand with both these, and with managing the department, at least at first.

This Mistress, Sarah Camps, had briefly considered applying for the headship post, but had acknowledged to herself that she really did not have what it took to deal with any and every situation which came up. This problem with Audrey had highlighted it for her, and while she enjoyed spending some time with the girls who were coming up through the school proper, she enjoyed herself at Millies too much to forsake one for the other.

“That girl has a talent for organization” she commented to one of her colleagues when she returned after the first few sessions she had with Tamara. “And while I don’t think she will be heading up History for much longer, I’m sure that she could do well with something of the sort later on. This experience is broadening her out, and doing her good, as much as she is getting stressed about all of the changes.

Sarah had been brought into confidence as to Tamara’s diagnosis when she started to work with her properly, and as she had only had a very little contact with her she hadn’t known what to expect from the girl. Finding her quite a breezy person, who looked slightly funny about the face, and a touch reserved gave her a mixed impression, but she knew that the girl would cope.

Now Tamara was trying to put all of this into words. It wasn’t as if there hadn’t been changes enough already. She fought desperately for her self control. Why did this keep happening this term? She got over one thing, and then the next raised its head. She didn’t feel like she could talk to Len on this occasion – Len would feel that it was partly her fault. It wasn’t, but that wouldn’t stop her feeling responsible.

The head had no option and to tell her would be to put her in a difficult position. As if the Head didn’t have enough to deal without her complaining. She couldn’t really bother the people at Uni either, they were great, but Tamara still felt that they had enough to do supporting their currant students, without former ones going back to them.

Donal needed her to be especially supportive now; he was finding things a little sticky himself with the start of the new term and everything else. So she couldn’t go to him. Who else was there?”

Then a thought came to her. Something she had said to the girls, and someone she had had experience of. She could go to her. Gwynneth was very level headed and could help you get your head round things. What was more, she wasn’t in the thick of it, and would help Tamara settle down to the stage where she wasn’t looking at the computer screen in despair.

In this instance, to think was to act, especially with the stress levels building as she thought on it. It would be far better to go, and hope the Gwynneth was free to talk, than to leave it and get even more stressed out.

Gwynneth had a special rule where Tamara was concerned of always being free, and she had had a suspicion that the girl might call on her this day. There had been many different things which she had needed to cope with which she might not like to discus with other staff members.

For Tamara the day had been confused more or less since breakfast time. If Len got a shock to see the news about her father being published again, Tamara, who had only given the thing a glance over the first time, had been shocked to find that it was referring to her school, and the father of her mentor.

So that was how Jack had died. Tamara had been doing her best not to ask about it, and hadn’t wanted to know. The idea of suicide made her even less interested in the details.

Then being pitch forked into missing classes to play comforter to Len had been another shock. She hadn’t really thought about the effect this would have on Len, or at least, not until she had come into the staff room.

Tamara wasn’t good at reading facial expression, but even she could tell the difference between the woman who had bid her goodbye with a twinkle in her eye and a smile upon her face on Saturday afternoon, and the grim faced paragon who sat in front of her now, controlling her emotions with an iron will.

To be fair to the girl, from all Gwynneth had heard, once she was in the position of being the one who would ensure that Len was alright, she had managed to distract her, and even got her laughing again.

Gwynneth would have reckoned that had this been the end of it all she would have quite happily dealt with any fall out without needing any support, but she had only just really settled to the task when Hilda had arrived with her dramatic announcement which required a lot of anyone, never mind someone as timid as Tamara was when it came to unexpected change.

Gwynneth got Tamara settled down and told her just to start talking about it. When the girl got upset while going through it all she came close to her and put her arm about her.

Having started Tamara couldn’t stop and she just talked herself to a standstill. When this happened Matron led her back to her own room and required that she lie down for a little while. Tamara was asleep before she had left the room

 

#627:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 12:36 pm

Thanks Squirrel

*puts bottle of wine in fridge for Len and Tamara so it's nice and cold by this evening *

Liz

 

#628:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 3:58 pm

Thanks, Squirrel. I think Tamara is coping very well.

 

#629:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 6:04 pm

I have somehow missed a post, Squirrel, so am catching up here.

Poor Tamara has really had it all thrown at her, hasn't she? But the others seem to think her very capable, so let's hope Matey can convince her thay are right.

I hope all of them can cope with the press invasion. Crying or Very sad

 

#630:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 6:44 pm

* poke the Press*

Thanks Squirrel

 

#631:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 3:48 pm

How they will stand the invasion remains to be seen, there is still one or two other things to come before then *planning and plotting*

chapter - letters

Tamara found that she was woken up with dinner brought to her on a tray by Matron. “Don’t argue” she was told firmly “You were washed out by the time you came to bed, and there is a staff meeting this evening. You just get that down you, and take a break. You will have to be downstairs by Half past 8 anyway.”

Having disposed of the food, and having an hour and a half to play with, Tamara went to her e-mail inbox. As she half suspected, there was an e-mail from Donal. It was rather anxious since she had not got her usual e-mail off to him, but it was also full of his news about the first few weeks of term, or as near to it as anyone with his difficulty with writing could make it.

Tamara smiled and set herself to responding to his mail.

“Dearest Donal, sorry this has had to be delayed a little, there have been one or two changes here today which I wasn’t expecting, and I was ordered off to bed by Matron at the end of school. I fell asleep, and was only woken by Matron bringing me my tray as she decreed I must have my next meal in bed, especially as there is to be a staff meeting this evening. Another event which was not planned when I got up this morning.

“As for what has been happening, well, it all began when one of the teachers grew jealous. The head’s here are going to be retiring and some of the staff are beginning to parley about who is going to apply for the post of Head Mistress.

“There are usually 2 posts available, however with the head of St Mildred’s retiring, and the finishing school itself growing smaller – I’m sure I told you that most girls are heading to college, university or work when they leave ‘school proper’ now.

“That being the case, it has been decided to amalgamate the two schools up here into one building. So that means we will have 2 heads reduced to 1. However the decision has been taken to make one of the 2 posts a deputy head. So we will still be after 2 heads, it’s just that one will not be as powerful a position as it once was.

“This has long been an open secret amongst both staff and girls as what would happen when the 2 currant head’s retired, however little they expected that to happen in the near future.

“Anyhow, one of the teaching staff decided that she needed to ensure that one of her competitors had little chance of getting the job. She spoke to the press and a ghastly article appeared in the paper. The mistress it was written against is now a close friend of mine. She has been really very kind to me, so when she turned up in the staff room at break time looking in the phrase so many of my books use “like death warmed up” I had to comfort her.

“The rest of the staff decided that the best thing to do was to give us both the rest of the day off, and I was just getting used to this when the Head slipped in to tell me that the person who had launched this attack was my immediate superior, and there was literally no one else to take over as head of department. So I spent the rest of the day learning how to do this job.

“Do you wonder that I am tired? And I’m going to have to attend this meeting tonight. I know what its going to be about – staffing issues. We are now down by 2 people in the history department, and there were only 3 of us altogether. With my departmental head leaving like that, and the other group member seriously ill – I don’t see her returning to the job this term if at all – that is my department seriously depleted.

“Also we need to go into what will happen when the schools do amalgamate, and the head’s retire. They shouldn’t have had to deal with all of this – poor lambs. However, if anyone could I recon that Hilda is that person.

“I’d better sign off now – I’ve a funny feeling that June will want up to date info on this stuff – she was a pupil here you know – and I’ll have to prepare myself for that meeting – they will be wanting to introduce me as temporary head of history. Help!

“Oh well, I’ll get there, and I have plenty of supporters here who will get me through it. You are not to go worrying about me – you hear that? I am fine, and I will be fine.

“Blessings, Donal, Your loving sister Mara.”

She then looked at the incoming mail she had seen just before going to the e-mail from her brother. It was out of office hours by the time she saw it, so she had decided that answering her brother was far more important.

June was asking her firstly how she was doing, and secondly how the school and staff were coping as a whole with this new challenge they had to cope with. Tamara was now ready to go into this in more detail, having talked with Gwynneth and sent her e-mail off to her brother.

“Hi June, you are right of course, everything is all over the place here at present. You ask how I am dealing with it, I suppose that one answer is ‘not great’ but on the other hand, I’ve had a session with Matron who has given me a talking to and given me a helping hand. I couldn’t go to the people I would normally receive help from as they are even more in the middle of all of this than I am.

“I’ll start with Len. She has been very kind to me recently and told me that I was to consider her family as my family over the weekend. She saw the paper while she was still at home and came hurrying up to the school, concerned more about the school, and what that wretched thing would do to her mother than anything else.

“She hadn’t read over what it was saying, and didn’t realise that it was aimed almost completely at her. That being the case she offered to resign for the good of the school. Hilda wouldn’t hear of it, and pointed out the damage she would do to her family if she even considered it.

“The first I saw of her was in the staff room, where she turned up at break time. She looked done up, as if she could have gone to bed. I sat next to her for a while, but the head had to talk to us at one point – about how we were going to combat this report - and she got very upset at that. I ended up holding her hand, sitting on the floor in front of her.

“For some reason the rest of the staff decided that I would be the best person to play comforter and calmly took over the remainder of our classes amongst themselves. I was rather surprised that my own head of department did nothing once the decision had been taken – albeit without any words being spoken. In fact, the first I knew about it was hearing people telling me that they would take over this or that class that I was supposed to be doing.

“One of the other teachers slipped out to let Rachel know that I and Len would not be around for the rest of the day. I’m glad they had as much sense, for nothing would have been as unsettling for her as my just not turning up to class.

“Anyhow, I ended up with this new task, and put my back into it to keep my mind off of the fact that my routine would appear to have gone to pot again. I was just getting over that when Hilda slipped in to tell us that the person who had orchestrated the crime was none other than my departmental head, and that as there was no other person who was able to do anything about it – all other staff being not involved in the teaching of history, or off ill – I was to take over this responsibility at least for the present.

“At any rate, I’m sure that the experience will be good for me, but my head is still rather whirling at this precise moment. I don’t quite see how I am the right person for the job. I don’t really want it. However since I am in this position I am, and I will do my best for the school.

“There is one other challenge for me which comes out of it all though. Hilda’s idea to sort out this mess was to invite the newspaper people to the school over the course of the week to do a kind of inspection. Um, it’s bad enough to go through this as a teacher, but as a departmental head, having only just taken up the job, completely inexperienced. I’m not looking forward to it I can tell you.

“Oh well, the worst part will belong to Len – she is the one who has to convince them that she is not suffering from the madness that her father developed, and that she is actually liked by the pupils rather than them being frightened into saying so.

“I’d better let you go now. I’m sure things will settle down here soon enough. Hope that you are all coping alright with the new term and all it involves. I see Donal is still a little rocky, though my sleeping through my usual time to mail him didn’t help that either. Acht well, I’ve mailed him now, and I hope he will be feeling slightly better for that.

“Blessings, Tamara”

 

#632:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:16 pm

Poor Tamara, at least she's getting it out of her system by pouring it all out to two people who care about her. Hopefully they can support her through this, even if it is from a distance.

I know she will cope admirably. If at a cost.

Thanks, Squirrel.

 

#633:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 5:03 pm

Thanks Squirrel

Liz

 

#634:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 7:15 pm

I'm glad Tamara was able to explain things to Donal and June - maybe it also helped to write the things down and get them clear in her head.

 

#635:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 9:31 am

Thank you Squirrel. Its good to know Tamara has all these different avenues of support.

 

#636:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 10:05 am

Thanks Squirrel

 

#637:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 5:08 pm

Chapter – the staff meeting

Tamara met up with Len in the entrance to the building. “Hey Len, how you doing now?” she asked her. “I’m alright thanks Tamara. It was just a shock that’s all. Reg made me lie down when I got in, and when I woke up he brought me my tea and made me eat it while I was there.”

Tamara laughed at that. “That sounds suspiciously like the way I was treated here!” she told her with a grin. “Are you sure that he hasn’t been talking to Matron?”

Len looked at her in surprise. “Oh Tamara, I’d forgotten that such wholesale changes would make life difficult for you.” Tamara looked at her quietly. “Len, do you think that I’m at all worried about whether or not you remembered that changes can be difficult for me. Look, I’ll go into it later on, but please remember that you are not the only person I’ve got supporting me. Matey came up trumps this time!”

And with that she marched Len off in the direction of the staff room, refusing to say a word more on the subject and being equally firm with her own mind when it threatened to run round in perpetual circles of worry on the subject of the staff meeting and her unexpected promotion.

When they arrived there the others were just settling down, and Hilda took Tamara who was hesitating at the door to the seat which was reserved for the head of history saying “I’m sure we want to congratulate Tamara for her new post as temporary head of history. She has already confirmed that she will not be applying for the permanent post, but both Nell and I are satisfied that she will do well with this temporary position.

“Tamara, we might try to replace Miss Bannock over the half term break, however it is unlikely that we will get anyone to start work then, so it looks like your temporary contract will run until the end of term at any rate”

Tamara, rather pink at such public attention accepted this with a quiet “yes Miss Annersley” and mercifully the Head moved on to the next business. “With Miss Banock having resigned and Miss Finley on the sick list – I’m sorry Tamara, but I don’t think you will be getting her back. When she is recovered her family want to take her away for a long holiday, and I’ve a funny feeling they don’t want her to return to Switzerland after that – we have drafted in Miss Camps to help out with the senior history.

“She is the history mistress at St Mildred’s and will join the department staff when the two groups amalgamate at Christmas time. I think you said you were down to about 15 girls now Miss Wilson?”

Nell agreed that this was so. “And I don’t expect this trend to change. It’s not popular anymore for families to send their children off to finishing school as they call it before going on to university.

“The few we have are dwindling rapidly, and I don’t expect to see another 3 years out with the numbers we have entered now. We could go all out to turn this around of course, but with so many of the staff leaving I just don’t see the point. We would have to turn it into a college or university, and we have enough places for our girls to feed into without creating another of our own. Amalgamation would appear to be the only option.”

With that she stopped and Hilda took up the ball again. “Of course, we cannot assume that we shall take over all of the staff as well. Many of them are either retiring or going on to other new posts. In fact, Miss Camps is one of the few who does not seem to be taking this rout.

“With that being the case, St Mildred’s cannot provide for our staffing crisis. There is Glendower House in England, which still nominally belongs to us. Of course, since that take over affair, it also forms part of Ferndale Academy, and I would imagine that any of those teachers who wanted to teach anything other than the juniors would want to stay there.

“There is one lady I have heard about who we have written to, to offer a place here if she is still of the same mind that she was last spring. She was an excellent teacher, and as long as Ferndale have not snaffled her already she would be more than willing to come out here to start in a new post. She was also highly organized and I think had an interest in History amongst other things. If she is in agreement I think we might add her onto your department Tamara.”

Then Hilda stopped for a minute. She knew that the next thing she had to say would not be popular, but she needed to go into it with them.

“Now, we have to go into how we are going to deal with the inspection that has become necessary by Miss Banock’s actions. Firstly I would like to hear what you have to say on this issue.”

With this start the topic took off and the staff debated what they could do with much vim. Len and Tamara were the only one’s who kept out of it, both sharing the view that it was a nuisance, but they would have to put up with it. Len knew that she would come under the microscope, and Tamara felt nervous about being in her position of responsibility for such a short period of time.

Eventually they came to a stop and Hilda smiled at them. She then outlined her ideas of what they could do, and they settled on a combination of all ideas. The other two were still silent, but both felt slightly easier at having heard the plans the others were making.

Then the head’s stood up quickly “Come, this meeting is at an end, we’ve been here for 2 hours good people and if you don’t want your beds the rest of us do. And some of us have to walk back home. It’s dark enough already for that if you ask me.” With that Nell strode off, the rest of her staff following her.

At this Tamara turned to Kathie who was sitting on her other side. “Kathie, will you come with me, and we will walk Len home? It’s just I’m sure that Reg is anxious and looking out for her. She looks as bad as when she first came in this morning too.”

Kathie looked at the younger mistress. “Yes, we will march her home between us. You are strong enough to support her with me if she begins to feel ill. In the same way as matron, I have come to fit the phrase “Small but wiry” through my years at this school.” And with this the pair of them saw Len into her outdoor clothing before changing themselves, and marching her along the paths home heedless of all her comments that she could manage fine.

It didn’t stop there either, for when they got her there Reg took one look at her and bundled her up the stairs and into bed, without waiting to thank the mistresses for seeing her home.

They were still hanging about anxiously downstairs when he got down again and he told them that she would be alright, but that they were not to expect her at the school the next day because he would make her take the day off to recover herself fully. Then, with the clock heading on for 11pm the pair made their way back to school and into their own small bed’s as soon as they could get there.

 

#638:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 8:22 pm

I see you and Hilda are keeping secret the plans for the inspection, Squirrel! Wink Ah well, we can wait.

Hilda and Nell certainly gave them chapter and verse on the closure of St Mildred's and on the staffing crisis, didn't they? I'm sure Tamara and the History department will cope.

Thanks, Squirrel.

 

#639:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 8:45 pm

Um, any special plans that Hilda may have are likely to remain covered in mist Mary - I'm afraid I don't know enough about them, having only experianced them as a pupil, or at second hand through my Mum - and she doesnt go into plans about how best to deal with them with me! However I'm sure that it will all go fine, considering how perfect everyone at the chalet is! Rolling Eyes

 

#640:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 9:50 pm

If Reg is planning on making Len take the next day off, he might not be pleased Len had worked that day! Thanks, Squirrel for another great update.

 

#641:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 2:32 am

Squirrel your Hilda is fantastic - and Miss Bannock really was a nasty piece of work. I'm very glad she's been forced to resign, even if it has placed a lot of pressure on Tamara.

I wonder what the girls' reactions will be? It could be interesting to see how much they know or how much they've guessed. Not meaning to spoil whatever you have written, of course, but some of them are very perceptive and it would just be interesting to see.

 

#642:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 9:19 am

The girls views are not coming quite yet Frances, but you will see their reactions soon enough. Reg is still rather piano just now Chair - he might get a bigger role in the future, I just don't know, Mr Bunny hasn't told me yet!

Chapter – the inspection

The girls were agog to find that there was a new stranger in every class they were in. The paper had decided to get it done in a day or so, and had sent the whole of their staff in to ‘inspect’ the school. Even the Millies had some people in to cover their classes.

Rachel was one of those who were most upset at meeting continual strangers all over the place, though Tamara had explained carefully to her about who they were and what they were doing. “All the same, its hard on the poor girl, she had commented to Len, she’s just beginning to find a bit of routine and security here, and everything changes again, and she has to deal with something else.”

Len had completely recovered by now, and would have been back into work the day before, but for her Husband’s insistence that she rest. “All I needed was a good night’s rest” she told everyone who would listen to her “He didn’t have to go all silly over it and force me to take a day off.” However, when pushed, she admitted she felt a good bit better for the rest she had taken.

Now she turned on her friend, a huge grin on her face. “How much of what you just said for Rachel is twice as true for you Tamara Darleigh? I’ve had enough of you soft pedalling the effect that changes have on you. I see the effects, however much you might be able to hide them from the rest of the staff!”

Tamara looked at her and laughed. “All right, you have me this time. I hate it.” She admitted. “However, we are not talking about me right now, we are talking about Rachel!” and with that the subject dropped and the pair of them went off, each resolving in her heart that she would do what she could to help the other out of this most difficult situation.

Tamara had already asked Len for help. One thing which had not come into consideration when Tamara took on her temporary post was her unofficial one of playing supporter to Rachel. Tamara was concerned that this new official post would conflict with the kind of thing she needed to do to keep Rachel happy during this time.

To help with this, she had appealed to Len. That Rachel would always have someone else she could call upon for help when Tamara herself was unable to see to her had always been an issue.

Now she got Len to come in far more fully than she had expected to, and the young, pretty mistress had done what she could to help Rachel feel more at home. This was a help to Len as well, as it took her mind off the worst of what she would have to face with those awful inspectors.

All of the mistresses were finding having an adult at the end of the classroom, scribbling away, difficult to deal with, and were probably a little stricter than usual with the girls. However this was taken into consideration and these people were going to be living with the school family for at least a week, so they would see the dynamics of the relationships far more easily than they might have done otherwise.

 

#643:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 12:11 pm

Good to see Len and Tamara being so supportive of each other - and also good that Len is prepared to pick up some of the slack where Rachel is concerned.

Like every other school before and since, they will somehow all scrape through this inspection - but at what cost?

Thanks, Squirrel.

 

#644:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 12:19 pm

Thanks, Squirrel. It's lovely to see Tamara and Len's friendship. They are such a support to each other.

 

#645:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 3:28 pm

I'm so glad that Len is able to help Tamara and Rachel, and to take her mind off things. She is obviously well liked and I really hope that comes through in the inspection

 

#646:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 7:37 am

Ok - how do the girls react - part one coming up!

Chapter – the girls are questioned

When they had done as much observing as they wanted to the inspectors slipped out into the playground and started talking to the girls about life in the school. One of them attached himself to Joanne and the others who were hanging around with her. On this occasion not only were there Hannah, Vicki, and Lyn, but Rachel had pulled Sally and Tan into the group with the remark that they had said they would join the other group occasionally.

He began to talk to them about the different mistresses first, not going very close to the one name he was interested in, that of Mrs Entwhistle. He started off with Miss Bannock first and found himself cold footed at once. “She left this establishment after setting the whole place on edge” Joanne told him coldly “We have been asked not to discuss her, so I would prefer it if you would drop this part of the conversation.”

With such a plain reason for her refusal to expand upon the wrongs of his sister (for that is what she was) he had no option but to go onto something else. “Ok then, what about that lady who has got her job, Miss Darleigh” He was having difficulty in keeping his tone polite, as he couldn’t help but feel that she must be some kind of ladder climber to have got his sisters post so quickly.

He saw the change of expression on Rachel’s face as he said the name. Here was someone with an opinion, though it might not suit him or his sister. He decided that he needed to get the girl to open up a little. “She’s a hot girl is she?” He enquired, stopping Rachel in her tracks. “Um, What?” she enquired completely lost.

Not so Joanne, who looked at him in contempt. “If that language means what I think it does, then you can think again mister. Our mistresses would be horrified to have that kind of name attached to them by someone as sleazy as you!” she was angry but her tones were controlled.

She didn’t like to think what any of the mistresses would think if they heard her call him sleazy, but he needed to know what the standards of a school like this were. He flushed as her disdain hit its mark. “I beg your pardon. I had forgotten that this is a posh boarding school”.

Joanne then instructed Rachel to tell him about Miss Darleigh. At first she was hesitant, unsure about the atmosphere about her, however she went on and soon her eagerness for the task opened up her natural enthusiasm again. The man listened, his face growing longer. There was no way that his sister would manage to worm her way back into this school if all of the teachers were like this.

Eventually he asked about Mrs Entwhistle his tones telling the girls exactly what he thought of her. Rachel, who had been cut off in full swing of talking about Tamara picked off again.

“Oh, Mr what’s-your-name-you-don’t-seem-to-have-told-us, Mrs Entwhistle is one of the best teachers we have here. Not only does she support the students, but she is so supportive to the staff too. If they were to have a problem she would be there to sort it out at once. She can see when there is a problem just by looking at you. Not many people can do that you know, and she knows how best to deal with the matter as well.”

Here, Joanne touched her on the arm to interrupt her and she paused. The man looked like he was about to have a fit. Even Rachel was struck by it, and as he walked of she asked in audible tones “And what on earth was wrong with him? He looked like he was going to erupt in a minute or so!” The man, hearing this candid exclamation abandoned his dignity and literally ran from the gardens where they had gathered.

Joanne responded gravely. “I think he wanted to hear that our mistresses were awful and that we hated them. I think he was simply raging that we only told them how good they are.”

Now Rachel was feeling angry, “But that would mean that we would have to lie to them. You do not tell lies, it is not right to lie. And if he says anything nasty about our teachers in his paper he is a liar!” She shouted. This was the first time that they had seen Rachel this angry, and it took them quite a while to hush her.

Joanne was actually quite relieved that Rachel had taken over as she had, for had it not been for her Sally and one or two of the other more quick witted ones would have been angry enough themselves to bait the man. Rachel had made him angry by her innocent answers, and he had nothing, barring embarrassment and angering him, against her. It might have been a different story if it had been one of the others who started on him.

 

#647:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 9:22 am

Well, that told him, didn't it? But how come he was allowed to be on an inspection team, even one from the newspapers, if he has such an axe to grind? Shocked Guess he didn't get quite what he wanted. But will he be able to twist what was said?

Rachel was great, not holding back at all. As Joanne realised, clearly the right person for the job.

Thanks, Squirrel.

 

#648:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 10:33 am

I'm glad the girls told the man where to get off.

 

#649:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 11:43 am

What a complete t*sser!

I'm so glad Joanne and Rachel told him a few home truths. His own fault for trying to find fault with the CS!

 

#650:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 5:10 pm

*echoes the above*

Thanks Squirrel

Liz

 

#651:  Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 6:06 pm

Thank you, Squirrel!

 

#652:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 7:54 am

Thanks for all of the comments guys - hope you like this next section

Chapter – the assembly

At the end of break the head called all of the girls into the hall for an assembly. When she got there they were standing silently, as if they would never think of making any noise and hadn’t had to be hushed by the prefects in charge of them from wondering about this unprecedented event.

“Girls this is Mr Angus Smyth. He is the editor of the paper and wants to have a few words with you about Mrs Entwhistle.” A glimmer came to her eye. “I believe that Mr Bannock was going to do this, but after a rather unfortunate attempt of his to cross question some of our seniors led to them to being perfectly courteous, and then choosing to outwit him, he decided to hand over to his senior.

Now, I want you all to be very kind to Mr Smyth – he is not prejudiced in the same way that Mr Bannock was, and please be completely truthful. We do not want to be given the charge of forcing our girls to tell lies to cover up for our staff again.”

At this Rachel stood up, and inwardly wondering what was coming Hilda turned to her and gave her permission to speak. “Yes Rachel?”

“I think it would be a good idea to start by assuring Mr Smyth that we do not tell lies, and that if he changes a word of what we say, or tries to take it out of context, we shall know who to blame.”

Feeling rather startled at this speech, until she remembered that Rachel had been amongst the group who had had Mr Bannock questioning them, Hilda responded quietly “Mr Smyth will do nothing of the kind Rachel, he knows too well what would happen to his paper if he did so.

“And of course he knows that you don’t tell lies, so there is no need to get worked up about it.” With that she left the room, trusting to the prefects to control the younger girls if they felt things were getting out of hand. This way no one could say that her presence had stopped the girls from criticising one of her members of staff

Mr Smyth started by making the girls an apology. “I’m sorry girls, this should not have been necessary. I made the mistake of trusting my sub-editor too much. He told me that he had a reliable contact in a girl’s school, who had evidence of nepotism being carried too far. I should have checked up rather than leaving it all to him.

Since Monday I have been at the Sanatorium, where I met the head, Dr Entwhistle. He has shown me the records of his father-in-law, and has shown how the illness from which he suffered cannot have been passed on to his beloved wife. I have met up with their children, and the cousins who stay with them frequently.

“I have personally invigilated each of Mrs Entwhistle’s lessons, and found that she is an excellent teacher. I have talked to many of you in the playground and all of the statements which I have received have told me that she is dearly beloved by all I spoke to. I even got the same report from my rather fanatical junior as he rushed angrily from the school, stating that he couldn’t bear to hear ‘that woman’ praised once more.

“Now I am here to make sure that no voices are missed out. I plan on printing a full retraction, and commending the work of Mrs Entwhistle in her duties both to students and to staff in this establishment. Now, girls, is there anything you have to say about Mrs Entwhistle for the record?”

This had completely changed the atmosphere in the hall, and the girls began to voice their tributes to the teacher, starting from the head girl – Helen Ross. “Mrs Entwhistle may well be the reason I get through my English exam. She has been coaching me whenever she had a spare moment.”

After that the tributes flowed quickly, each girl giving a comment, however short. Little Tessa, one of the many nieces told him that “My auntie is the bestest teacher I have.” Ignoring the fact that her auntie would have reminded her that ‘bestest’ is not good grammar, and she knew it.

Tessa was one of a kind, and though she knew the correct grammar she still chose to use the childlike wrong versions, talking of buyed, and wented instead of bought and went.

Mr Smyth smiled at her, and promised that he would include that in his report. Then he thanked them and left the hall, leaving the prefects to dismiss the girls.

He then went to apologise to the head, and congratulate her not only on Mrs Entwhistle, but also on her recent head of history whom he had found to be well deserving of all merit.

He was rather surprised when she informed him that the lady concerned had only accepted the headship as a temporary contract, and advised her that as soon as she could convince the mistress concerned to take on a headship permanently she should do so, for she was just what the school needed for organization. Then he left having promised to have the report out as soon as he could.

 

#653:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 8:10 am

So glad it's all going to be properly retracted

Thanks Squirrel

Liz

 

#654:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 11:00 am

Oh I do hope Hilda takes notice of what he said about Tamara. Laughing

Wonderful post, Squirrel, all the girls doing their very best for Len - and succeeding.

 

#655:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 2:30 pm

Glad to hear that Mr. Smyth has some sense -- and that Tamara's headship is so successful. Smile

 

#656:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 2:52 pm

I'm glad Mr Smyth isn't like Mr Bannock and he is going to retract the article. It was lovely that everyone had such nice things to say about Len.

 

#657:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 7:28 am

Warning - very long post! And one which decided I should write it even when I'm writing ahead of myself *grumbles* Hope it is worth the effort!

Chapter

As the press left the school gradually settled down again. The staff did their best to relax, managing to a greater or lesser extent in proportion to their differing characters and the amount they had hanging on the inspection. Hilda, Nell, Len and Tamara were the worst affected by it.

Rachel smiled at her companions. “It’s nice to be back to normal again” she commented eventually.

Joanne looked at her and thought for a moment. The others, catching her expression waited to see what she would have to say. “I don’t quite think things are back to normal yet Rachel” she returned quietly. “Oh I know that the press are no longer with us, don’t be silly guys” she continued quickly, seeing the incredulous looks on one or two of their faces, “but the school is not back to what it was like before that wretched report was in the paper.

“And even that wasn’t normal” she continued thoughtfully. “You haven’t been here long enough to judge of course Rachel, but I don’t think there will be a ‘normal’ for this term. The school has been in constant upheaval since term started.

“firstly there was the changes with you coming, then there was the announcement that Miss Annersly, Miss Wilson, and Miss Wilmot were retiring. And we were only just getting used to that idea when this horrid press report was sprung on us. I know it’s more or less finished now, but I recon that some of them would have been staying behind to join us on our ramble this afternoon - that is if it wasnt so wet of course. No, it’s not been a normal term at all.” Then she checked the time.

“Anyhow, we lot have to get over to rangers now, and I imagine that Miss Darleigh will be looking for you so she can make sure you are headed over to Mrs Maynards Rachel, so we had better scram!”

With that the group were recalled to the time and they rushed off to complete their various tasks and get to where they were supposed to be.

Rachel wandered down the stairs to meet up with Tamara. She didn’t know what she thought about being taken over to Freudeshiem by a teacher. She knew the way now, and she was fiercely independent. “You don’t have to take me over Miss Darleigh” she said quietly.

Tamara glanced at her quickly, she had sounded perfectly cheerful, but something warned her that there was a possible problem here. “Rachel, I’m sorry, but at the moment I cannot let you go wandering over the grass. In time we hope to let you get there of your own accord of course, but just look at the weather out there.”

Rachel looked and saw that the teacher was talking with great point. The rain was coming down in buckets and it would perhaps not be a good idea for her to cross over on her own.

“It’s not only the fact that it will be difficult for you to see where you are going, or that you might slip, but it is also that we need to be sure that you are not too wet. Now we had better hurry, if it is no better this evening Mrs Maynard will bring you back.”

Tamara knew she would have to let Hilda know what she had said to Rachel, she had known that something of the kind would have to be said anyway. She was simply lucky that the weather had given her the perfect excuse to make it impossible, though she supposed that if it was not so nasty she would have been going to see Len herself, and would have wanted to take the girl the latest news of her mother.

Joey had of course found out why the staff were so concerned about her very quickly, and had been furious at this attempt. “How dare they say that about my daughter?” She shouted. “My husband was a good man, who was ill, and that made life hard for him. Yes, he had his problems as we have all. Yes he committed suicide because he was so horrified at what he had inadvertently done. But he still cared about us, and he did what he felt he had to do.”

It was Nancy who was with her at the time, and she simply let Jo shout, pleased that the rest of the small family – Anna and Rosalie who had been given house room when they retired, and they were out with Tina who had firmly told them that their mistress needed some time on her own. They had taken the children with them, for Jo was in no state to look after them at present. Later on they would help her, but for the moment they were better off out of the way.

Eventually Jo calmed down, and burst into tears. Immediately Nancy was with her, holding her close and giving what comfort she could. “How could they Nancy?” She sobbed, “They had never met him, and they did not know what he was like. Why did they suddenly have to pick on him?”

Nancy knew what had happened by now, and while she was reluctant to do it, she felt that she had to tell Jo what they had learned. “As for why they did it, it seems that the sub editor of the paper was brother to one of the mistresses here. She was jealous of other mistresses and for whatever reason decided to ruin their chances of becoming head.

I don’t know why she didn’t choose to pick on Kathie; after all, now that she has relented and agreed to stay here, she would be the best person for the post. However it seems to have been in her mind that Len would be the person of greatest danger to herself, and she therefore got in touch with her brother in the hope that pulling this out of the closet would make it harder for Len to be given a post.

I don’t know what Hilda has planned, but I do know that there is no way the school will let this happen without doing something. I believe she has arranged for the paper to inspect us.”

She stopped there as she watched the conflicting emotions on Jo’s face. As far as she knew, no one had said anything to Joey about the plans of any of them to retire. Which of the different bombshells would she choose to jump on first?

In the end, curiosity won out. “You mean Hilda is retiring then?” Jo asked her. But why are you not in the running for becoming head my dear Nancy?” Then, after a pause she added “Poor Bill, to be let down like this!”

Nancy looked at her, a huge grin upon her face. “Are you ready for this?” She asked, teasing her hostess, and rather pleased with the results she was having. It wasn’t often she was able to fox Joey.

“Hilda is retiring, but I’m afraid that I cannot take over her job, because I am joining her. Oh and I wouldn’t feel sorry for Nell, I think it was almost her suggestion, and she is planning to retire as well. After all, St Mildred’s is far less popular now; they are planning on amalgamating it with the school you know.

“And I can tell you, I had a really difficult time stopping Kathie from joining us as well.” Nancy felt relieved as she saw the gleam in Jo’s eye. Progress was being made. She hurried on before Joey could interrupt. “Of course it would hardly have been fair to her to retire. I am a good many years older than her and am of the right age. She would have had to find another job.”

Jo looked at her meditatively. “Poor Kathie. I think I shall invite her to stay over here with me. After all Len makes it in to school every day, so Kathie will be able to make it just across the road. And she will need to be with someone who understands what it is like to loose your closest friends, even if it is only to another country.”

Nancy was grinning at her, her face alight with pure mischief. “You’re a hard hearted creature, condemning friends from your schooldays to a life in a land they do not know, away from everything they do know. For the sake of a teacher you have known a third of the time!”

Jo looked at her in astonishment. “Explain yourself Nancy Wilmott, for I do not know what you are referring to.” Then as Nancy laughed at this she continued in obvious anger. “And just what are you laughing at young lady.”

Nancy sobered up immediately. Teasing was one thing, but she had not meant to take it so far. “I’m sorry Jo. I was laughing at your obvious belief that we would be returning to Britain.” Her smile gentled as she saw the look upon the other woman’s face.

“Honey, none of us are going to be leaving the Platz any more than you are. We were kind of hoping that you would let us join you here.” She stopped and allowed these new thoughts to sink in.

To her surprise Jo began to cry again. “What’s up pet?” She asked in great concern. Jo sniffed before responding. “I think it was relief” she answered. “None of you know how lonely I get up here day after day. “Yes I have Anna, Rosli and Tina, but look what I have lost.

“All of the younger generation are now bringing up families of their own. Ok Len and Reg are here, but they wouldn’t consider moving their family in with me. The various people who were lodging in part of Freudeshiem have left now to one thing or another. I have lost Madge, the sister I loved so dearly, and her husband who died so long before her.

“Then my beloved Jack went nearly 5 years ago now in the midst of that awful scandal. Dick and Mollie are goodness knows where. And the rest of the family are either over in New Zealand, or are scattered about the globe.

“I don’t mean to be so self centred, but it is hard when you live on your own, rarely seeing anyone barring the staff. I am very close to all of them of course, but it is not the same as having people of my own – my family, the people I was at school with, my friends.

“Your suggestion was such a surprise, coming on top of the thought that I was going to loose you lot as well. I would be more than happy to give you all house room.”

Nancy looked at her in relief. The worst was past now, it would obviously take some time for her to recover fully, but the children would now be of use and while it would be a good idea for Jo to have company most of the time, the staff didn’t need to give up quite so much of their own time now.

It was this which had made the staff so determined that whatever the weather was like, Jo would have Rachel’s company. Even though Tamara was going to have to give up on her intended visit to Len, Jo had to have this diversion.

So the pair carefully wrapped up, and Rachel had a change of clothing for if it was necessary, and they ran over to see Joey.

 

#658:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:07 am

Well done, Nancy, for making Jo aware of all their plans and taking her mind off her own problems. Laughing

Of course it was worth it, my dear Squirrel. That bunny knows what he is doing. Wink

 

#659:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:23 am

Thanks Squirrel

Liz

 

#660:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:54 am

Thanks Squirrel, just catching up with this.

 

#661:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 2:09 pm

Thanks, Squirrel, just the thing to cheer Jo up to know that Hilda and co would be joining her soon!

 

#662:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 2:15 pm

Thanks, Squirrel. So Madge has died as well as Jem. Shocked I hadn't thought of that. I'm glad Nancy was able to comfort Joey and Joey has agreed that the staff retiring will be moving in with her.

 

#663:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:46 am

Just a short bit today - after all it was a long one yesterday! And because I'm doing fill in's tomorrow's bit is a little longer, but it's not finished yet, so I'll make no promises as and when I'll post that - it all depends when I get round to finishing it!

Joey

Jo was rather quiet when they arrived, but she seemed glad to see them. She pressed Tamara to stay with them, and as Tamara had already promised Hilda that if she received an invitation of that kind she would accept it she readily agreed.

“Excellent” her hostess responded quickly. “You pair go and change and I shall organize some thing to drink for you. “Tamara there should be something of Len’s up there from the last time she came to stay, Rachel” she paused for a moment to consider. “I have some of my own clothing with me Mrs Maynard.” Joey smiled at this. “Good, I’m glad about that. It makes things much simpler. Well, put your wet things on the radiators to dry and then come and join me.”

The pair did as they were asked before looking for their hostess. They found her sitting on the floor next to the two dogs, one of whom had his head on her lap. The other bounded up to welcome the newcomers.

Rachel dropped to her knees and put her arms around the big dog. This behaviour stunned him as he was used to people running away from him when he was in a welcoming mood. He was also used to knocking people down by jumping on them. This girl had evaded his tongue by firmly hugging him with his head over her shoulder. He couldn’t lick her face that way, though he could try licking her hair.

He tried it before giving up in disgust. Hair wasn’t as nice for licking as a face was. A hand was alright as well, if you had no other alternative. This girls hands were buried deep in his own soft fur though, and no fun for licking.

He sighed and settled down for this to continue as long as it would. As he settled though he lay down, pulling Rachel with him as he went from a sitting position. Rachel wriggled out of it quickly and wandered over to her hostess. “What wonderful dogs.” She commented.

Jo smiled at her. “They are rather lovely aren’t they?” she asked with a grin. “Tell you what, for your project this morning, why don’t you write a description of the dogs. I don’t say it will be easy, but it will give you the chance to develop a different writing style.”

Rachel looked at her, wrinkling her nose a little at the thought. “Alright, I’ll give it a go, I don’t say I’ll do very well with it though.”

Jo laughed at her be fore responding with her characteristic gentleness. “Honey, this is just about trying. You don’t have to recreate the Mona Lisa in words you know.” This time Rachel joined her in a laugh. As insular as her upbringing had been, she had at least heard of the famous painting. “Just as well” she returned “for whatever else you get it won’t be that!” And with that she went off to do her best with the work she had been given to do.

 

#664:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:51 am

Thanks Squirrel

I wouldn't call that a particularly short post Very Happy

Liz

 

#665:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 8:36 am

Loved seeing the dog's point of view here, Squirrel! Laughing

Wonders how Rachel will do with her *doggie* story.

Thanks, Squirrel.

 

#666:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 11:25 pm

Thanks, Squirrel. It seems strange Jo not telling Rachel to call her Jo or Aunty Joey instead of Mrs Maynard.

 

#667:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 10:15 am

Hi all, true, it depends what you call short, but I'm not into doing one liner story posts! The dog's pov Mary? Well, he did insist that I include it, so I was just doing what I was told. (a rare occurrance that I believe Wink ). As for Joey Chair, well, either I made a mistake, or Jo has 1) given up telling Rachel this, 2) taken comfort from being called by the name which links her to Jack, or 3) is still distracted enough that she has not realized what Rachel has called her!

Chapter

As soon as Rachel had disappeared Jo turned to Tamara and began to question her about how she was finding her new position. This was what she had wanted to do ever since she had heard about the change over.

She was relatively restrained for Jo as she did not ask her anything about her colleague who had left, much to Tamara’s relief. She did thank her for the support she had given to Len. Both Len and the other staff members she had spoken to had mentioned it to her and she was very grateful for the support that the mistress was obviously giving her daughter.

“I’m so sorry that you were not able to go to see Len today” she continued, “But with the weather as it is that was clearly unavoidable.” Just then the phone rang and Jo excused herself, leaving Tamara gasping and breathless at the whirlwind of comments and questions she had just been subjected to. After a day spent with Jo she often felt the need to withdraw and spend a little time on her own. This was even more the case now, after such a trying week as the previous one had been.

The reprieve didn’t last long though and soon Jo was back with her. “Well my dear, I have to break the news that we are in for more visitors.” Tamara felt her heart beginning to sink. What more, had she not had enough already.

“The weather has moderated a little and it is quite dry again, though very wet underfoot, so Reg is bringing the whole family up to see me – he thinks that Len could do with being distracted. I suggested she might want a break, but he reminded me that left on her own she is inclined to brood rather, so he is bringing the lot of them up here.”

Tamara tried to smile at her hostess “How lovely, I’ll be very pleased to see them all.” She said politely. Jo glanced at her sharply, was there something wrong with the woman? She could at least sound happy that Jo had gone to all the trouble to get a bit more company for her.

“I’m going to go and check on Rachel” Jo stated abruptly as she left the room, leaving Tamara to sigh and rejoice in the quiet for as long as she might have it.

The silence was soon enough shattered as an engine came up the drive and the sound of doors slamming was heard. Then the front door opened and a troop of people came in to the house.

Len was the first into the room where Tamara was sitting, and she looked sharply at her friend when she saw her. There was something wrong there and Len knew it. She had no time to question her as she had her daughter Ashley in her arms and as soon as she saw Tamara she was calling to her “Mara, Mara me want Mara!”

Len laughed at her and was about to suggest that she go find her gran when that lady came into the room. “Well then Ashley, not saying ‘hello’ to your granny then?” Jo held out her arms for the young girl to come to her, but Ashley merely looked at her saying “Hello granny, I want to speak to Mara.”

Joey looked at the young girl quietly, hoping that she was alright. This was the first time that Ashley had refused to come to her. “And who might Mara be?” Jo asked her with a smile.

Tamara came up behind her and put her arm around the older lady. She had a funny feeling that Jo might be less than happy with this response. “I am Mara, but you know Ashley, I think that Granny has been missing seeing you recently, and that she would like to spend a little special time with you. How about you go with Gran for a little time and later on you can come and see me?”

Ashley looked at her, pouting. “But I want to stay with you Mara. I saw granny yesterday and I’ve not seen you for ever such a long time.” Realizing that the young girl was not going to be redirected Tamara glanced apologetically at Jo before picking the young girl up. Ashley smiled happily, having got what she wanted, and the adults went to sit down and chatter.

Ashley was happy sitting playing with Tamara’s hair while the rest of them talked amongst themselves. Soon Rachel came through with her attempt at a story, and Tamara was relieved to hear her suggest that they return to school. Unfortunately Joey did not agree with this but she settled things well enough that Tamara was able to put up with it, and Len decided yet again that she needed to talk to Tamara at some point.

 

#668:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 10:19 am

Thanks, Squirrel. I felt sorry for Jo when Ashley refused to go to her.

 

#669:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 7:52 pm

Jo clearly in *whirling dervish* mood. Rolling Eyes

I do hope Tamara can find a bit of peace before she explodes - or implodes. Crying or Very sad

Thanks, Squirrel.

 

#670:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 8:44 pm

I think Jo and Tamara might need someone to help them communicate - I'm sure it would only take a small adjustment for them to be on the same wavelength.

Thanks Squirrel

Liz

 

#671:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 9:25 am

I think Len's going to have to leave it a little longer, things are moving on a bit and she probably doesn't have the time! Now, back to that dreaded newspaper report

Chapter – the report

The following Monday morning Len reached for the paper anxiously. Mr Smyth had promised that the retraction and report would be in this edition of his paper. As she read on her anxiety disappeared and a huge grin grew on her face.

“We would like to apologise to the Maynard family and the Chalet School for any upset or harm we have caused them. We would also like to point out to our readers that we have conducted a full inspection of the school, and have found that the teaching is excellent.

“Mrs Entwhistle, who was personally attacked in this paper last week has received a special going over and has been cleared of all charges.

“Her pupils love her, with her young niece saying “my auntie is the bestest teacher I have” and many of the other pupils putting down such things as passing exams entirely down to her patience in extra coaching sessions.

“One pupil showed a marked fondness for her, and stated that not only had this teacher helped her out when she had been having a difficult time, but she knew she was also there for other staff members if ever they should have a difficulty of any kind.

“The school is also to be congratulated on the one full time history mistress who was invigilated. She had just taken over the post of Head of Department due to the unexpected resignation of the person who had formerly had that position.

“It was found that in the short time she had been in the post – a few days at most – she had taken charge of a department which was rapidly spinning out of control. She had known nothing about this kind of job and had had to learn from others while she was doing the job.

“What makes this even more remarkable was the fact that she owned that change of any kind makes her very stressed and puts a strain on her own ability to function. She appeared slightly nervous in the presence of the invigilator, but other than this slight nervousness and blankness about the face which she admitted was a sign of stress, there was nothing that we could see to show this.

“She has admitted that this is only a temporary position as she feels more comfortable in the position of ordinary class teacher. However we would advise the school that as soon as she feels more confident about doing a job of this kind she should again be elevated to being a departmental head.

“For the full report see page…”

Len looked at it in amazement. This was far more than she had hoped for. She was so glad that the paper had taken the time to mention Tamara as well. She deserved it for the extra work she had put in.

With that she left the house, feeling as if she was walking on air.

 

#672:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 11:00 am

Thanks, Squirrel. I'm glad that Len has cheered up and that the report was so complimentary about Len and Tamara.

 

#673:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 1:42 pm

The papaer certainly made up for its earlier savage indictment, didn't it? No wonder Len is walking on air.

Thanks, Squirrel.

 

#674:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 12:53 am

Oh I'm so glad the paper is being so nice!

Now I hope Len can find time to talk to Tamara, and that Jo can just *calm down*

 

#675:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 10:30 am

Chapter – Reactions

The school itself was so excited that they didn’t know what they were going to do with themselves. In fact, Hilda was moved to murmur to Nell during breakfast “It’s just as well its half term next week, or we would never get them to calm down again.”

Tamara was feeling rather as if she was too much in the limelight, having received an e-mail from June both saying that she was very pleased about the way the school had done in their inspection, and how well Tamara was obviously doing to have merited that praise. Tamara had responded by saying it was just the way the editor, Mr Smyth was making his apologies for having treated the school in the way he had. While it had been his subordinate who had made the move, the responsibility for checking up on him had remained with him, and he had simply ignored this responsibility.

June, knowing something of Tamara’s shyness about any achievement of hers acknowledged this quietly, but told the office that Tamara was doing very well in her job, and seemed happy there. Remembering the difficult time they had had with her at first, and how some of them had nearly despaired of finding her something that she could do – due to constant negativity on her part, there was rejoicing in the office that day.

In the staff room there were also muttered congratulations, and a feeling of peace, and relief pervaded the place. Len had apologised to Hilda, Tamara, and Kathie about they way she had let herself go. “If my faith had been stronger I would have been able to deal with a knock like that far more easily. I did manage better than the last time around, but I should not have let myself go in the way I did.”

Tamara was the one who was ready for her. “Len, I know where you are coming from, but just hang on a minute here. Yes, we have help from God, and yes, that help is both natural and supernatural, but no, that doesn’t mean that you should not have needed the help.

Now I don’t know how badly you were affected the last time, but you need to remember that it had a far greater effect on your whole family. And you had the worry about your mother as well.

No one is going to blame you for this you know. I think you coped wonderfully well, and you knew to rely upon those God placed there for you. Look at it this way – this didn’t happen until you had made me so welcome in your family that it was almost like I was part of your family.

“I was settled in the school, but was not as affected as others were because I did not know your father, and did not arrive until long after all that blew over. From my point of view it didn’t happen, and I wasn’t called upon to take this post of responsibility until after I knew Gwynneth well enough to go to her if I did not feel able to go to you. I really dislike being in this kind of position, but I couldn’t tell you or Hilda that, you would have felt guilty, and there was nothing else Hilda could do about it. Now I am slightly happier where I am, because I seem to be managing the job. But Gwynneth was the one who pulled me through so that I could act in the way I did.

“I’m sure there are lots of other things, but listen Len, if you were not meant to need people to support you, and if I were not meant to take the support offered to me by Gwynneth, why would God have put us in the position where there were people ready positioned to give us that support. He would have abandoned us to do as best we could on our own.

“He wouldn’t do that to us, God is so loving that he always makes sure there is someone who can help us, as long as we ask for that help.

“So no Len, you have no reason to apologise to us. We can only be thankful that God chose us, unfaithful as we often are, and He allowed us to touch you. Now that really is a miracle”

With that she left the room quickly, and the other two, after assuring Len that they agreed with her, quickly left the room to let the new thoughts do their work. There was nothing either one could say which would add anything to the reasoning already placed before her.

 

#676:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 11:35 am

Thanks, Squirrel. Tamara is really growing in confidence.

 

#677:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 12:22 pm

*agrees with Chair*
Squirrel wrote:
The school itself was so excited that they didn’t know what they were going to do with themselves.

Watch out for silly pranks and misbehaviour from the Middles!

Thanks Squirrel

Liz

 

#678:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 12:37 pm

wise words from Tamara there, something we could all do with remembering sometimes

Thank you Squirrel, very thought provoking.

 

#679:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 6:44 pm

As George Eliot once said, and Tamara seems to be reiterating to Len, what are we here for if not to make life less difficult for others.

Thanks, Squirrel

 

#680:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 2:11 am

This is great Squirrel, and can only echo Mary's comment.

 

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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