Alternative Challenge - Part Two
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#1: Alternative Challenge - Part Two Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Nov 21, 2004 11:00 pm

Archived for length 25/11/04 Part One ~Vikki~

Mabel Cartwright stared at herself in the mirror. Sunday evening and she was alone at home. But stranger than that, she didn’t think she minded. She ran her hands through her short blond hair until it was all sticking up on end. “What on earth?” she asked her reflection, but it looked as puzzled as she did. Which, when she thought about it, was only normal. But Mabel had the distinct sense that something unnormal had happened. The problem was, she couldn’t figure out what it was.

Sighing, she left her well-appointed bathroom and headed back to the drawing room. Her companion of that morning had declined her invitation to visit Mabel’s apartment for the evening. Some excuse about meeting an old school-friend. Mabel shook her head in perplexity as she remembered herself extending this invitation. She never asked someone back immediately after the first night. It was against all her principles.

But the girl had been so – well – ! Mabel threw herself down restlessly on her chaise longue. Beautiful, of course. Yet more than that, she had character. Mabel couldn’t remember seeing anyone so vivid in the Gateways for – well – her memory failed her. Mabel shook her head impatiently. It wasn’t like her to be this preoccupied with someone after a first date. Especially when – she grimaced slightly – she couldn’t actually remember the evening itself. The girl had said they’d got home in a taxi. Which was a good thing for the Bentley, though its owner had a rueful feeling she would find a parking ticket adorning it when she finally recovered it. Still…

Lady Cartwright cast her mind over the surroundings in which she had found herself that morning. Now she thought about it, there was something troubling her about the room she’d slept in last night. She mulled it over. Comfortable bed, nice velvet curtains, a classy armoire… she sat bolt upright. There hadn’t been anything on the chest of drawers. She must have slept in the spare room. Which meant that she had slept alone. But why? And why, Mabel cursed herself despairingly, couldn’t she remember the girl’s name?

Last edited by Catherine_B on Thu Dec 29, 2005 10:18 am; edited 33 times in total

 

#2:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sun Nov 21, 2004 11:04 pm

Not that I am unappreciative, but poke Cathy...

 

#3:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Nov 21, 2004 11:05 pm

Lovely to see this back Cath - thank you!! Very Happy

 

#4:  Author: Signa, Location: Lily ponds, Bosherston PostPosted: Sun Nov 21, 2004 11:15 pm

Oh, that's really cruel. More soon? Pleeeeeeeze?

 

#5:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Nov 21, 2004 11:30 pm

Nice one Cathy! Laughing

 

#6:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Nov 21, 2004 11:56 pm

I think it's Mary-Lou!!!!

 

#7:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 1:10 am

Thanks Catherine, but who was she with? If I don't find out soon I shall be forced to send a crate of wine on the next available Securicor van.

 

#8:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 3:21 am

*exceedingly puzzled* *does owl imitation* who? who? who? (This isn't what Hilda's up to while "inspecting schools," is it? Neutral )

 

#9:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 9:59 am

*agog with curiosity* Mhy can't Mabel remember!!! I hope she does soon.

 

#10:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 10:04 am

Yep - nice one Cathy!! Laughing Have to admit I think it's Mary-Lou too ... Please come and put us out of our misery, Cathy!!

 

#11:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 10:14 am

Had got toally behind with this so just caught up on a whole heap - tis great as always Cathy! Very Happy didn't have a clue who it was, but now also think it's Mary-Lou! (just hanging onto coat tails here!!) Looking forward to fidning out for sure!

 

#12:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 1:43 pm

Please may wehave more shiny story soon, extremely shiny Cathy?

 

#13:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 5:52 pm

*peers curiously round the corner* Thank you Cathy Very Happy

 

#14:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 6:13 pm

Kathy_S wrote:
(This isn't what Hilda's up to while "inspecting schools," is it? Neutral )
This made me laugh lots. Thank thank you for posting more Cathy. But it is oh so cruel to keep us in suspense.

 

#15:  Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 9:47 pm

[quote="Mihiri"]
Kathy_S wrote:
(This isn't what Hilda's up to while "inspecting schools," is it? Neutral )
Argggghhhhhh - Lesley, where are you to protect your idol

 

#16:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 9:57 pm

[quote="Kim"]
Mihiri wrote:
Kathy_S wrote:
(This isn't what Hilda's up to while "inspecting schools," is it? Neutral )
Argggghhhhhh - Lesley, where are you to protect your idol
Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

 

#17:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 11:13 am

Thank you Cathy! Must admit that ML had also sprung to my mind...

 

#18:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 4:55 pm

Thanks Catherine. Must admit ML sprang to mind as soon as I read the post - glad to know I wasn't the only one.

 

#19:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 8:27 pm

Kathy s wrote [quote]This isn't what Hilda's up to while "inspecting schools," is it?[/quote In Catherine's last post, mysterious stranger is referred to as "the girl" three times. i know Hilda doesn't need glasses but if mysterious stranger is her, i think mabel must need them!

 

#20:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 9:38 pm

Maybe she's being generous! ROFL

 

#21:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 10:06 pm

ooh...i got really excited thinking there might have been mroe added. Please please can we have some more Catherine?

 

#22:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: North West England PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 9:36 pm

I just noticed the author of this drabble was lurking on the board and thought i would drag this up from the bottom of page six to see if it jogged her memory!! Wink Pretty please Catherine, I know you have been "jet setting" over Christmas but................ Very Happy

 

#23:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 10:37 pm

I'm not lurking! I'm very intensively catching up on all the exciting drabbles I've missed Mr. Green OK, OK... I'll post more... tomorrow!

 

#24:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:48 pm

Quote:
OK, OK... I'll post more... tomorrow!
I'm looking forward to tomorrow! And as it is only 10 minutes away - is it worth me staying up past midnight? Very Happy

 

#25:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:57 pm

3 minutes to go and counting Twisted Evil

 

#26:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 12:37 am

it's tomorrow now.... hint hint

 

#27:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 9:50 am

I'm guessing Cathy meant tomorrow as in this evening so i'm going to wait patiently...but if there isn't any more tomorrow morning... Twisted Evil

 

#28:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 11:33 pm

And now it's nearly yesterday's the day after tomorrow! Confused? So am I... Confused Very Happy Catherine???

 

#29:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 11:44 pm

Aren't you demanding!

“Ready to go?” Rosalie glanced at the new Head as they prepared to cross the gardens to Freudesheim, where the Maynards were expecting them for a start-of-term dinner. “I must say I’m looking forward to a nice, quiet evening out of school. It’s been a busy weekend.”

Nancy shook her blond head with a laugh, “Now that’s tempting fate with a vengeance! Quiet isn’t always what one gets with Jo!” She pulled on her coat, and smiled at her companion, “Still, I wouldn’t object. There’s been quite enough activity for one weekend.”

The School Secretary’s eyes danced, “It must be rather a shock. One would never guess from Hilda’s calm demeanour how much the Headship involves!”

“Quite!” Nancy’s mind dwelt for a moment on the individual interviews, staff meeting and meeting at St Mildred’s that had occupied her during the last two days, considerably more than the duties of a plain Housemistress. She put the thoughts behind her, “Well, I’m ready. Shall we go?”

--

“Welcome to Freudesheim!” Jo flung open the door with a will. “Come on in, and make yourselves at home. We’re all ready to greet the new management!”

“Welcome indeed,” Jack, standing behind his wife, smiled at the two women. For once the Herr Doktor Maynard had excused himself from the Sanatorium and was devoting himself to receiving their guests, “We’re very glad you’ve come.”

The Maynards had been on holiday in the Tiernsee during the summer, and consequently this was their first proper opportunity to spend time with Miss Annersley’s replacement. Now they greeted her warmly.

Nancy stepped into the spacious entrance hall. “Thanks for the invitation!” she handed over her coat with a slight smile. “You needn’t expect anything dramatic from the ‘new management,’ though. If I have my way, you won’t even notice that Hilda’s gone!”

Jo glanced swiftly at the younger woman – Nancy was her junior by a year – then smiled. “Oh, I’m sure there’ll be some differences. You’re the first maths mistress as Head, for one thing. I can’t imagine you setting Milton’s sonnets as a punishment, for example – as my sister once did for me!”

“Not really?” Jack grinned as he took Rosalie’s coat, “Now that’s a legend I’ve never heard before! Poor Madge! What heinous crime had you committed?”

“Oh, nothing worse than usual,” Jo said easily. “All the same, she was very much ‘Madame’ rather than ‘Madge’ on that occasion!” She cast a laughing look at Nancy, “Still, I probably got off lightly. Memorising Milton was a lot easier than doing algebra!”

Jack smiled at their two friends, who were laughing at this nonsense as his wife had intended. “Do come in, both of you," he ushered them further into the hall with a friendly motion. "The children are asleep, thank goodness, so for once the house is ours alone for the evening.”

Last edited by Catherine_B on Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:30 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#30:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 11:53 pm

Yippeeeee!!! Thankyou Catherine Very Happy You're a star!! Lovely update - a nice Joey and Jack too! Smile

 

#31:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 1:09 am

Wonderful Sounds so homely and nice with the gentle teasing - hope Nancy can really relax for the evening

 

#32:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 3:29 am

Welcome back, and thank you!

 

#33:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 5:27 am

It's back!!! Yippee! Laughing

 

#34:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 8:57 am

Good to see this back Very Happy Looking forward to much, much more ... and a reply to my PM wouldn't go amiss either!! Wink

 

#35:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:29 am

SHINY Cathy Very Happy Thank you Kiss

 

#36:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:42 am

Oh fab - it's back Very Happy Welcome back to you too Cathy Laughing

 

#37:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:53 am

Hurrah, it's back! And welcome back Cathy! With this and RCS I expect to be a vision of sereneness this afternoon... )

 

#38:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 10:26 am

Great to see both you and this back Cathy, thank you for another wonderful update. Very Happy

 

#39:  Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 11:05 am

Good to see some more of this, and interesting to see Joey. I don't think she's featured much in any of AltRom (unless I've forgotten) so I'm curious to see how she is with Nancy.

 

#40:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 11:19 am

Thank you Cathy!!! Very Happy Agreeing with Xanthe - very shiny!

 

#41:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 4:36 pm

Shiny, shiny, most definitely shiny!

 

#42:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: North West England PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 6:36 pm

Thank you, thank you, thank you.... etc fantastic start to my weekend .............were's the next intallment??? Laughing

 

#43:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 7:24 pm

Thank you Cathy!! Lovely Very Happy

 

#44:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 8:12 pm

Thank you Cathy!!! You are extremely shiny!

 

#45:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 8:54 pm

How lovely to see more of this. Thank you, such a lovely scene as well.

 

#46:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:32 pm

Thank you Catherine. Its great to see this back

 

#47:  Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire PostPosted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 8:53 pm

Hurrah! Very glad to see this back, Thank you Catherine! :red:

 

#48:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 12:07 am

Cool this is back! Thank you Catherine!

 

#49:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 11:48 pm

The atmosphere that evening was relaxed. As if by tacit agreement, the friends kept the conversation away from school business during dinner. Jack and Jo had both caught the quiet rebuttal in Nancy’s initial comment, and surmised - correctly - that she did not want a fuss made about her new position. Instead they turned the talk to their recent trip to the Tiernsee, a topic of great interest to their two guests, who had lived in the locale for several years and were eager to hear about the latest developments around the lake.

As Joey remarked gladly, the past few seasons had witnessed an increasing number of summer visitors to the area, bringing much-needed business for the guest-houses which had suffered sadly in the decade following the war. Yet the country’s political future remained far from certain despite this recent boom. It was true, Jack noted, that the withdrawal of allied troops two years previously had been a sign of those powers’ confidence in Austria’s recovery. But the thousands of refugees who had fled over the border from Hungary during the past year had shaken the new state, and even Western regions such as the Tyrol had experienced some of the strain.

Nancy and Rosalie listened keenly, throwing in several questions about recent events. Since their departure from Austria nearly two decades ago, the Chalet School staff had – by force of circumstance – become more informed about political affairs. Not that the women would ever have described themselves as ‘political’. But their early experiences in the Tyrol had given them a strong personal interest in the fortunes of that nation. In the same way they were concerned, as a matter of course, for the nations of all their old friends and schoolmates.

Last edited by Catherine_B on Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:31 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#50:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 11:51 pm

Thank you Cathy - yes I should imagine after what happened in Austria they would keep a closer eye on the political situation.

 

#51:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 9:47 am

Loving this - gives a much more rounded picture of the characters and of course they'd be more interested in the politics etc than EBD ever gave them credit for ...

 

#52:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 10:21 am

Thanks Cathy, their thoughts are very true to life I'd imagine.

 

#53:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 11:10 am

Thank you Cathy - very realistic.

 

#54:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 1:14 pm

Thank you Cathy!

 

#55:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 3:45 pm

Excellent installment, Cathy.Very true to life......very EBD style but also more real than she ever made them

 

#56:  Author: Signa, Location: Lily ponds, Bosherston PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 9:20 pm

Quote:
Excellent installment, Cathy. Very true to life......very EBD style but also more real than she ever made them
Yes, you write much better grownups than EBD. More soon please. Have you forgotten poor Mabel?

 

#57:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 8:25 pm

It was not until the friends had retired to the Salon to sip their after dinner drinks that the talk turned to school affairs, and for once it was Jack Maynard who led the conversation in that direction.

“So, Nancy! How are you looking forward to the term?” His question was forthright, for as Head of the Sanatorium he felt a natural curiosity about the change in management at the other institution on the Platz. He caught his wife’s look and grinned at her, “Don’t tell I’m being impolite, Jo! You want to know as much as I do.”

That lady shook her dark head laughingly, “I won’t deny it! Only she may have had enough of work for one day,” Jo Maynard was always ready to discuss happenings at the Chalet School, but with her usual knack of telling other people’s feelings she had sensed the weariness beneath Nancy’s pleasant demeanour. Now she glanced at their guest, “You won’t let us wear you out with our curiosity, will you?”

Nancy smiled. Much as she enjoyed the Maynards’ company, she had accepted their invitation at least in part as a work engagement, for there were half a dozen other ways she might have been relaxing that evening. “It’s all right, Jo. I’ve no objection to talking shop.” She sat back and considered Jack’s question, “I suppose I’m looking forward to the term, though not entirely without trepidation.” She smiled suddenly at her secretary, “At least I’ve got the best support I could hope for in the office.”

“It’s a pleasure,” Rosalie said tranquilly. She glanced at their hosts, “You needn’t believe what she says about being apprehensive, you know. She’s taken charge quite capably. Even Hilda couldn’t have handled the Staff Meeting better yesterday than Nancy did.”

“There were difficulties?” Jo queried.

“None worth recalling,” Nancy said carefully. She mused for a moment. “To be honest, my main ambition is to hand the reins back at the end of term without having left any problems for Hilda.” She saw the expression on Jack’s face at this cautious comment, “It would be different if I were taking over the Headship permanently, but I’m not. I’m only in the post for three months – that’s simply not long enough to try out any new ideas.”

“That’s true enough,” Jack conceded the point. “You’d not have time to see them through, and if they didn’t work out later, people would say it was the ideas that were wrong and not the change in management. I’ve seen it often enough in medicine.” He glanced at her astutely, “I notice you’re not saying you don’t have any new ideas though.”

Nancy laughed, “That’s neither here nor there!” She shook her fair head, “You’re not drawing me on that one, Jack. I’m just here to fill in for Hilda, and that’s what I’ll do.”

Jo glanced at Nancy, rather struck by her self-assurance. Though the triplets had always extolled the Head of Maths’ virtues as a teacher – even Con the un-mathematically minded had appreciated her classes! – she had never imagined Nancy leading the school. It had been something of a surprise when Hilda had broken the news, though her faith in that lady’s wisdom had made her accept the decision unquestioningly. Now she began to realise just how far Nancy Wilmot had come since her early days in the Tyrol. She opened her mouth to ask whether the other woman would consider taking the Headship when Hilda retired, then realised the question was rather inappropriate. She replaced it with a random question instead, “What does Kathie think of all this?”

Nancy only just managed to suppress a gesture of surprise. Whatever else she had expected from Jo, it hadn't been that. “She’s been very supportive,” Nancy knew the response was awkward, and for the life of her couldn’t stop the heat creeping up her face. “Thanks.”

Rosalie saw that Nancy had been caught off guard, and turned the subject. “It’s a big year for all of us. I can hardly believe it’s the triplets’ last year at school!” She looked inquiringly at Jack and Jo. “It’s your turn to tell us some news. Have they decided finally on what they’ll do next?”

Last edited by Catherine_B on Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:33 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#58:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: North West England PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 10:15 pm

Thank you for the update! do we get to see what Jack and Joey's initial reaction to Margot's decison to be a nun and Len's love interest?? Looking forward to next installment!

 

#59:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 10:36 pm

Thanks Cathy Very Happy Good to see that Joey displayed some tact with Nancy!!

 

#60:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 11:19 pm

So Joey doesn't know does she.........Thanks Cathy Laughing

 

#61:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 12:50 am

Very Happy Thanks Cathy. So glad this is back.

 

#62:  Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 4:54 pm

So, Joey just made an innocent remark with regard to Kathie? If so, she and Jack will surely have noticed Nancy's reaction. Goodness - what will they deduce? Was there not a drabble (an offshoot of AltRom?) where Joey was hilariously venomous when she found out about Kathie and Nancy?

 

#63:  Author: Matthew, Location: Birmingham, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 12:47 am

I've just read the whole of alternate romance, decisions and what's been written of this one all in one sitting, so I must be hooked! Laughing A sensitive subject superbly handled. Well done!

 

#64:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 2:51 am

Snap, Matthew! I've just done the same thing, in order to remind myself where I'm at, so to speak, and Catherine, I think it's marvellous! You have woven the alternative Kathie and Nancy so well into the existing framework that I'm starting to think this *is* how it was!

 

#65:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 1:46 pm

Just caught up. Thank you so much Cathy. Its lovely

 

#66:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 8:52 pm

Playing catchup here too. Thankyou Catherine. I think Joey does know, or at least, has a strong suspicion, but isn't letting on to Nancy that she does.

 

#67:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 11:31 am

Jo’s attention was turned by this question as Rosalie had intended, “Oh, I know! Isn’t it simply dreadful? It makes me feel so aged when my children are almost grown up!”

“After eleven children I’d be worried if you didn’t feel like an adult yourself,” Jack interjected.

“Well!” Jo was robbed of breath for a second, “I like that for cheek!” She glared at her husband, “Did I ever say I didn’t feel grown up? There’s a considerable gap between adult and aged, I’ll have you know!”

Her husband chuckled infuriatingly, “Thought you’d rise!” He grinned at her indignant expression, then turned back to their guests. “To answer your question, nothing apart from their universities is settled. And even there, Len and Con need to pass the Oxford exam.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem, barring accidents,” Rosalie remarked, seeing that Nancy seemed loathe to comment on this. “Len is streets ahead of the average English girl in terms of her languages, and I can’t imagine that many have read more literature than Con.”

“Oh, that’s true enough,” Jack agreed calmly. “I was just trying not to count chickens before they’d hatched. Margot is safe for Edinburgh, of course, after her exam results last year.”

Rosalie smiled, knowing that he was much prouder of the youngest triplet’s achievements than his tones showed. Then she returned to his earlier remark, “You said nothing apart from university?”

Husband and wife exchanged looks. “That’s all there is for the moment,” Jo answered slowly. She shook her head at her friend’s quizzical glance, “Nothing has been said, and I don’t expect it to be for a while yet. Len’s still a schoolgirl.”

“Reg seems to know his mind,” Rosalie said detachedly. The young doctor, who was on good terms with the Head of the Sanatorium and visited Freudesheim fairly often, was well-liked by most of the inhabitants of the Platz.

“He may do, but it’s too early for Len yet,” Jack’s voice was suddenly firm. “I won’t have her pushed into making a decision before she’s ready. It’ll be occasion enough when she’s had some time away at college to make up her mind about what she wants.”

“We’re agreed on that,” Jo added quietly, “Whatever she decides about Reg, Len will go to university.” She glanced at her husband, and her black eyes grew soft, “I’ll not try to stop her marrying him, though, if that’s what she wants. It’s the greatest happiness that I can wish her.”

The four friends were quiet for a moment, each reflecting on this.

Then Nancy broke the silence, “And the other two?”

Jo smiled, thinking of the younger triplets. “Oh, Con will be wrapped up in her writing for the near future, I expect. She’s managed to suppress it because of her schoolwork, I know, but she’s been yearning to try her hand with historical fiction for a while.” She paused for a moment. “And Margot…”

Jack cleared his throat, “Margot has always been the unpredictable one.” His voice was suddenly gruff. “She’s still wrestling with herself, I think.”

Rosalie glanced at the doctor, and was surprised to see him so serious. “Why, what do you mean? I thought Margot had settled on medicine.”

“She has,” Jack said briefly. He shook his head at the school secretary’s inquiring look, “She’s always had the longest road to tread, though. It’s been that way ever since she was a child.”

“‘My devil’,” Rosalie remembered. She looked at Joey, and was puzzled to see her friend also troubled. “But she’s become so much steadier over the years. Why, when I think of all the wicked things she and Emerence used to get up to -”

“Yes,” Jo frowned suddenly at the recollection of her younger daughter’s worse exploits. “You know, I’ve never interfered with the girls’ friendships. We’ve always encouraged them to have friends besides one another. But why Margot had to pitch on Emerence,” she sighed, “They just seemed to attract trouble!”

“Oh, well, that’s certainly true,” her friend conceded. “But that was over three years ago! Surely Margot has changed an awful lot since then.”

“She has.” Jo glanced at Jack, then shook her head. “Sorry, both of you. I don’t think we can explain any more than that. I’m not sure that even we understand fully.”

“That’s fair enough,” Nancy, who had said little during this exchange, spoke up quietly now. After a pause she leant over to touch her secretary lightly on the shoulder, “I say, Ros, it’s nearly eleven.”

“Eleven?” This startled the older woman out of her contemplation. “Good heavens, how ever did it get so late? We’d better be making a move, or we’ll never be up in time for work tomorrow.” She turned to their hosts, “Thank you, both of you. It was a lovely evening.”

Last edited by Catherine_B on Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:35 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#68:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 11:33 am

*happy dancing* thank you SHINY Cathy Kiss

 

#69:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:15 pm

Indeed very shiny! Thank you Cathy! Nancy didn't seem entirely comfortable with Joey though.

 

#70:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 1:18 pm

I don't think there's anything to read into that ... is there? Confused *starting to worry* As teaching staff and doubly as Head, it's not really for Nancy to comment on what's a certainty or not ... and I got the impression that Nancy brought the evening to an end because it was late and they had started to encroach on personal, family stuff? Aaagh Nell - you've got my mind working in ways I would prefer it not to!! Evil or Very Mad Cathy - this is top notch Very Happy Everyone is behaving totally as they should and being proper to their CS selves
Quote:
“I’ll not try to stop her marrying him, though, if that’s what she wants. It’s the greatest happiness that I can wish her.”
Perfect - exactly as Joey really is and not as she is constantly maligned (all pushy and interfering) - you've also captured her & Jack's relationship bee-yootifully - they're just made for each other and you know that they simply want the best for all their kids Good to see another chunk of this- if we could perhaps increase the frequency though? Mr. Green Thanks in advance Wink

 

#71:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 1:33 pm

Quote:
Aaagh Nell - you've got my mind working in ways I would prefer it not to!!
Sorry Rachael - mine was already doing it...agree with the probable reasons but my mind had already gone down the whole had Joey noticed Nancy's reaction to the question about Kathie and then with the whole newspaper article from Mabel.....

 

#72:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 2:05 pm

Thank you Cathy!!! Wonderful to have more!

 

#73:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 2:41 pm

Really lovely Cathy. And as has been said, you have Joey and Jack spot on. This is totally the Joey I see in the books. My minds still on the innocent route as far as Joey and Nancy are concerned. I thought Nancy just thought it was late and that they should go. Hope I'm not just being naive - the above wibbling's got me worried now! Confused Looking forward to more... Razz

 

#74:  Author: Signa, Location: Lily ponds, Bosherston PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 2:52 pm

Hey - there's no way that Joey knows. She's not nearly as tolerant or sensitive as, well, even Jack, for example. Or even particularly imaginative. Yes, I know EBD thinks she is but she's not, not really. Can't wait for more.

 

#75:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 2:52 pm

also ignoring the wibblers really like J&J's relationship in this, thanks Catherine

 

#76:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 3:00 pm

A really lovely insight into the side of Joey and Jack's marriage that they don't really show us. And interesting comments about Margot too! Thanks Cathy

 

#77:  Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 4:08 pm

I'm afraid my mind's going down the "Joey didn't know but she's about to figure it out" route. Thanks Catherine, and more would be rather nice...

 

#78:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 4:45 pm

Joey ought to know already because of all the rumours flying round the Platz and the pastor's sermon after Joan Bertram opened her nasty trap - at least she must know of the rumours and being Jo she'd have wanted to know whether they were true and would have burrowed away at it until she found out ... And if she'd had a completely negative reaction surely we'd know by now? I don't say she'd find it easy, and we saw Nell struggle a little on that front, but I think after talking it through with a few people she could come to accept it ... at least that would be my expectation of her because she's a good, loving person who cares about others ... Oh dear ... Cathy - please come and put me out of my misery!! Where is this going?! I don't think I'm going to like it if Joey lets me down Confused

 

#79:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 7:19 pm

I don't know whether this would be an issue on which Joey would be tolerant - certainly when Catherine wrote that extra 'if only' bit where she did find out, her reaction wasn't so out of character. I think the problem is that Joey's upbringing and life meant she was very sheltered -she never actually went out into the world. Yes Nell had a concern about the relationship -but it was only momentarily and was, I think, a perfectly natural reaction.She was certainly fully supportive only a few days later. With Joey, I'm not so sure - I hope I'm wrong, but I don't feel she would react well. Sorry Catherine -hijacking your thread -lovely story BTW. Thank you! Laughing

 

#80:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 9:15 am

Rachael - I'd just like to say arrgh! My brain was quite happy having a little wibble about Nancy and Joey's reaction and then your wibbling means it got totally carried away and started imagining all sorts of nasty things that coudl happen.... And Cathy hasn't posted anythign to help stop it!!!

 

#81:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 10:12 am

Sorry, Nell! Very Happy I remember Cathy writing Joey's reaction separately to the rest of Alt Rom, so I'm hoping that keeping it separate was for a reason - i.e. it didnt actually happen - just a "what if" scenario ... !! *clutching at straws* I know Joey isn't wordly-wise but she is an intelligent and sensitive woman - sometimes we do her an injustice by assuming the worst. I just don't think she's the sort of person to make an enormous scene and cast them out of the fold, not without some serious thought ... especially as religion is a big part of her therefore an adverse reaction would also clash with her beliefs. I think she would be as racked as Kathie and Nancy are themselves (in Alt Rom) in finding a way to reconcile something she believes is wrong with the fact that these women are good people and good friends. In fact, it's probably the first time she's been confronted with something like this so close to home that she has to deal with it in real rather than hypothetical terms In which case, after a lot of soul-searching, it's possible she would come to the conclusion, that whilst she believes it is "wrong" and therefore "a sin", the issue lies between N&K and their God - and just as she would not expect people to condemn her actions as sins and as her own confessions etc are a private matter, she will try not to comment on them ... Although I don't say a few healthy debates wouldn't be interesting! I know I'm harping on but Joey comes in for so much stick (much of it unfounded or exaggerated) and this drabble is so lovely and so true to the characters that I just would like to see her reacting positively ... And Cathy - I saw you on the board last night!!! Evil or Very Mad Come and write some more!

 

#82:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 10:42 am

*g* naughty Cathy!! I've just popped back to add that, after catching up with Ann's excellent Esther, we do know that Joey can be very broad-minded ... Very Happy So ..... I have every confidence - even if, as you say, it could well be a long and tortuous road ... *trying very hard not to hijack this very shiny drabble any further!*

 

#83:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 10:59 am

You are so demanding! I'm trying to sort out the Senegalese economy, my brain is crashing from lots of nasty equations, I come on here for some rest and relaxation and find all these demands! Laughing Rolling Eyes But I will say that I'm vastly entertained by all this speculation!

 

#84:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 11:01 am

Sowwy Auntie Caffy! We'll be good now... ...mind you I doubt we'll become any more patient!! Have fun with the equations! Laughing

 

#85:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 2:30 pm

*agrees with Rachael* But best of luck with the Senegalese economy! Confused

 

#86:  Author: Signa, Location: Lily ponds, Bosherston PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 2:51 pm

You could just abandon your job & concentrate on writing.

 

#87: Give up job Author: Liseke,  PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 3:14 pm

Well, there is one way out - she can do an MA or PhD and you spend your days "writing" and "researching".... Amazing what you can find in libraries.... Had to go to the BL to find the last CSs that I couldn't find. Anyway, am enjoying the stories, thank you.

 

#88:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 12:12 am

Well, just because you're all so impatient, a little snippet...

The night air was fresh as the two women made their way back, and Nancy found herself reviving into wakefulness. Her mind was full from the conversations with Jack and Jo, impressions of Austria swirling together with their comments about the triplets’ futures. She glanced over at Rosalie, wondering if her companion was feeling the same. “Did you enjoy the evening?”

“Oh!” The school secretary wasn’t used to this question. When she visited Freudesheim with Miss Annersley it was usually taken as read. “Yes, I did,” she glanced across at the Head, and found herself speaking with unusual honesty, “It’s good to get out of school, Nancy. It might not seem like much, going to Jack and Jo’s once a week or so, but it makes a difference for me.”

“I – I’m sure it does!” Nancy slowed down, realising that Rosalie wasn’t just speaking casually. She looked at the other woman, surprised by her confidence, “They’re good company.”

“Yes, they are,” Rosalie felt as though the moonlight was luring her away from her usual reserve, “I was glad to come tonight.” The wine she had drunk was making her feel light-headed too, “I – I – Nancy, I know you’d probably rather have taken Kathie, but – well -”

“Oh!” Nancy’s heart missed a beat. She tried to speak lightly, “Well, everyone knows that Kathie’s my usual partner in crime – that is – she’s -” her voice faltered. Rosalie had spoken with such desperate honesty. And now she was gazing at her, wide-eyed. There was only one thing she could say, so she said it, “my partner.”

The older woman stared at her for a long moment, before nodding. “Yes.”

Last edited by Catherine_B on Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:37 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#89:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 1:03 am

*bounces up and down* Shiny, shiny, SHINY Cathy!!! Thank you Kiss

 

#90:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 6:11 am

Awwww, that's lovely. Glad Nancy felt able to say that. Thanks Catherine.

 

#91:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 9:40 am

Awww. Thank you Cathy, that was lovely. Well done Nancy - though I have a feeling Rosalie was wellaware of that anyway but glad Nancy felt able to say it. *doesn't answer those wibbles though* Wink

 

#92:  Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 10:06 am

Very lovely indeed. So nice to see a three dimensional Rosalie.

 

#93:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 10:30 am

Such a nice SHINY Cathy Very Happy Thank you Kiss

 

#94:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 10:53 am

Wonderful! Very Happy *beams happily*Thank you Cathy!

 

#95:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 11:07 am

rosalie with a personality.....and a life*faints*we're so used to rosalie as a good little drone working in the outer office it's really nice to see her outside the school. I'm really glad Nancy felt she could tell Rosalie that Kathy was her partner but Shocked how did Rosalie already know?or is it just a big open secret?

 

#96:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 11:18 am

Well my grounds for thinking she already had an idea were, firstly the same as Rachael's for Joey possibly knowing - ie. the rumours flying around the platz after the sermon, and secondly the conversation she had with Hilda in Alt Rom when N&K were in the study and Hilda didn't want to interrupt them...
Catherine_B wrote:
“Hello, Rosalie!” Hilda Annersley entered her secretary’s office with a light tread. “Is everything under control?” “So far!” that lady cast a rueful glance at the piles of paper covering the big desk in the office, “I think I’ll make it to Tuesday in one piece – just!” The headmistress and her assistant exchanged understanding smiles. The end of term was always one of the busiest times for both of them. “Oh, by the way, Nancy and Kathie came in a couple of minutes ago,” Rosalie added as an afterthought. “They said you’d asked to see them, so I told them to go through to your study. They’re waiting there for you now.” “Indeed!” Miss Annersley bent thoughtfully over some papers that Rosalie was asking her to sign. Her meaning yesterday had merely been to invite the mistresses for separate end-of-term interviews, but they had evidently interpreted her words as a joint invitation. “Did they say what it was about, Rosalie?” she inquired casually. Her secretary looked surprised, “No – nothing. Why?” “Oh, no reason,” the Head mused again for a second. Though rarely in the staffroom, she was well aware of the dynamics between her staff, and knew all about the tensions between the two mistresses during the past half term. Kathie’s fears to the contrary, her frown the previous evening had reflected nothing more than regret at interrupting what was evidently a private reconciliation. The Head’s brows furrowed again for an instant. Then she straightened up with a slight smile. “In that case, I’ll go on through to the study.” Her voice was distinctly louder than usual. Rosalie stared at her in astonishment. The Abbess was famed for having a voice that reached the furthest corner of any room without any effort, and her secretary simply couldn’t imagine what had caused her to shout like this. Then her mouth formed a perfect ‘O’ of surprise, and she turned an attractive shade of pink as the headmistress winked at her before walking past. Hilda Annersley had no intention of interrupting another intimate scene between her two mistresses!
So my thought was that she had worked out Hilda's inference and knew even if N&K didn't know she knew.

 

#97:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 12:15 pm

Absolutely - what's nice about this is that instead of everyone knowing but not knowing "formally", Rosalie is showing her acceptance and support ..

 

#98:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 6:42 pm

Nell wrote:
*doesn't answer those wibbles though* Wink
Dear me, does it not? Rolling Eyes

A silence fell over them. Nancy felt almost giddy. Two such little words, how had she never said them to Rosalie before? And how had she said them now? There was nothing to be done. She stared back at Rosalie, and opened her mouth as though to speak, though she had nothing more to say.

“Yes,” Rosalie repeated, forestalling her. She put her hand on Nancy’s arm. “Are you OK?”

The steady pressure of the hand was somehow reassuring. “Yes.” Nancy’s senses began to return. Everything around her was absurdly familiar. The path she was standing on, the school building in the distance, her friend before her. Of course she was OK. “Of course I am, Ros.”

Rosalie kept holding on. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Another wave of shock washed over Nancy. “I told you,” she took a deep breath to steady herself, “but you knew already, I think.”

“It’s all right.” Rosalie herself was a little surprised by how much it meant, the saying of the unsaid, though she knew – and felt - that it did. She looked at Nancy, “I did know. But it’s all right.”

The younger woman began to shake. “I told you. And Kathie -”

“Is going to be fine,” Rosalie glanced around, “Come on Nancy, let’s sit down. There’s a bench over there.” She drew her companion along with her, and urged her into the seat. “There, that’s better, isn’t it?” She kept her hold on her friend’s arm. “Listen, I’m sorry, Nancy. I didn’t mean to force you to tell me. It’s just that we’re working so closely together now. It’s hard not to say things, sometimes.”

“That’s OK,” Nancy replied automatically. Then she glanced at her colleague, “You mean – you don’t mind?”

Rosalie’s face creased with dismay, “Nancy, for goodness’ sake! I’ve known you and Kathie for years, I rate you both amongst my closest friends.”

“Thank you,” Nancy took a deep breath and threw her head back, “Oh, God. You’re the first person I’ve told since my parents.”

“They didn’t take it well.”

“No,” Nancy felt a familiar stab of pain as she remembered the last occasion she had seen her family, “They didn’t.” She looked across at her secretary, and was surprised to see her own suffering reflected on her companion’s face. “Thank you for caring. It’s OK.”

“It must have hurt a lot,” Rosalie said softly.

“It did,” tears came to Nancy’s eyes, “but the worst thing was how they treated Kathie.”

“Oh! I’m so sorry,” Rosalie’s heart went out to both of them, “I wish I could help.”

“There’s nothing anyone can do there, I think,” Nancy managed a wobbly smile, “Though actually, Ros, I think you’ve helped us out at school quite a bit.”

Her friend flushed at this unexpected remark, “I didn’t mean to interfere -”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Nancy shook her blond head fervently. “Honestly, do you think we’ve minded how our timetables always coincide? At least I can say ‘thank you’ now I’ve told you. From both of us.”

Rosalie accepted this silently. Then she looked at the new Head with concern, “It must be much harder for you this term.”

“I’m afraid it’s not going to be easy,” Nancy admitted, “Though Kathie is being very supportive.”

“As you told Jo,” her secretary’s eyes danced suddenly. She thought for a moment, “Your day is awfully full, though. Whenever do you get to see Kathie – or don’t you?”

“So far, usually around midnight!” Nancy confessed. “She waits up for me. I don’t feel very good about it, but I can’t see any way around it.”

“Oh, but I can,” Rosalie mused. She glanced at her colleague, “You know, Hilda usually takes an early breakfast in the Salon, before Fruhstuck. And Nell quite often walks over to join her.”

The Head digested this, “You mean we could come in in the morning?”

“Well, it still makes for rather extreme hours,” Rosalie admitted, “But it might be better than staying up till midnight.” She looked at her friend, “You know, the Annexe is yours, this term.”

“You’re very generous, Ros,” Nancy said quietly. “It’s your home, too.”

“And that being the case, I’m glad to share it with my friends,” Rosalie responded promptly. She caught Nancy’s look, and reached out to grasp her hand. “I mean it.”

Last edited by Catherine_B on Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:40 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#99:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 6:50 pm

*sniffles* This is all so lovely and shiny *looks round nervously for a cliff* thank you Cathy Kiss

 

#100:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: North West England PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 7:01 pm

Ah bless, huge hugs to Rosalie for her acceptance. Thanks Cathy

 

#101:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 7:52 pm

Love Rosalie - someone will warn Nell though won't they? Hate to think of her walking in... Laughing Thank you Cathy Kiss

 

#102:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 8:00 pm

Thank you Cathy. This si very wonderful. Is lovely to see Rosalie being so supportive

 

#103:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 8:24 pm

Awwwww!!! Cathy, this really IS shiny!!! An Rosalie is lovely!!!

 

#104:  Author: Signa, Location: Lily ponds, Bosherston PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 12:02 am

Wow! Nice start to the weekend - thanks! I'm amazed by how you always get the characters so right!

 

#105:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 12:46 am

That was beautiful Cathy, thank you Kiss *goes off feeling all warm and fluffy*

 

#106:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 9:18 pm

Sigh... all alone in my hotel room... nothing to do but work... see how productive I've become...

“You did what?” Kathie stared at her partner in disbelief. “I think you’d better say that again.”

“I told Ros about us last night,” Nancy repeated steadily, “And she was fine.”

The younger woman was bereft of words for a moment. “Why?”

“Because she knew already,” the response was simple, “and it was impossible not to tell her.”

Kathie couldn’t believe the risk her partner had taken. “She knew already?” her tones were caustic, “like your parents?”

Nancy flinched. “No. Fortunately not.” Her companion sat down heavily on the small divan that stood in the corner of the St Therese Housemistress’s room. “I know it’s a shock, Kathie. But please, believe me, everything is all right. Rosalie was extremely understanding.”

Kathie blinked fiercely, her vision suddenly clouded with tears. “I thought we weren’t going to take any more risks.”

“Oh, sweetheart!” Nancy knelt by her side, and gripped her hand. “I am sorry, it must seem so rash. But it honestly turned out OK.” She fished in her pocket for a handkerchief, and wiped away the tears that were trickling down Kathie’s face. “Really, truly, she was fine. More than fine. Kind.”

“Um.” Her partner, usually so composed, seemed to have been completely knocked off her feet by this announcement. She gave a sudden sob, “What if she hadn’t been?”

“But she was,” the Head said in matter-of-fact tones. She rose to sit next to her friend, and put her arms around her, speaking gently. “Everything is all right, my love. Rosalie was fine, she wasn’t even surprised. She said she’d known, and she asked how she could help this term.”

Kathie buried her face on her partner’s shoulder. “Oh God!” her tones were muffled. “I love you so much, Nancy. I couldn’t have borne it if she’d turned against you.”

Nancy tightened her clasp, “Well, fortunately she didn’t.” She exhaled sadly, “And you should worry about yourself as well.”

“I haven’t lost my family,” the younger woman’s voice was very unsteady.

“That’s true.” Nancy stroked her friend’s hair for a minute, “Oh darling, please don’t cry! I’m sorry I shocked you, but it is good news. Really.” She kissed her partner gently, then held her away from her. Kathie’s face was tear-streaked. “Aren’t you silly? Here I am with glad tidings, and you’re crying!”

Her companion emitted something halfway between a hiccough and a laugh. “You certainly pick your moments, Nancy Wilmot!”

“Oh, Monday mornings always need brightening,” Nancy’s blue eyes were soft as she gazed at her friend. She squeezed her hand, “Come on, old girl. I think we’d better wash your face, otherwise people will wonder what I’ve been saying to you.”

Kathie gave a faint laugh, “I doubt if anyone could guess just what a shock you’ve just given me!”

Last edited by Catherine_B on Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:42 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#107:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 9:22 pm

Thank you Cathy!!!!! Poor Kathie though -what a shock! What about her family - her Aunt and Uncle - did we ever find out how they took the news?

 

#108:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 9:52 pm

Poor Kathie! Crying or Very sad Am very, very, very, very, very glad that Rosalie took it well Very Happy

 

#109:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 10:37 pm

That was lovely Cathy! May I hug Kathie and Nancy please? they are both so lovely!

 

#110:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 5:16 am

Thank you, Cathy! Things should be a lot easier with Rosalie running interference -- plus giving N&K someone else there's no need to pretend with.

 

#111:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 6:11 pm

Poor Kathie. It must have eben a shock, but at least it turned out ok in the end. Thank you Cathy

 

#112:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 7:38 pm

Thank you for the extremely shiny new posts! That was lovely, Cathy!

 

#113:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 9:26 pm

Good for Rosalie! Those last few pposts were beautiful Cathy, thanks.

 

#114:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 10:43 pm

awww how lovely! rosalie is so understanding here

 

#115:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 10:54 pm

Excellent. Very Happy Pleased to see an understanding Rosalie. I've always liked her. I suppose the question now is, if Rosalie knew already without being told, then how many of the others do too?

 

#116:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 9:46 am

Awwww. Thank you Cathy. Lovely and warm and fuzzly!
Catherine_B wrote:
Nell wrote: *doesn't answer those wibbles though* Dear me, does it not? Rolling Eyes
No it does not and you know it doesn't! Laughing But thank you anyway I think that might be a satisfactory alternative - for now....

 

#117:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 2:09 pm

Absolutely gorgeous, Cathy- thank you ... *rather pleased about the "alone" time in the hotel room - good for us anyway!!*

 

#118:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 6:14 pm

Some light relief... Laughing

“Oh my goodness!” Kathie Ferrars, sitting in the Head’s salon, choked on her morning coffee. Thanks to Rosalie’s intervention, she and Nancy were now sharing an early breakfast every morning in the Annexe, and even though it meant getting up a little earlier than usual, both women were very happy to have the extra time and space together. Now, however, Kathie was most distracted by her post. Coughing violently, she waved a letter at her partner. “Have you seen this?”

“Seen what?” Nancy asked patiently. She knew Kathie’s dramatic ways of old.

“This!” Kathie recovered herself with an effort. “Mabel’s latest! Honestly, what do you think she’s done now?”

“Almost anything, knowing her,” the Head said dryly. Nancy Wilmot had come to terms with her partner’s college friend since their initial meeting, and had even learnt – though rather grudgingly at first – to appreciate her casual approach to life. Notwithstanding this, she still found Mabel’s lifestyle somewhat bizarre, perhaps because the younger woman had no desire or need to work. “You’ll have to tell me, Kathie. I’ll never guess.”

Kathie shot her a grin, “Well, let’s see. She went to the Gateways last weekend… oh, hang on! I’ll read you what she says.”

‘Kay, my dear,’ (she read), ‘I hope all’s well in Switzerland. I hope you’re revelling in being the companion to such a distinguished personage!’ The geography mistress cast a fleeting grin at her friend, ‘Now, excuse me if I get down to brass tacks, but I have a favour to ask. Last weekend I went to the Gateways, and met a stunner of a woman there.’

“Hah!” Nancy interjected cynically, “And doesn’t she always?”

“Yes, but listen!” Kathie said impatiently. ‘She was absolutely gorgeous, I’ll be frank. You know me, I’m not usually drawn to people so swiftly, but this woman was an exception. Glorious bronze hair which fell in apparently natural curls, deep violet eyes that seemed to look straight through me, and a manner that was disarmingly direct. She simply took my breath away.’

The older woman felt her partner’s eyes upon her expectantly. “Well, go on! Who is this mystery woman?”

“That’s exactly the question!” Kathie began to laugh. “She continues. ‘One thing led to another, and, to cut a long story short, we ended up talking for most of the evening’ – I’d be surprised if that was all it was, Mabel’s being unusually coy! – ‘which was all to the good, but Kay, the problem is that I have no idea what her name was. I’ve been back to the Gateways every night this week – and I have to tell you, that’s really not the done thing – but there’s been no sight of her. I’m at my wits’ end, and the only hope I have is that she had an air distinctly reminiscent of those very grown-up girls at your school. Can you by any chance think of someone in her early twenties who would answer that description? I suppose she might have been before your time, but it’s worth a try.”

Kathie folded the letter up and sat back in her chair, “That’s all that matters. Well? What would your guess be?”

Nancy had been listening to this recital with growing amusement. “She doesn’t do things by halves, does she? Well, if it’s a Chalet girl, there’s only one person I can think of. Though I’d never have imagined her in the Gateways!”

Last edited by Catherine_B on Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:43 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#119:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 6:47 pm

Bronze hair and violet eyes...and grown up or left by now (so not Len)...I should know shouldn't I, but my mind has gone blank! Laughing

 

#120:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 7:16 pm

Ooh, ooh, ooh, I know!!! *bounces* Won't say though in case other people want to guess - but I'm certain I know! Very Happy *scuttles off to pm and register guess*

 

#121:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:16 pm

Clever Gem! I'm afraid that I haven't got a clue.... Shocked I hope we get put out of our misery soon!

 

#122:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:25 pm

I know who it is! I know who it is! Lovely Cathy told me i'd guessed right! Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Ah, enough gloating now, I'll go and do something else! Wink

 

#123:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:48 pm

*adds gloats to Lesley's* Very HappyVery HappyVery HappyVery HappyVery Happy Well, I was totally wrong with RCS, so I'm taking advantage of my lucky guess this time! Wink

 

#124:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 3:53 am

ooooh!!!! Pretty sure I know who it is! *runs off to PM Cathy!!!* Wink

 

#125:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 9:10 am

Oooh that means I know who it is too!!! Thanks for the update Cathy Very Happy

 

#126:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 9:54 am

Thank you Cathy! Well I have an idea...but am I brave enough to guess? Confused

 

#127:  Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 10:26 am

Hmmmm. I can think of one person who might fit that description, but I'll need to check the books when I go home tonight. Tell us soon please!

 

#128:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 10:32 am

Fairly sure I know who it is too... but will wait to find out! thanks cathy

 

#129:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 11:53 am

Ally wrote:
Oooh that means I know who it is too!!! Thanks for the update Cathy Very Happy
And moi aussi... Thanks for all the updates Cathy Very Happy

 

#130:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 5:00 pm

Well, got a PM from shiny Cathy to say I was right! Now I'm even keener for the story behind it!

 

#131:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 5:30 pm

Wonderful updates Cathy, thanks. What a lovely friend Rosalie is. Have an inkling who the person may be. but after my terrible guessing on RCS am staying schtum this time til all is revealed!

 

#132:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 5:31 pm

I can think of someone...but I'm not sure if that is how she is described, or wether that is just my impression of her, I tend not to notice physical descriptions unless they are pushed in my face, I once even wrote Jack as tall DARK and handsome!! None of you let that mistake past!!! Laughing Laughing Laughing

 

#133:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 10:22 pm

Good Heavens!!!! If it's who I'm thinking of.... words fail me *runs to pm Cathy*

 

#134:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 11:08 pm

I may be dumb, but have no clue. physical descriptions usually sail right over my head too. Please tell us soon Cathy

 

#135:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:14 pm

Back in the UK, tired and suitcase lost somewhere in Europe, but home! Well done everyone who figured this out )

Call Mary-Lou Trelawney LMH Oxford STOP Ask contacts Vi Lucy STOP KF STOP

Mabel Cartwright read this curious communication twice. Then, to her housekeeper’s evident astonishment, she did a joyous twirl on the spot, and dashed out of the room. “Got to make a ‘phone call!”

--

After an impatient ten minutes during which the Head Porter at Lady Margaret Hall hunted down Mary-Lou, Mabel was rewarded with clear tones at the other end of the line.

“Mary-Lou Trelawney here. Who is speaking, please?”

“Mabel Cartwright,” the owner of that name said straightforwardly. “Mary-Lou, I was given your contact details by Kay Ferrars. At the Chalet School.”

There was a slight pause. “Oh, Kathie Ferrars! Yes, of course. What can I do for you?”

Mabel crossed her toes, “I’m looking for someone I think you may know - Vi Lucy. K-Kathie said you might be able to put me in touch.”

“Vi? Yes, I believe I can,” there was a pause for thought, “I’m afraid I don’t have her home address in London. But you can reach her at her college, or via her family. Would either of those help?”

“I’ll go for her college.”

“That’s St Martin’s School of Arts. She should be there now, though her term hadn’t started last week. I saw her then.”

‘So did I,’ Mabel smiled to herself. “Thank you. That’s most helpful.”

“Oh, that’s a pleasure. Any friend of Kathie Ferrars -” the voice broke off suddenly. “I beg your pardon, Miss – oh, Miss Cartwright! - but did you once visit the Gornetz Platz?”

Mabel’s eyebrows shot up. Either she had left behind a strong impression, or this girl was particularly astute. “Yes, I did. About four years ago.”

“I see.” The tones were slightly altered, and the speaker hesitated for a moment before continuing, “Well, as I was saying, Vi and I met in London a week ago. I took her to a club I know she seemed to enjoy it, though I don’t believe she’d been there before.”

“Indeed? Well, I’m glad she had a good time.” Mabel wished she could remember better exactly what had happened at the Gateways. “Thank you again for the address. I do appreciate it.”

“Not at all,” the tones were brisk once more, “Is there anything else I can help with? No? Goodbye, in that case!” Mabel’s interlocutor rang off, leaving her regarding the receiver with considerable thoughtfulness.

Last edited by Catherine_B on Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:45 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#136:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:23 pm

Oooh! Curiouser and curiouser¬!!!!

 

#137:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:28 pm

Mary Lou took her to a club she knew??? Is she???? Cathy you tease! Laughing Thank you.

 

#138:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:30 pm

What Vikki said! Thank you Cathy.

 

#139:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 9:26 am

LOL! I was wondering whether it was Vi cos of the bronze curls (and thought that Mary-Lou's eyes were blue) but wasn't sure whether Vi had violet eyes and got confused with the "direct" manner which seemed more Mary-Lou again ... Nice one, Cathy - and very much looking forward to finding out more ...

 

#140:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 9:33 am

Vi had sprung to mind! Thank you Cathy! Hope the suitcase turns up soon!

 

#141:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 10:32 am

*Bounces* Yey! I was right! Thank you Cathy!

 

#142:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 10:49 am

*g* Well, I guessed the right person for once, though completely intrigued as to what exactly is going on! Thanks Cathy, fab as ever.

 

#143:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 1:10 pm

:tigger: I was right :tigger: Good to see you back Cathy & fingers crossed for the suitcase turning up

 

#144:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 3:54 pm

I was right too!!!but Mary-Lou took Vi to Gateways?!

 

#145:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 9:26 pm

Can't wait for more of this... Pleeeeeeeeeeease???

 

#146:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 9:42 pm

:tigger: I got a guess right! (about time!) :tigger: shiny Cathy more please???

 

#147:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 9:29 am

Just a little bounce Cathy - I saw you'd posted on Mihiri's drabble and wondered whether you would have here, but no. Crying or Very sad

 

#148:  Author: Signa, Location: Lily ponds, Bosherston PostPosted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 7:13 pm

I've been putting in time usefully between out-of-town meetings, enjoying free internet access in a public library. This last episode (Mabel has to be my new favourite CS character) reduced me to loud giggles & people are now staring. Dare I try to explain?

 

#149:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 7:24 am

Sorry everyone for the silence - pressures of work - was up at 4.30am today to prepare for a tutorial Shocked (Hadn't meant to get up quite so early but just couldn't sleep!). Would much rather be writing about Mabel & Vi. Will hope for a more relaxing weekend...!

 

#150:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:17 am

I thought that was a proper post Sad Oh well - hope the tutorial goes/went well and that the weekend brings you lots of spare time to catch up with Mary-Lou, Vi et al!!

 

#151:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:27 am

That's ok Cathy - getting up at 4.30 sounds horrid hope the tutorial goes well adn that you have a nice relaxing weekend with lots of writing time!

 

#152:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 12:23 pm

Hugs Cathy. Hope you're not feeling too tired and that the tutorial was ok.

 

#153:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:12 pm

awww we'll let you off then. as long as you post more when all your work is done Very Happy

 

#154:  Author: Katie, Location: A Yorkshire lass in London PostPosted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 10:17 pm

I read Alt Rom in the SDL aaages ago, but I've just read all the inbetween bits and this now and I'm absolutely loving it! Looking forward to some more when your work has calmed down. Smile

 

#155:  Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 8:37 pm

hi - just bumping this up in the hope that RL has been sorted

 

#156:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:53 pm

Thanks for not giving up hope on me, Kim Kiss

Vi Lucy leant back in her armchair, chewing the end of her soft drawing pencil. She still wasn’t satisfied with her sketch, and it was due to be submitted the next day. Admitting defeat, she tossed down her work onto with a sigh, wishing for a moment that she were back at school. It was so much easier to follow a timetable when it was set out for you, she thought miserably. Not that she didn’t work diligently as a college student – she wouldn’t have made it to the final year otherwise – but the work always seemed to expand to take all the time she had. She pulled a face at the offending sketchpad and curled up in the chair.

She hated feeling this lethargic. It hadn’t been this way at school. The problem wasn’t really tiredness, though. It was the subject of the drawing. The Dorset landscape that Vi had begun with such enthusiasm no longer held the charms that it had done in May.

Her eyes flicked involuntarily to a photo that stood on the table. Wreathed in a light silver frame were her group of university friends, a dozen young men and women laughing and smiling in the early summer sun. The trip had been such fun, she thought suddenly. They had lived a pleasingly bohemian existence, wandering down to breakfast at any hour of the morning, revelling all day in the sun and fresh air sometimes settling down earnestly to sketch, other times just walking and joking with one another.

Her gaze settled on a tall man in the photo, with straight brown hair and a firm expression. She’d met Andrew Preston a year earlier in the small modern art room at the Tate Gallery. They had both been listening with suppressed amusement to the disapproving comments being made by a group of visitors and, seeing the expression on Vi’s face, Andrew had moved over to talk to her. Their artistic tastes were remarkably similar, and when it transpired that they were in the same year at college, their future together as study companions was settled.

For a while, their relationship had just been friendship. But gradually things had changed. Andrew had started to pay her more personal attention, and she had not known how to respond. It was true that she had gone out with other young men in the past, but not seriously, and none who was a close friend. In this instance she had got more and more involved, even to the extent of meeting his parents, but she had known - even before Andrew proposed to her out of the blue on the last night of the Dorset trip - that marriage was impossible. Notwithstanding his taste in art, he was simply too formal. Amongst their progressive circle at university this was tolerated as a humorous quirk, but Vi simply could not imagine the two of them living alone together, let alone raising a family.

She recognised the irony in this – her upbringing had certainly been traditional enough, after all – but three years at college had opened her eyes enough to make her hesitate before marrying the first man who asked. So Vi had declined his offer haltingly, but with certainty that she was making the right decision.

Afterwards she had been surprised to find how much it had hurt. Four months on, the pain had more or less gone, but not the memory of discomfort at having to extricate herself from the situation. And her experience at college this autumn was not nearly as pleasant as the two previous years, for their group of friends had been rocked by their split. As often as not, she stayed at home these days when in former times she would have gone out.

Staring at her sketchpad now, Vi felt as though someone had tipped a bucket of bleak greyness over her. It was a sensation that had become all too familiar recently. She closed her eyes for a second, then gave herself a little shake and pulled herself out of the armchair. There was no point in just sitting around. She would get an early night now, and maybe, just maybe, the world would seem brighter in the morning.

Last edited by Catherine_B on Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:47 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#157:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:57 pm

Thanks Catherine - lovely to see this back again - poor Vi, why is she feeling this way???

 

#158:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:58 pm

Thanks Catherine. This post has me confussed, was it really Vi that Mabel met?

 

#159:  Author: kateeee,  PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:11 pm

This is one of my favourite drabbles on the board. Thanks for the new post. Please write some more soon

 

#160:  Author: Nicola, Location: Derbyshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:12 pm

Lovely to see some more of this, thank you. But (ahem) what's happening to Nancy and Kathy back at the school... I'm starting to fret.

 

#161:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:18 pm

Thank you Cathy! Kiss Poor Vi!!!

 

#162:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:32 pm

Wonderful to see this back Kathy!!! Poor Vi though!!!!

 

#163:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 12:30 am

Glad to see this back, Cathy! (Not so glad for Vi just now, of course.... "bucket of bleak greyness" positively oozes depression....)

 

#164:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 5:50 am

Oh lord - poor Vi. She does should like she has depression Confused Thanks Cathy, wonderful as usual. I do love this drabble.

 

#165:  Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:05 pm

Catherine, thanks for coming back to us - but now totally confused. Surprised

 

#166:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 5:02 am

Joining the confused corner... thanks for the more!

 

#167:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 11:11 am

Confused? I can't think why! Rolling Eyes

Mabel Cartwright sat on the stone steps of St. Martin’s School of Arts, surveying the stream of students that poured out of the main entrance. It was an hour since she had settled down to watch for Vi, but she was quite unperturbed. One of the benefits of being rich was that she could spend her time as she liked. On this occasion, Mabel was prepared to spend a whole day waiting if necessary.

Vi Lucy, leaving the building with a group of students, caught sight of her and gave a slight gasp. “Oh my goodness!”

“Everything all right?” A young woman with a sleek ponytail asked disinterestedly.

“Yes – at least, I think so!” Vi glanced at her acquaintances, who were setting off down the steps. “Go ahead, I’ll join you in a minute. I’ve just seen someone I know.”

Her companion looked briefly in Mabel’s direction and shrugged. The young Lady Cartwright’s attire, so surprising in most contexts, was barely remarkable amidst the crowd of arts students. “Suit yourself.” She moved away, leaving her classmate to compose herself as best she could.

“Vi Lucy!” Mabel uncurled herself from the steps, and greeted her erstwhile hostess with a wide smile. “I hoped I might find you here. What a pleasure.”

Vi couldn’t help responding to this warm greeting. “Nice to see you, too – Mabel!” she extended her hand, despite her previous trepidation. “What brings you to this part of town?”

“Oh, this and that!” her visitor regarded her with twinkling eyes, “Do you have time for tea? There’s a rather nice shop nearby.”

Last edited by Catherine_B on Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:48 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#168:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 11:48 am

*happy dancing*thank you thank you thank you SHINY Cathy Kiss

 

#169:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 11:50 am

Oh good, glad they've met up! Thanks Cathy.

 

#170:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 8:22 pm

Thank you Cathy!!!!

 

#171:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 8:39 pm

Very Happy Thanks Cathy. Mabel does seem to make Vi nervous, doesn't she?

 

#172:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 8:52 pm

Whoohooo, there's more of the wonderfully shiny drabble! Thanks Cathy!

 

#173:  Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 10:55 am

Great - I'd been hoping that there would soon be more of this and the wonderful Mabel.

 

#174:  Author: Signa, Location: Lily ponds, Bosherston PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 2:30 pm

Vi is Mabel's 'erstwhile hostess'??? C'mon, we need details! And soon please.

 

#175:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 4:53 pm

Oooh, I missed this earlier .... Great to see it back, Cathy - *positively agog to see more of the Vi/Mabel exchange*

 

#176:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 10:50 pm

AHA!!!! more soon please, o shiny one!

 

#177:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:53 am

Thank you shiny Cathy!!! Would love to see Vi and Mabel at tea but also want to know whats happening in Switzerland...

 

#178:  Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:00 pm

looking forward to tea and chat - is this a case of mistaken "identity" or will we see another relationship? thanks Catherine

 

#179:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:02 pm

Was hoping for more...

 

#180:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 9:55 pm

Was also hoping for more - but can't remember now if Catherine is Gathering and therefore we are doomed to disappointment until at least Monday... Catherine, if you are there, please take pity on us non-gatherers who need drabbles to cheer us up! Smile

 

#181:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2005 7:51 am

How can I resist a request like that? Rolling Eyes

The tea shop was fairly busy, with elderly couples, families with children, and students all busily filling the air with talk and chatter. Making their way through this, the two young women found a table in a quiet corner of the room where their conversation would not be overheard.

Mabel glanced at her companion and realised that she would have to make the opening gambit herself. “I say, thanks so much for putting me up the other night.”

“Oh, my pleasure!” Vi seemed surprised. She smiled rather hesitantly, “We couldn’t have let you drive, you know. I just hope you didn’t mind us dragging you off like that.”

“Of course not!” Mabel managed to conceal her mystification, but only thanks to years of practice. “Er – Vi – we?”

“Mary-Lou and I, that is,” her companion elaborated. “We’d all had a few drinks by the end of the evening. It seemed safer to go by taxi – even though it meant leaving your car to the mercies of the traffic wardens.”

“Ah!” Being pulled into a taxi was a plausible enough explanation of what had happened at the club. “No, you were quite right. And the car was fine.”

“You didn’t get a parking ticket, then?”

Mabel grinned suddenly, “Oh, the Bentley collects them!” She shook her head in amusement. “But never mind that. Tell me how you liked the Gateways. I know you’ve never been there before, for I’d have recognised your face at once.”

Vi, who had smiled at the first part of this speech, bit her lip at the second. “Oh!” She seemed to be turning something over in her mind, then she blurted out, “Mabel, I shouldn’t have been there! I don’t – I mean – I’m not – you shouldn’t think -” The lovely face was creased with dismay, “That is – I went with my friend.”

“Mary-Lou,” Mabel supplemented. She sat back and regarded Vi with interest.

“Yes,” the younger woman assented. “Mary-Lou is doing an anthropology course as part of her degree at Oxford, you see. And part of it involves going to unusual places and meeting people one normally wouldn’t.” She looked at her companion suddenly, “It’s awfully up her street. Mary-Lou’s always taken people in her stride – from professors of archaeology in Oxford to underclasses in London, she talks to them all.”

Lady Cartwright’s eyes twinkled. “Would you count us an underclass?” Vi turned crimson and she laughed outright. “You wouldn’t be the only one. So your visit to the Gateways was purely educational?”

“Yes – that is, it was for Mary-Lou. She invited me to go because she thought I might find it amusing -” Vi’s natural good manners brought her to a sudden halt, “- I mean, that I might enjoy myself there.” Her face remained rather flushed.

Mabel caught the deliberate amendment, and liked her companion the better for it. “I hope you enjoyed the evening, anyway…?”

Last edited by Catherine_B on Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:50 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#182:  Author: Kateth, Location: Heidelberg PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2005 3:01 pm

"Underclass" - *splutters with laughter* Am really enjoying this, Catherine - thank you!

 

#183:  Author: jonty, Location: Exeter PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2005 3:37 pm

Catherine_B wrote:
“Mabel, I shouldn’t have been there! I don’t – I mean – I’m not – you shouldn’t think -” The lovely face was creased with dismay, “That is – I went with my friend.”
Vi's protesting too hard Wink Luvvly posts, Catherine, but what's happening back at the Chalet?

 

#184:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 4:49 pm

Im very intrigued by Vi and Mabel!!! Loved the idea of ML going to 'unusual places' Laughing Thanks Cathy Very Happy

 

#185:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 5:57 pm

Yay! That's another drabble I've caught up with! I'm with Jonty - 'the lady doth protest too much, methinks...'

 

#186:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 8:15 pm

Yep, definitely think Vi's protesting too much - only problem is though - we know Mabel is fickle - don't want that to happen to Vi and for her to then be dumped. Thanks Cathy! Laughing

 

#187:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 10:10 pm

LOVELY post Cathy! Thank you!!

 

#188:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 10:37 pm

wonderful!!!! although I'm definitely of the opinion that Vi is a little too defensive

 

#189:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 11:05 pm

Very Happy wonderful! Thanks Cathy

 

#190:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:27 am

Thank s Cathy! Wonderful! Am with the others about Vi protesting too much...

 

#191:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:38 pm

Thankyou Cathy, I really enjoyed that! Also agree that Vi is rather too defensive!

 

#192:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:58 pm

With the term a fortnight old, Nancy and Kathie had settled into a routine of meeting in the Annexe early each morning. Though lacking some of the intimacy of late-night rendezvous, it was rather more practical in light of the new Head’s long working hours. Now that lady sat back and regarded her partner impressively, “I’ve had an Idea.”

“Oh?” Kathie looked at her with interest. “Go on, Nance! What is it?”

“Just this,” Nancy said simply. “Let’s invite Hilary and Phil round for dinner.”

“Oh!” The younger woman’s eyes opened wide. She looked she had seen a vision, “I say! We could, couldn’t we?”

Nancy nodded, “You know, I rather think we could. Hilda receives guests occasionally in the Annexe, after all. There’s no reason I shouldn’t - we shouldn’t - do likewise.” She smiled at her partner’s rapt expression. “Do I take it you like the idea?”

“Like it? It’s brilliant!” Kathie said elatedly. She cast aside her affairs and crossed to perch on the arm of her friend’s chair, with supreme disregard for Miss Annersley’s pretty furnishings. “Oh, Nance! What a lovely thing to suggest.”

The Head laughed at the exuberant response. “I’m glad you approve.”

“Of course I do!” Kathie bestowed several kisses on her partner’s fair head. Hosting a dinner, so common an event for most couples, was something she and Nancy had never had the chance to do. Now she turned the idea over in her mind, revelling in the notion of welcoming their friends to the Annexe, “How simply marvellous to be able to invite them for once.”

Nancy smiled up at her, “Won’t it be nice?” Her face was rather pensive, “They’ve done so much for us over the years -”

“Oh, they have!” the accord was fervent.

“- it’ll be nice to repay them a little,” Nancy finished. Then she looked a little sheepish, “It’s not unchristian of me to be pleased that we’ll not be the guests for once, is it?”

Kathie laughed, “Well, if it is, I’m unchristian too!” She leant against her partner contentedly, “How clever of you to be Head, my love! I must say I’m enjoying your eminence.”

The larger woman pulled Kathie to sit on her lap with a chuckle, “You’d better make the most of it, then! Even for the sake of dinner parties I’m not sure I’ll work this hard again.”

Last edited by Catherine_B on Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:51 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#193:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 11:00 pm

awwww lovely! Nancy's really settling down as Head now!

 

#194:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 11:10 pm

Wonderful! Very Happy Looking forward to the dinner party already!

 

#195:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 11:30 pm

Thank you, Cathy! The dinner party sounds like a fine idea. A bit worried about the Mabel-Vi-ML triangle though. Laughing

 

#196:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 2:09 am

Awwwww! Thank you Cathy!!! They are SO cute together!!!

 

#197:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:15 am

How sneaky - posting on the morning of the G!! Thanks Cathy - I'm also intrigued by the Mabel/Vi thing and looking forward to N&K hosting dinner for Hilary & Phil ...

 

#198:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 1:59 pm

Lovely - even if I did have to wait until the board came back! Thank you Cathy! Am looking forward to dinner...

 

#199:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 10:13 pm

That was lovely - thanks Cathy. Laughing

 

#200:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 10:40 pm

Two more lovely, shiny posts since I last looked, thanks, Cathy!

 

#201:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 8:17 am

Laughing softly at her partner’s rejoinder, Kathie kissed her lightly on the lips, then with increasing intensity as Nancy responded in kind. A minute passed in this pleasing fashion. Suddenly, though, they were interrupted as the door to the salon opened and Rosalie walked in.

“Oh!” The lovers broke apart instantly, and Kathie jumped to her feet, shaking out her skirt. “I’m so sorry – excuse us, please!”

Nancy had also risen. “Rosalie, I’m awfully sorry -”

The school secretary, who had been a little taken aback, realised that they were far more embarrassed than she was, “Don’t be silly, there’s nothing to be sorry for.” She saw their red faces and managed to laugh, “Anyone would think I was the first to see you kissing!”

Kathie slipped her hand in Nancy’s, her face scarlet. “Um, actually -”

“I didn’t mean to disturb you,” Rosalie said diplomatically. She smiled at her juniors, who weren’t quite sure where to look. “I only wanted to deliver the post. Excuse me, please.” She laid a stack of letters on the table, nodded to the pair and slipped out of the room.

--

Kathie wished she could sink through the floor. She glanced up at her partner, “Ouch!”

The Head pro tem. managed a faint smile at her friend’s expression; it so exactly reflected her own sentiments. “You said it!” She released Kathie’s hand with a light squeeze, “That was unexpected.”

The younger woman nodded. She felt a wild urge to giggle, “Oh, Nance! Ros is the first person to have seen us kissing, you know – outside of clubs, I mean.”

“I’m quite aware of that, thanks!” Nancy’s cheeks were still pink. “And thank goodness she didn’t mind. Rosalie has been marvellous this term – but I didn’t mean to try her patience that far!”

Kathie grew more serious. “We’d better be more careful in future. If it had been someone else walking in -” she gave a little shiver and her mirth dried up for good as she contemplated the prospect.

The Head shook her head, regaining her composure gradually, “Not likely – not unannounced. Rosalie’s the only one who’d walk into the Annexe like that.” She glanced at her friend, “Don’t go imagining anything worse, Kathie.”

“O.K.” The slighter woman’s face cleared. “I say, I’d better be going. Fruhstuck’s only ten minutes away.”

Nancy nodded. “All right. Enjoy your day, won’t you? We’ll catch up later.”

“Of course.” Kathie stood on tiptoe to give her a peck on the cheek. “We’ll see each other this evening, anyway. We’re coaching lax together, remember?”

Her partner groaned at the reminder. “I can’t believe you’re making me do it this term! Aren’t I working hard enough as it is?”

“Nope! Brain work and physical activity are two quite different things,” Kathie retorted. Her spirits were reviving rapidly, “You should be thanking me – you know I’m acting in your own interest!” She chuckled at Nancy’s look of disgust and headed for the door, pausing only to blow her lover a kiss before disappearing into the corridor.

 

#202:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 9:12 am

Very HappyVery HappyVery HappyVery Happy

Thank you Cathy!! Glad that Rosalie took it well *bounces* And I know I've said this before, but those two are sooooooooo sweet together Very Happy

 

#203:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 9:19 am

Thank you Cathy!! Gem's right they are sweet - thank goodness it was Rosalie though!

 

#204:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 9:22 am

Awww bless, Rosalie is a sport Very Happy

Thanks Cathy

 

#205:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 9:35 am

Rosalie is an angel Very Happy


Thanks, Cathy - good to see the board's downtime has been put to productive use!!

 

#206:  Author: Lisa, Location: South Coast of England PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:04 am

Yip yip yippee! Finally managed to catch up with over the last couple of days! Catherine, you have developed and sustained the characters so realistically, that it felt like coming back to old friends! LOVING this story! Very Happy

 

#207:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:07 am

Yay for Rosalie! And yay for more of this, thank you Cathy Very Happy

 

#208:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 12:32 pm

AWWWWWWW!
Thank you Cathy!!!
Lovely post!!

 

#209:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:00 pm

Thank you Cathy Very Happy

 

#210:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:09 pm

Bless! And good for Rosalie - what a star.

Thanks for the update Cathy - wonderful as ever Very Happy

 

#211:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:41 pm

whoo-whoop-wahay! Thanks for more, Cathy!

 

#212:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 8:15 pm

Lovely Rosalie - thanks Cathy! Laughing

Is she the only one that would appear unannouced? What about Jeanne de Lachenais? Nell?

 

#213:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:01 pm

Lovley update Cathy - thankyou

But I'd have been really embarressed too if I'd been any of the 3 of them

 

#214:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:33 pm

I shall just repeat all the above posts and say that this is great, as always!

 

#215:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 9:38 pm

Lovely to see more of this Cathy and Rosalie is wonderful. Very Happy

 

#216:  Author: Yvette, Location: Brisbane, Australia PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 11:04 am

Having been in the wilderness (so to speak) for the last few months, this is terrific to come back to. Excellent good as ever Catherine!!! Very Happy

 

#217:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 10:31 pm

Echoing Yvette's comment. Haven't been on the board in ages and it's so nice to catch up and see these two being as sweet as ever. Also, very intruiged by what Mabel is up to...?

 

#218:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 9:07 pm

I've only just caught up with pages and pages of this. It's really so good and the characters are so real.

Thank goodness it was Rosalie who came in!

I'm also wondering what Mabel is up to and even more. what ML is up to! I couldn't help thinking that the 'anthropological studies' excuse for frequenting the clubs was a wee bit thin. Wink

 

#219:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 7:23 pm

thought I would reply to bump this up!
*bumps*
i want to know what happens next
*pouts*
Please lovely shiny Cathy, this is sooo good Twisted Evil

 

#220:  Author: Lisa, Location: South Coast of England PostPosted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 9:49 pm

*echoes plea* Please may we have more!! yummy *licks lips in antici ..............





























pation of more!

 

#221:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 6:07 pm

Yes, indeedy! More please, more!

 

#222:  Author: Lisa, Location: South Coast of England PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 8:59 am

Mexican Wave *energetically bounces the thread!*

Where's the bouncing smilie when you need it?!

 

#223:  Author: Sarah, Location: Ormskirk, Lancashire PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 3:03 pm

Yes please! More soon!
Mexican Wave

 

#224:  Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 4:02 pm

Pants. I thought that there was more Sad

 

#225:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 11:51 pm

Nancy Wilmot turned over in bed for the dozenth time, and gave a rather grumpy sigh. At just six on a Saturday morning she had been tossing and turning for the past half hour, restless dreams interspersed with thoughts about Chalet girls and staff. She pulled a pillow over her head with a muffled groan. Why couldn’t she leave her work behind out of hours any more?

‘And then there’s Evelyn Ross,’ her thoughts continued. ‘Looks so grown-up, but seems to be struggling this week. Her mother’s at the San, of course, but that shouldn’t be the reason. Rosalie would have told me if we’d had any news… and Evelyn will get to visit her mother tomorrow. No, I don’t think it can be that,’ Nancy turned over again, ‘It’s something between Evelyn and the rest of Va. She was awfully silent yesterday in class, and that’s not in character for a girl of her type.’

‘But I don’t see what I can do about it,’ the inner voice ran on. ‘It’s Rosemary Charlesworth’s job, really, as their form mistress. I can’t just butt in on her form – or can I?’ The new Head was still finding her feet on the job. ‘No, on the whole I think I’d better leave it for now. Evelyn’s a proud girl, I could easily make things worse. Better to leave things to settle down by themselves for now.’ Nancy emerged from beneath her pillow, thumped it, and lay back, staring at the ceiling.

Must make time to talk to Henriette this week.,’ her mind turned to her protegée in the sixth form. Nancy had spoken to the Zendls recently and was no longer surprised by their daughter’s reserve. Madame Zendl in particular had had a distinctly nineteenth century air, her refined Alsace voice completely lacking in warmth. ‘Still,’ Nancy reflected, ‘At least they did listen to me, and Henriette can apply to the universities of her choice. Being Headmistress probably didn’t hurt for that conversation,’ she rolled her eyes, remembering what formal French she had had to use, ‘I doubt even Hilda could have bettered me for dignity with that woman! Honestly! Some parents!’

Her thoughts strayed to Henriette’s classmates. ‘Margot Maynard is another one. Brilliant when she chooses – and that’s most of the time, these days. But something’s troubling her, I can see that.’ Nancy cast her mind back to the start-of-term dinner with Jack and Jo. ‘They mentioned it too. I wonder what they were getting at – if they even know. Surely -’ her brows creased. She tried for a moment to make sense of the various impressions she’d had from the youngest triplet recently. ‘No, it’s no good. I doubt that Margot would confide in me, anyway. Hilda’s always been closest to her. The only other member of staff Margot really cares about is Peggy Burnett, but that’s on quite a different level. No, there’s nothing I can do there. Margot will just have to wait for the Abbess to come back.’

A glance at the alarm clock made Nancy interrupt these thoughts and haul herself out of bed. “Brrr!” It was a fine day, the first Saturday of term to have good weather, but the mornings were getting colder as October approached. She pulled on her dressing gown and picked up her washbag in preparation for her bath. It was early yet but she had a good hour’s work to do before Fruhstuck. There was a ramble to the Auberge planned for the afternoon, which she had no intention of missing, for she and Kathie were paired together as usual.

 

#226:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 11:58 pm

*bounces* Thank you Catherine. Poor Nancy, all the troubles of being in charge.

 

#227:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 2:15 am

Wheeeee! Thank you Cathy, nice to see this back. But poor Nancy though, hope she finds her feet soon *sends a few hugs to help her out*

 

#228:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 3:00 am

Yay! More! What a thoughtful Nancy and Laughing at the formal French!

Isn't Nancy living in the Annexe? Why would she keep her washbag in her bedroom then??

 

#229:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 4:59 am

Lovely - thank you Cathy. Kiss

 

#230:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 7:33 am

Thank you Cathy Very Happy Good to see Nancy being so caring.

 

#231:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 8:00 am

Great, Cathy Very Happy

Have always loved this story.

 

#232:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 8:05 am

Sophoife wrote:


Isn't Nancy living in the Annexe? Why would she keep her washbag in her bedroom then??


Apparently not. In "Challenge" when Hilda arrives at half term for a visit they have to switch the heating on in the Annexe so Nancy must still have been in her own room.

Last edited by MaryR on Fri Apr 08, 2005 12:18 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#233:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 8:57 am

Lovely post, thank you Cathy.

Poor Nancy feeling the pressures of leadership.

 

#234:  Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 12:07 pm

Cheers! Great to see some more of this.

 

#235:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 2:03 pm

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY It's back Mexican Wave
Hurrah!

Thank you! Very Happy

 

#236:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 2:34 pm

Very Happy Three cheers for more of this! Very Happy

And three cheers for Kathie for being such a rock. Smile

Thanks Cathy.

 

#237:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 3:20 pm

Yay!!! It's back!!!

Thank you Cathy!!!!

 

#238:  Author: Signa, Location: Lily ponds, Bosherston PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 6:04 pm

Thank you, Catherine - I've been missing this.

 

#239:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:16 am

Her work over for the morning, Nancy heaved a sigh of relief. Events had overtaken her as usual, this time in the form of Matron Lloyd demanding that she dealt with the dispute between Evelyn and the rest of Va. 'Why she couldn't tackle Rosemary on the subject, I really don't know!' the new Head remarked despairingly to herself. 'Still, I think the chat with Lesley Anderson will have sorted things out. She's got a level head, that girl.'

She paused to cast a last glance around her study, then shut the door resolutely behind her. There was quarter of an hour left before Mittagessen, and if she was lucky she might catch a few minutes alone with Kathie. She locked the door and then, tossing caution to the winds, ran along the corridor from the Annexe and to their quarters in St Therese's House in a fashion more befitting a junior member of staff than a Headmistress.

--

Popping her head around her partner's door, Nancy smiled to see her friend curled up in an armchair, deep in a book. "Well! I'm glad to see that someone can take life easily!"

Kathie came out of her reverie with a start. "Goodness me! I didn't hear you come in," she flashed her lover a grin, "Don't tell me they've let you off work so early?"

Nancy laughed. "For once I've let myself off. I've been on the go since six, and it's quite enough!" She came over to join her partner, "So what's got you so absorbed, then?"

The younger woman held out the book, “'Odd Girl Out'.”

Nancy glanced at it, then gave a mock grimace at the lurid cover. “Honestly, Kathie! Wherever do you get such rubbish?”

“Mabel sent it to me. And it’s not rubbish at all,” her partner said with dignity. “It’s contemporary fiction. Years from now people will call it classic!”

The elder woman chuckled at this retort. “I’d suspect it’s a little too melodramatic to be classic. Tell me it doesn’t end with the heroine going mad.”

“Or realizing that she’d always wanted to marry and have children,” Kathie supplemented with another typical ending of the genre. “I can’t say. I haven’t read the end yet. But you shouldn't take the endings so seriously, Nance - no one really believes them.”

“But they ruin the books,” her partner said plaintively, sitting down beside her. She let the cares of state slip away, and became plain Nancy again instead of Chalet School headmistress. “I simply can’t understand how you can bear to read romances with such tragic endings, however implausible they are!”

“Can’t you?” Kathie gave a inward smile. “Well, maybe it’s because I compare the heroines to us. So whatever the authors have to write to get published, I know they’re happy.”

“Oh, well,” Nancy couldn’t really quarrel with such a sentiment, “That’s a good way to look at the world, I suppose.”

“How else could I look at it?” Kathie said with satisfaction. She leant back comfortably against her partner, “Don’t tell me you’re a doomsayer. I know you’re not!”

Her companion laughed and shook her head, “No, I’m not.” She wrapped her arms around Kathie, “So go on, then. What’s the book about?”

“Oh, well,” the slighter woman relaxed into the embrace. “You know. Girl meets girl. Second girl is beautiful but elusive. First girl suffers at a distance.”

“Hmm,” Nancy sounded unconvinced. Then she laughed as her partner turned round to regard her reprovingly, “Oh, all right! Don’t tell me, I was slow off the mark.”

“Indeed!” Kathie said with mock severity. “A whole year it took you to catch on, if I remember correctly! And who was suffering at a distance meanwhile?”

“Dear me, it was so long ago, I’m surprised you still remember!” Nancy feigned innocence, then squawked as her partner dug her in the ribs. “OK, OK, we both know that I’m not as smart as you! But tell me about the book. Do they get together?”

Kathie grinned and settled back, “They do. But the second girl is noncommittal. So they keep it secret, and she insists they both date boys as well.”

“Really? That doesn’t sound too promising,” Nancy repressed a stronger comment. “Is that as far as you’ve got? What do you think is going to happen?”

“Oh, disclosure, shame, counseling, eventual redemption,” her partner said promptly. She laughed out loud as the elder woman groaned. “But Nance, they’re enjoying themselves at the moment! That’s what makes it worth reading.”

“I’m glad someone can see the bright side!” Nancy said dryly. Then she chuckled and pulled her friend closer, “But surely you don’t need books to imagine people enjoying themselves, my love?”

“Hmm, let me think about that,” Kathie pretended to consider for a moment, then yielded with a sigh of pleasure as her partner kissed the nape of her neck. “Oh, Nance! Of course I don’t.”

----

Footnote: "Odd Girl Out" refers to the pulp fiction paperback by Ann Bannon, 1957, not the recent film of the same name! For background on this book and the genre as a whole, see http://www.glbtq.com/arts/pulp_paperbacks.html

 

#240:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 11:21 am

Thanks, Cathy. It's always good to get more of this.

 

#241:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 11:41 am

What a lovely conversation and how close they are.


Thank you, Cathy, that really cheered me up. Very Happy Very Happy

 

#242:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 12:16 pm

Lovely Cathy - and so good that they can see the difference between what the authors wrote,and what they wanted to write.

Thank you.

 

#243:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 2:04 pm

MaryR wrote:
In "Challenge" when Hilda arrives at half term for a visit they have to switch the heating on in the Annexe so Nancy must still have been in her own room.


Poor Rosalie not having any heating when the Abbess was away Shocked

 

#244:  Author: Kateth, Location: Heidelberg PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 2:44 pm

Thank you, Cathy! This is great. Really enjoying it. Very Happy

 

#245:  Author: pygmy, Location: glasgow PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 4:41 pm

I love Kathie's choice of literature! I've always thought that the titles and cover images of these pulp novels were absolutely hilarious. Presumably Kathie must have to keep her secret stash of trash hidden.

 

#246:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 4:53 pm

Lovely, thanks Cathy Very Happy

 

#247:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 7:54 pm

Poor nancy sounds so harrassed, and quite right in wondering why Matey didn't go to the form mistress, alhtough that thought never occured to me when reading challnege.

 

#248:  Author: Nicola, Location: Derbyshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 9:16 pm

Ooh, two lovely updates. Thank you.

*Jumping excitedly*

Love Kathy'sjustification for reading trashy novels. I'm sure that one won't make it into the CS library.

 

#249:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 11:07 am

I wonder what would happen if Kathie found one of her own pupils reading something similar?! Laughing
Thank you Catherine. Those two are (as always) soo sweet.

 

#250:  Author: Miriam, Location: Jerusalem, Israel PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 11:44 am

Catherine_B wrote:
MaryR wrote:
In "Challenge" when Hilda arrives at half term for a visit they have to switch the heating on in the Annexe so Nancy must still have been in her own room.


Poor Rosalie not having any heating when the Abbess was away Shocked


I got the impression that the heating haadn't been turned on in the salon, becausse it was so early. (Hilda turns up at around 6:00 am). I'm sure any occupied roomks wouls have been fully heateed - this was the winter term.

 

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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