Dilemma for the Deputy Head
Goto page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  Next  :| |:
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

#1: Dilemma for the Deputy Head Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:03 pm


Welcome back to all those returning for another episode! Anyone that hasn't read the previous chapter may wish to PM me with their email address so I can send across word docs of the earlier chapters.

For those returning, the next episode starts at the beginning of term two in 2005 - but there are a few pieces of correspondence to tell you what happened in the missing term.


Letter from Louise Chad to Andrew St John

Dear Andrew,
Why did you have to go away for the last month? I’m sure a third year Law student should be doing more studying, not travelling around the country on a Rugby tour! Thought I'd let you know what's been happening, I know I'll be speaking to you soon, but just fancied writing you a letter!
Anyway, the first term of me not being a pupil at the School is over - very weird, Alison, Carol and I have been sharing a flat just outside Melbourne -one of those flats we looked at when you were down here at Christmas. It was strange at first, looking after ourselves, we’ve been so used to being looked after by the School, and by Hilda and Nell in particular. But they had insisted that we were now adults with full responsibility for our own actions. They did, however, help us out with speaking to Financial Advisers about investments etc. And they were (and are) around for us to bounce ideas off of. (Just realised, good job Hilda’s not reading this - she’d be horrified at my English!)
I’ve been attending classes concentrating on History - definitely want to study it at Uni, maybe even teach, eventually. Ally’s been concentrating on Biology, while Carol has been working at all the Sciences - she needs good grades for all of them. We’re hoping to take A’ levels but are not that bothered if it will be in the Winter (your Summer) or later. Ally and Carol both want to go to Uni here in Australia - I’ve not made up my mind yet…there’s one advantage if I go to university in England of course *grin*.
The last term was pretty quiet, not much happened really, and it was good to see both Hilda and Nell have a fairly relaxing time, well, as relaxing as they could be, considering that they run the School and everything! I say not much happened - I suppose it was a pretty full term, what with the Charities week - which stretched to two weeks because everyone wanted to do more for the tsunami appeal, then there was camping over Half Term, and the official opening of the Nature Park - part of it is on School grounds, but there’s also a bit open to the public.
I had a letter from your mum, she’s really lovely! She’s invited me to stay, even said I could bring a couple of friends with me - we’re looking at possibly next September. I’ll close for now - I’ll be ringing you next week anyway, just thought you’d like a letter to greet you when you got back - and you’d better not have broken anything important!!!

All my love,
Louise
xxx
Laughing Laughing


Last edited by Lesley on Wed Jul 27, 2005 4:48 pm; edited 153 times in total

 


#2:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:09 pm


YAY! It's here.

Guess I should go actually read it Embarassed

I just got so excited that I had to post a YAY!

 


#3: Dilemma for the deputy Head Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:17 pm


Echoes Chelsea' YAY!! Thanks, Lesley, looking forward to the 'real' beginning.

 


#4:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:26 pm


Yay its begun!!!!!

Thank you shiny Lesley Very Happy

*celebrates*

 


#5:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:57 pm


Hurrah Mexican Wave

Lovely beginning

Shiny Shiny Lesley - thank you Very Happy

Liz

 


#6:  Author: EllaLocation: Staffordshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 7:31 pm


Hooray! New RCS! Thank you Lesley, good to see it back.
reading

*Settling back happily and passing round the chocolate biscuits*
Mexican Wave

 


#7:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 7:40 pm


Ooooh! Goody goody goody! More RCS!

 


#8:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 7:43 pm


Letter from Cherry Elliott to Michelle Dixon.

Dear Mrs Dixon,
Thank you so much for your last letter - it's a real surprise to get something in the post. After all, most of the people I’d looked on as friends had not been in touch since before I was convicted. The only ones that had contacted me were a couple who wanted me to continue where I’d left off - not a good idea and probably breaking the conditions of my parole even to be speaking to them!
Robbie is very well, he’s going to Nursery full-time and has settled in. It took a while to get him to understand that he had to stay in the Nursery class, rather than moving up to the Reception class - he felt it unfair when his friends were moving without him! But he’s started making friends with the others now. Hilda did ask if I wanted him to be a boarder - they have space - but I said no, we’re managing pretty well and having him in the evenings and weekends is wonderful. We’ve got a little flat-let in the Domestic Staff House. It’s right at the top, out of the way, so we don’t disturb the others. Robbie has his own little room off the main bed-sitting room. It’s probably slightly smaller than the last flat we had, before I was arrested, but it is much, much better. We have breakfast and tea together during the week, but Robbie eats with the School at lunch time, while I eat in the Staff Dining Room.
I’ve settled in well with the job, the woman in charge, Karen, is very nice. She’s from Austria and has an almost fanatical loyalty to Hilda and Nell. She’s also very insistent on good manners, even calls the kids here ‘young ladies’! Originally she intended that I was going to be in the Kitchens – especially as I like cooking and helped her at Christmas, but she didn’t really have a vacancy there, and anyway, kitchen hours wouldn’t fit in with me looking after Robbie. So instead I’ve been placed on cleaning duty, in particular for some of the Boarding Houses. It’s not bad, the hours mean I’m there for Robbie before and after Nursery, and, as I’ve got a certain number of places that I’m responsible for, I can please myself in what order things get done – Karen doesn’t mind so long as it all gets done during the day.
Haven’t had any complaints or problems – the girls are supposed to keep things reasonably tidy anyway, and we must report if they’ve left things in too much of a mess. I’ve only had a couple of times when one of the Housemistresses or Assistants have asked me to go back to re-do something, and that was only at the very beginning, before I realised exactly what was wanted.
I did have a slight problem with some of the Staff to begin with – exactly as you warned in your last letter. They felt that, as I was so close to Hilda and Nell, that I would be getting special treatment. A couple of the women who come in to clean were a bit ‘off’ with me. The one time they tried to actually say something though, I just ignored them and carried on talking to one of the others – she said they were just ignorant and would quit after a while when they got bored.
I’ll have to close now, want this to get out in the next post, re your question – I don’t know if I’ll ever think about taking any exams, must admit it hadn’t occurred to me – I was just interested in seeing that Robbie has a good start to his life. Maybe I’ll think about it when he’s older. Thanks again for your letter. Hope to hear from you again, soon.

Yours
Cherry Elliott.

 


#9:  Author: claireLocation: South Wales PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 7:43 pm


Thank you - it's back!

 


#10:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 7:54 pm


It's back - already Shocked


Not that I'm complaining at all Lesley Very Happy

2 lovely letters, thankyou

 


#11:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:01 pm


It's back, wow, I wasn't expecting it, what a lovely suprise for the end of the holidays.

Thank-you Lesley.

 


#12:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:03 pm


*bounces wildly with excitement*
yayyy!!!!!!
Great to see it back Lesley!

 


#13:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:14 pm


Letter from Helena Wilson to Constance Mackenzie

Dear Con,
Must admit, when you first suggested that we write to each other, rather than email, phone or text, I thought you were crazy! But it’s surprising how much more satisfying it is to receive a letter.
Well the first term of the year is over – and both Janetta and Evvy have had a good term. In a way Evvy’s been surprising: she’s coped really well, especially as she’s now in the Lower Fifth and a Senior. Hilda and I have had her over with us a couple of times, but on the whole she has managed really well -I suppose it helps that she hadn’t had a great deal of contact with Corney for so long. Before she left for the holidays she told us her news - Con that’s wonderful! I didn’t think she’d be ready to take that step for some time - and how lovely that not only Janetta, but the boys want it too! Must admit I wasn’t that surprised - ever since the incident with Evvy and Janetta in the Bush, it’s been obvious that she’s looked on you as her family -now it’s official!
We’ve had a very lazy time this holiday, spent many of the days on the beach with Cherry and Robbie - the weather has been far too hot at times! We all look healthier for it though, even Hilda has a slight colour! We’ve heard from Rosalind, the honeymoon went extremely well - they had spent a week in Sydney then travelled back to pick up Kelly before going to Brisbane and the Barrier Reef. Luckily Rosalind’s leg has completely healed because Geoff still can’t drive. They’re in Brisbane now as Geoff will be starting his new job soon. I think they’ll be spending most of the weekends there - at least those when Rosalind’s not on-duty. But during term time she’ll be living on-site as always - one of Hilda’s rules is all Department Heads (and the Head and Deputy) must live on-site during term, and one I agree with.
Anyway, it’s only a few days until the start of the new term - we haven’t anything particular planned for this term - it’s only nine weeks long (I like these shorter terms and longer holidays!) so I suppose nothing much will happen…………ooops, wonder if I might be eating my words at the end of term?
Let us know when you and Jock can come visiting, Hilda sends her love.

Love Nell.

 


#14:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:17 pm


Echoes all the Yays!

I hadn't expected it so soon!.

Thank you Lesley.

 


#15:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:36 pm


Lesley, has anyone ever told you how wonderfully shiny and perfect you are?

This is brilliant!!

 


#16:  Author: CathyLocation: Sydney, Australia PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 9:48 pm


What a brilliant surprise to wake up to on Saturday morning! Thanks Lesley. Can't wait for the next instalment. I can see I'm going to be driving my family nuts again.

Cathy

 


#17:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 9:52 pm


Lesley wrote:
But it’s surprising how much more satisfying it is to receive a letter.


Totally agree with Nell here.

Thanks for the updates - not only is it back but we've had three installments already! Lesley you're a star Very Happy

Liz

 


#18:  Author: DonnaLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 9:54 pm


Lesley, you are a wonderful, shiny, lovely person! I got such a nice surprise when I realised you'd started RCS 6. Thank you! Smile

 


#19:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 10:09 pm


Wow, it's back! What a lovely surprise Very Happy

 


#20:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 10:26 pm


Only just noticed this was back Embarassed

Hurrah! Thanks for so many updates Lesley, and am loving the letters.

And ysy for the Mckenzie's adopting Evvy Very Happy

 


#21:  Author: KathyeLocation: Laleham PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 10:53 pm


Yay for RCS is back Whooohhhooo


Thanks Lesley

 


#22:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: North West England PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 7:31 am


*hugely contented sigh*

Thank you Lesley, so nice to see this back.


It's not to early to start chanting is it? No I didn't think so! Very Happy

 


#23:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 10:04 am


The first full day of term two began, like all terms, with Assembly directly after breakfast. The day before, the Monday, had been spent in all the pupils and Staff arriving back at the Real Chalet School for the start of a new term. Most unusually, there had been no delays or hold-ups for any of those coming from overseas. All the planes had landed on time and the passengers were all accounted for. At the School everyone had managed to unpack that day and still had time for a little rest prior to the early bed that was mandatory at the beginning of term. Most unusually too, the Head and Deputy Head had both managed to get away from the school at a reasonable time.

Therefore it was a rested and relaxed school, that waited in the Hall that morning, for the Headmistress to arrive. On seeing her appear the entire school rose and waited in silence. Miss Annersley walked across to the lectern and smiled round at her students and Staff.

“Please sit down, everyone,” she said with a quick smile, she waited until all noise had ceased, “Welcome back to the real Chalet School for this the second term of the year. I hope you all had a good holiday and have returned eager to work!” She smiled at the muffled groans from sundry members of the Middle School, then raised her hand for silence once more.

“There are few changes to the classes, like last term there are now additional classes for most of the Junior and Middles years. In addition though, we have divided the Reception and Preparation classes in the Kindergarten. A full list is shown here,” she pressed a button on her lectern and a list appeared on the wall behind her.

S Upper VIa - Miss Ruth Derwent
S Upper VIb - Mlle Julie Berne
S Lower VIa - Miss Kathryn Brown
S Lower VIb - Miss Nancy Wilmot
S Special VI - Miss Lulie Walker
S Upper Va - Miss Katherine Bruce
S Upper Vb - Miss Dorothy Lawrence
S Lower Va - Miss Sharlie Andrews
S Lower Vb - Miss Lisa Townsend
M Upper IVa - Ms Rosalind Moore
M Upper IVb - Miss Peggy Burnett
M Upper IVc - Mlle Jeanne de Lachenais
M Lower IVa - Miss Kathie Ferrars
M Lower IVb - Miss Lesley Green
M Lower IVc - Miss Donna Kelly
M Upper IIIa - Miss Davida Armitage
M Upper IIIb - Ms Catherine Barber
M Upper IIIc - Miss Emma Neachell
M Lower IIIa - Miss Rebecca Gray
M Lower IIIb - Miss Rosalind Yolland
M Lower IIIc - Miss Beth Challoner
J Upper IIa - Miss Beth Carey
J Upper IIb - Miss Rachel Grey
J Lower IIa - Miss Celia Oldroyd
J Lower IIb - Miss Rachel Trent
J Upper Ia - Miss Deborah Smith
J Upper Ib - Miss Joan Bertram
J Lower Ia - Miss Catherine Laidler
J Lower Ib - Miss Rachel Dorling
K Preparation (a) - Miss Kathie Robertson
K Preparation (b) - Miss Sheryl Burke
K Reception (a) - Miss Susan Tinning
K Reception (b) - Mrs Cathy Bulfin
K Nursery - Mrs Carolyn Phillips


Last edited by Lesley on Sat Apr 02, 2005 11:26 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#24:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 10:11 am


I think we may need to print that list out to keep straight. It's very comprehensive! I do like having all the names and knowing where they fit.

They are all familiar too!

Love your sig, by the way Wink

Thank you Lesley.

 


#25:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 10:23 am


Incredibly impressed with the speed of posting Lesley - thankyou

 


#26:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 10:56 am


Thank you Lesley. Very Happy

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that sounds like an ominously too-calm start to the term - especially if the previous term was quiet as well - the calm before the storm perhaps?

Liz

 


#27:  Author: RosieLocation: Huntingdonshire/Bangor PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 11:17 am


*cartwheels*
Wahoo! More RCS!! (Was far too tired to make it here last night!)
Thanks Lesley!!

 


#28:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 11:50 am


Keep going, Lesley, I love it. And thanks for all the support. Wink

 


#29:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 12:49 pm


The Head allowed everyone to see the list for a time before switching off the Power Point presentation. She smiled, “We have some new girls this term, mainly in the Middle School, some from Germany, some from the UK and some from America, as well as some from Australia. I hope that you make all of them welcome. In addition we have a new mistress,” she turned to the mistresses sat behind her and beckoned to one to stand, “this is Miss Jones, she will be taking you for a new class, Drama, as well as joining the music staff to help with singing. This will be necessary, I feel, as we have a a performance at the end of term.”

Miss Annersley continued with welcoming everyone back before dismissing them to their first lesson. Waiting on the dais as everyone filed out, she smiled across at her partner, “I think I could get used to a nice, calm, normal term, Nell,” she remarked in undertone.

Miss Wilson snorted, “Hah! You’d be bored if we have another term like the last one, and anyway, this school has followed its predecessor and never gone in for many quiet terms.” She grinned at her partner, then suddenly frowned, “I say, did you mean it, when you said earlier that you wanted me there when you meet that politician?”

The two women had started to walk back toward the Admin block, Miss Annersley looked across, “Yes Nell, he seemed eager to meet the pair of us.”

“Hilda! You know politicians and I just don’t get on! He’s sure to say something that I violently disagree with, and I’ll have to bite my tongue not to tear strips off of him. Can’t you see him on your own? You’re so much more tactful than I!” The Deputy Head turned an imploring expression to her friend.

“You’ll be there, Nell,” Miss Annersley returned firmly, “if I have to meet him, then so do you!”

Her words reverberated in her head some ninety minutes later as Miss Annersley listened to the man sat in her Study. The Head sat back in her chair, her eyes not leaving the face of her visitor. What she did not do, indeed, did not dare to do, was glance to her right and lock gazes with her Deputy. Nell Wilson’s expression would have finished her!

“Let me see if I have understood you correctly, Mr Hartley,” she said with patient forbearance, “your Party has recently won power in this area and you propose to bring in new legislation. Said legislation will, effectively, prohibit schools from having any sort of form list, prizes or exams?”

The politician smiled unctuously, “That is correct, Miss Annersley,” he said quickly, “We have had a number of studies done about the damage that competition can do to the growing mind. To have a winner, you see, must also mean you have a loser.”

“But surely, Mr Hartley,” Nell Wilson could remain silent no longer, “that’s the whole point? When these children leave here and head out into the world, they will be faced with competition whatever direction their life takes? If we remove that experience they will be totally unprepared to face the world.”

“Our studies have shown that, in fact, that is not the case,” Hartley began, somewhat oily, “that the amount of ‘competition’ faced is significantly less than was once estimated.”

Miss Annersley raised an eyebrow, “There is no competition? I find that very difficult to believe. What of interviews for jobs or further education placements?”

“Buying a house, getting a mortgage, even getting a bank account…” Miss Wilson put in.

“That’s different…” Hartley began.

Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson looked at each other in some disbelief, “It is not different, Mr Hartley.” Miss Annersley replied, “It is competition, there are winners and losers. If we attempt to shield children from the negative effects of competition, not allow them to lose, we would be doing them a terrible disservice. We would be failing in our duty to prepare the students here for a normal adult life.”

“I think I’d like to see these studies of yours Mr Hartley,” the Deputy Head said quickly, “I’d like to see the rational behind them, the control groups, the scientific theory, are you able to furnish me with a copy? Either printed or on-line.”

“Er, er, the studies are somewhat complicated, Miss Wilson, I don’t think you…”

“Miss Wilson is a scientist, Mr Hartley,” Miss Annersley put in quickly, preventing her partner from making a somewhat less polite outburst, “I think you’ll find she is well qualified to read scientific literature.”

“Or is it, perhaps, that you do not have confidence in your results, Mr Hartley?” Miss Wilson said sharply.

Hartley rose, flushing somewhat, aware that the two composed and confident women in front of him seemed to be laughing at him, “That will not be necessary,” he said loudly, “I did not come here for debate, just to inform you of the projected changes to the law, and allow you time to change your teaching methods…” he stopped as both women shook their heads.

“We will not be changing our teaching methods, Mr Hartley.” Miss Annersley said firmly, “We will continue to have form lists and prizes, games where there are winners and losers, examinations, and all the other competitions to allow students to experience coming first and last.”

“But…you can’t!” Hartley was rather shocked, “It will be law!”

“We are a private school, Mr Hartley,” the Head reminded him gently, “as such we have a far wider range when it comes to the way the School is run. We must adhere to certain regulations, those appertaining to the curriculum, for instance, but otherwise, we offer an education we feel parents and guardians want for their children.”

“And we’ll not have to hold out for long,” Miss Wilson put in, a wicked look in her eyes, “after all, there’ll be another election in a few years, your Party could lose – oh, but that’s a form of competition too, isn’t it?”

 


#30:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 2:35 pm


It's back! Shocked I was expecting an announcement of the date as we had with RCS5, so this is a very nice surprise!

I don't like the sound of Hartley. Hilda and Nell are quite right, you can't erase any kind of competition within a school environment and then expect young people to adjust accordingly when they go out into the wide world. Silly man!

 


#31:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 2:54 pm


Stupid politician (apologies for tautology!)

I thought Nell was quite restrained there!

Thanks Lesley. It is so nice to have this to look forward to.

 


#32:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 4:49 pm


omg omg omg, it's back!!


Yay Lesley!!!! *bows down and worships* Wink

Thank you!

 


#33:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 5:38 pm


Woohoo...... RCS is back. Thank you Lesley.

Embarassed I also notice the second part of my raffle prize has started as well. Very Happy

*eebles*

JackieJ

 


#34:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 5:43 pm


JackieJ wrote:
Embarassed I also notice the second part of my raffle prize has started as well. Very Happy


Glad you noticed, Jackie - don't think anyone else did! Laughing

 


#35:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 5:52 pm


I vaguely remembered Embarassed


But not much! Laughing

 


#36:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 6:45 pm


HURRAY!!!

Thank you so much for being able to write more RCS so soon after the last one, Lesley - does this mean Hilda Annersley - Headmistress is nearly ready for distribution?????

 


#37:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 6:47 pm


Sophoife wrote:
HURRAY!!!

Thank you so much for being able to write more RCS so soon after the last one, Lesley - does this mean Hilda Annersley - Headmistress is nearly ready for distribution?????


It's with the printers at the moment - I'll be phoning the publisher on Monday to check progress.

 


#38:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 6:52 pm


Lesley wrote:
It's with the printers at the moment - I'll be phoning the publisher on Monday to check progress.


DOUBLE HURRAY!!

Wink

and I like your new sig line btw!

 


#39:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 7:20 pm


Yay Lesley
Yay RCS
Yay Hilda Annersley-Headmistress
Yay Lesleys new sig
Yay Yay Yay Yay Yay Yay Yay Yay
I'm overexcited now!

 


#40:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 8:15 pm


*bounces incoherently and overexcitedly*


It's SO good to have this back Lesley!! (and PLEASE poke your publishers to get the book out by my birthday, because that would be a VERY shiny present!!)

 


#41:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 8:35 pm


I've got a Year 1 class ( I think) in RCS ... at least Lesley understood the fact I didn't like my Reception Practice!!!!

It's great having this back Lesley even better if you could have Hilda writing an article on creative planning for children ......!! (this bl**dy essay and I are going to fall out big time soon!)

Vikki wrote:


It's SO good to have this back Lesley!! (and PLEASE poke your publishers to get the book out by my birthday, because that would be a VERY shiny present!!)


If you could poke them to get it out by my birthday it'd be even shinier and its only 48 hrs earlier!!!!

 


#42:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 8:47 pm


*Hopes Vikki's birthday is very soon*

I love the fact that Mr Hartley is no match at all for Hilda and Nell! Very Happy

Thanks Lesley Very Happy

 


#43:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 9:03 pm


I'm away from the CBB for 24 hours, andcome back to find RCS6 begun without any warning or fanfare or anything! Shocked

It's great - and I love your siggy Lesley!!!! Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes

 


#44:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 9:15 pm


I did hear this was back last night but was too tired to concentrate on it. Thank you so much Lesley looking forward to lots and lots of postings.

Thank you for my class too and lovely to see Jackie taking up her new role.

 


#45:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 9:40 pm


The first week of term seemed to pass reasonably well; there were no unexpected occurrences, by late Friday afternoon most Staff were looking forward to the weekend. In one corner of the Staff Sitting Room during Tea that afternoon, Nancy Wilmot and Kathie Ferrars sat, quietly chatting, they looked rather serious. A call made them both look up sharply,

“Nancy, Kathie, would you like some tea?” It was the Senior Mistress.

Nancy shook herself slightly, “Thanks Ruth,”

Ruth walked across carrying a tray, on it, as well as four mugs of tea, were a plate of sandwiches, “Ros will be along in a minute,” she said smiling, “she was just phoning Geoff, Kelly’s staying at the School this weekend and, as Ros is on duty too, he’ll be on his own.”

“Is it going to work, them being separated?” Kathie asked quickly.

“I think so,” Ruth replied, “After all, once he’s back to full duties, Geoff would be away for far longer spells. If they can always arrange his leave to coincide with Rosalind’s there shouldn’t be any problems.” She smiled at her two friends, “Now, why the long faces? I thought the fact that it’s the weekend, nearly, coupled with the fact that you have Ros and myself coming to dinner tomorrow, would be cause for celebration!”

Nancy and Kathie looked at each other quickly and smiled, “It is, Ruth,” Nancy said, “we’re looking forward to it.”



In the Head’s Study, Miss Annersley was also having tea, she was sat at her desk, attempting to finish some reports needing to be sent off to the Department of Education. Tapping into her computer, she had almost completed the final report when the screen suddenly froze and a small pop-up screen informed her

There is a fault with your Microsoft Word programme and Windows will have to close. You may lose any unsaved work.

Miss Annersley stared at the screen in some vexation, uttering a number of words that anyone, even Nell Wilson, would have been surprised that she knew. She tried clicking a number of different options, but the only one that worked was that saying the computer would re-start. Sighing she clicked that option and watched as an hour’s work disappeared. A light tap on the door and she called out enter, Cherry and Robbie Elliott stood in the doorway.

“You said it was OK to come across now, Hilda?” Cherry said quickly.

Hilda’s face relaxed into a smile, “I did, Cherry, come in both of you.” She rose and walked round in front of her desk, squatting down she opened her arms wide just as Robbie ran into them.

“Grandma, I made a cake, an’ I bought it for your tea!” Robbie said quickly while hugging her, “Look!” He held out a hand, in it was a small object wrapped in tissue paper, she unwrapped it, possibly the hardest rock cake in the world stared up at her. She swallowed slightly, then looked at her grandson’s eager face.

“It looks lovely, Robbie, I’ll enjoy it. Did you make enough for Grandma Nell? She‘ll be here in a few minutes.”

Robbie’s face fell, “Nooooo, I only made one,” the little boy sounded upset.

“Never mind, Robbie,” Hilda said smiling, “she may have half of mine!”


Last edited by Lesley on Sun Apr 03, 2005 8:06 am; edited 1 time in total

 


#46:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 9:45 pm


So many good bits!

- want to know what's worrying N&K though
- Hilly should have auto-save on her computer (tut tut!)
- and cant wait to see Nells face when presented with the rock cake!!

Thanks Lesley! Laughing

 


#47:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 10:17 pm


*Wondering if Hilda's reaction to the, all too frequent message from Windows will result in a call to dear Bill and a great improvement for all Microsoft users?*

Also wondering why N & K are looking worried!

Thank you, shiny Lesley

Razz Razz Razz Razz

 


#48:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 10:21 pm


Kat wrote:
So many good bits!

- want to know what's worrying N&K though
- Hilly should have auto-save on her computer (tut tut!)
- and cant wait to see Nells face when presented with the rock cake!!

Thanks Lesley! Laughing


Tut! Tut! Hilda should be in the habit of saving her work regularly! That's what we tell our students anyway.

 


#49:  Author: DonnaLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 11:41 pm


Thank you for all the shiny posts Lesley (although I'm a bit worried I have a Lower IV form - eeek! Smile)

Oh, and I noticed Jackie's prize - I was just too late in getting here to mention it first! Smile

 


#50:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 11:56 am


Eeep! I'm form teacher for a second form?! Eep....

Also, yay, it's back!

Ray *a little nervous at her new duties*

 


#51:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 1:07 pm


Thank you oh very shiny Lesley

Liz

 


#52:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 1:57 pm


*headdesk* So that's who Miss Jones is! Silly Ann!

Sorry Jackie Embarassed

 


#53:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 2:06 pm


The expression on Nell Wilson’s face when presented with half the rock cake, almost made up for the annoyance the Head had felt about losing her work. Especially because, by the time the Deputy Head appeared, Hilda had already managed to force down her half of the cake. She could then watch in simulated innocence as Nell had to eat the cake while assuring Robbie that it tasted wonderful! When Robbie had to go to the bathroom Nell looked across at her friend,

“You are an evil woman, Hilda Annersley,” she said quickly, “and I will pay you back!”

Miss Annersley grinned unrepentantly.

Having Tea together on a Friday, the two Heads, Cherry and Robbie, had evolved as a ritual during the previous term. During the week, both the Head and Deputy Head were kept busy throughout the term, often finding it difficult to finish work by the eight pm watershed. However Friday afternoon was slightly different. For one thing, being the start of the weekend it meant that, for one out of three weeks, neither Hilda nor Nell were on duty. Although the weekend didn’t, technically, start until after Supper on Friday (after 7pm), Miss Annersley had continued the practice of always being available for any girl.

At any time between 5pm and 8pm any girl could ask to be excused Prep to see the Head. Obviously, she was not available during Supper, but after Supper until 8pm, during the girls’ free time, they could also seek her out. If she were not in her own or Miss Wilson’s Study, she could be found in the Staff Room. All girls knew that she welcomed anyone coming to her with any concerns or problems.

However Tea time was sacrosanct, a time for the Heads to relax, and they invited Cherry and Robbie across to join them every Friday. On this Friday they were all excitedly discussing their plans for the weekend. The next morning, early, they were leaving to visit Melbourne Zoo. Not only were they going to spend the day there, but, and this was the bit that really excited Robbie, they planned to sleep overnight in a tent there, so they could see some of the more nocturnal animals. Robbie had never been camping and was so excited he couldn’t keep still!

Running over to scramble up on Hilda’s lap, he asked her, “Will we see elephants, Grandma?”

“Yes, Robbie, and monkeys and seals and lots of other animals.” Hilda smiled down at the little face, “We’ll also see some animals that only wake up when it’s dark.”

“Inna tent?”

“Well hopefully not in the actual tent, no, but close by!”

“And dinosaurs, Grandma, will we see dinosaurs?”

“Er, no Robbie, dinosaurs don’t exist anymore.” Hilda smiled slightly.

Robbie frowned, “But I want to see a dinosaur!”

“Well you’ll have to speak to Grandma Nell about that, Robbie, she’s the scientist, she can explain it to you.” Hilda grinned across at her partner. Nell Wilson glared at her before looking at Robbie.

“Come into my Study, Robbie,” she said standing and holding out her hand. Robbie slipped off of Hilda’s lap and ran across, “We’ll have a look at some of the science magazines I’ve got in there, explain things to you.” The pair disappeared.

Cherry smiled across at Hilda, “He’s so excited about the trip,” she said, “he’s been to zoos before, but never one where we could sleep overnight as well.”

“We thought it sounded good when we booked it,” Hilda replied, “It’s very popular apparently, gets booked up well in advance.” The Head paused and looked over at Cherry rather more closely, “Cherry, are you well? You look rather worried.”

Cherry shook her head, “I’m fine Hilda, I…” she stopped, registering Hilda’s eyes on her, she sighed, “I’ve not been sleeping too well, that’s all, slight problem at work. But it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“Problem at work? What problem? Would you like…”

“Hilda,” Cherry interrupted quickly, her face slightly flushed, “if I were some other member of the domestic staff, what would you be doing?”

Hilda stopped, thinking, “You feel that, as Headmistress, I shouldn’t be interfering?”

Cherry smiled, “I know you don’t mean it as interference,” she began, “but I’ve got to sort out my own problems, not use the fact that we’re close.”

Hilda walked across and knelt beside the girl, she placed an arm across her shoulders, “If you are sure? Then I’ll not interfere…for now. And yes Cherry, we are close. If Robbie is my adopted grandson, then that makes you my daughter. If you need my help…”

“I know, thanks.” Cherry reached across and kissed Hilda on the cheek, they both smiled.

The connecting door was flung open and Robbie ran in, “We will be seeing dinosaurs, Grandma!” he said triumphantly.

Hilda raised an eyebrow, “We will? But all the dinosaurs were killed, a long time ago. Didn’t Grandma Nell tell you?”

“Yes Grandma Nell told him,” Nell said quickly, “what did I say Robbie, what killed the dinosaurs?”

Robbie thought for a moment, “An aste…aster…”

“Asteroid,” Nell said patiently, “that’s right.”

“So there won’t be any dinosaurs, Robbie,” Hilda said quietly.

“Oh yes there will, Grandma,” Robbie said, laughing, “cos birds is dinosaurs too!”

Hilda looked across at her partner who nodded confirmation, “That’s the latest scientific theory, Hilda,” she said, “birds evolved from certain species of dinosaurs, they are closer to them than any reptile.”

“But they’s only little dinosaurs, Grandma,” Robbie said quite seriously, “Even emus is only little dinosaurs.”


Last edited by Lesley on Sat May 28, 2005 8:38 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#54:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 2:32 pm


Lovely.
However, I am wondering when you are going to leave a storyline before the end (!!!!), and how long it will be before you leave the other threads and finish it! Wink

 


#55:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 3:06 pm


Thanks, Lesley. I always love to see the interplay beween Cherry, Robbie and Hilda. It's such a lovely relationship. Smile Smile

 


#56:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 4:15 pm


Don't they make a lovely family!

Thank you Lesley.

 


#57:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 5:54 pm


Very Happy Diolch yn fawr Lesley fach!!

 


#58:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 5:57 pm


Kat wrote:
Very Happy Diolch yn fawr Lesley fach!!


Yer what?????? Wink

 


#59:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 6:02 pm


Thank you very much Lesley tongue

B/fach actually means litte, but it's used as an affectionate term most of the time!

 


#60:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 6:14 pm


Thanks Lesley I am intruiged about K& N.

 


#61:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 6:30 pm


Kat wrote:
Thank you very much Lesley tongue

B/fach actually means litte, but it's used as an affectionate term most of the time!


Ah, that's alright then - I can speak one language Kat - am absolute cr*p at any other! Laughing

 


#62:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 8:13 pm


Rolling Eyes

Wink

May we have some more please??

 


#63:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 8:41 pm


*agrees with Katkin*

Love the rock cake incident Lesley!!!

 


#64:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 9:02 pm


Lovely - thanks Lesley

It seems Hilda is getting the better of the gentle battling with Nell at the moment - but I'm guessing the situation will be reversed before long

Liz

 


#65:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 9:27 pm


*g* thanks Lesley.

I love the dynamics of Hilda's 'family'

 


#66:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 10:06 pm


Yay! It back and i noticed before too much was posted. Wonderful as ever - thank you Lesley!

 


#67:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 5:44 am


Obviously a weekend for lovely surprises Very Happy

Sounds like the beginning of another exciting term!

Yay for Nell on the dinosaurs/birds. But suggest she tries dunking future rock-like edibles in her tea. (Or perhaps it isn't done? Shocked )

Have fun at the zoo!

 


#68:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester England PostPosted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 7:18 am


YAY it's back! Lovely shiny Lesley! Thank you!

 


#69:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 9:27 am


To warn everyone - I will be away from now until fairly late tomorrow night.

 


#70:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 9:40 am


Yay! Glad to see this back - and lots to read already just from one weekend!

thanks Lesley Very Happy

 


#71:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 11:58 am


I hope there are no viruses in the RCS computer system...

 


#72:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 7:23 pm


Thanks Lesley!

The dinaosur/bird theory always seems silly to me but the idea of emus as little dinasours still appeals Very Happy

 


#73:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 10:28 pm


Wonderful! Very Happy

Loving this so far, Lesley - and thank you for cheering up what has been a totally lousy day! Kiss

 


#74:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 2:14 am


*gasps* It's back1 Why didn't anyone tell me?!!! I thought we'd have to wait months.

Lesley, you are super shiny for giving me a Fifth. Donna has all my sympathy!! Laughing Loving the family dynamics- and still giggling over the rock bun. My mother used tomake them. I don't think they were ever THAT hard....

 


#75:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 4:04 am


What, all those teachers and no professional librarian?

Tut tut tut.





But I'd be happy to take on the role.

Lovely shiny Lesley, s'nice to see another episode appearing so soon.

 


#76:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 12:56 pm


The post of Librarian is already filled!

 


#77:  Author: Rachel PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 6:13 pm


It feels very late to me - surely it's time for an update? Wink


BTW Lesley, I just (Just!) finished reading RCS5 - it was amazing, fantastic, terrific and excellent! When are you planning on giving the RCS series to the printer?


Yay - for I am up to date on RCS for once!

 


#78:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 7:00 pm


Hurrah! It's back! *dances down the landing* I did actually notice it on the one time my father's so-called internet connection let me on the board, but then it died. Still, it meant all the more to read tonight! Thank you thank you thank you Lesley Very HappyVery HappyVery Happy

 


#79:  Author: AlexLocation: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 7:08 pm


Can't believe I've only just noticed that RCS is back, that must be some kind of record. Thanks, Lesley!

 


#80:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 7:38 pm


The visit to Melbourne Zoo was a great success, getting there early, the four had time to wander around all the exhibits, timing their arrivals to when the animals were being fed, or the keepers were giving talks about the animals and their natural habits. They had taken a picnic lunch with them and, when they were all starting to feel hungry, moved to the picnic area. After a large meal they all lay back for a rest, Hilda decreeing that everyone must rest for thirty minutes before doing anything else. This decree seemed to cause private amusement to both Hilda and Nell.

Afterwards Robbie brought out a small football from his rucksack and managed to persuade everyone else to play. Deciding that there should be two teams, he was teamed with Nell, while Hilda and Cherry made up the other team. The idea was for his team to try and score goals while the others defended. He took great pleasure in kicking the ball as hard as he could toward his Grandma Hilda, an act that was gleefully copied by his Grandma Nell! Luckily, Cherry did at least attempt to shield Hilda from too many hard kicked missiles. They had been playing for about twenty minutes when the ball rolled down a slope, Cherry raced after it. She reached the ball and picked it up when she became aware of another family, she recognised the woman.

“Hello Cherry,” the woman’s tone was not friendly, “out with the family are you?”

Cherry looked across at her, she saw a woman in her late thirties, of average height and build, with a short blond hair and blue eyes, “Hello Lindsey,” she said, “Yes I am, you?”

The woman indicated a man and two young boys, “Yes, thought we’d come along, show the boys a good time, though everything is so expensive, isn’t it? Oh, but I forgot, you’d have no problems paying for everything, not with your extended family.” Her tone was mocking and sarcastic.

Cherry flushed, “You’ve got no idea about my relationship with Hilda and Nell!”

“I know that ‘Hilda and Nell’ are too good for a common slut like y…”

“Cherry? Come on, girl, we’re all waiting! How long does it take to retrieve a ball?” Nell Wilson suddenly appeared beside Cherry, grinning at her.

Cherry turned, “Sorry Nell, I was talking.” She indicated the woman next to her, “This is Lindsey Hopkins, she’s another of the cleaners at the School.”

Nell looked across, “Mrs Hopkins, nice to meet you, I’m Nell Wilson, Deputy Head,” she held out a hand.

Lindsey Hopkins swallowed slightly, “Miss Wilson, nice to meet you, I was just saying to Cherry how nice it was for her to have such good friends.”

“Oh Cherry is not a friend, Mrs Hopkins,” Nell said, her face expressionless, “she’s family.” She stood and waited until the other woman made her excuses and left to rejoin her own family. Nell turned to Cherry. “What’s that all about?” she demanded.

“N-nothing, Nell,”

“Don’t give me that, I may not have Hilda’s gift of sensing emotion but it was obvious there is trouble between the two of you. Is she causing problems for you?”

Cherry took a deep breath, “I’ll deal with it, Nell, please, I have to deal with it on my own.”

Nell looked at Cherry for a while, “Like that is it?” she asked, “OK Cherry, but if you can’t…”

“I know, thanks.” Cherry smiled, “Now come on, Hilda and Robbie will be wondering if we’ve run off!” They rejoined the others.

The rest of the day proceeded without incident. Robbie enjoyed himself immensely, his enthusiasm rubbing off on the others and his energy continuous. By evening, when they were considering retiring to the two small tents set aside for their use, he had already passed the point of tiredness, falling asleep on Cherry’s shoulder. She put him to bed while promising that she would wake him in time to watch some of the nocturnal animals being fed.

Unfortunately, when it came time to wake him he would not wake up! After trying for more than 20 minutes to wake him, Cherry decided that it wasn’t going to happen. A short discussion ensued at the end of which Hilda, feeling tired herself, said she would stay with Robbie, while Nell and Cherry went to see some of the exhibits. They took along a camcorder so they would have something to show Robbie.

Perhaps 40 minutes later, Hilda was awoken by Robbie; he was crying. She sat up quickly, Robbie was still in his sleeping bag, but had moved across to lie next to Hilda and had his arms round her, he was crying big sobs, and trying to talk at the same time. “An…an…and I woked…up and Mu…..Mummy was gone…….And she pomised…..Grandma….she pomised.” The sobs were heart-rending.

Hilda reached across and gathered the little boy, sleeping bag and all, into her arms, “Robbie, what’s the matter?” she asked, her voice showing her distress, there were real tears flowing from Robbie’s eyes.

“Mummy’s gone ‘way agin, Grandma,”

“No Robbie, she’s not gone away,” Hilda wiped his eyes, “She’s just gone to see some of the animals, she tried to wake you but you were fast asleep.”

Robbie looked up, “S-s-she’s not gone to Big House?”

Hilda smiled and cuddled the little boy tightly, “No Robbie, she’s just outside, she’s not going away again, she promised you, didn’t she?”

“Yeeess, but she not here.”

“Well let’s get dressed, then I’ll take you to her, alright?”

“Yes Grandma.”

A short time later saw them both walking across to where Nell and Cherry were watching some marmosets, on seeing Cherry, Robbie released Hilda’s hand and ran over to her, wrapping his arms around her legs.


Last edited by Lesley on Tue Apr 05, 2005 9:19 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#81:  Author: RosieLocation: Huntingdonshire/Bangor PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 7:48 pm


Oh poor little Robbie!
And GRRRRRRRR to evil woman!

 


#82:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 7:50 pm


Boo Hiss to the evil Lindsey.

Ahh sweet to the cute Robbie.

Thanks for that bit Lesley!

 


#83:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 7:54 pm


Oh poor little Robbie, still scared that his mum will leave Sad

Not liking Lindsey at all (as we're not supposed to I'm sure)! Laughing Hoping she comes in for some good old Nell sarcasm at the very least!!

Thanks Lesley, welcome back Very Happy

 


#84:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 9:00 pm


Huggles for (((Robbie))) and a row full of nasty dirty toilets for Lindsay

 


#85:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 9:14 pm


Seconds Lyanne!

I suppose it was bound to happen, even at RCS!

 


#86:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 10:21 pm


Awww bless him!


*Viciously pokes Lindsay*


Very Happy

 


#87:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 11:08 pm


Thirds Lyanne!!!

thanks Lesley Smile

 


#88:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 12:07 am


Thanks Lesley, Robbie and Cherry are as lovely as ever.

Looking forward to seeing Lynsey get her comeuppance.

 


#89:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 12:30 am


new RCS!!!!!

and I was away Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

but I'm back now Very Happy so thank you oh most shiny wonderful Lesley, a brilliant beginning

 


#90:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 2:05 am


Lovely Lelsey!!

Not liking Lindsay though!! Hoping she gets to clean the San bathrooms after some of the middles suffer a particularly virulent stomach virus! Wink

 


#91:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 9:05 am


Nasty Lindsey! And poor Robbie.

Thank you Lesley!

 


#92:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 9:24 am


Poor Cherry - horrid situation for her with Lindsey, although only to be expected I guess. Hope she manages to sort it out soon.

Thanks Lesley!

 


#93:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:20 am


Keep up the good work Lesley. Looking forward to much, much more.

 


#94:  Author: KathyeLocation: Laleham PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 12:18 pm


Pat wrote:
Keep up the good work Lesley. Looking forward to much, much more.


seconds that, am addicted once again !

 


#95:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 3:19 pm


The addiction automatically trandfers from one episode to the next!

 


#96:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 3:57 pm


Pat wrote:
The addiction automatically trandfers from one episode to the next!


I'll second that, though personally I'd prefer it if it TRANSFERRED. Goodness only knows what TRANDFERRING does?

Loving it all, Lesley. Very Happy Very Happy

Just a pity I can't gloat, like some people! Rolling Eyes Twisted Evil

 


#97:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 7:16 pm


The previous evening, the Friday, was a quiet one for Nancy Wilmot and Kathie Ferrars. They had managed to ensure they were both off for the weekend, even though, initially, they had both been down to cover. However a quick chat with Peggy Burnett and Sharlie Andrews had seen them swapping duties, the two wanting a weekend off later in the term. That night they hadn’t stayed long in the Staff Room, instead moving across to their cottage as soon as possible after the afternoon lessons had finished. That evening was spent with just the two of them, early evening both women sat working, Nancy was in her final year of a Mathematics degree - having transferred earlier than most of the mistresses she was further along than the others. Kathie had decided to take a mainly Geography based degree, but had included a couple of Maths based modules. Unusually, they didn’t work together on the Maths modules, instead each working silently. Afterwards they cooked a meal and sat to eat. Nancy ate everything on her plate, then, seeing Kathie had eaten hardly anything, she calmly appropriated her plate.

“That’s not good for your waistline, love,” Kathie said quietly, a slight smile on her face.

Nancy returned the smile, “At the moment I don’t give a damn about my waistline, Kathie,” she said with some vehemence, “and anyway, I’m eating because I’m upset, and food never puts on weight then, I just eat everything in sight and burn it off.”

“While I can’t eat anything,” Kathie replied. There was silence for a time, then she looked across at her partner, “Do you think, maybe, we read too much into what they said?” Her tone seemed to indicate that she didn’t believe this.

Nancy shook her head, “No, you heard them, heard what they said. They’re not children, Kathie, they went out of their way to ensure both of us heard.”

They both moved across to the sofa, Kathie rested her head against her partner’s shoulder, “Had you come across this before?” she asked, “before I joined you, I mean.”

Nancy shook her head, “No, oh I read about it, about the persecution and conflict. The way I felt, knowing that you were still trapped with that woman, well, it finally brought me face-to-face with my true feelings. I spoke to a couple of the CBBers about it, they were able to point me to the books to read, gave me advice and a warning.”

“But, in the eighteen months we’ve been together, it’s never been a problem. Until now.” Kathie said sharply, “And the fact that it’s girls, I mean, I could manage if it were any of the Staff, but the girls?”

Nancy laughed hollowly, “Not really girls, Kath, after all, they’re Lower Sixth, aged 16 or 17 all of them. Young adults now. Comes to something when I feel threatened by my own form.”

“So what are we going to do about it? Should we let anyone else know?”

Nancy thought for a moment, “I think Ruth may have guessed, at least, she knows something is wrong, even if she doesn’t know what.”

“Can she help?”

Nancy took a deep breath, “I don’t know, Kathie, I don’t know if anyone can help. Even today there are cases where people are dismissed from their posts in schools because the parents object to their lifestyle. Refuse to allow them to teach their children, afraid they will ‘contaminate’ them. I didn’t think it was possible in this century, but it happens. The girls are well aware of our relationship, we’ve made no effort to hide it, after all. If just one of them writes to a parent…”

“Hilda wouldn’t accept that type of interference from a parent, Nancy, you know that!” Kathie was adamant.

“Perhaps, but do we have the right to force her into making that decision?”

There was no reply to the question. After a while Nancy placed an arm around her smaller companion, “Hold me Kathie,” she said softly, “After hearing what I did today, and from girls I had thought liked and trusted both of us…I need to feel the arms of someone I know loves me as much as I love them.”

Kathie turned slightly to face her companion, her arms holding the older woman in a hug, “At least as much, beloved,” she whispered, kissing her on her cheek.


Last edited by Lesley on Wed Apr 06, 2005 7:32 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#98:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 7:25 pm


Oh NOOOOOOOOOOOO!




Poor Nancy and Kathy!

 


#99:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 7:31 pm


Echoes Vikki Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

Spill the beans, Lesley, what have they heard? Oh, why can you gloat and I can't!! Twisted Evil Evil or Very Mad Ce n'est pas juste et bon!! Mad

 


#100:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 8:19 pm


Oh how horrid. Poor Nancy and kathie!
Sad

 


#101:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 8:22 pm


Poor N&K

 


#102:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 8:36 pm


Evil or Very Mad Can take a damn good guess at what they've heard Evil or Very Mad

I hope they can sort it all out *fingers crossed*

 


#103:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 8:42 pm


*huggles N&K*

Can also guess what they've heard but PLEASE let it be ok

 


#104:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: North West England PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 8:57 pm


Stupid children Evil or Very Mad I feel a quick lesson in anti-discriminatory practices coming on!

Just so long as Nancy and Kathie stick it out............ Lesley will make sure their part of the story turns out all right............wont you Neutral

 


#105:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 9:40 pm


RCS is back??? How did I completely not notice????! Wowee!

Thanks Lesley, this looks to be as supreme as ever!

 


#106:  Author: NicolaLocation: Derbyshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 9:42 pm


Oh no, no, no... please be nice to Nancy and Kathie. I can't bear it...

Lesley, I'm so glad RCS 6 is here, and just as fab as its predecessors. Thank you.

 


#107:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 9:52 pm


What!!??? Some young ladies in the lower Sixth have been so unladylike?? Shame on them and I can't wait to read what Hilda has to say when she finds out - as she will Smile Evil or Very Mad

 


#108:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 9:55 pm


Oh no Crying or Very sad

Surely legally in Australia there isn't a problem with N&K being together in this day and age, even if they are teachers Confused Not that that would stop prejudiced kids or parents necessarily............

Tangentially... it's weird how "gay" now seems to be a term of abuse among kids. I don't remember that from when I was at school, but I've heard several teenagers recently saying "oh that's so gay" in an obviously negative way. Something stops me from turning round and haranguing them - probably the desire not to seem like a humourless old bat, or the thought that words can get used in such a different way from their original meaning that they almost lose the association (I know I've used the word b***d on many occasions without thinking that someone whose parents weren't married could feel offended) - but humourlessness may just assert itself at some point *hmph*

 


#109:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 9:59 pm


Vis a vis gay being a term of abuse... It was a slang term of abuse when I was in primary school some twenty years ago so it's not *new* so much as undergoing a completely unnecessary and tasteless revival. What's worse, to my way of thinking, is that it's not just kids using it now. My brother (who is 25 come August) and his mates use it too.

Lesley, this is excellent as ever (though I'm *still* wibbling at the thought of being a second form mistress...!)

Ray *looking forward to more*

 


#110:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 10:04 pm


Poor Nancy and Kathie! Hope it gets sorted out soon. Why do I get the feeling Mr Nasty Councillor may find out and cause trouble with this?

Thank you Lesley.

 


#111:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 10:27 pm


I would think (hope) the RCS is clued up enough to sort this. If not some of you CBB staff had better get on to it straight away Wink

the trouble is that won't stop the hurt.

Poor N & K!

 


#112:  Author: KathrynLocation: Kyabram (north of Melb) PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:04 pm


Catherine_B wrote:


Surely legally in Australia there isn't a problem with N&K being together in this day and age, even if they are teachers Confused Not that that would stop prejudiced kids or parents necessarily............


Legally, not a problem. However, a student teacher at a school in Melb was sent home because of discussing her relationship with her students. They had seen her partner pick her up after school and had asked about her. So she explained, someone told a parent, a parent complained and she was dismissed because she was providing the kids with sex education, not part of her role. Yet as teachers we are required to equip students with knowledge and skills to survive in the real world. Surely possessing an understanding of the different relationships and lifestyles that exist in the world is developing awareness, compassion, acceptance of differences, etc.

Great start Lesley. Just let Nancy and Kathie be ok!

 


#113:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:31 pm


Shocked

Please let them be okay!!! Crying or Very sad


Thank you, Lesley Very Happy

 


#114:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:40 pm


Was not expecting the nancy and Kathie storyline at all

but I suppose logically thinking discrimination/abuse would happen to them at some point

 


#115:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 12:15 am


*crosses everything and falls off bed hoping that things will work themselves out*

 


#116:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester England PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 7:04 am


Please let Nancy and Kathy be ok. I think they have a wonderful relationship. Lesley this is fantastic as usual! Very Happy

 


#117:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 9:41 am


*picks Pim up off the floor and puts her carefully back on the bed*

*wonders if somebody has been whispering nasty things to the sixth formers - suspects Lindsay but thinks that's probably too obvious for RCS*

Thanks Lesley - looking forward to finding out more

Liz

 


#118:  Author: AlexLocation: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 11:08 am


Perhaps they need to have Diversity Week at RCS!

My youngest brother (1Cool often uses gay as an insult - as in "you're soooo gay" - but as he also has a theory that all people with curly hair look gay I tend to ignore him rather than hassle him over it (although I did say I though that was the stupidest thing I'd ever heard). Amusingly his hair turned out pretty curly when he grew it!

 


#119:  Author: AliceLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 11:30 am


Wow, after about three days reading almost non-stop I have finally caught up with RCS. Sad to have no more to read (until the next post) but hopefully I'll be able to get on with some coursework now!

 


#120:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 4:56 pm


I guess it was inevitable that it would come up as an issue eventually but I hope Nancy and Kathie don't find themselves in any trouble over it because I don't think the local authorities would be very helpful from what we've seen of them!

Thanks Lesley

 


#121:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 8:34 pm


The following day was spent away from the Real Chalet School, Nancy and Kathie deciding to spend the day out shopping in Melbourne then seeing a movie. They returned home late afternoon, just in time to start preparing the meal for the evening. They were expecting Ruth and Rosalind over for the evening and scurried around making the place fit to be seen!

The meal was a great success, Ruth and Rosalind were close friends and good company. After finishing eating, and even Kathie had managed to force down some food, the four moved to the sitting room with a couple of bottles of wine. Talk moved from discussions about Rosalind’s wedding, to the hope that the four of them would be able to go diving some time soon. However, eventually, Ruth gave a short sigh and turned to view her friends seriously.

“Now you’ve both been very careful not to say anything,” she said quickly, “but something is definitely wrong. I saw it yesterday, and I wasn’t the only one, Rosalind, Cathy Barber and Jeanne all mentioned to me that the two of you looked upset. So what is it?”

There was silence for a time, Nancy and Kathie looked at each other, not knowing quite what to say.

Rosalind broke the silence, “Come on, both of you. You can trust us to be discreet, it’s something to do with the girls in your form, Nancy, isn’t it?”

Nancy looked across, surprised, “How did you know that?”

“Yesterday morning, I followed you teaching Lower VIb, remember?” Rosalind said rather grimly, “Was there a little early, heard you finish the lesson as the bell went, heard the girls all chorusing goodbye. Didn’t think anything of it at first, then my mind suddenly registered on what they were saying.”

Ruth looked across, What were they saying, Ros?” she asked quietly.

Ros sighed, “Let me think, ‘Give our love to Miss Ferrars’ was one, another, ‘Oh but we don’t actually mean love, of course,’ then, said with some venom, ‘I think that type of relationship is sick, I’m sure they shouldn’t be allowed to teach.’ one of the girls was very positive on that point.” Rosalind finished grimly.

Ruth looked across at Nancy, “How long has this been going on?”

Nancy swallowed slightly, “A few weeks or so,” she said quietly, “They actually started just before the end of last term. I thought they’d given up, but it seems to have got worse recently.”

“Worse than I heard?” Rosalind said sharply.

Nancy nodded, unable to speak, Kathie took up the tale, “We’ve both had ‘comments’ from that class, very subtle little digs, all phrased as innocent questions. Like did we believe in the teachings of the Bible, did we believe in Holy Matrimony. Did we feel certain acts were ‘unnatural’ things like that.”

“And this was from the entire form?” Ruth looked a little sick.

Nancy shook her head, “No, out of the nineteen it’s only perhaps,” she thought for a moment, “Six of them, the rest take no part in it, seem to just be embarrassed.”

“So they bloody well should be!” Rosalind said quickly, “How dare they? They have no right to comment on your private life.”

“Perhaps they feel, with this being a boarding school,” began Kathie, “they do.”

“Are they all local girls?”

Nancy shook her head, “No, there are two from the UK, one from the States and three from Australia. They are not even all new pupils, two of them are original chalet school pupils. If they have a leader it’s probably Katrina Palmer, but the others are just as keen..” She paused and smiled slightly round at the others, “Look, I appreciate what you’re saying, but short of responding to their questions, and pulling them up if their behaviour strays into impudence or cheek, there’s not much we can do.”

“You could send them to the Head.”

“Report them for asking questions?” Nancy shook her head, “I hardly think that’ll be helpful, and anyway, the girls would just see it as proof that Kathie and I can’t handle it.”

“Plus, we don’t know what Hilda would be able to do,” put in Kathie, “I mean, it’s obvious that they’ve learnt things from elsewhere, its ignorance rather than anything else.”

“But we must do something to help!” Ruth sounded annoyed, “I mean we can crack down on them if we hear anything, but it’s hardly enough!”

Nancy smiled, “Ruth, Rosalind, just by giving your support you’ve done enough.”

 


#122:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 8:42 pm


Glad they have that support Lesley. Looking forward to more.

 


#123:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: North West England PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 8:51 pm


Glad they have some help and support in school

Please let it all work out ok

 


#124:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 9:16 pm


Glad Ruth and Rosalind are supportive - hope they can help deal with the troublemakers.

Thanks Lesley

Liz

 


#125:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 9:18 pm


ruth and ros are so supportive! but they shouldn't have to be - those girls need to be taught a lesson.

 


#126:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 9:26 pm


Slapping is too good for those girls! Evil or Very Mad Hope they're well and truly brought in line Evil or Very Mad Evil or Very Mad Evil or Very Mad

 


#127:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 9:49 pm


I wonder where they are getting this from? Where did Katrina Palmer get it from?

I agree with Catherine - except I'd like to slap whoever taught them to behave like this. Evil or Very Mad

 


#128:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 10:06 pm


fume fume fume Evil or Very Mad Evil or Very Mad Evil or Very Mad

Horrible little brats! I'd like to kick them and whoever taught them that that kind of behaviour is acceptable!

 


#129:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 10:40 pm


*joins slapping queue*

Ignorance breeds hate I guess. Maybe they all need re-educating instead.

 


#130:  Author: RosieLocation: Huntingdonshire/Bangor PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 10:58 pm


What disgusting little *searches vocabularly* toe-rags!!!
And nice to see that out of the other SIXTEEN members of the form, not one is strong enough to stop them!
*would have rather a nice time telling them my 'unvarnished opinion' of that sort of thing!*

 


#131:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 2:13 am


*steams gently and excercises slapping arm*

Glad they have Ruth and Ros though. Thank you Lesley.

 


#132:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 2:57 am


Yay for Ruth and Ros

What disgusting little objects those half-dozen of lower VI are!

hugz for Nancy and Kathie

 


#133:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:13 am


Glad Nancy and Kathie have the support of Rosalind and Ruth. Hope they are able to help, prejudice is a nasty thing.

 


#134:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:14 am


grrrrr, they're lower VI, they should be grown up enough to know better than that.

Poor Nancy and Kathie.

 


#135:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 10:26 am


Poor N&K! Joins those wanting to slap the Lower VI. Glad Ros and Ruth are there for them.

Thank you Lesley.

 


#136:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 11:27 am


Thank you, Lesley. Lovely post, if somewhat disturbing.

 


#137:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 3:39 pm


*pokes those rotten little horrors!*

Lesley, PLEASE write a good and painful comeuppance for the little cows!!!!

 


#138:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 4:13 pm


*reaches for the poking stick and books a flight to Oz*

 


#139:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 8:06 pm


This sort of prejudice always annoys me, although sometimes it amuses me. Ben's aunt doesn't agree with homosexuality, but she gets on really well with our church choir master/MD of various groups/Hobbit (he's short and has curly hair), she doesn't realise he's gay.

*Hopes the offending demoiselles in Lower VI get what they deserve*

*Wonders if Katrina's doing this because of personal worries*

JackieJ

 


#140:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 8:33 pm


Oh gosh, poor Nancy and Kathie, I really hope something can be done!!!

Thanks Lesley Very Happy

 


#141:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:11 pm


Lesleeeeey! Any chance of your coming back & giving us some more of this tonight? Kiss

 


#142:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:18 pm


Not really in the right frame of mind to write at the moment Cathy. More tomorrow.

 


#143:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:23 pm


Sorry Lesley, can quite understand that - I just hoped it might have been written already. Will look forward to it whenever it comes Kiss

 


#144:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:31 pm


*hugs Lesley tight*

 


#145:  Author: AlexLocation: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 7:23 pm


Rosie wrote:
And nice to see that out of the other SIXTEEN members of the form, not one is strong enough to stop them!


After Rosie's comments on the other 16 I thought I'd better say something to my brother(s) when they made their next bout of "that's really gay" (see above). It didn't seem to have much of an effect but I haven't heard any similar comments for OVER 24 HOURS.

 


#146:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 8:26 pm


In Victorian times, the Gay Life was a euphemism for prostitution.

 


#147:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:27 pm


The next few days at the Real Chalet School were fairly quiet; Madge Russell contacted the Head early in the week to request that the School be used on the following Friday evening for the first meeting of the RCS Board since the new Directors had been chosen. It was arranged that the meeting would begin at eight, those members not part of the School would be informed of the venue and time.

During one of their early morning runs, Hilda and Nell discussed concerns that both had noticed within the School.

“The problem is, Nell,” Hilda said seriously, “that if it continues, I will have to say something. And if they chose not to confide in me as to the problem, then the only thing I can do is go down the discipline route.”

“Has it really got that bad, Hilda?” Nell sounded shocked.

Both women stopped at the top of the ridge to catch their breath, Hilda nodded, “I have, on three occasions, found that either Nancy or Kathie has left their classroom well before the end of the lesson. On each of the occasions they could give me no good reason as to why they had left.”

“Surely neither of them are having problems with the girls playing them up?”

“I doubt it,” Hilda replied absently, “It was the Lower Sixth, the girls are long past any…” she stopped suddenly, then turned to look at her partner, “It’s the same class, each time, I’d not realised it until now.”

“Which class?”

“Lower Sixth B, Nancy’s own class…but that’s ridiculous, Nancy’s always been an excellent form mistress, and as for any of the girls misbehaving with either of them, it’s as likely as someone playing the fool in your class, Nell.”

“Or yours,” Nell replied smiling. Her smile then faded as she continued to think on the problem, “I wonder, Hilda, could they be having problems because of their… relationship?”

The Head sighed, “I wondered that too, though I didn’t think we had that type of girl here,”

“What type of girl? Whatever class, race, country they are, people have prejudices and hatreds, most of them unreasonable. This is, after all, the real world.”

“True, and we have to deal with it…” Hilda stopped and looked across at her friend speculatively, “I wonder? Nell, how do you stand with…?”

“With Nancy and Kathie’s relationship?” Nell smiled, “Now why ask me? Because I’m Catholic?”

Hilda contrived to look embarrassed, “I know, Nell, I apologise, but there are quite definitive rulings emanating from Rome.”

“True, but don’t think some aspects of the Anglican faith are any less blinkered, Hilda,” Nell said gently, “It wasn’t that long ago that the Anglican Church was almost in revolt over the decision to appoint a man who had admitted to being, what’s the term, gay.”

“Yes, I know Nell, it wasn’t one of the Church’s finest moments,” Hilda looked suitably abashed.

Nell grinned and linked arms with her friend, “Hilda, I know the rulings from Rome, I know what is said in all the pertinent theological writing. But a basic tenet of Catholicism is that you make an informed decision, and that you follow your own conscience. I’ve never been one for blindly following orders.” At this both women grinned. Nell continued, “As far as I’m concerned, what any two adults chose to do, so long as they both consent, is their own business. Nancy and Kathie are right together, they are a true partnership. Hell, I’d envy what they have, except I think that what I have, what we have, is even better! That do you?”

Hilda smiled, “I’m pleased,” she said quietly, “Your views mirror my own. Well, if the problem is because of their relationship, we’d better keep a close eye on it.”

“Yes, and keep an eye on Ruth and Rosalind too, you mentioned the other day that they were both upset about something.”

The two women recommenced running, a short time later Nell saw that Hilda was quietly giggling, “What is it? What’s the matter?”

“Nothing!” Hilda said, her eyes bright with tears of laughter, “Just trying to imagine you ‘blindly following orders’ that’s all!”

“Hah!”

 


#148:  Author: NicolaLocation: Derbyshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:55 pm


*Quietly giggling too*

Love it, Lesley. Thanks for the update.

 


#149:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 6:42 am


I'm glad they've an inkling of what is going on. Thanks Lelsey.

Love the idea of Nell, 'blindly following orders' Shocked

 


#150:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 7:53 am


That was so sensitively written, Lesley, and as a Catholic I quietly concur with Bill's feelings. Smile

And I love the way they think their relationship is more satisfying than the route Nancy and Kathie have taken. Two very wise women.

 


#151:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 8:08 am


Thanks Lesley - glad to see the trouble has been picked up on, but half-hoping that Hilda and Nell don't need to get involved.

Liz

 


#152:  Author: JoWLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 8:52 am


I have only just discovered this. Because I'm still quite new I'm still catching up on all the current drabbles. When I can spare more than 23 hours a day I might catch up on the archives! It is lovely to read the RCS as it is posted and not ages after the event.

If the RCS needs a school counsellor, I'm available and could fly the Australia at very short notice.

 


#153:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:16 am


Thanks, Lesley. Beautifully done!

*suspects Nell and I agree on more than do the official "teaching magisterium" and I*

 


#154:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:40 am


Lovely, thanks Lesley! So glad they both realise that something is going on. *snickering at Nell blindly following orders*

 


#155:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:33 am


Laughing

Love it Very Happy

 


#156:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 1:36 pm


Wonderful, Lesley, as ever! Very Happy

Quote:
I’ve never been one for blindly following orders.


No kidding!!! Laughing

 


#157:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 4:29 pm


Oh cripes! I nearly had a heart-attack there thinking that Hilda was going to discipline them for leaving their classes early Shocked Thank goodness she & Nell guessed what was going on.

Now I wonder if you could get the Abbess to walk past the Lower VIth next time they're baiting one of the women... I'd love them to hear her views on their behaviour Rolling Eyes

 


#158:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 4:36 pm


She will, no doubt about it. Mind you, she might have to fight Nell for the privilege of reducing the bigoted little madams to flinders.

 


#159:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 8:21 pm


Thank you Lesley! I look for this every time I log on.

 


#160:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:40 pm


The next few days saw both the Head and Deputy Head making a number of changes to their normal working day. Miss Annersley had spoken to Miss Dene and a number of changes to the normal timetable were made. Although some of the Staff grumbled slightly at the changes, no one actually questioned them, no one thought to ask why the changes had been made. Luckily for the two women running the School, no one seemed to notice that the changes meant that Miss Annersley’s classes with Upper Sixth B, followed on from those with Miss Wilmot. Or that Miss Wilson placed herself on the roster for covering Breaks with Miss Ferrars. In addition they had spoken with Miss Derwent and Ms Moore, although neither Ruth nor Rosalind had actually admitted anything, they had indicated that they were concerned.

Unfortunately, there were unable to be with Miss Wilmot and Miss Ferrars all the time; it was noticeable that both of them were upset and far too quiet, even flinching at things said in the Staff Room in perfect innocence. A further discussion with Ruth Derwent elicited the information that she had tried to get them to report the problem, without success. And there had been other occasions when the Lower VIth had been left to their own devices partway through the lesson.

How long this situation would have continued is unknown had not chance played a part. Miss Annersley had a scheduled meeting with some parents halfway through the morning, literally minutes before the time designated, a message arrived that they were unable to come. Miss Annersley turned to her emails with a sigh before, suddenly, deciding to take a walk through the School. She automatically checked where the Lower VIth were and discovered they had a Maths lesson.

The classroom, where Miss Wilmot was giving her lesson, was situated on the first floor. Miss Annersley walked swiftly along the corridor, passing other classrooms as she went and noting that all the classes were quiet, the girls working hard. When she reached the Lower VIth classroom she quickly looked inside. To begin with she could see nothing wrong, the girls appeared to be listening intently to Nancy, who was standing with her back to the door. Miss Annersley looked again, able to read character had also allowed her to read emotion in a person’s stance - probably the way she could tell when most people were telling lies. Nancy’s whole demeanour showed tension, from her stiff back and clenched fists, to her slightly hunched shoulders.

The Head made to enter the classroom, but stopped and instead leant against the corridor wall, thinking. This was a new building, only a little over two years old. It was unlikely that she’d be able to eavesdrop through the wall. She thought for a moment then brightened, that evening, over at their cottage, Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson invited a few members of Staff over, in strictest confidence, to discuss laying a trap.

The following day, second lesson, saw Miss Wilmot again teaching the Lower Sixth for Maths, at the same time Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson were supposed to be taking classes, but these were being looked after by certain of the Prefects. Instead the two friends were, along with some of the other Mistresses, in the Computer Room, listening to something on speaker. The night before, after talking with Alison Martin, they had arranged for the tannoy speaker to be fitted with a receiver. Any words spoken within the classroom would be heard by all within the Computer Room.


Last edited by Lesley on Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:30 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#161:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:52 pm


hmmmm interesting but HOW is Hilda going to solcve the prob without letting Nancy shes bugged her lesson - can't imagine Nancy would be overly impressed.

 


#162:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:53 pm


Very clever. They need the evidence before they can intervene.

Thank you, Lesley. I'm still as hooked as ever!

 


#163:  Author: KathyeLocation: Laleham PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:54 pm


OOoohhhhhh you cant leave it there..... Shocked

Oh please please please Lesley I'm working late tonight, it would be soo soo soo nice to have a little more to make the night a little more bearable
Mr. Green

*tries her hardest to put on her most endearing, pleading smile*

 


#164:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:56 pm


Blimey - how very James Bond of them!! Laughing

Thanks Lesley. Very Happy

 


#165:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:00 pm


Shocked How rude of Hilda!

 


#166:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:01 pm


Have just caught up - I'm sure H&N will find some way of dealing with the Lower VIth without Nancy feeling that they've undermined her

*has every faith in H&N and Lesley*

 


#167:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:46 pm


Thanks Lesley. I'm glad Hilda and Nell care enough to go to these lengths to find out what's going on.

Liz

 


#168:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:54 pm


*bites fingernails*

i hope nancy isn't too displeased with H&N.....she's not really the type of person to welcome intervention or in fact the type of person who would want to share her problems like that.

 


#169:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 5:08 am


Little extra for now - more tonight.

The women listened in silence as the lesson commenced; to begin with it was a perfectly ordinary lesson and the Head had started to think that she and Nell Wilson had made a mistake, then it started. A seemingly innocent question, then another, then another. Nancy Wilmot answered the questions, or sometimes replied that the question was inappropriate to the Maths lesson. But the questions continued; and they were not only inappropriate, they were malicious and nasty. At one point, on hearing a query Nell Wilson swore, she then looked round at the others, Hilda, Ruth, Rosalind and Rachel Trent and apologised, “Sorry everyone, but I’ve no idea how Nancy’s kept her temper, I’d be livid.”

At the end, when the lesson finished, there was silence within the room. Hilda retrieved the tape and looked round, “I’m relying on your absolute discretion here, ladies,” she said firmly, “No one else is to know of this recording or of its contents. If you must discuss it between yourselves do so with the utmost prudence. No one else is to learn of this.”

“What are you going to do, Hilda?” It was Ruth Derwent that voiced the question all of them wanted answered.

“I am going to confront Nancy with the evidence and discuss further action.” Hilda replied.

“She’ll not like it,” Ros Moore warned, “she’ll see it as an infringement on her personal and professional life, I think any of us would.”

“I cannot help that, Rosalind,” Hilda replied grimly, “I am determined that this type of behaviour is eradicated, I will not allow one of my most senior mistresses to be victimized in this way.”


Last edited by Lesley on Mon Apr 11, 2005 10:37 am; edited 1 time in total

 


#170:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester England PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 8:02 am


Hope Nancy is not too upset about her lesson being bugged. I can see why Hilda did it but will Nancy?

 


#171:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:42 am


Gosh, I hope Nancy takes the bugging in the spirit that it was meant and realises that it's only because they are concerned about her.

Thanks Lesley

 


#172:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 10:26 am


Oh god, poor Nancy Crying or Very sad What an unbearable situation to be in, she's such a good teacher and they're reducing her to that level of stress & distress? I'm glad the Heads have heard what's going on (though I hope Hilda approaches Nancy diplomatically - but she's the Abbess, surely she will!) and can actually be impressed by her ability to keep her temper, rather than dismayed at her leaving her classes early.

But she shouldn't have to keep her temper Crying or Very sad

I want to give them both a big hug!

 


#173:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 10:57 am


Oh poor Nancy! She's in such a Catch 22 - damned if she does react, damned if she doesn't.

Hope she doesn't get too upset by what Hilda's done and realises that they are trying to help her and Kathie.

thanks Lesley

 


#174:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:33 am


Nice one! Hope Nancy understands why Hilda's done this, but it needed doing.

 


#175:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 12:25 pm


Oh gosh, poor Nancy. Hope it all works out okay Confused

 


#176:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: North West England PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 12:49 pm


Humm, ethically and legally speaking (in the UK mind you) taping a conversation without telling those your taping what your doing is really not a good idea and can land you in all sorts of trouble, besides which any evidence obtained this way isn't admissable in Court.

Understand that Hilda et al were only trying to help but can't shake the feeling that this was a really really bad idea.......... she's only just keeping a lid on her temper, this could push things a bit far.

I think Lesley should let us know what happens............. quickly.......

 


#177:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 12:51 pm


Poor Nancy - and poor Kathie as well as presumably she's getting similar questions.

I hope they are able to see the lesson bugging in the spirit in which it was meant.

Liz

 


#178:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:54 pm


The first lesson after lunch was when Nancy Wilmot had a free lesson. The Head re-arranged her schedule to give herself the time spare. At lunch she managed to speak to the Senior Maths Mistress, her face impassive, she asked that Miss Wilmot attend a meeting in her Study. Miss Wilmot swallowed quickly, her eyes showing some concern, however she merely nodded acknowledgement.

At one-fifteen pm, just as the bell for the fifth lesson was sounding, there was a knock at the Head’s Study door, on hearing the soft, ‘come in’ Miss Wilmot opened the door. Miss Annersley looked across at her visitor, Nancy Wilmot had always been a cheerful and placid person, rarely allowing anything to upset or worry her. It made the recent changes that much more shocking. Nancy had dark circles underneath both eyes and it was obvious that she had not slept well for some time. In addition she had lost weight, despite having an even healthier appetite than usual. Her expression when she looked across at the Head was one of fear and trepidation, and Hilda Annersley’s heart ached that she could be causing that type of feeling within someone she looked upon as a friend.

The Head rose, “Come in Nancy,” she said gently, “sit down, we have something rather important to discuss.” She waited while the younger woman settled herself, watched as Nancy obviously braced herself for what was to come. Miss Annersley took a deep breath then spoke, “I’ll not prevaricate here, Nancy,” she said quickly, “I haven’t called you here socially, but on professional business. I have noticed that, over the past week or two, that your performance has fallen below your normal exemplary standard, on three occasions I, or Nell Wilson, have observed you leaving your class long before the end of the lesson, without having a suitable excuse. It has also been noticed by a number of people, that you have been very sharp and argumentative in the Staff Room - most unlike you. Have you an explanation? Is there something that you think I should know?”

Nancy Wilmot sat in silence for some seconds, when she looked across to meet her Chief’s gaze, it was with her normal gentle smile, “I’m sorry, Hilda, I had no idea my behaviour had changed so much. I do apologise, my reasons for leaving classes early? A simple stomach problem, nothing more, I suppose I should have seen Nancy Chester about it, but I thought it would go away.” Her clear blue eyes met the grey-blue eyes of the Head fearlessly.

Miss Annersley kept the gaze for some seconds, then she sighed, “Nancy, I’m sure you’ve heard that I have the ability to tell when most people are lying? I should tell you that you are not very good at it. I can see that you are unhappy, I think it is directly related to your own form, but unless you tell me what it is, I cannot help you.”

Nancy frowned, “Hilda I told you, I’m fine, there’s nothing wrong with me. I’m afraid you’ve got it wrong this time - you’re not infallible, you know?” She smiled slightly, but the head did not return the smile.

Instead Miss Annersley reached into her desk and retrieved a small cassette tape player, she placed it on the desk and switched it on. “I’d like you to listen to this, Nancy,” she said softly.

……. “Now, turn to page 206 in your text book and work through some of the examples, you’ll find that these questions will all require that you use Pythagoras Theorem, but it will be in rather a different way to that you have been used to in the past. Any questions? Yes Sally.”

“Miss Wilmot, my text book has some missing pages,”

“Oh yes, some of them were faulty, here, I’ve got a spare. Yes Christine?”

“Miss Wilmot, would you call the Pythagoras Theorem a natural law?”

“If you mean like the speed of light, then no, the theorem is a proposition that, while not self evident is proved by reasoning.”

“Oh, but you do feel that in general, there is a natural way of doing something?”

“In what way does this apply to this lesson?”

“Well, only as a general observation, Miss Wilmot, I mean, I’m sure you agree there is a natural and an unnatural way to behave, don’t you?” ……


Nancy’s hand reached across to switch off the machine, her normally placid and friendly face now angry, “How dare you,” she said, and her voice too seethed with anger, “You taped a lesson of mine, without my knowledge or permission.”

Miss Annersley nodded, “Yes I did, Nancy, and, for the breach in privacy I apologise, but I felt it was necessary, to discover exactly what was happening within your lessons.”

“You had no right, if you have a problem with my performance, you speak to me,”

“I did speak to you, Nancy,” Hilda’s reply was quick, “and you lied to me. Now you have every right to be angry with me, I know that if anyone had done the same to me, I would be livid. But I had good reason, I had to discover why someone I greatly admire as a school mistress had suddenly deteriorated to the extent that I was having to contemplate disciplinary action.”

Nancy stood up and leant across the desk, “And that’s your reason? That ‘the end justifies the means’- I didn’t think you’d come out with such a terrible platitude, Hilda, it’s unworthy of you.”

“I will do anything when it comes to helping a friend in distress, Nancy,” Hilda returned.

Nancy’s head rose and her eyes glinted, “Well I didn’t ask for your help, and you don’t feel like a friend. Now that recording was obtained illegally and you cannot use it. If you feel the only alternative is disciplinary action, Miss Annersley, I suggest you go ahead.”

 


#179:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 2:19 pm


Uh Oh.

Poor both of them. Hilda was trying to help but the way she did it might have created more trouble than it solved.

 


#180:  Author: pygmyLocation: glasgow PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 2:26 pm


Oh dear. I can see why Nancy is raging and I expect Kathie will be too. Here's hoping that they will have time to reflect and will realise that Hilda was trying to help.

 


#181:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 2:28 pm


Oh dear. Fireworks. Can see why Nancy is so angry, hope she can recognise the motives behind Hilda's actions and forgive the way they were carried through...

Thank you Lesley!

 


#182:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 2:48 pm


Oops! Confused

Want to hug Nancy. She must feel like the world in conspiring against her. Sad

Thanks Lesley

 


#183:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 3:09 pm


Poor Nancy - I guess as well as angry she feels humiliated that her lesson was bugged. And it must have been horrible to have it played back to her and to hear it again, in front of Miss Annersley.

And if she finds out others of her friends were in on it as well...

*sends hugs for Nancy, Kathie and those trying to help them*

poke Christine and the other bullies

Thanks Lesley

Liz

 


#184:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 3:26 pm


Eeek!

*wibbles loudly*

 


#185:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 3:30 pm


Oh God. Awful but predictable. Why couldn't Hilda simply have said she'd overheard comments rather than wheeling out the recording? *sigh* Poor Nancy, poor Kathie if she gets to hear of this (will Nancy tell her?) and poor Hilda having to decide what to do next.

Argh!

 


#186:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 3:46 pm


Can't believe Hilda has been so stupid!!

Totally agree with Nancy, I'd be fuming if I was her!

Hope someone can interfere and settle things down - the RCS can't lose Nancy!

Also think Hilda should formally apologise to Nancy for treating her in such a way Sad

(btw, thanks Lesley!!)

 


#187:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 4:29 pm


I think it's all been said above Shocked

I do hope Hilda can sort this one out quickly. It has the potential to become very nasty Crying or Very sad

Thank you Lesley.

 


#188:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 4:33 pm


Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Ulp. *crawls back under the desk*

Can understand Nancy's reaction but peas let it all be okay in the end Lesley *sends a few hugs over to the RCS for everybody*

 


#189:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 4:37 pm


The angry woman spun round and stalked toward the door, a voice behind her stopped her in her tracks.

“Sit down, Miss Wilmot!” Nancy had never heard Hilda’s voice sound so cold, indeed, she couldn’t believe it was the same woman. She had dismissed Kathie’s reports as pure exaggeration. She spun round, intending to remonstrate further, but was struck dumb by the same voice.

“Sit down please, we have not finished.”

Almost against her will Nancy Wilmot found she had returned to her seat and sat down. She looked over, half defiantly.

Hilda Annersley sighed, when she spoke again her voice had returned to its normal low gentle tones, “I am truly sorry for invading your privacy, Nancy, I did so with the best of intentions, but I realise now that is not a good enough excuse. Now you know that neither I nor any of the others who heard this will ever repeat it.”

“Who else?” Nancy said, surprising herself by speaking.

“Nell, Ruth, Rosalind and Rachel Trent, none of them will break confidence.”

Nancy nodded slightly, although her eyes showed anger that more people had heard the tape.

Miss Annersley removed the tape from the player and handed it across to the woman sat opposite, “That’s the only copy, Nancy,” she said gently, “you may do with it as you please.”

Nancy nodded again and rose, intending to leave, Hilda Annersley spoke once more, “Wait, please, hear me out,”

Something in the voice, no longer icy, nevertheless had a compelling aspect, Nancy Wilmot sat down once more.

The Head sat looking down at her desk for some time before speaking, when she began the subject was rather a surprise, “Do you remember the extraordinary Staff Meeting I called last November? When Nell and I were going to court to help Cherry retain custody of her son Robbie?”

Nancy looked puzzled, “Vaguely,” she said.

“Do you remember why it was called? I’ll remind you, it was to formulate a policy to deal with bullying within the Real Chalet School. Do you remember now?”

“Of course I remember,” the Maths Head suddenly realised why Miss Annersley had mentioned it, “But this situation is nothing like t…”

“You have a group of girls verbally abusing two people who feel they cannot retaliate,” Hilda interrupted, “who take every opportunity possible to ensure that their two victims are made to feel upset, angry and wounded. Who are clever enough that the said victims do not even feel that they have grounds for complaint. That their tactics are successful is only too apparent, the two victims have allowed themselves to be placed in such a position that their continued employment is at risk.” The Head paused for a moment to sip from a glass on her desk.

“Tell me Nancy, if these girls were subjecting two of your pupils to this kind of abuse, what would you do?”

There was silence for some time, then Nancy looked up, “I know what you are saying, Hilda, but it’s not the same. The reason they are saying these things…”

“Is immaterial.” Hilda Annersley’s voice was definite, “no one has the right to abuse another in that way, it doesn’t matter if someone feels that another is different. It is up to each person to embrace those differences, not to single out and attack those that do not conform to their personal morality.” Hilda got up and walked over to gaze out of her window, after some seconds she turned to face Nancy again,

“Don’t think that you and Kathie have only to deal with this for the next eighteen months,” she said quietly, “that, when these girls leave school, that will be the end of it. It will not. Eighteen months will be more than long enough for the girls to find like-minded individuals in the lower forms, they will pass on their ‘right to abuse’ you will not be free of it. Even if you choose to leave the Real Chalet School, go to teach elsewhere, you will not be free of it. Your lifestyle choice will be discovered at some point in the future and you will be faced with the same problem again. If you do not deal with this now, if you ignore it, allow them to continue, then you will be facing this for the rest of your career.”

There was a long silence, Nancy Wilmot sat with her head bowed, thinking deeply. Hilda walked across to her desk once more and retrieved a small, fist sized box from a drawer. She handed it to Nancy, “That is a powerful magnet,” she said, “It is one of those used by the office staff to erase tapes once they’ve finished the dictation I send them. If you hold the tape next to it, it will wipe the recording of this morning’s class. But before you do that, think on what I’ve said, speak to Kathie about it, sleep on it. Tomorrow morning, first thing, let me know.”

Nancy took the magnet being careful to hold it away from the tape, nodding once abruptly she rose and silently left the room.


Last edited by Lesley on Mon Apr 11, 2005 4:45 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#190:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 4:39 pm


Hurrah for Hilda, but even so I'm going to stay under the desk wibbling for a while.

Thank you Lesley, very shiny Very HappyVery HappyVery Happy

 


#191:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 5:20 pm


So glad Nancy stayed and listened to reason, even if Miss Annersley had to use her scary voice to get her to stay.

Thanks Lesley

Liz

 


#192:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 5:51 pm


Lesley, as a release from my own stress at the moment I turned to your last 3 posts - and then had to read them slowly three times to take on board all the implications of everyone's actions. You certainly went deep. Yes, Hilda was at fault, yes, Nancy has a right to be angry, but friendship has to count for something, as does the fact that Hilda is totally on their side, which as a Head she doesn't have to be. And what she says at the end is so true - we take our problems with us, we don't escape them, however much we try to run away. Crying or Very sad Sad

Please let Nancy forgive Hilda. After all, you and I would!!!!!!!! Wink

 


#193:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 7:02 pm


At least the problem is out in the open but what will Hilda do?

 


#194:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 7:34 pm


I know that Hilda will find a solution, but I can't help wibbling about it.

 


#195:  Author: Rachel PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 7:52 pm


Go Lesley!!!

Of course, we will be expecting the same number of posts every day from now on hun!

Twisted Evil

 


#196:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 8:37 pm


Uhhhhhhh *breathing very quickly and still feeling rather stressed*

Thank you for giving us that last post, Lesley, I don't think I could have coped with a long cliff of Nancy being so very, very angry. At least now she's heard Hilda's explanation, though I'm sure it will take her a while to come to terms with what's happened. I mean, however kindly Hilda meant it, Nancy's now been humiliated not just in front of the girls but in front of her fellow members of staff, and that must be so painful.

Just so you know how well you're writing, I have had a queasy feeling in my stomach all day as though two friends of mine were in distress a long way away and I couldn't help Confused

 


#197:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 8:46 pm


I can understand why Nancy is reacting like she is - I think if anyone taped my lesson without my knowledge I'd go up like a rocket,whatever the intentions were!

Hope Hilda can calm it down but I think she was wrong to involve so many people in it.

Thanks Lesley - great post!

 


#198:  Author: RayLocation: Bristol, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:07 pm


As ever, this is excellent Lesley (and I was so glad I was on catch up so I wasn't teetering TOO badly over any of the cliffs).

Ray *making many mental notes to avoid Nancy in the staff room for the next few years...*

Edited for crap spelling and typing

 


#199: Dilemma for the Deputy Head Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:16 pm


I can only agree with whoever thanked you for posting this next instalment today, Lesley - I've been out all afternoon thinking about Nancy being so angry (which she has the right to be, certainly), so was really pleased to see Hilda already taking steps to calm things down.

Nancy is always shown as such a placid person, but as I think most of us know, while such people are very slow to anger, once they are angry, they take longer to cool down. I foresee a somewhat fraught time for Hilda until Nancy and Kathy have had time to come to grips with Hilda's action and its implications, although I'm sure that in the end, they will be grateful for her understanding and support.

Seems to me that we are back to the old, old story of when reporting a situation is sneaking and when it it's the right thing to do - if Nancy had realised that taking the problem to Hilda for advice would not have been construed as 'failure to cope' on a professional level.... and perhaps if Hilda herself had tackled the situation from a different stance, too, then Nancy would not have been so annoyed.

Looking forward to the next post, Lesley, please don't keep us in suspense for too long.

 


#200:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:43 pm


*mops brow*

Thank you Lesley! Am still wibbling though.... Confused

 


#201:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 4:49 am


Yikes! Teachers walking out of class, soul of honor reduced to eavesdropping, other girls standing by while torturing bullies have their way -- What's the CS coming to?

I have to admit I'd have gone ballistic over the taping, and reestablishing a trusting relationship with someone who's thrown around threats of disciplinary action would be extraordinarily difficult. I imagine Hilda will be feeling fairly roiled as well at this point, realizing she hasn't used the best approach to help someone who's already feeling vulnerable and betrayed. But thank goodness she demonstrates her concern before Nancy walks out, and -- I hope -- gets across that she's on Nancy & Kathie's side in the big picture. Still a messy situation though!

*hopes the tape doesn't get into unfriendly hands*

 


#202:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 6:42 am


Thank you Lesley. I'm joining the crowds wibbling in the corner at the moment.
Elder wrote :
Quote:
Seems to me that we are back to the old, old story of when reporting a situation is sneaking and when it it's the right thing to do


That seems to get to the nub of it. The victim of bullying can hardly ever cope with it him or herself. That's the core of the problem.

Also, they are in uncharted territory here. This is all new to them. We know how people in Nancy and Kathy's situation struggle against prejudice and there aren't many Hilda Annersleys out there to fight for them.

I don't like the way it was handled but I'm not sure how I would have coped in Hilda's shoes.

 


#203:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:23 am


Thank you Lesley. Glad Hilda got her point across to Nancy and admitted that she might not have done things in the best way, also that she showed her support for both Nancy and Kathy.

 


#204:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 9:21 am


I don't really have anything to add to everyone elses comments but also want to say thanks Lesley, this must be very tough to write.

 


#205:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 11:19 am


Like Robin said, I don't really have anything else to add here. But thanks Lesley, this is a beautifully written as ever.

Kiss

 


#206:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:15 pm


The following morning, early, saw Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson both sitting in the Head’s Study drinking coffee. It was before the rising bell had sounded and they had been there some time. Miss Annersley had not slept very well, she had continually replayed the scene with Nancy Wilmot, and had, very quickly acknowledged that the Maths Head had every right to be angry.

“Whatever you say Nell, I was wrong to do it,” she was saying, “I have completely wrecked any trust that Nancy, and probably Kathie, ever had in me. I can’t believe I was so stupid, why didn’t I think of some other way?”

“What other way, Hilda?” Nell Wilson returned, “It’s only been a couple of weeks, yet for both of them, the deterioration in their performance as teachers, not to mention their obvious unhappiness has been tremendous. You had to do something.”

“I don’t know, I could have said I’d overheard some comments or…”

“That wouldn’t have worked, those kids have been very clever, they have only ever made the comments while certain that only Nancy or Kathie were there. No one else has overheard anything, all they’d noticed was the effect on the pair of them. If you’d not done something, if you’d allowed this to continue, then in a few weeks or so, we’d probably be seeing the pair of them leave.”

“We may still be seeing that, Nell, I’ve no idea what they will decide. If they wipe the tape, pretend nothing’s happened, I’ll not be able to do anything.”

“Well we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” Nell said quickly, “but they are sure to see that you did what you thought was best.”

“Will they?” Hilda looked across at her partner, “Be honest Nell, regardless of my reasoning, if I’d taped a lesson of yours, got to hear you being humiliated by your own students, and invited half the faculty along…”

“It was only three others,” Nell interrupted, “and Ruth and Rosalind already knew, they as much as admitted that. Plus we needed Ray there - none of us could work the machinery!” She tried to smile at her partner but the Head’s expression forbade that.

“Regardless Nell,” she said quietly, “if one of your lessons was taped, and you knew that others had heard deeply personal and private things, had heard you being humiliated. How would it make you feel?”

There was silence for some time, then Nell sighed, “Alright, I would be livid, I would feel that you had totally breached the trust there should be between friends, I would feel you had gravely over-stepped your authority,” she paused for a moment, then continued, “and I would have to seriously consider whether I could continue to work for and with you.”

Hilda swallowed quickly, “Yes,” she confirmed.

 


#207:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:25 pm


*wibbles louder*

Lesley, PLEASE let it all be okay? PLEASE?

 


#208:  Author: KimLocation: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:29 pm


Lesley this is so true to life. Being bullied is so demoralising, difficult to handle and almost impossible to prove unless there are witnesses.

Sitting on the edge of my seat to see how this is resolved, particularly given the title of this drabble!!!!

 


#209:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:32 pm


*wibbles*

N&K can't leave!

 


#210:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:38 pm


Ohhh!

Don't we get to see how Kathie took the news, dear nice Lesley? Kiss

ETA: Thank you, of course, for the shiny post Smile I'm sorry Hilda seems to have made a mistake for once (gasp!) but I almost like her the more for being fallible, and at least she can see how she may unintentionally have hurt Nancy & Kathie.

Now please sort it all out quickly! Laughing

 


#211:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:48 pm


Shocked

Lesley dearest darling, please let it all be ok!!

 


#212:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:54 pm


*wibbles along with the rest of the wibblers*

I'm really feeling for Hilda here. She couldn't ignore it. N &/or K wouldn't have confided in her as they would have felt too unsure of her reaction to them as teachers and as individuals.

She acted in the heat of the moment, in fury at the injustice of it and it has backfired.

*Remembers the title of this and wibbles some more*

 


#213:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:55 pm


Catherine_B wrote:
Ohhh!


Now please sort it all out quickly! Laughing


You must have seen some flying pigs recently Catherine! She's more likely to go off on a tangent anytime soon knowing Lesley!
Loving it Lesley, and go off in any direction you like! You have my permission! Cool Wink It wouldn't be RCS if you didn't! Wink Twisted Evil

 


#214:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 9:02 pm


*wibbles and curls up in a corner*

But thank you Lesley Very Happy

 


#215:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 10:41 pm


Thank you Lesley. Poor Hilda what a dilemma. She did what she thought was best at the time. Hope she doesn't feel too bad about for too long and that Nancy and Kathie come round to realising that though misguided she was trying to help.

Looking forward to seeing this resolved.

 


#216:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 11:19 pm


pim wrote:
*wibbles and curls up in a corner*

But thank you Lesley Very Happy


Ditto!!

*worries* Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease let it all be sorted soon? Please?


Last edited by Gem on Tue Apr 12, 2005 11:19 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#217:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 11:19 pm


Oh... This doesn't look good in any way I can see Confused

I wonder how much of my life I have spent wibbling over various bits of RCS? Quite a lot I suppose, and there's still a fair bit more to come I suspect. Thank you Lesley, I think.

 


#218:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 5:01 am


Feeling very sorry for Hilda here. She's going to hurt over this for a while, I expect; it's much harder to forgive yourself than others most of the time. Hope the consequences aren't too dire! Also worried about the impact on Ruth & Rosalind's friendship with Nancy & Kathie, and still not entirely comfortable with the tape. It wouldn't be admissible as evidence, I don't think, unless someone's prosecuting Hilda et al. for making the thing. But something has to be done about the scum who provoked the incident in the first place, and I haven't a clue.

Help, Lesley!

 


#219:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester England PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 6:22 am


*wibbles*
I know (having read your drabbles) that it wont get better just yet but please let it be ok in the end.

Thank you Lesley!

 


#220:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 7:27 am


Hilda is being clear-sighted as usual and forcing Nell to do the same. Also she's facing the fact that she might never forgive herself or be forgiven by the other two. What a true picture of the human situation - how often we do things for the right reason and how often they backfire. Crying or Very sad

Who's going to come up with the solution?

How long are you going to keep us guessing, Lesley?

 


#221:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:23 am


MaryR wrote:
How long are you going to keep us guessing, Lesley?


A good while longer, knowing Lesley!

Thank you. But oh help...please fix it Lesley!

*wibbling*

 


#222:  Author: pygmyLocation: glasgow PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 9:20 am


Thank you, Lesley - but how on earth can all of this this be resolved? Oh dear.

 


#223:  Author: JodiLocation: Glasgow most of the time PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:39 am


*bouncing excitedly* I've just read all 5 ohter instalments of RCS in a very short amount of time so now I can read this one and comment as it goes along! Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*hides under the table wondering how this is going to be resolved*
they can't go, they just can't!! Shocked

 


#224:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 1:11 pm


Thank you Lesley

*quietly joins the wibblers*

Liz

 


#225:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 4:35 pm


Further reflection was interrupted by a knock on the door, Hilda looked over quickly and called out for the person to enter. As the door opened the two friends could see both Nancy Wilmot and Kathie Ferrars standing there. Nancy spoke, “We’d like to speak to you please, Miss Annersley.”

“Of course, please, sit down both of you.”

The two walked in and sat in two of the chairs facing the desk.

Nell Wilson got up, “I’ll leave you to it,” she began.

Kathie Ferrars turned, “There’s no need, Nell, Nancy and I don’t mind you being here.”

Nell looked across at the Head who nodded. They both turned to face their two guests. Nancy removed the tape from her pocket and placed it on the desk. She looked directly at Hilda Annersley,

“You don’t know how close I came to wiping this, Miss Annersley,” she said very quietly, “last night, I sat and listened to it again, we both did. I should tell you that even having Kathie hear what happened was hard, very hard. And hearing the entire lesson, listening to all the snide comments, loudly voiced asides, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so humiliated.”

Kathie Ferrars reached across and placed an arm on the older woman’s shoulder, Nancy smiled at her partner before continuing, “Knowing that you had heard all of that too. Knowing that you’d invited others to hear it, the sense of betrayal was so great, for some time I couldn’t think straight.”

The Maths Head took a deep breath and wiped away a tear, “But I did listen to what you said and I passed it on to Kathie. We discussed it for most of the night. We knew, when we made the decision to be open about our relationship, that there might be problems. We’d just never envisioned where the problems would come from.” She stopped, overcome.

Kathie Ferrars took over, “I don’t think either of us is going to find it easy to forgive or forget your actions, Miss Annersley.” Kathie Ferrars’ face was very grave, “that’s something we’ll have to consider at a later date. For now though, we will no longer be victimised by those we are supposed to teach. So you can have the tape back,” she placed the magnet back on the desk, well away from the tape, “and you can use the tape as evidence, because we are both officially reporting continual attempts at harassment and bullying by the following six pupils, Christine Bartlett, Katrina Palmer, Angela Defoe, Janet Saunders, Erin Thompson and Carly Adams.”

There was silence for some time; eventually the Head reached forwards and picked up the tape, “Thank you,” she said softly, “I will speak to them today. I hope you will not have any further incidents, but if you do…”

“…we will tell you.” Nancy said sharply, she and her partner both stood, “We’ll leave it in your hands then, goodbye Miss Annersley.” She turned slightly, “…’bye Nell.”

Both women swiftly left the office.

 


#226:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 5:50 pm


Ooof.

*breathes small sigh of relief*

Not a resolution exactly, but hopefully the beginning of things getting better. I'm really glad they've managed to take this decision.

Very telling that they're calling Nell 'Nell' and Hilda 'Miss Annersley' though Sad

 


#227:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 5:53 pm


Very obvious how they are feeling - Miss Annersley and Nell? Usually Hilda and Nell. But I don't blame them!

Thanks Lesley.

I hope the girls pull up...

 


#228:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 5:54 pm


Catherine_B wrote:
Ooof.

*breathes small sigh of relief*

Not a resolution exactly, but hopefully the beginning of things getting better. I'm really glad they've managed to take this decision.

Very telling that they're calling Nell 'Nell' and Hilda 'Miss Annersley' though Sad


My thoughts EXACTLY!

 


#229:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 7:20 pm


Thank you for continuing this so quckly Lesley. I hope they can get back to calling Hilda Hilda very soon.

 


#230:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 7:34 pm


*agrees with Cathy about the names*
poor N&K

 


#231:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 7:34 pm


Thank you Lesley

I'm glad Nancy and Kathie came to a decision. I hope they ultimately find themselves able to forgive Hilda for what she did.

Looking forward to seeing how the bullies are dealt with.

Liz

 


#232:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 7:39 pm


Poor Hilda, may she be gentle on herself and hoping Nell will sustain her. Sad Sad

Presumably it will be Nell's "dilemma" to sort everybody out.

*gulp*

 


#233:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:33 pm


Is Nell the Deputy though, I thought she and Hilda were co-heads.... Confused

Thanks Lesley

JackieJ

 


#234:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 9:26 pm


I'm glad they've decided to let Hilda try to stop the nasty behaviour. That's the really important thing. They can mend their relationship later.

Thank you Lesley.

 


#235:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 9:51 pm


*ouch*

Just caught up on about six pages (prolific, Lesley? never!) and so glad N&K have decided to report the girls even though they were basically beaten around the head to get them to do it!

wibbling a fair bit about the future of the relationship between Nancy and Hilda, and Kathie and Hilda...

 


#236:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 9:52 pm


At Assembly that morning Lower VIb had their second surprise of the morning; the first had been just before Assembly, when they had filed into their Form Room for Registration. Instead of being greeted by Miss Wilmot, their Form Mistress, they found a very grim faced Deputy Head standing there waiting impatiently. Knowledge of Miss Wilson’s sarcastic tongue and somewhat short temper prevented the girls from even asking why the change in routine. The second surprise came at the end of Assembly when the Head had finished giving out all the notices and messages.

“One final thing before you go for First Lesson,” Miss Annersley looked grave. “I wish to see all of Lower VIb, I will join you in your Form Room as soon as the first lesson bell has sounded.”

In their classroom the nineteen girls waited with varying degrees of curiosity and concern, although no one was very worried. They had only a short time to wait before the quick steps of the Head were heard along the corridor. As she entered the entire form rose to their feet. Miss Annersley walked across to stand beside the Mistresses desk at the front of the classroom, she looked round at the class.

“Sit down girls,” she said quickly.

The form sat down, waiting in silence. Miss Annersley placed a small cassette tape recorder on the desk, “I would like you to listen to this tape,” she said, looking round at the class, before anyone could say a word she switched on the machine. The recording of the previous day’s Maths class played to a totally hushed group. Miss Annersley allowed fully ten minutes of the tape to play, noting as she did those faces that reacted and how they reacted. When she finally switched the machine off it was with a slight sigh from around the room.

Miss Annersley looked around the entire class for some seconds before speaking, “At the beginning of last term,” she began, “Every girl was issued with the Real Chalet School protocol on tackling bullying. I am assured by Miss Dene that all in this form have signed that they read and understood the protocol. It appears, however, that she was incorrect, because, quite obviously, six girls in this classroom did not read and understand it. Or, conversely, they did, but then chose to ignore it.” Her eyes swept round the class very quickly, her voice was cold as she continued, “the following girls will all stand, Christine Bartlett, Katrina Palmer, Angela Defoe, Janet Saunders, Erin Thompson and Carly Adams!” There were some seconds of complete confusion, Miss Annersley spoke again, “Stand up now, girls!”

Slowly the six girls rose, one or two of them starting to grin round at the rest of the class, the Head’s next words stopped them, “Face the front, all of you. I would say try not to increase the trouble in which you find yourself, however that is not possible.” She looked at the six, none of them could match her gaze. She singled one out,

“Katrina Palmer, you are Deputy Form Prefect, explain your behaviour.”

“I-I-I don’t know what you mean, Miss Annersley,” Katrina was a tall blond sixteen year old.

“Really? Then I’ll elucidate,” the Head’s eyes bore into the girl’s. “You and your friends have, over the last two weeks, embarked on a systematic campaign of bullying and intimidation, that your two victims happened to be mistresses of this School is immaterial. You have disrupted lesson, been grossly insubordinate and rude, and caused severe distress. I should like to hear an explanation.”

“W-w-well they’re not normal, it’s unna…”

“Unless you have qualifications in Biology, Katrina, I do not want to hear the excuse that something is unnatural. In any case, that is not your concern.” Miss Annersley looked swiftly around at the six, “Tell me,” she said conversationally, “if you are so keen on things being normal why has your attack been limited to so few?”

There was silence as all six looked toward her with a puzzled expression.

“I’ll explain, Jamel would you please stand up?” The Head smiled toward another of the class, Jamel Darian, an American, “Jamel has a different skin colour to the rest of you, does that make her unnatural?” She looked toward Christine,

“N-no that’s not the same,”

“No? Thank you Jamel, well what about Melanie,” she beckoned for Melanie Blake to stand, “Melanie has black eyes, I notice that none of you six have black eyes, does that make her unnatural, or you?”

There was silence. Miss Annersley smiled at Melanie before turning her attention to the six. “The likelihood is that, within this very room, there are some who may well choose a similar lifestyle to that of Miss Wilmot and Miss Ferrars, it is a choice that should have meaning only for those making it. For everyone else, it should mean no more that a person's eye or skin colour. Now, the fact that you were unable to see that, suggests to me that you have not yet matured. That, in fact, you do not belong in this classroom. So, you will not belong. I have arranged for your transfers to one of the Fourth Forms, as I clearly cannot trust you together you will each be in a separate form. You will take your lessons with them, you will keep the same hours as them. I have not moved you from your dormitories yet, however I will if I hear any more reports of bad behaviour.”

“B-b-but what about our work? We’re studying for exams!” Carly Adams, a very clever student burst out.

“Your work will continue, you will be given the same work as the Lower Sixth, when you return to this class will depend on you. Now, I have some further remarks to address to you, but they will be done in private. Gather up your belongings and go along to the Admin block, wait for me in my Study.”

She watched as the six quickly picked up their books and left the room. When they had gone she turned to the depleted class. “You are to discuss this with no one,” she said, “If I hear reports of anyone discussing it, they will be asked to explain to me.” She paused for a moment before continuing, “I know that none of you had anything to do with the bullying, however you are not wholly without fault.”

A number of the girls turned injured expressions upon her, Miss Annersley nodded, “There is an expression that describes this situation, ‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.’ There are thirteen of you, there were six people taking part in the bullying. You did nothing. Think about it.”


Last edited by Lesley on Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:25 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#237:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:04 pm


Nice! Thank you Lesley.

 


#238:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:06 pm


Thank you Lesley!!!
Hope Nancy and Kathie will be ab;le to forgive Hilda!

 


#239:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:12 pm


Eep! Some very nasty people about to get their complete comeuppance!

thanks Lesley!

 


#240:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:12 pm


hilda's on form!!! i would NOT have liked to be one of them.

thank you very much, o shiny wondrous Lesley

 


#241:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:14 pm


Thanks Lesley Smile

 


#242:  Author: Rachel PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:15 pm


Well I'm feeling ashamed of myself now! Just for sitting and reading!


And Lesley, are you SURE none of my PMed suggestions were right?

Wink

 


#243:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:18 pm


Rachel wrote:
Well I'm feeling ashamed of myself now! Just for sitting and reading!


And Lesley, are you SURE none of my PMed suggestions were right?

Wink


No they weren't!!! Laughing Laughing Laughing

Gave me a laugh though! Wink

 


#244:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:20 pm


Wonderful posts Lesley. Can totally see why Nancy and Kathie are so cross with Hilda, but gad they let her go ahead with disciplining the girls

Now just hope it's not too long before they can forgive her.

 


#245:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester England PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:24 pm


Wonderful as usual Lesley!
Eagerly waiting for more.

 


#246:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:42 pm


Well done Hilda! (Though I still secretly think that hanging upside down by their toes would have been too good for those six!).

Wouldn't like to be Nancy having to go back into the classroom after all this.

 


#247: DIlemma for the Deputy Head Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:58 pm


Wonderful, Lesley - you've got Miss Annersley at her stateliest and sternest here - those six could have been Margot Maynard and Emerence shaking in their shoes!

I'm so glad that Nancy and Kathie made that formal complaint and that Hilda has dealt with it so quickly and trenchantly. It will be interesting to see how long it takes them to resume normal relations with Hilda.


Wouldn't like to be Nancy having to go back into the classroom after all this.[/quote]

Neither would I - I wonder whether a spokesperson from the rest of the form will tender an apology on behalf of them all.

 


#248:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 11:03 pm


For the good of the school, the girls had to be reported and dealt with.

Whether Nancy and Kathie stay or not.

 


#249:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 11:35 pm


But she missed the chance to say to the other 13 that next year they could be prefects and is that how the leaders of the school should behave - although it may be better for them to work that out for themselves - IF they've got the brains

Are we going to hear what she says to the 6??

Really really glad that N&K decide to go ahead with the reporting - but they must both feel so humiliated and embaressed

 


#250:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 4:35 am


Well done, Hilda! Especially liked the quote to the rest of the form.

Hope the friendships aren't permanently damaged, though. I wonder if it would help if N&K knew that Hilda didn't listen to the tape first and then ask the others to join her?

Poor Nancy & Kathie. Crying or Very sad

 


#251:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 6:08 am


Applauds Miss Annersley! She dealt with them very faithfully. I particularly liked her comments to the rest of the form. If they'd had the guts, it could have been stopped in it's tracks much sooner.

Thank you Lesley.

Please don't go behind closed doors to deal with the horrible brats!

 


#252:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 7:15 am


Echoes all the others. Well done, Hilda - and Lesley.

Though it would have been nice to see the effect of all this on Hilda and how Nell supports her emtionally.

 


#253:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 7:56 am


Well done Hilda!

Thanks Lesley

I hope the rest of the form do some serious thinking.

Liz

 


#254:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 8:11 am


Well done Hilda. Thank you Lesley.

Hope things continue to improve with N&K though can see it will take a while.

 


#255:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 8:22 am


Go Miss A! Thank you Lesley Very Happy

 


#256:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 8:22 am


MaryR wrote:
Echoes all the others. Well done, Hilda - and Lesley.

Though it would have been nice to see the effect of all this on Hilda and how Nell supports her emtionally.


Patience Mary, patience! Laughing

 


#257:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 9:14 am


coo, that's telling 'em! hope it works.

Still wibbling about Nancy and 'Miss Annersley' though..

thanks lesley

 


#258:  Author: JodiLocation: Glasgow most of the time PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 9:29 am


so glad I wasn't in that class. Miss A (can't call her Hilda right now!) is one VERY scary lady.

would also like to join various other people in wondering whether Nell's dilemma is one of choosing who to support...

make it all better PLEASE Lesley!

Thank you Very Happy

 


#259:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 11:13 am


We know Lesley will make it all better, but what is going to happen before then? That is the question, and I am very much looking forward to the answer.

 


#260:  Author: pygmyLocation: glasgow PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 12:00 pm


Well done, Hilda! Hope that she and Nancy can sort themselves out.
Thanks, Lesley.

 


#261:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 12:06 pm


Oh good! I missed the fact that she'd sent them to the Study for further comments on first read. Am looking forward to hearing some more unvarnished comments - about ten posts worth would cover my feelings on their behaviour Laughing

 


#262:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 12:22 pm


*g*
Lesley, I'm feeling a little dazed......Poor everyone. I'm also interested in how this will affect N&H's relationship: Nell's admitted that had Hilda done such a thing to her, she would seriously consider going AND that their friendship would effectively be at an end. That kind of admission is bound to have an effect...
*joining the wibbling party at the end of the tenterhooks*

 


#263:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 6:01 pm


Very Happy Go Hilly!!!

That was absolutely brilliant Lesley, loved how you/she dealt with it!

Any more? Wink

 


#264:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 6:38 pm


Hilda made me feel guilty!
she must have had a good reaction from the 'good' girls
thanks Lesley

 


#265:  Author: EllaLocation: Staffordshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 7:11 pm


- Playing catch up as usual -

Nice one Miss Annersley! Mexican Wave (can't find a round-of-applause-smiley, so mexican wave instead!)

Although, like everyone else, wibbling gently about Nancy's feelings. Hope she and Kathie manage to forgive the classroom bugging.
Thank you, Lesley!
Looking forward to the next bit!

 


#266:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 11:28 pm


Just wanted to appreciate a line from a while back that I meant to mention but never got round to:

Lesley wrote:
Nell Wilson swore, she then looked round at the others, and apologised, “Sorry everyone, but I’ve no idea how Nancy’s kept her temper, I’d be livid.”


For me this is one of the best lines in the whole drabble. It's such a small comment but it shows how Nell is thinking of Nancy as a colleague, a friend, someone like her - and not as someone 'different', which would have been so possible in the context.

I'm also glad, in a similar way, that Hilda pointed out that there might be girls in Lower VIb who would make similar choices to Nancy & Kathie. It's another assertion of the same theme - that people are fellow human beings before they're anything else.

Thank you for such a thought-provoking drabble, Lesley!

 


#267:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 3:24 am


Very interesting Lesley.


I really liked the fact that Hi....Miss Annersley also blamed the girls who did nothing/said nothing.




Looking forward to seeing Nancy & Kathie leading the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade (for people who may not have seen it, it is always led by the Dykes on Bikes)

 


#268:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 11:00 am


Inside the Head’s Study there was silence, the six girls had hurried across to the Admin block and spoken to Miss Dene, the Office Manager. Rosalie had gravely shown them into the Study, enjoining them not to touch anything. The girls had not needed the order, they all appeared to be suffering from a form of shell-shock. There had been a few whispered comments,

“My mum’s going to kill me,” Angela Defoe said quietly, “she and dad gave up their summer holidays so they could afford to send me here for my last three years at school.”

“How’m I supposed to get good grades, working with a bunch of Fourth Formers?” Carly said, distraught, “And she didn’t say how long, either!”

“Load of fuss about nothing!” Katrina said fiercely, “we didn’t say anything really bad, just asked questions.”

“Didn’t we?” Christine looked over at her friend, “Don’t know about you, but hearing it, what we said, it was pretty vile.”

“So what? They deserve it!”

“Why? Because they’re different?” Janet suddenly put in, “If we’d done something like that to Jamel, it would be colour prejudice.”

Any further speech was curtailed with the arrival of the Head, Miss Annersley walked into her Study and walked across to her desk. She looked around gravely at the six girls. Taking a deep breath she then spoke, “That I am ashamed and disappointed in your behaviour should be self-evident,” she began, “while this school has not kept all the supposed virtues of its predecessor in Switzerland, I had hoped that certain common decencies would continue. Whether you were aware of it or not, your actions caused extreme distress and some anguish to your two victims. And yes, before you ask, Miss Ferrars has also reported your behaviour to me. Quite why you felt that they should be attacked in this way is still very puzzling. I am left with only two alternatives, that you are ignorant or you are bigoted. Now, if it is the latter, then I do not want you in this school…”

At these words there were gasps from most of the girls, one or two turned white.

Miss Annersley raised an eyebrow, “You seem surprised? I fail to see why that should be, the bullying protocol is very precise and almost draconian in outlook. It sets out specific actions should bullying be proven. All of your parents or guardians received a copy of the protocol and sent back acknowledgement that they would abide by it, indeed any that refused were asked to remove their child from the school - there were four removals, as I recall.”

The Head’s glance swept across all of the girls in front of her, she continued gently, “That I have not immediately ordered your expulsions is because I am prepared to give you one chance. I am prepared to accept that your actions were the result of ignorance. But make no mistake, it is the last chance for all of you. Mrs Pelter, the RCS Human Resources Manager, informs me that there is something called a ‘Diversity Workshop’ that she can present. It will give all of you, and the rest of Lower VIb information and knowledge about the many variations and diversities in lifestyle that can be found in the world today.

I hope it will be received properly by all of you. I expect a written report from each of you on the Workshop and on what you have learnt, the report should be of at least one thousand words. In addition I expect written apologies from all of you to both Miss Wilmot and Miss Ferrars for your behaviour. You will give the letters to me to check through before I pass them on to the mistresses themselves. Finally, as you have all been reduced to Middles for now, you will, of course, lose all Senior privileges, in addition, for the next three weekends you are restricted to the School Grounds - that does not include the beach or Nature Park, and you will spend the next three Saturday afternoons, between two and six, in detention.”

The Head stopped there, seeing that the measures she had detailed were already having an effect, some of the girls were crying while others appeared to be in shock. She added gently, “I hope all of this will impress upon you the seriousness of your offences, and the deep disappointment I feel in your behaviour. I also hope that you will do your best to prove to me that giving you a last chance was not a mistake. Now, you may go, Miss Dene has the list of Fourth Form classes. Ask her to which class you have been assigned.”

 


#269:  Author: KatieLocation: A Yorkshire lass in London PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 11:10 am


Sounds like most of them have woken up to their behaviour so hopefully they'll change now. Not sure about Katrina though - she sounds like a nasty piece of work!

Thank you Lesley! Very Happy

 


#270:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 11:19 am


Also not sure about Katrina, she doesn't seem at all repentent, though the other seem to be realising how serious it is and how awful their behaviour has been!

Thank you Lesley!

 


#271:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 11:35 am


*ouch*

Well done, Lesley. A formidable Hilda. Crying or Very sad Sad

 


#272:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 11:38 am


Thank you Lesley! Glad they (excluding that nasty piece of work Katrina!) seem to be waking up to their thoroughly VILE actions! Evil or Very Mad

 


#273:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 12:13 pm


Thanks Lesley, hopefully they'll realise the seriousness of their offence and pull up.

I just hope Katrina isn't assigned to Kathie's class Shocked

JackieJ

 


#274:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 12:29 pm


Jaw-dropping, Lesley.

 


#275: Dilemma for the Deputy Head Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 2:37 pm


Wonderful, Lesley!! Hilda certainly dealt with this group of sinners just as faithfully as she would have dealt with any in the fictional Chalet School!

Echoes those wondering about Katrina - I fear she is likely to end up being expelled. I think the others may be coming to their senses - I should hope so, after *that* dressing down!

 


#276:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 2:59 pm


Thanks Lesley. Very Happy

Also thinking that Katrina's going to cause a whole heap more trouble before her time's up. Confused

 


#277:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 3:05 pm


*crawls back under the desk* Fab Lesley, but I'm in agreement with what the others have said about Katrina. *weebles*

 


#278:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 3:44 pm


I love seeing Miss A in full flow!! I also agree that Katrina doesnt seem very remorseful. I wonder what she might tell her parents and what they might do?

 


#279:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 3:45 pm


Very good lecture, Hilda (via Lesley of course Wink ).

*Applauds loudly*

I wonder what Katrina's background is? It sounds as if she's heard prejudicial comments at home? Will we hear?

I think she's the ringleader and the others are weak followers.

 


#280:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 4:02 pm


Hoping that Katrina gets expelled! Rolling Eyes

Thank you Lesley, that was most enjoyable (to read - not for the sinners involved!)

Now may we see how Nancy & Kathie are dealing with the aftermath? Smile

 


#281:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: North West England PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 5:39 pm


why oh why am I highly suspicious of where Katrina has got her "education" in respect of alternative lifestyles? Also pondering if whether or not she is so vociferous (hey that's a long word for this time on a friday) because she herself is feeling uncomfortable about some of her own thoughts/feelings?

Like the idea of Diversity Training - they make you go on that if you work for any of the Councils round here as a matter of routine.

Thanks Lesley - looking forward to next installment.............. tonight? ....... in the next half hour.............. ten minutes???

 


#282:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 6:48 pm


There's a Gather going on at Lesley's, starting tonight! Don't think we'll get anything out of any of them until it's over!

 


#283:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 8:45 pm


Quote:
There's a Gather going on at Lesley's, starting tonight! Don't think we'll get anything out of any of them until it's over!


Crying or Very sad

but I want to know what happens!!!!!

*doesn't like Katrina one bit*

 


#284:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 10:43 pm


I've just caught up on a whole week of this! What an emotional rollercoaster...!

Thankyou Lesley - looking forward to more as soon as (or even before!) you have got your gather out of the way! Very Happy

 


#285:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester England PostPosted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 8:30 pm


Thank you Lesley
*glad will never be on wrong side of Miss A*

 


#286:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 8:38 pm


Lesley, the gather is over now isn't it? How about some RCS as a birthday present for me?

 


#287:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 12:06 pm




The severity of their punishment, and the speed with which it had happened, didn’t just affect the six girls themselves, it affected everyone in the School. At lunchtime that same day, the Head had addressed the School, saying merely that the six girls had badly misbehaved and were being punished for it. In each of the six Fourth Forms, the younger girls, ages ranging from twelve to fourteen, were barely able to disguise their curiosity and surprise at having a Senior, one of those from the Sixth, in their midst. For their part the six girls involved, and indeed all of those from Lower Sixth B kept a very low profile.

The rest of the week went quietly; it was noticeable that the mood within the Staff Room, although much improved, was still tense. In addition, the Staff at least, saw that this tension was also affecting the Head. However the normal work of the School continued. At the weekend, Miss Annersley was covering and she was in her Study on Saturday morning, completing some paperwork, when there was a knock at the door.

Calling out ‘come in’ the Head looked up to see that her visitors were Nancy Wilmot and Kathie Ferrars; they both looked extremely serious. After asking them both to sit down and asking if they would like a drink - they both sat but refused the offer - Miss Annersley spoke again.

“This does not appear to be a social call, ladies, what can I do for you?”

The two women looked at each other, Nancy Wilmot broke the silence, “No, Miss Annersley, it’s not a social call. We have two things we want to discuss.”

“Go on.”

“Firstly, both Kathie and I would like to thank you for how you dealt with the Sixth Form, with the girls responsible for,” Miss Wilmot paused, then continued, “for victimising the pair of us. We hope, seeing how their actions have been dealt with, it will make all of them reflect on what they tried to do, stop others from trying the same with any other member of Staff or student.”

Hilda Annersley nodded gravely, “You are both welcome,” she said quietly, “you should both know that I will always support my Staff.”

Kathie Ferrars continued, “Yes, Miss Annersley, I think Nancy and I had forgotten that, if we had thought carefully, we may have decided to confide in you, we may, after only a little more time, have decided to report the girls anyway.”

“You feel I should have delayed taking the action I did?” Hilda’s question was quick.

The other two women looked at each other, Nancy continued, “Yes we do, we feel that we didn’t have a choice in our actions, that because of what you did, that we were forced to make a decision. And even though, now, we can see it was the right decision, your methods were still wrong.”

Kathie Ferrars went on, “We have worked together for a long time, Miss Annersley, but even when Elinor was controlling your actions, I don’t believe you have ever before shown such a total disregard of someone’s feelings.”

“That was not my intention,” Miss Annersley put in quickly, “my intention was to have proof of bullying, so that I could stop it. It was successful.”

“Yes Miss Annersley, but at a price,” Nancy Wilmot reached into her jacket and retrieved two envelopes, she placed them on the desk.

The Head picked up the envelopes and, using her paper knife, neatly slit open both of them; inside each was a single, handwritten sheet of paper. She read in silence then looked up.

“You are both resigning?”

Both women nodded, Kathie Ferrars spoke, “Yes, we feel it’s the only thing we can do, in the circumstances…”

“Is there nothing I can say or do, that will persuade you otherwise?” Miss Annersley’s voice was, if anything, even quieter than normal, her face reflecting great distress.

Nancy Wilmot shook her head, “I don’t think so, Miss Annersley,” she said seriously, “we haven’t made this decision lightly, we’ve had a great deal of discussion about it. When you feel that someone has betrayed you, you lose respect for that person. By taping my lesson, allowing others to hear without my permission, those actions have forever affected our relationship. We don’t think we can work with you any longer.”

“Are you saying that, had I spoken to you before, asked your permission, that you would have given it?”

Miss Wilmot thought for a moment, “I don’t know,” she said eventually, “and I wasn’t given the opportunity, was I?”

No one said anything for a time; the Head looked again at the letters, “You have asked that the rest of this term serves as your notice?”

Kathie Ferrars nodded, “Yes, I know our contracts state a full terms notice, but this term is only a few weeks old, and it’ll be less confusing if you get new people in for the start of the third term.”

“Have you new posts to go to?”

“Not yet, we’ve a few contacts though, I’ve spoken to Michelle Dixon.”

Miss Annersley nodded, “Very well then, I’ll inform Mrs Pelter that you will both be leaving at the end of the term.”

“Thank you Miss Annersley,” Miss Wilmot said quietly, she and her partner both rose and left the room.

 


#288:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 12:10 pm


Oh no! I can see why they feel like this though. Poor all of them.

Are you upsetting yourself again Lesley?

 


#289:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 12:10 pm


Lesley, it won't be RCs without Nancy and Kathie, don't let them leave.

 


#290:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 12:17 pm


Nooooooo! Crying or Very sad

 


#291:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 12:30 pm


Poor, poor, Hilda. Sad Crying or Very sad

Please, please, let her have support from someone.

Where's Nell?

 


#292:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 12:36 pm


Oh noooooooooooooooo...

 


#293:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 12:51 pm


And where are Ros & Ruth?

worry worry worry

 


#294:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 12:57 pm


Nooooooooo! Lesley...please sort it out so they don't leave!!!!

Thanks for the post though...

 


#295:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 2:40 pm


Lesley, no! You can't let this happen Crying or Very sad

N & K belong to the school Sad They can't leave!

 


#296:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 2:42 pm


*WIBBLE*



PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let someting happen to change their minds!!!!!
PLEASE shiny Lesley!

 


#297:  Author: pygmyLocation: glasgow PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 3:03 pm


No! They can't leave. Please let them all resolve this.

 


#298:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 3:25 pm


Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

And next thing you know, Hilda will resign, too -- she must feel horrible about this. As she should, to some extent, but ....

No, it can't come to this!

Somebody has to intervene.

Or some known-only-to-Lesley "situation" make everyone value each other properly again.

 


#299:  Author: AlexLocation: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 3:39 pm


Noooooooooooooooooooo!

Please don't let them leave.

Sad

 


#300:  Author: Rachel PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 4:01 pm


Ah Lesley, you master tweaker of emotions you!

Why do I have a vision of you sitting at the computer (for some reason wearing a fuschia pink dressing gown) sniggering at everyone?

I will not rise to the bait of howling my protests over N&K leaving.

I will not...

not...


They better not be leaving!

 


#301:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 4:51 pm


Crying or Very sad In a way, I suppose I'm not surprised they should feel this way. I think I would!

We still have Cherry possibly being bullied to deal with and the nasty politicians and some
Quote:
known-only-to-Lesley "situation" make everyone value each other properly again.
AND it's early in the term yet so I wonder whatever other crises Lesley is cooking up!

*wibble*

Thank you Lesley. It's still a roller coaster Wink

 


#302:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 6:04 pm


ROFL- no, not at that post, Lesley, which was anything but funny... simply at Rachel's methods....*g*

Maybe Hilda will resign and Nell's 'dilemma' will be to work out a way of knocking everyone's heads together....

 


#303:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 6:44 pm


Kathy_S wrote:
And next thing you know, Hilda will resign, too


Argh, I was thinking that but not mentioning it, just in case it pushed Lesley to a further atrocity that she hadn't yet considered!

 


#304:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 6:59 pm


Rachel wrote:
Ah Lesley, you master tweaker of emotions you!

Why do I have a vision of you sitting at the computer (for some reason wearing a fuschia pink dressing gown) sniggering at everyone?


I don't have a fuschia pink dressing gown.



“It’s poetic justice!” Nell thought to herself half annoyed and half in amusement. She had had a very lazy morning, got up late, had a very leisurely run, then, on her return had a late, long breakfast. Hilda had told her the night before that she was going to be busy most of the day, so, as she had nothing special planned, Nell had decided to take things easy. Then, as she was soaking in a deep, hot, bubble bath, what happens? The phone rings!

Smothering any further outbursts she quickly got out of the bath and wrapped a towel around herself. She walked across to the phone. “Nell Wilson here,” she said crisply.

“Oh, Miss Wilson, sorry to disturb you,” Nell recognised one of the younger Security Guards, “Miss Annersley left a message for you.”

“Left a message?” The Deputy Head was puzzled, “Miss Annersley’s in her Study…”

“No Ma’am, she left the grounds about thirty minutes ago,” the Security Guard replied quickly, “she asked us to contact you, so you could pick up the phone.”

“What phone?”

“The mobile, the one all calls are routed to,” the man said patiently, “she left a message, I’ll read it, ‘Nell, take over the duty for the rest of today, I need some time alone to think. Don’t come after me. Hilda.’ Will you be across to pick up the phone, Miss Wilson, or shall I bring it to your cottage?”

A very short time later saw Nell Wilson, fully dressed and having picked up the phone from the Gatehouse, sitting in Ruth Derwent’s sitting room with a cup of coffee. She took another sip, “You sure you don’t mind taking the duty, Ruth? I’ll cover for your next weekend.”

“Of course not Nell,” Ruth smiled slightly, “but do you know where Hilda can have gone?”

“Not really,” Nell said bleakly, “all I know is that she left more than 45 minutes ago. She left instructions that I was to be contacted and told after 30 minutes, sooner if there was an emergency. She was on foot, but when she left she was walking quickly. I’ve no idea what this is all about. The Gatehouse said no calls had been put through to her.”

Ruth remained silent, looking down at the floor, Nell picked upon this, “Ruth? Do you know something?”

Ruth Derwent swallowed slightly, “If I do, Nell, I can’t say. Speak to Nancy and Kathie.”



Hilda Annersley had been walking steadily for almost two hours, initially she had not had any clear idea on where she was going, but had decided to follow the coast, she had found proximity to the sea very soothing. Due to her fitness regime for the past seventeen months, she was able to maintain a swift pace and she was pleased that she had thought to keep a spare track suit and trainers in her Study. After seeing Nancy Wilmot and Kathie Ferrars, the Head had found it impossible to settle. She had swiftly emailed the HR Manager, knowing she would not be in her office at the weekend, but wanting to pass on the news immediately. She had then attempted to complete the rest of her work, but without success.

Eventually, feeling that she was achieving nothing, she had cleared her desk, locked both it and her computer, and got changed. She needed to think, decide on her next course of action. Her first thought was to walk down to the beach on the RCS grounds, but realised that she ran the risk of meeting other members of Staff or pupils. So instead, here she was, walking swiftly along the road, the cool May temperature suiting her mood.

As she walked along she suddenly became aware of the noise of an engine far behind her, it became steadily louder, looking round she saw a small speck in the distance. It moved very rapidly and, only seconds later, it seemed, resolved into a figure riding a large black and silver motorbike. The bike stopped next to Hilda and the rider removed their helmet; it was Nell.

“Do you know how long it’s taken me to find you?” Nell Wilson’s voice was very gentle.

“I left you in charge of the School, Nell,” Hilda’s voice was rather cold, “and I distinctly remember writing that you were not to come after me.”

“Ruth has the duty,” Nell said, “and if you think I’d take any notice of that last bit, you don’t know me,“ she smiled slightly.

Hilda’s eyes darkened, she didn’t return the smile, “Perhaps I don’t then, Nell,” she said bitterly, “it would make sense. After all, I’ve just made the worst mistake of my life, one that’s causing me to rethink whether I’m fit for my role as Headmistress.”

Nell Wilson looked grave, “I managed to speak to Nancy Wilmot, she told me what happened.” She reached behind her and pulled some items out of the pannier at the back, she tossed them across to her friend, Hilda caught them automatically, it was her own leathers, boots and helmet.

Nell continued, “Put them on, Hilda, we’ll go for a proper ride, along the Great Ocean Road for a way, then we can stop somewhere and talk, OK?”

Hilda thought for a time, then slowly nodded and started to pull on the clothes.


Last edited by Lesley on Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:03 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#305:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:02 pm


I think that H&N on a motorbike is fantastic! Very Happy
Please don't let N&K leave Sad

 


#306: Dilemma for the Deputy Head Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:17 pm


Aha - sees potential for some sanity to emerge - will Nell sort this mess out?

Echoes everyone else in hoping Nancy & Kathie will rescind their resignations.

Please don't keep us in suspense for too long, Lesley!

 


#307:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 7:48 pm


*Deep in thought about possible senarios*

Very unlike Hilda to make mistakes of that magnitude.

And then you raised the question...hmmm hmmm!

Look forward to seeing how all this evnetually resolves.

 


#308:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 8:07 pm


Lesley wrote:
Rachel wrote:
Ah Lesley, you master tweaker of emotions you!

Why do I have a vision of you sitting at the computer (for some reason wearing a fuschia pink dressing gown) sniggering at everyone?


I don't have a fuschia pink dressing gown.






No, it's lime green, isn't it Lesley? Wink


And PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let them sort things out!!!!

 


#309:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 8:20 pm


*Smirks* Sorry Lesley!!


Love the notion of H being pillion to N!! Do they have racing leathers??

Laughing


Thanks for the update Kiss

 


#310:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 8:23 pm


Can't bear Hilda's pain, even if she has made a mistake. Sad Crying or Very sad

Hoping Nell can help, but at this stage in your drabble, Lesley, I'm not holding out much hope!!

 


#311:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 8:25 pm


That's it! I've used up all my patience!

AAAAAAAAAARGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!

*GNASHES TEETH LOUDLY!*

 


#312:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 8:39 pm


Please please please let Nell find a way of resolving the situation! I have no idea how she could do it, but I make a point of not trying to guess what will happen in RCS because I'm always wrong!

 


#313:  Author: Rachel PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 8:44 pm


Lesley wrote:
Rachel wrote:
Ah Lesley, you master tweaker of emotions you!

Why do I have a vision of you sitting at the computer (for some reason wearing a fuschia pink dressing gown) sniggering at everyone?


I don't have a fuschia pink dressing gown.










yet

 


#314:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 10:05 pm


Rachel wrote:
Lesley wrote:
Rachel wrote:
Ah Lesley, you master tweaker of emotions you!

Why do I have a vision of you sitting at the computer (for some reason wearing a fuschia pink dressing gown) sniggering at everyone?


I don't have a fuschia pink dressing gown.










yet


Sorry! In my visualisation you now do!

I have a nasty feeling this is going to get worse before it gets better Shocked

I have great faith in you Lesley!

*Lesley can't see my fingers are crossed at this distance*

 


#315:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 10:44 pm


just caught up on the, lesley, and it's as brilliant (and frustratingly clever) as ever. I know you have a grand master plan that will be revealed in the penultimate post but I can't for the life of me work out what it is!

*grrrrrrrrrrrrr*

but thank you.

 


#316:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Apr 17, 2005 11:17 pm


Kat wrote:
Love the notion of H being pillion to N!! Do they have racing leathers??
:


I just have visions of them with the motorbike and side car a la the two fat ladies! Laughing

*sends Cathy a new set of dentures*

Hoping Nell can talk some sense into Hilda, but bearing in mind the title of RCS6, am not holding out a massive amount of hope.

thanks for all the update Lesley. Very Happy

 


#317:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 1:04 am


Lesley I would just like to very respectfully remind you that your sig says;


I don't do cliffs, never have.


I just don't finish a story line until the next post!





and good little Chalet girls don't tell lies




so by my recconning that storyline should be finished by now Twisted Evil

 


#318:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 3:45 am


Sorry everyone - am away now until Wednesday - work - will continue this then.

 


#319:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:10 am


Thank you Lesley...I think!

Was lying in bed last night thinking about the possibility that Hilda might resign and now it looks like she's contemplating it...

*waiting*

 


#320:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 10:19 am


Aghhhhhh!!!!!

I catch up after ONE NIGHT away, and where do I find myself? On a great big stonking cliff!!! And Lesley's not back 'til Wednesday!!

*cries* Please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please PLEASE make them come back Lesley? Pretty please?

Where's tbe begging smiley?

 


#321:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 11:24 am


Laughing I know that Lesley being away is probably due to the driving difficulty, but it doesn't half help with her contrived breaks in the story. (She doesn't do cliffs of course!)
Now everyone will have to practice patience, even though it is hard to find on the board!
Twisted Evil Twisted Evil

 


#322:  Author: RosieLocation: Huntingdonshire/Bangor PostPosted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 8:52 pm


I have just caught up from roughly page 9. I am very sorry, and won't let it happen again. Not least as I am very hungry and haven't been home since Rainbows!
Lesley, I feel you need that dressing gown an awful lot. You just do.
Thanks for all the story up til now. I particularly liked the quote about evil triumphing.

 


#323:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 4:06 pm


*snickers* Rachel, if you're collecting subs for said dressing gown (in either fuschia pink or lime green) put me down. It might- MIGHT- cure Lesley of leaving us on these nasty cliffs.

*doubtful*

 


#324:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 4:48 pm


Do you think a dressing gown could cure her of that addiction? Laughing Confused

Last edited by Pat on Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:49 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#325:  Author: LizB as guest PostPosted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:18 pm


Just caught up with this. Thanks Lesley.

Nell and Hilda have helped each other so many times in the past, I hope Nell will be able to do it again now.

I also hope that something will persuade Nancy & Kathie to withdraw their resignations.

Lisa_T wrote:
*snickers* Rachel, if you're collecting subs for said dressing gown (in either fuschia pink or lime green) put me down. It might- MIGHT- cure Lesley of leaving us on these nasty cliffs.

How about fuschia pink with lime green trim? Wink

Liz

 


#326:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:08 pm


I'm thinking fuschia pink with lime green stripes.....

having never met you, lesley, i have the oddest picture of you in my head!

 


#327:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:52 pm


The pink will blend beautifully with her hair! Twisted Evil

 


#328:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:00 pm


I can just see it! Laughing

 


#329:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:01 pm


Only 1 hour 59 minutes left until Wednesday!

*says optimistically*

 


#330:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:17 pm


But what sort of slippers does Lesley wear with her fuschia dressing gown with lime green trim? My sister has some fuschia pink fluffy ones with bright orange flowers on them, but I'm seeing Lesley more in marabou-trimmed high heeled slippers. One dangling off her foot as she leans back, laughing at us.

 


#331:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 2:19 am


Is Nell riding one of the marvellous motor bikes given to them by Princess Anne?

The Great Ocean Road is a beautiful ride, I do hope Hilda can manage to enjoy it. Not that she didn't deserve to make N&K quit.

Sitting serenely in the knowledge that Lesley and her Amazing Technicolour Dressing Gown can solve all problems and resolve all cliffs.








Eventually.



And not without a lot of wibbling from the rest of us.

 


#332:  Author: catherineLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 2:04 pm


*Sighs*




I finally get caught up with both this and RCS 5, only to find that our Queen of Cliffs is at it yet again!! Rolling Eyes

 


#333:  Author: Rachel PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 6:12 pm


Lesley, since I see you are online and on the board, I thought I would bump this up to help you find it ready for the next few installments.

I'm just so good to you!

 


#334:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:21 pm


And since you've posted to a lot of other drabbles, this one has slipped somewhat!

 


#335:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 9:58 pm


*Giggles*

Lesleeeeeeey? Please, if you have written more, may we have it??

 


#336:  Author: Rachel PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:05 pm


Lesley sat in her computer chair, wrapping her fuschia pink satin dressing gown more closely around her. Once again she clicked the link to open "Dilemma for the Deputy Head". Sniggering madly to herself, she backed out of that thread and chose another thread in the St Theresa's forum to post on, purely to wind up all the frantic CBBers who were hitting refresh repeatedly on the open CBB Index.

Every time Lesley posted a comment in St Therese, the clicking of hundreds of mice around the country could be heard, followed by the heavy sighs of "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! The RATBAG!"

Lesley thought she was winning in this round of the psychological warfare known as RCS - but there was a surprise in store for her in the not too distant future....

 


#337:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:24 pm


Lol!!

Poor Lesley, she gets no peace!!

Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

 


#338:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:31 pm


AND someone stole her chair.......... Wink

 


#339:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:42 pm


You didn't get it before because I'd not written any and had a mental block. Now it's to wind you up. Maybe tomorrow.

 


#340:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:46 pm


Lol! Laughing

Thanks Lesley! Wink

 


#341:  Author: Rachel PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:48 pm


Lesley wrote:
You didn't get it before because I'd not written any and had a mental block. Now it's to wind you up. Maybe tomorrow.



Geeee, cos we hadn't worked that out yet. Rolling Eyes



(Loves ya really!)

 


#342:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:50 pm


*giggles*


Poor Lesley! but you might get a bit of a break when we all have our grubby little mitts on our copies of your book!!! Wink

 


#343:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:55 pm


And sometimes I tell lies. Laughing

In the cottage shared by Nancy Wilmot and Kathie Ferrars, the two women sat, in silent contemplation. Eventually Kathie got up and walked over to the kitchen, pouring out two glasses of fruit juice she handed one to her partner before sitting opposite her.

“Nell was annoyed,” she said flatly.

“That’s putting it mildly,” Nancy said quickly, “Never had the chance to experience her famed sarcasm first hand before.”

“She had no right to lay into you, Nance,” Kathie was indignant for her friend.

“No?” Nancy smiled ruefully, “and what would you have done, Kathie? If someone had upset me so much that I’d abandoned my post. And she was right wasn’t she? Hilda couldn’t have been more supportive.” Her mind flew back to the Deputy Head’s words…

“If she’d not done anything, where would you be now? I’ll tell you, in exactly the same spot, having resigned. But this time in the knowledge that some evil and vindictive little b*tches had won, had forced you out. Don’t think I agree with her methods, because I don’t, I think she made a serious mistake, doing what she did - but just remember why she did it. Because her first thought was to do anything to support and help her Staff, even if it was underhand. And what thanks does she get? You accuse her of acting worse than when she was controlled by Elinor. Do you have any idea how much that would have hurt?”

Kathie was also remembering, “Yes, well, you didn’t say that,” she said softly, “I did, maybe I shouldn’t have. But the fact remains, what she did, how she did it, leaves such a nasty taste. I don’t know if I will ever be able to forgive her, for what she did to you. Makes me a pretty nasty person too.”

Nancy walked across and sat next to her partner, curling an arm around her waist, Kathie buried her head into Nancy’s shoulder, “It’s alright Kathie,” Nancy whispered, kissing the brown curls, “I understand, and I don’t think you nasty.”

“You don’t plan to rescind your resignation then?” Kathie’s voice was a little muffled.

“No, I still feel the same about that. But maybe Nell was right, we were a bit hard on her.”



Hilda had never ridden pillion before, of course her motor biking experience was fairly limited anyway, but it had always been as the rider, never the passenger. Now, sitting behind Nell on the huge BMW, she was surprised at how safe she felt. Her arms around Nell’s waist and her head resting on Nell’s broad back. That they were moving fast was obvious, the miles seemed to flash past, they had reached the eastern tip of the bay and caught the ferry across to Queenscliff, during the ferry journey neither of them had said anything, both being content to watch the ocean waves. Once back on the bike Nell had quickly gunned the machine and they had headed for the Great Ocean Road. On the back Hilda was aware that they were moving fast, in the back of her mind she knew they were moving very fast, but it didn’t matter, here she was safe.

 


#344:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:58 pm


Aaaaaw!!!!!


Thank you Lesley!!!!

*gets ready the tissue boxes*

 


#345:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:58 pm


Oooh, you craft little ratbag you!!

Love Hilly feeling so safe with Nell Smile
*hugs N&K*

Thank you! Kiss

 


#346:  Author: Rachel PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:58 pm


Thank you oh wondrous one.

When do we get another update?

 


#347:  Author: XantheLocation: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 10:59 pm


Lesley wrote:
And sometimes I tell lies. Laughing


Lying is NORTY Shocked but sometimes there may be extenuating circumstances Wink thank you Kiss

 


#348:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:05 pm


*g* thanks Lesley!

Glad to see Nancy and Kathie calming down a little and thinking things through. Loved Nell's rant!

Now, is Hilda really as safe on Nell's speeding bike as she seems to think she is? Confused

 


#349:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:13 pm


Thank you Lesley have caught up on loads of this today. All these feelings are so natural and I know they will be resolved. I just hope it doesn't take too long to do it.

 


#350:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 11:21 pm


Hmm, interesting.

I can see why Nell reacted that way, and I hope it has some effect. But I'm not sure she's entirely fair to say that Nancy & Kathie would have ended up in the same position, resigning, without Hilda's intervention. Surely, by the time it came to their positions being in danger, they would have spilled the beans - regretfully but with no alternative. This way, their decision was pre-empted - and that does make a difference.

Yes, well, obviously I want them to stay!

 


#351:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 6:40 am


Thank you Lesley. Nice to see you back, teasing or not!

 


#352:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester England PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 7:06 am


Thank you for the update Lesley. Fantastic as ever.

 


#353:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 7:08 am


Hilda might be safe mentally but how safe is she physically on that bike?

Feeling sorry for everyone concerned. Sad Sad

Please make it better soon, Lesley Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Vain hope, I know!

 


#354:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 7:14 am


Aww, thank you Lesley. (Still not coming out from under the desk though!)

 


#355:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 8:46 am


Thank you Lesley! Very HappyVery HappyVery Happy When are they coming back, though? Wink

*giggling at the yibble*

 


#356:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:21 am


Thank you Lesley!!

*g*

 


#357:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 11:19 am


MaryR wrote:
Hilda might be safe mentally but how safe is she physically on that bike?

Feeling sorry for everyone concerned. Sad Sad

Please make it better soon, Lesley Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Vain hope, I know!


I was thinking that too! Also remembering everything that these two have been through before!

 


#358:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 1:36 pm


Hilda Annersley sat at a table in front of a beachside motel; the pair of them had been travelling for more hours than she cared to remember, in fact, on at last removing herself from the back of the motorbike, she had finally had a reference for a comment made months ago with reference to John Wayne! She was stiff and aching, aching in places that, when in the fictional world, she wasn’t even supposed to know existed! Neither of the friends had said anything about how far they were going to travel, but each had been hit with the same feeling - to get as far away from the School as possible. In fact, they would likely have continued further except, on rounding a corner in the road, they had both been stunned by the view. Once they’d stopped, initially just for a drink, they both realised how tired they were and decided to stay the night.

Hilda looked up as Nell returned, “We’re in luck,” Nell said, smiling, “They have a twin room spare for the night, longer if you think we’ll need it.” She sat opposite her friend, scrutinising Hilda’s face closely, a worried expression on her own face.

Hilda smiled, “I think just the night will be sufficient, Nell,” she replied, “thank you.”

Nell shrugged, “You’re just lucky that at least I remembered my purse and cards, we’d not have gone far otherwise.”

She paused as a waiter appeared with drinks, he also, at Nell’s request, brought two menus, then left the two women to continue their talk.

“I didn’t think I was going to be away from the School this long,” Hilda said, “or that I would need any money. Thank you.”

Nell grinned, “No worries Hilda, I’m sure you’d have done the same for me.”

Hilda’s face darkened and she took a large swallow from her drink before replying, “Well that’s unlikely, Nell, isn’t it? I mean, it’s not as though you’d have ever placed yourself in this situation. I’m sorry Nell, you seem to be forever supporting me, the amount I rely on you,” she shook her head, “it’s a very lopsided friendship we have, my dear, I seem to only ever take from you, never give you anything in return.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Hilda, what about last year, your support when I was suspended was the only thing that kept me going, and after Janet…” she paused for a moment, swallowing rapidly before continuing, “the way I felt, the way I still feel, about what I experienced with Janet, if it hadn’t been for you I…” She stopped and visibly shook herself, then, making a big effort, she smiled, “Hilda, we’re a partnership, we have been almost from the start, even before Con left, you were there for me in ways that no one else, not even Con, appreciated.”

“I was just being a friend Nell, no more,”

“Really? Then who was it spent hours sitting up with me, after I’d hurt my ankle when visiting the Fulpmes? Spent hours, once I'd returned to the School, repeating over and over that I wasn’t going to be crippled for life, that I’d recover. Covered for me whenever Matey was checking to see I was sleeping?”

“Well you were worried,” Hilda smiled, “We had no idea what the author had planned…”

“And who was it sat with me when we all finally got back to England after escaping the Nazis?”

“Again Nell, you were upset, the escape was very traumatic for you..”

“Yes, but you were the only one that recognised that! Every one else concentrated on how much it had affected Joey, they all thought that Nell Wilson wouldn’t have any problems, she wasn’t ‘highly-strung’ or anything.” Nell’s face darkened as she remembered the time, she continuing quietly, “However it comes across in the book, I was the one with the responsibility, those children were in my charge. But afterwards, you were the only one that realised just how much I was affected. Not even Con, bless her, realised, having found Jock. So don’t give me any rubbish about you only ever taking from me, Hilda. We’re a partnership, we support each other. It’s in the job description!”

 


#359:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 1:38 pm


Wonderful, O shiny Lesley.

 


#360:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 1:53 pm


*creeps into the drabble to huggle both Hilda and Nell before crawling back under the desk*

Thank you Lesley (vair glad I noticed this before dialectology Very Happy)

 


#361:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 1:54 pm


Lesley wrote:
We’re a partnership, we support each other. It’s in the job description!


What a wonderful way to describe their friendship. Great! Razz

 


#362:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 2:02 pm


Thank you Lesley. This is as wonderful as ever. How you can tear yourself away form your book to post I have no idea!

 


#363:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 2:22 pm


Wonderful. Love the description of their friendship. Don't like Hilda being so unsure of herself though.

Thank you Lesley.

 


#364:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 3:38 pm


That side of it had never really hit me before - that the responsibilty was Nell's and that she must have suffered much more than Joey ever did. Thank you Lesley Kiss

 


#365:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:31 pm


So lovely of them to both remind each other what the other has done for them. I could weep for the love shown.

Keep it up, Nell. She needs you now more than ever.

 


#366:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 4:42 pm


Just caught up from page 13 or 14 and you've done it again, Lesley!

 


#367:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 5:03 pm


Oh wow... thank you, Lesley - I have a lump in my throat now. Their friendship is just so touching.

 


#368:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 5:23 pm


You've written a portrait of real friendship there Lesley. That was great.

 


#369:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester England PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 5:44 pm


Love the way their friendship is portrayed! Well done Nell (and Lesly Embarassed )

 


#370:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 6:01 pm


What a wonderful post, Lesley, thanks Kiss

 


#371:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 6:02 pm


*whew* I had visions of Lesley making Hilda go sailing off that motorbike, 'cos we all know how much Lesley loves abusing her favourite character Laughing Laughing Laughing Wink

Loved that last bit!!!

(Rachel, keep that subscription somewhere. You never know when i could be handy)

 


#372:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:15 pm


Beautiful post Lesley! Thank you!

 


#373:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:34 pm


Really, really lovely. So unusual to see Hilda feeling vulnerable, but she's right in a way, Nell has been the one who has (visibly) been picking up the pieces...

... only because Hilda has held the entire school together though!

 


#374:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 10:19 pm


truly lovely

*sniffles*

thank you

 


#375:  Author: NicolaLocation: Derbyshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 10:31 pm


Do you and Mary have shares in tissue manufacturers? 'Tis a conspiracy to wring tears from us all.

Lovely, thank you Lesley.

 


#376: Dilemma for the Deputy Head Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 10:48 pm


Thanks, Lesley - both for emphasising Hilda & Nell's partnership and for keeping us in suspense about what will happen next!!

Echo's Nicola's comment about you and Mary having shares in the tissue companies - but I'm only too glad I don't have to hide my sniffles in an office situation as so many seem to do!!

Next bit soon, please and thank you!!

 


#377:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 10:11 am


Thank you Lesley, glad Nell remembered her purse and that they were able to get so far from the school, sometimes distance is the only way to get your head.

Love the description of their friendship.

 


#378:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 7:52 pm


Back at the Real Chalet School Nancy and Kathie had been persuaded out of their cottage by their friends,

“It’s no good you vegetating in here,” Ruth was adamant, “you need to show yourselves and the rest of the School that you are not going to let this affect you.”

“But it is affecting us, Ruth,” Nancy said quietly,

“Doesn’t matter,” Rosalind was blunt, “you’ve got to act as though it isn’t. Now come down to the beach, both of you. It’s not warm enough to sunbathe or swim, but it’s still restful. And anyway, Geoff will be here later, he’ll wonder where you both are.”

The two allowed their friends to escort them down to the beach, once there, in the part of the beach declared ‘off-limits’ to the pupils and used solely by the Staff, they both started to relax a little, even able to greet Geoff Stevens when he arrived from Brisbane to spend the weekend with his wife. Lunchtime was very decadent, the catering staff had, as always, set out a buffet style lunch in the dining room, Ros and Geoff had brought back two huge trays filled with sandwiches, crisps and dips.

After lunch there were a number of calls put through to the mobile held by Ruth Derwent and she decided to move across to the School to deal with the concerns, Nancy looked across at Rosalind Moore and smiled,

“I’m sure you and Geoff want some quality time, Ros, don’t think you have to stay with us.”

Ros looked almost shy, she glanced at her husband, received a nod in return, “If you’re sure, Nancy?”

Nancy and Kathie both nodded, smiling, and the other couple both rose and sauntered back to the Staff House, arms around each other. Kathie watched them, “Maybe we should go for a walk too, Nance,” she said quietly, “together.”

Nancy swallowed slightly, almost hesitating. Kathie spoke again, “That is, unless you’re ashamed…”

“Never!” Nancy Wilmot’s response was fierce, she stood and stretched out an arm to pull Kathie to her feet. “A walk around the beach then, love, show everyone we’re still here?”

Kathie smiled, though her face showed as much strain as her partner’s, she nodded, “Yes, let’s.”

 


#379:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 8:08 pm


I'm glad to see that Kathie and Nancy aren't hiding who they are, and it's good that Nell's there for Hilda.

Thanks Lesley

JackieJ

 


#380:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 8:30 pm


Glad to see the way both couples, Nancy and Kathie and Hilda and Nell support each other.

 


#381:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 9:27 pm


Awww! *Feels warm and fluffy*

Thank you Lesley *hugs*

 


#382:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 9:37 pm


Awwww!!!
THank you Lesley!!


(By the way, how's the book parcelling going?) Wink

 


#383:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 9:46 pm


I'm glad Nancy and Kathie have good friends to help them through this. They must feel as if everyone is watching them.

Thank you Lesley.

 


#384:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 9:47 pm


Good for Nancy and Kathie, refusing to deny their relationship. Here's hoping they don't run into Katroina on their walk!

ta Lesley Laughing

 


#385:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 8:36 am


Thanks Lesley

*remembers that Nell and Hilda still have to make the journey back and decides to join Pim under the desk*

Liz

 


#386:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 8:39 am


Thank you Lesley.

 


#387:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 9:14 am


*sighs*

Welcome to the real world... nobody would have thought twice about them walking together back in the books.

Glad Ruth & Ros are encouraging them not to hide!

 


#388:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 9:35 am


That was terrific, Lesley, just the right thing for N & K and their friends to do.

 


#389:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 11:34 am


Im glad Ruth and Ros are being such great friends.

Thanks Lesley Very Happy

 


#390:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 7:39 pm


They walked down to the water’s edge, a few hardy souls were in the water, some swimming, some surfing, further along the beach they could see some of the Junior School being led in a vast game of beach cricket by their Housemistresses and a few of the Junior Staff. It didn’t appear to have many rules, but they all seemed to be enjoying it anyway. At least, judging by the screams and laughter they were!

As they passed the Juniors they came across the area where the Middle and Senior School had taken up residence and suddenly, were mobbed by members of Kathie’s own form, Lower IVa, the twelve and thirteen year olds noisy and vociferous. After some minutes chatting to them, finding out what they had been doing, Kathie Ferrars extricated herself from their clutches to continue the walk with her partner.

“They were pleased to see you,” Nancy remarked softly.

“Of course,” Kathie said, smiling, “we have a good relationship.”

Nancy nodded slightly, her expression darkening and, seeing this, Kathie could have kicked herself. They walked on, coming to a part of the beach that had numerous small rock pools and crevices. A number of very young children were playing by the pools, with plastic buckets and little fishing nets. They looked over to see some of the Kindergarten Staff supervising, smiled at Sheryl Burke and Sue Tinning. Rounding a corner they suddenly saw a little boy slip over on the rocks, grazing his knees. He started to cry. Both Nancy and Kathie ran over to him, it was Robbie Elliott.

Swiftly lifting him up, Nancy cuddled him, saying, “Come on Robbie, no need to cry! You‘re a big boy now.”

Robbie took a gulp, “But it hurt Nancy, look,” he extended a leg, the graze on his knee did look quite painful. Nancy cuddled him tighter and kissed him on his forehead, then, at his insistence, she also ‘kissed the graze better.’ At that moment Cherry appeared,

“Robbie, I said to wait for me, what have you done?”

The little boy turned tear stained eyes to her, “I felled over, Mummy, but Nancy kissed it better.” He held out his arms and Cherry picked him up. She smiled at both Nancy and Kathie, “Thanks,” she said, “I told him to wait, but should have realised he wouldn’t!”

Kathie retrieved the bucket he was carrying and, between them, the two washed Robbie’s knee with sea water while he sat on his Mummy’s lap. Afterwards, as the graze did look painful, they both helped Cherry to distract him, even retrieving some of the rocks and shells he had collected. One in particular caught Kathie’s eye, she showed it to the little boy.

“Do you know what this is Robbie?”

“It’s a sea shell,”

“Not really, feel it,” Kathie placed the object in Robbie’s hands, “it’s much heavier than a shell, that’s because it’s a fossil.”

Robbie looked across at her with big green eyes, “What is fossil, Auntie Kaffie?”

Kathie sat on the sand next to the little boy and thought for a moment, working out how to explain to someone so much younger than her normal pupils. “A fossil happens when a plant or animal dies and gets buried,” she began. “After lots and lots of years, the plant or animal turns to stone.”

Robbie thought for a while, “Lots and lots?” he said quickly, “More than twenty years?”

Kathie smothered a giggle and Nancy, squatted down beside her, “Many more than twenty Robbie,” she said smiling.

“This animal,” Kathie said, when she had recovered from her giggles, “was an ammonite, do you know when it lived?”

Robbie shook his head.

“It lived at the same time as the dinosaurs.” Kathie said solemnly.

Robbie looked down at the fossil again, “Can dinosaurs be fossils?”

“Sometimes,”

Robbie scrambled off of Cherry’s lap, then turned and grabbed her arms, trying to lift her up, “Come on, Mummy, got to look for dinosaurs!” He ran quickly over to where there was a pile of rocks and shells, his injured knee forgotten.

Cherry got up, she smiled across at the other two, “That’ll keep him occupied for hours,” she said, “Thanks, both of you.” She walked across to join her son.

Nancy and Kathie both stood, still smiling, they turned to retrace their steps then stopped. In front of them stood two of the girls from Lower VIb, Kathie recognised one of them was the Form Prefect, Sally Lowe, the other was Jamel Darian. Both girls looked very ill-at-ease.

“Please, Miss Wilmot?” Sally’s voice was rather faint, “Can we say something?”

Kathie Ferrars’ eyes darkened as she saw her partner tense up almost imperceptibly, she knew that Nancy had not had contact with her form in the days since the bullying was stopped. She forced herself to remain silent and waited.

Nancy Wilmot straightened, “What do you want to say, Sally?”

Sally looked down at the sand for a moment, then looking up to meet the Maths Head’s eyes she blurted out, “Sorry, all of us, we’re sorry we didn’t…” she stopped and Jamel continued,

“Sorry we didn’t stop them, the six that, you know…” the American girl shrugged slightly, “We all think you were really brave to have the lesson taped and everything.” She stopped there and, as there was no immediate response from Nancy, they both took the opportunity to quickly run off.


Last edited by Lesley on Sat May 28, 2005 9:46 pm; edited 4 times in total

 


#391:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 7:53 pm


Glad that the girls had the courage to apologise to Nancy. I wonder wether or not that will make any difference.

 


#392:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 7:58 pm


That must have taken a great deal of strength for the girls to do that. Good for them.

 


#393:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 8:26 pm


It's interesting that they thought she had the lesson taped. I wonder if that will help or hinder the healing of the rift?

I think those girls showed some real guts. I hope it warms Nancy's heart eventually.

(please, Lesley?)

 


#394:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 8:40 pm


The scene with Robbie was lovely!
And I'm glad the girls had the guts to apologise!

Hope Nancy and Kathie will come round and be able to forgive Hilda in time!

 


#395: Dilemma for the Deputy Head Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 9:05 pm


Echoes Patmac and Vikki here. I'm really glad the two girls apologised - it took some courage. Will Nancy now soften her reaction to Hilda?

All right - I know only Lesley knows the answer -but *please* don't keep us waiting for too long!!

 


#396:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 11:12 pm


Thanks Lesley

Glad to see the girls have taken in what Miss Annersley said to them.

Robbie was lovely (as always). I hope he doesn't grow up to be a horrible teenager in RCSXXX Wink

Liz

 


#397:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:04 am


thank you, lesley

nancy and kathie have such a wonderful relationship - i really hope they won't leave!

 


#398:  Author: Rachel PostPosted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 12:38 am


I feel saying "yay, great installment" hardly covers it these days Lesley. You are so good at this - please tell me you are going to get the RCS series published?

 


#399:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester England PostPosted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 6:34 am


Oooh good idea Rachel! I loved that scene with Robbie. Thank you Lesley and thanks for answering my pm.

 


#400:  Author: pimLocation: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 8:20 am


Awww bless Robbie! And glad that the girls apologised.

I'm still hiding under my desk though... Thanks Lesley Very Happy

 




The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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

Goto page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  Next  :| |:
Page 1 of 6

Powered by phpBB 2.0.6 © 2001,2002 phpBB Group