Esther in the Oberland
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

#1: Esther in the Oberland Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:22 pm


Sorry if there are any discrepancies with dates - EBD seems to have Bride and Co. ageing four years between 1944 and 1950 and who am I to disagree?

PROLOGUE

“Honestly, Father, it’s the best solution. I simply can’t think of a better alternative. Oh, please say yes! I can’t tell you how happy it would make me!” And with this exclamation, seventeen year-old Esther Gardner turned an expectant face towards her father.

Four years before the wet April day on which this conversation takes place, Esther had temporarily been a pupil of the Chalet School, then based at Plas Howell in Armishire. Unfortunately her time there had been cut short. Her mother had suffered a breakdown after the deaths of both of her brothers during the War and as much as he hated the thought of Esther seeing her mother in such a state, Mr Gardner had realised that his daughter was able to get through to his wife in a way that no-one else could. He had reluctantly removed her from the Chalet School and enrolled her in a respected local day school, promising Esther that as soon as her mother was herself again, she could return to Wales and to the friends she had left behind.

His promise had been somewhat premature. Mr Gardner was a solicitor and during the mid nineteen thirties he had set up his own practice with a friend. This friend had fingers in many different pies, including a number of foreign investments. The outbreak of war had hit him hard and by early 1945 he found himself in a desperate financial state. Finally he had resorted to extreme measures - embezzling funds from his business and fleeing the country. This was a major blow to the Gardner family. The police had been called and Mr Gardner’s former partner was now a wanted man, but so far he had evaded the authorities. Clearly he had been planning his course of action for some time and had accounted for the possibility of pursuit. In the meantime, the Gardners were left to pick up the pieces. The family’s savings had gone into setting up the practice and the cost of covering the business’s outgoings further depleted the remainder of the money they still had. Fortunately Mr Gardner was able to find employment with another legal firm, and Mrs Gardner pitched in and began taking in mending and embroidery work in order to make a little extra money. However, their income was still significantly less than it had been previously and life became more difficult as a result.


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:46 pm; edited 9 times in total

 


#2:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:23 pm


Obviously boarding school of any kind for Esther was now completely out of the question. She had been deeply disappointed, but realised that nothing was to be gained by crying over split milk. Instead she had thrown herself into life at her new school, making a lot of good friends and becoming, in her final year, a popular and competent prefect.

However, the stresses of their new life were beginning to take their toll on her parents - hard work and worry were slowly wearing them down. Dr Nicholson, an old family friend, had advised that they both go on a cruise, pointing out that a change of scenery and a complete rest from their daily routines would do them both the world of good. Of course, Mr and Mrs Gardner had initially dismissed the idea as they couldn’t possibly afford it. However, old Mrs Gardner had stepped in, offering to pay for the trip. “I’ve got more money than an elderly lady needs, and I would like to see it being used for something worthwhile,” she had said. “I only wish I could afford to send Esther with you.”

The Gardners were reluctant to take advantage of this offer, but Esther’s Nanna was very persistent and eventually they had caved in under the pressure and booked places on a cruise liner. The problem of what should happen to Esther had yet to be solved however. She had, during the previous term, won a scholarship to study at Durham University, but there was no question of her attending until she was eighteen. It had been suggested that she continue to attend the High School and live with her Nanna, but Esther wasn’t keen on the idea, especially as she could think of a more attractive alternative.

“The Chalet School?” Mr Gardner frowned at his daughter. “Esther, I know Miss Annersley said she would keep your place, but that was four years ago! Besides which, I don’t think the School would be too keen to take on a seventeen year-old, even if she had been a pupil there previously.”

“I didn’t mean the Chalet School proper, Father,” Esther told him. “You see, they’ve just opened a finishing school in Switzerland. They take on girls over the age of sixteen and teach them languages and appreciation of the arts and oh, all sorts of things! Bride Bettany’s sister is there and she thinks it’s wonderful!”

“But Esther, you have to bear in mind the cost,” her father reminded her gently.

“Oh, I’ve already thought of that. I asked Bride to send me the prospectus and I know how much the fees are. The money Uncle Paul left me would cover them and there would be some left over besides.”

Mr Gardner considered this. Esther’s maternal grandparents had died when her Uncle Paul was quite young and he had inherited a reasonable sum from them. As he himself had died a young man with no direct descendants, a considerable proportion of this inheritance had gone into trust for Esther, the only family member of the next generation. As Esther’s trustees, her parents had always refused to use her money to ease their own financial burdens. They had maintained that it should be used to give Esther a good start in life - something which finishing school would undoubtedly do. His daughter was right. It did seem to be the best solution.


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:48 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#3:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:25 pm


Oh, wonderful start, Ann - so nice to see more of Esther - and at Welsen. Looking forward to more!

 


#4:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 10:44 pm


Really glad to have this back Love the backdrop to the story and how it was financially possible for her to go

 


#5:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 11:55 pm


Ooooh!!! Lovely Ann!!! Good to see Esther back!

 


#6:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 1:53 am


I enjoyed 5 letter word, so I'm glad to see Esther is getting to go to Welsen!

 


#7:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 5:02 am


Thank you, Ann! I'm sorry Esther has had such a tough time, but look forward to seeing her reunited with her CS friends....

 


#8:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:30 am


Yay, I'm so pleased to see Esther back, thank you Ann Very Happy

 


#9:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:33 am


Fantastic, Ann - lovely to see Esther getting this opportunity ... Wonder how she'll settle in given that many of the Welsen intake aren't Chalet girls ...

 


#10:  Author: pimLocation: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:58 am


Hurrah! Esther's back! Thank you Ann *beams*

 


#11:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 11:58 am


Good to see more of Esther. Like the way you managed to keep herout of school, but then find a reason for her to go to Welsen and to be able to go.

 


#12:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 12:47 pm


Nice to see some more of Esther Ann. I'm looking forward to her further adventures. JackieJ

 


#13:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 12:56 pm


Hooray more of Ester! Thank you Ann, look forward to seeing how she settles in in Welsen and her reunion with Bride and Tom etc.

 


#14:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 1:52 pm


Yay for the return of Esther! Looking forward to the reunions and to Esther meeting the new Welsen girls.

 


#15:  Author: Nicci as guest PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 3:16 pm


brilliant brilliant brilliant. Thrilled that this continues. Thanks Ann Very Happy

 


#16:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 5:46 pm


Goody! Esther is back. :jump: Thanks Ann Liz

 


#17:  Author: EmilyLocation: Land of White Coats and Stethoscopes. PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 7:45 pm


Yay! Esther is back! Very much looking forward to seeing what the last four years have been like...*hint hint*...and, naturally, what the next year or so at Welsen will be like...*hint hint*. No hurry, of course. :reading:

 


#18:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:13 pm


Hooray! Lovely to meet Esther again. I'm looking forward to seeing how she goes on at Welsen.

 


#19:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 10:07 am


Oh wonderful Esther is back. It will be so nice to hear more of her adventures.

 


#20:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 10:09 am


Am thinking I have to go and find Five Letter Word and get up to speed here *wanders off in direction of Drabble Archive with a vat of coffee*

 


#21:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 5:45 pm


Just by way of warning, there's unlikely to be any more of this over the weekend - I've got Guides tonight and I'm going away for the weekend tomorrow. More on Monday hopefully!

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

“Esther!” Miss Culver reached over and shook her charge’s arm gently. “Esther, wake up! We’re just arriving in Interlaken!"

Esther woke with a start and began scrabbling for her hand luggage, while Tom, seated next to her, attempted to stretch her legs in the limited space available. “At last,” she yawned, peering out of the window. “It looks rather bleak out there. Did it rain much when you were in Tirol, Bride?”

An expression of mild annoyance crossed Bride’s face as she hunted for her hat. “How many times do I have to tell you? I was a mere infant when we left Tirol. I don’t remember all that much about it, so please stop treating me as though I were an authority on the subject!”

Tom grimaced at her, and Miss Culver stepped in. “We don’t get an awful lot of rain up here,” she said, speaking from experience having spent a year in the Alps. “It only seems to rain when there’s a storm in these parts, although we ought to have a good deal of snow later in the term.”

Gillian Culver had been a prefect and then Head Girl while the Chalet School was at Plas Howell, and something about her presence had caused the younger girls to regress mentally and regard her with awe, just as they had as Junior Middles. Gill herself found this quite amusing - much the same thing had happened with some of the former Chalet girls who had gone to Welsen a year ago and she knew that it would wear off in a few weeks. Throughout the journey, however, they had been remarkably restrained, as though they were wary of talking freely in case she admonished them for some misdemeanour.

Having collected together all her possessions, Esther leaned back in her seat, trying unsuccessfully to suppress a smile. It was so good to be reunited with Tom and Bride! The reunion at Victoria Station had been rapturous to say the least, although she’d hardly recognised Bride without her glasses. She had only seen the two of them twice since her brief stay at the Chalet School, both occasions when the Bettanys had invited herself and Tom to stay at the Quadrant for a few days during the holidays, a couple of years ago now. Letters were all well and good, but they were no substitute, really.

Bride, hat now firmly in position on her head, caught sight of Esther’s happy expression and grinned at her. “If your smile gets any wider the top of your head’ll fall off.” Esther returned the grin. “I’ve never been out of England before. It’s quite an adventure!”

ETA: I don't know why that blank line is there and I can't get rid of it!


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:50 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#22:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 6:30 pm


Love the way their still in awe of Gill Have a lovely weekend Ann

 


#23:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 6:47 pm


Lovely post thank you Ann! So nice to see that she remained friends with Bride and Tom. (Blank line removed for you! Wink )

 


#24:  Author: dackelLocation: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Sat Oct 23, 2004 1:22 pm


yes, yes, lovely, more about Esther! I thought you wouldn't just leave it where the "five letter word" cut off! Thank you, Ann, a good start and I look forward to more!

 


#25:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 10:50 am


Glad to see they have arrived safely. Look forward to more when you are ready after your weekend away.

 


#26:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 5:53 pm


It wasn’t until the girls had left the train at Interlaken and were hurrying through the rainy streets to the Berner Oberland Bahnhof that Esther and her friends were able to talk freely without fear of being overheard by Miss Culver. They had already caught up on each other’s gossip during their long journey from London, but there was still the pressing matter of the new girls to discuss and it wasn’t really a topic which could be introduced in front of a mistress. A good deal of the new intake, besides the former Chalet girls, were from Branscombe Park, Nell Randolph’s old school, and seemed to be friendly enough. There were, however, a couple of newcomers who hadn’t exactly made a positive impression.

“That American girl who joined us at Paris is the worst snob I’ve met,” proclaimed Bess Herbert vehemently. “Do you know, she introduced herself to me with the words: “I’m Geraldine Hannigan. My Pa owns Hanningan’s, the department stores.””

“Never heard of ‘em,” said Tom bluntly.

“He has three stores, apparently, in Chicago, Milwaukee and Indianapolis and he’s a very wealthy man. She spent the whole journey telling me about them. She seemed awfully disappointed when I told her my father is Dean of Minchampton Cathedral - not glamorous enough for her, I think. What was the Scottish girl you were sitting next to like, Prim?”

“Caroline Darroch?” asked Primrose Day. “I know her name, very little besides. She was virtually silent throughout the journey - answered everyone’s questions in monosyllables.”

“I expect she’ll be more forthcoming once she’s settled in and we’ve all got to know each other,” said Bride confidently. “She could just be homesick.”

Tom suddenly stopped walking, causing Nancy Chester to collide abruptly with her back. “I say, I’ve just had a thought. Do you think I’ll be allowed to carry on with my woodwork now I’m at finishing school?”

“I don’t see why not,” said Esther, helping to steady a spluttering Nancy. “It hasn’t been a problem before, has it?”

“No, but this is a finishing school. We’re here to learn how to be…ladylike and refined, aren’t we? Bride Bettany, stop laughing at me! I’m serious!”

Bride managed to suppress her giggles. “I’m sure Bill will let you carry on with it - I’d imagine she wouldn’t want to be responsible for depriving the School of your doll’s houses. But oh, the thought of you being ladylike and refined…!” And this time when she started to laugh, Tom joined in.


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:53 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#27:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 6:04 pm


Love that -and I'd be giggling with Bride too! Laughing

 


#28:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 7:04 pm


Quote:
We’re here to learn how to be…ladylike and refined, aren’t we?
Laughing Laughing Can you imagine anything less like Tom?! And doesn't Geraldine sound charming! Thanks Ann. Very Happy

 


#29:  Author: LulieLocation: Middlesbrough PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 7:13 pm


Ann wrote:
“No, but this is a finishing school. We’re here to learn how to be…ladylike and refined, aren’t we? Bride Bettany, stop laughing at me! I’m serious!”
ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL *joins in Bride's laughter*Pops up to ask for more, a la Oliver Twist.

 


#30:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 7:56 pm


Enjoying seeing Esther, Bride & Tom again - it will be interesting to see them interact with the new girls.And to see Tom being turned into a lady Exclamation

 


#31:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 8:12 am


Love that exchange - thanks, Ann!

 


#32:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 11:24 am


Love that part with Tom, wonderful! Thank you Ann!

 


#33:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 1:07 pm


Wonderful! The interaction between the girls is lovely. The Hannigan new girl sounds charming. Is she any relation to the matron in 'Annie'? I would probably have been like Caroline.

 


#34:  Author: LulieLocation: Middlesbrough PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 1:14 pm


Susan wrote:
The Hannigan new girl sounds charming. Is she any relation to the matron in 'Annie'?
*giggles* that was my first thought, too, Susan!!!!!

 


#35:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 4:10 pm


*also doing an oliver twist* Ann that was brilliant. Poor Tom - or rather, poor school. Can you imagine any finishing school trying to turn Tom into a refined lady!! LOL. At least Bill know's what she's let herself in for!! And Bill always did like Tom, didnt she.

 


#36:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 5:31 pm


Didn't Tom only agree to go to the Chalet School on the grounds it wouldn't make her girly? Liz

 


#37:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Oct 30, 2004 3:21 pm


I think that they'll be flexible about turning Tom into a young lady, they do know her, after all.

 


#38:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 4:26 pm


Fantastic! Thanks! Looking forward to the next installment! :red:

 


#39:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 4:38 pm


Apologies for the very slow progression of this story - I know what's going to happen, it's just proving a bit difficult to get past the beginning! :bunny: is being a bit more cooperative now though, so the posts should become more frequent.

It was almost dark by the time the girls reached Das Haus unter die Kiefern, and the illuminated windows of the chalet suggested warmth and comfort. It had been a long and stressful journey from England and the inviting scene before them made the girls all the more aware of how tired they were.

Standing in the doorway, bidding the new arrivals welcome, was a petite figure who struck Bride as vaguely familiar. As the mistress caught sight of Bride, she broke off and exclaimed, “This is never Bride Bettany!” and burst into peals of laughter. Then, seeing the girl’s bemused expression, she apologised. “I’m terribly sorry, Bride, that was rather rude of me. But, you see, the last time I saw you, Peggy was quite a bit taller than you. Now she’s a tiny little thing and you… well, you’re a young giantess! You really aren’t at all what I was expecting!”

“Hello Miss Nalder,“ Bride grinned, realisation having dawned. “You should see young Maeve. She’s like a cross between the two of us - a leggy redhead!”

“Well, we shouldn’t stand about in the doorway all evening - I expect you’re all exhausted. Abendessen is about to be served in the Speisesaal, if you’d like to make your way through. Miss Wilson has been detained by a phone call, but she’ll join us presently.”

Esther spent the meal seated between Caroline Darroch and one of the former Branscombe Park girls, Aisling O’Connell. Primrose’s comments on the Scottish girl proved to be accurate - she barely spoke throughout the meal, although Esther couldn’t help thinking that she didn’t look homesick, just sulky. Aisling was far more forthcoming, fortunately, and Esther chattered quite amiably with her until Abendessen was finished.

Geraldine Hannigan managed to distinguish herself by declaring loudly, “Say, is that all we get?” when the main course of chicken salad was brought out. The other girls hastened to shush her, pointing out that this was only a light meal as they would no doubt go to bed once they had finished eating. However, the mistresses - Miss Wilson included - had witnessed the outburst and it was clear to the more observant girls that the American was the main topic of discussion at the staff table throughout the remainder of the meal. Presumably they foresaw squalls ahead and as later events would show, they were not mistaken.


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:55 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#40:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 4:42 pm


oooh, thanks for the update Ann. Geraldine sounds like a right madam. Can't wait to see her put in her place.

 


#41:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 5:19 pm


Someone squash Geraldine quickly please! Wink

 


#42:  Author: pimLocation: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 5:20 pm


*has a terrible sense of foreboding about Geraldine and hopes that she will be proved wrong* Thank you for the update Ann Very HappyVery HappyVery Happy

 


#43:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 5:32 pm


Vikki wrote:
Someone squash Geraldine quickly please! Wink
Or squash her slowly - I've a feeling she might deserve it! Liz

 


#44:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 7:06 pm


Thanks for the update, Ann. Laughing

 


#45:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 7:19 pm


Ann wrote:
Presumably they foresaw squalls ahead and as later events would show, they were not mistaken.
Goody goody - lots more story to come

 


#46:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 12:01 am


Thanks Ann losts of lovely story.

 


#47:  Author: CathLocation: Cornwall PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 9:37 am


Lovely update Ann, thanks!

 


#48:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 1:30 pm


Thank you Ann, a lovely update Very Happy

 


#49:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 4:32 pm


Thanks Ann, I can see that it's going to take a lot of work to turn Geraldine into a real Millie.

 


#50:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 7:35 pm


Perhaps she will be the first expulsion? It sounds very much like there will be lots of lovely trouble ahead.

 


#51:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 5:24 pm


Which we can sit back and enjoy reading about. is that a big enough hint?

 


#52:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 10:48 pm


Hmm. have a feeling Geraldine and our Esther might clash ... Confused Does Geraldine have any outspoken religious views ?

 


#53:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 8:58 am


Not sure whether Geraldine is going to cause trouble or is just tactless Confused Last line sounds ominous though *wibbles* Thank you for the update, Ann! Very Happy

 


#54:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 11:36 pm


I apologise once again for the lack of posts on this drabble - have had other things on my mind in the last week Very Happy and :evilbunny: has popped up again and is making demands of me!

“Hello Esther! How are you finding finishing school, now you’ve had time to settle in?” Thus Nell Randolph, entering the Saal one Saturday morning two weeks into term.

Esther looked up - she had been reading - and smiled at the elder girl. “It’s amazing,” she replied. “I’ve never been out of England before, and the novelty of being somewhere new hasn’t worn off yet, I think. Every morning when I wake up, I look out of the window and I can’t quite believe the scene before me is real.”

“Well I’ve been here a year already and I still find the Alps breathtaking,” said Nell, dropping into an armchair next to Esther’s. “I’ve got some news which I think you’ll find interesting. I’ve just seen Bill and she’s suggested an excursion to the Gornetz Platz this afternoon to visit the Chalet School proper.”

“Oh marvellous! The Platz is higher up than we are here, so I expect there will be some amazing views. I shall have to take my camera,” Esther grinned. “I can just imagine Geraldine’s reaction, though: ‘Do we ha-ave to?’” this last in a perfect imitation of Geraldine’s nasal drawl.

Nell burst out laughing, although she couldn’t resist glancing at the doorway to make sure Geraldine was nowhere within earshot. “Esther, I didn’t realise you were such a talented mimic! Yes, I’d imagine those will be her exact words!”

Geraldine had been something of a trial to both the girls and the mistresses since her arrival. ’Do we ha-ave to?’ had become her mantra, to the great irritation of everyone else who thought it ridiculous that a girl of sixteen should have such a childish attitude. She had already voiced her dislike of exercise and of fresh air and Mademoiselle Berne had had words with her on the subject of mending less than a week into the term. Geraldine had managed to catch a skirt on a splinter in the summer house and had torn it. It wasn’t badly damaged and could easily be repaired even by someone lacking prowess with a needle, but Miss Hannigan had objected to mending it herself. “I’ll just buy a new one,” she told the mistress. “Or I could write to Pa and ask him to send me a new one from one of his stores.”

Patiently, Julie Berne had explained that this would be a waste of a perfectly serviceable item of clothing and there might come a time when Geraldine would not have the luxury of being able to acquire a new skirt just because an older one needed a few stitches. If such a thing were to happen, then Geraldine would be glad she had learnt how to mend, would she not? Geraldine had been looking out of the window during this little speech, but had turned to face Mademoiselle upon hearing her question. “Guess I’ll cross that bridge if I come to it,” she announced. “Now if you’ll excuse me…” and with that she left the room, leaving her contemporaries astounded and the mistress determined to speak to Miss Wilson about the girl’s attitude.

Bill encountered Geraldine’s arrogant manner for herself a few days later, when the American caused something of a sensation by battling with the Head over her record player. She was accustomed, as she told anyone within earshot, to listening to her favourite records before going to bed at night, and, having been unable to perform this ritual since arriving in the Oberland, her sleep was being dreadfully affected. Aisling and Nancy, who slept in the adjacent cubicles to Geraldine’s, had spluttered wildly at this pronouncement, having been kept awake on three consecutive nights by the American’s snoring, however Miss Hannigan chose to ignore this evidence and had appealed to Miss Wilson.

Bill was somewhat bemused by this problem. “What exactly would you like me to do?” she had asked Geraldine and had been astounded at the reply.

“Tell the others to let me listen to my music in the evening,” Miss Hannigan had calmly told the mistress. “I’ll get Pa to send my records to me.”

“Geraldine, I cannot do that. The record player in the Saal is there for all of you to share. It would be unfair of one girl to monopolise it.”

“In that case, I’ll write to Pa and ask him if I might buy a record player of my own.”

Bill frowned at the American girl. “Geraldine, that is completely unnecessary. Your body needs sleep and even the disruption of your usual routine won’t alter that fact. I suggest you leave the matter for the time being. If you still having difficulty sleeping in a couple of days time, speak to Matron and she will remedy the situation.”

Geraldine assumed a deeply sulky expression and Bill continued in more forceful terms. “Geraldine, at your age I should not have to remind you that you are not the only pebble on the beach. I am not willing to have valuable personal possessions such as record players kept at the school and I’m afraid you will have to come to terms with that fact. Now if there’s nothing else I can help you with, I’m afraid I have an appointment with Miss Culver.”

Needless to say, Geraldine had not been happy at this and had let everyone else know her opinions on the matter. Her peers had tried to make her see sense but to no avail - as Nell Randolph had wised noted, having to adjust to school life at the advanced age of sixteen would be very difficult for Geraldine and she probably just needed time to realise her place within the school community. Following these words of wisdom, the Welsen girls had made an effort to be patient with Geraldine but that didn’t mean they liked her any more than they had done previously.


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:58 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#55:  Author: Amanda MLocation: Wakefield PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 11:44 pm


Why do I get the feeling that things are going to get worse before they get better. Hope Geraldine gets squashed soon Smile Star Wars

 


#56:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 2:07 am


Ann wrote:
Geraldine had managed to catch a skirt on a splinter in the summer house and had torn it. It wasn’t badly damaged and could easily be repaired even by someone lacking prowess with a needle, but Miss Hannigan had objected to mending it herself. “I’ll just buy a new one,” she told the mistress. “Or I could write to Pa and ask him to send me a new one from one of his stores.” Patiently, Julie Berne had explained that this would be a waste of a perfectly serviceable item of clothing and there might come a time when Geraldine would not have the luxury of being able to acquire a new skirt just because an older one needed a few stitches. If such a thing were to happen, then Geraldine would be glad she had learnt how to mend, would she not?
I'm with Geraldine on this one. Why can't she send it to the nuns to mend in their tiny delicate stiches if mended it must be? She can afford to pay someone to do here menial work - she is helping the economy! Frankly my deahs, if its a question of mending - it only gets done if some one else mends it (otherwise the said item will languish indefinately in the bottom of the ironing basket) obviously I'm not a real Chalet Girl.

 


#57:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 9:32 am


Great post, Ann - I like Geraldine's mantra!! *hoping she tries it on again with Bill and gets what's coming to her! Wink *

 


#58:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 10:50 am


Nasty Geraldine but I can see Bill having fun with her!! Wink Thanks Ann

 


#59:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 12:39 pm


Thanks Ann, great post really brings Geraldine alive - can see why the others don't get on with her!

 


#60:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 4:32 pm


It must have been galling for some of the other girls whose parents were poor to hear Geraldine being so casual about a perfectly good skirt that needed only a few stitches.

 


#61:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 6:33 pm


Fairly impressed at Bill's forebearance this time - don't think Geraldine should push her luck! Laughing

 


#62:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 6:37 pm


Well they have to be understanding at first but I'm guessign Geraldine's lining herself up for a fall. What a horribly selfish individual she is!

 


#63:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 9:02 pm


I see fun ahead for darling Geraldine. Laughing

 


#64:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 4:07 pm


Thank you Ann lots of lovelt story to catch up on. Looking forward to seeing the squashing of Geraldine.

 


#65:  Author: Uto PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:27 pm


I do hope we see that soon Ann. Twisted Evil

 


#66:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:29 pm


Sooner the better.

 


#67:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 11:58 pm


Why, hello Uto! Fancy seeing you on this thread! Wink

The expedition set out after Mittagessen. The plan was to walk up to the Platz at a gentle pace, join Miss Annersley for Kaffee und Kuchen and set off back to Welsen in the late afternoon, hopefully returning before it got dark. Bride and Nancy had been hopeful of squeezing in a visit to Freudesheim, home of the Bettanys’ Aunt Jo and of Nancy’s sister Beth who was working as a mother’s help. However their hopes had been dashed by the news that the Maynards were indulging in German Measles at present and the risk of infection had ruled out any visits until the quarantine period was up.

Geraldine had, as predicted, complained at having to join the rest of the group, and had muttered about her walking kit being unflattering until Bill had sweetly suggested that getting fat through lack of exercise would be even more unflattering. Needless to say, Geraldine didn’t respond well to this approach and spend the majority of the ramble bemoaning the Head’s treatment of her to Caroline. The two girls seemed to be becoming pally and Miss Wilson and the other staff were less than pleased at this development. Caroline wasn’t a forceful enough character to curb Geraldine’s more extreme moments, equally Geraldine’s dominant personality wouldn’t allow Caroline the chance to come out of her shell. However it had always been the Chalet School’s policy not to interfere in friendships between girls unless it was strictly necessary, and Bill was especially reluctant to get involved when it came to girls of over sixteen.

Esther found herself ambling along with Tom and Aisling and presently the conversation turned to the girls’ plans for the future. Aisling’s ambition was to become a midwife, a career choice which neither Esther or Tom found particularly appealing. Esther herself had spoken of her plans to become an English teacher and had received a very pointed look from Tom. She clearly wanted to say something about employment prospects for atheist schoolmistresses but didn’t want to bring up the subject in front of Aisling. Esther decided it might be best to deflect attention away from herself and asked Tom what she intended to do once she left school.

Tom stared at her. “You mean no-one’s told you?”

“No-one’s told me anything. Why? What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to become a missionary,” Tom said, her face turning red - even though she had mentioned her plan to a lot of people since deciding upon it, the telling never became any easier. “In London,” she added.

Aisling nodded. “I hope you’ll be happy. I should think it will be very rewarding.”

Esther was lost for words - not at Tom’s decision, all those religious discussions the two had had over the past few years had hinted at something along such lines. No, what shocked Esther was the fact that Tom hadn‘t told her. Evidently everyone else knew, or Tom wouldn’t have expected her to have found out via one of the others. As Aisling and Tom discussed mission work in serious tones, Esther found herself lagging behind them, not wanting to be part of a conversation on a topic which - to be honest - she didn’t understand.

Presently, as she walked mechanically onwards, deep in thought, Esther began to feel that she was being watched. Looking up, she saw that the group were passing a chalet and there was a small white face peering out of one of the windows. Esther paused and waved at the figure, who raised a hand and then disappeared from view.

“Esther?” Primrose had come up alongside her. “Who were you waving to?”

“No idea,“ said Esther. “She looked quite young, though.”

“That’s the Elisehütte,” observed Nancy Chester, who had been partnering Primrose. “It was probably little Leila Elstob, Esther. Her cousin Sue is in the same form as our young Babs. Leila’s very ill, poor thing, and she’s been brought out here to help her chances of recovery.”

“I thought she looked rather sad,” said Esther. “I hope the staff at the San can do something to help her.”

As the girls continued to walk, Esther falling in with Nancy and Primrose, none of the group noticed the frown that had crossed Tom’s face, nor the anxious look which she gave Esther’s retreating back.


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:00 pm; edited 4 times in total

 


#68:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 12:03 am


Hmmmm! Intrigued - at why Esther's religion or lack thereof should mmake a difference to her career, at the looks Tom was giving her. At how long it'll be before Geraldine feels the rough edge of Bill's tongue! Loving this Ann. Laughing

 


#69:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:44 am


Thank you Ann, poor Esther she must feel out of things sometimes. Perhaps leila will help in someway??

 


#70:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 3:50 pm


Thank you Ann! Lots of tantalising hints in there!

 


#71:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 5:57 pm


Can understand why Tom might have felt reluctant to tell Esther what she was planning to do - hope they can get over the awkwardness though. Thanks Ann - looking forward to more *hint* Liz

 


#72:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 9:02 pm


Ann, isn't it time that you explained some of the hints that you've been dropping.

 


#73:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 11:47 am


Ooh, more please, AnnI suppose most schools in those days were strongly C of E or Anglican or whatever so perhaps being openly atheist wasn't the best way to secure a position ...

 


#74:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 12:14 am


The Welsen girls had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon at the Chalet. Miss Annersley had persuaded Karen to make cream cakes rather than the usual bread twists and the girls certainly appreciated the treat, especially Geraldine, who ate seven. That young lady also managed to distinguish herself upon being introduced to Miss Annersley. When the mistress politely enquired how she was enjoying life in the Alps the American’s response was, “Gee, but my legs do ache! Guess they’re about to drop off after all that walking I had to do!”

Miss Annersley knew better than to react to this - she was not Head of the finishing branch and to reprimand one of the Welsen girls would be to undermine Nell Wilson‘s authority. Instead she made polite conversation about the beauty of the scenery, well aware that to her left Nell was seething. Miss Hannigan was in for trouble when they got back to Das Haus unter die Kiefern.

Esther had been hoping to chat privately with Tom on the walk home, but that young lady had been claimed by the St. Georges twins who had heard about her dolls houses and wanted more details. However she did manage to extract a promise from Tom before they went to bed that she would accompany her on a walk tomorrow afternoon. “I did want to speak to you about something and I’d rather the others weren’t around,” she confided. Esther had been intrigued but Tom remained tight-lipped. They were on their way to the dormitory so there was too great a risk of being overheard.

It was probably due to combination of puzzlement at Tom’s comment and tiredness after an afternoon spent outside in the fresh air that Esther didn’t notice the item on the chest of drawers as soon as she entered her cubicle. As it was, she didn’t come across it until she reached out for her hairbrush whilst yawning and her hand encountered it.

Esther looked at the object and felt her heart skip a beat. She certainly hadn’t been expecting this.

Esther Gardner at thirteen, although determined to be true to herself and honest with others about her atheism, had been wary of revealing her secret to her peers, frightened of becoming an outcast. Esther at seventeen was a rather different creature. She had decided that if someone chose to disapprove of her because of her lack of religion, then it was their choice - far better for her to be open about things than to risk upsetting people when the truth came out at a later date. However, she still felt rather shaky as she asked the room in general, “Who left this crucifix in my cubicle?”


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:02 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#75:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 2:52 am


Uh oh! *fears Esther & co. are in for an uncomfortable time*

 


#76:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 6:09 am


Hmmmm! Could it be Tom? With her future profession in mind she may have felt obligated. Or is it Geraldine - who is surely very lucky that Miss A, at least, knew the correct responses, but has yet to hear from Bill! Thanks Ann! Laughing

 


#77:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 8:04 am


Don't think it would be Tom, but or one of the 'crowd' but no idea who it could be. Geraldine doesn't strike me as the type to be bothered about other people. Liz

 


#78:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:56 am


7 cream cakes Shocked I suspect Geraldine was too sick to be planting crucifixes!! Wink *intrigued* I hope it wasn't Tom though ...

 


#79:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 10:37 am


Oh dear I'm sure Geraldine has done it to cause trouble *wibbles*

 


#80:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 11:16 am


Don't think it would be Tom, possibly Gereldine...she does seem to be a problem.

 


#81:  Author: AlexLocation: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 7:02 pm


Tom would not do that, it is underhand and ungentlemanly.

 


#82:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 8:42 pm


I wouldn't expect it to be Tom, she is much more direct, and I thought she had sorted things with Esther when they were younger? It doesn't seem to be Geraldine's thing either though, can't see her bothering unless she had a score to pay off. Mystery???

 


#83:  Author: EmilyLocation: Land of White Coats and Stethoscopes. PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:33 pm


I think Aisling. Maybe she's just trying to do what she thinks is 'helpful', in a misguided sort of way?

 


#84:  Author: catherineLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 11:04 pm


Just caught up with this, thanks Ann! I suspect fireworks are on the horizon.

 


#85:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 11:06 pm


Bride appeared around the curtains, hairbrush in hand, with a startled expression. “But Esther, who would leave a crucifix in your cubey?”

“I think it’s safe to say we know why they did it,” Tom said grimly from the other side of the partition.

Esther held out the crucifix for Bride to examine. It was wooden, carved by a highly skilled craftsman, but otherwise fairly simple.

“I can’t think of anything I’ve done to upset anyone,” said Esther, troubled.

“If it’s someone’s idea of a joke, then they’ve got a rather twisted sense of humour,” Bride remarked, dropping the crucifix into her dressing gown pocket.

“I don’t understand,” Mary Wormald’s voice came from a cubicle further down the dormitory. “You don’t know who left it there but Tom says you know why? Oh!” as an idea occurred to her. “Are you a Jew?”

Esther swallowed. This was the moment of truth she had been dreading. “No Mary, I’m not Jewish. You see, I don’t have a religion. That’s what Tom was referring to.”

“You don’t have a religion?” Mary cried. “Not at all?”

“No. I don’t. And if you don’t mind, I’d rather this conversation continued in the morning.” And with that, Esther refused to speak any further, thankful of the fact that it was bedtime and she had some time to herself to come to terms with this development. As she curled up under her plumeau, she felt a horrible sense of déjà vu. It was happening all over again, her secret had been revealed against her wishes and tomorrow she would have to face the others, all of them aware of her secret, all of them judging her. At least this time both Bride and Tom would stand up her. That would count for a lot.

It wasn’t until the early hours of the morning that her exhausted brain finally relented and allowed her a few brief hours of peace.


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:04 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#86:  Author: catherineLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 11:15 pm


Thanks Ann! I'm sure Bride will stick up for her but will Tom? Confused

 


#87:  Author: EmilyLocation: Land of White Coats and Stethoscopes. PostPosted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 11:18 pm


Oooh. Glad she has Bride and Tom. And Millies are hopefully a bit more tolerant and accepting than Middles...

 


#88:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Nov 20, 2004 12:30 am


Poor Esther. Crying or Very sad I think, from her reaction just then, that Tom will stick by her - she seemed rather angry about it.

 


#89:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Nov 20, 2004 3:52 am


*has faith in Bride & Tom* but, poor Esther. Sad

 


#90:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Nov 20, 2004 4:22 pm


*hopes Esther will be okay!*

 


#91:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Nov 21, 2004 1:40 pm


Hope they find out who did it and Bride & Tom give her what-for Liz

 


#92:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Nov 21, 2004 11:54 pm


Grrr... Have just realised after checking some details in Barbara that Peggy Bettany shouldn't actually have appeared yet, so I've been back through my earlier posts and removed her. Embarassed

The following morning was just as uncomfortable as Esther had feared. Word had clearly got around. Geraldine and Caroline spent most of breakfast openly discussing her, and when she addressed an idle remark to Aisling, the Irish girl turned away and started up a conversation with Bess Herbert, seated on her other side.

Fortunately for Esther, today was Sunday and the rest of girls departed for church after Frühstück. Esther herself was, of course, not expected to attend a service, Miss Wilson having made arrangements for her at the beginning of term. She was allowed to stay behind at Das Haus unter die Kiefern but on one condition. “I cannot allow you to leave the grounds, I’m afraid,” Bill had said. “The weather can change rather abruptly in the Alps and as you haven’t spent any time here, you may not recognise the important weather signs. I’d rather not run the risk of you being caught in a storm or in the snow if it can possibly be helped! Of course, it’s unlikely that you would ever find yourself alone in the house - there will probably be domestic staff around even if the mistresses aren’t present.”

Esther spent the morning in the Saal, ostensibly reading The Moonstone, actually torn between looking forward to Tom’s return and dread at the prospect of Mittagessen. If only she knew who was responsible! Then she would feel much more…secure. As things stood, she didn’t know who she could trust and she found herself very much on the defensive. Oh, she was pretty sure Bride wouldn’t be behind it, and Tom… but Tom wanted to speak to her in private and that worried Esther.

Mittagessen wasn’t quite as horrendous as the earlier meal had been. Bride and Tom had both returned from church looking simply furious and had insisted Esther sit between the two of them during the meal. When asked, neither would say what had happened but Tom promised to divulge all later.

After the meal, Tom disappeared for a short while, returning to inform Esther that Miss Nalder was taking some of the others to Lauterbach and they had been granted permission to go too. Bride was staying behind as her elder sister Peggy was expected to arrive soon, along with her mother who was convalescing after a serious illness the year before.

“What happened this morning to upset you and Bride?” Esther enquired once the walking party had left the house and the others were out of earshot.

Tom’s eyes blazed at the memory of that morning‘s events. “Bride and I had words with Aisling O‘Connell.”

“Aisling? But why?”

“Over you.” Tom turned to face Esther. “I’m afraid Aisling doesn’t exactly approve of your lack of religion”

Esther sighed. “That much was clear this morning when she refused to speak to me.”

“That’s why we seized on you at Mittagessen - we didn’t want you to feel isolated again. And Aisling also doesn’t approve of me or Bride being friendly with you. She seems to think that as Christians - and in my case, the daughter of a vicar - we have a moral duty to help you to find God. We tried to explain that it just isn’t as simple as that, and it just seemed to rile her.”

“Tom! Do you think it was Aisling who put the crucifix in my cubey?”

“It is a possibility,” Tom said ruefully. “I always thought she was a decent sort until this morning and I’d like to think she wouldn’t stoop so low.”

“I honestly can’t think of anyone else I’ve upset,” Esther frowned again. “And if I have upset someone, why couldn’t they just say so?”

“Precisely,” Tom squared her jaw. “I’m disgusted that anyone at this school could behave in such an underhand and deceitful manner, and when I find out who it is I shall tell them as much!”

The two walked on for a while, then Tom spoke. “You, er… you haven’t told me what you think of my plans for the future.”

Esther looked at her in surprise. “Did you think I wouldn’t approve?”

“To some extent, yes,” Tom admitted. “I mean, given the nature of mission work and your own beliefs I wasn’t sure how you would react.”

Esther thought carefully. “From the sounds of it,” she said slowly, “it seems that you’ll mainly be doing community work - crime prevention, education, that sort of thing. I can’t really object to that, can I? As for the missionary side of it… well, for all our conversations on religious matters, I’ve never felt that you were trying to convert me. You’ve explained things to me, rather than…being dogmatic. You’ve questioned my lack of belief, but not condemned me for it - not since I first started at the Chalet School at any rate.”

Tom took a deep breath. “Yes, but do you think I’m making the right decision?”


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:06 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#93:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 1:19 am


Thanks Ann, this is all becoming very intriguing. I'm looking forward to more.

 


#94:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 3:16 am


Funny girls to react so strongly against Esther. I wonder how many of them were REALLY relig, and how many simply went to Church/prayers etc just because it was expected of them? Am enjoying nevertheless!

 


#95:  Author: Lisa_TLocation: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 3:43 am


ooh this is really good! More please! Probably 5050 Di! And at least at school services would be comparatively short. *absolutely loathes sitting in any lecture or sermon for longer than 30 mins*

 


#96:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 10:12 am


Thank you Ann. Good for Bride and Tom looking after her and grrrrrrrr at whoever put the crucifix there. If it was done in malice it must have been someone who knew about Esther.

 


#97:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 11:06 am


The mystery of the crucifix deepens ... Confused Is it Aisling? Good for Bride & Tom though and looking forward to Esther's response to Tom's question ...

 


#98:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 7:41 pm


Lisa_T wrote:
And at least at school services would be comparatively short. *absolutely loathes sitting in any lecture or sermon for longer than 30 mins*
Laughing When I was at boarding school, all Catholic boarders were escorted in uniform to 8am Mass on a Sunday - we walked - and the dear old priest had it down to 19 minutes. We always got back for breakfast before the CofE and Uniting Church girls, as their 8am services were at least 40 minutes long. One of the seniors came from Echuca, and she said the priest up there could do it in 14 minutes if pushed. 8am Sunday Mass was always full of school-age people, because obviously mum or dad had said "you can do what you want, after you've been to Mass!" I know I paid more attention to Father Peter's brief homilies than I would have to a long one - less time for the mind to wander - and from conversations over breakfast I know most of the others felt the same way. :shocked: 1980s girls eagerly discussing the content and meaning of the homily!

 


#99:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 9:13 pm


Thanks, Ann! It's good to see support for Esther, and even better to see Tom questioning herself. Rather astonished by the 14 minute Masses! I've been known to show up half an hour late, and find the sermon still meandering along, despite the efforts of the liturgy committee to restrain the priest in question. I think of an hour as normal for a Sunday mass, even with the accepted "Catholics don't have more than a 15 minute attention span" homily. (*agrees that shorter speeches have more impact*)

 


#100:  Author: KimLocation: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 9:24 pm


I went to a boarding school and had daily mass of 30 minutes - more on Sunday but remember my father talking about the short mass in Clarendon Street Church, Dublin - 20 minutes flat at most - and this was pre-war Shocked and thems was the old days before all this a la carte Catholicism!!!!!!

 


#101:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 9:36 pm


We have "peppermint candy" sermons - they cannot go longer then the time it takes to suck a peppermint candy. They are usually about 10-15 mintues. This is just the sermon - the service itself is usually an hour or 90 minutes. I'm United by the way (which is not the same as Unity or Uniting - I don't think).

 


#102:  Author: ShanderLocation: Canada PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 9:48 pm


Nifty that you're United, Chelsea. I'm in the process of being ordained United. United (Church of Canada) and Uniting (Church of Australia) are kind of the same thing, both conglomerations of other denomenations but in no way related to each other except for the occaisonal clergy exange. Agree with everyone on the sermons, short is definatley the way to go. (Especially when you're trying to right the dratted things).

 


#103:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 11:14 pm


“Tom! You’re not… having doubts, are you?”

Tom grinned half-heartedly at her friend. “Of course I am or I wouldn’t have asked the question, idiot!”

“But surely if you’re doubting your faith, an atheist is the last person you should speak to!”

Doubting my faith? Heavens, my child, is it likely? I’m not losing my religion if that’s what you think! I’m just not sure I’m really suitable for such a career.”

“Not suitable? But Tom, you’d be excellent at it! I’m sure of it!”

Tom sighed. “But Esther, why should anyone take advice from me? I’ve led a fairly privileged life. I’ve been to boarding school and a Swiss finishing school. Oh, my family has been poor for most of my life, but we’ve never been destitute. We’ve always known where the next meal was coming from. And it’s hardly as though we were poor because our money was being squandered on drink or gambling. You see, I haven‘t experienced any of the problems which deprived people living in London have had to face. I can‘t relate to them. How will I be able to give advice and support to those who need it without sounding patronising?”

Esther suppressed a giggle. “Tom, you could never be patronising, not even if you tried to! It’s just not in your nature - you don’t look down on anyone and you certainly wouldn’t look down on those who look to you for help.”

Tom looked unconvinced, so Esther continued. “I’d imagine you are exactly the sort of person who should go into that sort of work. Have you discussed this with Bride and the others? What did they have to say?”

“I haven’t said anything to the others,” Tom admitted, looking uncomfortable. “Look, Esther, they’ve known about my plans for a while now - as far as they’re concerned, it’s all settled. I-I know they’d understand if I told them, but it’s quite difficult to bring the subject up…”

“So you’re telling me because I’ve only just heard about it?” Esther looked thoughtful. “Well, I suppose I’d have to say that your having doubts is ultimately a good thing. It means that if you do go ahead with your scheme and become a missionary, you’ll be doing it with your eyes open, you’ll have considered all the pros and cons. If you decide it’s not the right choice for you, you’ll be saving yourself all this confusion at a later stage.”

Tom smiled at her friend. “I suppose so. It doesn’t make the decision any easier though. And Aisling’s comments on the matter haven’t helped.”

Esther dismissed Aisling and her opinions with a wave of her hand. “How many atheists has she converted, then?”

By this stage, the girls had almost reached the hamlet of Lauterbach and as they walked around a bend in the path, they saw a group of tourists walking up the valley, clearly heading for the same destination. Tom turned to Esther in order to make some remark but was brought up short by the expression on her friend’s face. “Esther!” she gasped. “Whatever’s wrong? You look as though you’ve seen a ghost!”

With an effort, Esther dragged her eyes away from the walking party and faced Tom. “That man, there,” she said in low tones, her voice shaking. “The one with the red coat and green knapsack. That’s Nicholas Callendar - my father’s former partner, the man who stole our money!”


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:10 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#104:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 11:34 pm


ANN!!!!! *falls headlong over cliff*

 


#105:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 12:14 am


Not expecting that one! Shocked What next? Please?

 


#106:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 1:58 am


Yikes! (Activates base jumping parachute and lands elegantly at the bottom of the cliff) Echoing Kathy S - What next?!

 


#107:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:19 am


Excellent! And so unexpected too! Laughing

 


#108:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 9:42 am


Ooo-ooh! Shocked Very unexpected ... *agog*

 


#109:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 10:32 am


I wasn't expecting that either!!! Thanks Ann Very Happy

 


#110:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 2:15 pm


Whaaaa! That was out of the blue...what a twist! Laughing

 


#111:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:07 pm


*slamming to a stop and teetering dangerously on the edge* Thanks Ann Very Happy Liz

 


#112:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:35 pm


Eeeek!!!Cliff alert! Shocked Shocked

 


#113:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 3:30 am


Oii! Ann, get back here (please)! There is a line of CBBers balancing on one toe (a la ballet shoes) trying not to fall... why I don't think I could actually write a drabble myself - all that pressure to keep writting more of it.

 


#114:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 25, 2004 12:50 pm


*notices line of teetering CBBers too late and goes flying over the totally unexpected cliff* Thank you Ann!

 


#115:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 5:15 pm


Apologies if my geography is a bit suspect here - I have no idea whether it would be possible to walk from Interlaken to Lauterbach as I have no idea whereabouts in RL terms the Platz and surrounding area are supposed to be.

Tom gaped. “Are you certain? After all, you can’t have seen him for years.”

“Yes, I‘m certain,” Esther kept her eyes glued to the man’s face as he walked up the valley. “He visited our house a lot when I was a little girl - he was a friend of the family as well as my father’s business partner. But what is he doing here? We all thought he was in America.”

“Maybe he went to America initially and came out here after the war?” Tom suggested. “I doubt he would have come straight to Switzerland, it would be too difficult to travel through Central Europe at that time.”

“Oh Tom, what should we do?” Esther chewed her bottom lip. “I know he’s a wanted man in England but I’ve got no idea how to go about alerting the authorities.”

Tom sighed. “I’ve no idea either. And even if you do contact them, they probably won’t take it seriously.” As Esther opened her mouth to respond, Tom continued. “You haven’t seen this man for what, three years? And you do have a personal interest in seeing him brought to justice. I’m not suggesting that the Swiss police will try to discredit you, but I expect they’d be rather wary of acting on your information. If they were to arrest an innocent British tourist, I’d imagine there would be all sorts of bother.”

Esther’s frustration was threatening to overpower her self-control. “But Tom, this might be the only opportunity I have,” she said, her voice decidedly wobbly. “I mean, running into him here and now is completely against the odds, so what’s the likelihood of me running into him again?”

“I know,” Tom racked her brains in the hope of finding a solution of some sort. “You could speak to Miss Nalder, I s’pose, she might have some idea. I…” Tom broke off as she realised her audience wasn’t listening to her. Esther’s attention had been caught by one of the other walkers, a young man who had paused to adjust his hiking boot. With a murmured “Come on!”, she caught Tom by the arm and began striding down the path.

They had just drawn level with the man, when he straightened up and called to his companions, now some way ahead of him, “Steady on, you chaps! It isn’t a race, you know!” No sooner had the words left his mouth than Esther pounced. “I say, you’re English!” she declared.

The young man stared at her. “I say, so are you.”

Esther tried to look contrite. “I’m sorry, that was awfully rude of me. You see, one doesn’t really expect to hear an English accent in this part of the world. I’m Esther Gardner and this is Tom Gay. We’re at an English finishing school out here,” she added by way of explanation.

“Tom?” the walker raised his eyebrows.

“Just a nickname,” explained Tom.

"Well, I’m Arthur Vernon. I’m here on a walking holiday, along with the rest of the group.” He gestured in the direction of his fellow walkers.

“Have you walked far?” inquired Esther.

“It’s been a fair trek today! We’re staying in Interlaken and walking around the local area, so today we’re ambling up to Lauterbach and catching the mountain railway back down to Interlaken again. It’s a beginner’s walking tour. Not that I’m a beginner,” he added hastily, “I’m here to keep my friend Simon company and to see the sights.”

“How long are you here for?”

To Tom’s mind, Esther was not exactly being subtle.

Arthur smiled. Miss Gardner was obviously hoping to bump into him again. “We travel back to England at the end of October. We won’t be able to do much walking once the snow comes, you see.”

Behind Arthur’s back, Esther grinned at Tom.


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:13 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#116:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 7:11 pm


Clever Esther, now she has a little breathing space to decide what to do... Thank you Ann!

 


#117:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 26, 2004 10:24 pm


Well done Esther! Hope she is able to get the Nicholas arrested. Thanks Ann Very Happy Liz

 


#118:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 10:03 am


Good for her!!! Sounds like Arthur likes Esther too!!! Thanks Ann Very Happy

 


#119:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2004 5:02 pm


Esther was clever there - not just with the man but also with her advice to Tom. Having worked with homeless people, I know exactly how Tom feels in her worries about seeming patronising and having never experienced the same kind of life.

 


#120:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 3:28 pm


Just managed to catch up Ann. Fantastic updates. Loved the interaction between Tom and Esther. Tom wouldn't have been human if she hadn't had doubts. Esther gave her sound advice. What a twist with Esther seeing the theif. Looking forward to seeing how this works out.

 


#121:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 6:42 pm


By the time Esther and Tom reached Lauterbach and were handed over to Miss Nalder by Arthur, Esther was a good spirits once again. Her troubles of that morning were forgotten now she had something else to focus on, and the knowledge that Nicholas Callendar would be in the Oberland for another six weeks or so gave her hope that she would be able to bring him to justice. Arthur was also in a noticeably good mood. Although he had addressed his remarks to both girls during the brief walk along the mountain path, Tom had been amused to notice that it had been Esther who had held his attention. Mr Vernon clearly thought he had an admirer. After a brief look around Lauterbach, Miss Nalder, with an eye to the time, encouraged her charges to head for home. The nights were starting to draw in and she had no desire to be out of doors after dusk.

Esther was unusually quiet on the walk back to Welsen. She was busy formulating plans to catch Callendar and Tom decided to leave her to it. While her planning occupied her thoughts, she wasn’t brooding on the crucifix incident or the reactions of the other girls to it and after a poor night’s sleep and a stressful morning, she needed the respite. Besides, Tom herself wanted to reflect on their earlier conversation about her suitability to mission work. Kaffee und Kuchen proved to be another uncomfortable meal for Esther. Aisling rather pointedly moved her chair away from Esther’s when that young lady sat down, and all the troubles which Esther had pushed to the back of her mind during the afternoon came to the fore once again. Fortunately the former Chalet Girls who usually made up Esther’s circle of friends saw the episode and made a point of drawing Esther into their conversation to prevent her dwelling on it. Once the meal was over, they retired to the Saal, where they congregated on the opposite side of the room to Aisling and her coterie, all former Branscombe Park girls. Primrose and Nancy were about to begin a game of Scrabble when they were interrupted by an exclamation from Esther. She had picked up her copy of The Moonstone, intending to read some more before Abendessen, and was standing holding the book open before her.

“Esther, what is it?” gasped Nancy, worried by her stricken expression.

Esther held the book towards her. “Someone’s taken my bookmark out of my book, Nancy. And look what they’ve left as a replacement!”

Nancy peered at the alien bookmark. It was a simple piece of card with a short length of red ribbon attached and bore some very ornate writing. “’Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand’” she read aloud, squinting to make out the words.

Tom, who had been sketching some plans for her latest dolls house, looked up. “That settles it, then. The crucifix was no silly prank. Someone is trying to intimidate you.”

“I suppose it would be too much to ask for the person responsible to admit to it?” Esther addressed the room at large, most of whom had caught Nancy’s words and had looked round to see what was going on. There was no reply, and Esther smiled mirthlessly. “No, for some reason, I didn’t expect whoever it is to speak up.”

“No, it’s hardly surprising that someone who is underhand enough to do such a thing should also be a coward!” Tom was standing now and looked around the room in the hope of identifying the guilty party. “I would have thought that girls at a finishing school would be adult enough to state any grievances they might have without resorting to ungentlemanly, deceitful and immature stunts such as this. It’s bullying and I’m disgusted that anyone here could sink so low.”

“Jolly well said, Tom,” said Dickie Christie firmly. “Hear, hear!”

Esther smiled gratefully at them both and left the Saal. She ran through the house and up the stairs to her dormitory where she threw herself down on her bed and wept.


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:15 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#122:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 6:48 pm


Oh, poor Esther :crying: Thank you Ann - that was lovely.

 


#123:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 6:49 pm


Oh no! Poor Esther. Glad she's got people like Tom and Dickie to support her.

 


#124:  Author: Sarah_G-GLocation: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time! PostPosted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 7:01 pm


That's horrible! How on earth does this person seriously think *she* is being a good Christian! Or a good anything for that matter! (well, a good bully maybe, but that seems a bit of a contradiction Very Happy ) Good for Tom and Dickie sticking up for their friend!

 


#125:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 7:51 pm


Agreed Sarah, unfortunately, on the subject of faith, there are fanatics in every religion. It's a pity that none of them actually practice the faith they so avidly preach. Lovely update Ann.

 


#126:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 8:17 pm


Oh! Poor Esther!!! I'm glad Tom and co are on her side!

 


#127:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 8:52 pm


Can I come into the drabble and give Esther a hug? :ahhh: Hope the nasty bully is exposed in front of lots of people Evil or Very Mad

 


#128:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 8:53 pm


Poor Esther, glad her friends are standing up for her.

 


#129:  Author: catherineLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 10:32 pm


Poor Esther! I hope things get resolved soon.

 


#130:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 11:55 pm


Poor Esther how awful for her. Has this person never heard of love and charity?

 


#131:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Dec 04, 2004 12:32 am


poke unkind person and cheers Tom & Dickie. I hope Esther isn't hurt too badly! (To be fair, I have met the occasional person who sincerely believes this sort of behavior -- both the bookmark variety and direct haranguing -- is Good, as they mean to save the recipient from an Awful Fate. Perhaps I should be a little more understanding when so targeted .... fume Confused )

 


#132:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Dec 04, 2004 1:23 am


I got so behind on drabbles that I despaired of catching up but I'm glad to have caught up on this one now. Thanks Ann. It's nice to see Esther again. I loved the conversation with Tom. It made Tom more real to me to see her doubting herself. I hope she manages to get her father's previous partner arrested and agrees with Kathy that people like that make me :angry:

 


#133:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Dec 04, 2004 10:56 am


I'm also having a catching up session - thanks Ann, lots of unexpected happenings and interesting developments. Feeling sorry for Esther though, what has she done to be bullied in such a manner? She isn't hurting anyone else is she? And apart from anything else, surely those sort of actions are totally counter productive?

 


#134:  Author: Amanda MLocation: Wakefield PostPosted: Sat Dec 04, 2004 11:42 am


Poor Esther - but good for Tom and Dickie for standing up for her. Hope the bully realises how are actions are being very counter-productive and underhanded. Star Wars

 


#135:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Dec 04, 2004 1:54 pm


Poor Esther what a horrid and cruel thing to have happen, good fro Tom and Dickie, I hope they will soon help sort it out

 


#136:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Sat Dec 04, 2004 8:04 pm


Thank you Ann. Poor Esther, glad she's got Tom and Dickie and the others there to stick by her.

 


#137:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 11:25 am


poor Esther. But very confused as to who could have started this with the crucifx. unless people have been talking behind Eshter's back, only old chalet gilrs knew, none of the new-comers were aware until this kicked off.

 


#138:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 12:15 pm


Just realised how behind I've managed to get with this one! Thanks Ann, it's fab. Also confused as to who's behind the crucifix business, though have to admit my head is a but confuzzled this morning!

 


#139:  Author: RroseSelavyLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2004 8:19 pm


I've been lurking here for a while, but I enjoyed 'Five Letter Word' and I thought I'd post to say how fab it is to find the sequel Very Happy Cheers Ann! Strongly agree with Kathy & Patmac... though I think some people's motives for attempting to "save the soul of unbelievers" are less than altruistic...like sects who believe that there's limited space in heaven and the more people they convert, the better chance they stand of getting in. Excuse me, I'm getting altitude sickness from the height of this horse. viking

 


#140:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 6:07 pm


The following evening, Tom invited Esther and a few other trusted souls to the tiny room given over to her as a workshop. As Bride had predicted, Miss Wilson had no objection to Tom’s woodwork and was quite happy for her to continue. The ‘workshop’ was an unused room on the ground floor which Bill had suggested would be more suitable for carpentry than the Saal. Currently squashed into it, in addition to Tom and Esther, were Bride, Nancy, Primrose, Bess, Peggy, Dickie and Daphne Russell.

The purpose of this meeting was, as Tom put it, “to work out who the suspects are”. “I thought that maybe if we discussed things, we might come across some clue as to who is treating Esther so appallingly,” she explained when the group was assembled.

By a process of elimination, the girls managed to whittle down the ‘suspects’ until eventually they were left with a shortlist of five, none of whom any of those present were prepared to vouch for: Aisling O’Connell, Geraldine Hannigan, Caroline Darroch and Aisling’s two closest friends, Olivia Lennox and Joy Smithson. Of these five, Aisling remained prime suspect due to her recent treatment of Esther.

“I suppose all we can do is to keep an eye on them and let Bill know if we find out anything definite,” said Bride with a sigh.

“I think it’s already gone far enough to warrant telling her,” said Daphne. Esther shook her head. “No, I don’t want Bill to know until we’ve found out who’s behind it.”

“She probably knows there’s something wrong already,” said Peggy shrewdly. “She’s very much on the spot, you know.”

“I don’t want her to think I’m making a fuss,” said Esther. “I know she’s quite a deeply religious person and I don’t want her to think that my lack of religion is causing problems in the School.”

“It’s not you who’s causing any trouble,” observed Tom, looking up from her work.

“Well, no, but you know what I’m getting at. My lack of faith is at the heart of it all and I’d rather be able to go to Miss Wilson when we know who’s doing it so she can see that I’m not behind all this upset. I know I should tell her now, but I’d prefer to go about it my way.”

“I don’t think it really has anything to do with religion,” said Bess Herbert quietly.

Primrose gaped at her. “What on earth do you mean? If crucifixes and biblical passages aren’t religious then what are they?"

Bess stood her ground. “Whoever’s responsible might be bearing a grudge against Esther for some other reason. They could have pitched on this as a way of getting even because they knew it would upset her. After all, it’s not a very Christian way of going about things.”

“I dearly hope you’re wrong, Bess,” said Esther in a low tone, her eyes bright with anger. “If this person, whoever she is, has done this just for revenge because I upset her in some way, then I shan’t be held responsible for my actions. I didn’t want the whole school to know that I’m an atheist because I wanted people to get to know me for who I am rather than judging me for what I am. All that has been ruined now, and if that‘s down to spite, I shall never forgive the person who did this.”

“Could it be one of the maids?” wondered Primrose.

“I doubt it,” Peggy spoke. “Our domestic staff are rather well paid, you know. Auntie Madge once told me that when the School started back in Tirol, so many of the local families were poor that she had to offer decent wages because she knew people would go hungry if she didn’t. She’s kept the wages higher than necessary ever since. I don’t think any of the maids would do such a thing regardless of their feelings about atheism because it wouldn’t be worth risking such a good position.”

“Which means it has to be one of us,” put in Dickie. “Not a pleasant thought, but there it is. Rest assured, Esther, if there‘s any way in which we can help, we‘ll be happy to. We can‘t let this sort of behaviour go on.”

And as the others nodded their agreement, Esther felt happier than she had done all weekend.

eta: could a kindly mod please delete the random blank line? I don't know where it came from! Done - took a few tries, not sure what was going on - in the preview it's gone, but it seems to keep coming back ARGH


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:18 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#141:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 6:17 pm


Thank you Ann! Very HappyVery Happy Glad to see that Esther recognises that Bill can help even if she doesn't want her to... hoping they WILL go to her at some point though...

 


#142:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 7:44 pm


Thanks Ann - hope they discover who it is soon - would love to see Bill loose on them! Laughing

 


#143:  Author: MicheLocation: Oxford PostPosted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 8:42 pm


Thanks Ann, I'm loving the way you're delaing with such a tricky issue. I'm glad Esther has her friends to help out, especially since Bess seems to have made an astute suggestion in thinking that it might not be all about religion... (or is that just a red herring?) More would be very welcome please!

 


#144:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 9:57 pm


Would also love to see Bill and whoever is behind all this.

 


#145:  Author: Amanda MLocation: Wakefield PostPosted: Tue Dec 07, 2004 10:05 pm


Thanks for this Ann. I'd love to find out who's behind it and what their reasons are. Would also like to see Bill set loose on them Very Happy Star Wars

 


#146:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 8:35 am


Thanks Ann *Settling down with pot of hot chocolate to wait to find out who the culprit is* Liz

 


#147:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 9:45 am


Thanks Ann. Can imagine what Bill would have to say!

 


#148:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 9:46 am


Thanks Ann *Also curious about who is responsible*

 


#149:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 11:51 am


Is it somehow connected to the business with her father's partner??? I hope they find out soon adn then let Bill loose on her!

 


#150:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 2:47 am


Ann wrote:
“I suppose all we can do is to keep an eye on them and let Bill know if we find out anything definite,” said Bride with a sigh. “I think it’s already gone far enough to warrant telling her,” said Daphne. Esther shook her head. “No, I don’t want Bill to know until we’ve found out who’s behind it.”
Does anyone feel up to explaining to these young women the difference between reporting and sneaking? Cool

 


#151:  Author: ShanderLocation: Canada PostPosted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 2:28 am


I have to say that the thought of having Bill let lose on me makes me shiver in my shoes. I've heard too much about her toung not to be frightened at the bare thought

 


#152:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 10:01 pm


Despite the best intentions of her friends, the hate campaign against Esther continued. Every other day or so, some object turned up, obviously intended to upset her. It might be a bible left in one of her drawers, or a religious passage copied out and hidden in one of her books. On one occasion, she found another carved crucifix hanging from her locker in the Splashery.

After a few days it all began to take its toll on Esther. Due to combination of worry over the situation at school and frustration at the situation with Callendar - despite going on every walk available, Esther hadn’t come across her father’s former partner since the trip to Lauterbach - she wasn’t getting much sleep and her schoolwork was beginning to suffer as a result. All this had not escaped the trained eye of Matron Rider. She noted Esther’s pale face, her lack of appetite and the dark rings around her eyes and resolved to keep a close eye on the girl. In all probability, she thought, it was merely homesickness, now that the novelty of being in the Oberland had worn off. If Esther showed no improvement in the next week, she would speak to her and get to the bottom of the matter.

On the following Thursday, Nancy, walking down the corridor behind Geraldine and Caroline, overheard the former remark, “I reckon she’s pulling all these stunts just to get some sympathy. I guess some folk are being nicer to her because of it all than they would if she‘d just told them she‘s an atheist.”

Nancy was too outraged to keep quiet. “What rot!” she exclaimed. “How dare you make such a horrible accusation?”

Geraldine spun round and regarded Nancy coolly. “Guess you’re no saint either, eavesdropping on a private conversation.”

“Eavesdropping? I wasn’t listening in - I didn’t have choice but to hear, you were yelling the place down! I expect your Pa could hear you back in Chicago!” Nancy was generally a sunny-tempered young lady, but the attack on her honour was more than she was prepared to tolerate.

Geraldine opened her mouth to respond, but was quickly silenced by a nudge from Caroline, who had spotted Miss Norton heading down the corridor towards them. However, the damage was done. By Abendessen, Geraldine’s nasty suggestion had made its way around the whole of the Welsen branch. Fortunately, most of the girls were inclined to respond in much the same way as Nancy had, and Esther’s utter indignation when she heard the story helped to convince some of those who had doubts as to her innocence. This did nothing to soothe Esther’s worries, however. She couldn’t help but feel paranoid. What if the others really did suspect her of orchestrating the whole affair? What if Miss Wilson learned what had been going on and was led to believe that Esther herself was responsible?

As luck would have it, Esther was not fated to worry about this possibility for long. That weekend was to bring an incident which forced her troubles to the back of her mind and provided the Welsen branch with a completely new topic of conversation.


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:21 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#153:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 10:23 pm


Really, really, really hope all these nasty people get their come-uppance! fume Thanks Ann. Laughing

 


#154:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 10:31 pm


poke Geraldine fume*clean out of benefit-of-doubt for bullying perpetrators*

 


#155:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 10:37 pm


poor esther - and just when she thought things would be so good again! *hopes the nasty bullies are caught and dragged in front of Bill*

 


#156:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 8:07 am


Poor EstherThanks AnnLiz

 


#157:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 10:20 am


Good for Nancy. Hope they catch those responsible soon. Poor old Esther Sad Thanks Ann

 


#158:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 1:29 pm


grrrrrrrrrrrr that there seems to be more than one girl who is being nasty, yay at Nancy and *wibble* at the incident!

 


#159:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 5:14 pm


Can't wait for the perpertrator to get their karma!! Wink

 


#160:  Author: dackelLocation: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Mon Dec 13, 2004 5:23 pm


Whoever is doing this to Esther - she certainly can't say she's Christian and is acting from a motivation of concern! What despicable (lovely word!) behaviour! Can't wait for her to be discovered and punished.

 


#161:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 4:29 pm


On Friday morning, Lesceline St. George awoke with a severe toothache. Chalet School tradition would dictate that she should try to hide it from Matron; Lesceline, however, had no particular dread of the dentist and just wanted to stop the pain. She reported it to Matron Rider, who duly made an appointment with Herr von Francius for the following morning and set about inspecting the rest of the girls. Miss Wilson, upon being informed, had agreed readily to the planned trip to Interlaken, but had proposed that those girls who didn’t need to visit the dentist should also be included. “It’s hardly fair that those girls who have managed to avoid the need for dental treatment should be left out,” she observed with a smile. “They can amuse themselves in Interlaken for the morning and then join the other girls for Mittagessen in a café. Grace Nalder and Vi Norton may go with you, if they’d like to. Unfortunately I have an enormous amount of paperwork to tackle, so I shan’t be joining you, although I’m sure you’ll manage without me!”

News of the excursion spread fast. Esther in particular was delighted at this development - her teeth had passed Matron’s checks and so she would be free to visit the hotels of Interlaken in the hope of finding Callendar! At Break she sought out Bride in order to share her joy.

Bride was considerably less enthusiastic. “Hmmm,” was her rather distracted response.

Her disinterest shook Esther out of her excitement. “Bride? What’s the matter?”

“I’ve just been seized upon by Caroline,” Bride said. “Remember the bookmark which was taken out of your book and replaced with a religious passage? Well, apparently she’s found it.”

“Where?”

Bride looked straight at her friend. “In Geraldine’s cubey. She‘s sure it‘s yours because it has your name on.”

Esther was robbed of speech for a moment. She had been so certain that Aisling was the culprit that Bride’s news was rather hard to take in. It was her bookmark, there was no doubt of that.

“It would explain why she was trying to shift the blame onto you,” said Bride thoughtfully. “I just can’t understand why she would do it.”

“Maybe Bess was right. Maybe I’ve upset her without realising it.”

“Are you going to tell Bill?”

Esther thought carefully. “Not just yet,” she said slowly. “I’d like some definite proof first.”

“How are you going to manage that?” Bride demanded. “She’s hardly going to let you catch her. This has been going on for weeks as it is! I don’t mean to lecture you, but you’ll have to say something at some point.”

“I know,” Esther frowned. “Give me a couple of days. I’ll think about it and if I haven’t come up with anything by then, I’ll speak to Bill, I promise.”


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:24 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#162:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 5:02 pm


Thank you Ann! :kiss:Hmmm - not sure whether to believe that it's Geraldine immediately... Confused

 


#163:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 5:10 pm


thank you Ann. I'm inclined to agree with Gem on this. *Now suspects Caroline* Confused

 


#164:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 5:38 pm


I'm also suspicious. Thank you for the update Ann Very Happy

 


#165:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 6:33 pm


I'm off down to Coventry for the Christmas period tomorrow, and as I'll have limited internet access while I'm away, I'm trying to post as much drabble as I can before I go. There may be another post later when I get back from Rangers if the :bunny: keeps biting.

Saturday morning dawned bright and clear - a sharp contrast to the rainy weather which had kept the Welsen girls indoors earlier in the week. After walking to Lauterbach and catching the mountain railway to Interlaken, the school parted. Herr von Francius’s victims were shepherded towards their fate by Matron and Miss Norton, the remainder split into groups and were left to amuse themselves as they wished ‘within reason’ as Miss Nalder put it. Esther found herself in company with Bride, Tom, Nancy and Primrose, all of whom had escaped the dentist’s clutches. Geraldine had also tagged along as Caroline was in need of a filling. Bride would have asked her to leave them alone, but Esther had checked her. “She might say or do something incriminating,” she had murmured, and Bride had held her tongue.

Esther’s plan of visiting Interlaken’s hotels had been vetoed by the rest of the group. “Don’t be daft!” Tom said. “There are oodles of hotels in Interlaken! You’ll never have time to visit them all, and even if you could, I doubt you’d find Callendar.”

Esther gave her an appealing look. “But Tom, I have to do something!”

“And what would you do if you found him?” asked Tom.

Esther blushed. “Well, I-I don’t really know. I was sort of hoping something would spring to mind when I saw him. I’m certain it is him, but…”

“But you’re starting to doubt yourself,” supplemented Bride.

“Exactly. I know he’s a wanted criminal back in England, but I’m not sure his crime is serious enough to persuade the Swiss police to get involved.”

“Let’s find a café,” suggested Primrose. “I don’t know about anyone else but I’m starving and if we’re going to discuss Esther’s problems, we might as well do so somewhere warm!”

Ten minutes later, the group was settled in a small café opposite one of Interlaken’s largest hotels - Esther had insisted - and all were drinking coffee with the obligatory whipped-cream topping. No-one had any idea of how Esther should attempt to bring Callendar to justice and eventually the conversation drifted away from the topic and turned towards Esther’s ambition to teach. Geraldine had declared that she couldn’t understand why anyone would want to go into such a profession. “Guess there’s an awful lot of work involved,” she remarked. “Gee, I wouldn’t be a teacher for all the tea in China!”

Nancy and Bride had to swallow their giggles at this point - the thought of lazy Geraldine as a teacher was odd to say the least - while Esther nobly commented that the challenging nature of the work was what most appealed to her. “I’d like to go to bed at the end of the day feeling that I’d earned my wages,” she said.

“You might find it more of a challenge than most,” Tom said, inspecting the bottom of her mug.

“Yes, I noticed the odd looks you were giving me when I first mentioned the subject, Tom. What was the why of that? Don‘t you think I‘d make a good enough mistress?”

“I’m not sure how easy it will be for you to find a teaching position,“ said Tom frankly. “There might be some parents who would object to an atheist teaching their daughter.” She kept her voice low in order to prevent the cafés other customers - a woman and her young son - from overhearing.

“In some schools, schools like the Chalet School, yes, I expect there would be,” admitted Esther. “But not all schools are like the Chalet School. At the high school I went to before I came out here, the headmistress was of the opinion that religion was a very personal topic. We had religious education, but there were no formal religious occasions. We didn’t say prayers or sing hymns or anything like that. The Head felt that would be trespassing on people’s personal religious expression, you see.”

“I see. I s’pose,” Tom mused, “that as I’ve only been to the Chalet School, I haven’t got any alternative to compare it to. Except that ghastly affair at Tanswick.”

At this point the café door swung open to admit a middle-aged man wearing a red raincoat and carrying a green knapsack. Tom’s eyes widened as she recognised him, and she looked across the table at Esther who suddenly appeared to be on the verge of exploding. “It’s him!” she squeaked under her breath. “It’s Callendar! I told you it would be a good idea to stay at this café!”

ETA: This post was lost when we moved from the old board. I've been reliably informed that it can't be put back where it was so I'm tacking it on here.

At the sight of Bride’s unmoving body, Geraldine began to scream, “Oh, she’s dead! He’s killed her! He’s killed her!”

There is no excuse for what Tom did next. Admittedly she was upset at Bride’s accident, but even so, her loss of control was shocking. Stepping forward, she slapped Geraldine’s face smartly and snapped, “Oh, do dry up! Panicking and behaving like an idiot won’t help anyone!”

Fortunately Nancy Chester managed to keep her head. Bride was a sturdy young creature, and Callendar had had to push her quite forcefully to move her out of his way. Nancy had seen Bride strike her head on the corner of a nearby table as she fell and, remembering all the first aid training she had been given as a Guide, had promptly checked her friend’s vital signs. Having established that Bride was breathing and had a pulse, she began issuing instructions. “Esther, ask Frau Baher to phone for a doctor. Prim, find Matron and tell her what’s happened - she should still be with Herr von Francius. Tom, I need your help. We have to lift Bride out of the doorway.”

Her brisk commands galvanised the shocked girls into action. Primrose departed at once, silently troubled by the fact that Peggy Bettany was one of the girls who had been taken to see the dentist and would therefore be present when Primrose broke the news of Bride’s accident. Esther, having spoken to Frau Baher, took up position in the doorway to prevent the concerned onlookers on the street outside rushing into the café and hampering Nancy’s efforts to attend to Bride. The young mother - her name, the girls later learned, was Döbel - had made her way outside and was angrily explaining Callendar’s actions to his captors. Inside the café, Geraldine stood motionless as Tom and Nancy lifted the unconscious Bride into the centre of the room where a space had been cleared.

“She’s awfully still, Nancy,” Tom said shakily as she helped to manoeuvre the prone figure into the recovery position.

“She gave her head quite a whack on that table,” said Nancy quietly.

“Do you think she’ll be all right?”

“I hope so,” Nancy tried to sound reassuring. “I expect she’ll come round in a short while.”

It seemed an incredibly long wait until the doctor arrived. As soon as he began to examine the still unconscious Bride, Nancy started to shake violently. Now her friend’s well-being was no longer in her hands, the shock of what had happened was beginning to take effect. Tom, catching sight of her, marched her over to a chair and instructed her to sit down. “Put your head between your knees and don’t try to stand until you feel better,” she commanded. “You’ve been an absolute corker over this affair and you can’t go spoiling all your efforts by fainting and making another casualty of yourself!”

“How is Bride?” Nancy asked, her voice somewhat muffled by her skirt.

Das Fräulein begins to stir,” the doctor told her. “I shall take her to the hospital in my car to make certain that all is well.”

At this, Geraldine - who had been standing in the corner of the room, forgotten, following Tom’s outburst - closed her eyes and fervently declared, “Thank God!” And, for the first time since they had met the American girl, Tom and Nancy had to agree with her.


Last edited by Ann on Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:42 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#166:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 7:42 pm


Shocked Interested to see what's going to sprig to Esther's mind. Also not entirely convinced yet of Geraldine's guilt. Confused Thanks Ann Very Happy

 


#167:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 7:50 pm


I do hope bunny is co-operative and we hear the next bit. This is an awful cliff to leave us on over Christmas Shocked

 


#168:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 8:18 pm


Very, very interesting - and I don't think anyone - except Bride and Tom - are above suspicion! Thanks Ann Laughing

 


#169:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 9:45 pm


Quote:
I'm trying to post as much drabble as I can before I go
Oh good - that's what we like to hear!! Hope you manage another post later - I am on the edge of my seat here wondering what is going to happen next!

 


#170:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:02 am


Mwahahahaha! Twisted Evil

“Stop staring!” hissed Bride in an undertone. “He’ll see you!”

The girls immediately became fascinated by their coffee mugs, with the exception of Geraldine who demanded to know what all the fuss was about. As Nancy enlightened her, Primrose and Bride began a conversation about the weather in an attempt to act naturally and Tom watched carefully as the man crossed to the counter and ordered a coffee.

Esther’s heart was racing. This was her chance! What could she do? She was absolutely certain now that this was the man who had destroyed her father’s business. Silently she cursed her own stubbornness - she should have mentioned it to one of the mistresses, she could have convinced them of the truth! If only she had sought advice rather than relying on her own abilities!

At this point, the toddler sitting at the next table slid off his chair and, ignoring his mother’s warnings, ran across the café, having spied something of interest on the other side of the room. He was so intent on this object that he didn’t look where he was going and ran into a table. The loud bang and piercing wails which accompanied this collision brought his mother and Frau Baher, the café proprietor, running to attend to him. Primrose, who was seated nearest of the Chalet girls, also rushed over to offer any assistance necessary while the others looked on with concern.

While everyone was occupied with the little boy’s injuries, Callendar obviously came to a decision. He drained his coffee, stood up and walked towards the café door, pausing briefly to pick up the young mother’s handbag. Tom, who had continued to watch him despite the kerfuffle, immediately got to her feet and cried, “Thief! Stop him!” in correct but heavily-accented German.

The sequence of events which followed this action occurred so quickly that later, when Esther recalled the incident, she literally became breathless. Bride leapt out of her seat and ran to the doorway, with Esther and Nancy close behind her. The child’s mother looked up and, seeing Callendar clutching her bag, cried out, torn between pursuing the thief and attending to her son. Callendar broke into a run, prompting Tom to yell again, and reached the doorway just as Bride got there. With a cry of frustration, he shoved the girl aside and flung the door open, with Nancy and Esther still hot on his heels.

However, in his rough treatment of Bride, Nicholas Callendar had brought about his own undoing. The noise inside the café had attracted the attention of passers by and a number of onlookers had witnessed the incident through the glass in the café door. As Callendar burst out of the building into the street, he was restrained by a burly young man who began haranguing him in German, much to Esther’s delight. But her joy was short-lived. As she turned back towards the café, intending to call some words of triumph, she saw Bride lying in the doorway, still, grey and to all appearances…

Well, that's all for now, folks - I'm off to Coventry for a week or so! Twisted Evil


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:28 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#171:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:08 am


ANN!!!*is tempted to trot out full name for emphasis*You cannot leave us on THAT cliff for "a week or so"!*wails incoherently*:crying:Come back!ETA: Just noticed addition to sig Laughing

 


#172:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:09 am


Wonderful what a great place to leave us all hanging! Well done. Twisted Evil

 


#173:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:11 am


*g* Nice cliff!!Have a great Christmas Ann. Very Happy

 


#174:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:11 am


Gem wrote:
ANN!!!*is tempted to trot out full name for emphasis*
I have no objection to my full name, Gemberta! Twisted Evil

 


#175:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:32 am


Okay, I just want to make sure - everyone is aware that my real name is NOT Gemberta aren't they? Confused :lol:Ann, may we please have some more?*begging smiley*

 


#176:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:36 am


Gem wrote:
Okay, I just want to make sure - everyone is aware that my real name is NOT Gemberta aren't they? Confused
Really? *disappointed smiley*

 


#177:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 2:16 am


Ann wrote:
Gem wrote:
Okay, I just want to make sure - everyone is aware that my real name is NOT Gemberta aren't they? Confused
Really? *disappointed smiley*
It's really 'Gembertiana' isn't it? Wink Ann, that was a really mean place to leave it!!!!!! Crying or Very sad

 


#178:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 5:28 am


That was a wonderful place to leave us, Ann! Laughing Have a lovely holiday.

 


#179:  Author: AlexLocation: Hunts, UK PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 8:26 am


Might have known Lesley would approve. Have a good Christmas Ann, and come back with lots more ideas for Esther.

 


#180:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 8:54 am


Quote:
the toddler.... didn’t look where he was going and ran into a table.
Bloomin' kids! They should be straped into highchairs! Umm, but I suppose that wouldn't work with the plot...

 


#181:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 9:25 am


Excellent post, such a typical CS girl escapade but poor Bride!! *wibbles*

 


#182:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 9:39 am


Nice cliff, Ann!! Shocked

 


#183:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 12:41 pm


Nice cliff, but not one I want to be on for very long!! Ann that was mean!! (have a nice holiday though Very Happy )

 


#184:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 2:39 pm


Thank you Ann! Wonderful cliff!! But could you resolve it soon please???? Have a lovely Christmas!

 


#185:  Author: dackelLocation: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 2:47 pm


*feeling slightly breathless after encountering that amazing cliff*

 


#186:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 4:28 pm


Thinks that Ann has done the Advanced Cliff-building Course.

 


#187:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 4:58 pm


Brilliantly evil cliff!!!

 


#188:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 5:24 pm


What a cliff! My nails will be ruined Shocked Have a lovely Christmas.

 


#189:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 8:32 pm


Fantastic cliff, Ann!But how are we going to wait so long?! Mad

 


#190:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 4:55 pm


Wonderful updates Ann. Poor Bride hope ahe will be well soon and that they catch that Callendar man even sooner. Hope you have had a good Christmas with your family.

 


#191:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 12:12 am


yay!!!! you posted!!!! glad Bride wasn't to badly hurt - and good for Nancy!

 


#192:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 1:10 am


Thank you Ann! Well done Nancy and Tom. Geraldine is in for a fall I suspect.

 


#193:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 9:01 am


Thank you Ann! Obviously Guide training has proven its worth here Smile Hoping Peggy doesn't collapse on hearing the news...

 


#194:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 9:33 am


Yay! Thank you Ann! Well done Nancy! Glad Bride's going to be ok.

 


#195:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 12:18 pm


Glad Bride is ok Very Happy *gives Nancy a hug*

 


#196:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 12:48 pm


*Climbs gingerly off cliff* Thank you Ann! *Agrees this could be turning point for Geraldine.*

 


#197:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 9:54 pm


Thanks, Ann.

 


#198:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 01, 2005 5:59 pm


*Would probably have done the same as Tom!* Thank you Ann. Very Happy

 


#199:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat Jan 01, 2005 6:14 pm


Thank you Ann! Very Happy *is still wibbling slightly*

 


#200:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 7:24 pm


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

“It was such a shock, coming to in a complete stranger’s car!” Bride chuckled, gingerly feeling the back of her head. “I couldn’t remember a single thing about how I had ended up there - still can’t, apart from what people have told me - and my head ached like anything! Luckily Peg and Matron had arrived in time to travel to the hospital with me and they reassured me!”

Jo Maynard smiled sympathetically at her niece - Freudesheim was now out of quarantine and she had invited Nancy, the Bettanys and their guests to English tea - and offered her another biscuit. “You poor thing! Your mother was almost beside herself with worry and I nearly went tearing down to Interlaken myself, German measles or no German measles!”

Bride grinned. “You wouldn’t have been thanked for that, I’m sure!”

Joey helped herself to a biscuit. “So what happened to Mr Callendar?”

Esther - who had been invited by Nancy, Bride having claimed Tom - took up the tale. “The gendarmes arrived just as the doctor did and they took him into custody for stealing Frau Döbel’s bag. They asked us all for statements as we’d witnessed the whole thing. I told them who Callendar was and what he’d done back in England, so they did a bit of research. I understand that he is to stand trial here in Switzerland and when that’s over with, he’s to be sent back to England to stand trial there.”

“And he had no idea who you were?”

“Not a sausage!” Esther beamed. “Mother and Father will be so happy that he’s finally going to be brought to justice.”

“It seems a bit odd that a wanted man would draw attention to himself by stealing a handbag in a public place in broad daylight,” observed Daphne Russell, Peggy’s chosen guest.

“According to the police, he was very short of money,” Esther explained. “He’d gone to America to begin with, but the cost of living was quite high and after he’d paid off his debts, there wasn’t much of the money he’d taken left. He came to Switzerland thinking it would be cheaper, but his funds were soon gone. The police think he’s been resorting to petty theft in order to survive for at least the last month.”

“I don’t think Chalet girls have ever managed to capture a known criminal before!” mused Jo. “It would make wonderful chapter in my latest story…”

Peggy frowned at her aunt. “You do realise, don’t you, that we don’t get involved in escapades and alarums solely for your benefit?”

Jo grinned at her. “All right, all right, if you’d rather not be immortalised in print I shall abstain. How about we move off the subject and you tell me all the hanes from Welsen? I want to know what’s been going on!”


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:38 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#201:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 7:37 pm


Thank you Ann! Kiss Luffly!! Very Happy

 


#202:  Author: gigagalLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 7:48 pm


Ann wrote:
Peggy frowned at her aunt. “You do realise, don’t you, that we don’t get involved in escapades and alarums solely for your benefit?”
Preeeecisely Joey!! Rolling Eyes Thanks Ann, that was great. Very Happy

 


#203:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 8:56 pm


At last someone has told her!

 


#204:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 9:12 pm


*chuckles* Thank you Ann, that was typical Joey Very Happy

 


#205:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 9:12 pm


Yeah, but she'll not listen - and I can sympathise - i find myself thinking about plot lines while speaking to people and reading the papers! Thanks Ann - now did Joey ever know about Esther?

 


#206:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 12:29 am


Has Esther been talking to OOAO??
Quote:
“Not a sausage!”
Very Happy Excellent installment Ann, thank you

 


#207:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 1:36 am


Wonderful thank you Ann. Typical Joey conversation. Love Peggy's reaction.

 


#208:  Author: Amanda MLocation: Wakefield PostPosted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 2:13 pm


Thanks for this Ann. I'm wondering if they'll tell Joey about Esther's problems at Welsen. Star Wars

 


#209:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 6:32 am


gigagal wrote:
Ann wrote:
Peggy frowned at her aunt. “You do realise, don’t you, that we don’t get involved in escapades and alarums solely for your benefit?”
Preeeecisely Joey!! Rolling Eyes Thanks Ann, that was great. Very Happy
Giggles. Just almost exactly what I was going to add! Q. Does any other kidlit series involve quite as many alarums and escapades as our beloved Chalet School?

 


#210:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 7:20 am


Caught up with this. Phew! Bride's all right Smile Nasty Callendar got what he deserved but doesn't know Esther was involved so won't go to try to take revenge on her & her family when he gets out of prison.

 


#211:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 05, 2005 12:10 pm


Thank you Ann!Typical Joey! Laughing

 


#212:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Jan 05, 2005 6:56 pm


Please post more Ann! I read the whole thing through yesterday and the day before, and am very very upset that you haven't posted more for us to read *wibbles* Pwease?

 


#213:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:16 am


Excellent, Ann! *looks forward to Geraldine's reform* (I'm glad I missed the cliff in the rush to leave town, though.)
Quote:
Q. Does any other kidlit series involve quite as many alarums and escapades as our beloved Chalet School?
Over vacation I acquired one of Horatio Alger's books, in which an heroic Telegraph Boy: 1. is cast out by unkind uncle and comes to city to make his fortune 2. is robbed of the only 25 cents he has in the world 3. heroically refuses to pass a counterfeit coin for his employer and is penniless once more 4. sets up as a newsboy after earning tip from wealthy bystander whom he assists. (Bystander ultimately invites him to weekly dinners, gives him new clothes, and gets him the telegraph boy job.) 5. foils a wicked dognapper 6. extricates a widow’s only son from the billiard saloon so brilliantly that son stops drinking and gambling. (Widow gives our hero a place to live.) 7. shows up snobbish youth who torments him through multiple chapters 8. helps police catch counterfeiter 9. saves fellow telegraph boy from being swindled 10. reunites disowned daughter with her family, so she and ailing husband aren’t evicted by avaricious landlord 11. is recruited by police to help catch embezzler, and does so spectacularly. 12. comes into an unexpected inheritance. 13. Evades wiles of nasty uncle and uses funds to help an ailing friend and for further education. 14. is invited to work for a prestigious firm. All in 246 pages! I gather the whole series – at least 50 books -- was like that.

 


#214:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 7:09 am


You mean real life isn't like that? Well! Guess I'll just have to be content with what I've got. Or live vicariously through the pages of literature. Smile

 


#215:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 10:25 am


Thanks Ann - lovely updates. Have to admit, would also have probably done the same as Tom! And that conversation was perfect Joey!

 


#216:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jan 07, 2005 10:48 am


Lyanne wrote:
You mean real life isn't like that?
*Heaves a sigh, sits back and tries to think of Plan B*

 


#217:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Sat Jan 08, 2005 5:51 pm


Brilliant Ann. Ive just caught up.

 


#218:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 9:03 pm


Bride and Esther exchanged a look. As soon as she had learnt that her aunt’s long-awaited tea party would be held on the coming Sunday, Bride had been trying to convince Esther to tell Joey about the hate campaign. Esther had been reluctant. She had never met Joey before, having only been at the School for a short time prior to joining the finishing branch, but she knew from her conversations with Bride that religion played an important part in Mrs Maynard’s life - she felt strongly enough to convert to Catholicism, a fact which spoke volumes to Esther. What Esther didn’t know was that Jo herself was well aware of Esther’s atheism. During Esther’s first tenure at the Chalet School, when she and Tom were at daggers drawn, Bride had appealed to her cousin Daisy Venables for help, and Daisy in turn had consulted Joey and Robin Humphries. That problem had been resolved long ago, but Joey remembered the girl who had caused such a stir amongst the Middles and had privately been surprised when she returned to the Chalet School after so many years.

For Esther’s part, however, now she had met the strangely youthful woman with the unusual hairstyle and friendly manner, she felt that she could speak about her problem. Mrs Maynard seemed the sort of woman who would be sympathetic and offer advice, and even if she wasn’t, what was the worst that could happen? She was hardly likely to turn Esther out-of-doors in disgust! Haltingly at first, she began to relate the happenings of the last few weeks and, as she did so, Joey’s face grew increasingly grave and Beth Chester began to look almost apoplectic with rage. When the story finally reached its conclusion, Jo thought for a moment before asking: “This has been going on for some weeks now?”

“Yes, although there haven’t been any incidents in the last week,” said Esther.

“I’ve been thinking about that,” put in Nancy. “I’m inclined to think it is Geraldine after all - she’s been remarkably subdued since Bride’s accident and it is strange that the campaign against Esther should break off just at the same time.”

“You really shouldn’t accuse people like that, Nance,” warned her sister. “From what I can tell, all the evidence you have against this Geraldine is circumstantial and, as she hasn’t done anything to endear herself to you since the start of term, I expect you have some degree of prejudice against her.”

Squashed quite effectively, Nancy subsided and Jo returned to her questioning. “Bi-I mean, Miss Wilson - doesn’t know about any of this?”

“No,” admitted Esther. “Not unless she’s noticed something herself. She certainly hasn’t mentioned anything.”

“In that case, the best thing to do would be to mention it to her. I know you’re not happy at the prospect and I can understand why, but I really think this is a matter which should be dealt with by someone in authority. Mistresses have the resources to challenge such behaviour, resources which aren‘t available to their students.”

“I always intended to tell Miss Wilson,” Esther pointed out. “I want to find out who is responsible before I tell her.”

“But Esther, why should you have the responsibility of discovering who is behind this?” asked Joey gently. “You’ve had to put up with enough already. The sooner Miss Wilson is informed, the sooner the whole ghastly business will be resolved and you can relax.”

Esther looked uncomfortable. “I-I don’t want to make a fuss. You see, all this has happened because I’m an atheist. If I wasn’t, or if I hadn’t admitted to being one, none of it would have happened. I wouldn’t want Miss Wilson to think I was causing problems because of my beliefs.”

“Blatherskites!” retorted Jo. “You are not the guilty party, my girl! You certainly shouldn’t feel that any blame for this hate campaign lies with you! Bill won’t hold you responsible, you may rest assured of that. She would want to know what is going on in her school and she would definitely want to stamp out such dishonest and malicious behaviour!”

The conversation moved on following this speech and Esther fell silent and remained thoughtful for the remainder of the afternoon. However, as the girls were leaving to return to Welsen, she turned to her hostess and declared: “What Bride told me was true. You are good at getting under people’s skins and understanding how their brains work. Thank you so much for your advice.”

“Nonsense!” returned Jo. “I expect that you already knew what you should do. You just needed someone distanced from the situation to confirm it. Good luck, Esther! I know Bill will do everything in her power to help you, and I hope she can find the culprit soon!”


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:41 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#219:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 9:19 pm


Good for Joey! *feeling for Esther, but looking forward to seeing Miss Wilson in action*

 


#220:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 9:28 pm


I wonder how much Bill realises already? She's pretty astute and may feel she can't act without someone coming to tell her officially. Good for Joey's broadminded attitude! I really like Esther having courage in her beliefs and standing up for them..

 


#221:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 9:48 pm


Thank you Ann, tis good to see Joey being understanding and helpful without being too domineering!! I think Bill probably knows quite a bit too, and is hoping and waiting that Esther will approach her.

 


#222:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 10:13 pm


Now that is a good Joey. I suppose Bill can't do somehting unless she is told or unless she come across an incident, she cant act on suspicions. Hope Esther does tell.

 


#223:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 10:30 pm


Also think Bill will know - and is just waiting until told officially. Looking forward to her dealing with the culprit. Laughing Thanks Ann.

 


#224:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:18 pm


I'm really pleased to see Joey deal with this so well. Thankyou Ann - a fab update. Smile

 


#225:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:29 am


Good for Joey Very Happy Now hoping Bill can get to the bottom of who's behind it all...Thanks Ann.

 


#226:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:36 pm


Excellent for Esther that she managed to tell Joey and well done to Joey for dealing with it so well wonderfully well done Ann

Last edited by Dawn on Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:53 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#227:  Author: KateLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 12:52 pm


Wonderful, Ann, thank you! Smile

 


#228:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 2:35 pm


good advice from Jo Thanks Ann So many people are sure Bill already knows all about this, that I half want her to be completely oblivious until she's told! Liz

 


#229:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 3:36 pm


Thank you Ann! And I DO like your Jo!!! helpful without being too interfering!

 


#230:  Author: dackelLocation: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 6:18 pm


Looking forward to reading what Bill says... *hint, hint*

 


#231:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 9:56 pm


Lovely Ann, I also can't wait to see what Bill says. JackieJ

 


#232:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:56 pm


*Wails* Anne! May we have some more please?!

 


#233:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 11:08 pm


Sorry about the lack of updates - RL has been interferring again. Here's a short snippet to prove I hadn't forgotten about Esther...

Of course, it’s all very well planning to do something. Actually carrying out that plan is another matter entirely, as Esther found upon her return to Welsen. She was now determined to inform Miss Wilson exactly what had been happening, a decision which her friends applauded.

She was in the Splashery removing her outdoor things and deciding on how she should phrase her explanation to the Head when Dickie Christie appeared and disrupted her careful planning.

“Esther, do you have a moment?” Dickie’s eyes were sparkling and she seemed rather impatient.

“Well, I was planning to go and see Bill if she’s available,” Esther admitted. “What is it, Dickie? You look as if you’re about to explode!”

“I have news for you,” explained Dickie. “You see - I’ve found out who is behind the campaign against you!”

Esther’s jaw dropped. “Really? Oh, Dickie, who is it?”

“Prepare yourself for a shock,” said Dickie, gently pushing Esther into a sitting position on a nearby chair. “It’s…”

Twisted Evil


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:43 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#234:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 11:10 pm


ANN! GET BACK HERE AND POST THE END OF THAT SENTENCE!! Evil or Very Mad

 


#235:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 11:16 pm


Ooh look, big blue writing!

 


#236:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 11:16 pm


Biong! Trampoline time again!

 


#237:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 11:20 pm


Eeek! Ann, that isn't fair!!! (Good cliff, though!) Very Happy

 


#238:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 11:20 pm


*repeats what Kat said* Thanks for the update Ann, any chance of some more soon??

 


#239:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 11:38 pm


Good cliff, Ann, congratulations! popper Wink

 


#240:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 3:09 am


*makes owl noises outside Ann's window all night* Does the shock mean all the obvious suspects are out? Shocked

 


#241:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 7:08 am


Quote:
“Prepare yourself for a shock,” said Dickie, gently pushing Esther into a sitting position on a nearby chair. “It’s…”
I know! I know! :tigger: It's Miss Wilson herself!!!! (Well alright, I don't know but I'm hoping to lure Ann out to repudiate the idea!)

 


#242:  Author: EmilyLocation: Land of White Coats and Stethoscopes. PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 9:02 am


*g* My thoughts exactly, you beat me to it!

 


#243:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 11:34 am


ANN!!!! Nice cliff! Laughing

 


#244:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 12:00 pm


Laughing Laughing Excellent! Thanks Ann Very Happy

 


#245:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 1:46 pm


AAAAAAAANNN!!!!! *pokes!*

 


#246:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 1:57 pm


Sharpens poking stick in case Ann keeps us hanging on. poke poke poke

 


#247:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 3:46 pm


ANNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!not fair!!!!!!

 


#248:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 10:45 pm


Is it Bride? Liz

 


#249:  Author: NicciLocation: UK PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 11:58 pm


Ann!!! Come back here and post the rest of that sentence or else... *wanders away wondering what possible threat might work* ETA: I really liked the scene with Joey btw.

 


#250:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 12:56 am


It's ........ was not a very good place to leave this drabble. Looking forward to finding out exactly who it is.

 


#251:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 1:20 am


On the contrary, it's an excellent place to leave the drabble, because it's going to get us all coming back for more. (Which will hopefully be forthcoming soon)

 


#252:  Author: KateLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 1:20 am


ANN! Come on, don't be so mean! I hate suspense!

 


#253:  Author: Sarah_G-GLocation: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time! PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 10:53 am


Typical! I can't access the site for a month, catch up on all the story you've posted in that time (which I've throroughly enjoyed by the way) and I *still* end up on a cliff! Very Happy Please continue soon?

 


#254:  Author: auntie karryLocation: Stoke on Trent PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 8:38 pm


This was on page 2!!!!!!!!! Come on............. we need an update!

 


#255:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 3:12 pm


OK, more wild guesses. If it's not Bill, is Joey suborning a maid into leaving all the stuff around for Esther? Actually, it copuld be a maid. She could be Esther's dad's partner's daughter, getting revenge on the family 'cos her dad can't live in England anymore. & is now in prison.

 


#256:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 6:06 pm


We've been hanging off this cliff for a week now (well almost!). Please tell us who it is. Pretty please with chocolate on top?

 


#257:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:20 pm


Embarassed I'm very sorry - I didn't mean to leave people hanging on that cliff for so long but RL interferred as it is wont to do... And I'm not sure you deserve any more after the owl noises and the pokings and the snails. Lucky for you lot, I'm a forgiving person...

“…Caroline.”

Esther gaped. She would have leapt to her feet, but her legs seemed to have turned to jelly after Dickie’s initial declaration. “Caroline? But she’s always acted…well, normal when I’ve spoken to her! Are you absolutely sure, Dickie?”

“Absolutely. I caught her in the act, you see. This afternoon, while you were up at Freudesheim, Nally decided to take the rest of us out for a ramble. The snow is expected to come pretty soon, and she suggested that we get out of doors as much as possible while we can. We fixed on St. Cecilie for our destination as we haven’t been there for a while and the plan was to wander up, have a quick dekko and then trot back here in time for Kaffee. “While we were at St. Cecilie, we ran into a chap called Franz, who makes the most beautiful woodcarvings and sells them to tourists during the summer. As it’s a Sunday, he wasn’t selling anything, but he stopped and had a chat with those of us who he recognised. When he saw Caroline, he exclaimed and asked her if she wanted any more crucifixes as he had some ready for sale and he would keep them to one side for her if she would like them. Well, alarm bells began ringing in my brain and I honestly can’t remember what she said to him in response. I decided to keep a close eye on her in order to find out if she might be involved in the campaign against you.”

“I suppose she might have wanted the crucifixes for some other reason,” acknowledged Esther.

“Anyway, after Kaffee I noticed Geraldine sitting in the Saal on her own, so I went to look for Caroline. I found her in your cubey. She had just slipped a prayer book under your pillow.”

Esther was perilously close to tears. “What did you do?” she mumbled, trying not to break down.

“Marched her straight off to Bill, of course - it was the only thing I could do in the circumstances, although I must admit, I wasn’t convinced she would go with me. Unfortunately it does mean that I’ve told Bill all about what’s been going on…” Dickie looked at Esther anxiously.

“I was going to tell Bill this evening, so you’ve no need to worry on that score,” Esther rather shakily reassured her. “So…did Caroline explain why she did it?”

“That’s the worst part,” Dickie said gently. “Caroline told me she orchestrated the whole thing so she could incriminate Geraldine….”

What?” At this Esther did jump up from her seat. “But Geraldine is her friend! Why on earth would she do such a thing? And why put me through everything I’ve had to cope with in the last few weeks if it was Geraldine she had a grudge against all along?”

“It seems that she didn’t really like Geraldine as much as we all thought. Apparently she couldn’t stand being left alone with ‘the self-centred opinionated Yank’ any longer. She said as much to Geraldine herself when we came across her on the way to Bill‘s study.”

Esther’s eyes almost popped out of her head. “Is Caroline still with Miss Wilson?” she asked.

“Yes, as far as I know. I expect Bill will send for you in a while to get your version of events. Wait! Where are you going?” for Esther had crossed the room and was opening the door.

“To see Geraldine. I though Caroline had been beastly to me, but Geraldine must be feeling terrible at the moment.” Esther paused. “Thank you, Dickie. You’ve been an absolute gem over this whole affair.”

Dickie took a deep breath. “Can I tell you something, Esther? Something private, I mean.”

Esther closed the door. “Of course, Dickie. What is it?”

“I haven’t said anything to any of the others, mainly because it’s my affair and it doesn’t affect anyone else. It’s just that I…well, I’ve had doubts myself when it comes to religion. I’m not an atheist - I suppose I could be described as agnostic, really. I believe all right, but there are some things which I find myself questioning…” Dickie looked straight at Esther. “So you see, the fact that you were being victimised because of your beliefs struck a chord with me. I wanted to do something to help.”

Esther smiled gratefully. “I appreciate it,” she said softly, and departed to find Geraldine.


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:46 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#258:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:54 pm


Thank you Ann - I don't actually remember what Caroline was acting like - must go back and re-read! Yay for Dickie - I always liked her!

 


#259:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:56 pm


Yay Not who I thought but I'm usually wrong anyway. Thanks Chelsea

 


#260:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 7:43 pm


What a nasty person Caroline is - hope she gets short shrift from Bill. And good for esther, thinking of Geraldine like that, and for Dickie. Thanks Ann. Kiss

 


#261:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 8:44 pm


I never suspected, either! Good for Dickie confessing her own doubts -- and Esther, thinking of Geraldine at a time like this.

 


#262:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 8:48 pm


Wow, I hadn't guessed either. Well done. Esther is lovely in that episode.

 


#263:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 8:57 pm


well knock me down with a featheri don't know who i was expecting but it wasn't caroline!

 


#264:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 9:12 pm


Esther is so nice! Sorry Ann, I didn't really think it was Bill or Joey...

 


#265:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 9:40 pm


I didnt see that either, poor Esther and Geraldine. Dickie is really lovely!! Thank you Ann and Im sorry about RL

 


#266:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 11:43 pm


Thank you Ann! *pokes Caroline!!*

 


#267:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 12:10 am


Caroline is horrible! Bless Dickie though. Thanks for the update Ann Very Happy

 


#268:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 3:09 am


Esther is a Real Chalet Girl, going off to comfort Jellybean like that! Thanks for finally letting us off that cliff.

 


#269:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 12:42 pm


Thank you Ann! poke RL into submission. Good for Ester and well done Dickie!

 


#270:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:46 pm


Well, caroline's someone who won't be staying at the finishing school, not when she did those nasty things to get someone else into trouble.

 


#271:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 10:46 pm


Thank you Ann, I hope Esther and Geraldine can at least become cordial to each other. And bless Dickie. JackieJ

 


#272:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 4:04 pm


Thanks Ann hope RL is calming down now. Glad they have found out who it was. caroline is a nasty piece of work. Hope we see the scene in Bill's study.

 


#273:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 10:38 am


Really enjoyed catching up with this Ann - and relieved to have missed the "who it was cliff" - although I still appreciated it!! Loved that Tom slapped hysterical Geraldine - perfectly reasonable under the circumstances! Think Joey was spot-on in the way she handled Esther and recommending that she speak to Bill Esther is lovely and so thoughtful in immediately going to make her peace with Geraldine Dickie is a star and now I can't wait to find out what happens to Caroline - in fact, I think this calls for a "behind closed doors" scene ... Will you oblige? Very Happy

 


#274:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 10:47 am


Well, I for one want to see Bill tearing Caroline to shreds, she deserves it.

 


#275:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 2:46 pm


Unless Caroline shows immediate great reformation (and possibly not even then) she should be expelled! Thanks for finally letting us know who it was Ann Liz

 


#276:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 1:09 am


I think the crushing of Caroline might have to appear as an out-take - this story is from Esther's POV and as she's never going to find out exactly what was said, it doesn't really fit with the rest of the narrative. Anyhoo...

It didn’t take long for Esther to find Geraldine. She had a pretty good idea where the American girl would be and, as she had expected, she found her in her dormitory, buried in the plumeau and sobbing uncontrollably. She refused to be consoled, despite Esther’s best efforts, and the elder girl eventually ran out of words of comfort and resorted to sitting in silence with an arm around her.

Eventually relief arrived in the form of Primrose who informed both girls that Miss Wilson had asked to see them in the study. Primrose was on the point of bursting with curiosity, having only heard fragments of the tale, but managed to refrain from asking what was going on - Geraldine was clearly very upset and Prim didn’t want to exacerbate the situation by asking questions which might distress her further. The full story was bound to emerge sooner or later, she supposed.

Esther and Geraldine arrived at the study to find Miss Wilson waiting for them and Caroline nowhere to be seen. ‘Bill’s’ expression was grim to say the least, but she encouraged the girls to be seated and offered them coffee and biscuits before she tackled the issue. Esther’s heart had sunk when she saw the coffee pot it meant they were likely to be here for some time. Once the refreshments had been attended to, Miss Wilson launched into the difficult task ahead of her with an apology. “I’m so sorry this has happened,” she told the girls. “If I had known what was happening I could have put a stop to it long before things reached this stage. Esther, why didn’t you tell me?”

Esther murmured her now over-familiar reasoning, aware that the Head was unlikely to understand. “I didn’t want you to think I was causing a fuss because of my beliefs. I wanted to find out who was responsible and then report them to you.”

Miss Wilson nodded. This was the type of response she had expected. “But Esther, surely common sense would tell you that no-one would hold you responsible for this ?” she said gently. “You had done nothing to provoke such treatment. There was no reason for you to feel guilty.”

This made sense and Esther knew it. She held her tongue and Miss Wilson turned her attention to Geraldine, who had been sobbing quietly and continuously since arriving in the study. “Geraldine, please try to calm yourself,” she said. “Caroline’s aim was to hurt you, and if you allow yourself to be upset and make yourself ill, she will have achieved that aim. Surely it would be better to show some self control and to refuse to allow her actions to affect you. If you do that, her efforts will have been in vain.”

The logic of this statement struck home and Geraldine gulped loudly, visibly struggling to regain her composure. Miss Wilson turned her attention back to Esther to give the younger girl time to calm herself and requested that Esther give her version of the events of the past few weeks. As Esther told her story, the mistress’s face grew even more grave, and when Esther reached the end, she nodded. “In that case, Caroline’s confession was accurate,” she said. “She has admitted to carrying out the campaign against you, now that her actions have been discovered.”

Geraldine was much calmer by now, and Miss Wilson decided to press on with her task. “I would like to tell you something about Caroline’s past,” she said, watching the two carefully. “Needless to say, what I am about to tell you must not, under any circumstances, past beyond this room. It is not my usual policy to talk about such things with my students, but I feel that you are both owed an explanation of some kind. Can I trust you?”

Geraldine and Esther nodded, taken aback somewhat, and Miss Wilson began her tale.


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:49 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#277:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 1:58 am


Thanks, Ann! *intrigued*

 


#278:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 10:02 am


Also intrigued - please write the out-take at some point Ann, I know many of us would like to know what went on behind closed doors. So is there an excuse big enough to justify allowing Caroline to remain? Thank you Ann.

 


#279:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 10:33 am


Thanks Ann Liz *glad to see at least this bit of behind-closed-doors*

 


#280:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 1:21 pm


Also wanting to know why.

 


#281:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 2:40 pm


Well, I never expected Caroline, either! Just caught up with this and so was able to abseil down comfortably to catch up with the others at the bottom. Esther and Dickie are lovely and I really feel sorry for Geraldine. Imagine finding your friend thought about you that way Shocked Looking forward to hearing the extenuating circumstances and Esther's reaction to them.

 


#282:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 9:42 pm


*intrigued* Please don't make this a long cliff Ann!!!

 


#283:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 1:11 am


Thanks Ann. Poor Geraldine.

 


#284:  Author: dackelLocation: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 8:03 pm


One mystery solved, and here comes the next... Thank you, Ann!

 


#285:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 9:32 am


I'd not thought of Caroline either, am now intrigued as tot he reason. Thank you!

 


#286:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 10:28 pm


Thankyou Ann!I'm most intrigued now as to what we are going to find out about Caroline.

 


#287:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 7:45 pm


“When Caroline was born, her mother was an unmarried sixteen-year-old - just the same age as you are now, Geraldine. Her mother, Caroline’s grandmother, was horrified that her daughter should bring such shame to the family and had sent her away from the family home in Dundee to her married older sister in Aberdeen. When the baby came, Caroline’s mother returned to Dundee and left her daughter with her sister and brother-in-law, to be brought up as their own child. The Camerons had no children of their own and were delighted with their niece. They cared for her with all the love they would have shown their own daughter. Caroline’s mother eventually married a wealthy young Dundee businessman who knew nothing of her past and the arrangement seemed to have benefited everyone concerned.

“Then came the War. Mr Cameron joined the forces and was posted overseas - I don’t know the details. He was killed in action when Caroline was just ten. Mrs Cameron tried to carry on as normal for Caroline’s sake, but although she cared for her niece as attentively as ever, she began to neglect herself. She developed pneumonia just four months after her husband’s death and she was already too weak to fight the disease. She only lived for three days after the illness was diagnosed.

“Upon hearing of her daughter’s death, Caroline’s grandmother travelled to Aberdeen to collect her granddaughter. However, to her mind, her child-rearing days were behind her and there was no need for her to take on a ten-year-old girl when the child’s mother was alive and well. Having decided this, she returned to Dundee with the child and deposited her on her mother’s doorstep, informing the woman that her daughter was now her own responsibility. Neither Mr Darroch, her husband, or Caroline had known the truth about Caroline’s parentage until that point and, needless to say, it was a great shock to both of them. However, Mr Darroch immediately welcomed his step-daughter into his home, even to the extent of legally adopting her so she would have his name. Mrs Darroch was another matter. She had made a new life for herself in which Caroline had had no part to play and she was furious that the folly of her youth had been exposed - particularly by her own mother who had done so much to hide that folly in the first place. She resented the daughter whose mere presence disrupted that new life and she never fully accepted the girl. Caroline was sent away to school at the earliest opportunity and has barely spent any time at the family home ever since.”


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:51 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#288:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 8:11 pm


Yes, very sad for Caroline -especially as her step father accepted her -but no excuse yet. Thanks Ann.

 


#289:  Author: Amanda MLocation: Wakefield PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 10:22 pm


Thanks for posting more of this Ann. Have to agree with Lesley at the moment, she's had a bad life, but would like to know why she's holding such grudges. Good for her step-father though, for accepting her straight away. Star Wars

 


#290:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 11:26 pm


*slaps Caroline's mother* Her stepfather sounds lovely though! She still shouldn't have done what she did though!

 


#291:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 10:22 am


*uses one of Jennie's patent slapping sticks on Caroline's mother* Poor Caroline. But still why?

 


#292:  Author: Sarah_G-GLocation: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time! PostPosted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 10:38 am


OK... so far I feel sorry for her but I'm assuming religion comes into this explanation somewhere. Thanks for the updates though!

 


#293:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 3:00 pm


I feel sorry for Caroline, but still see no excuse for what she's done to Esther or Geraldine. Liz *sharpening the poking stick before approaching Mrs Darroch*

 


#294:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 4:26 pm


I guess it would be a pretty hard thing for Caroline's mother to deal with but still, she could have handled it better especially considering her husband seems to have been fine about it all. Thanks Ann

 


#295:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 5:24 pm


Thank you Ann *sharpens poking stick and advances on Caroline and her mother*

 


#296:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:48 pm


Poor Caroline not the best start to have in life but that does not excuse her behaviour. Would also add her grandmother to the slapping list.

 


#297:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 12:13 am


I hadn't forgotten about Esther - have been full of busy lately! This is the penultimate installment...

Miss Wilson paused briefly to sip at her coffee. “Caroline was quite bright enough to understand exactly why she had been sent away,” she continued. “She never settled at school and I understand that she had problems making friends with other students. She’s a deeply unhappy person underneath it all and has a tendency to isolate herself. Her step-father informed me of the situation when I spoke to him earlier this evening.”

There was another pause, then Geraldine said in a choky voice, “She’s certainly had a hard time. But lots of people have difficult lives and they don’t become bitter, and cruel, and…and warped.”

“That is very true, Geraldine,” said Miss Wilson calmly. “And that is why I have asked that Caroline be removed from this school.”

“But you can’t do that!” cried Esther, sitting bolt upright, the words bursting forth before she realised what she was saying and who she was saying it to.

A faint glimmer of a smile crossed Miss Wilson’s face. “I think you will find that I can, Esther,” she remarked. “As Head of this branch of the Chalet School, I have that privilege. Furthermore, I have discussed the matter with the other mistresses here at Welsen, with Miss Annersley at the main branch and with Lady Russell. They all agree that it is the right thing to do in the circumstances.”

“But it will be my fault!”

“Oh?” Was that mild amusement in ‘Bill’s’ expression? “Did you persuade Caroline to behave so cruelly towards you? Were you perhaps responsible for planting crucifixes in your own cubicle?”

“N-No,” stammered Esther, her face a brilliant red.

“Then I fail to see how any of this can be your fault. No, Esther, you cannot blame yourself for any of this and neither can Geraldine. Caroline has brought her punishment down upon herself through her actions and expulsion may be the one way in which it can be impressed upon her what a terrible thing she has done. You see,” ‘Bill’s’ tone was surprisingly gentle now, “Caroline has made it quite clear that she has no objection to your attitude on religion, Esther. It was simply a stick to beat you with, if you will. If she hadn’t discovered your atheism, she would have found someone else to victimise for some other reason.”

Esther, struggling to comprehend this information, fell silent and Geraldine redirected the conversation. “Am I such a terrible person?” she asked in a small, tearful voice.

“No.” Miss Wilson’s response was so quick that Esther had to wonder if she’d been expecting the question. “Your behaviour may not have been exemplary - you have shown yourself to be thoughtless, tactless and self-centred on any number of occasions over the last half term - but I know that none of your actions have been motivated by spite or malice. You did not deserve to be treated in such a heartless fashion. There is good stuff in you, Geraldine, but it has become hidden under a layer of selfishness and other people may not be able to see it. If you are prepared to try, you will be able to remove that unappealing veneer and become a much more likeable person.”

Geraldine gulped and scrubbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. “I-I’ll try, I promise.”

‘Bill’ smiled gently at her. “I know you will. And if other people know that too, they will be quite happy to help you. And now,” with a glance at the clock on the study wall, “it is almost time for Abendessen, and you girls must run and change. Geraldine, you might find that you feel better if you bathe your face.”

At this reminder, the girls drained their cups, thanked the Head and fled. Once they were outside the study, Geraldine caught hold of Esther’s arm. “I truly do want to be nicer,” she said anxiously. “You will help me, won’t you Esther? And tell the others to be patient with me? I know I can’t change overnight,” she went on, hurriedly, “but I guess it’ll be so much easier if people understand.”

Esther gently prised the younger girl’s fingers from her arm. “Of course I’ll help,” she told her. “I’ll do anything I can. Now we must get on or we’ll be late!”


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:53 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#298:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 12:56 am


Shocked Shocked Expelled?! Shocked Shocked Oh dear. I quite thought that they would reform Caroline.

 


#299:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 1:49 am


Oh dear I too thought they would reform her but Bill's word is law.

 


#300:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 4:44 am


I think it's the right thing to do - quite apart from anything else, she'd have a terrible time at the School once everyone found out what was going on. Perhaps this will be the making of her. Thanks Ann.

 


#301:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:05 am


It's good to see Geraldine's redemption. And Esther continues to be one outstanding protagonist. As for Caroline -- pretty hard to defend someone that slimy. Hope she learns something, but not optimistic. Any signs of remorse? (I know Esther doesn't know, but Ann might.)

 


#302:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 7:30 am


I think, if Caroline had been acting from misguided relious principles - 'if I show how how impotant it is, Esther will change' - she could have stayed. Once corrected in her thinking, of course! But, she was acting maliciously. She was out to hurt as many people as possible, by the smallest amount of effort. At times Esther must have wondered if any of her original CS friends could have had anything to do with it - dismissed the thoughts straight away, but the poison would remain. Caroline must go. But I'm quite happy to read a 'some years later' scene, showing her redemption.

 


#303:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 7:48 am


I agree that Caroline could not have stayed in the circumstances. I can't see anyone (except perhaps Esther) making much effort to befriend her after this. It is a shame though. She may be a nasty piece of work but it's difficult to know how anyone would behave after that. 'Parents' die. She learns they were not her real parents anyway. Grandmother comes and dumps her with an 'aunt' and says this is your real mother. 'Real' mother rejects her. We've commented many times on how children don't get the chance to grieve in CS. I should imagine she needs some therapy by now. Esther is great though. She's a real Chalet Girl! I'd also like to see the 'some years later' scene, too.

 


#304:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 9:22 am


I do feel sorry for Caroline but it was still no excuse for her behaviour and I agree that she should have been expelled. Good for Bill for making the decision and thank you Ann Very Happy

 


#305:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 11:06 am


Hope this is the making of Caroline, can see why she had to go - its no wonder she behaved badly after all she'd gone through but thats no excuse for acting maliciously as she did. Thank you Ann!

 


#306:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 11:11 am


Thank you Ann - a wonderful post Smile

 


#307:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 1:19 pm


Thank you Ann, that was lovely. JackieJ

 


#308:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 3:14 pm


Thanks Ann Liz

 


#309:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:19 pm


expelled? now that is unusual but i can quite see the case for expulsion and if i were in bill's shoes i think i would probably have done almost exactly the same - but without the same style!

 


#310:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 9:06 am


Good decision from Bill - she'll probably get a letter from Caroline years later explaining that it was the making of her!! Wink That was a lovely scene, Ann - Bill was spot on!

 


#311:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:14 pm


Caroline was kept in isolation until her step-father arrived to take her back to Scotland. One might assume from this that the other Welsen girls had no further contact with her. However, some years later, Esther received a letter forwarded by an old university friend. Accompanying the letter was a note from Esther’s friend, Rebecca, explaining that her brother’s fiancée had come to visit and had seen a photograph from Rebecca’s university days. She had recognised Esther as someone who had attended the same finishing school and had asked Rebecca to forward the enclosed letter.

The letter itself was fairly brief. Caroline apologised for contacting Esther out of the blue and for her treatment of her all those years ago. She explained that her home life had been somewhat difficult and her relationship with her mother “strained, to put it mildly’”. She had struggled to build real relationships with those around her and had found her schooldays a trial. “I am not trying to excuse my actions towards you,” she stated. “I just want to make it quite clear how being expelled changed my life. Miss Wilson told me at the time that she hoped it would be the making of me. I didn’t believe it then, but she was right and I’m utterly grateful to her.”

Mr Darroch had been deeply disappointed by his step-daughter’s actions. He had barely spoken to Caroline on the journey home and upon arrival in Dundee had handed her over to Mrs Darroch, informing her that he was sorry he had ever agreed to adopt the girl Caroline reported him as saying, “If she didn’t have my name I would have no responsibility for her actions”. “That comment really hurt me,” she wrote. “This was the one person who genuinely cared for me and I had disgusted him. Anyway, he vowed he wouldn’t send me away again as I was too much of a liability. My mother told all her friends that Switzerland didn’t suit me and I had asked to come home. She and I were forced to spend time together for the first time in our lives and eventually we began to get to know one another properly. Even now we are not close, but we are closer than we were. I was determined not to let our relationship sour again and so I did my best to behave as a dutiful daughter should and to accept what a bitter and malicious person I had allowed myself to become. I also hoped to rebuild bridges with my step-father, who did forgive me in time. So, you see, being expelled really did help me. I appreciate that this may not provide you with any comfort but I am deeply and truly sorry for what I did and I hope you can forgive me.”

Esther sent a brief note via Rebecca to tell Caroline that she was happy to forgive and to wish her luck for the impending wedding. She also enclosed Geraldine’s address. She never received a reply.

But all this was to happen many years in the future. At the time of Caroline’s removal, the other girls at Welsen were preoccupied with keeping the story under wraps. As Primrose had sagely observed, “We don’t want any of the kids up at the Platz hearing about it and thinking it would be a good way to pay back their little friends. Julie and Co. would go absolutely ravers! Anyway, it wouldn‘t reflect well on the School if word got around. We‘d best keep it quiet.”

“It’s been an incredibly busy term,” reflected Esther to a select audience of Bride and Tom after Caroline’s departure.

“Term?” chuckled Bride. “We haven’t even reached half-term yet! Just think of all the things that could happen before Christmas, especially when the snow comes!”

“And after Christmas, there’s the panto which Peggy and Bess are writing, and the Sale up at the Platz,” added Tom.

“There’s never a dull moment around here, is there?” Esther grinned.

“Of course not!” the other two declared in unison. “This is the Chalet School!”

Esther may well return (again) at some point in the future as there are a couple of loose ends I'd like to tie up. There's also the study scene between Caroline and Bill which I think should be included.


Last edited by Ann on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:56 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#312:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:20 pm


Thank you Ann - some redemption then - looking forward to the study scene- whenever you are ready.

 


#313:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 6:14 pm


Thank you Ann for a fitting end *sobs* I am already looking forward to further installments of Esther Very Happy

 


#314:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 6:25 pm


thank you. That was a lovely ending

 


#315:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 8:20 pm


Thank you Ann - a brilliantly written story and i loved reading every line of it - even the sad bits!

 


#316:  Author: KimLocation: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 9:36 pm


Thanks Ann ...... looking forward to the next one (preferably in the near future, like next week?)

 


#317:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 9:49 pm


Thank you Ann, a very fitting ending. Would love to see the study scene and more of Esther.

 


#318:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:29 pm


Thank you Ann. How sad that it was only Caroline's step father's rejection that brought her to her senses.

 


#319:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:48 am


A perfect ending - thanks, Ann, for a great drabble.
Quote:
“Term?” chuckled Bride. “We haven’t even reached half-term yet! Just think of all the things that could happen before Christmas, especially when the snow comes!”
Hoping this means Esther will return sometime in the future.

 


#320:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 5:50 am


That was a great ending Ann. Thanks! Very Chaletish with the bit about many years later when she was older and wiser... Hope Esther comes back one day.

 


#321:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 9:55 am


Thanks Ann I'm glad Caroline wrote to Esther and apologised and explained - and that she had a happy ending as well. Looking forward to another Esther drabble sometime. Liz

 


#322:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 9:56 am


Thank you, Ann, that was lovely.

 


#323:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:08 pm


Thanks for this Ann. Esther is a lovely character hope to see more of her soon.

 


#324:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:03 pm


Thankyou Ann, that was a great ending. I hope to see Esther back at some point,

 


#325:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 2:45 am


*also looks forward to sequels & fill-ins* After all, it's not yet half term. Very Happy

 


#326:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 3:18 am


I'm with everyone else - thank you Ann! - and looking forward to sequels, fill-ins...

 


#327:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:55 am


Thank you Ann! Lovely and looking forward to more if the bunny bites.

 


#328:  Author: AnnLocation: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:35 pm


I've just been going through reformatting this drabble and there's a post missing on page 10! I assume it's been lost in transit.

Could a kindly mod please reinsert it if I email a copy of the missing section to them?

For anyone reading this in the archives, all parts are present and correct Wink - Gem

 




The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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

Page 1 of 1

Powered by phpBB 2.0.6 © 2001,2002 phpBB Group