JO RETURNS TO THE OBERLAND 23/7/05

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#1: JO RETURNS TO THE OBERLAND 23/7/05 Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 2:50 pm

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Jo Maynard sat sulkily on the aircraft taking her back to Switzerland. She did wish that they did direct flights, these stop-overs were quite exhausting
Her room last night had been over the hotel ballroom, and the dancing had gone on until three in the morning. This, in spite of asking for a very quiet room!

And why had the cabin staff seen fit to change her seat? She had been quite specific, only an aisle seat would do, so why was she sitting here in the centre seat between a snoring businessman and a rather ( very, be truthful, Jo) plump lady who was overflowing from her own seat onto Jo's.

It wouldn't have hurt that family with two young children to be split up instead of taking her seat across the aisle. When the Maynards went travelling, Anna seemed to be able to manage any number of small children at a given time, so why those two children needed two parents, she didn't know.

She had asked several times for her seat to be changed, but the stewardess kept refusing. She would definitely be having a word with the airline as soon as she had reached home and got her stuff unpacked.

The real problem was that she was still seething inside from the treatment she had received in Australia. The cheek of it, Jem speaking to her in that way, and even taking Josette's side against her aunt. Jo expected far, far better than that. And then there were the phone calls, Jem had had no right to refuse to pay for them, she'd made the calls whilst trying to find Madge and release her from the dreadful Lunatic Asylum that Jem had incarcerated her in. A little voice inside her head told her that she heard the truth from the doorman, but she quickly stifled it.

To tell the truth, she was looking forward to getting home, seeing Jack's face eagerly scanning the crowd to look for her in the Arrivals Hall at the airport, then the drive home and the opportunity to relax a little. It would be good to see him again, and of course, she was looking forward to some pampering from Anna, her faithful maid of all work. She could just imagine the tea that Anna would place in front of her. This airline food wasn't up to much - no cream cakes, no lemon biscuits, and certainly no cups of tea just when she rang for them.

Only another hour's flight to go. She really couldn't wait.

Last edited by Jennie on Sat Jul 23, 2005 2:44 pm; edited 36 times in total

 

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#2:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 3:00 pm

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Yay! You've started already!!! Thanks, Jennie.

 

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#3:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 3:11 pm

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Thanks Jennie! Glad you succumbed to the plot bunnies...

 

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#4:  Author: Katie, Location: A Yorkshire lass in London Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 3:30 pm

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Yay - thank you Jennie! Not sure that Jo's going to get the welcome she's looking for, though...

 

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#5:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 3:38 pm

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Yay Jennie!!!!!!

Thank you!

 

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#6:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 4:08 pm

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See you stifled your usual love of giving Jo a hard time then, Jennie!


Wonderful, sooooo pleased to see this - when will Jo finally get it through her head that she acted wrongly - I really, really hope she does - but not for a while, Jennie - I love reading this.

 

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#7:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 4:20 pm

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Thank you Jennie! Marvellous! Simply divine!

*bounces*

 

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#8:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 4:27 pm

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Ooh, I can't wait until she gets back to Freudesheim!

 

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#9:  Author: tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 4:47 pm

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* Echoing everyone else*

Thanks for continuing this!!

 

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#10:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 6:29 pm

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Woohoo! There's more

I can't wait to see Jo tell Jack what happened!

 

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#11:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 7:08 pm

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Yay, Jennie! Thank you.

 

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#12:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 7:11 pm

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I don't think Jo is going to get the welcome she expected

Thanks for writing more of this Jennie.

 

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#13:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 7:48 pm

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Hurrah Jennie!!! Thank you sooooooooooooooooooo much!!!!

*cant wait for Jo to get home!!!*

 

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#14:  Author: keren, Location: Israel Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 8:03 pm

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Thanks, thanks.
I really enjpyed the Jossette story, so happy to read this.

 

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#15:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 10:48 pm

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Thank you Jennie!

So glad the forcefield's proved to be mobile and flexible...

 

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#16:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 12:42 am

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Oh, goody!! I would send your bunny some lettuce, but it would probably wilt in the mail...

 

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#17:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 6:44 am

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Thanks Jennie

Hope Jem brings Jack up to speed with what's been happening

 

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#18:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 7:57 am

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Glad you managed to start the next episode so quickly, Jennie.

Looking forward to seeing what Jack does.

 

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#19:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 11:30 am

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'Really, this last hour was taking longer than the entire rest of the journey. If those two children hadn't woken up it would have been tolerable. Why on earth can't their mother and father stop them crying? It's been going on for far too long.'

The stewardess arrived with competent help, drinks and after the two small children had been pacified, gave them some lollipops which completed the process. As the poor girl told herself, 'Well, at least that old bat across the aisle won't be able to complain about the noise. She can't have much experience of looking after children, not with the way she kept demanding that I split the family up just so she could have the aisle seat. I hope she had a truly uncomfortable time of it, she deserves it.'

Finally, the sign came on to tell the passengers to fasten their seat belts. After the aircraft had touched down and taxied to a halt, the cabin staff began to deplane the passengers. Jo was seething. The woman in the aisle seat unfastened her seatbelt slowly, stood up equally slowly, removed her hand luggage from the overhead locker with all the speed of a snail, then dragged out the process of putting on her coat. Jo fumed silently; she knew that Jack would be waiting impatiently to hold her in his arms and welcome her home.

Finally, she managed to get out of her seat, pick up her belongings and walk to the entrance. As she approached, she noticed that the stewardess' smile which had been friendly and charming grew a little strained and, well, professional was the only word that she could use about it. Never mind that, just Passport Control and Customs to get through. Jack would be waiting in Arrivals for her, he could see to her luggage.

She walked across the tarmac to the buildings to join the queue filing through Passport Control. She began to imagine all the things that she would have to tell Jack on the drive from Zurich to the Platz, and the consoling words that he would use to her to soothe her wounded feelings. she could almost hear them, as he joined in her criticism of Jem and Josette. And she would make very sure that Ailie knew just how annoyed her aunt had been about her treatment whilst she was in Australia.

 

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#20:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 11:42 am

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You can tell Jo writes fiction - she even thinks it

Looking forward to the *fond* reunion with Jack

 

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#21:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 11:58 am

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Love the strained and 'professional'smile of the stewardess, and her thought that 'the old bat' can't have much experience with children!!"!

Thanks Jennie - wonder how Joey's going to get her luggage?

 

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#22:  Author: keren as guest,  Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 1:07 pm

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Jennie wrote:

she knew that Jack would be waiting impatiently to hold her in his arms and welcome her home. .

Somehow in this drabble I don't think!

 

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#23:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 1:36 pm

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This is wonderfully funny Jennie!!!

 

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#24:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 4:15 pm

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Less than an hour later, Jo was sitting forlornly in Arrivals. Jack had been nowhere to be seen when she finally passed through Customs and then strode confidently out into the large, echoing hall. She had had to manhandle her own cases, too. The airport staff had been very firm about that, making her go to pick them up herself, with not a single luggage trolley in sight. And if she wanted a cup of coffee before she made an irate phone call to Freudesheim, she was going to have to carry them into the cafeteria.

Where on earth was he, it just wasn't like him to be late. Well, she wasn't going to sit here and just meekly wait for him.

She carried her suitcases over to the rank of telephone boxes and inserted some money into the slot. She could hear the phone ringing, but no-one answered. Then she remembered that it was Wednesday, Anna's day off. Well, Anna might have sacrificed her days off, she knew that Jo had gone to Australia on an errand of mercy. Where was Rosli? She ought to have been at home, getting the children up from their afternoon naps. This was most peculiar. Words would definitely be spoken, very clearly, when she finally arrived home.

Then she phoned the San. The telephonist there seemed surprised to hear from her. In response to Jo's demands to be put through to Jack, she utterly refused.

'Dr. Maynard is in the operating theatre, Mrs. Maynard. He has a full list of operations today, and I cannot posssibly drag him out of the theatre. I'm sorry, Mrs Maynard, but you surely understand that I cannot.'

Jo could hardly believe her ears. Jack knew she was coming home today, knew that she would be arriving in Zurich, knew that she would be needing to be fetched from the airport, so where was he? Another person to speak to.

In desperation, Jo called the School, asking to be put through to Hilda. The voice at the other end of the phone was unfamiliar, and the person seemed very reluctant to allow her to speak to Hilda, but eventually gave in.

Hilda's response was not encouraging.

'Jo, how can I possible send anyone to Zurich to fetch you? Haven't you realised that it's the middle of the public exams and the school exams for the lower forms? Send Rosalie, all the way to Zurich to fetch you? Absolutely impossible, we're having to use her to invigilate, as we have two members of staff down with severe colds. I'm sorry Jo, but it cannot be done. Why don't you take a taxi to the station, then get the train to Interlaken? Phone from there. I know Jack has a busy day today, but he might have finished his theatre list by the time you arrive. I'm sorry that I can't be more help, but I have to finish this conversation now. I'm due to invigilate an 'A' Level exam in two minutes. Bye.'

With that, Hilda put the phone down.

Jo stared at the instrument. Hilda had put the phone down on her! Then she realised that if she was going to get home at all, she would have to do it under her own steam. The really puzzling thing was why Jack was treating her this way.

 

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#25:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 4:20 pm

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Can't believe the gall of Joey, phoning the School like that. Does she believe they should just drop everything to pander to her every whim?

Glad Hilda was firm, though hope she will give Joey a few home truths before this has ended.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#26:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 4:22 pm

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Maybe we should pity Jo for such extreme stupidity? But it's just so much more fun to laugh at her!

Thank you Jenni - brilliant!

 

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#27:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 4:39 pm

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Jo obviously has no idea about what she is doing, Im certain that Jennie will ensure she learns fast!!

*feels sorry for Ailie and hopes she will be well protected*

Thanks Jennie

 

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#28:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 4:58 pm

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I hope Jo has a horrible train jounry as well - serves her right!

Love the line about not having experience of looking after children! Lol!

 

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#29:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 6:06 pm

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Thanks Jennie - glad to see this and so soon too!

Hope the taxi driver can cope with Jo!

Liz

 

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#30:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 9:19 pm

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Yay! This is excellent - thank you for making such a quick start Jennie

 

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#31: Joey returns to the Oberland Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 10:22 pm

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Echoes all the thanks for the quick start to this Jennie - I can see it's going to be great.

Clearly, Jo is in the dog-house all round - just *what* she will say to Jack when she finally sees him rather boggles the imagination! But I think Jack won't take too much notice - after all, it's Jo who is thoroughly wrong-footed here!

Looking forward to more, please.

 

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#32:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 1:06 am

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Loving this Jennie


But was hoping for a bit more trauma getting through customs

 

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#33:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 1:09 am

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None so blind as those that will not see...
Oh, but this will be fun!

 

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#34:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 2:07 am

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Well if Jem could reform so can Joey.














OK so maybe I'm cherishing a useless hope.

 

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#35:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 2:13 am

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Love the stewardess' mental comments!

Thanks Jennie - now eagerly awaiting Jo's struggle with her luggage through Customs, finally reaching Arrivals to find...what??

ETA: should have read page 2 first. Absolutely loved Hilda's reaction. Agree it's more fun to laugh at this Jo than to pity her.

Er, I suppose Jo has enough money for a taxi from the airport to the station and then for a train to Interlaken?

. . . . . .

 

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#36:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 5:06 am

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It does sound as if everyone knows Jo is in the doghouse

thank you Jennie. Your Jo is always hilarious

 

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#37:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 10:34 am

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I wish I could feel sorry for Jo, but I'm finding it really hard
I don't think it's going to get any better for Jo.

Thanks Jennie

 

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#38:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 11:27 am

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I just didn't want to draw out he agony too much, the best is yet to come.

Blushes modestly.

 

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#39:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 11:51 am

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*is disappointed that wasn't an update*

Looking forward to it when it's ready Jennie

Liz

 

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#40:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 12:11 pm

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Jennie wrote:

I just didn't want to draw out he agony too much, the best is yet to come. Blushes modestly.

Can't wait, if the best is yet to come.

It's been pretty *best* all the way through, so you don't need to blush *modestly* or any other way.

 

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#41:  Author: Sarah_G-G, Location: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time! Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 12:21 pm

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Yay! I'm glad this was started so quickly! This is *very* amusing so far.

 

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#42:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 8:10 pm

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Sitting on the train to Interlaken, Jo fumed. She had not managed to get a seat for ages; really, some of these young men and women needed to be be taught a thing or two. The young woman who had been the true target of Jo's wrath had just managed to get off the train at Biel, hampered as she was by carrying a small child and her luggage, and the fact that she was quite clearly in the later stages of pregnancy. Still, Jo thought irascibly, she ought to have given me her seat, she's much younger than I am. Jo was also studiously ignoring the fact that there were several complaints about her suitcases which she had placed in the middle of the compartment, thus denying adequate legroom to everyone but herself.

She expected that Jack would be at the station to meet her. Well, when she arrived, she was jolly well going to treat herself to Kaffee und Kuchen before she went a step further. Good, Bern coming up, not long to Interlaken.

She back and rehearsed her grievances, debating with herself the right way to tackle the miscreants. Anna, she shouldn't have deserted her post, not whilst Jo was away. She should be grateful for such a comfortable, well-paid job. Her relatives in Austria were still poor as church mice, according to Anna. It was those large families that they chose to have, it was unwise to have more mouths than you could afford to feed. Jo carefully ignored the fact that Anna was a model of domestic economy; without her, the Maynards would never be able to live as well as they did.

Then Rosli, she was going to get it in the neck, fancy not answering the phone when her mistress was calling. The fact that Rosli was probably getting the children up from their naps was no excuse, she had two hands, didn't she?

A little coldness would probably bring Hilda to heel, just to let her know how very much let down Jo was feeling. It really wouldn't have hurt to send the small car to Zurich to pick her up. Yes, well, a few weeks would soon have Hilda realising just how important Jo was. Let her come begging.

As for Ailie, that little madam was going to regret every single minute of the times that Jem and Josette had spent defying her and answering back. She would be very sure to invite Ailie over for tea, then send a message at the last minute to say that it wasn't convenient for Ailie to come. And invite the form-mates that she least liked and make them very welcome.

These and other vengeful thought kept her occupied until she saw the outskirts of Interlaken come into view. She began to gather her things together and was very gratified to find that her glares had two of the men in the compartment rising to their feet to seize the handles of her suitcases. She smiled at them with her utmost graciousness, and preceded them from the train.The smile soon left her face when, having climbed down, she saw the two 'gentlemen' dropping her cases from the train to the platform and she studiously ignored the comments that they made in Schweitzerdeutsch.

Summoning a porter with an imperious wave of her hand, she ordered him to watch over her luggage whilst she went to have coffee. Then her eyes began to search the platform for the sight that she had been longing for. Where was Jack?

 

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#43:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 8:17 pm

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I'm quite certain that Jack is still far too busy to come and meet her. There's a train up to the Platz isn't there?!!!

 

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#44:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 8:18 pm

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Pat, really, what a suggestion!

 

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#45:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 8:32 pm

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Is there ANY redeeming feature in this woman?

Thanks, Jennie.

 

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#46:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 8:48 pm

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Jo lingered for an hour over her Kaffee und Kuchen, but no Jack appeared to sweep her off to the Platz. She was getting more than a little annoyed by his dereliction of duty, it was too bad of him to put his vocation as a doctor before her need for comfortable transport. Finally, looking at her watch, she realised that she had better get moving if she wanted to catch the last train up the mountain. It was that or pay to stay in a hotel overnight, and her finances definitely did not stretch to the sort of hotel that Jo would enjoy staying in.

She went out onto the platform and found her cases had been left outside the Cafe door. She was sorry that she hadn't noted down the porter's number, or she would have made sure to report him the following morning. She dragged her cases to the small station, and heaved them onto the train. She felt her spirits lifting as the train glided silently up the tracks. She was nearly home, almost safe and sound. She would leave her cases at the small station overnight, someone could deliver them to Freudesheim the next day. If all she had to carry was her handbag and one or two other bits and pieces, she could manage the walk home. Though, a lift would be very much appreciated, and woe betide Jack Maynard if he wasn't at that station to meet her.

He wasn't. Jo trudged home, feeling more and more sorry for herself. There were no lights on at the front of the house, and no response to the repeated pealing of the bell. Jo rummaged in her handbag, found her key and let herself in. The house was absolutely silent. No-one came in answer to her calls. Where on earth were they all? Those servants were definitely going to get it in the neck in the morning. So was Jack.

She dragged herself upstairs, and went into the Nursery. It was empty, so was the night nursery. Where on earth were her children, and what did Rosli think she was playing at?

Then Jo went into her bedroom and sitting on the bed, found herself falling asleep before she could stop herself.

 

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#47:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 8:55 pm

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Well I can't decide if I want to wring her neck or just shoot her!! And the bit I really hated was her thoughts on how she was going to punish Aillie for what happened to her in Australia - nasty woman.


Thanks Jennie.

 

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#48:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 9:07 pm

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Quote:

The house was absolutely silent. No-one came in answer to her calls. Where on earth were they all?

Keeping well out of the way if they have any sense

Cowering in the cellar?

Thank you Jennie. Your Joey is always deliciously evil

 

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#49:  Author: JustJen, Location: waiting for a bus Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 9:23 pm

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Alright more of this drabble. YEAH!!!
I can't believe how selflish Joey is being. Can't wait for Jack to show up. Hopeful he's grown a backbone.

 

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#50:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 9:33 pm

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She suffered a rude awakening the next morning. She came out of a very sound sleep to discover that Jack was shaking her roughly by the shoulder.

'Wake up, wake up. What do you think you're playing at? The front door was wide open all night. Anyone could have got in and stolen all our possessions. When did you arrive? I don't suppose it occurred to you to phone the San to let me know that you'd got back. It's just typical of you, think of yourself and put everyone else second.'

'Just a minute, I sent you a cable, telling you when I was coming back, so why weren't you there to meet me?'

'You said that you were coming back today. Did you forget to calculate for the time difference?'

'Oh, I suppose I must have done, but that doesn't excuse you.........'

He cut in brutally. 'Perhaps this will. Anna was trying to do too much whilst you were away on your 'Errand Of Mercy'. She's had a heart-attack. She's in the San and frankly, we don't know whether she'll recover. If she does live, we'll have to send her back to Austria with a decent pension.'

'But, but, what are we.............?'

'Another typical utterance from you, Jo. Self, self, self. What you really mean is 'Who's going to do the housework and cooking, don't you?'

The expression on her face told him that his assumption was absolutely correct.

'Rosli, where has she taken the children? There was no-one here last night when I got in.'

'The babies and Rosli are staying with Hilary Graves, the older ones are in Montreux with Winnie Embury.'

Jo was taken aback by the chilliness with which he spoke to her, and the realisation that this was far from the joyful supportive reunion that she had envisaged.

It was clear from the expression on Jack's face that he had not finished, not by a long chalk.

 

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#51:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 9:36 pm

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Poor Anna. Hope she does recover.

Joey needs a slap for thinking first of herself when told of that news.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#52:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 9:41 pm

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Oh poor Anna!

And vindictive is too mild to describe Jo!

 

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#53:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 10:43 pm

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Noooooooo! Jennie, you can't kill off Anna!

 

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#54:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 11:02 pm

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Poor Anna She deserves a damn good break and an even better pension is she lives!

Thanks for the many updates Jennie!

 

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#55:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 11:07 pm

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Yes, thanks for many updates Jennie - and poor old Anna! Selfish Jo!!

 

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#56:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 11:12 pm

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Felt slightly sorry for Jo there when she got woken up like that!

 

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#57:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 12:27 am

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Oh, poor Anna - the first decent rest the poor woman's had for years! Jack appears to be following Jem's ne and shining example. And what a b*tch Jo is thinking of punishing Ailie like that!

 

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#58:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 6:41 am

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Poor Anna! I hope she goes off with a nice pension and enjoys her retirement!

Fancy Jo forgetting the time difference

Thanks Jennie.

*sends extra spine stiffening medicine to Jack*

 

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#59:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 9:45 am

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Jennie, just found this and it's great! Isn't Joey horrible! Boo hiss to her. Poor Anna Hope she is OK.

 

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#60:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 12:59 pm

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Thanks Jennie!

Slightly surprised Anna didn't have LESS work to do when Jo wasn't around!

Liz

 

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#61:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 4:11 pm

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Thankyou Jennie!

Ooh Jo is deliciously evil isnt she? Glad that Jack's standing up to her - bout bl**dy time too!

 

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#62:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 5:39 pm

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Poor Anna. I do hope she recovers and has a long long retirement with a decent pension.

I have a feeling you are going to really enjoy writing the evil Joey and all that befalls her!!!

 

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#63:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 8:55 pm

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that woman needs a good shaking!!!!

poor anna - i hope she recovers!

 

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#64:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 8:03 pm

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Just caught up with this. Poor Anna - I hope she's OK.
Jo is so awful in this - she's acting like a spoilt schoolchild. I hope Jack gives her a good talking to.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#65:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 9:33 pm

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Oooh, I just thought what if Anna has been mentioning symptoms to Jo for ages, that if Jo had encouraged her to tell Jack about, could have averted the heart attack?

 

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#66:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:29 am

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'But, but Jack, when she told me before I left for Australia that she was having some pains in her chest, I thought that she'd been over-eating, and she was having indigestion. I told her it was nothing to worry about. I'm sorry it's happened, though. I suppose that I'd better try to find some time to go to visit her within the next few days.'

'That's so gracious and magnanimous of you, Jo.' was all that she received from Jack as a response to her less than eager statement.

Jo's thoughts were almost unprintable. Well, Anna was just a servant, not an important Paying patient in the San. She supposed that she would have to go to visit, after all, it might help Anna to get better and to resume her duties fairly quickly.

Jack's next words infuriated her.

'I'm tired, I've been working for twenty-four hours solid. I need some sleep, but before that, I need some breakfast. Have it ready in half an hour, please. Oh, and bring up some hot water for me to wash and shave, will you?'

'Jack, really, I'm not a housemaid. I don't mind cooking your breakfast, if I must, but, really.'

Jack looked suitably underimpressed by this statement.

'I know you're not a housemaid, Jo, but then, neither is Josette. That didn't stop you trying to break up the party that she was giving, or stop you demanding that she leave her guests to prepare a room for you, did it?'

Jo started to flounce out of the room, but Jack's voice brought her to a halt.

'Rosli's handed in her notice. It seems that she hasn't had a pay rise since we came out here, and Hilary and Biddy are both prepared to pay her more, so she's going to work for them, while they're going back to work part-time. Perhaps it was a good thing that you went off to Australia, it gave people here a breathing space to think about things.'

'But she can't do that, she knows how much I depend on her. How on earth would I be able to do everything? If Anna can't work, Rosli must see that she'll be needed more than ever.'

'She does, that's why she's handed in her notice. Think about it.'

 

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#67:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:32 am

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GO JACK!

Finally a man I can respect! You tell her!


Thank you Jennie!

 

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#68:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:34 am

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Wonderful, wonderful Jack.

He's obviously been coached by Jem, and coached very well indeed.

Jo, in the kitchen??

 

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#69:  Author: AnnaJ,  Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:46 am

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But Jo has 'cooked' before. In 'Goes to Oberland' doesn't she make a picnic full of strangely flavoured sandwiches because she wanted to be different?

Jo turned to and cut sandwiches with as many different fillings as she could devise.
“Some of them are a trifle – unusual,” she remarked to Daisy, who was arranging little tables in the Saal and the study.
“Unusual? What have you been up to?” Daisy demanded with suspicion.
“Just trying a few experiments,” Jo said meekly. “Will you and Laurie be dog?”
“I thought there was a catch on it somehow.” But Daisy obligingly helped herself from the nearest plate and nibbled cautiously.
Jo watched her while she chewed. “Well?” she said.
Daisy looked at it. “It’s – peculiar,” she said. “What’s in it?”
“Mashed-up sardines and slices of banana,” Jo confessed.
Daisy gave her a horrified look. “Jo! Whatever possessed you to mix two things like that together? You’ll have everyone sick!”
“Do you feel sick?” Jo demanded with point.
Daisy grinned at her. “No but I always did have the digestion of an ostrich. What’s in this lot?”
“Cream cheese and chutney – Indian chutney. And these are egg and lettuce for conservatively minded folk – oh, and these are apple slices and garden cress.”
Laurie chuckled and helped himself to one made of rye bread. He took a healthy bite. Then he removed it rapidly.
“Oh, no, Jo!” he protested. “Have mercy on your guests’ mouths – and tummies! What under the sun have you put into this?” He removed the top layer of bread and examined it with interest.
“That’s ham spread with curry.”
“Curry? Don’t you tell me! There’s a lot more than innocent curry in that!”
“Curry – and one or two red peppers,” she returned.
“Half a pound or so, more like! Hi, Jack! Come here! Your wife is trying to bump off her innocent friends with sandwich fillings! Come and stop her!”
“Well, you get so sick of the ordinary things,” Jo pointed out. “I thought I’d be original. And there are some of the more ordinary kinds, as I told Daisy.”
“A lot too original by half if the thing I tried is a true sample. You’d better let us know the worst. What’s this conglomeration, for instance?”
Jack came and peered at the creamy-looking pink mixture. Then he sniffed. “Garlic, as I’m a living sinner! What else, Jo?”
“Finely minced beetroot. But these are ground peanuts and paprika pepper. You can’t say anything about those,” Jo argued.
“And these?” Jack had opened yet another. He sniffed at it suspiciously. Then he tasted it. “This isn’t too bad. What is it?”
“Cream cheese and orange marmalade.”
“Well I’ll give you credit for being original if you like. But some of those mixtures of yours are the abomination of desolation.
Jo protested, but the men were firm. They cautiously sampled all she had made and flatly declined to allow some of the more striking combinations to be used.
“You turn to and cut a lot of the ordinary kind that everyone likes,” her husband told her severely. “And the next time you want to be original about sandwich fillings, just you come and have a heart-to-heart talk with me about it first.”
“There’s any amount without Jo bothering to cut any more,” Daisy said. “We’ve lots of wild strawberries – Miss Wilson brought them up from Welsen – and Anna’s whipping the cream for them this minute. Shove all those weirder kinds into a cupboard somewhere, Jo, and I’ll eat what I can of them. I detest waste!”
“Oh, no, you won’t!” her husband told her. “We’re going back to England tomorrow and I don’t want to have you dying on my hands as a bright wind-up to the honeymoon! Jo can chuck them on to the bonfire. That’s all they’re fit for!”
Jack backed him up, so “the weirder ones” were disposed of in the incinerator and Jo was left to bewail the waste of good bread and butter.


Fantastic update, I've gone back to read your other drabbles, written before I came on the board.

 

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#70:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:56 am

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Great update - I love Jo in this actually even though she is eeeeeevil! No nonsense Jack is good as well Thanks Jennie!

 

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#71:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 10:17 am

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Jo went off down to the kitchen, really, it was too much to be given orders in that way. She considered that she had been a kind, generous employer to bot Anna and Rosli, so why on earth they were behaving in this way was beyond understanding.

Then the grim reality of her situation began to sink into her consciousness. No Anna, that meant that she, Jo, would have to do all the housework. No Rosli, She, Jo, would have to do all the childcare. She would have to cope with nursery-age toddlers, all the cooking, all the housework, her mind was running in the same groove until hse couldn't begin to think of a solution.

She washed her hands and face in cold water, thinking longingly of a long, hot bath. Then she switched the kettle on to boil, a cup of coffee would help her. Then Jack's irritable voice came bellowing down the stairs.

'Where's the hot water I asked you to bring up? Why are you taking all day with it?'

She poured the now boiling water into a jug, and carried it back upstairs. Jack was still quite clearly in a bad mood and even she did not dare to attempt to re-open the discussion about their household staff. She hoped that there were plenty of eggs in the kitchen, she could manage scrambled eggs and toast, with cereal and milk before that, and perhaps there was some marmalade. If she could get Jack fed, he would probably go to bed for several hours. That would give her time to make plans. The situation perhaps wasn't quite as dire as she had imagined. The triplets were always an enormous help during the holidays, so they could take charge of the housework and the nursery, and perhaps do some of the cooking.

Then she had an idea. She would get the hot water switched on, then have a nice bath after breakfast, put on clean clothes, then stroll over to the school. Hilda was bound to offer her the services of one of the maids from the school, once she knew how Jo was situated.

She served breakfast to the waiting Jack. Instead of speaking pleasantly to her, he ate in an ominous silence. He sorted through the post, taking his own letters and silently handing hers over to her. Then he left the dining room and she heard his footsteps slowly climbing the stairs.

 

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#72:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 11:38 am

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Last installment for today.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Having carried out the first steps of her plan with ease, Jo was confident that everything else was going to fall into place. She'd had a good night's sleep, even if breakfast had been somewhat tense. She'd had a bath and dressed in clean, fresh clothes. Thinking of clothes reminded her that she had better get Gaudenz to nip to the station to bring her suitcases back for her, it wouldn't take him long, and she knew that he'd be glad to do it for her. Once she had one of the maids from school working for her, life would be very much easier, especially as she had every intention of offering Rosli more money to stay with her.

She sauntered into the school, and down the corridor to Rosalie's office. The school's secretary did not seem as pleased to see her as she ought, but Jo ignored that, putting it down to the stress of the examination period.

'Hello, Rosalie. I'm back, so I thought that I'd pop over to see Hilda, give her all my news. Is she free, by any chance?'

'Yes, she is free, but she's extremely busy, I'll have to get her on the intercom to see if she's got time for you.'

Rosalie suited her actions to her words. Jo heard everything that passed, and she was sure that she had heard a sigh issuing from Hilda's mouth. then came the words,

'Send her in, Rosalie. Let her know that I can't give her much time, we're very busy at the moment.'

Jo went through the door into Hilda's study, and seated herself on the big, comfortable sofa. Smiling brightly at the Headmistress, she said in her most golden tones, 'Well, I'm back from Australia, so I thought that I'd pop over to see you.'

'Yes,' replied Hilda. 'I understand that you had an interesting time out there.' There was something carefully neutral in her voice that warned Jo that matters might not be all plain sailing, but ignoring it, she pressed on with her speech.

'It seems that I've come back to several problems. I'm making the time to visit Anna this afternoon, I hope that I can cheer her up and get her on the road to a full recovery.'

'Jo, Anna will never fully recover. She will certainly never again be able to take the load of domestic responsibility that she has had for far too long. And, before you say anything more, I am aware that Rosli has handed in her notice. So, you will be without a nursery maid. Still, her new job with Hilary and Biddy means that she will be earning more money for less work, and both Hilary and Biddy will be coming back to teach part-time. That's one of my problems solved.'

'That's one thing that I wanted to discuss with you, Hilda. As you know, this means that I'm going to be without domestic help for some time. I know that you'll be glad to let me have one of the maids from school to help with the housework. It really can't matter to them whether they're working for the school or for me. Make sure that whoever it is knows that there will be some time off during the week, but will need to be flexible.'

'As opposed to time off every day? Jo, it's high time that you grew up. We are short of domestic workers here. We don't have a maid to spare, surely you realise that? In addition, we offer a salary and a pension. What are you offering? The same pension terms? Why should one of them want to give up a job here to work for you for for very short holidays and limited time off? I'm not going to ask them to do it, and you won't get the opportunity.'

'But Hilda, you know I can't manage by myself, not with the house and the children and everything. Oh, I know the triplets will be able to do a lot during the holidays, but I really need the help now.'

'I'm sorry, Jo. You've had it easy until now, but I'm afraid that we're not going to be able to help you out of this situation. I'm working with an overstretched staff as it is, and I can't put any more onto them. The Swiss government has regulations, and we have to stick to them. Sorry, but that's my final word.'

Jo was amazed. this wasn't going according to plan.

'Well, I must say that this is a bitter disappointment to me, Hilda. I feel positively let down. Well, if you won't do that little thing for me, you won't. I suppose it's too much to ask that Gaudenz takes the small car down to the Platz station to pick up my luggage. I had to leave it there last night.'

'I'm afraid it is. He wrenched his back a couple of days ago, and it's all he can do to move folding exam desks and the chairs when necessary. We wanted him to take time off, bt he insists on doing that for us. Putting heavy suitcases into the back of a car would be too much for him.'

Jo was appalled, none of her plans were going as she wished. She made a final bid.

'Oh, by the way, I'd like to see Ailie for a few minutes, just to let her know how her mother's getting on.' That was one request that Hilda could not refuse.

'She's in an exam at the moment, Jo, and she's not going to be called out for that. Anyway, you have no idea how her mother is, do you? You didn't manage to see Madge whilst you were in Australia.'

'Oh well, if that's the case, I'll have her over for tea on Sunday.'

Hilda's voice, which had been cool before, now became glacial.

'No, we have received written instructions from Sir James. You are to have no contact with his daughter, none at all.'

Without a word, Jo got up, stormed out of the Study, past an astonished Rosalie, and stamped back to Freudesheim.

 

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#73:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:03 pm

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You tell her, Hilda!

 

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#74:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:06 pm

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Well done Jem for sending a letter. The last thing Ailie wants is the Aunt from Hell on her back!

It looks as if everyone has had time to think

thank you Jennie. I'm enjoying hating your Jo again!

 

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#75:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:42 pm

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It seems like this is the first time that Hilda, Jack etc. have treated Jo like this - it's almost cruel if they've let her get away with her behaviour for all that time and are now turning on her without warning.

Or has she just ridden rough-shod over them and completly over-ridden their protests for years and now all the worms are turning at once?

Liz

 

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#76:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 2:24 pm

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It seemed to me that Jo always expected people to put themselves out for her, and just accepted that life was always going to provide that for her. I suppose that it's one of the drawbacks of being an idealised character. However, it's not happening here in this drabble, so she'll just have to get on with it.

 

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#77:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 3:01 pm

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Go Hilda! I'm glad that everybody's taking a very firm stand with Jo - she definitely needs it. I think she'll be too busy running the house and seeing to the children, to interfere too much with Ailie.

 

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#78:  Author: Rachel,  Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 3:53 pm

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Very interesting Jennie - lovely Joey in this

 

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#79:  Author: JustJen, Location: waiting for a bus Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 4:04 pm

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My goodness Joey certainly expects everyone to bend over backwards for her doesn't she?
Please don't kill Anna off but please write the scene between Anna and Joey when she goes and visits the san. That should be an interesting conversation!

 

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#80:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 5:51 pm

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Hehehe Go Jack, Go Hilda!!!

I hope Jack will ensure that Jo doesnt use the triplets as her newest maids!!

 

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#81:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 10:37 pm

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Go Hilda! Go Jack! Go Jem!

you write a deliciously nasty Jo, Jennie!

 

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#82:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 10:54 pm

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<gasp> Hilary and Biddy have stolen Rösli! Ungrateful Irish scamp and PE-obsessed snake in the bosom that they are!

Go Jem! Bet Ailie's heaved a sigh of relief.

Go Jack!!!!!

Go Hilda!!!!!

 

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#83:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 12:00 am

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Can't help thinking that Jo's visit to Australia may have been a Tactical Error. Obviously everyone has had time to think!
Go Jack!
Go Hilda!
Go Jem!

And I hope Jo doesn't use emotional blackmail on Len . . .but I'm sure she will!

 

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#84:  Author: ravenseyes, Location: New Zealand Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 2:25 am

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Perhaps some of these people should have woken up before hand. I'm sure Jo didn't just get to be this way all on her own

 

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#85:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 7:32 am

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Excellent!

If the triplets have got any sense, they'll stay at Uni for the holidays! No wonder Margot wants to be a nun and run away to Africa.

 

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#86:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 9:10 am

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thanks Jennie. Am actually finiding Jo hilarious in this! She's like a cross between Hyacinth Bucket and Cruella deVille!

 

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#87:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 1:31 pm

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Jo was feeling very, very disgruntled. Nothing was going right for her. She had had to manouevre the big car out of the garage, and backing it had never been easy for her, (still, it wasn't a big dent in the rear door,) and drive it very slowly down the road to the station to collect her cases. There had been no-one at the station to help her carry them so she had had to take them one at a time and lift them into the car boot. Then when she had got them home, she had had to carry them into the house by herself. She had found herself beginning to call for Anna to take them upstairs before she remembered that Anna was no longer there to heave large burdens up and down stairs for her.

The next problem was clean clothes. That was when it really hit her. Who on earth was going to do all the washing and ironing? She grimly ran the laundry sink full of hot water, put in some soap powder and started to do the washing. Then she had to drag the heavy mangle across to the sink and turn the handle. This was hard work. How on earth had Anna managed the washing and ironing for nineteen people? Then she realised that the person who was going to have to do the washing and ironing for all those people was herself. Oh well, that was another job to allocate to Len during the vacation. Well, Len could do the washing and Margot the ironing. Con could polish the floors. She decided that she would have to spend some time working out a rota for all the jobs, the older children would just have to take the strain of the heavy housework and childcare to leave Jo her time free for the important things in life, such as visiting and receiving her guests.

Then she started to wonder where Rosli could have got to with the children. Surely it was about time for them to be home. When they finally arrived, Rosli would have to start doing the nursery washing. Jo would increase it gradually to take in the entire family wash. Then reality hit her. Rosli wasn't going to be working for her any more. Jo wanted to weep. It was all very well having a long family, and taking in six foster children, but not when she had to do all the work.

She pegged her wet clothes out onto the line and got herself a sandwich for lunch. Then she went off upstairs to change. If she was going to the San for afternoon visiting, she had better hurry up. She had two reasons. The first was that she wanted to look her best when she confronted Biddy and Hilary, and the second was to emphasise that she was till Mrs Maynard, wife of the Head of the San. It wouldn't do to look less than impressive this afternoon.

Whilst she was upstairs, she decided to check that Rosli had left the Nursery quarters in good order. She breezed in, yes, good. All was clean and tidy. then she decided to look into Rosli's little room. It was suspiciously bare. Well of course, Rosli had had to take some clothes with her, and her mending basket. Then the wardrobe door swung open. The cupboard was bare. Jo almost staggered over to the chest of drawers. That was empty, too. It seemed that Rosli had already moved out. What about working out her notice? She would definitely have plenty to say to that young woman when she saw her!

 

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#88:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 1:53 pm

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So is Jo allowed to see Anna, or will she upset her too much?

This is brilliant, Jennie!

 

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#89:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 2:00 pm

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This is wonderful. But I'm almost starting to feel sorry for Jo... *too soft hearted* - even though she is like a combination of Cruella deVille and Hyacinth Bucket!

Thanks Jennie!

 

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#90:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 2:21 pm

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thank you Jennie.

I guess the moral of this tale is don't put up with things till they blow up! Both households seem to have just let things slide for the sake of peace!

Love the comparison with Cruella and Hyacinth.

 

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#91:  Author: JustJen, Location: waiting for a bus Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 5:18 pm

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yeah more of this story.

 

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#92:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 6:05 pm

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Fantastic, Jennie.

Can see Jo's mind going round and round like a hamster in its wheel.

Keep up the excitement!

 

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#93:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 6:47 pm

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Thanks Jennie - just caught up - I wonder if Joey is actually going to learn here - that she has got to change her ideas.

Oh and I sincerely hope the Triplets have caught the same bug that everyone else has - namely the one giving them immunity to the charm of Joey Maynard.

 

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#94:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 12:43 pm

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She's very self-centered isn't she I also hope that the triplets find a good excuse not to come back for their holidays.

 

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#95:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 2:46 pm

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Yay for Rosli, Jack and Hilda Hope Anna will soon be well enough to convalese well away from Joey. Can't wait for the scene between Joey and Anna Maybe the trips ought to have a summer holiday in Guernsey as well

Thank you Jennie - this is fantastic

 

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#96:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 3:05 pm

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On her arrival at the San, Jo swanned into Reception. She greeted the receptionist, asking her for directions to Anna Pfeiffer's ward. Well, there was no chance that Anna would be in a private room, was there? It wasn't as if she could afford to pay for her treatment.

The Receptionist looked rather alarmed, and then told her that she would have to check whether Fraulein Pfeiffer was allowed to have visitors. Jo frowned at this. Wasn't her presence almost guaranteed to ensure that people recovered?

The young woman put the phone down, and informed Jo that she might go through to Intensive Care, but she must not make a noise or attempt to speak to Fraulein Pfeiffer who was still very ill.

That was the outside of enough. Jo was not pleased. She strode off down the corridor, determined to show them who she was. She was met at the ward door by the sister in charge, who would not allow her into the ward until she was wearing a mask and gown.

Jo reluctantly donned these garments, then followed the nurse who had been detailed to escort her. She was brought to a halt in front of a window, and the nurse pointed out a recumbent figure. Jo could barely recognise Anna. The figure lying in the bed had grey hair, a lined face, and furthermore had tubes and drips attached at various points. A monitor bleeped at intervals.

Jo decided to protest.

'That can't be Anna, that person is far too old. Now, where is she? I demand to see her immediately.'

'That is indeed Fraulein Pfeiffer, Mrs Maynard. That's what continuous hard work does to someone, and a massive heart attack hasn't helped her to look any younger.'

'I want to go to her bedside, there are things that I need to tell her. I'm sure that a few words from me would soon have her back on her feet. She really needs to know that I'll keep her job open for her, that would soon bring her round.'

'That's impossible, Mrs Maynard. Only medical and nursing staff are allowed in to see her. And as for going back to work, Fraulein Pfeiffer will be an invalid for the rest of her life, if she survives. Now, if you've looked for long enough, I'll take you back to the door.'

Jo slowly began to realise that this was another situation that she could not control. She turned away and walked back to the entrance to the ward, slowly stripped off the mask and gown, and walked out of the hospital.

She decided that she had better go to see Biddy and Hilary, and also speak to Rosli. She would just have to make her see that she was a vital part of the Maynard family. Rosli would have to come back to work at Freudesheim, Jo simply couldn't cope with everything by herself.

Twenty minutes later, Jo was storming out of Hilary's chalet. Biddy and Hilary had been sitting together in the garden, obviously taking courage from each other. Both had blandly ignored her obvious displeasure with them. All that she had managed to get out of them was that Rosli had asked them if she could come to work for them, and they had immediately agreed to that. Hilda needed more staff to work part-time in History and PE, and they were both anxious to get back to the jobs that they had been trained for. This was an ideal arrangement for them. They would be working on different days, so there would always be a parent around to take charge if need be.

Apparently, Rosli, who had been paid weekly by Jo, had given a week's notice to Jack who had had no choice but to agree to it. She had told him that she felt over-worked and received very little appreciation, and Anna's illness had made her realise that she had no desire to take on the entire running of the Maynard household. She appeared to be very happy with her new small charges.

Then had fallen the final blow.

'Eugen will be bringing the children home at four o'clock, Jo. Now that you're back, there's no need for us to keep them any longer.'

Jo felt betrayed by everyone.

Last edited by Jennie on Sat Jun 04, 2005 4:20 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#97:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 3:58 pm

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Oh Jo - can't you see it's all your own fault?

Thanks Jennie - Maybe she'll start to realise that she can't carry on walking all over people now.

JackieJ

 

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#98:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 4:38 pm

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Poor Anna, I hope that Jo is made to pay for her future care is she does survive.

Who is looking after the nursery peoples if Rosali isnt, nice forgetful Jo who hasnt bothered about them yet.

Thanks Jennie

 

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#99:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 6:33 pm

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I could almost feel sorry for Joey. All these people seem to have run after her and allowed her to have her own carefreee way all her life and then have all seen the light at the same time and decided to change all at once, it must be a huge shock for her.

Mind you, I am loving seeing it all happen to her. Tis going to be good seeing her deal with th nursery kids as well as the house.

 

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#100:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 8:42 pm

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*has a sneaking suspicion that Jo dealing with her children could be quite amusing*

thank you Jennie - I have to say I don't feel sorry for Jo at all. She deserves every bit of what she's getting.

 

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#101:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 2:54 am

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Goodness! Poor Anna!!

Good for Hilary, Biddy and Rösli!!!

Eagerly looking forward to seeing Jo attempt to do what she's had Anna do all these years...

 

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#102:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 12:35 pm

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Jo managed to get home by three o'clock, and began to think about what to do. Fortunately the nursery beds were made up, so that was one problem off her hands. But what was she going to give them for tea? There was very little bread, no time to make cakes and, when she looked in the tins, no biscuits either.

She would have to do something. the one thing that she knew was that she couldn't send the tinies to bed hungry, they'd never sleep. She quickly looked for Anna's recipe book; surely the woman must have had one, she couldn't have stored all her recipes in her head. It wasn't as if Anna had had much education, was it?

Failing to find anything that remotely resembled a cookbook, she quickly put some flour into a large bowl, dropped in some butter (which was quite soft, almost runny as she'd forgotten to put it away after breakfast), rubbed it in to the flour, added sugar, then mixed it up with a couple of eggs. There, that would stop them going hungry, but what it would taste like, heaven knows. She switched on the oven, then found some baking sheets. Dropping large spoonfuls of the mix onto them, she put them in the oven to cook.

The one thing that she was determined to do was to look cool, calm and competent when Eugen arrived with the children.

She decided to check the larder for available foodstuffs, and was dismayed to discover that it was almost bare. She would have to shop soon. But how was she going to manage that with four little ones in tow? Then she remembered that their food was delivered to order from Interlaken. A quick check of the household bills would tell her where to get the stuff from, then a phone call to place the order.

She was able to do this, then remembering her biscuits, dashed into the kitchen just in time to rescue them from complete incineration. Damn, it was obvious that there was more to this housekeeping than receiving guests graciously. It was quite clear, Len and Con would just have to cut short their terms at Oxford, and Margot would have to be recalled from Edinburgh.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a car horn. Oh no, it was Eugen with the children. She slowly went to the front door to greet them, more and more aware that there was more to childcare than pushing the pram out for walks, bathing the babies and giving orders.

 

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#103:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 12:43 pm

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Even with her growing awareness I suspect Jo is in for a nasty shock if she's left to look after the kids on her own. I'm starting to get an annoying feeling of pity for her, Jack and the others must have some idea how impossible this is going to be for her. Then again perhaps she needs to hit rock bottom before she can improve!

Thanks Jennie

 

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#104:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 1:35 pm

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To make matters worse, Eugen had been fairly short with her, just getting the children out of the car, then taking their bags out of the boot, without saying very much. Jo had wanted to scream at him, but remained on her dignity as Mrs. Maynard.

She was just ushering the children into the house when Jack came down the stairs, whistling cheerfully.

'I hope there's something decent for dinner this evening, Jo. I missed some meals yesterday, and I'm hungry. What's for tea, by the way?'

Er, well, I've made some biscuits for the children. Actually, there's not much in the larder at all, so I don't know what we'll be having for dinner.'

'Well, didn't you do some shopping and cooking today? You knew that you'd have to something about food, didn't you?'

'Well, actually, I went to see Anna this afternoon, then onto see Biddy and Hilary. Look, I've got to give the children their tea.'

At that moment, Geoff, phil and Marie -Claire set up a howl.

'Want Rosli, want bikkit!'

Jo was appalled, the children calling for Rosli instead of her.

She turned to Jack, saying, 'I'll have to deal with this, Jack, I can't cope with dinner and nursery tea. Come into the kitchen and I'll tell you my plan.'

With that, she ushered the children into the kitchen, then sat them down at the table. Hurriedly placing the biscuits on a plate, she gave one each to the children, then dashed into the larder to find some milk for them. She poured the last of the milk into their cups, then told them to eat and drink quietly.

The children were having none of that. They spat out the milk and then tried the biscuits. Their faces reflected the awful taste.

'Nasty, don't want.'

Phil and Marie-Claire joined in with this.

Jo had no idea what to do. It didn't help that Jack was standing there with a curious expression on his face. She could swear that he was trying not to laugh at her predicament.

Quickly getting the children some bread and butter, she placed it in front of them. Once the children had started to eat, she turned to Jack and said despairingly.

'The triplets will just have to come home early to take charge of the housework and cooking and everything. I can't manage alone, Jack, there's too much to do. I wasn't expecting to come home to this muddle. I thought that everything would run smoothly whilst I was away. Goodness knows, I gave Anna and Rosli enough training, didn't I?'

'Unfortunately, Jo, it's not possible to train a heart not to have an attack, especially when the heart's owner has been overworked for years.' Jack was at his driest as he said this.

Then he astounded her.

'By the way, the triplets aren't coming home for a long time. Margot is staying in Edinburgh, working as an orderly in the Blue Nuns' hospital, and Len and Con are going to do some work with a project for the homeless. It's being run by their colleges, so they'll get board and lodging whilst they're working. They won't be home until the beginning of September, then it will be for two or three weeks. I agreed to this when they asked me, and I'm not going back on my word to them, not so that they can come home to slave at the housework for you.'

'But Jack, I'll soon have sixteen people to do everything for. You know I can't manage all that work by myself, it's too much to expect that I can.'

'You expected Anna to do it all, didn't you? Now you're finding out what other mothers with long families have to cope with. I doubt if we'll manage to find any domestic help on the Platz. The San employs all the available people, or the school. They pay better than you're prepared to, so it's no wonder.'

But Jack, all the washing for sixteen people, how will I manage to do all the sheets and towels?'

'I don't know, Jo. That's your problem. You were the one who said that Anna could cope when I I wanted to buy a washing machine. There's no money for one, either. If you hadn't wasted all that royalty cheque on airfares and hotel bills, we might have managed to buy one, but as it is..'

Jo was silenced.

 

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#105:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 2:05 pm

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Not really feeling very sorry for Jo - she has brought it on herself - especially with Jack's comment about the washing machine.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#106:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 2:13 pm

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What annoys me most about Joey in this is that she seems to think she is above all the day to day chores but thinks everyone else can just do it - if she can't cook for the family, how does she just assume that the triplets can!

Grrr!

Thank you Jennie.

 

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#107:  Author: JustJen, Location: waiting for a bus Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 3:00 pm

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Welcome to real world Joey!!! It's going to be interesting to watch her deal with all the kids when they finish school

 

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#108:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 5:22 pm

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I have to say that I still don't feel any sympathy for Jo

I agree with Jen that it's about time she grew up a bit and joined the real world.

 

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#109:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 7:42 pm

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Bathing the new baby was one thing, but trying to get four young children clean, dry, dressed and into bed was quite another, decided Jo. She had no idea that it was so exhausting. Then there was the problem of getting tham to lie down and go to sleep. If only their routine had not been upset. There had been tears for Rosli, and Jo had had to go back upstairs four times before they all finally settled down.

The bread had been a failure, too. How on earth was she expected to make fresh bread with small children running round the kitchen? And no-one had ever told her that you needed to use yeast to make the bread rise.

She had found some vegetables and stewed them all up together then mashed them up and thinned them down with the vegetable water in an attempt to make soup. Jack had not been pleased with the result, wincing visibly every time he took a mouthful. If only she had been able to find something else for dinner, but that was it until the groceries came up on the train the next day.

What was worse was the anticipation of what was to come. Jack had told her that they were going to have a very serious discussion on the morrow, and she was definitely not looking forward to it. She tried to drift off into dreams of how it ought to have been on her return, but the dreams refused to come. She huddled down into her armchair, realising that tomorrow was not going to be easy. Jack had seen the damage to the big car and had ordered her not to drive it again. That meant that she was going to have to take four young children down to the station, carry the groceries home, and, in all probability, go back to fetch the rest.

Jack had driven back to the San, meaning to have quick look at his patients then go to his office to sit and think. His chief problem was that he was beginning to think the unthinkable. Jo had been young and sheltered when they married. Apart from serious illnesses, the only real trouble she had had in her youth was the stress of their escape from Austria to Switzerland. When she had thought that he had been lost at sea during the war, she had gone to pieces, shutting herself in her room and refusing to see anyone, even their triplet daughters.

He had to face up to it. Jo was thoroughly spoilt, and he had helped the process along. He was beginning to understand what Jem had meant in his long, revealing letter. His brother-in-law had problems, and he had let them slide until the situation had become almost irreversible. But Jem had taken hold, had actually listened to Josette, and as a result was a much happier man. Now Jack had to take hold of a situation, and he was not sure that his marriage could survive the process. Jo was going to have to grow up and grow up fast. Motherhood was really going to hit her hard this summer, eleven children or no eleven children. She was going to have be like the other wives on the Platz, someone who looked after herself and her family, and did it without complaining.

He knew that Anna was never going to be able to work again, and that she would have to be very careful for the rest of her life. He was adamant about one thing, Anna was going to have enough money to live on in the form of a monthly pension. She deserved that for having given so much to the Maynards and their children.

Then his thoughts came circling back to the problem, Jo.

 

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#110:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 7:50 pm

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Jennie wrote:

It wasn't as if Anna had had much education, was it?

Joey for that thought!

I hope Jack is able to follow Jem's example. I'm looking forward to that 'very serious discussion'!

 

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#111:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 7:58 pm

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Pleased Jack is finally realising just how much he is at fault. Also looking forward to the discussion.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#112:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 8:16 pm

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I'm looking forward to this conversation! Desperately trying not to feel sorry for Jo, she sometimes tugs at my heart strings but the feeling quickly disappears every time she opens her mouth!!

thank you Jennie!

Hannah

 

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#113:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 8:27 pm

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I do think that as Jack has to shoulder some of the blame for letting Joey get so spoiled and allowing her to treat Anna and Rosli as she did then he should also take on some of the work, after all it wouldn't have hurt him to order some food the day before so that Joey had somehting to work with!

 

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#114:  Author: Sandra, Location: Oxfordshire Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 8:34 pm

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This is wonderful - Jo has always been incredibly annoying, particularly in her treatment of Anna, Len, her boys, almost everyone at the school... and Mary-Lou who was quite nice until Jo wanted her to interfere in this and that.

I still struggle with the idea that her girls boarded at a school which was next door to the house.

 

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#115:  Author: Rachel,  Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 8:50 pm

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Poor Joey.

This is not all her fault, but everbody is acting as if it is. I think they are all being incredibly selfish expecting Jo to be able to cope with absoutely no warning after teaching her over the years that she doesn't have to manage alone.

I hope Jack, in particular, gets some sense in his head and starts supporting his wife!

 

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#116:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 9:01 pm

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Anna never coped totally on her own - she had Rosli in Switzerland, when the family really became huge. A family that size needs more than one person - I couldn't cope on my own!

 

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#117:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 11:04 pm

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Thanks Jennie

At least Jack is waking up to the problem and acknowleding he has contributed to it, but is dumping Jo in it all really the best way to go about things - he could maybe do the washing up after she'd tried her best to make him some soup, even if it was dreadful!

Liz

 

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#118:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 11:09 pm

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It was still a lot of work for Anna though - cos wasn't Rosli quite shy and not terribly competent in the beginning! And Jo was never much of a housekeeper - did she ever have to do without a maid in all her life?

 

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#119:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 12:10 am

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I am torn in two. I do feel sorry for Jo as RL is hitting her hard (and it won't get any easier!), but then she does say and do the most outrageous things.... oh, those poor kids, having to cope with Joey's lack of cooking skills - I hope they have good digestive systems. And Jack is clearly doing his own growing-up...which he should have done years ago.

This is great fun Jennie!

 

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#120:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 3:41 am

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Rachel wrote:

This is not all her fault, but everbody is acting as if it is. I think they are all being incredibly selfish expecting Jo to be able to cope with absoutely no warning after teaching her over the years that she doesn't have to manage alone.

Absolutley! It's pretty unreasonable to cocoon her for her entire life and then suddenly change the rules. Jack and Jem (and Hilda etc) contributed to her ruin, they need to take some blame.


BTW, how do you wash clothes without a washing machine? You call the laundromat that picks up the dirty gear and home delivers your clean, freshly ironed clothes. Simple really

 

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#121:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:00 am

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I have to agree that Jo has been dumped in it a bit and her so called friends are treating her badly, even if she did take a lot from them in the past.

Im most worried about the children though, this sudden change in their care will disrupt them especially during the period where Joey is trying to learn. I hope everything works out well!

Thanks Jennie

 

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#122:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:48 am

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Am also starting to feel a little sorry for Jo, and have to say that i think Jack is being an absolute s**t. He, in particular, mollycoddled and dosed her and kept her away from 'real-life' and now suddenly witht no Anna and Rosli, he's blaming it all on her! From my memory, he treated Anna exactly the same as Jo did too - interesting that he considers himsel blameless in all of this.

Thanks Jennie - am enjoying this.

 

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#123:  Author: ravenseyes, Location: New Zealand Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 3:31 am

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I have to agree - after all it would have been Jack that decided how much to pay Anna etc. And he must have had something to do with the production of the eleven children He sure as h*** ain't Saint Jack the blameless

 

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#124:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:20 am

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Yes, he is being a complete s**t. Perhaps he has a lot to learn, too.

 

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#125:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:57 am

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I must admit that Jack's got to pull his fair share as well. To be fair to Jo, he is jointly responsible for her having such a big family

 

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#126:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 11:01 am

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Watch this space!

 

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#127:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 11:48 am

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Jack decided that he had to think the problem through in a logical way. He realised that Jo was going to find it very hard to cope this summer, what with all the children, the housework and the cooking.

What he also realised was that they were his children too. Something had to be done. First, he would try to get her some help with the housework, laundry and cooking. There was no harm in asking around in the hospital, to see if anyone had a younger sister who was looking for a holiday job.

The problem lay in their finances. Household help was expensive, and they were not likely to get someone as willing to cope as Anna had been, or as able. He would just have to cut back on his own expenditure, so that he would be able to pay Anna a decent pension. He remembered when people had retired from Pretty Maids, his father had been able to pension them off, with a little cottage thrown in, rent-free. He couldn't do that for Anna, but he could, felt morally obliged to, ensure that she spent the rest of her life in reasonable comfort in her family home. She had given them over eighteen years' of stalwart service, and that deserved recognition.

Then he had an idea. He was always seeing the laundry vans come trundling up to the San from Interlaken without really noticing them. Perhaps they could call at Freudesheim once a week, take away all the household linen and return it clean, dry and ironed.

He realised that he had been unfair to Jo earlier in the day, but she had annoyed him with her brezzy assumption that her concerns were more important than his own. He wished that she had not gone haring off to Australia as she had, not just for the money, but because of the disruption that it had caused to their lives. It had all been so pointless. She had alienated Jem and Josette needlessly, and had not even managed to find out where Madge was being treated.

But that was Jo. And he was responsible too, he hadn't allowed her to develop into someone who could face adversity as a mature adult. At the first sign of trouble he had dosed her, confined her to bed and made arrangements for her care. Far, far different from one of the women occupying a free bed in the San at the moment. She had been admitted to the San to die. The mother of a large family, she had ignored all her symptoms until the breast cancer was too far gone to save her.

And he realised, Jo was just not the fragile creature that they had all contrived to make. She had been strong enough to have eleven children, to play tennis, to walk for miles, to swim. With careful help and good management, she would be able to do far more than she had. And so would he. He decided that he would have to do some of the work, too. It was no longer possible for him to come home, expect a meal to be placed on the table in front of him, then retire to the Salon or his study. He would have to turn to and do something. He knew his limitations, he couldn't do his own ironing or any thing, but how hard could it be to wash and dry a few dishes?

 

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#128:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 11:54 am

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Yay! Jack is finally coming to his senses...

Thank you Jennie

 

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#129:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 12:32 pm

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Thanks Jennie

Glad Jack realising how he has contributed to the situation.

Jennie wrote:

He knew his limitations, he couldn't do his own ironing or any thing, but how hard could it be to wash and dry a few dishes?

Hmmmm depends what has been burnt onto them and for how long - looking forward to seeing him find that out

And he could learn to do the ironing couldn't he? Does he think women are born just knowing how to?!

Liz

 

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#130:  Author: JustJen, Location: waiting for a bus Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 4:14 pm

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Well it's about time that Jack woke up and reallized that he is partly responible for Joey's probelms.

Quote:

He knew his limitations, he couldn't do his own ironing or any thing, but how hard could it be to wash and dry a few dishes?

Clueless, ins't he?

 

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#131:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 4:53 pm

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I'm glad to see that Jack's taking onboard some of the responsibility.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#132:  Author: tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 6:08 pm

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I am glad to see Jack is starting to take some responsibility.

I wonder why they haven't referred to Joey's cookbook?

I am also wondering how Matey is going to respond to all this.

Looking forward to more Jennie!

 

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#133:  Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 6:22 pm

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Shocked that Jo has forgotten all she learned in Dommy Sci - Frau Mieders will not be pleased

 

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#134:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 6:23 pm

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Thanks wonderful as usual, they are growing up at last.

 

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#135:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 6:50 pm

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Good to see that Jack is starting to wake up to his own culpability.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#136:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 9:19 pm

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Miss Di wrote:

BTW, how do you wash clothes without a washing machine? You call the laundromat that picks up the dirty gear and home delivers your clean, freshly ironed clothes. Simple really

Or even simpler you just buy new clothes and throw the dirty ones away

Also feeling sorry for Jo now. She's dreadful but she has been hit by an awful lot all at once. And Jack - I know he works a very full job during the day, but then if Jo's going to be running the house during the day, she'll be working exactly the same hours - must say I feel rather cross with him wandering down the stairs expecting dinner to be on the table!

 

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#137:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 12:00 am

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*likes Cathy's reasoning!*

Jack - surely he can run to a bit more than washing a few dishes!

 

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#138:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:01 am

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Thank you Jenny.

I'm glad Jack is waking up, too!

Welcome to the 20th century both Jem and Jack!

 

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#139:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:22 am

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Thanks Jennie

 

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#140:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 5:28 am

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Jennie wrote:

He decided that he would have to do some of the work, too. It was no longer possible for him to come home, expect a meal to be placed on the table in front of him, then retire to the Salon or his study. He would have to turn to and do something. He knew his limitations, he couldn't do his own ironing or any thing, but how hard could it be to wash and dry a few dishes?

Ha! My very dear SLOC has no idea how to iron. Can't wash up because of very painful excema aggravated by hot water. And thinks that he has cooked dinner if he puts a frozen pizza in the oven.

Luckily I love cooking. And never have to do the vacuuming which I hate much more than washing up. But I am going to start calling him Jack

 

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#141:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 6:36 am

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Jack is appalling. I think he probably didn't know how bad he'd let Jo get and was brought up with a massive shock when Jem wrote to him. However he then went too far in the opposite direction. Hopefully he can sit down with Jo and they can discuss the situation in an adult manner.

Right!

Not!!

This is super

 

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#142:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 12:30 pm

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I was trying to write this as though Jack is still suffering from the shock of Anna's heart attack, which has made him go to extremes and blame Jo for everything. I think that they both have some growing up to do.

Sorry that there isn't more of this today, I had two hospital appointments today, and one clinic was running an hour late.

 

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#143:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 12:35 pm

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Hope the appointments went well Jennie, despite the delay *hugs*

Liz

 

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#144:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 12:56 pm

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I still have normal hearing, which is good, and the additional drugs have meant that I don't have bad attacks of vertigo, unless I have retinal photography which brings it on like billy-oh. So, I've been discharged from the ENT department.

Just recently, I've felt as though I'm going through all the hospital department, apart from maternity.

 

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#145:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 11:26 pm

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(((Jennie))))

Good to hear that you've been discharged from ENT



I suspect that when such a crisis happens it's everyone for themselves, so Jack would lash out at Joey as the *scapegoat* (and let's face it she deserved a lot of it) and not admit to his own role.

Also most men are woefully inadequate about how much effort it takes to actually run a house (Andy bless him is really good, but I don't think still realises all the bits I do that help keep it going)

 

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#146:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 12:08 pm

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Jack slept in his dressing room that night, if it could be called sleeping. He knew that he had been unfair to Jo in some ways, after all, how much did it take to run one house and one family? Somehow, though, he could not prevent his mind going to the acres of polished floors that they walked over every day, the clean, fresh, starched and ironed shirts that mysteriously appeared in his dresser drawers, the neatly-darned socks.

Then there were the meals. He had just taken it for granted that there would be breakfast on the table, but how they were to manage a civiised meal first thing in the moring, he had no idea. The younger ones had always had breakfast in the nursery under Rosli's eye, now he supposed that they would have to have breakfast with them. They could hardly manage to eat their own food upstairs without supervision. Lunch would be easy. The children would have something cooked, Jo didn't like them to go to bed on a heavy meal. But he supposed that the lavish teas would be a thing of the past. Then there was nursery supper, followed by their own meal. He was beginning to realise that Jo would be spending most of her days in the kitchen, just preparing the enormous amounts of food required by the Maynard household. So where would she find the time to do the housework? And look after the children?

He felt engulfed by misery and guilt. He still blamed Jo for going away and for wasting all the money on her fruitless trip to Australia, and even more so for her blithe assumptions that her presence out there would automatically put things right. If Jem were to be believed, and Jem had never been less than honest with him, Jo's behaviour out there had been beyond the pale. Thank goodness that he didn't have to go into the San tomorrow, no, today. It would give him some time to try to work out a budget for all the things that he could see that they were going to need if the house was going to be run properly in the future.

Then, he fell asleep.

 

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#147:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 12:26 pm

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Glad Jack is waking up to the fact that running a house and caring for a family the size of theirs will be hard work.

Thank you Jennie.

 

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#148:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 12:51 pm

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He slept late in the morning, so when he finally made it downstairs, it was to find that there was nothing left on the breakfast table. He was about to find Jo to demand to know where his breakfast had got to, but realised that it would simply not be diplomatic to do so.

He heard noises upstairs, and assumed that his wife was getting the children ready for the day. Deciding to help her, he climbed the stairs to the nursery, only to discover that Jo was not in a good mood. As soon as she managed to get one child clean, neat and tidy, the others would escape her and create a mess of themselves and their toys.

He decided to help out, but his method was unfortunate, to say the least, as Jo took it for criticism of herself. He finally sorted out the situation by picking up the frst child who was clean and tidy, sitting the child firmly on one of the little chairs, and telling it not to move. Peace began to reign in the nursery, but it was a very tense peace.

Finally Jo spoke. 'I have to get going. I've got to go down to the station to pick u the food I ordered from Interlaken. I'll probably have to make several journeys since I'm not allowed to drive the car. I'm afraid that there's nothing for your breakfast until I get that food, so the sooner I've started, the sooner you'll be fed. So, if you'll excuse me.'

Sensing the real misery behing her offended tones, Jack began to regret that he had been so high-handed with her. But he did not want to admit it, so covered it with a rather tetchy outburst.

'I'll go to the station, I can collect it all in one go. There's no need to be a martyr, Jo. you're just having to do what other mothers with large families have to go through. They have to cope, so you'll have to.'

That was the wrong thing to say. He could see that from the expression on Jo's face. Oh well, he'd fetch the groceries, then help her to put them away. What more could he do? It appeared that he was expected to find a replacement for Anna and another for Rosli, nothing or no-one else would do.

 

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#149:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 12:51 pm

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Thank you Jennie

*illegally posting whilst kids are doing unaided writing heheh*

 

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#150:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 12:53 pm

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The best time to do it, it gives you so much more pleasure!

 

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#151:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 2:06 pm

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I'm not that madly sorry for either of them. They are both responsible for overworking Anna, underpaying Rosli (and probably overworking her as well). then Jo seemed to think the triplets would 'take over'.

Jack gets a bonus point for putting a stop to that, thank goodness, but I don't think either of them have seen the light of day yet. It's the kids I feel sorry for!

 

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#152:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 3:51 pm

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Glad Jack is starting to see sense, but when will Jo??

 

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#153:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 3:52 pm

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Jennie wrote:

He finally sorted out the situation by picking up the frst child who was clean and tidy, sitting the child firmly on one of the little chairs, and telling it not to move.

Telling IT not to move - methinks some attitude change towards children is called for!

Thanks Jennie

Liz

 

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#154:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 4:13 pm

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I was beginning to think Jack was coming round a bit, but he seems to give in very easily. It looks like Jo's determined to be a martyr, unfortunately.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#155:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 1:23 pm

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Jack grunted as he brought in the heavy box of groceries, and there wee two more to be fetched in. Still, it upped tha chances of of a decent meal that evening.

Then he had a brilliant thought. They had a table in the kitchen, so why use the dining room? Apart from dusting it regularly, they need use it only when they had guests. That would save Jo some work. He felt good about that idea, it was one positive contribution to the solution of their domestic problems.

Then again, he had managed to have a word with the bank manager. They could afford a washing machine and a polisher for the floors, so the work wasn't going to be as heavy as he had thought. It wouldn't take Jo long to whip through the washing with a machine to do it, would it, especially if all the heavy stuff went to the laundry. He felt as though most of their problems were solved already.

This sense of satisfaction quickly departed once he had brought all the food into the house. Jo's expression had changed from sulky to surly in less than an hour. It was quite clear from her expression that she had very litle idea what to do with most of the things that she had ordered. What did she expect him to do, produce a cook-housekeeper and nurse out of thin air?

 

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#156:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 1:27 pm

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Jo! Get a grip and be grateful that Jack is trying a bit!

 

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#157:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 1:28 pm

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Men very rarely have any idea about how much work is actually involved in running a house, but Jo ought to take things more graciously.

 

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#158:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 2:29 pm

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Actually I think I want to bang their heads together!

Thanks Jennie - much more thought provoking than just Joey-bashing (fun though that is! ) This drabble is, instead, starting to go into Jack and Jo's relationship and way of life with the same depth as that of Jem and Josette.

 

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#159:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 2:32 pm

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I thought it was time for that, after the other two drabbles.

 

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#160:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 4:34 pm

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Thanks Jennie, it will be interesting to see how Jack and Joey manage to work things out. I suspect there will need to be a lot more co-operation and communication that in the past.

 

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#161:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 7:31 pm

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Thanks Jennie! It's just the thought of the fact that they have managed to wander blithely through 20+ (?) years of oblivion as to how a normal household runs that makes my blood boil.

Actually, thinking of 'Consultants I have known' it is horrendously accurate - though most of them (Catholic or not) have restricted their family.

Looking forward to seeing how they work through this. Anna's heart attack was a wake up call for Jack - what will do the same for Jo?

 

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#162:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 9:12 pm

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Thanks Jennie. I feel very sorry for the children, their world has turned upside down and their not having proper food either. Hope both Jack and Joey learn how to use the washing machine quickly without too many pink pants/shirts etc

 

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#163:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 7:08 am

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Thanks Jennie,

Hope Jack makes the effort to talk to Jo and she makes the effort to listen.

Liz

 

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#164:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 1:25 pm

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I hope Jo and Jack can talk and realise a compromise about the work. Im glad is trying, and is willing to buy things and try new ideas *pokes stubborn Joey*

Thanks Jennie

 

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#165:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 3:03 pm

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I also hope that Jo and Jack can talk to each other. At least Jack is trying, which is more than Jo's doing at the moment.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#166:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 6:25 pm

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but you have to feel some sympathy for Jo - she has NO idea how to run a house, or cook, or deal with screaming children.....and Jack seems to be of the school of thought which says "all women have the inbuilt knowledge to manage a house and family"

 

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#167:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 6:29 pm

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francesn wrote:

but you have to feel some sympathy for Jo - she has NO idea how to run a house, or cook, or deal with screaming children.....and Jack seems to be of the school of thought which says "all women have the inbuilt knowledge to manage a house and family"

Yes, Jack is being a complete MCP here -but after being married 20+ years, and with so many children, the fact that Joey doesn't know how to look after them or the house is appalling.

 

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#168:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 8:01 pm

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I think I was most annoyed with MCP Jack when he wouldn't fetch his own shaving water! Grrr!
This is excellent Jennie

 

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#169:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:50 am

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Caroline OSullivan wrote:

I feel very sorry for the children, their world has turned upside down and their not having proper food either.

Yes, I feel more sorry for the Maynard children than I do for either of their parents.

 

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#170:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 11:01 am

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Jack made another effort.

'Let's get all this put away, then we can see what to do about lunch. There must be something simple here in all this lot that we can manage to prepare and cook for all of us. And, if we eat in here, instead of in the dining room, it will be easier for us to manage the children.'

Jo remained unresponsive.

He tried again.

'Come on, Jo. We have to make an effort for the sake of the children. Whatever we go without, the children can't. Whilst we're putting this away, I'll tell you what I've arranged.'

'What you've arranged is for me to do everything, while you go swanning off to the San. Then you'll come home and expect me to have put a meal on the table. You just don't realise how much work there is in a house like this.'

'I'm beginning to, and I've been thinking of ways to help out. What we need to do is to put the children first, and see to their welfare.'

'Well, I don't see why my life has to change. I was quite happy as I was.'

'I'm sure you were, Jo. But the problem here is that our lives have changed, and we have to change, too.'

'It's not good enough. Why couldn't you spend time on looking for replacements for Anna and Rosli?'

'Because I was trying to save Anna's life, that's why. And don't forget this, Jo. The older children will be coming back from the Emburys soon, and term will soon be over. We have to get this sorted, and soon.'

'But how on earth do you expect me to cope with all the cooking, cleaning and childcare? I've never had to do it before, apart from a couple of months in Guernsey. How will I ever manage to cope? You know my writing is more important, so why are you dumping all this on me?'

'I'm trying not to dump it on you, Jo. But if I stay at home to do the work, what are we going to live on?

That silenced Jo for the time being.

 

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#171:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 11:11 am

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Jo...at least Jack is trying couldn't she!!

Thank you Jennie!

 

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#172:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 11:27 am

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Jo began to cram things away into the cupboards, not caring what went where. Jack saw this, and tried to stop her, but it was no use.

He busied himself with pouring out some milk and setting out some biscuits for the children, then seated them at the table for their elevenses.

He decided that he would make some coffee and toast as he had missed breakfast.

Then he asked Jo to sit down with them. Her answer was distinctly unpromising.

'If I sit down now, how will we get the work done?'

Jack sighed, how on earth was he going to get through to her while she was in this mood?

He decided to talk over her and hope that she paid some attention.

'We'll drive down to Interlaken in a little while. We can all have lunch there, that will save cooking for one meal. I've spoken to the bank manager. We can afford to buy a washing machine and a floor polisher. That should be some help. I've asked the head of the domestic staff at the San to see if they know of someone who wants to look after children during the summer holidays. That might produce someone to help out. Whilst we're in Interlaken, we can go to one of those domestic agencies to see if we can get some help in the house. Even if it's someone who comes up by train for a couple of days a week, that would help with the cleaning.
As for the heavy laundry, the big laundry that does all the stuff for the San can call here and take away the bedding and towels and stuff. that means that we'll have the clothes and thing to cope with. I'm doing my best, Jo. I can't do more.'

'It won't be the same as having regular staff, I don't know that I want strangers here.'

'You're going to have to accept several things. Anna will never be able to work again, and Rosli has found herself another job. We have to live with that, we have to accept it, and make plans. But if you won't co-operate, we're stuck.'

 

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#173:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 12:01 pm

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Thanks Jennie

Nice to see Jack trying to be more reasonable. Hope Jo does appreciate that he's making an effort.

Liz

ETA - Maybe once Jo has seen the light and realises changes have to be made she'll do it in her usual wholesale manner and things will improve by leaps and bounds

Last edited by LizB on Mon Jun 13, 2005 12:35 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#174:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 12:32 pm

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Thanks for posting more of this Jennie. Jo is really stubborn, but hopefully she'll eventually realise that she has to change as well.

 

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#175:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 12:56 pm

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come on Jo! I can understand her problem in a way. she has been cossetted and pampered all her life and it's rather late in the day to grow up like most people have to.

At least she hasn't resorted to the gin bottle like her sister (I hope).

 

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#176:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 1:16 pm

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Please Jo, do something to help as well! Thank you Jennie!

 

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#177:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 4:57 pm

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Oh come on Jo, listen to JAck! He's doing his best!

 

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#178:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:26 pm

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Jack looked after the children whilst Jo got ready to drive down to Interlaken. He made the mistake of taking them into the garden, and allowed them to run round, thinking that expending some energy would ensure good behaviour during the journey.

Jo found fault with this, and sighed meaningfully when she discovered that she had to wash faces and hands, grumbling all the time.

Finally, Jack lost patience with her.

'I'm sorry that the triplets aren't here to do that job for you. Do you know how often you made them do as much of the childcare as Rosli did? Well now it's up to us. I'm trying to help, but I see that I'm not getting anywhere. If you want these labour-saving things, you'd better make up your mind to come down to Interlaken and choose them. I'm quite aware that whatever I choose will be wrong, but this continued martyrdom is getting very wearing.'

Every line of Jo's person showed how deeply offended she was at his words. She maintained a sullen, stubborn silence during the drive, speaking only to the children who were uncharacteristically silent. Jack was beginning to ask himself if the atmosphere between their parents was affecting them. His heart went out to them. They had lost most of the security that they had known in their short lives. Mamma flies out to Australia, assuming that the children would be fine. Then Anna had her heart attack, which meant that their lives had been turned upside down, as she had always been devoted to them. As if that were not enough, Rosli could not manage everything, so they had had to go to Hilary and Biddy. Then, when they came home, it was without Rosli, the other person who had been a constant in their little lives.

Thinking about that, Jack was slowly realising just how sensible Rosli had been to hand in her notice. What she had said was true. Frau Maynard would have expected her to do more around the house, would have piled on the work. So, she had gone. Then he began to wish that Jo would adopt a more reasonable attitude to their situation. It wasn't just unreasonable for her to expect a new cook-housekeeper and nanny to be waiting for her when she arrived home from her pointless trip, it was illogical too. Jo knew that help was scarce in the Oberland, so it just wasn't on to expect instant solutions to their problem. After the shopping trip, he would help her to get the children to bed, then they would have to have a very serious talk.

 

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#179:  Author: JustJen, Location: waiting for a bus Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 9:16 pm

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Oh for God's sake Jo buck up Jack seems to be more than willing to help out.
Not being a good Chalet girl is she???

 

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#180:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 11:58 pm

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Thanks Jennie

Poor children

Liz

 

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#181:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 6:28 am

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Thanks Jennie. I suppose Jack can't really undo all those years in on fell swoop but at least her mind is on her own affairs and not interfering everywhere else!

 

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#182:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 9:03 am

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Thanks Jennie, what a lot of fab updates

 

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#183:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 9:07 am

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Im glad Jack is thinking of the children. Silly childish sulky Jo!!

Thanks Jennie

 

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#184:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 10:33 am

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I wish Jo would grow up. I think Jack's being remarkably patient with her, all things considered.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#185:  Author: Pollyana, Location: Brisbane Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 3:14 pm

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Fantastic story, and such believable characterisation - wish I could write like this!

 

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#186:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 3:56 pm

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Jack parked the car in a convenient location, then suggested that they went to a small, family-run restaurant which had the reputation of being cosy and hospitable to small children.

Jo reluctantly accepted his suggestion, but Jack, mindful that they would need to be fairly economical in the future, was in no mood to splash out on a meal in a luxury hotel.

They were welcomed into the restaurant, and asked if they would likea table on the terrace. Jack was all for this, so Jo reluctantly followed him to the table. After getting themselves settled into the comfortable chairs, the waiter brought them menus. Jo took a long tme to choose her food. the main problem was that the children were hungry, and making that very clear to their parents, but every time Jack suggested something that they might like to eat, Jo immediately vetoed his ideas. Finally Jack, who was on the verge of losing his temper, ordered something that he thought might be suitable. Then he ordered his own meal.

This did not suit Jo.

'You might have waited for me to decide what I want to eat before orderiong your own. I don't call this much of a treat.'

'Jo, the children are hungry, they need to eat. You, on the other hand, are supposed to be an adult. Please try to behave as though you are an adult, not a spoilt, sulky child. Frankly, I can't see us getting out tof this situation unless you are at least prepared to try to do something constructive.'

This just added fuel to the flames of Jo's smouldering resentment. She had not received the welcome that she had expected in Australia, had not been the triumphant heroine who had rescued Madge from her forced stay in a mental hospital, had not been treated with the respect that she deserved, and had bene forced to pay her own bills instead of ebing an honoured guest.

Then, when she finally arrived home, what sort of welcome had she had? Jo conveniently forgot that she had omitted to calculate the time difference, so had arrived earlier than expected. Then what had happened? None of them, Anna, Rosli, Jack, Hilda, not one of them had come through for her when she needed to be looked after, asked them for help. False friends, that's what they were, unwilling to sacrifice the smallest thing for her convenience.

It had been a sensible thing to get Anna to do the major house-cleaning whilst Jo was away.

 

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#187:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 4:06 pm

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Jennie wrote:

It had been a sensible thing to get Anna to do the major house-cleaning whilst Jo was away.

Wonder if that was the final straw as far as poor Anna's heart was concerned? Joey is making me really cross here, I appreciate that she has been cosseted and spoilt, but she seems to have no feeling for her own children and their well-being, thinking solely of herself!

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#188:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 4:13 pm

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Thanks Jennie

*wondering just how long it will take Jo to come to her senses*

Liz

 

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#189:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 4:31 pm

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Quote:

False friends, that's what they were, unwilling to sacrifice the smallest thing for her convenience.

It's a pity that Jo doesn't realise sacrifice has to come from her as well. If she tried to help herself, she might find people would be more willing to help her a little bit.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#190:  Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 5:15 pm

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Jennie, this is fabbity-fab - thanks for writing the sequel so quickly. Very much enjoying how Joey is not responding to Jack's overtures - at least he's trying. I suppose she must feel that everyone is turning on her, but if Jem has written quite frankly to Hilda about Joey not being allowed to see Ailie, he must have given some reason. Perhaps everyone's been looking for an opportunity to take Joey down a peg or two for years!

*hugs children*

 

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#191:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 5:31 pm

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I'd like to slap Jo at the moment. I could accept that she's had a few stressful (if misguided) weeks, tripping out to Australia but, really

She's still not showing any concern for Anna, despite having seen how ill she is. In fact she's still only concerned with her own importance.

thank you Jennie. We all love to hate your Jo

 

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#192:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 7:12 pm

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Thanks Jennie,I am loving this.
Just feel the need to slap Jo!

 

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#193:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 8:45 pm

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Thank you!

Emma_A wrote:

Jennie, this is fabbity-fab

Hannah
*too lazy to think of something original to say! *[/quote]

 

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#194: Jo Returns to the Oberland Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 9:00 pm

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Agrees with Patmac that I'd like to slap Jo at this point - you have really created a loathesome specimen here, Jennie! But I'm loving the 'take' on her all the same - thank you!

 

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#195:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 12:48 am

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Jo!! Give the man some credit and try a bit! Seriously, I think she's getting to the point where she can't see beyond herself, which is worrying.

 

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#196:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 11:08 am

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*Also pokes Jo*

Thanks Jennie

 

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#197:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 1:00 pm

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Oh good grief, somebody really needs to slap that woman or find some other way to stop her behaving like a spoilt five year old! Any sympathy I felt for her is fast ebbing away.

Thanks Jennie

 

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#198:  Author: Tiffany,  Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 2:00 pm

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Thankyou Jennie - this is fantabulous! How old are the oldest of the kids at home at this point - will Joey set them to scrubbing and dusting?

 

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#199:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 2:47 pm

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This was meant to go on the board before the recent hiatus. Apologies for the delay.

The rest of the meal was an exhausting experience for Jack. Jo gave him little or no help with the children, who were growing tired and tearful, but who were unwilling to settle down into their chairs and sit quietly.

After the meal, Jack would have preferred to go straight home, but was well aware that with Jo in this mood any mention of that would be met with even more indignation. So they walked along the street to the nearest store that sold washing machines and other labour-saving things.

It was hard to interest Jo in the purchases, but eventually they purchased the very latest model of twin-tub washing machine, then went on to look at floor polishers. Once one of those had been chosen, Jack asked for them to be delivered, thinking that the process would now be complete. Jo then dropped her bombshell.

'You might have bought all this stuff, Jack, but you needn't think that I'm going to stand ironing your shirts in a roasting-hot kitchen, not with those flat-irons that Anna used. I want an electric iron, if I have to do the ironing.'

Jack asked to look at electric irons. They cost a pretty penny, but he could see that only another purchase would appease Jo. Having carefully chosen the iron, Jo looked around the showroom, where her eyes fell on a display of refrigerators. She decided that since she was going to have to do all the housework, she would have one of these as well. Walking over to them, she began to look more closely, opening and closing them.

'I'll have one of these, too. I think this one would be the best, it's the largest.'

It was also the most expensive. Jack blenched at the additional cost; he had no idea where the money was to come from. But by now he was willing to do anything to keep the peace. So a refrigerator was added to the list of purchases.

Leaving the shop, Jack was all for returning home at once. Jo had other ideas. She wanted to shop for some new clothes for herself, and backed up her wishes by looking like a thundercloud.

Finally, Jack had to settle the argument by telling her that if she went shopping for clothes, she would have to pay for them herself.

'You must realise that we've just spent more than we can afford on the washing-machine and everything else. I just don't have the money for clothes. As it is, we'll have to be careful for the rest of the summer, just to be able to meet the school fees and the new uniforms that the children will need. If you can afford them out of your own funds, well and good, but not if I have to pay for them. There is a limit, and you've reached it.'

Jo looked at him in utter amazement. It had been humiliating enough when Jem had stood up to her in Australia, but that Jack should do it!

 

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#200:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 3:12 pm

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Thanks Jennie.

Want to shake Joey - she's acting like a spoilt child!

 

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#201:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 3:20 pm

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Apologies for the spreeing.

The journey back to the Platz took place in almost complete silence. Once they had reached Freudesheim, Jack found himself going into the kitchen to discover what they could give the children for nursery tea.

The children were no longer their usual sunny little selves. Phil and Geoff were having one of their little arguments in twin-speak, Cecil was clearly over-tired, and Marie-Claire was dribbling, presaging the cutting of some more back teeth. Jack was at a loss as to what to do about it. He realised that he had left the children to the women in his life, and now that Anna and Rosli were no longer with them, it was quite clear that Jo had no intention of doing all the work involved with four very active young children.

In desperation, wanting to fill up some time before thay could be fed, bathed and put to bed, he took them out into the back garden, half-filled some buckets with water, then stripped the children down to their underwear. They were diverted by the thought of water-play, so cheered up immediately. The air was soon filled with the sounds of children happily pouring water from one thing into another and splashing around. Jack heaved a sigh of relief.

However, when he went back into the kitchen, he discovered Jo standing looking out of the window in an attitude of strong disapproval.

Her word were anything but conciliatory.

'I always think that it's so common for children to play out in their underwear. You might have changed them into bathing suits.'

She then strode out of the kitchen, leaving Jack to wonder if he would ever be able to do anything right ever again.

 

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#202:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 3:23 pm

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For God's sake Joey will you start taking some responsibility for your children and your life???

Jennie, your Joey is a grotesque human being!

 

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#203:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 4:12 pm

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Oh dear! I was trying to write her as someone who hopes that denying a situation will mean that it won't exist any longer, and everything will be all right in her little world. Obviously, I'm failing miserably.

 

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#204:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 4:34 pm

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Jennie wrote:

Oh dear! I was trying to write her as someone who hopes that denying a situation will mean that it won't exist any longer, and everything will be all right in her little world. Obviously, I'm failing miserably.

Not failing, Jennie. On the contrary, people like that do bring out total exasperation in the people who have dealings with them and we're all reacting that way.

It's like people who play 'yes, but' when they have a problem. You know what I mean - you offer a suggestion and they say "Yes, but I can't because ..... " Before you know it, you've offered every suggestion you can think of and end up mad at them.

To get back to the post. My mother said it was common when I let my kids play in their underwear in hot weather

 

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#205:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 4:53 pm

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To think that she has a reputation for insightfulness!!!

Thanks Jennie, Im loving this!!

 

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#206:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 5:17 pm

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*slaps Joey round the face*

It's a shame it's beginning to affect the kids as well

 

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#207:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 11:54 pm

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Thanks Jennie

Looking forward to seeing when the light will dawn.

Liz

 

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#208:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 12:00 am

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I'm loving this too, it's fun to grr at nasty Jo!

 

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#209:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 4:42 am

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Jo had better be careful - Jack might discover that he can cope rather better than he thought he could, and then she will be entirely superfluous!

 

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#210:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 11:45 am

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After the water play, Jack took the children in to discover that Jo had managed to prepare some supper for them. He dried the children off with towels, making sure that their hands and faces were clean.

Then they sat down to scrambled eggs, followed by cake and biscuits. Jack was quite happy to supervise this meal, but less happy when it came to bathtime. Jo was very little help with this process, leaving him to do all the hard work. So he was not in a good mood when Jo took over the business of hearing prayers and tucking in. Fortunately the children were really tired out and settled down to sleep quickly.

Jack went downstairs and into his study as he had to look over a new article about TB before returning to work the next day. He was absorbed in his reading, so he did not hear Jo until she burst into the room, demanding that he come to supper immediately.

'It's bad enough that I've had to do all the cooking today, but when you don't hear that I'm calling you for a meal, it makes me really angry.'

'But Jo, we had lunch in Interlaken, so you can't say that you've had a lot to cook.'

Jo flounced off, with Jack slowly following her.

He went into the kitchen to discover that his wife had managed to prepare a ham salad and some fruit. Oh well, he'd had a decent lunch.

After eating this repast in a very tense silence, Jack asked Jo if she wanted some coffee. She managed to say that she did, so he got up and put the kettle on. Whilst the kettle was boiling, Jack turned to her and told her that they absolutely had to have a discussion about their future.

Jo's face immediately took on a mulish look.

'The only thing that I'm interested in discussing is when my new housekeeper and nanny are going to be starting work for me. I'm not interested in the stopgaps that you've proposed, I want resident staff and I want them at once.'

With that she stormed out of the kitchen, and he could hear her stamping upstairs.

 

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#211:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 11:51 am

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So she has had to prepare breakfast, scrambled eggs for the kids and ham salad for her and Jack - what the hell is she complaining about???


Joey

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Jun 18, 2005 11:58 am; edited 1 time in total

 

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#212:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 11:53 am

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At the moment she doesn't need a reason to complain, she's taking offence at anything and everything. Basically, she needs to grow up and realise that life isn't always perfect.

 

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#213:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 12:35 pm

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Thank you Jennie!

*pokes Jo*

 

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#214:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 3:39 pm

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Jack made a pot of coffee, then poured out two cups. He put them on a tray, then carried them upstairs.

When he went into their bedroom, he discovered that Jo was sitting in the window-seat, looking out at the darkening landscape.

As she clearly hadn't heard his entrance into the room, he carried a cup of coffee over to her, then said her name softly.

She did not respond to his voice, or react in any way at all.

He spoke more sharply. 'Jo, here's some coffee for you. Take it and drink it.'

At that, she slowly turned to face him, then looked at him as though she did not recognise him at all.

He tried again, 'Jo, we've simply got to discuss this situation. We can't carry on in this way. I've been doing my best, but you will have to meet me half-way. I know we've got a problem, but we can solve it if we work together.'

'Work, yes, we'll solve it if I work my fingers to the bone. You'll be awy from it for most of the week. I'll be stuck here.'

'I don't think so, Jo. You've always been so competent before, ready for any challenge, so what's gone wrong now?'

'Of course I was ready for any challenge. But that was when I had people to do the housework and look after the little ones. Now I've got to do it all myself. Why, I'll be in the same state that Biddy and Hilary were in before they stole Rosli away from me. I always felt that I was better than they were, I could get away from it all if I chose. They couldn't they were stuck. Now, they're going to go back to their careers, and I'll be looking after the children.'

The misery in her voice was so strong, that Jack was tempted to make her some more coffee and put a tiny dose in it. But then he reflected that it was time that they both grew up. He began to try to talk to her, but she refused to listen to him, putting her hands over her ears to block out his words.

He felt defeated. They were supposed to be pulling together, but he could see that it was going to be a very long time before Josephine Mary Maynard would agree to co-operate.

 

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#215:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 6:16 pm

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Now I really want to slap Joey - so all this time she's just looked on Biddy and Hilary with contempt?Because they didn't have the funds to hire servants? Wanted to look after their own children?

Bah!!!!

(Thanks Jennie)

 

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#216:  Author: keren, Location: Israel Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 8:06 pm

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oh dear,
this is reminding me of all the housework I have to do!

 

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#217:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 9:36 pm

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Thanks Jennie

Liz

 

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#218:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 11:36 pm

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Jo! Sort yourself out before he leaves you!!

Thanks Jennie

 

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#219:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 11:02 am

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Just caught up with this - Grow up Joey. I can't believe she's being so childish.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#220:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 1:11 pm

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The problem is that Jo has never had to grow up before and has never been allowed to. Now that she has to, she's finding it very hard.

 

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#221:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 1:27 pm

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Awww.... I thought that was more! *pouts*

Not that I'm I'm hinting or anything ;)

 

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#222:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 2:21 pm

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The next morning was chaos. The children woke up, and discovering that there was no-one to supervise them in the nursery, proceded to create mayhem. By the time Jack and Jo woke up, all the toys were out of the cupboard, some of them broken and water-colour paints were splashed liberally on the walls.

Jack managed to restore some sort of order by telling the children to put things away, then he undertook the task of washing and dressing them.

By the time that he got them downstairs and into the kitchen for breakfast, he had to dash off without as much as a cup of tea or coffee to sustain him. He knew that he had a long, tiring day ahead of him at the San, and that several new patients were to be admitted, which ensured that he would be fully occupied.

What he did not know was that Jo was sitting in the kitchen, weeping copiously, and ignoring the children.

She simply couldn't help it. She had gone away for three weeks, and in that time her life had fallen to pieces. The domestic help that had enabled her to go where she pleased, when she pleased had left her. It was one thing to boast that one was an eternal Chalet School girl when one had a housekeeper and a nanny, but quite another when one had to do everything oneself.

There was not even the consolation of being able to write to Madge and complain about the situation. Madge would have been sympathetic, she would have understood, but Madge was, and here Jo had to face the fact, an alcoholic. She couldn't appeal to Jem, he had made it perfectly clear that he wanted no further contact with her.

The only solution that she could think of was to write letters to the triplets, begging them to come home instead of doing their vacation work. Surely they would understand that she needed them to run the house for her.

Then Marie-Claire picked up the bowl of cereal that she had ben playing with and upended it over her head.

 

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#223:  Author: Joyful, Location: Manchester Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 2:54 pm

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Worried what Jo's reaction to Marie-Clare might be, seeing as she's showing how little she underestands about caring for children...

 

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#224: Joey returns to the Oberland Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 2:58 pm

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Come on, Joey - wake up and smell the roses of real life!! At this point, Jack is trying hard to help you, but you have to pull your weight, too. I know you've always had all the help you could have wanted until now, but....!

However, please, I beg of you, don't add child abuse to your list of sins! Neither of the small children in your care, nor by emotionally blackmailing the triplets to come home for the summer to take care of them.

Looking forward to more.

 

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#225:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 3:33 pm

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Come on Joey, do SOMEthing constructive!!

 

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#226:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 4:17 pm

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That had the effect of stopping Jo's tears. But she was then faced with the problem of washing and changing the child, whilst looking after three others. She found herself shouting for Rosli to come to deal with it, then remembered that Rosli was no longer a member of their household.

She would just have to cope, but how. She took the children upstairs and put Cecil, Geoff and Phil into the nursery, then went drearily into the bathroom with Marie-Claire. After washing the child, who, she discovered, loathed having her hair washed, she then went back downstairs. The children would just have to play outside for a while, she was going to have to do something about the washing-up. Life was much simpler with a dish-washer called Anna.

Then Jo had an idea. She knew where the Pfeiffens lived in Austria. She could telephone and ask the family to send one of their daughters or nieces to help her. she woulld wait until the children were having their naps, then get on the telephone. They would probably be grateful to her for taking a girl off their hands, after all, they had been terribly poor when the school had been in Austria. And with the new, labour saving machines, the girl would be able to do more childcare.

She sat back and congratulated herself for thinking of this solution to her problems.

 

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#227:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 5:17 pm

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Uh oh.... why do I have a funny feeling she'll end up with an earful instead of what she wants!

 

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#228:  Author: keren, Location: Israel Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 6:20 pm

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I wonder if they are all so available now as they were then???

 

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#229:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 6:45 pm

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I have had a riotous time catching up on the last 2 weeks posts. Have had to clutch my sides in pain once or twice.

Thanks, Jennie, though I guess I am beginning to have a sneaking sympathy for Joey, because everyone has let her get away with so much.

 

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#230:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 6:50 pm

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I don't have any sympathy - she has eyes, she could see what Anna and Rosli had to do. Her solution isn't to knuckle down and start working, it's to find someone else to do it, be they the triplets or some 'disadvantaged peasant' so she can continue being Joey the eternal schoolgirl.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#231:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 7:00 pm

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Ooooooh Looking forward to that phone call!
Thabks Jennie

 

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#232:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 7:21 pm

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Jennie wrote:

What he did not know was that Jo was sitting in the kitchen, weeping copiously, and ignoring the children. ..... There was not even the consolation of being able to write to Madge and complain about the situation. Madge would have been sympathetic, she would have understood, but Madge was, and here Jo had to face the fact, an alcoholic.

Step 1 on the road to recovery?

And then I despaired! I suppose she has to try everything before she hits rock bottom.

Thank you Jennie.

 

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#233:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 7:56 pm

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Finally the children were having their nap. Jo had managed to wash the dishes and sweep the kitchen floor, but all the rest of the housework would have to wait. The sooner she had a new housekeeper or nanny, the sooner she could establish a routine that suited her.

She remembered the village where the Pfeiffens had lived, so it was not long before she had the number of one of the Pfeiffen families from International Enquiries. She dialled the number with trembling fingers, then wted for someone to answer it. Thank goodness she could still speak fluent German. When what sounded to be an elderly lady answered the phone, Jo could have wept for joy. She spent the first few minutes reminding the woman of who she was, mentioning the Chalet School, and praising Anna.

The woman cut into Jo's effusion.

'Yes, we remember who you are. You're part of the reason that I lost two sons in a forced labour camp. Anyone who had connections with the school came under suspicion. I have also heard from my niece. Apparently Anna, who is a relative of mine has had a very serious heart attack, thanks to being overworked for years. I don't think that there's anything more to say, Frau Maynard.'

With that, the phone was put down.

Another avenue of escape was closed to her. Where was she going to get help from? The agencies wanted a fortune for their cleaners to work for people, so they were out. How on earth was she going to get the house running smoothly again and still have the freedom to come and go as she pleased?

 

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#234:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 8:15 pm

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Oh dear, that didn't go very well!


(Sniggers)

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#235:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 8:17 pm

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Im glad she refused Jo, I would imagine she would have been outraged and considered Jo the reason for Anna's illness. C'mon girl show us you can change.

Thanks Jennie

 

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#236:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 8:26 pm

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The poor Pfeiffens!!!

I hope Jo sorts herself out pronto too

 

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#237:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 9:12 pm

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Quote:

Then Marie-Claire picked up the bowl of cereal that she had ben playing with and upended it over her head.

When I first read this I thought that Marie-Claire had tipped it over Jo's head

I'm glad the Pfeiffens told Jo where to go. I hope the Triplets find that distance from Jo would make them braver in saying no. I suppose at least Jo is trying to find a solution in her own ego-centric way

Thnaks Jennie.

 

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#238:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2005 10:21 pm

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Thanks Jennie

at least Jo did wash the dishes and sweep the floor - it's a small thing, but it's a start.

Liz

 

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#239:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 12:19 am

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I do feel sorry for Jo (at least a little bit) - she's never really had to do anything to do with running the house (well wheeling tea trolley's around when they're already prepared, but apart form that) and now her life has completely fallen apart. Yes she isn't reacting well, but she's never had to stand on her own 2 feet before - she's always been encouraged to be "lady" Jo who goes *visiting* and has people to do everything for her.


My mother's mother never let my mother do anything round the house to help and when my mother married (at 31) she could cook eggs, but not a proper meal. After 3 days of eggs for tea, my dad took over the cooking and she never really learnt to cook properly. As his health is failing, she's now struggling with doing things like finances/legal stuff that she's never ever had to do and is finding it very hard.

Yes, Jo is behaving appallingly, but she hasn't turned into an alcoholic/drug addict (despite Jack's best intentions of a *little dose*). She's also going to be pretty jet lagged isn't she?

 

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#240:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 4:16 am

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I'm surprised she hasn't tried to contact Frieda...or has she secretly despised her for years as well?...the trouble is that Jo has been so caught up with her own idea of her various roles in life (and allowed to get away with this) that when she discovers the difference between her own and other's perceptions, she can't cope with the gap. And others suffer.

 

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#241:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 11:04 am

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Jo managed to get nursery tea together for the children, and made plans for supper. She and Jack would just have to have cold meat and salad again. She was far too tired after spending the day running round after four young children to be able to cook.

By the time that the boys arrived home from school for the summer, she hoped to have mastered the new washing machine. The boys would just have to help out more, as would Erica and Adrienne. She couldn't do everything. They would just have to have bought cake and biscuits, it would be far to hot for Jo herself to stand and bake, and meals would have to be far simpler.

Then again, if the triplets would just come home, life would be far pleasanter. They could do most of the running of the house and Jo would insist that the others helped them.

But Jo could also see something else looming ahead of her. There was Jack to be brought into the equation. She was very aware that they had not yet had the serious discussion that Jack wanted. She had put it off successfully for now, but she knew that it would come.

She was also beginning to feel the start of another unfamiliar emotion. That was the worst of it. She was beginning to feel guilty. If she was exhausted by caring for four small children, how had Anna and Rosli felt at the end of a day? She had taken them for granted. Her work had consisted of putting the kettle on, taking the newest baby for a walk, bathing the baby and tucking the children into bed. She was also beginning to realise how much she had expected the triplets to do.

Life had been so simple then. And she had never expected it to change.

 

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#242:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 11:14 am

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Finally Jo is starting to wake up a bit! Good!

*Hopes Adrienne won't be lumbered with all the work - can't see her standing up to Jo really!*

Thanks Jennie

 

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#243:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 11:22 am

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Jennie wrote:

Life had been so simple then. And she had never expected it to change.

That's so sad



really glad to see that she is beginning to think it through and feel guilty

 

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#244:  Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 12:25 pm

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Glad to see that at least she is beginning to realise the full scope of the problem - guilt is a good start, as long as she can work on it!

Thanks, Jennie.

 

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#245:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 12:56 pm

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Thank you Jennie. I think Jo's attitude to Anna and Rosli, before this post was probably just out of date. I can't remember it being mentioned but I expect they had help in the house when they lived in Taverton and certainly the school was well staffed. Madge and Jem had Marie and her husband. If Anna and rosli had been English, they would have gone into war work, I guess but as they weren't they were probably grateful for living a better life than if they had stayed in Austria.

Jo has probably never in her life done everything for the household.

Horrid though it seems, I wonder if she was typical of her class and generation? Even at the end of WWII, politicians were talking of improving training and pay for servants, not abolishing them.

I'm cheering because she is beginning (at least a little) to realise just what goes into running a house and bringing up children.

 

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#246:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 3:41 pm

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I'm glad Jo's finally beginning to realise how hard it is running a house and managing children by herself. I do feel a little bit sorry for her as her whole view on life has had to change.

 

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#247:  Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 4:39 pm

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Thank you so much for this, Jennie.

I know I'm in the minority, but like Dawn, I do feel sorry for Joey, in some ways more than for some of the others. Not Anna or Rösli, but Jack, Hilda and the others are all to blame for keeping Joey as childlike as she is. She has never had to think about housework and childcare - no-one ever suggested she should - so why would she? Like Ptamac, I am sure she is typical of many of her generation.

And how many of us would behave better than this if our entire word came crashing down around our ears like this? I like to think I'd do better than Joey in this drabble, but it's never happened to me, so I can't be absolutely sure that I would.

Keep up the good work, Jennie!

 

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#248:  Author: JustJen, Location: waiting for a bus Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 4:39 pm

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About time she woke up and realized how hard Anna and Rosli worked for her.

 

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#249:  Author: keren, Location: Israel Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 4:59 pm

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I wish I could come and go as I please.
That's life.

 

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#250:  Author: jennifer, Location: Sunny California Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 5:36 pm

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I also feel a bit sorry for Joey - her life went from being the way she wanted it, with a loving husband, an interesting career, an adoring family, recognition, etcetera, to completely falling apart around her, and she had no one at all to support her. In the past, any time she's been overworked or overstressed, Jack has dosed her, or she's been sent off for a rest, or the kids have been parcelled off to friends, or she's not been told stressful information because it might upset her.

I think Jack is equally responsible for the problems - he's always been the voice of authority, and responsible for a good bit of Joey's coddling, and he's contributed to the 11 children and their way of life. He's also completely ignoring the fact that Joey has a career too. If she's a successful author, writing several books a year plus doing some editing, she probably spends a good deal of the day writing (particularly given that this is pre-computer). Most two career families who have small kids need either a nanny or full time day care, and that's with modern washers and vacuum cleaners, no need for mending clothes or darning socks, two cars, and lots of take-out and pre-prepared food. If she's doing all the housework, child care and cooking, there won't be anymore income from her books coming in.

 

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#251:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 7:58 pm

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I agree, the others are responsible for helping her to stay as a child. But, she's not a child any longer. Jack at least has done something practical to try to help, Jo has actually tackled very little. Instead of planning things and looking for solutions, Jo is still trying to find someone who will take all the work off her shoulders.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A week passed and Jo felt that she had never been so tired in her whole life. There were no more luxurious days in bed if she felt under the weather, the children took care of that. She was still avoiding talking to Jack about their problems, in spite of the fact that he was giving her all the help that he could. The new machines which had arrived did help her to keep the washing and ironing under control, but her cherished house was beginning to show signs of neglect. There was practically no polish left on the salon floor, and the unused bedrooms had not seen a duster for days. Still, at least the laundry was calling regularly, so she didn't have to wash and iron all the household linen.

Jo was beginning to realise that she had under-appreciated everything that had been done for her in the past. The triplets had all written to say that they would not be able to come home until the beginning of September. Margot had been quite indignant that her mother, of all people, had expected her to go back on her word and break the commitment that she had made.

She was still no nearer to finding someone to help out, either with the housework or with the children. And there was so little time for writing. What she really ought to be doing was making a list of jobs to be tackled whilst the children were having their naps. Surely she could manage to get something done during those two hours every day. She had always thought of herself as a good organiser, but she felt that now she was failing miserably. It was easy to organise when there was the staff to complete the allotted tasks.

She decided that she would have to talk to Jack, and that meant listening to him as well as giving him a list of her grievances.

 

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#252:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 8:01 pm

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Hopefully if she starts to listen to Jack. they will be able to resolve things before it gets too late.

Thanks Jennie

 

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#253:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 8:08 pm

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Jack should strike while the iron is hot! She's ready perhaps to listen now, where she wasn't before.

Thanks, Jennie

 

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#254:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 8:41 pm

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I do feel quite sorry for Jo - as a full-time nanny I don't have the time to do all the cleaning/washing/polishing (not that I'm expected to) and I only have 2 children to look after.

She does need help - but her attitude is irritating me immensely. Rather than be pro-active...get onto an English agency/doing as much as she can herself...she's sitting and wailing like a spoilt baby.

 

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#255:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 9:30 pm

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Wondering if she's got depression and thats why she is unable to find any solutions? Madge is essentially her mother and I think we'd all find it as hock if our mothers ended up like Madge and thier husbands wouldn't let us see them.

 

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#256:  Author: Cathy, Location: Sydney, Australia Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 10:09 pm

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Maybe she needs a vist from Supernanny! (I suppose it would be expecting too much to hope that Jo Frost might drop into to Freudesheim???)

 

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#257:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 8:59 am

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Cathy wrote:

Maybe she needs a vist from Supernanny! (I suppose it would be expecting too much to hope that Jo Frost might drop into to Freudesheim???)

no but it would be highly amusing

someone write that - please!!!

 

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#258:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 1:23 pm

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Thanks Jennie.

It looks like reality is slowly getting through to Jo - I hope she and Jack are able to talk and present their side without rowing and putting each others' backs up.

Liz

 

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#259:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 1:33 pm

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Catching up...

I think Jo got off lightly with the phone call!

It seems like every time she makes a little progress, she goes right back again!

 

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#260:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 7:19 pm

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Thanks Jennie - glad that Joey is slowly starting to realise the work involved in running a household like Freudisham. Agree she is probably just representative of her class, but she's hardly showing the great British stiff upper lip here, is she?

 

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#261:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 4:31 pm

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I'm glad that Joey seems to be waking up to her responsibilities and seems to be thinking proactively about sorting things out.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#262:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 9:26 am

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That evening after Jo had brought the coffee into the salon, she tried to begin the talk that she knew that she and Jack had to have. Jack was extremely tired, having been called out at three in the morning to an urgent case and he had had no time to do anything other than snatch a few minutes for a drink and some sandwiches at mid-day. He was also getting rather tired of the eternal cold meat and salad dinners that Jo put in front of him.

When he had arrived home, he had helped to put the children to bed, then had washed the dinner dishes whilst Jo made the coffee. After that, he was not in the mood for complaints, though he might have welcomed a serious discussion.

'Jack, I've been home for a fortnight now, and we don't seem to be any nearer to finding new staff to help me with the housework and the children. I haven't done any writing at all, and I'm tired out at the end of every day.'

'Yes, I get tired too, Jo. I've just had a terrible day, we've got some very sick people in the San. But I'm prepared to discuss the situation with you, if you're going to behave like a mature adult about it. I'm not, however, prepared to listen to a whole string of complaints, I'm too tired for that.'

'I don't think that you understand, Jack. I'm tied to the house every day, and I have to get the children ready if I want to go out for a walk, and take them with me. I don't seem to have any freedom at all, nowadays.'

'That's what happens when you have small children and no domestic help. I'm sorry if I sound unsympathetic, but most of the women on the Platz are in the same situation. Now, if we can sum things up. We've got the labour-saving things such as a washing machine and an electric iron, a new frig' and a floor polisher. The laundry does all the heavy washing. I do understand that you're feeling frustrated, but I'm doing my best to help you.

I've been asking around at the San. One of the nurses has a younger sister who might be prepared to come out here as an au pair. That means that she gets board, lodging, a small salary and language lessons. Her working hours will be strictly limited, no heavy housework or looking after the children all day.'

Jo butted in. 'But what help would that be to me? I need someone full-time, permanent. Someone who can do the jobs that Anna and Rosli did for me. A part-timer won't be any use at all.'

'Jo, it's time to get it through your head. Those days have gone. Swiss and Austrian girls aren't going into domestic service any longer. You won't find replacements. Even if they live in fairly remote villages, they're occupied at home catering for the tourists. Life has changed, moved on. The best that I can offer you is an au pair, if she decides to come, and a cleaning firm to come up from Interlaken once a week. They will do all the heavy housework, polishing and all that. That's all, there is no more help available.'

'You're just as bad as all the rest of them. I asked Hilda for one of the maids from school, and she refused to help me. And Biddy and Hilary, well, they're just snakes, sneaking Rosli from behind my back.'

'Jo, Rosli gave in her notice a couple of days after Anna had her heart attack. She knew that she'd end up by having to do everything in the house, so she left. By the way, you'll be pleased to know that Anna is out of danger now. Her heart is still very weak, but we think she'll live.'

'Well, I'm glad about that, but it would be even better if she could come back to work.'

'Jo, I don't think that you've heard a word that I've been saying. Times have changed, we have to change with them.'

 

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#263:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 12:12 pm

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Thanks Jennie

At least this is a conversation, and not a slanging match. I hope Jo is listening to what Jack is saying and will take it in.

Liz

 

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#264:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 12:40 pm

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Yes, but I think it may take some time.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'And another thing, Jack. I wrote to the triplets, telling them about the situation and asking them to come home for the summer so they could take over the running of the house, and they've all refused. Margot was quite indignant that I'd asked her to give up being an orderly in a hospital. they just don't realise how much I need them. Can't you do something to make them come home?'

'No, I not only can't, I won't. They did their share of housework and childcare whilst they were at school. Do you remember how much they used to do for you? I'm proud that they want to spend their vacations working to help other people, and I'm not going to say that they can't.

Jo, what I'm trying to get into your head is that we must learn to manage with the resources we have, and with what I've offered to you. You'll have to learn to organise your days so that you do have some time to write. I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but I can't see any way out of it. I'm as stuck in this situation as you are. We are supposed to be the adults here, so we have to behave as though we are. The children have to come first. Things may be easier when the older children come home from school, but they certainly can't be expected to do the heavy housework and childcare while you sit in your study and write. No, I'm afraid that you're going to have to be far more hands-on than you were before.'

Jo was silenced by these unpalatable truths. The only good thing about this conversation was that Jack hadn't mentioned Australia.

 

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#265:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 12:46 pm

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or should that be Jack hadn't mentioned Australia yet....

Thank you for those 2 updates Jennie, I'm glad neither of them have lost their tempers

 

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#266:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 12:51 pm

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Thanks Jennie

At least (I hope) she can recognise them as truth - unpalatable or not.

Liz

 

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#267:  Author: keren as guest,  Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 1:20 pm

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On the other hand he says to her "while you just sit in your study and write"
She was earning money from this, it is like saying to her, if she was working outside her house, to leave her job to look after the house.
If she had time to write, she probably would be able to make enough money to have the required house hold help.
This thread keeps reminding me of all the housework I have to do.

 

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#268:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 4:02 pm

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keren as guest wrote:

On the other hand he says to her "while you just sit in your study and write" She was earning money from this, it is like saying to her, if she was working outside her house, to leave her job to look after the house. If she had time to write, she probably would be able to make enough money to have the required house hold help. This thread keeps reminding me of all the housework I have to do.

Keren has got a point here (much as I hate to admit it ) Joey was helping with the income by her writing. Jack does make it seem like it's just a hobby, rather than a way to earn some money. At least they're both talking now, so that's an improvement.

Thanks Jennie for the updates.

 

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#269:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 4:05 pm

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Maybe Jack will eventually be able to get through, but as the others have remarked Jo was implementing the family income.

Thanks, Jennie.

 

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#270:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 4:14 pm

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That's a good point Keren. Thanks for the updates Jennie.

 

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#271:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 6:47 pm

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Thanks for the updates Jennie - I think what Jack was trying to get across was that it's not goping to be possible to return to the old life - even if Jo were to write dozens of books and earn far more money, the domestic help is no longer there. Jo still doesn't seem to have accepted that - and her dismissal of Anna was callous in the extreme - the woman nearly died!

 

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#272:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 12:41 pm

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Jo decided to accept the offer of a cleaning firm coming up from Interlaken one day every week to do the main cleaning. It was better than nothing, and certainly better than doing it herself. She began to reckon up. There were only three weeks left of term, so she would just have to manage for that time. When the children came home from school, she would give them all a definite job to do every day and ensure that they did it.

She was beginning to drift off into pleasant dreams of a well-run house and a return to her long, child-free hours. She would be able to visit people again, and have visitors. It wasn't as though Ruey was a bad cook, and with Adrienne and Erica looking after the children her own life would return to normal.

This pleasant reverie was broken by Jack's voice.

'By the way, Jo. there's something that you must know. Adrienne hasn't been too well just recently. Matey called me into school today to have a look at her. She's rather anaemic and run down with the heat. She's going to need some care this summer and lots of rest. Don't let her run round too much, will you? I think that we'd better reserve the hammock in the garden for her.'

So much for dreams. That was a blow.

The next one fell the following day. Ruey wrote to let Jo know that the Richardsons were all staying in England for the summer. Roger had the chance of some experience in an engineering firm, and Ruey was going to help out at a boarding school in England which was letting out its premises to a summer sports' school. So Roddy had decided that he wanted to be near his brother and sister, and had asked some of their relatives if he could stay with them. The rest of the letter was filled with cheerful news about the various doings of the Richardson family.

Jo could have wept. Whilst acknowledging that what Jack had said about the availability of domestic help was true, inside herself she could not believe that her life had to change. And she was still inclined to blame anyone but herself.

 

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#273:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 12:45 pm

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Thanks Jennie

Can anybody show Jo that what she finds a harsh reality is nothing compared with the hardships some people face.

When will she realise that she has a loving husband, wonderful children and friends who would help her (with advice at the very least) if she asked for help rather than demanded service from them as if it were her due.

Liz

 

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#274:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 1:00 pm

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That's the point, isn't it? Jack is doing his best, but Jo just wants to return to the past.

 

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#275:  Author: Guest,  Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 1:05 pm

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What is the name of the story that describes the events in Australia? I'm know itching to read that as well.

 

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#276:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 1:31 pm

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Guest, it is called 'Josette's Dilemma' and is in St Therese's House.

Thank you, Jennie. Thinking about the fact that so many of the family have now left home (and don't seem madly keen to come home for some strange reason ) perhaps they should consider downsizing. They must be rattling round in that house now.

*Bags I not be the one to suggest it to Jo *

 

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#277:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 1:40 pm

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Well, I'm not going to. I'll hide behind you while you do it, Pat.

 

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#278:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 1:40 pm

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Thanks Jennie. Its going to be a very slow process isn't it...

 

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#279:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 1:54 pm

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I think it's possibly a good idea for some of the children to help out around the house, ie minor chores, but *not* for the Triplets and other girls to do everything. Poor Jo... I am veering between extremes of sympathy and exasperation!

Thanks Jennie

 

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#280:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 6:32 pm

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I think Liz's idea of showing Jo just how much worse it could be might be of help - if anything will penetrate - and getting her to ask fpr help, not demand it.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#281:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 7:12 pm

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Thanks, Jennie, agree with all of above, and as Lesley says, ASKING would be good!!

But then Joey is used to ruling the roost and dictating to all and sundry or else overwhelming them to the extent that they do her bidding in a state of shock.

 

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#282:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 11:05 pm

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I think Jo is slowly coming round, but she's taking a while doing it. It must have been a bit of a culture shock for Jo, but it's a pity she hasn't handled it better than she has done. Like others have said, if she asked for help I'm sure she would get it.

 

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#283:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 1:37 pm

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BTW: Jack didn't say 'just sit in your study and write.' he said 'sit in your study and write.' If he hadn't taken her writing seriously, she wouldn't have a study. Also, he's not denigrating her writing, at least, that's not what I intended, but he's reminding her that she can't expect teenagers to do all the heavy housework, cooking and childcare. Jack has realised that the small children must come first.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jo decided that she had better start organising herself. For a start, she realised that she would have to start getting out of bed earlier in the mornings.There was no Anna now to wake her with a cup of tea, and no Rosli to wash and dress the children before giving them their breakfasts. She still resented the fact that she had to do it, but it was the only way to cope, otherwise breakfast descended into chaos. So, the alarm clock would have to go off an hour earlier. Still, she might just get a cup of tea in peace before the children woke up to begin another day of their incessant demands.

She was still resentful about the turn that her life had taken, but was slowly beginning to realise that repining over it was not going to get her anywhere. She was still unwilling to accept that the school was not going to come to her rescue, surely Hilda could spare a maid to do Jo's housework for her. It had been so easy to settle down to life in the Oberland without having to worry about the floors being polished and food placed on the table.

What was really worrying her was Jack's silence about the fiasco in Australia. She had not felt able to ask him about what Jem had written in his letter, so she dreaded the moment when Jack brought it up. This wouldn't do. The laundry people would be calling at eleven o'clock and she still had to strip the beds off and pack the sheets into the bags. They would all have to make the sheets last for longer, clean sheets every couple of days was now a luxury that she could not afford, either financially or the time.

And menu-planning so she could order the food. It had been much easier to agree to the menus, instead of having to think for herself, then prepare and cook it. She began to wonder why she had ever wanted such a long family. She dreaded to think about what life was like for the families of over twenty children that she had read about. At least she had enough money to feed her children, by all accounts there were plenty of families in India and China who were starving. Life had been much pleasanter when she had been able to salve her conscience by ensuring that the girls sewed nightdresses and other simple garments for that poor parish in Innsbruck.

Last edited by Jennie on Sat Jun 25, 2005 1:51 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#284:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 1:45 pm

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Finally, she is starting to think, and to act responsibily.

Thanks Jennie - wonder if there's going to be a showdown with the School?

 

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#285:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 5:27 pm

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Er, perhaps you'd like to write that one, Lesley.

 

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#286:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 5:59 pm

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Thanks Jennie, great update

 

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#287:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 6:17 pm

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Thank you Jennie. Hoping this new thoughtfulness will take hold.

 

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#288:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 7:20 pm

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Thanks for the update Jennie. I'm glad to see that Jo's decided to start taking up some of the responsibility at last.

 

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#289:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sat Jun 25, 2005 8:18 pm

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Glad to see that Joey is taking some responsibility, it must be difficult for her, and apart from jack none of her friends seem to be bothered about supporting her, and it is possible to support her wihtout doing things for her.

 

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#290:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 10:12 am

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Thanks Jennie

Glad to see Jo is waking up to reality and starting to make an effort. This must be so difficult for her.

Liz

 

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#291:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2005 11:40 pm

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Whew. Wow. Gosh. Golly. Those poor little children!!!

 

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#292:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:51 am

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At the San, Jack was busy on the phone arranging for a cleaning crew to come up from Interlaken every Friday to clean and polish through the house. At least the house would look good over the weekends.

He was absolutely determined that the older children should not have to spend all their days in housework and childcare. Help out, yes, that was reasonable, but do everything, no, that wasn't. He was going to ensure that Jo understood that the teenagers deserved to have some holiday, to set them up for the return to school in September. yes, they could spend their mornings helping out, but they were to have their afternoons to do as they wished.

He was beginning to feel a bit sorry for Jo, she had had a terrible shock on her return from her futile trip to Australia, but still, he had had a terrible shock, too. Anna had opened the door to him, then collapsed with a heart-attack. It appeared that she had spent the day washing down walls because Jo had told her to get the whole house immaculate whilst she was away. Then there had been the long, anxious night and day that had followed. He had hardly left Anna's bedside, knowing that she needed and deserved every scrap of the medical care that he could give her. She had worked so hard for his family, he just couldn't let her die.

And then there was the topic of Jo's trip to Australia, her blatant refusal to acknowledge that Madge really was an alcoholic, and the way that she had expected Jem and Josette to run around after her.

What was really annoying him was that Jo had spent years boasting that she had been the Chalet School's first pupil, and would be a good Chalet girl until she died. But how had she reacted when her life had been disrupted? She certainly hadn't taken hold and done her best. She'd behaved like a spoiled child. And here Jack had to recognise that he was at fault. They just hadn't allowed Jo to grow up, and he was as much to blame as anyone else.

 

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#293:  Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:57 am

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Great update, Jennie - glad that Jack recognises that he has been to blame for Joey's refusal to face the world. When will he bring up the topic of Australia and Madge, I wonder?

Thank-you.

 

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#294:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:59 am

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*Nods head in agreement with Jack*

This is a really thought-provoking drabble Jennie, I do think its great!

 

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#295:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 12:05 pm

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Thank you Jennie.

I do feel sorry for both of them. Jack probably never had any idea of what went on at home, being busy at work. He would have been unusual for his generation if he had taken any practical interest in domestic matters,

I think Jo was a strong enough character to get her own way throughout her life and everyone took the easy route for a quiet life.

I do wish she wasn't so alone now though. I suppose Biddy and Hilary are keeping as quiet as possible in case of a major row.

 

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#296:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 12:45 pm

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Thanks Jennie - good to see Jack's thoughts on things

Liz

 

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#297:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 12:54 pm

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I've just read this drabble all the way through and I have to admit I'm in the sympathy for Jo camp. Maybe she could try harder at dealing with everything instead of sulking but Jack has let her take the easy way out all these years.

 

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#298:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 1:24 pm

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thanks Jennie - some pretty poweful updates there. It's good to see both of them thinking about it and Jo actually taking some action.

And there's a bright side to half the family not coming home - 6 fewer mouths to feed, 6 fewer beds to make.....surely she can palm off a few other children too!

 

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#299:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 1:27 pm

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Awww.... poor Jack. But he is right!

 

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#300:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 6:59 pm

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I'm glad Jack has thought things through and realises that it's not all Jo's fault, but how she's been allowed to avoid responsibility over the years. It looks like things will be looking up for them both soon (hopefully )

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#301:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:49 pm

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Still not feeling sorry for Jack in this at all. He's the one who cossetted her all her life, and then he expects her to pull her socks up straight away. If she can't see what she's doing wrong, he's only himself to blame.

Thanks Jennie - I know I don't post much, but am still enjoying this.

 

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#302:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:25 pm

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Thanks for the flowers, guys. What I'm trying to do is to show that they have to mature and make the best of things. They have too many small children depending on them to carry on as they did before.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With this realisation came the knowledge that he had to do as much as he could to help out at home. The real problem there was that he had never had to do anything domestic before, apart from making cups of tea and coffee. He smiled briefly when he remembered how proud Jem had sounded when he wrote about learning how to cook. Jack didn't have a Josette to teach him, but he still thought that he could learn.

He went about his work for the rest of the day, wondering what sort of reception he was going to get when he arrived home. He hoped that Jo hadn't found the day too difficult. Still, he'd help to get the children to bed, then perhaps she would show him how to do things in the kitchen.

This was quite a humbling experience for him. Before, he'd just had to walk in and the household would revolve around him, the doctor, the head of the family. Now, it was being made quite clear to him that he was a liability, another mouth to feed, another person to wash and iron for, another person to clear up after. He knew that he didn't want this situation to carry on, but how to put it right, short of finding the live-in domestic help that they'd enjoyed before was beyond him.

The only thing that he could say in his own defence was that he was doing his best. Now, if he could only hear about the au pair, Jo might be happier with the entire situation. He knew that he'd been too hard on her when she arrived back from Australia, but her response to the situation had been about herself, not how to do her best for the children. It wasn't that he didn't value her writing, or think that it was something that she could do at any moment, when she had a few minutes to spare. What had knocked him back was Anna's illness and Jo's assumption that other people were always going to come to her rescue in times of trouble. It was more than time for the Maynard family to stand on its own feet.

He was beginning to understand that blame and recrimination were useless, they wouldn't get them anywhere. What mattered was managing for the future, trying to keep a positive attitude to what they did have, instead of crying for what was no longer there.

 

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#303:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:36 pm

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Thanks for this update Jennie. It shows that Jack is really trying his best - he has to adjust his lifestyle as much as Joey has. At least he seems to be acting proactively now.

 

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#304:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:59 pm

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I'm glad that Jack is trying to change for the better.

 

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#305:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 7:34 am

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Thanks Jennie

It looks like Jack is slowly getting there - I hope he can encourage Jo to go with him

Liz

 

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#306:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 9:08 am

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Thanks Jennie, brilliant to see Jack trying his best

 

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#307:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 11:21 am

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Jennie, you are making a lovely job of showing us Jack's slow transformation.

Thank you very much.

 

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#308:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 11:33 am

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When Jack arrived home, it was to find that the children were having their supper before being bathed and put to bed.

Jo did not seem to be in an especially good mood, but then, there were none of the warning thunder-clouds on her brow.

'Well, I'm home, what can I do to help out? Shall I make some tea for both of us before we bathe children and put them to bed? We could take it outside and let the children have a bit longer to play, it might tire them out.'

Jo paused before replying. Then she reluctantly agreed to it.

'I don't want to make a habit of letting them play out after supper, but it would be nice to have a cup of tea and sit down for five minutes.'

Jack made the tea, then put the things on a tray. Once they were sitting down under a tree with the four children busying themselves with some wooden building blocks, Jack decided to give Jo the good news about the house-cleaning firm.

'You'll be pleased to know that I've arranged for for the cleaning firm to come up every Friday. They'll do the whole house through, cleaning, polishing, windows, floors, the lot.'

Jo said nothing. Jack was not heartened by this, but decided to press on.

'I know that I'm pretty much useless round a house, but I'm willing to try to learn. There must be jobs that I can do, what about peeling potatoes and cleaning vegetables? Then perhaps I could learn to cook them. If you'd be willing to teach me how to do it, then we can both pass on our knowledge to the boys. I know Erica and Adrienne are both learning cookery at school, but I'm not willing to have them involved in the meal preparation while the boys just contribute their appetites.'

Jo was looking a little more agreeable by this time, so Jack continued.

'During the holidays, all the children are to help out with the housework and looking after the children. We mustn't leave it all to the girls, the boys must help as well. If the girls are doing the dusting and tidying, the boys must do jobs too, and that means that they'll have to look after their little brothers and sisters.'

'Well, if you intend the children to help out, it might not be so bad.'

'It won't be. I still haven't heard about the au pair, but I'm still hopeful. If you agree, we'll try to get things organised so that the work is done in the morning, then after lunch, the tinies can go to bed for their naps. That ought to give you some time for your writing.'

'I'm surprised that you've remembered that.' replied Jo with an offended note in her voice. 'It didn't seem to comeinto your calculations at all, before.'

'I've never forgotten it. I know what a contribution it makes to the family.
But we have to think about the children first. I know that it's hard to accept that we can't have live-in help in the house any longer, but we're the adults who they depend on, and we have to accept that and get on with it. You'll really have to help me with this, Jo. I can't do it all by myself.'

 

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#309:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 11:35 am

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I'm glad that Jack realises the boys can do housework as well.

 

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#310:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 12:22 pm

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Thanks Jennie - looks like they might be making some progress at last!

Liz

 

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#311:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 12:31 pm

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Jack is being mature about this. I can see how this can hopefully come round to a happy ending,

 

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#312:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 12:40 pm

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thank you Jennie. Am hopeful of progress now.

 

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#313:  Author: JustJen, Location: waiting for a bus Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 3:19 pm

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I"m glad that Jack has finally woken up.
Hope that Joey will prove herself to be a real Chalet girl and rise up to the challenge as well

 

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#314:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 3:36 pm

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JustJen wrote:

Hope that Joey will prove herself to be a real Chalet girl and rise up to the challenge as well

Hear hear

 

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#315:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 5:18 pm

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I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel at last, Jack's wising up pretty quickly and whilst Jo's still dragging her heels a little at least she is making a few changes.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#316:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 7:07 pm

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Thanks Jennie - hope Joey can move as quickly as Jack on this - lovely to see the character development.

 

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#317:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 7:36 pm

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Jack

 

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#318:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 11:50 pm

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Really good to see Jack realising that he has been *Herr Dokter*, but is now just another person to clear up after - much as I love Andy and much as I really appreciate the tremendous amount he does do round the house, that still rings a chord

I can see why Jo feels bitter about her writing, hopefully Jack will decide that on his days off there will be complete role reversal and she can spend the majority of the day writing while he does the majority of the house/kids stuff

 

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#319:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 12:57 am

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Come on Jo, respond to this...Jack is trying hard and has accepted that he has caused somje of the problems in the first place. And he is thinking of the children too.

 

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#320:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 6:20 pm

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Just caught up with this. I'm glad that Jack is thinking rationally about the problems. Hopefully Joey will follow suit soon.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#321:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 3:05 pm

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Im glad to see they are talking about it without getting angry and that Jo is accepting Jack's ideas. I hope it works out!

 

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#322:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 1:39 pm

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The next couple of weeks were fairly difficult to begin with. Jack made several mistakes when trying to help out in the house which did not endear him to Jo who was still feeling fraught with all the work that she had to do.

She, on her part, was still feeling very resentful that her life had fallen to pieces in such a short time. Who would have believed that only three weeks away from home would have brought such dramatic and devastating changes to her life!

One thing that she was finding very difficult to bear was the lack of contact with the school. Hilda and Nell had both telephoned several times, but had not made any offer to lend her a maid to help out. She had learned during a flying visit from Erica that the maids were all going home at the beginning of the holidays because the dormitories were being redecorated over the summer, but there was still no offer of help from the school. And her opportunities to visit the school were so limited. There was no more popping in and out when the mood took her, not with four small children to take with her. She had discoverd that it was no easy task to get four small children clean and dressed in suitable clothes then walked over to the school. And she had to keep an eye on them whilst she was there.

Still, at least she was keeping on top of the washing and ironing, thanks to the new washing machine. And the hot weather meant that the clothes dried quickly. But it was the eternal cooking and meal preparation that was getting her down. She had had no idea that the children could eat so much. Five meals a day, if she included their milk and biscuits and nursery tea! That was exhausting enough, never mind preparing food for herself and Jack. What she missed the most were their leisurely meal-times. Breakfast was no longer an easy start to the day, not with the children to supervise and feed when they were in one of their moods. And dinner was no longer a meal to look forward to, not when she knew that she was going to have to do the dishes afterwards. Oh, Jack was being very good about it, he did wash the dishes while she dried them and put them away, but she definitely missed being able to go from the dining room to the Saal to wait for her coffee. Mending was not just a matter of Jack's socks and shirt-buttons now, she had to do all the children's clothes now, as well.

Still, she didn't have to do the heavy laundry, and she didn't have to do the heavy housework. But, and she found this the biggest but of all, she hadn't had time to sit down and do any writing. She was forced to admit it. She had been spoiled for most of her married life, and now she was paying the price.

 

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#323:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 3:26 pm

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Poor Jo, feel sorry for her now. It's a hard lesson for her and I'm sure she must find it unbearable not to be able to do her writing.

Thanks Jennie

 

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#324:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 3:43 pm

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Thank you Jennie. I do hope she can learn to cope. I know she's had it comparatively easy all her life but it has all come at once and the adjustment must be terrible.

 

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#325:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 5:33 pm

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Hope she can work out a time to write - what about the weekends? If Jack is there to help out she should have a few spare hours.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#326:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 8:05 pm

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*nods in agreement with Lesley*
despite her behaviour it's not fair that she no longer has time for her career.
Thank you Jennie

 

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#327:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 8:55 pm

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At least she has had the guts to admit, if only to herself, that she has been spoiled for most of her married life.

Build on that, Joey. Take it one step further.

 

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#328:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 9:52 pm

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I'm glad that Joey is starting to face up to the situation more and not sulk so much.

 

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#329:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 2:08 am

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At least she's starting to accept just how much of a dream run she's had, and she must be getting very frustrated at not being able to write.

 

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#330:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 5:37 pm

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Yay Jennie!

Just read through from page 3, and I've loved every line of it - thank you!!

 

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#331:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 7:26 pm

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Knowing that the children's schools would be breaking up within the next couple of days, Jo decided that she would spend some time making out a work roster for them. There would be all the additional washing and ironing to do, what with the contents of their trunks and the number of clothes that they managed to get through in one day. She realised that the washing was going to be her major task. She couldn't in all conscience make either Adrienne or Erica do the washing, though they could help out with the simpler ironing, and the mere thought of the boys messing around with her washing machine was enough to make the hairs stand out on her neck.

She began to realise that she was going to have to spend time teaching the boys how to do various tasks. There would be no use in standing any of the boys in front of the sink and telling him to peel potatoes. Whoever was allocated that task would not be able to do it. She sighed, perhaps she had depended far too much on the triplets, and not given the boys enough to do. Well, that was going to have to change.

Another problem was Adrienne. Jack had warned her that the girl was not to do too much, and with the way things were at the moment, she didn't dare go against his wishes. They had reached a stage of a tentative peace, and Jo had decided that she didn't want to upset it. To tell the truth, she was a little bit afraid of this new Jack. It wasn't that he treated her badly, but she was very anxious not to upset things. For one, he appeared to have forgotten to mention her trip out to Australia, and she didn't want the subject to be raised. She wished now that she had never gone out there, or that she hadn't assumed that she could put things right. She found herself wishing that she had the very capable Josette to help her out for the summer, and gave a sigh of envy that Janie Lucy was getting that help.

She turned back to her list of jobs. This had to be done, and there was no-one else to do it. She couldn't rely on Jack's help all the time, they had just had a large influx of new patients at the San, and it was quite clear that he was exhausted when he came home. Still, he did his best to help her with dish-washing and putting the children to bed, so she couldn't complain about that. The problem was that she was stuck behind a pile of mending every evening, whilst Jack fell asleep in his armchair as often as not.

The one thing that she really missed was time to write. She had the idea for a new book churning away inside her head, but no time to write it down and see if it would be workable. Her glance fell on the clock. The children would be waking up soon, and she really needed to get this list done. Sitting sighing for the past wasn't going to help her at all.

 

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#332:  Author: ali, Location: medway, kent Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 7:52 pm

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Poor Jo, she seems to be sorting herself out now, but without getting the one thing she needs, time to write. There must be a way and I hope she finds it. I really didn't like Jo in this at first, particularly in Australia. I think its amazing that you can change our opinions of her so we now sympathise with her. Very clever writing.

 

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#333:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 7:52 pm

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Feeling sorry for Jo that she hasn't time to write - know how terrible I'd feel. Hope she can get some sort of roster sorted - wouild like to know Jack's opinion of her Australia trip - and see her speaking with the CS Staff.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#334:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 7:55 pm

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Thanks Jennie, I was thrilled to see an update! And it was excellent as usual too!

 

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#335:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 7:58 pm

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I hope the children are co-operative. It's going to be new for them as well.

thanks Jennie. I wonder if the new book will be the better for marinating quietly in her mind?

 

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#336:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 11:15 pm

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I'm so glad Joey's really making a go of it now, not just wishing the past back. I hope her and Jack and the children find a way for her to have enough time to do some writing though, and that she doesn't work poor Adrienne too hard!

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#337:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 12:48 am

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Well this looks a little more hopeful although I can see trouble looming if she doesn't get as chance to do some writing soon.

 

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#338:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:45 am

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Thanks Jennie

Good to see Jo is really knuckling down and facing up to reality. Hope the tentative peace can be extended to something better and that she does get the chance to do some writing.

Liz

 

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#339:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 9:03 am

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That's definitely a better attitude at least! But she sounds rather depressed - hope it doesn't get too bad for her!

 

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#340:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 9:30 am

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I'm glad Jo's thinking a bit more rationally about it now, and that she acknowledges how much she depended on the triplets to do things for her rather than the boys. Hopefully that's going to change now. I also hope she manages to find some time in the holidays to do a bit of writing.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#341:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 10:41 am

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Agreeing with all of the above, Jennie, my early sympathy for Joey seems to have been right as she struggles valiantly to do what she knows is the right thing - even at cost to herself.

Thanks, Jennie.

 

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#342:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 12:01 pm

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The couple of days after the children returned from school were chaotic. Jo had accepted that the boys would be tired after the long journey, but was unprepared for the way that they ignored her requests for help. Apparently, they had no intention of spending their long summer holidays helping in the house. They appeared to believe that meals would appear on the table by magic, and Stephen had calmly waited for three days before he unpacked his trunk, and he had then thrown all his washing downstairs, leaving the girls to pick it up and bring it to the kitchen.

Jo had some sympathy for Charles. On hearing that Anna had had a heart attack and was still in hospital, he had gone very white, then started to tremble. Jo remembered that he and Anna had been very close, and she cursed herself inwardly for not preparing him for the bad news. She also understood why he had sneaked out after breakfast one day and walked to the San, then begged to be able to see Anna. He had been allowed to look through the observation window, but had not been able to get any closer.

No, the real problem was the defiance that the boys were showing. It seemed that a British public school education was giving them the idea that they did not have to involve themselves with mundane matters such as meal preparation and housework.

After three days of this, Jo was at her wits' end, Adrienne was looking pale and worn out, and Erica was loudly declaring that she was going on strike.
Fortunately, the day after she had complained to Jack was a Saturday, and Jack had the weekend off. He had not treated her complaints as though they were nothing, but had listened to to her, then told her that he would deal with it.

Stephen, Charles and Mike had been called into the study, to emerge later with downcast faces and sullen attitudes. They did their work, but obviously resented it. Jo tentatively asked Jack about it, and was told that the boys had been informed that if they did not do the jobs which had been allocated to them, they would have to go without cooked meals. They wouldn't starve, but wouldn't get the cooked family meals that they had enjoyed in the past. They also had to earn their pocket - money by helping. But the end result was better. The boys did their allocated work, even looking after the children.

On the Saturday evening, Jack made the after-dinner coffee and brought it into the Saal. It was clear that he had something to say to her, but Jo did not like to ask what it was. She waited for Jack to open the conversation.

'Well, I've been thinking, Jo. It's quite clear to me that you're still unhappy about the situation here at home, and I've done my best to try to sort things out. The only thing that I can think of is for you to have a couple of hours every day for your writing. I don't see why you have to rush round doing things whilst the little ones are having their naps. I'm going to tell the older children that they must occupy themselves quietly while you're writing. I know that it's not nearly enough time, but I can't make any more hours in the day. There is some good news, though. We will be able to have an au pair. The terms of employment are fairly strict. They can work only five hours in the day, light housework only, and one day off every week for language lessons.'

'Well, that would be a help. I must admit, anything would better than doing it all myself. I never realised just how much I had done for me, and now I have to do it all, it's a struggle. I do have an idea for a new book, and I'm just longing to get it all down on paper to see if my idea will work out.'

'Yes, well,' said Jack. 'I can understand that. It's clear that the small children have to come first, but the others will just have to pull their weight around the house. It's not as though they are being asked to do the main housework, and it won't be bad for them to realise that they have to be tidy at home, and that food doesn't cook itself.'

Jo hastened to agree with him. This new, more thoughtful Jack was better. She mentally corrected herself. Jack had never been thoughtless of her, in fact he had assumed that they would always have help in the house, just as she had, and he had acted accordingly. Now that they had to rely on their own resources, he was accepting and dealing with the situation as well as he could. In fact, she thought wryly, it was the first time that they had really experienced the full weight of parenthood.

 

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#343:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 12:05 pm

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Goodness, this is a really positive move. Glad to see that Jack is giving the boys a judicious boot. Poor Charles, though.

 

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#344:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 12:11 pm

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Also glad the boys have been told the true state of affairs. And that Jack and Jo now seem to be working as a team.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#345:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 12:12 pm

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Awww.... lovely! Good to see they can all work together!

 

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#346:  Author: Tiffany,  Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 12:19 pm

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Hurrah for Jack! I'm glad Joey's getting herself together, and I hope she starts to realise how grateful she should be to Jack... if the boys see Jack helping in the house and not taking things for granted, they'll learn to follow his example, won't they?

Thankyou LOTS, Jennie!

 

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#347:  Author: Robin, Location: London Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 12:48 pm

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glad they seem to be working together to sort it out
thanks jennie

 

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#348:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 2:27 pm

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I feel annoyed with Stephen not wanting to do anything to help out at first. Though I suppose that is the way he is used to.

 

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#349:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 8:12 pm

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Hurrah for Jack! Thanks Jennie, it's nice to see Joey learning.

 

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#350:  Author: Miriam, Location: Jerusalem, Israel Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 8:20 pm

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Just wondering if Jo's recent experiences are going to have any effect on her writing style. She's gained a lot of new perspectives that could really enrich her books now.

 

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#351:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 10:15 pm

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Also glad that Jo is being more positive!

 

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#352:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 10:35 pm

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I haven't actually worked out how many children have appeared for the holidays (too complicated, too tired, too lazy) but it sounds like a major headache. It must be an apalling shock for the kids to find they could't just carry on as before.

Hats off to Jack for dealing with it and to Jo for realising that he is doing his best.

 

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#353:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 8:58 am

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The new regime did not work smoothly at first.

The boys, on being told to amuse themselves quietly for two hours whilst the little ones had their naps, took that to mean that they were free to walk off over the Platz, entertain themselves for a couple of hours, then walk back, to discover a very worried mother and two very tired girls who had had to do all the childcare and cooking. Their excuses were met with a grim silence and when tea-time arrived, the boys found themselves with bread and water to eat. They were also informed that they would not be joining the family for supper, as they hadn't done their share of the preparations.

This lesson proved to be enough, though it was added to when Jack arrived home and discovered what they had done. He docked them of sufficient pocket money to ensure that, although they might be able to get down to Interlaken by train, they would have no money to spend whilst they were there. The message really went home when the boys found out that Adrienne and Erica had been given extra pocket-money for doing the boys' work as well as their own.

Jo was a little happier; after putting the little ones down for their nap, she had made sure that Adrienne and Erica had cool drinks and were resting, then hurried to her study. To her great joy, she discovered that her ideas were flowing. She began to wonder whether having the plot going round in her head for a couple of weeks had been a good thing. Most of the writing seemed to flow, and by the time the little ones had woken up, she was very satisfied with what she had put down on paper.

She began to think that if she could keep this up, then her new life wasn't going to be as bad as she had thought. It wasn't that she did not long for the old days to return, for she often did. No, what was occupying her now was the feeling that she was far more competent than she had ever imagined that she could be. That didn't stop her longing for the arrival of the au pair to take some of the work off her hands.

 

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#354:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:20 am

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Love the fact that the boys got punished - good for Jo and Jack.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#355:  Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:07 am

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Excellent. Good for Joey and Jack - I was sure they would come through.

Thank you, Jennie.

 

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#356:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:40 am

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With the news that their au pair girl, a doctor's daughter from Shropshire, would be arriving within a month, Jo began to feel that the rest of the holidays could be coped with.

Apparently the girl, Angela, was the oldest child of a family of four, and accustomed to managing her younger brothers. She wanted a post abroad as she wished to polish up her German and French before taking up a place at university to read Modern Languages.

There was only one small problem. A room had to be prepared for her. Jo decided that the paintwork was too shabby, so the walls would have to be colour-washed again. She co-ordinated the boys' efforts in clearing the room of all its furniture, then put down some drop cloths to cover the floor before painting.

She had assumed, that as the triplets had succesfully painted rooms for her before, that the boys, who were now the same age, would be able to do it just as efficiently. She set them to work then went off to do her own jobs. Felix and Felicity were playing nicely on the lawn, supervising their younger brothers and sisters, and clearly feeling very important about their 'work'. Jo hurried off to make her bed and dust her room, before hurrying downstairs to prepare elevenses. This meal might be only milk and biscuits for the children, or lemonade if she had the time to make it, but it still took time to prepare.

When she finally arrived downstairs, it was to find that Erica and Adrienne had already finished their tasks, and were washing salad stuff in preparation for lunch. She smiled at them, then said, 'I'm so grateful for all your help, I really didn't mean for you to spend your holidays in this way. If I can manage it, I'll try to take you for a day out, at least.'

Then she hurried to prepare the light snack before deciding to take the boys' portions up to them.

The sight that met her eyes was enough to make her wish that she had never had a family at all. Instead of painting the walls, the boys had had a paint fight. All three were liberally covered with the primrose yeellow that she had chosen, as were the windows and door. In fact, the only surfaces that had not received a drop of paint were the walls.

Jo wanted to weep.

 

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#357:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:52 am

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Can see the boys back on bread and water again - what's with them??? Stephen at least is supposed to be fairly responsible - and at age 16 he should know how to paint walls.

Thanks Jennie - looking forward to next bits.

 

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#358:  Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:53 am

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I could scrofulate those boys. Nasty, spoilt brats.

Thanks, Jennie!

 

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#359:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 12:30 pm

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I'm starting to feel very very sorry for Jo

and also for this Angela - the boys won't give her an easy time.

 

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#360:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 12:32 pm

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boys

Poor Jo

Jennie - I know Jem is not really on speaking terms with Jo at the moment - but if Madge is making any progress with her treatment, please could we hear about it?

(if it doesn't upset plans for any other drabbles you might be writing that is )

Liz

 

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#361:  Author: Joyful, Location: Manchester Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:21 pm

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Goodness, I missed lots of new bits!
Glad joey can get down to writing again, especially as she's doing housework too.
And nice to see the boys being punished (for going off!)...hoping that means there will be some justice in the matter of the paint...

 

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#362:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:25 pm

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The boys should be doing more to help but they have had had even less experience than Joey in helping out around the house.

 

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#363:  Author: Tiffany,  Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 5:55 pm

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I can see the boys' point - a total change from everything they're used to, and then having to learn that "go an amuse yourselves" actually means "do some housework"... I like the way the punishment fits the crime!

 

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#364:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 6:14 pm

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I love the way this is developing. It's very realistic and Jo is really learning lots. I'm so glad she got time for some writing and that it flowed when she did. that must make her feel better.

Quote:

She smiled at them, then said, 'I'm so grateful for all your help, I really didn't mean for you to spend your holidays in this way. If I can manage it, I'll try to take you for a day out, at least.'

I loved that, too.

As for the boys! I think she would be totally justified in screaming at them, banging their heads together and banishing them to the shed. (sorry for the rant, but it is what I would have done ).

thank you Jennie.

 

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#365:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 6:43 pm

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Oh dear, why does *children doing work* always end up with even more work for the parents?

Thanks, Jennie

 

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#366:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2005 7:13 pm

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The horrible boys!! Poor Jo.

Thanks Jennie, two fab updates to cheer me up

 

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#367:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 10:41 am

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patmac wrote:

As for the boys! I think she would be totally justified in screaming at them, banging their heads together and banishing them to the shed. (sorry for the rant, but it is what I would have done ).

I agree with Pat here. I think I would have gone completely mad with them. I'm just wondering what Jack's going to say to them when he finds out what they've done

I'm glad that Jo's realising that she can cope and that she's been able to do some writing.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#368:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 12:19 pm

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Jo was fairly tight-lipped about their stupidity, merely sending them to the bathrooms to wash off every speck of paint. She was also quick to stress that the bathrooms must be cleaned immaculately afterwards, the towels brought down for washing, and then the boys would have the pleasure of washing their own clothes. She contented herself with finishing by saying.

'Of course, since you have wasted the money that we spent on paint, it won't be possible for you to have cooked meals for a few days.'

The boys were left to realise just how stupid they had been, and this lesson was rubbed in when they were allowed nothing to eat until their clothes were clean and hanging on the washing line. Then they were allowed some dry bread with water to drink. Just as they were swallowing the final morsels of this, their father walked into the kitchen. Jo had not phoned him, not knowing where he was. He had just come back to the house to pick up a medical journal that he had promised to lend to Neil Shepherd and forgotten to take with him that morning.

Seeing the disgruntled looks on the boys' faces, he asked what was wrong. None of them could look him in the eye, just muttering something indistinguishable at him. Jack thought for a moment, then went off to Jo's study. Knocking lightly on the door, he went in, to find her sitting at her desk writing.

'Jo, I'm sorry to break into your time, But just what have those three been doing now? I can see that they've not had lunch with you and the rest of them. You might as well tell me now, I'll find out about it any way, so I might as well deal with it now.'

Jo told him, quite plainly what had happened and the steps that she had taken, including making up the money that had to be spent on buying new paint.

Jack thought for a moment, then left her study. He had heard the sounds of footsteps heading towards the front door. He was just in time to catch the boys heading out on their own ploys.

Calling them back, he ushered them into his study and asked them for an explanation of their stupidity. They were unable to come up with a reason for their behaviour, though words such as 'fun' and 'only having a game' were audible.

Then Stephen burst out with his grievances.

'It's no fun at home any more. I thought we'd be having a holiday, be able to enjoy ourselves, instead we're being expected to help with housework and food, and looking after the children. It's not fair to expect us to do it, we're boys. Why can't the girls do all of it? It wouldn't hurt them, they're used to it, things like cooking and cleaning. That's what girls are for, not boys.'

 

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#369:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 1:19 pm

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Boys are just as capable as girls in doing housework. I wish I was able to tell Stephen that in person! Also, when does Stephen expect Joey to have free time to herself?

 

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#370:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 1:48 pm

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I agree with you. I expected my boys to help with the housework and cooking. And they knew better than to tell me that they were bored, I could always find them a job to do. Though that raises some questions. Why is it not boring to sand off all the varnish on one's bedroom furniture so that it can all be painted black, but boring to have to sand down the bookcases in mum's study?

 

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#371:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 2:31 pm

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Jack received this in silence. He was waiting for his temper to cool a little before he spoke to Stephen. Charles and Mike both looked a little ashamed of themselves, and a little frightened to hear their complaints spoken aloud to one of their parents.

Finally Jack spoke.

'I see. In your opinion, it's perfectly acceptable for girls to slave away all day as long as you can do as you please?'

'Well, it's just that we weren't expecting to..........'

'Have to contribute to the running of the house? Have to do something to make our family life run smoothly? Tell me, Stephen, when did you expect to begin to contribute?'

'Well, I, er um.' His voice trailed off into silence.

'Stephen, you are the oldest of our boys, and the oldest child at home. Furthermore, you are sixteen now. I had expected and hoped that you would see that we no longer have help in the house, and that you would be willing to do what you could to make sure that everyone has some time to himself or herself. Do you really expect your mother to give up her writing, the writing that helps to pay for your school fees, and your clothes and uniforms, just so that you can do nothing for nearly three months?'

'Well, it's just that no-one else at school will have had to spend his holiday looking after his little brothers and sisters. I'll be laughed at. Well, I suppose some of the scholarship boys will have to, but not us.'

'Oh, do you look down on the people who don't have real help in the house?'

'Well, you know, we've always had Anna to do everything. I don't see why Adrienne and Erica can't do the jobs. After all, it will be good practice for them for when they get married.'

Jack controlled himself with a huge effort.

'I am just far too angry to deal with you at the moment. I'll speak to you three this evening. In the meantime, when your mother comes out of her study, you are to do everythng you can to help her by doing everything she asks you to do. I'm just going in to see her for a moment before I go back to the San. I'll see you after supper.'

With that, he turned away, leaving the three boys to wonder what was going to be said that evening.

 

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#372:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 2:31 pm

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I'll be interested to hear how Jack deals with this

I agree though, my boys can iron and cook and my girls can change a plug and a tyre on a car - why not

 

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#373:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 2:35 pm

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I absolutely agree. People seem quite amazed that I can change the wheel on a car, and do an oil-change. I taught them to wash, iron and cook, and they taught me how to do those jobs.

 

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#374:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 2:38 pm

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I'm afraid all I know about how to start a car is to start it and drive it in a straight line! Any more and I'm completely stuck!

Well done to Jack for putting Stephen straight!

 

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#375:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 2:47 pm

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People are amazed when I tell them that SLOC does all the ironing, and I don't do any of it!

Those boys need astiff punishment - as much for the snobbery as the actual act itself!

 

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#376:  Author: RroseSelavy, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 3:06 pm

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So the boys think it's unacceptable for a man to be capable of looking after himself?

Jennie, it's really interesting to see Jo learning to cope, and Jack taking responsibility too.

p.s. Lady Guinevere - SLOC does all the ironing here too. I have a moral aversion to it so my cotton shirts just get hung up until the creases drop out. I don't mind ironing hems if I'm sewing, but anything else just seems pointless.

 

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#377:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 4:11 pm

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I'm glad that Jack's putting them straight on a few things. I also think that Jo handled the incident really well. I'm glad that they're acting more like a partnership now.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#378:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 4:51 pm

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Very worried about where they picked up those attitudes - was it from Jack and Jo? Or from school - pleased that Jack and Jo are working better as a team now.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#379:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 7:47 pm

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go Jack
Is the school making them snobs?
Thanks Jennie

 

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#380:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 7:55 pm

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Thanks Jennie

*pokes Steve, Chas and Mike*

 

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#381:  Author: Joyful, Location: Manchester Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 9:26 pm

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silly boys!
hope Jack gets calm enough to give them a good talking to soon!

 

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#382:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2005 10:48 pm

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Thanks Jennie

Good to see Jack and Jo are singing from the same sheet with regard to the boys.

Liz

 

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#383:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 12:44 am

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Stephen appears to have acquired some very unpleasant views and ideas, which is not surprising given the circumstances. I'll be interested to hear him being put right!

 

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#384:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 3:56 am

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How many days can you be kept on bread and water before it affects your health?

Not that I really mind if all those SNAGs that Joey and Jack brought up get scurvey, but... But Hey! Joey and Jack DIDN'T bring them up.

So their attitudes are to be blamed on Anna and Roslii.

 

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#385:  Author: Septima, Location: Yorks Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 8:13 am

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I think the 'women's work' attitude is fairly typical of upper class public school boys of the time. My husband can (if pushed) look after himself perfectly well after several decades in the army, but will not do nappies or childcare. He was sent away to school aged 8 and spent 10 years being taught that women were not to be worried but were there to provide food and clothes at the drop of a hat. My father had a similar upbringing and had similar expectations.

Brilliant drabble.

 

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#386:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 1:53 pm

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what perfectly odious little specimens!!!

I can't wait to see what Jack says to them

 

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#387:  Author: Elle,  Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 2:17 pm

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francesn wrote:

what perfectly odious little specimens!!!

I couldn't agree more, I want to give them a good shake!

or poke

 

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#388:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 3:34 pm

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Whenever I hear a middle-aged man boasting that he can't cook or look after himself, my thoughts run along the lines of 'What an a**ehole!'

 

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#389:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 3:37 pm

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Jennie wrote:

Whenever I hear a middle-aged man boasting that he can't cook or look after himself, my thoughts run along the lines of 'What an a**ehole!'

ditto!

Even my dad - total 1950s schoolboy a la Stephen, Charles et al can put something in the oven!

 

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#390:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 5:42 pm

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Glad to see the boys learning a lesson to. If they could only hear themselves and how rude they sounded ~ I hope they can soon.

Thanks Jennie

 

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#391:  Author: keren, Location: Israel Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 6:14 pm

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my 14 yr old son looks after his younger brothers very well and cooks them lunch now they are home in the holidays

 

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#392:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 9:30 pm

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The three boys were not looking forward to their father's return that evening. Their mother had relented slightly about their food, but they were not particularly pleased to be given salad for their supper, especially as they had had to prepare it themselves. The others had had lamb chops and vegetables, followed by an apple pie with thick fresh cream. Still, they all knew better than to complain about the 'rabbit food', especially as the alternative was another helping of dry bread and water.

When Jack finally came in, he looked utterly worn out. Jo and the two older girls had just finished putting the small children to bed, and as they came down the stairs, Jack heard her say to them,

'No, you're not to do another thing tonight. What I do want you to do is to find somewhere quiet, and rest. Read, sew or knit, whatever pleases you, just don't wear yourselves out. You've been a tremendous help to me today, and I'm very grateful for that.'

Then she saw Jack.and hurried to greet him.

'Jack, it won't take me long to get your supper, say half an hour. I'll set the dining table for you so you can have it in peace.'

Jack was very grateful that Jo had realised that he was so tired that he could hardly stand. He knew that he had to deal with the boys before he could manage to eat anything, so he followed Jo into the kitchen where he saw his sons unwillingly doing the dishes.

'Right you three, when you've finished doing those dishes, I want to see you in my study.'

Then he turned on his heel and walked out of the kitchen.

 

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#393:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 10:36 pm

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I wouldn't like to be in their shoes now I do hope that Jack gives them a really strong talking to. I do like Jack in this story - he's trying so hard even though he must be exhausted after working at the San. I'm also glad that Jo really is making an effort.

Thanks Jennie.

 

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#394:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 10:38 pm

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It's good to see the boys starting to do some housework.

 

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#395:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 11:14 pm

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Really good to see Jo and Jack working together as a team and looking out for each other



Some of Chris's friends (age around 14) aren't even expected to make their own beds (and not just the boys either)

 

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#396:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 2:49 am

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It is nice to see them working together, and to see Joey thanking the girls.

 

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#397:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 4:52 am

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Joey (and Jack) are really improving rapidly. Good to see they are being so much more considerate of each other and their brood. But as for those boys !


My SLOC is not a typical product of an upper class boys school. He can take the pizza out of the freezer and put it in the oven all by himself

 

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#398:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:15 am

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Thanks Jennie

Jo & Jack have really come a long way in a very short time

Liz

 

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#399:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 8:55 am

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I agree, it's nice to see some of their old closeness and ability to work together back!

Thanks Jennie

 

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#400:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 9:33 am

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Jo really has improved dramatically - yay for her!

Hope the boys get what they deserve!

 

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