Just an Ordinary Woman - Part Seven
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House
#1:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 6:17 pm

After some time the four women moved back into the room, they were in time to hear the old woman in the bed finishing a story. Kelly was listening with rapt attention. Cornelia saw them all enter the room but continued talking to Kelly. The four settled at the back of the room.

“So my friend and I got a little carried away, we started off by just telling the others stories of the Red Indians, oh I forget, they are called Native Americans now.”

“Then what happened?”

“Then we decided that we should act out some of the stories, and of course, we needed paints, as war paint. One of the girls had left their paint box out, so we used up all the oil paints.”

Kelly giggled, “Oh no! And this was in the middle of the town?”

“A little way out, but when we finally realised what we were doing, we had to walk through the entire town. And we met up with the Head Girl and some of the Prefects on the way back.”

“Did you get into trouble?”

Cornelia looked across at the four women who had just entered the room, “We did,” she said with a slight smile, “the Headmistress was so shocked she could barely speak, although she did tell us that we had disgraced ourselves and our School. Later the Senior Mistress, the Science Mistress and History Mistress all told us exactly what they thought of us. Not something I would wish on anyone.”

“They didn’t stop you seeing the Play though, did they?”

“No, that, at least, we were allowed. But we were not allowed out on our own for the rest of the trip. As I was saying earlier though, the fact that I was always in trouble as a Middle, didn’t stop me from becoming a Prefect and even Head Girl in my time.”

“Hah, can’t see that happening! Anyway Evvy’s far more likely to be Head Girl, she’s Form Prefect at the moment.”

At the words Cornelia stiffened slightly, “Evvy?” she said sharply.

“Yes, Evvy Van Alden, she one of my closest friends. She’s an American, like you.”

The old woman’s eyes had hardened, “Does she know that you are here?”

Kelly shook her head, “No, she’s with the Mackenzies, she’s spending Christmas with them, do you know her then?”

There was silence for some time, then, “No, I don’t know her.”

Kelly smiled at the woman in the bed then glanced at her watch, “Oh, I’d better be going,” she said quickly, “Miss Derwent and I have lots of presents to wrap, for Dad and Rosalind.” She rose then looked Cornelia in the eye, “I was going to wish you Merry Christmas, Ms Baker, we’re going away for a few days tomorrow, to Brisbane, so Dad can see where he’ll be working come February. So I’ll not be able to come visit again until Christmas Eve.”

“I see.”

“I know you said you would have left by Christmas, Ms Baker, but you’ll not be going home, will you?” Kelly had tears in her eyes, “You’re really ill, aren’t you?”

Cornelia looked across at the girl, then raised her hand to place it on Kelly’s shoulder, “Yes,” she said simply, “I’m very ill.”

Kelly took a quick breath, “Doesn’t it frighten you? What’s going to happen, I mean.”

“A little, yes,” Cornelia admitted, “but I know that I will be joining my husband and children, that I will be free from pain.” There was a pause as a slight spasm of pain crossed her face, then she continued, “And I owe you a great deal, Kelly,”

“Me? I’ve not done anything!”

“Yes you have, child, you managed to remind me about old friends and old memories. Enough that, when I do leave here, it will be in the knowledge that I’ll leave behind people who will genuinely be sorry that I go. Thank you for that.”

Kelly smiled, though her eyes were full of tears, she leant forwards and kissed Cornelia on the cheek, “Glad I met you, Ms Baker, I’ll remember the stories you told me.”

Cornelia wiped the tears from Kelly’s eyes, “Don’t be upset for me, Kelly, I’m more than ready to go. Enjoy your Christmas.”

Kelly sniffed slightly and smiled, she walked quickly out of the room.

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:51 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#2:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 6:20 pm

*hopes no one walks into my office whilst I wipe away the tears. That was beautiful Lesley. Though I hope that Corney can make peace with herself about Evvy before she dies.

 

#3:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 6:25 pm

*sniffs* Kelly is so lovely here i really really really hope Evvy and Corney are reunited.

 

#4:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 6:53 pm

:crying: That was a very moving and touching scene Lesley, thank you Kiss

 

#5:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 7:04 pm

Thank you Lesley!!! That was wonderful!!! Hope Corney will ask to see Evvy (in order to make up and say goodbye)! (Hope you had a good night away last night by the way!!!)

 

#6:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 7:04 pm

Kelly is so mature, Thanks Lesley

 

#7:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 7:25 pm

She has to say goodbye to Evvy, it would just be intolerable cruelty otherwise lesley, and with the FG only just over a week away, well it just wouldnt be safe !!!

 

#8:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 7:44 pm

Echoes Chelsea's comment about wiping away the tears - luckily I'm not in an office!! Lesley, this was beautifully done - and great that Corney was able to acknowledge to Kelly herself just what that young lady has done for her. Now if only someone can work the miracle and convince Corney to make her peace with Evvy...... Please, Lesley!!!

 

#9:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 7:46 pm

Wow, wonderful thank you Lesley. *echoes Kathye about Evvy (peas?)* Crying or Very sad

 

#10:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 8:19 pm

Just lovely, Lesley. Glad I didn't read that at work! I really would like Corney to be reconciled with Evvy.

 

#11:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 9:54 pm

:crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: I would also like to see Corney somehow make her peace. Has anyone considered what a really horrible shock it's going to be for Evvy???

 

#12:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:17 pm

Oh my gosh, what an incredibly moving scene. Thanks Lesley

 

#13:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:30 pm

But Evvy doesn't even know Cornelia has transferred, does she? And it would be just as much of a shock to discover that her mother is in her 80s and at the point of death! This is brilliant as always, Lesley- I just don't say so as often as I should. Then again, we wouldn't want you getting bored of being told that! Wink

 

#14:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:31 pm

There was silence for a time after the girl had left, then the old woman looked across at the four women sat at the back of the room.

“Please, come closer,” she said, when they moved toward her she smiled, “Joey, and Mad…Madge, I’m so sorry.”

Joey swept up to sit next to Cornelia, clasping her hand she gently leant forward to kiss the old woman’s cheek, “Don’t, Corney, there’s no need. I’m just so pleased we have this time.”

Madge sat next to her sister, “Cornelia, is there anything that we can do?”

Cornelia shook her head, “Nothing more than be here, Madge, I will be grateful for some company.”

The three women sat in silence for a time, then began quietly reminiscing. Seeing them all occupied, Hilda and Nell moved back outside. Facing her partner Hilda spoke gravely, “We…I…need to make a decision here.”

“You mean about Evvy?”

Hilda nodded, “Cornelia has already said she’ll not live until Christmas, it’s the 20th now Nell, she hasn’t long. If Evvy is to see her mother before she dies, it will have to be soon.”

“You’ve heard what she’s said, Hilda, Cornelia may have come round as far as we’re concerned, but she still has a blind spot where Evvy’s concerned.”

“I can’t help that,” Hilda’s voice was adamant, “I’m not going to let that child be denied the chance to say goodbye. She’s of the age where it could seriously affect her development. It will be a huge shock to her, I know, but she has to be told.”

“What about the fact that Corney’s old and dying, quite apart from the fact she loathes and detests the very thought of her? What will that do to the girl?”

“I don’t know, Nell,” Hilda turned to look out of the window before continuing, “to a certain extent the fact that her mother is old, well, it won’t be wholly unexpected, will it? The girls have all become used to the fact that people have transferred over into different lives, different ages. Some of them have had to face the fact that their parents have died, a great many, that they didn’t transfer - our own girls among them. But even if Cornelia refuses to see Evvy, I believe that Evvy has a right to know that her mother is here.”

Nell thought for a moment, “Well if you’re sure, Hilda,”

“I’m sure, Nell, I’ll go back with Madge this evening to speak to Evvy.”

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:53 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#15:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:37 pm

Today's episodes have been...wow. Getting emotional again. I was remineded of the salt caves somehow during the first bit. This is excellent and I think about to get even more emotional...hope she doesn't die at christmas. Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#16:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:38 pm

*wibbles* oh please let it all be alright!

 

#17:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:40 pm

I think Hilda's reaction is being greatly influenced by her own experience as a teenager when her mother died after a longish illnerss and the first she knew was when her brother came to fetch her home from school to attend the funeral - we know from several books that she was deeply hurt by this and never forgot it. From this point of view, I know *why* she wants Evvy to have the opportunity to see Cornelia, but please could something or someone convince Corney to be willing to see her daughter before Hilda comes back with her? It would be so much better for them both!! *Please* don't keep us in suspense for too long on this, Lesley - or I'll have to wait over a week to read the answer!!!

 

#18:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:44 pm

*gropes for tissues* Thank you Lesley!

 

#19:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:17 pm

Thank you Lesley. This is going to be very hard for Evvy

 

#20:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 12:47 am

:crying: Please let Corney be nice to Evvy, please!

 

#21:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 1:12 am

I usually moan when I can't sleep, but that was so good and moving, I'm glad I read it tonight instead of in a rush in the morning. I love the fact that Joey and Madge are there. I'm sure if Hilda thinks Evvy should be there, then she is right. I'm just glad I don't have to make the decision.

 

#22:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 5:49 am

*echoes all the emotion & thanks & pleadings* C'mon Corney, you can do this....

 

#23:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:49 am

Patmac wrote
Quote:
I'm sure if Hilda thinks Evvy should be there, then she is right. I'm just glad I don't have to make the decision.
I suppose rationally, she is right. They both need the chance to say goodbye. Even if there are no words spoken, no hugs, better for Evvy to have seen her mother one last time. Better for Corney to die, seeing that her daughter is cared for. But, i think it will be in retrospect that Evvy can say, 'yes I'm glad I saw her before it was too late,' rather than at the time. Like Pat, I'm glad it's not my decision. I'll just restock the tissue box, I think we might just need it.

 

#24:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 9:32 am

Poor Evvy, it will be such a shock to her but I hope it will be alright. Thanks Lesley

 

#25:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:15 am

Echoing all of the above! really hope Corney can forgive her daughter before she dies.

 

#26:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:33 am

Wow - absolutely beautiful scene with Kelly and Corney Poor Hilda - always the tough decisions ...

 

#27:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:46 am

Thank you Lesley. Great scene with Kelly. Poor Hilda having to go and break that news to Evvy and poor Evvy. Hope Corney comes round...

 

#28:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 4:12 pm

Thanks Lesley, wonderful, especially the scene with Kelly and Corney. Hope that Hilda's news does Evvy more good than harm - can't help but be worried about HIlda's decision here Confused

 

#29:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:55 pm

It was actually late afternoon when Hilda and Madge left the hospital., Nell and Joey stayed with Cornelia. When the two arrived at the Russells’ house it was to discover that the two girls, Evvy and Janetta, were nowhere to be seen.

“They’re in Melbourne,” Con Mackenzie said, from where she was sat at the table, wrapping some Christmas presents, “they’ve gone to see a movie, as Evvy puts it! They’ll be back in about forty minutes.”

Hilda nodded and joined Jem on the couch, Madge brought in cool drinks for everyone and they chatted generally. When the door bell rang Hilda looked up expectantly, Con answered the door and brought the two girls in saying, “Look who’s here!”

After initial greetings Hilda asked if she could speak to Evvy alone and the pair moved into the small Study. As the door closed behind them Evvy turned quickly to look at the Head,

“What is it, Miss Annersley? What have you got to…” she stopped, comprehension suddenly dawning, “It’s Mother, isn’t it? You’ve found out where she was?”

Hilda nodded slightly, “Yes, Evvy, she’s…”

“She’s dead, isn’t she?” Evvy’s voice was rather hard, “It’s OK, I don’t mind, really, I mean I can hardly remember her anyway.”

“She’s not dead, Evvy, but she is seriously ill.”

Evvy swallowed, “How serious?”

Hilda reached out her hand and grasped Evvy’s, “She is dying, Evvy,” she said quietly, her eyes searching the face of the girl in front of her. Evvy Van Alden did not have her mother’s colouring, having dark brown hair and eyes, like her father, but the expression on her face was pure Cornelia, struggling to understand.

“Dying? But why?”

“She is old, Evvy, and her heart is weak.” The Head’s voice was sympathetic, “She has been in this world a long time.”

“Long enough to have another family?”

“Long enough, yes, but she never had another family, she missed the one she left behind too much.” Hilda was aware that, while she was speaking the truth, she was not speaking the whole truth.

Evvy sat for a time, thinking, “Does she want to see me? Is that why you’ve come? Does she know about me?”

“She knows about you, Evvy, yes, she doesn’t, yet, want to see you.” Hilda said very gravely.

Evvy nodded, “I suppose she feels it would be too upsetting? Doesn’t want to make me feel bad.”

Hilda said nothing, her silence appearing to convey consent.

Evvy gave a little half smile, “She shouldn’t be worried, you know. I mean, I hardly knew her, I’m not likely to get upset about it. I’d already thought she was dead, so this is a bonus really.” The brave words were somewhat overshadowed by the unshed tears in her eyes. Hilda reached forward and placed her arms around the girl and Evvy subsided gratefully onto her shoulder.

“Would you like to see her, Evvy?” Hilda asked quietly, “You don’t have to, if you would rather not, I’ll understand.”

Evvy made an effort and stopped crying, she raised her head and looked up into a face full of compassion and understanding, she gulped, “Yes please, Miss Annersley, I would.”

Hilda nodded, “I’ll speak to her,” she promised.

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:55 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#30:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:59 pm

Quote:
Evvy made an effort and stopped crying, she raised her head and looked up into a face full of compassion and understanding
Sad I hope Corney will agree to see her and be nice.

 

#31:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 8:25 pm

This is not exactly a cliff, more a potential waterfall. *Resolves only to read this at home* ((((Evvy)))) Thanks Lesley.

 

#32:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 8:33 pm

[quote="patmac"]This is not exactly a cliff, more a potential waterfall. [quote] *sniffles and agrees* thank you, lesley

 

#33:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 9:03 pm

*wibbles loudly!* Lesley, PLEASE let Corney NOT be horrid to Evvy!!!

 

#34:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 9:12 pm

[ “She knows about you, Evvy, yes, she doesn’t, yet, want to see you.” Hilda said very gravely. What a lovely way to present such a situation - the whole episode is beautifully handled, Lesley, but that one sentence had me reaching for the tissues - again! Adds to the voices of those hoping that in the end, Cornelia will agree to see Evvy and make her peace with her before she dies.

 

#35:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 9:37 pm

As Elder says, that line was just perfect. This is awesome Lesley, a totaly different type of suspense to the previous stories.

 

#36:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:14 pm

It was early the following morning that Hilda and Nell returned to the hospital, Cornelia had had a quiet night, even managing to sleep for some time, however both women could see that her condition had deteriorated since the last time they had visited. Hilda had been able to update Nell on Evvy’s reaction and request, and the two women immediately realised that they had only a short time in which to effect a change in attitude in the dying woman.

After the initial pleasantries Hilda broached the subject, “Cornelia, I spoke to Evvy yesterday afternoon.”

The old woman’s eyes darkened, “You had no right to do…”

“I had every right, Cornelia,” Hilda’s voice was firm, “I stand in loco parentis for the girls, I always have.” She paused while Cornelia silently acknowledged this, “I told Evvy that you were here, that you were seriously ill. She wants to see you…”

“No!” The word was said with such force that it caused the old woman to cough, when she had recovered she turned toward Hilda, her eyes fierce, “You know what her existence meant for me, you know what I went through. How can you ask this of me?”

“Because she is a young girl who is about to lose the only blood relative she has, because she asked to see you, and because, as her mother, it is your duty.” Hilda’s voice was still firm but with empathy.

“Come on, Corney,” Nell spoke suddenly, “what can it hurt now to see her?”

The woman is the bed was silent for some time, the sound of her breathing the only sound within the room. Eventually she spoke, “I cannot see her, inside I still hate her, hate her very existence. Because of her, I suffered, far more so than I deserved. If she had not existed my life would have been so different.”

“But not necessarily better, Corney,” this from Nell Wilson, “You can’t know what might have been. Yes, you had to struggle, yes, you had an horrendous ordeal, but if you had been wealthy, who’s to say it wouldn’t have been worse?”

The old woman laughed, “Worse Bill? Explain how it could have been worse!”

“You might have been murdered for your wealth.” Nell Wilson’s blunt reply was to the point, “You’ve had a long, successful life, and you achieved many things. It might have been very different if you’d not had to struggle.”

There was a pause as one of the doctors appeared to take some blood from the arterial line, he also increased the rate of Oxygen being fed through to the mask.

Hilda Annersley leant forward, “Think of the child, Cornelia,” she said gently, “Even though her presence was the cause of your problems, it was not done deliberately or maliciously, she had no inkling that her attending the school would condemn her mother.”

Cornelia had been on the point of closing her eyes; she opened them again and continued listening.

“She’s fourteen years old, and about to lose her mother, a mother that she loves. She never lost hope that she would be reunited with her, she never stopped loving her,” the Head said urgently. “Whatever else you may have achieved, she is your living legacy, she is growing up in this world, don’t let her feel the bitterness that you endured.”

“Think of yourself at fourteen, Corney,” Nell said, “she’s about to become motherless, like you, but she needs good memories not bad.”

There was another silence, then the old woman stirred, “Alright, get her in here, but make it quick, I don’t have much time.”

Nell nodded quickly and disappeared outside to contact Madge and ask her to bring Evadne in. Hilda looked across at Cornelia,

“What will you say?”

Cornelia smiled slightly, pausing as further chest pains appeared, “Don’t worry, I’ll say all the right things,” she said, “The one thing a lifetime in business prepares you for is lying.”

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:57 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#37:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:18 pm

Good for Corney. Thanks Lesley, this is terrific.

 

#38:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:19 pm

Quote:
Cornelia smiled slightly, pausing as further chest pains appeared, “Don’t worry, I’ll say all the right things,” she said, “The one thing a lifetime in business prepares you for is lying.”
Oh Corney! Is that all you've got? Crying or Very sad I feel more sorry for Corney than for Evvy, who has her life ahead of her and a secure family base with the school.

 

#39:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:19 pm

Thank you, thank you, Lesley, for getting us to this point before I go away - I can wait a week to find out what happens next. Just hope Cornelia doesn't die before Madge can get there with Evvy.

 

#40:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:20 pm

This is going to be interesting. And sad.

 

#41:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:34 pm

Hats off to Corney. She may not feel the right things inside but she is doing the right thing - and that can be very hard. Thank you Lesley.

 

#42:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:37 pm

*Hopes Corney has more than lies for Evvy when she sees her* A lovely couple of posts Lesley. Thank you. JackieJ

 

#43:  Author: nellikins,  PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:05 pm

Wow. Thank you Lesley. Amazing writing as ever. Hope Corney discovers more in herself than that. Looking forward to more when I return from Rome! *at home and too lazy to log in*

 

#44:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:22 pm

Lesley, that was an incredible post! Thank you hunny!! Anyone got some tissues?

 

#45:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:56 pm

*trips over something because vision is completely blurred with tears* *discovers it's a mound of empty tissue boxes* Lesley this is so beautifully written - thank you Liz

 

#46:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 12:45 am

Crying or Very sad oh crikey poor Corney poor Evvy - personally I think she'd be better not to see Corney than to hear Corneys lies. But then I do know that Evvy will grow bitter at her mother if she doesn't see her but it might open a can of worms if she does.

 

#47:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:25 am

Well, I'm glad Corney's going to try not to hurt Evvy -- and hope the reality dissipates the last of this irrational grudge. *cue lots of please, please* On the other hand, tonight someone was describing the psychological treatments she'd witnessed as a student nurse in (I think) the late 50s. The description of electroshock was pretty horrendous. Also getting people to go into hypoglycemic shock. At least Corney didn't end up a lobotomy patient. Shocked

 

#48:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:11 am

hurry up with Evvy, Madge Hope evvy doesn't realise that Corney is lying (that is if Corney doesn't have a change of heart, which is still my first preference!) thanks Lesley

 

#49:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:16 am

Wowowowow. Incredible, thank you Lesley. Am sitting in the languages lab reading this and trying VAIR hard not to cry...

 

#50:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:32 am

Oh, Lesley, you are the Queen of this vale of tears that is now the CBB! Sank you ver' ver' much, zis is so lovely I am out of tissues and on to the real scratchy linen hankies! :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying:

 

#51:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 2:08 pm

Kathy_S wrote:
Well, I'm glad Corney's going to try not to hurt Evvy -- and hope the reality dissipates the last of this irrational grudge. *cue lots of please, please*
Am pinching Kathy's psot 'cause it says what i want to too! Thanks Lesley - fabulous writing.

 

#52:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 2:43 pm

Thank you Lesley, I really hope Corney will not hurt evvy and that perhaps seeing Evvy will break down the last of her barriers

 

#53:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 4:25 pm

Surely even if she'd had money when she transferred she'd have still been gabbling about a place that didn't exist and appear mad? Thanks Lesley.

 

#54:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 6:05 pm

I've just caught up with the last 6 pages of this and it's superb. I really hope Corney will rediscover her maternal feelings when she sets eyes on Evvy.

 

#55:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 8:05 pm

Sorry about the time taken - this has been really hard to write.

There was silence for some time, Nell returned and said Madge would be there in ten minutes, she and Evvy had been visiting the School. While waiting Cornelia asked the nurses to help her sit up a little straighter, and the oxygen mask was replaced by tubing going to her nose, to allow her to speak more easily. Into the silence, a sudden knock at the door made all of them jump.

Madge Russell walked in with Evvy Van Alden. The girl looked round nervously, not sure exactly of what she would be seeing. Both Hilda and Nell drew back to allow Evvy and Cornelia a little privacy, though neither of them moved out of earshot.

Evvy moved to the old woman’s bedside and stood looking into the face of the mother she barely remembered.

Cornelia swallowed slightly against a spasm, perhaps of pain, then slowly she allowed her face to relax into a very slight smile, “I’m not what you expected, am I?”

The American accent, so similar to Evvy’s own, brought a slight smile to her face, “I don’t know really, after so long I couldn’t even remember you clearly. Could you remember me?”

Cornelia looked across at her daughter, her blue eyes glistening, “Oh yes,” she said very quietly, “I remembered you.” she paused for a moment, overcome, then reached up to beckon the girl closer, “You look like your father, Evvy, except this,” her hand brushed Evvy’s chin, “this is from me. Can you remember your father? Or your siblings?”

Evvy swallowed, “A little, not much though, I was at the School from age four.”

“Ah, the School. Do you enjoy it there?”

Evvy smiled slightly, “Yes, very much.”

“And what about when you are on holiday?”

“I’ve been staying with Mrs Mackenzie, I got friendly with her daughter Janetta when we spent a night out in the Bush, being hunted.”

“I read about that, it was the reason I started searching for you.”

“You wanted to find me, Mother?”

“More than you can imagine.” The depth of emotion in the old woman’s face was apparent. She took a breath, “So, Mrs Mackenzie, was that Miss Stewart, the History Mistress?”

“Yes, she did used to teach history, but it was years ago…”

“Yes, she taught me.”

“Oh, of course.”

There was silence for a time, then Evvy spoke again, “Mother? Miss Annersley said that you were dying, is that true?”

“Yes, I am very weak, my heart is very weak.”

“Can’t the doctors do something? If you need money I’ve got lots in trust, I can…”

“No,” Cornelia said forcefully, she looked across and gave a slight, almost hysterical laugh, “You want to give me money? I cannot accept that. I have all the money I need, nothing can be done. It is my time.”

“But I can’t lose you, I’ve only just found you.” Evvy started to cry, “If you die I’ll be totally alone.”

Cornelia shook her head, “No, you won’t be alone, I’ve not been around since you were four, who has looked after you? The School, these people,” she indicated Hilda, Nell and Madge, “your friends, and the Mackenzies, you will not be alone, do you understand?”

Evvy nodded, though she still had tears running down her cheeks, Cornelia reached out to pull her closer, “Listen to me, Evadne Van Alden, you will survive and you will grow, you have my blood flowing through your veins and I would never give up!”

Evvy laughed slightly, “I know, I read all the books you were in.”

“Did you now? Well one piece of advice then,” she turned Evvy’s head toward Hilda and Nell, “try not to get on their bad side as often as I did, it can be quite painful!”

Evvy smiled, “I already know that, Mother.”

“Good, then as well as my blood, you have your father’s blood in you. He was far more sensible than I ever was.”

Evvy nodded then moved closer and put her arms around the old woman to hug her, after a short hesitation Cornelia returned the hug, when they broke apart again Evvy had stopped crying.

Cornelia felt a further spasm in her chest, she looked toward the rear of the room where Hilda and the others stood and nodded slightly, “I’m not going to be here much longer, Evvy, and I don’t want you here at the end. Just know this, I love you, I am very proud of you, in the future, I’ll always be there for you to talk to. Embrace your new life, enjoy it to the full. And, if you remember me, do it with joy, not sadness. Can you do that?”

Evvy nodded quickly, swallowing further tears.

“Good, now kiss me goodbye, and remember, your family will be watching over you.” Cornelia looked across at Madge as she was saying this and that woman stepped forwards to escort Evvy from the room.

Evvy flung her arms around her mother again and kissed her on the cheek, “I won’t forget you,” she said tearfully, she then allowed Madge to lead her from the room.

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:59 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#56:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 8:12 pm

It may have been hard to write, but it's still superb. Thanks Lesley.

 

#57:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 8:15 pm

I've started to write this sentence 7 times, and I've decided to give up trying to put into words how that scene made me feel. Thank you Lesley

 

#58:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 8:20 pm

I think Corney was telling the truth...not lying as she said she would.

 

#59:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 8:40 pm

At least Evvy has seen her mother and heard the words she wants to hear. I can only hope that Corney meant them.

 

#60:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 8:42 pm

Wow! Thank you Lesley - that was soo powerful!

 

#61:  Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 8:59 pm

That was brilliant Lesley - thank you so much.

 

#62:  Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 9:38 pm

Lesley, beautifully written. I think (hope) Corney was tell Evvy the truth and, either way, she has given her hope for the future. I'm glad that Corney felt able to entrust her formally to the school thank you

 

#63:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:15 pm

There was silence for a time after Evvy had left, Nell and Hilda exchanged glances, Cornelia saw the looks and spoke quietly, “Was that, approximately, what you hoped would happen?” Her voice held a very slight mocking tone.

Hilda nodded, “Yes Cornelia, we had hoped that, if you spoke to her, that your…”

“That my attitude would change, Hilda? It’s too deep for that.”

“You mean you were lying, Cornelia,” Nell sounded shocked, “All you said?”

“Was what she needed to hear, yes. I said business was a good teacher when it came to lying, Nell.”

Hilda moved across to sit next to her. At the movement Corney turned, her face, until then a serene mask, now held great anguish,

“It’s so unfair! She doesn’t even need the Van Alden money, she has all of you, she has friends and even family with Con Stewart, she has her entire life ahead of her. With that money my life would have been so different!”

“Cornelia, you would still have been committed, you awoke babbling about another world.” Nell said swiftly.

“Yes, but money would have meant I could have got out within weeks, if you’re rich you suddenly just become eccentric. No drugs, no shock treatment. Her very existence condemned me, and she doesn’t even need the money herself, it‘s in trust, she doesn‘t use it.”

“I know, but Corney, you did a wonderful thing there, you sent that child away convinced that you love her,” Hilda said soothingly.

Tears slid down the old woman’s cheeks, “She’s a great kid, Hilda, but I can’t, I don’t love her. All I can do is tell her lies. I’m sorry, I’m not a superwoman, I’m just ordinary, and I can’t let go of that hatred. What sort of person does that make me?”

“It makes you a normal human being, Cornelia,” Hilda said with certainty, “No human is perfect, though we strive to be. But what you did, that took courage and determination. You should be proud.”

“Listen to her, Corney,” Nell said gently, and in her voice too there was a choked feeling, “It’s taken long enough for me to get that into her head, she’s talking sense!”

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:02 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#64:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:26 pm

Quote:
she doesn’t even need the money herself, it‘s in trust, she doesn‘t use it.
I would remind Corney that Evvy is a minor & can't use the money herself, but the tears are coming too fast for me to see what i'm typing

 

#65:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:29 pm

Those last two posts were..... there aren't the words to describe them. But somehow lying was the lesser of two evils as opposed to hurting Evvy. Thank you Lesley. *Hopes its painless for Corney at the end* JackieJ

 

#66:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:31 pm

Masterful. No other words for now.

 

#67:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:44 pm

I am sitting here crying. That was incredible Lesley

 

#68:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:51 pm

Ah. Lesley, that was beautiful. And finally, we have 'Just an Ordinary Woman'. And it wasn't Hilda. Shocked

 

#69:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:59 pm

Mindblowing - I'm totally speechless. Your writing just gets better and better Lesley. Superb !

 

#70:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:38 pm

*sobs* Thank you Lesley!!! I can imagine that that must have been VERY hard to write, but you did it beautifully!!

 

#71:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:45 pm

:crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :dontknow: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :worthy: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: :crying: HelpMe

 

#72:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:53 pm

Just amazing Lesley, absolutely brilliant... *hoping Evvy isn't outside the room, accidently hearing all Corney has just said*

 

#73:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:23 am

Superb, Lesley. That was beautifully written. And so moving Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#74:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:33 am

Kat wrote:
Just amazing Lesley, absolutely brilliant... *hoping Evvy isn't outside the room, accidently hearing all Corney has just said*
KATHRYN ANNE WILKIE!!!!! What a horrid suggestion!!!

 

#75:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 1:08 am

Vikki wrote:
Kat wrote:
Just amazing Lesley, absolutely brilliant... *hoping Evvy isn't outside the room, accidently hearing all Corney has just said*
KATHRYN ANNE WILKIE!!!!! What a horrid suggestion!!!
Agrees!!!!!! Don't even think it!!!!!! Shocked Shocked That was a splendid speech to Evvy, whatever else Corney does.... Very realistic, the part about feeling hateful about feeling hateful, and regrets for might-have-beens. And everything Hilda says is true. Still, I can't help hoping the unwarping process keeps going.... Confused *throws in a few of those "prayers for the grace of a happy death"*

 

#76:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 6:06 am

Lesley, you are amazing. Just as you had me convinced that Corney had reformed you turned around and stompped on me. And poor little Evvy. Like Kat said, I hope she didn't overhear.

 

#77:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 9:41 am

There must be something in Corney that responded to her daughter's offer of money from her trust fund, just to make her mother well again.

 

#78:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 9:51 am

*speechless* Just amazing Lesley.

 

#79:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:22 am

I am so glad that Corney didn't show Evvy how she hated her - maybe that shows that the hatred isn't as deep as she thinks it is. Thanks Lesley Crying or Very sad Liz

 

#80:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:31 am

what everyone else said! thanks Lesley, lovely writing.

 

#81:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:55 am

The fact that Corney could do that, even if she was lying means there must be so much good still in her, she didn't have to do it after all, and it must have been very difficult for her. This is amazing Lesley, and wow...no more words for it. *How can I go and plan for preschool after reading that???*

 

#82:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 7:36 pm

Wow. I'm more or less away from the board for a couple of days on account of feeling like three day old pond leavings, I come back and I find some of the best writing I've read in a long while. Thank you Lesley - so real and so very, very well done. Ray *sniffling*

 

#83:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:54 pm

This was one of the most difficult things I've written.

Cornelia Flower/Van Alden, aka Ms Jane Baker, died at five minutes past five the following morning. She had not spent her last night on Earth alone. In her room, through the night, Hilda Annersley and Nell Wilson kept her company. At different times through the night she was visited by a number of others including Madge and Joey, Daisy and Robin Humphries. All of these other visitors though, even Joey, recognised that the responsibility of staying with the dying woman had fallen naturally upon Hilda and Nell’s shoulders. That they had taken on the task as a natural progression of their role at the School, and the fact that Cornelia was an ex-pupil of theirs.

Cornelia remained awake and alert for most of the time, gently reminiscing with her visitors about events in her own schooldays. She particularly loved chatting with Joey, Robin and Daisy, and there were even a number of chuckles and laughs, not just from the old lady herself, but from the women sat around her. The ITU nurse and Senior Consultant kept checking on her condition, changing some medication occasionally, and raising the oxygen saturation being piped to her nose. Their only aim to keep her as comfortable as possible. Later in the evening, when Cornelia became too tired to continue talking, the others had all quietly kissed her goodbye and left Hilda and Nell to their vigil.

Sat on either side of her, the two friends spoke of their reminiscences of Cornelia as a child, and how they had watched her grow from a sullen, disobedient child, to the Prefect and then Head Girl of her final year. They also spoke of her family, her husband and children, being careful not to mention Evvy. Later, in the early hours, one of the nurses brought a Bible from the hospital chapel, and they read excerpts from the Psalms. A short time before the end Cornelia rallied a little, she held out her hands to the two women, each of whom clasped a hand.

“I-I-I said I wasn’t afraid,” she whispered, “but I find I am. My family, will they be waiting?”

“Of course they will, Corney,” Hilda said with certainty.

“But they were never part of this world, they didn’t exist here.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Nell said forcefully, “they’ll be waiting, God would never be unjust, never be so cruel.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

A slight squeeze of their hands was acknowledgement, then, “You’ll look after the girl? Take care of her?”

“We will, Cornelia.”

“Good, glad there is still some Van Alden blood at the School.”

There was a long silence, then, very quietly, “Thank you, both of you, for being here, for making sure I wouldn’t be alone. I really wish…” The rest of her sentence went unfinished, Cornelia sank back on her pillows and slowly exhaled. She did not breath again.

Last edited by Lesley on Tue Mar 29, 2005 7:27 pm; edited 3 times in total

 

#84:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:06 pm

Thank you Lesley, that was beautiful. I'm glad she didn't die alone. JackieJ

 

#85:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:13 pm

Thank you Lesley.

 

#86:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:15 pm

Amazing, thank you

 

#87:  Author: Nicola, Location: Derbyshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:17 pm

Thank you Lesley, that was just perfect. *weeping quietly into keyboard* I've just caught up with this and yesterday's posts too, and am now overwrought. And I just realised the title means you had the whole of this planned out from the very start. I am in awe. And worried that the story is very nearly over.

 

#88:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:18 pm

I read this when you posted it, but have not been able to find the words to formulate a reply. This was amazingly powerful Lesley, probably among, if not the best you have written, and that s saying something. *stunned*

 

#89:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:42 pm

:worthy: :worthy: :worthy: :worthy: :worthy: :worthy: Thank you Lesley. (eta: that would work a lot better if the smilies weren't smiling. Imagine a row of these > Sad bowing and it would be more accurate.)

 

#90:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:56 pm

*sobs into pillow* That was a beautiful post Lesley!! Thank you so much!!!! :crying: :crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying: :crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying:

 

#91:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:59 pm

Poor Corney. Dying with half a wish... Crying or Very sad

 

#92:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 12:07 am

Lesley I have just spent most of the last two days catching up on this. Yes, despite my good intentions I got left behind again and decided to read it in chunks. Today I have read of Kelly and Cornelia's conversation and Cornelia's change of heart, the meeting between Evvy and Cornelia and finally your latest post. I am reeling, not with shock, reading the posts like that it was not unexpected, but at the sheer power and emotialism of your writing. I am not surprised it took some time and effort to write. You cannot write like that without putting yourself through the wringer. Thank you for a completely absorbing story, a wonderful read.

 

#93:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 12:47 am

*sobs into keyboard* I know I've lapsed in replying lately but RCS has been a regular stop every night. Thank you so much Lesley - all of RCS, and especially these last few posts, have been spectacular. :ahhh: :worthy:

 

#94:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 4:33 am

Tonight the symphony played Fanfare for the Common Man, which always makes me tear up. Now I'm hearing it while reading this, and it* is equally amazing. Crying or Very sad Smile Crying or Very sad ETA *it = Corney's last post. Not sure the pronoun reference was as obvious as I meant it to be Confused. Edited some more to repair my sorry ETA typos. Rolling Eyes . *off to get some sleep*

Last edited by Kathy_S on Sat Feb 19, 2005 6:07 am; edited 3 times in total

 

#95:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 5:43 am

Truly, truly superb Lesley. I can honestly say that you are only the second person, Patmac being the other, to reduce me to tears whilst reading a drabble. Thanks so much - that was a priviledge to read. :worthy:

 

#96:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 7:36 am

That was as perfect an end to Corney's life as we could get, given her circumstances and history. I'm so glad she died peacefully and with Hilda and Nell there. I rarely cry but I am doing now. Thank you Lesley. That is the best scene you have ever written in my opinion.

 

#97:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 8:51 am

One word: wow. I don't think I can say anything more coherent (partly cos I'm crying and can't see the keyboard), just incredible Lesley. Thank you.

 

#98:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:24 am

I can't think of anything to say other than THANK YOU, Lesley Liz

 

#99:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 1:38 pm

Susan wrote
Quote:
You cannot write like that without putting yourself through the wringer. Thank you for a completely absorbing story, a wonderful read.
I hadn't thought of that till Susan pointed it out, but Lesley, you must have really suffered though this.

 

#100:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 1:40 pm

Lyanne wrote:
Susan wrote
Quote:
You cannot write like that without putting yourself through the wringer. Thank you for a completely absorbing story, a wonderful read.
I hadn't thought of that till Susan pointed it out, but Lesley, you must have really suffered though this.
Let's just say that none of you have cried as many tears as I have. bawling More later - I keep putting off writing as I know it's going to be more of the same.

 

#101:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 5:19 pm

Thank you for that, Lesley, I can appreciate how difficult it must have been to write that. Still, I'm glad that Corney wasn't alone at the end, and that she thought of Evvy before her death.

 

#102:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 5:45 pm

Lesley wrote:
Let's just say that none of you have cried as many tears as I have. bawling More later - I keep putting off writing as I know it's going to be more of the same.
I can well believe that. Thank you for writing it though. ((((hugs))))

 

#103:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 6:33 pm

In the minutes after the old woman’s death there was a hushed silence, broken by Nell softly muttering the prayer for the dead. After the first few words Hilda joined in. When it was complete Nell looked across and half smiled, “Didn’t think God would mind that Corney wasn’t Catholic.” Hilda smiled slightly in response. Hilda and Nell moved outside, to allow the nurses to perform their final duties on their patient. They both walked across to a nearby window, outside it was still dark, though there was a faint lightening in one area of the sky, heralding the false dawn.

“We’ll need to inform everyone,” Hilda said softly.

“Yes, has Evvy gone to Manly?”

“No, Madge and Con felt it would be better to wait until…”

“Understood, she’ll need to know.” Nell looked across at her partner’s face, seeing the strain and sorrow in Hilda’s expression mirroring her own. “Hilda, we will have to support everyone else through this.”

“I know.” Hilda turned, seeing her friend was very close to tears, she looked around and saw the small room used by relatives of those in ITU, she indicated they should both enter. Inside, with the door shut and all blinds drawn, the two women sat together on the sofa, Nell rested her head on Hilda’s shoulder,

“Such a terrible start to her life here, Hilda, and she never fully recovered from it. All those years.” Nell allowed her tears to fall, her arms around her friend’s waist. For her part Hilda placed her arms around Nell’s shoulders and rested her head next to Nell’s, also crying for their shared loss.

Some time later they both sat up again, able to control themselves once more,

“Are you alright, Nell?”

Nell nodded while using a tissue to wipe her eyes, “Yes, you?”

Hilda returned the nod, and finished blowing her nose. “Yes. Now we can face everyone.”

It was some hours later before the two were finally able to return to their cottage. They had been able to inform everyone that needed to know, including lawyers as well as Evvy, Madge and Joey. Speaking with Daisy they were able to make arrangements for the funeral, there was no need for a coroner’s report as Cornelia had been in hospital due to a recognised, underlying condition. As predicted, the pair of them had been used as support for everyone else. The role falling naturally upon both sets of shoulders. By the time they reached the Real Chalet School and arrived in front of their home, they were both starting to feel the strain.

Inside Cherry and Robbie were finishing breakfast, they both looked up as the two women entered the kitchen.

“Grandmas!” Robbie scrambled down from his chair and ran over to hug them both, Nell picked him up.

“Hello Robbie,”

“Hello Grandma Nell, where you been?”

Nell walked across and sat at the table, Robbie on her lap, “I’ve been in hospital, looking after someone who was sick.”

“Is they better now?”

Nell hesitated, then smiled very slightly, “Yes Robbie, I think she is better now.”

“Good, ‘cos it’s nearly Christmas you know!” Robbie’s face was very solemn.

Nell laughed slightly, “Is it really? I never knew.”

Robbie nodded, “It is, and Mummy and me went shopping yesterday. We got some presents, ‘cos Santa can’t carry all of them.”

Nell buried her face in Robbie’s shoulder for a minute, she swallowed, “Did you? Who did you buy presents for then?”

“For Grandma Hilda and for you,” Robbie paused then continued, “but you mustn’t tell anyone, ‘cos it’s a secret!”

Hilda sat beside Cherry and gratefully accepted a cup of coffee from the girl, Cherry looked at the older woman, noting slight signs of strain in her face,

“Has your friend died?” she asked softly.

Hilda nodded, “Yes, just after five this morning.”

“I’m sorry, Hilda. Had you known her long?”

“We’d not seen her for some time, but used to know her very well.” Hilda looked across at Cherry, “She lived to a fair age, she was in her seventies, but for so much of her life she was alone. She had a terrible experience forty years ago, and could never get past it, could never accept it and move on.”

“That’s so sad,” Cherry said quietly, “but at least, at the end, she had friends with her. She knew you were there, didn’t she? She would have felt it helped?”

Hilda paused a moment to swallow some coffee and swallow a lump in her throat, she gave a slight smile, “Yes Cherry, she knew we were there, perhaps we did help, at least we could do that for her. Thank you my dear.”

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:09 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#104:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 6:39 pm

I read that thinking how wise and balanced Hilda and Nell are to take the time to support one another before facing everyone else.
Quote:
Nell looked across at her partner’s face, seeing the strain and sorrow in Hilda’s expression mirroring her own. “Hilda, we will have to support everyone else through this.”
And then I thought. No! It's Lesley who saw the wisdom and wrote it. That I had to think twice about it shows how real you have made them. Thank you Lesley. You must feel as if you have been throught the wringer.

 

#105:  Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 7:22 pm

Thank you Lesley. You must feel emotionally wrung out - I think that last post was even sadder than Cornelia's actual death. I am very grateful that you are still willing to put yourself through all this! Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#106:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 8:22 pm

Thank you Lesley. That was so beautiful. Crying or Very sad I'm so glad Cherry and Robbie were able to help/look after Hilda and Nell*sends Lesley lots of wine, chocolate and cake to sustain her and a new box of tissues*

 

#107:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 8:49 pm

There's nothing more to say, really...except thanks, Lesley.

 

#108:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 9:57 pm

phenomenal Lesley - thank you

 

#109:  Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:35 pm

Lesley - this was very moving. So many things at once, Corney's death, the heads supporting each other, Cherry easing matters. Thank you

 

#110:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 12:00 am

Thank you Lesley. I am so glad that Hilda and Nell had Cherry and Robbie to go home to.

 

#111:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 5:21 am

*sniff* *sniff* Thanks Lesley. Echoing those who've already said how hard it must have been for you to write all this...and to know it all for so long...

 

#112:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 9:56 am

Just... amazing. Thank you Lesley.

 

#113:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:18 am

Want to give Cherry and Robbie and huge hug for being there for Hilda and Nell. Thanks Lesley, superb. And very moving Crying or Very sad

 

#114:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:57 am

As Susan and Josie said, I'm so glad that Cherry and Robbie were there and having breakfast. Such a pleasant reminder that normal family life goes on.
Quote:
...there is... a time to weep and a time to laugh...
Sometimes those times are very close together.

 

#115:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 12:58 pm

Snuffling vigorously. Why do I always read this near the start of C& D. when I could leave it till last then have a good cry? Thanks, Lesley.

 

#116:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 2:02 pm

Lesley wrote:
Let's just say that none of you have cried as many tears as I have. bawling
*sends hugs, tissues and chocolate* Thank you so much Lesley, for putting so much of yourself into this. Liz

 

#117:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 5:24 pm

Thank you. Kiss

The next two days were filled with activity; Hilda and Nell found themselves taking on responsibility for Cornelia’s funeral and had some discussion as to whether the deed should be before or after Christmas. Eventually they decided that, if at all possible, the funeral should be before Christmas. They both felt that, regardless of when held, the time of year would always hold some tinge of sadness, however a funeral, by its very act, was an ending, it allowed people to take stock, and attempt to move on.

In fact they were extremely lucky, wanting a funeral before Christmas when it was already the 22nd December; however the local funeral directors and crematorium had only recently reopened after refurbishments, therefore there was a slot available mid-morning on Christmas Eve.

Prior to that Hilda and Nell received a visit from the lawyer, Edward Paton, to discover that they were executors of Jane Baker’s will, along with the lawyer. Apart from the provisions detailed by Corney herself when in hospital, the will was very simple. After bequests to those of her staff back in the States and London, the bulk of the estate was to be divided up and given to a number of charitable institutions. On reading the provisions it was immediately apparent that her previous ordeal had not been forgotten, all the charities were involved in caring for those with mental illness.

There was nothing left for Evvy, not that either woman expected it, but it did show up as a glaring omission, however there was a small section detailing that the small amount of jewellery owned by Corney, was to be sold and the proceeds also given to charity. On seeing this the pair fell into discussion for some time before Hilda questioned Paton, “Did the jewellery include rings? Specifically an engagement and wedding ring?”

Edward Paton looked down the list, “Yes, they were never worn, but she carried them with her everywhere. They were in the safe at her hotel.”

“Then would it be possible for the rings to be valued and sold directly to us? The money can go to the charities, they would not lose out.”

Paton thought for a moment, he nodded, “I cannot see a problem,” he said, eventually, “be advised though, that the engagement ring is likely to valued as some thousands of dollars.”

Nell leant forward slightly, “That’s no problem,” she said, “we’ll raise the money.”

Christmas Eve dawned warm and sunny, with clear blue skies and light winds. A perfect day, normally, but most people involved with the Real Chalet School wanted grey skies and rain. The funeral, being held at the local crematorium, was being taken by the local Anglican vicar, he had spent some hours, the day before, discussing with a number of different people about the type of person Cornelia had been. If he was surprised at the number of youngish people that could, apparently, remember the elderly lady when she was a young child, he didn’t show it. Instead he composed a eulogy that reflected all the warm thoughts from everyone.

The crematorium was almost full, many of those, both original chalet school and CBB, attending, even though none of them had ever met Cornelia. They were there to commemorate the person she was, to mourn the life she had been forced to lead, and to rejoice that she had been reunited with friends and loved ones prior to her death. There was also the certainty that she was now with her family, father and friends, and she was with God.

Throughout the service Evvy Van Alden sat or stood between Con and Jock Mackenzie, occasionally brushing away a tear. A couple of times Con or Jock would place an arm around her, and she would lean into them for support. At the end of the service, she stayed in the chamber for a long time, before feeling able to leave.

Madge had insisted that the wake was held at her house and people travelled across when they felt ready to leave the crematorium. Hilda and Nell were two of the last to arrive, having spent some time speaking with the man responsible for the upkeep of the crematorium gardens, and the person who arranged for the small bronze plaques to be placed on the kerb stones lining the pathways. He had, initially, been confused about what was being asked but, eventually they were able to make him understand that two plaques were required. Evvy was with them when they detailed the two plaques, one for Ms Jane Baker, and one for Cornelia Van Alden nee Flower.

Last edited by Lesley on Wed Mar 16, 2005 8:40 pm; edited 3 times in total

 

#118:  Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 7:46 pm

glad that both Corneys will be remembered. I suppose Hilda and Nell will give the rings to Evvy "from her mother"? I hope you'll give us a happy Christmas - particularly as this is an ending in one way with the Prefects finishing school Idea

 

#119:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 7:54 pm

Kim wrote:
glad that both Corneys will be remembered. I suppose Hilda and Nell will give the rings to Evvy "from her mother"? I hope you'll give us a happy Christmas - particularly as this is an ending in one way with the Prefects finishing school Idea
But will they go as far as 'Your mother wanted you to have these?' or just 'Your mother would have wanted...' - which is almost true... And I can't believe the Prefects are leaving school! Crying or Very sad Thanks, Lesley.

 

#120:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 8:22 pm

Thanks Lesley, a lovely thought on the part of Hilda and Nell. And I presume, even with them leaving the school we won't have heard the last of Louise et al?

 

#121:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 9:34 pm

A lovely post, even though it was sad. I'm glad Evvy has been so thoroughly 'adopted' by Con and Jock. She's going to need that security.How nice of Hilda and Nell to buy the rings. It's a difficult call to know how they should best deal with them.I'm also hoping we see a Happy Christmas to wind up this part of RCS.Thanks Lesley.

 

#122:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 9:40 pm

*hugs Lesley very tight!* Thank you for sharing this incredible story with us sweetie!!!

 

#123:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 11:09 pm

This is wonderful, and so different (again!) from the others in the RCS series.

 

#124:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 12:14 am

Thanks Lesley *echoes Pat*

 

#125:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 1:35 am

Thank you Lesley, nice handling of the funeral service. It is good that both Corney's are to be remembered.

 

#126:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 3:23 am

Wow Lesley. This has been an emotional roller coaster. I can only echo every one else in expressing my total awe. And sniffles.

 

#127:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 3:26 am

Wow. Wow. Wow. So very Hilda and Nell to have the two plaques. So very H & N to buy the rings. :ahhh: Lesley

 

#128:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 4:38 am

Running out of compliments again...Hilda & Nell have done so excellently through this -- up to and including the ring inspiration. Good to see all the support for young Evvy -- and that Corney got a proper memorial and wake. Crying or Very sad*wonders how future genealogists will deal with the RCS phenomenon* :Bang:

 

#129:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 8:33 am

Another load of excellent and emotion fuelled posts you must be exhausted. So glad that they are thinking about Evvy's memories of her mother and to have something tangible to hold onto. My mother has my grandmothers wedding ring, and it will eventually come to me, I also have my grandmothers bed, but thats slighlty harder to wear Rolling Eyes

 

#130:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 8:43 am

Incredible. Thanks Lesley.

 

#131:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:19 am

Thanks Lesley Liz

 

#132:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:35 am

Awesome Have just caught up with 5-6 pages and can safely say this was not a good way to start the week - I'm generally down on a Mon am at the best of times and now I'm thoroughly sad - though strangely uplifted as well Confused Thanks, Lesley - as others have said, you've surpassed yourself - again. I hope writing the Christmas scenes gives you some recovery time as you must be mentally exhausted! Thank you

 

#133:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 10:35 am

thank you lesley Crying or Very sadCrying or Very sadCrying or Very sadCrying or Very sadCrying or Very sadCrying or Very sadCrying or Very sadCrying or Very sadCrying or Very sad i just caught up on 4 pages of this and have been reduced to tears

 

#134:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 12:20 pm

just caught up with all the weekends updates of this too glad corney wasn't by herself when she died. really lovely, and sad but in a happy kind of way thanks lesley

 

#135:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 12:39 pm

Very emotional.Lesley, wonderful. Thank you.

 

#136:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 5:59 pm

The mood at the Russell house was subdued, as it always is after a funeral, but wasn’t totally sad. People tending to remember good times, from years ago, rather than more recent events. Even Evadne herself wasn’t totally distraught, although she was worried about her reaction. When Con Mackenzie sat next to her for a chat she asked her, “Is it normal to feel like this, Aunt Con?”

Con looked across, “Well that depends, Evvy, how do you feel?”

“Well, I feel upset, of course, especially as I was able to speak to Mother, and hug her. But I don’t feel dreadful sorrow. Am I not normal?”

Con hugged the girl, “Of course you’re normal, you didn’t know your mother very well, so you don’t feel as devastated by her dying. If you had been close over the past ten years…”

“You mean, how Janetta would have felt, if you’d died earlier this year, with the flu?”

Con was silent for a short time, remembering how desperately ill she had been, she smiled across at Evvy, “Yes, something like that, because Janetta and I are close, it would have affected her far more. Yours is a perfectly normal reaction, Evvy.”

“I’m glad,” Evvy said quietly, “wouldn’t want Mother to think I didn’t love her or something.”
…

There was a short meeting, just prior to everyone leaving the Russell house. It was attended by Hilda and Nell, Madge, Joey, Con Mackenzie and Daisy Venables. Evvy was sitting with Jock Mackenzie down in the lounge. Hilda swiftly told the others of Cornelia and Evvy’s meeting, and the revelation afterwards.

“She lied to her? That’s terrible,” Joey’s face was sympathetic, “it will devastate poor Evvy when she finds out.”

“She is not going to find out.” Hilda said firmly, she glanced round at the others in the room, locking eyes with each person, “That girl will not discover Cornelia’s true feelings on this. I expect your full co-operation ladies.” Her tone denied any thought of refusal.

“Don’t you think she deserves to know the truth?” Madge voiced the question.

Hilda swallowed slightly, “Perhaps, sometime in the future, when she is strong enough. Then we can tell her the truth. For now, she is to be allowed her illusions, I will accept nothing less.”

Nell nodded her agreement immediately, the other women all stood thinking for a time, before each of them slowly acknowledged the order.

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:13 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#137:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 6:04 pm

:crying: Beautiful as ever Lesley. Thank you for writing these scenes you must be an emotional quiver at the moment, but it's been worthwhile - these posts have been incredibly Kiss

 

#138:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 6:24 pm

Thank you Lesley!!! Lovely post!!!

 

#139:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 7:14 pm

Thanks Lesley I'd like to think that it's not entirely an illusion and Corney did care something for Evvy underneath her bitterness But maybe I'm the one under an illusion Liz

 

#140:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 7:19 pm

Quote:
“I’m glad,” Evvy said quietly, “wouldn’t want Mother to think I didn’t love her or something.”
This line almost made me cry! Thanks Lesley. Glad Hilda put her foot down.

 

#141:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 7:41 pm

The house started to empty by mid-afternoon, Evvy herself was spending Christmas with the Mackenzie’s and they had a flight to Manly at 5pm. Hilda and Nell both hugged the girl and kissed her goodbye,

“Now remember, Evvy,” Nell said quickly, “When you’re back at School, we’ll be there, anytime you need us.”

“Don’t ever think you have to cope on your own, Evvy,” Hilda continued, “If you ever need a break from the School, you can always come across to our cottage.”

Evvy smiled slightly, “Thank you, both of you,” she said quietly.

“One other thing, Evvy,” Hilda reached into her bag while speaking, “Your mother has not left any of her money to you, she felt you had enough with the Van Alden money.”

“That’s alright, I didn’t want her money…” Evvy began.

“No, but these are yours by birthright.” Hilda said decisively, holding out a small jewellery case.

Evvy took the case and opened it, inside were a simple band of gold and an exquisite diamond engagement ring. She looked across at the two Heads, “Are these…?”

“They are your mother’s engagement and wedding rings,” Nell said, and her voice was gentle, “bought by your father, no one else has any right to them, except you.”

Evvy looked down at the two rings for some time, “She wanted me to have these?”

“Yes,” both women replied firmly.

Later, after everyone had left, and Hilda and Nell had said goodbye to Madge and Jem, they drove back to the School. Instead of stopping at the cottage, however, the two drove on, closer to the sea. They got out of the car and walked along the route they normally used for running. After some minutes they reached the ridge overlooking the ocean. It was sheltered there, no one else was close, and the two friends found some rocks where they could sit and watch the rise and fall of the swell. It was some time before either of them could speak.

Eventually Hilda stirred, still looking out to sea she spoke, “Never lied to a student before,” she said quietly, “oh I’ve prevaricated, or told them only part of the truth, but never a complete lie.”

Nell sighed, “Me neither, it felt…odd.” She looked across at her partner, “The one thing, above all else, that I’ve always prided myself on, is my honesty. With the students, the Staff, with you.”

“Yes.”

Nell reached across and placed an arm around her friend’s waist, she spoke softly, “Can we live with this, Hilda?”

Hilda turned to look at Nell, “To ensure that child doesn’t learn the truth, Nell? Yes. We’ll have to.” She copied her friend and placed an arm around Nell’s waist, the two sat there for some time, staring out to sea.

Eventually they both stirred, smiling slightly at each other they broke apart, “It’s Christmas Eve,” Nell said.

“It is, and we have a three year old little boy who deserves the best Christmas ever.”

“Not to mention his mum, and the rest of the girls,” Nell laughed slightly, “the responsibilities never stop do they Hilda?” She stood up and held out a hand for her friend.

Hilda allowed herself to be pulled upright, she smiled, “No, they don’t Nell,” she said quietly, “but let’s be honest, neither of us would have it any other way.”

Arm in arm they walked back to their cottage.

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:15 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#142:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 7:57 pm

Thank you Lesley *wants to hug Hilda and Nell* Liz

 

#143:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 8:48 pm

Thank You Lesley. It fits perfectly with the character you have developed for Hilda and Nell for them to be so concerned and feel so odd about lying to Evvy. Beautifully done.

 

#144:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:51 pm

Yet more pricking of tears behing the eyes. They are so right and the truth would be so cruel. I can't remember where it came from but I read somewhere that 'The highest form of truth is love'. Thank you - and Happy Christmas - unless you have any more twists of course. Rolling Eyes

 

#145:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 10:40 pm

Thank you Lesley, they were wonderful. *Feels oddly peaceful* JackieJ

 

#146:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 10:43 pm

thanks lesley, Fantastic Crying or Very sad

 

#147:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:01 am

I really hope poor Evvy never finds out, she's confused enough as it is by recent events. Thanks Lesley.

 

#148:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:18 am

I've just wept my way through several pages of this Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Lesley, I am in awe. Thankyou so much for all of this - it must have been horrendous to write.

 

#149:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:58 am

Thanks Lesley. Hilda and Nell are very wise, Evvy could not cope with the truth now, maybe not ever.

 

#150:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 2:27 am

Thank you so much Lesley!!! These last posts have been incredible!!! I can't begin to imagine how difficult some of them must have been to write!!!

 

#151:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 5:20 am

Hilda & Nell may think they're lying about the rings, but are they? It may seem a fiction in this narrow window of time, but in the greater scheme of things, I doubt it. Look how far Corney'd come back to herself, able to help Evvy through her mother's death, able to call Evvy a 'great kid' even while claiming to have lied to her. If she'd thought of it at the end there, Corney might well have arranged for the rings herself, able to act love if not to "feel" it quite yet. I expect she's glad H&N did think of it. So even if H&N believe they're telling a myth, I'd class it as a myth with truth behind it. And the right thing to do. "Idiot," Proginoskes said, anxiously rather than crossly. "Love isn't how you feel. It's what you do. I've never had a feeling in my life."- Madeleine L'Engle, A Wind in the Door.

 

#152:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:33 am

awww luffly lesley thanks Smile

 

#153:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:54 am

Awww, bless them. Thanks Lesley, lovely. Smile

 

#154:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:34 am

Wow. Thank you Lesley. I've just read five pages of this and I'm awestruck. Just thank you.

 

#155:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 2:38 pm

I read this last night (and then nearly drowned poor Ally on MSN cos I was crying so much) but couldn't be coherent about it, still can't in fact. Every time I read it sends shivers down my spine, just... wow Lesley.

 

#156:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 4:23 pm

That was terrific, Lesley. But, should they have let Jo know that Corney had lied to her daughter?

 

#157:  Author: Nina, Location: Peterborough, UK PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 5:10 pm

:crying: :worthy: :crying: :worthy: :crying: :worthy: Smile :santa: Wow Lesley, I think I could have used all the emoticons at some time back there - I've been trying to comment for days but couldn't find the words and then you'd post again and I had to think all over again Shocked I'm with Kathy_S on this one, I think Corney would have wanted Evvy to have the rings if she'd thought about it. But so Hilda and Nell not to feel right about lying Confused

 

#158:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 6:00 pm

I know it was the right thing for them to do to protect Evvy but there's still a little bit inside of me thats half disappointed at them for lying to her. Whichever way it's brilliantly written and got me all choked up yet again! Thanks Lesley

 

#159:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 8:21 pm

Before reaching the cottage Nell disappeared to pick up the car and put it in the garage, when she rejoined Hilda it was to find her standing just outside the front garden, looking up at the roof. Nell also looked up, after a while she spoke, “Hilda? What are three of the girls doing on our roof?”

Hilda looked round, “Oh you can see them too? Good, thought I was dreaming for a minute there. I’ve no idea Nell, they appear to be trying to attach something to the chimney.”

The two were not kept in ignorance long, Alison appeared, “It’s a signpost,” she said clearly, both women looked at her, “a signpost for Santa, to tell him he’s got to stop here to make a delivery. Robbie was getting rather worried yesterday, he thought that, as he’d only moved house recently, Santa might go to the wrong house. We saw these in town this morning, thought they’d do the trick.”

The two nodded, watching as the three on the roof manoeuvred a large arrow into place. Once fixed the girls nodded to another, hidden member, on the ground. Seconds later the arrow was illuminated, red and white lights blinking on and off in sequence all the way up the arrow to the chimney.

“OK Cherry,” Helen called down, “he can come out now!”

Seconds later Cherry appeared holding Robbie’s hand, “Come and see, Robbie,” she said excitedly, as she got outside she lifted him up to see the arrow.

“What is it, Mummy?”

“It’s to show Santa where you live, so he’ll come tonight, the others put it up for you.”

Robbie looked again at the arrow and his little face sported a huge grin, “Perfick,” he said, “Fank you Helen an’ Sue an’ Carol an’ Alison.”

“Thank you, Robbie,” Cherry said quietly.

Nell stopped Hilda from correcting Robbie’s first word, “It’s a real word now,” she said quickly.

“It is not, Nell,”

“Well it’s used as such, mean to say you’ve not read the books?”

At that moment Robbie suddenly realised they were there, “Grandma Hilda, see my arrow? So Santa can come and see me tonight.”

“He’s coming tonight, Robbie?” Hilda laughed, while scooping him up for a cuddle, “No! I thought it was next week!”

“Silly Grandma! Tomorrow’s Kismas, Santa always comes night before.”

“Does he? Well I’ll let you in on a little secret, Robbie, I don’t think I’ve ever had Santa come to see me before, so tonight will be the first time.”

“Never?”

Hilda solemnly shook her head.

Robbie thought about that for a moment, then, “You must have been a very naughty little girl, Grandma.”

Nell reached across and plucked the little boy from her friend’s grasp, “I think she was, Robbie!” she said, grinning at her friend’s insulted expression.

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Mar 13, 2005 7:26 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#160:  Author: Nina, Location: Peterborough, UK PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:09 pm

ROFL ROFL ROFL the things kids say!

 

#161:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:13 pm

Awwww!!! Bless his heart!!!!!

 

#162:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:14 pm

but oh so logical!!!!! thank you lesley!

 

#163:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:21 pm

Laughing Just so cute and awwwww! Thank you Lesley - I hope these scenes are helping you Smile

 

#164:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:35 pm

Thanks Lesley, Robbie's lovely Very Happy JackieJ

 

#165:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:43 pm

Lovely Lesley!

 

#166:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:51 pm

The evening was a perfect antidote to the trials of the last few days, with both Hilda and Nell able to relax in the company of their own family. With the exception of Louise, out with Andrew and his parents, all the girls were there. After this holiday, it was unlikely that would happen again. The girls were scattering far and wide now that they had left school, and it would probably be a long time before they were all back together again.

But for this evening, and indeed for the entire holiday, all of them would be together. The warm Summer evening meant that, even when it started to get dark, they could sit out in the garden, the area lit by lanterns and lights on the patio. Rather than cook, after all, there would be a lot of cooking the next day, some of the girls had travelled with Nell to a nearby fish and chip shop – it was doing a roaring trade – and brought back enough for everyone. Robbie had been very excited to learn they were going to eat the food straight out of the paper! He had managed to eat most of his sausage and chips, as well as steal half of Grandma Hilda’s chips, ably assisted by his Grandma Nell!

As the evening wore on, however, Robbie became bad tempered and crotchety, obviously tired, he refused to go to bed, wanting to stay up with the excitement. When Cherry put him to bed anyway, he wouldn’t settle, and kept getting up. This culminated in him being told off by Cherry and crying in her arms. The rest of the girls quickly realised that their presence was disruptive for the little boy and filed out, kissing all four inhabitants of the cottage and wishing them all a Merry Christmas.

Left alone with the little boy and Cherry, Hilda and Nell sat in silence for a time, then Nell got up and lifted Robbie from his Mummy’s arms, “Come on little man,”

“Don’t want to go to bed!” Robbie’s sulky voice said quickly.

“That’s alright,” Nell said gently, “I’m going to tell you a story,” she indicated that the other two follow her and led the way out into the hall. Sitting herself opposite the Nativity Scene, she settled Robbie on her lap.

“What story?” Robbie asked, interested despite himself.

“The greatest Story you will ever hear,” Nell replied, and her voice held absolute certainty.

Robbie sat back, impressed, and waited for her to begin.

“A long time ago,” Nell began, “in a place called Nazareth, lived a young woman, and her name was Mary…”

Nell started to tell the story of the birth of Christ, she told it simply so the little boy could understand, including everything from the visit of the Angel Gabriel, telling the girl she was to have a special Child, to the movement of Mary and Joseph, to Bethlehem in the middle of winter,

“But Christmas is in Summer, Grandma!” Robbie’s sleepy voice said quickly,

“Not where they lived, Robbie,” Nell replied with a smile, “it was winter there, and very cold,” she cuddled him and he snuggled into her lap further.

“Then what happened?”

Nell swallowed slightly feeling her throat was sore, she looked across at her partner, Hilda took up the tale, “They tried to find somewhere to stay in Bethlehem, but all the Inns were full,”

“What’s an Inn?”

“A house where people pay for a bed, a hotel,” Hilda replied, “but one Innkeeper said they could spend the night in his Stable, out of the cold.”

“With all the aminals,” Robbie giggled.

“And that night, just after midnight, Mary had her baby. Do you know what he was called?”

Robbie thought for a minute, then he reached out to take the Baby Jesus figure from where he rested in the T. Rex’s arms, “Baby Jesus!” he said excitedly, “It was Baby Jesus!”

Nell took up the tale again, “That’s right, they wrapped Him up against the cold, and laid Him in a manger…”

“What’s a manger?”

“Where the hay for the animals was placed. Then, a little later, they were visited by some shepherds from nearby fields…”

“I was a sheep, a little one,”

“I know you were, then Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus were visited by Three Wise men, and they brought presents for the Baby.”

Nell looked down at the little boy, he was almost asleep, he roused slightly, “Grandma, what about Santa? Where was he?”

There was a stunned silence for a time, Nell and Hilda looking at each other helplessly. This time Cherry spoke, “He came later, Robbie, and he delivers presents to boys and girls as a reminder of the presents the Baby Jesus had from the Wise Men.”

“And in remembrance that God gave all of us a present that night,” Hilda said quietly, “He gave His only Son, the Baby Jesus.”

Robbie put the figure of Jesus into the manger, he placed Mary and the Tyrannosaurus Rex next to Him, to look after Him. “That was a good story, Grandma Nell,” he said, “I think I want to go to sleep now, Mummy, so Santa can come.”

Cherry smiled, “Kiss both Grandmas goodnight then,” she said, “and we’ll get you off to bed.”

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:18 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#167:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:00 pm

Lovely Lesley, Thank You. JackieJ

 

#168:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:10 pm

I love Robbie telling Hilda that she must have been a naughty girl! Laughing Laughing Laughing Then that last episode was beautiful, thank you. Love the certainty in Nell's voice.

 

#169:  Author: Katie, Location: London, but my heart belongs to Harrogate PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:19 pm

Lesley wrote:
"I was a sheep. A little one."
He's soooooo cute! This is truly excellent, Lesley. Thank you.

 

#170:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:23 pm

awwwwwrobbie is such a darlingthey make such a lovely family all together
Lesley wrote:
“Grandma, what about Santa? Where was he?”
Laughing

 

#171:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:33 pm

Wonderfully emotive and funny! Very Happy Thanks Lesley!

 

#172:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:34 pm

After Cherry took the little boy up to bed Hilda and Nell continued to sit in front of the Nativity scene.

“It never loses its appeal,” Nell said softly.

“No,” Hilda replied, “and that was inspired, telling him the story like that.” She rose and held out a hand to her partner, Nell took it and hauled herself up. “Although,” Hilda continued, “having Santa and a dinosaur in there made it a little different.”

“Have to move with the times, Hilda!” The pair moved back into the lounge, after quickly tidying up, they sat down and switched the TV on, the last few scenes of the old black and white film, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life!’ showed.

“Wasn’t that on last Christmas Eve?” Hilda said, smiling.

“I think it’s shown most years,” Nell replied, “a lot has happened to us in the last year though, hasn’t it?”

Hilda sat back and thought, remembering her state of health a year ago, remembering all they had gone through. She looked across at Nell, “Yes,” she said softly, “a great deal has happened. And almost all of it has, in the end, turned out for good.”

“Almost,” Nell said, remembering what had happened to her near the end of the third term, remembering Janet. A slight shudder escaping her, despite her control.

Hilda placed an arm around her shoulders, “Almost,” she confirmed, “and even things that, at the time, seemed terrible and without any good purpose, have since shown themselves to be worthwhile.”

Nell looked across, “You mean you going to prison?”

“Yes, if it were not for that, well…”

“Either of you want a drink?” It was Cherry’s voice from the doorway, “Robbie’s out like a light, so what’ll it be? Tea or coffee? Or something alcoholic?”

The two looked at each other and laughed, “Something alcoholic I think, Cherry,” Nell said, “We’re not driving anywhere tonight.”

“You’re not going to Midnight Mass?”

“No, I’ll go to the first service in the morning, be able to start the machinery on my way back.”

“Machinery?” This from Cherry, “what machinery?”

“Wait and see,” Hilda said quickly, “It’s a surprise!”

Once all three had drinks Hilda glanced round quickly, “To us,” she said, “and to a wonderful Christmas!”

They all raised their glasses to that.

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:19 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#173:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:43 pm

Wow Lesley! You're really on the ball tonight! This is great. A wonderful Christmas build up.

 

#174:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:52 pm

Awww what a lovely Xmas Eve.

 

#175:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:54 pm

Very impressive posting rate Lesley. Thanks. Intregued as to what Hilda and Nell have planned that needs machinary.

 

#176:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:55 pm

Snow making machinery.... Lovely scence Lesley.

 

#177:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:59 pm

Wonderful posts Lesley!!!

 

#178:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:14 pm

Very Happy Thanks Lesley! Your poor hands and fingers must be so sore with all this typing tonight Kiss But we don't mind Wink Laughing

 

#179:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:18 pm

I feel very Christmassy now, Lesley, so thanks. It's probably helped by the fact that it has been snowing here (intermittently) all day.

 

#180:  Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:52 pm

awwww - aren't they all so sweet? But now I really want it to be Christmas again, and there's another 10 months yet! Still loving this Lesley - and thank you for all the lovely installments tonight!

 

#181:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 1:01 am

Thank you Lesley. Some wonderful Christmassy posts. Robbie and the Nativity story were wonderful. So glad Hilda and Nell have Robbie and Cherry to help them have a lovely Christmas.

 

#182:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:48 am

Thank you Lesley - this is all just magic. In fact, it's perfick! Wink I love those books as well!

 

#183:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 5:17 am

Sophoife wrote:
Thank you Lesley - this is all just magic. In fact, it's perfick! Wink
What Sophoife said. why do I have this sudden urge to take certain HE Bates books away with me this weekend?

 

#184:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 7:21 am

Lovely. Thank you Lesley. I'm promising myself a read of RCS right from the beginning between this and the next part. Merry Christmas everyone!

 

#185:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:14 am

*sneaks over to add a few more presents under the tree* Lesley those last few posts were lovely Thank you Liz

 

#186:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:44 am

Lovely, thank you Lesley - wonderfully christmassy and so sweet. I loved the telling of The Story to Robbie and all the family stuff. And I'm with Chelsea on the machinery...

 

#187:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 10:29 am

Nell wrote:
And I'm with Chelsea on the machinery...
me too Feeling very festive - christmas with young kids is so fun! Thanks Lesley

 

#188:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 11:14 am

Awwwwwwwwwwwwww, I've gone all tingly and fuzzy now. Thank you Lesley Very Happy

 

#189:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 1:30 pm

It's snowing outside so all the Christmas stuff seems very appropriate (even if it is summer there). Thanks Lesley

 

#190:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:31 pm

Very curious about the 'machinery!' - snow machine perhaps? Thanks Lesley, really lovely. Laughing

 

#191:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:47 pm

Lesley - you know how much I'm enjoying this ... ... and suffice to say I want to borrow that machine!!!! *wails* Wink

 

#192:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 5:29 pm

Donna wrote:
But now I really want it to be Christmas again, and there's another 10 months yet!
Me too! What with Christmassy drabbles and blizzardy weather, it really shouldn't be nearly March! Thank you Lesley!

 

#193:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 6:11 pm

Christmas morning was somewhat of a rude awakening for both Hilda and Nell; they had not been late to bed the night before as both of them were tired. After arranging all the presents under the tree, and helping to fill Robbie’s sack from Santa, they had settled early. It was probably just as well. Sleeping peacefully, Hilda suddenly awoke to the weight of a very excited, and, she thought, extremely heavy little boy, landing on her stomach!

“Merry Christmas, Grandma! Santa’s been and he’s left me lots of presents, come see!”

Hilda looked up into the face of her adopted grandson, “Good morning Robbie, Merry Christmas!” She sat up dislodging the little boy so he tumbled into her lap; placing her arms around him she kissed him. “Where’s Mummy?”

“She went downstairs, to get me and her a drink, ‘cos we’s got to stay quiet so we don’t wake you and Grandma Nell!”

“Ah!” Hilda smiled at the little face, she glanced across at the clock and saw it was just after five thirty, “Well let’s go and wake Grandma Nell shall we? Then you won’t need to stay quiet any longer!”

She got out of bed and quickly pulled on a light dressing gown, then, holding Robbie’s hand she led him to her partner’s room. For once Nell was sleeping so deeply that she hadn’t been disturbed, Hilda opened the door very quietly and the pair walked up to stand beside Nell’s bed. Whispering to Robbie, Hilda then picked him up and, with precision, dropped him so he landed on Nell’s head!

“Wake up Grandma, you’s a sleepyhead!” Robbie’s delighted chant was almost drowned out by the reaction from his victim! Nell Wilson came awake with a start and a fairly blistering oath that, Hilda hoped, was muffled enough that Robbie hadn’t heard it! Diving straight out of bed, Nell held Robbie above her head and had obviously not fully awoken. As she suddenly realised, she reined in the rest of the oaths and instead looked up at the little boy held in her arms.

“Robbie?” she said faintly.

“Merry Christmas, Grandma!” Robbie didn’t seem at all concerned about the way he was held; such was his trust of his Grandma. At his words Nell came fully awake, she lowered her arms and cuddled Robbie to her.

“Merry Christmas, Robbie,” she said, planting a kiss on his cheek.

“Come see what Santa brought me, Grandma!” Robbie said, he wriggled out of Nell’s grasp and ran to the door, “Come, quick!”

Nell watched him disappear out of her room; she then turned to look at Hilda who was quietly giggling in the corner, her eyes narrowed, “You are in so much trouble, Annersley!”

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:21 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#194:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 6:15 pm

ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL Lovely to laugh at but wouldn't like it to happen to me Laughing Thanks Lesley *wondering if/how/when Nell will get revenge* Liz

 

#195:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 6:45 pm

There's nothing like that 5.30 am wake up from grandchildren! Confused

 

#196:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 6:51 pm

*laughs evilly* i love hilda!

 

#197:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 7:29 pm

Just as brilliantly fabulous as ever Lesley Am I the only person who's waiting for something major to go wrong, cos at the moment it's all lovely and nice Confused

 

#198:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 8:27 pm

Machinery, what machinery? Thank you Lesley.

 

#199:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 8:50 pm

lol I remember being quite young and my nan was staying with us and I went in to wake up her up and got no reaction. So went into Mum and Dad and said I can't wake nan up - mum charged through - thinking nan might have died in the night or something awful ... turns out nan was awake and was trying not to react to me shoving her etc and stuff so I'd go away !!! Lesley - you are really capturing the family christmas and its lovely, I wish it was xmas too.

 

#200:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:13 pm

Hilda and Nell arrived in Cherry and Robbie’s room just as Cherry herself appeared with a couple of drinks, she smiled across at the two, “Really sorry, both of you, I shouldn’t have left him alone.”

“Not a problem,” Hilda smiled, “Merry Christmas, Cherry!”

Cherry placed the drinks on the side and moved across to hug Hilda, “Merry Christmas,” she said, “and thank you so much for letting us share it.”

“Our pleasure,” Nell said, reaching across to hug the girl too, “now, where is Robbie?”

They all looked across to where Robbie was sat on the little camp bed, almost swamped by the amount of wrapping paper that was scattered about. He smiled up at the three women, “Santa left me a big sack of things, look!” He held out a big colouring book and crayons, as well as a large furry dinosaur, further investigation in his sack revealed some story books, some new slippers, some books of transfer stickers, a board game and some sweets.

“Aren’t you lucky, Robbie!” Hilda said, sitting next to him on the bed.

Robbie looked up, “I think so, Grandma,” he said, and his face was quite solemn, “’Cos I am sometimes naughty.”

Hilda hugged him and laughed, “But you are also sometimes very good,” she said.

A short time later everyone was downstairs having an early breakfast; Robbie’s eyes on seeing more presents beneath the tree grew wider still and he had to be restrained from opening all the presents himself. Quickly, though not fast enough, according to him, breakfast was arranged and the four sat in the lounge with mugs of tea and trays with toast, melon and cereals. Robbie quickly drank his milk and ate some toast before diving under the tree to retrieve presents. Each time he brought out a present he took it to either Hilda or Nell and waited as they spelt out the name for him.

There were presents for everyone, though it must be confessed that the size of Robbie’s presents far outstripped any other. Although he only had three presents they were a large box of building blocks, a remote controlled car and a huge yellow tractor! Robbie’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when he saw this! He insisted on opening that out and riding all over the lounge on it.

“Have you thanked your Grandma’s for your presents, Robbie?”

“No, Mummy,” Robbie said quickly, “I do it now,” he got off the tractor and flung himself first at Nell then Hilda, “Thank you Grandma!”

A short time later, after everyone had managed to have a shower and get dressed, they left for the early morning service Church service. Cherry deciding to take Robbie along with Hilda. The service over they returned to the grounds a little before eleven, meeting up with Nell as they got back to the cottage.

“What we do now, Grandma?” Robbie asked Hilda, “Can we go to the sea?”

“Not today Robbie,” Hilda replied, “We have a big surprise coming.”

“What?”

Nell laughed, “Now if we told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?”

“When can I see surpise?”

Hilda looked at her watch, “In about an hour,” she said, she turned as Louise suddenly appeared with Andrew, “Oh good, you’re here,”

“Now Robbie, we’ve got to go across to the School, to get the surprise ready, will you stay with Louise and Andrew?”

The little boy looked a little upset, “Want to be with you, Grandma,”

Hilda picked him up, “I know darling, but it won’t be for long, and it really is a wonderful surprise.”

Robbie thought, “Can Andrew make my car work?”

Andrew looked across, “I’ll do my best, Robbie, you show me where it is.”

Robbie nodded and, once Hilda had put him back down he walked toward the cottage, suddenly he ran back to hug Cherry, “Mummy not going away?”

Cherry hugged him back, “Of course not, I’ve just got to go and help Hilda and Nell, I’ll be back soon, I promise.”

“OK Mummy.”

It was almost an hour later that the three returned, “Now Robbie, before we take you over to see the surprise, you must put some special clothes on.” As Nell spoke she and Hilda were retrieving some small parcels from a cupboard, Robbie opened them to reveal a pair of jeans, socks, tiny walking boots, and warm top, there were also gloves and a little hat. Robbie looked at them,

“Fank you Grandma,” he said quickly, “but I be too hot!”

“No you won’t, Robbie, I promise.”

With some persuasion they managed to get him to wear the clothes, as he had previously been wearing shorts, trainers and a tee-shirt, he could be forgiven for thinking he would be too hot! Although not blazing hot, the temperature was forecast to reach 22 degrees later that day! Perhaps the only thing that stopped him complaining was seeing that everyone else was wearing the same things!

Cherry picked him up, “Come and see, Robbie, it’s such a lovely surprise!”

She followed Hilda, Nell and the others back to the School, instead of going in though they moved around to the side, where the students took their Breaks. The area was normally a sheltered lawn covered area, but on rounding the corner Robbie’s eyes grew wide when he saw that the entire area was covered in white! Also gathered in the area were a number of others, including the rest of the girls, the St Johns, Nancy and Kathie as well as Rosalind, Ruth and the Kellys.

“Here we go, Robbie!” Nell said, “Feel this,” she scooped up some of the white stuff and dropped it into his hands.

“It’s cold,” Robbie giggled, “What is it, Grandma?”

“It’s snow,” Nell replied, “We hired a snow making machine, it’s been on all morning and we’ve got feet of the stuff.”

“Can you play with it, Grandma?”

Hilda and Nell both grinned, “Oh yes, Robbie!”

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:24 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#201:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:18 pm

Only one thing to say, Aaaaahhhhhhhhh.

 

#202:  Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:33 pm

Not been here for a while. Lots of catching up to do. ...........Wow......... Mexican Wave Seem to have run through most possible emotions over the last pages. Amazing writing Lesley! Glad the Cornelia/Evvy storyline was on screen, as pages of a book would have been very soggy! Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad The Christmas parts are lovely. :santa: Thank you! :worthy: :worthy:

 

#203:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:48 pm

YaY!!!!!! What a brilliant idea!!! I want a snow machine!!!!

 

#204:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 10:21 pm

That is great Lesley, what a wonderful idea, and from Hilda and Nell's reaction I'd guess they are about to have a lot of fun!! Laughing

 

#205:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 10:47 pm

I have this tiny eensy feeling that Nell may be about to exact her revenge on Hilda... Twisted Evil

 

#206:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 10:47 pm

Ahhh how lovely. Can see great fun ahead for everyone.

 

#207:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 10:54 pm

what a fantastic idea!!! *loves robbie*

 

#208:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 10:55 pm

Yay for a lovely Christmas!!! and what a great pressie. Thanks Lesley (and I hope Nell gets sweet revenge)

 

#209:  Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 10:59 pm

What a wonderful Christmas! I can remember (just about!) what it felt like to be Robbie's age and want to see the tree and open the presents - we weren't allowed in the lounge until we were dressed and breakfast was finished and that sense of anticipation...which you've captured brilliantly Lesley. thank you! Smile *wants a snow machine*

 

#210:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 11:00 pm

Reading all these happy, jolly posts and I just can't help thinking, 'Lesley wouldn't have written
Quote:
Nell swallowed slightly feeling her throat was sore
if she meant Nell's throat was tight with emotion.' Wibbles. What's going to happen?

 

#211:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 11:17 pm

I do love the Christmas scenes. I think you must know a 'Robbie' you've got it so right. I know what Dawn and Lyanne mean. I read every post waiting for a cliff Shocked

 

#212:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 11:40 pm

Lots of lovely posts! Yes, nothing like getting up pre-dawn on Christmas. ROFL At least Nell hadn't just gotten to sleep after midnight Mass.*looks forward to fun in the snow* Mr. Green(throws in a poke at evil-Elinor -- imagine leaving Santa out of Hilda's backstory!)

 

#213:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 12:17 pm

Yay!!! Thank you Lesley! Snow in Australia!!!

 

#214:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 1:13 pm

Very Happy Wonderful! It's making me feel Christmassy all over again. Thanks Lesley.

 

#215:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 3:36 pm

Thank you Lesley. Almost the perfect Christmas. Almost? Because I too feel something nasty is going to happen.

 

#216:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 8:43 pm

The next two hours went extremely quickly, Robbie was introduced to the delights of snowmen, making snow angels and even a very short toboggan run (sitting on a tray and being pushed down a slope). The highlight of the snow though, had to be when someone suggested a snow fight. Almost everyone immediately leapt on the idea, automatically suggesting that Hilda and Nell be opposing team captains.

Nell quickly objected to this, “We’re always on opposing sides, maybe just once Hilda and I would like to be on the same side!”

The rest of the company quickly revised their plans, and Nancy Wilmot was one captain and Ruth Derwent the other. When picking teams Nancy made sure she picked both Hilda and Nell. Almost everyone wanted to take part, although both Rosalind and Geoff had to bow out due to health reasons, they joined Cherry back in the School. Robbie decided he wanted to be on a different side to his Grandmas and was partnered with Alison.

The fight started after a short five minutes of readying snowballs, the idea was that one team, Nancy’s, were defending a small grove of trees and bushes, while Ruth’s team were attacking. Snowballs flew fast and furious between the teams, the high laughter and giggles from Robbie, sat on Alison’s back as she ran back and forth rallying the troops. Robbie also had help from a number of the other girls, who found that any extra large snowballs just had to be passed to the little boy. A number of people on the opposite team suddenly got hit with an extra large ball, and a giggle from Robbie!

It was only as the snow fight was gradually winding down that everyone became aware that neither Hilda nor Nell had taken part. In fact, when they stopped to check, no one could remember seeing either of them since the fight began.

In fact, to begin with, both Hilda and Nell had begun the snow fight with good intentions. Detailed as shock troops, they had hidden within a small overhanging bush, its branches covered with snow made a perfect concealed site. It was situated some yards in front of the main grove and the idea was that they would lay in ambush for anyone coming to attack. The pair had set forth with a will and started stacking large numbers of small snowballs ready for attack. In addition they had found the tray Robbie had used earlier, and brought in vast quantities of additional snow to use as ammunition. They had then sat and waited.

Unfortunately, all the action was on the other side of the grove, no one was near them, and the cold started to seep into their bones.

“Perhaps we should go out and join in,“ Hilda said quietly.

Nell shook her head, “No, the action will come over here soon, stop being impatient!“

Hilda opened her mouth to deny being impatient, then, catching sight of something, she remained silent. Laying on the overhanging bush, the snow on top of it was very thick, she looked up, above where Nell was sitting, it was especially thick and cold and slushy just there. Hilda considered for a moment, dismissing an idea, but it kept coming back. Hilda had always been a serious, dignified person, but something just seemed to possess her! Reaching out nonchalantly she picked up a large stick, then, careful not to let Nell see, she slowly raised the stick and poked at the leaves holding the snow.

The results were even better than the Head had hoped! A positive deluge of cold ice and snow collapsed directly onto Nell’s head, Hilda burst out laughing.

When everyone else had stopped throwing snowballs they suddenly realised where Hilda and Nell were. The sounds of yells and laughter, interspersed with wet thuds, floated across to the others. Curious, they all walked across to see. Hidden within the branches of the bushes were two figures, one, lying on the floor, her arms raised in a futile attempt to protect herself. That she needed protection was obvious as the other figure, standing above her, was raining down snowballs onto her helpless form.

“…half five *splat* this morning! *splat* Never again, Hilda *splat* Annersley, do you *splat* understand?” The *splat* was the sound as Nell threw a snowball at her partner, she had a huge number of them on a tray next to her.

“OK, OK I *splat* promise! Just stop throwing the balls!” Hilda’s voice was breathless, she was laughing so much.

Nell grinned evilly, “And you promise *splat* never *splat* to try and ambush *splat* your best friend *splat* again?”

“I promise, *splat* I promise!”

“And you’ll serve me *splat* early morning *splat* tea in bed for the *splat* rest of the *splat* holidays? To prove how sorry you are?”

“Oh no, now you go too far, Ne*splat*” Hilda stopped, coughing as a snowball hit her in the face, “I‘ll bring you tea tomorrow *splat* morning, no more!”

Outside the onlookers glanced at each other, grinning widely. Kathie managed to take a few photographs. Nancy leant across to Ruth, “Should we stop them, do you think?”

Ruth turned, “Actually I was thinking of selling tickets!”

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:33 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#217:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 8:51 pm

Brilliant Lesley!

 

#218:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 8:55 pm

I can just picture it! Aren't they luffly! Thank you Lesley. It's so appropriate at the moment. I built a snowman with my neighbour's children tonight!

 

#219:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 9:15 pm

That was great Lesley, Laughing Laughing Laughing Loved the idea of selling tickets...wonder where the photo's will end up!

 

#220:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:01 pm

Christmas Dinner was a little delayed as some people had to go and change, once everyone was ready though, Hilda and Nell led the way into the School and across to the Dining Room. Inside the room had been decorated throughout, there was a large tree in one corner with decorations and lights, a great many presents beneath its boughs. Along the walls were strewn long loops of tinsel and fake snow as well as holly and ivy. The tables were set out rather differently too, most of the tables had been pushed back to one side, only three long tables had been placed in a rough triangle, with chairs around the outside. The tables had pretty red Christmas cloths and there were candles interspersed with table decorations. Each place had been set out with cutlery, plates, glasses and Christmas cracker. As they entered they saw Geoff lighting the last of the candles, while Cherry brought up some serving dishes and placed them in a nearby hot plate.

“Take your seats, everyone,” Hilda said quickly.

They all took their seats, mixing thoroughly between old and new, English and Australian. Robbie, after a quick hug from Cherry, decided he wanted to sit between Hilda and Nell. A couple of the girls disappeared to the kitchens to return with bottles of wine, a third person accompanied them, Karen!

“She was only going to have her dinner in the kitchen!” Carol said quickly, “We said if she did we’d send you down to talk to her, Hilda!”

Hilda smiled, rising she walked across to where Karen stood, the Austrian woman appeared to be a little ill at ease, Hilda spoke to her in German, “Karen, please join us, after all your hard work this morning, cooking our dinner, none of us would feel right if you were not here to enjoy it.”

Karen smiled, “Even after all this time,” she said quietly, “it still feels strange, there is so much more freedom here. Very well Frau…” she stopped, seeing Hilda’s expression, “I mean Hilda, I will join you, as soon as I have served the meal.”

“No, you will sit down now, Karen,” Hilda looked round and saw Nancy wave to her, “there, next to Nancy, you’ve done your part cooking the meal, others will serve. And I don’t want to see you washing up afterwards either!” She guided the woman across to the space beside Nancy and watched as Nancy, Kathie and Jeanne de Lachenais made her welcome, plying her with wine and persuading her to eat one or two of the dainty petit fours set out at each place.

Hilda walked back to her place, she had a glass of wine in her hand, Robbie had also wanted wine and Nell was busy pouring a small amount into his cup and then swamping it with lemonade. She glanced around at all the people assembled and they fell silent.

“I’ll not keep you long,” she said swiftly, “I’m sure you can all smell the wonderful dinner that Karen, with assistance from Cherry, has cooked for us. We wanted a traditional turkey dinner and, after our fun in the snow, I think everyone is ready for their meal!” There was a murmur of appreciation.

“Nell and I decided that we wanted to do this some weeks ago, provide a traditional European Christmas for everyone. We wanted it, in a way, to round off such a wonderful year. Exactly one year ago today, I was standing in the Deputy Head’s Study, convinced that I would never be able to teach again, that I could not even consider taking on the headship here. Indeed, I couldn’t even face anyone. Nell brought me through that, and this last year has been the most fulfilling and eventful one I can remember.

Nell and I have both had to face a number of trials, some of them, although terrible themselves, have meant we made new friends, or had good experiences, some have left us with bad memories and even nightmares. But through it all, our friendship, and that of everyone here, has grown. If the last year is a blueprint for the rest of our lives, I think we will be well content.”

Hilda smiled across at Nell who nodded in return, “I would like you all to raise a glass to all those who, for whatever reason, cannot be here to enjoy the day, or indeed enjoy this life. To those who are unable to share the friendship that we all have.” Hilda wiped away a slight tear, “To absent friends.”

The entire company rose and drank to the toast.

Last edited by Lesley on Wed Mar 09, 2005 8:33 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#221:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:31 pm

Lovely Lesley, especially Nell's revenge. Laughing Is this the end? JackieJ

 

#222:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:32 pm

One more post - not quite finished yet - will either post later tonight or first thing tomorrow.

 

#223:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:52 pm

*joins the toast* *perches excitedly on the edge of her seat*

 

#224:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:54 pm

eeeeeeeeeek! only one more?! usually we get lots of warning so we can start pleading for the next number! Smile Lesley, the snowfight was just *splat* hilarious. And I love how you turned the mood in this one to being much more poignant. Thank you for all the lovely writing.

 

#225:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 12:07 am

And there I was hoping that last post would come before I logged off and went to bed!! Ah well! Thank you Lesley! Lovely - loved Nell's revenge!

 

#226:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 12:12 am

oh Lesley, this has been marvellous!!! Tho Hilda re did deserve that *splat*ting.... *can see '*splat*' turning into the new buzzword* And all you gatherers- have fun and try to get Lesley to give hints about the next one so you can pass 'em round Evil or Very Mad Evil or Very Mad

 

#227:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 12:24 am

Thank you Lesley - brilliant as always. Hope I get time to log in in the morning.

 

#228:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 1:20 am

Lesley that was absolutely wonderful!!! Thank you hunny!

 

#229:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 5:19 am

Lovely set of posts! *Oh look, it's morning!* *and Lesley's up already* Very Happy

 

#230:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 5:26 am

Final post again - know I said first thing but didn't expect it to be this early! This has been the longest one - 116126 words - it's also been the one that took the longest - but I think that was because there were certain parts I just didn't want to write.
As always, thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions, any number of times you have given me ideas on how the next bit of the story should progress. And a special thanks to Rachael for all the advice and for being my sounding board for future posts.
There will be a RCS6 - have actually already got nine pages written - not the beginning, just certain scenes within it! But I'm going to take a long break before starting it on the board. Anyway, on with the show...


The Christmas meal was a great success, although in the middle of the Australian summer, the combination of the snow and Karen’s cooking served to ensure that everyone was ready for the meal. A full turkey dinner with all the trimmings was quickly served to all, Hilda and Nell among those dishing out the food and transporting the plates. That it was well received was obvious when there was only the sound of cutlery on plates for some minutes! After the initial tasting, people began to savour their food more, Robbie, sat between Hilda and Nell, was the first to insist that one of them pull his cracker, his actions prompted everyone else and the rest of the meal was eaten with the detritus from pulled crackers, and everyone wearing a silly hat! Later the Christmas pudding was eaten with as much relish!

When the dishes had been cleared and food allowed to digest for a short time, the presents beneath the tree were all distributed and opened, later some of the more energetic ones joined Robbie in a game of tag in the rapidly disappearing snow outside.

Much later, when it was getting dark, and when all the guests had left after thanking everyone for a wonderful day. Hilda and Nell walked back to their cottage with Cherry and Robbie.

“Wonderful day, Nell!” Hilda said softly.

“Perfect,” Nell replied quietly.

Back in their cottage, Robbie was riding his tractor, while Cherry was building a tower with some of Robbie’s blocks, she wasn’t able to build them very high as, every time they got to about a foot tall, Robbie would use his Yellow Tractor to knock them down again. His giggles each time this happened caused the other three to laugh too.

A knock at the door and Jeanne de Lachenais appeared, Nell ushered her in,

“I’ll not stop long,” she said smiling, “I’m sure that you are all tired, I just wanted to give you this Nell,” she handed across a video tape, Nell looked at it in some puzzlement.

“Don’t you remember?” Jeanne said quickly, “It was something you’d asked Rachel Trent to do for you, oh some weeks ago now. She said you wanted to be able to give them out as presents to all your friends.”

Nell’s face still had a puzzled look then, suddenly that look cleared as she obviously remembered, “Oh yes, I asked her to put together a highlight tape, “ she turned to explain to Hilda, “it was just after we’d met Nell from England.”

“You mean Catherine Taylor?” Hilda asked.

“Yes, after your comments about the name I’d asked Rachel about something, had totally forgotten about it until now. Thanks for delivering it Jeanne, but I decided not to use it anyway.”

“No trouble cherie, I just passed on the copies to everyone as I kissed them goodbye…”

Nell suddenly went white, “Y-Y-You passed on copies?” she asked faintly.

“Why yes, Rachel said that you’d wanted copies for all your friends, I thought I pass them on, save you the trouble. Good night everyone, Joyeaux Noel!”

After she left there was a silence, Nell standing there holding the tape, a somewhat stunned expression on her face, Hilda rose and plucked the tape from her unresisting fingers, “Well, let’s see it then!” she smiled. She walked quickly across to the TV and placed the tape in the machine.

Nell came to life, “Oh, no Hilda, no need to watch it.”

“Nonsense, if you felt it was important enough to commission our computer expert, it must be good…” Hilda sat down to watch the tape.

The tape began with a picture in black and white of a row of roofs from back to back terrace houses, and a cat.

“Oh I know this,” Cherry said quickly, “It’s Coronation Street, a Brit soap opera, have you ever watched it?”

Hilda shook her head while Nell just looked worried.

“My mum was a fan,” Cherry said quietly, “I can remember when I wasn’t much older than him,” she pointed to Robbie, “Sitting next to her on the sofa while she watched it. She used to get vids of the early stuff, enjoyed it, when she wasn’t stoned,” her eyes darkened.

Both Hilda and Nell smiled at the girl and, after a short time Cherry smiled back, hugging Robbie to her.

The video opened in a pub, there were a number of characters in the foreground, Cherry pointed them out, “That’s Ena Sharples, she was a right old dragon, and Annie Walker, she owns the Rovers. Don’t know who the young lad is, oh wait, that’s Ken Barlow – blimey he’s old now!”

They watched for a short time, Nell seeming to be rather tense for some reason. Another figure appeared, obviously the cleaner, she had an old printed overall on and carried a duster and broom. Her hair, what could be seen of it, was obviously in curlers, she had an old headscarf covering her head. A cigarette drooped disconsolately from one corner of her mouth.

“Mrs Walker?” her voice had a strong Mancunian drawl to it, “Can I get orf quick tonight, chuck? Only Stan’s ‘urt his back, them dustbins ain’t light and he’s bin working ‘ard?”

Robbie giggled and stood up, wandering over to the TV he placed his pudgy finger on the woman’s face. “Hilda,” he said clearly.

“That’s right,” Cherry was surprised, “Her name was Hilda Ogden in the show, how did you know that?”

Robbie frowned slightly, “Hilda,” he said again, then pointed to Hilda Annersley, “Grandma Hilda on telly!”

Cherry went to correct her son, then suddenly realised he was telling the truth, regardless of the real appearance of the character, in this video, Hilda Ogden had the same face as Hilda Annersley! Cherry gulped, trying desperately to stop herself from laughing, she turned, very slowly, to look across at the Head. As she did she noticed that Nell was surreptitiously moving toward the door.

Hilda Annersley slowly turned round to face her partner, “Nell?” her voice held a warning.

Nell swallowed slightly, “It was a joke, Hilda, a play on your name, only because of what you’d said about my name when we had that video conference with Nell. She was the only Hilda I could find, and anyway it was such a contrast to you.”

Hilda continued to stare at her friend, Nell visibly wilted, “Look, I’m sure Jeanne didn’t distribute all of them, I mean I’d asked Rachel for fifty…”

“Jeanne has handed them out to every one of our guests today?”

Nell looked round, “Ah, yes, it appears so.” there was a silence, then Nell spoke again, “I’m just going for a walk, Hilda, until you calm down!”

Last edited by Lesley on Wed Mar 09, 2005 8:35 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#231:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 7:39 am

Aaaah! A very satisfying last episode. Nell's a great big kid underneath! Such a contrast from the books! Thank you Shiny Lesley. I'm going to fill in the time till RCS6 by rereading the whole series again.. *Bounces of to work.*

 

#232:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 8:42 am

How satisfying!!!! Thanks so much Lesley, that was wonderful.

 

#233:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 8:52 am

Lovely! Thank you Lesley - amazing as ever and I'll be looking forward to RCS6 with anticipation! And might follow Patmac idea of a re-read in the meantime!

 

#234:  Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 9:13 am

Lovely as ever! Thank sooooooooo much for all of this, Lesley - it's been such a rollercoaster. *Looking forward to RCS6, whenever that might be*

 

#235:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 9:36 am

*sighs because its over* Thank you Lesley for another wonderful story and am very glad there will be another Very Happy

 

#236:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 10:01 am

aw wow, can't believe it's over! Thanks Lesley, it's been brilliant and that was a fantastic way to end it. definitely looking forward to the next one.

 

#237:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 10:22 am

That was just utterly fabulous and no nasty cliff at the end :pale: Thankyou so much Lesley - like everyoen else I'm already looking forward to RSC6 and will do a re-read in the meantime. Is it possible to get them all without the yibble (good as that often is) on the board? :worthy:

 

#238:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 10:32 am

That's one very long walk that Nell is going to have to take!! Thank you Lesley for the remarkable rollercoaster ride, it has given hours of endless pleasure, nailbiting excitment and fun. Looking forward to the next installment.................. how long is a long break exactly???

 

#239:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 10:50 am

Thank you so much Lesley. Another triumph, tears laughter we've had them all. Enjoy your break and looking forward to RCS 6 whenever it starts. Glad I was able to see this before leaving for FG.

 

#240:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 11:54 am

Thank you, Lesley, that was wonderful. It was so satisfying, so many triumphs over adversity.

 

#241:  Author: Cumbrian Rachel, Location: back in Oxford PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 12:36 pm

Wonderful, wonderful stuff! I've just caught up on the last 40 pages!!! *looking forward to RCS6* Have a good break before then though Lesley!

 

#242:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 1:33 pm

Thank you shiny Lesley That was just wonderful!! (and I trust RCS 6 will feature Hilda's retaliation!!!) See you later on hunny!

 

#243:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 1:34 pm

Thank you Lesley :worthy: :worthy: :worthy: That was a wonderful Christmas! Enjoy your break before RCS6 Liz

 

#244:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:34 pm

Thanks Lesley - I think you deserve a good long break before RCS6, although obviously I secretly hope it won't be too long.

 

#245:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:54 pm

Thank you Lesley, it was wonderful, as always. I think I shall also have a re-read. Ermmm, any chance someone can send me 4 & 5 in yibble free form? Rolling Eyes JackieJ

 

#246:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 5:00 pm

That's exactly the sort of thing I'd do, too ) *grins* Thank you Lesley it's been a fantastic ride Smile Ray * :worthy: :worthy: :worthy: *

 

#247:  Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 6:16 pm

Thank you Lesley for another wonderful story! While one part of me realises you deserve a good long rest after writing it, another part of me hopes it won't be too long! Whenever it arrives, I'm sure I won't be the only person waiting! Smile *starts three cheers for Lesley and RCS*

 

#248:  Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 6:55 pm

Thank you, Lesley! Really enjoyed it. Very Happy

 

#249:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 7:16 pm

Echos everyone else's thanks. You deserve a good break after that, Lesley. I hope RCS6 would be as emotionally wrought for you.

 

#250:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 7:48 pm

Thanks Lesley, looking forward to RCS6 and Hildas revenge(please!)

 

#251:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 8:45 pm

what a lovely ending to RCS5!!! i'm looking forward to RCS6 when it's ready

 

#252:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 9:39 pm

Very Happy :worthy: Very Happy :worthy: Very Happy Thankyou so much Lesley - it has been an amazing ride. Which will come first - RCS6 or the published Headmistress?

 

#253:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2005 12:11 am

I just got home again, and read the last 10 pages of this in one go - Lesley, after keeping us on our toes throughout the story, what a wonderful ending evolved! You put my emotions well and truly through the wringer, especially over Corney's death. I'm so glad you are promising us RL 7 - and wonder, with the others, whether that, or your book will be out first! Good luck with all the final bits of that - will be looking forward to my copy in due course.

 

#254:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2005 5:56 pm

I don't know whether to be sad that it's finished or pleased to have a respite from the cliffs!Think I'll settle for cheerful anticipation of RCS6, whenever that may be Very Happy Thank you Lesley - as everyone else has said, this has been a real emotional rollercoaster of a story, meticulously and cunningly plotted and, as always, superbly written. :worthy:

 

#255:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 5:14 am

*Wild applause* Thank you Lesley, another wonderful story concluded, and what a gorgeous ending too! Thanks for ending on such a light note after all the anguish, and thanks for writing it in the first place. Also looking forward to RCS6.

 

#256:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 6:27 am

Thank you Lesley. The ending gives hope in faith that everything will be OK. Enjoy your break and we're panting for Headmistress! Laughing

 

#257:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 3:02 pm

Another thank-you-again, and looking-forward-to-next-RCS. Very Happy :tigger: *wonders whether Ray will also face the wrath of Hilda* Twisted Evil

 

#258:  Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 6:26 pm

Thanks Lesley - JOW has been a roller-coaster both in terms of emotions and twists. I reckon it has a number of unresolved themes for use in RCS6 - looking forward to that - hopefully in the not too distant future. Otherwise I'll have total withdrawal symptoms, even with a re-read of the series. Take care and enjoy the break Echoes the others re Headmistress - any update on publication?

 

#259:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 10:51 pm

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I know I've already told you that, but had to post it here too. Thanks so much Lesley. Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy *off to bide time til RCS 7* Wink

 

#260:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 11:12 pm

Josie wrote:
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I know I've already told you that, but had to post it here too. Thanks so much Lesley. Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy *off to bide time til RCS 7* Wink
7????? Don't you want to read 6 then? Wink BTW, anyone who wants yibble free copies of previous episodes - PM me and I'll send them.

 

#261:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 11:14 pm

Lesley wrote:
Josie wrote:
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I know I've already told you that, but had to post it here too. Thanks so much Lesley. Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy *off to bide time til RCS 7* Wink
7????? Don't you want to read 6 then? Wink
D'oh!!! There's my legendary maths skills again! Embarassed Embarassed Embarassed (and yes please!! Laughing )

 

#262:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 11:16 pm

Thanks Lesley. I've only just read the end would you believe!!! Great!

Last edited by Pat on Mon Feb 28, 2005 11:16 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#263:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 4:01 am

Have just caught up with 6 pages of this, Lesley you are amazing
Lesley wrote:
With some persuasion they managed to get him to wear the clothes, as he had previously been wearing shorts, trainers and a tee-shirt, he could be forgiven for thinking he would be too hot! Although not blazing hot, the temperature was forecast to reach 22 degrees later that day!
Shocked Shocked Shocked 22 degrees on Chrismas Day? Quick, someone pass me a pair of jeans and a sloppy joe. I'm freezing at the thought of it. Really Not blazzing hot. Except possibly in Tasmania. And yay for the funny ending. Such a relief after all the alarums and excursions of the RCS! Thanks again marvellous shiney Leslie (and I look forward to the next installment).

 

#264:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 11:21 pm

*applauds wildly* Thank you SHINY SHINY Lesley, this has been abslutely stonking from beginning to end. See, I was even quiet whilst reading the end on Friday night at the Gather!!!!! And that's a pretty tricky thing to have happen )

 

#265:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:11 am

Wonderful!!! (and thanks for bringing the revised final posts to the G Wink ) Mexican Wave Mexican Wave Mexican Wave Mexican Wave Mexican Wave Mexican Wave

 

#266:  Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:57 pm

Lesley it has been a fantastic read. Thank you

 

#267:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 1:25 pm

Wow, I just read everything from the panto onwards. Its been an amazing story Lesley, all the way through. Thank you!

 

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


output generated using printer-friendly topic mod, All times are GMT

Page 1 of 1

Powered by phpBB 2.0.6 © 2001,2002 phpBB Group