Margot goes to Red Gables
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

#1: Margot goes to Red Gables Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 9:35 am


This is set after another drabble I wrote 'Geraldine joins the CS', at the end of which Margot decides to leave the Chalet (her temper gets the better of her once too often!) and go to boarding school in England.

Chapter one

Margot woke up with a feeling of nervous apprehension. Today she would be travelling across Switzerland to her new school in England, Red Gables. Margot looked up to the neat russet coloured gymslip. They had bought that when she had gone to visit the school with Papa. After Margot had sat an admissions test Red Gables had accepted her on the spot. Margot jumped out of bed and ran to the window. In the distance she could see that Chalet, they went back in two days time.
'I don't know what you'll do about half term' Jo had said anxiously when Jack and Margot had come back with the good news and a stack of letters. 'A week is hardly long enough for you to travel back here.'
'They have expeditions and things' Margot had replied, 'Last year they had a geography trip and they have history trips and things too….like at the chalet.'
Jo had nodded and Margot couldn't help but feel a little distanced from her Mamma. It had been a pleasant surprise when Jo had informed her that she would be travelling to England with her.
'I need to see my publishers anyway…It means that I can take you to one of the London stations to meet an escort mistress. I'm half inclined to pop in and see the school but with you only just starting….'
Margot shook her head violently,
'Don't mamma please - no one does that at the Chalet.'
Jo had to agree and that had been that.

'Ready?' Asked Jack as he escorted Jo and Margot to the car that would take them to the station. Margot's trunk had been sent on in advance and she only had a small case containing leisure clothes and of course her brand new uniform. The car contained an assortment of school hats, hockey sticks and anything else that the Maynard's thought necessary.
'Bye' Called Con and Len for what seemed the umpteenth time. Ali and Veronique stood in the background, 'Bye Margot - don't forget to write!'
'I won't' Margot promised laughingly, 'I've got enough writing paper to last me at least one hundred years, I'll have to write if I wanted to get rid of it!'


Last edited by Toria on Tue May 31, 2005 5:56 pm; edited 18 times in total

 


#2:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 10:16 am


This looks promising, Toria, thankyou!

I hope we are going to see some of Margot's letters home.

Can you remind me how old Margot is at this point?

 


#3:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 11:46 am


Quote:
'I don't know what you'll do about half term' Jo had said anxiously when Jack and Margot had come back with the good news and a stack of letters. 'A week is hardly long enough for you to travel back here.'
Err, probably the same thing as your sons do, Jo. You do remember them don't you?!

Glad to see this here, Toria. Now I'll have to go and re-read Geraldine to find out who Ali and Veronique are... Embarassed

 


#4:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:01 pm


Thanks Toria

Liz

 


#5:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 9:00 pm


Thanks Toria - now I have to go re-read Geraldine as well!!

 


#6:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 10:13 pm


Really good to see this Toria thankyou

 


#7:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 9:12 am


Thanks for all the comments! Margot is eleven, the school has moved to Switzerland already. Not sure exactly how well this fits in with the books but it follows on from Geraldine. If anyone wants to read the word doc. of Geraldine they can PM me their email address and I'll get it sent to them!

Jo and Margot had a hassle free journey across Europe, spent the night in a London hotel and turned up promptly at the station in the morning. It was easy to see the school with its russet coloured uniforms. Girls were yelling excitedly to each other whilst a group of seniors who were obviously prefects were trying their best to be civilised. Margot suddenly felt an odd feeling of detachment and clung to Jo. In the past few days the pair had become a lot closer and Margot suddenly wished that she was going to the Chalet after all.
'Margot Maynard?' A voice enquired, 'I'm Miss Kennedy, your escort mistress.'
'Thank you, I'm Mrs Maynard' Jo shook the proffered hand then giving Margot a hug and a kiss,
'Bye darling - have a good time, don't forget to write' and was gone.
Miss Kennedy smiled her approval. She couldn't bear mothers who clung to their daughters. However seeing that Margot looked a little shaky she swiftly led her across to the train.
'Penny Cartouche will you look after Margot? She's new for your form this term.'
'Of course Miss Kennedy - do we have any other new girls?'
'Rose Jenkins, but she's for lower IV B'
Penny nodded and led Margot along the platform,
'I'm deputy form captain for lower IV A, Heather Grignard is our captain but she comes on the other train, she lives in Newcastle. Where do you live?'
'Switzerland' replied Margot.
'Gosh - are you Swiss? You won't have a prob with languages in that case.'
'I'm not Swiss but my father's a doctor at the sanatorium there, it used to be based in Austria but they moved because of the war to Guernsey, where we three were born. After that I went to Canada with my aunt and uncle then the school that my aunt owns moved to Wales and I lived there. Then it moved to St Briavel's and then finally to Switzerland.'
Penny's eyes were wide open with surprise, 'you have travelled - I wish I could and Canada! But did you say there were three of you?'
'I'm a triplet Margot explained shyly. My sisters are at school in Switzerland - my aunt owns it you see. I've been there up until now.'
'Why did you leave?' enquired Penny.
Margot blushed, 'It didn't really suit me - with all the family and stuff. Besides, I wanted to work hard to be a doctor and Dad said that it would be better to have a change now so that I could settle down. My brother goes to school in England too and Charles has just joined him'
Penny nodded. 'I'll introduce you to the others, lower IVa is split evenly between the two trains so there are only three others - Abigail got her remove last term. How old did you say you were?'
'Eleven'
'Same age as most of us then. Abs was 12 so her remove was to be expected. Other than that Heather is twelve, I am, Georgie is but isn't on this train, Hester and Caroline are too. We should see Carry at some point. Hey - Alicia, Stephanie over here!'
Two girls looked up at Penny's shout and came running over.
'These are Alicia Risely and Stephanie Tyndale. This is Margot Maynard; she's new for our form. We've bagged the two sets of windows so if you take one then Margot, me and Carry will have the other.'
'Carry's not coming this term' said Stephanie a pretty girl with very dark straight hair. 'She was ill over Christmas and she's still recovering. Her doctor says that she's to have the whole term off to recuperate.'
'So we're down to nine.'
Alicia nodded. 'We can all cram into one; keep the b's happy at any rate.'
With that the girls made a dash for the carriage. Penny took Stephanie's hockey stick and Margot grabbed Alicia's. They ended up gasping for breath as they propelled themselves into the 'view side' windows.
'Us and the b's get priority with the seats in this carriage' said Stephanie once they had all got their breath back, 'but it's best to be in your seats ASAP just in case. It's only a tradition thing and no one ever complains to the mistresses about it.'

 


#8:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 12:35 pm


Thanks Toria - good to see Margot being accepted and hopefully making some friends.

Liz

 


#9:  Author: JodiLocation: Glasgow most of the time PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 1:10 pm


nice perspective thanks toria

 


#10:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 9:46 pm


Glad to see this - thanks Toria.

(Love Lyanne's comment re Joey's sons! Laughing)

 


#11:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 1:12 am


this looks really good - I've pm'd you with my e-mail addy cos I really want to read Geraldine now!

 


#12:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:22 am


'Have you told her who else is in our form?' Alicia asked of Penny.
'More to the point what dorm she's in.' Said Steph, 'I'm on my own in Fermat.'
'I don't know' said Margot in response to this, 'I didn't even know what form I was in till I got told just now.'
'Let’s give her a quick synopsis' suggested Alicia.
'Heather Grignard's our form captain' began Steph.
-'she's twelve'
-'nice and fair'
-'good at languages and English'
'Then there's Pen'
-our esteemed deputy
-good at geog and bio
'Then 'Georgie Berne, she's our history wizard. She's lovely.'
'Hester Cummings' This from Penny, 'She shares my dorm and Carry was in it as well, Maclaurin. Hester's best at Latin and dance.'
'Then Steph' Alicia came back in. 'She's our mathsy person'
'Then Alicia who's our sporting hero and scientific genius' laughed Steph
'Martina St Lewis is our drama person. She's eleven like us but her birthday is next week'
'And Verity Osborne. She only turned eleven last term so she's our baby. She does the physics and Chem.'
The girls chatted to Margot all the way to Red Gables, telling her about the teams, the drama, the lessons.
'What languages do you do?' Margot asked eventually, her head whirling with all the information.
'It depends how good you are. Some people don't do them at their prep but get put in the A stream. They just do French and Latin. If you're good you do German too. What have you done?'
'I'm fluent in French and German.' Margot began.
'Really?' Alicia looked up, 'You'll be loved then. I'm not linguistic at all Mme De Benedict keeps threatening to make me talk nothing but French all day to improve my accent.'
'We did that at my last school' said Margot, 'we had a French day and a German Day each week'
'I'm glad we don't have that here' Pen said, ''Gables is lovely enough without. But I s'pose you had to as it was in Switzerland.'
At this point the train drew into the station and there was an immediate rush to grab cases and get off the train as soon as possible.

 


#13:  Author: JodiLocation: Glasgow most of the time PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 12:53 pm


love the way their conversation was intertwined - felt like they were all falling over each other to fill her in!

 


#14:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 1:36 pm


Thanks Toria!

Am enjoying this so far Smile

 


#15:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 3:18 pm


Excellent, nice that Margot is being made welcome.

Thanks Toria.

 


#16:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 5:47 pm


they seem a friendly bunch - i hope margot will settle in well

 


#17:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 8:00 pm


they all sound friendly!

 


#18:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 10:10 pm


They all sound friendly - in fact it sounds like the opening of Two Thrilling Terms, when Sally is introduced to the Lower Fourth! A book I hasten to add I really like.

 


#19:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 11:38 pm


Glad to see a sequel of Geraldine and that we are to see how Margot gets on. Thanks Toria.

 


#20:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 8:21 am


Thanks everyone! Here's the next bit.

Chapter 2

‘I'll take you to matron and find your dorm.’ Stephanie slid her arm through Margot's. Margot had recanted her tale again on the train and Steph had nodded in sympathy. Her father was headmaster and her mother a housemistress and they had decided to send Steph to a different senior school as they felt that their daughter would have a chance to be more individual. ‘I got on well enough there’ Steph had added, ‘But it was always a bit odd, then my form tutor wanted to put me a year ahead and that meant moving into the senior school. My parents thought it would be awkward for me being younger than the others and so decided to move me. Gables is lovely but different from my last school. There we had boys and girls, separate sites of course but it made plays a lot easier.’ At this point they arrived at matron’s office.
'Stephanie Tyndale and…Margot Maynard?' Matron looked up from her work as the two entered the room.
'Yes Matron'
'Both of you are in Fermat. There are five of you this term. Stephanie please will you help Margot to unpack. I'll be along presently.'
‘Yes Matron'
Steph took Margot’s arm and led her out. It was all very strange to Margot. Normally it was her doing the introductions.
'The dorms are named after famous mathematicians' said Steph, 'Our dorm is fairly small. The school expanded a lot last year. It went up from fifteen to twenty in a year and our dorm was added then. I got put into it when I came last term. Jessie McBride is our dorm prefect. She's lower five A. Then we've got two middle fours, Sheena Adams and Yvette Samuels. Sheena's A and Vet's B'
'15 in a year?'
'Before I came they used to have an alpha beta and gamma stream, five in each. The school believes that you get more out of lessons with more individual attention. We used to be graded per subject as well, with a mix of years. Your form was just an average thing. Then the demand got higher. We're expanding to twenty four a year as of next year so rumours go.' Margot had known about the small classes but hadn’t really bothered about it much. Now it struck her that she was not going to have much chance for slacking in so small a group. Still, she supposed it was a good thing, after all she would have to work hard if she really did want to become a doctor.

 


#21:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 9:45 am


Only just read this as I had to read Geraldine first. Saying that though I have read Geraldine and this in 1 go. It's fantastic. Please keep going Toria!
Edited to correct spelling.(stupid wireless keyboard)

 


#22:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 10:50 am


Thanks Toria - Glad Margot is settling in well.

Liz

 


#23:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 12:22 pm


Thanks toria, this is great. Must go search the archive for Geraldine...

 


#24:  Author: RachelLocation: West Coast of Scotland PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 1:08 pm


Really enjoying this so far - can't wait to see how Margot settles down!

 


#25:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 4:55 pm


this is looking fantastic - i hope Margot settles down and works hard. it sounds like she'll be made to, which is more than she was at the CS

just finished Geraldine - have to say I loved it...would like to see more of her at some point if you have the time!

 


#26:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 6:07 pm


Excellent - like that Margot has found someone that understands why she didn't want to go to the CS.

 


#27:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 7:15 pm


Very Happy

Thank you!

Poor Margot, I bet it's not nice being the newbie for a change - but am glad she's found a good sheepdog!

 


#28:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:00 am


Thanks again for all the nice comments. I'm glad that you're enjoying it so far! Yes Margot will have to work hader than at the CS!

Aided by Steph and her years of training at the Chalet Margot unpacked quickly and when Matron came in she soon passed the inspection,
'Well that's one less to worry about.' Matron looked into Margot's blue eyes, 'You seem like a very organised young woman, but I know that starting a new school isn't easy so if you do ever need anything my room is at the end of this corridor. Miss Ashwell will see Margot at 1:45 Stephanie then there's an assembly at 3:00. Until then you have free time but don't go too far. If you leave the dorm tell Jessie or put your name on the 'list'. Members of staff may want to contact you to arrange tutoring and so on.'
'Yes Matron'
‘Have you eaten already?’
Steph nodded, they had all brought packed food with them and had eaten en route. The start of a new school term was always hectic and it seemed the best option to save time.
'Come on, I'll take you to Miss Ashwell now' Said Steph, 'She's the head.'
Steph led Margot along the corridors, and then knocked on a large dark wood door.
'Come in!’ rang out a voice from within, then ‘Margot and Stephanie. It's lovely to see you two girls again.’ As the two entered shyly, ‘No, do stay Stephanie.' As Steph made to leave.
'Margot I called you to welcome you formally to the school. I expect that you know your form and dormitory by now.'
'Yes thank you'. Margot was somewhat in awe of the head, more than she had been of Auntie Hilda.
'You'll be hearing more about the forms later. There are a few changes this term.' At this Stephanie looked up but Miss Ashwell merely smiled and continued,
'We also give tutorials where girls have a particularly strong or weak area. By your tests you'll do fine in most areas but you are obviously exceptional at languages. Naturally I'll arrange for you to have tutorials in those but I wondered whether they were your favourite subject at your last school?'
'I quite liked the sciences Miss Ashwell. I…I was thinking of maybe becoming a doctor.'
Miss Ashwell smiled warmly, 'Excellent. However don't feel pushed into anything Margot, it's early days yet. I know that languages were the focus of your last school so I just wanted to know whether your tutors should provide you with a lot of extra reading or whether they should do just enough to stretch you. As you don't feel it's your field at the moment I'll tell them not to pressure you but if you find yourself enjoying the work and you want something more don't hesitate to ask.'
'Thank you'
'We'll leave the tutorials there for now. When I get more reports from your teachers I may alter things. That means that you will have a fair amount of free time to study as you choose. As you are not used to this system I have appointed you a senior, Francesca Myers to help you along. She'll come and find you later and explain things. Now, Stephanie.'
'Yes Miss Ashwell?'
'You didn't have any tutorials last term I know but this term Mr Rodgers has asked if you would like to go to him for mathematics.'
Stephanie nodded enthusiastically.
'Very well, I also had an excellent report of you from Miss Nelson, the chemistry mistress. She has suggested that you and Vanessa from Lower four B go to her together.'
Again Stephanie nodded.
'Finally Therese said that you were brilliant in your private study, she has suggested that you now join her study group. It's less supervision and I know we normally keep girls on for longer but I think that you will cope. Well done. I'll see you two again in the assembly.'
'Thank you Miss Ashwell.' said Steph properly then she and Margot left the study.

 


#29:  Author: JoeyLocation: Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 9:09 am


This is really very good, Toria. I'm looking forward to seeing Margot being made to work!

Thank you.

 


#30:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 11:03 am


Wow this seems to be a really good school for Margot. She is going to HAVE to work. Wonder how she will cope or if we will have a breakout ? Looking forwrd to it all. Thanks Toria.

 


#31:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 12:40 pm


Wonder if Margot had to suppress the urge to curtsey as she entered/left the study?

Thanks Toria

Liz

 


#32:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 8:59 pm


Thank you Toria - so interesting to see the differences between the CS and this.

 


#33:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 9:34 am


As soon as they were out of the door Steph grinned,
'A maths tutorial! I've been longing for one of those all of last term. You've done well to be offered French and German straight away. Normally they like to see how you are first but then as you're fluent…I'm surprised about the Chem though and I don't know what Vanessa's like.'
Margot smiled, it certainly was different from the Chalet. Although everyone was keen having extra lessons would not have been thought of as a good thing.
‘We didn’t really have them at the Chalet school…tutorials I mean. Of course if people were new they got extra help but we hardly ever had extra lessons when you were good at something. Doesn’t it split the form more?’ Margot spoke about what had been worrying her all along. To her surprise Steph smiled,
‘I thought that at first too but actually they don’t. Your class teachers are kept updated and actually it helps them to plan the lessons better…they know who to ask which questions too and so on. Therese told me last term that they found when they didn’t have them some of the brighter people switched off in lessons because they were bored. There’s no excuse for doing that now.’ Steph spoke her last words somewhat ruefully but Margot could see her point, after all that had been a bit like what had happened to her at the Chalet. Of course she knew that a lot of it had been her own fault for not working properly, but even so…
'Let's go back to the dorm' suggested Steph. 'I haven't shown you our studies yet either, it will be nice to have you in the dorm as well.'
Feeling somewhat bewildered Margot followed Steph through the maze of corridors. However any hopes Steph may have had were quickly dashed as the girls were met at the top of the stairs by Therese and Francesca.
'Margot and Steph! We thought we would find you here.'
'We've just been to Miss Ashwell' replied Steph.
'Then you've heard' said Therese, 'Miss Ashwell asked us last term if there was anyone we thought could cope, because there's a new girl in lower 4 b, Rose. It doesn't mean that I'm going to ignore you though Steph. I still want to see you each week, it's just less formal.'
'Have you shown Margot the studies?' Asked Francesca.
'Nope, was just about to.'
'Come on, we can talk there. I need to explain to you, Margot, about the study system and Therese needs to explain the new one to Steph.'

 


#34:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 12:10 pm


Thanks Toria - hope Margot can settle in well-it seems that the School is perfect for her.

 


#35:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 4:38 pm


Thanks Toria

Margot is being very mature here - it's good to see it.

Liz

 


#36:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 7:15 pm


Nice to see Margot settling in OK and that everyone is being friendly.
The school seems totally different to the Chalet school

 


#37:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 09, 2005 8:15 pm


There seems to be a very intricate study/work/tutorial/form system here and one designed specificaly for the bright girls. It sounds as if Margot will not so much have to work, but be in a place where you just do work, where it is the done thing and where people want to. It also sounds as if it will be far more personal and interesting for her.

Must be confusing to have to learn it all at once when it's nevrr happened to he rbefore as she grew up with it all. At least there is someone there who will understand.

 


#38:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 7:35 pm


Wish I'd had that system!

Can't wait to read more, Toria!!

 


#39:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:28 pm


this new (and quite confusing for me) system sounds like it will be good for margot, but will she realise that?

looking forward to see how she gets on, and also to the senior explaining the system! *please please please may we see that bit*

 


#40:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:18 am


Hope this makes the system a bit clearer! I'll be fitting in other bits of explanation where it's needed for the story.

Margot was shown into a pretty room, lined with books with a collection of fifteen desks. The study room was to serve the two dorms on that corridor and any seniors allocated to Fermat or Galois, the other dorm on that corridor. The dorms could take up to seven but at the moment there were only five in each.
'This is where you can study in your free time' Francesca explained, 'Of course if you just want to read you can go to your dorm or to the library. You're welcome to study in the library too but we find that these rooms are more homely. Either myself or Therese try to be on hand but I'll show you my study in a moment so that you have more of a chance of finding me. You've been given the workspace by the window. Steph is opposite you; feel free to leave books and equipment in the room. When you don't have lessons you can come here to study. We have a more organised prep time in the evening. You don't have to come here all the time, there are the games courts, or you can walk in the grounds. You can't leave the site during the school day. However I'll arrange a time each week to see you and see how you're getting on. In addition I'll help you to schedule some of your other free periods. It is quite formalised and I'm afraid that you will have to stick to the schedule for this term at any rate. We expect you to be in here or in the library in at least half of your free periods. I'll show you my study.'
Francesca showed Margot along the corridor to a spacious room at the end. There were two small bedrooms, an en suite and a large sitting room area. This was fronted by large full length windows with a beautiful view of the grounds. There were two beautiful wooden desks resplendent against the window. Margot gasped and Francesca smiled,
'One of the advantages of being sixth form. Therese and I are both lower sixth A.' she suddenly looked at Margot seriously,
'Make the most of your time here Margot because it goes all too quickly. Therese and I are both planning on applying to Oxford next year.'
Margot nodded. Being shown round Red Gables she was beginning to feel an upsurge of pride. Red Gables was her school. She could aim for prefect ship like Francesca and Therese for the honour of the school. Here she was Margot Maynard rather than a trip or Jo Maynard's daughter.
Francesca smiled again; Margot seemed like the right sort. Briefly Margot thought of Len and Con, they would probably love it here too. She imagined Con in the enormous library or Len learning hundreds of languages, but then they loved the Chalet and Red Gables would never be home to them.
'Just knock if you want anything, Therese and I are only too happy to help. We have responsibility for everyone in Galois, Fermat and to some extent Maclaurin, the big dorm through there.'
'How many are in Maclaurin?'
'Eleven this term but normally there are twelve. Charity and Jeanette are officially in charge. They're upper sixth A so they often have tutorials and so on. We cover for them.'
At this point Therese entered.
'Have you sorted out when you're seeing Margot? Remember we have the prees meeting before assembly.'
'Gosh yes - Margot, I'm going to give you a list of when I'm free. Make sure that you don't use up all the periods with music, tutorials and games practices. You need to keep at least three free for our supervisions.'
'Right'
Therese smiled, 'Steph is waiting for you in the dorm Margot. I've asked her to show you over the grounds before you go to assembly.'

 


#41:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:41 am


The way the school is organised is very to different to CS, yet seems to be exactly what Margot needs. Here she can work knowing that the only person she needs to live up to is herself, not her mother, numerous cousins or her sisters. And she has the opportunity to build a different reputation for herself, rather than always being known as the 'naughty triplet' I think she will do well.

Thank you Toria

 


#42:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 10:37 am


Thank you Toria! I'm really enjoying this. Very Happy I also like your Margot far more than EBDs!

 


#43:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:03 am


Thanks Toria, this is great.

Am pleased Margot is settling in well, and nice to see she's able to forge her own identity ehre rather than being one of the triplets all the time. Very Happy

 


#44:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 12:43 pm


Toria wrote:
Margot nodded. Being shown round Red Gables she was beginning to feel an upsurge of pride. Red Gables was her school. She could aim for prefect ship like Francesca and Therese for the honour of the school. Here she was Margot Maynard rather than a trip or Jo Maynard's daughter.


Glad Margot has got the chance to have an independent identity.

Thanks Toria

Liz

 


#45:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:11 pm


It seems to be doing Margot the world of good to be away and be her own person.

 


#46:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 6:08 pm


Thank you Toria. This is fantastic please write more soon.

 


#47:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 7:04 pm


I love all the detail. It's brilliant. So lifelike it's as though you went to such a school yourself.

Thank you, Toria

 


#48:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 2:42 am


Now that I've read Geraldine (and very excellent it was too) I understand soo much more!

Hope Margot doesn't have any tanties and spoil her very promising begining.

 


#49:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:17 am


'Welcome back!' Said Miss Ashwell as she ascended the rostrum.
'I've called you here briefly to tell you about some changes that we've made for this term. Most of you know that we used to have fifteen girls per year divided into three streams. We would also have mixing between the years. Since we've expanded this has no longer been possible but this term we plan to introduce mixing between the a and b streams. Some girls who have been put into the B stream are exceptional at a certain subject and it is only fair that they have the benefit of the A stream for this. Unfortunately due to the difficulties of timetabling we are no longer able to mix years. Next year the school will be expanding once again to twenty four per year. We will then reintroduce our gamma stream or C stream and allow mixing between all three.’ Miss Ashwell paused before continuing, ‘This term we have also tried to fit in as many tutorials as possible. The fourth form classes all have ten and obviously a wide range of abilities. We therefore have begun to introduce some paired tutorials. We intend to use these increasingly from after half term and also to mix girls between the years. Supervisions are also of increased importance, especially if you have not been given tutorials. Tutorials are only for those who show exceptional ability and need stretching. If you are struggling or good at a subject then supervisions are the answer.'
Miss Ashwell paused to allow the news to sink in; Steph raised her eyebrows at Margot then looked to Penny Cartouche who also opened her eyes wide.
For Margot it was all very new, she had of course known that Red Gables was academic. She remembered Polly Adams' comments, 'Girls will go to music colleges where seven hours per day practice is allowed if you are talented enough, we at Red Gables want to make that enthusiasm and dedication available to all subjects. If you are willing to work then you will succeed here. Of course Music and sports are also highly rated – work hard, play hard.' Margot looked up to the rostrum where Polly, by virtue of her position as head girl was seated. Miss Ashwell began to talk again,
'I would also like to welcome our two new girls, Margot Maynard of lower four A and Rose Jenkins of lower four B. I will take this opportunity to remind you that with our expected increase in number next year we are on the lookout for responsible girls to make up the numbers in terms of prefects. There will be positions available to a limited extent from upper fourth and upwards. So, if you are middle four and above….you have been warned.'
She paused again to allow a ripple of applause and to allow middle four to exchange shocked glances.
'I will let you go now girls. If you still have tutorials to arrange please wait behind.'
A merry song was struck up by Nicole Williamson on the piano and the school marched out. Around twenty girls were left standing in the hall as those who had had tutorials last term had naturally kept the same timings.

 


#50:  Author: JodiLocation: Glasgow most of the time PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 9:58 am


I am liking this school muchly!

 


#51:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 11:50 am


Thanks Toria

Looking forward to seeing how Margot gets on when she starts her tutorials etc.

Liz

 


#52:  Author: Guest PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 4:25 pm


Can some one please send me a copy of Geraldine so this is more relevant?

Really enjoying this btw

Please let me know and I will pm you my email address

Many thnaks

 


#53:  Author: pdatar PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 4:27 pm


Hi

Not sure why the Post showed up as Guest so trying again

Can some one please send me a copy of Geraldine so this is more relevant?


Thanks
Pallavi

 


#54:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 4:31 pm


Geraldine can be found here:

part 1
http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/geraldine.html
part 2
http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/geraldine2.html
part 3
http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/geraldine3.html
part 4
http://www.chaletian.com/forum/archive/CD_geraldine_at_the_CS_part_4_130904.html

Or PM Toria and ask her if she can send you a copy if you want it yibble-free

Liz

 


#55:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 6:38 pm


Thanks for latest post, Toria - Red Gables is very different to the CS isn't it?

 


#56:  Author: aitchemelleLocation: West Sussex PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 7:22 pm


I'm loving this!
*must read Geraldine soon*

 


#57:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 7:23 pm


Red Gables sounds fantastic. More please Toria.

 


#58:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:17 pm


thanks for clearing all that up, toria - it makes a lot of sense now. i hope margot will settle down and do well here, but she might just feel the tempation to "rest her oars" when it's now her responsibility to work (or not as the case may be)

 


#59:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 9:17 pm


Red Gables does sound interesting. Probably just Len's cup of tea, but let's wait and see how Margot goes...!

 


#60:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:30 am


Steph grinned at Margot then politely looked up as a mistress approached,
'Vanessa and Steph, would Tuesday first period suit you?'
'Yes Miss Nelson' said Vanessa looking at her diary.
'Me too' said Steph.
'Excellent. Well done girls. Margot, I look forward to meeting you later.'
Margot smiled pleasantly but there was not long to stand about for she was quickly approached by a tall, dark haired young woman,
'Margot? I'm Helen Lewis. I'll be doing your German tutorials. I live within the school grounds so you'll be coming to my house. I'll ask Francesca to bring you over. I thought that Wednesday period six would do, it's straight after lunch so you'll have time to come over.'
Margot nodded and pencilled it onto her timetable as she had seen Steph and Vanessa doing. As soon as she was gone Steph turned to smile at Margot,
'Lucky thing. Helen hardly takes anyone. She's just got married to Mr Lewis, who teaches Italian, so she does a lot of admin work for the languages department. You'll like her.'
Next Margot was approached by two women, one who introduced herself as Mme De Benedict, her regular French tutor and the other as Mlle Richonet, whom she would have for tutorials on Tuesday period three.
By that time Steph was also sorted so the two headed off back to the dorm together.
'We'll catch up with Francesca and Therese and sort out our supervisions then I'll show you sports and music.'
'Okay', Margot already found herself slipping into an easy friendship with Steph. She had sat next to Penny again in assembly and had got on well with her. For once Margot didn't have to worry about Len or Con or be annoyed that her parents were anticipating what she would think and do.
Steph smiled back. She was also glad to have found a friend in Margot. She had enjoyed her first term and had made friends with Carrie, who had been at the school a couple of terms before her. The news that Carrie was ill had been a shock. Carrie had been the natural friend of everyone, guaranteed to be there if anyone needed comforting. If you spoke to any of the news in lower four A they would say that they had been well looked after by Carrie George. But Steph had always felt the youngest in the foursome of Heather, Penny and Carrie that she slipped into. Abigail had been part of a foursome too with Alicia, Georgie and Hester. Steph had often wondered if Alicia felt left out, she had joined at the same time as Carrie and was also scientifically inclined. Alicia was also breathtakingly clever and Steph couldn't help but get the feeling that Alicia felt that she was above them. Presumably by befriending the older girls she thought that she could get her remove sooner. She had seen Alicia when they were getting tutorials. Steph couldn't help but be a tiny bit jealous. Alicia was always promoting herself. Not in any way out of the usual though. She remembered the journey with Alicia on the train. Alicia had been lovely, it was just sometimes. Steph knew that her jealousy was getting in the way.
'Do you do any music?' Margot asked.
'Mmm Piano and violin. I don't do nearly enough practice though. You?'
'Same, I sing as well.'
'I'm in the choir. Do you do any sports?'
'Hockey'
'My favourite! Here's the sports hall, see if you can get signed up for the same team as me.'
Margot agreed readily and soon found herself winning the approval of Miss Collins, who led the sports department. She had no problems with Margot's request. From there they went to the music hall where Margot signed up for orchestra and choir. Her music lessons had already been given in her timetable.
After that they went back to the main school and Steph took Margot to the form room. Heather and Penny were already there and they smiled as Steph and Margot came in.

 


#61:  Author: JoeyLocation: Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 11:06 am


I think Margot's going to get on well at Red Gables. It seems to be just what she needs.

Looking forward to more, Toria.

 


#62:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 1:14 pm


Thanks Toria

Liz

 


#63:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 3:03 pm


They seem to believe in working and playing hard. Glad Margot's made a friend.

Thanks Toria.

 


#64:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 9:50 pm


Glad I didn't go there Very Happy - but I think it's just right for Margot and lovely to see her making friends as herself not as one of 3 or a daughter/niece

 


#65:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 9:57 pm


oooh-er i spy trouble with steph and alicia.....hope margot doesn't get dragged into it.

Thanks for another lovely update, Toria

 


#66:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 8:36 am


Here's the next little bit, I'm glad that you're all enjoying it.

'Heather Grignard'. Margot smiled. Heather was everything a good form captain should be. From the others she knew that Heather had been rewarded with an English tutorial last term.
'Any tutes? I've been given joint Latin with Hester. Pen's been given Bio with Alicia.' Heather continued.
'Maths and then Chem with Vanessa. Margot's got French and German, she's fluent.'
'Wow, you must be good.' At this point they were interrupted by the entry of Alicia, Georgie and Hester. Shortly followed by Verity and Martina. After that Miss Kennedy entered and the girls rose quickly to their feet.
'Good Afternoon girls. I'm going to start by running through the list of tutorials and music lessons and then asking you to write down when you've scheduled them. I'll then ask about your supervisions.' Miss Kennedy swiftly ran through the list before concluding,
'Right. An impressive showing girls. I won't spend time now because you haven't long before supper. Please leave your scheduling slips behind on the desks. Would Alicia Risely, Stephanie Tyndale and Margot Maynard remain behind'
The others left.
'Right - I've got you three here because you're all doing four extras. If I see any sign that your work is slipping or you are overworking I will immediately have you in my office. Doing four means that you must be highly organised. Stephanie you are also having lessened supervision which should help. Margot it is exceptional for a new girl to be given tutorials but we think that you should be able to cope easily. You two may go.'
'Thank you Miss Kennedy' chorused the two as they went out.
'Now Alicia, I hope that you are prepared to do some serious study this term. Your science teachers gave good reports. However don't be prepared to coast along. You need to be willing to push yourself and be rigorous. Next term, if you impress me you will then be able to go to more limited supervisions as Stephanie is doing.'
'Yes Miss Kennedy.'
'Good. Having talent doesn't mean sitting back and having a good time. There won't be any removes this term because no one is leaving but that doesn't mean that you can slacken off. Just because you feel that the lessons don't stretch you is not an excuse to scamp your homework.'
'Yes Miss Kennedy.' Alicia was inwardly slightly upset. She had rather liked her laid back approach.
'Alicia you are talented, don't forget that. It's up to you to make the most of that talent.'
Alicia nodded.
'That's all, have a good evening.'
'Thank you'
Stephanie took Margot to the big hall where the evening meal was served. The staff ate on a big rostrum and the students below. Tables were arranged with simple but pretty tablecloths and there were six girls per table.
Stephanie checked the lists and found that she and Margot were with the rest of Fermat and Francesca Myers.

 


#67:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 8:40 am


Thank you Toria.

 


#68:  Author: JodiLocation: Glasgow most of the time PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 9:32 am


thanks toria

 


#69:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 9:48 am


Thanks Toria. Lots of lovely updates there.

 


#70:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 12:50 pm


Thanks Toria!

Liz

 


#71:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 8:21 pm


Alicia sounds very similar to Margot!

Thanks for the update, Toria.

 


#72:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 3:29 am


Who ever organises the timetabling must be a miracle of organisation!

Sounds like an ideal school for people (like me) who hate classrooms 'cause they mean waiting for slower people!

 


#73:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 9:01 am


Chapter 4

The next morning work began in earnest. The girls all got up at six to allow time for dressing and half an hours music practice before breakfast at seven. Those who didn't play an instrument like Hester Cummings went to the study room to work or read. It was all a bit of a rush but as someone commented, at least you got things done. Breakfast at seven was a lively affair. Discussion was encouraged and the girls would often talk about their studies. Margot found herself slipping in well, the routine seemed almost natural to her. Breakfast was over by 7:30, it was normally followed by assembly or form time but as there was nothing new to announce they had a free half hour before lessons started at eight. Steph and Margot went for a walk in the grounds. Their friendship had reached that point where you just 'click' with someone and both were eager to talk. At ten to eight they headed back in.

At eight o’clock promptly Mme De Benedict entered to begin the French lesson. Everyone from the A stream was in the French class. Margot had thought that perhaps she would be able to relax in French However she was drilled with such rigour that she felt exhausted by the end. Steph smiled sympathetically. Margot had borne the brunt of all the most difficult questions as Mme tried to sound her out. However Margot had no cause for sitting back as Miss Rushden came in to begin Latin. Her main attentions were focussed on Hester and Heather although she flung a few difficult questions Margot's way. The girls had been asked to prepare a translation over the holidays. Margot had brought hers with her and had handed it in yesterday. Today they got the marks back. At Red Gables the marks were normally read out loud. This was not meant to encourage competition but to give the girls accurate feedback on how they were doing. For example a single mark such as 5 meant nothing on its own but if everyone else had got 10/10 then it wasn’t very good. On the other hand if the others had got 2/10 it was actually an achievement. Margot had read that in the prospectus and had agreed on the whole, of course it meant that everyone else heard your result which was annoying however if your marks were low for a particular reason then they would not be read out. Margot had had to agree that this was fair enough and they’d had the form lists at the Chalet anyway, so it wasn’t really that different.
'First, Heather Grignard 87, second Hester Cummings 85, third Georgie Berne 80, fourth Verity 79, fifth Penny 78 sixth Margot 76, seventh Steph 75, eighth Alicia 74, ninth Carla 73.' Carla was from the B stream but replaced Martina in Latin as Martina had drama and her timetable fitted in better with the B's.
Margot glanced around, trying to see how the news was taken. Alicia looked serious.
'As you should know homework below 75 must be redone.’ Continued Miss Rushden ‘Alicia and Carla I want that work by 9 o’clock this evening.' Needless to say by the end of the lesson Alicia and Clara were almost in tears, having been ignored steadily throughout. They had been set a tricky translation for preparation that was due in on Monday and added to the French essay that had to be in by the end of lunch tomorrow Margot felt somewhat swamped.

 


#74:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 9:06 am


Steph was lucky then - seriously high standards they must work to!

Very interesting - thanks Toria.

 


#75:  Author: KathrynLocation: Kyabram (north of Melb) PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 9:22 am


I just hope the teachers' salary is worth the workload! Marking that amount of work every night is just not feasible, particularly if you want to be on the ball the next day.
But it sounds like the sort of school that really suits academic students and one where the students know what to expect before they enter.

Keep it up, Toria

 


#76:  Author: GemLocation: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 9:37 am


Thanks Toria! Just read this all the way through and off to read Geraldine - really enjoying it! Very Happy

 


#77:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 10:00 am


cor blimey, Margot is going to be exhausted by the end of the day!

thanks Toria

 


#78:  Author: Emma ALocation: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 12:18 pm


I'm enjoying this, Toria - the school is very interesting. Is the system based on something you know, or was it made up? Really liking Margot in this, and Steph seems like a nice girl, too. Hope Margot can cope with the work.

 


#79:  Author: aitchemelleLocation: West Sussex PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 3:46 pm


I was thinking the same thing as Emma A - is this a school system you've experienced? I have 2 minds about reading out scores for my kids (even spelling scores! ) cos they're so competitive!

 


#80:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 8:34 pm


I was thinking pretty much the same thing as Emma and aitchemelle - if you haven't experienced this then hats off for inventing it cos it must have taken hours and hours to work out.

I'm another one that hates having marks read out, high as well as low. *cringes at one memory of getting 100% when the next highest mark was 72%* but it certainly is an incentive to work.

Thank you, Toria. This is really really great.

 


#81:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 12:25 pm


Thanks again for all the comments. The school is completely made up...I just kind of figured it out in my head

However Margot was encouraged by Steph as they headed to Chemistry.
'It's hard going but it's worth it' she said calmly. 'You'll get the work done, no probs.' Margot raised her eyebrows and Steph laughed,
'Here we are at Chem. I wonder who's with us?' It turned out that Hester and Georgie were to be with the b group and they were joined by Vanessa and Karen from the b's.
For Margot the Chemistry lesson was the most enjoyable ever. The class was starting on titration and Margot worked with a quiet dedication unusual for her and was thrilled to receive a stunning 97 for the practical. Steph had got 92 and Vanessa 90. Alicia had got 95 which was also highly commendable. Heather had managed to get 80 and Verity 82. Martina had only got 79,confessing that her mind had still been on her previous drama lesson. Penny got 81 and Karen 84. It had been a good day’s work and the girls were told to write up the experiment for homework.
'I'd like it in on Monday morning please girls, then I can show you how to do some calculations. Margot would you wait behind a moment? I need to check what you have missed.'
Miss Kent handed Margot a book of the work done last term. The girls had been getting to grips with Chemistry, learning about elements, solids, liquids and gases. Fortunately all the work had been covered at the chalet and Miss Kent simply gave Margot a brief question pack to work through over the term to ensure that she had it all as notes.
Margot found Steph, Penny and Heather waiting for her outside the lab. It was odd to have people looking after her. The three of them then went to the buttery to get their food, they were given cookies and juice, it was lovely to snuggle up on the comfortable sofas. The buttery was meant for relaxing although occasionally the older girls used it during their free periods to do group work. Heather, Penny and Steph talked about last term, filling Margot in on what had happened.
'Miss Rushden was quite harsh to Alicia and Carla in Latin don't you think?' said Pen after a bit. Heather looked round quickly,
'Yes, where is Alicia? I meant to speak to her after Chem.'
'She dashed off, presumably to find Georgie and Hester' replied Steph, 'you know she only did her Latin the day before yesterday. She'd been off skiing with her family.'
'Hmm' Heather looked concerned, ‘Maybe I should speak to her. Hester and Georgie are all very well but what she really needs is someone more in her range. Hest and George have been here for a year now and they've always been pally. Do you know last term Pen and I rather thought that you two would pal up.'
Steph shook her head, 'She's too clever for me.'
'You've taken to Margot though' Pen put in laughingly. Steph and Margot exchanged grins. Then frowned as they thought.
'Maybe if I spoke to her' suggested Margot eventually, for once keen to be helpful 'I could easily get to know her.'
Penny and Heather looked up with interest.
'Maybe, look if you want to pair with Alicia for anything then Steph, Pen and I will go on a three. Other than that lets keep it cool for a bit. Is that fine with you Steph?' Heather asked.
'Yes' said Steph immediately. She knew that behind Heather's plans was a deep seated desire to have the best for Alicia.

 


#82:  Author: aitchemelleLocation: West Sussex PostPosted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 1:10 pm


Thank you Toria! Another excellent post! Very Happy

 


#83:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 2:01 pm


Thanks, Toria. It's good to see Margot being thoroughly challenged and rising to it.

 


#84:  Author: AliceLocation: London, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 2:46 pm


Thanks Toria, it's lovely to see Margot's experiences.

 


#85:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 7:10 pm


Really impressed at you inventing system, Toria - lovely story.

 


#86:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 1:03 pm


Toria wrote:
It was odd to have people looking after her.


There's something very sad about that - I know we focus on Len being the eldest and with most of the responsibility, but I guess all three triplets had certain expectations of them looking after the others nearly all their lives, both and home and at school.

Thanks Toria

Liz

 


#87:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 8:34 pm


And having been at school for EVER no-one would need to tell them about things because they would know it. Even if they didn't.

 


#88:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 3:58 pm


The three of then nodded then headed off for maths. Alicia had squeezed into a threesome with Hester and Georgie however any plans that she may have had were soon dispelled by the arrival of Mr Roberts.
'Morning all'. The girls stood obediently and Mr Roberts' eye fell on the threesome. 'Girls, one of you, Alicia, will have to come to the front. I can't possibly see what you are doing.' Alicia looked reluctant,
'Come on Alicia I'm sure you can work on your own - No?’ As Alicia still hesitated ‘Steph would you mind? Alicia come and sit next to Margot.' Steph gave a swift smile to Margot then moved her things. Alicia gave only a slight murmur of protest and sank down to Margot close to tears. Margot gave Alicia a swift pat on the back that earnt her a grateful smile.
The maths lesson went well. Steph was amazing, completing the sums within seconds. They were working with fractions and decimals doing basic adding, subtracting, multiplication and division. Alicia worked well too. Margot found that she had easily understood the explanations and had made neat, careful notes. After forty five minutes Mr Roberts called a halt.
'Swap books please girls. Steph if you would swap with Heather. Right, I'll read out the answers.'
Margot had done fifty five questions and she found that Alicia had done sixty two. Mr Roberts stopped after sixty and looked round. Heather raised her hand, indicating that Steph still had answers and Margot rose hers too. Mr Roberts was told that Steph had done up to seventy two and Margot nodded to imply that that would be sufficient.
'Scores please ladies. Heather.'
'Fifty'
Penny
'48'
Alicia
'61'
'Well done. Steph?'
'Seventy'
'Good. Margot?'
53
'Right. Georgie?'
'40'
'Hester'
'39'
Martina
'54'
'Good, Verity?'
52.
'Excellent, good work girls. Please complete the exercise which goes up to 100 for homework. I will then record your overall scores in the mark book.'
'Do you have piano now?' Alicia turned to Margot.
'Yes' smiled Margot.
'I'll take you over, who do you have?'
'Miss Askew'
'Right. Steph has violin so she's in a different part to us.'
Margot agreed and having gathered their music they strolled over.
'What grade have you done?' Asked Alicia.
'I haven't' said Margot simply, 'I just play, I haven't done any exams.' Margot blushed as she thought of the one time that she had been planned to take an exam and that she had dropped out due to her lack of practice.
'I expect that you will do them here.' Said Alicia simply.
Margot nodded, 'I hope so.'
'Do you like it here?'
'I love it.'
'So do I…it's everything I've ever dreamed of, but I have to work…I hoped that I would be naturally good but I don't think it's possible. You know what Einstein said about 1% inspiration, I think it's true. We all have the 1% from God; it's up to us to find the rest.'
Margot nodded, much of what Alicia said made sense. She might be envied for her grasp of languages but that was due to a lot of hard work when she had been younger.
'We do have natural talents though, like Steph and her maths. It's up to us to make the best of them and not to… let our vision be clouded by others.'
'What do you mean?'
'Jealousy… At my last school I was jealous of my sisters who I saw as the natural favourites, I couldn't get past it. I didn't have the motivation to do well because I was driven by jealousy. Here I want to do well for me, for the school and for God.' Margot concluded quietly as they reached the music school. Alicia nodded then smiled at Margot and took her to the reception desk.
'I'll meet you back here afterwards, that is if you'd….'
‘I think I’ll need it! I’m not sure that I can remember the way back quite yet.’ Margot was glowing inside; she had made yet another friend. Alicia was also happy, her own jealousy of Steph had prevented her from getting on with her immediately and she had been drawn to Georgie and Hester. Although they got on it was an uneasy threesome and Alicia always felt that she was in the way. At least Margot seemed friendly enough and as she was new Alicia felt justified in explaining things to her which had led to a friendship.

 


#89:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 7:10 pm


lovely - thank you toria.

i really like the way you can see margot maturing in front of your eyes now she can shake the triplet label.

 


#90:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 2:28 am


Thanks Toria for the update.

Very deep thinking this Margot goes in for! And I like to see the friendships slowly developing rather than springing into place fully formed.

 


#91:  Author: spherissa PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 2:47 am


Thank you for the lovely update Toria! I love how Margot is doing well in maths but isn't at the top of the class, and I love how she managed to give advice to Alicia without preaching at her and that they're starting a friendship up...

D'you think there might be tensions with Steph and Alicia being jealous over who gets more of Margot's time? Steph doesn't really seem the type but there's already been mention of tensions there... but Alicia just seems rather lonely so maybe she will be glad to make more friends through Margot...

Oops. Enough babbling.

Really enjoying this

Razz

Ed: because I cannot type Embarassed

 


#92:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 20, 2005 7:17 pm


Excellent - so lovely to see Margot as a person on her own - without any labels - wonder if the other two would have benefited from something similar.

 


#93:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 6:47 am


You are awfully clever to have worked out this school's system in your head Toria! I think my head would have been reeling after the first two hours! (of this system not of working it out).

 


#94:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 5:22 pm


Thanks again for all the comments

For Margot the piano lesson was exhausting. Miss Askew was a stickler for precision and as far as she was concerned Margot's work just wasn't up to it. She had put Margot back to easier pieces for the time being. However for Margot it hadn't been all bad. She had played with more feeling than she had done before and was motivated to practise. Alicia duly met her and they strolled over to lunch together. Lunch was more informal as girls didn't have to come at a set time. There was a sixth form priority so any sixth former could go straight to the front but apart from that it was first come first served. Alicia and Margot found themselves a table with Pen, Steph and Heather.
'How was music?’ asked Heather.
'Difficult' Said Margot though her eyes were shining, 'I don't think I've ever worked so hard in my life!'
Alicia echoed the sentiment adding that her lack of practise over the holidays hadn't helped matters.
The conversation carried on, everyone complaining about the amount of work, which was a general theme of almost any discussion. Almost all of them had more tutorials this term so fitting in the work would be harder. After lunch they went out into the grounds and had an exhilarating game of tag with the rest of the form. Working at lunch was banned for the forth and fifth forms. Alicia joined in reluctantly but at Heather’s insistence. Heather knew that if Alicia didn’t join in she would try and do the returned Latin. Reading of fiction books was allowed although in the forth forms they had to be strictly non academic. Alicia would have probably hidden the work behind a fiction book. This was widely done although it was clamped down on heavily. Abi had been caught doing it last term, working for her remove. Ironically it had almost cost her that. She had an embarrassing interview with Miss Ashwell in which things such as deceit and immaturity were mentioned. Heather didn’t know about the interview but she did know that Abi had been very upset afterwards. Abi had lost the weeks marks and had had to be supervised by a sixth former in the lunch hours for a week. It had ended up that marks wise she was actually lower than some of the others but the sensible decision had been taken to put her up anyway. As for Abi she had learnt her lesson. Heather was determined that Alicia wouldn’t suffer that way, she knew that Alicia’s Latin was well up to scratch and had she bothered to prepare it properly she wouldn’t have been marked lowly in the first place. Besides Alicia had only got just below 75 so her mark was good enough, it was just that she would need something better to revise from. Now they had been through it, Alicia would be able to scamp it and get a decent mark. It was a different situation for Carla. Heather knew that Carla had been busy as well but also that she had dedicated the necessary time. The translation had been difficult and whilst Alicia had made slips Carla had made actual mistakes. What was more Heather knew how much it meant to Carla to do well. All that Heather had been able to advise was that Clara spent extra time and speak to her ‘senior’. From what Heather remembered Clara had Hettie Pearce. Heather breathed a sigh of relief; Hettie was good at Latin and would easily be able to help despite the fact that she was only upperV. Heather herself had Polly Adams, the head girl. The arrangement was unusual but Polly had asked to be able to keep a couple of her tutees.
Heather was interrupted by Penny ‘tagging’ her and once more turned her attention to the game. By the time the bell went the form were exhausted. Steph linked arms with Margot as they went in for registration. Margot was beaming; it was so nice to be able to relax and not to worry about her family.
After lunch they had English. Margot found that although she could get by she didn’t really enjoy the lesson as much as some of the others. It was a challenging lesson and similar in style to the Chalet but Margot found that her heart wasn’t really in it. Georgia was outstanding at English and Margot saw why she had been placed in alpha. Steph did well at English but Margot could tell that like her, it wasn’t her passion.

 


#95:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 5:33 pm


Thanks Toria - so interesting reading of the way the school is arranged.

 


#96:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Apr 21, 2005 9:14 pm


wow - thank you toria. it's really great to get to know the other characters. i feel like i really know them now!

 


#97:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 10:51 pm


Thank you Toria. I have just caught up on 3 pages of this. It is definitley the right school for Margot though it wouldn't have been for me.

 


#98:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 4:34 am


Thanks, Toria. It’s nice seeing Margot come alive in the challenging atmosphere. That’s quite an intricate set-up at Red Gables!

*hid fiction behind the school books, not the other way around*

 


#99:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 23, 2005 9:45 am


*was like Kathy_S* Very Happy

Thanks Toria

Liz

 


#100:  Author: Emma ALocation: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Mon Apr 25, 2005 12:19 pm


This is really interesting, Toria, and I'm very impressed that you've made up the details of the school that's so different from most others. And Margot is lovely.

 


#101:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Tue May 03, 2005 3:18 pm


Sorry for the delay! I had my history essay writeup on Friday so spent the week stressing, still I'm relaxed now especially after the Bank Holiday weekend.

After English both Steph and Margot were free. Heather and Penny had tutorials but Alicia asked if she could join them. Margot readily agreed. As Alicia was in Galois she shared their study room anyway and it was an easy job to move her books to the large table shared by Steph and Margot. The three worked in companionable silence, Margot managed to complete her maths then made a start on her French essay, doing the necessary reading and writing a plan as they had been instructed. Alicia managed to redo the Latin and do the maths whilst Steph wrote her French essay completely.
After this followed history. Margot thought that of the lessons she had had so far, she enjoyed history the most. She slipped naturally into the class and Miss Yates was impressed by the perceptiveness of some of her comments. After setting some preparation on the state of England when Henry VII came to the throne Miss Yates left.
That was that for the day. Margot leant back, shattered, she couldn’t remember ever being so tired. Steph yawned next to her then stood up,
‘Hockey’s next, we’d best go and get changed if we want a decent practice, coming Margot?’
Margot pulled herself up, her brain had worked harder than it ever had before and she knew that she needed the exercise.
‘Yep.’
‘I’m going to netball’ said Alicia, also standing up.
‘I’ll catch up with you later’ smiled Margot; she hadn’t meant to exclude Alicia like that.
Alicia smiled back then swept up her books and left.
‘Alicia’s on the A team for netball and hockey’ said Steph, ‘That’s why she has netball today and we have hockey.’
‘Wow’ said Margot, ‘She must be good’. Margot had already learnt that their squads comprised members of all the fourth forms, a choice of sixty girls, and Alicia must be one of the youngest.
‘Of course not everyone plays’ added Steph, ‘We only have three squads for each. We’re beta by the way, ‘cos we do hockey twice.’
Margot nodded. By this time they had reached the sports block.

 


#102:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 03, 2005 6:20 pm


Thanks Toria - still intrigued by this School - and the way Margot seems to be settling in so well.

 


#103:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue May 03, 2005 9:32 pm


I think it's a good sign that Margot's tired - she certainly seems to be well and truly stretched by this new school!

 


#104:  Author: aitchemelleLocation: West Sussex PostPosted: Tue May 03, 2005 9:41 pm


still lovely Toria! Sorry I am so unimaginative with my comments!! Very Happy

 


#105:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue May 03, 2005 11:11 pm


Thanks Toria. Glad Margot is doing well and hope she enjoys her hockey.

 


#106:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed May 04, 2005 9:24 pm


Joining Hannah in feeling unimaginative with comments - but I am enjoying this, Toria!

 


#107:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun May 08, 2005 7:18 am


How on earth did I manage to miss an update?!
Thanks Toria

 


#108:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Tue May 10, 2005 5:00 pm


Margot flopped down onto the sofa next to Heather,
‘Worn out after hockey?’ asked that lady sympathetically, ‘I do netball instead, far less tiring in my opinion. I doubt you’ll get the same from Alicia though, she’s an A and they do no end of training’
‘Pretty much.’ Grinned Margot, ‘I’m a bit out of practice.’
‘You played a good game though’ put in Penny
‘Thanks’ said Margot then smiled as Alicia came in and settled next to her,
‘Karry really put us through it today…and that was netball. I’m dreading hockey. The only thing I’ve got to be thankful for is that cross-country stopped last term and athletics hasn’t started yet!’
‘So you do a lot of sport?’ Asked Margot.
‘Yes, it’s good exercise and we do a lot en famille, we’ve just come back from skiing and you have to be pretty fit for that, do you ski?’ She added, seeing a flicker of recognition on Margot’s face.
‘Yes in the winter, living in Switzerland. I learnt in Canada though, isn’t it amazing!’ The two rapidly launched into a technical description about skiing.
‘Do you ride?’ Asked Alicia when the topic had been exhausted,
‘Nope’ Margot shook her head, ‘I’ve never had the chance, I’d love to try though.’
‘You’ll have to come over to Carrington at some point and try’
‘Your house?’
‘Yes, but you’d have to put up with my elder brothers, they’re a complete pain in the neck.’
Margot laughed, ‘I’m sure younger ones are just as bad!’
Alicia grinned back, ‘Probs, we’ll call it quits then. What are you doing at half term by the way?’
‘Nothing yet, not going back to Switzerland though obviously.’
‘Dad will let me have someone over…If you want you can come over then. I know it might seem quick but we’ve only got a few weeks before half term and I need to let my parents know to fix things up. If you decide not to come later it’s no big deal.’
‘I’d love to come.’ Margot had already decided that she liked the sporty Alicia.
‘Great! Hester and Georgie came for a couple of days in the summer but it’s always nice having someone else there, and I can teach you how to ride!’
Margot looked up with enthusiasm then moved over to allow Steph to flop next to them. Steph had taken advantage of the short break between the end of sports and dinner to shower so that Margot could have the space straight after dinner.
‘Hello…what have you been discussing?’
‘Half term…What are you doing?’ Asked Alicia
‘No real plans yet, I might go to Ashwell and see the parents, it depends how many of the pupils are staying on really.’ Steph replied, her father was headmaster at Ashwell and her mother a teacher and housemistress. ‘What are you doing Margot?’
‘I’ve asked her to come back to Carrington with me, would you like to come too?’ Alicia replied before Margot had a chance. Two eager faces turned on Steph who flushed at the unexpected kindness.
‘Could I really…of course I’d have to ask.’
‘We all have to do that.’ Added Margot as the bell rang for dinner.
‘Do you ride?’ Asked Alicia of Steph as they walked through the corridors.
‘Yes…they have stables at Ashwell so I ride quite a lot in the hols.’
‘So it’s just me that doesn’t.’ Said Margot somewhat nervously.
‘Don’t worry you’ll soon learn…we’ll teach you.’

 


#109:  Author: SquirrelLocation: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Tue May 10, 2005 6:44 pm


Lovely. Thanks. Its nice to see Margot making friends here, even if she is slightly out of her depth with the idea of horseriding, especially with others who are experts by comparison.

 


#110:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 10, 2005 7:10 pm


So nice that she seems to have made two good friends in Alicia and Steph.

Thank you Toria.

 


#111:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Tue May 10, 2005 7:14 pm


Hope the horseriding doesn't leave her out.
Thanks Toria

 


#112:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue May 10, 2005 9:05 pm


good to see the three of them getting on well - hope margot doesn't have a nasty accident riding!

 


#113:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Wed May 11, 2005 4:09 pm


Frances, you're giving her nasty ideas!!

Thanks Toria, this is great.

 


#114:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed May 11, 2005 9:28 pm


Thanks Toria. Ponies, lots of sport - and that academic programme! B*gger the Chalet School - Britain's future leaders are coming from Red Gables!

 


#115:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu May 12, 2005 3:21 am


I'm another person who can never think of anything more original than "Gee you're clever, I'm really enjoying this"

So... Gee, you're clever. I'm really enjoying this.

 


#116:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat May 14, 2005 9:54 pm


francesn wrote:
good to see the three of them getting on well - hope margot doesn't have a nasty accident riding!



My thoughts exactly!

 


#117:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 24, 2005 7:15 am


BOUNCE!!!

 


#118:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Wed May 25, 2005 3:38 pm


At this point they joined up with the prefects and the group fell silent. They were allowed to talk in the corridors but not on the way to assembly or between lessons where things might be slowed down. When lessons were going on they were expected not to talk in the teaching areas. It had been adopted that when you got near to the buttery you also fell silent, again to speed up the process.
‘Did you check the seating plan?’ Murmured Steph to Alicia who nodded,
‘Mix of Fermat and Galois…us three, Rose Jenkins, the new ‘B’, Francesca and Therese’
Steph nodded, it was a nice set.
‘Where is Rose?’ asked Margot.
‘Should be just behind us’ whispered back Alicia. The three turned round stopping dead as they did so, inadvertently causing Heather and Penny who had also been whispering behind them to walk straight into them.
‘Ow!’
‘Girls please!’ Snapped Mrs Scales, the Geography mistress glaring at them as she passed.
‘Are any of you hurt?’ Whispered Francesca anxiously once she had gone. The five shook their heads although Margot had tears in her eyes as she had received a nasty graze to her heel. Noticing Margot’s twitches in her anxiousness to see if there was any damage to her foot Francesca took pity on her.
‘Margot what’s happened to your foot?’ She said, bringing the party to a halt.
‘N..nothing Francesca.’
‘Let me see. It’s a nasty graze; once we’ve finished eating I’ll take you to Matron and she’ll clean it up for you.’
‘Sorry Margot’ Put in Penny who had stamped on Margot’s foot.
‘Don’t worry. It was my fault as much as yours, we were looking for Rose.’
‘Yes!’ Francesca stood back up from where she had been kneeling. ‘Poor Rose will be all on her own, apologise to Charity please Penny and Heather, you can say that I held you back. Quickly now, but no running.’
Having finally collected their food and a good bit subdued the three, Therese and Francesca went over to the table at which a lonely Rose was sitting.
‘Sorry Rose’ Smiled Therese, ‘we got held up with these three in the corridor, Margot managed to do herself an injury walking from the common room to the hall!’
The three giggled but Rose merely said ‘Oh.’ To tell the truth she was rather jealous of Margot, who despite being as new as herself had been put in the A division and seemed to have plenty of friends already. Rose herself was not especially academic, her parents having chosen the school more for the small classes and the high fees which, in their opinion classed it as a ‘good’ school. In the A division this was not so much the case. Many of the girls held scholarships, Margot had been awarded the languages scholarship and Steph had received the mathematics scholarship at the end of last term. Those who didn’t, such as Alicia, Heather and Penny came from families who, whilst they had not batted an eyelid at the fees had nevertheless chosen the school based on its academic endeavours. She quite liked Therese who was her supervision prefect but had been a bit disappointed to discover that her family, whilst being wealthy, was not exceptionally so.
‘How’s today been?’ Alicia asked, feeling that as she shared a dorm with Rose she ought to try and make conversation. Francesca smiled her approval and Rose responded positively, she had heard Alicia talking to Margot and had gathered that the Risely’s were very well off.
‘Very good Thank You. I’m beginning to find my feet now…it’s all so different from Prep School’
‘Is it your first time away from home?’
‘Oh yes, my mother wouldn’t consider sending me away before. Was it not for you?’
‘No…I’ve boarded since I was seven, my father was in the army and was abroad a fair amount.’
‘Oh I see…is he not any more?’
‘No…When my grandfather died, he had quite a lot to do sorting out all the estates so he left.’ Alicia didn’t add that he had been invited back to a very senior position but instead turned to Margot,
‘Which part of Switzerland did you say that you lived in?’
This turned the talk to a much more enjoyable topic which everyone, including Rose, joined in with. In fact Margot forgot all about her heel and was surprised when Francesca reminded her at the end of the meal.
‘Really ‘Chess it’s alright now.’ However Francesca shook her head, ‘If you don’t get it cleaned up now it will be jolly sore tomorrow and I speak from bitter experience. Will you be okay overseeing prep while I take Margot to Matron, Therese?’
‘Of course’ Smiled Therese.
‘Come on then Margot!’ With that Margot had little choice but to follow.

 


#119:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 25, 2005 4:17 pm


Nice that Francesca is so caring. Rather worried about Rose - her family seem to be out-and-out snobs - and she's none to happy with Margot.

Thanks Toria. Laughing

 


#120:  Author: Emma ALocation: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Wed May 25, 2005 5:12 pm


A lovely update - thanks, Toria. Great to see Margot getting on well with her new friends, but like Lesley, I am dismayed about Rose's snobbery. Hope she doesn't try to upset Margot, or we might have a reappearance of the "devil"!

 


#121:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed May 25, 2005 5:50 pm


Yay it's back! Thanks Toria.

 


#122:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed May 25, 2005 10:10 pm


oooh more Margot! and someone to make trouble for Margot....

*bloodthirsty? moi?*

thank you very much, Toria

 


#123:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu May 26, 2005 4:28 am


Gee Frances, maybe you'd like Margot's foot to get infected and have her spend the next six months in the San? You bloodthirsty types (not me Wink ).

Thanks Toria, glad to see the update.

 


#124:  Author: CaeliLocation: West Midlands PostPosted: Thu May 26, 2005 7:23 pm


Thanks Toria, I'm really enjoying this. *wibbling a little about Rose, she's going to do something bad I can tell!*

Looking forward to more when you're ready.

 


#125:  Author: JoeyLocation: Cambridge PostPosted: Fri May 27, 2005 10:03 am


Hurrah, it's back!

More please, Toria.

 


#126:  Author: Sarah_G-GLocation: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time! PostPosted: Fri May 27, 2005 10:10 am


I'm really enjoying this, though I'm also a bit worried at what kind of trouble Rose is likely to cause...

More soon, please?

 


#127:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri May 27, 2005 11:19 am


Have now got up to date on this - Thanks Toria

looking forward to more now Very Happy

Liz

 


#128:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 27, 2005 11:23 am


I'm enjoying this very much, Toria, but what a little snob Rose has turned out to be.

 


#129:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri May 27, 2005 1:10 pm


This is really interesting Toria.

 


#130:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri May 27, 2005 11:54 pm


Thank you Toria. Glad Margot is coping with the work, but wibbling that Rose is going to cause her some problems.

 


#131:  Author: ToriaLocation: Oxford (term time), London (otherwise!) PostPosted: Tue May 31, 2005 5:55 pm


‘Are you going to do your prep in the study?’ Asked Steph rather shyly of Alicia. She had discovered that last term’s assumptions about Alicia had been wrong. It was odd she thought, because she had never got to know Alicia properly and had then assumed that Alicia was being stand-offish. It suddenly struck her that Alicia must have thought exactly the same about her.
Alicia nodded, ‘’Chess will bring Margot along I expect and I much prefer to work on my own than in the formroom.’
‘Same.’ Steph smiled, ‘Alicia…I know we haven’t been very friendly but do you think we could be now?’
‘Do you really want to?’ Alicia looked thrilled, ‘I thought last term that you didn’t want to..’
‘And I thought the same about you!’ Steph concluded and the two laughed.
‘I guess we’d better head off if we want to get anything done in prep.’ Said Alicia and Steph nodded.
‘Let’s go!’
The two settled down at the big desk, leaving a space for Margot. They were surprised and a little dismayed when Rose entered, seeing that Alicia wasn’t at their desk Rose came over.
‘Can we work where we like?’ She asked settling her books on the table.
‘Sorry, that’s Margot’s space’ said Alicia rather snappily, there really wasn’t room for four.
‘We’re doing the same prep, so we’re sharing some of the books.’ Put in Steph not altogether untruthfully.
‘I see.’ Said Rose feeling rather upset. At this point Alicia came to her senses realising that at Rose was new and shared her dormy she had some degree of responsibility for her.
‘Sorry Rose, I didn’t mean to leave you out, I just assumed that you had gone to work in your form room with the others.’
Rose shook her head, ‘I went, but there was no one there except Cathryn and Fiona. They were working on their dramatic reading so I said I wouldn’t stay.’
Alicia nodded, ‘The form rooms do tend to be a bit more noisy, Friday evenings are the worst, we almost all go to them then. I expect some of the other B’s are in the Cantor study room, if you want you may work in there. Of course if you want to stay then you’re welcome.’
‘Where is the Cantor room?’
Alicia glanced at the mountain of work on her table, she had more than usual due to that Latin repeat. She really ought to have done it before they went away not at 11:00 on the evening they had got back. Fortunately at this point Francesca entered with Margot and offered to show Rose herself.
‘Thank you very much Francesca.’ Said Alicia, knowing that prep time was even more valuable to the elder girl than it was to herself. Still, the sixth form were allowed to work until ten rather than lower IV’s eight.
‘How was it?’ Whispered Steph.
‘O.K.’ Said Margot. ‘I just had some ointment and a bandage, it stung a bit but nothing too bad.’
Alicia returned and after giving Margot a friendly grin, the three continued with their work. Again Margot found it easy to apply herself. The work was about the same standard as the Chalet, languages were obviously easier, and Margot had good brains. However by the time eight o’clock came, Margot struggled to remember to call it eight and not twenty, all three were happy to put away their books and head down to the hall for dancing. Heather and Penny were also there so between dances the five were able to have a good chat. Margot went up earlier so that she could fit in a shower, her trip to matron had meant that her other time had gone. Margot and Steph being the youngest in the dormy had last choice for bath times and hence had been left with evenings rather than the preferred mornings. Margot had wondered at this at first, after all at the Chalet they had managed well enough but apparently the main problem was heating up enough water, at this Margot had laughed and said that at the Chalet school they had had lukewarm at best. Penny had looked frankly shocked while Heather had laughed and said that she preferred warm.

 


#132:  Author: aitchemelleLocation: West Sussex PostPosted: Tue May 31, 2005 6:14 pm


Thank you YAY! I have been very bad at keeping up with the drabbles but it was nice to read lots of scummy posts in one go!!

 


#133:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 31, 2005 7:12 pm


Thank you Toria - Margot seems a far nicer person now she's not having to compete with her sisters.

 


#134:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue May 31, 2005 7:32 pm


glad to see Margot laughing about the lukewarm baths!!!

Another lovely post Toria - thank you

 


#135:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 8:17 am


Hannah, "scummy" obviously means different things to you and I! Wink

Thank you Toria!

 


#136:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 12:15 pm


Thanks Toria

Liz

 


#137:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 1:03 pm


Thanks Toria - I missed th last update before I went away.

Nice to see Margot working hard even at her prep.

 


#138:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 7:18 pm


*bounce
Sorry but I think this drabble is fab

 




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