Red Sky at Sunset

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#1: Red Sky at Sunset Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 9:25 pm

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A Friend of the Family is here:
http://www.chaletian.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4842

A Problem for the San is here:
http://www.chaletian.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5368

Con's Secret is here:
http://www.chaletian.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5704
Caution: This is a St Hild's drabble!

Geoff Maynard had made himself a secret den in one of the Freudesheim attics, out of an assortment of broken old furniture and old boxes. It was such a secret that he hadn’t even told his twin sister about it. It was nice to have a place that was for his exclusive use, where he could hide his various treasures and sit and think.

It was Christmas Eve and it was quiet up in the attics. Con had often sat up there with her typewriter, but now she wasn’t living at Freudesheim anymore. Geoff wished she was. He also had his biggest and most secret wish, that his Mamma and Papa would come back from wherever they had gone. Mary-Lou had explained that Papa was tired and needed a long rest, but Geoff didn’t see why Mamma, Claire and Rosli had gone away as well.

He frowned, thinking about it. Mary-Lou was nice, but she was going to have her own babies come out of her tummy soon and then she and Rix wouldn’t want the Maynard twins. What would happen to them? Len had said something about going away to school in England soon but Geoff didn’t like the idea of that, even if it meant more boys to play with. He didn’t want to go away.


ETA to add links to previous parts... enjoy

Last edited by Mia on Sun Oct 02, 2005 11:34 am; edited 79 times in total

 

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#2:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 9:30 pm

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Wow more drabble shinyness - thanks Mia

Poor Geoff, Mary-Lou wont feel that, but you can hardly expect Geoff to realize it, and of course, with 2 infants on her hands she will find it hard to spend time with the twins. And Joey's going away when they need her doesnt help that much either.

 

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#3:  Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 9:46 pm

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thanks for starting this so soon after finishing Problem. Looking forward to seeing how it works out. Suspect Geoff is going to have a tough time - poor kid

 

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#4:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 10:22 pm

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Thank you ShinyShiny Mia

 

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#5:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 10:42 pm

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It's nice to get to know Geoff a lot better. I hope he will realise that Mary-Lou would never just stop looking after him when her own babies arrive.

 

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#6:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 11:04 pm

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Poor little Geoff -can't really blame him for how he feels - even though he was a nasty little bully.

Thanks Mia

 

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#7:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 12:47 am

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Poor Geoff - get your act together Joey and come home to your children!

Thanks Mia.

 

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#8:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 7:12 am

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Yay it returneths! Thanks Mia and poor Geoff

 

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#9:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 8:26 am

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Thank you Mia. Very shiny!

 

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#10:  Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 8:44 am

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Thank you Mia - very good to see this so soon

 

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#11:  Author: Lucy, Location: Leeds Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 11:29 am

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Thanks Mia - great to see another drabble so quickly.

Poor Geoff, no wonder he feels so insecure. Hope he's not taking this out on Peter anymore.

 

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#12:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 12:02 pm

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Thank you for starting this so soon, Mia.

 

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#13:  Author: RroseSelavy, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 12:04 pm

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Oh no... is Jack seriously ill? Perhaps he managed to catch TB from one of the patients. Or am I being overly morbid?

 

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#14:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 1:03 pm

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Rose, I think you need to go and read A Problem for the San, and indeed Con's Secret and A Friend of the Family. Perhaps some nice mod type will put some links in.

 

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#15:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 7:25 pm

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shamelessly starts a chant for more
*grins*

 

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#16:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 7:29 pm

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Poor little Geoff.

So good to see the next episode started, Mia. Thank you.

 

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#17:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 8:41 pm

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Thank you Mia! Thanks for the links to Con's Secret, too: I couldn't find it before.

I eagerly await more drabble...

 

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#18:  Author: Sandra, Location: Oxfordshire Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2005 3:15 pm

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Yipeeee! How wonderful to have the sequel so soon. It would be nice to have more when you have the time though (pretty please).

 

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#19:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2005 8:42 pm

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Christmas Day without the vast majority of his family ended up being more fun than Geoff had anticipated. Len had taken the twins to Midnight Mass at Our Lady of the Snows and it had been exciting to stay up so late. Reg had also handed over a smashing amount of money for a present. Maybe even enough for a train ticket to Biel, Geoff thought hopefully, counting it once again on Christmas morning before tackling his stocking.

"Where’s Mary-Lou?" he asked, as they finished up breakfast.

"Church," Rix said, shortly, pouring himself more coffee.

"Did she go on her own?" Phil asked.

"No, with the Rosomons. That reminds me, you two, I want you to be especially nice to Peter when you go back to school."

Geoff looked up, alarmed. Did Rix know? He didn’t look angry, so Geoff relaxed. He couldn’t know. Peter wouldn’t have said anything.

"Why?" Phil demanded.

"Daisy told me she was worried about him, he hasn’t been very happy lately. I rather thought you two could try and be his friends. You don’t mind, do you?"

"No," Geoff said, frowning. He decided to change the subject. "Why don’t you go to church, Rix?"

"Because I’m a man of science." Rix answered, grinning at Geoff’s bafflement. "I just don’t. That’s enough questions. Why don’t we go and open presents?"

"But Mary-Lou’s not back yet." Phil stated, slurping down the last of her milk.

"I just heard the door." Rix started to stack the used china. Due to the advanced state of Mary-Lou’s pregnancy, the rest of the Maynard children had been invited to the Quadrant for Christmas as Anna had gone to spend a fortnight with her family in the Tyrol. The twins however, had asked if they could stay at Freudesheim.

Mary-Lou came in, shivering slightly.

"It’s so cold! I think it’s going to snow. Any more coffee in that pot, darling?

"Of course," Rix poured it for her, pulling out a chair for her to sit down on. She was now six months pregnant and very large. Neil Sheppard had confirmed beyond a doubt that she was expecting twins.

"Hurry up, Mary-Lou! Presents!" Geoff cried and Phil danced around the room in excitement. Mary-Lou pulled a face at them and bolted her coffee.

As soon as he could after they had opened the presents, Geoff escaped upstairs to his den. He had felt a hateful, shaming feeling inside when Rix had mentioned Peter Rosomon. His conscience was starting to wake up and tell him that he had done something very bad indeed.

 

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#20:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2005 8:52 pm

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A lovely scene between Rix and Geoff, Mia, especially Rix's answer as to why he hadn't gone to church as well.

Poor Geoff, once his conscience starts to really kick in he is not going to feel very comfortable - and on Christmas Day as well.

Thanks, Mia

 

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#21:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2005 8:55 pm

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I'm glad Geoff has agreed to be nicer to Peter though I wish Rix had had this conversation with him a few weeks ago.

 

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#22:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2005 9:37 pm

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Let's hope he actually meant it - thanks Mia.

 

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#23:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 10:35 am

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Thank yuo Mia. Glad Geoff's conscience is waking up but how will Peter react to him being friendly?

 

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#24:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:34 am

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This is dedicated to Ally to say thanks for my shiny new avatar!


By the end of their Christmas dinner, it was snowing hard. The twins pressed their faces against the window to watch. Rix had gone outside to let Bruno have a run around the garden and smoke.

“It’s really coming down.” Phil said. “Will the Rosomons be coming tomorrow still, Mary-Lou?”

Geoff was startled, “Are they coming here?”

“Yes, for lunch.” Mary-Lou said, adjusting the curtains. “I thought you knew. You’ll have Tony and Peter to play with, so hopefully the snow will freeze overnight and you can go outside for sledding.”

“I can’t go sledding, can I?” Phil asked, woefully. “Papa says not till next winter cause my leg’s not strong enough now but it might be then.”

“Why don’t you have a snowball fight, then?” Mary-Lou said, with a smile at little Phil, who still showed signs of delicacy following an attack of polio in her babyhood. “Mary’s probably too small, but I’m sure Uncle Laurie and Rix will join in – and I wouldn’t put it past Daisy either!”

“Why not you?” Phil asked. “Because of the babies in your tummy?”

“Well, yes. I can’t run round until they’re born. Geoff, you’re very quiet, what mischief are you plotting?”

“Nothing.” Geoff replied. He was worrying about Tony. What if Peter had told him about the time he had smashed up the den or pushed Peter over on the path? Tony was ten and went to school in England, making him appear very grown up and important.

*

He slept badly and woke early the next morning, still worrying. Usual he had a fine appetite for breakfast, but today he stirred his porridge around until it grew cold and lumpy and refused toast and marmalade.

“Are you ill?” Rix asked, with some humour. Geoff usually demolished everything put in front of him.

“No! Besides, you’ve only had coffee yourself!” Geoff retorted, so tightly coiled with tension that he nearly shouted.

“Do you think you could manage to behave yourself?” Rix asked, with the icy politeness that Geoff knew meant he was annoyed.

He subsided at once, to return to stirring his porridge. He glared at the table trying to will the tears back into his eyes, wishing that he had never done anything to Peter.

*

The Rosomons arrived early, the boys had brought their sleds and kind Daisy had brought a selection of games to amuse Phil.

“Hi Geoff.” Tony said, easily. “What do you think of my new sled? I got it for Christmas. What did you get?”

Geoff told him, feeling some relief, but the look on Peter’s face made him feel awful again. He looked frankly terrified.

“Why don’t you three go out into the garden? Take Bruno out with you, if you like. Don’t go into the school grounds though.” Rix said, before moving away to talk to Laurie. They were at least on speaking terms now, although too much had happened for them to ever really be friendly again. Still, Rix wanted to give him the latest news of Con before Mary-Lou let it slip.

Tony ran on ahead, with Bruno, leaving Geoff to walk with Peter. Peter was silent.

“What did Father Christmas bring you?” Geoff asked, but Peter still didn’t say anything.

 

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#25:  Author: Lucy, Location: Leeds Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:50 am

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Poor Peter - I'm not surprised he's terrified. He probably think's Geoff's going to rubish whatever he got for Christmas (((((Peter)))))

Also looking forward to finding out how Con's getting on!

Thanks Mia

 

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#26:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 12:00 pm

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Hope the boys can work it out maybe Geoff can apologise...

Thank you Mia!

 

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#27:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 1:04 pm

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I think Geoff realises he should say sorry, I just hope he can. Thanks Mia

 

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#28:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 1:36 pm

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Yay what a shiny sequel, and so soon!

poor little Geoff - he's had a lot to deal with lately.

I'm really looking forward to hearing the latest news of Con so hurry up and post more soon please Mia!

 

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#29:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 1:41 pm

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Here you go Frances!

Geoff was nothing if not persistent, so he tried again, asking Peter when Tony would be going back to his prep school.

“Why do you want to know?” Peter responded, his eyes filling with tears. “Leave me alone – I hate you!” he added, with uncharacteristic anger.

Geoff stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly dropped the rope of his own sled and ran away, as fast as he could through the heavy snow.

Deliberately disregarding the fact that he had been told not to leave the grounds, he went through the gate in the hedge and stumbled across the large lawns of the school, looking for a place of refuge.

 

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#30:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 1:51 pm

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Thanks Mia!!

Poor little Geoff *huggles him tightly*

He's just lonely and scared and taking it out on the nearest easy victim. And now he's worried sick he'll get found out.

But still no news of Con *hinting madly*

 

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#31:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 1:59 pm

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Poor little boys, both of them hurting in their own way.

I do hope you're not going to let him get lost in all that snow, Mia.

Thank you.

 

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#32:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 2:09 pm

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I hope Geoff and Peter will be able to sort it out between them.

 

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#33:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 2:31 pm

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Tony came dashing back to his little brother.

“Where’s Geoff gone? Why are you crying?” he asked. “I’m going to get Dad. Were you fighting?”

“He – he hates me, he said he did...” Peter sobbed, incoherently. Bruno came over and nudged him gently with his head.

“Stay here – I’m going to get Dad.” Tony said, dumping his prized new sled and heading back into the house as fast as he could.

*

Rix was talking to Laurie in the kitchen.

“Con's doing really well – Maeve’s pleased to have her staying with them. Freddie travels a lot on business I think. It’s a much better idea than having her stay in our flat on her own.”

“I’m glad to hear she’s feeling better.” Laurie said, quietly. “You know, I do regret what happened…” he broke off as Tony wrenched the back door open.

“Dad! Can you come? I think Peter and Geoff had a fight. Geoff’s run off across the school grounds…” he said, all at once.

Both Laurie and Rix got to their feet, pulled on coats and went outside. Peter was curled up on the ground, sobbing dreadfully. Laurie scooped him up and turned to Rix.

“I don’t like the look of that sky, you know. I’d bet we’re in for some more snow before too long. Let me get him inside to his mother, then I’ll come and help you find Geoff.”

Rix nodded, wrapping his scarf around his neck, but he wondered if there was time to wait for Laurie. The sky was a darkening grey colour - one of the reasons he had told the children not to leave the gardens - and even as Laurie stopped speaking, more flakes of snow started to fall.

 

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#34:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 3:06 pm

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No Mia thats not allowed to happen! Please can he be ok and then please can Peter and Geoff make up and be friends!

Last edited by Nell on Mon Aug 08, 2005 3:36 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#35:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 3:17 pm

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Eeeeeep!! Norty Mia

*starts a bonfire in the snow to keep Geoff warm*

*toasts marshmallows*

 

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#36:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 6:22 pm

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argh I have missed out so much that I am confuddled! Am going to go read everything you've written Mia so I can understand it all!

 

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#37:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 6:54 pm

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Poor Geoff, and poor Peter. Hopefully the adults finding out so much will help them to get everything sorted out, though I guess it will take a long time for Peter to trust Geoff, if he ever does.

Having said that it's really the adult's fault, after all, if Rix and Laurie hadnt let Geoff see their differences then Geoff would never have wanted to revenge Rix by trying to hurt Laurie through Peter. Oh what a mess it all is. Glad that Con is doing alright though.

Hope the men find Geoff before the bad weather comes.

Thanks Mia

 

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#38:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:09 pm

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MIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

must you leave us on such a humoungous cliff?!

I hate to think what Joey would say if Rix and M-L allowed one of her precious children to get lost in a blizzard

 

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#39:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 11:22 pm

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- Possibly it would mean that she would come home and be a proper mother again. Now that would be something worth doing!

 

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#40:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 12:10 am

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At the moment, I don' t think she'd notice. Grrrrr.

Joey.

 

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#41:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:40 am

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Please let them find Geoff quickly, Mia, pretty pleeeeeeeeeease!

You can't leave a little boy out in that weather!

 

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#42:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 12:07 pm

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Laurie was back within seconds, however, having merely handed Peter over to his wife and left Tony to explain what had happened.

Rix whistled to Bruno and the three of them went through the gate. Bruno gave a yelp and bounded away at once.

Luckily Geoff had been unable to go far – although it took a worrying ten minutes before Bruno found him, half under a hedge and crying much as Peter had been.

“Come on, you young demon! We can’t stay out here all day.” Laurie said, trying to sound jovial, but looking uneasy at the force and volume of the falling snow. He bent and picked up Geoff, who immediately fought him.

“Let go of me!” he cried, wriggling madly, but Laurie had tight hold of him and he had to give up, still sobbing pitifully.

“Do you think we should make for the School?” Rix asked.

“Definitely. This is turning into a real blizzard and the school must be yards nearer. Isn’t it closed up though?” Laurie replied, frowning.

“We’ll have to smash a window if it is.” Rix replied and they crossed the rest of the lawn, taking care to keep together. The blizzard was disorientating.

Reaching the school, they found it was indeed closed for the holidays, even the kitchen staff had been given time off. Rix knew that Hilda and Nell had gone to stay with Simone de Bersac and her family near Paris.

“I’ll have to break in,” he said, to Laurie, who was trying to rouse a drowsy Geoff. “We can’t stay out here for much longer. This is Auntie Hilda’s study – I’m hoping she hasn’t locked her study door from the outside.”

He smashed the small window to the left of the French windows and climbed in. Laurie passed Geoff through and scrambled up after them. Bruno yelped, anxious not to be left behind and Laurie opened the French windows to let him bound into the Chalet, shaking the snow from his coat all over Hilda’s antique rugs.

Luckily Miss Annersley had not locked her study door and they were able to find their way to her small sitting room where Laurie quickly got the stove going. Geoff had woken up again and lay on the chesterfield, still weeping.

Rix came over to him, having first gone to telephone Freudesheim and tell Mary-Lou that they were all fine.

“Geoff - stop crying like that,” he ordered, but his tone was kind; and he sat down to cuddle his small cousin. “Why don’t you tell me what happened.”

Geoff was too hysterical to respond for a minute or two, but eventually he choked out an apology.

“Come on, Geoff, please try and calm down. I’m not angry with you, you don’t need to say sorry.” Rix coaxed, completely mystified by Geoff’s behaviour.

“I’ll go down to the kitchen, see if I can find any milk to heat up for him.” Laurie offered. “And something to eat, maybe. I don’t fancy crossing the lawns again until that stops, and heaven knows when that may be.”

“Thanks.” Rix said, as Laurie left, then he turned his attention back to Geoff, determined to find out what had happened to make him so upset.

 

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#43:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 12:12 pm

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I'm glad Geoff has been found and I hope he will able to tell them what has been upsetting him.

 

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#44:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 12:48 pm

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I'm glad that Geoff has been found and is now safe, but what will Jo say when she finds out?

 

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#45:  Author: Lucy, Location: Leeds Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 1:02 pm

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Jennie wrote:

what will Jo say when she finds out?

Lets hope Jo realises just how much the twins need her and maybe even comes home to be with them (maybe wishful thinking).

(((((Geoff)))))

 

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#46:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 1:03 pm

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Awww... Rix is so lovely!

 

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#47:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 3:11 pm

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Hope this bit is OK

Eventually Geoff slept on the chesterfield, exhausted by his crying. Laurie and Rix ate some of the odd assortment of food Laurie had scavenged from the kitchen – incidentally Karen would curse them when she saw the crumbs he had left all over her clean table – and helped themselves to some of the contents of Hilda’s crystal decanter of whisky which seemed to make the situation a little more bearable.

“Did he say what was wrong?” Laurie asked, with a glance at the boy, who was sleeping fitfully.

“No. I know he misses his parents.” Rix said, crossing over to the window to watch the snow falling. “But didn’t Tony say he’d had an argument?”

“That’s what I’ve been puzzling over. Peter wouldn’t argue – he wouldn’t say boo to a goose. I’ll look into it when we can get back.”

Rix looked over at him. “I’m sorry Con had the miscarriage,” he said, quietly.

“Thank you for helping her.” Laurie replied, looking uncomfortable. “I’m glad she wasn’t on her own. Do any of the other doctors know?”

Rix shook his head, “I haven’t even told Mary-Lou. I haven’t put it in Con’s medical notes either.”

“I’m glad about that. She’s only young. I expect she’ll find someone else. I never wanted to ruin her whole life. I don’t know what I was doing… But if she’s in London, she’ll soon meet someone else, right?” Laurie spoke rapidly, obviously welcoming the opportunity to talk. “I was so selfish and stupid. I can’t bear to think of how close I came to losing my wife and children. I told Daisy, you know. I told her everything, but I didn’t say you were involved, or that it was Con… I couldn’t. I told her it was a visitor, a sister of one of my patients. It was difficult, but she decided to stay with me. I don’t deserve a second chance from her, but I’m glad I got one.” Laurie gave a faint smile.

“That’s good…” Rix was spared the need to reply at length as Geoff roused. He went over and sat down next to him. “Hello, are you hungry, Geoff? We’ve got something to eat here.”

Geoff nodded, sleepily, but even though he was eventually persuaded to eat something, he remained quiet and withdrawn, unable to take his eyes off Laurie.

 

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#48:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 3:29 pm

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Thank you Mia it was gorgeous!!

 

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#49:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 3:48 pm

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Glad Rix and Laurie had chance to clear the air a bit. Thanks Mia

 

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#50:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 3:54 pm

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That was well done, Thanks Mia. It was good to see Rix and Laurie able to get on properly at last. I do hope that Peter will be able to open up when he is questioned about what happened, and that Geoff will admit to what he has done wrong when asked. The adults will be dissappointed, but it will help him to be honest about it.

 

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#51:  Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 3:56 pm

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Thanks Mia. I am glad they are all safe and some of the underlying tensions are being resolved.

 

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#52:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 4:50 pm

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Mia it was lovely! I'm glad Daisy was so forgiving, and that Rix and Laurie cleared the air.

Thanks.

 

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#53:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 6:42 pm

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I'm glad that Daisy doesn't now hate Con but it probably will be awkward between the two of them now.

 

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#54:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 6:49 pm

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Daisy doesn't know it was Con, does she? I thought Laurie said it was a visitor.

Hope Geoff is able to confess now and tell Peter.

As for what Jo thinks - she should have been there looking after her children.

Thanks Mia.

 

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#55:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 1:33 am

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Thanks Mia; good to see Laurie trying to sort things out, and talking to Rix.

Memo to Joey: come home and look after your children!!

 

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#56:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:12 am

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Thank you Mia, glad Laurie and Daisy could work things out. Hope Geoff and Peter can too.

 

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#57:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 3:25 pm

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The snow continued to fall in amazing quantity. The afternoon turned slowly into evening with no change and they resigned themselves to having to spend the night in the Chalet.

Laurie was inclined to look on it as a huge joke, but Rix was worried about Geoff and how Mary-Lou would be feeling. He knew that Daisy would be staying at Freudesheim with her and that was some comfort.

It had been a very long and boring afternoon. Laurie had offered to sort out the sleeping arrangements and out of boredom, Rix went for a walk around the school, accompanied by Geoff.

"Where are we going?" Geoff asked, in a dreary way.

"Oh, just for a look around. Is this the Library? We could get something to read - no, this must be the Hall?"

"I’ve never been in here." Geoff said, looking around with slightly more interest.

Rix read the Honours Boards, looking for Mary-Lou’s name amongst the Head Girls. He found it and looked back to 1950 for Peggy’s name.

"That’s my twin sister’s name." He said to Geoff. "She lives in Canada, but she’s at the Quadrant now. She’s coming to stay with us next month, so you can meet her then."

"Mamma said you were twins, like me an’ Phil. She said you used to live with her an’ Auntie Madge an’ Uncle Jem." Geoff replied, looking up at the name. "Cause Auntie Mollie and Uncle Dick lived too far away."

"Yes, that’s right. And see here, that’s my other sister, Bride…"

"Where did Auntie and Uncle go to live?" Geoff asked.

"Well, we used to live in India and it’s not good for British children to live there, so we came to stay with Aunt Madge, as you know." Rix explained, experiencing the usual empty feeling inside that he felt whenever he thought of the situation, even after so many years. He continued, hurriedly, "It’s not the same, Geoff. Your parents will be back soon. Is that what was upsetting you earlier? Did Peter say something to you about it?"

Geoff shook his head.

"Will you tell me? I might be able to help, if I know."

"I want Mamma to come home."

"I know, old man." I’ll have to go to Biel and tell her to come home, Rix thought, frowning. If I can see Jack, he might listen, even if she won’t…

"What’s India like?" Geoff asked curiously.

"I don’t remember much about it. I remember the voyage to England. Oh, and the time my ayah took me to the market with her and I got lost."

"What’s an ayah?"

"Like Rosli, I suppose. Here we go, this must be the Library. Why don’t you look for something on India and we’ll read it together?"

*

Laurie had found more food for their supper.

"Even though it’s colder upstairs, I think it might be better if we slept up there, in proper beds. I’ve got to go to work tomorrow! I found some bedlinen and made up three. This is an adventure, isn’t it, Geoff! Shall we let Bruno come upstairs as well?"

"Can we!" Geoff asked, enthusiastically.

"Why not?" Laurie grinned, but Geoff shied away, too full of his guilty secret to relax in Laurie’s company.

 

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#58:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 3:57 pm

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Aww poor Geoff. Hope the snow eases up overnight I wouldn't want them trapped any longer and hopefully they can sort out Geoff's secret and his guilt.

 

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#59:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 4:51 pm

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Feel a little sorry for Geoff - but not much - he was very nasty to Peter and knew he was doing wrong. Like the little bit about how Rix felt about Dick and Mollie being away. Did Rix see Maeve's name too?

Thanks mia.

 

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#60:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 4:51 pm

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Feel a little sorry for Geoff - but not much - he was very nasty to Peter and knew he was doing wrong. Like the little bit about how Rix felt about Dick and Mollie being away. Did Rix see Maeve's name too?

Thanks Mia.

 

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#61:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 8:18 pm

---

Rix didn’t sleep well, waking several times in the night. The Gentian Dormitory was freezing, Laurie’s snoring was loud and the whole experience reminded him of being back at his own school - which he had largely hated.

He shivered, even though he was fully dressed. It was still dark and the luminous dial on his watch told him it was only four in the morning. He got out of bed and went over to the window, finding that the snow was still falling but at a much slower pace. The blizzard appeared to be over.

Crossing the room, he heard a small sob from Geoff’s bed, which was the next one to his own.

"Geoff?" Rix tossed the dividing curtain up over the rail and found Geoff in a state of misery.

"Come on, this has to stop," he said, in an undertone. "I want to know what happened right now. Did you do something wrong?" he added, with a flash of insight.

Geoff nodded and after some questioning, he crumpled and gave his cousin the whole story.

*

Geoff felt marginally better after his confession but he knew Rix was not pleased.

"Go back to sleep. We’ll have to discuss this in the morning," was all he said, however. Geoff had told him every single thing and he could see the childish logic behind Geoff’s actions, cruel as they had been.

"Are you angry?" Geoff asked fearfully.

"Well, I’m glad you told me. We’ll talk about it tomorrow. Try and get some sleep now, OK? I’m just in the next bed and I’ll leave the curtains up. Wake me if you need anything." He tucked Geoff in and went back to his own bed.

*

It was nearly eight when Laurie sat up suddenly, fully alert. The next minute he had bounded across the room and was shaking Rix awake.

"What?" Rix asked, sleepily, rubbing his eyes.

"I heard someone moving around in the corridor - Bruno, come here, boy! Do you think it could be burglars?"

"Talk sense! It’s probably Gaudenz. He’ll be mad when he sees that window."

"Why’s Bruno growling then?" Laurie retorted, pulling on his footwear. "I’m going to see who it is. Coming?"

Rix looked at Bruno, his hackles were up and he was growling softly. Rix scrambled out of bed, but at that moment the door of the dormitory was thrown open…

 

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#62:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 8:23 pm

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And it was Geoff who had gone down to make them breakfast in bed. Bruno was hungry and wanted the bacon (which was raw as Geoff wasn't allowed to turn on the stove - or would it be light the stove/fire?).

I'm glad Geoff was finally able to confess to Rix - hopefully everything can now be sorted out.

 

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#63:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 8:23 pm

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Poor Rix - feeling so neglected as a young child. Surely he understands how Geoff feels about his mother and father being away from him, although Biel is much nearer than India.

Thank you, Mia, for making them safe.

 

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#64:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 8:26 pm

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Im glad Geoff has finally confesed, not a nice burden for him to carry. So who is the mystery door opener? Thanks Mia

 

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#65:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 8:31 pm

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Hopefully Rix can help Geoff sort it out with Peter and help the relationship between them.

*wibbling* a bit about that noise, but surely no self-respecting burglars would venture out in all that snow!

Thanks Mia

 

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#66:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:06 pm

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Slight worry - why would Bruno be growling?

Pleased that Geoff has told Rix.

Thanks Mia.

 

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#67:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:17 pm

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Oooooh - an ickle cliff. Agreeing with the others about Geoff *finally* admitting everything to Rix. Rix, being an adult, possibly with the help of Laurie, should be able to get it sorted out.

As for the person at the door - well, I'm glad they have Bruno with them.

Thanks Mia

 

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#68:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:40 pm

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oooooh scaryness! Is this a ghost story! *hides*

I still havent managed to catch up enough on anything to know what Geoff actually did to Peter! *sigh*

The curiosity is getting to me, thank you Mia!

 

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#69:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:02 pm

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I'm glad Geoff has confessed and it was great hearing Rix reminisce about his childhood.

 

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#70:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:27 pm

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aitchemelle wrote:

oooooh scaryness! Is this a ghost story! *hides*

Much MUCH scarier!

Thanks for all your yibble! It's so encouraging

 

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#71:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:40 pm

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Mia wrote:

aitchemelle wrote: oooooh scaryness! Is this a ghost story! *hides* Much MUCH scarier! Thanks for all your yibble! It's so encouraging

*sigh* I thought it was an update! Norty Mia!

 

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#72:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 11:45 pm

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Just caught up from the first post. It's all fab, Mia. Poor little Geoff - I was beginning to lose sympathy with him in Problem, but I have it back in bucketloads now.

 

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#73:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:11 am

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Thank you Mia. Glad Geoff has finally been able to tell Rix and hopefully they can sort everything out now...wondering about the mystery door opener!

 

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#74:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 10:04 am

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Yes, who is it? Please tell us, Mia.

 

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#75:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 10:58 am

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And a small, wiry woman stared in at them with amazement and annoyance written clearly across her face.

“What on earth is going on?” she asked, looking around the room. Her eyes moved from the half-full ashtray, to Miss Annersley’s whisky decanter and finally, to Bruno, who had stopped growling at once and returned to his place next to Geoff’s cubicle, wagging his tail.

Laurie and Rix looked at one another.

“We were caught by the blizzard so we had to stay here for the night. We didn’t…” Laurie replied, rather nervously it must be confessed. He trailed off. Matron Lloyd (for it was she) looked grim.

“How did you get in?” she demanded, in tones that made even important Sanatorium doctors shake in their shoes. “And why is that dog in the dormitory?!”

 

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#76:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 11:10 am

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*hides from Matron*

Thankyou Mia

 

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#77:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 11:13 am

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*ducks for cover*

Just remember, though, Laurie and Rix, her bark is worse than her bite!

 

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#78:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 11:33 am

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*g* It's Matey! Smoking, drinking and dogs in the dormitory I think her bite could be bad enough though!

Thanks Mia.

 

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#79:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 1:37 pm

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Acht only Matey. I'm not going to worry about them then. She's a good sport when she's not roused, and though she might be rather put out by what has happened with the dog and the window Rix and Laurie can take it. *wonders what Geoff thinks of it all* I suspect Matey will keep a close eye on him.

 

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#80:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:35 pm

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“Sorry, Matron,” Rix said, unable to look up from the carpet and fighting the urge to laugh. “We’ll tidy everything up.”

“You certainly shall!” she retorted, acidly. “And make sure you open that window too. Smoking in a bedroom! You ought to be ashamed of yourselves! And taking the Headmistress’s whisky! Words fail me!”

Geoff, woken by the noise, came out of his cubicle with his hair all tousled and rubbing his eyes. He saw Matron and went to her.

“Auntie Gwynneth, we got lost in the snow. We’ve had to sleep here all night in a girls’ dormy,” he told her, sleepily. “Rix broke the window so we could get in – the glass went everywhere! Can I have some breakfast please?”

“He broke a window, did he?” Matron said, but by now her eyes were twinkling with amusement.

“Yes,” Geoff continued seriously. “But I can pay out of my Christmas money, Auntie, cos it was my fault really.”

“We can discuss that later,” Matron said, gently, taking hold of his hand. “Why don’t you come to my office with me and we’ll leave Laurence and Richard to tidy the dormitory and strip the beds while I find some breakfast for us all.”

 

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#81:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:42 pm

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*g* at Matey!

thanks Mia

 

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#82:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 3:14 pm

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Aww Geoff was so sweet there. I love the use of Lawrence and Richard to indicate the trouble Laurie and Rix are in! Matey's great!

Thank you Mia!

 

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#83:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 5:03 pm

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Rix and Laurie cleaned up Gentian as well as they could and stripped off the bedding they had used. Laurie quickly went downstairs with the whisky and Rix opened the window. The snow had stopped falling and it looked as if the snow was freezing properly, so the children would be able to play in the snow as they had planned.

“It’s tidy downstairs, I got rid of the broken glass,” Laurie said as he returned. “I’ll send Hilda Annersley a decent bottle to replace it and I’ll go halves on the cost of replacing the window. Let me know?”

“OK."

“Poor little Geoff, offering his cash like that.” Laurie laughed.

“He’s had a disagreement with Peter.” Rix said, sitting down on one of the beds, “But to be honest with you, the real reason for all the upset is Jo being away from home. I’m going to sort it all out. Is it all right if Peter and Tony stay on for the rest of the morning? I’ll take them sledding as we planned.”

“No problem.” Laurie replied, amiably. “Is it straight enough up here? Let’s go and get that breakfast then I’ll have to dash to the San. I’ve got a busy afternoon.”

Matron returned, minus Geoff, to inspect their work. Just one look from her got Rix up from the bed in a hurry and after she had watched them deal with the mattresses to her satisfaction and uttered a few more scathing comments, she contrived to forgive them and invited them to breakfast.

*

They headed back to Freudesheim. Geoff immediately went into the garden and started to scrabble about in the snow.

“What are you doing?” Rix asked, hesitating at the door.

“Looking for Peter’s sled. It was new.” Geoff said, biting his lip. “Do you think it’s gone?”

“It’ll be buried under all that snow. We’ll find it. I’ll help you.” Rix replied, remembering what had happened. He waited for Laurie to go inside before continuing, “Look, Geoff, I know you’re sorry about what happened, but it was really wrong of you. Uncle Laurie and I might have had a disagreement, but you shouldn’t have pushed Peter over, or said those things to him. Bullying is a despicable thing to do and I don’t want you to be like that. We’ll find the sleds and then you can apologise to Peter.”

Geoff nodded. “Will you tell Papa?”

“No. Of course Peter might not want anything to do with you, but you’ll have to accept that. It was a cruel thing to do.”

Geoff blinked back tears and continued to hunt in the snow for the sleds. Rix helped him and eventually they found both of those belonging to Tony and Peter, that luckily had taken no harm, being made of plastic.

“Your one is here, too.” Rix pointed out. “Come on, we’ll go inside and I’ll bring Peter to you and you can tell him how sorry you are. Once that’s done, well, it’s finished. We’ll say no more about it, but I warn you, I will have a lot to say if it happens again.”

"It won't," Geoff said, determinedly. "I promise."

 

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#84:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 5:16 pm

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at Matey!!

Im glad Geoff realises what he has done and I hope Peter will forgive him, and that Joey bothers about the twins. Thanks Mia

 

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#85:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 5:37 pm

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I'm glad Geoff is sorry for bullying Peter. It made me laugh at the though of Matron scaring the doctors!

 

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#86:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 5:40 pm

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Thanks Mia, Rix has managed to sort out half of the bother for Geoff. I just hope that Peter is willing to make up once he has got over his fright a bit. And Matron was just Matron in the last few posts.

 

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#87:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 7:03 pm

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Excellent few posts there, thanks Mia.

*Giggling over the two men's reaction to Matey.*

 

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#88:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 10:57 pm

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I love your Matey! She's wonderful - and norty Rix and Lawrie, smoking, drinking and allowing animals into the bedrooms. They should be ashamed!

*huggles Geoff* Rix is going to be such a good Dad.

Thank you, Mia

 

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#89:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 12:53 am

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"I’ll send Hilda Annersley a decent bottle to replace it" She obviously knows enough to hide the good stuff!

Matey is brilliant!

Loved this Mia.

 

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#90:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 4:53 am

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Obviously they drank the brandy which is intended for rubbing on the temples of someone lying there "still grey and to all appearancess...", not the stuff the staff drink from their tea cups.


Excellent updates Mia!

 

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#91:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 8:35 am

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Thanks for the updates, Mia, especially Matey!

I do hope wee Geoff will soon feel a little better about things and can make it up to Peter.

 

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#92:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 9:01 am

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Fab - thanks Mia. Love them having to re-turn the mattresses!
Now I want to give Geoff a big hug.

Very much looking forward to Rix going to *sort Joey out*!!!

 

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#93:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 11:03 am

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Peter was in the hall as they went into Freudesheim. He saw Geoff holding his new sled and looked delighted.

“You found it!” he said, then seemed to remember what had happened. The smile disappeared from his face.

“Peter, Geoff has something to say to you.” Rix said, drawing Geoff forward.

“I’m sorry I tripped you up and smashed up your den.” Geoff said, reddening but determined to apologise properly. “I don’t hate you and I’m sorry that I said those things to you.”

Peter didn’t know what to say, he was so surprised. He nodded, and eventually spoke,

“That’s OK. I’m sorry I said I hated you. Do – do you want to use my sled for a while?” he said, with a tentative smile.

“Thanks.” Geoff said, smiling back.

Rix left them, realising that they needed to talk without an adult present, and went to find Mary-Lou.

*

She was still in bed, but awake. She smiled when he came in.

“Daisy said I had to stay in bed till lunchtime. My back was aching madly yesterday and I just felt all in. I’m glad you’re here,” she said. He kissed her and sat next to her on the bed.

“Is it your old injury playing up?”

“No, I haven’t worried about that for years! It’s because I’m getting so large, I think.”

“You’re right. Still, it’s not much longer now.” Rix said, wishing there was something he could do.

“I know. Two more months. I can’t wait. I was talking to Daisy about it and she said it doesn’t hurt as much as people say and it’s worth it.”

“Of course it is. I told you not to worry about it. Women have babies all the time.”

“Will you be with me?”

“Do you want me to be?” Rix asked, surprised. “I don’t think the midwife would be very happy about that.”

“No – all right. It was a mad idea.” Mary-Lou said. “I think I’m just nervous.”

“I could ask Peg if she’d stay with you during the birth.” Rix said, taking hold of her hand. “She’ll be here then.”
“I’d forgotten that.” Mary-Lou said, looking away and struggling with a small feeling of jealousy.

“And Jo – I’m going to go to Biel and see if I can persuade her to come home. Jack doesn’t need her as much as the twins do.” Rix outlined his plan. Mary-Lou tried to listen, but she was inwardly troubled. She knew it was selfish of her, but she didn’t want Peggy to visit.

 

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#94:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 11:13 am

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I'm glad Geoff and Peter have made up.

 

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#95:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 12:14 pm

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Just caught up with this Mia and it's is fab!

I'm so glad Geoff has realised he was in the wrong, confessed and apologised.

Feel very sorry for Mary-Lou though, she's barely had Rix to herself for a moment since they got married, and now another of his relatives (albeit his twin) is turning up!

Liz

 

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#96:  Author: Ronara, Location: London Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 12:15 pm

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Mia wrote:

Mary-Lou tried to listen, but she was inwardly troubled. She knew it was selfish of her, but she didn’t want Peggy to visit.

Oh dear. I can see ructions ahead!

Great story, Mia; I'm enjoying it immensely.

 

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#97:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 6:28 pm

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I do feel sorry for Mary Lou - she just want Rix to herself - yes it's selfish, but heavily pregnant wives are allowed that.

Thanks Mia.

 

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#98:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 7:30 pm

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As someone who only does back-ache labours, I am now wibbling.

Will Peggy be too late to be at the labour? They do say twins come earlier...

 

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#99:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 6:21 pm

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I'm glad Geoff's conscience has finally got the better of him - hopefully this will be the end of his animosity towards Peter (please?)

 

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#100:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:26 pm

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well I'm sure I wouldn't want my husband's twin sister with me during labour!!

*is torn between wanting M-L to go full-term for the health of the twins and wanting it all to be over before Peggy arrives*

 

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#101:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 10:39 am

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“These are my babies,” I can hear Mummy talking. I’m too tired to pay much attention though. Peggy’s already asleep, leaning against me. Suddenly we’re separated, a man takes Peggy out of the car and Daddy lifts me up too and carries me into the house.

I drift in and out of sleep and the next time I wake, it’s morning, I’m in a bed and the light is flooding in through the window. I wonder where Ayah is but then I remember that we’re not at home any more.

As I sit up though, another ayah comes over but she doesn’t look Indian and when I speak Hindustani, she just shakes her head. I don’t like it here, it’s too different and I want to go home. The other beds in the room are empty and I wonder where Peggy is.

“I want to go home.” I say, in English, and she smiles and shakes her head, but then the door opens and Daddy comes in, with a tall girl with black hair.

“So you’re awake are you, you young rascal?” he laughs. “About time too. Get dressed quickly and then you can come downstairs and meet your Auntie Madge.”

“He does look like Madge, doesn’t he?” the girl says, scrutinising me. “He and David might be brothers, not just cousins!”

“Are you my ayah?” I ask the girl and the next minute she and Daddy are laughing.

“No, this is your Auntie Jo.” Daddy says.


Rix drove to Biel, taking full advantage of the lack of speed limits and Neil Sheppard’s powerful car. It had been two weeks since Geoff’s exploits on Boxing Day and he had only just been able to get away from the San for a day to bring Jo home. He was not looking forward to the conversation they were going to have and had decided to go and get it over with as quickly as possible. She had been very unpleasant during their telephone conversation.

He had been driving for hours and his mind kept wandering from the road.

 

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#102:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 10:46 am

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That was lovely to hear Rix's first impressions of his Uncle Jem and Auntie Joey. I just wish that they hadn't talked about him as if he wasn't there!

 

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#103:  Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 10:53 am

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Hmmm, I don't know if it is good for Rix's mind to be wandering from the road. I hope you aren't planning anything nasty, Mia. Wibbling slightly at the ominous tone of that final line!

Thanks for the update.

 

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#104:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 11:49 am

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Thanks Mia

but please keep Rix safe *begging smiley*

Liz

 

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#105:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 12:11 pm

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*also wibbling slightly *- don't you dare hurt Rix, Mia!!!

lovely updates, thanks.

x

 

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#106:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 12:24 pm

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Yes, please don't hurt Rix! Or ML, whilst he's away *wibbling*

I eagerly await Joey and Rix's showdown

 

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#107:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 1:03 pm

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*sends Rix's mind wandering back to the road*

Thanks for filling in some of his past as well Mia

 

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#108:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 1:23 pm

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No please keep Rix safe Mia. Thank you for the memory of his arrival at Madge's.

 

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#109:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 1:58 pm

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He's safe, he's got to have a wandering mind so he can have flashbacks! I hope the flashbacks are ok cos there will be more soon


Jo was waiting for him in the hotel, she was pale and anxious-looking and he felt sorry for her. Claire was sat quietly on a chair, looking at a picture book.

“How’s Jack?” he asked.

“He’s better, but they still only let me see him for twenty minutes at a time. Where are the twins? I thought you were bringing them.”

“I thought it best not.” Rix said, firmly. “They’d only be upset if you didn’t come home with them.” I didn’t even tell them I was coming here in case you didn’t come back.

“We are coming home. Rosli’s upstairs, packing.” Joey sighed. “They said another three months before Jack can come home and I’ve no money left.”

“I’m glad you’re coming home. You look very tired, Aunt Joey. You can have a nice rest at Freudesheim and we’ll look after you.” Rix was quite concerned; she did not seem her usual self at all.

“I owe some money for the final bill…” she began, hesitantly. He nodded and went to deal with it.

It was late when they all got back to Freudesheim. Jo had been very quiet in the car, although she had not slept.

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

We’ve been at Die Rosen for nearly six weeks and I like it here now. I like being with Mummy and Daddy. Bridget was two yesterday and we had a party with a cake and Mummy cried. I asked her why she was crying and she said it was because we were growing up, but she’s always crying now. Daddy doesn’t like it and he tells her to stop. I heard them yesterday when I was going back to see if I could have more cake.

Daddy said, “Come on, Moll, you know it makes sense. They’re thriving here and you know it would come anyway. They couldn’t be in safer hands.”

That was all I heard because then I opened the door and they stopped talking. Mummy was crying then and she grabbed me and kissed me and stroked my hair and I said stop it, I’m not a girl and that made her laugh and Daddy gave me some more cake.

I want to ask when we’re going back to Coorg. I left my marbles in the garden because Ayah said the snakes might think they are eggs and will sit on them to make them hatch. I want to see if it’s true, but whenever I ask anyone when we’re going back, they just say wait and see. Peggy doesn’t think we will go back but we have to, don’t we?

Last edited by Mia on Wed Aug 17, 2005 11:26 am; edited 2 times in total

 

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#110:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 2:38 pm

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Oh, poor little boy! No wonder he feels so empathic towards Geoff, as one abandoned boy to another.

 

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#111:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 3:12 pm

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I'm glad Joey has seen sense (or been forced into seeing sense) and is going home - I just hope she can hold it together without Jack, the twins have been upset enough by her actions as it is!

The flashbacks are fine, Mia, it's good to see Rix's view of things.

 

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#112:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 3:19 pm

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I feel so sorry for the Bettany children knowing what is going to happen. I'm glad Joey has decided to return home.

 

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#113:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 3:54 pm

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Thank you Mia! Just caught up since the weekend.

 

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#114:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 4:15 pm

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Cheers Mia

 

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#115:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 5:38 pm

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awww thank you Mia

the flashbacks are brilliant - I for one would love to see more of Rix's take on his early life.

 

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#116:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 6:46 pm

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Thanks Mia - feel so sorry for Rix, he'll not understand when his parents leave.

 

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#117:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 11:52 pm

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Thanks Mia.

Poor Rix, no wonder he's set off post haste to get Jo back!

 

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#118:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 2:16 am

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Poor little Rix...it was so long before they were all together again.

 

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#119:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 10:25 am

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Poor little Rix, it was just assumed that they would be happy in Tyrol away from their parents for all those years.

I'm gad Jo has finally seen sense, I just hope she doesn't upset OOAO as she approaches the delivery.

Last edited by Jennie on Tue Aug 16, 2005 11:51 am; edited 1 time in total

 

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#120:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 11:15 am

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The twins were overjoyed to come downstairs for breakfast and see their mother in her usual place. They fell on her with shrieks of joy and she kissed them warmly. A night’s sleep seemed to have done the trick and she looked a lot better.

“We missed you, Mamma.” Phil said, clinging to her mother. “Are you going to stay now?”

“Yes, pet. Have you been good for Mary-Lou and Rix?”

“They’ve been angels.” Mary-Lou replied, pouring coffee. “In fact, Miss Robertson was telling me how hard they’ve been working in St Nicholas’s this term.”

“Papa will be pleased about that. We can write him a letter later and tell him all the news. He sends his best love and says he’ll be home very soon – well, in March, but that’s only eight weeks away now, isn’t it?” Jo released the twins and sipped her coffee. “So tell me all the hanes!”

Breakfast passed pleasantly. Jo was thrilled at the idea of Peggy and her children coming to stay and at once offered rooms in Freudesheim.

“When are they due? Will they be here for your birthday?” she asked.

“Yes, that’s the day they arrive.” He was pleased she was back to her usual self, perhaps not quite there yet, but very different from how she had been at the hotel and during their phone conversations. “I haven’t seen her for nearly six years, you know.”

“Yes, that’s a long time. However I don’t expect she’ll have changed much. Is Giles staying?” Jo was interested in hearing about her eldest niece.

“Just for two days, I think. I expect Peg will come to London with us when Jack comes back from – from Biel. It’ll work out quite well. I was worried about my job in London, but they’ve given me a month’s extra leave.”

After breakfast, Jo took the twins to school and announced her intention to spend the morning with Hilda Annersley. She invited Mary-Lou, who refused politely. She wanted to spend the day with Rix, not knowing he had made plans to do some operations at the San.

 

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#121:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 12:12 pm

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I hope Mary-Lou isn't clinging to Rix too much. It's great to have Joey back.

 

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#122:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 12:37 pm

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Oh dear! Poor Mary-Lou

I hope she is able to spend some quality time with Rix later

Thanks Mia

Liz

 

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#123:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 2:49 pm

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Auntie Jo is nice, she plays hide-and-seek with us in the garden but Auntie Madge doesn’t. She says she’s too old and tells us stories instead. I don’t think they are as good as Ayah’s stories. Ayah tells stories in which I have an elephant and go on adventures.

I cried last night because Ayah isn’t here and I want her.

----------

After a morning of operating, Rix called a meeting with Reg, Daisy, Laurie, Neil, and some of the other doctors to explain that Jack would be returning in eight weeks’ time and that he himself would be flying back to London, as soon as the babies were born and Mary-Lou could travel.

“So thank you for all the help you’ve given me,” he concluded, noticing that Daisy and Laurie were exchanging glances. Laurie spoke.

“I know I wasn’t enthusiastic about the new measures when you first mentioned them, but they work very well. Is Jack going to continue with them?” he asked, frowning.

“Would you consider staying on?” someone else asked.

“I can’t, I’m afraid I have to go back to London before the end of April. I’m sure Jack will continue with what we’ve done here, it wouldn’t make financial sense to go back to the old ways.” Rix broke off to cough. “I think we will need a handover period, however, and I’m sure something can be arranged. I’ll telephone St Thomas’ this afternoon. Thanks, that’s everything,” and he stood up as they filed out, to throw a few papers into his bag.

He’d promised Mary-Lou that he would be home early that afternoon, as she’d been so disappointed that he couldn’t take the day off to spend time with her.

Coughing again, he opened his office door, but Neil and Reg were there.

“What’s up?” he asked, not pausing in pulling on his coat. Neil had quite a determined expression on his face. “I’ve got to leave now, I told Mary-Lou…”

“That’s a nasty cough you’ve picked up.” Neil said, “We just wondered if you’d let us examine you and maybe prescribe some antibiotics if they were needed.”

“It’s from the hotel fire, I inhaled smoke. That’s all it is.” Rix was alarmed.

 

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#124:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 3:14 pm

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I hope Rix will be ok with his cough. I'm glad the staff have changed their attitudes now and they want him to stay.

 

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#125:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 4:44 pm

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Thanks Mia

Hope Rix's cough soon clears up.

*offers to massage his chest*

Liz

 

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#126:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 4:50 pm

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Thank you Mia. I hope Rix is ok! *wibbles*

 

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#127:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 6:55 pm

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Mia wrote:

I cried last night because Ayah isn’t here and I want her.

Hmm... very telling that Rix misses his Ayah so much - is that because he spent more time with her than he did with his parents when he was in India?

*worries about Rix's cough*

 

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#128:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 6:59 pm

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LizB wrote:

Thanks Mia Hope Rix's cough soon clears up. *offers to massage his chest* Liz

Down Liz!

Thanks Mia - joining the others in worrying about Rix's cough, and feeling sorry for Mary Lou - not the ideal start to a marriage for her.

 

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#129:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 10:48 pm

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Eeeeek!

poor Rix - I hope that cough is nothing serious

and poor Mary-Lou...she must want some quality "alone time" with Rix before Peggy arrives and the babies are born

 

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#130:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:01 am

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Hope Rix is ok and the cough isn't serious. So will they end up staying rather than going back to London??

Thank you Mia.

 

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#131:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:36 am

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Mary-Lou sighed and got to her feet with an effort. Rix was really late now and she was starting to feel annoyed with him. His hours were too long, especially now when he should be at home with her. She’d been very patient with him so far but really, this running around after his family had to stop.

Mary-Lou looked out of the window again for the hundredth time and thought about how she and the babies should be his immediate priority, not the San, not the Maynards and certainly not Peggy, even if she were his twin.

She wished Peggy wasn’t coming, especially as the visit seemed so open-ended. Why couldn’t she be content to stay in the Quadrant and she and Rix could visit?

 

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#132:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:43 am

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Feeling sorry for ML here. Rix really does need to straighten his priorities out a bit. *climbs down from soapbox*

Also wibbling about the cough, bearing in mind what coughs are often related to in the CS world!

Thanks Mia

 

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#133:  Author: Robin, Location: London Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 10:23 am

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Really don't like the sound of the cough either.
Think ML is being a bit oversensitive, although perhaps only to be expected - her hormones must be all over the shop!

thanks Miz

 

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#134:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 10:25 am

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Eeep, Im really worried about their relationship, they barely have had any time together since they got married, and with the babies soon upon them, they never will. I have a sinking feeling about Peggy visiting too. Thanks Mia.

 

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#135:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 10:30 am

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She heard the car pull up outside and heard him come in, but he didn’t come straight into the Saal. Annoyed, she went out into the hallway and found him about to use the telephone with his address book in his hand.

“Who are you phoning?” she demanded, furiously, interrupting his greeting to her.

“I did want to speak to Neil. Is there something wrong?” he asked, bemused.

“Yes there is! You said you’d be home two hours ago! This isn’t fair, Rix, you know I can’t go out anywhere now.”

“I’m sorry. I really need to make this phone call. Just give me two minutes and…”

“Why?! Why do you have to phone Neil Sheppard when you’ve just left the San!” Mary-Lou shouted at him.

“Look, calm down, won’t you? Hello, Neil? I’ve just got that address for you – Dr Reynolds, 23 Stamford Street, SE1. He’s on the phone, do you want the number? Yes, 456346. Yes, he has all my medical records… Thanks.”

He hung up the phone and turned to speak to her, but she was still angry so she turned and went back into the Saal.

 

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#136:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 11:01 am

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Eek - about the relationship and about what Josie implied; I hadn't thought of that!

Thanks Mia.

 

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#137:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 11:24 am

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He could have asked someone to phone her!

 

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#138:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 12:16 pm

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Oh dear!

Thanks Mia

Liz

 

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#139:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 12:18 pm

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I feel so sorry for Mary-Lou. She shouldn't be under this stress with the baby so imminent.

 

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#140:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 2:21 pm

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*still wibbling*

thanks Mia

 

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#141:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 2:51 pm

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Peggy wasn’t making up a story because Mummy and Daddy have gone now but we have to stay here. Uncle Jem says we are very welcome to live here but Peggy was crying. I said can’t he write to Mummy and say that she forgot to take us with her.

He told us we couldn’t live in Coorg because we would get very ill and that’s why he said to Daddy we should live with him and Auntie Madge. He said he knows we miss Mummy and Daddy but we will see them soon and while we are here we can play with David and Robin.

I said I missed Ayah most and could Ayah come and live with us and Rosa could go to India and he laughed and laughed. I am going to learn how to write and then write Grandpa a letter so then he’ll tell Daddy to come and get us. I don’t like Uncle Jem now because he said we couldn’t go home but Bridget could and it’s not fair.



Following her into the Saal, he found her sat in furious indignation, reading a book and ignoring him. He made up his mind to tell her something about what Reg and Neil had said during his check up.

“I’m sorry I’m late, I was ready to leave but then Neil said – “

“I’m really not interested about what Neil said, thank you,” she said, still angry.

“Fine.” Rix went through his pockets, looking for his cigarette case. Reg had ordered him to stop smoking immediately. “But I’m going to tell you anyway because you need to know. I’ve told them I’m stopping working at the San, as from today. Laurie and Neil are going to take hold until Jack comes back from the Klinik.”

“Are you?” Mary-Lou dropped her book. “Why?”

“Firstly, they don’t need me there now. The other thing is…”

“Oh, that’s marvellous!” Mary-Lou interrupted, forgetting her grievances. He sat next to her, and listened to her chatter happily about what they would do.

He tried to concentrate on what she was saying, but all he could remember was Reg’s face as he’d looked at the x-ray.

 

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#142:  Author: Katie, Location: A Yorkshire lass in London Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 3:14 pm

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Oh no - what was on the x-ray? Wibbling muchly.

Plus poor little Rix

Mia wrote:

I said can’t he write to Mummy and say that she forgot to take us with her.

So sad!

 

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#143:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 3:23 pm

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Thank you Mia

*wibbling muchly also*

 

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#144:  Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 4:17 pm

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Aargh!

Mia, come back now and tell us that Rix is ok!

You can't do that to Rix and Mary-Lou - they haven't really had any married life at all.

 

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#145:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 4:34 pm

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I felt so sorry for little Peggy and Rix, feeling all alone without their parents. I'm also worrying about big Rix and his x-rays.

 

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#146:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 4:50 pm

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*desparately hopes the look on Reg's face was a happy one*

Thanks Mia

Liz

 

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#147:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 5:12 pm

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*wibbling a LOT!* Mia... please come back and resolve your oh-so-beyoooootiful cliff... (although thank you for all the other posts!)

 

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#148:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 5:23 pm

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Really, really wish I didn't have any medical knowledge here - feeling realy worried about Rix.

 

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#149:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 5:48 pm

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Mia this isn't doing me any good. Come back and tell us what happens, please?

 

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#150:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 8:09 pm

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Yes, please, Mia, it does not sound good.

Thank you.

 

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#151:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:19 pm

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Mia, PLEASE don't be mean to Rix!!!!!!

 

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#152:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2005 9:34 pm

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Mia!!!!!!


Oh, and thanks, btw

 

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#153:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 12:43 am

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Ahem, Mia, didn't you forget to finish something?!

Hugs for Peggy and Rix.

 

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#154:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 9:01 am

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Mia!!! Please make Rix ok - and he should tell ML and then she can help him not smoke....

 

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#155:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 9:21 am

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Please, give us the news soon. The anticipation is dreadful.

 

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#156:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:35 am

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“Aren’t you going to let me see that?” he had asked, but Reg had just shook his head.

“It’s not clear – we’ll take another.” Reg pulled it down from the screen rather too quickly. “And a blood test, if you don’t mind.”

“Do you think it could be -”

“I don’t really think you should start speculating.” Reg sounded calm which was reassuring. “Maybe you should try and stop smoking for a while, if it’s damage from the smoke you inhaled last year, the smoking is probably making it worse. Didn’t they tell you that in Interlaken?”

Rix had nodded and concentrated on rolling up his shirtsleeve, but he had felt frightened.

Now he had emptied his cigarette case into the incinerator and was trying to eat dinner with Jo and Mary-Lou and the children, listening to them talk about the tea party Jo was giving for the new girls at the School. Reg had said he would have the results within three days, which was fast, but still left three days of worry.

“Don’t you like it?” Mary-Lou asked, interrupting his reverie and he looked down at his untouched apfeltorte.

“I had a lot to eat at lunchtime,” he said, pushing the plate away. Geoff immediately pounced on it.

“Are you all right?” Mary-Lou asked.

“Fine.” Rix replied and changed the subject by asking about the tradition of new girls visiting Freudesheim, prompting a monologue from Jo. He fully intended telling Mary-Lou at least something, but not in front of everyone.

 

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#157:  Author: Robin, Location: London Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 10:43 am

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don't think i can wait three days either.

Thanks mia (although if you hurt Rix then I won't be happy )

 

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#158:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 12:34 pm

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THREE DAYS!!!!

I hope you're not going to keep us waiting that long Mia - pretty please?

Thanks

Liz

 

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#159:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 1:33 pm

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Please tell us before three days aer up. Hope Rix is ok *wibbles slightly*

Thank you Mia.

 

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#160:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 1:40 pm

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It was very hard, however, to speak to Mary-Lou. She obviously wanted to spend the evening talking to Joey about the latest gossip from the school.

Apparently there was a girl in Felicity’s form who was having problems settling in, as well as another girl in a senior form, whose parents wanted her to sit a difficult scholarship against Miss Annersley’s advice, both topics of very little interest to Rix, but he sat quietly in the Saal, finding it easier to sit and listen then be alone and brood over things. Anyway, some of Joey’s tales of what the Middles got up to sometimes were quite amusing.

He gave up, no point in them both worrying about whatever was wrong with him and as Reg said, it was useless to speculate. Besides, Peggy was arriving the next day with Giles and her children and it would be hard enough for him to keep it to himself.

 

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#161:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 1:41 pm

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No Rix she's your wife you should tell her!!!

Thanks Mia!

 

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#162:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 1:47 pm

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Oh Mia, please tell us Rix is OK - getting worried now!

 

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#163:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 2:55 pm

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I'm quite worried myself


Mary-Lou woke first the next morning, having set her alarm clock. Pregnant or not, she was determined to look as well as possible for Peggy’s visit and she needed to wash her hair. Maybe Rix would help her. He was still asleep with three medical journals on the bed, obviously having fallen asleep whilst reading. She shook her head, exasperatedly and picked them up, deciding to leave him to sleep in. It was nice to know that he would be with her all the time now until the birth.

She hadn’t been very nice to him yesterday, she reflected, feeling ashamed of herself. She would make it up to him today.

Idly she flicked through one of the journals, without much interest. The pictures of tumours and other horrors made her shudder and she tidied them away carefully in case Peggy’s young children found them.

*

They were in the Saal when a car pulled up outside, so they all went out to greet the arrivals. Almost before it had finished parking, Peggy was out and running towards Freudesheim and the next minute she was in Rix’s arms, with tears running down her face.

“Oh, I have missed you,” she said, over and over until Giles came over with the children and for the next few minutes everyone greeted each other warmly. Giles was very tall and distinguished-looking and appeared to adore his pretty wife. Peggy did not seem to have changed since she had been the capable Head Girl that Mary-Lou remembered.

They were introduced to the children, Alan, five, Jennifer, three, and baby Margaret, who was only a month or so older than Laura Entwistle.

“We call her Amy.” Peggy explained, passing her to her uncle, who took hold of her carefully. “Margaret’s far too long a name for something so tiny!” and she laughed, gaily.

Mary-Lou felt enormous next to Peggy, who was also tiny, and, possibly for the first time in her entire life, felt at a loss to know what to say.

 

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#164:  Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 3:13 pm

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Hmmm, have never been to keen on Peggy although I am sure she means well.
But please let us know about Rix - and I hope he starts to confide more in ML
Thanks, Mia.

 

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#165:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 3:16 pm

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Thank you Mia!

*still wibbling*

 

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#166:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 3:36 pm

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Thank you Mia! But - how on earth is Amy short for Margaret?!

 

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#167:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 4:46 pm

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Thanks Mia

Maybe Peggy could take all the children and Jo off somewhere so Rix and Mary-Lou can have some uninterupted time together

Liz

 

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#168:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 5:25 pm

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Laura wrote:

But - how on earth is Amy short for Margaret?!

Because I know an Amy short for Margaret in RL and its my drabble!

PS wait and see... it's a minor plot detail a little bit later

 

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#169:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 7:05 pm

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Thanks Mia - and liked the touch about Rix having been looking up tumours.....

 

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#170:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 7:10 pm

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I'm worried now that Rix has has to have a blood test - I hope he can give up smoking.

 

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#171:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 8:03 pm

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Eeeeep, please tell ML Rix, tell her before you tell Peggy/Peggy gets it out of you, otherwise things will just get even worse.

Thanks Mia

 

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#172:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 8:36 pm

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Oh dear, Mia, you are fond of your cliffs - poor Rix, and poor Mary-Lou as well.

Thank you.

 

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#173:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 8:44 pm

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"She’s beautiful," Rix said.

"And this is Jennifer, she’s three, and Alan’s he’s five. What do you think of them, Rix, my babies? Children, this is your Uncle Rix, who I’ve told you about, come and say hello. Oh, and your Aunt Mary-Lou as well."

"Hello." Alan said, quietly, holding out his hand. Jennifer stayed well behind them, they were clearly very shy children. Mary-Lou said a few words to them and they smiled.

"Why are you so fat?" Alan asked, with interest, but Giles overheard and shouted at him.

"Don’t be so rude!" he said. "Or you know what will happen, don’t you? Apologise at once."

"It’s fine…" Mary-Lou said quickly, trying to make peace.

"Why don’t I show you to your rooms, so you can unpack?" Rix offered, getting to his feet with a glance at Alan, who looked ready to cry.

"Oh, Giles will take them," Peggy said. "You look really tired, Rix. I hope you haven’t been working too hard. You need to look after him, Mary-Lou," and she laughed, merrily.

*

"Come on, darling, she was only joking." Rix said, tiredly. He wanted to go to bed but Mary-Lou lay on it, crying. "She knows you look after me, she’s very fond of you."

"She said she didn’t know why we were married." Mary-Lou was inconsolable.

"No she didn’t. Come on Mary-Lou, don’t cry," he soothed, but he was thinking if she got upset by such a little thing, how could he tell her he might be seriously ill?

"I need to talk to you about our money," he said, awkwardly. "Just to let you know where everything is…"

"Oh, but you deal with all that. Do you think she doesn’t think I’m good enough for you?"

Rix gave it up. It was impossible to talk to her and it was beyond his comprehension why she should think that Peggy disliked her so much.

 

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#174:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 8:48 pm

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Ally wrote:

Eeeeep, please tell ML Rix, tell her before you tell Peggy/Peggy gets it out of you, otherwise things will just get even worse.

I can just imagine 'You told your sister before your wife! Were you ever going to tell me?' etc!

Thanks Mia - but please let Rix start treating Mary-Lou as a person and not an ornament!

 

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#175:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 8:51 pm

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Yes Rix, start using that supposed intellect of yours to realise why Mary Lou is so upset - and don't keep secrets from her!

 

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#176:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 8:52 pm

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Quote:

"Why are you so fat?" Alan asked, with interest, but Giles overheard and shouted at him. "Don’t be so rude!" he said. "Or you know what will happen, don’t you? Apologise at once."

Giles is very scary. I think it's a perfectly reasonable thing for a five year old to ask.

 

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#177:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 11:22 pm

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Don't think I like Giles at all

Thanks Mia

Liz

 

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#178:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2005 11:40 pm

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Maybe he's just tired *tries to sound hopeful*

I am really really really worried about Rix now

 

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#179:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 1:03 am

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Oh help! Tell your wife, Rix...it's much better in the long run. Been there, had that done to me, not good!!

 

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#180:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:40 am

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eeeep Tell her NOW Rix!

 

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#181:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:05 am

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I hope Rix tells Mary-Lou soon. Was it just me or did Peggy introduce Mary-Lou as an afterthought?

 

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#182:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:09 am

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Mia wrote:

Peggy said. "You look really tired, Rix. I hope you haven’t been working too hard. You need to look after him, Mary-Lou," and she laughed, merrily.

All the same this was a bit tactless of Peggy. I think if I was Mary-Lou and nearly 8 months pregnant I'd be upset. What about Rix looking after his v pregnant wife?

 

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#183:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:16 am

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Ruth B wrote:

Mia wrote: Peggy said. "You look really tired, Rix. I hope you haven’t been working too hard. You need to look after him, Mary-Lou," and she laughed, merrily. All the same this was a bit tactless of Peggy. I think if I was Mary-Lou and nearly 8 months pregnant I'd be upset. What about Rix looking after his v pregnant wife?

I think I felt this as well, I half read it as Rix being told to look after ML, but then I realised that it wasnt the case.


Thanks Mia

 

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#184:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:18 am

---

“I’m going to walk up to Welsen with Giles.” Peggy said brightly over breakfast. “Does anyone want to come with us? Rix? You’ll come, won’t you?”

“No, I’ll give it a miss, thanks, Peg.” Rix said, looking up from his correspondence. “I don't want to leave Mary-Lou on her own." he added, firmly.

Joey agreed to go, so apart from the Winterton children and Claire, who were safely in Rosli’s charge, Mary-Lou and Rix had the house to themselves for several hours. Mary-Lou seemed happier.

“I know it’s selfish of me, but I do like having you to myself,” she said. “I’m sorry about last night. Thanks for being so understanding.”

“No, it’s my fault, we haven’t really had any time alone since we got married, have we? I’m the one who should be apologising. Do you know, I wish we’d never come here. ”

“It’s not like you to be like this.” Mary-Lou said, frowning. “I didn’t mean to upset you, I didn’t mean what I said last night about Peggy.”

“I know,” he squeezed her hand.

“Then there’s something else worrying you?” she asked, thoughtfully. “You were talking about money last night… Is there something wrong? We can always sell Carn Beg if we need money, you know.”

“We’ve plenty of money. I just need to tell you about our accounts, just in case something happens to me.”

“Don’t say things like that,” she tried to laugh, but there was a look in his dark eyes that was frightening her.

 

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#185:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:24 am

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Tell her now, Rix, before it becomes too big - share it. You're already frightening her.


Thanks, Mia.

 

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#186:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:25 am

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Mary-Lou, let him tell you - I know it's frightening, but you were taught to be a strong person, not a "Spineless Jellyfish". You need to put this training into place now, children due soon or not.

And I am so glad that Rix took the time out to spend a little time with ML while the others are away

Thanks Mia

 

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#187:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 11:38 am

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*continues to wibble*

Thanks Mia

Liz

 

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#188:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 11:49 am

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*wibbling too*

Please tell her, Rix!

Thank you Mia.

 

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#189:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 12:08 pm

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For an omniscient, omnipotent doctor, he's not very bright, is he?

 

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#190:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 12:46 pm

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Please tell her, Rix!

thanks Mia.

 

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#191:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 1:04 pm

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He told her everything he knew.

“When did you find out?” she asked, when he had finished.

“The day before my birthday. I think Reg will get the results tomorrow. I – I didn’t want to tell you until I knew one way or the other.”

She pulled away from him, "You said it was the smoke in the hotel! I don’t believe this is happening! And what am I supposed to do all alone with two babies?” she added, bitterly, before she could think about what she was saying.

 

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#192:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 1:07 pm

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Please Rix - don't take offence - understand that it's shock and hurt that's made her say that

Thanks Mia

Liz

 

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#193:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 1:10 pm

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Ouch. Hope Rix can understand how she is feeling and is able to stop himself reacting, or this will be something else they have to work through. I hope someone can help her to realize that it need not be the worst thing which happens.

Thanks Mia

 

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#194:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 1:15 pm

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Oooh Mary-Lou I think you need to remember your advice to Con

((Mary-Lou and Rix))

Thanks Mia

 

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#195:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 2:45 pm

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I'm really glad Rix has told Mary-Lou. I hope they can get through this together.

 

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#196:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 2:56 pm

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Erk.

Mia wouldn't do anything really bad to Rix, would she? *wibbles*

 

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#197:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 4:03 pm

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Eek. I'm glad he told her, but at the moment she has even less tact than Con! I hope he stays calm.

Thanks Mia.

 

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#198:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 5:37 pm

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Ouch! That could have been better phrased Mary Lou!!! Hope Rix realises that it's just shock!

Thanks Mia.

 

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#199:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 6:46 pm

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eeeek

wibble

argh!

I think that just about sums it up - please please let him be ok, Mia!

 

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#200:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 7:05 pm

---

"Don’t say that," he said, turning away from her. "I wouldn’t leave you alone if I could help it, would I?"

"I’m sorry - I didn’t mean it," Mary-Lou said, biting her lip. "I-I just don’t want anything to happen to you. I love you, Rix. You must know that."

"I do." he took her into his arms, "and I love you too."

"I know you’ll be all right. It’s not like it was with Mother. She was breathless and she lost a lot of weight. You haven’t…"

"Let’s not think about it till tomorrow, when I get the results, OK? Now, why don’t you let me read that last archaeology article of yours again?"

She smiled, "Even though you didn’t understand a word of it?" she added, teasingly, but the next minute she had cried out involuntarily, clutching at her stomach.

 

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#201:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 7:19 pm

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I really hope Mary-Lou will be ok. As I'm writing this message, there's a red sky outside!

 

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#202:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 8:00 pm

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Heck - it's all happening. At least they have got past Rix telling ML about the fears, and he will be able to support her through this as well. It's just as well that he did stay behind then!

Thanks Mia

 

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#203:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 8:04 pm

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I refuse to *wibble* about Mary- Lou!

Of course she will be okay - won't she, Mia? *gr*

 

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#204:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 8:23 pm

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Eeep, if its not one things its another!!

Thanks Mia

 

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#205:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 8:47 pm

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*wibbles loudly*

 

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#206:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:12 pm

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Mia - you're getting really good at these cliffs - congratulations!

 

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#207:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:21 pm

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You do all realise that if it is TB, Rix won't be able to see the babies, don't you?

I know, cos a friend of mine was diagnosed with asthma while pregnant, then they did an X-ray once the baby was born, showing my friend had TB. So she was whipped into hospital while her husband & mother-in-law looked after the baby. And I couldn't go & see her because my son was only a few months then and she wasn't allowed any children or peolpe with young children to visit her. (The TB's gone now, but she does have asthma so gets tired out looking after a nearly 2 year old.)

 

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#208:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:29 pm

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It's not TB - he wouldn't have been allowed back home - would he? I'm thinking more cancer...

 

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#209:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:14 pm

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Well, this would be a good time to give birth, as Peggy and Co. are out of the way.



And I refuse to believe that Mia would kill Rix off this early in married life....unless of course we've hassled her so much for sequels that she's going to kill them all off a la Holocaust so she doesn't have to write any more!

 

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#210:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:14 pm

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Thanks Lesley, that's a real compliment! but uh oh...

Rix sat fidgeting on the uncomfortable chair outside the Maternity Ward room, waiting.

"It’s too early," she had said as he got her into the car. "It’s five weeks too early!"

"It’s going to be fine," he said, accelerating as they reached the main road. "Maybe we got the dates wrong. We couldn’t be sure, remember?"

She had laughed, "What will people say? We’ve only been married for six months."

He looked up as the door opened and a nurse came out. He could hear a baby’s cry and he half-rose, expecting her to tell him he could go in.

She ignored him, however, and ran down the corridor, to return a few seconds later with Laurie and another doctor, who looked worried and who went into the room without as much as acknowledging Rix. The door swung shut behind them.



ETA Just seen Alex's post -

 

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#211:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:35 pm

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Aaaaaagh. Mia!! You're not going to kill Mary-Lou off as well, are you??! And, just to check - it isn't wotsimagig's baby, is it? (I've forgotten his name! )

 

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#212:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:40 pm

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*concerned about the twins* That's a nasty thought Laura - surely not

 

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#213:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:54 pm

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Thanks Mia!

 

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#214:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 9:32 am

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After what seemed like hours the door opened and Laurie came out, his mouth set in a hard line.

"I’m afraid she’s suffered post-partum haemorrhage. We’re going to take her to theatre now. I’m so sorry, Rix. We need to operate straight away."

Even as he spoke, they moved Mary-Lou out of the room, she was deathly pale and unconscious. Rix would have stepped forward, but Laurie moved him out of the way.

"I’ll do my best for your girl, all right?" he said, shortly, then they were all gone, leaving Rix alone in the corridor.

Last edited by Mia on Sat Aug 20, 2005 12:23 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#215:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 9:59 am

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But what about the twins, Mia?

And what are you doing to Mary-Lou and Rix?

 

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#216:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 10:02 am

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Whaaaaaat?! There's a cliff I really wasn't expecting!

Mia, please can you be really nice to Rix after all this?

 

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#217:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 10:05 am

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Thanks Mia

*wibbles about Mary-Lou*

*worries about the babies*

*wibbles about Rix*

*has nervous breakdown and sends psychiatrist's bill to Mia*

Liz

 

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#218:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 10:21 am

---

The walls of the San seemed to be moving and he felt as if he were about to be sick. He sat down heavily on the chair. He felt overwhelmed by terror.

The babies - he had to know though if they were healthy. Maybe born too early… He got to his feet.

He pushed open the door, but Neil saw him and came over, holding onto his shoulder.

"They’re fine, all of them. You’ve got sons, Rix. Now come with me, won’t you? You can’t really be in here yet. Please come with me?"

Too emotional to argue, Rix let himself be led into a small side room.

"I can’t stay with you, but I’ll get someone else to, OK? I need to go back in to see to your children." Neil was worried. "I’ll get someone, stay here." he ordered and left.

Rix did as he had been told for a few minutes, his thoughts just one jumbled mass of incoherence until heard Joey’s voice coming from somewhere outside the window. He didn’t want to talk to her, he didn’t want to see anybody until he knew Mary-Lou was going to be all right.

He left the room, quickly, heading for his old office.

 

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#219:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 10:26 am

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Thanks Mia - glad the babies are ok - but 'all of them' rather than 'both of them' ?

Liz

 

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#220:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 10:28 am

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Please make it ok Mia. My one consolation is that a red sky at night means a glorious day to follow.

*clinging to one hope muchly*

 

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#221:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 10:48 am

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-poor Rix - *wonders how many children he now has*

*hopes ML will be better very very soon*

 

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#222:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 11:32 am

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Also curious about the 'all of them' comment.

Poor Rix

And poor Mary Lou

 

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#223:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 11:41 am

---

Rix went into his old office, not even bothering to switch on the light. He sat at his desk, his head in his hands. He could only think how Mary-Lou might die, and he couldn’t see how he would endure it if she did.

He didn’t notice the door opening, or the light from the corridor filling the dark room. It was only when someone put a tentative hand on his shoulder that he looked up.

"I thought – you might need someone to talk to," Reg said, gruffly. "They’re operating now. You’ve got three sons - triplets. Can you credit it? They’re healthy, lovely babies."

"I don’t - Is she going to be all right, Reg?"

"She’s hanging on, she’s in good hands. Now listen, I want you to drink this, OK? It’s just coffee."

"Can I see the babies?"

"They’re fine. Probably best if you don’t for the moment, just in case. Your test results will be here in the morning, so then…"

"Do you think I’ve got TB? Why did you let me home, then? I’ve been with my niece…"

"We don’t think it’s that, but surely it’s better to be safe than sorry? Especially with newborns. Drink that and then I’ll show you to a spare bed here, so you can be nearby if - when Mary-Lou wants you. You should get some sleep."

Rix felt like he was sleepwalking as he followed Reg to a small side ward.

"What did you put in my coffee?" he asked, but Reg just shook his head and soon he was sleeping.



ETA - thanks Chair!

Last edited by Mia on Sat Aug 20, 2005 1:16 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#224:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 11:46 am

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Hurrah for triplet boys Looking forward to seeing what they're called

Poor Rix Lovely of Reg to be there for him though - a far cry from the way things were only a short while ago.

Thanks Mia

Liz

 

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#225:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 11:53 am

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Aww, nice Reg.

Shucks to Joey. Someone else in the world had triplets too!

Thanks Mia.

 

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#226:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 1:00 pm

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Mia wrote:

Rix felt like he was sleepwalking as he followed Rix to a small side ward.

Is Rix following his own shadow now?!

I hope everyone will be ok. I wonder if the triplets will be identical?

 

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#227:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 1:05 pm

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Triplet boy, well done Rix and OOAO. I bet Jo will be very envious.

 

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#228:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 1:23 pm

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Wheeee tripletty boys!

Thank you Mia.
I hope everyone will be ok!

 

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#229:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 6:30 pm

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He awoke only when Reg re-entered the room late next morning and sat up at once.

"Is she all right?" he asked, anxiously.

"The operation itself was a success. She’s stable and comfortable."

Rix threw back the bed clothes, "That doesn’t tell me anything and you know it. I want to see her. Where’s Laurie Rosomon?" A fit of coughing stopped him in his tracks.

"Take it easy, you can’t run around like that, not for a few months, anyway."

Rix looked up, "Have you got the results of my tests?"

Reg nodded and opened his mouth to speak.

 

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#230:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 6:35 pm

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Thanks for so much, but I think you forgot to add something. *waits in the thread to see if the next bit of information is forthcoming*. Poor little family - they have gone through the mill right now. I suppose that ML got her wish in that Peggy wasnt 'with' them when the triplets were born. Hope they all feel far better very soon. Please Mia - they have been through enough now. Please may their family come out of this unscathed

 

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#231:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 7:07 pm

---

"You must have damaged the lining of your left lung during that fire, by inhaling so much smoke. It's repaired itself poorly and scarred, causing the irritation. I thought it was a tumour, but your blood tests are fine. It will heal itself, given time, however heavy smoking made it worse, you see. But you’re fine, absolutely fine." Reg said. "But you won't be able to smoke for a good while."

Rix said nothing for a long time, he just felt numb and all he could think about was his wife. Reg was patient with him, but when he felt the silence had gone on too long, he took action.

"Don’t forget that you need to think about your triplets as well. Come with me? I’ll take you to them."

"I-I can’t…"

"They need you – your sons. Joey’s here, do you want to see her? Or your sister - she’s waiting for you downstairs, she wouldn’t leave."

Rix shook his head, "I-I’ll see the babies," he managed, eventually.

Reg took him to another room, where the newborns lay in small cribs. One was awake and blinked up at the two men and the others slept. They were very small. A young nurse looked at Rix, with deep sympathy in her eyes, but left when Reg nodded at her.

"This is the eldest – he’s awake. The younger two are slightly smaller, but all are fine. They’re so dark already, aren’t they? I think they’ll look like you," Reg continued, trying to get the younger man to reply. "What will you call them?"

"Reg – tell me the truth. Will she die?" Rix asked, gripping the side of the cot so hard his knuckles went white.

"She’s got a good chance. She’s young and strong." Reg said, reassuringly.

"What will I do if she doesn’t survive?" Rix asked, his voice breaking on the last word.

"I’m sure she’ll pull through. I- I’ll pray for her, Rix. Please, let me fetch Joey. I can’t leave you on your own, but I’m needed – he’s crying, would you hold him?"

Rix nodded and Reg gently picked up the tiny baby and put him into his father’s arms. The boy stopped crying at once and stared up at his father with large, blue eyes. Rix looked back down at him.

"I’ll leave you with them – the nurse is just outside." Reg said, quietly, and slipped away.

*

He returned, an hour later, with the news that Mary-Lou had regained consciousness briefly and that she appeared stronger. He was pleased to see that Rix had bottle-fed the babies, with the help of the nurse and now appeared calmer.

"Do you want me to take you to the San chaplain?" Reg queried, taking the youngest baby from Rix and replacing him back into his cot. "It might help you to pray."

"No it won't."

Reg didn’t push him, but surprise flared across his face. He himself was deeply religious.

"Can I see her?" Rix demanded, following him to the door.

"Yes – for a few minutes, Laurie said she stands a good chance." Reg replied.

"I want to speak with Laurie." Rix pushed his dark hair back from his face. "Is he still here?"

"Of course. He hasn’t left Mary-Lou. Wait! Before you see him, at least try and drink some coffee, won’t you? You haven’t eaten for hours and you should at least have something. Nurse, can you please bring some coffee? Thank you."

Rix sat down and drank the sweetened coffee obediently, but he was desperate to see his wife.

"We were arguing…" he began, but Reg cut him off.

"Neil said she was telling him how much she loved you," he said, kindly. "It doesn’t matter. Now come with me and you can see her for a few seconds."

Last edited by Mia on Sun Aug 21, 2005 11:09 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#232:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 7:15 pm

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Awwww, thats lovely. Thankyou Mia, for showing them all safe, and for updating so quickly. It looks like they are all slowly on the mend then. It will take time, but surely it will happen. *remembers ML's tendency to heal up quickly, Wonders what they are going to call the boy's". Can wait for that though. Thanks once again.

 

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#233:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 7:26 pm

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*breathes in*

Im glad Rix is ok and that the babies are doing well *yay for triplets*

*crosses fingers for a speedy ML recovery*

 

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#234:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 8:14 pm

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I'm crossing fingers for everyone here - ML, Rix, babies....

Thanks, Mia

 

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#235:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 8:46 pm

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Thank goodness Rix is alright. I'm sure Mary Lou will be fine.

 

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#236:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 8:55 pm

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I hope Mary-Lou will be ok. It's lovely being able to see the scene where Rix meets his children for the first time.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

 

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#237:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 10:11 pm

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Luffly - so glad Rix spent time with the triplets and that the damage to his lungs is not serious. Also please Mary-Lou has come through the operation and hope she continues to recover

Thank you Mia

Liz

 

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#238:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 10:32 pm

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Thank you Mia. I'm glad Rix will be ok, but please let Mary-Lou be her usual self and heal super-quickly! And, preferably, not get post-natal depression.

 

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#239:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 11:01 pm

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I didn't know you all loved OOAO so much!


Mary-Lou was very still and pale. Rix could only stay with her a short time ansd she was heavily sedated, but he sat and held her hand and was rewarded as she opened her eyes briefly.

"Don't try to talk, darling," he said, softly. "You're going to be fine and we've got beautiful sons."

She managed a faint smile and went back to sleep. Laurie checked her drip. He looked exhausted.

"I'm afraid you won't be able to have any more children." he said, candidly. "I did my best but it was the only thing we could do. I'm sorry."

"You don't need to apologise, you saved her life. I can't ever thank you."

"She'll be fine." Laurie added, smiling. "Out you go now, you can come back tomorrow."

Rix left the room and found himself in the San chaplaincy. It was empty and he sat down, tears of relief falling openly down his face.

Remembering Reg's words and Mary-Lou's own faith, he prayed, for the first time in a decade, long, sobbing prayers of thanks to the God who had spared his wife.

 

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#240:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 7:30 am

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Mia wrote

Quote:

I didn't know you all loved OOAO so much!

We don't always Mia, it must be a tribute to your writing!

 

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#241:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 8:33 am

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It is! Thank you for saving Mary-Lou I'm glad they're both going to be ok.

 

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#242:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 9:34 am

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We love YOUR OOAO Mia

Thanks for keeping her alive

Liz

 

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#243:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 11:24 am

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I definitely like Mary-Lou in this drabble. I'm glad Mary-Lou now knows she has three sons and Rix was able to pray.

 

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#244:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 11:38 am

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Hurrah for triplets.

*whispers* Mia, can we have a baby-naming party?

 

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#245:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 11:45 am

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Rosy wrote:

*whispers* Mia, can we have a baby-naming party?

Of course!

 

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#246:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 11:55 am

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Hurrah! Thankyou Mia. Have you named the babies already? or might we hold some sway?

I think Edmund, Alexander and Samuel would be reasonable, because I am ignoring the trait of naming for god-parents. But I guess you could name them all Joseph as a first name to maintain the Maynard-name-insania.

 

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#247:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 12:00 pm

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We don't know who the Godparents are yet, though. I like those names except I'd have Benjamin, Alexander and Samuel who would become, Ben, Alex and Sam.

 

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#248:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 3:26 pm

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Very moving, Mia. Thank you.

 

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#249:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 4:27 pm

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Rosy wrote:

Hurrah! Thankyou Mia. Have you named the babies already? or might we hold some sway? I think Edmund, Alexander and Samuel would be reasonable, because I am ignoring the trait of naming for god-parents. But I guess you could name them all Joseph as a first name to maintain the Maynard-name-insania.

I want Samuel too! But I like it with Thomas and Edward

 

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#250:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 4:56 pm

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I think they should be called James, Joseph and Jacob

 

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#251:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 7:50 pm

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Thanks Mia - lovely posts.

 

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#252:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 9:11 pm

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Jackanory, Jeremy and Jellullah

I'm glad OOAO is ok!

Thank you Mia

 

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#253:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 11:53 pm

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Well you know my suggestions already, but as theres a party feel I must share!!

Richie
Rickie
Rexie

All with Louis as a middle name

 

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#254:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:43 am

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Just caught up with this from page 10, and am sitting down to catch my breath...wow, Mia!! thank goodness they're all ok.

Names? Errm... what about John, Richard and David?

 

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#255:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 8:11 am

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Thanks Mia - so glad everyone's OK!

 

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#256:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:24 am

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Once he had composed himself, he went to see Jo and Peggy, who were waiting for him in the sitting room designed for patients’ relatives.

Joey threw her arms around his neck, “My dear kid! How is she? And the babies? Is it twins? Nobody would tell us anything!”

Peggy looked pale and exhausted, “Are you all right?” she asked, once Jo released him.

“She’s going to be fine. I was with her and she opened her eyes for a few minutes and smiled. We’ve got triplets – all boys. They’re doing well.”

“Triplets!” Jo shrieked and Peggy grinned, but then looked worried.

“I’m so pleased, but aren’t they awfully early? Have they got to go into one of those incubation things?”

“No, they’re fine – full term. Neil thinks he miscalculated their due date. The oldest weighs 7lb 2oz and the others are only a few ounces less.”

“But you’ve only been married for – “ Peggy began, but then comprehension dawned and she trailed off, looking embarrassed.

“Would you like to see them?” Rix said. Both women nodded and they went upstairs.

“It’s about time we had some boys in the family.” Jo remarked as they entered the nursery. The triplets were asleep and didn’t stir as their aunt and great-aunt cooed over them. “I wonder if you and Mary-Lou will end up with eleven like Jack and I?” she added, grinning.

“I think we’ll be stopping with these three.” Rix said, carefully. He had no intention of discussing Mary-Lou’s hysterectomy. “I’m going to sleep here tonight in case Mary-Lou wants me, but I’ll have to get a change of clothes, oh and some of the babies’ things. I’ll need to go shopping, too, we didn’t get enough clothes for three.”

“I’ll do all that.” Peggy offered, slipping her arm into his. “I’ll have a nap, now I know you’re all right, then this afternoon I’ll get Giles to drive me to Interlaken. Just let me know what you need. Oh look, he’s waking up! Hello, precious, I’m your Auntie Peggy… Oh Rix, look at his beautiful blue eyes.”

Rix picked up his middle son and passed him to Peggy, who cuddled him to her.

“What are you going to call them?” she asked, as the eldest awoke and Jo took charge of him.

Rix hid a grin, “We discussed this and Mary-Lou thought it would be nice if they all had my name. We thought Dad would like it too. What do you think? I suppose it’s like Len, Con and Margot all having Mary as a first name.”

“I see.” Peggy said, doubtfully and Jo stared.

“I mean, it’s all how you shorten it, isn’t it? So we thought Rexie, Richie and Rickie* would be suitable.”

“What? Oh no, you can’t – “ Peggy began, but then he laughed and she did too. “Oh Rix, you idiot! I nearly believed you!”

Jo joined in their laughter. “I suppose you’re both going to be as infuriating as Jack and I were! I called the girls One Two and Three for so long I found myself doing it for ages afterwards! Oh well, I suppose we can wait until you deign to tell us, can’t we, Peg?”


* with acknowledgements to Ally who choose great names!
As did everyone else too - thanks!

Last edited by Mia on Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:25 am; edited 1 time in total

 

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#257:  Author: Robin, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:25 am

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phew! Glad they're all ok.
Am too tired to think of any good names but sure you have it all under control!

thanks mia.

 

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#258:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:42 am

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Phew thank goodness they're all ok. Thank you Mia.

 

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#259:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:44 am

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Thanks Mia - glad I missed most of the ML cliffs there!

Looking forward to finding out the babies' names.

 

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#260:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:46 am

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Thank you Mia! (also looking forward to finding out babies' names!)

 

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#261:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:24 am

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Loved the variations on *Richard*

Thanks, Mia.

 

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#262:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:29 am

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Three weeks later, Mary-Lou was well enough to leave hospital and go back to Freudesheim, however her operation meant she would have to spend at least another month resting. She had complained, as she did not love her bed outside of the usual hours, but Rix had put his foot down with some firmness. He spent most of the day with her, anyway, so she had little to complain about.

He had worried about how she would take the news about having no more children, but she had been accepting. As she pointed out, three sons were a decent-sized family anyway and she had no wish to emulate Joey.

Giles Winterton had been the only one to pass comment about the fact that the Bettanys had only been married six months before the birth of their babies and he had done it so obliquely that Rix had been unable to argue with him over it, although a coolness between the two had started to develop. Peggy chose to ignore it as though it was not happening and devoted a lot of her time to helping her twin with the babies.

“Not Giles.” Rix therefore replied, when his wife asked him about godparents. He had settled down comfortably with her and the babies in her large bedroom, while the rain poured down outside, to discuss naming the babies and their christening, which would take place at the School’s own chapel, St Mary’s.

“Oh no, after all, we hardly know him, do we? At least, I don’t.” Mary-Lou agreed.

“Well, nor do I. He didn’t bother with kids like me and Jackie, although he did tell Jack some things about the Navy once. He sent me a cablegram, by the way, I’ve got it here to show you.”

“Giles sent you a cablegram?”

“No, you idiot, Jackie,” he replied with mock scorn and they laughed together quietly.

“I think he’s too strict with Alan.” Mary-Lou said, once they had sobered. “Do you know, I think the poor kid’s terrified of him. I’ve noticed, too, that he never calls Amy or Jenny by their shorts, it’s always ‘Margaret’ and ‘Jennifer’.”

“Don’t lets discuss him, we’ve got more important things to think about.” Rix dismissed the thought of his brother-in-law and looked down at the baby asleep against his chest. “I thought we could call the eldest James after Uncle Jem and my grandfather – he was very good to me when I was small. What do you think? And I’d like Frank Rayner to be his godfather and Peg godmother.”

“That’s fine with me – I thought you wanted David to be godfather?”

“I’m going to ask him, I’ve already written actually, but I’d prefer Frank to be godfather to the eldest – because of the Quadrant, you know. It’s entailed and well, I don’t think David would be responsible enough to see everything all right if anything happened to Dad or me.”

“Of course. I’d forgotten about the Quadrant.”

“It might change in the future… But anyway, that’s what I’d prefer.”

“Agreed. And you know I’d like to call one after Father. He was Alexander. And I’d like Verity to be godmother and if David agrees, well, I think Alexander David sounds nice, don’t you?”

The baby in question gurgled and they laughed.

“That’s settled then. And we’ll call this one Richard after your father.” Mary-Lou added.

“No, there’s too many Richards in our family – what about Thomas? That’s Dad’s other name and we’ll ask young Geoff to be godfather. It doesn’t matter that he’s RC does it? Can you imagine his face when we ask him?”

“He’s too young, Rix, don’t be silly, he won’t have been confirmed yet.”

“Well, all right, we’ll give the baby his name as a second and I’ll have a think about who we can get to godpa him. Come here, Three, I mean, Thomas Geoffrey, and let me think.”

Last edited by Mia on Mon Aug 22, 2005 11:24 am; edited 1 time in total

 

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#263:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:34 am

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James Frank, Alexander David and Thomas Geoffrey - very good names! Thank you Mia.

 

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#264:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 11:02 am

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James, Alex and Tom - very nice too!

Thank you Mia. Giles is turning out to be rather a prat, isn't he? Whatever did Peggy see in him?

 

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#265:  Author: Robin, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 11:19 am

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giles doesn't sound nice at all - do I spy another possible sequel....?

Great names
thanks Mia

 

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#266:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 12:01 pm

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If David, Peggy and Frank are all Rix's choices, shouldn't Mary-Lou get to choose a godmother for the last boy? My thoughts were on Clem.

 

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#267:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 12:47 pm

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This is looking good, Love the name discussions. Question though, and it is a question - are ML and Rix C of E? Cause I think that in their baptisms the child has 3 godparents - 2 are the same sex and one is the opposite. At least, I think that's what it is. I have several cousins who live down there, I was only at one baptism though - when my Dad was chosen as a Godfather to my youngest cousin Hugh.

 

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#268:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:06 pm

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Thanks Mia - lovely names and I'm glad that Mary-Lou is taking it easy while she recovers

Liz

 

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#269:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:14 pm

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Squirrel wrote:

This is looking good, Love the name discussions. Question though, and it is a question - are ML and Rix C of E? Cause I think that in their baptisms the child has 3 godparents - 2 are the same sex and one is the opposite. At least, I think that's what it is. I have several cousins who live down there, I was only at one baptism though - when my Dad was chosen as a Godfather to my youngest cousin Hugh.

Yes they are C of E. I'll sort out the godparents a bit later - think Jackie Bettany will be another but I need to think about it a bit.

--------
A knock on the door interrupted their musings, however, and Geoff and Phil tiptoed in very quietly, followed by Alan and Jennifer.

“Mamma says do you want Elevenses up here.” Geoff whispered loudly, while the others crowded round the triplets.

“Number one is waking up, Auntie Mary-Lou,” Alan said, solemnly.

“His name’s James, now.” Mary-Lou smiled. “James Francis. And this is Alexander David and Three is Thomas Geoffrey. We called him after you, Geoff, what do you think of that?”

“That’s ace! Can I hold him, please, Mary-Lou? I won’t drop him, I promise.”

“Sit down here, then, very quietly, because he’s still asleep. There you go. What’s that, Phil? Of course you can, here you go, honeypie.”

“I’ll come down, Geoff.” Rix said, answering the original question. “I’ll have to drive to Berne this afternoon to register the babies at the Consulate.”

“Can we come?” Geoff demanded at once, “Please, Rix!”

“You’ll have to ask your mothers, won’t you? Tell them we might go to the zoo if this damned rain ever stops.” Rix grinned at him and took both of the babies from the twins as they jumped up and raced downstairs, followed by Jennifer.

Alan stayed behind, looking miserable.

“What’s wrong with you?” Rix asked.

“I don’t think Father will let me go to Berne.” Alan said, tears starting to fall down his cheeks. “He said I couldn’t have any treats for a week because I’m too naughty at the table and I don’t deserve them.”

Rix exchanged glances with Mary-Lou. Giles had shouted at Alan for dropping his knife on the floor at breakfast time, but that was hardly an offence to be punished in such a harsh way.

“Shall I speak to your Mummy?” he asked, but Alan shook his head.

“No she says just do as your father tells you,” he replied, wiping his eyes on his sleeve.

“Fine. I’ll have a chat with your Dad and explain that I’d like you to come with us.” Rix said, and went downstairs, annoyed.

Last edited by Mia on Tue Aug 23, 2005 10:46 am; edited 1 time in total

 

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#270:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:27 pm

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I feel sorry for Alan with Giles being so harsh with him for such a silly thing.

I'm C of E, and I have three Godparents. Usually, if you're a girl, you have two Godmothers and one Godfather, and if you're a boy, you have two Godfathers and one Godmother. I hope that helps anyone who wanted to know!

 

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#271:  Author: Robin, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:53 pm

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i don't think there's any hard and fast rule about the number of godparents - I have 2 of each and I'm CofE.

poor little Alan - hope Giles lets him go.

thanks mia

 

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#272:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 2:23 pm

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I was baptised catholic and I have three godparents. Though my mum is CofE so that might be why. I had thought everyone who was baptised had 3 godparents.

One thing I don't like about not being religous is that I couldn't be a godparent. When I have children I definetlywant to have some sort of occassion and godparent substitutes for my children.

Thanks Mia.

 

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#273:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 2:24 pm

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Ah, c I'm C of S, and I have a godmother. I suppose I could say that her husband is a godfather, but they were not married until I was about 7 or so.

Thanks Mia, that was lovely. Poor Alan That is awful. Giles. I'm glad that Rix is going to try and sort it out

 

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#274:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:48 pm

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Wonder what on Earth Peggy sees in Giles - and how wet of her to abrogate all responsibility like that.

Thanks Mia.

 

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#275:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:55 pm

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Quote:

Rix exchanged glances with Mary-Lou. Giles had shouted at Alan for dropping his knife on the floor at breakfast time, but that was hardly an offence to be punished in such a harsh way.

Good grief, if I said that my two would never have any treats (they're 5 and 7). Giles was lucky it was only a knife and not a glass of orange squash. How old is poor Alan anyway? pokes Giles.

 

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#276:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 7:41 pm

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Caroline OSullivan wrote:

Quote: Rix exchanged glances with Mary-Lou. Giles had shouted at Alan for dropping his knife on the floor at breakfast time, but that was hardly an offence to be punished in such a harsh way. Good grief, if I said that my two would never have any treats (they're 5 and 7). Giles was lucky it was only a knife and not a glass of orange squash. How old is poor Alan anyway? pokes Giles.

Heck, I would never get to have any treats.

Giles is not very nice.

 

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#277:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 8:01 pm

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Love the names Mia

Giles really is rather nasty, but there isnt very much that Rix or ML can do as it might make things worse for the children *crosses things and hopes*

 

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#278:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 8:17 pm

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Squirrel wrote:

Question though, and it is a question - are ML and Rix C of E? Cause I think that in their baptisms the child has 3 godparents - 2 are the same sex and one is the opposite. At least, I think that's what it is.

I think you'll find it depends entirely on the church. I have five godparents, my SLoC has two, and my friends vary between the 3 and 4 range. It's not universal, and to be honest, it's really up to your parents.


Cheers Mia

 

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#279:  Author: Alex, Location: Hunts, UK Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:39 pm

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I don't like this evil Giles. I always had rather a soft spot for Peggy and Giles and if he's losing his temper like that over nothing it sounds like child abuse.

*Worried*

Incidently, if the due date was that wrong, is Rix sure the babies are his?

 

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#280:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:32 pm

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I'm sorry if I sounded too general about the Godparent rule. It is different for each set of parents. It's just worked out like that in most of my family and my fiance's family. I hope I haven't offended anyone.

 

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#281:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 10:49 am

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Alex wrote:

Incidently, if the due date was that wrong, is Rix sure the babies are his?

That's just what was worrying me - I hope we're not going to have any unpleasant scenes with Gerard when the Bettanys return to England...

I've been offline all weekend so I missed all the cliffs (*breathes sigh of relief*). I hope that now Mary-Lou is recovering and Rix is free of TB Mia's going to start being nice to them and give them a break from all the turmoil and trauma they've had to deal with in recent months!

 

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#282:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 11:05 am

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Ann wrote:

hope Mia's going to start being nice to them

I will try my best


Rix went downstairs to the Saal, expecting to find his sister and her husband in there. Peggy was doing some of the children’s mending and Giles had a newspaper. They were talking but stopped abruptly when he came in.

“I’ve got to go to Berne, so I thought I’d take the kids with me. I thought it would give you a bit of a break if I took Jenny and Alan as well,” he said.

He had expected Giles to say no, but he did say yes, in an autocratic manner that was incredibly annoying. Rix wondered for the thousandth time what Peggy saw in him.

“Why don’t you come with us, Peg?” he asked, impulsively. If he could get her alone, to really talk, to see if anything was wrong…

“Oh no, thank you. I couldn’t. I’ve got a lot to do. Don’t buy them too many sweets.” Peggy smiled, but she looked worried.

Rix didn’t invite Giles and he didn't care how rude it looked.

*

Registering the babies took slightly less time than Rix had anticipated and they were able to have lunch before going to the zoo. All four children were excited and ran around a lot, tiring themselves out nicely for the long drive home.

When they had finally seen every animal in the zoo, they found the gift shop and looked at Rix hopefully.

“Oh, why not?” he said, cheerfully. “You can have one toy each, nothing too expensive though.”

They all went into the shop. Geoff scorned the stuffed toy animals that Phil and Jenny were looking at longingly and headed straight for the games. Alan stayed very close to his uncle, as he had all day.

“I must get the triplets something.” Rix said to him, noticing that he looked miserable again. “What do you think I should get for them?”

“Will Father let me and Jenny have toys?” Alan asked, doubtfully.

“I'm sure he will. What would you like? You can have anything you want. After all, I don’t see you and Jenny every day, do I?”

“No. Can I please have this, Uncle Rix?” Alan, reassured, picked up a stuffed toy monkey.

*

It was sweet to see the children asleep on the back seat of the car, each holding their toy animals, apart from Geoff, who had clamoured for the front seat and was sleeping also, his animal card game next to him. Rix drove back to the Platz, thinking happily of all the trips he would take his own sons on, once they were old enough.

He pulled onto the driveway of Freudesheim and parked, then glanced over at the house. He could see Giles looking out of the window, waiting for them to return.

Last edited by Mia on Tue Aug 23, 2005 11:29 am; edited 2 times in total

 

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#283:  Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 11:09 am

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Awww, poor little Alan. All is definitely not well. I hope Giles isn't angry.

Mary-Lou split up with Gerard more than 3 months before her and Rix were married....didn't she??

Thanks Mia, looking forward to more, as always!

 

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#284:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 11:41 am

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I hope Gerard isn't the triplets' father. I'm glad Giles let Alan go on the trip and it was nice to see them all in the gift shop and on the way home.

 

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#285:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 12:46 pm

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Thank you Mia

Can't help wibbling a little as to what Giles is going to do/say next though

Liz

 

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#286:  Author: Robin, Location: London Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 12:59 pm

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LizB wrote:

Thank you Mia Can't help wibbling a little as to what Giles is going to do/say next though Liz

wot Liz said!

 

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#287:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 1:06 pm

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Thirds that! He is not a nice man. Glad they all had a lovely trip though, lovely Rix. Thank you Mia.

 

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#288:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 1:46 pm

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Wot Liz, Robin and Nell said!

x

 

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#289:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 3:04 pm

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“Is there something wrong?” Rix asked, irritably, as Giles met them at the front door.

“No, of course not.” Giles replied, though he did look rather bothered. “There’s a telegram for you from London. What have you got there, Alan?”

“It’s a monkey.” Alan replied, quietly. “We saw lots of them at the zoo. They live in Africa.”

“Look at my game!” Geoff shouted, practically pushing it into Giles’ face.

“Ah, yes, erm, very good.” Giles didn’t seem to know how to talk to children, despite being a father of three. “I hope you said thank you, Alan and Jennifer?”

Alan nodded and followed Geoff upstairs, looking relieved that his father hadn’t taken the toy from him. Rix took his telegram from Giles, wondering why he hadn’t simply left it on the hall shelf as usual. He opened it and quickly scanned the contents.

“Not bad news I hope.” Giles remarked.

“No, just a friend of mine letting me know he’ll be at the christening next week.” The telegram had more news in it but that was no concern of Giles Winterton’s, Rix decided.

“Ah yes, the christening.” Giles seemed preoccupied.

“Did you want to talk to me, Giles? If not, I’ll just run upstairs and see my wife.” Rix took the stairs two at a time, leaving Giles downstairs. Later he was to regret not taking the time to find out what was wrong with him.

 

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#290:  Author: Robin, Location: London Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 3:09 pm

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ummm, I think you forgot to finish that post, Mia...

 

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#291:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 3:19 pm

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Very intrigued about Giles now.

Thanks Mia.

 

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#292:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 3:36 pm

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Oh dear, this looks complex. I hope that things dont go too badly awry. Thanks Mia

 

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#293:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 3:58 pm

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Jo and Peggy were in the linen room with the door partially closed. As Rix headed towards Mary-Lou’s room, he could half-hear them talking,

“…awfully short time before they were born. I wouldn’t have wanted that for him. After all, there’s always going to be that element of doubt, isn’t there?” Peggy was saying.

“Of course not!” Jo sounded crushing. “There’s no doubt whatsoever. Anyone who looks at the babies can tell that he’s…”

He didn’t stop to listen however, and went directly to Mary-Lou’s room with his presents for the triplets.

She was out of bed and walking between the cots. She jumped when he came in.

“Hey, who said you could get up?” he said, putting his arms around her.

“I did! And what’s more, I’m coming down tomorrow. I’m perfectly fit now – the christening’s next week! I’ve been trying to decide what to wear.”

“I don’t care what you wear,” he said, kissing her.

“Good, because I can’t fit into anything,” she replied, mournfully, but giggled when he picked her up and carried her back to the bed. “Don’t, Rix! Neil said we had to wait another two weeks until...”

“Did you ask him?” Rix said, pretending to be shocked, then laughing at her expression. “I got you a present from Berne, close your eyes,” he changed the subject, removing something from his pocket.

“From the zoo gift shop? The kids already showed me what you bought them,” she replied, closing her eyes.

“I did think about it, but then I realised that having triplets calls for something a bit more special. If you don’t like it, I can change it.”

It was a bracelet, silver twisted around sapphires and diamonds in intricate knots. He fastened it on her wrist.

She was startled, “Oh, Rix! It’s so beautiful – thank you.”

“You’re welcome. They told me it should be sapphires for boys, so… I’m glad you like it.”

“I do, I love it…”

James roused and started to whimper at that moment, so Rix went over and picked him up.

“Come and see what I got for you, James… Look, it’s a tiger.”

“It’s almost as big as he is.” Mary-Lou said, laughing at the baby’s expression of confusion.

He stayed with her and the babies for the rest of the evening, which was very pleasant and forgot about the telegram from Rayner, saying that he was leaving St Thomas' Hospital, until the next morning.

 

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#294:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 4:21 pm

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Awww how lovely to see the Rix and ML having such a nice time together. Not so sure about Peggy though, thank goodness Jo squashed her. Thanks Mia

 

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#295:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 4:58 pm

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Lots of undercurrents here, Mia - could be trouble.....

 

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#296:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 5:02 pm

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Awwww - luffly

Thanks Mia

*resolutely ignoring undercurrents*

Liz

 

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#297:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 7:12 pm

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*Getting pulled under by the undercurrents*

Thanks Mia - as intriguing as ever.

 

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#298:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 8:05 pm

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Lesley wrote:

*Getting pulled under by the undercurrents*

Very glad I went Kayaking recently-I can't swim well enough to cope with undercurrnets!
But are they better or worse than cliffs?
Thanks Mia

 

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#299:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 9:00 pm

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I liked the bracelet that Rix gave Mary-Lou. I wonder why Rayner has decided to leave the hospital?

 

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#300:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 3:09 am

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Peggy should just mind her own business and put her own house in order. After all, whose children are terrified of their father?

Thanks Mia.

 

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