Red Sky at Sunset - Part II
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#401:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 9:51 pm

Thanks for setting me straight, Lesley. I hope when he does tell her *everything* she will not be too upset.

Thanks, Mia.

 

#402:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 1:41 am

Good luck to both of them... and I do like Aunt Alice![/i]

 

#403:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 3:30 pm

Alice studied his face; he was uncharacteristically nervous. “I got this,” he said, taking a small box from his pocket and passing it to her. “I-I wasn’t sure… Do you think she’ll like it?”

“It’s beautiful,” she replied, studying the flawless diamond and recollecting him sat in the same chair years ago, dressed in Naval uniform and showing her another ring. She reached out for his hand and silently hoped that Con would say yes and that her family would be pleased for her.

They heard Con coming downstairs, so she passed it back to him with a quick smile and he put it away.

*

The weekend passed pleasantly, but too quickly, and on the Sunday morning Con awoke early. It was a beautiful day and promised to be warm; her heart sank a little despite the glorious view from her window. She had half-hoped their walk along the shore might have to be postponed so she wouldn’t have to tell him about her affair and miscarriage. She wondered what he would say, if it would change things. The only things that she knew for certain was that she loved him and he deserved her honesty.

 

#404:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 4:01 pm

Hmmmm, so they've both got secrets - that might make it easier.

Thanks Mia.

 

#405:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 4:05 pm

As long as he doesn't do an Angel Clare on her.

 

#406:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 4:57 pm

Ooh. *sits down to wait patiently for some more*
Why do I just suspect this isn't going to go to plan?

 

#407:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 8:01 pm

David screeched to a halt outside Carn Beg in his new car. He had been to visit his fourteen-year old brothers at Winchester and it had been satisfying to see their admiration.

“It’s fantastic,” Kester had said, almost reverentially. “Are you going to take us out in it?”

“We won’t both fit in,” Kevin said, disappointed.

“’Course you will, you can squeeze in there easily. How are things, anyway? You know Mother and Dad are coming home soon, don’t you?”

“Good, thanks - Mum wrote to us,” Kevin said, while Kester pulled a face. “Dad’s going to be furious about my Maths. I just can’t see what I’m doing.”

“Oh, never mind that, it’s your free afternoon, isn’t it? Come on, get in and we’ll go to the flicks or something.” As David slammed the car door shut after them, he realised that he felt exactly the same as his much younger brother about their parents’ return and had felt discomforted. The feeling had lasted all through the film and high tea afterwards.

Now at Carn Beg, he saw that Giles’ car was gone and he wondered if Peggy was there alone, he hoped so. It was difficult to make conversation with Giles, who was ridiculously uncommunicative sometimes.

There was no answer to his knock, so he found the spare key and let himself in, the Wintertons wouldn’t mind and neither would Mary-Lou.

The downstairs rooms were empty, but from upstairs he could hear the radio playing a Beethoven symphony. With a feeling of unease he climbed the stairs quickly, pushing open the door of the master bedroom, which was ajar.

No sign of Peggy, but the bed was unmade. It was strange. He moved closer and noticed that a vase of flowers had fallen over on the bedside table; the water was still dripping down onto the floor.

David switched off the radio.

The sheets were wet; three flowers were on the bed, the rest presumably on the floor on the other side of the bed. David stepped forward to see and found Peggy, lying on the floor, unconscious.

 

#408:  Author: ali, Location: medway, kent PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 8:13 pm

Quick David, do something. Hope it isn't the end yet for Peggy, she needs more time with her family.

 

#409:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 8:15 pm

Thanks, Mia. I hope Frank will accept Con's affair and miscarriage. I really hope the time hasn't come for Peggy.

 

#410:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 8:45 pm

Nooo! Where's her miracle cure?!

Kathryn

 

#411:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 9:10 pm

What? No! No! No!

Bad Mia!

David - you're a doctor, do something!

 

#412:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 9:10 pm

Oh no! Thank God David was there, even if he is a complete dipstick.

Thanks Mia - I think. Crying or Very sad

 

#413:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 9:38 pm

Oh Mia! You knew we wanted to see Con and Frank get engaged....

Please let David redeem himself by doing something useful to help Peggy.

Thanks for the update - so glad you decided to carry on with this drabble. Very Happy

 

#414:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 10:14 pm

Meep, poor Peggy, please don't let it be just yet Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

Hurrah for Con and Frank, they seem so happy, but please let them share their secrets as uncomplicatedly as possible Wink

And thank you for continuing, I love this story and I really dont want it to end. Thank you Mia

 

#415:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 10:41 pm

Oh help!!!

 

#416:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 11:58 pm

*wibbles*

Oh no! Mia! Please don't let her die just yet

*hides*

 

#417:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:02 am

Oooooh.
More drabble.
Looking forward to seeing how this develops.
Nice cliff by the way.

ETA: Hang on a second. When I started writing this post there was more drabble. Now where is it? Now it's come back. *confused*

Last edited by Rosy on Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:07 am; edited 2 times in total

 

#418:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:05 am

They walked quite a long way, hand in hand. The beach was quite busy but eventually they reached a secluded spot and sat down. Con poured coffee from a flask.

“There’s –” she began at the same time as he said her name.

“After you,” he said, taking her hand in his.

“No, please, you first,” she insisted, feeling cold inside. She would give anything not to have to say the words but she knew she had to.

He sighed and looked away, at the sea.

“I was only nineteen when I got married. My father was furious. He said I was too young to know what I was doing. He was right, I suppose, but we didn’t have a lot of choice, she was pregnant.”

“That’s all right, I love you, and it’s in the past. It doesn’t matter.” Con said at once. Her heart felt heavy. His secrets were so much less than hers.

“I love you, too,” he said, squeezing her hand and turning to face her. His eyelashes were damp. “I told you that Elizabeth and I didn’t have any money, we argued a lot, but when Michael was born it was better.”

“Why was your father like that?” Con asked, interested in spite of herself.

“I just thought he was being unreasonable. It was only as I got older that I realised he just wanted the best for me; having a wife and a baby wasn’t in his plans for me. When he died I was going through his things and I must have found about twenty letters he’d tried to write to me apologising but never posted. And of course, he missed my mother a lot, she died when I was fifteen, in the Blitz. Anyway, Elizabeth and I were happy until Michael was killed.”

“What happened to the driver? You said he didn’t stop.”

“Six months in prison for dangerous driving, but it wasn’t his fault. What could he do, if Michael dived in front of the car? I’ve been thinking about it a lot recently. I didn’t blame Elizabeth, I blamed myself for not being there.”

“Oh, Francis, I’m glad you told me this, there’s something I need to tell you…”

Rayner interrupted her.

“Elizabeth met another man, she told me she wanted to leave. I told her to go. She said that all we’d had together was Michael, and when he had gone there was nothing worth staying for.” Rayner let go of Con’s hand.

Last edited by Mia on Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:21 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#419:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:09 am

Sorry Rosy, I am completely useless! Rolling Eyes Laughing But here's some more



October 1952

“I didn’t mean for it to happen, Frankie. You won’t talk to me. There’s nothing left. You know there isn’t,” her grief made words sound harsh.

“Please… I don’t want you to go. I love you, you must know that.”

“I don’t want to stay. It’s the best thing – we’re destroying each other.”
“What’s his name?” he cut across her, looking at her for the first time that evening.

“It doesn’t matter.”

“I want to know,” he insisted, but then he seemed to crumple, “Libby… Don’t go, please.”

“Goodbye,” she knew she sounded brusque but if she said anything more she knew she would cry and then he would cry and she just couldn’t bear it anymore. He deserved someone better.

“You can’t come back,” he said, losing his self-control. “If you go, don’t bother coming back here. I wish you’d died instead of Michael!”

“I know you do. So do I,” she said, slamming the door behind her.

 

#420:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 2:12 am

and some more! Norty spree cos I can't sleep Sad

It was ridiculously late, she thought as she hurried to her lover’s digs. She felt calm, absurdly so. This was the best decision she could have made, it would finally free them both. It was very cold and raining and she shivered in her thin coat, regretting her decision to leave her good coat as his money had paid for it. She had carefully left her engagement and wedding rings by the bed they hadn’t shared since Michael’s death.

It seemed longer than she remembered, but eventually she reached the huge house where he lwas staying temporarily. She had met him in the street, he had wished her good morning and she had stopped and talked to him. She had never done anything like that before, but now she was glad she had, it had been the right thing to do. The start of a whole new life. She knew very little about him, but it would be good for them to get to know each other better.

She rang his doorbell. It took a while for him to answer it, but he did eventually and stared at her in disbelief.

“What are you doing here?” he asked and it took a moment or two for Elizabeth to register his anger.

 

#421:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 4:27 am

Hmmm, was that Giles I wonder?

Thank you Mia.

 

#422:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 8:40 am

Oh poor Frank and Elisabeth.....don't like where this is heading. Crying or Very sad

And what about Peggy? Crying or Very sad

Thank you, Mia.

 

#423:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 8:55 am

Oh Mia, you've got me worried now. Who was the other man, and what happened? I really want Con to be happy! & I trust that David is saving Peggy whilst this is going on?!

 

#424:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 9:57 am

I'm wondering if it's Giles, too.

Hope Con can tell Frank and that he still proposes...

And I think you're forgetting about Peggy?


Thanks Mia!

 

#425:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 10:01 am

David thanked God for his fast car and for the lack of traffic on the quiet Welsh roads. He screeched around the final corner and slammed on his brakes, skidding slightly into the ambulance bay of the San. Next to him, Peggy moaned. The next second he was lifting her gently out of the car, calling for assistance.

*

Giles was surprised to see the door of Carn Beg ajar. He pushed in cautiously open. The children were coming up the path behind him, Alan wore a scowl and the girls were very quiet. The trip to Armiford to attend church and visit the market had not gone well.

“Peg?” Giles went upstairs, at once. He saw the flowers on the floor, the broken vase and then noticed the note on the bed, an untidy scrawl from a shaking hand; ‘COME TO SAN AT ONCE, DAVID’

 

#426:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 10:04 am

Oh poor Giles!

Hope Con & Frank are getting on OK.

Thanks Mia.

 

#427:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 10:20 am

Two cliffs! Please don't leave us dangling for long Mia!

 

#428:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 10:55 am

“David? It’s the middle of the night… Is something wrong?”

“Dad, it’s Peggy. She’s at the San. Can – can you come home earlier?”

Jem Russell understood what his son was trying to say. “I’ll phone the airline. Have you let Dick and Mollie know?”

“I’ve phoned them all,” David said, shortly. He had had some very difficult conversations. “I’ll phone the Maynards now.”

“No, Davy, I’ll phone them. You go back to Peggy. Is Rix in London?”

“He’s on his way, with Maeve. I had to leave a note for Giles, but I’ve got someone ringing Carn Beg.” David looked up and saw Giles coming towards him with the children. He said goodbye and hung up, and went to meet them.

“Where is she? What happened?” Giles demanded, a note of panic in his voice.

“She had a sort of haemorrhage, similar to a stroke, OK? Same effects, temporary paralysis, loss of speech, some loss of understanding. She’s conscious now, which is good. I’ll take you to her.” David wondered where his calm, measured tones were coming from.

“Is she – is it time…”

“No, come on. I’ll explain on the way. What’s that, Alan? Yes, you can come with us.” David scooped up little Amy and led the way to the private room that Peggy had been taken to.

“She might not know you,” he said to Giles carefully, “Don’t try and force her to remember anything. She’s confused… I’ve phoned her parents, Maurice is driving them here, and Rix is on his way.”

Giles paused outside the room. “Is she dying? Is that why they’re coming?”

“No, no. Of course not, but I can’t lie to you, it might happen again at anytime. You have to be prepared for it. She hasn’t got a lot of strength. But it’s not her time yet.”

“I-I… Thank you,” Giles said, before he opened the door and went to his wife.

David caught Alan just before he could follow and knelt down to speak to him, “Look, Alan, you can go in there in just a few minutes. Jennie, come here, darling. Mummy’s very sick, she needs to sleep and rest so she can be well again.”

Alan was crying, “I want to tell her I don’t hate her.”

“Alan, she knows. Listen to me and stop crying like that, both of you! She doesn’t want that, she wants you to go in there and tell her all about your day, all right? You can hold her hand, but be careful of the tubes and wires. They’re scary, I know, but they’re only there to make her better. I’ll take Amy to the Ward Sister for now.”

He saw them in, noticing with relief that Giles immediately put his arms around them both.

 

#429:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 11:04 am

Thanks for updating so soon Mia and it's nice to see Giles being friendly towards Alan and Jenny. Please don't let Peggy die soon.

 

#430:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 11:14 am

Thanks, Mia. I'm sorry Peggy has had a stroke. I feel so sorry for the rest of the family. Crying or Very sad I think David handled the children well.

I'm worried now how Frank is going to react about Con's affair after what he has told her about Elizabeth.

 

#431:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 11:25 am

Glad Giles and David both seem to be handling a very sad situation as well as can be expected. Thanks Mia.

 

#432:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 11:34 am

Sad Poor Giles. And well done David. He's handling it all very well. REALLY hope Con's going to say yes!

Thanks Mia

 

#433:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:22 pm

I think David has redeemed himself there, he was a wally before that.

Thanks, Mia.

 

#434:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 1:16 pm

Oh dear, not good news at all. Poor Peggy and everyone else. Crying or Very sad

I do hope they can all support each other.

Thanks, Mia.

 

#435:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 1:50 pm

Elizabeth stepped forward, trying to smile, “Can’t I come in?”

“All right,” he stepped back to let her through, frowning at her suitcase.

His bedsit was cramped and small, she knew he was often away and that he only used it when he couldn’t travel down to his family’s home. She didn’t know where they lived. They didn’t discuss family matters. He offered her a cigarette and a drink. She refused the cigarette but took the brandy and gulped it down.

“Look, I have to get up early tomorrow. Is this important?” he sounded impatient.

“I’ve left him. I thought I could stay with you. I’ll get a divorce, Francis won’t contest it.”

“No – I can’t believe you’ve come here, Elizabeth, I told you I didn’t want anything serious! I can’t marry you.”

“You don’t have to marry me,” she begged, “We don’t need that, do we?”

He pulled away from her. “This is ridiculous. I suppose he found out about us? Is this why you’re here? Did he throw you out?”

“No. He wanted me to stay.”

“Then go back to him.”

“I-I can’t. He told me not to come back.”

“I never promised you anything,” Giles Winterton said, coldly.

*

She walked home in the pouring rain, crying until she almost couldn’t breathe. He had given her money for a taxi, but she had refused to take it. She hesitated outside their front door. The house was in darkness. She sat on the front step, hugging herself for warmth, looking out at the road, running the moment that Michael had died over and over again in her mind.

 

#436:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 2:10 pm

Ooh, it was Giles! Getting very worried now. Thanks Mia - I don't know how you write this so quickly but I'm very glad you do!

 

#437:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 2:26 pm

I dread to think what she is going to do next.....my mind refuses to go there and is hoping I'm wrong. Crying or Very sad

 

#438:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 2:46 pm

This is turning into such a tragedy Sad Sad Sad I only hope that everyone can find some peace at the end although I fear that there'll probably be a few more twists and turns before we get there. Thanks for this Mia, it's really compelling.

*going to watch Diagnosis Murder to cheer herself up*

Kathryn

 

#439:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 4:12 pm

*wibbles on all fronts*


Mia PLEASE let things somehow be okay!

 

#440:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 4:39 pm

Oooh.
It's all falling into play.
But this is all RATHER unhappy.
Could the bunny give us some good news?

 

#441:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 8:33 pm

Another can of worms, Mia. I knew Giles had something to do with it. So, where's the next bit? Pleeeeeeeeease.

 

#442:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 8:49 pm

Thanks, Mia. Is this before Giles met Peggy? I'm sorry Giles turned Elizabeth down.

 

#443:  Author: Lucy, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 9:07 pm

Oh Mia - please update soon, I'm wibbling about everything.

 

#444:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 9:47 pm

Agree with the others - David has redeemed himself there - despite everything else Dave you are a Doctor.

As for Elizabeth and Giles - tragic, and I have a terribkle feeling it's going to get worse...

Thanks for all your hard work Mia.

 

#445:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 10:59 pm

Yes, David at his best here - especially with the children. Elizabeth and Giles...oh dear, oh no.
Help!

Ah, yes, thank you Mia! Very Happy

 

#446:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 11:00 pm

Lovely to see (hear?) Jem calling David, Davy. After David and the twins worrying about their relationships with their parents.

 

#447:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 11:19 pm

“Giles Winterton?” Con repeated, shocked. He nodded; his eyes were dark with anger and grief.

“She thought it was something more than it was, that’s all. It was a shock when I saw him at your father’s house, I hadn’t realised he was married to your cousin. You won’t mention it, will you? I can’t blame him. She was projecting all of her hopes onto him, looking for some way of escape, I think.”

Con shook her head, “Of course not.”

“I’ll always regret what I said to her when she left. I didn’t think that, I don’t know why I said it.”

“Of course, she knew you didn’t mean it, or she wouldn’t have come back, would she? She must have known she’d made a mistake. She did come back to you, didn’t she? You said she sat on the doorstep.”

He got to his feet. “Yes, she came back. I found her the next morning on the doorstep.”

“She sat out there all night?”

“She caught a chill. She wasn’t very strong. It developed into pneumonia and she just faded away in the end. That’s it. I know a lot of people we knew, and my colleagues, thought she’d committed suicide, but she didn’t. I just wanted to tell you everything because I love you and I don’t want you to think I’ve kept anything from you.”

“I know you haven’t,” said Con, looking up at him. A tear fell down the side of her face. “I love you too.”

“Don’t cry over it, darling, it’s in the past, as you said.” he gently wiped her face. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

“It’s not – I’ve got something to tell you too. You won’t want me when you hear,” she said, confusedly. “I’ve done some terrible things.”

He kissed her and fumbled in his pocket, “My darling, I’d want you no matter what – I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone. Will you marry me, Con?” he produced the ring and knelt down next to where she was sitting, waiting for her answer.

 

#448:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 11:23 pm

So glad Elizabeth died of natural causes. - Know that sounds weird but you kow what I mean!

 

#449:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 9:00 am

I know what you mean, Lesley - I'm glad it was natural causes. Con, I think you'd better tell him about you and Laurie, but please say yes! 'm sure nothing will change Frank's mind. Please let them get married, Mia!


P.S. Hope you are feeling better today, Mia.

 

#450:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 10:30 am

I too was fearing the worst where Elizabeth was concerned.

Now what will Con do, after production of the ring? Keep quiet?

Thanks, Mia.

 

#451:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 10:38 am

“Will she be all right?” Maeve asked Rix as they finally reached the San, very early on Monday morning. The Brentfords’ driver had driven through the night while Maeve slept in the back of the car, next to her brother who hadn’t slept at all.

“I’m sorry, that’s a stupid question,” she continued, slipping her arm into his. “I-I just…”

“I don’t know. I can only tell you after I’ve seen her. It must be serious if David phoned the Quadrant. There’s Dad’s car.”

David met them at the door, he had obviously been looking out for them. He looked tired.

“She’s better than she was,” he said, at once. “She seems to know who most people are. She’s finding it hard to communicate though. She’s asleep now. You can go and see her if you like.”

“You go first,” Maeve said, as they turned the corner. Giles was sat with Dick, Mollie and Maurice in a nearby sitting room. David explained that Daphne and Peggy’s children had been sent to get some sleep.

David went with Rix to the private ward, answering his questions with some difficulty, as neurology was not his field.

“I was stupid not to think this might happen,” Rix said, leafing through the charts and x-rays with difficulty as his vision was blurred by unshed tears. “Thank God you were there.”

“She was asking for you. I think you should be with her when she wakes up. She might have lost some of her memory,” David said, steering Rix to the chair beside the bed and gently removing the file from his hands. “I’ll make tea,” and he left the twins alone.

 

#452:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 10:45 am

Hope she does recognise him.
And that Con says yes! Although I know she'll want to be truthful with him first too...

thanks Mia!

 

#453:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 11:08 am

Poor Peggy: this is so sad.

 

#454:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 11:09 am

*makes slightly odd noises as she averts the cliff*

MIA!

Come back here right now, and post some more. You wouldn't leave it like that?

 

#455:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 11:29 am

Thanks, Mia. I hope Con is honest with Frank and she accepts his proposal. I hope the Bettany and Winterton family can get through this time by supporting each other.

 

#456:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 12:15 pm

I hope this isn't too cringe-makingly awful...



She didn’t say anything for a few minutes, but then she sighed and looked him in the eye.

“I’ve done some things that I’m ashamed of,” she said, determinedly. “You say you’d want me regardless, but I’m sure you won’t when you hear what they are. Please let me tell you, it’s only fair.”

“Of course,” he said, sitting back down next to her.

“I-I do regret what I’ve done.” Now she had his attention she found it hard to begin. “I graduated and went back to Switzerland. I wrote my novel and ran errands for Dad. They gave me an allowance. My sister got married as soon as we graduated and she had a baby almost straight away. I’m forgetting, you met her at the christening.”

He nodded, and she continued,

“It was as if the last three years hadn’t happened. I was writing during the day instead of being at lessons. That was the only difference. It was different for Len, she had a husband and her own house. I was bored and lonely, but there was nobody to talk to. I was in the San one day and I was speaking to one of the doctors, he’d known me since I was nine or so and I’d always liked him, a schoolgirl crush I suppose. He’s married, to a sort of cousin, she’s the Russell’s cousin really, but she lived with us when we were small. I didn’t care. I did all the chasing. I got pregnant.”

“What did he say?”

“I didn’t tell him. I just couldn’t face seeing him. I didn’t know what to do. I started to cash the cheques Dad gave me to bank for him into my own account, I had access to the account books and I made up a drug – Dad was trying all kinds of new drugs on the patients at the time so it was easy – and I stole thousands and thousands of pounds. At first it was so I could leave the Platz and go somewhere else and have the baby and then give it up for adoption. Then I thought Laurie might come with me if I told him. Rix found out about the money, he thought it was Laurie taking it, so I had to tell him – Rix, I mean. He was nice to me, I wanted him to get rid of the baby, but in the end I miscarried. Nobody knows apart from me, Rix and Laurie. Mamma and Papa,” Con reverted to the baby names in her nervousness, “Were away, Dad was ill. They don’t know. I don’t know what Rix said about the money, but I gave it back to him and he covered it all up.” Con started to sob, “And I did want my baby, when I didn’t have her anymore. But now I don’t know if I can have any more children and I’m a thief, and I slept with a married man, and…”

“I’m sorry about the baby,” he said, passing her his handkerchief and holding her close. “I’m sure you’ll be able to have more children, I hope they’ll be with me, because absolutely nothing that you’ve told me has changed my mind and I love you and I want you to be my wife. Please say yes.”

“I-I. Yes,” she managed, finally. He kissed her.

“Are you sure?” he asked. “If you need more time to think about it, that’s fine. I know I’m a lot older, and you could find someone nearer your age…”

“I’m sure,” she smiled and blew her nose and the last of his insecurities faded away as he kissed her again.

 

#457:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 12:30 pm

Not cringe-making in the slightest, Mia - but I do feel a bit sniffly now ... poor Con. I'm glad that he was so understanding and hope that Con will be able to put her problems behind her, and that they'll have a lovely wedding and then have lots of children. It's just so sad that, when she's so happy, she's going to have to hear the news about Peggy...

I really need to do some work - I've written 3 pages of drabble this morning and the boss is under the mistaken impression that I'm doing typing something to do with work ...


Thanks Mia.

 

#458:  Author: Katie, Location: A Yorkshire lass in London PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 12:54 pm

No cringeing here, Mia. That was lovely and I hope they'll be very happy. Now we just need a miracle cure for Peggy...

 

#459:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 12:57 pm

May I hug them all please Mia? I think there is much need of it!

 

#460:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 12:58 pm

Hurrah, that was lovely. I'm so glad they both shared their secrets. I can't wait for Frank to have his chat with Jack though Very Happy Thanks Mia

 

#461:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 1:33 pm

Con and Raynor have sorted everything out so please let Peggy have a miracle cure...

 

#462:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 2:26 pm

not at all cringe-making, rather lovely in fact. *sighs*

thanks Mia!

 

#463:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 7:39 pm

I'm glad Con and Frank both managed to get their stories out and that they still loved each other *sniffles into handkerchief a bit* I'm also rather glad that Giles wasn't a complete b*****d as I was rather worried he might have been and was in fact merely unthinking.

*hugs Rix and Peggy and the rest of them very tightly*

 

#464:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 8:44 pm

Thanks Mia, some very poignant scenes. Crying or Very sad

 

#465:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 11:02 pm

So glad Frank can accept Con for who she is and not what she's done in the past.

 

#466:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 11:04 pm

Thank you Mia

Crying or Very sad

I do hope Peggy will be okay. But yay for Con and Frank Very Happy

 

#467:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 11:25 pm

Thanks, Mia. I'm really pleased that Con accepted Frank's proposal and he didn't dump her after finding out about everything that had happened in Switzerland. Smile

 

#468:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 5:56 am

Whew, the last (mumble too many) pages have been an emotional roller coaster. I'm glad all the relationships seem to be working toward happy ever after.

Now What About Peggy?

Not bored at all. Noooo Way!

 

#469:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:08 pm

How poignant. Good that Con and Frank have sorted everything out and that Giles isn't the horror that he could have been and that Elizabeth did not kill herself.

 

#470:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 11:22 am

Good, Con and Rayner are going to get married, but please let there be happy ending for Peggy, a cure.

 

#471:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 1:03 pm

“Peg,” Rix said, as eventually his sister stirred and opened her eyes. She said his name and something else, but her speech was slurred and it came out incomprehensibly.

“It’s all right,” he said, calmly. “I know it’s frightening, but it’s going to take time for you to be able to speak again. Here, squeeze my hand if you understand me, OK?” He took hold of her right hand which was least affected by her stroke-like symptoms. She did as she was told.

“Good girl. You – you know who I am, don’t you?”

She squeezed his hand again, and nodded. She looked exhausted but she managed to say his name.

“David found you at Carn Beg and brought you here. You’ve had a little turn, it’s not much and I’ll help you as much as I can. Now, let me go and get Giles.”

She forestalled him by digging her nails into his hand and eventually managed to make him understand that she wanted to write something down. To stop her becoming agitated, he complied and produced paper and a pencil, but as he had thought, she could only scrawl meaningless symbols. She gave a frustrated half-sob and he caught at her hand again.

“I told you, it takes time. Please don’t worry. You’re getting the best of care, David’s making sure of that and now I’m here, I can help you as much as I can.” He took the paper from her bed and put it to one side. “Please give it time.”

“Haven’t – got – time,” Peggy managed to get out and he managed to understand her. “Giles –”

“I’ll get him for you,” Rix said, letting go of her hand.

 

#472:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 1:06 pm

Oh POOR Peggy!!!

*pleads with Mia for a miracle!*

 

#473:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 1:08 pm

Mia, where's the miracle? We want it now.

 

#474:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 1:36 pm

I don't think there is going to be a miracle I'm afraid... Confused

the funeral scene is written already Crying or Very sad

 

#475:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 1:55 pm

Crying or Very sad

Poor poor Peggy - she knows she hasnt got long left

 

#476:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 1:56 pm

Mia wrote:
I don't think there is going to be a miracle I'm afraid... Confused

the funeral scene is written already Crying or Very sad


Crying or Very sad Oh dear. I had better make sure that I have several clean hankies ready. Crying or Very sad

 

#477:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 3:45 pm

Thanks, Mia. I'm sorry that Peggy is finding it so difficult to do everything. I hope Rix can find Giles quickly.

 

#478:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 4:30 pm

Hurrah for Con and Raynor! But so sad for Peggy and all those who love her. Sad

thanks Mia.

 

#479:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 7:04 pm

Alison H wrote:
Mia wrote:
I don't think there is going to be a miracle I'm afraid... Confused

the funeral scene is written already Crying or Very sad


Crying or Very sad Oh dear. I had better make sure that I have several clean hankies ready. Crying or Very sad


You mean you still have some dry ones left?

Thanks Mia - just caught up with this and it's wonderful Kiss

Liz

 

#480:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 7:23 pm

I've just caught up with several posts, Mia, and am delighted about Con and Frank but oh, poor Peggy..... Crying or Very sad

 

#481:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 10:18 pm

There's never enough time is there?.... Crying or Very sad

Thanks Mia.

 

#482:  Author: Lucy, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 7:32 pm

Just caught up with loads of this Mia

So glad Frank and Con could discuss their pasts and find happiness together.

Poor Peggy and Rix, and Giles, and everyone else involved - this is so sad.

Thanks for the updates

 

#483:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 8:25 pm

Francis Rayner drove his new fiancée and Mary-Lou, Geoff and the triplets to Carn Beg. He and Con had stopped at Mary-Lou’s flat to tell the Bettanys about their engagement and found Mary-Lou very upset. After she had told them about the situation in Howells, they had decided to stay the night and leave for the Welsh border the next morning. Mary-Lou was anxious to be with her husband.

“Is Peggy going to be all right?” Geoff asked his sister.

“I’m not sure. You know she’s very ill, don’t you. I’ll phone Mamma from Carn Beg and let them know.”

“David’s already done that,” Mary-Lou said from the front passenger seat. “They’re making arrangements to fly over, so are Jem and Madge, or so David said.”

Con glanced at her diamond ring. Even though she wished that her parents did not have such an awful reason to fly back to England, she was glad they could meet her fiancé properly.

 

#484:  Author: tiffinata, Location: melbourne, australia PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 8:37 pm

Call me strange, but do I get the feeling that due to Frank's paper coming out that the meeting between him and Jack will not be particularly good?

 

#485:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 10:37 pm

Oh dear, not the best of circumstances for Jack and Joey to be meeting Frank under. Hope they will all get on OK. &, if there isn't going to be a miracle cure, hope that everyone gets there in time. Thanks Mia.

 

#486:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 11:03 pm

This is so poignant Mia.
Thanks!

 

#487:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:44 am

Thanks Mia

Glad Con is happy and I hope the meeting of Frank, Jack & Joey does not spoil that for her.

*wibbling about Peggy*

Liz

 

#488:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 10:30 am

Hmmmm - hope Joey and Jack don't have any issues with Raynor, especially over that article!

Thanks Mia.

 

#489:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 1:34 pm

I think that they will have issues with Frank's papers, but I hope they're mature enough to realise that Con is old enough to marry whomever she pleases.

 

#490:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 1:42 pm

Thanks, Mia. I also hope that everyone will get there in time.

 

#491:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 6:06 pm

“Are you all right?” Mary-Lou asked him as they were reunited on the driveway of the San.

“Fine,” he said, briefly, taking hold of Alexander’s travel carrycot. The baby was crying, so he lifted him out, trying to soothe him.

“Is Peggy –”

“She’s asleep. Giles is with her. Look, can we go to Carn Beg? I don’t think this is a good place for crying babies.”

“I’m sorry,” Mary-Lou said at once, and he looked at her, still feeling dazed.

“No, I’m sorry… I haven’t had much sleep. It’s good to see you,” he kissed her and greeted the others.

Alex quietened, as if he could sense there was something terribly wrong.

“I’ll take Geoff inside,” Con said, taking her little brother by his grubby hand. Geoff allowed himself to be taken away.

“I’ll drive you to your house, come on,” Frank Rayner said, finally.

“Doesn’t Peggy want you, though?” Mary-Lou asked, taking her husband’s hand and manoeuvring him into the car. He followed her as if he were sleepwalking. She took Alex away gently and fastened him into his cot.

“She – no, she asked for Giles,” he replied, quietly and Mary-Lou wished she hadn’t asked.

 

#492:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 6:13 pm

Poor Rix. Sad

Thanks Mia.

 

#493:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 6:16 pm

Poor Rix - but glad that Peggy wants her husband with her and hope she doesn't know about his affair with Elizabeth. Thanks Mia.

 

#494:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 7:05 pm

Thanks, Mia. I hope Rix will be ok and that Mary-Lou and his triplet sons will be able to comfort him.

 

#495:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 8:17 pm

Alison H wrote:
Poor Rix - but glad that Peggy wants her husband with her and hope she doesn't know about his affair with Elizabeth. Thanks Mia.


In fairness to Giles - I don't think he was married to Peggy at the time.

So sad, can understand Rix's feelings - but surely Peggy should put her husband above her twi - or wouldn't he put Mary Lou above Peggy?

Thanks Mia. Crying or Very sad

 

#496:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 12:27 am

Poor all of them Crying or Very sad

Thanks Mia

Liz

 

#497:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 1:31 am

Just caught up on an awful lot of this - thank you, Mia Crying or Very sad

 

#498:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 5:35 am

Thank you Mia. So sad... Crying or Very sad

 

#499:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 10:40 am

Poor Rix. But glad Peggy asked for Giles though.

Thanks Mia Crying or Very sad

 

#500:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 2:44 pm

This is so sad Mia.

I'm another one feeling sorry for Rix but glad that Peggy asked for Giles.

 

#501:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 12:43 am

francesn wrote:
This is so sad Mia.

I'm another one feeling sorry for Rix but glad that Peggy asked for Giles.


Me too. Poor everyone! Crying or Very sad

 

#502:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 11:41 am

Three days later, the Russells arrived from Australia. Mary-Lou was sitting outside Peggy’s room while the Bettanys sat with Peggy inside when Madge and Jem appeared.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said, as they kissed her. “I know Rix was worried you might not get here in time…” she burst into tears.

“Ssh, don’t cry, my dear,” Madge said automatically, looking as if she were about to follow suit. “Where’s Dick? Is he with her? Should I go in, Jem?”

Jem nodded, “Of course,” he said, looking at Mary-Lou with a frown on his face, “Mary-Lou, I need you to do something for me.”

It was the right treatment. Mary-Lou wiped her eyes and looked a little more animated.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Sybil is coming, I’ve just left her with David for a moment. She’s very upset and has been so since we heard. She says there’s a lot of things she regrets saying to Peggy when they were children and as much as we’ve tried to tell her that it’s long over and forgotten about, she needs more than our reassurance. What I don’t want to happen is for her to start talking about it when she’s with Peggy and…” Jem’s voice shook a little, “Well, I suppose wasting the time they have left together. I know you could help her. What do you think?”

“I’ll try,” Mary-Lou looked doubtful and wondered what Sybil had actually said to Peggy that was so terrible. She opened her mouth but the door had opened and Madge was in her own twin brother’s arms and the moment was lost.

 

#503:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 11:47 am

Thanks, Mia. I'm glad the Russells got there in time and I hope Mary-Lou will be able to help Sybil.

 

#504:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 11:51 am

Thanks Mia.

Well done Jem, just what M-L needs - now hope she can help Sybil. Glad Madge got there in time to be with Dick before the end comes for Peggy.

 

#505:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 12:41 pm

Hope Sybil and Peggy can sort out any differences whilst there's still time. Thanks Mia.

 

#506:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 1:00 pm

Rix was holding Peggy’s hand and talking softly to her, he thought her response seemed better than previously. It was easier for her to understand when there were fewer people in the room, too many seemed to distress her and he was not looking forward to telling his family that in future they could only visit her in pairs.

He was happy with the San though, the nurses were well trained and helpful and Peggy’s doctor, Dr March, was highly skilled. Rayner had also offered to assist if he was needed with any neurosurgical matters.

“Rix – need to talk,” Peggy said, with an effort. He moved closer at once.

“Of course, Peg, I’m listening.”

“Tell – Alan, Giles… Not school yet,”

“You want me to make sure Alan doesn’t go away to school yet, is that it?” He knew before she squeezed his hand, their signal for ‘yes’. They had always been able to tell what the other was thinking. “OK, consider it done.”

“Jenny… Chalet School…”

“Of course. Aunt Madge will sort that out when the time comes, don’t worry. I used to walk down to where that St Mildred’s place was when we were staying out there and think about you going to school there. I recognised it from your descriptions in the letters you used to send me.”

“You – rotten – at letters,” Peggy managed to smile.

“I know I was, I’m sorry… I do wish I’d written to you more often.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Peggy squeezed his hand. “Tired…”

“Go to sleep, sweetheart. I’ll stay with you,” Rix was determined not to cry in front of her. “I’ll talk to you, do you remember the time we were tiny and Grandfather took us to see that Hindu temple? It was the day before we left to go to Austria, I think. We were only supposed to be there for an hour but they made us so welcome we stayed until sunset. And do you remember the stories Ayah used to tell us?”

He began to recount one, but Peggy was asleep within minutes. He blew his nose and then got up to find Dr March.

 

#507:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 1:09 pm

Oh this is so sad, but what a lovely brother-sister relationship Peggy and Rix have. He is going to be devastated when the end comes. Crying or Very sad

 

#508:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 1:46 pm

Beautifully sad Crying or Very sad

Thanks Mia

Liz

 

#509:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 5:38 pm

Thanks, Mia. It was lovely to see them mention the word 'sunset' when this drabble is called 'Red Sky at Sunset'. I'm glad Jenny will be able to go to the CS as well.

 

#510:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 7:35 pm

So sad. Crying or Very sad Glad the Russells got there in time - Dick will need Madge.

Rix is so lovely in this - hope Mary Lou can give him the support he'll need.

Thanks Mia.

 

#511:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 9:13 pm

Thank you Mia!

This is so good, but so sad!!!

 

#512:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 9:53 pm

Thank you, Mia.

 

#513:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 10:10 pm

This is so sad, Crying or Very sad
I hope Sybs doesn't upset Peggy Confused

 

#514:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 11:40 pm

Crying or Very sad

So so sad. I'd almost rather you killed her off quickly than watching her suffer like this.

Crying or Very sad

please don't....

Thanks Mia

 

#515:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sat Nov 19, 2005 4:14 am

Oh how very poignant.
Thanks Mia.

 

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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