Secrets
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House
#1: Secrets Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:03 am

A few words of warning first :
I have not written anything non-academic for a very, very long time. Consequently, this isn't really written very well at all. I have a broad idea of the direction that it's heading in and some more bits are written which I will post in due course unless everyone thinks it's terrible and that I should just go and hide under a table somewhere. Please be honest about it! Very Happy

It's set in Switzerland, the term after The Chalet School in the Oberland.

Oh god, I feel sick posting this but here goes...

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Peggy Bettany tumbled out of the train at Basle station in the most undignified manner for a girl who was fast approaching her 18th birthday. A sturdy, brown haired girl threw a case down at her with a yell of ‘Here Pegs, catch!’. Charlotte Gregory stood at the side of the platform watching the stream of girls unload their belongings from the train under the supervision of a woman with wavy brown hair, lightly streaked with grey, drawn back from a distinguished face. Charlotte remained where she was, her left hand absentmindedly playing with one of the honey coloured curls that framed her delicate features unable to do anything but stare for the moment. Drawing in a deep breath, Charlotte clutched her small night case so tightly that she wondered if she would ever be able to let it go and started to walk slowly towards big, jolly group.

Peggy was the first to see Charlotte and broke away from the group to greet her.

‘You must be Charlotte. I’m Peggy Bettany. Bill – I mean Miss Wilson – said that we were to have a new girl this term and that you would be meeting us at Basle. I’m so glad that we managed to find you or there would be all sorts of trouble once we got to school!’ At the last comment, Peggy’s doll-like features broke into a broad smile and she tucked her hand through Charlotte’s spare arm. ‘Shall we go and tell Miss Norton that we’ve managed to find you?’

Last edited by KathrynW on Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:57 pm; edited 16 times in total

 

#2:  Author: Katie, Location: A Yorkshire lass in London PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:05 am

Don't be wibbly, Kathryn, this looks really good so far. Very Happy

 

#3:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:08 am

Sounds like a great beginning Kathryn. Looking forward to seeing more when you are ready. Very Happy

 

#4:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:08 am

It does look good! Very Happy Thanks for being so brave and posting it. Poor Charlotte feeling so nervous!

 

#5:  Author: Róisín, Location: Vancouver for now PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:24 am

This looks fantastic Kathryn - write more immediately! Very Happy

 

#6:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:41 am

No need to feel ill - looks like an excellent start! Very Happy

 

#7:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:44 am

Thank you everyone for being so nice Very Happy
Here is the next little paragraph. I have decided that since the girls are nearly 18, they can probably unpack without Matey's supervision...
Incidentally, I seem to have forgotten everything I once knew about commas so I apologise for any glaring mistakes.

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Charlotte looked around her delightful, little cubicle. Peggy had shown her where to put all of her possessions and sundry noises revealed that the other members of her dormitory were busy unpacking. Charlotte sat down on the wicker chair which stood next to the narrow wooden bed and tried to make sense of the last few hours. She had imagined those first few minutes in Basle station over and over again, often as she had lain in bed, waiting in vain for sleep to overtake her. Now, she would never have those moments again. All that was left was a sense of disappointment and loss. She hadn’t realised until now that she had anything left to lose. She had been grateful for the friendly chatter of Peggy and Daphne Russsell who were both conscientiously carrying out their sheep-dog duties but now she was glad to be left alone as she relived all that she had seen and heard and felt that afternoon.

 

#8:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:47 am

Kathryn, I started posting my first drabble about a month ago and I was really nervous, but this is a lovely start. It must have been very hard for people going to Welsen who hadn't been at the CS. There were about half a dozen people who joined our school in the Sixth Form when the rest of us had already known each other for 5 years, and they were all really nervous at first, so it must've been umpteen times worse at a boarding school. Looking forward to reading more Very Happy .

 

#9:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:56 am

Thanks, Kathryn. This is really great. You have got absolutely nothing to worry about! Thanks for posting the first two posts and I look forward to reading more!

 

#10:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 11:23 am

Poor Charlotte, being in a foreign country and with no one she knows! It must be quite overwhelming!

 

#11:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 11:31 am

This is really interesting Kathryn, thank you. I wonder what happened in the train?? Please may we have some more to find out? Very Happy

 

#12:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 12:19 pm

The staff were gathered together one Sunday afternoon, a week into term. Although the weather had been unseasonably warm for January, the last few days had brought severe snow storms which had confined both girls and staff to the school buildings. Trusting the girls to manage Kaffe und Kuchen for themselves, Julie Berne dispensed coffee to her colleagues while Gillian Culver scampered off to beg some cakes from Karen. When all were settled comfortably, their chatter turned to school affairs and presently jolly, little Miss Nalder was moved to ask her headmistress about the term’s only new girl.

‘Nell, my dear, what can you tell us about Charlotte Gregory? I didn’t think that you meant to take any new girls until we were certain as to whether the Chalet School proper would be joining us out here?’

‘Yes Nell’, echoed Miss Norton, ‘I do find her rather a puzzle. She’s an excellent student in my classes. She has a real gift for literature and her German and French are excellent. She also seems to have chummed up with Peggy and Daphne and Dickie and they are a jolly crowd but she always seems so…I don’t know how to describe it’

‘Lost’, filled in Miss Nalder. Miss Norton nodded in agreement.

Miss Wilson’s mind went back to her meeting with Mr Gregory at the end of the previous term. He was tall and drawn, his translucent skin stretched tightly over the angular bones of his face. One look told Miss Wilson’s experienced eye that he was near death and that the journey up from Basle would be the final effort of his strength. His wife, he told her, had died six months before and now he was about to follow her to paradise leaving their only daughter, Charlotte, alone in the world.

‘I have heard of the Chalet School, Miss Wilson, and I know that I can trust you to take care of my Charlotte. She is a good student and it is my sincere hope that she will follow in my footsteps to Oxford, but she is still so young and is in great need of the care that you, I feel, can provide for her. There is nobody else. We have made Basle our home for the last few years and we have been happy here. I hope that this land and the familiar scenery will be able to provide her with some comfort in the coming months. I wish the Chalet School to be the home that I will soon not be able to give her.’

The long speech had exhausted his frail body and Miss Wilson had taken the limp, grey hand that was offered to her and promised that the Chalet School would always be a home to Charlotte.

‘I must go now’, he had said, his voice becoming increasingly weak, ‘and speak to my daughter. There is something that I must tell her before we are parted. I don’t know if she will ever be able to confide in you but if she does, I trust that you will treat her with kindness and perhaps you will be able to understand why I have asked this great favour of you’.

At once the staff understood why Miss Wilson had agreed to accept this new pupil and at once they felt they could understand the haunted look that appeared in Charlotte’s face when she thought no one was looking at her.

‘Is he…?’ asked Miss Nalder quietly.

‘Yes Grace’, Miss Wilson replied, ‘he died the next day. I hope that my assurances helped to relieve is mind in the last few hours of his life and I know that you will all do everything that you can to ensure that my promises were not made in vain.’

She looked around the staff room as she said this and, although she had expected nothing less, was thankful when her colleagues nodded their assent at once.

 

#13:  Author: Katie, Location: A Yorkshire lass in London PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 12:24 pm

Oh that's so sad. Poor Charlotte Sad I wonder what the secret is, though...?

Thanks Kathryn - you're really spoiling us with all these updates. Very Happy

 

#14:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 12:25 pm

Oh no, poor Charlotte! Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#15:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 12:44 pm

Well done for overcoming your nerves and posting this, Kathryn. I felt just as bad recently when I started posting my first drabble and still do whenever I begin a new one. You have no need to worry, though, as this is really good and I'm really enjoying it so far.

 

#16:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 1:04 pm

Beautiful so far, Kathryn. But very sad. Crying or Very sad

Thank you.

 

#17:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 1:07 pm

Ooooh! Shiny new drabble Very Happy Thanks Kathryn

Crying or Very sad poor Charlotte Crying or Very sad

Liz

 

#18:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 1:51 pm

Oh what a sad tale! Sad

 

#19:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:26 pm

Well done on overcoming the nerves and posting. I am glad you did, this seems so sad, and yet is compeling as well.

 

#20:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:38 pm

Oooh wonderful so far Kathryn! I'm glad you posted this! It's great! Thank you!!! I can't wait for more! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#21:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:45 pm

Ooooh a mystery.

Thanks Kathryn, this looks great

 

#22:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 5:38 pm

Thanks again to everyone who has been so lovely. Here is another part that I have been busy writing this afternoon. I've come to a bit of a standstill now so don't expect today's productivity to be repeated in future Very Happy

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With Monday came the frosts and the girls rejoiced in the thought of returning to their skis. The girls were good skiers and managed to stay on their feet more often than not although Lucy Holmes created a minor sensation when she ran into big Dickie Christie who had stopped to adjust her boot. Their relative difference in sizes meant that Lucy came of by far and away the worst and she could be heard squealing the entire way back to Das Haus unter Die Kiefern as the snow that had become trapped in her many layers of clothes began to melt.

The biggest gasps of astonishment were reserved, however, for Charlotte. She swept down the hillside in broad, graceful curves displaying excellent control of the wooden skis which still seemed to trip the others up all too often.

‘I say’, called Nell Randolph to her as she swept into view drawing an arc of fine powdery snow behind her, ‘You’re jolly good. Where did you learn to ski like that?’

‘Here’, replied Charlotte.

‘Here?’ said Daphne in surprise.

‘Yes, I’ve lived in Basle for the last five years. We often came up to the mountains in the winter. My father was…’ she stopped and turned away abruptly leaving Nell and Dickie, now recovered from her collision, staring after her with open mouths.

‘She’s a queer fish’, Nell finally said, ‘Fancy not telling us that she’d been living up here! She mentioned something about Devon so I just presumed that’s where she had come from. I suppose that explains why she didn’t join us until we reached Basle on the first day of term. I wonder how many other surprises she’s got for us?’

As Charlotte sped off a small grin played around her lips despite the sad memories that Nell’s question had stirred, for underneath her grief and confusion lay a keen sense of fun and she had very much enjoyed the look of surprise on Nell’s face. The smile was fleeting but before it was replaced by the mask Charlotte had grown accustomed to, Miss Wilson caught sight of it and started. Charlotte’s face, with its rosy cheeks from the bracing her, had been transformed by the smile and the dull brown eyes had come to life, sparkling as a schoolgirl’s should.

Miss Wilson saw at once how much of the girl had died with her parents and it stirred something deep within her. Again her mind returned to the conversation with Mr Gregory; she could still remember clearly how it had felt to hold his damp hand in hers and the sense of desperation that he conveyed in that smallest of gestures.

‘Grace was right’, thought Miss Wilson, ‘the child does look lost. How I wish Joey was here! Give me troublesome middles any day over a girl like Charlotte Gregory.’

Not for the first time Miss Wilson wondered whether she had made the right decision in agreeing to come out to Switzerland as head of the Welsen branch. Although Julie Berne was a good friend and an excellent colleague, Miss Wilson missed Miss Annersley and Joey Maynard more than she had imagined. Without them, she felt lost, ‘not unlike Charlotte’, she thought with a wry smile before chastising herself for comparing her small problems to the terrible grief which the girl in front of her had suffered.

Charlotte was aware that Miss Wilson was gazing at her and she flushed and feeling a rising sense of panic she looked around for some means of escape from those piercing eyes. Luckily at the moment, Mdle Berne skied up to Miss Wilson pointing out a large yellow cloud that was just about to drift into view and at once the whistle sounded and the girls sped homewards.

Last edited by KathrynW on Tue Nov 01, 2005 11:44 pm; edited 3 times in total

 

#23:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 5:45 pm

Thanks Kathryn! Very Happy

I just want to huggle poor Charlotte. I hope Peggy and the others are going to help her a little Sad

 

#24:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 5:48 pm

Ooo, lots of lovely new posts in a lovely new drabble. Thanks Kathryn.

 

#25:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 5:48 pm

erm...my computer managed to post it twice by mistake. could someone nice please delete one of them?

Thanks Very Happy

Kathryn

Done! Lesley with Mod hat on! Wink

 

#26:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 5:54 pm

Poor Charlotte. I hope she can settle down at school and find some companionship to help her feel less alone. This is lovely, Kathryn.

 

#27:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 6:30 pm

Lovely insight into Nell's thoughts there - thanks Kathryn

*looking forward to finding out more about the mysterious Charlotte*

Liz

 

#28:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 6:33 pm

Oooh Thank you for so many lovely updates!! I hope Charlotte can make friends and feel happy at the chalet school! Thank you so much Kathryn! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#29:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 6:47 pm

Looking forward to finding out more about Charlotte. Thanks Kathryn.

 

#30:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 7:34 pm

Lots of lovely posts, thank you Kathryn

 

#31:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 9:53 pm

Ohh this looks good, looking forward to more when you get the chance! Very Happy

 

#32:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:03 pm

Just read through this - excellent start, thank you Kathryn.

 

#33:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:15 pm

You need have no worries about posting this drabble - it looks wonderful so far!

You'll only have to worry if you stop posting, then we'll all be out to get you... Wink only joking, you post as much as you like in your own sweet time, just as we all do!

Looking forward to more of this, and wondering what the secret might be

 

#34:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 11:59 pm

Thanks, Kathryn. Thank you also for giving us Charlotte's background - I'm sorry she has lost both her parents. At least she has made some friends though.

 

#35:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 1:16 am

La, la la, noticed a few EBDesque mistakes in the last post. Hopefully this one is a little better (or worse depending on your point of view) although I make no promises. I'm sorry this will be rather a long post, it just kept growing and growing. Don't the bunnies realise I need to get to bed?! I'm sorry for the doom and gloom so far, it might get better, it might not. I haven't quite decided on how it's going to end Confused

Thanks again for all the niceness. It's inspiring me to keep on writing!

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Dickie and Peggy sat with mugs of Karen’s steaming cocoa and gazed out the window at the snow that was now falling heavily. The large Saal was unusually empty and the pair took advantage of the opportunity to discuss the mysterious Charlotte in the low tones which they had long since learnt did not carry.

‘She seems so unhappy’, said Dickie with uncommon perceptiveness, ‘and yet she won’t tell us the first thing about herself. Did you know before today that she’d been living in Basle?’ Peggy shook her head in reply.

‘And something that she said,’ Dickie continued, ‘well, I rather think that she, well, that something has happened to her parents.’ Dickie blushed as she spoke, unaccustomed as she was to speaking of such deep emotions.

Peggy’s generous heart went out to the new girl at once. Having come close to loosing her precious mother the previous term she could only imagine how Charlotte must now be feeling. Her mind also went back to the early years of her life when her parents had been stationed in India and all the aunts in the world could not make up for those feelings of loneliness and abandonment.

‘The poor child’, Peggy said at once, ignoring the fact that she was only a few months older, not to mention a head shorter, than the girl they were discussing. ‘I think the best thing that we can do for her is to continue to offer her our friendship. She’s so quiet and reserved but still, I do like her very much, don’t you Dickie?’

‘Oh yes, of course Peg. And I do feel terribly sorry for her but sometimes she, well, she scares me. She seems to be watching us all, waiting for something. I certainly don’t mean she’s ripe for mischief or anything silly like that mess with Elma last term but mark my words, there’s something brewing on the horizon.’

Peggy looked at her friend with surprise. She was very fond of Dickie and knew her motherly ways well but this was the first time had had heard the girl talk with such insight for she realised at once that Dickie was right. ‘Gosh, she sounds like Auntie Jo’, Peggy thought, ‘I suppose we’re all getting older and, in Dickie’s case obviously, wiser’. Peggy self-consciously touched the silvery-fair curls which she wore wreathed around her head. Further consideration of this was cut short when Charlotte entered the Saal smiling politely as Edna espoused her views on the dangers of winter sports, complaints that everyone had heard many times before.

‘Charlotte’, Peggy called, ‘come and sit with me and Dickie. I was just about to regale her with stories of the school’s early days in the Tirol’. Peggy was gratified to receive a smile of relief from Charlotte and even more gratified to see the interest that the girl had in the ‘Dark Ages’ of the school, as Joey had called them. Charlotte grew pale as she heard about Miss Wilson’s flight from the Nazis; this did not escape Peggy and she swiftly moved on to the reaction to the birth of Joey’s triplets capturing her aunt’s gloating face so perfectly that Charlotte was moved to join in with the giggles that came from the growing audience. At the sound of the cuckoo clock striking the hour, Peggy leapt up. ‘That’s the end of story time for today kiddies’, she said with a grin, ‘unless you really want to keep Miss Nalder and her records waiting!’ Peggy led the procession to the classroom, tucking her arm through Charlotte’s and giving that young lady no chance to think about all that she had just heard.

 

#36:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 4:50 am

Poor Charlotte. She does seem wrapped in mystery, so we have no problem with long posts telling us why! Thanks, Kathryn.

 

#37:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 7:01 am

that was lovely. I really enjoyed the growing understanding of the girls as they ponder about what might be upsetting Charlotte. I'm also looking forward to hearing the results of Charlotte's thinking. Thanks Kathryn

 

#38:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 8:45 am

Thank you Kathryn - glad that Charlotte has some good friends.

 

#39:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 8:50 am

The bit about Joey's gloating face was great!

 

#40:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 9:28 am

It's a good thing Peggy has inherited Joey's knack! And an do a great impression Laughing

 

#41:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 10:12 am

Well done Dickie and Peggy Very Happy

Thanks Kathryn

Liz

 

#42:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 10:39 am

Oooh lovely! I do hope Charlotte's mystery unfolds itself soon! Thank you Kathryn! This is a great drabble! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#43:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 10:39 am

Thanks, Kathryn. I love a good mystery.

 

#44:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 10:41 am

Thanks Kathryn. I'm really enjoying this, Peggy and Dickie are so nice

 

#45:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 10:50 am

Just read this through, Kathryn, it's great! Very Happy thanks and looking forward to more.

 

#46:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 3:41 pm

Righto, here's another little bit. It is a bit on the short side I'm afraid. Thank you for all the encouragement. Reading all your lovely comments makes it much easier to sit down and write now that I'm becoming a bit disillusioned with this!

Oh yeah, I'm in the market for a name if anyone has any inspiration...?

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As sat awake in her dormitory, Charlotte was comforted by the rhythmic breathing of Peggy, Dickie and Daphne. She wanted to be able to reciprocate the jolly friendship that they had shown her but she couldn't. Not yet. She thought about the stories that Peggy and the others had told her about the school. From the affection in their voices she knew that for many of the girls, the school was home. But to Peggy, the flight from the Nazis was just another eventful chapter in the school's colourful history. Did she not realise how close they had all come to losing everything, how close she, Charlotte, had come to losing everything?

She sat in the wicker chair that stood by her bed. She knew that she would be in trouble if someone was to catch her but she couldn't bear to get into bed and lie there and wait for sleep to eventually overtake her as she had done nearly every other night since her father's death. She wished that she could bring herself to confide in one of her friends but where could she start? She didn't know if she could listen to their well-meaning platitudes; their condolences would bring her no relief, just plunge her further into the maze of confusion in which she was trapped. Every time she forgot for a moment, the thought came back to her stronger than before, as if punishing here for daring to think of something else: how can I grieve when I don't even know what I've lost?

 

#47:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 3:45 pm

The mystery is really deepening, isn't it? Thanks Kathryn

 

#48:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 3:50 pm

Mia wrote:
The mystery is really deepening, isn't it? Thanks Kathryn


It is rather isn't it? It wasn't supposed to be by now...tsk, tsk!

Kathryn

 

#49:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 4:16 pm

Thanks Kathryn - looking forward to finding out more.

 

#50:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 4:31 pm

Thanks Kathryn... wonder what connection Charlotte has with the Nazis then, as she seemed affected by the story!

 

#51:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 4:34 pm

I suspect it's more a case of being persecuted than being connected, but I may be wrong (I usually am!). Looking forward to finding out. This is great, Kathryn. Although we can't really suggest any titles until we know what the mystery is ...

 

#52:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 4:48 pm

Do we know what happened to Charlotte's mother? If we don't then I've an inkling to.

 

#53:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 5:01 pm

Alison H wrote:
This is great, Kathryn. Although we can't really suggest any titles until we know what the mystery is ...


That's rather the problem that I'm having too... Very Happy

Kathryn

 

#54:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:06 pm

Hmmm, maybe not so well done Peggy. But very perceptive of Dickie there.

Do keep writing, Kathryn - we want story!

 

#55:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:29 pm

A slightly longer installment. I'm not quite sure if this makes things any clearer or actually just makes it all a lot worse... Very Happy

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Unsettled by her own loneliness and late to bed as usual, Miss Wilson opened the door softly to check on her pupils. Charlotte, lost in thought, did not notice as Miss Wilson quietly slipped through the curtain of her cubicle.

‘Charlotte’, Miss Wilson spoke gently, ‘Why are you not in bed, my child? It’s freezing in here. Come back to my sitting room and I will make us some hot milk.’

Charlotte got to her feet obediently and silently pulled on the dressing gown which Miss Wilson offered her. Once Charlotte was settled on the settee, Miss Wilson slipped down to the kitchen leaving the girl alone for a few moments. Although dismayed at breaking the rules, Charlotte was relieved to have something break the trance-like state that she had fallen into. Miss Wilson returned soon bearing a tray with two cups and a plate of Karen’s biscuits.

‘I found these in a cupboard’, Miss Wilson said with a conspiratorial smile which Charlotte returned more out of habit than out of feeling.

‘Drink your milk, my dear’. She waited in silence while Charlotte sipped her milk. Like most girls of her age, she did not like warm milk but she did not dare disobey; Miss Wilson’s voice was as firm as ever although there was a tenderness in her words which shook Charlotte and sudden tears sprang to her eyes. Seeing this, Miss Wilson reached out and took the girl’s hand in hers.

‘My dear child, I know how you are grieving. I know what it is like to feel completely alone in the world. One day, I promise, you will be able to look back at the past and rejoice in your memories. You will never forget and your sorrow will never leave you but day-by-day, the ache will lessen and you will learn to be happy again.’

Miss Wilson remembered her own pain, years before, and the accident which had taken everything from her. No, she corrected herself; the accident had taken almost everything from her. And then, just as she had begun to break free from the darkness which had threatened to engulf her…she instinctively flinched and her chest tightened. After it happened, after she could do no more, she had vowed never to think of it again. She had mourned for her parents and for Cherry but she would not allow herself to grieve over the events that had followed. She had thrown herself into her studies to try and forget. For the first few years she had studiously avoided making attachments to anyone or anything, all too aware of how transitory such connections could be. It was only when she left England to join the Chalet School in Austria that she finally found a place that she could, again, call home. She hoped that Charlotte would learn to feel that too.

‘Please remember, my dear Charlotte, that you will never be alone here. I promised your father that the Chalet School would always be a home for you, as it has been for me, and I hope that, even now, you will be able to draw some strength and comfort from that thought.’

Charlotte was no longer able to control her tears and her body was wracked with silent sobs. Miss Wilson let her cry until, exhausted, she fell asleep where she lay.

 

#56:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:34 pm

Crying or Very sad weepy post

Thank you Kathryn

 

#57:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:50 pm

Had a feeling that Nell Wilson would be able to empathise and get through.

Thanks Kathryn.

 

#58:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 8:32 pm

Oh that was beautiful. I'm so glad that the poor girl has been given a vent for all she has gone through. Well done Nell. Thankyou Kathryn.

 

#59:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 9:31 pm

Thanks Kathryn. Lovely to see Bill helping Charlotte.

 

#60:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 9:37 pm

That is a lovely post, thank you. Miss Wilson handled it wonderfully although I suspect there is a lot more to it than she knows.

 

#61:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 9:54 pm

Just caught up with this, and thank you. Good that Nell was able to help - she can do this sort of thing without Hilda, but has obviously lacked confidence.

 

#62:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 12:49 am

Itty bitty update, just in case people were starting to think that this would all work itself out nicely...it probably would be longer except I think I should probably try and get some sleep as I have my first driving lesson tomorrow Confused

One thing I meant to say before the previous post but forgot because I have the intellect of a goldfish was that I'm really sorry if I stole the idea of Bill's family all dying in an accident from somewhere. I thought that was what happened and then I thought I remembered something about Cherry dying of an illness and then I got really confused and just decided to stick with one and not complicate matters. So I apologise very much if I stole the idea from someone other than EBD Very Happy

Enough rambling...

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

As the first few rays of sunlight began to fill the room watery light, Charlotte awoke. The fact that she did not at once know where she was did not disconcert her; she couldn’t remember the last time she’d woken up feeling that she was in familiar surroundings. The words of Miss Wilson came back to her.

‘She cares about me, she really does care about me’, Charlotte thought fleetingly before the inevitable questions returned to haunt her. ‘But if I tell her the truth, will she still want me here? Why should she want me now? But is keeping silent really any better? How can this place ever really be my home if she doesn’t know who I really am?’

 

#63:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 3:36 am

Good luck with the driving lesson! Hope it goes well. Thanks for the updates. Poor Charlotte and poor Miss Wilson, too. I hope Charlotte decides to tell her story soon, so that Miss Wilson and the girls can start to make Charlotte feel happier.

 

#64:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 6:50 am

Oh poor Charlotte - I hope that she does decide to open up fully. That much was good, but its not enough if she is holding on to this bigger secret, and can worry about being accepted if she tells someone about it.

And please don't worry about getting alll the facts completely right - it's fine the way it is.

Thank you very much for another update

 

#65:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:57 am

Good luck with the driving lesson. Getting really intrigued by Charlotte's background.

 

#66:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 10:24 am

It's nice to see so many updates, thank you. I'm racking my brains to figure out the mystery! Please post some more! Very Happy

 

#67:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 11:33 am

Oooh what a mystery!!! I hope she can confide in someone!! Please tell us soon!! Thank you for all the wonderful updates! Good luck with your driving lesson! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#68:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 1:19 pm

I hope she does tell Nell, I'm sure she would be very understanding and sympathetic!

 

#69:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 5:03 pm

I'm no starting to think about wrapping this up, partly because inspiration has struck for another drabble! Yay!

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

In her bedroom, Miss Wilson was also awake. The sleep that had finally overtaken her had been disorientating. Images from the past refused to remain where she had hidden them for the last twenty years. The fading memories were yellowed around the edges but the sense of shame that they brought was still so sharp and bitter. What had it been in Charlotte’s drawn face that had reminded her of a history which had had tried to deny having ever existed?

The pictures of her parents and of Cherry were where they always stood beside her bed and Miss Wilson silently apologised to them. They had all been one big, happy family. She could not have wished for better, more understanding, more compassionate parents. They must be so disappointed in her. She should have done more. Her hand went to the gold crucifix that hung around her neck. Would God ever be able to forgive her for what she had done? Would she ever be able to forgive herself?

Days drifted on. Now that her Pandora’s box had been opened, Miss Wilson was barely able to keep her mind on school affairs. She noticed the looks that the other members of staff were giving her but she could do nothing to stop her attention drifting off into her world of regrets and what ifs.

Peggy and Dickie continued to offer Charlotte their unobtrusive but warm friendship. As they were by way of being leaders amongst the girls, Charlotte found that she was never at a loss for a smiling face or a partner for walks but it made little difference to her. The morning after her midnight encounter with Miss Wilson, Charlotte had slipped back to her dormitory, settling into bed before anyone realised that she had left. She didn’t feel sad anymore. Instead, she was seized by an anger which overtook ever fibre of her being. She knew that it was irrational but she could not help feeling that Miss Wilson should have guessed the truth that night and not just left her to muddle through alone.

 

#70:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 5:08 pm

Hooray for more drabble! Poor Charlotte, her reaction is so believable. Sad
Thanks Kathryn

 

#71:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 5:09 pm

Oh, another drabble as well?! Fabulous, Kathryn! And Charlotte, people can't guess your troubles, so please tell them soon so they can begin to help you.

 

#72:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 5:16 pm

Thanks, Kathryn. I'm really enjoying this mystery. Your drabble is brilliant and it's very well written.

 

#73:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 6:51 pm

Looking forward to the next drabble Kathryn, but looking forward to more of this too!

 

#74:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 7:44 pm

Ooh a new drabble yay! Very Happy I do hope Charlotte confides in someone soon, if not she might regret it for Miss Wilson is hardly going to be able to guess what is wrong! I can't wait for more! Thank you Kathryn! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#75:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 8:36 pm

Oooh another drabble - excellent. But don't forget to finish this one!

 

#76:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 9:30 pm

Oh please finish it! We must find out the mysteries!
Very good Kathryn!!!

 

#77:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 12:46 pm

Too many secrets, Kathryn. Laughing

Poor Nell has really got herself in a state, hasn't she? And why should Charlotte assume that Nell should be able to read her mind?

 

#78:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 11:48 pm

Oh dear, poor hurting people. I hope it all comes out in the wash soon.

 

#79:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 2:21 pm

We want to know what the mystery is, but unless Charlotte and Nell speak frankly to each other, there's no hope of a solution.

 

#80:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 9:21 pm

Thank you Kathryn. I feel so sorry for Charlotte, but I am glad Bill could offer her some support.

 

#81:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 5:37 pm

Please Kathryn may we have some more Very Happy

*wants to know all the secrets*

Liz

 

#82:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Nov 12, 2005 2:52 pm

Kathryn, we'd like some more of this, please.

 

#83:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Nov 12, 2005 4:31 pm

*runs and hides*

Erm, okay, more! Was hoping that it was so bad that people hadn't noticed that I hadn't posted for a while Very Happy

I do actually know what happens in the rest of the story, I have it all in note form, jsut have to write it up properly. Probably won't manage much more today as my parents are coming back from holiday but I will try and get some of it, at least, done tomorrow. Sorry for being so slow Very Happy

Kathryn

 

#84:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Nov 12, 2005 8:27 pm

Sure it'll be well worth waiting for, Kathryn - it's been really good so far.

 

#85:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 8:58 pm

I've finally finished it just about so will be able to give copious updates! The more I think about it, the more I think the plot is just *ridiculous* but once I started, I felt I had to finish. I also know nothing about medical matters, alpine activities or anything basically so sorry for any mistakes!

Because I've been writing it as I go along, I think I sort have repeated myself in parts and it feels like nothing much has really happened.

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

Spring seemed to have come early to the Platz. The crisp January snows that had so delighted the girls had soon turned to rain, confining the girls to the house and raising tensions until the girls felt like troublesome middles. Although the staff tried not to show it, they were as affected as the girls by the dismal weather. The girls spent hours hunched over the latest testing essaysset by Miss Norton.

‘Just because they don’t give us actual marks,’ Hester Layang was heard to remark, ‘it doesn’t meant that they spare us the red pen,’ as she sat groaning over a returned essay on the moral conception of Coleridge’s The Ancient Mariner(1).

Charlotte’s anger towards Miss Wilson was stirred up anew by the fractious conditions although she could not help but wonder what would have happened if she had admitted everything to Miss Wilson. Her happy upbringing meant that she was unused to concealing her emotions but the enormity of her potential revelation frightened her into silence and she hoped that the girls’ growing awareness of the tragedy would overhung her life would prevent them from coming too close and guessing that something else was wrong.

For her part, Miss Wilson was mostly successful in forgetting the feelings that Charlotte had stirred within her. Once or twice she caught herself staring at Charlotte but years of practice had accustomed her to burying her family secrets and leaving the past where it belonged. Her own common sense told her that she should not dwell on choices that she could not make again and she threw herself into school life.

Girls and staff rejoiced when the rain finally stopped and a brisk wind dried the ground enough to allow a ramble. After their traditional continental breakfast of coffee and Karen’s freshly baked rolls, butter and delicious jam, the girls scrambled to pull on their climbing breeches and pullovers while those girls with long hair hurried to tuck it up. Each girl took her raincoat, knapsack and alpenstock and gathered outside Das Haus unter die Kierfern.

Miss Wilson and Mlle Berne led the line of merry girls, keeping to a slow steady pace which they knew the girls could all managed to a long time. Charlotte had done some climbing with her parents and was used to bending her knees with every step, thus saving her legs the worst of aches. The girls kept up a steady hum of chatter with many of the girls from the Chalet School, including Peggy and Daphne with whom Charlotte was walking, discussing the school’s annual sale which would occur in England at the end of the term.


(1) This was an essay I wrote for my English A-level. I would be happy to provide a copy to anyone who wants to read it Very Happy

 

#86:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 10:31 pm

Thanks for the update

I remember having to study The Ancient Mariner in English Lit as well - ugh Rolling Eyes !

Is it just me who always feels like you have to bend your knees when you walk uphill, even though I don't think it actually helps in real life?!! Wink

Kathryn, please don't apologise - this is lovely to read.

 

#87:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 10:38 pm

Thanks Kathryn Very Happy

 

#88:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 11:02 pm

Fascinating Kathryn. I am looking forward to what comes next, and thinking hard about possibilities. Hmmmm.. Very Happy

 

#89: As yet untitled Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 11:20 pm

Glad to see more of this, Kathryn. Thought we weren't going to find out what secrets Miss Wilson is hiding! Not to mention Charlotte's ...
Eager for more.

 

#90:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 2:07 am

This is definitely not boring! Thanks for the update, Kathryn, and I'm really looking forward to the revelation of the secrets!

 

#91:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 10:40 am

*also awaiting revelation of the secrets!*

Thanks Kathryn. Just had a great time catching up. Very Happy

 

#92:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:50 pm

Thanks, Kathryn. I am definitely not bored of this drabble and I look forward to reading the rest! Is it another Karen who has come to work at St Mildred's or is it the same Karen?

 

#93:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 1:38 pm

Thanks for that, Kathryn.

I love the idea of an inexhaustible supply of Karens to be the CS cooks.

 

#94:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 1:55 pm

Thanks Kathryn - am really enjoying this and looking forward to the revelation of the secrets Very Happy

Liz

 

#95:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 2:45 pm

I presumed it was the same Karen but it may not be. I too rather like the idea of a conveyor belt of Karen's to provide fancy bread twists at all times Very Happy

Kathryn

 

#96:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 3:13 pm

Sorry for spreeing! Meant to post this earlier but had to go to work Sad

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

The party stopped at a rocky plateau which afforded them a marvellous view of the towering Jungfrau. The girls were allowed to perch on the scattered rocks so long as they did not sit on the ground for none of the staff wanted to risk the girls catching a chill. They fortified themselves with coffee here before Miss Wilson encouraged the party to begin their descent down the small mountain, not wanting anyone to become stiff and uncomfortable.

The climb down was far more difficult, as the ground remained damp. Silence reigned as everyone concentrated on keeping their footing. Charlotte was not paying as much attention to the ground as she should have been for the exercise and fresh air had done little to lessen the resentment she felt towards Miss Wilson. As she walked, she could not stop listing her grievances over and over again. Suddenly a scream cut through the air as Charlotte slipped on the loose ground and went tumbling down the slope.

Instinctively Charlotte stuck out her left arm and tried to grab any of the trees and rocks which bordered the path. She finally seized on the stump of a pine tree, bringing herself to an abrupt halt and badly wrenching her shoulder. She flipped over one final time before landing in the middle of a large puddle which had gathered at the side of the track and which had still not drained away. As soon as she stopped, the adrenaline and fear seeped away and Charlotte was overtaken by an all-consuming pain, so acute that she thought that she was going to faint.

Nell Randolph and Joan Sandys were nearest her and they rushed to her side at once.

‘Keep out of that puddle’ Miss Wilson commanded, ‘we don’t want you to come down with colds. I’m coming to help. The rest of you stay where you are. We don’t want any more accidents.’

‘Can you move out the puddle?’ she asked as she approached the sodden and shivering girl.

Charlotte nodded although that very action caused a spasm of pain; more intense than anything she had felt before. In addition to her angered shoulder, Charlotte soon realised that she had injured her right ankle in the fall but she gritted her teeth, determined to get herself out of the pool in which she was sitting without causing any more trouble for anyone. With a mighty effort, she heaved herself effort and helf-staggered, half-crawled to dry land where she collapsed in a heap looking still, grey and to all appearance, dead.

 

#97:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 3:18 pm

I love the use of the "still, grey..." line! Thanks Kathryn.

 

#98:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 4:02 pm

Poor girl! She's determined not to ask for help.

 

#99:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 6:48 pm

Thanks, Kathryn. I hope Charlotte will be ok.

 

#100:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 7:10 pm

I really hope she's ok too!

Thanks Kathryn Very Happy

 

#101:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 7:44 pm

Oooh I hope she's ok!! I wish she would just let people help her once in a while!!! Thank you so much Kathryn, this is lovely!! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#102:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 8:50 pm

Thanks Kathryn

I'm glad the bunnies have returned. Looking forward to finding out just what's up with Charlotte

 

#103:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 8:56 pm

Is this where the mystery is solved? Please let us know.

 

#104:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:12 pm

Thank you Kathryn...Charlotte is so unhappy isn't she?

 

#105:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 12:10 am

A little bit more for tonight. The rest of the story is all written by hand so it'll have to wait until I get a proper chance to type it up. As most people seem to have gathered, this is drawing towards its conclusion and all will soon be revealed. I had an inspired moment last night where I wrote a vitriolic letter to O2 and wrote all the revelations!

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

Taking off her own raincoat, Miss Wilson wrapped the cold girl in it and repeatedly called her name. She was relieved when Charlotte’s eyelids began to flutter and she heard the girl murmur, ‘my shoulder and…and my ankle.’

Miss Wilson called immediately to Nell and Joan who were still standing next to her while the rest of the school looked on horrified.

‘You two form a queen’s chair. We will have to carry her back to the school. See how her ankle is already beginning to swell? There’s no way she can walk on that. I’ll bind it up tightly and then we will have to do our best to get back as quickly as possible. She shouldn’t be in those wet clothes for too much longer.’

Miss Wilson was as good as her word and the party soon set off with their burden, helped down the rest of the slope by the other girls while Mlle Berne, an experienced alpinist, hurried to ready Matron. Miss Nalder insisted on taking over from Miss Wilson as the elder woman was looking distinctly grey and owned up to having aggravated her old foot injury in her haste to reach Charlotte. The girls were subdued, many of them unable to forget the image of Charlotte rolling down the mountain in front of them. Natalie Mensch, a slight, dark girl whose mother had been one of the first pupils of the Chalet School, was not the only one to realise how serious the accident could have been if Charlotte had not acted so promptly to save herself.

 

#106:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 5:05 am

Hope Charlotte, and Miss Wilson, will both be OK. Hopefully this common bond will help them to talk to each other.

Thanks Kathryn.

 

#107:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 6:51 am

Thanks Kathryn.

 

#108:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 12:44 pm

Thanks Kathryn

*wondering what they'd do for a doctor - the San's not there yet is it?*

Hope nothing is serious enough to need one, but that this will give an opportunity for Charlotte to talk about her worries.

Liz

 

#109:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 1:05 pm

Thanks, Kathryn. I hope Charlotte will feel better soon.

 

#110:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 1:18 pm

Have just caught up on several posts, Kathryn. Poor Charlotte, but hopefully, now she's injured, the barriers might come down and she can reveal whatever it is that's bothering her.

Thank you.

 

#111:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 6:35 pm

Ooooh! Poor Charlotte, I hope that now she will tell someone what bothers her and sort everything out!!! Thank you Kathryn! I can't wait for more!!! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#112:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 10:02 pm

Ouch, poor Charlotte - and poor Miss Wilson too. Perhaps they will be able to talk now.

 

#113:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 10:11 pm

I hope they can talk too. Thanks Kathryn

 

#114: secrets Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 12:02 am

Echoes what everyone else has said, and greatly looking forward to the denouement. Thanks, Kathryn

 

#115:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 3:42 pm

Thanks Kathryn - I really want to know what Charlotte's big secret is

 

#116:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 3:44 pm

Thanks Kathryn. Smile

 

#117:  Author: JosieG, Location: Yorkshire Dales PostPosted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 12:39 am

I've just read this one and I'm still caught on a cliff! Thanks Katherine! How did the driving lesson go? I'm taking my test soon now..... Confused

 

#118:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Nov 24, 2005 6:44 pm

This is not an update, just an apology that I've been so incredibly slow in completing this. I have it pretty much all written out long-hand but for because of various RL comittments, am struggling to find the time to type it all up. Hopefully I'll be able to get some done on saturday afternoon, if not at the start of next week. Thank you all for being very patient Very Happy

Kathryn

 

#119:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Nov 25, 2005 7:04 pm

We'll wait, especially if it's the denoument, Kathryn.

 

#120:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:12 pm

Wooooo! I've finally updated the drabble! Let's hope this productivity continues all day...
More later *fingers crossed*

All comments and criticism happily accepted. I do realise it's a pile of pants!

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

Matron Rider looked down at the flushed face which rested on the cool white pillow. Although Charlotte’s eyes were closed, she was not asleep and had an unnatural pallor that was worrying both Matron and the doctor who had been sent for from Basle. The doctor had confirmed that Charlotte had a badly strained shoulder and that her fever was a reaction to the freezing water into which she had fallen but he was concerned about her current lack of progress. For four days now she had lain, semi-conscious, in bed and was not responding to either the care of the doctor or Matron Rider who tended her patient carefully.

Matron Rider looked up as Miss Wilson quietly opened the door to the sick room.

‘How is the patient?’ asked her headmistress.

‘About the same. This cannot go on for much longer Nell. She won’t be able to stand it. The poor child has been through so much in the last year.’

‘You go and get some rest, Gertrude, I’ll sit with her a while. You look exhausted’

Matron Rider acknowledged this fact with a slight smile and quickly withdrew to her own quarters leaving Miss Wilson continuing the vigil at Charlotte’s bedside.

Miss Wilson was deep in a letter from England when she felt Charlotte stirring. Her cheeks were still flushed and her eyes still bright but she seemed to recognise the woman sitting beside her. She reached out a clammy hand which Miss Wilson at once took between her own sturdy hands.

‘Miss Wilson…’ Charlotte began in a hoarse voice, every word seeming to require the effort of her entire body.

‘Don’t try to talk my child. Just try to sleep’.

‘Must tell. My bureau. Leather wallet. Please. Must have it’

‘Of course my dear. I’ll send someone to get it right now.’

Miss Wilson opened the door to find Nell Randolph walking silently past and she sent the girl to Charlotte’s dormitory. Nell was back shortly and gave Miss Wilson a faded brown leather wallet.

‘Look inside.’ Charlotte’s voice seemed to have more strength than before. Miss Wilson carefully opened the wallet and drew out a faded photograph and a piece of paper, faded with brown around the edges.

 

#121:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:25 pm

It's not pants at all, Kathryn! Looking forward to finding out whom the photo's of.

 

#122:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:30 pm

That last bit is beautiful, and myst be so hard to write. Looking forwards to more when it comes, thanks Kathryn

 

#123:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:30 pm

Thanks, Kathryn. This isn't pants at all - it's great and I'm really enjoying it. I wonder whom the photograph is of and why she is showing it to Miss Wilson.

 

#124:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 1:15 pm

Please, Kathryn, tell us who's in the photo. I'm enjoying this.

 

#125:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 1:36 pm

Definitely not pants! I'm really enjoying this, Kathryn, and I'm eager to find out the secret at last! Offers plenty of treats to keep the bunnies busy today!

 

#126:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 7:14 pm

Hehehe...now I'm just being mean!

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

Miss Wilson stared at the faded picture she held, not able to comprehend what she was seeing. The face was more gaunt than she remembered, the hair thinner, the eyes bruised but it was still unmistakably Bethy.

Edited twice because of my stupidity

 

#127:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 7:58 pm

Oi! Get back here and give us a proper post!

Intrieguing, thank you Kathryn!

 

#128:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:13 pm

Er Bethy? Should I know that person?

Thanks Kathryn.

 

#129:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:13 pm

Ooooooooh.

Now may we have some more please?

Thanks Kathryn

 

#130:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:17 pm

The mystery begins to unravel...

I have actually typed it all up now. I'm just stretching it out for effect Wink

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

She unfolded the piece of paper. It was a birth certificate. On 3rd May 1933, Charlotte Helena Wilson was born in London. Her mother was Elizabeth Mary Wilson. Her father was unknown.

 

#131:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:32 pm

Please don't torment us Kathryn, let's have a lot more of this.

 

#132:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:20 pm

Now I really am intrigued.

More soon please!

Thanks Kathryn.

 

#133:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:56 pm

Yay!! It's finished Very Happy I know it's completely and utterly ridiculous, but look on the bright side, at least it's over now! Wink

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

Charlotte took a sip of water from the glass beside her bed and gathered what little strength she had. The time was finally here.

‘My father told me just before he died. He and my mother adopted my when I was a baby of six months. He had been working in a slum in London, that’s where he met’, she paused unsure of how to refer to the woman she had never known,

‘Elizabeth’, Miss Wilson finished in a flat voice.

‘Yes. She was very ill by then. She had been living in terrible conditions for years and she was too weak to fight any longer, even for me. Before she died, she gave me to my parents and they adopted me. She knew that they would treat me like their own and that they would always love me and do their best for me. Which they did. I don’t know that I have forgiven their deception but I know that they only did it for my sake. Before Elizabeth died,’ Charlotte glanced at Miss Wilson to see how she was reacting. She sat in stunned silence, only a slight flickering of the eyes even indicating that she was listening.

‘Before Elizabeth died, she told my parents about you. She named me after you. My father found out that you had gone to work in the Chalet School and he followed your career with interest. It seemed to good to be true when you arrived here, in Switzerland not long after my mother had died and my father was diagnosed. He told me the truth the day before he died and told me why I was to be sent to the Chalet School. He said that it was my choice whether to reveal everything to you but that he knew that he could count on you to do the right thing.’

It was no coincidence that Charlotte had made her think of Bethy. She had the same eyes, the same turn of the head, the same smile. Those brown eyes that mirrored Miss Wilson’s own were now turned towards her expectantly.

‘Bethy and I were never as close as sisters should be. She had already made some questionable decisions by the time of the accident that killed my parents and our little sister Cherry. I relied on my strength in God to get me through but Bethy rejected everything in her life. She became more and more difficult for me to control. One day I woke up to find that she had gone to London. I thought about following her but I could not condone her behaviour with all the men and the alcohol and goodness knows what else. I had tried, before she left, to help her but she refused every move that I made. When she left,’ Miss Wilson’s voice began to crack, ‘I gave up on her. She was old enough to be responsible for her own choices and I was still grieving so much for my parents and for Cherry. I went to university, continued my education, became a teacher and made myself forget Bethy. It was difficult at first but over time it became easier. I told no one that I had another sister and the fact of my parents and Cherry’s death was normally enough to prevent anyone asking any more questions. But if I’d known that she had a daughter, my neice…’

Charlotte felt all life and breath drain out of her body. Her father sincerely believed that Miss Wilson would accept her as family but Charlotte was not so sure.

‘Charlotte, my dear, can you ever forgive me? I don’t know that I can forgive myself. I should never have abandoned Bethy but it is so difficult to care for someone who doesn’t want to be cared for.’

Relief flooded over Charlotte. Her father had made it clear that Bethy bore no malice towards her sister and told her that she should not either. The last few weeks, since her father’s death, had made her realise how lucky she had been.

‘You have nothing to be forgiven for’ Charlotte replied in a tone that was older than her years. She took the hand that was offered to her and with a smile, she turned over and fell into a deep, natural sleep.

‘I’m sorry Bethy,’ Miss Wilson whispered, ‘But I promise I’ll look after her now. I’m so sorry.’

THE END

 

#134:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 10:02 pm

That was beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes. And no, it's not rediculous. I'm glad that 'bill' has some more family now, to make up for all that she lost earlier on. Thanks Kathryn

 

#135:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 10:25 pm

That was lovely. I'm glad that they've got each other now. Thanks Kathryn.

 

#136:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 10:29 pm

Lovely, I'm glad that Nell has real family now.

 

#137:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 10:41 pm

Thanks, Kathryn for a lovely drabble. The ending was fine, there was nothing ridiculous about it at all. I'm glad that Nell and Charlotte have found they have some family left.

 

#138:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 11:04 pm

Lovely Very Happy

Thanks Kathryn

Liz

 

#139:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:38 am

A great twist at the end I think no one saw that coming!

 

#140:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 11:22 am

Thank you Kathyrn a wonderful story, and it's so nice to know that both Charlotte and Nell have family Very Happy

 

#141:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 12:25 pm

That was a lovely ending, thanks Kathryn. Very Happy

 

#142:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 12:36 pm

All goosebumpy and teary.

That was so beautiful and its so wonderful that neither of them are alone any more.

 

#143:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 12:59 pm

That was lovely, Kathryn, thanks. It's nice to think that they have both felt so alone and now have each other.

 

#144:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 2:30 pm

Beautiful Kathryn- I never expected that end!!!!
Thank-you so much Very Happy

 

#145:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 6:07 pm

oooh!
I was NOT expecting that!
What a lovely ending, thanks Kathryn.

 

#146:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 8:27 pm

I didn't see that coming at all. What a wonderful twist. I'm so glad that Nell has family afterall.

Thanks Kathryn

 

#147:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 9:00 pm

*agrees with Ally*

Thanks Kathryn. That was great. Very Happy

 

#148:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 12:21 am

Thank you for all the lovely comments everyone. I thought the ending would be a surprise (it was a surprise to me!) but I hope that it wasn't too much of one that it seemed completely out of place (if that makes any sense!). Charlotte was a lot of people's child before I decided where she actually belonged so I think it might have been better if I'd had a clear idea of where it was going from the beginning.

Anyway, I'm glad that people enjoyed it. It was nice to be able to give it a happy ending Very Happy

Kathryn

 

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