The CBB :: View topic - The Swiss Family Watson

#351: Swiss Family Watson Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 1:00 am

Thanks for a lovely post, Josie. You definitely had me giggling at Paul & Edgar's exploits - that's when I'd stopped laughing at Evadne's idea of encouraging Ned on the rugby field.

But I'm glad for Edgar's sake that he will turn down the school who wanted to rent his home from him - if he felt so uncertain about it, that was definitely the right thing to do.

More please, when you have time.

#352: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 5:01 am

Lovely, Josie!

Most impressed that Evvy can make tea better than Giulia. Very Happy

Also wondering what “sporting” comments Evvy gets taught to use, as hers is quite tame compared to those emitting from the average insane sports fanatic. ROFL

#353: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 6:04 am

Loved that Josie - though think Edgar should have had a faaaaar worse hangover!!!! Laughing

#354: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 7:09 am

*giggles*

*smirks*

Drinking at lunch time is soooooooooo bad Rolling Eyes

But thanks for the lovely long post Jo Very Happy

#355: Author: Helen C, Location: Sheffield/Luton

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 9:37 am

Thanks Josie Paul and Edgar were so funny Laughing

#356: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 10:19 am

even Drunk Edgar is lovely!

Thanks Jo Smile

#357: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 10:50 am

Loved Evvy's encouragement! And Edgar's drinking.... what a man! Wink

Thanks Jo!

#358: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 11:15 am

Edgar

you do spoil us with lovely long posts Jo!

#359: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 11:21 am

Thanks Jo

Liz

#360: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 3:10 pm

Edgar is very amusing drunk!!! Thanks Jo Very Happy

#361: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 6:18 pm

Thanks Jo! A bit worried about what their reaction will be though...

#362: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 8:11 pm

Another wonderful - and beautifully long - post! Thanks so much Jo!

#363: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 8:23 pm

lovely Jo!

#364: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 6:12 pm

Thank you Jo!!!
That was wonderful!!!

#365: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 6:38 pm

“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Bir…ouf!” Marcia’s singing was halted abruptly as a pillow hit her square in the face, and picking it up, she glared at her sister. “Why d’you do that? I was only doing Happy Birthday to you!” she asked indignantly as she threw it back.

Thea caught it, and tucking it behind her, she sat up properly and pulled her knees up to her chest. “’Cause it’s Saturday and it’s half-past six, that’s why!”

“So?”

“Mummy and Daddy are still asleep, you ninny! They’ll be really cross if we wake them up.”

“Oh!” Comprehension dawned on Marcia’s face, and she made her way across the room and sat down on her sister’s bed, clutching a wrapped box in her hand. Grinning, she whispered, “Happy Birthday, dear Thea, Happy Birthday to you! Here, this is your present from me! I couldn’t wait for Mummy and Daddy to give it to you – I want you to have it now.”

Thea smiled as she took the present, and pulled off the card, opening that first. Reading, it she set it down on her bedside table, and then turned back to the parcel, ripping the wrapping paper off to reveal a box. She held it up to her ear and shook it.

Marcia couldn’t wait any longer. “Come on, open it!”

Grinning, Thea, lifted the lid. Inside was a smart, black riding hat. “Oh Marcia, thanks!” she cried, hugging her sister tight.

“D’you like it?”

“I love it! It’s exactly what I wanted!” Thea replied, her eyes shining with delight. Not long after half-term, Kate Cranston, with whom she had indeed become friends, had invited her to go riding, and ever since then she had been obsessed with horses. She had pestered her parents almost every day for the past six weeks to be allowed riding lessons, so far eliciting no better response than “We’ll see.” Now Marcia had bought her a riding hat. She felt like she was finally on her way.

“Try it on, see if it fits,” Marcia said.

Grinning, Thea pulled it on her head, doing up the strap under her chin, and when she finished, she lifted her head to look at her sister. “Well?” Marcia giggled. “What?”

“You look funny wearing a riding hat with your nightie!” She leant forward and tapped Thea on the head.

“Hey! What are you doing?”

“Checking it works of course!”

Thea giggled, and stretched out her leg under the covers to kick her little sister playfully. She kicked a little harder than she meant to, however, and not expecting it, Marcia overbalanced, shrieking as she fell off the bed and onto the floor.

“Shhhh! You’ll wake Mummy and Daddy!” Thea hissed, as well as she could for her giggles, as her sister rolled over on the floor, consumed with laughter.

“Mummy and Daddy are already awake!”

The sound of a new voice brought them both to their senses, and Marcia got to her feet hurriedly as Evadne came into the room. “Sorry, Mummy, I fell off the bed.”

“So I gathered!” Evadne replied, a twinkle in her eye. “Sounded like a baby elephant! How about you run downstairs and find Daddy? He’s gone to put the kettle on.” She crossed the room and sat down on the bed next to Thea, as Marcia ran out of the door. “Happy Birthday, sweetie,” she said, kissing Thea on the cheek. “Do you feel old now you’re ten?”

Thea nodded. “I feel grown up! Mummy, did you see what Marcia gave me?” she asked excitedly, pointing to her head.

“Very smart! Looks very good with your nightgown too!” Thea giggled again, and Evadne grinned. “It’s a good job she got you something, ‘cause Daddy and I forgot!”

“No you didn’t!” Thea retorted, hitting her stepmother on the arm. “I know you got me something – Daddy never forgets!”

“Okay, you’ve got me. Do you want it now, after breakfast, or after your friends come for lunch?”

Still somewhat fragile from her experiences at her first school, Thea had decided against having a birthday party, as she had convinced herself that people might not want to come. Instead, she was having Kate, Ann and her two new friends from school, Lucy and Celine, over for lunch. Then a family birthday tea had been arranged for the evening, as Ned was due home mid-afternoon for the start of his Christmas holidays.

Now, much to Evadne’s amusement, Thea thought hard before replying. “Now please!”

“Alright then,” Evvy fished in her dressing gown pocket and handed over a pink envelope. “There you go.”

Thea gave her a quizzical glance and ripped it open. Inside, she was disappointed to find nothing but a card and a picture of a horse, cut out from a magazine. She peered into the envelope again to double check, and then gave her stepmother a frown. “That’s not fair!”

“You said you wanted what we’d bought you!”

“That’s not what I meant! You’re mean!”

Evadne grinned and relented. “Well in that case, I suggest you head down to the salon, see what your father’s been up to!”

Thea didn’t need telling twice. Scrambling out of bed, she quickly took off her hat, thrust her feet into her slippers, and ran out of the room, trailing her dressing gown behind her. She took the stairs two at a time, sped across the hall, not noticing the sheet that had been draped over Millicent Mary, and burst into the salon to find her father sitting in a chair, reading a book and sipping a cup of tea.

He looked up with a smile. “Happy Birthday, darling. How does it feel to be so grown up?” he asked, putting his tea down and holding out his arms.

“Nice!” she replied, glancing around her as she walked across to give him a hug. “Daddy, have you been doing my present?”

“What present?” he queried innocently, picking up his tea and taking another sip. “Didn’t Mummy give you our card?”

Thea nodded. “Yes, but she said you had my present!”

“Did she? How extraordinary!”

Thea glared at him for a second, then noticing the edges of his mouth twitching as he tried to keep a straight face, she gave a whoop of excitement and ran to look behind the nearest sofa. Finding nothing there, she ran across to the second sofa, only to find the space behind there empty too. Not to be defeated, she continued her search, looking behind curtains, in cabinets and under tables. Eventually, when she had exhausted everywhere she could think of, she turned back to her father, a frown on her face.

“Where did you hide it?”

“Who said I hid it anywhere?”

“Daddy, stop teasing!”

Edgar was about to retort, when suddenly there was a noise from the hallway, and the door was pushed fully open to reveal Evadne towing Millicent Mary, who had had her wheels reinstated in honour of the special occasion. On top of her sat Marcia, a big grin on her face and a shiny, new saddle clutched in her arms. Thea gave a yell of joy, and ran forward, taking the saddle from her sister and admiring it with shining eyes.

“Is this really mine?”

Evadne smiled and nodded. “Sure is – and so is the rest of what Marcia is holding and Millicent Mary is wearing.”

Thea span around and noticed that Millicent Mary was wearing a bridle and reins. Marcia jumped down and reached back up onto the dog’s back, pulling down a riding jacket and jodhpurs. “There’s some boots out in the hall too, but I couldn’t carry them, they’re all from Mummy and Daddy, and a crop too, which is from me as well as the hat. Mummy had to help me buy it ‘cause I didn’t have enough pocket money even though I’d saved” she gabbled, as she handed them over.

Thea took them mutely, staring at them, unable to speak at first. Then dropping the saddle and flinging the clothes onto Millicent Mary’s back, she cried, “Thank you!” and threw herself first on Evadne, and then on her father, who laughed and hauled her up into his lap.

“Did we get it all right?”

She nodded, bouncing up and down in her excitement. “It’s all wonderful, Daddy!”

“There’s just one more thing,” Evadne said, coming forward and holding out Thea’s birthday card. “Have a closer look at the picture.”

Full of curiosity, Thea took the envelope, pulled out the picture of the horse and studied it, reading the writing underneath. “It’s Pilgrim, Kate’s other horse,” she said, looking up, confused. “Are they selling him?”

Edgar smiled. “Not any more. We bought him yesterday - now he’s your horse.”

Thea’s mouth fell open. “Mine?”

“Yes, yours,” her father replied with a grin. “We’re keeping him stabled at the Cranstons, and you’ll be having riding lessons with Kate as soon as the weather warms up again. In the meantime, Mrs. Cranston has said you can go over and visit him whenever you like.”

Utterly overwhelmed, Thea stared at her parents and then burst into tears, burying her head in Edgar’s shoulder. He hugged her tightly, smiling up at his wife. “Are you okay, sweetheart?” he asked his daughter, handing her a handkerchief as she pulled her head back. She nodded, gave him a watery smile and blew her nose loudly.

“Thea, what’s wrong?”

Thea turned to look into the concerned face of her younger sister. “Nothing,” she said, laughing as she scrubbed her eyes. “I’m really happy.”

“Oh.” Marcia looked thoroughly confused as to why this should make her sister cry, but she decided to let it go, saying instead, “Do you like your new horse?”

Thea looked down at the picture still clutched in her hand, and nodded her head. “Very much! You can ride him too, Marcia.”

“No fear!” Marcia replied, her eyes wide in horror at the thought. “I don’t like horses – their teeth are too big! Let’s take your things upstairs and you can try them on,” she added, holding out her hand.

“Okay!” She was about to scramble down from her father’s knee, when she suddenly turned back and gave him another hug. “Thank you, Daddy, this is the best present ever!”

“You’re welcome, darling,” he returned, hugging her back.

She jumped down from his lap, giving her stepmother a quick hug and kiss, and then tore out of the room after her sister, collecting her new clothes as she went.

“Breakfast will be in half an hour!” Evadne called, as they heard them clattering up the stairs. “Well, she seemed to like it all! I’m glad we decided to go ahead with it; it’s nice to see a real smile back on her face.”

There was no reply from her husband, and turning to see why, Evadne saw him staring after his daughter with very bright eyes. “Hey, what’s wrong with you?”

Edgar swallowed hard and blinked back his tears. “I was just thinking how wonderful it was to see her truly happy again” he replied quietly, still gazing past Millicent Mary into the empty hall. “You know, that’s the first time she’s really been herself since all that rubbish started back in September.”

Evvy perched on the arm of his chair, putting her arm around his shoulders and kissing the top of his head. “She’s gonna be okay, Edgar. It’s just going to take a bit of time, that’s all.”

“I know.” He gazed up at her with a smile and squeezed her knee. “I’m just being a sentimental old fool.”

Evadne grinned. “Yes, but that’s part of your charm! There’s Guilia,” she added, getting to her feet as the sound of the back door slamming indicated the arrival of their indomitable cook. “I need to go talk to her about lunch,” and good as her word, she dropped another kiss on her husband’s head and left the room.

The lunch party went with a swing; all the girls enjoyed themselves immensely and exclaimed excitedly when Thea told them about Pilgrim. By three o’clock, it was time for everyone to leave, and while Edgar set off for the airport to collect his son, Evadne bundled her daughters and Kate into her car and headed off to drop Kate home and visit Thea’s new pet.

When they arrived back an hour and a half later, they found Ned waiting for them in the entrance hall.

“Happy Birthday, sis!” he cried, giving Thea a one-armed hug and keeping the other firmly behind his back. “Hello Squirt!” he added, winking at Marcia as that young lady took off her coat and scarf.

“Don’t call me Squirt!” she retorted, hotly.

“Sorry Squirt!”

“Ned, that’s enough!” Evadne exclaimed, hanging her coat up on the stand and coming forward to give him a hug. “Did you have a good flight?”

“Yes thanks.” As Ned pulled back, he gave his stepmother a curious look. Instead of being dressed in her usual chic attire, she was instead wearing a loose fitting dress and cardigan. His eyes lingered on her belly for a moment, and then he shook his head, as if clearing his mind, and turned back to Thea. “I suppose you’d like your presents then?”

“Yes please! Oh Ned, did you hear Mummy and Daddy got me a horse? He’s called Pilgrim!”

He nodded and grinned. “Something like that,” he said, handing over two small parcels. Thea tore off the wrapping paper to reveal a grooming brush and a small book on horses. “Dad said you’d like something for it, so I thought that might come in handy. The book’s from Harry.”

“Come on, let’s get out of this hallway, it’s cold enough to make all your toes fall off!” Evadne said as Thea thanked her brother. “Into the salon, all of you. Daddy should have lit the fire by now.”

She shepherded the two girls into the room, where Edgar had lit a roaring fire in the large grate put in by the last occupiers of the house, and was now busy stoking it, trying to release as much heat as he could. Ned followed, still watching Evadne curiously, his eyes drawn back to her belly again. Though her bump was still fairly small, being not quite five months into her pregnancy, she was so slim that it was getting harder and harder to disguise. Harry’s mother had had a new baby only two years beforehand, and so Ned was well aware of the signs. As Evvy reached behind her to adjust her cardigan at the back, her dress tightened around her stomach, and Ned gasped, his suspicions confirmed.

“Evvy, are...are you having a baby?”

Last edited by Josie on Sat May 28, 2005 7:00 pm; edited 1 time in total

#366: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 6:59 pm

Ooooh!!!!!

Nice cut off point there Jo!
Looking forward to Evvy and Edgar's response!

#367: Author: Katie, Location: A Yorkshire lass in London

Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 7:21 pm

He's a very perceptive young man, isn't he? Loved Thea's reaction to her present. Thanks Jo Smile

#368: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 7:24 pm

Jo!!!

Great cliff! Hope the girls take it well Confused

#369: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 7:40 pm

Lovely post Josie - love Thea's presents!

Think Ned may have taken a PhD in tactlessness there! Laughing

Hope it all works out OK.

#370: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 7:44 pm

Jo!!!!! Ned is very perceptive, but not intensely tactful!

#371: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 8:06 pm

That really made me laugh.
chldren are VERY observant.
But they wanted to tell them themselves properly , not have it slip out.

#372: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 9:01 pm

Lovely, Jo. I hope Ned, having witnessed Harry's Mum's 'bump', takes it in his stride!

#373: Author: jacey, Location: Ireland

Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 10:04 pm

Lovely, lovely, lovely. I am SO enjoying this. Evvy and Edgar seem so real and the interaction between the children is spot on.
Thanks Josie

#374: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Sat May 28, 2005 10:37 pm

What a super birthday for Thea!

Er, Ned's a bit too observant for my peace of mind...?

#375: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 4:54 am

Impressive gifts! Love Millicent Mary's role.

*looks forward to the rest of the Ned/Evvy conversation*

#376: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 1:53 pm

Ooo, this should be interesting.

Glad that Thea is properly happy again.

#377: Author: tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 5:12 pm

Really enjoying this Josie! I just read it through from the beginning. I really enjoyed the other two Evvy drabbles.

Come rescue me from the cliff though!

#378: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 6:13 pm

Thanks Jo

Well noticed Ned!

Liz

#379: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 9:45 pm

*Has a very giggley gloat* Laughing

Thanks Jo

You'll enjoy the next bit! Laughing

#380: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 9:56 pm

A deafening silence came over the room as Ned spoke. Thea and Marcia abruptly stopped the game of ‘Cat’s Cradle’ they were just starting and stared at their stepmother. Feeling slightly panicked, Evadne span around to look her at husband, not quite sure what she should do. This was not how they had meant it to come out at all. Edgar, on the other hand, remained perfectly calm. Placing the poker back on the stand, he got to his feet and walked across to Evadne, putting an arm around her shoulders.

“Are you really having a baby, Mummy?”

“Daddy, is it true?”

Edgar smiled at his daughters, and then inclined his head towards the chairs. “Alright you three, sit yourselves down. We’ve something to tell you.”

The three children looked at each other and did as they were told without speaking – even the normally-effusive Marcia having nothing to say. Feeling his wife shaking slightly out of nerves, Edgar kept his arm tightly around her shoulders, steering her over to the nearest sofa and taking a seat, pulling her down next to him. She reached across his lap to take hold of his other hand, and Edgar gave her a warm smile and then turned to face his children.

“Right, well I suppose there’s no point in beating around the bush now,” he began, raising his eyebrow at his son. “Ned’s right – Mummy’s going to have a baby.”

He finished speaking and sat back, waiting for their response. Ned and Thea looked at each other in silence, and Marcia stared at her father for a moment before asking, “Does that mean there’ll be another one of us?”

Edgar smiled at her phrasing and nodded his head. “Yes, poppet – come the end of April, you’ll have a new little brother or sister. So, what do you all think?”

The two girls squealed excitedly, grabbing each others hands as Marcia cried, “I won’t be youngest anymore!”

Ned, meanwhile, stared at Evadne for a second, and then his face broke into a broad grin. “Cool! I hope it’s a boy – then I won’t be the only one!”

Relief flooded through Evadne’s body and she laughed at her stepson’s response. His had been the reaction she had been most worried about. “Well you’ll have to wait and see, won’t you,” she replied, resting her head on her husband’s shoulder. “There’s a fifty-fifty chance at least!”

Edgar grinned. “So I’m guessing you’re all pleased then?” As they all answered in the affirmative, he turned to his eldest daughter. “So what do you want, Thea? A brother or a sister?”

Thea shook her head. “Don’t care! Mummy, can we help you look after it when it comes?”

“Of course you can, sweetie,” Evadne replied with a smile. “I’ll need lots of help too. I’ve never looked after a baby before.”

“Well I’ll help then!” Thea replied, a wide grin lighting up her pretty face. “What about you, Marcia, what d’you want?”

Marcia tilted her head to one side. “A dog would be nice!”

There was a stunned silence for a split-second, and then Ned gave a snort of laughter, setting off the other three.

“Durr! Ev…Evvy can’t have a dog, she…she’s human!” Ned stuttered through his laughter, holding his sides. “You’re so thick, Marcia!”

“I’m not!” Marcia cried, glaring around at them all indignantly. “I know the baby won’t be a dog! Thea just asked me what I’d like, so I said, that’s all!”

Edgar sat up straight and wiped his eyes. “I think she meant would you like the baby to be a boy or a girl, poppet,” he said, trying desperately not to laugh again.

“Oh!” Marcia cheeks flushed pink as she realised her mistake, then she paused for a moment as she pondered the question. “I don’t think I mind. Maybe a girl, ‘cause then we can play doll’s house with her when she gets bigger.”

“Mummy, why do we have to wait 'til April?” Thea asked, turning to face her stepmother. “If it came now, it’d be in time for Christmas and everything.”

Evadne glanced at Edgar, her eyes widening slightly as she thought about what to say. “Well, um, I…er…” she faltered, not sure to where to begin, while Edgar watched her with amusement. “Oh I know!” A sudden idea occurred to her. Standing up and turning sideways on to the children, she pulled her dress tight around her swollen waist. “You see this bump here?” The two girls nodded and Ned grinned.

“That’s how I knew!”

“Well aren’t you the clever one!” she retorted, pulling a face at her stepson as she sat down again. Then she turned her attention back to Marcia and Thea. “Okay, well that bump is the baby, so it’s sort of here already. And in April, it’ll be ready to come out and join us properly.”

“But why’s it in your tummy?” Marcia asked, looking confused.

“To keep it warm while it grows. It’s too small to come out into the world now, especially with all this snow and ice we’ve got,” she replied as the two girls listened intently.

“So it’s sort of hibernating?” Thea queried, having just learnt at school about animals doing just that.

“What’s hibernating?” Marcia wanted to know.

“It’s when animals go to sleep for the winter, to save them having to find food in the snow,” her father responded.

“So the baby’s asleep for the winter?”

Evadne smiled. “That’s right. It’s kinda like a squirrel in its den in a tree, except the baby doesn’t have a tree, it has my belly!” she replied, as Edgar raised his eyebrows at her and smirked. She shrugged her shoulders. “What else was I supposed to say?” she murmured out of the corner of her mouth. He simply grinned in returned.

Thea sat back satisfied with the answers, but something was still troubling Marcia. “But, Mummy, how did it get in your tummy?”

Evadne turned bright red and almost spluttered. Edgar tried frantically to think of something to say, but Ned got in there first.

“Dad put it there of course!”

“But how?” Marcia queried, turning to face her brother with a furrowed brow. “Did he make her eat it?”

Ned opened his mouth to reply, but luckily, Edgar recovered his senses just in time and beat him to it. Jumping to his feet, he said loudly, “Ned, come and help me make some drinks for everyone. Now!” he added, as Ned started to protest, and taking his son by the arm, he marched him quickly out of the room.

The girls watched him go, and then turned back to their stepmother. “How did he, Mummy?” Marcia asked again, refusing to let it go.

Evadne cleared her throat, still blushing furiously. “Well, um, it’s…it’s very small to begin with, so it’s very easy to get it into my belly,” she responded desperately, not knowing quite what to say. “It’s in there for nine whole months before it comes out, you see.”

Mercifully, Marcia seemed to accept this and nodded her head, sitting back in her seat. “Well I think it’ll be fun! It’ll be like a real life dolly!”

Evadne grinned, suddenly seeing a way to distract them. “I’ve an idea. You two run upstairs and get your dollies and some of Daddy’s hankies and some safety pins, and I’ll show you how to fasten a diaper! We can get into practise now!”

Thoroughly excited by this idea, they ran out of the room, chattering loudly. As Evadne listened to them clattering up the stairs, her husband came back into the room, shutting the door behind him, and she looked up at him with a smile.

“Well, that went well!”

Edgar grimaced as he sat down next to her. “Yes, no thanks to Ned! First he blurts out that you’re having a baby, and then, well, I hate to think what he’d have said if I hadn’t stopped him!” Evadne started laughing and Edgar frowned. “It’s not funny, Evvy! Apparently the elder brother of some friend of his at school decided to pass on the information to him! He’s only twelve, for God’s sake! He’s not thirteen for another couple of months.”

Swallowing to recompose herself, Evadne looked up at him and shook her head. “Don’t worry about it, Edgar. He had to find out sometime, and kids grow up faster these days than they did in ours. Anyhow, it’s saved you the job!” she added with a grin. “Think how excruciating that conversation would have been!”

Despite himself, Edgar chuckled. “Too true.”

“There, see? It’s not a disaster after all! Personally,” she added with a twinkle in her eye, “I’m more worried about Marcia wanting a dog!”

Edgar laughed. “Well, you know what? Maybe it’s about time we got a dog too!”

Last edited by Josie on Sun May 29, 2005 10:07 pm; edited 1 time in total

#381: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 10:06 pm

Oh how lovely! So pleased they all accepted it, as for Ned saying how the baby got there! Laughing

Thanks Josie.

#382: Swiss Family Watson Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 10:06 pm

This is brilliant, Josie - I had tears of laughter in my eyes by the time I'd finished reading it! I'm glad Edgar cut Ned off before he could come out with any more technicoloured revelations about the facts of life - but he *was* funny!

It's lovely that all three children are so excited about this - I know sometimes the prospect of a step-sibling (or half-sibling, I honestly never remember which is correct here) can give rise to problems. But it's all on a par with how readily they have all accepted Evadne into their lives, even Ned, in the end, though I remember he had some doubts when the idea first came up.

#383: Author: Kat, Location: Swansea

Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 10:15 pm

You already know what I think Jo!! But loved it all second time round just as much! Wink

#384: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 10:22 pm

Yay! I've finally caught up again!

ROFL

at the last post - that was brilliant, Jo!

#385: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 10:25 pm

That was just brilliant Jo!!!!!

(although I can't help wishing Ned had been allowed to explain to the girls how the baby got there......) Wink

#386: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun May 29, 2005 10:32 pm

fantastic Jo!!!

I really love the way you portray Evvy and her family - it's so realistic and touching.

#387: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 1:35 am

Just wonderful Jo - I love this family so much

#388: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 2:33 am

A vair vair amusing post! It's hard to imagine these days a 12 (almost 13) year old being expected to be ignorant of The Facts Of Life.

Especially as I read an article on the weekend about a 12 year old in England who'd had a baby. So had her older sisters (aged 13 and 14). Then again, maybe they were ignorant of The Facts?

#389: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 2:36 am

Thank you Jo!!!

Di - which paper? and how could the 12yo not know after her sisters had had theirs????

#390: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 4:40 am

Lovely Jo!

#391: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 6:47 am

So much easier for Edgar, of course, he'd already been in that situation twice!

On the "where do babies come from" question, coincidentally the Radio 4 appeal yesterday was for the Speakeasy project run by the Family Planning Association, which helps parents think about what to say about sex, and when, to their kids: http://www.fpa.org.uk/about/projects/index.htm#4

#392: Author: keren as guest,

Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 9:08 am

Catherine_B wrote:

Better send it to Evvy then.
she will have to tell the girls some day.

#393: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 10:02 am

Sophoife wrote:

Thank you Jo!!!

Di - which paper? and how could the 12yo not know after her sisters had had theirs????

Can't remember which paper it was, but her mother had the gall to blame sex education for the fact that all three of her daughters got pregnant. Oh, no, it couldn't possibly be anything to do with her... /sarcasm

This is excellent, Jo - really enjoying it Smile

Ray *lurking*

#394: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 11:40 am

Josie wrote:

“But how?” Marcia queried, turning to face her brother with a furrowed brow. “Did he make her eat it?”

I can remember asking a similar question once!

Thanks Jo - that was lovely and I'm so glad they're all happy about the baby.

But... a dog - what about Millicent Mary?

Liz

#395: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 11:42 am

The mother seemed surprised that her twelve-year old daughter had become pregnant, this is 'mother' who allowed said daughter to sleep with her boyfriend under her own roof.

But hey, why should the mother complain, she's raking in £31,000 of public funds, paid for out of taxes and NI contributions.

Don't you wish you got that much for nothing every year?

#396: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 12:13 pm

I have just caught up on several long episodes, Josie, and it's all wonderful. Very Happy

#397: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 2:01 pm

Sophoife wrote:

Thank you Jo!!!

Di - which paper? and how could the 12yo not know after her sisters had had theirs????

The twelve year old had hers FIRST!!! Then the other two got jealous......... Shocked

#398: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 4:24 pm

Thanks Jo, loved the way they handled 'That Coversation'

Im so glad that everyone is thrilled by the news Very Happy

#399: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 6:54 pm

That was so realistic Very Happy

Thanks Jo
Re the family with teenage Mums, it was definatly in the Guardian accompanied by their annual benefits claim.

#400: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Mon May 30, 2005 7:16 pm

Thank you Jo! Those kids are just fab! I've been reading reunion and noticing how true to EBD's characters yours are (from the little that they are mentioned!)

The story goes in my family that when my nan had my mum's little brother, mum asked if they could take him back and swap him for a dog!

Nine year old girls really dont like baby boys i guess!

#401: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Tue May 31, 2005 3:52 am

nikkie wrote:

Re the family with teenage Mums, it was definatly in the Guardian accompanied by their annual benefits claim.

And reprinted in the SMH (I think it was near thedebate about making single parents look for 4-5 hours work (per day)). Anyway, you can find it here : http://www.smh.com.au/text/articles/2005/05/27/1117129897889.html

#402: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 9:54 am

great Jo

love the girls and Ned's reactions. and the way Edgar and Evvy handled it.

thanks

#403: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 5:05 pm

The week following Thea’s birthday passed by in a frenzy as the Watson household prepared for the upcoming holidays. Arthur and Veronica arrived in Geneva three days before Christmas Eve, to spend a week with Evadne and her family before heading to England to join Veronica’s son Charles and his wife Sarah for New Year. For some time, Evadne had been harbouring ideas of cooking a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, despite Guilia’s absence – they had given her two weeks off over Christmas and New Year so that she could go to Italy to see family – so the moment she arrived, Veronica found herself pressed into service to help her stepdaughter out. They spent a couple of days trawling around the city’s shops, ensuring they had everything they would need, while Arthur and Edgar took the children shopping for last minute presents.

On the evening of December twenty-third, the whole family, together with Anton Baertschi, their next door neighbour, headed into the city centre to the Kristingl Markt. The two girls delighted in helping their stepmother pick out some carved wooden ornaments for the tree and listening to Anton’s tales of local Christmas legends, while Ned wandered off on his own to sample the bratwurst and brotchen, and managed to surreptitiously discover the delights of Gluhwein in the process. Arthur discovered him some time later, slightly tipsy and inclined to giggle. Finally getting out of him what had been going on, he gave his grandson a good dressing down and then spent the rest of the evening making sure that Evadne and Edgar didn’t find out.

Christmas Eve morning saw Evadne, Thea and Veronica making preparations for the feast they were cooking the next day, doing as much in advance as possible. For a great deal of the time, Evadne found herself effectively relegated to kitchen hand – even Thea was given more responsibility than her stepmother - but she thoroughly enjoyed herself anyway, and made an effort to learn as much as possible so that she would be able to do more herself the following year.

While this was going on, Edgar, Arthur, Ned and Marcia took themselves off to the salon to decorate the tree that Edgar had purchased at the market the previous night. Candles were placed among the branches, old ornaments were unpacked and hung to mingle among the new ones Evadne had bought, and when Edgar climbed the step ladder to plae he angel on the top, they all stood back to admire their efforts. The only slight hitch came when they were about to light the candles. Marcia and Ned were having a play fight nearby, and as Ned gave his sister a harder-than-usual shove, she toppled backwards and fell into the tree, knocking several of thankfully still-unlit candles to the floor. As Arthur scolded the pair of them, Edgar declared the candles unsafe and they were all removed immediately, to be replaced with some electric lights that Evadne had brought with her when they’d moved to Geneva. However as they looked almost as pretty among he branches, and were considerably more childproof, nobody complained too much.

By late afternoon, the three children were beginning to get excited, even Ned, though he did his best to act nonchalant and pretend that he didn’t care. Indeed, Marcia worked herself into such a state of anticipation, chattering non-stop about what Santa might bring her, that the adults sighed with relief when bedtime finally came around. Edgar had succeeded in preventing Ned from informing his sisters that Santa didn’t really exist, and after leaving out a couple of mince pies and a glass of brandy, the two girls took themselves off to their rooms, vowing to stay awake all night in order to catch Father Christmas out. They very nearly succeeded - it was many hours, and several more mince pies and brandy shots later, that Edgar finally managed to sneak their stockings into their bedrooms and get to bed himself.

Characteristically, it was Marcia who was first awake on the big day itself. Turning on her bedroom light, she squealed with excitement as she saw her stocking hanging on her bedpost, and jumping out of bed, she stopped only to put on her slippers before she grabbed it and tiptoed down the landing to her sister’s room. Opening the door, she found Thea still asleep. Deciding this had to be remedied, she walked across to the bed, dropped her stocking, and sat down heavily on her sister’s legs. Thea awoke with a yell, and sat bolt upright. It was a few seconds before she realised what had happened, and when she finally came to, she glared at Marcia.

“What d’you do that for?”

“’Cause you were asleep!” Marcia replied, without a trace of remorse. “It’s Christmas! Let’s go and wake up Mummy and Daddy!”

Having been reminded what day it was Thea switched on her bedside light and her eyes searched the end of her bed for her stocking. Spotting it directly behind Marcia, she reached down and grabbed it excitedly.

“It’s really full” she exclaimed, squeezing it to see if she could work out what anything was.

“So’s mine!” Marcia replied, grinning broadly. “C’mon – let’s go and wake them up!”

Thea glanced at her clock and frowned. “It’s only half-past five though. Remember Daddy said no waking them up before six.”

“They won’t mind!”

Thea wasn’t so sure. “Daddy said, so I don’t think we should go now.”

Marcia pulled a face at her sister. “You’re such a goody-two-shoes!”

“No I’m not!” Thea retorted, flaring up. “It’s just they said so. It’s only half an hour away.” Seeing the look on her sister’s face, she hastened to pour oil on troubled waters. “Let’s open our stockings now instead! Then we can take the things through to show Mummy and Daddy what Father Christmas brought us.”

This idea mollified Marcia greatly and before long, the two of them were sitting cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by wrapping paper as they exclaimed over slinkys, jigsaw puzzles, wooden animals, doll’s clothes, books and the customary clementine, chocolates and handful of nuts that they received every single year. Halfway through, Ned stuck his head around the door and came to join in, putting his usual superior comments to one side and becoming a child once more as he tore eagerly into his gifts.

At five minutes to six, Marcia began to clock-watch, and as the big hand moved onto the twelve, she turned to the other two with a cry of “It’s six – now we can go!”

Ned looked at her, puzzled. “Go where?”

“To wake up Mummy and Daddy of course! Are you coming?”

“You bet I am!” came the reply, and jumping to his feet, he gathered up his presents and followed his sisters out of the door.

They entered their parents’ bedroom to find both of them still fast asleep. Marcia was about to run over and jump on the bed, when Ned held her back. He pointed to the end of the bed, where his father’s bare feet were clearly visible, sticking out from underneath the plumeau. Putting his fingers to his lips, he crept towards them, followed by the two girls who were doing their best to stifle their giggles. When he reached the bed, he turned and gave the pair of them a wicked grin, and then reaching out his hand, he tickled his father’s toes.

Edgar awoke with a start, gave a terrific yell and threw out his hand, hitting his wife square on the nose. In turn, Evadne sat bolt upright, clutching at her face, and turned to glare at him.

“You stupid, great…” she began, about to tell him what for, when she suddenly noticed three faces grinning at her from the end of the bed. Hastily biting her tongue, she grimaced at her children. “I suppose that had something to do with you?”

“Dad’s toes were sticking out, so I thought I’d tickle them!” Ned announced proudly. "Merry Christmas!"

“Merry Christmas!” came the chorus from the two girls.

Edgar grinned and sat up properly, propping some pillows up behind him. “Merry Christmas to you all too!” he replied, moving closer to his wife and planted a kiss on her lips before turning back to face his children. “Did Father Christmas come to visit then?”

Marcia nodded and scrambled up onto the bed, upending her stocking in the process and tipping the contents all over the floor. She climbed down again to pick them up, and laughing at her little sister, Thea jumped up onto the high bed, wriggled in-between her parents, forcing them to make room for her, and gave them both a kiss on the cheek.

“Look what Father Christmas brought me?” she exclaimed, tipping the contents of the stocking into her lap. “Marcia's got almost the same as me, ‘cept her puzzle’s got kittens not horses, and she got cut-out dolls, and Ned’s got lots of aeroplane stuff and no slinky.”

“And I’ve eaten all my chocolate already” her sister put in as she stood up again, the evidence around all around her mouth.

Evadne laughed. “So we can see! I’m guessing you won’t need any Christmas dinner then, will you?”

Marcia’s jaw dropped open. “I will! Tell her, Daddy!”

Edgar grinned and turned to his wife. “Mummy, apparently Marcia thinks she’ll need dinner, despite being a greedy pig and eating all her chocolate!”

“You’re mean!” Marcia cried, putting on a sulky face, “I’m going to wake up Grandpa and Grandma – they’re nice!” and with that, she stropped out of the room.

Laughing, Edgar turned to his son. “Ned, run down and put the kettle on, will you? Now we’re up, we may as well make a start on breakfast too – one of us’ll be down to help you in a minute.”

“Okay – can we have scrambled eggs?”

"We can have whatever you want if you’re gonna make it!” Evadne replied with a grin. Then turning to Thea, she added, “Why don’t you run down and see if Santa ate the things you left out for him?”

Thea scrambled down with a cry of “Bet he did – he’d be hungry after coming all the way from the North Pole!” and ran out of the room, Ned following in her wake.

As Evadne climbed out from under the covers and pulled her thick winter dressing gown around her, Edgar watched her with a smile. “You know, if I didn’t know better, I’d swear that Marcia was yours.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“That little huff she just threw – she gets more like you every day!” he replied innocently, his eyes full of mischief.

“Well excuse me!” Evvy picked up her pillow and glared at him. “If you think you’re getting away with that one, you’ve another thing coming!” and lifting the pillow above her head, she went to hit him with it. Edgar was too quick for her, and grabbing hold of the pillow, he pulled it towards him and she followed, falling back on the bed with a shriek. Laughing, she rolled onto her back and Edgar grabbed hold of her hands to prevent her exacting any more revenge.

“You never learn do you? I always…”

“Yeah, yeah, I know – you always win,” she interrupted, pulling a face at him.

Edgar smiled down at her, shuffled round slightly, and bent down to kiss her lips. “Merry Christmas, darling.”

“Merry Christmas to you too,” she replied, putting her arms around his neck.

He grinned and kissed her again, and then freeing himself, he turned slightly and planted a kiss on her stomach. “Merry Christmas to you too, Baby Watson!”

Evadne laughed and sat up. “You soppy fool!” she said, punching him affectionately on the arm. Then pushing him up off the bed, she got to her feet. “Come on, let’s get downstairs before Marcia gets impatient and opens all the presents – you know what she’s like!”

They reached the salon to find the others all gathered there, Marcia already searching for her presents among the mountain of wrapped parcels under the tree. Evvy left Edgar to deal with her and grabbed Ned to help her make breakfast, Veronica following them to the kitchen to get the turkey into the oven.

Following a delicious meal of scrambled eggs on toast, Edgar allowed the children to open one present each before sending them all upstairs to get dressed ready for church. They attended the National Protestant Church, as they did every Sunday along with many of Edgar’s colleagues and the girls’ schoolfriends, including the Bowns and the Cranstons. The three families took seats near each other, allowing the girls to all sit together. Ned, who had been bemoaning the fact that he knew no-one in Geneva, soon made friends with Ann’s elder brother Rupert, who was just a couple of months younger than him and also spent his terms at school in England.

On their return from church, Evadne and Veronica disappeared into the kitchen to prepare Christmas dinner, while Edgar and Arthur took the children out for a walk. Then Anton appeared just after midday, carrying a large cardboard box that Evadne hurriedly bore off to the kitchen, while Edgar escorted him through to the salon so that they could all exchange presents with their neighbour and grimaced as he saw the lizard that the eccentric man gave to Ned.

At two o’clock, not long after Anton had gone to join his family for dinner, Evadne appeared to call them all to the dining table, instructing Ned to return his new iguana to its tank as it was categorically not welcome at mealtimes. That done, they all sat down at the dining table, pulled their crackers, put on their paper hats and tucked into a veritable feast of turkey, sausages, bacon, potatoes, parsnips, swede, carrots, cauliflower, sprouts, cranberry sauce and gravy. All three children had their compulsory three brussel sprouts, which they consumed with maximum fuss and face-pulling, washing them down with copious amounts of juice. Edgar even allowed Ned half a glass of wine, declaring that as he was almost thirteen, he was now old enough to have his first taste. Ned accepted it graciously, turning scarlet as he caught Arthur’s eye.

By three, they had finally finished eating, having rounded the meal off with plum pudding, cream and brandy butter. Pushing his chair back, Edgar got to his feet. “Right, everyone except Mummy and Grandma into the kitchen. The more of us there are, the sooner we’ll be finished and can get around to presents!”

He didn’t need to ask twice. Enticed by the prospect of gifts, the three children jumped down from their seats and ran off to get started, while Arthur and Edgar cleared the table and the two women took themselves off to the salon for a few moments rest. It wasn’t long until they were joined by the others, and then the present opening began.

Ned exclaimed over a cricket bat and set of pads, a new suit and a signed photograph of Johnny Williams, the English rugby team scrum-half and one of his idols. Marcia meanwhile, was in raptures over her easel, new set of paints and charcoals, and some photo albums to put all her photographs in, and Thea was pleased with her Times Atlas, a pretty, new dress and some matching shoes.

When finally everything under the tree had been opened, Evadne cast a glance at her husband, as he sat examining an expensive bottle of brandy that Arthur had given him, got to her feet and left the room. She returned a minute later with a large cardboard box, which had air holes punched in it – the same box that Anton had brought around to the house earlier in the day. Edgar looked up as she came into the room, and then hurriedly got to his knees, clearing a space on the floor.

“Ned, put that thing back in it’s tank for a minute please,” he said to his son, who had got his iguana out again.

“It’s not that thing, it’s Charlie!” that young man replied indignantly.

“I don’t care if it’s Charlie, Bob or Roger, just put it away!”

Ned grudgingly did as he was told, and Edgar reached up to help his wife lower the box to the floor. The two girls looked at it curiously, and Evadne sat back down and gave them a broad grin.

“Okay you three, come over here. We’ve one more thing for you.” There was a scuffling sound inside the box as she spoke, and the three of them hurried over, their interest piqued. “This is your big present from Daddy and me.”

“Before you open it,” Edgar added hurriedly, seeing them about to pounce on the box, “there’s a condition attached. Whenever you’re home, the three of you are responsible for food, walks, bathing and any other general looking after that may be required. Do you understand?”

They weren’t listening to a word he said. With a cry of “I know what it is!” Marcia yanked off the lid, and the next moment she let out a loud squeal. There was a yelp from inside the box, and putting his arms around her, Ned reached down into the container. The next moment, he stood up again, a wide smile on his face and a tiny, black Labrador puppy in his hands. Thea jumped up and down, trying to get a look, and Marcia ran across to her father and threw her arms around him. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!” she cried, hugging him tight, before moving onto Evadne.

Edgar laughed, as Thea came over to give him a hug, and then she returned to the floor, as Ned put the small dog on the ground. The puppy blinked and looked around him, and then promptly pee’d on the carpet.

“Quick, Ned – go get a bucket of water and a brush from the kitchen,” Evadne cried, laughing as she did so. “Thea, get the newspaper out of the box and put him on that. I think we’ll have to keep a close eye on him ‘til he’s housetrained!”

The two of them did as they were told, while Marcia cuddled their new pet in her lap. Once order was restored again, and the new puppy was sitting happily on the newspaper, staring around at his new family and wagging his tail, the conversation changed to what his name should be. Discussions got heated as suggestions such as Blackie, Toby, Rudolph, Bertie, Wellington, Indigo and Oddball were put forward, and eventually Edgar held up his hands for silence.

“Right, you each get to choose one name, then we’ll put them in a hat, and the first one picked out will be it’” he said, standing up and fetching a piece of paper and a pen from the bureau. “And there’ll be no arguments if it’s not the name you wanted. Understand?”

The three of them nodded, and he tore the paper into strips, giving them one each. Writing their chosen name on their piece of paper, they folded them and put the into a pot that Arthur had fetched from the nearby dresser. Then shaking it up, Edgar walked over to Veronica and asked her to pick one out.

Veronica put her hand in the bowl, took a slip, and unfolded it. She looked up at the three eager faces, her eyebrows raised. Then seeing the frustration on Ned’s face, she relented. “His new name is Scrabble!” she announced, turning round the piece of paper.

“That’s my name!” Thea cried, picking up Scrabble and hugging him to her chest, as Ned exclaimed, “What sort of name’s that?”

“A very good one, I think,” Edgar replied, and then as Ned opened his mouth to argue the point, he added, “You agreed to go with whatever we picked out, remember?”

“Yes, but mine was better!”

“Well tell us what is was then – see if we agree.”

“Don Shepherd!” he announced proudly.

“Don who?” his stepmother exclaimed, looking at him incredulously.

“After the cricketer of course!”

“Well I’m glad we didn’t get that one! What was your choice Marcia?”

“Spot,” that young lady replied with a grin.

“Spot?” Ned stared at his little sister as if she were mad. “But he’s not got a spot on him!”

“Well I couldn’t think of anything else, ‘cept Blackie and you didn’t like that either,” she retorted, sticking her tongue out at him. “Anyway, doesn’t matter, ‘cause he’s not called that, is he?”

“That’s enough, you two, it’s Christmas,” Edgar put in, before it turned into a full-blown argument.

“Daddy, can we take Scrabble outside?” Thea asked, as the other two subsided.

He glanced out of the window and nodded his head. “Yes, if you like. Only for a little while though – he’s still very young, we don’t want him getting too cold.”

Handing the puppy to Evadne, the three of them jumped up and ran off to put their coats and shoes on. When they returned, Ned took Scrabble from his stepmother and they made their way outside, Edgar following and shutting the door behind him. As Veronica began to tidy away the wrapping paper from the floor, Evadne got up and walked across to the window, staring out at her family playing in the snow. She was laughing at Marcia and Ned trying to put snowballs down their father’s back, when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up, she foound herself gazing into her father’s smiling face.

“How you feeling?”

“A little tired, but otherwise okay,” she returned with a smile. “Thanks so much for my bracelet, Pops,” she added, twisting the gold and ruby chain that she wore around her wrist. “It’s beautiful.”

“It was Momma’s,” he replied, his eyes slightly wistful. “I’ve been holding onto it for a long while now, and I suddenly realised I’ve no idea why. I thought you should have it.”

She glanced down at it again, swallowing to clear the lump in her throat, and then looked back up into his kindly, cragged face. “Have you had a good time today?”

“We’ve had a wonderful time, sweetheart,” he replied, putting his arm around her shoulders and dropping a kiss on the top of her head. Then looking back down at her animated face and bright, shining eyes, he added, “You know, family life suits you, kiddo. You look so well and happy.”

She put her arm back around him and gazed up into his eyes with a grin. “I am, Poppa. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier in my life.”

Last edited by Josie on Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:37 am; edited 2 times in total

#404: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 5:31 pm

Awwww! I just loved that.

thank you Jo. I'm off to read it again right now!

#405: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 5:55 pm

What a lovely Christmas, thank you Jo Very Happy

#406: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 6:07 pm

That was wonderful, Jo, a great family Christmas.

#407: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:08 pm

I feel all festive now - shame it's six months too early!

Thanks Jo!

#408: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:12 pm

I'm off to read it again too! Thanks Jo, that was lovely. Although I winced when I read the bit about the carpet..

#409: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:25 pm

Thank you Jo!

*wants christmas now!*

#410: Author: Katarzyna, Location: North West England

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 8:50 pm

Excellent post as usual josie - thank you

Though so sad that it is showing giving a puppy as a christmas present, particularly such a boisterous dog as a labrador - not a good gift and totally the wrong time of year to bring a puppy into the house - sorry personal bugbear from doing rescue for so many years

#411: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 10:40 pm

Katarzyna - I think Evvy, Edgar and Co understand that a puppy is for life, not just for Christmas. We wouldn't let them be any other way!

Josie - again, such a lovely looooong post and what a great family Christmas. Thank you!

#412: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jun 01, 2005 11:48 pm

What a wonderful long post, thanks Josie.

I liked Ned getting tipsy, particularly after Edgar's drunken experience!

#413: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:23 am

Wonderful, lovely post. Very festive. thank you Jo!

#414: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:25 am

lovely happy family scenes - thanks Jo
Made me feel all warm and fuzzy and wish it was Christmas already!

#415: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:32 am

“Edgar, we’re off now. Are you sure there’s nothing you two need?”

Putting down his paper and getting up from his seat in the salon, Edgar made his way through to the hall where his wife and daughters were busy wrapping up ready to brave a cold winter’s day on a shopping expedition into the city.

“No, I don’t think so, sweetheart. You’ve got the list from Ned, haven’t you?”

Evadne nodded as she buttoned up her coat. “Yes, it’s in my bag,” she replied, her voice slightly muffled by the pair of gloves she had clenched between her teeth.

“Well I think that’s it then. Drive carefully won’t you – the roads weren’t too bad when I took your parents to the airport this morning, but you never know what crazy people are around.”

“Like me you mean?” she retorted, her eyes twinkling as she removed her gloves from between her teeth and began to pull them on.

“Yes, just like you,” he retorted with a wink.

Evvy laughed. “I’ll be careful, I promise. Are you two ready?” she asked the two girls who were busy pulling on their winter boots and wrapping themselves up. Getting answers of ‘almost’ from them both, she turned back to her husband. “Remind me when I get back I need to try and telephone through to England. Pops and Veronica should be at Charles’ by now. And we should call Elsie and Paul too - confirm what time they’re getting in tomorrow.”

“I’ll take care of Paul and Elsie whilst your out, shall I?” Edgar replied, and grinning, Evadne reached up to kiss him on the cheek.

“You’re a gem – yes please!”

“I’m ready!” At the sound of Marcia’s muffled voice, they both turned to face her and burst out laughing at the sight before them. She had wrapped her scarf around her around her face and pulled her hat down hard so that the only things visible were her eyes and two gold ringlets, one on either side, which she hadn’t quite managed to cover up. “What?” she asked, sounding vexed. “I’m warm!”

“Very sensible, sweetie,” Evadne chuckled. “You ready too, Thea?”

“Yes, all ready,” replied Thea, who was slightly more conventionally dressed.

“Okay, well let’s go shall we?” Evvy opened the door, letting a cold draught of air into the warm hallway, and ushered the girls out onto the snow-covered forecourt. “See you later. We’ll likely have lunch in there, but there’s still leftovers and things in the fridge for you two,” and with that, she followed the girls out, shutting the door behind her.

Edgar turned and made his way across the entrance hall, opening the door that led down to the basement where Ned was busy putting together a model aeroplane. “You okay down here? Not too cold?”

Ned shook his head, his back still turned towards his father as he tried to glue a rather tricky piece of the wing. “Fine thanks. A coffee would be nice though!” he added, turning round with a grin as he finally succeeded in getting the piece of wood to stick.

Edgar chuckled. “I suppose you’re expecting me to make it, are you?”

“Well I would do it, but my hands are a bit sticky, and you said I had to stay down here when I was like this!”

“You played that card rather nicely!” Edgar retorted, laughing. “I suppose I’ve no choice in the matter then?” Ned grinned and shook his head. “Honestly, anyone would think I was your slave,” his father moaned exaggeratedly as he walked back up the stairs again.

Fifteen minutes later, Edgar was back downstairs, perched on a stool as he watched his son filing down the tail fin of the Hurricane bomber he was building.

“You’re getting rather good at that, I must say,” he said, taking a sip of his coffee, and grimacing as the hot liquid burnt his tongue.

“Lots of practice,” Ned returned with a grin. “I made loads last term – heaps of people in the house wanted one for presents and things. They all paid me for them too!”

“Ah, my son the entrepreneur!” Edgar replied, his eyes twinkling. “Sure you don’t want to give up this pilot lark and become a business mogul instead? Safeguard the family fortune?”

“No fear! I’m going to fly Hawks and be the coolest pilot in the R.A.F.!”

Edgar laughed. He was about to reply, when they were interrupted by the shrill ringing of the telephone.

“Who’s that?” Ned asked, frowning, and Edgar rolled his eyes.

“Well I won’t know 'til I answer it, will I?” he replied facetiously. “It’s probably just Uncle Paul ringing to confirm what time they’ll be here tomorrow,” and making his way back up the stairs again, he crossed the entrance hall and picked up the receiver.

#416: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:39 am

Why do I feel the need to wibble coming on when the phone rings at the end of a post???

*weebling, wibbling and urpled*

Thank you Josie! (I think Shocked

)

#417: Author: Helen C, Location: Sheffield/Luton

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:43 am

Awwwwwww thats so lovely Thanks Josie. How long is it till Christmas? Very Happy

#418: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:45 am

Why do I think that this is a cliff of major proportions? Thanks, Josie.

#419: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:58 am

Thanks Josie, I love your long posts!!

#420: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 11:29 am

Noooooo. I'm feeling very worried about Arthur and Veronica.

#421: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:22 pm

It was late afternoon by the time Evadne and the two girls returned from the city. As Evvy pulled the car up outside the front of the house, Marcia jumped out and ran to open the front door.

“Daddy? Ned? We’re ho-ome!”

There was no reply and frowning, she made her way back outside to help her stepmother and sister unload the car. As the three of them came into the hallway, laden down with bags, Edgar emerged from the salon, his face grim and pale.

Evadne took one look at him, and glanced guiltily at all the shopping. “Sorry Edgar, I know we’ve heaps of stuff, but some’s for Ned too, and they really needed it all.”

Edgar stared at her for a second, and then looked at his daughters. “Girls, can you take your things upstairs please? I need to speak to Mummy.”

Evvy had bent to put down her shopping, but her head snapped back up at his tone. “What’s wrong?”

There was no reply, and the two girls stared at him, open-mouthed. “Daddy?” Thea began, “Why…”

“Now, please.”

They glanced at each other, picked up their bags again and hurried up the stairs.

“What’s going on?” Evvy asked, looking at him, puzzled.

Saying nothing, he moved forward, taking gentle hold of her elbow, and steered her into the salon. Evadne watched his face as he did so, starting to feel very concerned. “Edgar, please, you’re scaring me. What’s happened?”

He walked her across to the nearest sofa. “Come and sit down, darling, I need to tell you something.”

Evadne could feel herself starting to shake slightly; she didn’t like the tone of his voice at all. Sitting down on the sofa, she turned towards him as he took his seat next to her and reached out to clasp her hands. “Edgar, what is it?”

Edgar closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Evvy, I…” His voice choked slightly as he spoke, and he had to swallow hard to pull himself together. “Evvy, Charles telephoned while you were out. Darling, there’s been an accident. Your father and Veronica, they…” As Evadne stared at him, her jaw began to shake and she could feel her eyes filling with tears. Edgar swallowed again. “Their car was hit by a lorry on the way home from the airport. Sarah escaped with just a broken leg, but your father…he…he was killed instantly and Veronica died on her way to hospital.”

A couple of tears trickled down Evadne’s cheeks as she stared at her husband in silence, and as Edgar watched her he could see her struggling not to break down. She was biting down so hard on her bottom lip that it began to bleed.

“Evvy, sweetheart, I’m so sorry.” He lifted his hand to her face to try and comfort her, but she jerked her head out of his reach and took her hands from his. Balling her fists, her nails digging hard into her palms, she swallowed several times, almost gulping down the lump that was rising in her throat. “Evvy, talk to me, please,” he pleaded.

She looked down at her fists for a moment, and then lifted her head again, avoiding his eyes. “I’d best get those bags upstairs before someone falls over them,” she said, her voice artificially cheery as she got to her feet.

Edgar stared up at her, his face full of concern. “Evvy?”

Pausing for a moment, she placed her hand on the top of his head as she stared straight ahead of her and then walked out of the door. Edgar stood up immediately and followed her out into the hall, where he found her picking up the shopping bags. As she began to walk up the stairs, Marcia appeared, coming down the opposite way.

“Marcia, can you help me please? There’s too many bags for me to carry in one go.” Evadne’s voice still had the same forced, artificial tone, and as she walked past her stepdaughter, Marcia watched her and then turned to her father with alarm.

“Daddy, what’s wrong with Mummy? And why won’t Ned come out of his room?”

Reluctantly, Edgar let his wife go and turned to his daughter. “Go and get Thea and bring her downstairs will you? I’ll be in the salon.”

Marcia ran off to do his bidding, and a couple of minutes later, they both entered the salon to find their father sitting on a sofa on the far side. “Come here,” he said, patting the seats either side of him, and glancing at each other, they made their way across the room to sit down. Edgar put an arm around each of them and took a deep breath. “Girls, I’ve got some horrible news, I’m afraid. Grandma and Grandpa have been in a car accident.”

They both stared at him, and Thea’s eyes filled with tears. “Are they okay?” Edgar swallowed hard and shook his head. Thea’s face crumpled as she watched him and burying her face in his side, she began to sob.

Marcia looked at her sister in shock and asked, “What’s wrong with them?”

Holding Thea with one arm, Edgar lifted his other hand to run it over Marcia’s blonde curls. “They’ve gone to be with God, poppet, just like Granny.”

Her jaw began to tremble, “But…but Granny’s dead. Are Grandma and Grandpa dead too?” she asked, her voice sounding horrified as she stared at him wide-eyed.

Edgar nodded. “Yes, sweetheart, they are.”

As the reality of the situation began to dawn on her, Marcia followed her sister’s example and buried her head in her father’s chest, her little body shaking as she cried. Edgar held them both tight and leaned back against the sofa, staring up at the ceiling as he tried hard to hold himself together.

Last edited by Josie on Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:38 pm; edited 1 time in total

#422: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:30 pm

Despite the fact that I was pretty sure this was coming, given that we knew Arthur died when Evvy was pregnant, I was deliberately pushing it to the back of my mind and hoping Josie would change her universe.

That is so sad for them all.

I'm glad they had Christmas together.

#423: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:36 pm

Thanks Josie - I'm so glad they had a lovely Christmas together before this.

*leaves a stack of tissues for those who need them*

Liz

#424: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:42 pm

Oh Josie, you made me cry! In the middle of the library too - it's just as well there's no one else here.

bawling

#425: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:43 pm

Apologies for almost spreeing - I wanted to get these three posts up today.

Evadne maintained her unnaturally cheery air for the rest of the afternoon, carrying on as if nothing had happened, much to the bemusement of both girls who couldn’t understand why she didn’t appear more upset. The only time she let the veneer slip was when she took Ned’s shopping in to him. He was lying on his back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling when she entered the room and as she placed the bags down by his wardrobe, he rose and walked across to her, putting his arms around her and hugging her tight. As she returned his embrace, Evadne screwed up her eyes, struggling to force her rising emotions back down inside her. But when she left the room again, the false smile returned to her face once more.

As afternoon turned to evening, Edgar became increasingly concerned about her. She listened calmly as he told her of the arrangements he had made for them all to fly to England first thing in the morning, and how they had to get there as soon as possible to help Charles, as he was handling everything alone and Sarah was still in hospital. Then when he finished speaking, she immediately changed the subject onto something else.

Dinner was a subdued affair. None of them felt like eating, and there was very little conversation, despite Evadne’s attempts to get them all talking. Once it was over, the three children took themselves off to bed, and when they had tucked them in and kissed them goodnight, the two adults returned to the salon. Evadne picked up her book and buried her head in it, apparently rapt by what she was reading, but it didn’t escape Edgar’s notice that not once did she turn over a page. He let her sit like that for over an hour, pretending to read his paper, waiting for her to start any sort of conversation or to break down, but she maintained a steadfast silence and as the hands on the clock moved to ten to nine, he found that he couldn’t stand it any more. Folding up his paper, he laid it on the table beside him and turned to face her.

“Evvy, sweetheart, are you okay?”

She looked up in surprise. “Edgar, I’m fine,” she replied, still in the same cheery tone she’d been using since he’d broken the news to her. “Everyone dies sometime, you have to accept it and move on.” Her voice choked slightly as she said the last few words, but she bit her lip again and swallowed hard. Closing her book, she got to her feet. “I think I’m going to head upstairs – we’ve an early start in the morning. No, you finish your paper,” she added quickly as he made a move to stand up, “I’ll see you up there in a while.” Walking over to where he was seated, she bent to kiss him on the forehead, and then turned and left the room.

Edgar remained where he was until almost ten o’clock, hoping that the hour alone would allow her to start grieving. When he finally made his way upstairs, she was lying on her side in the bed, her back towards him.

“Evvy, are you still awake?”

She nodded and said nothing. Getting changed as quickly as he could, Edgar climbed into bed beside her. Pulling up the sheets, he moved across so that he was lying against her back, and wrapped his arm tightly around her, holding her as closely as he could. She remained still, her eyes firmly closed, saying nothing. After a few moments, she reached up and took hold of his hand. They lay in silence for a long while before tiredness got the better of him and Edgar finally drifted off to sleep.

A few hours later, he awoke suddenly to find himself alone in the bed. Sitting up and switching on the light, he rubbed his bleary eyes and looked at the clock. It was three a.m. Evadne was nowhere to be seen, but her dressing gown was still hanging over the bedstead. Worried, Edgar got up quickly and fished for his slippers under the bed. Finding them, he slipped his feet into them, pulled on his dressing gown, and made his way downstairs, tying it round him as he went.

He opened the door of the salon, turned on the light and looked around. Finding it empty, he was about to leave the room when he noticed that the door through to the snug was slightly ajar. Walking quickly towards it, he opened it and flicked the light switch. At first glance, there appeared to be nobody there, and he turned the light out again and was about to close the door when he heard a muffled sob.

“Evvy?”

There was no reply. Switching the light back on, he noticed one of the big armchairs had been turned so that the back was towards the door. Hurrying around it, he found his wife curled up in the seat, her arms crossed over her chest, a silver frame clutched in her hand. Her face was hidden by her hair, and he crouched down and brushed back the fair curls.

“Evvy?” She lifted her head to look at him, tears running down her face. “Oh sweetheart.”

She was staring him straight in the eyes, and he reached out and pulled back her hand, turning over the frame. It contained an old photograph of her and Arthur, taken back in Long Island just before the war. It was her favourite picture and she kept it on the dresser in the snug, next to their wedding photo. Edgar lifted his eyes to look at her again and as he did so, she took a deep breath, gulping down her sobs.

“I didn’t tell him I loved him, Edgar. When he left here this morning. I didn’t tell him.”

Edgar lifted both hands to her face, wiping away the still-falling tears with his thumbs. “He knew, Evvy. He knew how much you loved him.” A sob burst from her lips, and he rested his forehead against hers, his hand clasping the back of her head. “He was so very proud of you, darling, and he loved you so much.”

Evadne pulled her head back and looked down at the photograph again. He felt her shoulders begin to shake. “I don’t understand, Edgar. What did I do so wrong that they all get taken from me like this? Why do I never get to say goodbye?”

Her voice dissolved as she began choking on her sobs, gulping for breath, the tears falling faster from her eyes. Edgar took the picture from her hands and set it gently on the floor. Then putting his arms around her, he drew her towards him and held her very closely as she clung to him, burying her face in his shoulder, and finally began to grieve.

#426: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:52 pm

I don't know what to say but bawling

Poor Evvy... I have tears in my eyes

#427: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 12:54 pm

Josie I am crying now. thank you so much but ohhhhhh did you have to kill him? Ignored EBD she is mean *washes mouth out with soap*

Crying or Very sad

#428: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 1:29 pm

Jo, you've just had me in tears in the office - am getting some odd looks.

poor poor Evvy. Crying or Very sad

#429: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 1:46 pm

As others have said, I know we were expecting this but it's so sad to read. Poor Evvy.

#430: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 2:07 pm

Very decidedly not crying as I have five readers in but how sad Sad

Thank you Jo. Must have been hard to write. I'm glad Evvy's calm has broken but what can Edgar say?

#431: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 2:07 pm

Weeping real tears, here, Josie, thank you.

#432: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 2:18 pm

so sad. I've tears pricking my eyes and I'm in the office - about to go into a meeting!

thank you Josie.

#433: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 2:20 pm

KNowing it from the books was no preparation for this, was it?

#434: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 3:26 pm

I somehow missed that bit in the books, too...

Crying or Very sad

Thanks for all the posts though, Jo.

#435: Author: Karry,

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 3:49 pm

I mustn't cry - I mustn't cry
I mustn't cry - I mustn't cry
I mustn't cry - I mustn't cry
I mustn't cry - I mustn't cry
I mustn't cry - I mustn't cry

Oh! didn't work; I am crying!

Poor poor Evvy! Sad

#436: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 5:05 pm

Why did you have to do this to us?

#437: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 5:56 pm

Thank you Jo for such sad and moving posts, I just want to wrap up Evvy in the biggest hug.

Christmas was so bittersweet, knowing what was coming.

#438: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 6:08 pm

I did not realize that they "were supposed" to die, and here I was, got the computer from the son, all the kids around me, and suddenly, tears in my eyes.

#439: THe Swiss Family Watson Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 8:05 pm

Another one with tears in her eyes - but not in an office, thanks be! I didn't realise that Arthur and Veronica were to die, either - I think I'd forgotten that Arthur actually did die whilst Evvy was pregnant.

Thank goodness Evvy found something to break through her calm before leaving for England, too.

#440: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 10:03 pm

ohhhh no!!!!!!

*crying*

#441: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 10:23 pm

No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.

EBD made a mistake. Arthur didn't die, really.

Josie - noooooooooooooo!!!

I'm wandering the house, picking up things and putting them down. Poor poor Evvy - I understand why she would think that!

Josie wrote:

“I don’t understand, Edgar. What did I do so wrong that they all get taken from me like this? Why do I never get to say goodbye?”

#442: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 2:15 am

#443: Author: ravenseyes, Location: New Zealand

Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 2:24 am

- At least they will have the wonderful family Christmas they had to look back on.

#444: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 2:41 pm

I was holding together right up until

Josie wrote:

“I don’t understand, Edgar. What did I do so wrong that they all get taken from me like this? Why do I never get to say goodbye?”

Now I'm distinctly teary and wishing I'd though to have some tissues in my bag. Poor, poor Evvy.

*huggles all of them but Evvy tightest*

#445: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 4:02 pm

First Lesley, now you Jo... I'm never going to stop weeping at this rate! But thank you for the lovely long posts - such a change from the happy Christmas I frist read about to this.

*goes off sniffling*

#446: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 6:35 pm

*sobs*

Even though I KNEW it was coming, and I knew it was going to be now as soon as I read the lovely snuggly christmas scenes, I can't help crying! poor Evvy!!!!!

#447: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 7:41 pm

Can only echo everyone else - Poor Evvy, poor kids, poor Edgar.

Beautifully written Jo - how did it feel when writing it?

#448: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 8:33 pm

Lesley wrote:

how did it feel when writing it?

Horrible.

I have a confession - Arthur's death was my fault, not EBD's. Embarassed

I killed him off in the very first paragraph of my very first drabble - before I'd devloped him as a character, and had no idea I'd get so attached to him. I debated pretending it had never happened, but it would have made a nonsense of Long Road Home if I hadn't gone through with it, so I left myself no choice. Sorry! Sad

Very many thanks to Liz and Ally who beta'd what you've read of it so far. It took a very long time and many tears to get right. Just hope I manage what's to follow okay as well.

“Evvy, have you got a minute?”

Charles’ voice broke through Evadne’s thoughts as she stared across the wintry garden with unseeing eyes, and turning from the window to face him, she nodded and gave him a slight smile.

“Yes of course. Come in.”

He walked across the spare bedroom, where Evadne and Edgar were sleeping during their stay, and sat down on the edge of the bed. The Watsons had arrived in Cheltenham that morning and his relief at seeing them had been palpable. Ever since the accident the previous day, he had been rushing around, dealing with official business and starting to make funeral arrangements. Now, with Edgar there to take over the official side of things, he was finally free to spend more time with his injured wife, who was still in hospital, and to begin to grieve for his own loss.

He looked up at his stepsister, returning her smile. “How are you feeling?”

Evadne shrugged. “Numb. How’s Sarah?”

Charles had just returned from the hospital, where he had spent all afternoon with his wife. “Physically a little better. The doctor thinks she’ll be okay to come home tomorrow. She’s blaming herself though – for the accident, I mean.”

“That’s crazy,” Evadne replied quietly, shaking her head. “There’s no way she could have known the truck was gonna skid.”

“I know, I keep telling her that, but she just won’t listen.” He watched her closely for a second before adding cautiously, “It may help if she were to see you – to know that you don’t blame her. Would you mind?”

“Of course I won’t mind.”

He looked up at her, gratitude in his eyes. “Thanks. I don’t know what else to do, Evvy. She’s beside herself.”

The pain and worry he was carrying around was evident in Charles’ face, and Evadne walked across to the bed and sat down next to him, putting a hand on his shoulder. “You’re not holding up so well, are you?”

He gave her a wry smile. “About as well as you, if Edgar’s to be believed. Did he take the children out?” Evadne nodded. “Good thing too, I think. They need to get out of this atmosphere for a while – I know my two do at least, and I’d imagine yours are the same.” He paused for a moment, looking down at his hands, and took a deep breath. “Listen, I wanted to ask you something – something I couldn’t say with everyone around.”

Evvy raised her eyebrows. “Sure – go ahead.”

“I’ve been thinking, ever since you got here in fact, and well, we’re both…” his voice faltered and he swallowed hard before continuing. “We’re both only children, and we’ve both lost both our parents. I know how happy your Dad made Mum before they…before it happened, and we all thought of him as family – same goes for you and Edgar and the children. Sarah’s brother was killed in the war, so we don’t have any other family.” Evadne was watching him intently, her mind completely focused for the first time since her father’s death. “Evvy, I don’t know how you’ll feel about this, but if you’ll still have me as your brother, I’d like you to still be my sister. What do you think?”

Evadne stared at him for a second, biting her lips, allowing his words to sink in. Then she smiled at him, tears visible in her eyes. “I think I’d like that,” and reaching out to him, she put her arms around his shoulders and gave him a hug. Charles hugged her back and they remained like that for a few moments, before Evadne pulled back and took a deep breath. “Is it too late for Sarah to have visitors now?” Charles shook his head and she got to her feet. “Come on then, let’s go see her. Edgar won’t be back with the kids for an hour at least. We can’t have her thinking she’s to blame.”

She made a move to leave the room, but Charles grabbed her arm and pulled her back. “Evvy, are you sure you want to do this now?”

She stared down at the carpet for a second, then nodded her head. “Pops and Veronica would hate that she thought that. It’s one last thing we can do for them,” she replied, her eyes welling up again. She lifted her hand to brush away a tear, and swallowed hard. “Please, Charles, let’s just go.”

Sarah Jeffries was lying in her hospital bed, staring up at the stark, white ceiling when she heard a tap at the door. Looking round, she saw her Evadne standing in the doorway. Turning her head back, she stared up at the ceiling again, a wave of guilt sweeping over her body. Here was the person she was most dreading having to see.

Evadne stared at her sister-in-law, taking in the cast on her leg, the bandage around her head and the cuts and bruises on her arms and face. The smell of disinfectant mingled heavily with the scent of the flowers that stood on a low table beside the patient. She hesitated for a moment, having caught the expression that had flickered across Sarah’s face when she’d caught sight of her. Then taking a deep breath, she steeled herself for the conversation ahead, and crossing the room, she rounded the bed and sat down in a chair that had been pulled up alongside it. Sarah continued to stare directly upwards and not knowing what else to do, Evadne reached out and took hold of her hand.

“I hear the doc said you should be able to come home tomorrow?” she said, trying to keep her voice as light and airy as possible.

Sarah nodded silently. Then swallowing hard, she closed her eyes for a moment and burst out, “I’m so sorry, Evvy. It’s all my fault, I couldn’t get out of the way. I tried but it just kept coming and…” Evadne raised her hand to Sarah’s mouth, putting her fingers on her lips to silence her. Sarah raised her hand, trying to push the younger woman’s arm out of the way, but Evadne’s resistance proved too strong. “Evvy please, I need to say this,” she mumbled, but Evvy just shook her head and removed her arm.

“No you don’t, Sarah. It wasn’t your fault. You can’t see into the future – how were you to know it would happen.”

“But I should have reacted quicker,” Sarah replied, tears springing to her eyes. “I should have done something. And I persuaded them to hurry at the airport. Arthur was going to buy something for the boys, but I told him to wait until we got to Cheltenham because he’d have a better choice.” Her voice choked as she spoke, and a tear ran slowly down her cheek. “If only I’d let him, we wouldn’t have been there and…”

“Sarah, please stop it.” Evadne was doing everything in her power to keep her own emotions at bay, and mention of her father’s name was almost her undoing. Sarah heard the tears in Evvy’s voice and turned her head to face her, squeezing her hand. With a great effort, Evadne pulled herself together and gave her a weak smile. “What do you think Pop’s and Veronica would say if they were here right now, listening to this?” Sarah shook her head. “I’ll tell you – Pops would be telling you to pull yourself together and stop being a silly ass, that’s what!” Despite herself, Sarah let out a small chuckle and Evadne softened her voice as she continued. “Take it from me, and Charles, and the police and anyone else, it was not your fault. Please stop blaming yourself. I don’t want them to be remembered with guilt – not by you, not by anyone. It just wouldn’t be right.”

Sarah turned her head back to stare up again, and then closed her eyes. As she did so, another tear escaped from the corner of her eye. “I can’t stop seeing it, Evvy. Every time I close my eyes, it’s there.”

For a moment, Evadne was unsure what to do. Then rising from her chair, she moved to sit on the side of the bed and reached down to give Sarah a hug. The two women clung together for a few moments, before Evadne pulled back and bent to reach inside her bag. Taking out her handkerchief, she gently dried Sarah’s tears, all the while struggling to keep her own inside. “Now you listen to me,” she began sternly, folding the handkerchief again and tucking it inside her sleeve. “You make sure you get better, okay? Get some sleep. Charles and your boys want to see you home tomorrow, and so do we.” She paused for a moment, before adding, “Do it for Pops and Veronica too.”

Sarah nodded and squeezed Evadne’s hand tight. Then, exhausted by her emotion and pain, she closed her eyes and slipped into the Land of Nod. Evvy waited a couple of minutes to make sure that Sarah was definitely asleep, and then rising from her chair, she made her way back out into the corridor. Charles was sitting in a plastic chair, his head leant back against the wall, and he looked around as she emerged, raising his eyebrows.

Evadne understood the unspoken question and nodded. “She’s sleeping. Let’s go home.”

The journey home passed in complete silence. When they arrived twenty minutes later, Edgar and the children were already back, all gathered in the kitchen as Edgar and Thea tried to make dinner. As the back door opened, they all looked around to see Evadne and Charles come into the room.

“How did it go?” Edgar asked, handing his wooden spoon to Thea and moving towards his wife. Evadne barely registered his presence. She walked straight from the back door, across the room, and out of the doorway leading to the entrance hall. Edgar watched her go, and as they heard her footsteps on the stairs, he turned to Charles in surprise. “What’s happened? Is Sarah okay?”

Charles nodded. “She will be, thanks to your wife. Go and see her Edgar, she needs you. I’ll finish this.”

Edgar muttered an acknowledgement and hurried out of the room. Taking the stairs two at a time, he strode quickly down the landing to the bedroom where he and Evadne were staying. The door was ajar and pushing it open, he saw his wife sitting on the edge of the bed, her head in her hands, her shoulders heaving. He covered the distance from door to bed in two strides and without a word, he wrapped her in his arms and pulled her close, holding her tight until the storm should subside.

#449: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 9:18 pm

Sooo brave of Evvy, glad she and Charles are going to remain family.

#450: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 10:23 pm

Jo, you're managing it wonderfully. Evvy is being so brave, and you've got Sarah's feelings to a tee. I could completely put myself in her postition.

Thanks.

#451: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 1:08 am

Very realistic portrayals, and Charles' suggestion is lovely.

*continues Crying or Very sad

*

(But thank you!)

#452: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 5:40 am

I like the way they are going to stay 'family'. Poor Sarah - all those 'if only I ....... ' so true to life.

Crying or Very sad

Thank you.

#453: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 8:36 am

So sad, thank you Jo. Not surprised this is horrible to write. Thank you. Charles' suggestion is lovely - hope it helps them all.

Crying or Very sad

#454: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 9:20 am

Thank you Jo Crying or Very sad

So lovely of Evvy to give that help to Sarah when she is so torn up inside

Liz

#455: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 12:17 pm

Evvy was so generous and brave there in the hospital. Thanks, Josie.

#456: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2005 9:36 pm

thank you, Josie

that was such an emotional post. i have the biggest lump in my throat now.

#457: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 3:59 am

Thank you Josie

(((Evvy))) (((Charles))) (((Sarah)))

#458: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 12:49 pm

Good for Evvy, that must of been a horribly hard thing for her do but I'm so glad she did. I love that Charles wanted them to be brother and sister still.
*hugs the lot of them again*

#459: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 4:05 pm

Thank you Jo!!!

Charles is rather lovely! So glad he and Evvy are going to keep each other as brother and sister!

#460: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 4:12 pm

As the two families filed down the central aisle of the church, Evadne pushed Sarah’s wheelchair slowly behind the coffin, Marcia clinging onto her arm. She kept her eyes focused directly on the door leading outside, not daring to look either side of her at the congregation, lest her concentration should slip and cause her to break down. Ahead of her, she could see her husband and stepbrother, the lead pallbearers, on either side of her father’s coffin, bearing him outside to the hearse that would carry him back to the mortuary.

It was the second funeral they had attended in the space of two days. Yesterday, Veronica had been buried next to her first husband in a churchyard in Stroud, where she had lived until Charles’ father’s death. Today, they were holding a memorial service for Arthur, and tomorrow, Evadne and Edgar would fly to Long Island to inter his body next to that of her mother. After much soul-searching, Charles and Evadne had decided this was what their parents would have wanted. Wording on each of their headstones would acknowledge the loving relationship they had had with one another, but ultimately, their hearts and souls had always lain with their first partners.

Pushing the wheelchair down the path to the church gate, Evadne paused as she watched the coffin being loaded into the back of the hearse. She was finding it hard to reconcile her mind to the fact that her lively, vibrant father could possibly be lying still and cold inside that wooden box. She had remained numb throughout much of the service, only coming close to breaking when she had given the eulogy. She had had a whole speech prepared about her father and what his life had meant to her and others, but as she stood at the front of the church, her head bowed, she’d suddenly found she had no desire to read it. Balling up the piece of paper, she had glanced at her family, taken a deep breath and simply said, “I guess Arthur Lannis meant many things to many people – none of you would be here today if he hadn’t touched your lives in some way. He was a wonderful father-in-law and grandfather, and he meant the world to my family. But above all, he was my Poppa – and I love him, and I miss him and I always will,” and as a tear ran down her cheek, she’d returned to her pew and taken tight hold of her husband’s hand.

The undertaker closed the rear doors of the hearse, and as Edgar had a few quick words with him, Charles turned and came towards Evadne and Sarah, pausing to give his sister a hug before relieving her of his wife. Evvy remained where she was, staring blankly at the coffin through the rear windows as she waited for her husband. All of a sudden, she felt an arm go round her waist and she turned to find Ned standing by her side. An undemonstrative young man on the whole, he had proved a surprising tower of strength for his stepmother over the week that had just passed. His earliest memories involved the death of his own mother and the effect it had had on his father, and despite only being twelve years old, he was feeling an affinity with what was happening to Evadne that he found hard to explain. He had kept a close watch on her, and little gestures such as finishing her sentences when she lost her train of thought, or taking over tasks when he saw her about to break down, had gone a long way to easing her burden as she did her best to hold herself together. Now, she gave him a smile and put her arm back around him, resting her cheek on the top of his head. They remained there in silence, both staring at the hearse until Edgar came to join them, to lead them all to the car that would return them to the Jeffries’ house for the wake.

Three-quarters of an hour later, Evadne was standing to the side of the large front room, staring at the throng of people in front of her. She had spent the last thirty minutes greeting the guests and accepting their condolences, and now, as their muted chatter blurred into background noise, her eyes were scanning the crowd. There were two people who had so far been noticeably absent and she was anxious to locate them. Suddenly she spotted them coming towards her and with relief, she moved forward to greet them.

Elsie quickened her step and caught her friend in her outstretched arms. Evadne returned her embrace, burying her face in Elsie’s shoulder, willing herself not to cry. They held onto each other for a full minute or so, before Evadne felt able to pull back and greet Paul. By this time Edgar had joined them, and as Paul kissed Evvy on the cheek and then turned back to talk to him, Elsie took hold of her friend’s hand.

“Evvy, I’m so sorry, I really am.”

Staring down at the carpet, Evadne nodded slightly to acknowledge her friend’s words, and then swallowing hard, she lifted her head to look Elsie in the face. “I’m glad you came, Elsie. I was worried you hadn’t made it.”

Elsie gave her a guilty smile. “I know, I’m sorry. We wanted to be here early, before the service started, but we had to make a stop-off along the way. We only just made it in time actually – we had to creep in at the back of the church.”

“Oh?” Evadne's interest was raised by the tone in her friend’s voice, and smiling, Elsie took her friend by the arm and led her out into the entrance hall.

They came to a halt outside Charles’ study, out of sight of the majority of the guests, and Elsie briefly hugged Evadne again before placing her hand on the door handle. “We had to stop and collect someone who wanted to be here,” she said cryptically. Then opening the study door, she pushed a confused Evadne gently towards the room. “Go and see.”

“What the…” Evadne began, but she was talking to Elsie’s back as that lady returned to the front room. Heaving a sigh – she could have done without one of Elsie’s surprises – Evvy opened the door fully and walked into the study. The next moment she stopped in her tracks. There, in front of Charles’ desk, stood the beloved figure of her best friend.

Cornelia gave her a hesitant smile. “Hi Evvy.” Evadne stared at her in shock and Cornelia moved towards her, stretching out her hand to clasp her friend’s arm. “Hope you don’t mind me showing up last minute – I wasn’t sure I’d be able to come.” Evadne slowly shook her head, as she gazed into her friend’s sympathetic face, and Corney’s eyes suddenly filled with tears. “Evvy, I’m so sorry.”

The strain of the day had taken its toll on Evadne’s fragile emotions, and the love and sympathy in Cornelia’s voice finally pushed her over the edge. As her face began to crumple, Cornelia reached out to envelop her in a hug, and with a cry of “Oh, Corney!”, Evvy collapsed sobbing in her friend’s arms.

Later that evening, after his wife had gone to bed, exhausted by the day’s events, Edgar was standing on the back porch staring out across the Jeffries’ back garden. He was lost in his thoughts, and he started considerably as a hand suddenly clasped his arm.

“For God’s sake woman, what are you trying to do? Kill me?” he exclaimed, spinning around to face his friend. Then suddenly realising what he’d said, he grimaced. “Sorry, bad choice of words.”

Cornelia gave a slight chuckle and shook her head. “Amazing how the right words escape us at times like this, isn’t it?” Edgar smiled and nodded, and she carefully studied his face. “How are you doing, Edgar? This can’t be easy for you, either. You and Arthur were such friends.”

Edgar stared down at the ground and shuffled his feet. “I still can’t quite believe it’s happened to be honest. I’m going to miss him; Veronica too. They were such good people – they didn’t deserve to go like this.” He paused for a moment, then lifted his head to look Cornelia in the eyes. “I’m more worried about the others though. Charles has got so much on his plate, he’s barely had time to breath, let alone grieve, poor chap, and Sarah’s still having nightmares about the accident. And Evvy…” his voice trailed off as he thought about his wife. “She’s not nearly as strong as she’s making out, Corney. Keep an eye on her tomorrow, won’t you?”

That afternoon, Edgar had been called back to Geneva for a crisis meeting. He had done his best to get out of it, but they were insistent that he return, so he would be leaving first thing in the morning, taking his daughters with him. On hearing the news, Cornelia had instantly offered to change her flight home. She and Evadne would now be travelling to Hampshire tomorrow, leaving Ned with Paul and Elsie, and would then go on to the airport to meet the undertaker and catch a flight with Arthur’s coffin to New York.

Cornelia nodded. “Of course I will. I hate that I have to rush on back to Boston, but I’ll be able to hand her over to Cassie and Andrew first, at least.”

“Thank you.” Edgar gave her a grateful smile. “I just wish there were someone to bring her home again too, but I suppose we can’t have everything.”

“I can go, Dad.”

The two adults jumped at the sound of Ned’s voice, and Edgar span around to face his son. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Not long,” he replied, brushing the question aside. “I can go to New York with Evvy, Dad.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Edgar replied incredulously, “you’re twelve years old! Plus you’re supposed to be back at school.”

“I’d only miss two days; they never do anything then – not proper lessons anyway. Stevenson would understand. Please, Dad, I want to go.”

Edgar shook his head. “Your stepmother’s not going on some jaunt to America for the fun of it, Ned. She’s going to bury her father and she doesn’t need you tagging along.”

“I know that!” Ned retorted indignantly.

“Well the answer’s still no. You can go to New York another time.”

“Dad, please, just listen for a minute…”

“May as well hear him out, Edgar,” Cornelia put in, looking up at her friend. “You’ve nothing to lose.”

Edgar stared at her for a moment, and then nodded his head. “Fine. Say your piece, Ned. Just be quick about it – it’s cold out here.”

Ned took a deep breath. “I want to go with her so I can pay her back a bit,” he began, hesitating slightly as his father and Cornelia gave him curious looks. “She’s been so kind to me, Dad. Whenever I’ve been upset about Mummy, or needed someone to talk to, she’s always there - even though I was so mean to her at the start. I just thought if I went with her, I could make it up a bit and do something nice for her. And Aunt Corney’ll be there to begin with, and then we’ll be at Uncle Andrew and Aunt Cassie’s, so it’ll only be the flight home where it’s just me and her, and that’ll be okay too. Please, Dad, won’t you let me?”

Edgar stared at his son, lost for words. He knew that Ned was mature for his age in some ways – what the family had been through in his early years and the subsequent responsibility he felt towards them had seen to that – but Edgar had never expected this. His son had clearly given the idea considerable thought and he felt prouder than he could possibly say.

Cornelia grinned at the expression on his face. “It wouldn’t be a problem, Edgar. I’m more than happy to look after him tomorrow, and you know Cass and Andrew won’t mind having him.”

“But he’s not got a seat booked on the plane…”

“I’ll take care of that first thing. And Evvy can telephone the school and let them know. Go on, Edgar – it may be good for her to have him there.”

Edgar glanced down at her, and then turned back to look at Ned’s expectant face. “If I say yes, do you promise you’ll behave yourself and do everything that Evvy or any other adult tells you to?” Ned nodded earnestly and Edgar finally gave in. “Alright. Providing Aunt Corney can get you a seat on the plane, you can go.”

A wide smile spread across Ned’s face. “Thanks, Dad. I won’t let you down, I promise, and I’ll look after Evvy for you.”

He was about to run back into the house, when Edgar’s voice called him back. “Ned!” Stopping, he turned again to face his father, and Edgar smiled. “I’m proud of you, son. Thank you.”

Ned grinned and ran inside, and as Cornelia watched him go, she said, “That’s a fine boy you have there.”

Edgar looked her and smiled, then nodded his head. “Come on, let’s get indoors before we catch our death,” and taking her by the arm, he led her into the warm kitchen, closing the back door on the cold, night air as they went.

Last edited by Josie on Sun Jun 05, 2005 4:39 pm; edited 1 time in total

#461: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 4:28 pm

I'm glad I caught that tonight. It would have been most embarrassing to read in the office.

They are just all so nice and don't deserve such a tragedy. (((Ned))) specially. He's a lovely boy.

I was so pleased to *see* Corney. She is just the person Evvy needs.

Thank you Josie.

#462: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 4:33 pm

Thanks Josie, just echoing what Patmac says really. Crying or Very sad

#463: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 4:38 pm

Im so glad Corney could be there, just what Evvy needed, and Ned is very special too.

Thanks Jo Very Happy

#464: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 4:55 pm

Thank you Josie! Just caught up on a few posts and my eyes are still weepy. I'm glad Evvy has such lovely family and friends around her and has found the strength to support Veronica's family!

Thank you
Hannah XX

#465: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 5:01 pm

Thank you Jo!!!

Ned is such a lovely kid!!!!

#466: Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 7:28 pm

Ned and Corney were lovely there, I hope they can both help Evvy.

Thanks Jo.

#467: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 8:01 pm

Echoing everyone else, really. Ned is lovely, and as ever, I'm crying...

#468: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 10:47 pm

Ned's a star - I'm so glad Evvy has him.

#469: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 10:58 pm

Thanks Jo.

First I was crying because of the sadness of the service - then I was crying because Ned is so lovely Crying or Very sad

Liz

#470: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2005 11:58 pm

Another tearjerker Crying or Very sad

-- but so lovely.

Thanks to Ned and Corney and all those who got her there at the strategic moment....

#471: Author: Karry,

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 8:50 am

patmac said

Quote:

It would have been most embarrassing to read in the office.

It was!!!!

Sad

#472: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 10:02 am

Karry wrote:

patmac said

Quote:

It would have been most embarrassing to read in the office.

It was!!!! Sad

Jo you have me crying in the office too - thankfully there is currently no-one else here.

Thank you so much Kiss

#473: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 10:13 am

*bursts into tears* That was wonderful Jo, thank you. Ned is such a sweetie Very Happy

#474: Author: Helen C, Location: Sheffield/Luton

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 11:32 am

Thanks Josie Ned is sooo lovely.

*runs off for tissues*

#475: Author: Guest,

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 8:57 pm

As Andrew swung the Markham’s car onto the coast road leading into Southampton, Evadne stared blankly out of the window as the iron gates of ‘Hamilton’ flashed by. From somewhere in the recesses of her mind, she recalled taking the same journey the day she arrived back from England at the end of the war; remembered the feeling of emptiness she’d felt as she passed those gates and knew that they would never again open to reveal Ralph’s handsome, laughing face. On that occasion, her father had leant across to squeeze her hand, offering her comfort and strength as he always had throughout her life. Now, as the car passed by the gates, heading down the road towards the house that the Lannis’ had called home for so many years, she recognised that familiar feeling of emptiness inside her. Only this time Arthur wasn’t there to take her hand.

Cassie and Andrew had met them at the airport, Cassie fighting tears as she caught sight of her friend’s pale, drawn face. Andrew had taken charge of the arrangements for Arthur’s funeral, which was to be the following day, and had gone off to ensure the safe transfer of the coffin to the Long Island morgue, while the women and Ned saw Cornelia onto her connecting flight to Boston. Then they had set off on their journey to Southampton and the Markhams' home.

As they passed the Lannis’ former house, Evadne turned her face away from the window, unable to look at it, and Cassie watched her friend closely in the rearview mirror. “Evvy, Mom and Dad wanted to invite you for dinner tonight, if you’re feeling up to it,” she said briskly, trying to distract her, “I said I’d let them know when we get home. I think Dad’s looking forward to boring you with his latest business ventures, and Mom’s got some new recipe she wants to try out. Fancy playing guinea-pig?”

Evadne shrugged and gave her a weak smile. “Sure. It’ll be good to see them.”

“Great – I’ll let them know when we get in. Mary should be there too, with her husband and two kids. You haven’t met them yet, have you?”

“No, not yet. She sent me pictures though.” Evadne paused for a moment and then turned to Ned, who was sitting next to her. “You feeling okay? Not too tired?”

Ned shook his head. “Wide awake, thanks!” he replied, opening his eyes as wide as he could, as if to prove the point. Evadne chuckled and reached out her hand to squeeze his shoulder, before she stared out of the window again and relapsed into silence once more.

A couple of minutes later, Andrew drew the car up outside the house, and as he turned the engine off, Sam and Lauren, who had just arrived home from school, came running out of the front door to meet their guests. Ned jumped out of the car, greeting Sam enthusiastically, talking ten to the dozen, while Lauren came over to give her brevet-aunt a hug. Evadne kissed her on the head, and then turned to Cassie.

“Cass, I’d quite like to freshen up, if that’s okay. I’m feeling a bit grimy after being in these clothes for so long.”

“Sure, no problem. Sam!” She called her son over to her and pointed to the boot. “Get Aunt Evvy’s suitcase out of the trunk, will you, and show her up to her room.”

Sam ran to the car to do her bidding, and gradually they all dispersed, leaving just Lauren and Ned outside on the drive. Ned glanced at her, suddenly feeling uncharacteristically shy and Lauren gave him a smile. “Shall I show you to your room?”

Ned nodded, apparently struck temporarily dumb, and picked up his bag. As she chattered on about this and that, he followed her mutely up the stairs and down the long landing to the room that had been assigned to him for the duration of their stay. Throwing his bag on the bed, he walked over to the window and stared out at the view.

“Cool, you can see the sea!”

Lauren nodded and sat down on the bed. “We’ll take you to the beach later.”

“Isn’t it a bit cold?”

“Yeah, but there’s a cool diner there we always go to. Seeing as they’re going to Grams and Pops, Mom said we could go there for dinner, as long as we’re back by eight. Sam’s friends’ll all be there, and you can meet my girlfriends too. They don’t know anyone from England, so they’re real excited to meet you.” Ned blushed, and Lauren shifted position so she was sitting back against the pillows. “Do you like your new school?”

Ned sat down on the end of the bed, a wide grin on his face. “It’s marvellous! I’ve got loads of friends, and I’m always near the top in my lessons,” he boasted, conveniently forgetting the first half of last term,” and I’m on two rugby teams!”

“Cool!” Lauren looked suitably impressed, and Ned felt extremely pleased with himself.

Before he could say anything else, Cassie’s voice rang through the house. “Lauren, get down here now, young lady, and clear up this mess!”

Lauren pulled a face and quickly got to her feet. “The mud from my hockey gear! I clean forgot!” and with that she ran out of the room.

At six o’clock, the three children entered the diner and Lauren waved at a group of five girls sitting on the far side. She ran off towards them, and as Ned and Sam followed her, they heard giggling as all five turned to look at the newcomer.

‘Ned, these are Carrie, Shirley, Kathryn, Patricia and Karen. Girls, this is my friend Ned from England!”

They looked him up and down, and chorused. “Hi Ned!”, before dissolving into giggles again.

Sam rolled his eyes at his friend. “They’re such kids!” he said, grinning at the deep shade of crimson that had come over Ned’s face at the attention he received. Then at the top of his voice, he added, “Come meet my friends, Ned – they’re a little more grown up!”

Lauren glared at her brother’s words and turned her back on them firmly, but Ned couldn’t help noticing the admiring glances one or two of her friends threw in her brother’s direction. Clearly Sam was a popular young man.

A little later, Ned was sitting opposite Sam, trying to eat his burger at the same time as dealing with the attentions of Lauren’s friend Karen and a girl called Jennifer, who seemed to know Sam. He was only listening with half an ear as Karen talked to him about her school. The rest of his attention was focused on Lauren, who was sitting in the next-door booth, talking to a boy from her class. For reasons he didn’t quite understand, he felt his heart sink a little as she laughed at the boy’s jokes, and found himself wishing that it was his joke she was laughing at. At that moment, she glanced up and seeing him looking at her, she shot him a smile. Ned flushed and quickly turned his attention back to Karen, not daring to look up again until it was time to go home.

The following morning, they gathered at the cemetery along with many of Arthur’s friends, employees and business associates who had all been very fond of the friendly, vivacious man. The service was short and succinct; Evadne had specifically requested that it be so, worried that she would not be able to endure anything more. She stood motionless throughout the ceremony, flanked on either side by Ned and Cassie, and as they lowered her father’s coffin into the ground, she screwed up her eyes in silent prayer, unable to watch. The pastor said a few final words, and the crowd began to disperse, making their way from the cemetery to the Morgans’ home where the wake was to take place. Evadne remained rooted to the spot, her eyes still closed. As Andrew led his two children towards the cars, Cassie and Ned stood a small distance away, neither of them wanting to intrude.

After a couple of minutes, Evadne opened her eyes and turned to face her mother’s grave. Feeling that she should do something, Cassie was about to move forward when Ned beat her to it. Walking up to stand next to his stepmother, he put his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder. She remained still for a moment, and then turning to face him, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tight.

Lifting her head, she looked over at Cassie with a smile.

“Let’s get out of here,” she said firmly, inclining her head towards the cars, and with one arm still around Ned’s shoulders, she slipped her free hand through Cassie’s elbow and led the way down the hill to the road. When they reached the cars, Andrew held the door open for her, but shaking her head, she let go of Ned and Cassie and heaved a sigh. “Thanks Andrew, but I think I’ll walk.”

“I’ll come with you.”

She turned to Ned, placing a hand on his hair and giving him a warm smile. “No, you go with Uncle Andrew and Aunt Cassie. I’ll see you there in a little while.”

“But…”

“I’ll be okay, Ned. I just need the air,” and ignoring the fact that they had been outside for the best part of an hour, she set off on foot toward the cemetery gates.

“Mom, have you seen Evvy?”

Mrs. Morgan looked up at her daughter and shook her head. “Not for a while, dear, sorry.”

“But you have seen her since you got back from the cemetery?”

Mrs. Morgan nodded. “Yes, your father was talking to her a little earlier. She arrived fearfully late, and looked terribly worn though. Can’t you find her anywhere then?”

Cassie frowned, shook her head, and turned away from her mother, making her way back into the salon. She hadn’t seen Evvy since she’d arrived at the wake, and she was feeling very anxious as to where she might be. At least her mother had seen her back at the house, though. That was a relief. Making her way across the salon towards her father, she was about to ask that gentleman if he knew where her friend had got to, when through the french doors, she spotted Ned sitting alone on the top step of the terrace, staring out towards the sea. Pulling open the doors, she made her way outside, shivering slightly in the cold, January air after being in the warm of the house. Ned looked round as the doors opened and greeted his brevet-aunt with a slight smile.

“Ned, are you okay? You must be frozen out here?”

He nodded and turned his head back towards the garden. “I’m fine thanks, Aunt Cassie.”

Cassie watched him a moment, not entirely sure he was telling the truth. “Have you seen Evvy? I can’t seem to find her anywhere.”

Ned lifted his arm and pointed down the garden towards the sea. Following the direction of his hand, Cassie saw Evadne standing at the bottom of the garden, her back to them as she looked out at the ocean before her. Kicking herself for not thinking about that spot sooner, Cassie said a hurried “Do get inside, Ned, you’ll catch your death out here,” and then made her way as quickly as she could across the garden towards her friend. As she drew alongside her, Evadne stared steadfastly in front of her, not acknowledging her friend’s presence, and Cassie moved to stand beside her, wrapping her arms across her chest in an effort to keep warm.

She had no idea how long they stood there in silence, staring out across the swirling, angry water as it battered the rocks below them. She was just thinking that they should go back inside before they froze to death, when Evadne suddenly spoke.

“It was fourteen years ago, Cass.”

“Fourteen years ago what?”

“That I was here with your brother - the night we said I love you.” She looked down at her feet as Cassie remained silent, and then continued. “It’s almost eleven years since he died.”

Cassie nodded. “How long have you been stood here, Evvy?”

Evadne shrugged. “No idea.” She stared back out at the ocean again. “I walked around town – on the way back here I mean – went to everywhere we used to hang out. You know what I realised?” Cassie shook her head as Evadne turned to look at her. “Everywhere I look in Southampton, everywhere I go, everywhere I walk, I only see memories that lead to death. It’s the story of my life, Cass.” Cassie moved forward to place an arm around her friend’s shoulder, and Evadne closed her eyes, a tear running down her cheek. “Why me, Cassie? What did I ever do?”

Despite the cold, Ned remained sitting on the top step. He had been there for about half and hour, and Cassie was right – he was frozen – but there was no way he was going to move just yet. He had promised his father that he would look after Evadne, and that was what he intended to do. As he sat there, watching as Cassie put an arm around his stepmother, clearly comforting her, he felt someone’s presence and he looked round as Lauren sat down beside him.

“Hi,” he said, turning back to look down the garden again.

“Hey.” Lauren followed his gaze, seeing her mother and aunt in the distance. “I was wondering if you were okay?”

Ned smiled and turned back to face her, nodding his head. He held her gaze for a moment, before lowering his eyes to his lap. “I promised Dad I’d watch out for her.”

Lauren watched him, and then hesitantly reached out and put her hand on top of his. He looked down at her slim fingers for a moment, then flipped his hand over to take hold of hers, and they both turned their gaze silently towards their mothers again.

#476: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 8:59 pm

D**n computer timed my logon out again! That was me who posted above - in case you hadn't guessed!!

#477: Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:03 pm

Josie, this is so good - thank you.
Poor Evvy - but lucky her in some ways, to have such good friends and lovely family (especially Ned at the moment)!

#478: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:07 pm

We guessed Josie.

Thanks for that - I think there may be a budding romance though - but through that Ned's still looking out for Evvy, bless him

JackieJ

#479: The Swiss Family Watson Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:41 pm

Two beautiful updates, Josie - but I'm glad I'm not in an office, too!

How lovely for Evvy that Ned came to Southampton with her when his father couldn't do so, and that first Corney, then Cassie have also been looking after her.

And yes, perhaps there will be romance for Lauren and Ned - but later, please -they are both far too young!!!

Thanks for such understated but very moving episodes, Josie.

#480: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 10:03 pm

Thank you Josie *sobs again*

#481: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 10:11 pm

Hands Patmac the (rather depleted) box of tissues

thankyou Josie - it's sad but beautiful

#482: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 11:31 pm

Thanks Jo

That was lovely again.

Can you accelerate Ned's growing up? I want one - along with my Ralph and Edgar of course!

Liz

#483: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 9:13 am

Thank you Jo. Lovely, so pleased that Evvy has so many wonderful people looking out for her. Ned is wonderful.

#484: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 9:31 am

Ned is indeed lovely - evvy is very lucky to have him and such good friends as Cassie.

Thanks Jo

#485: Author: keren as guest,

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 10:21 am

its very clever, as now we see where the very first drabble fits in.

#486: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:43 pm

Thanks Josie, lovely posts - feel so sorry for Evvy, hope she can soon see that she still has so much.

#487: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 10:34 pm

Poor Evvy - she's lost so much, but the she does have a lovely husband, three fantastic step-children, a baby on the way and friends that love her. I hope she appreciates them.

#488: Re: The Swiss Family Watson Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 4:52 pm

Elder in Ontario wrote:

And yes, perhaps there will be romance for Lauren and Ned - but later, please -they are both far too young!!!

Don't worry, Elder. If anything does happen - and I'm not sure it will - it won't be for a while yet. Ned's just going through that phase that most 12 (well, he's almost 13 actually) year old boys do of realising that girls exist for a purpose other than to be the mortal enemy Wink

, though he has no idea why he's feeling the way he does. Lauren's just being a good friend.

“Mummy, can Ann and me take Scrabble for a walk?”

Evadne looked up from the washing she was sorting into piles and shook her head. “No, sweetie, sorry, not on your own.”

“But we’ll only go round the block, not a long way away. Please, Mummy.”

“I said no, Marcia. I’m not having you wandering about the streets on your own. Anything could happen in this weather - you could get hit by a car or slip and have an accident, I’m not risking it.”

“But it’s really quiet; no-one ever drives round here!”

“Of course they do. People have to get to their houses, don’t they? Daddy and I drive around here, so does Anton…”

“But you’re not going to run me over, you’re here…”

“I said no and I meant no, Marcia. If you wait 'til I’ve finished this, we’ll get Thea and Kate and we’ll all go together.”

Marcia glared at her stepmother for a moment and then turned and stropped out of the room to find her friend. Evadne sighed and turned back to her task. She hated having to restrict the girls like this, but it was the only way to keep them safe.

A little later, she had finished with the washing, and making her way upstairs, where Thea and Kate were planning their riding lessons for the spring, she stuck her head around Thea’s bedroom door and smiled.

“You two okay?”

Thea looked up at the sound of her voice and jumped to her feet. “Mummy, guess what? Kate’s asked her Daddy if she can come to our school next year, and he’s said yes! They’ve put her down for a place and everything!”

“That’s wonderful,” Evvy smiled down at her stepdaughter and ran a hand over her smooth brown hair. “Now, can you run and get your shoes on please? We’re all taking Scrabble for a walk.”

They ran off to do her bidding, and Evadne went to round up Marcia and Ann and tell them to get ready as well. Marcia still didn’t understand why they hadn’t been allowed to take the puppy out themselves, but not given to sulking for long, she ran off happily to get wrapped up, and they all set out to take Scrabble for a walk around the surrounding neighborhood.

An hour later, Edgar had returned home and was sitting in the salon, relaxing with a cup of tea, when he heard the back door slam and footsteps stomping across the hall and up the stairs. Putting his cup back on the saucer, he got up swiftly and made his way out into the hall, to find Marcia almost at the top of the stairs.

“Marcia, what’s going on? Where’s everybody else? I thought you’d taken Scrabble out for a walk – that’s what Mummy’s note said?”

“We did!” she retorted, flouncing down the landing and into her bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

At that moment, Edgar heard the back door open again, and the next moment an angry-looking Thea came into the hall.

“Thea, where are Mummy and Scrabble?” he asked, grabbing her hand as she pushed past him.

“Mummy’s parking the car and Scrabble’s in the boot,” came the sulky reply.

“Well where are Kate and Ann?”

“Gone home,” and wrenching her arm out of his grip, she ran up the stairs.

Edgar followed, catching up with her just as she reached and opened her sister’s door. “Thea, what’s happened?”

The two girls looked at each other and Thea shook her head. “Ask Mummy.”

“I’m asking you two. Come on, out with it. Have you been arguing?” Silence. “I’m not leaving here until you tell me, so you may as well get it over with.”

Thea looked at her sister and then said, “It’s Mummy.”

“She’s horrid!” Marcia burst out.

“Of course she’s not!” Edgar replied, shocked.

“She is! She never lets us do anything anymore!”

“It’s true, Daddy.” Thea put in, looking extremely upset. “Ever since she came back from New York, she won’t let us go and play without her, or go to Ann or Kate’s houses, or anything. She’s not nice anymore.”

“And we only wanted to go tobogganing tomorrow and she wouldn’t let us, and when we asked why, she got angry and got the car and took Ann and Kate home.”

“Well you must have been very rude or cheeked her then,” Edgar replied sternly.

“We didn’t!” Marcia cried indignantly. “We just asked why we couldn’t go and she got cross!”

Thea, however, had the grace to look shamefaced. “We were a little bit cheeky, but it’s so unfair! Honestly, Daddy, she never lets us go anywhere unless she’s there any more, and then she keeps saying everything’s dangerous.”

“I don’t want her to be our Mummy anymore.”

“Marcia!” Thea rounded on her sister, shocked.

“Don’t say things like that, Marcia, you know you don’t mean it,” Edgar said severely, staring at his daughter with a serious expression on his face. “I’m sure if Mummy didn’t want you to go tobogganing tomorrow, she’s got a very good reason. You can go another time.” The patter of Scrabble’s feet on the wooden floor of the hallway told him that his wife was in the house, and he turned to leave the room. “You two stay up here for now while I go and speak to her,” and with that, he walked out of the door.

Evadne was in the hall taking off her coat, and she looked up with a smile as he came down the stairs. “Oh good, you’re back. I was just about to call the office and see whether you’d left or not.”

“My car’s in the garage, Evvy. Surely you saw it?”

“Yes, but I didn’t know if Andreas had picked you up this morning or if you’d driven yourself. Anyway, enough about that,” she changed the subject as he was about to reply, “ I need to talk to you. I’ve decided I’m going to Paris on Sunday after all. I need to get Poppa’s apartment sorted out now.”

“Evvy, you know I can’t come with you then. If you just wait a few weeks I can be there too.”

“No, Edgar, I need to go now,” she replied, walking into the salon and sitting down on the nearest sofa.

Edgar seated himself in a nearby chair and turned to face her. “Evvy, I’m really not happy with you going up alone…”

“I’m a big girl, I can look after myself…”

“I’m aware of that! That’s not what I mean and you know it. Please can you just hang on until I’m free?”

She shook her head. “I need to get it done now, Edgar. The longer I wait the worse it’ll be.”

Her voice sounded slightly choked as she spoke, and Edgar decided not to press the issue any further for now. Instead he changed the subject onto his daughters. “Evvy, what’s going on with the girls?

“They’re sulking ‘cause I said they couldn’t go tobogganing tomorrow, that’s all,” she replied, drawing her mouth into a straight line. “I’m sure they’ll get over it. I’m not having them being rude to me.”

“Evvy, I know they shouldn’t have been rude, but it’s okay if they want to toboggan tomorrow. I’m quite happy to take them – I’m free after I meet Jack for lunch, and he and Joey won’t be here ‘til the evening.”

“It’s nothing to do with time, I just don’t want them going that’s all.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s dangerous, that’s why!”

Edgar sighed and sat back in his chair. Ever since his wife had returned from New York ten days previously, she had been watching over her family like a hawk, seemingly obsessed with their safety. He had ignored it so far, hoping that it was just a reaction to her parents’ death, one that would eventually pass. But if anything, she seemed to be getting worse. He wasn’t really surprised his daughters had finally snapped; he was getting close to doing so himself. To add to his worry, he’d received letters from both Cassie and Ned in the past couple of days, describing her behaviour in Long Island. Cassie, in particular, sounded extremely worried about her friend.

Standing up and walking across to sit next to her on the sofa, he took hold of her hand. “Evvy, darling, this has to stop.”

“What has to stop?” she asked, looking confused.

“This obsession with us being safe.” She stared at him, her face hardening as he spoke. “You never let the girls out of your sight, you telephone me at work at least ten times a day just to check where I am – it’s too much, sweetheart, you can’t wrap us up in cotton wool.”

“What’s wrong with me wanting you to be safe?” she responded, pulling her hand from his.

“Nothing, but there has to be a limit. It’s not fair to stop the girls playing with their friends…”

“I do not! Ann and Kate were here earlier today…”

“Yes, but when did you last let Marcia go to Ann’s without you going along too? Or when was Thea last allowed to go to the Cranstons?” She glared at him, her hands starting to shake. “I don’t want to start going against your wishes, but I’m going to have to if this keeps up. You’ve got to loosen the reins a little...”

“No!” She stood up, her eyes flashing with anger and hurt. “I don’t care what you say, Edgar, I’m not changing my mind. I’m not doing this to be nasty you know…”

“I know.”

“…it’s for their own good.” Tears sprang into her eyes, and she lifted a hand to impatiently dash them away. “I may not be able to stop accidents happening, but I’ll damn well do my best! I don’t care what you say, I don’t care if you all hate me - I’m not ending up alone, I can’t! I’m not letting Him take anyone else I love!” and turning on her heel, she stormed out of the room.

Edgar slumped forward, his head in his hands. He’d been sitting that way for a few minutes when a small voice brought him back to earth.

“Daddy?” He looked up and smiled at Thea as she came to stand in front of him. “Daddy, Mummy’s crying in her bedroom and she won’t let me in.”

Holding out his hand, he pulled her towards him and lifted her into his lap. “I know, darling, she’s just upset about Grandpa and Grandma, that’s all. Leave her be for now – I’ll pop up and see her in a few minutes.”

Thea put her arms around her father’s neck and rested her head on his shoulder. “Marcia didn’t mean what she said. She just wants Mummy to be Mummy again – so do I.”

“I know, Thea, don’t worry.” Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed the top of her head. “She doesn’t mean to upset you. Just try and be patient with her, okay?”

Thea nodded. “I will. She’ll be okay, won’t she, Daddy?”

“Yes darling, she will,” and he leant back in the chair, holding his daughter tight, not entirely sure he believed what he’d said, and hoping desperately that he could find a way to help his wife.

Last edited by Josie on Sun Jul 31, 2005 6:45 pm; edited 3 times in total

#489: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 5:05 pm

Thank you Josie.

I can see us getting to 'The Long road Home' so I'm refusing to wibble about Evvy's difficulties. You realise I'll have to read that again as soon as this is finished, don't you.

They're both designated comfort reads for the future Wink

#490: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 5:07 pm

Poor Evvy - such a natural reaction to want to keep them all safe and close

Thanks Jo

Liz

#491: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 5:35 pm

Poor Evvy *hugs* Such a natural reaction, I hope they can get her to worry less without upsetting her too much.

Thanks Jo

#492: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 9:11 pm

Poor Evvy, and poor Edgar and the girls.

Can totally understand it, but she's got to loosen the reins.

Thanks Josie.

#493: Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:45 am

Thank you muchly Josie.

Poor poor Evvy. Please let Edgar help you!

#494: Author: keren as guest,

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:22 am

patmac wrote:

Where is the The Long road Home"?
I remember it belongs to St Agnes, but that was before the new divisions, where did it get left?

#495: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:33 am

Keren if you go to page one of this thread then there are some links to Long Road Home and earlier parts.

Thank you Jo. Pleased that we know from Long Road Home what happens, poor Evvy though - she's so worried that she doesn't realise she'll lose them by pushing them away if she carries on as she is.

Last edited by Nell on Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:32 pm; edited 1 time in total

#496: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 1:45 pm

(((Evvy)))

Thanks Josie

#497: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 11:30 pm

((((Evvy and everyone else))))

So hard for the children (and Edgar) to understand why she is behaving as she is

#498: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 11:48 am

Josie, I've just done a massive catch-up on this, and I've had to swallow so many lumps in my throat!

Charles and Ned are both wondeful in their different ways, and Evvy's wish to keep her family safe is so realistic.

Thank you.

#499: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 3:34 pm

“So Arthur’s left you in charge of the business then?” Jack asked, eyebrows raised in surprise as he put a chunk of bread on his fork and dipped it in the fondue.

Edgar shook his head. “Not entirely, no. Evvy’s the nominal head, of course, but she’s absolutely no interest in the way it runs, just the money it makes,” he said with a wry grin. “Arthur knew that, hence why he’s named Charles – Evvy’s stepbrother – and myself as directors, and some chap who’s worked for the company for years will handle the day-to-day running of things. Our solicitors are still going over the legal stuff, but that seems to be the essence of it. He left things pretty watertight in his will.”

“Sounds like Arthur all over.” Jack paused as he ate his forkful of food, and regarded his companion thoughtfully. “Edgar, do you mind if I ask you something?” Edgar shook his head, his mouth full of food, and Jack put his fork down on his plate and sat back in his chair. “Feel free to tell me to mind my own business,” he began, a little hesitantly, “but how is Evvy, truthfully. You didn’t sound entirely convincing when you said earlier that she was coping okay.”

Edgar was about to tell his new friend, with all due respect, to mind his own business, when something stopped him. Jack was right – he hadn’t told the truth. In fact things at home had gone from bad to worse. Following the argument the previous day, Evadne had refused to come downstairs again that evening, not even to eat supper, and when it came time for bed, she had taken her things and gone to sleep in one of the spare rooms. It was this last thing that had upset him the most. When they married, they had made a decision never to go to sleep on an argument – to do whatever they could beforehand to resolve it, even if it meant staying up all night. Her refusal to even discuss the situation, let alone try and sort it out showed him just how much she was hurting, and he felt utterly powerless to help her. Jack and Joey had known Evadne for a long time – far longer than he’d known her himself. Maybe they would be able to succeed where he had failed. He hated the fact that he wasn’t able to help her himself, but knew he had to push his own pride aside. The most important thing was that someone – anyone – might be able to help his wife.

He sighed and shook his head. “She’s not good, Jack. Not good at all. She’s somehow convinced herself that she’s going to end up alone. She’s become utterly obsessed with our safety, to the point where she rarely lets us out of her sight, and when she’s no choice in the matter, she worries herself sick. She’s even taken to telephoning Ned’s school several times a day to check up on him. It’s driving a wedge between her and the children, but she doesn’t seem to realise. And to cap it all, she’s hardly eating a thing. She’s got the baby to think of, she needs to keep her strength up. The last thing we need is another tragedy on top of everything else.” Edgar paused and rubbed his face with his hand, the lack of sleep from the previous night catching up with him a little. “The truth is, I just don’t know what to do, I feel like I’m at my wits end. I don’t suppose there’s any chance you could speak to her as a doctor, is there – make her see the damage she could be doing if she doesn’t at least start to eat again?” he asked, a pleading look in his eyes.

“I’m not sure, Edgar. I mean, I’d certainly help if I thought I could, but she can be very stubborn when she wants to be. I remember it used to drive us all mad when she was younger, and I know she hasn’t changed all that much. When she gets something into her head, often wild horses can’t shift it, and if she thinks I’m interfering it could just make her worse.”

Despite himself, Edgar gave a slight smile. “I know. It’s one of the things I love about her – the way she knows her own mind and sticks to it, no matter what. I just wish she wasn’t choosing to do so just now,” and leaning forward, he put his elbows on the table and rested his head on his hands.

Jack watched his friend sitting in front of him, deep in thought, his desperation evident on his face. Despite having only met him once before, Jack had warmed immediately to Edgar, in the way that sometimes two people just click. He was clearly very much in love with his wife and this was tearing him apart inside, and Jack knew that he had to help him if he possibly could. Plus, both he and Joey were extremely fond of Evadne in their own right, and he knew that there was no way his wife would be able to see her friend suffering without doing something to try and ease her pain.

“Edgar, to be honest, I’m not sure she’ll listen, even if I try. I think my wife may be your best bet. They’re very fond of each other, and I know Evvy confides in Jo. You know how women are with their friends – she may open up more to Joey than she will to me. I can talk to her this afternoon, if you like, before we come to yours for dinner this evening?”

Edgar sat back again and nodded his head. “You may well be right. It’s certainly worth a try anyway.” He sighed and closed his eyes for a second. “Truth be told, I’ll try anything just now, if it’s got a chance of getting through to her.” He gave his companion a slight smile. “Thanks Jack.”

Jack nodded, and then deciding further discussion on the subject would be fruitless for now, he looked at the fondue critically and gave it a stir “Well that looks like it’s gone cold,” he said, examining the candles underneath and finding they'd gone out while they had been talking. “What say we get them to take it away and move on to dessert?”

By the time evening came round, Evadne’s demeanour was cheerful once more, as if nothing whatsoever had happened the previous day. The school had given their pupils the Friday afternoon off, thanks to the break in the snowfall, and making the most of their stepmother’s good mood, the two girls had not pursued their wish to go tobogganing, and instead spent the afternoon having snowball fights and playing with Scrabble. Marcia was still inclined to be cross about the events of the previous day, but Thea kept a close watch on her and for a few hours, at least peace reigned in the Watsons’ home. Edgar could see that his wife’s cheerfulness was not natural, but reluctant to rock the boat again and risk returning her to a pit of despair, he went along with it and took the opportunity to do some work, privately wishing the afternoon away until Joey and Jack should arrive.

Although they were initially supposed to be staying with the Watsons, the Maynards had insisted on changing their plans following Arthur’s death, and anxious not to be in the way, had booked themselves into a hotel in the city. Edgar had been insistent, however, that they come to dinner on their final night, and now he was thankful that he had.

It took Joey no more than a minute to see straight through Evadne’s façade. Even if Jack had not told her what had been going on, she would have been able to tell that all was not well. With the two girls hanging around, eager to make the acquaintance of their guests, she was unable to corner her friend straight away, and instead set about getting to know Thea and Marcia, to whom she took an instant shine. She and Jack had brought Geoff and Phil to Geneva with them, and eager to get some practise in before the arrival of their new brother or sister, the two girls were soon busy helping Joey out and watching in fascination as she fed and changed the two babies before putting them down to sleep.

As soon as dinner was over, however, and Thea and Marcia had said goodnight and made their way upstairs, Joey decided the time had come to make her move. As Edgar and Jack made themselves scarce, going to the basement to look at the wine cellar and sample a few tipples, Joey helped her friend make some coffee and the two of them settled down in the salon for a chat.

They had been gossiping for ten minutes about this and that, when Joey put her cup back down on her saucer and turned to face Evadne with a purposeful look. “Evvy, how are you?”

“I’m good thanks,” Evadne replied, surprised at the abrupt change in conversation and regarding her friend as if she’d gone mad. “How are you?”

Ignoring the question, Joey shook her head. “Please, Evvy, answer me honestly. I’m your friend, I may be able to help.”

A hard expression came over Evadne’s face and she stared at Jo with stony eyes. “What’s Edgar been telling you?”

“He’s not been telling me anything, he simply mentioned to Jack that you weren’t coping very well and…”

“How dare he!” Evadne exclaimed, jumping up out of her chair and making for the door. “How dare he discuss me and our private matters with anyone. I’ll show him…”

Joey was up out of her seat in a flash and managed to head Evadne off before she reached the door. “Evvy don’t, please! He didn’t discuss things with any old person, only Jack – and only then because he’s so worried about you and Jack saw through him.” She paused and swallowed hard, hoping she was handling this the right way. “Evvy, he looks terrible. He’s carrying the weight of the world around on his shoulders…”

“I don’t see why!” Evadne replied, her eyes flashing, her mouth drawn tight. “It’s nothing to do with him…”

“Of course it is!” Jo replied, a little shocked at her friend’s tone. “He loves you and cares about you – of course it’s going to hurt him to see you like this!” Evadne stared at her, her face expressionless but her eyes giving away her feelings of anger and upset, and Joey took hold of her arm and led her back to the sofa, pulling her down beside her. “Evvy, are you even eating properly? I saw you picking at your food at dinner, and you really don’t look well, you’re so pale and drawn.”

“Well so would you be if you’d just lost your parents.” Jo had nothing to say to that, and Evadne sighed and softened her attitude. “Sorry, Joey, that wasn’t fair. I’m just not that hungry right now. I’ll be okay.”

“But Evvy, you’ve got the baby to think of too.” Joey took hold of her hand, a pleading look in her eyes. “You can’t just starve yourself, you’ve got to think of more than just you. What if something happened to the baby because you’re refusing to look after yourself? You’d never forgive yourself.” Evadne’s eyes started to mist over and she turned her head to look away from her friend. “Evvy won't you talk to me? You can’t keep everything bottled up this way, it's not good for either of you. Please?”

Evadne closed her eyes and bit down on her lip to regain control. “I’m so scared of losing them all, Joey,” she began, her voice shaking a little as she spoke. “I know I’m being overprotective and they all hate me, but I can’t help it. I can’t bear the thought of something happening to them.”

Jo squeezed her shoulder. “They don’t hate you, don’t be as ass. You may have them climbing the walls, but they still love you, and nothing’s going to happen to them.”

“How do you know that?” Evadne turned to face her, her eyes suspiciously bright. “Every time I love someone, He comes and takes them away from me. Why? What have I ever done to anyone, Joey? You can’t tell me this is my just desserts for boiling a clock at school!”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Joey almost chuckled, and struggling to compose herself, she reached out to stroke her friend’s back, thinking hard before she replied. “You know what? I don’t know - I don’t know why it keeps happening to you. You’ve never done anything to deserve it, and if you keep thinking that way I may have to take drastic action to convince you otherwise.” She had a twinkle in her eye and Evadne smiled and shook her head. Joey’s voice sobered as she gazed affectionately at her friend. “I remember you telling me once you were sure you’d never fall in love again – and now look at you! I really don’t know why this accident happened, Evvy, but I do know that God’ll see you down your path.”

Evadne swallowed hard and lifted her face to look at Jo, her blue eyes brimming with tears. “But what if my path’s to end up alone? Why is it every time my life is going right something has to wreck it? Everything was so perfect this Christmas. I just don’t get it…”

“Maybe it was so perfect so you had that memory to treasure?”

Evvy wasn’t really listening to what Joey said. “…and I have to go to Paris on Sunday to see to Poppa’s appartment and I’m dreading it ‘cause Edgar can’t come ‘cause of work so I’ve got to go alone.”

“Can’t you hang on for him to be free?”

Evadne shook her head and dashed her hand across her eyes. “It’ll be at least a month, and I need to deal with this now – the longer I leave it, the harder it’ll be. I just don’t know if I can bear to say goodbye.”

Joey watched her for a few seconds and then made a decision. “I tell you what,” she said briskly, sitting up and brushing down her skirt. “I’ll come with you.”

“Joey you can’t! You’ve got to get home and…”

“Of course I can! No arguments, Evvy. I’m coming and that’s that. It’s only for a few days and I’m sure Jack’ll understand. I’ll talk to him tonight and convince him. I have to go back to the Platz tomorrow, but I’ll be back here Sunday morning first thing.” Evadne stared at her friend, overcome with emotion, and Joey leaned forward to kiss the side of her head. “It’ll all be alright, Evvy, you’ll see. Just don’t lose faith.”

Evadne leaned forwards, burying her face in her hands, and deciding that it was time they left Evvy and Edgar alone, Joey stood up to go in search of her husband.

Fifteen minutes later they had gathered their sleeping children and said their goodbye’s to their host. Edgar waved them off up the driveway, and then shutting the front door against the wintry night, he went in search of his wife. Walking into the salon, a blast of icy air hit him, and through the open French doors he saw her sitting in one of the wooden chairs on the terrace, shivering in just her dress and cardigan. Heading back into the hall, he put on his coat and took Evadne’s off the stand, then made his way outside. She looked up as he came to stand beside her, her eyes puffy and red. Edgar pushed her to her feet, wrapping her coat around her shoulders, and then sitting down in the seat, he pulled her into his lap.

Reaching his hand up to her face, he brushed back a lock of hair. “Evvy, please wait to go to Paris.”

She shook her head. “I have to go and do it now.” He looked at her with concern and she gave him a weak smile. “It’s okay, Joey’s said she’ll come with me, so I won’t be alone after all.” Edgar felt relief and gratitude to Jo flood through his body, as his wife stared down at her hands. “I’m sorry I’ve been so awful, Edgar.” He shook his head and pulled her closer, stroking her hair as she rested her head against his. “ Just please take care of yourselves while I’m gone.”

“We will, I promise.” Feeling her shoulders start to shake, he tightened his grip on her body.

Pulling her head back, she looked down at him, tears visible in her eyes. “Don’t ever leave me.”

Edgar lifted a hand to wipe away a tear, and leaning forward, he kissed her gently on the lips. “I’m going nowhere - for better or worse remember?” and wrapping his arms around her, he hugged her tightly, wishing desperately he could take away her pain.

Last edited by Josie on Sun Jul 31, 2005 7:17 pm; edited 3 times in total

#500: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 3:40 pm

Oh so sad

Hope Evadne and Edger can pull together to get through this tough time

Thanks Josie

#501: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 4:05 pm

Thanks Jo

So glad Joey made that offer.

Liz

#502: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 8:59 pm

Wow, I've just caught up with about 11 pages of this (oh the evils of exam term...), and it's so good!

I was almost in tears, had I been alone, and not in the computer room with loads of other people, I might have indulged in a few sobs...

#503: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 2:42 pm

So pleased Evvy had Joey to talk to - and she was perfect there.

Thanks Josie.

#504: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 7:47 pm

I have cried so much at this drabble .
Thanks Josie

#505: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 10:58 am

As promised, Jo returned on the first possible train on Sunday morning, with an unexpected surprise. On hearing about Evadne’s problems and the forthcoming trip to Paris, Hilary Graves had insisted on coming along to help out. Evadne welcomed her with open arms, happy to have the extra support, and it was with a lighter heart that she boarded the ten o'clock train to Paris accompanied by her two friends.

The journey passed by in comfortable companionship, Jo and Hilary doing most of the talking, and Evadne listening eagerly to all the news from the Platz, happy to have something to take her mind off what was to come over the next few days. It wasn’t until the train began to roll through the suburbs of Paris that her mind began to wander. She became quieter and quieter as the Gare de Lyon drew closer and by the time they disembarked she was lost in her own little world. Jo and Hilary kept a close eye on her but said nothing, not wanting to intrude on her private thoughts.

As the taxi drew up outside the apartment block on the Rue de Faubourg, Evadne climbed out and stood on the pavement, looking up at the building, while the other two paid the fare and the porter appeared to take their luggage up to the required floor. Hearing the car drive away behind her, Evvy turned to face her friends with an apologetic smile.

“Say, do you two mind if I ask a favour?”

“Depends what it is!” Joey replied with a grin. “I’m not buying any pigs in pokes from you, Evadne Watson!”

Evvy gave a slight chuckle and shook her head. “It’s nothing like that,” She twisted her fingers together and took a deep breath before continuing. “I need to go in on my own – just for a few minutes or so. D'you mind? I don’t mean to be rude it’s just…”

Her voice trailed away and Jo and Hilary exchanged glances as Jo quickly replied, “Of course we don’t mind! We can go and hunt out some food for dinner, can’t we Hilary?”

Hilary nodded. “Absolutely! What say we give you twenty minutes or so? Or do you need longer?”

Evadne smiled and shook her head. “Twenty minutes is perfect, thanks. There’s a deli and restaurant just down the street called Pierre’s where Pops used to…,” her voice choked as she recalled the memory and she had to swallow hard before continuing, “...where he used to go quite often. Tell them you know…I mean knew him, and they’ll look after you.”

The other two departed in the direction in which she pointed, and after another quick glance up at the windows of her parents’ apartment, Evvy entered the building. The concierge greeted her warmly, offering a few words of condolence and telling her just how much her parents were missed. She answered politely, saying she would be down later to collect her father’s post which was piling up in his pigeon hole, and then made her way across to the lift.

As the doors opened on the top floor and she stepped out, turning to her left, she felt a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, the intensity increasing as she approached the apartment door. Steeling herself, she placed the key in the lock and opened the door. A bunch of flowers stood on the dresser opposite, Veronica’s car keys and a letter lying next to them. The cleaner had continued to visit as before, and had left the flowers to give the place a more welcoming feel for Evadne and her friends. Out of the corner of her eye she could see the door to the hall closet ajar, her parents’ coats and umbrellas visible inside. A sudden wave of claustrophobia hit her and turning on her heel, she hurried back out into the corridor, holding her chest and gasping for air.

It was a few minutes before she pulled herself together again, and taking a deep breath, she returned to the flat. Leaving the front door ajar for her friends, she made her way down the hallway and into the salon. As she entered the room, she felt her emotions begin to churn and bringing her hand up to her mouth, she felt tears pricking her eyes as she looked around her. Everything was exactly as her parents had left it. The Christmas tree stood in the corner of the room, a few presents scattered randomly underneath it. Cards lined the mantle above the sprays of holly, ivy and fir that adorned it. To one side, on a table next to a chaise longue, lay Veronica’s reading glasses. Evadne remembered she had forgotten to bring them to Geneva with her and had had to borrow Arthur’s. Photographs of herself and Charles and their families covered the surface of a dresser on the opposite side of the fire, and in front of it stood Arthur’s favourite chair, his cardigan slung over one arm, his slippers stood together on the floor in front, and an open book placed cover up on the table next to it. It was almost too much to bear, and as the tears ran down Evadne’s cheeks, she lowered herself slowly onto the sofa behind her and buried her face in her hands.

Half an hour passed before the other two returned, by which time Evadne had calmed herself and dried her tears. She was standing by the salon windows, staring out across the roofs of the Eight Arrondissement towards the Eiffel Tower, when she felt a hand on shoulder and turned slightly to see Hilary standing next to her. They stood in silence for a few moments, before Hilary spoke.

“We got some bread and cheeses and things – I hope that’s okay. Jo’s just putting it out on plates for us.”

“Sounds fine.”

Evadne continued to stare out at the view as she spoke, and Hilary glanced at her, taking in her puffy eyes and red, tear-stained cheeks. “Evvy, are you sure you’re ready to do this?”

There was silence for a moment, and then Evadne slowly nodded her head. “I’d rather get it done now. I’ll be okay.” She took a deep breath, wiping her hand across her eyes, and then turned to face her friend with a smile. “I don’t know about you, but I’m famished,” she said brightly, slipping her hand through Hilary’s arm. “Come on, let’s go eat.”

==

Two days later, back in Geneva, Edgar was seated in the salon in his favourite chair, reading through a report while his daughters did their homework at the large table behind him. They had just finished dinner and Guilia had left for the evening, leaving the three of them alone in the house. Edgar came to the end of a particularly tedious section and placed the report on the arm of the chair, putting his hand over his mouth to stifle a yawn. Suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder and looking up, he smiled as Marcia came to stand in front of him, twisting her fingers together and looking down at her feet.

“What’s wrong with you?” he asked, a twinkle in his eye as he tried to work out what she might have done wrong.

Marcia shook her head and glanced up at him, an earnest look in her big, green eyes. “Daddy, do you miss Mummy?”

Edgar smiled and nodded. “Yes, poppet, I do, but she’ll be back on Saturday.”

“I know.” Marcia paused for a moment, and then added, “I miss her too, even if she was a bit funny before she went away.”

Her father watched her for a second, and then turned his head to get Thea’s attention. “Thea, can you come here for a minute? I need to explain something to you both.” Thea did as she was told and when they were both seated on the floor in front of him, looking up at him with eager faces, he continued. “Now listen, I know things have been a bit strange with Mummy recently and I think you both need to understand why.” He paused to see if they had anything to say, but they just stared back up at him. “Mummy is very, very sad at the moment. Can you imagine how you’d feel if anything happened to her or me?”

Marcia's eyes widened in horror at the thought, and Thea shook her head and swallowed hard. “I’d feel horrid.”

“Precisely. And Mummy’s just lost her Daddy and Stepmum, so how do you think she feels?”

There was a stunned silence for a moment, and then Marcia piped up, “But it’s not our fault Daddy. What’s it got to do with us going out to play?”

Edgar heaved a sigh as he stared down at his petulant daughter. Then, after giving it some thought, he said, “Okay, you may be too little to understand this, but I’m going to tell you anyway. When somebody you love very much dies, it can make you act a bit strange sometimes. You’re too young to remember, but Ned’ll tell you that when your real Mummy died, I didn’t cope very well at all. I wasn’t a very good Daddy for a while, 'til Uncle Paul put me straight. I thought I’d lost everything – I forgot I still had you three.” He paused for a moment to let this sink in. “Now, Mummy’s lost a lot of people, same as we have. First her real Mummy, then the man she was going to marry first, and now Grandpa and Grandma, and it’s making her very sad and very scared.”

“But she’s still got us!”

“It’s not that simple, poppet.”

Thea had been silent whilst her father spoke, thinking hard and trying to take it all in. Now she looked up, a serious expression on her delicate, little face. “She thinks she might lose us too, doesn’t she?”

Edgar was a little taken aback at how astute his elder daughter had been, but he did his best to hide it and simply nodded his head. “Yes, that’s right. That’s why she’s been so strict about you going out without her. She’s trying to protect you and keep you safe. She knows it’s wrong, but she’s so sad at the moment that she just can’t help it. Do you understand?” They nodded, and he patted his knees for them to come and sit on his lap. When they were both comfortable, he put an arm around each of them and gave them a smile. “So when she comes home, let’s forget what happened before, and give her lots and lots of love and cuddles so she doesn’t feel so alone, okay?”

“Can we make her a surprise?”

“I don’t see why not,” Edgar replied, ruffling Marcia’s fair curls.

Thea pondered for a second and then cried, “I know, we should have a Mummy day, where we spoil her and give her presents and things!”

Edgar chuckled and kissed her on the cheek. “I think that’s a lovely idea. Now,” he added, pushing then down of his lap, “how about you finish your homework, and then we can start planning what to do,” and thoroughly excited by the idea, they ran back to the table to do as they were told.

==

By Thursday morning the three women had managed to clear most of the apartment. The large furniture and several of the expensive ornaments would be sold off by the agent whom Evadne had engaged, and the rest of her parents' belongings were either packed in crates to be sent to Geneva for Evadne and Edgar to go through at a later date, or disposed of with the help of the porter and the concierge. By eleven a.m., there was only the last of the salon to finish. Leaving Hilary and Jo to see to that, Evadne took herself off around the other rooms, checking there was nothing they had missed. She left her parents’ bedroom until last, and as she entered it, she felt a lump come into her throat at how barren and impersonal it all looked. If she hadn’t known what a happy home the apartment had been for so many years, she never would have guessed.

Shaking her head and telling herself to stop wallowing, she checked quickly around the room and then opening the dressing room door, she glanced quickly inside. Finding it empty, she was about to shut the door again when she remembered that she hadn’t checked the top shelf. Dragging the stool across from the vanity, she climbed up to have a quick look around. Almost immediately, she spotted a white box, pushed back against the wall. How on earth had they missed that? She pulled it forward to the edge of the shelf and climbed down off the stool. Then reaching up, she lifted it down carefully. It felt quite heavy, as if it contained books or something similar. Grateful that neither of her friends were there to witness it, as they would surely have lectured her about lifting things in her delicate state, she carried it across to the bed and sat down next to it, heaving a sigh as she stared around her.

“Come on Evvy, last one and then you’re done,” she said out loud, turning her attention to the box beside her. Then, curious to know what it contained, she lifted off the lid.

Last edited by Josie on Sun Jul 31, 2005 7:57 pm; edited 1 time in total

#506: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 11:27 am

Lovely post Josie, it had everything, sadness, resolve, explanations to Thea and Marcia, sweetness, Jo and Hilary there as support, and then, just to complete it, a cliff at the end! Laughing

#507: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 12:05 pm

Thank you Jo! That was lovely - Thea and Marcia are wonderful. But what's in the box?

#508: Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 1:12 pm

Presumably the box is the one which started Long Road Home?

Thanks for another lovely post Josie - and all the previous ones which had tears streaming down my face!

#509: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 1:19 pm

Thanks Jo

I'm guessing this is where it dovetails neatly into Long Road Home - beautifully done

Liz

#510: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 1:44 pm

Thank you Jo. Im glad Edgar explained things to the girls and that they understood. Huzzah for Jo and Hilary!!

It's great to see this part of Long Road Home from a different perspective.

#511: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 5:59 pm

That links in so well! I was all teary eyed when she saw the little things like Veronica's spectacles and Arthur's cardigan. It's those little things that get to you at a time like that.

Thank you Josie.

#512: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 6:02 pm

aww thank you Josie - I'm almost convinced that this is the box which started Long Road Home...hope it's not another nasty cliff

#513: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 8:04 pm

Poor Evvy, having to clear the appartement. I agree that it was a perfect post, thanks Josie

#514: The Swiss Family Watson Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 8:07 pm

These last episodes have had a bit of all the elements, as Lesley says. It's lovely to see both how Jo and Hilary have helped Evvy and the loving explanation which Edgar gives Marcia and Thea about the way Evvy has been behaving - and trust Thea to see what's really bothering Evvy.

Hope the mysterious box *does* fit with Long Road Home and bring the story full circle - we could really live without any more cliffs, Josie.

But this has been and still is a wonderful story - thank you for telling it so well, Josie.

#515: Author: jacey, Location: Ireland

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 9:03 am

Thanks Josie.
I have enjoyed this so much. I hope you won't end it at the beginning (if you see what I mean?!) I want to find out about the baby, how Ned and the girls grow up, and much more
Evvy and Edgar and Co are so real, I can't not know what happens to them next!

#516: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 9:17 am

Thank you Josie. Thea and Marcia are so sweet and understanding.=- glad they could have that talk with Edgar.

Glad Jo and Hilary could go with Evvy and love the way this is fitting in so well with Long Road Home.

#517: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 2:56 pm

It's amazing seeing how everything links up.

#518: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 11:37 pm

Yes, the box is the one from Long Road Home. I didn't mean it to sound like quite such a cliff, sorry!

And there's lots more to come yet, Jacey - I'll be thoroughly old and grey before this is finished! Laughing

“Daddy, hurry up or we’ll be late!”

Edgar looked up from pulling on a sock and raised his eyebrows. “Late for what?”

“To pick Mummy up, of course!”

“Marcia, it’s only…quarter to eight,” he said, turning over his wrist and glancing at his watch. “Her train doesn’t get in ‘til nine – we’ve plenty of time.”

“But we’ve got to do the sign and the table and Scrabble and…and…and you’re so slow!” Edgar grinned at her as he leisurely lifted his other sock from the bed, shook it out thoroughly and very slowly bent down to put it on. “You’re doing it delib’rately!” she cried indignantly, and uttering an indescribable sound she turned and flounced out of the room, almost cannoning into her sister as she went.

Thea watched her go and then turned to her father, a puzzled expression on her brow. “What’s wrong with her?” Then without waiting for an answer, she looked down at the two-month-old puppy she held in her arms. “Do you like Scrabble’s bow? I’ve brushed his fur and everything too.”

She giggled as Scrabble licked her face and Edgar smiled at the red ribbon that the puppy wore tied around his neck. “He looks very smart, I must say. Is everything nearly done?”

Thea nodded. “I’ve laid the table – we’ve just got to put on the decorations – and Marcia helped Frau Siefert polish the silver, and Guilia and me did the fruit and things. She said we can help her with the rest when we get back as it needs to be made fresh.”

“Have you wrapped your presents?”

“Yes – they’re all in Mummy’s place at the table. We can’t reach to put the sign up though – can you do it please?”

“I think I can manage that,” Edgar replied, standing up and putting his feet in his slippers. “Let’s go and do it now, shall we? Keep hold of Scrabble ‘til we get downstairs, please” he added as Thea bent to put the puppy down. “He shouldn’t really be up here at all, and I don’t think he’ll manage the staircase on his own just yet anyway,” and as Thea stood up straight again, he placed a hand on her head and steered her out of the bedroom.

Watching out of the window as the train pulled slowly into Geneva station, Evadne smiled to herself as she spied her husband and stepdaughters waiting on the platform. The two girls looked immaculate in their smartest coats and muffs, Marcia with new ribbons tying back her blonde curls and the ends of Thea’s dark brown hair gleaming in the winter sun. Even Edgar was wearing his best morning suit; they had obviously dressed up to welcome her home. She gave them a quick wave as they spotted her and then feeling the train coming to a halt, she left the window and quickly checked her appearance in the mirror. She had changed her clothes and carefully reapplied her make-up, and though black smudges of tiredness were still visible under her eyes, there was no sign of the tears she had shed just a couple of hours before. Satisfied that she would pass muster, she was about to lift the box of diaries off the bed when a knock sounded at the door and Joey came into the compartment.

“You ready?”

Evadne nodded. “Just about. Do I look okay?”

Jo looked her up and down and shook her head. “Honestly, woman, I don’t know how you do it! You’ve spent half the night bawling your eyes out and you still look better than I do on my most glamourous day!” Evadne chuckled and Jo softened her tones. “You feeling alright?”

“Better than I’ve felt in a very long time, actually,” Evvy replied with a wry smile. “I finally feel like it’ll all be okay.” Reaching out she placed a hand on her friend’s arm. “Thank you, Joey, for everything.”

“Do stop thanking me – it’s what friends do!” Jo replied, her soft tone belying her words as she put her arms around Evadne and gave her a hug. Then pulling back, she looked her up and down again and muttered indignantly, “I did my utmost to crease you just then and it still hasn’t worked!”

“Just call it a gift,” Evadne replied with a grin, as she lifted the box into her arms. “I’m sure this thing’s gotten heavier since I first found it!”

“Why don’t you leave it for the porter?”

Evadne shook her head. “I’ll keep hold of this one myself. Don’t roll your eyes at me, I’m pregnant, not invalided!” she retorted as Jo pulled a face at her. “Come on, get a shove on, I’ve a family waiting for me!” and with that, she gave Joey a gentle push towards the door.

“Mummy!"

Evadne heard the shriek as she stepped down from the train, and she just had time to move to one side of the steps before her daughters threw themselves on her, both talking at once. Laughing, she bent down, putting the box on the ground, and gathered in each of them in turn for hugs and kisses. Then pulling back, she looked from one to the other, smiling at their eager faces as Marcia clung onto her arm.

“You both look pretty as pictures. What’s the occasion?”

“We dressed up for you – Daddy did too,” Thea replied, beaming up at her father who was standing to one side.

“We missed you!” Marcia cried, hugging her stepmother again and almost knocking her off-balance.

Evadne steadied herself and hugged the little girl back. “Well I missed you too. Have you been good while I was gone?”

Marcia nodded her head vociferously. “Very good. We’ve got a surprise for you…”

“Marcia, shhhh!” Thea cried, hitting her sister on the arm. “You’ll give it away!”

“I won’t! I was only saying!”

“Well I look forward to it, whatever it is,” Evadne put in quickly, chuckling and tugging one of Marcia’s bunches that was hanging down from underneath her woolly hat. Glancing up, she saw her husband smiling down at his family. “Now,” she said, turning back to the girls again, “how about you go say hello to Mrs. Maynard and Mrs. Graves?”

They ran off to do just that, and Edgar held out a hand to help her to her feet. She stared at him for a second as he gazed at her, great affection in his eyes. Then abandoning her dignity, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight.

Following the others out of the station, they were amused to see Marcia hanging off Jo’s arm, talking ten-to-the-dozen, while Joey, looking a little shell-shocked, did her best to reply.

“I think Joey’s finally met her match,” Evadne commented in an undertone, reaching up to take hold of Edgar’s hand that was resting on her shoulder. “I guess Marcia was a bit subdued when she met her before. Maybe I should have warned her.”

Edgar grinned down at her as he gripped her slim fingers. “Far more fun this way, don’t you think? You do realise,” he added with a twinkle in his eye, “that if there’s ever another war, we won’t need to fight - we can just send Marcia to talk them into submission!”

As he spoke, they caught up with them just in time to hear Joey say, “You can certainly talk, can’t you young lady? I’ve never met anyone like it - your tongue’s hung in the middle and waggles at both ends!”

Evadne and Edgar both burst out laughing as Marcia beamed proudly up at her new friend and responded, “Daddy says I’d win a gold medal if talking was in the Olympics!”

“He’s not wrong!” Joey replied with grin. Then turning to Evadne, she said, “Evvy, Hilary and I had better hail a taxi and be off. We’re running late as it is.”

“Are you sure you won’t come back for some breakfast?”

She shook her head. “We’d better not. Phil wants to set off back to the Platz as soon as possible from what Hilary said, so we’d better make tracks to his hotel smart’ish.”

“Well at least let us give you a lift,” Edgar put in, walking across to open the boot of the car, as the porter joined them with their luggage, accompanied by Hilary and Thea. “The car’s plenty big enough for you two as well.”

“Is this yours?” Hilary exclaimed as she admired the white Mercedes with glowing eyes. “Don’t let Phil see this, he will be green with envy!”

“See?” Edgar said, turning to his wife with a supercilious smile. “Someone appreciates my taste in cars!”

Evadne returned his smile and turned to her friends. “It’s just a big, white car to me. Don’t see what all the fuss is about!”

“So says the woman who’s bruised and battered one of England’s finest sports cars for the past six years or so!” Edgar retorted with a grin, referring to his wife’s long-suffering MG which was now stored at their Wiltshire home. Not noticeably perturbed by his insult, Evadne shrugged and began hustling the children onto the back seats. As soon as she was out of earshot, Edgar glanced round at Joey who was helping him load up the boot. “She seems really happy,” he said, his relief evident on his face. “Any idea what brought on the change?”

Joey finished pushing the last suitcase into the boot, and then looked up at him with a smile. “Let’s just say she’s realised it’s okay to let herself be truly happy again.”

Half an hour later, having dropped Jo and Hilary off at the hotel, Edgar turned the car off the top road and drove down the long, sloping driveway towards their home. Pulling up outside the front door, he stopped to let his wife and daughters climb out and then drove around to the garage at the far side. Thea and Marcia grabbed hold of Evadne’s hands and towed her towards the front door.

“You have to go and change into something nice,” Marcia said, as Evadne opened the front door.

“You mean what I’m wearing now isn’t nice?” she replied, pretending to be hurt by the comments and Marcia screwed up her face.

“I didn’t mean that!”

“Wear your yellow dress, Mummy, that’s really pretty,” Thea put in eagerly and Evadne smiled down at her as she took off her coat and scarf and hung them on the stand.

“I can’t get my belly into that one anymore – the baby’s gotten too big! Will my blue one with the flowers do?”

After a quick confab, they decided that it would be okay, and sent their stepmother upstairs as quickly as they could, Marcia running off to see to Scrabble who was shut in the kitchen with Guilia and had begun barking when he realised that his family was home.

“Stay in your bedroom ‘til we come and get you!” Thea ordered, running off after her sister, and chuckling, Evadne went off to do as she was told.

She quickly changed into her dress, and then opening the top drawer of her dresser she pulled out her jewellery cases and began hunting through them. Locating what she was after, she pulled it out and placed it in a small trinket box on top of her vanity so that she could find it easily later on. Just as she closed the lid and turned back to her jewellery cases again, the bedroom door opened and Edgar came into the room, towing her suitcase behind him, the white box under one arm.

“Do these go okay?” she asked, spinning round to face him and holding a string of pearls up to her neck.

Throwing the box down on the bed, he looked over at her with a grin. “Perfectly. But then you always look wonderful to me, no matter what you wear.”

Evadne laughed. “That was so corny, but I still feel flattered!” she replied, rolling her eyes in mock despair. “Come and help me fasten them, will you?”

Chortling at her response, Edgar did as she asked, and when the pearls were settled around her neck, he placed his hands on her shoulders and gazed at her in the mirror. “Welcome back, darling.”

Understanding the double meaning in his words, Evvy turned to gaze up into his soulful, green eyes. “It’s good to be back,” she replied softly, and wrapping her arms around his neck, she reached up to kiss him. The next moment, the bedroom door crashed open and Marcia burst into the room.

“Mummy, stop kissing Daddy and come downstairs!” she cried, as her parents broke apart, and turning to face her, they both had to choke down their laughter. She had taken dressing in her best clothes quite literally, and having disposed of her coat, muff and woolly hat, had replaced them with her best yellow sunhat with flowers on the brim, and some white gloves that she had unearthed from the back of her drawers. In addition, she had got her hands on a pair of her stepmother’s dangly earrings that were clipped onto her ears.

“Okay sweetie, we’re just coming,” Evadne replied, swallowing hard to keep from laughing. “You run on down, we’ll be there in a minute.” Marcia ran off and as soon as she was sure that her daughter was out of earshot, Evvy burst out laughing. “What am I letting myself in for?” she asked, wiping a tear of mirth from the corner of her eye.

Edgar grinned. “Nothing sinister, I promise. Come on, let’s go down.”

When they reached the dining room, Edgar opened the double doors and ushered his wife into the room. The table was laden with every breakfast food she could imagine, and her two daughters were stood in front of it, Thea dressed simply in her prettiest dress and holding Scrabble in her arms. In her usual place at the table, Evvy could see a small pile of wrapped presents, and hanging on the wall behind it was a crude, home-made sign with the words “Welcome home Mummy” painted on in bright blue paint. As she stared at it in disbelief, the two girls came forward to greet her, Marcia grabbing hold of her hand.

“Do you like it, Mummy? Thea and me did it nearly all ourselves, and Guilia and Daddy helped. We’ve made French toast with berries ‘cause it’s your favourite, and lots of other things too in case you were hungry after the train, and we dressed up and made Daddy dress up too!”

“And Scrabble’s dressed up too!” Thea put in, holding the puppy out towards her mother, his tail wagging hard as he saw his mistress.

Evadne took hold of him, kissing him on the nose. “He looks very smart – don’t you little man?” she responded, a wide smile lighting up her face. Then handing him to her husband, who took the puppy back to the kitchen until they’d eaten their meal, she put her arms around the girls’ shoulders and glanced around her, taking everything in. “It’s wonderful,” she replied, her eyes misting over slightly as she hugged them both to her sides. “You two are so precious, d’you know that?”

“There’s presents too, Mummy,” Marcia replied, towing her towards the table. Thea pulled out her chair, and as Evadne sat down, still slightly dazed, Marcia pushed the little pile of parcels towards her. “We made them all ourselves.”

“Open them now!” Thea put in eagerly.

Opening the first one, she found a necklace of different coloured beads that the girls had made themselves from a kit their grandparents had given them at Christmas. “We thought you’d like it ‘cause then you can remember nice things about Grandpa and Grandma when you wear it,” Marcia said, as Evadne took it out of the paper. “It was Thea’s idea.”

“Thank you, it’s beautiful,” she said, feeling a little choked. Reaching to the back of her neck, she undid the clasp on her pearls and took them off, laying them beside her on the table. Then replacing them with her new necklace, she sat back in her chair. “What do you think?”

“It looks nice,” Thea said with a grin. “This one’s from Marcia,” she said, handing over a second parcel. Opening it up, Evadne found a childish drawing of the whole family, very accomplished for an eight year old, that had been framed. “You can hang it near your bed or in the snug.”

“And this one’s Thea’s,” Marcia said, holding out the final parcel. Inside was a notepad, and turning back the cover, Evvy found several pages of little stories and anecdotes, all about her being their Mum.

“It says why we love you,” Thea said shyly.

Feeling a lump rise in her throat, Evadne held out her arms and gathered them both to her, holding them tight. “I love you both too, so much. I’m sorry for being so strict about you going out and everything, and for shouting at you, I was being very silly. Can you forgive me?”

They both said ‘yes’, Marcia adding, “S’okay, Daddy told us why.”

Then Thea pulled back slightly and gazed up at her stepmother’s face. “We’ll never leave you, Mummy. We’re here to make up for all the bad things that happened to you.”

Evadne was finally moved to tears and as they welled up in her eyes, she hugged both girls tighter, squeezing them so hard that Marcia began to choke.

“Are you trying to suffocate our children?” Edgar said with a twinkle in his eye as he surveyed the scene, taking in his wife’s tearful face. Evadne laughed and released them, and Edgar grinned down the table at her as he took his seat. “I gather you liked your gifts?” She nodded and he picked up the nearest plate of food. “Well come along then, let’s tuck in! Otherwise there’s one very hungry puppy in the kitchen who’ll eat the lot!”

Later that evening, when the girls had gone to bed after a full day of spoiling their stepmother, Evadne was sitting on the window seat in the snug when Edgar opened the door and came in.

“They asleep?” she asked looking across at him as he flopped down in one of the big, leather armchairs. He nodded and she patted the seat next to her. “Come and sit with me here. I need to talk to you.”

Giving her a smile, Edgar got up and came towards her. “Stand up then,” he said, then as she did as he asked, he sat down with his back against the window, his feet up on the sill. Sitting down again, she shuffled round so that she was seated between his legs, leaning back against him, and he wrapped his arms around her. “So what do you want to talk about?” he asked, kissing her forehead as she tilted her head back to look at him.

She shifted position slightly so that she was leaning against his arm. “I have a favour to ask,” she said, uncurling her left hand. “Would you mind if I get this mended and wear it sometimes?”

Edgar looked down at the thin, gold chain with the tiny angel pendant, feeling a little confused. “Why on earth would I mind?”

Evadne took a deep breath. “It was given to me by Ralph,” she began slowly, watching his face carefully as she spoke, “it was my guardian angel. I broke it the day he died and never had it mended as I’d kinda given up all hope.” She paused for a second and then added, “I thought it was time for it to look over us all.”

Edgar was silent for a moment and Evadne watched him nervously, worried she might have upset him. Then his face broke into a smile. “Of course I don’t mind.”

“Thank you.” Evadne kissed him on the cheek, and cuddled closer to him. “It’s all going to be okay, Edgar, we’re all going to be okay.”

“Of course we will be,” he replied, running a hand across her belly. “This little one signifies our new start after these last few weeks, don’t you Baby Watson?”

Evadne chuckled and cuddled tighter to him, when all of a sudden she felt a punch in her stomach. Edgar moved his hand quickly, a look of joy on his face. “It kicked! Did you feel that?”

“I know, it did it on train last night,” she replied, grinning broadly. “It was the first time I felt a proper kick, rather than just a flutter.” She glanced up at him, mischief in her eyes. “You should talk to it, I reckon it would kick even more then.”

Edgar gave her an incredulous look. “I’m not going to do that, don’t be silly.”

“You have to! Hilary told me Phil talked to theirs.”

He continued to show reluctance to the idea, but knowing she would wear him down, Evadne kept on at him and eventually he agreed. Shifting position on the seat, Edgar crouched down so that his head was level with her belly. Then he began talking in a silly voice.

“Talk properly!” Evadne cried, sounding exasperated. “It won’t know who you are when it comes out if you do that!”

He gave his wife an indignant look, but repeated what he’d said in his normal tones. The next moment, he felt a kick just to the right of his hand. “It worked! Did you see that?” She nodded as it kicked again, and getting thoroughly over excited, Edgar decided that it was time to sing his unborn child a song. A talented man in many ways, singing was not his forte, and Evadne cringed as he started on a rendition of Nat King Cole’s ‘Because You’re Mine.’

“You are aware you’re completely tone deaf?” she asked sweetly, as the baby kicked a few more times.

Edgar pulled face at her. “At least my child appreciates my voice.”

“No it doesn’t!” she said laughing as she felt a sharp kick just below her navel. “It’s trying to climb out and escape!”

#519: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 12:14 am

lovely - just superbly lovely

Thanks Jo

Liz

#520: The Swiss Family watson Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 1:03 am

Another beautiful episode - I know the story isn't finished yet, but this is a very moving ending to what has been a traumatic few weeks for the family. Hard though it was for her first to contemplate doing and then to complete, the fact that Evvy has, with Jo and Hilary's help, been able to clear out and close the flat in Paris has also enabled her to start coming to terms with her grief and moving on. It's lovely to see the family restored to its more usual loving relationship. Thank you, Josie.

#521: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 6:48 am

Lovely Jo! Such a lovely mix of humour and feeling. As usual you've had me laughing and crying at the same time. Thank you.

#522: Author: jacey, Location: Ireland

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 7:42 am

Perfect, Josie, just perfect! Once again typing with tears in my eyes. Heading out to RDA shortly, and while the kids probably won't notice the red eyes, the helpers may wonder what the instructor has been up to! Hope I won't scare the ponies. Rolling Eyes

Josie, I'm delighted with your promise to keep this going 'til you're old and grey Laughing

#523: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 8:57 am

Jo that was wonderful! So lovely to see Evvy happy again and the girls excitment at getting Mummy back and Edgar's love, joy and excitement over the baby!

Thank you!

#524: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 9:01 am

They're such a lovely family, thanks Josie, so glad to hear that there will be lots more of this! Very Happy

#525: Author: Jodi, Location: Glasgow most of the time

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 9:32 am

thanks josie, I'm so glad there's going to be lots more!!! Very Happy

#526: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 4:33 pm

Just adding to the thanks, Josie, and hoping that we will continue to read more of the Watson family.

#527: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 7:59 pm

Thanks for the lovely long posts.
I always forget Jo, Hilary and Evvy are close in age so it was nice to see them together.

#528: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 8:41 pm

Thank you Josie!

Those children are so gorgeous! I am so pleased that Evvy has some happiness and something to look forward to!

#529: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 10:04 pm

aww thank you Josie - I'm glad Evvy's come to terms with Ralph, and that Edgar's fine with it

#530: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 12:35 am

These last posts have been lovely, especially the way the whole family worked to make Evvy feel cherished and wanted. I was very impressed with the way you handled her return to the Paris apartment; that sense of claustrophobia was exactly what I felt when I walked into Mum's flat last year, and it was just as she had left it the day before she died. Actually I had the feeling that if I turned my head swiftly enough I would catch a glimpse of her, which was oddly comforting. So glad that Evvy has been able to move on.

#531: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 10:55 pm

ETA: Sorry this is so long - got a bit carried away Embarassed

Edgar wiped his mouth on his napkin and pushed back his chair. “Right, everyone except Thea, upstairs now and get changed into your grottiest clothes,” he ordered, getting to his feet. “Uncle Paul and I will go and dig out the paint and the wallpaper – the sooner we make a start, the sooner it’ll all be over and you can have the rest of the day to yourselves.”

“Why does Thea get out of it?” Ned asked sulkily, as the others climbed down from their seats to go and do as they were told.

“She’s not getting out of it, she’s got a riding lesson. She’ll help when she gets back if we’re not finished by then.”

“That’s not fair! I wanted to show Tom how to build models, but you said no – why does she get to go riding?”

“Because I’m mean and horrible, and here to make your life a misery!” Edgar retorted with a grin. “Now stop sulking and go and do as you’re told.” Ned pushed his chair back and stomped out of the room to laughter from those still at the table. “What are you all still doing here?” Edgar asked, giving them all a stern look. “My orders applied to you lot too, you know!”

“Quite the Sergeant Major when you get started, aren’t you?” Paul said with a grin.

“You’d better believe it,” Evadne muttered to Elsie who was sitting next to her. “All he needs are the handlebar whiskers!” Thea, seated opposite, overheard and started to giggle just as she took a sip of her orange juice, causing her to choke and snort the juice out of her nose.

“What was that, dear?” Edgar asked his wife, as Paul clapped Thea on the back.

“Just telling Elsie how masterful you are,” Evadne replied with an innocent grin. “I’m assuming that pregnant ladies are exempt from this ordeal?”

At that moment the doorbell rang, and Thea jumped down from her chair and ran to answer it. Edgar smiled back at his wife as he went to follow his daughter out of the room. “You can assume no such thing. And since when has decorating your child’s nursery been an ordeal?”

“Well excuse me!” Evadne retorted, but she was talking to thin air, as Edgar had disappeared into the hallway to chat with Kate’s father while Thea gathered her riding gear together. She had to wait a few minutes before he returned and she could finish saying her piece. “I’d like to point out that it’s your child as well,” she said indignantly, getting to her feet as he walked back into the room. “It’s not the immaculate conception, you know! And as I’m the one who’s been carrying it around for eight and a half months, and I’m currently the size of a bus, I think I’ve earned the right to be exempt!”

“Alright, keep your hair on,” Edgar responded, pulling a piece of paper from his shirt pocket and giving her a maddening grin. “You’re in charge of design and coordination.”

Evadne glared at the paper and then looked up at him suspiciously. “What does that mean?”

“It means you get to sit in an armchair and order us all about,” he replied, handing her the designs that they had worked on together a couple of nights previously. “Happy?”

“Suppose so,” she retorted, trying hard to act indifferent as the corners of her mouth twitched with a smile.

“Jolly good,” and kissing the side of her head, he turned to face their guests. “Well come along, what are you two still doing here? Vamoose!”

“Yes Sir!” Paul jumped to his feet, saluted, and marched out of the room, followed by his giggling wife.

It was now mid-April, and a very hot mid-April at that. Geneva had been sweltering in unusually high temperatures for this time of year, and Evadne, now heavily pregnant, was being made crabby and uncomfortable by the heat. The previous weekend, having suffered from yet another tongue-lashing, Edgar had gone out and purchased as many electric fans as he could get his hands on, the result being that wherever she went, Evvy now had a cooling breeze following her around. The following day, Paul, Elsie and their family had arrived to spend the Easter holidays with the Watsons, bringing Ned out with them, and now the cavalry had arrived, Edgar had decided the time had finally come to decorate the nursery before it was too late. Evvy had been all for getting a decorator in, but ever-industrious, Edgar had decided they were perfectly capable of doing it themselves.

Twenty minutes later, most of the party were changed and assembled in the bright, airy bedroom they had chosen to convert, and Edgar and Paul made their way down to get the supplies. They had just reached the bottom of the stairs when Marcia passed them, dressed in her new summer dress.

“Marcia, I thought I asked you to go and get changed?” her father said, giving her an exasperated glance.

“I did!” she said, looking down at herself. “I changed into this.”

“And since when has your new dress been among your grottiest clothes?”

“But I like it!” she replied, pouting. “I haven’t worn it yet.”

“Well you can wear it later on. Go and change into something more suitable, please, and get a move on. Everyone else is ready,” and shaking his head, he and Paul left her to go and do as she was told. “How come your two aren’t this much work?” he asked his friend as they opened the basement door and made their way downstairs.

“That’s all you know,” Paul replied with a grin. “Tom’s not too bad, but Lily’s a young demon when she’s in a certain frame of mind. She told an old lady to ‘wind her neck in’ when we were out shopping the other day. God knows where she picked it up from – my sister I think. It was so embarrassing. Elsie and I almost sank through the floor!”

Edgar laughed. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say she’d picked it up from my wife!”

“Yes, Elsie did think of that possibility,” Paul chuckled, “but I think she’s innocent for once!”

They had reached the basement by this stage, and walking across to a large pile of decorating supplies on the far side, Edgar picked up two large cans of pale yellow paint and handed them to his friend. “Stick these in the hall will you? Then we can get them easily when we’ve take everything else up.”

Paul went to do his friend’s bidding, and returned a minute later to help Edgar with the rolls of wallpaper, more paint, brushes and other bits and pieces that were needed. Once they’d got everything together, they made their way upstairs again. “You not going for pink or blue then?” Paul asked curiously, looking at the wallpaper covered in teddy bears that he held in his arms.

Edgar shook his head. “We thought about it – Evvy’s convinced it’s a girl – but we decided that just in case we’d better go for something more neutral. If it turns out to be a boy, I don’t think the poor little chap’ll want to spend his formative years surrounded by baby pink paint and fairies, do you?”

Paul laughed. “We made that mistake with Tom – Elsie was convinced it was a girl from the shape of the bump, or some old wives tale. I had to do some hasty repainting before they came out of hospital, I can tell you!”

“Yes, I remember,” Edgar replied with a grin as they walked along the landing towards the bedroom. “You drafted Madeleine and I in to help!”

“That’s right, I’d forgotten about that! Gosh, that was a long time ago, wasn’t it?”

Edgar smiled and nodded. “Certainly was.” They entered the room, that now had a dustsheet spread across the empty floor, and dumping his armful of things down in the nearest corner, Edgar looked around. “Okay, I think paper first, then paint,” he said with a grin, “That okay with you, chief?”

Evadne looked up from her armchair in the centre of the room and shook her head. “Paint then paper, I say,” she replied. “That way no-one can paint on the teddy bears by mistake. I can think of at least one person who’d manage that!”

“Good point,” Edgar replied, looking around him again. “Where is she anyway? Still getting changed?” Before anyone could reply, there came a loud crash from the hallway, followed by a shriek and running feet. “What’s she done now?” Edgar asked, rolling his eyes. Then before anyone could reply, he cried, “Oh my hat – the paint!” and ran out of the room.

Taking the stairs two at a time, it didn’t take him long to discover what his daughter had been up to. Some demon had clearly led her to remove the lid from one of the tins and she had evidently dropped it, covering the floor, nearby dresser and Millicent Mary, all of which now had a pale yellow hue.

“Marcia!” Edgar’s voice thundered through the house. “Get out here now, young lady!” There was silence for a moment, and Edgar was just about to shout again, when the kitchen door opened and a very sorry-looking young girl emerged, paint spattered all down the front of her new dress. “Well? What have you got to say for yourself?”

“I’m sorry, Daddy,” she said, tears forming in her eyes, and she blinked hard to keep them at bay as she stared down at her feet. “I was trying to help.”

Edgar stared at her in disbelief. “How exactly? By painting the hallway? Because I’m fairly sure that was never on the agenda.” Marcia continued to stare at the floor. “Marcia, look at me, please.”

The cold fury in her father’s voice made her snap her head up, and she looked at him, scared at what she had done. “I…,” her voice faltered, “I thought if I took the top off it would make it quicker and I wanted to see what colour it was and…”

“And what?” Edgar asked as her voice petered out. “Didn’t it occur to you there might be a reason why we don’t open the tins until they’re safely on the dust sheet? If you’d waited like everyone else, you’d have seen what the colour was soon enough.” She gulped and shook her head. “And why didn’t you go and get changed when I asked you to?”

“I was about to, I just…I thought…,” her voice faded again under her father’s glare.

“I’m not sure you thought at all!” Edgar replied, his tone still ice-cold. “You’re nine years old now, and you still act like you’re five.” To Marcia, who had very recently turned nine and was very proud of the fact, this comment cut deep. “It’s high-time you learnt to use your brain once in a while, instead of doing whatever mad thing comes into your head. Now I want you to go and ask Guilia for a brush and some soapy water, and you can set about cleaning up this mess – and no accepting any help from Guilia either. If you can’t remove anything, you can call me and I’ll come and use the turps. Then you can spend the rest of the day in your room. Go on, hurry up.”

Still trying her hardest not to cry, Marcia turned and made her way through to the kitchen. She returned a couple of minutes later, a bucket of water in her hands, and once he was satisfied that she was doing as she was told, Edgar stood up from his seat at the bottom of the stairs. “I’ll be back to check on you in a little while. And when you’re finished, you can take off that dress and put it in the bin – it’s no use to anyone anymore. Your pocket money will be docked for however many weeks it takes to pay for a new one.”

“But Daddy…” she began in horrified tones.

“But Daddy what?”

She wilted under his glare. “Nothing.”

“Good. Then get back to work.” Edgar turned and made his way back to the nursery, and with tears streaming down her cheeks, Marcia turned back to the task ahead.

On his return to the nursery, Edgar discovered that the painting was well under way. Tom, Lily and Ned were having a great time painting each other as well as the walls, and Elsie was rapidly gaining specks of yellow in her hair as she stood underneath the ladder her husband was using to reach the top of the wall. Evadne was in her element, sitting back in her chair, fan on her face and drink in hand, giving orders left, right and centre, and Edgar grinned as he walked across to join her.

“What’s she done?” his wife asked, looking up at him and taking a sip of her tea.

“Only covered the hall and herself in yellow paint,” he replied, rolling his eyes. “She’s busy scrubbing it off as we speak. Oh, and she’s ruined her new dress as well.”

“The blue one?” He nodded and Evadne grimaced. “We only bought it last weekend!”

“I know. I’ve told her she’ll get no pocket money until she’s paid to replace it. Hopefully this time she’ll learn her lesson. How’s it going in here?”

“Fantastic. My workers are doing a grand old job! Hey!” she exclaimed as Elsie flicked some paint in her direction. “I’d watch it if I were you. Pregnant lady ready to bite your head off!”

“I think I can handle you by now,” Elsie replied with a grin. “Anyway, we’re nearly finished – just this bit here and that other alcove over there to do. Are we letting it dry before we paper?”

Edgar nodded. “Yes, I think so. I thought Paul and I could do that this afternoon, if that’s okay, old chap? The less hands the better for that, I think.”

Paul turned around, almost toppling off the ladder, and grinned at his friend. “I do hope you realise I’m charging you royally for my services?”

“Of course! The good scotch will be at your disposal as soon as we’ve finished.” Then bending down to pick up a brush, he walked over to the final alcove and began to paint.

Before long they were finished, and ordering the children to go and wash and change without touching anything, Edgar and Paul carried Evadne and her chair out into the hallway, amid much laughter, and then returned to gather up the dust sheet and remove the paint from the room. Evvy made her way downstairs, stopping at the kitchen on the way to ask Guilia if she could help prepare them all some cold drinks, and fifteen minutes later they were all gathered out on the terrace, soaking up the morning sun. Evadne looked up from under the enormous umbrella Edgar had set up to keep her shaded, and smiled as he came out of the french doors, portable fan in hand.

“You’re lucky – this just stretches from the plug,” he said, pulling the wire to get it as near to her as he could and turning it so it blew directly on to her. “Is that okay?”

“It’ll do,” she replied with a grin, reaching out her hands towards him. “Now I just need a kiss and I’ll be all settled.”

Chuckling, Edgar bent down to kiss her as Ned screwed up his face, much to Elsie’s amusement.

“Are they always like this?” she asked, grinning as Ned nodded his head.

“Always,” he replied, rolling his eyes.

“Still never going to kiss a girl then?” Edgar asked, a mischievous look on his face.

“No!” Ned exclaimed, looking horrified as Tom echoed his disgust.

Edgar gave his son a supercilious smile. “Give it time.” Then turning back to Evadne, he added, “I’m just going to see how Marcia’s getting on,” and standing up straight again, he walked back into the house.

Entering the hallway, he found his daughter scrubbing the last of the paint off Millicent Mary, who still had a jaundiced look, even after a good bath. The floor was more-or-less clean, though it would need a good polish, and the dresser was also done, save for the odd spot. Marcia turned around as she heard her father approach behind her, her eyes very red from crying.

“I’ve nearly done it all,” she said, rinsing her brush before scrubbing the last bit of paint off Millicent Mary’s foot. “I can’t get all the yellow to go away though, and there’s spots on the dresser that won’t come off.”

Edgar looked down at her as she put the brush back in the water and sat back on her heels, rubbing her eyes with her hands. Then taking pity on her, he said, “Okay, I’ll finish the dresser off. And don’t worry about Millicent Mary – it’ll fade in time, I’m sure. Now go and take that dress off and wash the paint off yourself, then you can go up to your room. I’ll put a glass of drink up there for you to cool you down.”

Murmuring what sounded like ‘Thank you’, Marcia went to do as she was told, and Edgar went to get the promised drink from the kitchen. Taking it upstairs, he set it down on a coaster on her nightstand, and then made his way back downstairs to finish cleaning the dresser. He was almost done when he heard the door to the kitchen open and Thea came into the hall, her face red from being out on her horse.

“Did you have a good time?”

She gave him a beaming smile. “Such good fun!” she said, her voice full of laughter. “I managed a gallop with no help, and even got him to stop as well! Herr Mahler says I’m doing really well!”

“I’m glad, sweetheart,” he said, finally winning his fight against the last bit of paint, and getting to his feet, he lifted the bucket up in his hands. “Why don’t you go and get changed into your swim things. I’m just going to suggest everyone goes for a dip in the lake.”

“Oh, goody!” Thea ran off upstairs to get changed, and taking the bucket back to the kitchen, Edgar went outside to do just that. Ned, Tom and Lily were already changed in hope of being allowed in for a swim, and ran off shrieking down the garden as Paul and Elsie went in to put on their swimsuits. Evadne remained in her seat, her hand resting on her belly as she watched the three children jump of the end off the jetty, a wistful look on her face. Sitting down on the edge of her sun lounger, Edgar placed a hand over hers and looked at her face, a little concerned.

“You okay, Evvy?”

His voice brought her down to earth again, and she gazed back at him with a smile. “Ignore me, I’m just getting a little morose.”

“What about?”

She shook her head. “I was just thinking what a happy home the baby’s gonna come into, and how much I wish Pops and Veronica were going to be here to meet it.”

Edgar reached out to run his hand across her hair. “I know, darling. I wish they were too. I was thinking the same about Amelia the other day as well. Don’t know why, it just came from nowhere.”

Evvy took hold of his hand. “Right pair of miseries, aren’t we?” she said with a wry smile, and Edgar leaned forward to kiss her on the nose.

“Well, we’re allowed to wallow once in a while, just not for long. Now,” he said, getting to his feet and reaching out his hand. “Are you coming down to paddle with me, Lady Watson?”

“As you asked so nicely!” she replied, letting him pull her to her feet, and with his arm around her shoulders, they walked down the garden to join the others.

Evvy had just slipped off her shoes and was paddling at the edge of the water, laughing as Tom dried to dunk his father, when she felt a pair of arms go round her from behind. Reaching back, she tickled Thea, laughing as she heard her stepdaughter’s familiar giggle.

“How was riding, Madam?”

“Very good. Look, Mummy, the baby’s got so big I can’t reach round you!”

Hearing this, Ned looked up with a grin, and swimming towards them, he stood and walked up to his stepmother and reached his arms around her waist, taking hold of his sister’s hands. “We can only just reach with two of us!” he said in a mischievous voice. “Maybe you’re having an elephant, not a baby!”

“When you’ve quite finished!” Evadne retorted indignantly, as the others laughed. “I’m not staying here to be insulted like this,” and pretending to be in a huff, she turned and made her way out of the water.

“Come back in, Mummy, please!” Thea pleaded, a worried look on her face, and Evadne laughed as she slipped her shoes back on her feet.

“Don’t worry, sweetie, I’m not cross. It’s just too hot for me down here. I’m going back up to be near the fan, okay? You go swim,” and as a mollified Thea returned to the water, she began to walk back up the lawn.

“Evvy!” Hearing her husband’s voice, she turned and looked back round. “What’s up?”

“Nothing,” she replied with a smile, “I’m just too hot, that’s all. Need my fan.”

They walked back up to the terrace, and as Evadne sat down, she pulled a face. “It needs to be higher so it can fan down on me. Haven’t we got anything we can put it on?”

Edgar thought for a moment, and then as an idea came to him, he disappeared inside. His wife listened, puzzled, as banging sounded from the hallway, and five minutes later he returned, a rather yellow-looking Millicent Mary in tow, wheels temporarily restored. Standing her in front of his wife, he lifted up the fan and stood it on her back. “There, she’s finally found her purpose in life, even if she is a bit yellow!”

Evadne laughed. “Speaking of which, don’t you think you should go and let Marcia come down?” He looked doubtful and Evvy gazed up at him with doe-like eyes. “Please, Edgar. She’s been up there for an age, and it’s so hot today, she should really go for a swim.”

Edgar stared at her for a moment and then relented. “And you call me too soft!” he said, rolling his eyes, and stepping through the french doors, he headed upstairs to Marcia’s room.

She looked up from her desk as the door opened. “I’m being good, Daddy, I promise!”

Edgar sat down on the end of the bed. “I’m sure you are. What have you got there?”

Moving her crayons aside, she picked up the piece of paper and handed it to him. “It’s a drawing for the new baby. I thought it could go it on the wall in the nursery.”

Edgar stared at the view of the lake and mountains that his daughter had drawn, surprised at just how good it was. “Of course it can, poppet. It’s lovely, thank you.” Marcia smiled tentatively and Edgar put the drawing down beside him on the bed and looked over at her. “So, do you think you’ve learnt your lesson?” She nodded earnestly and he stared at her for a moment before giving her a smile. “Okay, you can go and join the others in the lake. But any more bad behaviour from you and it’s straight back to your room – and we won’t be so lenient next time.”

Bouncing down from her chair, Marcia ran across to give him a hug. “Thank you, Daddy. I’ll be good, honest!” and then running over to her dresser, she began to pull out her clothes, looking for her swimming costume.

Edgar got to his feet. “Make sure you put all those away again before you come down,” he said, eyeing the scattered clothes, and then he left her to it and returned to his wife.

Evvy smiled as he came to join her. “What’s that?” she asked, inclining her head towards Marcia’s drawing that he had clutched in his hand.

“Marcia did it for the baby,” he said, holding it out to show her. “It’s really very good.”

Taking it from him, Evadne studied it carefully, her eyebrows raised. “It’s extremely good! She’s gonna be a bit of an artist, unless I’m much mistaken.”

“I know,” Edgar replied with a grin. “I’ve been thinking that for a while now.” Perching on the side of her lounger, he looked down at the drawing again. The next moment they heard a wild shriek and Marcia came tearing out of the french doors, barely noticing her parents as she cannoned down the garden and jumped off the end of the pier with a yell. There was silence for a moment as they both stared in the direction of the lake, and then Edgar turned back to his wife. “Why do I get the feeling everything went in one ear and out the other.”

Evadne laughed at the look of despair on his face. “Let’s face it, we wouldn’t change them for the world.”

Last edited by Josie on Thu Jun 16, 2005 8:39 am; edited 5 times in total

#532: Author: Katie, Location: A Yorkshire lass in London

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 11:11 pm

Awww, how sweet. And poor jaundiced MM!

#533: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 11:12 pm

*happily laughing*

Thanks Jo that was lovely - they are a gorgeous family & have luffly friends too.

Not sure Marcia should be allowed to be a painting-type artist though - maybe something with less potential for creating mess?

Liz

#534: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2005 3:43 am

That was lovely - and sooooo long! Laughing

Thanks Josie.

#535: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2005 6:41 am

Lovely! Never apologise for long, Josie Razz

Was anyone else waiting for Evvy to go into labour all the way through that?

#536: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2005 7:08 am

Please don't appologise for the length Josie!

I couldn't help worrying about Paul all the way through that...

#537: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2005 7:39 am

Yay a luffly loooooong post!!! And wheeeeeeeeeeee you did put a fan on Millicent Mary Laughing

Thanks Jo

#538: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2005 8:40 am

patmac wrote:

Was anyone else waiting for Evvy to go into labour all the way through that?

Oh yes!!

Thank you Jo! That was lovely and never too long!

#539: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2005 9:15 am

Nell wrote:

patmac wrote:

Was anyone else waiting for Evvy to go into labour all the way through that?

Oh yes!!

me too!!!

thank you, Jo - never apologise for posts being too long!!! I could read this all day...you should get it published!

#540: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 4:14 pm

I could read this all day too! Thanks Jo, that was lovely. Very Happy

#541: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 10:04 pm

I Knew! what was going to happen to the paint in the hall - because my nephew did it to the paint in my mother-in-law's lounge... It was about 6 months ago and mil says she still keeps finding spots here and there when she's cleaning...
Thank goodness Millicent Mary is the sort of dog who doesn't shake the paint off...

#542: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 11:15 pm

There's no such thing as a post that's too long...too short, yes, too long - never!

That was great, I love to see the way their family life is developing, problems, quarrels and all!

#543: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 11:32 pm

Thank you Jo!

Lots and lots of WONDERFUL posts!!!

#544: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 11:59 pm

This is just fabulous, Josie! Can we please have another post just the size of that one?

Or maybe just a smidgen longer!

#545: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 4:48 am

Thank you, Jo!
I've just had a WONDERFUL time catching up!
Very Happy

#546: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 12:40 pm

Thanks for the kind comments, everyone Very Happy

The sweltering temperatures continued for the next ten days, interspersed with some violent overnight thunderstorms, during which the entire household gathered together, huddled on Edgar and Evadne’s bed, to listen to the thunder rolling round the mountains and watch the great flashes of lightning illuminating the lake.

The heat was well and truly taking its toll on Evvy, who now spent most of her time stretched out on a sofa in the salon, propped up by cushions to support her back and surrounded by electric fans to keep her as cool as possible. Rather than getting agitated at being forced to sit and do nothing, however, Evadne was surprisingly upbeat, and to say she was milking the situation would be putting it mildly. Edgar had unearthed a small handbell from somewhere and had given it to his wife in case she needed someone or something urgently – a gesture that they were all now beginning to regret. The demon in her delighted in having them all at her beck and call, and she used any slight opportunity to ring the bell and send them off to carry out menial tasks or on wild goose chases.

It was now the day before the Rodwells were due to return to England, and Elsie, Tom and Ned were sitting on the terrace playing Ludo when the tinkling of the bell rang out from the salon yet again.

“It’s your turn,” Ned and Tom chorused quickly before Elsie could react, Ned adding, “I went last time – she made me move all the fans two inches to the right.”

Elsie chuckled and shook her head. So far today, they had found themselves asked to, among other things, bring Scrabble into the room, take Scrabble out of the room, turn a vase around because it looked better from another angle, turn the vase back again, pick up a pen (three times in succession), make various food and drinks, and twice she had just wanted to say hello - and it was only eleven a.m.

“Well,” she said, getting to her feet, “I think it’s high time someone told Her Royal Highness what for, don’t you?” and as she made her way into the salon, the two boys got up from their seats and stood by the door, eager to see what was going to happen. Elsie walked across the room and stood in front of the sofa, hands on hips. “What do you want now?”

Evadne looked up at her friend with a grin. “I’m bored – come and play a game with me.”

“We tried that earlier,” Elsie replied calmly, “and after two minutes you decided you were bored of that too and sent Ned, Tom and I outside, remember?”

“I know, but I’ve changed my mind.”

“Well that’s too bad. You’ll have to wait 'til we’ve finished the game we’re playing now, then if you haven’t changed your mind yet again, we’ll consider letting you join in. And the simpering look is not going to work!” she added, as Evvy turned doe-like eyes on her. “I’ve known you too long, Evadne Watson, I can see straight through you!”

“Mean!” Evadne retorted, and pulled a quite remarkable face at Elsie’s back as that lady turned to go back to the terrace.

“I saw that!” Elsie said, without looking round.

Evadne watched her go, and the moment her friend stepped outside the doors, she rang the bell again.

“Right,” Elsie exclaimed, spinning around and marching back into the room, “enough’s enough!” and bending down, she snatched the bell out of Evadne’s hand. “If you can’t be trusted with this thing, then I’m confiscating it!”

“Give me my bell back!”

“No, you don’t need it – you’re not an invalid, you can get your own drinks and things now.”

“Well that’s a nice way to treat a pregnant lady! How would you like to be carrying all this weight in this weather, I’d like to ask.”

“Oh stop playing the pregnancy card!” Elsie responded with a roll of her eyes. “I did carry all that weight in this weather – Tom was born in the middle of August, remember? You’re just being a pain to amuse yourself – this was supposed to be for emergencies.”

“Well it’ll be your fault when there is an emergency and I can’t call anyone!”

“You can shout, can’t you? I know I’ve heard you do it often enough!” The two boys laughed, and Evvy pulled a cushion from behind her and threw it at her friend. “I’m not picking that up either!”

Evadne began to protest, and the next moment, the door through from the hall opened and Edgar came into the room. “What’s all the noise for?” he asked, automatically bending down to pick up the cushion.

“Edgar, leave it!”

“Why?” he asked, giving Elsie a puzzled look.

“Because she threw it there in the first place!”

“Well she took my bell!”

Edgar started to laugh. “You two sound like Thea and Marcia!” he said, walking across to the sofa and handing the cushion to his wife, before sitting down next to her.

Evadne pouted at her husband. “Edgar, Elsie confiscated my bell!”

He looked across at Elsie and then turned back to his wife with a grin. “I’m not surprised. Serves you right, frankly, I’ve been on the verge of doing the same thing myself.”

“Nice supportive husband you are!” she retorted. “What if I have an emergency – say the baby starts to come?”

“Then shout! You’ve only yourself to blame for losing the bell – you’ve been abusing the privilege roundly all week!”

Evvy stuck her tongue out at him. “Why are you in a suit, anyway?” she asked, looking him up and down.

“Because I have to go in for a meeting,” he replied, with a guilty glance at her. “That’s what I came to tell you.”

“I thought you were working from here today?”

“I was, but they’ve just called me in. Sorry, darling, I know I said I’d be here, but I really can’t get out of it.”

“I know, doesn’t mean I have to like it though,” she replied reluctantly. “What time will you be home?”

“No idea. Could be a couple of hours, could be the middle of the night. Depends whether we reach any sort of resolution.” Seeing her face fall, he hastened to change the subject. “Where’s Paul?” he asked Elsie.

“Down at the lake with the girls and Scrabble,” she replied, inclining her head in that direction. “Lily’s having another swimming lesson, and your two are trying to get Scrabble to go in the water.”

“Okay, we’ll I’d better be going. I’ll telephone you later if I can,” he added to his wife, “just to make sure everything’s okay,” and after bending to kiss her, he got to his feet, said his goodbyes and left.

“Come on then,” Elsie said quickly, turning to the two boys, “let’s go and bring the game inside, shall we?” She was just about to walk out of the door when out of the corner of her eye, she caught Evadne wince. “What’s wrong?” she asked, returning quickly to the sofa. “Are you getting pains?”

Evadne shook her head. “It’s okay. I’m just getting the odd twinge, nothing desperately exciting. It’s been happening on and off all morning.”

“How on and off? You should have told Edgar!”

“Not that sort of on and off, don’t worry,” Evvy replied with a grin. “And I didn’t tell Edgar, ‘cause he’d only worry himself silly all through his meeting and it may turn out to be nothing.” Catching the doubtful look on Elsie’s face, she waved her hand towards the terrace doors. “Go on, get back to your game,” she added cheerfully. “I’m gonna read for a while,” and she ended the conversation by purposefully picking up her book and refusing to pay them any more attention.

An hour and a half later, the game of Ludo was over and the three of them were sitting on the terrace sipping cool glasses of lemonade.

“Are you both packed to leave tomorrow?” Elsie asked them, placing her drink down on the table. “Because we’re not waiting around for you if you’re not, we’ll just leave you behind!” Tom shook his head and his mother rolled her eyes. “Well make sure you get it done after lunch please. No model making or anything else until you do. How about you, Ned?”

Ned grinned. “Didn’t unpack most of it anyway,” has answered smugly, “and Evvy nagged me into doing the rest yesterday.”

Elsie was about to reply when she heard her name being called from the salon and heaving a sigh, she got to her feet. “I see taking the bell made no difference,” she said resignedly, as she walked into the salon. “What now? Oh!” Evadne was standing in the middle of the room, a puddle of water by her feet. Elsie stared at her for a split-second and then with a hurried, “I’ll get Paul, we have to go now!” she turned on her heel and ran back out of the doors. “Paul!” she yelled as she ran across the terrace and down the garden to where her husband was still teaching his daughter how to swim. “You’re needed!”

Tom and Ned exchanged confused looks as they saw her run past, and getting to their feet, they made their way into the salon. Evadne looked round with relief as she saw her stepson come into the room. “Ned, be a dear and go grab my bag from upstairs will you? It’s by your Dad’s side of the bed – it’s already packed.”

“What’s going on?” he asked, puzzled.

“The baby’s coming!” she answered quickly, and then doubled up as she felt a contraction.

Ned ran off to do as he was asked, and the next moment Paul burst into the room, followed by Elsie, the three girls and Scrabble. “I’ll just throw on some clothes, Evvy,” he said as he dashed past her. “Have you got everything?”

Evadne nodded, still remarkably calm, “Ned’s getting my bag. No, Scrabble, you can’t come too,” she added, grinning down at the puppy, who was jumping around eagerly at her feet. “Girls, one of you hold him 'til we’re gone, will you?” As Marcia came forward to do just that, Evvy turned to Elsie. “Elsie, will you be okay with everything? Will you call Edgar? His number’s in the telephone book in the dresser. And just speak to Guilia about meals and…”

“I’ll handle all that – just go and have your child!” Elsie replied, grinning as Paul returned.

“Mummy, can’t we come?” Marcia wanted to know.

“No, you stay here with me,” Elsie put in quickly as Evvy doubled up again, “and we’ll go and see the new baby as soon as we’re allowed.” Marcia didn’t look in the least bit mollified, but ignoring her, Elsie ushered her husband and friend out of the room. “Good luck! Call as soon as you have any news,” she shouted to Paul as they left.

It was five o’clock that evening when Edgar finally emerged from the conference hall, tired and fed up from talking round and round in circles for hours on end. He had a quick chat with his German counterpart, both bemoaning the fact that nothing at the U.N. could ever be resolved simply and sensibly, and then was about to make his way to his office when he heard running feet and looked up to see one of the secretaries racing down the corridor towards him.

“Sir Edgar, quickly!” she cried, stopping in front of him and gasping for breath. “Your…your friend called…your wife…she’s in labour! At the…hospital.”

Edgar didn’t stop to ask any questions. He raced down the corridor to his office, followed by cries of ‘good luck’ and best wishes from his colleagues, and grabbing his briefcase and car keys, made his way as quickly as he could out of the building to his car.

Arriving at the hospital twenty minutes later, he parked his car any-old-how and rushed through to the maternity wing. Spying a nurse walking down the corridor towards him, he ran up to her.

“Lady Watson,” he cried, panting slightly as he tried to get his breath back. “Do you know which room she’s in, please?”

“Edgar!”

He looked round to see Paul waving at him from some chairs further down the hall, and with a quick ‘never mind’ to the nurse, who was beginning to tell him where to go, he hurried across to join his friend.

“Where is she? Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine,” Paul replied with a wide grin. “Evvy did very well, even if my fingers are a little crushed…”

“You mean I’ve missed it?”

Paul nodded. “Sorry old chap, Elsie did call straight away.”

“Damn meeting!” Edgar cursed, “So what is it? Are they both okay?”

Paul grinned again. “They’re very well, and as of just under an hour ago, you are the proud father of a very handsome, nine pound baby boy. They’re in there,” he added, pointing to a door in front of him.

Flashing his friend a grateful smile, Edgar turned around and opened the door. His wife was lying on her back, fast asleep, and at the end of the bed stood a small crib. Shutting the door gently behind him, he tiptoed across to it and peered down at the baby. His son was tucked up under a blue blanket, his head, with its shock of fair hair, the only thing visible. As Edgar stared down at him, the baby opened his eyes, revealing them to be a bright, azure blue. He gurgled slightly and reaching down, Edgar lifted him up and held him reverentially in his arms, gazing down at the tiny features, love and pride welling up in his heart.

“Hey you.”

Edgar looked up at the sound of his wife’s voice, and seeing her smiling sleepily at him, he walked around the bed and perched on the edge next to her. Then holding their son with one arm, he reached out to run his other hand across her hair as he bent to kiss her on the lips.

“I’m so proud of you, darling. Thank you for such a precious little boy.”

She smiled back up at him, her eyes suspiciously bright. “I do wish Pops were here to see him too,” she said quietly, glancing at her son with a mixture of pride and slight sadness in her eyes.

Edgar gently wiped away a tear that appeared in the corner of her eye. “He can see, sweetheart, and he’s so proud of you too.” He kissed her tenderly on the forehead, and then not wanting her to dwell on it, he sat up straight, running a finger softly down the side of his son’s face. “I’m so sorry I missed it all. They didn’t tell me 'til I’d come out of the meeting.”

Evadne gently eased herself up so that she was half-sitting against the back of the bed. “It’s okay,” she replied, the smile returning to her eyes as she grinned at him. “I cursed you roundly all the way through though, and it was funny trying to explain to them all where you were and that Paul really wasn’t the Dad!”

“So I imagine,” Edgar chuckled, “and I thought I could feel my ears burning all the way through the meeting!” Then looking back down at his son again, he added, “He really is very handsome, though I say so myself. Must take after me!”

“Nobody ever called you modest, did they?” Evadne retorted, punching him playfully on the arm. The baby gurgled slightly, and they both laughed.

“Did you find that funny?” Edgar asked, staring down at him and the little boy fluttered his eyelashes and yawned widely. Edgar tipped him slightly so he was staring at his mother. “Say hi to Mummy, little man!”

At that moment the door opened, and a nurse came into the room. “Everything okay in here?” she asked, smiling as she walked across to the bed and began automatically plumping up the pillows to make Evadne more comfortable. “There are some visitors outside who are dying to see you,” she added with a grin. “They can come in for half an hour or so if you’re feeling up to it?”

“Yes please!” Evadne replied, and with a smile, the nurse departed again.

A few seconds later, the door flew open again and the three other Watson children ran into the room, followed closely by Elsie and Paul. After much excitement, kissing and congratulations all round, Ned settled down in a chair at the side of the room, his new brother in his arms, Thea sitting next to him, while Marcia curled up on the bed next to her stepmother.

Elsie walked across to where Ned and Thea were sitting and bent to peer down at the tiny face. “Honestly, you two, he’s so gorgeous,” she said, standing up again and turning to face the proud parents. They beamed at her in appreciation. “What’s his name to be?”

Evadne glanced up at her husband, who smiled and took hold of her hand. “He’s Henry Arthur Philip Watson, after Edgar’s two brothers and Poppa,” she responded with a grin.

“A fine name, if I say so myself!” Edgar added, sounded very self-congratulatory, then turning to Paul he said, “I haven’t had a chance to thank you for being here yet, old chap. You really came through, from what Evvy said.”

Paul smiled. “My pleasure. I know you’d have done the same for me, and it was quite a treat hearing the names she called you, I can tell you!”

Edgar chuckled and rolled his eyes. “Why doesn’t that surprise me,” he said, with a quick grin at his wife. “So how do you fancy being a godfather again?”

Paul, who was already godfather to Ned, looked thoroughly delighted. “Really?”

Evadne nodded. “Absolutely. Sorry we can’t ask you too, Elsie,” she added, with a guilty smile at her friend, “but he’ll only have one godmother, and I just have to ask Corney.”

Elsie smiled and shook her head. “Don’t be sorry! I’ve already got my goddaughter here, anyway,” she said with a smile, placing her hand on Thea’s head. “Who’s the other godfather to be?”

“Charles,” Edgar replied with a grin.

At that moment, Henry decided he’d had enough company for one day, and screwing up his eyes, he began screaming at the full pitch of his lungs.

“He wants feeding!” Evadne cried, holding out her arms for her son. “Edgar, get him, won’t you?”

Edgar did ask he was asked, and then shoo’ed everybody out of the room as the nurse came in to show Evadne what to do. “Right, you rotten lot, that’s enough for one day. Mother and son need some rest. I’ll see you all at home in a little while,” and shutting the door firmly behind them, he turned back to watch his wife feed their new son.

Last edited by Josie on Sat Jun 18, 2005 7:21 pm; edited 1 time in total

#547: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 12:57 pm

Thank you Josie! It's just so real! I wanna be there!!! Very Happy

#548: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 12:59 pm

Welcome baby Henry!!!!

That was fab Jo, thank you Very Happy

#549: Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England

Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 1:32 pm

Wow, that was amazing! I hoped the next post would be the birth of "Baby Watson"! And it was!

#550: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 1:57 pm