The Village Boy's Tale Part 4 COMPLETE
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House
#1: The Village Boy's Tale Part 4 COMPLETE Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 6:41 pm

I tried to combine this with Part 3 as it is still the School Holidays but the friends have gone from The Witchens and Reg insisted going up on the Moor before I really wanted him to Rolling Eyes Blame the bunny! Again, I've played fast and loose with EBDs accounts of events, filling in, drawing assumptions from odd comments and generally, while trying not to jar with her writing, going my own sweet way! In this first post, for those who know Leeds, Lewis's is now Allders. It was at the time, the largest store outside London.

Reg pulled on his new long trousers, a crisp white shirt, knotted his tie and slipped on his dark blue blazer with the School Badge sewn on the top pocket. He carefully tied his shoe laces and, for the final touch, put his first ever school cap on his head. He hardly recognised the boy in the mirror. He looked older somehow. The thought gave him confidence. The manager of the shop, pulled back the curtain of the little cubicle.

“Well, turn round then and let us see you.” His Auntie’s voice came from behind him. The Manager put his hands on Reg’s shoulders and turned him round. Then he went to stand by Auntie who was sitting on a chair by the counter, watching. “Yes,” he said. “There’s some room for growth. He’ll probably fill out a bit soon. He’s at that age.

It’s lucky you’ve saved your coupons, most people are having some problems now and it’s not getting any easier. Perhaps the war will be over soon, now we’ve landed in Italy. Well, now we’ve got the size right, we can get the rest of the list together easily. You change out of those now, Master Reg and I’ll get an assistant to fold and pack them while we find the rest of the things on your list.”

Reg went rather red at being called ‘Master Reg’ and returned to the little cubicle to change out of the uniform.

Soon two more white shirts, a second tie, another pair of trousers and various pullovers, pairs of socks, a woodworking apron, a pair of cord breeches together with a thick shirt, A full sports kit of rugby shorts and shirt, rugby boots, football shorts, shirt and boots was packed as well as plain black shorts, a white sports shirt and last of all a raincoat.

“You know they all need labelling with his name?” the manager queried ”We can’t get the woven Cash’s name tapes any more for the duration. I suppose they are making something for the war effort. You just have to do the best you can.”

All were neatly tied into brown paper parcels and tied with string and, finally, Auntie was presented with the bill. Without a qualm at the considerable total, she pulled out her purse and counted out more money than Reg had ever seen in his life.

With Reg laden with the parcels, they were bowed out of the shop and walked along Briggate till she found a Milliners. “I’m having a new hat to go to stay with Mrs von Ahlen,” she informed him. “I haven’t had a new one for about seven years and my best hat is looking shabby. You can come in if you keep quiet or you can wait outside.”

Reg elected to stay outside and thankfully put the parcels down on the pavement. He had a fair idea that this would take some time and, if he fidgeted, he would hear all about it.



He was right and it was a good thirty minutes before his Aunt appeared, carrying a hat box and looking a little flushed. “Now for some gloves!” she exclaimed and marched up the street towards The Headrow, heading for Lewis’s Department Store. “Miss Armitage says it is a new big shop and they have a good selection and not too dear.”

On arriving at The Headrow, they both stopped and Reg’s mouth dropped open. An avenue, so wide that it had a series of ‘islands’ in the middle of the road to aid pedestrians in crossing, stretched down the hill before them. Lewis’s store looked more like a palace than a shop on the opposite side. Although they did not know it, some of the upper stories had not yet been built, but it still looked huge and bewildering.

“Do we have to go in there?" Said Reg. “Can’t you get gloves somewhere else?”

“Perhaps we’d better!” said Auntie. “I don’t like the idea of going in a place that size just to get gloves.” They turned and walked back down Briggate and eventually found a drapers which sold gloves. Now well laden, they continued towards the railway station, They just had time for a cup of tea and a sticky bun before getting on the train home.

Last edited by patmac on Sat Mar 12, 2005 7:32 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#2:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 6:47 pm

Lovely start Pat! I should imagine that the sight of a huge store like that would be enough to deter anyone! Love that Reg was referred to as 'Master Reg' and that Auntie paid the bill without a qualm! Thank you. Kiss

 

#3:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 7:41 pm

Wow Part 4 already. Thanks Pat more wonderful posts

 

#4:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 8:02 pm

Thanks Pat! Is great to see Part 4 already too!

 

#5:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 8:05 pm

For those who don't know Leeds. (in God's Own County), here is a link to details of the Lewis's Store which, understandably, scared Auntie and Reg. I've been lost in there! http://www.lookingatbuildings.org.uk/default.asp?Document=3.G.3.1,2&Image=1104&gst The Headrow was designed to impress and they even knocked down a Cathedral to get the right perspective.

 

#6:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 8:15 pm

How prolific you are! Yay! (*continues bribing Pat's bunny*) Knocked down a cathedral??? Shocked

 

#7:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 10:18 pm

Fantastic to see this Pat, thanks.

 

#8:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 10:28 pm

Lovely picture of Reg and Auntie being put off by Lewis's facade - I can remember feeling the same way myself. As for actually finding anything *in* there.....! Lewis's and Schofields (for those of you who know Leeds) both used to scare me silly if I had to go into them in my youth. Mind you, with all the pedestrian precincts and other changes in today's Leeds City Centre, I can't find anything at all and don't get there frequently enough to learn my way around, either.

 

#9:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:06 pm

HI, Elder! I was forgetting some people will know Leeds but not recently. Schofields is now a multi storey 'Mall' called the Headrow Centre. I go to Leeds fairly frequently as Alan works there and it changes every tiime. Scaffolding everywhere. And as for the traffic system - no comment! Kathy, Yep! It spoilt the vista Confused

 

#10:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:08 pm

Very Happy wonderful! I don't know Leeds at all, but even growing up as a city kid I was in awe of department stores when I was young, so can just imagine how much they must have daunted Reg! Thanks Pat.

 

#11:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:33 pm

I'm so pleased to see this so quickly! Of course Auntie saved her coupons - she's that sort of organised type! Very Happy I can just imagine how daunted they must have been by the big department store.

 

#12:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:52 pm

Thanks for that update, Patmac - I seemed to remember that Schofields was now a thing of the past, but didn't want to risk putting my foot in it by trying to guess what it is today, though I think I actually have been in there once! I had enough trouble finding the various departments of the store after they expanded into the site of the former Theatre Royal! And as for the driving, I completely agree that the less said there, the better! Thank goodness all my relatives live in the north part of the city - and most of them shop in Harrogate for anything except food! *Not* that the Harrogate town centre is any picnic for driving, with its one-way system!

 

#13:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 9:14 am

Hurrah! Part 4's here already. Splendid thank you PatMac Very HappyVery HappyVery Happy

 

#14:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 2:10 pm

Lewis's also had the first escalator (complete with attendant I think) in Leeds - my mother remembers it being a very scary thing. And my dad still complains because you can't just drive up and park outside the door when you want to pop in Rolling Eyes I've just been googling to try and find out about Marshall & Snellgrove, which was a department store in Leeds I can (just) remember from my childhood and at that time it felt very upmarket with a very swish restaurant (at least to my eyes) but I can't find anything about it. btw Pat - part 4 looks like being just as good as the rest - thankyou Very Happy

 

#15:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 2:57 pm

Hoorray Part 4 already :jump: Liz

 

#16:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 4:00 pm

Yay! Part four IS here!! Thank you Pat!

 

#17:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 5:23 pm

Oh dear, I really *have* to stop digging into my past like this. I remember Marshall & Snelgrove very well from my childhood and many afternoon cups of tea with relatives when any children present definitely had to be seen and not heard! And yes, Dawn, I also remember it as being *very* up market - but the restaurant was good anyway! I can even visualise the entrance to the store, but what I *can't* tell you is which street it was on! All I can remember is that it was much closer to City Square than Lewis's, Schofields and even Matthias Robinson's (which was on Briggate & I think M&S expanded into the building eventually) and was on one of those streets which went slightly uphill from the north side of the Square. It could have been the very end of Bond Street but I'm by no means sure.

 

#18:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 7:29 pm

When they finally arrived in Garnham, it seemed that the whole village saw them arrive, laden with shopping. They saw the glances, although they could not hear the comments, and both walked briskly home.

As soon as they were indoors, Auntie, pausing only to sigh with relief as she took off her best shoes and put on her old pair which had stretched to fit her feet, put the kettle on and cut some bread and cheese.

“Well,” Auntie said, as she poured two cups and handed one to Reg, “I’m right glad we don’t do that every week. What a big, noisy place Leeds is.”

“It cost a lot of money. Are you sure it is all right?” Reg asked, having worried somewhat about this ever since he saw her paying the bill for his uniform.

“Aye, lad. Now you are going, we do it right. I’ll not have anyone saying we skimped. There’ll be talk in the village now they’ve seen us with the parcels and you’ll get asked questions when anyone gets hold of you. What will you tell them?”

Reg hadn’t thought about this. He could just imagine that some of his schoolmates would be jealous and he would get some teasing and maybe worse.

“I don’t know. Just the truth, I suppose and they’ll have to get used to the idea. The only one I really mind about is Joe. I think I’d better go and see him. I wouldn’t like him to hear from anyone else. He’s my best mate.”

“When you’ve drunk your tea, and finished your bread and cheese, change and get off then. He’s not working this week, his Mam tells me, so he’ll probably be at home. And don’t you go boasting! If you are going to be a gentleman, be one like the Doctor. If you remember that, you’ll not go far wrong.”

Reg set off a few minutes later, walking slowly and thinking furiously, wondering how Joe would react to his news. He and Joe had been friends for years, ever since Reg came to Garnham. Although Joe had been working all summer on one of the hill farms farther up on the moors, they had seen each other whenever they could.

Very different in temperament and nothing, that their elders could see, in common, they had none the less ‘clicked’ the first time they met. Joe was a little older than Reg and short and stocky, whereas Reg had always been long and gangly. They made a strange pair, Joe, slow and steady and Reg quick and always on the go.

Reg had led Joe into many a scrape but, as Mrs Taylor had remarked to Reg’s Auntie many a time, it was just boys being boys and they never meant any harm.

Joe lived with his parents and two young sisters in a cottage just up the village street. His father was a farm hand and, until the war, only had seasonal work. Now, he was in demand and one of the few men of his age group to remain in the village as he had been turned down for the army due to a club foot, much to his wife’s relief.

The cottage was identical to the one Reg lived in and the two little girls slept in a bed in their parents’ room. Reg went round the back and saw Joe in the kitchen.

“Are you allowed out for a bit?” Reg asked, “I’ve got something to tell you.”

Joe beamed when he saw Reg. “Aye, I were just coming up yours to ask the same. I’ve got news for you, too.”

He called through to the big room, “Mam! I’m off out with Reg for a bit.”

Mrs Taylor appeared at the kitchen door, carrying a black leading brush and wearing a large pinafore, with a scarf tied round her head. She was a short, plump woman with rosy cheeks and a cheerful smile, much in evidence now.

“Hello, young Reg. We haven’t seen much of you this summer with Joe being off up at High Royd. He’s got news for you. Off you go, Joe, and don’t be too late back.”

The two boys walked down the little garden and climbed the wall at the end. Cutting across the field, they climbed the hill till they reached an old gnarled hawthorn tree and threw themselves down on the grass in the shade.

“You go first.” Said Reg, stalling for time.

Joe’s face was one big grin. “You know I’ve been helping at High Royd all summer with the sheep. It’s been grand. Well, Mr Ormerod is real pleased with me and he’s offered me a job next year. I’m to go as much as I can once we start back at school, I don’t think Old Bulmer will make a fuss. Lots of the boys are skipping school and I’m going to go and stay up there all through lambing in the spring. And” he paused for effect.

“Best of all, I’m going to live at High Royd as soon as I can leave school then Dolly and Meg can have my room. I’m fourteen in March so I think I can leave properly at Easter.”

Joe usually found it difficult to find words to express himself but now he seemed inspired.

“I’m to live in the farmhouse and have my own room in the attic till I’m older, then Mr Ormerod says, if I want to do it out, I can have that cottage where old Silas lived when he was Shepherd up there. He says I’ve got a gift for the sheep, not everyone can tell them apart, you know and I can and they like me. Me mam’s over the moon. It’ll be steady work and Dolly and Meg can each have a bed. So that’s me settled. I’ll miss you, but you can come up and see me sometimes and I’ll come down to see Mam and Dad each week anyway.”

He paused for breath and Reg jumped in to tell his news before he could start again. “I’m settled too! I’m not going back to Garnham School next term.”

Joe’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.

“You know the folk who had the Witchens over the Summer?” Joe nodded.

[i] “Dr Maynard is going to pay for me to go to boarding school and then to train for a Doctor. It’s what I want most in the whole world.”

“But, but ....” Joe spluttered, a look of horror on his face. “That means going away and living with strangers all the time! You’ll be at school for years and have to do real hard lessons. Aren’t you scared.”

“I am a bit,” admitted Reg, “But it’s what I want to do so I’ll just have to get used to it. You don’t mind do you?”

“Mind! Why should I mind! I can’t imagine anything worse!”

Reg grinned. “I can’t imagine anything worse than living at High Royd and spending my days with just sheep for company! I suppose we both get what we want. As Auntie says, ‘there’s nowt so queer as folk’. I’ll miss you, though. We’ve had a lot of fun.”

“I’ll miss you too.” Joe’s toothy grin reappeared. “And there I was thinking you would be jealous of me!”

“And I thought you might be jealous of me! Tell you what, let’s make a pact. I’ll be back for each school holiday so let’s fly our kites one day each time I’m home.”

“Let’s do that! Even when we’re old and grey!”

And at the thought of that unimaginable event, they both fell to laughing.

Last edited by patmac on Sat Mar 12, 2005 7:42 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#19:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 7:38 pm

Lovely Pat, wonderful to see Reg with one of his friends. I hope they manage to keep up the pact to fly their kites. I chuckled at them laughing over being old a grey! Oh the innocence of youth!! Laughing

 

#20:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 8:24 pm

Lovely Pat - nice to see both that his best friend's not jealous and that he is settled himself. Thank you.

 

#21:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 8:40 pm

How lovely, I hope at some point we get a future scene with them both flying kites in their retirement. Very Happy

 

#22:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 8:59 pm

Thanks Pat, what a lovely conversation - I'm so glad Reg and his friend can support one another.

 

#23:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 9:29 pm

Awww! Lovely, thank you PatMac!

 

#24:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 10:12 pm

Thank you Pat! That was so sweet!

 

#25:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:01 am

Lovely, thank you Pat. Loved seeing Reg with Joe.

 

#26:  Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 5:28 pm

That was lovely, Patmac! Can't believe that you've written so much already. Like many people, you've really changed my attitude to Reg with this drabble. Long may he go on flying kites with Joe!

 

#27:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 5:59 pm

Thanks, Pat, that was lovely, how nice that Reg has one friend who won't make life hard for him just because he knows what he wants to do!

 

#28:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 6:28 pm

Rumours went round the village.

“Reg Entwhistle is being adopted by those posh folk who were up at The Witchens.”

“Well, I heard that his aunt is sending him away to school to learn to be a teacher.”

“I heard that they’ve come into money and are buying a big house in Leeds. They went there yesterday, you know.”

“I had it from Mrs Foster that she’s putting him in an orphanage because he’s too much for her.”

The rumours flew, getting wilder at every telling. Auntie and Reg remained unaware until Reg was sent to the shop for some washing soda the next morning.

Running heedlessly down the street, he was stopped, his way blocked by three bigger lads from his class at school.

“Going somewhere, young Entwhistle?” George Clark, the biggest (and fattest) of the trio and a known bully, grabbed Reg by the front of his shirt and jerked him up short.

His followers sniggered.

Reg tried to pull himself loose but couldn’t.

“Getting above ourselves, are we? Going away are we? Too good for Garnham?” Each phrase was accompanied by a jerk which caused Reg to stagger.

“You’d better come with us and see what we think of jumped up tykes like you.” He grabbed Reg’s arm and twisted it up behind him, spinning him round and forced him forward.

Reg was known as a quiet boy and avoided fights whenever he could. A real sissy, some of the rougher boys thought. Now though, he was desperate.

Without thinking, he jerked backwards, his head connecting with George’s chin, causing him to stagger, still without thinking, he bent forward, ignoring the searing pain which shot up his arm to his shoulder, and kicked backward with his heel, connecting with something soft. As George screamed in pain. He let go of Reg’s arm and Reg went tumbling on the hard setts, banging his forehead as he did so.

Feeling dizzy with pain, he scrambled to his feet, his injured arm cradled against his body and a ringing in his ears. Blood was trickling into his eyes but through the red haze he could see George kneeling on the ground, hunched over and moaning, his head a helpless target for Reg’s foot.

Last edited by patmac on Sat Mar 12, 2005 8:09 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#29:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 7:20 pm

Not to condone violence but... GO REG!!!

 

#30:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 7:58 pm

Good for Reg - but hope he doesn't get into trouble about it - some people would be oh so eager for him to get blamed. Shocked (Oh and thanks Pat!)

 

#31:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 9:53 pm

Ohhhh!! Poor Reg!!!! *kicks George Clark where it hurts!*

 

#32:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 10:24 pm

Way to go Reg!

 

#33:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 1:30 am

Thanks Pat. I love part 4 already. Way to go Reg.

 

#34:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 9:53 am

Nice aim Reg! Hope he doesn't get into too much trouble over this Confused Thanks Pat. Very Happy

 

#35:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 10:53 am

Go Reg! Thank you Pat!

 

#36:  Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:50 pm

Nasty George (but I hope Reg can restrain himself from kicking the loathsome bully in the head). Thanks, Pat: excellent as ever.

 

#37:  Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:59 pm

Pat, I spent an hour yesterday catching up with this from the middle of Part III, and it's WONDERFUL. Possibly my favourite drabble at the moment! I'm also really impressed by the speed at which you're writing it. Thank you so much.

 

#38:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:59 pm

*does a spot of cheerleading to cheer Reg on* Thanks Pat Very Happy

 

#39:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 4:57 pm

Was afraid of problems like this, but I hope Reg restrains himself, after all, he is going to a doctor...he's meant to patch people up, not tear them apart!

 

#40:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 9:38 pm

You bloodthirsty lot! I thought you'd all be wibbling in case he got arrested for murder but most of you were urging him on Shocked


Reg was maddened by pain and fear. He had just lifted his foot and swung it back to kick George’s head, when a shrill scream came from behind him and a small, plump figure rushed past him, landing on George with a flurry of skirts and pummelled him furiously.

Reg sat down with a thump, jarring his shoulder as he did so and watched in amazement as Lily Purvis shrieked “Tha’s hurt our Reg! He’s my friend! Tha’s nobbut a bully!”

Door opened up and down the street. George’s friends ran off. Mrs Purvis was first on the scene, dragging Lily off the now sobbing George. She was swiftly followed by several other women, including Reg’s Auntie. Lily was taken home to be calmed down, after being assured that Reg was not seriously hurt and Auntie, white and shaken, helped Reg to his feet, holding a hankie to his head to staunch the flow of blood.

“There was three of them.” Said Reg, shakily, in answer to her anxious query. “George grabbed me and twisted my arm up behind my back. I kicked back at him.”

“Aye, you did that!” “About time someone stood up to him.” “I hope he’s learned his lesson this time.” The general consensus seemed to be that Reg was a hero for standing up to George, who had bullied the smaller children for years.

“You take Reg home and see to him. We’ll see to George.” Joe’s mum took charge and, with the help of another neighbour, got George to his feet. “Stop crying, tha daft lummat! ‘Tis your own fault. I hope your Mam brays you good and proper.” They went off with him between them, still crying, and left Auntie to get Reg home.

Auntie sat him down on the kitchen school and closely examined his forehead. “More graze than cut,” she said. “I’ll just wash it clean and it will heal. You’ll have a nasty bruise though. Now let’s see your arm.” Reg could not move his arm so Auntie gently removed his shirt. “It’s my shoulder,” said Reg, rather weakly.

“Aye, I reckon you’ve put it out. I think, I’ll pop round and see if Miss Armitage is in. She’ll know what to do. Let’s get you into a proper chair and I’ll go see.”

Miss Armitage was a woman in her late fifties. She had come to the village from Leeds as a young woman when her mother had become ill with a chesty cough. The Doctor had advised Mr Armitage to move to cleaner air and a higher altitude to help her and, since he was near retiring, they had bought a small house in Garnham and moved there. Miss Armitage had left her nursing training and come to look after them.

Both parents were long dead but Miss Armitage stayed because the living was cheaper and it was now too late to follow her original career. Hearing that she had been training as a nurse, people had started coming to her for help with minor ailments and, through a mix of practical experience and a few books of Home Remedies, she had become quite expert in dealing with the day to day problems that occur in any small community. She had gained a reputation which secured her place in village life and made her feel part of the community, despite her different background.

She came at once, carrying a bag in which she kept bandages and other odd items she might need when called out. After a quick look, she pronounced that he had, indeed, put his shoulder out. “I can put it back,” she said, “but I’ll need a man’s help. I don’t think there’s any other damage.”

At this moment, Joe appeared to see if Reg was badly hurt and was pressed into service to help with the procedure and Reg laid on the settee and his arm was forced out to his side and then back behind his head. With an audible sound, the shoulder went back into it’s socket and Miss Armitage put the arm in a sling. “You’ll need to keep that on for a few weeks and the arm will be weak for a while after that but it should heal right. At least it’s your left arm. You’ll still be able to do most things. Have you got some Aspirin? Good. Give him one now and one later tonight.” Thanking her profusely, Auntie saw her out and then sat down, looking in nearly as bad a state as Reg.

Luckily, Joe’s mother appeared and, taking in the situation at a glance, bustled round to make some tea and soon all four were sitting recovering. The hot sweet tea revived Reg and the colour came back to his cheeks, though he was still obviously in pain.

“Is George all right?” Reg asked Mrs Taylor, anxiously. “I really hurt him, didn’t I? I didn’t mean to. I just wanted to get away.”

“He’ll recover.” Said Mrs Taylor. “I just hope he’s learned his lesson. I gave his mother a piece of my mind so I think she’ll give him little sympathy. It was time someone stood up to him. Well done, Reg.”

Reg flushed. “I wasn’t even thinking.” he admitted. “I was just scared. If Lily hadn’t interfered, I might have done him more damage. I was ready to kick him, even though he was on the ground. I never thought I could lose my temper like that.”

Mrs Taylor and Joe left and Auntie made Reg go to bed. Coming upstairs with his dinner, she found him still looking troubled. “Is it your shoulder?” she asked.

“No, that’s a lot easier now thanks. I’m just thinking of what might have happened.” He paused and Auntie guessed what he was thinking.

“So what might have happened?” she asked in a conversational tone.

It all came out in a rush. “I was so mad, I would have killed him if Lily hadn’t jumped on him. I was just going to kick and kick. I’ve never felt like that before. I hated him.”

“Well luckily you didn’t. You’ve never shown much temper so you’ve not learnt how to control it. You know now what can happen so you’ll just have to remember another time. Don’t worry about it now. I’m just glad to know you can stand up for yourself when you have to.

By the way, I don’t think George will give so much trouble to anyone in future. Everyone’s laughing about daft Lily jumping on him like that! Now you settle down and get to sleep if you can. Don’t forget we’re going away at the weekend. Think about that if you can’t sleep, or read one your books. I’ve told Mrs Taylor she can spread what’s really happening round the village. That’ll stop some of the gossip anyway. One version has us going to live in Leeds!”

Reg laughed and then winced. “Ouch, that hurt! That’s the daftest tale I’ve ever heard. We’d both hate it!”

This next part should be the next post but it got lost in the move to the new board.

The whole of the next day seemed to be punctuated by visitors. First Joe called round to see Reg. Then Mrs Armitage came round to check that his shoulder was still in place.

The next visitors were Mrs Purvis, bringing Lily, who had fretted all evening about Reg being hurt. She came ostensibly to let the simple lass see for herself that he was alive and well, but also to find out more about Reg’s impending departure and express her support for the plan. She was full of praise for the Maynards and ran on at some length, till Reg’s head hurt. “You’ve got a clever lad here and we’ll all be proud of him someday. I’ll soon stop any stupid gossip, don’t you worry.”

When they had gone, Auntie gave a wry laugh. “I suppose we have to be glad she approves. Can you imagine Mrs Purvis stopping gossip when she starts most of it herself. I suppose she means well!”

Later in the afternoon, came a knock at the front door. Mr Hart stood there, looking rather unsure of his welcome. “Good afternoon, I’ve really come to see Reg.” He said hesitantly, “Is he in?”

“Aye, come on in. I suppose someone’s told you what’s going on. But don’t tire him mind.”

Mr Hart came in and sat awkwardly on the edge of a chair. “I’ve just come to say how pleased I am that you are getting a chance to go to grammar school.” He said, “and to wish you well.” Reg didn’t really know what to say so he just stammered. “Thank you, Sir.” And looked pleadingly at Auntie to carry the conversation forward.

“It’s nice of you to call, Vicar. It’s all been a bit of a rush to get things settled before term begins and I don’t think either of us have quite taken it in yet. It’s a big change for him, and for me, too. I’ve tea in the pot, would you like a cup.” The Vicar knew his duty, and despite having had three cups since lunch, expressed his gratitude.

Once he had his tea, the Vicar visibly relaxed and beamed. His wife had come home from seeing Mrs Thirtle a couple of weeks ago in a most agitated state and he had wondered if he would be admitted after her interference.

Despite his attempts to ignore her ranting, he had been forced to state his mind very clearly after a couple of days. Mrs Hart had not taken it well and had suddenly decided to visit her sister for a week or two. The peace which descended on the Vicarage had been most appreciated and the Vicar had enjoyed not changing for dinner and having his favourite scrambled egg on toast on a tray in his study. It was quite like being single again. Most pleasant.

“I hear you dealt rather thoroughly with George Clark yesterday. Thank goodness someone has stood up to him at last. I’m sorry you were hurt though. I know I shouldn’t approve of fighting, but I’ve felt for some time that he is out of control. The smaller children are frightened of him and that is not a good situation.” Seeing Reg look embarrassed, he changed the subject hastily.

“Now tell me all about your plans. I hear you are not going to the local Grammar School but right away to boarding school. Which school are you going to?”

“If you’ll excuse me, Vicar. I’ll leave you and Reg to talk. I’ve some things to do.” Auntie left the room and Mr Hart looked enquiringly at Reg.

“Dr Maynard has sorted for me to go to Polgarth School. It’s not far from here and he says it is a good school. As I’m not quite thirteen yet, I’m to go in what they call the Middle School. I should go to the Senior School next year but I have to learn Latin and will need a lot of extra teaching so I may have to stay there an extra year.” He hesitated. “What’s it like at boarding school, Sir? I don’t know anyone who has been and I expect you did.”

“I did indeed! I enjoyed it on the whole. I was what they call ‘bookish’ and I loved the lessons, well most of them. I was never very good at Maths and that was a struggle!

I know Polgarth School. I go there once each year to give a talk to the oldest boys. It’s quite a bit bigger than Garnley Grammar. There are about one hundred boys in Chaucer House, where you will start. They are all between about seven and thirteen. A lot of them will have been there since they were seven but there are always a few who start later, like you. You sleep in big rooms called dormitories. About fifteen boys in each one. You have a cubicle with a bed and a cupboard and some drawers to keep your clothes.

Nowadays there are curtains round your cubicle and you draw them at night. When I was at school, there were no curtains, just a row of beds. The ages are mixed up to some extent so that the older boys can help the younger ones. One of the oldest boys is in charge. He is called a Prefect – a bit like Monitors at your old school – and he keeps order and makes sure the boys don’t get up to mischief at night, or at least he tries to! Is this the sort of thing you want to know?”

Reg nodded. “I’m going to meet one of the older boys at the weekend. He’s a cousin or something of one of the Doctors but I don’t really want to ask him this sort of thing. He might not understand.”

Mr Hart settled back in his chair and proceeded to tell Reg everything he felt could be helpful, embellishing his information with tales of his own experiences.

Reg listened enthralled, taking it all in. Auntie could hear most of it from the kitchen where she was washing dusters and eventually sat down on the kitchen stool and listened as well.

As he finished, he hesitated for a moment, clearly searching for words. “I know you want to stand on your own two feet. That’s a good thing, but sometimes you will need to talk to someone outside the school and you may not always be able to talk to Dr Maynard. He’s a busy man and lives a distance away. If you do need to, write to me and I can either write back or even come to see you, if your Aunt will allow it. It’s the custom when someone comes to see a boy, to go out for tea in the nearest village so it would be private.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Reg replied, earnestly. “I do mean to stand on my own feet but it is nice to know there is someone I could talk to if I need it.”

Auntie came through from the kitchen. “Would you like another cup of tea?” she asked.

“No thank you. I have to get down to the other end of the village fairly soon. Will you allow Reg to write to me and give me his news? I’m so pleased for him. I’m sure he will do well.”

“Aye. I’d be right pleased to know he has a man who knows what life is like here as well as there to talk to sometimes.”

“I’ve still got my old school trunk in the attic. If Reg hasn’t got one yet, I’d like him to have it. I’m never likely to use it again.” Auntie looked slightly doubtful so he added hastily, “Most trunks get handed down from boy to boy and it wasn’t new when I had it. It’s still in good condition though. I’d like Reg to have it as I have no children.”

“If you really don’t need it, it would come in handy. Thank you.”

The Vicar beamed and took his departure.

After he had gone, she came back in, shaking her head. “Nice man. Shame about his wife!”

Last edited by patmac on Sat Mar 12, 2005 10:21 pm; edited 3 times in total

 

#41:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 9:46 pm

Wonderful - really glad that Miss Armitage was there to put his shoulder back :pale: and great that Reg was able to face up to what he nearly did - otherwise it would just make him as big a bully as George (minor point, but Joe's mum got Joe to his feet and told him - Tis your own fault - should that be George?)

 

#42:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 9:58 pm

Glad Reg is okay, and that evil George is now a laughing stock!!!

 

#43:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 10:01 pm

Dawn wrote:
(minor point, but Joe's mum got Joe to his feet and told him - Tis your own fault - should that be George?)
thanks Dawn. Will edit Embarassed

 

#44:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 10:12 pm

Lovely post Pat!

 

#45:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:26 pm

Thank you, Pat! (and Reg & Lily & Joe's mum & Miss Armitage & Auntie Smile )

 

#46:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:27 pm

Thanks Pat, so glad to see Reg is OK and George got his comeuppance.

 

#47:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 12:02 am

Owowowowowow at the shoulder :pale: :pale: :pale: - I can cope with blood etc. but dislocated joints make me feel very peculiar! Good for Reg standing up to George like that - and good for everyone else for being on his side! I like him chuckling with Auntie over the silly rumours. Thankyou Pat for a cracking update as usual Smile

 

#48:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 2:27 am

Owchies. Owww! I'm closing my eyes until Reg's arm goes away. (Yes I close my eyes at the scary bits in movies too just in case it happens to me)

 

#49:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 5:19 am

*Smug cos I wasn't blood-thirsty* Thanks Pat.

 

#50:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 10:06 am

Lovely, thank you Pat. Glad Reg is ok and that he's able to recognise that he could have gone to far.

 

#51:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 10:42 am

*joins Lesley in being smug at not being bloodthirsty* Very many ouch's and much wincing at Reg's arm. Dislocated joints are horrible Confused Confused Love that George has been made a laughing stock - serve him right!

 

#52:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 11:38 am

Ow at the shoulder!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Poor Reg, but glad Miss Armitage could sort him out though.

 

#53:  Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 12:34 pm

Superb as ever, Pat! Good for Reg - glad to see he can see the consequences of his actions, and that Auntie is being sensible about it.

 

#54:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 3:55 pm

Thank you PatMac. I'm glad Reg has realised he has a temper, and hope he'll learn to control it. Liz

 

#55:  Author: dackel as guest,  PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 4:33 pm

Quote:
*joins Lesley in being smug at not being bloodthirsty*
Me too! Lovely post as usual, thanks Pat!

 

#56:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 7:11 pm

Love the final comment!!! Laughing And that the Vicar has finally told his wife what he thinks. Great post, thanks Pat.

 

#57:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 7:20 pm

Quote:
The Vicar knew his duty, and despite having had three cups since lunch, expressed his gratitude.
Laughing Laughing Oh this is so true! Love the last line too. Poor Vicar, wonder how he got stuck with her! Thanks Pat, wonderful. Am looking forward very much to some upcoming posts too!! Wink

 

#58:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: North West England PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 8:03 pm

I love this drabble!! Thank you Patmac. The Yorkshireisms are making me feel all homesick (and i've been a lancastrian for 10 years now) Slightly worried that having finally won a copy of Rescue on E-bay that i am not going to enjoy it at all! Confused

 

#59:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 8:34 pm

I DO like auntie's summing up!!! "nice man, shame about his wife!" That's a classic line!!!!

 

#60:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 8:40 pm

What a nice man, and how lovely to see that Reg may need someone who knows understands both sides of his life. Thanks Pat.

 

#61:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 8:43 pm

Thank you patmac! Love the vicar, and yes, love that last line! Destined to become a classic.

 

#62:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 9:11 pm

patmac wrote:
.... having his favourite scrambled egg on toast on a tray in his study. It was quite like being single again. Most pleasant. [/i]
When Andy's away I often have poached eggs Very Happy Love the fact that the Vicar was so supportive and Reg was able to talk to him - hope they'll keep in contact and that if Reg needs to talk to him (not putting ideas into patmacs head honest) he'll be able to

 

#63:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 10:20 pm

Great last line! Laughing

 

#64:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 10:52 pm

Dawn wrote:
When Andy's away I often have poached eggs Very Happy

My fried egg sandwiches when Alan is away are a standing joke at work!

Dawn wrote:
(not putting ideas into patmacs head honest)

Don't worry about me. My head has nothing to do with it. I't's the very insistent bunny that is writing this Shocked I'm away from tomorrow till Sunday. Those in Kent, watch out for Granny Pat with 3 grandchildren in Rochester on Saturday Rolling Eyes This means that you can't read this post till Friday. Saturday and Sunday will occur next week some time. *Hoping the temporal dislocation will not cause inconvenience*

Auntie was nervous. She had never slept away from Garnham since she came back from service when she was thirteen. The planned holiday in Scarborough had never happened. Perhaps she was not meant to leave her home. What if ….. Her thoughts ran uncontrollably on.

Now she had agreed to go a long way away, not even Yorkshire, and stay with strangers, foreigners at that.

Mrs von Ahlen was a nice quiet girl, though and had seemed real friendly in her letter. Debby would be there too, but still …..

In all her life, she had never travelled farther than Leeds. That was a big smelly place. All that traffic and so many people! Armishire was a lot farther than that. Her stomach churned at the thought, partly from nerves and partly from excitement.

“Oh, well,” she thought. “I’ve got to get used to it. If I’m to keep up with our Reg, I’ll have to. Who knows where he will finish up.” and she carried on with the ironing, folding all the clothes neatly, ready to pack.

Saturday morning came at last. Joe and his Dad were to tend the animals so she knew they would be well cared for. All the vegetables which were ready were picked and given to neighbours, except some runner beans which had been picked at the last minute and put in a basket for Mrs von Ahlen. The house was sparkling and both Auntie and Reg were packed and ready.

They set off on the early bus,. Reg was carrying one of the small suitcases, borrowed from Miss Armitage, though Auntie was now considering that she ought to buy one of her own. She had to get one for Reg anyway. It didn’t do to keep on borrowing, even though Miss Armitage seemed pleased to help. Auntie was wearing her new hat and carrying the other suitcase and a basket containing the beans and some apples.

They settled on the little train and Auntie took off her coat. “It’s too hot for that really but I wanted to bring it just in case. How long does it take to get to York? I’ve only ever been on the Leeds line.”

“I don’t really know. It doesn’t take much longer though.” Reg replied. “You can tell we’re getting near because the country gets flatter and the fields have crops. The houses are different too. When we start to see the factories at the edge of York. We get up then and collect our things together.”

As they pulled into York Station, they looked in bewilderment at the crowds of men on the platform in unfamiliar uniforms. Some were sitting on kitbags, some lounging against walls. Many were smoking long cigarettes and most of the rest were chewing rhythmically. There seemed to be hundreds of them and the platform was littered with kitbags. A Red Cross van stood at the end of the platform with large urns from which two ladies were dispensing seemingly endless mugs of hot drinks.

Seeing the pair alight, a stocky man with an unruly head of fair hair came over accompanied by a suntanned darker men who towered over him. With a strange little salute, the shorter of the two offered to help with their cases. He spoke with an unfamiliar accent.

“Morning, Ma’am. Can I help with your suitcases? This young shaver looks as if he has been in the wars. Which Platform are you heading for?”

Auntie looked at Reg. “That one over there,” he said, pointing. “We need the express that goes to Armiford.”

“I guess it’ll be a mite late. There’s a whole load of troops moving today, including us. Let’s see if we can find out. I’m Dutch and he’s Chuck.” He gestured over his shoulder with a thumb to his companion, who grinned but said nothing and, picking up the two suitcases, the two strangers shepherded them through the crowds to where a harassed Station Master was talking to an officer.

Their guide sketched a salute to the officer and said in a casual manner. “’Scuse me Cap’n. These locals are looking for the express train that goes to Armiford. I guess they are going to be delayed. Any idea when it is likely to be coming through here?”

The Station Master consulted his list. “It won’t be for at least an hour.” He said, with a worried expression. “We have to wait for the train taking these men first and the express has been shunted off at Northallerton to let their train through.”

“But we are being met in Armiford! What if they think we are not coming!” Auntie had not considered the possibility of delays and was agitated.

“I’m sorry but troop trains take priority” said the Station Master, having obviously fielded this query before. “Don’t worry. The Station Master at Armiford will know the train is delayed.”

Seeing their dismay at this news, the Officer took charge. “Let Bradley and van Alden here find you a seat, Ma’am and a cup of coffee.” He turned to Reg. “They’ve probably got some candy in their kitbags for you, too. The Station Master here will let you know when your train is about to pull in.”

“Thank you, Sir. We’ll be real pleased to help. Come on, let’s go find seats.”

Reg had no idea what ‘candy’ might be and Auntie would certainly have preferred a cup of tea, but these men with the strange accents were the only friendly faces in the crowded station so they followed them across the platform to where some seats were occupied by more of the men in uniform.

Seeing Auntie, they all immediately stood up politely and one of them moved off the seat to perch on his kitbag. While Auntie sat, enthroned in the midst of these strangers with Dutch to keep her company, Chuck marched Reg off to the Red Cross van to get coffee, where they joined the queue, waiting for their drinks.

“What’s your name?” he asked Reg. “Looks as though we’ve got some time together so we might as well get acquainted.”

“I’m Reg and my Aunt is Mrs Thirtle. I live with her.”

“OK Reg, pleased to meet you.” Chuck grinned.

“Where are you from? We don’t see many soldiers in Garnham, only when they come home on leave and I don’t really know the uniforms.”

“I’m from Birmingham.” Chuck said proudly.

“Our train goes through there!” exclaimed Reg

Chuck looked puzzled and then his face cleared. “Gee, I clean forgot you have one over here too. I’m not from that one. I’m from Birmingham, Alabama.”

It was Reg’s turn to look puzzled.

“In the good old US of A!”

 

#65:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 10:57 pm

How lovely that they couldn't recognise American soldiers! Thanks Pat. Oh and BTW, I'll warn Rochester you're coming! Wink

 

#66:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 11:03 pm

Very Happy Thanks Pat! Reg must feel like he's entered another universe! Have a lovely time with the grandkids.

 

#67:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 11:47 pm

Quote:
Let Bradley and van Alden
Van Alden as in Corney? Or at least, her husband?! Thankyou Pat for the latest 2 updates. I love Mr Hart! I hope he does pop up again in future instalments. I have fried egg sandwiches when Tim is away, too! What is it about eggs and eating on our own?!

 

#68:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 1:26 am

Hope you have a lovely time Pat and aren't too worn out by the grandchildren (or more likely, that you don't wear them out too much Very Happy ) Love the fact that Auntie is bowing to Reg's superior knowledge about train journeys.
Quote:
*Hoping the temporal dislocation will not cause inconvenience*
Was convinced it was Saturday tomorrow earlier this evening Rolling Eyes

 

#69:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 3:25 am

Yes, van Alden does sound a mite familiar! Amused by the two Birminghams. (No prize for guessing which one I’d have heard of at Reg’s age.)
Vikki wrote:
I DO like auntie's summing up!!! "nice man, shame about his wife!" That's a classic line!!!!
Seventeenths this sentiment! And I do like the vicar.

 

#70:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:48 am

Thanks Pat! Hope you have a good weekend. My dad always has fried egg, chips and beans whenever my mum's away/working late and expecting him to fend for himself (and he can cook properly!!!!!).

 

#71:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 11:54 am

Also loved the line about the Vicar and his wife. Rev. Hart come across really well and I'm glad Reg will have someone to write too who will really understand. Also liked the train journey and Auntie looking to Reg for guidance on the trains. Thank you Pat. Have fun in Rochester.

 

#72:  Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 1:17 pm

Fantastic updates, Pat - what on earth are you feeding your bunnies? Wink Mr Hart is lovely, and so are the GIs for being so friendly.

 

#73:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 2:45 pm

Thanks for the lovely updates Pat Very Happy I also thought of Corney when I saw the name Van Alden (especially as I've just read about the wedding in Second Chance) Have a good time in Rochester Liz

 

#74:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 3:44 pm

Thanks for all the lovely updates Pat, hope you have a great time with the grandkids, cant wait to read the rest. Starts the countdown till Sunday...

 

#75:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 3:50 pm

Lovely last line, Pat. I'm glad that that Mr Hart has finally stood up to 'that Sodger!

 

#76:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 6:06 pm

pim wrote:
My dad always has fried egg, chips and beans whenever my mum's away/working late and expecting him to fend for himself (and he can cook properly!!!!!).
Mine can't, Pim - he's been known to put an electric kettle on a hotplate and turn on the hotplate in order to boil the water. When my mum goes gallivanting (i.e. visiting the grandchildren) he goes shopping and buys hot dogs, oven chips, and mass-produced white bread. He says it's his treat (Mum won't have anything but rye or wholemeal in the house). He cooks the hot dogs and chips and makes them into sandwiches. Thank you Pat! Have a super time with the grandchildren knowing that we're champing at the bit for you to get home!

 

#77:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 11:15 pm

Lovely update! Have a great time with your Grandkids!

 

#78:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 12:00 am

Hope you are having a good time with your grandchildren Pat. Thanks for the update, Auntie is a really lovely character. Glad Mr Hart sorted out his missus!

 

#79:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:56 pm

I'm home. I have now played with a robosapien and caught up with what the fashion conscious 12 yr old girl wears (NOT high heels aor pointed toe shoes, hooray!) among other enlightening experiences on a thoroughly enjoyable weekend! I'll never catch up with the board again!

“You’re from America! I’ve never met an American before.”

“You’re the first Limey, I’ve talked too as well, so we’re quits. We only got here yesterday. Oh, and we’re Airmen, not ordinary soldiers. Some of my buddies get het up at being mistaken for infantry.”

By now they were at the front of the queue and Chuck turned to Reg to ask, “How does your Aunt take her coffee?”

“Well, I don’t know. We only drink tea at home.”

The motherly Red Cross lady looked on in sympathy. “We’ve got tea as well.” She said “We never know whether we’ve got English or Americans to supply so we bring both.”

Reg’s face cleared. “Tea, then please. Strong and one sugar and may I have one as well.”

“Of course, dear. And I suppose it’s coffee for you, young man?”

“Yes please, Ma’am. You’re mighty kind to come and rescue us. I think we’ve been here about three hours and coffee is real welcome.”

Once they had been served and said their thanks, they went back to find Auntie.

To Reg’s amazement, she was the centre of attention as she gave an impromptu sewing lesson to the group. She had her little sewing kit out and was stitching a button onto a shirt.

“Make sure you finish it off with at least three stitches one on top of another at the back and pull the thread through the stitches, that will lock the thread into place.” She said as she finished and snipped the cotton with her scissors.

“Gee, Ma’am. That’s real kind of you.” Said Dutch. “I guess they never thought to teach us how to do that properly. My Mom always did it at home and I don’t think she ever thought I’d need to do it for myself. I guess she thought I’d have a wife to do it when I left home!”

There was a shout of laughter at this and a voice from the back of the crowd called out, “She’d be a brave woman to take you on.”

Dutch laughed and, his plain face was transformed. For the first time, Auntie saw that he could be attractive to a young woman.

“Some day, I’ll meet her and she’ll appreciate my better qualities! Not like you lot.”

The ice was broken and Reg was offered a place on a spare kitbag while they all quenched their thirst. One airman produced what the English called ‘biscuits’ and the Americans ‘cookies’ and there was much chat about the differences in the words they used. Auntie and Reg were amazed to find that American biscuits were more like scones and served with gravy!

The Americans told the English pair their names – and strange they seemed to the locals. They all seemed to have nicknames.

‘Chuck’ Bradley was really Charles, a coal miner.

‘Slim’ was the fattest man there and came from Texas where he worked on his father’s ranch. Dark skinned and with slicked back black hair, he declared his name to be Juan Sanchez and thrilled Reg by being a real cowboy.

‘Dutch’, who was the joker of the party, turned out to be Mike Van Alden and came from Boston and was a stockbroker.

They all had different accents and varied backgrounds but there was no class distinction. They were all here to ‘do their bit’ as they put it. The time passed quickly and, when the troop train pulled in to the station, the airmen rose with many expressions of good will.

“If ever you’re in Birmingham once we’ve whupped these Nazis, ask for the Crescent Hill Baptist Church. They’ll find me, or my family. I’ll tell them about you and make sure Mom makes you real biscuits with gravy!” Said Chuck as he hefted his kitbag.

“Come to Texas.” Slim chipped in. “Make for San Angelo and ask for the Lazy R Ranch. I’ll cook you a steak like you’ve never seen before!”

“Same for me,” said Dutch. “Just make for Atlantic Avenue and ask for van Alden. My pop’s firm is along there. I’ll tell my parents when I write how kind you were.” and with a jaunty salute and a broad grin, he was gone, leaving Reg with pockets full of candy.

The two ‘locals’ waved till the train was out of sight and then Auntie sighed. “Poor boys, so far from home. I wonder how many of them will see America again.”

 

#80:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 9:16 pm

Glad you enjoyed the weekend, patmac (what's a robosapiens?), and thanks for posting so quickly on your return! Now, of course, you're going to have to write a spin-off - The War For Dutch, Slim, and Chuck!!! Or at least a future aside - Reg and Dutch Meet Again!

 

#81:  Author: Shander, Location: Halifax PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 9:19 pm

Glad you had a good time. I'm loving this drabble. That last bit made me feel a little choked and teary. I could just see them all.

 

#82:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 9:44 pm

Thank you Pat, just lovely.

 

#83:  Author: Emily, Location: Land of White Coats and Stethoscopes. PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 9:45 pm

Pat, I can't tell you how much I'm loving this drabble, it's just brilliant. Glad you enjoyed the weekend Very Happy

 

#84:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 10:07 pm

Loved that last bit!

 

#85:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 10:22 pm

Wonderful Pat Very Happy Glad you had a fab weekend.

 

#86:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 10:29 pm

Great to see more of this - also choked up a bit by Auntie's comment at the end - at least we know Dutch makes it!

 

#87:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 10:39 pm

That made me really goosebumpyAmazed you had the stamina to post tonight after a hectic weekend

 

#88:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 2:43 am

Thank you, Pat. Nice mix of banter and button-hole lessons. Smile

 

#89:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 3:20 am

Thanks Pat! Glad you had a nice weekend with the Grandkids and still manage to update us (When Matt is away I have 'white food' - cauliflower cheese or mac cheese. When I am away he has either leftovers or home delivery. )

 

#90:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 9:38 am

I can just imagine Auntie sitting on the platform sewing on airmens buttons! Very Happy It is nice to get a glimpse of what I'm sure with everyone else is Corney's future husband as well. That last line gave me goosebumps though. Crying or Very sad

 

#91:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 11:54 am

A lovely scene, thank you PAt. Though that last line did bring hope the fragility of life.

 

#92:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 1:34 pm

*sniffle!* Thank you Pat! That was beautiful!! And we know that 'Dutch' DOES get to meet his girl who will appreciate his finer qualities!!! Very Happy

 

#93:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 3:18 pm

Vikki wrote:
*sniffle!* Thank you Pat! That was beautiful!! And we know that 'Dutch' DOES get to meet his girl who will appreciate his finer qualities!!! Very Happy
It's a good thing Auntie taught him to sew on a button - I'm not sure that Corney could/would do it!

 

#94:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 6:09 pm

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone. I think it must be Corney's future husband they met. I don't think Boston could cope with 2 of them! We'll have to wait and see, won't we Wink A Robosapiens was THE toy to have at Christmas for small boys. It's radio controlled, dances, talks, picks things up (once you've learned to manipulate it, which I will admit is easier for 9 yr olds than grannies, and is generally amazingly sophisticated for a toy.

Soon they saw the express pulling in and hurried over to find seats. The train was fairly empty and they easily found a carriage to themselves and settled for the long journey. Reg pointed out the various landmarks which Mrs Maynard had showed him on the previous journey and Auntie was fascinated by the sight of places she had only heard of.

By the time they arrived in Armiford, they were both very hungry. Biscuits, even the rich American cookies were no substitute for a proper meal and they were now two hours late.

On the platform stood Mrs Maynard, looking cool and unflustered in a neat jade green dress with a large straw hat, trimmed with the same material. “You poor lambs!” she exclaimed, taking the suitcases handed down to her. “You must be hungry. What on earth have you been up to, Reg? Have you broken your arm?” Not waiting for a reply, she was ushering them out of the station and across to where a small car waited in the car park. Quickly stowing their luggage, she settled them in, slid into the driving seat and then turned to repeat her question.

“It’s not broken, I just put my shoulder out. It’s fixed now though. I just need to wear a sling for a few weeks.”

“I’m glad it’s not broken. You can tell me the whole tale on the way. Can you wait for lunch till we get to Plas Howells or are you desperate? Frieda and Debby won’t be too worried as I phoned them once I heard that the train was delayed.”

“We can wait.” Auntie replied “It’s not that far is it?”

“About thirty minutes. Just long enough for you to tell me about your journey. Was it dreadful?”

Reg told her of the delay at York and Jo laughed at his account of the sewing lesson. “They’ll bless you for that, Mrs Thirtle! I can’t understand how mothers can be so short sighted as to not teach boys such simple things! I certainly don’t intend my sons to grow up so helpless. But the poor boys! War is terrible. Now tell me about your shoulder.”

Reg told the tale, thinking that he would have to go through this story over and over again during the weekend.

Jo laughed as hard as anyone at the thought of poor Lily coming to the rescue. “Ridicule will hurt him more than your kick,” she said “I should imagine he’ll think twice in future.”

Soon they were pulling up at a house which Auntie and Reg would certainly never have called ‘small’ and Frieda and Debby, who had obviously been on the look out for them, opened the door wide and came out onto the steps to greet their visitors.

Soon they were inside and Jo had driven off in a hurry to get home. “Would you like to freshen up before lunch?” Frieda asked. “We’ll just show you where your rooms are and you can unpack later.” They ascended the simple wooden stairs and, while Debby showed Auntie her room, Frieda took Reg into a small room, painted cream and with light flowered curtains fluttering at the wide open windows. The furniture was simple, with a single bed covered in a counterpane which matched the curtains and a chest of drawers and a chair. Inevitably, yet again, he had to tell the tale of how he came to have his arm in a sling and Frieda was suitably sympathetic.

Reg left his suitcase and followed Frieda to the small bathroom next door. “Be quick.” Said Frieda “We only have the one bathroom so your Auntie will want it soon. Just come down the stairs when you are ready and go through the door to the left. We’ll be waiting there.” And she left him while she checked on Auntie. She reassured herself that she had all she needed and ran down the stairs to the dining room.

Debby had showed Auntie to her room which was very like Reg’s. “It’s Louis’ room,” she explained “but he’s coming in with me while you are here. We have a little folding cot for him and he’s used to sleeping anywhere. He has gone to Simone’s for the day. I’d change into your old shoes, if I were you. You might as well be comfortable. How did Reg get hurt? Did he fall off his bike?”

“No, it was that bully George Clark. Reg got the better of him though. It was right worrying at the time.” And she told Debby about it while she changed her shoes. Then leaving Auntie to follow Reg into the bathroom, Debby went ahead to the dining room.

Once they were all seated and had said grace, Reg, to his disgust, had to submit to having his meat and cheese cut into small pieces so he could manage with one hand. Soon they were all eating and the tale of their journey was recounted again.

“We have had some American girls at the Chalet School.” said Frieda reflectively. “It’s strange to think some of those airmen might know them, or meet them some day. America is a big place though, so I suppose it’s unlikely.”

Once they had finished eating and were relaxing in the pretty sitting room sipping tea or coffee according to taste, Frieda explained the plans for the weekend. “If you are not too tired, Reg, Debby will walk up to the San with you to see Phoebe this afternoon. I will stay here with Gerard. Would you rather go to the San or stay here, Mrs Thirtle?” She asked. “You could go tomorrow if you would prefer it.”

Auntie decided she would stay at the house and, as soon as they had all helped carry the lunch dishes to the kitchen, Debby and Reg set off for the walk to the San while Frieda went to feed Gerard and Auntie, overriding Frieda’s protests, washed up.

As she finished, Frieda appeared, carrying Gerard, and they went to sit under an apple tree in the garden on an old wooden seat. They chatted idly and Auntie gradually relaxed in Frieda’s quiet company. By the time Reg and Debby returned, Auntie was cuddling the tiny baby and Frieda was telling her of Phoebe’s wedding plans.

Auntie insisted on helping Debby make the tea in preparation for the arrival of Simone who was to bring Louis home and Reg took the sleeping baby, awkwardly, in his one good arm, exclaiming how he had grown in just over a week. Frieda laughed. “You will notice the change.” She said. “Babies grow very fast in the first few months but I see him all the time, so I don’t notice it so much. Let me take him now and make him comfortable before our guests arrive. You sit here for a while if you like. I’m sure your Auntie and Debby are catching up with one another’s news!” She took Gerard, who was beginning to stir and Reg sat to collect his thoughts.

 

#95:  Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 6:25 pm

Pat, this drabble just gets better and better. Love the airmen and Frieda's quiet hospitality.

 

#96:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 6:26 pm

Quote:
Thanks for the encouragement, everyone. I think it must be Corney's future husband they met. I don't think Boston could cope with 2 of them! We'll have to wait and see, won't we
Knew I'd seen him somewhere before Wink Thanks Pat, lovely. Love Reg with Gerrard.

 

#97:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 7:26 pm

Must be tiring for the poor chap, guesting in two drabbles at once! Wink Lovely post Patmac!!!

 

#98:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 10:26 pm

Thanks Pat!

 

#99:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 11:51 pm

Lovely Very Happy Thanks PatMac Wonder if Joey will keep her resolution - didn't Anna do the children's mending? Liz

 

#100:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 11:55 pm

Glad you enjoyed your weeken! Two lovely posts Pat, thank you. The airmen were so nice nad Frieda and Debby so welcoming.

 

#101:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 2:09 pm

Thanks, Pat, lovely as usual!

 

#102:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 6:29 pm

Suddenly there was a high pitched shriek of “Weg, Weg. My Weg.” And Tessa was scrambling onto his knee to throw her arms round his neck. Simone came over, laughing.

“She has talked of nothing else all morning since she knew you were coming. Every five minutes she has been asking, ‘Can we go yet She has missed you since we came home. She has been asking for a big brother ‘just like Reg’ since I tried to explain that we could not bring you home with us. How are you? Apart from your shoulder, of course. I’ve heard that tale and I am sorry about it. It must have been very upsetting.”

Reg was busy returning the cuddles from the delightful little girl. “I’ve missed her too.” He said. “In fact I’ve missed all of you, dreadfully. Though this last few days have been so busy I would hardly have had time to see you if you had stayed! Did you know this was all going to happen?”

“We all knew what we wanted to happen but we didn’t know what your Auntie would decide. All she wants is for you to be happy, you know.”

“I do know that.” Said Reg, his voice muffled in Tessa’s hair. He looked up at his friend. “I won’t desert her, you know. She has been as near a mother as I’ve ever had.”

Simone’s face lit up. “I’m so glad you feel that way. We’ll do what we can, too. She’s a lovely lady.”

Frieda, Debby and Auntie came out of the house with the tea on trays and the conversation ceased. Louis was with them, having gone indoors to find his mother when Simone arrived.

“I thought we could have it out here” said Frieda, “The weather forecast is bad and there may not be much more summer so we should make the best of it while we can.” Simone and Auntie exchanged greetings and they all settled down to eat their sandwiches.

When they had finished, Simone asked “What is the plan for the next couple of days? I would like Mrs Thirtle and Reg to come and see us if they have a chance but I know there is probably a lot to fit in so it may not be possible this time.”

“Jack is hoping to see Reg tomorrow morning at the San to talk about his future plans and then Reg can fit in another visit to Phoebe afterwards.

In the afternoon we are all going to Joey’s for tea and Dr Peters and Archie will be there so he and Reg can meet before Reg goes to school. Marie will be there too. Oh, and Sybil is coming over as well. It will be quite a Garnham reunion. You are coming too aren’t you, Simone?”

“Yes, we will be there.” She turned to Auntie. “Would you come to lunch tomorrow then, Mrs Thirtle. We could walk up to the San afterwards and see Phoebe. If we are lucky Jack will be finished in time to run us back to his house in the car. We have to be careful with the petrol ration but if he has the car there, we might as well fill it!”

“Yes, if you are sure.”

Simone smiled warmly. “I would love you to come. We need to get home now. Come, Tessa. Say goodbye.”

Tessa ran across to Reg and lifted up her face for a kiss, which was willingly given and then unhesitatingly, went to Auntie expecting the same. “Goodbye Auntie.” She said.

“You have a new niece, now.” Said Frieda, laughing. Auntie looked rather startled but kissed the little girl and then smiled. “My family has just doubled.” She exclaimed, sounding rather pleased.

 

#103:  Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 6:32 pm

Oh Pat - that was so sweet. Beautiful.

 

#104:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 6:57 pm

Awwwwww bless!!! Isn't Tessa a cutie???

 

#105:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 7:58 pm

Awwww! Lovely Tessa! Thanks Pat Very Happy

 

#106:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 8:47 pm

Oh bless her. Tessa is adorable, and I love that last line of Auntie's. I really like the way that they are all enveloping her as part of their extended family, must make her feel slightly less anxious about Reg leaving home.
Quote:
“I won’t desert her, you know. She has been as near a mother as I’ve ever had.”
Like that Reg is aware of how much he owes to Auntie too. Thanks Pat, wonderful as ever Very Happy

 

#107:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 9:54 pm

Bless! Tessa is a total cutie, and lovely how Reg and Auntie are reacting to her. Lovely also that the entire group isn't forgetting Auntie in their exciting plans for Reg.

 

#108:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 10:10 pm

Awww that last bit was lovely!

 

#109:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 11:35 pm

Lovely post Pat. Tessa is an absolute cutie. I do like the way they are treating Reg and Auntie, much more reassuring and so different (and nicer) from the way EBD did it.

 

#110:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 10:36 am

Awww bless - Tessa's lovely! Thank you Pat.

 

#111:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 6:49 pm

The next morning, Reg set off with Debby for the San. When they arrived, they separated, Reg to go to Jack’s office and Debby to pay a visit to Phoebe.

Reg knocked on the door, feeling rather nervous as he did so. He had not seen the Doctor since hearing that he was to go to school and the letters exchanged had all been of practical details. Auntie had stressed that he should tell the Doctor that he was grateful and he was not quite sure how to express this. In his mind, Doctor Maynard had become a more distant figure than the walking companion with whom he had spent such a happy day. He now held Reg’s future in his hands and so, in this new role, he had become a stranger.

He needn’t have worried. A familiar voice bade him enter and Jack was striding across the room with a broad grin on his face. “Great to see you, Reg.” He exclaimed. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come and meet you yesterday but I was needed here. How is your shoulder?”

Reg murmured that it was not hurting now and Jack drew Reg to a chair beside his desk and sat down in his own chair.

“Now,” Jack said, “Let’s get the business side over with then we can chat more generally. I expect you’ve got lots of questions!

We couldn’t get a place at Garnley Grammar as you know. I think it is probably as well, because they could not be as flexible as Polgarth. Boys come from all sorts of backgrounds and educational standards to Polgarth and they are used to bringing new boys up to scratch in subjects they haven’t done before. Being a Boarding School, some of that coaching will take place out of normal school hours, which doesn’t happen at a day school.

They’ve a good record of success in exams and, from what Dr Peters tells me, they are not so old fashioned as some schools. They are keen on watching out for your health, and have a lot of outdoor activities, even a Bird Watching Club, which you’ll be able to join, if you want to.”

Reg’s eyes lit up at this.

“Some activities – like learning to play a musical instrument – cost extra but we’ve budgeted for that as well, so just let me know. The money is there and it’s earmarked for you.

You will have to sit a test when you get there – don’t look so worried – just to see where you need help. We already know you will have to learn Latin from scratch and you will certainly need help with Maths. Phoebe says your English is very good and will probably be above the class average so that’s one thing you won’t have to worry about.

I’ve talked to Mr Bulmer, your old Head Master on the phone and he thinks you will pass muster in History and Geography. He has sent your last School Report to Polgarth so they already have some idea what you’re standard is.

You’ll get a chance to try various sports like soccer and rugby and, once you get into the senior school, you’ll get some choice there. Don’t worry if you don’t take to them. Just do your best. I never made a school team. Just do try to find something active that you enjoy. You need to stay fit to be a doctor. We’re always on the go and get interrupted sleep so if you’re not fit you’ll soon crack up.

You’ll need to do some Science too, once you’ve caught up in Maths and Latin. Don’t worry about that either. The School knows what you hope to do later on so they will make sure you have the subjects you need.”

“Thank you, Sir,” Reg said earnestly. “I do mean to work hard.”

“I know you do, but I want you to enjoy yourself as well. If you don’t, it will take the joy out of learning and you won’t do as well in the long run. Work hard during school hours and then enjoy yourself out of them. Being an only child, you’ve been around adults a lot. You need to have fun with boys of your own age. That’s all I ask.”

Reg went rather red and blurted “Thank you for this chance, Doctor Maynard. I will do my best.”

Jack looked equally embarrassed as he replied. “I know you will. Your chance will come to help someone else some day. I think you already know what I mean. You helped Phoebe and Debby when they needed it, didn’t you?”

Reg looked bewildered. “But, they are friends!” he stuttered.

“And you are our friend.” Said Jack firmly. “We got to know you and we liked you and you became a friend. You gave up a day to walk on the moors with me and you gave up time to play with the children. You can’t measure giving. You gave what you had and now is my turn to give what I have. That’s what real friendship is.”

Reg struggled with the unfamiliar concept for a minute. “I think I see what you mean – but I enjoyed our walk. I wanted to do it and it was fun for me too, so it doesn’t count really does it!”

“Do you think we would have done this if we hadn’t wanted to? We will have fun in a different way seeing you grow up. My wife and I have many friends who have helped us over the years. Some of them we can’t help personally but we can help other people. It’s what makes the world go round. Think it over some time and I think you will see what I mean.

Now what do you want to ask me? Sorry, that is a very general question but I really don’t know what you do and don’t know about Boarding School!”

Reg tucked Jack’s comments away in the back of his mind to think through later.

“I think I’m just going to have to find out for myself.” Said Reg. “Mr Hart came to see me and told me about dormitories and things like that. He told me stories of when he was at school and it didn’t sound too bad. He’s said I can write to him if I need to because you are busy and a long way away. Auntie said that would be all right.” There was a pause. “The trouble is I just don’t know what I need to know right now. I know I need to know lots but I don’t know what questions to ask”

“ I can imagine that. I think you’ll be fine at Polgarth. Don’t worry about feeling out of place because of your background. I will bet anything you run rings round lots of the boys. A lot of them will have been to prep schools that are second rate and don’t teach the boys as much as your school did.”

Reg gave a hesitant smile. ”I don’t even know what a prep school is!”

”It’s a private school for younger boys. Some of them are good but a lot aren’t. Don’t hesitate to write to me. I’ll always find time to reply. I will try and get to see you at least twice a term and you will spend some time here in the holidays. Auntie must have you first but, now she has been here, I’m hoping she will come with you sometimes. Now let’s have a look at your shoulder. I phoned and spoke to your Aunt this morning and she has given her permission. It sounds as if Miss Armitage has done all that is necessary but it would be as well to check.”

 

#112:  Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 6:57 pm

PatMac, I do love this drabble. And I'm so impressed by the speed at which you're writing! Many thanks.

 

#113:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 7:09 pm

Wonderful Pat. You have Jack down absolutely perfectly in that post. Will Reg ever get to meet Kester Bellever in the future I wonder? (edited because I'm a dunce and can't spell Embarassed )

Last edited by Josie on Wed Jan 19, 2005 7:19 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#114:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 7:11 pm

Wow, patmac! Thank you!

 

#115:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 7:58 pm

Lovely posts Pat thank you.

 

#116:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 8:36 pm

Jack and Reg's friendship is so nice!

 

#117:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 9:01 pm

That was beautiful!!

 

#118:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 12:59 pm

This was on page 2 Shocked I love Reg not knowing what he needs to ask and they way that Jack puts him at ease over it and explains to him why they want to help Am glad that EBD didn't go into this at all, because there is no way that it could be as good as this!

 

#119:  Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 1:08 pm

Pat, this is lovely. Impressed with the way you've done everything - the characters, the writing, the speed of posting... I agree with Dawn, too, that EBD's treatment of Reg and Auntie could never have been this sympathetic. Thank-you.

 

#120:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 9:16 pm

In defence of EBD, she was writing for young girls. A lot of us would have been 8 - 10 years when we read 'Rescue' and would not have had patience with an in depth exploration of Reg's story. Maybe her spirit inhabits my bunny. AAArgh!!!

Debby and Reg had not yet returned from the San before Auntie set off for the short walk to Simone’s home. It was at the edge of the village and was, in truth, a cottage like Auntie’s own except that it was built of brick. It was actually slightly larger and had three bedrooms but had clearly been built as a workman’s cottage. It had a small front garden, which seemed to Auntie’s eyes to be rather bare, though the path was neatly swept and the windows were gleaming and open to the breeze. Simone came to the front door with a speed which suggested she had been watching for her guest. Tessa slipped under her arm and ran to Auntie and took her hand. “Auntie!” she cried. “Maman said you would come and I have been looking for you for ever ‘n ever. Come and see my Teddy Bear.”

Simone and Auntie both laughed and Auntie, rising to the occasion said with amazement in her voice, “A Teddy Bear! Do you really have one?”

“Yes, yes! Come, see.”

After the teddy bear had been duly admired and Tessa had gone, at Simone’s suggestion, to take her teddy into the back garden to play on the swing, Auntie and Simone settled for a chat. Auntie was surprised to notice that the young woman was rather nervous and found herself in the unaccustomed role of setting a ‘lady’, as she thought of Simone, at ease. After Auntie had admired the neat sitting room and complimented Simone on the friendliness of her daughter, conversation lagged.

Both had things they wanted to say but were uncertain of the reaction of the other. After a few moments, they both spoke at once.

“Mrs Thirtle I wonder ..” Mrs de Bersac I wonder ..”

Both stopped short, looked at the other and waited. Suddenly Simone laughed. “Look at us!” she exclaimed, “We’re behaving like strangers!” and she went on in a rush. “I hope you won’t be offended but would you call me Simone. ‘Mrs de Bersac’ sounds so formal.”

Auntie’s weather beaten face broke into a broad smile. “And I was going to ask you if you would like to call me Auntie, like your little girl does! Mrs Thirtle sounds too formal as well. I hope you don’t think I’m presuming, but no one calls me Bertha these days, except Debby.”

“I would love to.” Simone smiled, “I think of you as Auntie as that is what Reg always calls you and I was a little afraid it would slip out one day and you would be offended. May I call you Auntie Bertha?”

“I would like that Simone. Goodness, my family has grown!”

They both settled more comfortably in their chairs, visibly relaxing. So engrossed in their conversation were they that it was not till Tessa came in from the garden wanting her lunch that Simone realised how late it was. She took Tessa through to the little bathroom, built on the back of the house, to wash her hands and they all sat down at the little table.

In honour of Auntie’s visit, Simone made a pot of tea and they made a good lunch of salad and cheese with home made bread. When Auntie commented on the bread, Simone laughed.

“Frau Mieders, who taught us cooking at the Chalet School, had a horror of shop bought bread,” she said “and I find all the kneading quite satisfying so I make my own most of the time. I always liked cooking at school. Maman never made her own, probably because we lived in the city so there was a bakers shop at the end of the street. She thinks I am quite old fashioned to make bread myself!”

“I never thought of young ladies learning to cook at a boarding school! It must have been a good school.” Auntie said with approval.

“The best, and it still is. Madame, that is Lady Russell who was our Headmistress then, was very keen that we should all learn to manage for ourselves. She says you never know what the future has in store and everyone should be able to cook and sew. We learned how to do the laundry and cleaning as well. I was lucky there as I had always helped at home so I did know the basics. We were not rich and Maman had no help in the house. They even have gardening lessons now and grow all the vegetables for the school.”

Auntie thought about this for a minute. “It’s strange,” she said thoughtfully. “It’s not what I expected and I thought only rich people went to boarding school.”

“I was only there because Cousin Therese was a teacher there. She went with Lady Russell when she started the school in Austria and was headmistress after Lady Russell married. We weren’t the only ones. The school has some scholarships for girls who can’t afford to come.

My parents could not have afforded to send us otherwise. My sister Renée and I are very thankful for that we went. We had a good education and met a made a lot of friends. Well, you’ve met Jo, Frieda and Marie. We are still close and I don’t know how I would have coped without them during the past few years.

Maman was quite upset at the thought of us going away but Papa insisted. I’m glad now though I was very homesick at first.

André and I only have his army pay to live on so I have to be careful, even now. I am glad of all those lessons. I think a lot of people must be struggling now if they are used to having other people do their work for them. I don’t think things will go back to the way they were after the war. It’s a good thing too. Why should some people sit around while others work for them! ”

If I had four children like Jo, not to mention all her nieces and so on, I would be glad of help but to sit around watching other people work, no!”

 

#121:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 9:20 pm

Pat, that was just lovely! Thank you!

 

#122:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 9:42 pm

Aww, wonderful! Such a lovely Simone Very Happy Thanks Pat.

 

#123:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 10:15 pm

Love Simone in this - EDB never did her justice. Thanks Pat.

 

#124:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 1:09 am

Two lovely posts Pat, thank you. Simone is really lovely here, also love the conversation between Jack and Reg. So glad Simone adopted Auntie - she will feel even happier about Reg now.

 

#125:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 2:42 am

patmac you are very shiny! I love how you are bringing out Simone!

 

#126:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 4:51 am

Thanks, Patmac! *also very happy with Simone's development* Smile

 

#127:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 10:13 am

Simone is great in this! I always thought EBD neglected her.

 

#128:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 12:57 pm

Thanks Pat, that was really lovely/ I love Auntie and Simone's friendship - they're such an odd couple, but it seems so natural for them to be friends some how

 

#129:  Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 1:02 pm

Sophoife wrote:
patmac you are very shiny! I love how you are bringing out Simone!
Agree completely with Sophoife! Simone and Tessa are lovely - and so is Auntie. Wonderful!

 

#130:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 6:14 pm

I always thought it a shame that EBD never described buildings properly, other than the school and the Maynard homes - and even then not clearly. I can see why in a way, after all once you've described it in detail, you can't change it to suit the story.

I also came unstuck on how Jem could 'own' a Sanatorium in England during the period. He would have to be extremely rich or have a very nice Bank Manager. Anyway, he was obviously in charge so that is where I've left him.

Bunny thought it would be nice to see the San properly for once and wouldn't go back to sleep till it was written. The description is based on the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland which is a famous modern building and was designed by Avar Aalto who also designed the Baker House at MIT in Cambridge Mass.

Our san is smaller and the building (bunny says) is more of a Y shape to catch the sun better, the Paimio san can be seen:

http://www.artek.fi/en/projects.html?Id=1&P=2

Our san also does not have this bizarre decoration and flower bed.

'Set in a lawn in front of the main entrance (where the canopy is shaped like a lung and painted black on the underside to symbolise the diseased organ!) is a lung-shaped flowerbed planted with parallel strips of red bedding begonias representing the healing effects of fresh blood into the lung. It was intended as a symbol of hope for patients looking out from inside and has been restored for Aalto's centenary in 1998.'

After lunch, Tessa laid down for a short nap and Auntie and Simone companionably washed and dried the lunch dishes and then, when she woke, they walked along to the San to visit Phoebe.

As they walked up the curved drive lined with ancient lime trees, Simone explained that the building had replaced an old manor house. The San had been built in the late thirties, in a very modern style and planned to give the patients as much sun and air as possible. As they rounded the last bend, they paused to let Tessa, who had been running on the grass, catch up.

A white painted building with a flat roof stretched before them. It was three stories high and a large, impressive, doorway, approached by shallow curving steps, gave access to the central section which had many windows, most of which were flung open to the air.

To each side stretched a long wing with a covered balcony on each floor, accessed by glass doors which folded back to the walls, opening up the many rooms completely to the air. The building faced South and, shielding her eyes from the glare the sun caused on the expanse of white paint and glass, Auntie could see iron beds on most of the balconies. On some she could see nurses in starched white caps going about their duties.

Simone explained that the left wing was for men and the right one for women. The central block contained all the administration, consulting rooms and services such as operating theatres and X-ray department. It had been built as a TB Sanatorium in the 1930’s and, when Sir James had taken it over, he had brought in experts in many other diseases, such as the inflammatory rheumatism which had caused Phoebe’s problems. In a short time it had become renowned for it’s success and patients were sent from all over the country.

“It’s like a little village.” She continued as Auntie looked round. “They have their own farm as good fresh food is part of the treatment and the nurses have a building round the back. They each have their own room and there is a large lounge and even a kitchen where they can prepare their own meals. That building over there is a little school for children who can get to it and teachers go round the wards to give lessons to the ones who are in bed. The building over there is a chapel for the staff and the patients who are well enough to attend on Sundays.”

She told Auntie that new treatments were being tried all the time and that she had heard Jem and Jack discussing the latest drugs, including one they were trying now and which, it was hoped, would make the breakthrough in treating infection which they longed for - penicillin.

“I’ve no medical training at all,” she said as they slowly strolled across the large stretch of gravel at the front of the building, “but you can’t be around doctors whose passion is to fight disease without picking up some knowledge. The San has been part of my life since I was Reg’s age in Austria, and I really admire the work they do. They really care and Jo says she can tell when Jack has lost a patient because he is so upset, even now.”

 

#131:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 6:32 pm

Love the insight into the work of the San, thanks Pat. Very Happy

 

#132:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 7:26 pm

Absolutely lovely Pat. I can completely picture it in my head. It's great to have the work of the San 'filled in' as well as Reg's story. Thanks

 

#133:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 7:43 pm

How lovely - like the mention of Penicillin. Laughing

 

#134:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 8:25 pm

PatMac, this just gets better and better!

 

#135:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 12:40 pm

Wow, so many posts - thank you Pat!

 

#136:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 9:46 pm

I've just caught up on lots and lots of wonderful posts - thankyou Patmac! I agree with what everyone else has said about Simone Very Happy

 

#137:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 10:10 pm

Thanks Pat! Very Happy

 

#138:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 1:27 am

Thanks Patmac, lovely post about the San. Must also have been reassuring for Auntie.

 

#139:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 12:45 pm

No post yesterday, I'm afraid. We went to see Phantom of the Opera at the cinema last night.

They climbed the shallow, wide steps and entered the hallway. Bright white paint covered the walls and a wide stone staircase with a gleaming aluminium banister curved up before them. The Reception Desk was set to one side and Simone exchanged greetings with the girl on duty. With Tessa between them, each holding one of her hands, they ascended to the second floor and turned right into a wide corridor which stretched along the whole wing. Windows stretched from waist height to the ceiling on their left, all standing open to the health giving air and doors punctuated the wall on the right, each numbered. Some stood open, and as they passed, they could see that the rooms were empty of beds, the patients having been wheeled out onto the balcony.

Simone stopped at Phoebe’s doorway and entered, holding Tessa’s hand and followed by Auntie who was still looking curiously about her. Phoebe had been sitting in a chair on the balcony, sewing and, as soon as she heard their steps, she laid it down and rose to her feet, coming to meet them, aided only by crutches.

Auntie could not believe her eyes. The last time she had seen Phoebe, she had been thin and apparently wasting away with dark shadows under her eyes and a grey tone to her skin. Now, she had put on weight, her eyes had a sparkle and her skin tone, while still pale under a light tan, was healthy. She greeted Auntie warmly and they all sat in the sun. Phoebe told Auntie of her wedding plans. “I had wanted to wait till I am sure of being really better but Frank won’t hear of it so we have settled for November. Would you let Reg come, please? Apart from Debbie, he is my oldest friend.”

Auntie was quite willing, though she added that it would depend on the school’s permission as it would be in term time. The time passed quickly and soon Jack arrived to take the visitors to Plas Gwyn for tea. He was accompanied by Frank Peters and his nephew, Archie, a boy of about fifteen. Auntie could see that Dr Peters and Phoebe were very much in love, though they made no display of this beyond glances. After Dr Peters and Archie had been introduced to Auntie, they took their leave quickly, being later than planned.

Phoebe held Auntie back for a moment and said warmly, “You will come and stay with us for a visit sometimes, won’t you? Debby is to live with us you know, though she will no longer have to work so hard as we shall have other help in the house. She doesn’t make friends easily so I am afraid she may be lonely without you. You and Reg were the only real friends we made in Garnham and I know she will miss you as I will miss Reg.”

Auntie smiled. “I would like that. I shall miss Debby and I think Reg will be visiting here quite a lot in the future.” And surprising herself, she bent and kissed Phoebe’s cheek.

As she walked across the room to the corridor where the others were waiting, she reflected that she had kissed more people in the past two days than in the last fifteen years. It felt good and a warmth crept into her heart which had not been there since the awful day when Bert had come home grey and still on the back of the farm cart and she had thought all love had gone from her life forever.

 

#140:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 1:26 pm

Awww, how lovely, poor Auntie must have been so lonely. Thanks Pat.

 

#141:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 2:58 pm

Crying or Very sad Thanks Pat, you've got me blinking the tears away now!

 

#142:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 8:30 pm

*at a loss for words* Thank you, Pat!

 

#143:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 8:41 pm

That was beautiful Pat. Thanks.

 

#144:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 9:31 pm

Still loving this as much as ever. Thanks Pat

 

#145:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 11:31 pm

Crying or Very sad poignant tears of happiness for Auntie. Am so glad this is all working out for her as well as Reg. Thanks Pat - that was really lovely.

 

#146:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 12:20 am

Pat, that was really really sweet! thank you!

 

#147:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 11:01 am

Beautiful. Thank you Pat.

 

#148:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 8:10 pm

Reg and Debby returned to Frieda’s house in time for lunch and, too soon, it seemed, they were all walking along the lane to Plas Gwyn. Reg was nervous of his meeting with Archie Peters. Actually meeting another boy from the school seemed to make it somehow all too real and all his doubts about his ability to cope with such a big move came back.

Frieda, guessing what he was thinking, squeezed his arm. “It will be all right.” She murmured. Reg gave her a quick grin. “Part of me knows that, but the rest of me is shaking!” Frieda grinned back. “Well put!” she replied. “I still feel the same sometimes.”

Comforted, Reg put his worries to the back of his mind and offered to give Louis a pick a back. Louis, never one to miss such an opportunity, was lifted up and, with Louis shouting “Faster, Faster!”, Reg galloped ahead.

Soon they had arrived and the triplets, Wolferl, Sybil and Josefa came running to meet them. They led the visitors round the back of the house where Marie and Jo sat waiting and the adults sat on some light wicker chairs while the children sat on rugs to await the rest of the party.

A few minutes later, they heard Jack’s car turn into the drive and the small children were off again with great excitement while Jo slipped into the house to help Anna with the tea.

As the newcomers came round the corner of the house, Reg looked with interest at the boy accompanying them. He saw a short plain boy, very like Frank Peters. Jo had once described Frank Peters as having ‘a clever, ugly face’ and this was also true of Archie. He had the same vividly blue eyes and thick, dark hair. As Reg was introduced and the two boys shook hands, somewhat warily, Reg suddenly realised he was actually the taller of the two and felt somewhat more confident. They sat down on one of the rugs and Archie turned to Reg. “You are coming to Polgarth, I hear. Do you know what form you’ll be in?”

Reg had decided, after much thought, that he would be totally honest with Archie and see what his reaction would be. “Better to test it out with him than wait till I get there and then discover they look down on me. At least I’ll know what to expect.”

“I know I’m to be in Chaucer House, I’m not thirteen till October, but I have to take a test when I get there. I’ve never done Latin and my Maths is probably rather behind. I’ve always gone to the local Village School till now and never expected to stay on after next year. It’s not something Auntie could afford.

They say I’ll probably need extra coaching in Maths and they’ll have to teach me Latin from the start. My old Headmaster thinks my History and Geography are probably all right, but I’m rather dreading the test. I just hope I can catch up. You know Dr Maynard is paying for me to go?”

Archie nodded. “Frank, that’s Dr Peters, told me when he asked me to come and stay for a few days to meet you. You’ll manage, you don’t look like a dunce. They are really good at bringing you on. It’s easier to learn when you are at boarding school. I went to a day school till I was eleven and I used to always be behind. There was always something more interesting to do than homework! I’ve gone from the bottom of my form to always being in the top three now. Don’t worry about the Latin. Lots of boys haven’t learned any when they come. Let’s go for a walk after tea and I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.”

“Thanks. If you don’t mind that would be really good.” And both boys settled to making serious inroads into the sandwiches.

 

#149:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:11 pm

That's lovely Pat - sounds like this Archie is a nice fellow.

 

#150:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:56 pm

Thanks, Patmac. That was lovely.

 

#151:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:59 pm

Very Happy Lovely! Glad Archie didn't judge Reg in any way, though somehow don't think he'll have quite such an easy ride when he gets to school. There's bound to be a horrid little snob or two that crawl out of the woodwork from somewhere... Thanks Pat Smile Edited for crap typing as per usual! Embarassed

Last edited by Josie on Mon Jan 24, 2005 10:04 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#152:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 10:00 pm

Good for Reg to have a sensible friend like that. Thanks Pat.

 

#153:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 10:55 pm

I'm glad Reg will have a friend before he goes to school!

 

#154:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 10:40 pm

After tea, the party gradually split up. Jack and Frank Peters went to the study to talk business. Debby took Auntie to find Anna to introduce her. Frieda, Simone and Marie took the smaller children off for a game, while Jo looked after the babies.

Archie politely asked Jo if he and Reg could go for a walk. Sybil looked down at this. Feeling a little too old to be included in the childish games of the younger ones and yet too young to have any interest in the adult conversations, she had been looking forward to time with Reg and now he was going off with another boy.

Jo and Reg both saw the look of disappointment on Sybil’s face and Jo quaked at the possibility of the old Sybil emerging. Reg quickly asked if her mother would allow her to come to Frieda’s the following morning. “I’m only here for another day.” He said to Jo. “I haven’t seen Sybil at all.”

Sybil’s face cleared and she turned to Jo “Will you ask Mummy for me? If you ask, she’s sure to let me.”

“Of course. I’m sure she will let you, anyhow.” Jo replied. “Come with me and we’ll phone her now. Then, if you help me wash up first, we’ll pick the vegetables for supper. Lets pop the babies up in the nursery for a nap first.” Sybil skipped off beside Jo quite happy now and Archie and Reg set off down the Drive.

They walked in silence for a while and then Archie indicated a footpath which led along the edge of a field. “The corn is all in now so we can use this again. They plough right to the edge of the hedge to get the most yield so we can’t use it in the spring and summer.”

“You know your way round here.” Commented Reg. “Do you come to stay often?”

“I did last year.” Said Archie. “My father was missing and my mother was ill so I was here most of the summer holidays.” He saw the look on Reg’s face and quickly added, “He was found eventually but he had a bad time. He doesn’t talk about it. It upsets my mother when he does. He’s been very ill and he lost a foot. He’s different now, sort of older and he doesn’t laugh.”

He shrugged. “Lots of boys have lost their fathers or brothers so I’m lucky really. Cousin Frank has been a real brick. He doesn’t fuss me and I do pretty much what I want when I’m here.”

“Are you going to be a doctor, too?”

“No fear! I want to be an engineer and work on aeroplanes. I’m hoping to go to Kingston Technical College when I finish school. I have to get my Matric first of course. My parents haven’t been exactly happy about it. Mother thinks it’s dirty work and a waste of my education and my Father wanted me to go into the Navy. We had rather a lot of rows about it actually but it’s where the future is and Father is coming round so I suppose he’ll talk mother round eventually. Anyway, I’ve got to get Matric first! .”

“What do the teachers think at school?”

“A bit mixed, as you’d expect. The younger ones think it’s a good idea but some of the older ones are really old fashioned.” He rolled his eyes. “I was learning a lot about car engines from Dipstick – that’s what we called Mr Carter because he always had oily hands - but he’s gone into the Navy so that’s off for now. It shouldn’t bother you, being a doctor is quite respectable! By the way, we call them ‘Masters’, not ‘Teachers’.”

Reg went red. “Hey, don’t get upset! How were you to know? A lot of boys don’t know when they come to Polgarth. You just have to shrug it off if you get teased a bit. They soon forget when there’s some more new boys. Anyway, what do you want to know.”

“That’s the trouble.” Said Reg, ruefully. “I just don’t know what I need to know. It’s all so new and I don’t want to make too much of a fool of myself or upset people by saying the wrong thing. What are the masters like? That might make a good start.”

“A lot of them went off to the war so some had to come back after they’d retired – we call them the fossils, though not to their faces. The rest are a mix. The younger ones have been invalided out of the forces and some just never went in for one reason or another, perhaps they were too old. I don’t know really.

Mr Wheeler who is head of Chaucer House is really good. He’s always fair and listens to both sides. He’s strict though and stands no nonsense. He’s tall and really thin and if he just walks into a room, everyone goes quiet. He’s a bit mad though. Awfully keen on walking. He goes off when he gets a chance and walks miles over the hills, comes back all covered in mud and looking a bit sort of, I dunno, far away, if you know what I mean. We call him Lofty because he’s so tall.

Matron, that’s the lady who looks after the domestic side and bosses the maids and nurses anyone who’s sick, she’s called Matron Hawkins. She’s quite scary. She’s got grey hair pulled back really tight in a bun and she’s tiny but you’d never answer her back, if you know what I mean. She’s really good if you’re ill, though.

If you leave your cubicle a mess, she really goes for you! I was really untidy when I started at Polgarth and was always in her bad books. My mother says she can’t believe the change! Are you tidy?”

Reg grinned, “Auntie is, and she makes sure I am! She sounds a bit like the Matron at Polgarth! “

“Ho, ho! You’ll be all right then. Mother used to tidy up behind me so I never learned at home. Some of the older Masters are a bit old fashioned. They don’t accept anyone wrote anything worth while after Dickens. It balances out though because some of the younger ones are quite radical and we’ve had the chance to read some of Orwell and Huxley. You just humour the fossils and they’re quite happy!”

“I’ve never heard of those last two, Orwell and whatever you said!” said Reg in dismay, all his old worries resurfacing.

“Neither have most people. They’re really modern!” Archie replied. “I was just giving them as an example so you didn’t think we were stuck with Chaucer and Milton!”

“I’ve never heard of Chaucer either. Milton was the bloke who wrote Paradise Lost, wasn’t he?”

“Good Grief!” exclaimed Archie. “Have you read that? I’d never heard of him till I went to Polgarth.”

“Not much of it.” Replied Reg, honestly. “I read bits at Miss Pheobe’s. She had a copy. I didn’t understand it really. What about maths? I’ve never done algebra or geometry. In fact, I’d never heard of them till our Vicar told me about them.”

“Neither had I. The prep school I went to was pretty second rate I think now but it was nearby and Mother didn’t want me to go to boarding school till I was eleven. I suppose with Father away most of the time in the navy, she wanted the company. I’m an only, you see.

It was quite a shock. I used to do more or less what I wanted at home. I could twist Mother round my little finger so I used to do just enough to keep out of trouble.” Reg’s eyes grew wide at this idea, but he kept quiet.

“I really had to slog but once I got over the first term, I was up with the bottom of the form and I soon got ahead. You should have Mr Evans for coaching. They fit it in all over the place. If you are up to scratch on some subjects they let you miss the prep and you have coaching instead. He makes it really clear. Just ask if you don’t understand first time. He doesn’t get ratty about it. We’d better turn back now or they’ll be wondering where we’ve got to.”

They walked back slowly and Archie told Reg about some of the clubs and societies he could join. There were a couple that Reg was immediately keen to join if he could. A choir and a bird watching club appealed to him. He wasn’t sure about boxing or cross country running!

Just before they got back, Archie stopped for a moment and said hesitantly “There are some boys who are snobs who will make life hard if you tell them your background. It’s up to you what you say but you should know.”

Reg thought for a moment wondering how to express himself. This had been one of his fears and he had already thought it through. “I’m who I am! I shall just try to ignore them.”

Archie clapped him on his good shoulder. “Good for you. You’ll do! They’re mostly idiots anyway and you’ll soon run rings round them.”

 

#155:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 10:56 pm

Archie is lovely - a really nice lad.
Quote:
Reg went red. “Hey, don’t get upset! How were you to know? A lot of boys don’t know when they come to Polgarth. You just have to shrug it off if you get teased a bit.
Hopefully Archie's headed off a return of the Reg that doesn't like to be teased. Confused Oh, I see Matron's are the same the world over!! Wink Thanks Pat - wonderful as always.

 

#156:  Author: auntie karry, Location: Stoke on Trent PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 6:55 am

pat wrote
Quote:
Reg thought for a moment wondering how to express himself. This had been one of his fears and he had already thought it through. “I’m who I am! I shall just try to ignore them.” Archie clapped him on his good shoulder. “Good for you. You’ll do! They’re mostly idiots anyway and you’ll soon run rings round them.”
Good for Reg - and Archie seems as though he is going to be a good friend!

 

#157:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 7:16 am

Lovely post, Pat, Archie seems a good sort.

 

#158:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 9:43 am

Really hope he gets on okay and the bullys arent too bad.... *Hope the bunnys are being well fed, parcels up some carrots as a treat anyway*

 

#159:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 9:55 am

I'm glad Reg's fears are beginning to fade!

 

#160:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:46 am

Archie seems really nice can see Reg being ok with him there to point the way. Thank you Pat.

 

#161:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 1:06 pm

Lovely Pat!!! Thank you! So glad Reg is refusing to be ashamed of who he is!!!

 

#162:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:02 pm

By the time they arrived back at the house, the smaller children were in bed and all the visitors had left except Frank. Frank left with Archie as soon as they returned.

It had been arranged that Reg and his Auntie should stay to supper and Jack would drive them home afterwards. In response to Auntie’s assurance that they could walk, Jo had laughed. “We’ve been saving our petrol for special occasions and this is one!”

Soon they were all sitting round the supper table enjoying a festive meal of chicken and vegetables from the garden. Anna had cajoled Debby into teaching her to make Yorkshire Pudding in honour of the guests and, Jack declared, had made him eat her attempts till they were up to standard.

“So that’s where the extra inch on your waistline comes from!” exclaimed Jo.

“It’s all my mother’s fault.” Jack returned. “she always said I didn’t pay for feeding, I was so scraggy.

Reg choked on his lemonade and looked meaningfully at his Aunt. “I’ve heard that somewhere before.”

“Aye! And ‘you must have hollow legs!’ as well.” she responded.

Jack laughed. “My mother said that too. It must be something all mothers say!” There was an awkward silence.

Jo reached across the table and put her hand over Auntie’s. “Please don’t be offended. It was a compliment, really. You’ve brought Reg up and that makes you his mother in a way. I never knew my real mother either but Madge, my sister was a mother to me, like you have been to Reg. You’ve done a good job with Reg. I hope I do as well with my children.”

Auntie digested this for a moment. “I’m not offended. I just did my best.” And she looked at Reg for a moment before going on. “Even if I did feel like a hen hatching a duckling at times!”

“If it’s any consolation,” Jack said, lightening the tone, “My mother said that, too.” And he raised his glass to Auntie. “Here’s to mothers, whatever the blood relationship!”

After supper, they took their coffee into the drawing room and sat round with the French doors open to let in the breeze. Jo produced some photo albums and showed Auntie snaps of her family and friends, sighing over some who were still trapped in Europe and regaling Auntie with outrageous tales of her schooldays, while Reg and Jack sat together at a table at the other end of the room and pored over a large, very old book of birds painted in the nineteenth century.

Eventually dusk fell and they had to close the doors and put up the blackout in order to turn on the lights. All too soon it was time for Reg and Auntie to leave. The said goodbye in the hall and Jo switched out the light so she could come onto the porch to wave goodbye. When the car had turned onto the main road, she went back into the house and, carefully closing the door before switching on the light, she ran lightly up the stairs to the nursery to check on the children.

She came down and prepared cocoa, ready for Jack’s return and sat quietly at the kitchen table to wait for him. Jack was not long and came into the kitchen and planted a kiss on her head. These quiet moments at the end of the day were precious to them and they were accustomed to discussing the events of the day over their cocoa.

When they had finished, they rinsed their cups and left them to drain and checked the doors were locked. As they went up stairs, Jo said idly. “I wonder what the future holds for Reg when he is grown up. He’s not had it easy so far and he’s much too serious for his age. He’s only twelve and sometimes he seems older than me. He’s really nearer the triplets in age!”

Jack laughed, “Who knows? We’ve got to get him through the next few years first. I can’t look any further ahead than that. I should think he’ll make up for being serious when he’s at school. I’d like to hear of pranks galore. Though he probably won’t tell us about them, anyway. Now come on, woman and stop nattering, I’ve got an early start tomorrow.”

Jo laughed and followed, but as she brushed her hair, she mentally added Reg to the list of children she prayed for daily.

 

#163:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:29 pm

Oh that was so lovely, Pat, from the Yorkshire puds, to the talk about mothers, to the thoughts of Reg's future and the last bit where Joey adds Reg to her prayers. Beautiful, thank you. Kiss

 

#164:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 11:41 pm

Pat, that really was a beautiful post! Thank you!

 

#165:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 12:06 am

Lesley's said it all really. Thanks Pat. I'll go to bed with very happy dreams now.

 

#166:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 12:58 am

Think Lesley said it all. A lovely post - I've just caught up on this and its still wonderfully written.

 

#167:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 9:48 am

Agrees Lesley summed it up. Beautiful. Thank you Pat.

 

#168:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 9:51 am

Mmmm, Yorkshire pudding-yummy! Very Happy

 

#169:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 8:01 pm

The next morning, Sybil arrived before breakfast was finished. “Sorry to be so early.” Said Jem who had brought her in the car on the way to work. He tossed Louis in the air, much to his delight, gave Frieda a quick peck on the cheek and ruffled Reg’s hair. “Nice to see you again. Sorry this is a quick visit but I’m running late already.”

He went round the table and shook Auntie’s hand. “Mrs Thirtle, pleased to meet you. As you will have gathered, I’m Sybil’s father, Jem Russell. We’re coming to Garnham for a holiday later in the year with our newest daughter. I hope we’ll see something of you then. I’m sorry we couldn’t have you to visit this time. As you know we have a very young daughter and my wife has not been well so is keeping quiet.

I have to fly now. Frieda, if you pop Sybil on the bus when you’ve had enough of her and phone Madge to say what time, they’ll watch for her. Be good Sybs.” and he kissed Sybil and was gone.

“Have you had breakfast, Sybs, or did Daddy hurry you out of the house without?” Frieda asked.

“I had some but he was all in a rush so I could eat some more, Auntie, if you could spare it.”

“Sit down then and help yourself to toast. Do you want a boiled egg?”

“No thanks. Toast is plenty.”

Once they had finished, Reg and Sybil set off down the garden to the orchard and Sybil showed Reg a gap in the hedge where they could get through into a small wood and they squeezed through. Once in the wood, Sybil was obviously in her element and proudly led the way through the trees on a narrow path. Reg saw that some the trees had been repeatedly cut almost to the ground and thin young shoots stretched upwards.

“Why do they do that?” he asked.

“They use the young shoots for fencing and baskets and things like that.” Sybil explained. “There’s a man who comes in the winter and cuts them down and takes the shoots to make things. Look, they’re all bendy.” And she bent one of the shoots nearly to the ground. “Daddy brought us last winter to see him working and then we went and saw his workshop in the village. Daddy bought Mummy a lovely shopping basket. He told us about his father and grandfather who did it before him and they used to make charcoal by burning the wood as well, but everyone uses coal now so they don’t do it any more. They only cut some of the trees each year. He said that was so they wouldn’t get tired and die.”

They walked on until they came to a clearing in the wood. “Promise you won’t tell anyone.” Said Sybil “and I’ll show you my den. No one knows about it. I made it in the spring. You know I told you about my sister getting scalded last term?” Reg nodded. “Mummy wasn’t well and they didn’t want me around because it was all my fault so they sent me to stay with Auntie Jo at half term.

She to let me come and see Auntie Frieda some days and I used to come out to play while she had to rest. I remembered this wood and found a gorgeous place to make a den.” She was leading the way to a clump of bushes as she spoke and now pulled aside a curtain of Old Man’s beard and ivy which was growing over a clump of bushes. “This is where I went to cry when I got upset or just to think. It’s really private.” Reg had to bend quite low to crawl in but, once inside, there was space for both of them and he saw that, if you pulled the hanging vines back across the opening, enough light came through to see.

“It’s a lovely place to hide.” Reg said. “Better than my shed where I hide when I’m upset. That has cobwebs and I get filthy!” They settled down on the ground, and Reg asked. “Are things better now? Your dad seemed all right with you this morning and I thought he was at Garnham.”

Sybil sighed. “Dad’s fine, he’s forgiven me, but Mummy is so busy with our new sister and with Josette that she doesn’t have time to talk to me. I do what I can and just keep out of the way the rest of the time. It will never be the same again.”

“Is Josette all right now?”

“Not really. They say the scars will fade in time but they still look awful. She has to stay away from school for a year because the accident hurt her heart. I don’t understand that but it’s what Daddy says. David doesn’t want to play any more. He’s been away with a school friend most of the holidays and now he says he’s too old to play with me and spends most of his time making model aeroplanes. The worst of it is that Josette wants to play with me. She doesn’t blame me! But Mummy always stops us after a few minutes and says Josette has to rest. She never leaves us alone together. I can’t wait to get back to school.”

Reg didn’t know what to say and there was silence for a few minutes. “Grown ups always say things will get better in time.” He finally ventured. “Do you think they forget what it was like when they were children?” He thought a little more but couldn’t think of anything else to say.

“Show me some more of the wood.” He said at last. “I love your den but I haven’t seen the rest of the wood.”

They crawled out, brushed themselves down and set off on a side path and went right through the wood to where a hedgerow bordered a field. Sybil whooped in delight. “Blackberries! They’re ripe now. They weren’t ready before we went on holiday. We should have brought a basket and picked some.” They ate all they could and then wandered back the way they came while Sybil told Reg about school and her friends there. It seemed to be her real life and Reg wondered if he would feel the same.

 

#170:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 8:21 pm

Ohhhhhh!!!! poor little Sybil!!! *hugs Sybil*

 

#171:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 9:28 pm

Poor Sybs, she's only a kid herself. Crying or Very sad Thanks Pat.

 

#172:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 9:40 pm

Poor Sybil. She must feel as if no one trusts her as well as still feeling so guilty. Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#173:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 10:44 pm

Awwww my poor little Sybil Pie! Crying or Very sad *Gives her plenty of hugs*

 

#174:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 3:40 am

Thanks, Pat! It's great to see Reg befriending poor old Sybil, and Archie Reg. Especially enjoyed the atmosphere at Joey & Jack's. Very Happy

 

#175:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 4:06 pm

Poor, poor Sybil, to feel all that weight of criticism and condemnation from the person who should be the most loving towards her.

 

#176:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 8:26 pm

After lunch Sybil and Reg walked down to the village and Sybil caught the bus home. Then Reg walked up the hill to the San for a last visit to Phoebe. He walked slowly, glad of the time alone. He wasn’t used to fitting into other people’s timetables twenty four hours a day. Out of school, he had grown up with a lot of freedom and Auntie had accepted his need to be alone. In fact he realised for the first time, she felt the same and was probably glad he was out so much.

He had only just realised quite how a boarding school ran to such a strict timetable when Sybil had been telling him about her school and he wondered if he would get used to being with other people all the time at school, even sleeping in a dormitory.

There was a chill in the air and he was glad Auntie had made him pack a pullover. He noticed a few leaves falling from the trees as the wind picked up. Looking round, he saw a few wispy clouds were forming over the hills, heralding the first rain for weeks. Tomorrow, he and Auntie would set off for Garnham again. The following week, he would start at Polgarth for the first time. For him (and he was still young enough to think that this was the most important item) this would be the biggest change of all.

It was now the end of summer.

 

#177:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 9:33 pm

Awww! Is that the end of this part Pat? Have you finished or will there be further episodes in Reg and Auntie's life? Absolutely beautiful, sublime, thank you.

 

#178:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 1:27 am

Just wonderful Pat

 

#179:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 10:08 am

That was lovely PatMac - thank you Liz *desperately hoping it's not the end*

 

#180:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 10:37 am

Wonderful Pat, I hope you are going to submit this to the Sally Denny Library when you are finished as this definitely should be in there

 

#181:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 11:06 am

Embarassed Thanks everyone. Most encouraging comments which do help to keep me going. Yes, that is the end of this part and Part 5 is on it's way soon. The first few posts are written but bunny is trying to get me OT and I'm struggling with it at the moment. Quite frankly Reg's story is going to be so long anyway that I can't afford space to go OT. Another of the little furry friends has come up with a short which is definitely FCS but I have to read the whole of Holocaust, first. Fortunately I read most of RCS1 in my attempts to find out who Jane Baker is. The first section will be up tonight. I hope. ETA For those who were involved in the discussion about Lewis's, now Allders. Allders has gone bust and is in administration. It is still open but the administrators are hoping to sell some of the stores and the rest will probably close.

 

#182:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 11:14 am

That was a lovely ending! Glad there will be more about Reg's life!

 

#183:  Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 12:30 pm

very glad to hear that there will be a part 5!

 

#184:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 1:14 pm

Thanks, Pat, that was a lovely part. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

 

#185:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 4:01 pm

patmac wrote:
Another of the little furry friends has come up with a short which is definitely FCS but I have to read the whole of Holocaust, first.
Anything I can help with Pat? i can't remember wether or not we killed Reg off if thats what you are wondering...but I do have a complete yibble free version if it will help. Laughing As long as holocaust is not revived I'm looking forward to seeing where your furry critters are leading. Laughing Laughing Laughing

 

#186:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 4:08 pm

Thank you, Pat! *Looking forward to part 5* and mightily curious about just what else you and the bunnies have cooked up....

 

#187:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 4:15 pm

Thank you Pat Very Happy I really enjoyed seeing more of both Reg and Auntie. They are both a lot more 'real' now. Looking forward to part 5 - will this be Reg at school? Caroline

 

#188:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2005 9:48 pm

Pat, I'm eagerly awaiting part five....... Wink (please?)

 

#189:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 11:34 am

I like the Sybil bit you built up. If she had been at millies and not gone to Australia what would have happened? What about the Sybil drabble now????? It is so poignant that she says things wont be the same again.

 

#190:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 2:15 pm

Also eagerly awaiting part 5, but on the promise that there is lots more to come I am prepared to be patient for a while Liz

 

#191:  Author: Emily, Location: Land of White Coats and Stethoscopes. PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 3:31 pm

That was beautiful, am anticipating the next part as eagerly as Reg Very Happy

 

#192:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 7:54 pm

Thank you, Pat, those last few posts were lovely. Really looking forward to Part 5!

 

#193:  Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster PostPosted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 8:15 pm

Wow, have just caught up on this and can't wait for part 5 now. Thank you Pat.

 

#194:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 10:10 am

Thank you Pat! A lovely way to end the summer. Looking forward to part 5!

 

#195:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:08 pm

I've just caught up on over a week's worth of posts to come to the end of this part, Pat. Thankyou so much - your writing is wonderful. I'm looking forward to Part 5 with eager anticipation. Smile

 

#196:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 2:34 pm

A wonderful end to a wonderful Part 4. Thanks so much Pat. Very Happy Am eagerly awaiting the start of Part 5...

 

#197:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 2:59 pm

Thanks Pat. This is a wonderful story. You have all the characters off so well and have brought a depth to them all that is not in the books. Looking forward to Part 5!

 

#198:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 3:47 pm

I'm sorry for posting this so long after it was completed, but I've only just managed to catch up Embarassed and wanted to say how much I enjoyed it before I go on to Part 5.

Thanks Patmac!

 

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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