The CBB :: View topic - Time for a Change

Time for a Change - Part Two

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

#351: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 10:33 am

Thinking "famous last words" here... Wink

Poor Felicity! Can't help feeling very sorry for her - she was idiotic, yes, but she was only trying to help Sad

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

Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:16 pm

Poor Felicity but at least she has a nice SLOC to cry over.

Thanks Liz

#353: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:47 pm

...until she finds out Laura and Mike like each other of course.

Is it just me, or does Felicity seem to be Joey all over again?

Oh, and Laughing

at this line

Quote:

Sitting next to him on a convenient fallen tree,

thanks Liz

#354: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 1:33 pm

Thanks Liz, it is great to see Felicity realising her mistakes, first with Catherine and then with Felix and being upset about what she has done. Lets just hope she'll learn her lesson soon!

#355: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 2:35 pm

Well at least Felicity realises how silly she was, she should pay more attention to her own bloke and elave Laura and Felix (and Mike) alone!

*hugs Felix for being so understanding*
He'll make somebody a great SLOC someday.

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

Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 11:19 pm

Anthony is so lovely!!!!

He gives good advice and he carries clean handkerchiefs - what more can she want?

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

Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 1:58 pm

“Are you sure there’s nothing you want to tell me, or someone else, about?”

Catherine looked at James directly. “You know, when I was growing up here, everyone in the family always knew what was wrong with people at the San. We knew if they were very ill, or just here as a precaution. We knew about their families, their hobbies and everything else of interest. Papa would talk to Mamma or Reg or Uncle Phil and we would hear stuff. I need to know that if I tell you something, nobody else, especially my family, will ever get to hear of it. Otherwise I can’t tell you anything.”

“I promise.” James said solemnly, “not a word to anybody. I’ll shake on it if you like?” he offered her his hand.

Catherine hesitantly reached out and accepted it. “This doesn’t mean I’m about to tell you everything.”

“When you are ready, you can tell me as much or as little as you want to. I believe it will help you to talk about what’s bothering you, but I’m not going to force a confidence from you.”

“I’ll think about it then.” She managed a slight smile.

“That’s all I’m asking for.” James told her gently and left her to her thoughts.

#358: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 2:03 pm

aw another nice man! you do write yummy men, Liz!
From experience or wishful thinking?!? Wink

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

Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 3:31 pm

Hope Catherine can now confide in James.

Thanks Liz!

#360: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:22 pm

Thank goodness Felicity has seen the error of her ways. Let's hope she doesn't read to much into Felix and Laura spending time together. Poor Catherine hope she is able to confide in James.

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

Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 5:56 pm

*sits of edge of seat waiting to hear what Catherine has to say to James*

#362: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 6:08 pm

I'm glad at least James respects paitient/doctor confidentiality, nobody else at the San seemed to much!

Thanks Liz.

#363: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 8:20 pm

Oh Please let Catherine tell James her problems before Friday! I can't wait another month!!!!

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

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 2:00 pm

Robin wrote:

aw another nice man! you do write yummy men, Liz!
From experience or wishful thinking?!? Wink

A little of the former, but mostly latter I'm afraid!

As part of the plan to keep Felicity from trying to get them together Felix invited Laura to go to the San when he went to visit Catherine and Mike.

Catherine greeted them cheerfully when they arrived. Although she hadn’t told anyone what she was on her mind, the possibility that she might be able to talk to James had helped to lighten her gloom. Felix and Laura spent an entertaining hour with her before she started to tire and they left her to take a nap.

“Hey,” Mike looked up with a smile as his visitors entered his room. The smile faltered momentarily as he saw Felix follow Laura through the door, but he was glad to see his brother, so he pushed all other thoughts to the back of his mind and asked what had been going on at Freudesheim lately.

… “and so after Bella and Quim went to bed, we were sitting in the salon, chatting when there was a squeal from upstairs. Mamma and Phil went to investigate and found that Quim had leapt out of bed and said something cold was creeping down the bed and was going to eat his toes. Goodness knows where he got that idea from.”

Mike grinned, “There was a story someone told him once, that had some kind of monster that tried – unsuccessfully, I might add – to creep into children’s beds and eat their toes if they didn’t wash their feet properly. For some reason he latched onto the idea of this monster, and for about a month afterwards I had to check under the bed and behind the chest of drawers to make sure there was no monster hiding there. I thought he’d forgotten about it now, but obviously he hasn’t!”

“Well, Phil and Mamma checked the bed and found the key, of course. Bella was most disappointed; she said it was buried treasure for Quim to find. Quim was persuaded that the monster wasn’t there and went back to sleep, and so the mystery was solved.” The three of them all laughed at the conclusion of the tale.

“At least we can laugh about it now,” Felix added, “I can’t say it seemed so funny yesterday afternoon,”

“It certainly didn’t,” agreed Laura, “I could have slaughtered Felicity.”

“I don’t blame you,” said Felicity’s twin. “I’m not sure I’m quite ready to forgive her for her part in it yet.”

“Oh, I think you should,” said Laura, “after all, I’m sure she’s learnt her lesson, and we’re on our guard now if she does try anything else.”

“You should know by now what Felicity’s like anyway,” put in Mike, “you’ve always been the sensible twin, ever since you were small. Anyway, she had an awful shock over the accident and breaking out and doing such a childish kind of thing might be part of the reaction to that.”

“Well, I’ll talk to her when we get home,” conceded Felix. “I suppose I can’t stay mad at her forever!”

“And I hope someone told Bella she mustn’t go around taking keys from doors – I don’t think it would be a good habit for her to pick up. Her last bad habit was to collect worms from the garden and bring them into the house as her ‘pets’. It gave one lady who visited us rather a nasty shock when she picked up her handbag to go home and found one wriggling over it. I’ve managed to persuade her that they’re happier living outside, so now she just kisses them and puts them back on the ground!”

“Lovely!” exclaimed Felix, and they all laughed. Mike shifted slightly in the bed and the laughter on his face was suddenly swept away by pain. Felix and Laura leapt to their feet and bent over him.

“It’s my leg,” groaned Mike, “I…” his face contorted again and they hurried to make him more comfortable, Laura supporting his leg, while Felix lifted Mike’s upper body. It only took a moment, then the pain faded from Mike’s face, although he still looked rather drawn. Laura hurried to find a nurse and returned shortly with both a nurse and Reg.

Between them they explained what had happened. “I think I’d like to send you for some more x-rays, and run some tests Mike.” Reg told him, “just to check everything’s alright. Will you arrange that for him as soon as possible please, Yvette?” The nurse nodded and left the room. “I’ll also give you something for the pain,” Reg continued, “it will probably make you a bit sleepy.” He gave Mike an injection as he spoke.

“Reg, there’s something wrong isn’t there?” Mike asked him.

#365: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 2:05 pm

O no! A cliff! As if we needed more in this story. Don't leave it there, Liz, come back and tell more.

Did I ever tell you that I love this story?

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

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 2:06 pm

I hope Mike's leg is alright! Nice to see Felix and Laura making friends - hopefully Mike and Laura have a chance now (Providing nothing nasty happens in the meantime, of course...)

#367: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 2:24 pm

Wibbles about Mike's leg.... Confused

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

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 2:27 pm

Good cliff! Thanks Liz.

#369: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 2:28 pm

Lovely post, with a lovely cliff. Please post more about Mike soon.

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

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 2:30 pm

There was I enjoying a nice tale of mischief, then, arrgghh, a cliff!!!

I hope Mike will be ok *wibbles*

#371: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 2:55 pm

Oh No! Poor Mike I hope it is not serious.

Glad Felix and Laura are getting on well but hope she is soon able to tell Mike how she feels about him.

Thanks Liz.

#372: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 3:21 pm

Oh poor Mike!

At least he now knows that Felix and Laura's relationship isn't going anywhere though.

Thanks Liz

#373: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 4:34 pm

Poor Mike!

But love the explanation of what happened to the key. Very Happy

#374: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:47 am

oh poor mike. Hope his leg is ok.

thanks Liz!

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

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 1:32 pm

Reg looked at Mike. “I am rather worried,” he admitted. “This isn’t the first time you’ve had pain like this, and at first we expected it, but by now it shouldn’t be happening. It’s possible there’s a problem with the bone healing, which is why I want him to have another x-ray and do these tests; that will hopefully show us if there is a problem.”

“So, what’s the worst-case scenario?” asked Mike. “Please tell me” he continued, as he saw the hesitation on Reg’s face, “I’d rather know now and be prepared. And if Felix and Laura know, they can prepare the rest of the family.”

“Well, you may have restricted use of that leg, walk with a limp or even need a wheelchair. The absolute worst-case would mean you’d lose that leg.” Reg told him candidly. “But there’s every chance that that won’t happen and you might recover completely. The important thing is to think positively about it, and everyone will do the best we can to help you get better. We’ll hopefully have better news in a day or two.”

Mike nodded. “Please, don’t tell anyone else about this until we have the results – I need time to come to terms with things before I get questions or sympathy and there’s no point worrying everyone when it may be unnecessary. I think I’d like some time own my own for now. If you don’t mind.”

Laura nodded and left the room. Felix gripped Mike’s shoulder, conveying what he could not put into words, and followed Reg out of the room.

Before Felix could ask his brother-in-law any more questions, Reg was called off to see to another patient. Wordlessly, Felix and Laura made their way out of the San, trying to come to terms with the possibilities of what they had been told. Suddenly all the medical knowledge they had about the high probababily of a good recovery meant nothing. The possibility that Mike might lose his leg loomed over them like a huge black shadow.

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

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 1:37 pm

Oh, poor Mike. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Liz.

#377: Author: Sarah, Location: Ormskirk, Lancashire

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 1:38 pm

Por Mike! Poor Laura and Felix and everyone! Sad

#378: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 2:34 pm

Oh no

#379: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 3:04 pm

AAGGHHH!! Poor Mike! Poor Laura, I cna see more complications for them now.

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

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 4:23 pm

Poor Mike. I hope the x-ray results are positive.

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

Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 1:40 pm

Felix lay in bed wide awake, his thoughts in a whirl. In his mind’s eye he could see the expression on Laura’s face when Reg had told them about Mike. With a double whammy, he had taken in the news at the same time as realisation hit him that Laura was in love with Mike. With his brother.

Well, Laura had been honest with him. She had told him that she cared for someone else. He hadn’t expected it to be his brother though.

Did Mike care about her at all. Felix had no idea if he had or not. Mike had been so in love with Catalina, they had been a perfect couple, their happiness completed with the arrival of their twins. Would he be able to feel the same again for any other woman?

Felix wondered if he would be able to stand by and watch if Laura and Mike fell in love with each other. How could he watch the girl he had hoped to marry with his brother.

His brother who might not walk again.

How could he be so selfish as to get in the way of any possibility of happiness for Mike. Mike who had risked his life to save Catherine, who had nearly died there on the road, and who, even now, might lose a leg. Only a complete cad would begrudge him anything.

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

Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 1:42 pm

Poor, poor Felix. What a horrible situation to be in.

Ray *awaiting more with interest*

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

Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:37 pm

Poor Felix, what a dilemma.

#384: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 5:00 pm

Felix and Mike are both so lovely that they should both be happy! Sad

#385: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:29 pm

Oh poor Felix. And poor Mike. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Liz.

Hope both situations end up happily ever after. (lives in dream world and would like in not to be shattered! Wink

)

#386: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 12:24 am

Cazx wrote:

Felix and Mike are both so lovely that they should both be happy! Sad

Agrees wholeheartedley!

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

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 9:13 am

Thanks to the lovely Cazx for beta-ing

“I need to know that telling you this isn’t going to be akin to telling my family.”

James nodded, his eyes not leaving her face. Her eyes were rimmed with red with dark shadows beneath and her skin was pale and taut.

“There was this guy I met,” she began, hesitantly, “I… his name was… well, let’s call him Eric.”

“I really liked him a lot, and he liked me too, or I thought he did. We went out a few times, dinner, dancing, the cinema and so on. Then one day we went for a picnic.” Her voice trailed off as she went into a reverie. James leaned forward and pressed his hand encouragingly over hers for a moment, and she focused her eyes on her surroundings again and continued.

“We had driven out into the country somewhere. He seemed a bit strange that day, a bit nervy or edgy the whole time, but when I asked him, he told me he was alright. We found a quiet spot by a river and decided to have our picnic first and then go for a stroll along by the river, and maybe see if we could get a boat somewhere and go out on the water. After lunch I felt sleepy and …Eric encouraged me to have a nap, getting almost angry with me when I said a walk would soon wake me up. So I fell asleep. I know now, of course, that I was drugged.”

There was another pause.

“That’s why I get so angry sometimes when I hear of how Papa would sometimes slip something into Mamma’s coffee without her knowing it. It’s one thing to give drugs to patients in hospital, who are there for treatment, but outside of that it’s not right to take that control and knowledge away from someone like that. To make them helpless and incapable.”

“You know, for a long time afterwards, I couldn’t eat or drink anything that I hadn’t prepared myself. Even now, I’ll only accept a drink or meal from someone I know and trust, and, outside of my family and the people here at the San, most of whom I’ve known since childhood, that’s very few people.”

“When I woke up it was pitch black, I was tied up on a bed – my wrists behind my back and my ankles tied together, a gag over my mouth, and I had no idea where I was.”

#388: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 9:23 am

No problem Liz! Very Happy

*Quietly gloats over what happens next!*

#389: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 9:56 am

Oh no! Never thought of that. Poor Cecil/Catherine no wonder she wants to change her name.

#390: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 10:28 am

waaah
poor Cecil, how horrible.

and no gloating please Cazx - anybody seen Uto?!?

thanks Liz

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

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 11:19 am

What an awful thing to happen, poor Catherine Sad

*hugs her tightly*

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

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 12:13 pm

Oh, poor Catherine. Shocked

No wonder she had nightmares.

#393: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 1:09 pm

Poor Catherine!

Poor Mike! Poor Felix! Poor Laura!

I'm tripping over cliff after cliff here, but it's very good and I'm enjying it so I guess I'll have to put up with the shocks Wink

thank you Liz.

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

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 3:42 pm

oh Catherine!

poor poor girl

#395: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 4:08 pm

Oh lordy, poor Cecil/Catherine Shocked

Hope talking to James can help her rid herself of some of the demons.

Thanks Liz.

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

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 6:29 pm

Catherine was shaking as she continued to tell her story.

“I don’t know how long it was before anyone came in – it felt like hours. Eventually the door opened and a light shone in. It dazzled me and I couldn’t see who was holding it. They shone it over me and without a word went back out again. A few minutes later I heard footsteps and the door opened again. A man came in with a lantern and came over to look down on me. He made some comment about me being awake and then turned and went away – he left the lantern and I heard him tell someone to get me something to eat. Someone else came back a bit later and took off the gag and gave me some water, they didn’t untie my hands, so he held the cup and it dribbled all down me – then he stuffed some bread in my mouth, almost faster than I could eat it, gagged me again and went – all without a word. He left the light behind though, so at least I could look around at where I was.”

“It was a small room – apart from the bed I was lying on there was a table under a window with bars across it, and a couple of straight-backed chairs. I couldn’t think why anyone would want to abduct me and what for.”

It turned out, later that they wanted money – a lot of it – and they told me I had to write to Phil, demanding it and telling her I would be harmed if she didn’t pay them. At first I refused to write the letter, so they left me in the dark without any food or anything, for about a day and a half from what I could tell. Then when I still wouldn’t write it, they started to threaten me and then… one of them… he grabbed hold of my little finger on my left hand and broke it. He said that I had over 200 bones in my body and he would break each on of them, one after another, if I didn’t write the letter, and then until the money came from Phil. He… he… threatened to do other things to me as well.” A shudder ran through her at the memory. “So I wrote the letter, but I addressed it wrongly. Phil lives in Oakthorn Gardens but I addressed it to Oakthorpe Crescent. They didn’t notice, or possibly didn’t even know if it was right or not and took it away to post and left me alone again.”

#397: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 8:09 pm

Poor Catherine. A dreadful ordeal for her, and trying so hard not to do as they want. She was so brave.

#398: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 8:20 pm

No wonder she didn't want to be a Maynard.
Thanks Liz.

#399: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 10:39 pm

Oh, poor Catherine

thanks Liz

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

Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 11:47 pm

Poor Catherine - still, at least it wasn't for the reason I first thought....

#401: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 12:12 am

Poor, poor Catherine, and so brave too to be able to think to misadress the letter.

*hugs her (and Felix too)*

Thanks Liz

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

Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 11:02 am

*Wonders what reason Lesley thought of*

“But they forgot to tie my hands up when they went and, although it took some time and my finger was hurting badly, I managed to untie my legs and, once the circulation had returned I could move again. I got off the bed and went to the door. I remembered reading once in a book how someone got out of a locked room by slipping a piece of paper under the door, pushing the key out of the lock with a bit of wire onto the paper and pulling it back under the door. There was quite a big gap at the bottom of the door and I figured I’d got nothing to lose, so I tired it and it worked. I shut the door and locked it behind me and crept to the top of the stairs. When I got to the bottom I could hear voices talking and I stopped to listen. They were in a room, talking about how they would get all this money from Phil. Then one of the men suggested that when Phil dropped off the money for them, they should grab her too and maybe they could get even more that way. The one who had threatened me (I recognised his voice) said that if nothing else he’d be able to have some fun with her as well as me.” She paused. “I feel sick just thinking about it.”

James put his hand gently over hers. “It’s alright, you’re safe now.”

“Anyway,” she continued, as if she hadn’t heard him. “I didn’t stop around to hear anything more. The front door was bolted, so I pulled the bolt back as quietly as a good, then I opened the door, but the hinges creaked so loudly. I heard them jump up and shout, so I slammed it shut behind me and just ran. They chased me, but I turned down one street after another until I was sure there was nobody following any more. I wandered around for most of the night, I think, then I found a station. That was when I realised I had no money or anything with me, but I managed to sneak onto a train to London and avoid the ticket collector.”

“When I got back to my lodgings I packed up my things and moved out. For a few weeks I lived in bed and breakfasts, never staying anywhere for long, never really feeling safe. I phoned my office and said I was leaving, sorry about not giving notice, but it turned out I was fired anyway for not turning up for days.”

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

Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 11:48 am

Oh poor Catherine - and I bet she never reported it or anything. No wonder she wanted to deny all relationship with Phil and therefore the Maynards. Crying or Very sad

Surely if she told the family, they would understand?

#404: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 1:20 pm

thanks Liz.

#405: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 4:51 pm

What an awful experience! No wonder she wanted to change her name....

#406: Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield

Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 4:58 pm

Poor Catherine - it's all coming together Sad

Hope she can find some good to come out of it all. Thanks Liz.

Star Wars

#407: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 12:35 am

Poor Catherine it is a wonder she ever went home again! How horrible for her.

Thanks Liz.

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

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 1:47 pm

“After a while, I had the idea of changing my name. Then nobody would know I was related to Phil or Con or Mamma and it would make me safer. I tried to tell myself that it wasn’t because I was scared, that I’d always been fed up of being ‘one of the Maynard girls’, like I told my family, that it would give me my own identity, and I vowed to never think about what had happened. Catherine Robertson would be a completely different person from Cecil Maynard.”

“I know you’re thinking, why didn’t I just tell them, but Mamma and Papa worry an awful lot about Phil’s pop-star lifestyle as it is, and Mamma would be awfully upset if she knew how Phil was threatened. I did drop some hints to Phil’s manager, and I know they’ve stepped up her security when she’s in England, so she’ll be safe and doesn’t need to know about it. I stopped myself from thinking about it, but since the accident it’s not been so easy. I can stop during the day, usually, but I keep having nightmares about it, about being tied up and feeling that man touch me, and look at me, and being helpless. I’m sorry. I told myself I wasn’t going to cry.” The tears poured down her cheeks and she tried desperately to stop them.

“Crying might do you some good.” James told her, squeezing her hand gently. “You can use my shoulder if you’d like?” He waited until she gulped and buried her face there before gently putting his arms around her and stroking her back. He felt angry at what had happened to her, but knew he had to deal with that later, for now she needed comfort.

Having opened floodgates that had been straining for some time, it was a while before Catherine’s sobs started to calm down, and James cradled her in his arms and let her have her cry out, aware that continuing to repress her memories and feelings would do her more harm than good. Eventually, Catherine sat upright, with a loud sniff, and looked at him, slightly embarrassed. “I’m sorry” she said again.

“Stop apologising, you’ve nothing to be sorry for.” James reassured her.

“I’ve made your shirt all wet.” She pointed out.

“Well, that’s nothing that won’t dry. And it’s not important, anyway. What is important is that you needed to get that out of your system. Not that I’m saying all your problems are solved now, but I hope that telling me about what happened will have helped you. And of course, now I know, you can talk to me about it anytime you feel the need to.”

“And you won’t tell anybody else?”

“I won’t breathe a word of it, I promise.” He assured her, and was rewarded with a rather watery attempt at a smile.

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

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 1:58 pm

Poor Catherine - hope she feels better for telling James.

Thanks Liz.

#410: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 2:58 pm

Ths is so sad, Liz. Isn't James a sweetheart though. Hope all this proves cathartic for her.

thanks Smile

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

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 5:22 pm

Im glad shes had a good cry, and hopefully this shows that James' methods are working.

Thanks Liz

#412: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 5:39 pm

Lesley wrote:

Poor Catherine - still, at least it wasn't for the reason I first thought....

I thought the same, too!

It's a shame she didn't tell someone before!

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

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 7:21 pm

I had a feeling it might be something like that back when she was calling out for Phil. But that must have been an awful experience, no wonder she wanted to change her name.

(((Catherine)))

JackieJ

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

Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 9:14 pm

Awwww!!! Poor Catherine!!!
I hope having told someone will help her get past the memory!

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

Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 6:55 pm

James kept a vigil again that night, but for the first night in a long time, Catherine slept soundly, undisturbed by memories or nightmares.

#416: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 10:09 am

LizB wrote:

James kept a vigil again that night, but for the first night in a long time, Catherine slept soundly, undisturbed by memories or nightmares.

wow, just read all of that (didn't realise it had been updated!)
poor poor catherine. Am really pleased that she managed to sleep well - must have been so cathartic (sp?) to get all that off her chest.

Thanks Liz.

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

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 5:20 pm

Someone was crying. Laura surfaced from sleep to hear the sound. She listened intently. A child. It was a child crying. Getting out of bed, she left the room and went into the hallway. Slowly, she made her way along until she located the room the sound was coming from. Opening the door, she found Isabella huddled in her bed, crying, while her brother slept peacefully a few feet away.

Sitting down on the bed, she gathered the small girl into her arms and rocked her gently, until the sobs subsided and she fell asleep. Unable to settle her back down without disturbing her, she leant back was against the wall and remained there, drowsing uncomfortably on and off, for the rest of the night.

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

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 7:17 pm

Awwww good for Laura - nice that Mike's children can instinctively trust her.

#419: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 12:44 pm

Lovely

Laura's obviously getting close to Mike's kids, which is a good sign.

thanks Liz. Smile

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

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 9:35 pm

Felicity was up early for once, and Jo managed to catch her on her own in the dining room, after the very early members of the family (Jack, Con and Phil) had eaten and before the rest of the family appeared.

“So, Fliss, who is this young man you’ve been going for walks with?” she asked, conversationally and was interested to see her daughter blush.

“His name is Anthony Tinlow. He was the passenger in the car and he helped me; he looked after Catherine after the accident, while I dealt with Mike.” Felicity explained.

“Where’s he from? What’s he doing on the platz?” asked Joey.

“He’s from London, and he came to visit here because he was tired of Interlaken and wanted to see something of the mountains. Why?” Felicity’s tone had become slightly defensive.

“I’d just like to know a bit more about him, considering you’re wandering around the place with him on your own. Who are his family? What does he do? Maybe we should have him to tea.”

“What does it matter what he does or who his family is?” asked Felicity, “surely it’s what he’s like as a person that’s important?” without giving her mother a chance to answer she continued. “And I know it would be a good idea to have him for tea, but with Mike and Catherine in the San and hordes of family around it’s not going to be the easiest thing to arrange right now is it? Maybe once things have calmed down a bit you could invite him.”

“Well…” Joey was hesitant

“If I promise I will always let you know where I’m going and when to expect me back, will that make things any better?”

Joey looked at her. She remembered the worry when Felicity had blamed herself for the accident. Maybe something extra to help take her thoughts away from that would be a good thing. With Mike and Catherine still in hospital, various family members visiting and Mike’s children, in particular, to look after, she was limited in how much time she could spare to give Felicity one-to-one attention, if she had a someone else to spend time with, maybe that would give her the distraction she needed. “I would be happier if we could meet him – you’re not ashamed of us are you?”

“No, of course I’m not – how could you think that?” asked Felicity.

“Well, you seem reluctant for us to meet him, so it suggests that either you are ashamed of us or ashamed of him. I’d like to think that you have enough sense (although recent events might dispute that) not to be running around with someone you would be ashamed of, so that leaves us.”

“I’m not ashamed of you or of him. I just didn’t think it was a good time to introduce him to everyone with all that’s going on at the moment.”

“Well, it would be nice to meet him – if he’s important to you, then it doesn’t matter what else is going on, we’d still like to meet him. Is he important to you?”

Felicity blushed again. “I’m not sure, I think he might be.”

“Well, then why don’t you think about inviting him for tea, or even just for coffee one morning soon?”

“Okay, I will do.” Felicity agreed, and Jo was satisfied.

#421: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 9:37 pm

Love Jo and the questions!

#422: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 9:55 pm

Poor Felicity. I can understand completley where Jo is coming from, but she has no tact! and you just have to bite your tongue and trust in your kid's good sense and upbringing, which isn't easy at all at times. Jo clearly needs to learn to let her kids go!

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

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 10:39 pm

Also can understand why Joey would do that - but surely by now she should have developed a more subtle way?

Thanks Liz.

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

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 10:47 pm

ohhh jo!

but she has a point....well-bred young women didn't run around the neighbourhood with a strange young man

#425: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 10:49 pm

On the other hand, Felicity has not exactly shown any maturity recently.

She's locked Felix and Laura in a room and then forgotten them and she wasn't exactly showing a great deal of sense in the incident leading up to the car accident.

I like to think I might be more tactful than Jo but if I had a daughter behaving like that in her twenties, I would be a bit nervous of her judgement!

*playing Devil's advocate*

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

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 10:50 am

I'm I being oversuspicous if I start to worry a bit about Andrew? I know he seems nice but what if he's actually the one who kidnapped Catherine and is now planning to kidnap Felicity.

Haven't gone back to check my facts, just pondering here in case I'm right!

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

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 2:04 pm

Laura was one of the last appearing for breakfast. She had awoken from a doze early and uncomfortable with Bella wriggling in her arms, and had managed to settle the little girl back in her bed, before returning to her own. Now, despite the time in her own bed, she was still feeling rather stiff-limbed and tired. After forcing down a slice of toast, she wandered out into the garden and settled in a quiet corner where she could think.

She was overwhelmed with sympathy for Mike. If only she could let him know that she would be there for him, no matter what, that the way she felt about him it wouldn’t matter if he had no legs. When Reg had said that Mike might lose a leg, she had felt she would willingly give both of hers to save his. She had known for certain in that moment that she was in love with Mike Maynard, and would be for the rest of her life – completely, irrevocably, unconditionally in love.

She knew she would never anybody else like this. But what if he had felt that for his first wife – what if he could never fall in love with anybody else?

But right now, how she felt wasn’t important. Saving Mike’s leg was what mattered. Anything else could wait. Deciding to take some action she jumped to her feet and hurried back into the house.

#428: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 3:24 pm

at Jo. tactless, yes, but have to agree with Pat that Felicity's hardly shown herself to be a great decision maker recently!!

And poor Laura. please put her out of her misery Liz, even if just a little bit, poor soul.

Thanks for the update

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

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 4:12 pm

Hope Laura and Mike get a chance to talk soon.

Thanks Liz.

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

Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 4:17 pm

*hugs Laura*

I hope she is able to do something to help and gets a chance to talk to Mike soon.

Rolling Eyes

at Joey!!

#431: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 11:55 pm

Glad Catherine was able to open up and have a good cry!

Can quite see Jo's point of view in this instance.

Poor Laura hope she can help Mile and that they are able to talk soon.

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

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 6:07 pm

Poor ((((Catherine))))

Good luck ((((Laura)))) and ((((Mike))))

And Felix is actually really mature being able to see that about Laura...and Mike.

More please?

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

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 9:47 pm

Hmmm, how is Laura going to save Mike's leg?

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

Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 11:01 am

Laura gathered a few things together, then let Jo know she would be out for the rest of the day. She hurried along the platz to the little station and was just in time to catch a train down to Interlaken. Once there she caught a taxi to the hospital, and was soon ensconced in the large library, scanning the microfiche and hunting through the shelves. She then settled at a desk with piles of books and journals and started working, muttering to herself occasionally as she searched, and scribbling down notes, her brow furrowed in concentration.

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

Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 11:25 am

Is she researching something to help Mike?

Good to see more of this BTW.

#436: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 8:05 pm

Thank you Liz. Good for Laura.

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

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 1:15 pm

Margot read the last word in the book and closed it.

“Read it again!” demanded Joaquim.

Margot smiled at him. “No, I’ve already read this one to you twice today. I’ll read you another story if you put this one away and choose one.”

Quim climbed carefully out of the chair he was squashed in, on one side of Margot, with Bella on the opposite side, and took the book to put away. He was soon back with another one and, once he was settled, Margot opened it so both twins could see the pictures and began.

“Mrs Cat was busy knitting
Didn’t notice soon enough
Kittens underneath the table
Saucy Smoke and Frisky Fluff”

The twins giggled as the kittens created mess after mess throughout the house, and Jo smiled to herself as listened in. She remembered reading the very same story to the triplets when they were young – and she remembered Margot herself trying to emulate their antics with her knitting wool. Her thoughts were interrupted as Felicity entered the room, followed by a tall young man.

“Mamma, I’d like you to meet Anthony Tinlow.” Felicity looked slightly shy, and Jo rose to her feet with a smile.

“How do you do, Anthony.” Jo shook his hand. “Would you like a cup of coffee? I’ll just go and see if Anna can rustle something up, while Felicity introduces you to Margot.”

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

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 1:22 pm

Smoky and Fluff!

My copy of that (very battered, as befits a book that was read, read and re-read) is sitting on my shelves upstairs after turning up in our jumble sale box (no chance!).

And very nice installment, Liz - nice to see Felicity's brought Anthony home to meet at least some of the family Smile

Ray *eager to see what happens next*

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

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 1:22 pm

Glad that Jo was welcoming!

Thanks Liz.

#440: Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 2:15 pm

Thanks for more of this Liz. I hope things turn out OK for Felicity. I have to say that I like the fact that Joey, in this drabble, is very welcoming to all her children's partners/friends.

Star Wars

#441: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 10:14 pm

*g*

Looking forward to seeing what Anthony and Jo make of each other!

What's Laura researching (have i missed something?). Somehting to do with Mike's leg I presume?

thanks Liz

#442: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 10:08 pm

Thanks Liz. Nice family scene there, hope Anthony isn't put off by so much domecisity.

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

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 8:53 am

By some mysterious means, the whole Maynard clan became aware that Anthony had come to visit, and one by one, they appeared in the salon, trying unobtrusively to inspect ‘Felicity’s young man’.

Anthony was aware of being scrutinised as he was introduced to each of Felicity’s brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces in turn. Even Jack emerged from the peace of his study and accepted a cup of coffee. For a moment there was a bustle as coffee was poured and passed round, milk and sugar offered and a plate of Anna’s biscuits was circulated. Then, after general clinking of spoons in cups there was silence while the family looked at Anthony out of the corners of their eyes, trying not to be too obvious, and wondering who would be the one to break the silence with a question.

Anthony looked round at them and decided the Maynards en masse might be a force to be reckoned with if anybody ever did anything to upset them. Mentally resolving never to do such a thing, and encouraged by a smile from Felicity, he broke the silence himself.

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

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:38 am

Poor Anthony! Can imagine how difficult it was to face the scrutiny of almost the entie Maynard clan!

#445: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 1:38 pm

Quote:

By some mysterious means, the whole Maynard clan became aware that Anthony had come to visit, and one by one, they appeared in the salon, trying unobtrusively to inspect ‘Felicity’s young man’.

*g* that's soooooo true to life!

Thanks Liz Very Happy

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

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 7:09 pm

that's so like my family!!

thanks Liz

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

Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:33 pm

ummm Liz - what did he say?

*wibbles slightly about that last sentance*

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

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:28 pm

Frances I'll do you a deal - tell us Christine's secret and I'll tell you what Anthony said Very Happy

Liz

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

Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 7:52 pm

other people on this thread will get very annoyed with you!!!!!

i'm actually having difficulty writing the secret scene - i seem to have made a big EBDism somewhere

#450: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 3:19 pm

As I said before poor Anthony how dreadful but would have happened in my family too!

#451: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 12:36 pm

Hehe can just picture the seen!
Looking forward to hearing more of this!

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

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 12:24 pm

“Good afternoon Dr Stewart.” Catherine smiled cheerfully at him, trying to hide her feeling of awkwardness. He had told her she could call him James, but after the confidences of the previous day she felt slightly embarrassed and ill at ease and hid behind the formality.

“Good afternoon, Catherine. How are you feeling today?” He had expected her to be slightly reserved today, but despite this felt unaccountably hurt by it. He brushed the feeling aside, however, and concentrated on his patient. She did look a little better today, he thought. She was still obviously tired, but the haunted look had gone from her eyes.

Catherine answered the question with automatic politeness, and half-listened as he responded. She gave herself a mental shake and forced herself to make an effort. Before long she had forgotten her awkwardness and was listening with real interest as he told her about his recent holiday in the Lake District.

A nurse, looking through the window as she passed, noticed the change in Catherine since the previous day. Her face was animated, and when she smiled, it reached her eyes for the first time since she had recovered her memory.

#453: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 1:04 pm

I have finally caught up with the last few pages of this, Liz, and am re-discovering why I enjoyed it so much.

I loved the line about facing the Maynard family en masse - quite a daunting prospect.

Great to catch up with Catherine as well.

Thank you, Liz

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

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 6:56 pm

So glad Catherine got over her initial awkwardness with Jimmie!

Thanks Liz! Laughing

#455: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 7:24 pm

Hurrah - it's back Very Happy

Glad Catherine seems to be on the mend - good old Dr. Stewart!

thanks Liz

#456: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 7:51 pm

Poor Anthony! That is about the most daunting thing anyone can face when getting serious about a potential partner! Will Felicity grow up now?

It sounds as though Catherine has found real release in telling her story to someone. Will she return James's feelings?

Will Laura manage to save Mike's leg?

What will be Felix's reaction?

Questions only Liz can answer
Rolling Eyes

#457: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 12:52 pm

patmac wrote:

It sounds as though Catherine has found real release in telling her story to someone. Will she return James's feelings?

Will Laura manage to save Mike's leg?

What will be Felix's reaction?

Questions only Liz can answer
Rolling Eyes

This sounds like the voice over when they show 'What's happening next episode' in an American SoapOpera! but I would like answers to all (or even some) of those questions as soon as possible.

Thanks Liz.

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

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 11:34 am

patmac wrote:

Will Felicity grow up now?

It sounds as though Catherine has found real release in telling her story to someone. Will she return James's feelings?

Will Laura manage to save Mike's leg?

What will be Felix's reaction?

Questions only Liz can answer
Rolling Eyes

Sorry Pat, no answer to any of those yet... time will tell Wink

“These biscuits are delicious,” Anthony commented.

It was the right thing to say. Various faces lightened and several voices agreed, Phil going on to explain that it was a secret recipe of Anna’s. After that conversation started to flow, as he was told about other special recipe’s of Anna’s, or of Karen, whom he eventually worked out was the school cook. It was as the cups were being replenished that Geoff turned to Anthony to enquire

“So, Anthony, what do you do for a living?”

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

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 11:59 am

Poor Anthony - wonder if he's going to say an axe murderer??

Thanks Liz.

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

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 2:18 pm

Lesley that was almost my exact thought!!!

Please, Liz, may we see some more of Laura?

#461: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 11:54 pm

Nice opener Anthony Laughing

Now, what does he do for a living?

thanks liz Very Happy

#462: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 2:50 pm

Poor Anthony having to spend all that time listening to chat about recipes! Suppose it was one of those occaisions wher a topic once picked is doen to death because everyone is too nervous to change it.

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

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 9:57 pm

A sudden hush pervaded the room and all the side conversations halted as everybody listened to hear the answer.

“I’m a writer.” Anthony told them.

“Really?”

“What sort of writing?”

“Books or journalism?”

“Have you written anything we might have read?”

“Fiction or non-fiction?”

“Have you always been a writer?”

“Did you know Mamma and Con and Charles are writers?”

“Grandmamma’s written 150 books.”

The questions came from all directions at once.

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

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 10:01 pm

Oooh lol!! and how perfect Laughing

I can just imagine the scene and the firing of questions!!!

Thanks Liz Very Happy

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

Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 10:08 pm

*Waiting for Anthony to say "A writer of erotic fiction"......*

Oh sorry, Shocked

can't imagine how that came to be posted! Wink

#466: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 8:34 am

Hmmm I wonder if he's heard of Joey and if he has then what is his opinion on her work...

#467: Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 10:46 am

Lesley wrote:

*Waiting for Anthony to say "A writer of erotic fiction"......*

That would be excellent Laughing

Thanks for writing more of this Liz.

Star Wars

#468: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 11:08 am

Excellent. Can just see Anthony being floored at being put on the spot like that. Families!! Rolling Eyes

Thanks, Liz. I'm really enjoying this.

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

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 4:32 pm

*g* at Lesley!!!

I love the Maynard reaction to the news!

#470: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 11:00 pm

Oh how perfect! Laughing

thanks liz

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

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 6:13 pm

“I write for magazines.” Anthony told them.

“What sort of magazines?” asked Phil.

“Women’s magazines mainly.” Anthony answered. He decided to tell them the whole of it, after all he was hoping to be related to these people one day, they might as well know from the start exactly what he did. “I write for several different magazines, mostly the problem pages.”

“The problem pages?” asked Jo.

“Yes, you know, when people write in for advice, I’m ‘Ask Auntie’ and ‘Dear Doreen’ and oh, several others.”

“You mean you write all of them, they’re all the same person even though they’re different magazines and different names.”

“Yes, I also write some short articles as well. I’d like to do some more serious writing, but I had to start somewhere, so I took the work I was offered.”

“Doesn’t it get you down, reading about other people’s problems all the time?” asked Ruey?

“Well, some of them are quite tough, but I hope that the advice I give will help them. For some people I’m the only person they feel they can talk to. And sometimes people write back again and let me know that I have helped and that makes it very worthwhile.”

“I can understand that,” commented Len. “Anybody for any more coffee?”

It may be a while before I update this, as RL is interfering - big project at work, plus father-in-law went into hospital today. I will post more when I can.

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

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 6:18 pm

Uh oh!!! Im guessing he may work for the magazine that Catherine sent her letter too.........

*hugs Liz muchly*

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

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 7:30 pm

Hope RL gets sorted Liz.

Thank you.

#474: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 7:58 pm

I loved the quick way Len moved on to coffee there! Doesn't she fancy the idea of a problem page writer?

Thanks, Liz, and I do hope all will soon be well with father-in-lw.

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

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 8:45 pm

(((Liz)))

Wibbling about Catherine's letter now...

#476: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 10:21 pm

*g* Love the idea of Anthony as 'Dear Doreen! Laughing

Thanks Liz. Big hugs and hope all's well with your father-in-law soon.
x

#477: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 9:58 pm

Thanks Liz. Wonder what Jo thinks of this?

Hope all is well with your father in law.

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

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 7:40 am

My father-in-law is hopefully coming out of hospital today, and I shall be regaining my lunch breaks, so as this bunny has been pestering me since last Monday, I am hoping to continue this. Just a little bit to start off with...

Finally, after several hours Laura raised her head and straightened up, the stiffness in her muscles telling her she had been sitting there for a long time. A quick look at the clock had her scrambling to get her belongings together, before she hurried from the building, hoping she hadn’t missed the last train back up the mountain, but encouraged by the results of her search.

She caught the last train by the skin of her teeth, and soon was on her way back up the mountain, determined to discuss what she had found with Felix and Reg as soon as possible.

#479: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:43 am

Glad this is back, Liz! Glad to hear the good news about your F-i-L as well

#480: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:50 am

Glad your father-in-law is improving Liz *hugs*

Good to see this back too. Go Laura! Very Happy

#481: Author: Emily, Location: Land of White Coats and Stethoscopes.

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 11:17 am

Yay lovely to see this back Very Happy

Glad RL is easing up a little.

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

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 1:00 pm

“There, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” asked Felicity as she walked to the gate with Anthony.

“I’ve survived it,” he replied, with a cheerful grin. “Thanks for inviting me.”

“Well, I wanted you to meet them.” She answered as she opened the gate. They both stepped through and went a few paces along the road then Felicity stopped where she knew they would not be visible from any of the windows. They stood and chatted for nearly half an hour, neither wanting to say good-bye.

“I really am going to have to go now,” Anthony said at last, “I’m expecting a delivery of letters for work that I must deal with this evening and send back replies to.”

“Can’t they wait?” asked Felicity.

“Well, if I don’t do them this evening then I’ll have to deal with them tomorrow and I was hoping I’d be able to spend the day with you?” he gave her a smile that made her heart skip a beat.

“Oh!” she said, a slight flush coming to her cheeks.

Anthony smiled again, then bent and gently kissed her lips.

“Oh!” repeated Felicity softly as she watched him turn and walk down the road.

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

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 2:46 pm

Im glad you f-in-l is well Liz Very Happy

Thank you for coming back to this, I have missed it!

#484: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 6:32 pm

Lovely to see this back Liz!
Good to know that life has decided to be nice! Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:44 pm

So glad about your FiL

and great to see this back - thankyou

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

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:05 am

“Felicity, are you ever coming in? Mamma says you might as well invite Anthony to Abendessen if … Oh it’s just you? What are you looking at?”

“Nothing,” Felicity told her younger brother, coming out of her trance with a start.

“You were looking down the road at something.” He paused but there was no answer. “Anyway, are you coming in?” she started to follow him “I like Anthony,” he continued, “he seems a nice bloke, although his job’s a little strange, for a man, but he doesn’t seem to think he’ll be doing that forever, so I don’t suppose it matters.”

Felicity remained in a dreamlike state through Abendessen, a fact that did not go unnoticed by her sisters, they smiled to themselves and exchanged meaningful glances, but tactfully did not mention it while the whole family was there. Afterwards she disappeared to her room and relived the moment over and over in her mind, hugging herself happily.

#487: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:41 am

This is so sweet! Thanks Liz

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

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 3:28 pm

awwww I'm glad Felicity and Anthony are happy - and that he wasn't so overwhelmed by the Maynards that he never wants to see her again!

so glad your father-in-law is better

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

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:45 pm

Thanks Liz, good to see this back.

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

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 10:18 pm

Please excuse me being completely vague about what this revolutionary treatment might be - I have no idea, and the treatment itself isn't integral to the plot line, so I've just glossed over it.

“I don’t know Laura,” said Reg doubtfully, looking over her copious notes. “It might work, but it might not.”

“Isn’t it worth giving it a try though,” she suggested, “what is there to lose.”

“There is that,” he conceded.

“Why don’t you ask Mike and see what he thinks,” put in Felix. “I know he won’t understand the detailed medical theories, but we could outline it for him in layman’s terms and then let him decide. It is his leg after all.”

Mike was duly consulted and decided he would like to go ahead with the revolutionary treatment, even though it might not be successful. Reg asked for Laura to be seconded from the San at the Sonnalpe and co-opted onto his team for the duration of the treatment, making a special research project of Mike’s treatment and progress.

Felix backed up the idea, knowing that despite his feelings for Laura, Mike should receive the best care possible. He could not deny his brother anything less, and kept the turmoil he felt carefully hidden inside.

#491: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 10:34 pm

Hope the treatment works!

*Fingers crossed*

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

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 11:02 pm

Hope Felix and Mike have a little chat about Laura soon!

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

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:50 am

Felicity breakfasted and left the house early the following morning. Anthony was in the habit of going for an early morning stroll, and she hoped that she might bump into him. Her stomach fluttering with nerves at the idea of seeing him again, she wandered along the platz in the general direction of his hotel.

She was not disappointed, before long, she saw his tall, familiar, figure making his way long the road. Suddenly, she felt shy, and slowed down her steps. What could she say to him? What if the kiss didn’t mean anything to him – maybe he always kissed women goodbye. Was she making a huge fool of herself?

Her doubts disappeared as she saw his smile and the look in his eyes as he drew closer. An answering smile crossed her face, as she said hello. He reached for her hand, and they wandered along together, happily lost in their own little world, as they talked about everything and anything, something and nothing. Before they realised it the morning had slipped away, and it was the audible rumble of Felicity’s stomach that made them realise it was gone 1400 hours. “It must be love if I’ve forgotten about food.” She joked, and then stopped still, as she realised what she’d said.

Anthony looked down at her fair head, as she looked awkwardly away from him, then moved in front of her and bent his knees so his head was level with hers and he could look directly into her eyes. “Is it love, Felicity?” he asked gently.

“I… I…” she stammered.

He smoothed back a lock of her hair and tucked it behind her ear. “It’s ok, I’m not going to hurry you for an answer. You can take as much time as you need to think about it. I can wait.”

“I think… I think it might be. I just don’t know for sure yet.”

“Take all the time you need, Fliss, I can be patient.” he smiled tenderly.

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“I love you, sweetheart. You’ve given me hope and I’ll wait as long as it takes.” He softly kissed her forehead then straightened up. “Now, come on, let’s get you some food.”

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

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:56 am

Awwwwwwwwwww *feels warm and fluffy*

Thank you Liz, Im glad things are progressing nicely for those two, so now I guess I had better start wibbling!!

#495: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 8:37 am

Quote:

He reached for her hand, and they wandered along together, happily lost in their own little world, as they talked about everything and anything, something and nothing.

so lovely!

hope the revolutionary treatment works too.

thanks liz

#496: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:02 am

Oh bless!!
Thanks Liz. Feel all warm and snuggly now. Very Happy

#497: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:10 am

Aw, so lovely !! Heart

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

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 2:01 pm

Echoing all the Awwws and lovelys - that was very snuggly.

Thanks Liz.

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

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:29 am

Echoing the snuggly comments. Cos it was.

Thanks Liz. So glad there's more of this!

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

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:09 am

Bella watched wide-eyed as her twin scrambled up onto the back of the armchair. Carefully he stretched out his arm towards the mantlepiece.

The chair tilted slightly, but Quim was oblivious to that as, frowning with concentration, he reached as far as he could, his fingers just brushing their target.

Determinedly he leaned a little further.

The crash from the salon brought aunts, uncles and grandparents running.

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

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 11:57 am

*gulp*

he's going to be okay, isn't he? I mean - that crash was some kind of ornmanent, right?

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

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:39 pm

Whoops!

Hope the kids are OK - these are Mike's two aren't they?

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

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 7:30 am

Bella was sobbing. Con gathered her into her arms to soothe her. “It’s alright sweetheart,” she reassured her, but to no avail.

Quim scrambled down from the chair, his own face downcast and went to comfort her.

“Careful!” exclaimed Phil and scooped him out of the way before he trampled through the broken glass. Margot went to get a dustpan and brush.

Jack took the crying Bella from Con and sat down on the sofa with her on his lap. “What’s the matter poppet? Tell Grandpa.” he kissed her dark curls as she buried her face against his shoulder.

“Daddy broke,” sobbed Bella, the words barely intelligible.

“Quim, can you tell Grandpa what happened?”

“We wanted Daddy.” said Quim. “And he felled and broked.” he followed his sisters example and started to cry.

Margot picked up the photo lying face down on the floor and turned it over to see Mike. She shook off the fragments of glass and handed it to Jack.

“Here you are Bella. Here’s the picture of Daddy.” Bella opened her eyes enough to have a look as he showed it to her.

“Daddy picture not broke?” Quim came over to have a look too.

“No, the picture isn’t broken. We can get another frame for it. And how about we put this one in your room? Would you like that?”

The twins nodded in unison.

“Let’s go and find the right place for it then.” he got to his feet, holding Bella with one arm and taking Quim’s hand in his. “Then later, we’ll go to see Daddy in hospital, shall we?”

Smiles broke out on both faces as they nodded again.

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

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 7:45 am

Awwwww they are so cute, the poor things wanting daddy so badly! Make him well soon Liz Very Happy

#505: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 9:05 am

phew! That was just mean to let us think it could have been Quim!
they are very cute indeed
thanks Liz

#506: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 9:17 am

Awww - bless them! Thanks Liz, glad Quim was okay - was worried there for a moment after reading yesterday's post!!

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

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 11:09 am

poor Bella and Quim (shortening of which I'm not particularly fond - google it)!

but thanks Liz!

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

Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 12:11 pm

Sophoife wrote:

poor Bella and Quim (shortening of which I'm not particularly fond - google it)!

Exactly what I've been thinking all the way through! Given me a good smirk though. Wink

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

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 7:24 am

Laura wasn’t sure that being Mike’s doctor was such a good idea, although maybe it was better that their dealings were on a strictly professional basis. At least this way she would be able to see him for longer, even if it was half-torture half-joy to spend time with him. She had seen Mike and Catalina’s wedding photo on the mantelpiece at Freudesheim and been stunned by his late wife’s beauty. How could he possibly look at another woman, especially an insipid blonde like herself, after that? And although it was just a photo, the love between the couple as they gazed into each other’s eyes was tangible. How could he possibly love another woman after her?

Edited for stupidity - thanks Lesley

Last edited by LizB on Sun Jun 12, 2005 7:24 am; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 2:44 pm

Oh good grief, someone hit Laura on the head will they?

Oh and Liz? Who is Linda? Wink

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

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 7:27 am

Felicity sat on her bedroom windowseat in the silent house and gazed out at the starlit sky.

While, they had got some food and spent the rest of the day together, Anthony had kept his word, had not pressured her, had not even mentioned the topic again, and she felt vaguely disappointed. Now she tried to work out why.

She wanted to hear him say again that he loved her. She wanted him to tell her how much, and why and when he had fallen in love with her. And she wanted to tell him that she loved him too.

There it was out, even if only admitted to herself. She, Felicity Josephine Maynard, loved Anthony Simon Tinlow. She did. She wanted to shout it from the rooftops. She loved him. She could hardly wait to see him again and let him know. She smiled to herself and continued gazing at the stars, dreaming.

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

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 7:34 am

Now tell him, Felicity! Laughing

Thanks Liz - lovely.

#513: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 11:08 am

Thanks for the updates Liz. Come on, Laura, just tell him! (okay, i know it's hard in the circumstances, but I'm impatient! Laughing

)

Glad Felicity's made up her mind. Very Happy

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

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 1:28 pm

Hurrah for Felicity, thats rather lovely. Thanks Liz Very Happy

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

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 1:34 pm

Mike had noticed a certain amount of the twins chatter when they visited him had been sprinkled with “Auntie Laura said” or “Auntie Laura did”. He had been thrilled when he had heard that Laura was going to be closely involved with his treatment. He hoped that it would give him a chance to spend more time with her, to get to know her better, and maybe bring them closer. It was a disappointment to find that most of the she treated him with clinical detachment, just occasionally he thought he caught a look in her eyes that said she didn’t think of him as merely another patient, but it was gone before he was certain, and he decided that it was just wishful thinking on his part.

Yes I know, I want to bang their heads together too!!

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

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 1:39 pm

Where's the head banging smiley????

Thanks Liz.

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

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 6:43 pm

exactly what I was thinking Lesley!!!!

but what's happening to Catherine?!

#518: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 7:59 pm

Thanks for so many lovely updates, Liz! Very Happy

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

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 8:51 pm

Don't worry Frances, you will see more of Catherine soon

Felicity went out again early the next morning, and again was rewarded by seeing Anthony walking along the road. He had obviously just been to the post office, he was clutching a pile of letters and reading one, which he hastily folded when he saw her, and put them in his pocket as he greeted her with a smile.

Felicity smiled back, her heart beating faster as she wondered how to let him know how she felt. She responded vaguely as he talked about a possible trip to visit Gimmelwald, which he had seen described in a 90-year old tourist book. Seeing her mind was on other things, he allowed the conversation to lapse into a comfortable silence.

Felicity reached for his hand and entwined her fingers with his. Having just decided what to say, she opened her mouth, but before she could say more than “Anthony…” a large raindrop landed on her nose, quickly followed by another. She glanced at the sky. “It’s going to pour down.” she predicted, looking round to see if there was any cover.

“You’d better get home.” Anthony said, “Do you want to run for it?”

“Okay,” she agreed. The raindrops were already getting heavier and more frequent. Anthony pulled off his jacket and urged her to put it on, ignoring her protests that he needed it just as much as she did. Felicity submitted, then hand in hand they ran along the road.

Outside Freudesheim, Anthony paused. “I’ve got to get back to the hotel. You go in and get yourself dry. I’ll phone you later.” Felicity raised herself onto tiptoes and pressed her lips gently against his, and the rain was momentarily forgotten as he returned her kiss. Then he was off, lengthening his stride now that she did not have to keep up with him, and she turned and went up the path.

Jo exclaimed when Felicity entered the house, drenched through, and hustled her upstairs, where she started a hot bath running and left her to soak herself warm.

Felicity sighed as she settled in the hot water and berated herself for dithering and not just blurting out “I love you” the moment she saw him. She hoped the kiss they had exchanged at the gate would tell him what she hadn’t put into words, but knew that it was only fair to make her feelings clear to him as soon as she could. She daydreamed idly for a while about how she would tell him, and how he would respond, her mind seeing again the look in his eyes when he had told her he loved her, the smile that came to his face whenever he saw her.

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

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 9:23 pm

Something's going to go wrong, isn't it? For some reason I think he's really engaged to someone else (but I have just been watching Sense and Sensibility!)

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

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 10:04 pm

Yep, I thought something was wrong too - think that letter has something to do with it.

#522: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:37 am

Liz!!!!

Be nice to Felicity and Anthony please....

Thanks for the update. So glad this is back Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:44 am

Thanks to Emily for beta-ing. She assures me I have not called anyone Linda Embarassed

Wrapped in a fluffy dressing gown, her hair turbaned in a towel, Felicity left the bathroom and returned to her bedroom. Anthony’s jacket was draped over her chair – and she picked it up and hugged the damp garment to her for a moment, before hanging it up again to dry out. As she did so, something fell out of the pocket and she bent and picked it up. She put the pile of letters on the table, barely looking at them, then something caught her eye and she looked more closely. She knew that handwriting. What was Cec – Catherine – doing writing to Anthony?

The questions nagged at her mind as she dressed. How did Catherine know Anthony? Why had he not mentioned it to her? Doubts flooded her, pushing away her previous contentment. What was going on?

Finally she decided there was only one way to find out and reached for the letter.

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

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 8:44 am

Ooooooooooh! Fel's going to get a shock when she reads that one...

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

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 12:08 pm

Ned Watson® is a member of The Watson FamilyTM and is referred to by kind permission of Josie.

Catherine looked up with a smile as her younger brother came into the room. “Geoff!” she exclaimed. “It’s good to see you. Come and tell me what’s been going on at home while I’ve been shut in here.”

“Oh, well, not much really.” Geoff replied. “That Anthony chap came to visit the day before yesterday. I think Fliss might be sweet on him, you know. She went out to say goodbye to him and was there for aaaaages. Anyway, he seems a decent chap. He played rugger at university, and it seems he knows old Ned, although not very well.”

“Ned?” asked Catherine, slightly confused.

“You know, Ned Watson. Seems they were at Harrow at the same time, although Ned was a few years above him.”

“Oh, I see,” said Catherine, a little vaguely.

“Anyway, sis, that’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“What, Ned?”

“No, not him.”

“Felicity and Anthony?”

“No… about James Stewart.”

“Dr Stewart? What about him? Was he at Harrow too.”

“I have no idea. But it’s not about where he was at school it’s just, well you’re not getting any ideas about him are you?”

“What do you mean, ideas?”

“Well, I know he’s been spending a lot of time with you, and everybody knows he’s a ladies man. There’s hardly a nurse in the place he hasn’t dated. I… well… I don’t want you to get the wrong idea about him and end up being hurt.” He finished awkwardly, not wanting to mention that he had overheard people gossiping about her.

Catherine laughed. “James Stewart is my doctor, Geoff. I’m sure he can be charming – I’ve seen the way he flirts with the nurses – but you don’t need to worry about me. He can be very amusing when he wants to be, I’ll admit that, but I’m not about to fall in love with him! It’s very sweet of you to worry about me though.”

Geoff reddened slightly. “I just wanted to be sure you knew what he was like, and weren’t going to get the wrong idea from the attention he’s paying you.”

“I promise you, I won’t.” answered Catherine. “I’m going to have enough to do recovering from the accident, picking up the last few bits of my memories and sorting out my life, without bothering with romance. Thanks for caring though.” She reached over and gave him a hug, then turned the conversation back to try to find out more details about Felicity’s young man.

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

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 4:16 pm

It's Ned!! Woww. But what about Felicity?? (thanks though!)

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

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 1:10 pm

After Geoff had gone, Catherine laid her head back against the pillows with a sigh.

She wasn’t the slightest bit interested in James Stewart as a romantic figure. He was her doctor, he could be good company, witty, amusing and interesting, and he had let her pour out her story and listened with sensitivity and compassion. As a doctor she trusted him. As a man – well she wasn’t sure she would trust any man outside of her family ever again. Her face darkened as she began brooding over her memories.

Lost in thought, she didn’t hear the footsteps coming along the corridor, and she started as the door was flung open and she was confronted by an obviously angry Felicity, blue eyes sparking and face flushed with rage.

“What are you doing, writing to him?” she demanded, slamming the door behind her.

“What do you mean? Writing to who?”

“Don’t play innocent with me. Couldn’t you stand to see me be happy? Were you trying to ruin everything?”

“Felicity, I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Felicity flung the letter into Catherine’s lap.

“That’s what I’m talking about!”

Catherine paled as she recognised it. “How did you get this?” she asked, her voice trembling. “Have you read it?”

“It fell out of Anthony’s pocket. How many more letters have you written to him?”

“But I didn’t write to Anthony.” protested Catherine.

“Don’t talk rubbish, you’ve got the evidence there in your hand!”

“But this letter, I wrote it to Dear Lucy.”

Felicity was stopped in her tracks. “You wrote to a problem page in a magazine?” she asked more calmly.

“Yes, but I don’t understand how Anthony got hold of it.”

“Anthony works for magazines, he answers the letters to the problem pages.”

“No, he can’t!” Catherine’s voice was barely a whisper.

“What is it?” By now Felicity’s anger had drained away as quickly as it had appeared. “Catherine, are you in some kind of trouble? What can have happened that you wrote to Dear Lucy? Why couldn’t you talk to Mamma, or Len, or any of us about it?” She sat on the edge of the bed.

“I, just couldn’t. I didn’t want anybody to know. And now everybody will.”

“Of course they won’t. Anthony keeps everything confidential; he won’t breathe a word of it, not even to me. And I don’t think he’d even finished reading the letter, because he put it away when he saw me.”

“Are you sure”

“No, I’m not sure, but I can ask him?”

“No! Well maybe! I don’t know!”

“Catherine?” Felicity’s tone was very gentle. “Surely it can’t have been that bad. I mean, I know you’ve not been in close touch with any of us for a few months, and I wouldn’t blame you for not wanting to tell me, but we all love you and would be here for you no matter what it is. I hate to think you couldn’t turn to one of your family and had to write to a complete stranger.”

“But I could do it because it was a complete stranger. Somebody who didn’t know me or anyone in the family – at least, I thought it was.”

“Is this linked up to changing your name?” Catherine nodded slowly, not meeting her sister’s eyes. “Okay, I’m not going to make you talk about it if you don’t want to – and goodness knows I’m probably the last person you want to talk to about it anyway and I know I say things when I’m angry that I don’t mean – but please, please realise that nothing you do could turn us against you. We all love you – okay?”

Catherine looked at her, saw the sincerity in her eyes, and looked down at the letter clutched in her hands for a long moment, then thrust it at her. “Read it!”

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

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 1:36 pm

That's very couragous of Catherine. I hope Felicity will be able to cope with the knowledge of what happened to her sister.

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

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 1:53 pm

Oh gosh, Feliticy could have made things so much worse!!! Im glad Catherine had the courage to share it with her. Thanks Liz Very Happy

#530: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 2:02 pm

Oh what's in the letter??

Thanks Liz

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

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 4:37 pm

So pleased that didn't turn nasty, that Felicity listened and was sympathetic. Think it's a good thing she will now know what prompted Catherine to change her name.

Thanks Liz.

#532: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 7:54 pm

At last Catherines problems will be out in the open.
thanks Liz

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

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 10:20 pm

Felicity looked at Catherine to make sure she really meant what she said.

“Go on, read it.”

Felicity smoothed out the crumples in the pages, and silence filled the room as her eyes scanned the paper.

To Catherine it seemed an age before she reached the end, then tears in her eyes, Felicity put down the pages, reached out and held her for a long time in a close hug.

“You won’t tell anyone?” begged Catherine when they drew apart.

“If you really don’t want me to”

“Promise?”

“I promise.” It was given reluctantly, but Catherine knew that it would be kept.

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

Posted: Tue Jun 14, 2005 11:06 pm

Aww, glad Felicity knows now - hopefully it'll make it easier for Catherine.

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

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 4:48 am

Pleased Felicity knows - it may help Catherine having someone in the family that she can talk to about it.

#536: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 11:07 am

Hope Felicity can help Catherine a little

Thanks Liz

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

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 12:23 pm

“Anthony, come on in,” welcomed Geoff as he opened the front door. “Felicity has gone out I think.” he added as Anthony stepped inside.

Anthony’s face fell, although Geoff didn’t notice. “Well, I just came for my jacket really – I lent it to Felicity earlier when it was raining and it has some letters in it that I need.”

“I’ll go and find it for you.” offered Phil, who had heard him as she came down the stairs, and turned and went back up to Felicity’s room, where she found the jacking hanging on a chair. The pile of letters on the table next to it caught her eye, and seeing the top one was addressed to Anthony, she picked those up as well and took them downstairs.

“Here you are.” She said. “Are you sure you won’t stay for a cup of tea or coffee – I don’t know how long Felicity will be.”

“No, I must get back and get some things done – but will you let her know I’ll call her later please?”

“Of course,” promised Phil.

“Thank you – and thanks for getting these for me.” He pulled on his jacket and took the letters from her.

“He is definitely sweet on our Fliss.” commented Phil to her twin as she closed the front door. “Do you think we should tell Mamma to start shopping for a new hat?”

#538: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 1:01 pm

I've just caught up from the new series of posts - Glad your FinL is better, Liz.

Now, if I'm right,
Laura loves Mike, Mike doesn't know.
Mike loves Laura, Laura doesn't know.
Felix loves Laura,
Felicity loves Anthony (depending on how mature that feeling is of course)
Anthony loves Felicity.
A lot of CBBers don't really trust Anthony.
Dr Stewart may or may not be falling for Catherine.
Geoff doesn't trust Dr Stewart.
Catherine's letter to 'Lucy' went to Anthony who is aka Lucy at a women's mag
Felicity now knows Catherine's secret.
There's a fair chance Phil has just given Anthony an empty envelope and he will know it was from Catherine and may be mad that Felicity has it Shocked

Have I missed anything?

I don't know how you keep it straight in your head Liz but somehow you do and it is most enjoyable. thank you.

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

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 5:15 pm

Wonderful precis Pat!

Thanks Liz - slight worry now about letter or lack of.

#540: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 7:24 pm

*g* at Pat's precis.

Just caught up on several posts of this. Am joining the wibbling about Felicity taking the letter (she really doesn't make her life easy, does she?)
And COME ON MIKE AND LAURA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(scuse shouting but it may be the only way to get through to them Wink

)

thanks Liz

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

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 9:16 pm

Thanks PatMac Very Happy

39000 words ( Shocked

can't believe I've written that much!) nicely summarised in 101

“Anybody home?” the voice calling in the hallway brought forth a flurry of activity; Jack appeared from his study, Jo and Margot from the salon and Phil clattered down the stairs, all exclaiming “Charles!”

“We weren’t expecting you today. Why didn’t you say you were coming – we could have met you at the station.” added Jack.

“I meant to phone you, but somehow I never got around to it, and then I thought I’d just pitch up and surprise you instead.”

“Well, it’s always good to have you here,” said Jo, giving him a hug, “Come on into the salon and tell us all about your trip. Have you eaten? Do you want anything?”

“Well I’ll have a coffee if there’s one going, but then I want to go and see Mike and Catherine before it’s too late. I thought I might take Quim and Bella with me if they’d like to come.”

#542: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 11:39 pm

*wonders what complications Charles might add*

Or will he be the one to finally bang their heads together?

thanks Liz Very Happy

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

Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2005 4:08 pm

Laura checked Mike’s leg thoroughly and read through the nurses’ notes again. “It looks like you’re making good progress, Mike, although it’s early stages yet. Now, are you comfortable?” she said as she finished. “Your pillow is coming out of it’s case, let me just sort it for you.” Mike shifted so she could tug the pillow out and she pulled the pillowcase back into place and shook it well before leaning forward to replace it.

She was so close Mike could see the darker flecks in her green eyes, could smell the scent of lavender and something delicate but indefinable, could see the smooth pale skin of her cheek and count the long, curling eyelashes.

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

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 3:40 pm

Kiss her Mike! Laughing

#545: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 9:51 pm

Lesley wrote

Quote:

Kiss her Mike!

Yeah! Quick, before Charles brings the children in

#546: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 10:03 pm

Lesley wrote:

Kiss her Mike! Laughing

Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssssseeeeeeeeee!

Thanks Liz

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

Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 12:47 am

Sorry - did somebody say something? Twisted Evil

“He’s your patient” Laura reminded herself sternly. “He’s in love with his wife even if she is dead, and anyway, you’re his doctor.” He was so close she could see the crinkles round his eyes that spoke of smiles and laughter, the faint late-afternoon shadow on the firm line of his jaw, a few white hairs camouflaged among his golden locks. “You are his doctor.” She repeated to herself, and her lips parted with a slight sigh.

#548: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 3:22 am

The course of true love, eh? Very Happy

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

Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 6:28 am

"Sigh," Poor Laura and Mike -maybe Charles will be able to see and tell the pair of them of their true feelings!

Thanks Liz. Laughing

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

Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 9:24 pm