Turning the stars around, part 2, updated 04/08/07, p.25
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The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

#1: Turning the stars around, part 2, updated 04/08/07, p.25 Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 6:53 am
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David was ready to scream. They’d barely got four hundred yards from the Kron Prinz Karl, and his mother had just stopped for the third time. If he had to listen to one more story about people falling in ditches or jumping in the lake … Not far away he could see someone hurtling along at top speed, and he heartily wished that he could get his mother and siblings to move that quickly. “Are you all right, Mum?” he asked in a tightly-controlled voice.

“Me? I’m absolutely fine, David,” she said, beaming at him. “Oh, why have I stopped, you mean? It’s just that man running in this direction - isn’t it Eigen Pfeifen? Ooh, yes, it is! I looked for him when we got to the Kron Prinz Karl, as it so happens, but I couldn’t see him: he must be doing the late shift today. He seems to be in a frightful hurry to get there, I must say!” She waved to the man as he drew closer to them. “Gruss Gott, Eigen!” she called.

Eigen stopped. “Oh, Frau Doktor Russell – I mean, Lady Russell,” he gasped. “Oh - pardon me, but is your husband with you? That is, is he anywhere nearby?”

“My husband?” Madge looked puzzled. “No; he’s not, I’m afraid. He’s gone up to the Sonnalpe. Is everything all right, Eigen?”

Eigen shook his head frantically. “It’s my mother. She’s collapsed, and I’ve just been for the doctor but he’s been called out and they don’t know when he’ll be back. Lady Russell, please excuse me, but I must go. I have to get to the Kron Prinz Karl to use their telephone, to try to get another doctor to come out.”

“I’ll come,” David said quickly. “Where is she, Eigen - at Wald Villa? I think I can remember the way.”

Eigen looked at him in surprise, and then the expression on his face was replaced by one of gratitude. “Of course: I apologise – I’m not quite thinking straight; I didn’t realise whom you were for a moment then, Herr Doktor. Thank you so much: if you could come to my mother then we would all be eternally grateful. She’s at Wald Villa, yes; and my father’s with her. My niece Gretchen’s there as well. Are Marie and Andreas – oh, no, of course, they’ve gone to see Karen and Rudi, haven’t they? Herr Doktor, she just collapsed: that’s all I can tell you.” He shook his head in distress. “We’ve all kept telling her that she was doing too much and that she needed to slow down, but she wouldn’t listen. I should have tried harder; I should have said more ...”

“You mustn’t blame yourself, Eigen,” David said gently. “It’s not your fault. Come on, let’s get going.”

As the two of them raced towards Wald Villa he wondered why on earth the others seemed to be finding it necessary to follow them; but he didn’t have time to worry about that now. Gretchen would be devastated if anything happened to Frau Pfeifen, he kept thinking, wishing that he had his doctor’s bag with him. He wasn’t particularly religious, but as he ran through Briesau alongside a plainly terrified Eigen he found himself offering up a fervent prayer that things might not be as bad as they sounded.

It was only a short distance to Wald Villa but it still seemed to be a long time before they arrived; and then his mother and sister and brothers were drawing up behind them, Eigen was knocking at the door, and Gretchen was opening it. She was calm and composed as he knew she always would be in a crisis; but she was visibly distressed and he wanted very badly to take her in his arms and tell her that everything was going to be all right. He only hoped that it would be.


Last edited by Alison H on Sat Aug 04, 2007 6:49 am; edited 29 times in total

#2:  Author: TanLocation: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 6:57 am
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Wibbling but pleased that David was on the spot.

#3:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 7:01 am
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Meeeeeep!

#4:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 7:03 am
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Alison,
you do not fail to surprise, well at least they are both together.

Hope he manages to miraculously save her.

#5:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 9:40 am
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Oh dear! This could go so many ways...

Thanks Alison.

#6:  Author: bethanyLocation: Liverpool (mostly) PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 10:05 am
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Alison, please can you make David be a wonderful Doctor who can work miracles? And maybe also they could realise that the area needs another doctor, and that David would fit the role well...

I am eagerly awaiting tomorrows update to see if she is going to be alright.

#7:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 10:12 am
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bethany wrote:
Alison, please can you make David be a wonderful Doctor who can work miracles? And maybe also they could realise that the area needs another doctor, and that David would fit the role well...
.


Or maybe they will realize that the local doctor is hopelessly old-fashioned and out of date and was not giving her some basic medicine that everyone in England uses?.....so therefore need David as doctor.

#8:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 12:38 pm
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Glad David was there. I hope he can help.

#9:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 2:44 pm
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Thanks, Alison. I am wibbling as well.

#10:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 4:24 pm
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*Joins in the wibbling*

I thought something was going to go wrong, but that took me by surprise. I hope David can help, and that Gretchen\Marie and Andreas won't blame him if he can't.

Thanks Alison.

#11:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:01 pm
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Oh dear, I hope David can do something for her even without his doctor's bag! Confused

I liked the moment when Eigen remembered David was a Doctor too, it must be hard when you've seen someone as a child and then suddenly they qualified and just who you need.

Thanks Alison.

#12:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:02 pm
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Meep! Please let David save her and then Sweep Gretchen into his arms and propose!

#13:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:08 pm
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Good thinking, Ruth. At least, this will get himout of his mother's awful guided tour of the Tiernsee.

#14:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:53 pm
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Hope David is able to help.

Thanks Alison

#15:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:56 pm
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I knew Alison would make something go wrong for poor David and Gretchen. Rolling Eyes Laughing

*fingers crossed* David will be able to help Frau Pfeiffen.

#16:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 6:58 am
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For a brief moment David only had eyes for Gretchen; but his priority was his patient and he knew that Gretchen’s concern would be all for her grandmother too. “Herr Doktor Bieler’s been called out and he’d told his wife he had no idea how long he was likely to be,” he heard Eigen saying. “ I was on my way to the Kron Prinz Karl to use the phone there when I ran into the Russells, and young Herr Doktor Russell very kindly agreed to come back with me to see Mum. How is she, Gretchen?”

“Thank der liebe Gott, things don’t seem to be as bad as they looked. We got her into her room, and then she came round and now she’s sitting up in bed insisting that there’s nothing wrong with her.” Gretchen managed a half-smile in her uncle’s direction, and David saw the relief spreading across Eigen’s face. He was relieved himself. “She says that she just felt faint all of a sudden – oh, Uncle Eigen, haven’t we all kept telling her that she needed to take things easier? I’ve sent Grandpa to lie down in one of the empty guest rooms: he kept saying that he didn’t want to leave her but he was looking pretty grey and I told him that the last thing anyone needed was for him to collapse as well.” She turned to David, flushing slightly. “David … this must be the last thing you need when you’re on holiday … thank you so much for coming, thank you … ”

“Hey, of course I came,” he said softly. “And I wouldn’t be much of a doctor if I didn’t try to help someone who wasn’t well, would I? Will you take me to her room?” Gretchen nodded wordlessly and, without thinking, he put his hand on her shoulder. “Are you all right? You’re very pale.”

“I’m fine: it was just a bit of a shock, that’s all. I’ll take you up to her now. Uncle Eigen, I’ve cleared up from dinner as much as I could – I didn’t want to leave Grandma and Grandpa for too long – and I’ve told the guests that Grandma’s not well: it’s a good job that there aren’t too many people here this week. I’ll finish sorting everything out later.”

“It’s all right: I’ll give you a hand with it all,” Eigen said. “Now … oh – er, Lady Russell, could I get you a coffee or anything?” He’d briefly forgotten the presence of his former employer and her younger children, who were all still standing by the door.

“Actually, I think that we’d better be off, thanks all the same” Madge said hastily. She didn’t really know why they’d all followed David and Eigen – it had just been an automatic reaction, she supposed – but the Pfeifens certainly didn’t need her and Ailie and the twins hanging around on top of everything else. “I do very much hope that she’s all right, Eigen: it sounds quite hopeful from what Gretchen was just saying. And as soon as Marie and Andreas get back from Mayrhofen I’ll tell them what’s happened, of course. David, we’ll be fine getting ourselves back to Die Blumen, and we’ll expect you when we see you. Come on boys, Ailie … Ailie! Come on!”

“Sorry!” Ailie said. Her mind had been wandering then: she couldn’t quite get her thoughts together, but there was something … Of course, David was a doctor and part of his job was dealing with patients’ relatives, but his way that he’d put his hand on Gretchen’s shoulder just then had seemed very affectionate. Then again, he’d known Gretchen all her life, so maybe there was nothing strange about that, but still ….

She tried to remember a comment that Biddy Courvoisier had made last year, something about the people who’d been on the same table as her and Eugen at the post-conference ball at the Schloss Wertheim last year, and one of them being Gretchen. She’d assumed herself that Gretchen had been there as an employee of the Sonnalpe San, but now that she came to think about it that didn’t really make sense: the conference hadn’t had anything specifically to do with the Sonnalpe San. Could it be that Gretchen been there with David, as his guest? And then there was the mysterious letter from Austria that David obviously hadn’t wanted her to see. And where had he got to when he’d insisted on going out on his own the first night they’d arrived at the Tiernsee?

No. She was imagining things. She was putting two and two together and making about a hundred! She shook her head, smiled at Eigen and Gretchen and told them that she hoped that Frau Pfeifen would be all right, and followed Madge and the boys out of Wald Villa and back towards Buchau.

As Ailie was shutting the door carefully behind her, Eigen and Gretchen were leading David through to the elder Pfeifens’ bedroom. “Mum, Herr Doktor Bieler was out when I called, but I’ve brought young Herr Doktor Russell to see you,” Eigen said anxiously. His mother was never very keen on seeing doctors and he hoped fervently that she wasn’t about to say so out so loud.

“I’ve kept telling Gretchen - I don’t need a doctor,” she grumbled. “Don’t fuss, lad!”

“Will you not at least allow me to check you over, Frau Pfeifen?” David asked, stepping forward. He winked at her. “Just to put Eigen and Gretchen’s minds at rest?”

She sat up straighter and looked at him, and a smile spread across her face. “You’re never little David!” she exclaimed. “Well, I knew that you were a doctor now, of course, and that Sybil was married with a little one – and your next sister too - but … well, you don’t always quite realise until you actually see people in the flesh. Where do the years go? Look at you – the size of you! You look like your mother but you’ve got your father’s height; and I remember when you were small enough for my Rosa to be able to carry you about in her arms!”

“Er, Mum, I don’t really think that you should be talking to the Herr Doktor like that,” Eigen said, embarrassed; but David, exchanging a smile with Gretchen, assured the older man that it was quite all right. “Will you let me check you over, Frau Pfeifen?” he asked again.

“Oh, very well then. Come on then, Herr Doktor – do your worst,” she muttered. “I don’t need an audience though,” she added, looking at Eigen and Gretchen. They took the hint and headed off to carry on clearing up; but there wasn’t that much to do, and they’d soon finished, whereupon Eigen went to check on his father and Gretchen went to wait outside her grandparents’ bedroom, where she was still standing when David emerged some time later.

#17:  Author: ElbeeLocation: Surrey PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 7:57 am
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I hope he hasn't found anything too badly wrong.

Thanks Alison, I do so enjoy my daily fix of this before I get down to work Laughing

#18:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:25 am
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Ailie is a typical woman, and she will soon find out that she was correct

#19:  Author: TanLocation: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:28 am
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Laughing at the description of David as 'little David'. It is interesting that Ailie is starting to put the pieces together ...

#20:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:31 am
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Hopefully she will figure things out and be a great help to David and Gretchen.

#21:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:56 am
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Sounds Like David's starting his new job as the local GP! Wink

#22:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 10:52 am
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Oooh Fiona I like that idea!!

Thanks Alison

#23:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 12:29 pm
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I think that's a great idea, too!

#24:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 12:29 pm
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Yes, so they could be together, David and Gretchen, and live happily ever after. I'm sure they could cope with the visits from Jo and her mob, and from his parents and their mob by arranging to be away on holiday when the lot of them visited.

#25:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 12:36 pm
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I reckon feisty Frau Pfeifen might be David and Gretchen's saving grace. She'll talk some sense into the Russells and the Moniers...

Thanks Alison!

#26:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 12:44 pm
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Lizzie wrote:
I reckon feisty Frau Pfeifen might be David and Gretchen's saving grace. She'll talk some sense into the Russells and the Moniers...

Thanks Alison!


yes,
myabe she will realize what is going on!

#27:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 1:15 pm
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I love how she treats him as if he was still a child, and not much deference there either Very Happy

David seems to have a very good bedside manner too (alright, whose mind went straight to the gutter there Twisted Evil ) Hopefully he'll be able to convicne them to slow down a bit and that would be one worry off Gretchen's mind.

Thank you Alison.

#28:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 2:22 pm
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Well done Ailie! Just stick with the first thought.

Hope David doesn't have bad news for Gretchen.

Thanks Alison.

#29:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 3:06 pm
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I just hope Ailie is tactful and doesn't blurt out something before David is ready to have things broadcast. Thanks Alison.

#30:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 4:50 pm
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Of course, the ideal solution would be for the Moniers to take over Wald Villa, thus turning them into persons of substance, and making Gretchen into the daughter of a respected Tyrolese couple, rather than the daughter of servants.

And Madge would have to do her own housework. Personally, I'd like to see Jem having to do his own ironing.

#31:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 4:56 pm
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Jennie wrote:
And Madge would have to do her own housework. Personally, I'd like to see Jem having to do his own ironing.


Yes! I've been trying to to figure out a way for Madge and Jem to pull themselves together and learn how to cook/iron/wash clothes/hoover! And you've found one! Well done Jennie!

#32:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 5:02 pm
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Always willing to take a bow!

#33:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 5:57 pm
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I was thinking the same, Jennie - it would make sense and allow Gretchen's grandparents to retire without any worries. Also think old Frau Pfeifen will be a great help for David and Gretchen.


Thanks Alison.

#34:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 6:54 pm
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C'mon Ailie ... two plus two is ....
Rolling Eyes Maths always was an unpopular subject at the CS!!

Thanks Alison!

#35:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 6:51 am
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“Gretchen?”

“How is she?” she asked anxiously, motioning for him to follow her a little way along the landing so that her grandmother wouldn’t be able to hear what they were saying. “I know she said that she felt all right now, but I didn’t know if she was just saying that because she didn’t want us fussing over her.”

“She’s going to be fine,” David reassured her. “She’s just been doing far too much for someone her age - and I’ve told her so in no uncertain terms! But there’s really nothing to worry too much about.”

“Oh, thank God for that!” She leaned heavily against the wall for a moment. “I was so frightened - she said that she felt funny, and then the next thing she just keeled over. You are sure that it’s nothing … serious?”

He put his arm round her shoulders. “I’m pretty sure. Honestly. All the same, I’ve told her that she should go to hospital and be checked over there, just to be on the safe side; and after a bit of protesting she agreed. They’ll be able to carry out tests that I can’t do here - I haven’t got anything with me at all, unfortunately - and obviously a hospital’ll have equipment that neither I nor her own doctor’d have anyway. Where’s the nearest place with an accident and emergency unit?”

“The Gesundheit Krankenhaus at Schwaz,” Gretchen said. “It’s about sixteen kilometres away - ten miles, that is.”

David nodded. “Let’s see about getting her there, then. I wish I had a car here – I’d take her myself – but I haven’t. Is there anyone nearby who could take her? Or do you want me to go to the Kron Prinz Karl and ring for an ambulance?”

Gretchen shook her head. “It’s all right: Auntie Luise and Uncle Johann’ve got a car: it’s not the world’s greatest, but it goes! I’ll go round and ask one of them to come and take her – or maybe it’d be quicker if Uncle Eigen went. Grandpa’ll probably want to go to the hospital with her as well, but he’s nodded off: I’ll wake him when they’re ready to go, let him have some rest the while. Right, then - I’ll just go and find Uncle Eigen and tell him what’s going on.”

She disappeared, returning a few moments later. “Okay – Uncle Eigen’s gone round to Auntie Luise's, and to call in at the Kron Prinz Karl and ask his bosses if it’s all right for him to stay over here tonight so he can see to things. They won’t mind - the Webers are lovely and even Herr and Frau Braun senior are a lot more understanding there than they used to be: I think it’s Rudi’s influence.” She looked up at him. “David – thank you so, so much for coming. We end up waiting ages for a doctor sometimes. If it’s an absolute emergency and Herr Doktor Bieler’s already out on a call then sometimes people contact the San and someone from there’ll come, but otherwise it can be a long time.”

“Is there only the one doctor locally?” he asked. “I vaguely remember a Herr Doktor Erckhardt from when we were kids – has he retired now?”

Gretchen nodded. “He retired a while back: Herr Doktor Bieler took over from him and, yes, he’s the only doctor nearby. It’s better in the towns and cities, but out here – well, he sees people all the way round the lakeside and beyond, so he can have a long way to go sometimes, and he’s on his own. I know that in Britain it’s becoming more and more common for doctors to work in partnership with other doctors, like you and Daisy do, but here you very rarely get more than one doctor in the same practice. And then a lot more doctors specialise here than they do in Britain, and of course specialists tend to be in the bigger places where there are more people around.”

She touched his hand. “Thank you again, David. I’d better go and see Grandma now – it’s all right for me to go and wait with her until Uncle Eigen gets back, presumably?”

“Of course it is! Go on in. And, if you don’t mind, I’d like to stay until they’ve left for the hospital, just see that she’s all right getting into the car?”

“Thank you. And … David, I’m sorry we argued the other night. I didn’t really … handle things very well. I was tired and it was a lot to take in all at once and … anyway, I’m sorry. I meant to tell you that later tonight: I just popped round here for a bit to see Grandma and Grandpa, and then …” Her eyes filled with tears.

“Hey, come on,” he said tenderly, putting his arms round her. “She’s going to be absolutely fine: I’m sure of it.” He stroked her hair. “And, Gretchen, I’m sorry too: I made a right hash of things. Everything seemed to come out wrong. But we’ll sort it out. Not here and not now, obviously, but we will do.” And then they drew apart, and walked back across the landing and into her grandparents’ room, to stand together by Frau Pfeifen’s bedside.


Last edited by Alison H on Sat Jun 30, 2007 1:45 pm; edited 1 time in total

#36:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 7:46 am
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First to post, Yippee Laughing Laughing Thanks Alison. Am glad Gretchen and David sorted that one out.

#37:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 8:30 am
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Hmmm, more and more reasons for David to consider relocating - now are they genuine or is Alison teasing?
Laughing

Thanks Alison.

#38:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 8:51 am
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Yay. Am really glad they are muddling through.

#39:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 10:36 am
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I'm glad there's nothing wrong with her. But I have to ask, what is the translation of 'Krankenhaus'? Embarassed I'm dreadful at languages, and it sounds a fascinating word!

#40:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 11:32 am
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Fatima wrote:
I'm glad there's nothing wrong with her. But I have to ask, what is the translation of 'Krankenhaus'? Embarassed I'm dreadful at languages, and it sounds a fascinating word!


It's hospital, Becky. Laughing

#41:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 11:47 am
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Well done David, managed to convince her to go to the hospital and maybe to take things easier (though whether that lasts...) and then a quiet converation with Gretchen Very Happy

Thanks Alison.

#42:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 2:39 pm
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Thanks Alison.

Looks like there could be an opening for David here.

#43:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 5:04 pm
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Thanks Alison!! Very Happy

#44:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 6:01 pm
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Thinks are starting to look more promising for David and Gretchen!

Thanks Alison!

#45:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 6:42 pm
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Two solutions for the price of one. Andreas and Marie take over Wald Villa, and David becomes a GP for the Tiernsee, so he and Gretchen can marry without worrying about the parents.

#46:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 7:45 am
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It's a nice idea about Andreas and Marie taking over Wald Villa, but I think they're settled in Britain now, and their three younger children are all there. I'd love to see Jem doing his own ironing though! I wonder who did all the housework at Die Rosen before Madge and Marie moved in ... did Andreas do it, or did Jem, Jack, Ted and Andreas all just live in some sort of Men Behaving Badly-esque mayhem Laughing ?

“Frau Pfeifen,” David said gently, smiling at her. “Eigen’s just gone round to Luise’s: either Luise or her husband’ll come round in the car and take you to the hospital. Gretchen’s going to wait here with you until they arrive: Herr Pfeifen’s just having a little rest.”

“He’s fallen asleep, you mean!” Frau Pfeifen said. “Men! And I still can’t see that I need to be going off to any hospitals, but if that’s what you say then I suppose I’d better listen to you, young man … and would you mind coming round here and letting me have a proper look at you, now that you’ve finished asking me questions and prodding me about?”

David walked over to the edge of the old lady’s bed rather sheepishly, and she looked him over and smiled approvingly. “Yes, you’ve certainly grown into a fine young man. You don’t mind an old woman who remembers you when you were in your cradle saying that, do you? And you’re an excellent doctor as well, if I’m any judge. Your parents must be very proud of you.” David blushed, and Gretchen tried very hard not to giggle.

“How old are you now?” Frau Pfeifen went on. “Oh, you’ll be twenty-eight, of course: you were born on my Marie’s wedding day.” She smiled reminiscently. “You were a lovely baby, you know. My Rosa adored you, and of course she was so pleased when she got the chance to work for your mother and father. And I was glad for her to be working for good people like them as well: in those days jobs weren’t at all easy to come by for people like us, and I used to worry myself sick about the sort of people my girls – and my boys – might end up working for. Of course, it’s all different these days – there’s my Gretchen with her good job up at the San, and Karen married to one of the Brauns and them with a hotel of their own, but … well, it wasn’t like that back then. Still, times change.”

She looked at David, who’d taken a few steps backwards and was standing next to Gretchen again. “I remember when you two were in the nursery together,” she said abruptly. Then she shook her head, frowning slightly as if she were trying to get her thoughts focused. “Anyway, as I was saying, times change. Now I’ve always said we’d run this place ourselves and that we weren’t going to go spending what money we’ve got on paying someone to help do our own work for us, but – well, I think maybe the time has come to admit defeat on that one. We’ll manage. And if it’s either that or pack up and go and move in with one of our children and sit around getting under their feet then there’s only one choice really, isn’t there?” She winked at Gretchen. “I’ll speak to your grandfather about it – let him think that it was his idea, that way I won’t be get any argument from him! And then we’ll see about getting someone in to help.”

“Oh, at last!” Gretchen said, her face lighting up with relief. “Well, if it took collapsing like that to make you finally realise that you couldn’t carry on as you had been doing, then maybe it’s not quite such a bad thing that it happened after all.”

“Ah well, maybe sometimes we need something like this to make us sit back and think,” Frau Pfeifen said reflectively. She smiled. “And you’ve got the doctor to thank for it as well. Oh, I’m quite sure that your grandfather and I are still quite capable of running this place on our own, but … well, young Herr Doktor Russell here’s very persuasive, and as well as going on about my health he convinced me that if we didn’t start taking things a bit easier then you’d only all be worrying yourselves sick about us all the time. And we can’t have that: it wouldn’t be fair.”

Gretchen and David exchanged smiles. “No, Grandma – of course it wouldn’t!” Gretchen said.
“Well, there you go, then!” Frau Pfeifen turned back to David. “And thank you very, very much indeed for coming over here, Herr Doktor. I’m sure that being called out to look at an old woman and listen to her ramblings was the last thing you needed when you were on holiday.”

David shook his head. “I’m a doctor – no matter where I am or what I’m doing. I’d go anywhere if I were needed. However, I hope I won’t be coming here again whilst not I’m here unless it’s a social call, so please make sure that you look after yourself and take it easier from now on!”

“Trust me – she will definitely be taking it easier from now on,” Gretchen said firmly.

Frau Pfeifen smiled reluctantly. “Well, I daresay we’ll have to see what we can do.” She smiled at her granddaughter. “And you’re a good girl, Gretchen. Now, is that the door I hear? If you’re all determined on me going to sit about in a hospital then the sooner I go the sooner I’ll be back, I suppose. Gretchen, go and wake your grandfather, will you? Herr Doktor Russell, thank you again. Right, it’s time to get going, then!”

#47:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 7:55 am
    —
Thanks
She saw the 2 of them together and nearly thought of something......

#48:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 8:43 am
    —
Hmmm, don't think it will take her long to figure it out - glad she's finally admitted defeat about the hotel.

Thanks Alison.

#49:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 10:17 am
    —
Love Frau Pfeifen in that. She's georgous

#50:  Author: Liz KLocation: Bedfordshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 10:25 am
    —
Alison H wrote:
[color=red]She looked at David, who’d taken a few steps backwards and was standing next to Gretchen again. “I remember when you two were in the nursery together,” she said abruptly. Then she shook her head, frowning slightly as if she were trying to get her thoughts focused. “Anyway, as I was saying, times change. Now I’ve always said we’d run this place ourselves and that we weren’t going to go spending what money we’ve got on paying someone to help do our own work for us, but – well, I think maybe the time [i]has come to admit defeat on that one. We’ll manage. And if it’s either that or pack up and go and move in with one of our children and sit around getting under their feet then there’s only one choice really, isn’t there?” She winked at Gretchen. “I’ll speak to your grandfather about it – let him think that it was his idea, that way I won’t be get any argument from him! And then we’ll see about getting someone in to help.”


Oooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I wonder if David and Gretchen will both jack in their jobs and take over the hotel. Very Happy Shocked Laughing Very Happy Shocked Laughing Very Happy Shocked Laughing Very Happy Shocked Laughing

#51:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 11:41 am
    —
Frau Pfeiffen- the perfect ally!!

Thanks Alison

#52:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 12:08 pm
    —
Frau Pfeiffen could be a very unexpected ally,. given her acceptance of change here.

Quote:
did Jem, Jack, Ted and Andreas all just live in some sort of Men Behaving Badly-esque mayhem ?
Do I detect a drabble lurking here? Laughing

#53:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 12:14 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. I have just caught up on the last few updates. For some reason, I have just had a very worrying feeling. I hope I will be proved wrong.

#54:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 12:28 pm
    —
She seems to be more accepting of change than Madge and Jem.

Madge seems to be living in Reminiscence Land, doesn't she?

#55:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 2:09 pm
    —
Yes Frau Pfeiffen, you are correct, times change.

I just hope Madge, Jem, Marie and Andreas can see that too!

Thanks Alison!

#56:  Author: SalLocation: Walsall / Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 5:43 pm
    —
Frau Pfeiffen was wonderful there Smile

Thanks Alison

#57:  Author: TanLocation: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 7:16 pm
    —
Luffly!

#58:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 8:17 pm
    —
Thanks Alison, lovely as usual...

#59:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 8:36 pm
    —
Very promising. mrgreen

Thank you, Alison.

#60:  Author: lindaLocation: Leeds PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 9:00 pm
    —
Lovely! Thank you Alison Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

#61:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 9:52 pm
    —
Frau Pfeiffen was lovely there. And a possible ally.

Thanks Alison.

#62:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 6:53 am
    —
Luise was driving, and she brought the car as close as possible to the front door of Wald Villa, where David and Eigen helped Frau Pfeifen into the passenger seat and Herr Pfeifen, who’d insisted on accompanying his wife to the hospital, into the back seat. As Luise drove away, Frau Pfeifen, despite the fright that she’d just had, was calling out of the window to Eigen not to forget to make the guests their late evening cup of coffee or hot chocolate; and David smiled. She was a formidable lady all right! Just like her eldest granddaughter was, he thought to himself.

Eigen had called in at the Kron Prinz Karl and briefly explained the situation to his employers, and they’d agreed that of course he must spend the night at Wald Villa. Gretchen offered to stay as well, but he insisted that he’d be able to manage on his own. “I’ll be fine,” he said. “As for tomorrow, Sabine’s going to come over. Sabine is Luise and Johann’s eldest daughter, Herr Doktor: she works at the local school so she’s off for the summer holidays at the moment. You’ve done plenty to help this evening already, Gretchen, and really it doesn’t need two of us to be here overnight.”

“Well, all right, if you’re sure you can manage,” Gretchen said, after he’d refused to listen to any of her protests. “I’ll come over first thing tomorrow, though.” She turned to David. “They won’t keep Grandma in overnight, will they?”

David shook his head. “It’ll depend on how long she has to wait for, but I wouldn’t have thought so. Honestly, I only suggested sending her to hospital as a precaution. Make sure that she doesn’t do too much for the next few days, though.”

“Believe me, we’ll all make sure that she doesn’t!” Eigen promised. “Gretchen, I’ll be quite all right here now: you get off home.” He frowned. “Actually, it’s getting late now: I’ll walk back with you. The guests’ll just have to wait if they want anything before I get back here: they know what’s going on with Mum not being well so hopefully they’ll make allowances. I wish one of us’d thought to ask Luise to drop you off on the way to the hospital, but never mind. And don’t start telling me not to fuss: you don’t know who’s about, especially at this time of year when all the hotels are busy and there are lots of strange faces in the area.”

“Oh, there’s no need for you to leave the guests on their own. I’ll walk Gretchen back to her house before I go back to Die Blumen,” David offered. “If that’s all right with you, Gretchen?”

“Oh, very well, seeing as you both seem to think I need protecting!” she said, trying very hard to sound casual given her uncle’s presence in the room with them. “I suppose you’re right, though: there’s no sense taking chances. Good night then, Uncle Eigen. If there’s any particular news from the hospital then let me know, if you can; but if I don’t hear anything I’ll assume that things are all right - and I’ll be over first thing in the morning.” She kissed her uncle on the cheek; and then she and David set off on the short walk from her grandparents’ home to her own.

“Thanks again, David,” she said, as they strolled along slowly, neither of them being the slightest bit inclined to hurry. “Grandma’s not always too keen on doctors – no offence – but you were wonderful with her.” She giggled. “I hope you didn’t mind her going on about what a lovely baby you were, though! Sorry about that!”

David smiled. “I quite enjoyed it, actually. I don’t get anything like that in Armishire: even people we knew when we lived in Howells Village only knew me from when I was … what, eight. Your grandma’s great. You’re lucky: I never knew any of my grandparents.”

“Jakob and Josefa and Andy don’t know really ours,” she said sadly. “Jakob was so young when we left Austria, and Josefa and Andy weren’t born until we were in England. Still, it’s easier now, and they’re all saving up to get over here. Obviously they won’t be able to afford to fly, but they’re hoping that they’ll be able to make it by train before too long. It’s getting easier all the time, especially now that more and more people are coming to Tyrol for the winter sports and the transport links are getting better. I hope they'll all be able to come over soon, anyway. Grandma and Grandpa have never even set on eyes on Josefa and Andy, and things like today … it makes you realise …life’s so short …”

Her voice tailed off. After that, they walked the rest of the way in silence; but David had taken her hand in his and she was very glad of his comforting presence by her side. She was also, for the first time ever, very sorry that the distance between her house and Wald Villa wasn’t greater.

#63:  Author: TanLocation: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 7:25 am
    —
That was lovely.

#64:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 8:03 am
    —
*echoes Tan*

Thanks Alison!

#65:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:06 am
    —
Awww lovely, and all very smoothly managed by David and Gretchen.

#66:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 10:32 am
    —
*echoes the previous comments*

Thanks Alison.

#67:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 11:03 am
    —
David did well there. I hope he realises that it's not the time and place for a serious discussion, but in a few days' time, well.......

#68:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:38 pm
    —
Just read this entire drabble and it's all lovely. My only complaint is that there wasn't more of it yet!

#69:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:39 pm
    —
That really was lovely, Alison. Thank you.

#70:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 2:39 pm
    —
Thanks Alison, and that last line was very sweet.

#71:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 3:37 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. It's a shame that Josefa and Andy have never met their Grandparents.

#72:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:50 pm
    —
Thanks Alison, lovely interlude.

#73:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:34 pm
    —
I forgot to say that my horrible feeling was wrong. I thought there might be something wrong when they went to waken Gretchen's Grandfather. I'm glad I was proven wrong!

#74:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 12:21 am
    —
That was lovely. Thank you Alison.

#75:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 2:08 am
    —
Thank you, Alison.
Gretchen & David in Austria is sounding more and more plausible.

#76:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 6:46 am
    —
When they reached Gretchen’s front door, she was still feeling slightly shaken by the evening’s events, and, unsure whether or not David would think it appropriate to kiss her goodnight and also whether or not he might think she was being forward if she kissed him, she was also feeling rather flustered. She fumbled in her handbag for her keys, but then, once she’d found them, they slipped from her hand. “Oh bother,” she muttered, reaching down and picking them up. “Stupid things!” Then she leaned against the door for a moment. “Oh, what an evening. One minute she was talking to me in the kitchen, and the next thing I knew she was keeling over and I thought … just for a moment I thought …”

“Don’t think about it,” he said quickly. “She’s all right and that’s what matters.” He put his arm round her shoulders. “She’ll be fine.” He drew her to him and kissed her forehead gently. “Trust me – I’m a doctor!”

“I thought you were going to do the whole masterful doctor thing and pick me up and carry me into the house in your strong arms then,” she murmured, looking up at him. He smiled, and she laughed. “Don’t even think about it,” she warned him. “One thing I am not is a wilting lily!”

“There wouldn’t be much point in me thinking about it – you’ve got the house keys,” he pointed out. “And, yes, I am well aware that a wilting lily you’re definitely not! Besides, if I wanted to do the masterful doctor act properly I’d have to give you a drink with a sedative in it to make sure that you got some decent rest, and I haven’t got any sedatives with me!”

This time they both laughed. “Seriously, though – will you be all right?” he asked. “I don’t want to leave you whilst you’re upset – will you let me come in for a bit? Not for … well, not for a serious talk, but just to keep you company for a little while. Only if you want me to, obviously. And whenever you want me to leave just say the word and I’ll go straight away.”

“I’d be very happy to have some company, actually,” she confessed. “It was horrible at the time, David … I just kept thinking … what if? …” She drew her hand across her eyes. “Still, as you’ve said, she’ll be all right. She was certainly on good form when Auntie Luise was driving off, giving Uncle Eigen his instructions like that! And I’ll be fine, but … well, it’d still be nice if you’d come in for a bit. ” She smiled shyly at him and unlocked the door, and David followed her inside.

“Here we are again,” she said, as they stood by the door, both feeling slightly awkward. “Come on, I’ll get us both a drink – and I’ll try not to spill anything this time! Do you want coffee, or would you rather have something stronger? Personally speaking I think I could do with a glass of wine after everything that’s happened this evening: I’ve got some in one of the kitchen cupboards.” She smiled. “I don’t make a habit of inviting men into my house and plying them with alcohol, by the way!” In point of fact she’d usually think twice about letting any man outside her own immediate family into her house at this time of night, when there was no-one else around; but she knew that she was completely safe with David and always would be.

“I’m glad to hear it,” he said with a grin as they both walked into the kitchen. “And a glass of wine would be very welcome, thank you. Here, let me open the bottle. I’ve been very well-practised in opening wine bottles ever since my student days!” She laughed, and then she handed him the bottle whilst she went to get a couple of glasses, and once he’d poured a glass for each of them they both went into the small living room and she sat down on the larger of the two settees. “Ooh, I need this after this evening. Oh well, at least it looks as if Grandma and Grandpa are going to get someone in to help at Wald Villa, so I suppose all’s well that ends well. And thanks again for everything you’ve done, David.”

“Just doing my job – but if I’ve helped then I’m very glad of it.” He looked around the room, and then looked back at Gretchen. “Er – shall I be a perfect gentleman and go and sit on the other settee? I … oh, if we didn’t live so far apart then it would all have been so much easier! I could just have asked you – not now, of course, but some time - to go to the pictures with me, or out for dinner, or something like that."

“What, so that we could get to know each other? I know what you mean, though.” She smiled at him affectionately. “But,” she added demurely, “I would say that sitting at the other end of the room from a lady wouldn’t be the act of a perfect gentleman at all. After all, it could give the lady the wrong impression and lead her to think that the gentleman found her company uncongenial; and that wouldn’t do at all. Actually, I think it would be the height of bad manners.”

“Do you know what, Fraulein Monier, I think that you might just be right. In fact, I think that the most appropriate thing for any gentleman to do under these circumstances would be to sit as close to the lady as possible. Assuming that that was all right with her, of course?”

Gretchen smiled up at him, and he set his wine glass down, sat down next to her and stroked her hair lovingly; and she put her head on his shoulder and snuggled comfortably into his open arms.

#77:  Author: ElbeeLocation: Surrey PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 8:11 am
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Awww, that was lovely!

Thank you Alison.

#78:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 8:12 am
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I was afraid we would not get our romantic interlude, we here it is after all

#79:  Author: ibarhisLocation: Dunstable PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 8:21 am
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That was very satisfying...

#80:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 8:29 am
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Awww! How luffly.

#81:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 9:01 am
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Thanks Alison, it's nice to see them so comfortable together. Don't put to many obstacles in their path, please?

#82:  Author: nessLocation: LANCS,ENGLAND PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 9:25 am
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Thanks Alison that was lovely

Worth coming back to the internet cafe for!

#83:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 9:28 am
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Thanks, Alison. That was really, really lovely.

#84:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 9:35 am
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That was lovely, thank you Alison. Very Happy

#85:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 10:49 am
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Thanks, Alison. Tha was lovely.

#86:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 11:00 am
    —
Lovely, thank-you Alison.

#87:  Author: BeckyLocation: Newport, South Wales, UK PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 11:40 am
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That was so sweet! Thanks, Alison Very Happy

#88:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 11:57 am
    —
That was very nice. I loved the description of what constitutes the masterful doctor act!

#89:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 12:49 pm
    —
Very romantic. Smile
Thank you, Alison.

#90:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 2:29 pm
    —
So coot!

Thanks Alison. Laughing

#91:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 3:48 pm
    —
Very cute but slightly concerned that Marie and Andreas are going to here of the problem with Marie's mum and turn up at Gretchen's and flip at her being with David like that.

#92:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 5:57 pm
    —
Glad the David and Gretchen have managed to find a definition of a 'perfect gentleman' which suits them both! Laughing

Thanks Alison!

#93:  Author: lindaLocation: Leeds PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 8:32 pm
    —
What a lovely interlude. Very romantic. Hope things go better for Gretchen and David now.

#94:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 9:33 pm
    —
Aw. I'm all goosebumpy. Lovely! Thankyou

#95:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 6:50 am
    —
Thanks for the comments Very Happy .

“This is crazy,” Gretchen said contentedly. “I mean – you and me: the whole idea’s ridiculous. In fact, I should probably ask you to leave immediately, and be thoroughly ashamed of myself for showing such a complete lack of sense.” She cuddled closer to him.

“Oh, without the slightest shadow of a doubt,” David agreed with mock solemnity. “And I should be apologising for my very boorish behaviour in inviting myself into your house and sitting here with you like this when what I was supposed to be doing was seeing you to your front door safely and then taking myself back to Die Blumen.” He grinned. “Nice though, isn’t it?”

Mmm.” She giggled. “Very nice! I could get used to this.”

“I wish you could: I wish we could. You know, I think about this sometimes when I’m sitting at home on my own in the evenings - what it’d be like if you were there with me, every day.” He bit his lip. “Sorry – I shouldn’t be saying that, not so soon. Not tonight, anyway – not after everything that’s happened.” He tried to lighten his remark by making a joke. “Anyway, I'd take an awful lot of putting up with!”

“Oh, I quite agree with that,” she teased him. “I know you, remember. I know exactly what you’re like around the house! Do you still kick your shoes off when you come in and then leave them lying wherever they land so that people end up tripping over them?”

“Afraid so! Although with living on my own it’s always me who ends up tripping over them these days.”

Gretchen giggled. “Serves you right! I dread to imagine how many times I must’ve fallen over your wretched shoes over the years. Let me see – what else?” She pretended to think very seriously. “How about leaving the lid off the toothpaste? Sybil and Josette and Ailie used to go mad about the way you were always doing that!”

“Ah, now that I don’t do any more,” he said, grinning. “It makes it go all horrible and gungy at the top of the tube and then you can’t get any more out, and if you’re the only one using it then you’re the one who has to sort it out. Anyway, who said that I was the only one who wasn’t quite a model of domestic orderliness, Fraulein Monier? Or am I to assume I that you never leave anything in a mess?”

“I’m pretty tidy, actually,” she said, laughing. “It’s one thing you learn to be when you grow up in someone else’s house: we all had it impressed on us from a very early age that making any sort of mess indoors was an absolute no-no. I remember once Jakob came in from playing football and trod mud all over the carpet, and Mum and Dad were still going on at him about it weeks afterwards.” She smiled teasingly. “Anyway, I’m a girl - it’s only men who have bad habits!”

“Oh I don’t know: I’m sure I can think of a few things about you! Let me see … do you still get hysterical whenever you see a spider?”

“That is not a bad habit: it’s a perfectly understandable reaction,” she said indignantly. Horrible things. Ugh!” She shuddered. “Didn’t you put one down the back of my neck once, when we lived in Guernsey? Was it you, or was it Rix?”

“It was me, I’m afraid! You started screaming; and Bride thumped me and told me I was a horrible brat; and then your Auntie Rosa made us all go back to Bonne Maison and stay in for the rest of the day. I do apologise!”

She giggled. “It’s all right: I forgive you, you horrible boy. Only just, though!” She sat up, poured them each another glass of wine, and then snuggled up to him again. “You know, Dr Russell, there’s something terribly improper about this conversation.”

David laughed. “What - talking about spiders is improper?”

“Well, maybe not spiders; but definitely toothpaste.”

“It's improper to talk about toothpaste?”

“It’s a bit … personal.” She blushed.

“You were the one who mentioned it,” David said, laughing. “Anyway, I think we know each other well enough not to be shy about discussing toothpaste!” He looked at her intently. “We, you and I … we should never feel shy talking to each other about anything. We’ve known each other all our lives, after all … but, more than that, we understand each other. I know that now’s not the time for a serious talk, but … well, we do understand each other, don’t we, Gretchen?”

“Yes, David, we do,” she said quietly. She looked away for a brief moment, and then she smiled up at him and he drew her closer to him and kissed her. “I’m very glad about that,” he said softly.

#96:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 7:17 am
    —
Lovely conversation - they are so right together.


Thanks Alison.

#97:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 7:30 am
    —
wheelchairprincess wrote:
Very cute but slightly concerned that Marie and Andreas are going to here of the problem with Marie's mum and turn up at Gretchen's and flip at her being with David like that.



Or Madge will be worried about what has happened and wait up for him, or maybe Ailie will wait up for him and ask where he has been.

#98:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 10:13 am
    —
Or maybe it could all work out and they live happily ever after?

*hopeful*

Thanks Alison.

#99:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 10:33 am
    —
That is so lovely and so cute between them. Hoping everything gets sorted out and they get a chance to just enjoy each others company without worrying about all the side issues

#100:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 11:16 am
    —
Aaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!! Now, they need to start making plans for the future.

#101:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 3:33 pm
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I do like them together. Very Happy
Thank you, Alison.

#102:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 4:04 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. That was a wonderful scene between David and Gretchen.

#103:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 4:15 pm
    —
Thanks Alison!

#104:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 5:53 pm
    —
Lovely shiny update. I do like the banter and the chemistry between Gretchen and David.

#105:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 5:55 pm
    —
What a luffly scene!!

Please don't make things too difficult for them Alison

#106:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 8:26 pm
    —
This drabble is just sublime. It makes my day, just reading it. Thankyou!

#107:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 6:44 am
    —
They sat in contented silence for a little while after that, happy just to be together; but when they next heard the chimes of the Briesau church clock Gretchen looked at the clock on the living room wall and then looked back at David. “David – I’m not trying to get rid of you, but it’s getting late now and you’ve already been back late once this week. Very late, from what Mum and Dad said: I gather that you stomped in at some ungodly hour and woke everyone up!” She stroked his hand. “I don’t want you to go, not yet – but I suppose you really ought to. I know that at our age we should not be having to worry about what our parents might think if we get in late, but … well, we don’t want to make things awkward.” She smiled wryly. “Any more awkward than they are already, that is.”

Reluctantly, David sat up straight. “I suppose you’re right! I really do hate this, though – having to try to snatch an hour here and an hour there, trying to make sure that our families don’t find out about us, at least not until we’ve had chance to talk about things properly… Gretchen, when can we see each other again, have some more time to ourselves? Because that’s what we need – time to ourselves. I know that you want to spend time with your parents whilst they’re here, of course I do, but … well, I was just thinking that maybe you and I could go out somewhere for a morning or an afternoon?”

She nodded. “I’d like that.” She paused for a moment. “David – what you said before, about what it’d be like if we were together, all the time …”

“I didn’t mean to say that. Well, I did, but not tonight – not after the nasty shock you’ve had and everything, I mean. I’m sorry.”

Gretchen shook her head vehemently. “Don’t be sorry: I’m glad you said it. Let’s …” She tried to think of the right words, and she struggled for a moment but then she remembered what Karen had said. “Let’s give ourselves a chance, David. Like you were saying the other night – before I bit your head off! – people find ways … . And I certainly agree that we need to have some proper time together. Shall we go out for a whole day? I’ll have plenty of time with Mum and Dad whilst they’re here, and they won’t be expecting to see me every day, after all: they know that I don’t get much time off work and that I’ll have other things to do. And they’ve got other things to do – at Die Blumen, obviously, and they’ll probably want a chance for a look round old haunts on their own as well - and other people to see too. It’d be a bit late now to let them know I wouldn’t be around tomorrow … but how about the day after?”

“That suits me fine. I’ve promised that I’d take Kevin and Kester and Ailie up the Mondscheinspitze tomorrow, but we’ve got no particular plans for the day after that and I’ll just tell everyone that I’ve got things I want to do that day. What say we go somewhere well away from here, really get away from everyone? Vienna’s much too far for a day, I suppose … how about Salzburg, though? What’s that like?”

“It’s lovely,” she said. “Not as nice as Innsbruck, of course, but lovely in a different way! I wouldn’t mind seeing it again: I’ve only been there twice. It’s easy enough to get to by train, but it’s a fair way: we’d have to go early. Mind you, I’m usually up early anyway. We could have a nice day out together, look round Salzburg … and then we could come back here and talk.”

“Early’s not a problem! The day after tomorrow, then? A day in Salzburg?” He stroked her hair. “Just you and me. We’ll have a nice, normal day out, just us, and then … well, then we’ll talk about things properly.”

Gretchen nodded, and then she put her arms round him and they shared a long kiss goodnight before he set off for Die Blumen. It had been a difficult evening and they were both concerned about Frau Pfeifen, but at least they both knew that matters between the two of them had taken a considerable turn for the better; and they were both now feeling much more positive about the future.

#108:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 6:49 am
    —
I opened the page and kept doing refresh till i saw the update.

One of my favourite drabbles right now.

#109:  Author: TanLocation: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 7:21 am
    —
Things seem to be moving in the right direction!

#110:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 7:48 am
    —
They're sure to have a lovely day in Salzburg. I can't wait to hear all about it!

Thanks Alison.

#111:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 7:49 am
    —
Thanks Alison! I look forward to these morning updates so much.

#112:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 8:29 am
    —
Thanks, Alison. I hope that they will have their day out and nobody tries to change their plans.

#113:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 10:16 am
    —
Thanks, Alison. The great thing about that post was they were seeing things so much more positively. Though David would be wise not o mention the day out to Salzburg to his mother, or she'll try to get him to take Ailie and the twins.

#114:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 10:23 am
    —
Fingers crossed it will all go well. Who knows maybe all the parents will surprise us all when they find out

#115:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:25 am
    —
Fiona Mc wrote:
Fingers crossed it will all go well. Who knows maybe all the parents will surprise us all when they find out


*Joins Fiona in the optimists camp*

Thanks Alison.

#116:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 3:35 pm
    —
Another one for the optimists camp - trying to keep the tiny pessimists voice from taking hold.

#117:  Author: ibarhisLocation: Dunstable PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 3:39 pm
    —
But, what makes the better story?

#118:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 3:49 pm
    —
I'm also camping with the optimists!

#119:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 5:01 pm
    —
I think they still have a number of squalls to cope with - but am looking forward to seeing them manage.

Thanks Alison.

#120:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 6:18 pm
    —
I wish I was going to Salzburg!!

I hope David and Gretchen manage to have a great day!

Thanks Alison!

#121:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 6:55 pm
    —
Their relationship seems strong enough to cope with what comes, once they've had a chance to really talk things through.

#122:  Author: SugarLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 8:44 pm
    —
Just caught up on loads of this. What can I say but lovely. David and Gretchen seem so right.

#123:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 10:23 pm
    —
They are lovely together, and they seem happy to talk things through which should help if squall arrive.

(not that I'm expecting them because a lovely day in Salzburg doesn't sound to be tempting fate at all!)

Thanks Alison Very Happy

#124:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 11:03 pm
    —
If they can maintain that positive approach, and give themselves a chance as Gretchen said, then it becomes possible - no matter what. And while there will be problems, I suspect there may be one or two unexpected supporters as well.

#125:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 6:43 am
    —
The news about Frau Pfeifen was good. David arrived back at Die Blumen to find that Luise had already rung from the hospital to assure a worried Marie that there was nothing to be seriously concerned about: their mother was being sent home, with a reiteration of David’s advice about taking things easier in future. Both Marie and Andreas thanked him profusely for his help, restating what Gretchen had said earlier about the problems that sometimes arose in the area when someone took ill and the only local doctor was out on a call.

Kevin and Kester were already in bed, in anticipation of the next morning’s planned early start; and David found that everyone else seemed too concerned with both Frau Pfeifen’s health and ensuring that everything was ready for the picnic to ask what he’d been doing since his patient had left for the hospital. He didn’t notice Ailie looking at him thoughtfully when Marie and Andreas expressed concern about Gretchen and he assured them that she was quite all right and back in her own home safely.

The following morning was clear and dry; and David, Ailie, Kevin and Kester set off from Die Blumen bright and early, armed with a picnic basket filled by Marie and a map and accompanying notes supplied by one of the staff at the Kron Prinz Karl. Kevin and Kester were bubbling over with excitement about the prospect of going up a mountain and set off along the path to the Lauterbach Valley, which would take them to the mountain path leading up the Mondscheinspitze, so quickly that David had to point out that if they didn’t slow down their legs would be aching before they’d even started their climb.

The boys’ enthusiasm did flag somewhat when they started their climb and found out that ascending a mountain, even a very small one, wasn’t nearly as easy as they’d been expecting. David slowed his pace and did his best to help them over any difficult parts; and Ailie kept instructing them to bend their knees and telling them that they had to keep their jackets on until David burst out laughing and told her that she sounded just like everything he’d ever been told about P.T. mistresses already. However, after a short break part-way up to get their breath back, they reached the Alpe without too much trouble; and David and Ailie admired the view whilst Kevin and Kester congratulated themselves on being “mountaineers”.

Marie had packed a flask of lemonade for them, but Ailie suggested that they see if they could buy some milk at a nearby shepherd’s hut. “Auntie Joey always says that you get the best lovely creamy milk in the world up here,” she remarked. However, Kevin and Kester both said that they’d prefer the lemonade. “Milk’s too healthy,” Kester said decidedly; and Kevin nodded in agreement.

David laughed. “What am I going to do with you two? Too healthy indeed! Well, I’m going to see if we can get some milk. Just for you and me then, Ailie? Do you pair want to come along – you’ll probably find it quite interesting seeing what the inside of the hut’s like? Don’t stare, though – remember that it’s the shepherd’s home.”

The two boys followed him along to the hut and, despite what he’d just said, had a good look round; but the shepherd particularly seem to mind, chatting away to David as he provided him with two mugs of milk and David paid him for it. Kevin and Kester, who spoke very little German anyway, didn’t understand a word that the man said, but David found that he was able to converse with him fairly easily. His German master at school had often criticised him for speaking the language with a Tyrolean accent and using words of local dialect, but he’d never been able to get out of the habit of doing so and he was glad now. It came in very useful when he was at the Tiernsee.

When they rejoined Ailie, Kevin and Kester sat down on the short, sweet grass at once; but David stood for a few moments, looking across at the Sonnalpe on which stood the house in which both he and Gretchen had been born, and then down at the beautiful lakeside village which was her home, and wondering.

#126:  Author: nessLocation: LANCS,ENGLAND PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 6:50 am
    —
I wonder what he is wondering?! A shortage of doctors and good tyrolean german!

Thanks Alison, I logged on, and got 2 updates that was great.

#127:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 6:50 am
    —
I'd go for the lemonade, too - I always hated the thought of swigging milk as the CS girls do!

#128:  Author: ElbeeLocation: Surrey PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 8:08 am
    —
ness wrote:
I wonder what he is wondering?! A shortage of doctors and good tyrolean german!


Yes, it is all sounding very promising!

Thanks, Alison.

#129:  Author: jenniferLocation: Taiwan PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 8:59 am
    —
Fatima wrote:
I'd go for the lemonade, too - I always hated the thought of swigging milk as the CS girls do!


I don't mind milk with a meal, or spiked with brandy and spices in the evening, but not for rehydration on a hike - I'd be spitting phlem for the next hour.

Hmm, David as a GP in the Tyrol, well away from his parent's over enthusiasm, but the two of them able to spend their holidays in England...

I wonder who they're going to run into in Salzburg Razz

#130:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 9:08 am
    —
jennifer wrote:
Fatima wrote:
I'd go for the lemonade, too - I always hated the thought of swigging milk as the CS girls do!


I don't mind milk with a meal, or spiked with brandy and spices in the evening, but not for rehydration on a hike - I'd be spitting phlem for the next hour.


Not me I love and adore milk and could drink in all seasons! Thanks Alison though I am waiting for Ailie to pounce on David about Gretchen Wink

#131:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 9:25 am
    —
Fatima wrote:
I'd go for the lemonade, too - I always hated the thought of swigging milk as the CS girls do!


I would as well, I only like ice-cold milk and even then I don't find it particularly refreshing. Lemonade on the other hand I've never yet had too much of.

ness wrote:
A shortage of doctors and good tyrolean german!


Definitely looking promising! But I've got my fingers crossed just in case. So please let it be alright for them, as typing is now a bit of a problem Rolling Eyes

Thanks Alison.

#132:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 10:29 am
    —
I couldn't have the milk, either. I never found it refreshing, anddon't like the taste of it. Lemonade for me, it's sharp and clear, and thirst-quenching.

#133:  Author: macyroseLocation: Great White North (Canada) PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 10:47 am
    —
I had a feeling Ailie would be the first to notice that something's going on with David. Wonder when she's going to talk to him about it?

Thanks, Alison.

#134:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 11:49 am
    —
I love milk, but I don't think I'd like that fresh, creamy unpasturised stuff the herdsmen must have supplied!

Thanks, Alison Laughing .

#135:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 12:32 pm
    —
Thanks Alison!

This was great to come back to all these updates! Very Happy

#136:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 3:38 pm
    —
Oh, good, he'll be comfortable talking with Tirolean patients. Very Happy

There's nothing wrong with milk -- especially with brownies and cakes and other fine things -- but I do like lemonade for general thirst-quenching.

Thank you, Alison.

#137:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 3:57 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. I wonder what David is wondering about.

#138:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 5:38 pm
    —
I think Ailie is definately on to you David!

Thanks Alison!

#139:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 6:15 pm
    —
Love Ailie already sounding like a PT Mistress - think/hope she will be an ally for David and Gretchen.


Thanls Alison

#140:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 7:09 pm
    —
Salzburg! And then they can bump into...oh wait, no they can't... Laughing

#141:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 11:53 pm
    —
Love Kester's comment..... Very Happy And I wonder what David is thinking about.

#142:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 7:01 am
    —
It was too early to eat; but they all sat and relaxed for a while, enjoying the view and the warm, sunny weather, and then Kevin and Kester got out the football that they’d insisted on putting in the picnic basket and the four of them enjoyed a kickabout on one of the flat parts of the Alpe. “I never have been been the sweet gentle daughter that Mum always says she wanted, have I?” Ailie said with a grin. “If Peggy or Primula were here they’d be making daisychains or something!” She tackled David and took the ball off him, kicking it to Kevin. “Come on David – is that the best you can do?”

“I’m not used to playing football,” he protested. “Rugby’s always been my game!” Then he laughed, chased after Kevin, succeeded in getting the ball back and kicked it to Kester. Kester kicked it eagerly past the picnic basket, which was acting as a goalpost, and then celebrated his “goal” so enthusiastically that David had to smile. When the twins had been born, several people had said that the age gap between them and him was so big that he’d end up being more like an uncle to them than a brother, and he did feel like that sometimes; but on days like this it didn’t really matter either way: they were just members of the same family, all out enjoying themselves together.

When he’d been a young boy, his father had never really played games with him like this, he thought; even on days when he hadn’t been busy at the San. He’d vowed to himself several times over the years that if he ever had children of his own then he’d make very sure that he’d always make the time for them that his parents hadn’t made for him. Although, whilst he supposed he’d always hoped that one day he’d meet Miss Right and that they’d get married and set up a home together, and hopefully in time have children, it had never really been more than a vague idea for the future until he’d come to Tyrol last year and met up with Gretchen again … and now, now that he knew that she cared about him too …

He couldn’t bear the thought of spending another fourteen months, or fifteen months or sixteen months or however long it might be, without seeing her again. Even if he tried to come back to Tyrol later in the year, or she managed to get to England early next year, it would only be for a couple of weeks at most. They couldn’t carry on like this: he didn’t want to carry on like this and, from what she’d said last night, nor did she. They were going to have to resolve things somehow, make some definite plans for the future. As long as that was what she wanted too and, from what she’d said, he was fairly sure that it was.

And he was open to any solution to the problems. He’d always felt that there was nowhere that he could really call home: well, now he knew that home was where Gretchen was. And if that was the Tiernsee then so be it. He knew the area, he spoke the language, and it did sound as if there might be a chance for him to work locally. Moving away from his family and his own country wouldn’t be easy, and there was the question of what would happen to his share of the practice that he and Daisy owned jointly, but, if it came to it, he’d deal with all that. All that mattered was for him and Gretchen to be together. As for what their families would have to say about their relationship, they’d cope with that when it happened.

“David!” Ailie called. “Stop dreaming. The ball’s gone right past you.”

“Sorry!” he called back. He chased after the ball and kicked it back to his sister. He managed to keep his mind on the game, and after that they tucked into the picnic and then he had to concentrate on leading them all back down the mountain and safely back to Die Blumen; but his mind was made up. He wasn’t going back to England before he and Gretchen had decided what they were going to do about their future, and he was going to tell her that, if his moving to Tyrol were what it took for the two of them to be together, then he’d do it.

#143:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 7:26 am
    —
Good for David! It's great to see him so positive and open to changing his life. Thanks Alison!

#144:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 7:51 am
    —
I'm glad he's willing to move to Austria to be with Grechen - I think she'll appreciate this so much.

Thanks Alison.

#145:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 8:04 am
    —
Well done David - and how sad that Jem never had time for his children in that way.


Thanks Alison.

#146:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 8:14 am
    —
That is so heartwarming - to see that he is willing to make changes in his life because of the importance of his relationship with Gretchen.

#147:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 8:44 am
    —
Thanks, Alison. I'm glad that he is happy to move to Tirol to be with Gretchen.

#148:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 9:34 am
    —
Good for David, he needs to be a bit decisive here.

Thanks Alison.

Laughing Laughing At Primula, Peggy and the daisy chains.

#149:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 11:09 am
    —
I'm glad David has started to make some positive decisions and is prepared to get over any difficulties so that he can be happy with Gretchen.

#150:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 2:16 pm
    —
Thanks Alison.

Glad to see David feeling a bit better.

#151:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 3:45 pm
    —
Glad that David has started to work out some solutions to the problems that he and Gretchen face.

Also Laughing Laughing at Peggy, Primula and the daisy chains!!

Looking forward to more of this ... thanks Alison!

#152:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 5:48 pm
    —
*hugs David*
*thinks a good chat with Ailie might clear the air*
Thank you, Alison.

Um, am I the only one who thinks carrying a football up a mountain is passing strange? Doubtless I'm closer to the daisy chain type, though I'd probably be taking flower pictures rather than torturing the poor things.

#153:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 5:49 pm
    —
thanks

good that he had made a decsion
if he just remembered that Nancy's husband is looking for a practice in that area he will solve all his problems

Very cleverly put together, the idea that home is where she is.

#154:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 10:00 pm
    —
Love the idea that David's home is wherever Gretchen is, and the description of Ailie's and the football game. Slightly concerned that the relationship between D and G is moving too fast though.

#155:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 10:04 pm
    —
wheelchairprincess wrote:
Love the idea that David's home is wherever Gretchen is, and the description of Ailie's and the football game. Slightly concerned that the relationship between D and G is moving too fast though.


on the other hand they have been writing these very intensive letters the whole time, so not actually so fast, it was sort of in their minds the whole time.

#156:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 8:24 am
    —
Gretchen arrived at the station early. David wasn’t there yet; but she went to the ticket office and bought her ticket. Had David been there he’d immediately have offered to pay for her ticket as well as his own, because he was old-fashioned like that in some ways, she thought with an affectionate smile; but she wasn’t not paying her own way. She thanked the man at the ticket office, put the ticket in her bag, and sat down to wait for David. They hadn’t arranged to meet for a good five minutes yet; and there was plenty of time before their train was due.

There was a direct train to Salzburg, but it seemed to stop at virtually every lamppost along the way; and so they were taking the train from Seespitz to Spartz and changing there for the express train, which worked out much quicker overall. Looking around, she was relieved to see that the station was quiet – although, thinking about it, it was bound to be quiet, it being too early yet even for the people with jobs in Spartz and Innsbruck to be arriving to catch the commuter trains – and, in particular, that there was no-one around whom she knew.

Suddenly she was seized by a fit of the giggles. She was twenty-six years old, with her own home and a responsible job; and here she was skulking about as if she were fifteen again, and sneaking out to go to the pictures with some lad when she’d told her parents that she was meeting Susan, or wiping her make-up off with a tissue at the bus stop in Howells Village after work before going back to the Round House. It was awful that she had to feel like this when she was doing nothing wrong, it really was; and she ought to feel upset or insulted or both; but she and David were going to have the whole day to themselves and the sun was shining and she felt so ridiculously happy that she just didn’t mind about anything.

She hadn’t felt like this yesterday evening. After spending much of the day at Wald Villa with her grandparents, her cousin Sabine and at various parts of the day her parents and some of her aunts, uncles and other cousins, she’d spent the evening sitting at home, looking out of the window and feeling as if she were being torn apart. Oh, she had family and friends in and not far from the Armiford area, and hopefully a decent chance of getting a reasonable job there, and she knew the area well enough, after all; but the thought of leaving all this, her home, and everyone and everything here, and going back to somewhere where she’d never, ever felt that she belonged the way that she did here …

But, in the end, she knew that she’d do it. If she had to, for David, so that she and he could be together, if he were ready for that, as she knew that she was, then she’d do it. And, whatever anyone else had to say about the two of them being together – and in some people’s cases that would no doubt be plenty, and none of it very pleasant – and however awkward things might get, they’d cope with it. So long as they were together, they’d cope. And they’d make it all all right. Somehow, they’d make it all all right.

He arrived a few moments later; and impulsively she jumped up, ran over and flung her arms round him, not caring at all if any of these strangers waiting at Seespitz station gave them funny looks. “No talking about your family or my family or anything else that’s going to make things difficult, at least not until we’re on the way back,” she told him. “Let’s enjoy Salzburg!”

“Fine by me.” He kissed the tip of her nose and she started giggling again; and then he started to laugh as well. “Come on, you!” he said. “Let’s get going! And we are definitely going to enjoy Salzburg.”

He offered to buy her ticket as she’d known very well that he would; but he didn’t say anything when she said that she’d already bought it. She was the most independent girl he knew, and he hadn’t really expected her to let him pay for her anyway. The train to Spartz arrived bang on time; they made the connection without any trouble; and before long they were on the express train and speeding their way through the Austrian countryside.

David had, slightly sheepishly, asked if she minded him buying a newspaper at the station kiosk in Spartz. She’d said that of course she didn’t, but then she’d burst out laughing and teased him for being so terribly, terribly English as to want to read a newspaper on a train; but they looked through it together, and discussed at some length the situation in Cuba, the latest developments in South Africa, and the growing tension between the Soviet Union and the West and its possible implications for Germany, still divided all this time after the Allied powers had finally withdrawn from Austria and looking likely to remain so permanently. David couldn’t help thinking about some of the many disparaging comments he’d heard members of his family and their friends make about people being educated at local schools. He rarely if ever had this sort of conversation with most of them.

When they’d finished reading the newspaper, they settled back, holding hands, to admire the scenery out of the window. David had never seen the Salzkammergut region before and was very impressed by it. Gretchen insisted that it wasn’t quite as beautiful as the Tyrolean countryside was, and he laughed and said that she’d say that about anywhere. “True,” she admitted. Then she started laughing as well, and he put his arm round her shoulders and kissed her; and then an elderly lady sitting across the aisle from them frowned at them disapprovingly and they both had to suppress their giggles. And then, about an hour and three quarters after leaving Spartz, they were arriving in the beautiful city of Salzburg, ready to enjoy the rest of their day together thoroughly.

#157:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 8:39 am
    —
Thanks Alison. It's nice to see Gretchen would be willing to give everything up for David as well.

#158:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 8:42 am
    —
Aw. They're so sweet. I'm quite envious!

#159:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 8:45 am
    —
They are both so lovely! It's great to see them having a nice day out as any other young couple would.

Thanks Alison.

#160:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 10:31 am
    —
Now that is true love - they are both prepared to give up their home if it means being with the other.


Thanks Alison.

#161:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 11:01 am
    —
There's a lovely sense of balance between them - that they are each willing to give up things for the other and aklso to make a stand for their relationship.

Thanks Alison.

#162:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 1:06 pm
    —
Now, that's settled. All they have ot do is to decide which country thay are going to live in. Gretchen could always be the Practise Manager for David and Daisy, now couldn't she. On the other hand, they need another younger GP round the Tiernsee.

Please, Alison, don't let the older Russells take it into their heads to go to Salzburg.

#163:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:02 pm
    —
Nice to know that Gretchen is also willing to move for David.

I wonder if Wanda von Gluck would recognise David if he and Gretchen were to meet her in Salzburg? *ponders*

Thanks Alison

#164:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:29 pm
    —
Hope they have a great day. Personally i think David should move to Tyrol, well away from parents and things and Gretchen is far happier there whereas David doesn't really seem to care

#165:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:31 pm
    —
Lovely update and my worries are abated.

#166:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:57 pm
    —
Lovely.

Thanks Alison

#167:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 5:23 pm
    —
Fiona Mc wrote:
Hope they have a great day. Personally i think David should move to Tyrol, well away from parents and things and Gretchen is far happier there whereas David doesn't really seem to care


Agreed. Much better for them both in Tyrol, and David's needed there too.


Last edited by Pat on Mon Jul 09, 2007 12:15 pm; edited 1 time in total

#168:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 5:52 pm
    —
I'm rooting for Tyrol in this case, but am mostly just pleased that each is so concerned for the other's happiness. Smile

Thank you, Alison.

#169:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 6:12 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. I hope they have a lovely day.

#170:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 6:34 pm
    —
I, too, think they may be better off in Tyrol, partly because all the signs are that it would be easier for David to move than for Gretchen to do so - and the area certainly does need another doctor. But it is nice to see that each is willing to consider the possibility of moving.

I hope they'll have a really enjoyable day out in Salzburg *for themselves* and not encounter any family or acquaintances!!

Thanks, Alison

#171:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 6:40 am
    —
From the station they walked up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, where they stood for a few minutes and admired the view over the city. Gretchen said a little sadly that she’d love to be able to visit some of the other beautiful baroque cities of Central Europe, built along similar lines with castles overlooking the cities, but that with things the way they were the chance of being able to travel easily to places like Prague or Budapest, which had had such close ties to Austria for so many years, in the near future seemed slim. David said that he’d been thinking exactly the same thing; and, with one or two tears in her eyes, she slipped her hand into his and leaned against his shoulder.

Will, the boy she’d been seeing in Armiford just before she’d moved to Austria, and whom she’d finished with as soon as she’d finally realised what he was really like, had never had the slightest interest in anything to do with Central Europe. And, from what her cousin Anna said, some of the British community at the Gornetz Platz were like that even though they were actually living in Switzerland. But David wasn’t like that at all. She knew very well that what he’d just said had been true. And she knew about his country: she’d lived there long enough.

After they’d had a good look round the Fortress itself, they returned to the lower part of the city, where they visited the famous Salzburg Festival Hall, then the Mirabell Palace built by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich for his mistress – they both burst out laughing when David remarked that he’d once heard his mother describe the lady as being Dietrich’s “good friend”– and Mozart’s birthplace about which Gretchen got very enthusiastic. She told David three times in five minutes how important Austrian classical music was, and eventually he grinned and commented teasingly that he’d seen a big pile of Elvis Presley records in her house and nothing by Mozart or Strauss anywhere. She insisted that she had plenty of classical music records too, and he smiled and said that he believed her even though thousands wouldn’t; and then they both started to laugh again.

After that, they went to one of Salzburg’s wonderful coffee houses for a sit-down and something to eat and drink. Gretchen teased David about his parents thinking that he’d come in drunk on their first night at Die Blumen and asked if he’d like to try one of the local beers, but in the end they both stuck to coffee – indulging in the Einspanner variety which came topped with large quantities of delicious whipped cream. They also enjoyed substantial helpings of Kasnockerln, the cheese dumplings which were a speciality of the Salzburg region.

Gretchen said ruefully afterwards that she’d eaten far too much, but when David remarked that he assumed that in that case she wouldn’t want any of the delicious-looking cream cakes on offer she told him that she didn’t know where on earth he’d got that idea from. She had two cream cakes and David had three; and then, when they’d finally finished eating, they had another Einspanner coffee each before finally leaving the coffee house and making their way to the cathedral.

David had been in Armiford Cathedral week in week out during his days at the school there, and he was also used to the cathedral in Winchester which he considered to be even more impressive than the one in Armiford was; but he hadn’t been in many Catholic cathedrals and he found Salzburg’s very interesting. They spent quite a lot of time in there; and then had a quick look in some of the shops on the main street, Getreidegasse, before walking back into the old town and stopping for another coffee. There was another tempting array of cream cakes on display but sadly they both had to agree that they really couldn’t eat another thing just yet - before heading back towards the station to catch the train back to Spartz.

“It’s been an absolutely lovely day,” Gretchen said as they boarded the train and sat down. They’d wanted to avoid the rush hour chaos and so were returning mid-afternoon: there weren’t many people on the train and they had the compartment to themselves. “I’m so glad that you suggested Salzburg: I’ve only been here twice before and I’d forgotten how nice it is. Did you like it?”

“Salzburg’s beautiful. But most of all I’ve just enjoyed being with you for the day.” She didn’t answer, and he put his hand on her shoulder gently. “Gretchen?”

“I’ve enjoyed being with you for the day too: of course I have: it’s been wonderful.” She looked up at him. “But …” She stopped, trying to find the right words.

“But it’s one day, and before we turn round I’ll be going back to England … and we’ll be back to writing letters and never seeing each other from one year to the next,” he finished for her.

She nodded. “Put in a nutshell. So what are we going to do, David?”

“Well, that’s what we need to decide,” he said. “Sorry – that was rather stating the obvious, wasn’t it? But I do want us to decide, Gretchen. I know that it’s only been a few days but … well, we’ve both felt this way for a while. And it’s hardly as if we need time to get to know each other, is it? Sorry … I know that normally people say I’m too cautious, but this time … what I mean is, am I going too quickly, or is this what you want as well?”

“This is what I want as well,” she said steadily.

#172:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 7:14 am
    —
What a wonderful day!

Thanks Alison.

#173:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 7:36 am
    —
They had a lovely day - and they're interested in so much of the world around them, aren't they?

#174:  Author: TanLocation: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 7:46 am
    —
I hope it continues to go smoothly for the two of them. I enjoyed reliving Salzburg!

#175:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:05 am
    —
I hope everything goes well for them. They deserve it

#176:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:11 am
    —
How lovely!

*Slightly concerned things are going too well - I keep expecting Alison to wade in with her spanner!*

Thanks Alison

#177:  Author: ElbeeLocation: Surrey PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:22 am
    —
What a lovely relaxing day for them.

Thank you, Alison.

#178:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:44 am
    —
Lovely thank you Alison

#179:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:36 am
    —
Lovely day out, and I really enjoyed the way they teased each other.

Thanks Alison.

#180:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 12:08 pm
    —
Rob wrote:
How lovely!

*Slightly concerned things are going too well - I keep expecting Alison to wade in with her spanner!*

Thanks Alison


I think they have enough to deal with and plenty of things to happen, so please let everything go well between them at least, (no spanners) and only leave them with outside issues to cope with (parents, family lots of stuff to write here for your faithful readers)

#181:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 12:47 pm
    —
A lovely day out for them. David is right, they can go on like this indefinitely, and get nowhere, whilst Madge trots out a whole posse of 'suitable' girls for him to propose to and marry.

#182:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 3:02 pm
    —
A lovely day and one thing that really struck me there was how unCS David is in his outlook.

#183:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 3:53 pm
    —
What a lovely day they had. Thanks, Alison. I also enjoyed revisiting Salzburg with them!

#184:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 5:39 pm
    —
Pleased they had such a good day.

Thanks Alison.

#185:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:08 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. I wonder how they will break it to their families when the time comes.

#186:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:13 pm
    —
A lovely day out. Hope they can now work something concrete out and decide just what they're going to do.

#187:  Author: JustJenLocation: at a baseball game PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:32 pm
    —
Alison, I finally got caught up on your wonderful story.
Hope everything works out in the end.

#188:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:52 pm
    —
A fine day out, and the do seem to have come to an understanding. Of course, the devil is in the details.

*looks hopefully at Alison*

#189:  Author: SugarLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 10:47 pm
    —
A lovely day out and I'm glad they got the CS coffee!

Alison this drabble is just amazing Smile

#190:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 6:50 am
    —
Thanks for the comments Very Happy . Hope this bit isn't too long (or too soppy!) but I'm going away on Saturday and want to get up to a logical stopping point by then and it won't all fit by then with usual-sized updates!

She took a deep breath. “David – I can’t go back to that, to being … well, glorified pen-friends. If you want me to, if you’re ready for me to, then I’ll move back to Armishire. I’ve thought about it a lot, and obviously it wouldn’t be easy, but I’d have Mum and Dad and my brothers and sister nearby, and my friend Susan as well, and it’s not as if I don’t know the area or speak the language. We’d both have to accept that people might talk about me, about us, and that it might be awkward, but … well, what matters is that you and I’d be together … David, what is it?” She looked at him anxiously. “You look like you’ve just been hit over the head with a sledgehammer. I thought we’d just agreed that we wanted to be together.”

“You’d do that – leave Tyrol again?” he asked incredulously. He took both her hands in his. “Gretchen, I know what it means to you, living in Briesau: I know how much you wanted to come back, all those years … do you realise what you’re saying? I mean, I know you realise what you’re saying, but … you’d really do that. Gretchen …” He gave up trying to find the right words and pulled her into his arms.

“You’re making me cry now.” She looked up at him, half laughingly and half tearfully. “I must be going soft in my old age, David Russell, because I think I could learn cope with being away from home again but I don’t think I could cope with being away from you any more. So, yes, I’d do it. But I won’t be like your mother, opening church fetes and all the rest of it, David. And I’d look for a job in Armiford: I’m not giving up work - but then I assume you wouldn’t ask me to.”

“Of course I wouldn’t!” he exclaimed. “And I’m sure that you’d be able to get a job in Armiford with no trouble at all. As for church fetes or anyone being funny with us, please rest assured that I can’t stand most of the people on my parents’ committees and so on, and that I really wouldn’t want anything to do with anyone who thought that people from different backgrounds shouldn’t be together. I’m a local doctor, after all – I don’t try to set myself apart from anyone. And – well, I don’t think anyone’ll still react badly to anyone Austrian, any more than people around the Tiernsee do to anyone British: I’ve certainly had no hostility whilst I’ve been here. And I’ve been thinking about being here an awful lot.”

He drew back from her a little, looking at her intently, “Gretchen, I came to Salzburg today ready to tell you that I’d decided that I was ready to move to Tyrol. And I will, if that’s what you want, if that’s what’s best for us. I was born here, when all’s said and done; and I speak German pretty fluently. Also, in a lot of ways it’d make more sense for me to move than for you to: you feel so strongly about living here, much more so than I do about living anywhere – well, about living anywhere except where you are.”

Now Gretchen looked at him in amazement. “David, are you serious – would you seriously consider it?” She could feel the tears coming again now, and she wiped them away with her sleeve. “David, I’d prefer that, of course I would – but … how can I ask you to do that? What about your family? And what about your work? You’ve got the surgery; and what about Daisy? And I’ve got family and friends near Armiford: you’ve got no-one here, except the Mensches and the von und zu Wertheims I suppose …”

“I’ve got you,” he said. “That’s all that matters. And … well, maybe, in time, if God’s good, then I’ll have, we’ll have, someone else as well … two or three someone elses. If you want that too?"

Gretchen blushed violently. “I want that very much,” she managed to say. “But … David …” She touched his hand. “David, if we have children, and I very much hope that we will, then we’ll teach them about both our countries, about where each of us comes from, but … well, when it comes to religion …”

“I know,” he said quickly. “I know that you’d want to bring them up as Catholics, that I’d have to – well, be expected to – agree to that before we … well, I want you to know that I’d be all right about that.”

“Are you sure? You’re not just saying that because you think that’s what I want to hear, are you? And – well, it wouldn’t cause problems - even more problems - with your family?”

He shook his head. “That’s one thing that wouldn’t cause a problem: I’m sure of it. Mum and Dad didn’t mind when Auntie Joey married Uncle Jack and promised to bring their children up as Catholics, after all. And they’ve both got a fairly ecumenical approach to religion, Mum especially. And, yes, I am sure. All right?” He squeezed her hand and she nodded.

“As for my work – well, it’s hardly as if I do a job that can only be done in Britain: I could work here just as well as I could in Armiford . It’s possible that I’d have to do some sort of training course, I don’t know, but I can’t imagine that it’d be much: Dad and Uncle Jack and various other British doctors worked here before the War without any problems, after all. And you’ve said yourself that sometimes it’s difficult to get to see a doctor around the Tiernsee. I’m not suggesting that I set up shop there because there probably isn’t the work for two doctors on a full-time basis, but I would think that I could work in Spartz, maybe, or Schwaz, but be on call around the Tiernsee out of hours.” He smiled. “It’d help me to feel needed, as well. Or is that just me being arrogant?”

I need you.” She clung to his hand. “And of course you’re not being arrogant! But what about your practice in England?”

“Well, we’d have to see. I certainly wouldn’t leave Daisy in the lurch. But it’s a decent practice – hopefully! - and I’m sure that I’d be able to find a buyer for my half of it.” Suddenly Barbara Chester’s words about how her brother-in-law wasn’t happy where he was came back to him, and he wondered if that might just work out for everyone. It would certainly be worth looking into: the Chesters were almost like family to Daisy, after all. He’d see about that as soon as he got back, if it came to him selling up.

“As for my family – well, the boys’ll be away at boarding school for a big part of the year from next year anyway, Ailie’ll soon be off to Bedford and then who knows where, and Sybs and Josette and their families are on the other side of the world as it is. And it’s not as if I’ve ever been used to being with my family all the time, is it? Not since we were little. And, as you’ve said, travel’s getting easier all the time. It’s hardly as if I wouldn’t be able to see everyone. And Mum and Dad and Daisy, in particular, love Tyrol.” He smiled wryly. “In fact, in some ways I might do better being further away … I love Mum and Dad but ever since I moved back to Armishire they have rather been breathing down my neck a lot.”

”It’d be a big decision, though,” she said. “There’d be so much to think about.” She smiled up at him a little shyly. “You’d really do that for me?”

“I must be another one who’s going soft, because I’d do anything for you.” He smiled at her lovingly. “And you’ve just said that you’d be willing to leave Tyrol for me: Gretchen, doesn’t this, that we’re both willing to change our lives like this, doesn’t it prove – not that we need proof - that we’re meant to be together? We don’t have to decide either way now - now this minute on a train from Salzburg to Spartz. There’s a lot to think about, a lot to go into. But what’s important is that we’ve got viable options, two viable options, that will allow us to be together.” He smiled again. “After all that worrying!”

#191:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:14 am
    —
What a lovely long installment! I'm looking forward to seeing what they decide to do.

#192:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:29 am
    —
Alison H wrote:
Hope this bit isn't too long (or too soppy!) [/i]


Neither. 'tis perfect Very Happy

#193:  Author: TanLocation: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 8:07 am
    —
Ah. That was nice. I am pleased that they felt able to have this conversation.

#194:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 8:27 am
    —
What a rewarding conversation; it shows how right they are together and how much they have thought about things and are each willing to make changes for the sake of the other.

#195:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:04 am
    —
It seems as if everything is going to work out well after all! *crosses fingers anyhow*

#196:  Author: ibarhisLocation: Dunstable PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:12 am
    —
I so enjoy the daily dose!

#197:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:19 am
    —
Thanks Alison.

Glad the conversation went so smoothly and looking foward to hearing what they decide. I was wondering about the religion part so I'm glad that isn't a problem either.

#198:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 10:28 am
    —
Thanks, Alison. I definitely didn't find it too long or too soppy! It was just absolutely perfect.

#199:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:03 pm
    —
Not a word too long, Alison, thank you. It was high time they had that conversation and really began to realise the depth of their love for each other, and a willingness to move countries is certainly proof.

#200:  Author: BeckyLocation: Newport, South Wales, UK PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:28 pm
    —
That was lovely, thanks Alison. It wasn't too soppy at all, they're both showing how much they care for each other Very Happy

#201:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 4:12 pm
    —
*sighs happily*

#202:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 6:17 pm
    —
Lovely. Now I'm looking forward to David telling Madge & Jem.

#203:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:15 pm
    —
Lovely Alison. Thanks!

#204:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 8:35 pm
    —
Awwww, so nice.

Thanks Alison.

#205:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:02 pm
    —
Thanks Alison. That was lovely- and certainly not too long!! Very Happy

#206:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:39 pm
    —
The ring, you forgot the ring. How are we supposed to coo over this? Or do we have a proposal scene yet to come?

#207:  Author: AliceLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:41 pm
    —
Rosy-Jess wrote:
The ring, you forgot the ring. How are we supposed to coo over this? Or do we have a proposal scene yet to come?


I hope so. Though I'm glad that we didn't today because it means that we get more of the good stuff tomorrow.

Thanks Alison. I'm not around much at the moment but I am coming on the board every day to read this!

#208:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 10:05 pm
    —
Oooh, this is lovely...

My only concern is that I'm going away for a week and a bit on Saturday, and although it might mean that I get some more of my story written, I'm going to miss about 10 installments of yours, Alison!

Don't make anything bad happen while I'm away! If I come back and find that they've decided to call it a day, I shall CRY Laughing

#209:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 6:50 am
    —
Lizzie, I'm away for a week and a bit from Saturday as well! Rosy, David definitely intends to propose but didn't think it'd be very romantic to do so on the Salzburg express Laughing .

Gretchen smiled and snuggled up to him. “It’s a lot easier to sort everything out when we sit down together and talk about it all calmly and sensibly, isn’t it?” she said wryly. “Instead of both getting ourselves worked up and upset, not telling each other how we feel, and then shouting at each other when we do talk to each other. And you’re right: we don’t have to decide just now. But … well, I think what we do have to decide is how we’re going to tell our families. We’re going to have to tell them some time, and quite frankly I’d rather it was sooner than later: sneaking around like this doesn’t feel right.”

David nodded. “I agree. Really, we don’t even have to have decided where we’re going to live before we do that.”

Gretchen smiled sadly. “Because their reaction’s likely to be the same whether we’re planning to live in Armiford or Briesau or Timbuktu, you mean? Or because once we hear what they’ve got to say we might very well decide that Timbuktu’d be a better bet than either Armiford or Briesau?! There’s no point even trying to convince ourselves that there might not be any problems, because we know very well that there will be. On both sides. Whatever anyone might say about how it doesn’t matter what people’s jobs or backgrounds are, or that it did once but that times’ve changed, they won’t see it like that. It might not matter to us – I do accept that it doesn’t matter to you, and I’m really sorry about what I said that first evening you got to the Tiernsee, David – but we both know that it does to them. All of them.”

“I know.” There was no point trying to deny anything that she’d just said: it was true and they both knew it. There was no way that this was going to be easy.

“David?” She swallowed. This was a difficult subject for her to broach. “David … do you think that your parents … that they’d take it out on Mum and Dad? And Auntie Rosa? I don’t know what any of them’d do if your parents … well, if they dismissed them.”

“They wouldn’t do that,” he said quickly. That was one thing he was pretty sure of. “Honestly. Whatever they might say to me, even if they said that they didn’t want anything to do with me and you, they would never do something like that. Truly, Gretchen. Whatever else you might be worrying about, don’t worry about that.” He hugged her. “Really. That won’t happen.”

She heaved a sigh of relief. “You don’t know how glad I am to hear you say that. I’ve been so worried about what might happen. But I suppose you’re right. I suppose that they wouldn’t really do that … but, David, you just said yourself that they might not want anything to do with us. And it’s not just your mum and dad: it’s everyone else, too. And my family won’t be any happier than yours will. What if they all cut us off completely? What if none of our parents’ll have anything more to do with us, and your mum and dad won’t let you see Kevin and Kester, and Sybil doesn’t want to know either of us, and Grandma and Grandpa don’t want anything to do with us either, and …”

“Hey – less of the what ifs!” he exclaimed. “Come on, Gretchen – this isn’t like you. I’m not saying that it might not be difficult, but I really don’t think that we should start getting upset about what might happen. Admittedly, they probably won’t be very pleased at first, but let’s try to think positively about it. Didn’t I drive myself mad worrying about what I was going to do when Mum and Dad threatened to disown me when I told them I didn’t want to take over the San? And then in the end they never did anything of the sort.”

“That wasn’t quite the same thing,” she pointed out. “You’re right, though: there’s no point meeting trouble halfway. Sorry: I was just getting a bit carried away there. It’s just that it’s all so … oh why does it have to be so difficult? We’re not doing anything wrong. Completely the opposite - I love you, and you love me. And I want the people we’re closest to to be pleased for us … and they won’t be.”

“Come on – didn’t you just say that we shouldn’t meet trouble halfway,” he reminded her gently. “We’ll just have to see what happens, Gretchen. And, once we know what we’re dealing with, then we’ll worry about how to deal with it.”

Gretchen nodded. “That’s all we can do, isn’t it? And, whatever happens, we’ll cope. Well we’ll have to – but we will. Together, we’ll cope.”

#210:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 6:58 am
    —
I hope they're surprised by everyone's reaction. Maybe Madge will just be so pleased that David's happy she won't mind that Grechen is not really of his 'class'. *says she hopefully*

#211:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:24 am
    —
Alison H wrote:
Rosy, David definitely intends to propose but didn't think it'd be very romantic to do so on the Salzburg express Laughing .


Well, no I grant you that much. Hurrah for proposals frankly. I do so love this drabble. It has made my morning coming online and finding it before work.

#212:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:32 am
    —
I can understand Gretchen's reaction - and David was very reassuring there - but they may find that they do have some unexpected supporters, such as Gretchen's grandma. It still won't be easy though; even if there's nothing to be said against the notion in principle, people don't like having their established ideas disturbed - and this is definitely going to disturb some of them!

Thank you Alison.

#213:  Author: LottieLocation: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:23 am
    —
Cath V-P wrote:
I can understand Gretchen's reaction - and David was very reassuring there - but they may find that they do have some unexpected supporters, such as Gretchen's grandma.

I've a feeling that Ailie will be right behind them, too.

Thanks, Alison! Very Happy I do enjoy reading this every day, and Embarassed I'm sorry I don't say so more often.

#214:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:51 am
    —
Thanks Alison.

Looking foward to the next installment ... you wouldn't make us wait until you get back from your trip to find out Madge, Jem, Marie and Andreas' reactions ... would you?

#215:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 9:28 am
    —
I'm hoping that people might surprise them by their reactions.

Thanks, Alison.

#216:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 10:25 am
    —
Another one hoping for a pleasant surprise in the reactions line.

Thank you Alison.

#217:  Author: Joan the DwarfLocation: Er, where am I? PostPosted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 2:17 pm
    —
Rosy-Jess wrote:
Alison H wrote:
Rosy, David definitely intends to propose but didn't think it'd be very romantic to do so on the Salzburg express Laughing .


Well, no I grant you that much. Hurrah for proposals frankly. I do so love this drabble. It has made my morning coming online and finding it before work.


I proposed to SLOC at Woking on the London-Portsmouth express Very Happy

(we scared out an indie-type bloke with a guitar sitting opposite us - after about five minutes of our raptures he got up and sat somewhere else!)

#218:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 3:57 pm
    —
Alison H wrote:
Lizzie, I'm away for a week and a bit from Saturday as well!


Hurrah!!

#219:  Author: Bride PostPosted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 5:01 pm
    —
My SLOC proposed to me in Pertisau, right outside the Chalet School, so to speak. He's such a romantic... Very Happy 10th anniversary coming up next month.

Loving this story SO much, please don't keep us waiting too long to find out what the families' reactions are!

#220:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 5:31 pm
    —
Think that Gretchen's grandmother will be an ally - as will Karen and Allie. Hope the rest aren't too bad.


Thanks Alison.

#221:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 6:49 am
    —
Bride, that's so lovely! Thanks for all the comments, everyone - and here's another long bit Very Happy .

Marie and Andreas had been a little disappointed when Gretchen had told them that she was going to be out for the day; but, as they’d said to her, they understood that she didn’t get much time off work and that she was bound to have things that she needed to do this week. Anyway, they’d spent an awful lot of time with their family and friends, rather than at Die Blumen, since arriving in Tyrol as it was, and they didn’t want the Russells to feel that they were trying to push their luck: after all, they were there as the Russells’ staff and the Russells had paid for their tickets.

They called in briefly to see Marie’s mother and father straight after breakfast and were relieved to find that Frau Pfeifen seemed quite well and was actually taking heed of what she’d been told about needing to take it easy for a few days. Eigen had gone back to the Kron Prinz Karl, but Sabine had moved into Wald Villa for a week to help her grandparents out. Then they went back to Die Blumen, where Marie set about giving the place a thorough cleaning and Andreas attended to various minor repair jobs which he’d noticed needing doing.

It was a good time to be getting on with doing jobs around the house, because all the Russells were out. Madge and Jem hadn’t been overly happy about David announcing that he was going off by himself for the day; but, after the sharp words they’d had from David on the subject of interfering in his business after the dinner party with the Chesters and the Rotary Club quiz night, they’d said nothing and had made sure that none of their younger children said anything either.

Jem had suggested that he hire a car for the day and that they go to visit the salt mines at Hall, which none of them had ever seen before. Madge had said that she’d love to see the mines, and Ailie and the boys had all heard rave reviews about them from their Maynard cousins and been quite enthusiastic about the idea; so they’d left quite early and told the Moniers not to expect them back until late afternoon or early evening. So, able to work without any interruptions, Marie and Andreas got through their tasks fairly quickly; and were sitting in the kitchen enjoying a late afternoon cup of coffee and a chat when there was a knock at the kitchen door. Marie, a worried expression on her face, hastened to answer it.

“Hope this isn’t a bad time?” a friendly voice said. “We just thought we’d pop over and see you whilst we were over in Briesau. You’ll be going back to Britain all too soon!”

“Oh, Karen!” Marie said in relief. “No: of course it isn’t a bad time. It’s lovely to see you all. Gruss Gott, everyone! Sorry if I had a funny look on my face just then: when I heard the knock at the door I thought for a minute that it was someone come to tell me that my mother was feeling ill again. She had a nasty turn the day before last, whilst we were on our way back from yours.”

“I know: they told us at the Kron Prinz Karl,” Karen said. “We’ve just been to Wald Villa to see how she was. She seems all right now, thankfully, doesn’t she? It must’ve been a horrible shock for you all, though. Gretchen was actually with her when it happened, I gather? Is she all right? We might call in and see her before we go home.”

“Oh no, don’t – she’s fine, and I’m sure she’d love to see you, but she won’t be in. She’s gone off somewhere and she wasn’t expecting to be home until later on – things to do, she said. Come on in! The Russells are all out - they’ll probably be back before too long, but for the time being it’s just us. I’ll get you and Rudi a coffee – and would you two like coffee, or would you rather have lemonade or milk?”

Anneliese wanted lemonade and Alexander wanted milk. They could never make things easy by both wanting the same thing, Karen said with an apologetic smile; but Marie laughed and said that it didn’t matter. She made all the drinks, and the six of them were sitting round the table chatting amiably when the sound of the front door opening indicated that the Russells were back. A few moments later, Madge came through to the kitchen to let the Moniers know that they were home.

Marie and Andreas were both rather embarrassed about their mistress finding them entertaining their friends in her kitchen (well, her sister’s kitchen); but Madge greeted Karen warmly and called Jem and Ailie, both of whom knew Karen well from her Chalet School days, through to the kitchen to say hello and to meet Rudi and the twins. “You’ll have met our eldest son at the Schloss Wertheim last year, of course,” she said to Rudi, once Marie and Andreas had made all the introductions. “He’s here with us as well, but he’s not around at the moment: he’s gone out somewhere by himself for the day.”

“Oh, I see,” Rudi said. He exchanged a glance with Karen, who looked anxiously at the children. They’d both been rather taken with David Russell when he’d accompanied Gretchen to Mayrhofen and then Zell am Ziller last year; and, although neither of them yet seemed to have made a connection between him and the three Russells they’d just been introduced to – he’d told them just to call him “David” and they quite possibly wouldn’t even remember his surname -, she didn’t want to take a chance on either of them suddenly doing so and innocently making a comment that was going to make things awkward for Gretchen. And she was fairly sure that, wherever Gretchen was just then, she was with David; and Rudi had evidently drawn exactly the same conclusion. She stood up.

“Well, it’s been very nice seeing you all, but I think we’d better be on our way: I’m sure that – er, you’ll all be wanting your evening meal before too long and we don’t want to hold you up,” she said, hoping fervently it sounded like a reasonable and not impolite reason for leaving. “Marie, Andreas – we’ll see you again before you go back, won’t we? It’s been wonderful seeing you both this week: we don’t get nearly enough chance to spend time together these days! Lady Russell, Sir James, Ailie – I hope that you all enjoy the rest of your holiday.”

“Oh – please don’t feel that you have to rush off on our account,” Madge exclaimed. “We won’t be wanting to eat for a while yet: we didn’t have lunch until two o’clock – mainly because we treated ourselves to some big cream cakes mid-morning! Really, Karen – there’s no hurry. In fact, maybe you could tell us about what it’s like in Mayrhofen these days. I haven’t been there since before the War and even then I’d only ever been in the summer: I believe that it’s a wonderful place to visit during wintertime. I keep saying to Sir James that now he’s retired I wouldn’t mind experiencing a Tyrolean winter again – don’t I, Jem? It does get so damp in Britain, even in the Welsh mountains where we are! Marie, why don’t you make some more coffee?”

Marie did just that: and so there they all were together – Brauns, Moniers and Russells, sitting in the kitchen of Die Blumen on a pleasant Tyrolean afternoon, chatting about Mayrhofen – most of them with not the slightest inclination that anything of note whatsoever might possibly be about to take place.

#222:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 7:00 am
    —
Just then a knock at the door....

Please dont leave us in too much suspense before you go away

#223:  Author: ElbeeLocation: Surrey PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:05 am
    —
A lovely, cosy scene, but what is about to happen?? It's a bit like a Poirot scene - all relevant characters gathered together waiting for the revelation!! Laughing

Thanks Alison.

#224:  Author: LottieLocation: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:14 am
    —
So is this a good time for David and Gretchen to arrive and break their news? Neither set of parents can say anything much to them with the other set there, and Karen and Rudi will, I'm sure, be very supportive.

Thanks, Alison! Very Happy

#225:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:18 am
    —
Yep, this is definitely the time for David and Gretchen to appear, arm in arm and perhaps exchanging a loving kiss before realising that all these people are watching them! Laughing


At least Karen and Rudi will be supportive!


Thanks Alison. Laughing

#226:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:55 am
    —
Slightly apprehensive now. But I think David and Gretchen need to tell their families, so if that is what's about to happen, I hope it all goes well.

Thanks Alison.

#227:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 10:40 am
    —
Alison!!! There had better be more posts before you go away!!!!

#228:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 1:34 pm
    —
There are too many cliff builder's on this board! May we please have some more? You can't leave it like that for long can you?

#229:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:32 pm
    —
Alison, I hope your not planning on leaving us there before you go away for your holidays!! By the way have a good trip.

#230:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:57 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. At least Karen and Rudi will be there to support Gretchen and David.

#231:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 3:21 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. It's time for David andGretchen to tell the AP's about getting married.

#232:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 4:03 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. I hope everyone will be happy for David and Gretchen.

#233:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:21 pm
    —
*clutches at her hair*

You can't leave us on that cliff. It's mean!

#234:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 9:53 pm
    —
Thanks Alison

Looking forward to lots more before you go away ...

#235:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 3:23 am
    —
This could be the perfect chance to straighten things out. Very Happy

Or not. Rolling Eyes

More, please?

#236:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 6:45 am
    —
Hopefully to be continued on July 23rd. Thanks for the comments Very Happy .

The train which ran between Spartz and the Tiernsee was only small and there certainly wasn’t any chance of having a private conversation on it; but before long it was arriving at Seespitz and David and Gretchen were stepping off it and out into the sunshine. He put his arm round her as they walked along the platform towards the way out, and she looked up at him with her eyes shining. “I can’t believe everything that’s happened this week,” she whispered. “All that time I kept worrying that I’d got it all wrong and that you’d just want to be friends – or that you’d say that we could only ever be friends. Or even that you’d say that we couldn’t even be friends any more once you knew that I was in love with you.”

“And I was worrying about exactly the same thing.” He smiled. “We’ve been a right pair of idiots, haven’t we? But that’s in the past – and it’s the future that we’ve got to think about now. And, speaking about the future, there’s a certain very important question that I need to ask you.” He grinned slightly sheepishly. “When I started talking about one of us moving so that we could be together, and especially when I started talking about us having children, I assumed you realised that I had … er, I believe that the expression is “honourable intentions”; but it didn’t really seem right to come out with it in the middle of a train.”

Gretchen blushed, and giggled nervously. “I was wondering when you were going to … er, get round to that,” she confessed. Then she laughed. “I’m very glad that you’ve mentioned it, though – because, David James Russell, whilst I might like to think of myself as being a modern person there are definitely some things that a girl likes to be done in the traditional way! Ah – possibly not in Seespitz train station, though.”

David smiled. “Quite – I was just about to suggest that we take ourselves somewhere rather more appropriate for the occasion.” For a moment he thought about taking her up to the Sonnalpe; but no, that wouldn’t be the right place in which to ask her. The Sonnalpe represented their past and they were talking about their future now. Besides, it wasn’t the Sonnalpe to which Gretchen had been drawn back: it was Briesau. That was the right place. For one of the biggest moments of both their lives. “Shall we walk round the lake to Briesau?” he asked her quietly.

“I’d like that,” she said softly. Then she paused and put her hand on his arm. “David – before you … please don’t feel that you have to do this now. I know you: I know that you like to think about things long and carefully before you do anything. I want to be sure that you’re sure.”

“Believe me, I have thought about it long and carefully.” He stroked her hand. “I’ve been thinking about this, about you, ever since I went home last year. And I’m sure. I’m very, very, very sure. But, if you want me to wait before I …”

“I didn’t say that,” she cut in, so quickly that he grinned and she blushed. “I thought that you girls liked to keep men guessing,” he teased. “Come on, my love. Let’s go to Briesau.”

He reached in his pocket for the ring. As soon as he and Ailie and the boys had got back from the Mondscheinspitze yesterday, by which time he’d decided exactly what he wanted to do, he’d dashed into the house, put the picnic basket down, retrieved his cheque book from his bedroom, muttered something about needing to get something for his trip out the following day and dashed back out again before anyone had had chance even to ask where he was going. On the train to Spartz he’d wondered desperately if he’d have time to get to Innsbruck, the nearest place where he’d be likely to find a decent selection of engagement rings, before the shops shut and hadn’t been sure that he would, but he’d made it and there, tucked away in a quiet street, he’d found exactly what he wanted.

He hoped that Gretchen would like it too. But, even if she didn’t, a ring could always be changed. The way that they felt about each other never could: he was sure of that.

They walked round the lake from Seespitz to Briesau hand-in-hand, so wrapped up in each other and in what was about to happen that they didn’t really care whether or not anyone they knew saw them; and then, in a quiet spot close to the lake, David knelt down in front of her. He took the ring box out of his pocket and opened it, and she gasped with pleasure at the sight of it. “It’s beautiful,” she murmured.

Then David took her hand in his. “Gretchen Monier, I love you; and I want us to spend the rest of our lives together,” he said. “Will you marry me?”

“Yes, David, I will marry you,” she said quietly. Then, as he stood up, she flung her arms round him. “Of course I’ll marry you!”

#237:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 6:51 am
    —
Thanks Alison!
Have a great holiday. I'll miss your updates while you're gone. Thank you for leaving David and Gretchen at a lovely, happy moment!

#238:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 6:57 am
    —
Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

Yay!

Thank you Alison Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

Have a fab holiday.

#239:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 6:57 am
    —
Thanks for getting them up to here before you go

#240:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 7:00 am
    —
Brilliant! Thank goodness you got to that point before leaving us! Have a great time in Poland.

#241:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 7:23 am
    —
Yay. Thankyou Alison. Enjoy your hols.

#242:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 7:46 am
    —
Very nice! Thank you Alison, and enjoy your holiday.

#243:  Author: Liz KLocation: Bedfordshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 7:49 am
    —
Hooray, he's done it! Thanks Alison, enjoy your holidays.

Last edited by Liz K on Fri Jul 13, 2007 7:50 am; edited 1 time in total

#244:  Author: ElbeeLocation: Surrey PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 7:49 am
    —
Very Happy Thank you for not leaving us in suspense over that bit, at least! Very Happy

Ten days without an update Sad

Thanks Alison, have a super holiday!

#245:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 7:54 am
    —
Am very glad to see the proposal, though now you'll be leaving us to expire of curiosity t what will the families say until you get back. Have a good holiday

#246:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 12:41 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison, at last. We got that before your holiday, at least. I'm trying to contemplate a whole week without it.

#247:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:37 pm
    —
*sigh*

Thanks Alison, have a lovely break!

#248:  Author: Mrs RedbootsLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 2:26 pm
    —
Thank you, Alison.

Have a wonderful holiday, and I shall be looking forward to more updates when you get back.

#249:  Author: BeckyLocation: Newport, South Wales, UK PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 4:05 pm
    —
Lovely!

Have a fab holiday Very Happy

#250:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 4:21 pm
    —
Awwww - 'course all we need is for Gretchen to say no... Wink


Thanks Alison

#251:  Author: LottieLocation: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 9:19 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. Have a great holiday!

#252:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 5:01 am
    —
Excellent place for a break.
You deserve a holiday after that. Very Happy

#253:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 9:09 am
    —
Thanks Alison! This has been great so far

#254:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 10:55 am
    —
Just caught up on the last few days worth of posts. *sighs happily* how wonderful...

#255:  Author: JustJenLocation: at a baseball game PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 3:05 pm
    —
Thnaks Alison and have a great vacation!

#256:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 7:31 pm
    —
Thanks Alison!

Have a great holiday!

#257:  Author: AliceLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 12:22 pm
    —
That was lovely. I particularly liked the discussion of the proposal before the proposal itself - brings back many memories!

#258:  Author: Liz KLocation: Bedfordshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:10 pm
    —
Lesley wrote:


Awwww - 'course all we need is for Gretchen to say no... Wink



If she does.................. Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked

#259:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:22 pm
    —
Oh I missed the last post somehow. I pop in here and find David proposed several days ago Shocked

Thanks Alison, hope you're having a good holiday.

#260:  Author: VickLocation: Leeds, Yorkshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:30 pm
    —
Just caught up after being away myself. Thanks for not leaving us balanced on a large cliff!

#261:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 1:18 pm
    —
Huzzah! Thank you lovely Alison!

#262:  Author: SalLocation: Walsall / Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:59 pm
    —
Yay I've just caught up with a huge chunk of this and then I get to the proposal at the end Very Happy
Thanks Alison

#263:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 6:42 am
    —
“Shall we go out somewhere and celebrate?” David, the slightly nervous look that he’d had on his face a few seconds earlier replaced by a broad grin, kissed his fiancée and then lifted her up and whirled her round.

“Put me down!” she squealed. Laughing, he set her back on the ground and she threw her arms round him again; but then, seeing a small group of walkers approaching and staring at the two of them curiously, she drew back and looked anxiously to see if any of them were people she knew. None of them were; but David followed the direction of her gaze and saw the worried look on her face, and put his arm round her shoulders. “Or maybe the first thing we should do is go to Die Blumen and tell our parents,” he said quietly. He glanced at his watch. “My mum and dad and your mum and dad should all be there now: we could tell all of them together. Do you feel ready?”

Gretchen smiled wryly. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” She leaned against him for a moment; then she stood up straight. “Come on: let’s go and speak to them, now. I’ve never been so happy, David; but it still won’t feel a hundred per cent right until everything’s out in the open.”

“I know.” He paused for a moment. “I suppose we could just tell them that we’re seeing each other, give them chance to get used to the idea, but quite frankly I think it’d be best to tell them the truth: we’ve done enough sneaking about as it is. We’ll go there now and we’ll tell them straight out.” Gretchen nodded in agreement; but she looked as anxious as he felt and he put his arm round her shoulders again. “Are you sure you’re ready?” he asked gently.

“I’m sure.” She looked at the ring, and then looked up at David, who’d placed it so lovingly on her finger a few minutes earlier. “I suppose I’d better not walk in there with the ring on my finger: it’d rather give the game away,” she said, attempting to smile. Carefully she removed it and slid it on to the gold chain which she wore around her neck, where it hung next to her crucifix. “I’ll put it back on the moment they know,” she said determinedly. “Whatever they say.”

“I’ll put it back on for you,” David said softly. He smiled at her, and she smiled back at him. They were together: everything would be all right as long as they were together, he told himself, and he could tell that Gretchen was trying to convince herself of that too. “Actually,” he said solemnly, in an attempt to lighten the mood a little, “apart from anything else, I’m going to have to ask your father for his official permission to marry you, you know.”

“You’ve got my official permission to marry me!” she said indignantly. Then she started to laugh, and so did he. “Come on!” he said, taking her hand. “There’s no time like the present, I suppose … and you never know, they might just even be pleased for us.”

He didn’t think that for a moment and neither did she; but there was only one way to find out and so, hand-in-hand, the two of them set off towards Buchau, to break the news which under most circumstances might be expected to be greeted with joy and celebration but which they knew in their case was likely to throw both their families into utter turmoil. Exactly what form that would take, they could only wait and see.

#264:  Author: Mrs RedbootsLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 7:07 am
    —
Welcome back, Alison, and I do hope you've had a wonderful holiday.

Many thanks for the update.

#265:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 9:39 am
    —
Welcome back Alison, and thanks for giving us another update so soon!

#266:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 10:25 am
    —
Welcome back Alison!

What a pleasant surprise to find this back this morning Very Happy

#267:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 2:00 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. I wasn't expecting another episode so soon.

#268:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 2:05 pm
    —
Hope you had an enjoyable holiday Alison, and thanks for the update.

Alison H wrote:
and you never know, they might just even be pleased for us


I do hope so!

#269:  Author: LottieLocation: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 3:05 pm
    —
The good thing about telling all four parents together is that I don't see how either set of parents can tell their child exactly how unsuitable they see the match, and why.

Thanks, Alison! Did you have a good holiday?

#270:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 3:30 pm
    —
*crosses fingers*

It will all go well, yes.

#271:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:06 pm
    —
Welcome back, Alison.

I hope their families are happy for them.

#272:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 5:12 pm
    —
Actually, having both sets of parents together might be a help - they are going to find it more difficult to object with the others there.


Thanks Alison - good to see this back.

#273:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 6:06 pm
    —
Hope you had a good holiday, Alison.

Thanks for the update... I'll just be over here in the corner wibbling about the reaction of the parents.

#274:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 6:09 pm
    —
*squeaks*

I hope it goes well! Thankyou Alison!

#275:  Author: BeckyLocation: Newport, South Wales, UK PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 6:13 pm
    —
*keeping everything crossed*

Thanks for a shiny update so soon, Alison!

#276:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 4:41 am
    —
It's great to see you back Alison!

#277:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:29 am
    —
So glad you've come back and that was lovely. Thanks Alison. Hope the meeting with parents goes well

#278:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:45 am
    —
Holiday was very nice, thanks! Had half a day at Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains whilst I was in Kraków and found out that the holiday resorts in that area originally got going because a TB specialist thought the mountain air would be good for his patients ... and wondered if he knew Jem Russell Laughing .

“We can see David coming along the path round the lake,” Kevin announced, running into the kitchen with Kester just behind him. “He’s not far off: can we – may we, I mean - have dinner as soon as he gets here? I’m starving.”

“No we may not!” Madge said firmly. “In fact, we cannot either: Marie hasn’t had chance to make it yet. And where are your manners? We’ve got visitors! These are my two younger sons – whom I’m not sure you’ve actually met before, Karen, or at least not since they were babies. This is Kevin, with the fair hair, and this is Kester, with the dark hair! Boys, these are Herr and Frau Braun, and their children Anneliese and Alexander.” She repeated the explanation as to which of the boys was which in German, for the benefit of the Braun children; and then the two sets of twins surveyed each other curiously and Karen exclaimed that she couldn’t believe that the youngest Russells were this age already.

“Gretchen’s with him – David, I mean,” Kester informed everyone once the introductions had been made. He saw a smile spread across Marie’s face and groaned inwardly. Both he and Kevin liked Gretchen well enough – and, preoccupied with wondering what time they were likely to eat, hadn’t even noticed that she and their elder brother were holding hands – but he hoped that her imminent arrival at Die Blumen wasn’t going to mean that everyone would be sitting around chatting for ages and that dinner would end up being delayed even further.

“Oh good: I didn’t think she’d be back yet,” Marie said happily. “We weren’t expecting to see her today.” She turned to her mistress. “I hope you don’t mind her coming round to see us?”

“Of course not!” Madge insisted with a smile. “I wonder how she came to bump into David, though. Maybe he called in to see how your mother was on his way back from the station, and she’d done the same thing.”

”I think that perhaps it’s time we got going,” Karen said hastily, exchanging glances with Rudi. If, as she suspected, David and Gretchen had resolved the question of their feelings for each other and were about to make their relationship known to their parents, they certainly wouldn’t want to find visitors in the house when they arrived. “It’s been lovely to see you all, and thank you very much for the drinks; but we really don’t want to be too late setting off back to Mayrhofen, and we don’t want to hold your dinner up any further! Come on, you two – say goodbye to everyone.”

However, Alexander and Anneliese, having heard Gretchen’s name mentioned and gathered from the happy looks on Marie and Andreas’s faces that she was on her way over, both looked at their parents pleadingly and asked if they couldn’t at least wait until they’d seen her. Karen hesitated. Possibly it would be better if she and Rudi were there when David and Gretchen said whatever they were going to say, at least to lend some moral support and perhaps to try to mediate if the situation became heated … but, then again, it wasn’t really their business and maybe it wouldn’t be right to interfere. She looked at Rudi again; but, before either of them could say any more, there came the sound of a key turning in a door and then they heard David Russell’s voice calling out to ask where everyone was.

#279:  Author: ibarhisLocation: Dunstable PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 7:21 am
    —
Is that a cliff I see before me?

#280:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 8:11 am
    —
Oh the innocence of their families.

Glad Karen and Rudi will be there for a bit of support.

Thanks Alison.

#281:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 8:23 am
    —
I fear Kevin and Kester may go hungry for a while longer...

#282:  Author: TanLocation: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 9:24 am
    —
Umm, Alison, you seem to have left off a couple of paragraphs here ... Laughing

#283:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 9:31 am
    —
Argh not a cliff. That's almost cruel Alison. Glad you had a good holiday but please put us out of our misery soon!

(as a totally unrelated aside, I just noticed that I've been on the board a year now!)

#284:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 10:01 am
    —
Thanks, Alison. I'll be thinking of them both as they tell their families.

#285:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 11:25 am
    —
Alison! Are you telling me we actually have to wait a whole other day to find out what comes next??? Oh dear...

Laughing

#286:  Author: KatherineLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 12:25 pm
    —
Oh Alison, I thought we were going to get the speech in that installment!

#287:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 2:29 pm
    —
*feels suspense building*
*hopes it's resolved soon* (and happily, of course)

Thank you, Alison.

#288:  Author: JustJenLocation: at a baseball game PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 5:46 pm
    —
Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation Alison.
I can't wait to read the next part

#289:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:15 pm
    —
*crossing fingers for a positive reaction from both families*

Thanks Alison.

#290:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:22 pm
    —
Nice cliff, Alison - pleased Karen is there - think she and Rudi might help ease the explosions!

Thank you.

#291:  Author: VickLocation: Leeds, Yorkshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 6:29 pm
    —
Aarrggghhhh! A Cliff Shocked Please put us out f our misery & tell us what happens!!

Glad you had a good hol, Krakow is a lovely city. Very Happy

#292:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2007 7:43 pm
    —
Madge clearly has no idea what's coming...

Waiting with baited breath for tomorrow's installment Laughing .

#293:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 6:46 am
    —
“We’re in the kitchen,” Madge called. “Come on through!” She smiled at the pair of them as they walked in. “Hello Gretchen: nice to see you. We’ve been hearing all about how well you’re doing at the San! Now, David, you know Karen – Frau Braun, I should say – of course, and I know that you met Herr Braun last year; and these are their children Alexander and Anneliese … oh.” She’d suddenly noticed that both her eldest son and her domestic staff’s eldest daughter were looking very serious; and she looked up at David anxiously. “David … what is it? Is something wrong?”

Meanwhile, Karen had put a finger to her lips and motioned to her children, who’d both looked as if they were about to jump up with excitement at the sight of Gretchen and David, to stay seated; but neither the Russells nor the Moniers had noticed that, because Marie had gone deathly pale and rushed over to her daughter’s side. “Gretchen – it’s not … it’s not your grandmother again, is it?” she asked, her voice quavering. “Is that why you’re with the young doctor? Oh dear Lord. Tell me what’s happened: tell me, quickly. She’s collapsed again, hasn’t she?”

“No!” Gretchen exclaimed. “No, Mum! Oh I’m sorry: I didn’t mean to panic you. It’s not that at all. No-one’s ill: everyone’s fine.” Oh dear, she thought ruefully. That hadn’t been a very good start at all.

“Oh, thank der liebe Gott for that!” Marie’s face cleared, and she walked back to her seat. “I just thought … dear oh dear, listen to me making a fuss over nothing, all because you’ve come to see us! You can stay for a bit, can’t you? Well, so long as you don’t mind watching me cook, if Lady Russell and Sir James would like me to get on with the dinner now that Dr David’s back. It should be about forty minutes or so, Lady Russell, if that’s all right.”

Forty minutes!” Kevin gasped. “I’ll never last that long! May I have a piece of bread and butter in the meantime?”

“Kevin! Mind your manners!” Jem said sharply. “And you don’t need a piece of bread and butter: you didn’t have your lunch until two o’clock, and you had an ice-cream before we left Hall. Stop being so greedy.” He shook his head. “Honestly!”

“Would you all mind just sitting and listening for a minute, before anyone does anything else?” David asked. He’d got himself all psyched up to make the big announcement as soon as he and Gretchen walked into the house, and now here they were listening to a discussion about bread and butter and ice cream! He took a deep breath, and looked round the room at his parents, Gretchen’s parents, his brothers, his youngest sister and the Brauns. “Gretchen and I have got something to tell you.”

“Er – if this is something private, perhaps we’d better leave you all in peace,” Rudi said quickly. “Should we …get going?”

“No - stay. Please. Stay.” Gretchen looked at him pleadingly, and then at her godmother. If there were any two people whose support she was sure that she and David would be able to rely on, they were Karen and Rudi; and she wanted them there when she and David told their parents their news. David wouldn’t mind: she knew that.

Rudi looked at Karen, and they both nodded. “All right,” Karen said carefully. “If you want us to stay, then we will do.”

“Will someone please tell me what’s going on?” Jem demanded. “Come on, David: you’re starting to get everyone worried now. Spit it out, whatever it is!”

David took another deep breath, and then took Gretchen’s hand. “Gretchen and I are getting married,” he said simply. “I know that this has probably come as a bit of a shock to you all; but we’ve thought about it very carefully, and we’ve decided. And we hope - we hope very much - that everyone’s going to be happy for us.”

#294:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 6:57 am
    —
Well done David...and I hope that everyone will be happy for you - although I don't think it's that simple.

Hmm, I think perhaps the twins had better resign themselves to being hungry, or boil some eggs....

Thank you Alison

#295:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:00 am
    —
Well done David for setting out that it's going to happen - not that they are asking.

Now we wait. Laughing


Thanks Alison.

#296:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:03 am
    —
Thanks Alison! I'm eager to see the reactions...

#297:  Author: ElbeeLocation: Surrey PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:58 am
    —
Phew!! At last!! Now we just wait for the reactions.... Laughing

I really missed this whilst you were away, Alison, it's so nice to have it back. Glad you had a good holiday.

#298:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:25 am
    —
Well phrased David!

Waits for the explosions...

#299:  Author: ibarhisLocation: Dunstable PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:30 am
    —
Come on Alison.... please.... pretty please!

#300:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:05 am
    —
Thanks Alison.

Now for the reactions....

#301:  Author: TanLocation: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:13 am
    —
Oh no, I am working tomorrow and don't know if I will be able to stealth onto a computer to see the reactions .....

#302:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:24 am
    —
Well done, David. *is also eagerly awaiting the reactions Smile *

#303:  Author: ArielLocation: Glorious Hither Green, London PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 10:55 am
    —
Ooooooh! At last! *bounces*

#304:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 11:21 am
    —
Finally they're getting somewhere. Nice build up Very Happy

Now just one or two ickle details, like reactions......please.

Thank-you Alison.

#305:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 12:21 pm
    —
megaphone Noooo Alison, how can you leave us all there waiting for the reactions. You can't go and do a 'Lesley' like that.
Mind you you could have done that and then gone off on your holidays. We would have really loved you then! devil
Thanks for the update Laughing

#306:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 12:44 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison, at last David and Gretchen have got the important announcement made to everyone who counts.

#307:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 1:13 pm
    —
Oh, good, he got the words out. Very Happy

*continues hopeful*

Thank you, Alison.

#308:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 5:28 pm
    —
I feel like i'm left teetering on the cliff edge waiting for the reaction.

Thanks Alison.

#309:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:35 pm
    —
wheelchairprincess wrote:
I feel like i'm left teetering on the cliff edge waiting for the reaction.

Thanks Alison.


Do you need the safety equipment or trampolines from RCS? I'm sure we can clone some for you!
*Waves wand* Here's some of the refreshments that are provided over there for cliff parties anyway.

#310:  Author: JustJenLocation: at a baseball game PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 8:39 pm
    —
Oh boy, I can't wait to read everyones reactions!

Thanks Alison!

#311:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:00 pm
    —
Fiona Mc wrote:
megaphone Noooo Alison, how can you leave us all there waiting for the reactions. You can't go and do a 'Lesley' like that.



Does anyone else have their name used in this fashion Shocked ?

#312:  Author: VickLocation: Leeds, Yorkshire PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 10:46 pm
    —
Balancing precariously on the cliff edge with wheelchairprincess Shocked

Thank you Alison, but please come back and post more Exclamation

#313:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 6:37 am
    —
With both sets of parents there together, neither can say anything bad!

#314:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 6:45 am
    —
“Will somebody say something, please?” David asked. It could only have been a minute, or two at the most, since his announcement; but it seemed like an eternity. The silence following his short speech had so far been broken only by Marie’s gasp of shock and by Anneliese and Alexander – who hadn’t understood the English words - plaintively asking what was going on and Karen and Rudi hastily hushing them.

He looked round the room, at the sea of faces staring at himself and Gretchen. Most of them were registering a combination of shock, disbelief and confusion; although Karen, Rudi and, he noticed wonderingly, Ailie looked more concerned than surprised. Marie was clinging to Andreas’s hand, and both of his own parents were looking at him as if he’d just addressed them in double Dutch. He suppressed a rising hysterical urge to laugh. “Will somebody say something, please?” he asked again.

“Is this some sort of joke, David?” Jem, rising from his chair, asked eventually, in a tightly-controlled voice which the look in his eyes utterly belied. “Because, if it is, then I don’t think that anyone’s finding it very funny.” His voice rose. “What on earth are you talking about? You say you’re going out for the day, and then you come back and … I think you’d better explain just what exactly’s been going on here.”

David was furious; but he’d promised himself that he’d try not to lose his temper and so he bit back all the retorts that had leapt to the tip of his tongue. The news was bound to come as a shock to both families, he reminded himself; and the best thing that he could do was try to remain calm. “Please rest assured that neither of us would dream of joking about anything as important as marriage,” he said quietly. “We love each other, and this afternoon we had a long talk about our future together. A short time ago I asked Gretchen to marry me, and she did me the very great honour of accepting.” He turned to his fiancée and took the ring, which she’d slipped off her necklace, from her hand and placed it back on her finger. “We couldn’t be any more serious. We just want you to be pleased for us.”

Still no-one else spoke. David looked at Gretchen’s father. “Andreas, it’s you to whom I should be speaking, really, isn’t it? I’d like to ask you for your daughter’s hand in marriage. I love her, and I promise that I’ll do everything I can to make her happy.”

Andreas looked helplessly at Marie, who was staring at both Gretchen and David as if they’d suddenly grown two heads, and then looked at his daughter. “I don’t understand,” he said, his voice shaking. “You … him … how could you? I don’t understand. How? When? Liebchen …” He shook his head. “I don’t understand,” he repeated.

“Well, I think that’s probably one point that we’re all agreed on, because I don’t understand either,” Jem snapped. “Just where has all this come from?” He frowned. “Wait a minute. Obviously the two of you were both lying when you each said that you were going out on your own for the day – is this also why you’ve disappeared for so long two evenings this week, David? In fact, is this the reason you agreed to come to Tyrol with us in the first place? Just how long has it going been on? Please don’t tell me that the two of you were conducting some sort of … liaison whilst you were both living under my roof.”

“Nobody’s been conducting any sort of liaison, as you put it,” David said angrily. He was really struggling to keep his cool now. “You will not use that expression again, do you hear me? I love Gretchen and she loves me, and we’re getting married. That’s all there is to it.”

“David came to see me when he was in Tyrol last year,” Gretchen said. She could see that David was finding it difficult to control his anger at his father’s words, and she felt that she’d remained silent for long enough. “We hadn’t really been keeping in touch before then, but we spent a lot of time together before he went back to England and we’ve been writing to each other ever since. We really have thought about it extremely carefully, and we are absolutely certain that we’re doing the right thing. As David’s said, we love each other, and we just want you to be pleased for us.”

#315:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 6:52 am
    —
Wow,

Jem's reaction is very out-of-place. He is emphasising their "dishonesty", so what if he came to Tyrol to see her, and not to spend time with his family, does that mean they bought the ticket on false pretenses?

#316:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:09 am
    —
Oh, no, Jem's reaction is just what I feared. Time for Ailie or Karen to step in and try to calm things down?

#317:  Author: ibarhisLocation: Dunstable PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:26 am
    —
I don't think any of us had the illusion that either set of parents would be pleased for them.

I think Jem is grasping at straws and I think it is significant that neither of the mothers have said anything yet.

#318:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:39 am
    —
Oh dear....at least David is trying to remain calm, although Jem's remark about "conducting some sort of . . . liaison" really is unacceptable. Adn at least Andreas is still addressing Gretchen as "liebchen."

#319:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:45 am
    —
Well that's promising in a way but I would like to shake Jem. Yay for Andreas still being affectionate tho.

#320:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:50 am
    —
Glad Ailie might be on their side, I wonder what Kevin and Kester are thinking.

poke Jem. Maybe their mothers will do better *hopeful*

Thanks Alison.

#321:  Author: Liz KLocation: Bedfordshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:12 am
    —
Oh dear, what IS the matter with Jem? Crying or Very sad

#322:  Author: jenniferLocation: Taiwan PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 9:26 am
    —
I would guess that Jem has leapt to the conclusion that Gretchen and David were carrying on while they both lived in his house. The master's son and the servant's daughter is certainly a common enough theme for seduction (on either side) if not marriage.

#323:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 9:33 am
    —
Thanks Alison, I just hope they do come around!

#324:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 9:39 am
    —
I can understand their shock but not Jem's outrage and way of carrying on unless her was concerned that Gretchen had been taken advantaged of and he thought Marie and Anderas would blame him!

Their shock is understandable because no one was even aware the two had been seeing each other and writing to the other at all and I for one would be stunned to say the least if someone in my family just walked in and said hey we're getting married to so and so and I had had no idea that they were in touch at all. Part of me would be hurt and I hadn't been told they were even going out or felt remotely like that to the other.
That said I can understand why David and Gretchen made the decision and did what they did. I think that is where Anderas is coming from and hopefully that will be all Madge and Marie both say Look were hurt and stunned you didn't say anything earlier but we are happy for you.
And Madge please slap Jem for me

#325:  Author: Liz KLocation: Bedfordshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:09 am
    —
Fiona Mc wrote:


And Madge please slap Jem for me



Hear hear. Rolling Eyes

#326:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:51 am
    —
Thanks, Alison. I missed the last cliff, but I am still wondering what is going to happen.

*Clare joins the cliff parties*.

#327:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 12:35 pm
    —
I thnk Jem's reaction is sheer pure snobbery.

What they all need to remember is that David and Gretchen are both adults, can make their own decisions, and are free to do as they choose. Jem is in grave danger of losing his oldest son if he carries on in this vein.

#328:  Author: VickLocation: Leeds, Yorkshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 1:41 pm
    —
thanks Alison. Hoping that both mothers are more positive Confused

#329:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 2:06 pm
    —
What kind of response is that, Jem? At least Andreas mostly just sounds startled.

Good thing Gretchen has a cool head -- at least, compared to David.

Thank you, Alison.

#330:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 2:15 pm
    —
Jem is truly awful. I really hope that Madge will be a little more positive about it all. After all, David's of age and she's eager for him to settle down. He's chosen a nice, well brought up girl, and they already know her. What more could they want?

Thanks Alison.

#331:  Author: JustJenLocation: at a baseball game PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 4:39 pm
    —
Smacks Jem with a dead smelly trout!

joins in the cliff hanging party...

#332:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 4:49 pm
    —
Oh dear, well Jem has just confirmed all the worst things that have been written and thought about him, hasn't he? Why is he so hung up about dishonesty? They are both adults.


Thanks Alison.

#333:  Author: KatherineLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 5:32 pm
    —
I can see where Jem and Co are coming from though. To them it’s come straight out of the blue. If two people I had no inkling about, who I didn’t even think knew each other that well, suddenly announced their engagement I wouldn’t know if I should feel happy for them because I’d not seen them build up that relationship. I’d still be trying to get my head round the two of them together. It’s too much at once.

#334:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 5:56 pm
    —
Golly, and err, indeed gosh. I look forward to tomorrow's installment.

#335:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:49 am
    —
“Oh, I don’t doubt for a moment that you think you’re doing exactly the right thing,” Jem said derisively. “I should imagine that the thought of my son supporting you in comfort for the rest of your life is a very attractive one indeed.”

“Don’t you dare speak to her like that!” David took a couple of steps towards his father, only stopping when Gretchen, who was struggling very hard to keep control of her own temper, put her hand on his shoulder. Andreas, who’d left his seat after Jem’s previous remarks, had also stepped forward; and Kevin and Kester both moved round so as to get a better view of the proceedings. Madge glared at her younger sons. “Go to your room, boys,” she said sharply. “Now, please. Go on: I won’t tell you again. And don’t come out until you’re told to.”

Neither of them moved. “Stay where you are,” David ordered. “I’m not having anyone being sent out of the room as if there’s something shameful going on. We’re doing nothing wrong. Kevin and Kester, I’ll understand if you don’t want to listen to any more of this, but it’s up to you whether you stay or not. You don’t have to go anywhere.” The boys didn’t move; and Madge cast an angry look in David’s direction.

David took no notice and turned back to his father. “We didn’t say anything sooner partly because we had a lot of things to talk about and we didn’t get the chance to do so until today and partly because we suspected that this was the sort of reaction we’d get and so we wanted to be sure in our own minds of what we were doing first. And, just for clarification, not that it would have been anyone’s business but ours if we had been, but we weren’t seeing each other when we both lived in Britain. Only the fact that we didn’t tell you earlier isn’t really what’s bothering you at all, is it? We’re coming to the real truth now, aren’t we? What you just said about …” He shook his head in anger.

“There’s no question of my expecting David to support me,” Gretchen interjected, trying very hard to speak calmly even though she knew that she wouldn’t be able to take very much more of this. “I love David, Sir James: I’m not interested in his money, and I’m sorry that you seem to think that I am. And we’ve already agreed that I’ll carry on working after we’re married.”

Jem made a sceptical noise. “Oh well, we’d soon see how long that would last. Besides exactly what good do you think that that’d do David? How’s it going to look for a man in his position to have a wife who sits in some office all day instead of taking care of his home? Not to mention being a …a…”

“Peasant?” Gretchen suggested. She laughed harshly. “Of course, it’d be quite the thing for me to sit around and expect David to support me if I came from a “suitable” background, wouldn’t it? Or perhaps you’d prefer it if I had some sort of “private income” from money left to me by a long-lost relative who’d gained it through other people’s hard work. Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you but we all work for a living in our family. And what is it that you’re concerned about the most, Sir James? That I’d drink my soup out of the bowl or eat with my fingers in front of some eminent surgeon or other? Or just what people’d have to say about your son and heir marrying the daughter of your servants?”

“Well, you said it,” Jem retorted, more ineloquent than anyone had ever known him before. Gretchen opened her mouth to speak again; but David, who by this time had succeeded in establishing some sort of control over his anger, squeezed her hand before she had chance to say anything. “Don’t rise to him,” he said. “Don’t let him upset you. It’s all right.”

“No, David, it’s not all right,” Madge said. “It’s very far from being all right. I don’t necessarily agree with the forms of expression that’ve been used so far, but essentially your father’s right: what are you thinking of? What sort of life could you the two of you possibly hope to have together? How could Gretchen ever feel comfortable living in your house, and how on earth are either of you to feel comfortable mixing with each other’s family and friends? It strikes me that you haven’t thought this through at all, or you’d have seen how impossible it is. If you go ahead with this then you’ll wreck your own life and wreck Gretchen’s as well: you’ll both end up being desperately unhappy and that’s the last thing that any of us want. You can’t do this, David. Can’t you see that?”

“Of course he can’t do this!” Jem snapped. “I won’t let him do this.”

“Why, what are you going to do? Send me to bed without any dinner and lock me in my room? Get someone to tutor me in the art of snobbery?” David, his temper rising again, shook his head and laughed. He looked round the room. “And, Mum, I appreciate your saying that you don’t want us to be unhappy but do you really think that we’d have got this far without thinking it through properly? And the only people whom either of us are likely to feel uncomfortable with are those who think that what matters is a person’s background rather than the person themself. Well? Has anyone else got anything to add? Any more negative comments to make? Come on: we may as well hear them all. Don’t be shy.”

“It might be nice if anyone from my family could manage to say something other than a few incoherent mutterings.” Gretchen looked at Andreas and then at Marie. “What’s the matter? Are you frightened to speak up in front of your employers? Oh, sorry – your master and mistress. Are they so much more important to you than your own daughter is? We come here to tell you that we’re getting married and barely one word do either of you say, barely one word. Instead, you just stay quiet and listen to Sir James accusing me of being a gold-digger. Or maybe you agree with him, is that it? Well? Say something, one of you.”

#336:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:57 am
    —
oh dear. Crying or Very sad Poor David and Gretchen! I'd hoped Madge would stand up to Jem a bit more.

#337:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 7:41 am
    —
Perhaps Jem hasn't noticed that it's not the 1920s anymore...... and Madge needs to think what she's really saying.

But what a difficult situation for Gretchen's parents though.

#338:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 7:48 am
    —
I am stunned, literally stunned. If anyone spoke about my daughter the way Jem did I would be telling them to shove it and the job and walk out of them. I hope Ailie, Kevin and Kester all throw their support behind them. If Jem and Madge realise they might lose their family over it they may change their tune
Also I don't think there will be much worry about family get togethers because there won't be one. Why on earth would Gretchen and David want to see Madge and Jem after that tirade

#339:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:37 am
    —
I hope Andreas punches Jem. However shocked he may be his language is absolutely unforgivable.

#340:  Author: ibarhisLocation: Dunstable PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:55 am
    —
Phew, I was expecting fireworks but Jem is completely irrational here.

Maybe Gretchen's parents do walk out and come back to run the guest house after all?

#341:  Author: alicatLocation: Wiltshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:58 am
    —
please please let andreas and marie show what sort of kind people they are!

they have always tried to do their best for their family - it can't have been easy leaving with the Russells but they thought it was the best thing for their children as well, remember - and at least they have let gretchen lead her own life as an adult.

I would love to see andreas give jem a dignified piece of his mind!

#342:  Author: LottieLocation: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 9:19 am
    —
I wonder if Karen and Rudi can say anything to help. After all they faced similar opposition from their families, and missed many years when they could have been together as a result. Or Ailie could back up David. I think one thing might be decided, though - somehow I don't think David and Gretchen will want to live in England/Wales after that reaction from their parents, so I think the Tiernsee could be getting another doctor soon.

Thanks, Alison! Very Happy

#343:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 10:07 am
    —
Thanks Alison.

I just want to punch Jem now, how could he even say something so shocking? If he is so vehemenently (sp?) against it, he could have stated his opinion much more politely. This is just showing that Jem is inno way superior to the others, but actually far less so.

#344:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 11:13 am
    —
GAH! Just got home from holiday and now I find myself on a cliff!

I kind of expected the parents to be fairly unimpressed with the idea of Gretchen and David getting married, but Jem is behaving SO badly!

#345:  Author: ArielLocation: Glorious Hither Green, London PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 11:24 am
    —
No surprises here, then. Sad I'm very impressed by David and Gretchen's responses to all this, though, must be dreadful to be faced by Jem and Madge in full flight. When is someone going to speak up for them? Come on Karen and Rudi (I do hope Marie isn't cross with Karen for not saying anything) and Ailie... come on... show your family you don't give a fig about their different backgrounds... please?

*begs*

#346:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 11:29 am
    —
Somebody hit Jem, please. Floor the guy.

And I love Gretchen in this!

Thanks Alison.

#347:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 12:30 pm
    —
It's not so much Jem's anger and snobbery, I was expecting that, and already longing to give him a good kick up the backside, it's Madge's air of calm reason. 'Of course you haven't thought it through properly, if you had, you'd realise that it's utterly impossible because Gretchen's parents work for us, and she comes from the servant class.'

Ughh! Does Madge think that Gretchen walked around with her eyes closed?

#348:  Author: RroseSelavyLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 12:38 pm
    —
Hurray! The good things about a having a couple of days off is that I come back to find lots of lovely updates and Things Happening Very Happy

And part of me would dearly love to see Andreas floor Jem...

Thanks Alison

#349:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 12:56 pm
    —
*Very disappointed with Madge* Sad

Hope they see the light soon. Good grief, don't they already have Karen & Rudi as shining examples? Or does owning a hotel count as "trade"?

#350:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 1:06 pm
    —
Grrr, I'm going away very early tomorrow morning, so I've got to wait until Sunday evening for what happens next.

With the possibility of taking over the guest house as something to fall back on, I think Andreas should definitely punch Jem.

I can't see anything to stop Gretchen getting on with David's friends - she's intelligent and confident, anyone who doesn't accept her wasn't a friend worth having in the first place.

I'm still hoping that Ailie, and maybe Kevin and Kester, will be supportive.

#351:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 1:13 pm
    —
It does seem that Mdge and Jem are fossilised into outdated attitudes. I suppose that's why Madge keeps trying to run her children's lives, and find suitable girls for david ot marry.

#352:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 4:47 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. I'm hoping that Andreas and Marie will support David and Gretchen. If they don't support them, I hope that Ailie, Kevin and Kester will speak up instead.

#353:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 5:01 pm
    —
I think that David's siblings are more likely to support David than Grechen's parents. I would very much like to be proved wrong there, though!

#354:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 5:25 pm
    —
I really really hope that Andreas and Marie support Gretchen - and would love to see Andreas punch Jem - who deserves it - he has no right to say that about anyone - especially not with her parents listening.


Thanks Alison.

#355:  Author: KatherineLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 5:53 pm
    —
Okay, giving up on the Jem-defending now!

#356:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:00 pm
    —
How to alienate your son in one easy lesson. I'm not sure how David kept his hands off his father, let alone Andreas! wonder what they'd have been like if Gretchen's parents, Rudi and Karen hadn't been there?

#357:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 6:37 am
    —
“All right, Gretchen,” Andreas said. “I understand that you’re a grown woman now, and that you’re upset, but you’re still our daughter and there’s no call for you to speak to your mother and me like that, especially not after the shock that you’ve just given us.”

He shook his head unhappily. “This can’t happen, liebchen: you must see that. The young doctor’s not for you, and you’re not for him. Oh, I know you’d never agree to marry a man you didn’t genuinely care about” – he cast a bitter glance at Jem, who had the grace to look slightly embarrassed – “and I’m sure that Dr David thinks a lot of you too. How could he not? - you’re a lovely girl: you’re beautiful and you’re intelligent and you’re hard-working and any young man with a grain of sense’d be proud to have you as his wife.” He glared at Jem again. “But the young doctor won’t make you happy, liebchen. How could you ever have a successful marriage when the two of you are so different? What can you be thinking of?”

He looked over at David and shook his head again. “He’s not the man for you. How can he be? He’s a doctor, and a gentleman. And haven’t you always said how important it was for you being Austrian: surely you must want to marry a man who’s a Tyrolean and a Catholic, like you are? And I’m sorry that we didn’t say anything when you first told us but this was the last thing that we’d ever expected to hear. And you must see how awkward this is for your mother and me when…”

“Oh, I wondered when we’d get round to that,” Gretchen interrupted angrily. “Nobody minds about Len Maynard marrying someone who works for her father, do they? But of course it’s a different story with us, because you insist on thinking of David’s parents as your master and mistress and they insist on thinking of you as their servants.”

“Gretchen, calm down.” It was the first time that Marie had spoken since David had made his announcement. “That’s not what your father meant. What he’s saying is that you and Dr David are from completely different worlds, and that that makes you unsuited to one another. I’m sure that you mean it when you say that you’re fond of each other, but that still doesn’t make it right for the two of you to be talking about … well, about marriage.” She looked at Gretchen sadly. “Marriage is for life, liebchen. It’s a decision that you can’t afford to get wrong, and you and … you and …” She looked at David and then back at Gretchen as if she could scarcely believe what was happening. “This is madness. Stop and think about what you’re doing, both of you: stop before you do something you’ll spend the rest of your lives regretting.”

“Oh I don’t believe this. Why does everyone seem to think that they’ve got more idea of what’s best for us than we have?” Gretchen shouted. “And why can no-one be pleased for us? Has nobody got one nice word to say to us? I’m beginning to wish that we’d never even told you. Any of you! We should have just got married and not said anything to anyone until afterwards. Are you all enjoying trying to spoil everything for us? Are you? Because that’s what it feels like.”

“Why’s Gretchen shouting?” Anneliese turned a tearful face to Karen. “What’s happening, Mummy? What’s everyone so cross about?”

Gretchen had almost forgotten that there were four children present. Guiltily, she gave the little girl a forced smile and switched to German. “I’m sorry I shouted, darling. I didn’t mean to upset you. Everyone’s just a bit upset because David and I are getting married and some people don’t seem to think that it’s a very good idea; but it’s nothing for you to worry about.”

“You’re getting married?” Anneliese’s small face lit up; and she jumped up, ran across the room and flung her arms round Gretchen. “When’s the wedding? Will it be in the church in Briesau? Can I be a bridesmaid?” Then she turned to David and beamed up at him. “I’m so glad that you’re going to marry Gretchen,” she said. “She was sad when you went back to England last year. She didn’t say so, but we could tell.” Then her face fell. “Oh – you’re not going to want Gretchen to go and live in England, are you? We’ll never see her if she goes back there: why don’t you come and live in Tyrol instead? You said you liked it here when we all went to Zell am Ziller last year.”

Madge’s face was an absolute picture, Gretchen noticed, although not nearly as much as her own mother’s was; and her Auntie Karen looked as if she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Er, of course you can be a bridesmaid, darling, but we haven’t really decided about the wedding yet,” she said to Anneliese. “In fact, we haven’t even decided whether we’re going to live in England or Austria yet. I’m glad you’re pleased, though. Especially seeing as you seem to be the only one who is.”

“Well, I’m pleased. For both of you,” Rudi said firmly, feeling that it was more than high time that somebody said as much and showed the young couple some support. Besides, he meant it quite sincerely: he’d got to know Gretchen well during the years that she’d been living in Austria, and from what he’d seen of David Russell last year he felt that the two of them were well-suited, despite the obvious difficulties of the match. He stood up, walked over to the young couple, kissed Gretchen on the cheek and shook David’s hand. “You’re a lucky man! I would say that I hope you’ll look after her, but I know that she’ll go mad if I do; so I’ll just say that I hope you’ll both be very happy together.”

“That goes for me too.” Karen hadn’t spoken earlier because she hadn’t wanted to interfere, but Rudi was right: she stood up with a determined look on her face and walked over to offer her congratulations. “And I’m sorry that I didn’t say so sooner. I’m very pleased for both of you. Oh, come here!” She hugged Gretchen and smiled at David. “I really am pleased.”

“I’m pleased too,” Alexander announced. “So long as no-one expects me to be a soppy page boy and dress up in a silly outfit.” He looked at Gretchen sternly. “You shouldn’t have told us that he wasn’t your boyfriend, though. You said he was just a friend.”

“Well, he was,” Gretchen said. She smiled, despite everything and everyone. “Then. But now he’s my fiancé. We love each other. And we’re going to get married. Whatever anyone says.”

#358:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 6:47 am
    —
Andreas I am very disappointed in you. As to both Marie and Andreas' reaction - unfortunately exactly what I expected - as Gretchen herself says - they insist that they are servants and Jem and Madge are the Master and Mistress, so, in their world, this cannot possibly happen.

So pleased that Karen, Rudi and the children are happy for them - would like to hear Ailie, Kevin and Kester's thoughts - though expect the latter two would be highly indignant to be referred to by Gretchen as children!

(((David and Gretchen)))


Thanks Alison.

#359:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 6:56 am
    —
Well done Karen and Rudi! I'm so glad someone's willing to back up David and Gretchen. Hopefully both sets of parents will see sense sooner rather than later.

#360:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 7:30 am
    —
The trouble is that the two sets of parents cannot see past the situation in which they have always related to one another. They don't seem able to recognise that the world is changing for their children, and that it will go on doing so.
Thank goodness Anneliese was able to break the tension like that.

#361:  Author: ibarhisLocation: Dunstable PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 7:33 am
    —
Cath V-P wrote:
The trouble is that the two sets of parents cannot see past the situation in which they have always related to one another.


Let's not forget this is the first they have heard of it.

#362:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 7:49 am
    —
ibarhis wrote:
Cath V-P wrote:
The trouble is that the two sets of parents cannot see past the situation in which they have always related to one another.


Let's not forget this is the first they have heard of it.


Granted it was a huge shock, but that doesn't excuse Jem insulting Gretchen, nor does it excuse Andreas for not defending her properly.

Mini plot bunny

At the words from Jem Russell Gretchen's father had slowly risen to his feet. Despite Marie tugging on his arm he turned to squarely face the Doctor.

"No one," he said quietly, "has the right to address my daughter in that fashion. Not even my employer. Sir James you will take back your comment about Gretchen, now."

Madge reached forward, placed a hand on Jem's arm, "Jem, you owe Gretchen an apology," she said softly.

Jem looked incensed, "I will not apologise," he said swiftly, "the girl is obviously only after David's money, she's a lower class parasite and I..."

He got no further as, with a deceptively slow movement, Andreas had swung round and punched him in the face. Jem flew backwards to crash against the wall before landing on the floor in an ungaingly heap."

"I believe that will serve as notice of our resignation from your service, Sir James," Andreas said quietly, "we won't be working a notice. Come Marie."



Well, it was a thought, anyway! Wink Sorry for hijacking your story Alison - I await the real version with bated breath!

#363:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 9:08 am
    —
Thanks Alison! Annelise was brilliant there, and so were the rest of her family...

#364:  Author: PaulineSLocation: West Midlands PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 9:11 am
    —
Alison This story had me wondering about it during my retreat and still has me wondering. I had to switch on and read it yesterday on my return and this morning before I go out.
Hope Ailie is pleased and offers to be a bridedmaid.
Madge should realises that times have and are changing before David walks out on the family. She and the others are acting like Victorians than a twentieth century family!

#365:  Author: LottieLocation: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 10:34 am
    —
I love Anneliese's reaction, and Alexander's, too! Laughing Let's hope Ailie will be just as enthusiastic as the Brauns.

Thanks, Alison!

#366:  Author: ibarhisLocation: Dunstable PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 11:27 am
    —
Lesley wrote:
ibarhis wrote:
Cath V-P wrote:
The trouble is that the two sets of parents cannot see past the situation in which they have always related to one another.


Let's not forget this is the first they have heard of it.


Granted it was a huge shock, but that doesn't excuse Jem insulting Gretchen, nor does it excuse Andreas for not defending her properly.



Oh I agree entirely, and in his own terms (ie considers himself to be better etc) the thing Jem has failed in completely is self control... He is behaving appallingly according to his own code as a gentleman (not to mention a Baronet!)

Ooh... just a moment, isn't David the eldest? That means that Gretchen will be Lady Russell in due course... woot!

Anyway, according to that code he should have smiled and said, "Welcome to the family" but on the other hand, where is the plot in that?

#367:  Author: TanLocation: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 11:56 am
    —
I have just caught up on the last few days of this. How disappointing that it is the whole issue of 'suitability' (whatever that means!) that the two sets of parents have focused on. I suspect Ailie will have a very different point of view!

#368:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 1:15 pm
    —
Special cheer for Anneliese!
Observant, isn't she. Laughing

I'd say her family makes the case for living in Austria even stronger.

Thank you, Alison.

(And thanks to Lesley for giving Jem and Andreas appropriate reading material. Twisted Evil )


Last edited by Kathy_S on Sat Jul 28, 2007 1:21 pm; edited 1 time in total

#369:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 1:16 pm
    —
Well that went well *rolls eyes at both sets of parents*

I hope Ailie can say something nice on the Russell side and then I hope Madge, Jem, Andreas and Marie have a long ahrd think about how stupid they're being and apologise.

Of course it's a shock and there are difficulties involved but, as a very wise friend once told me, the ONLY acceptable response to "we're engaged" is congratulations. Doubts and questions can come later.

#370:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 2:01 pm
    —
I'm glad Karen and Rudi had something positive to say, although I can't see that going down well with Jem or Andreas.

#371:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 5:37 pm
    —
Jem's reaction is reallly really bad, especially since Gretchen has actually got a very respectable job
She is secretary to the head of the San (which today people would call a PA) and probably runs things.

If David had said he would be marrying the secreatry of the san, (without knowing the rest of her background) that would sound good enough


I was sure that Madge would react better since in the early CS days she is more egalitarian

#372:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 7:10 pm
    —
The problem is that they are still thinking like early 20th century people - which they are. They haven't moved with the times have they? That sort of class outlook was still around back then, though both sets of parents do seem to have it badly. I do hope they can be persuaded to see David & Gretchen's side of things, or they will both lose their children - and their grandchildren. Maybe, just maybe, seeing Rudi and Karen supporting David and Gretchen will make them stop and think.

#373:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 8:12 am
    —
Thanks for the comments. Laughing at Lesley's alternative version of events!

“You knew about this.” Marie turned on Karen with her eyes blazing. “You, my oldest friend – you knew what was going on; and it didn’t occur to you to say anything?”

“Don’t start having a go at Auntie Karen,” Gretchen said angrily. “And thank you – Auntie Karen, Rudi, Alexander. It’s nice to know that some people are pleased for us. And nobody knew as such, Mum: it’s only in the last few days, only today in some ways, that David and I’ve actually … decided that we wanted to be together.”

“Oh, this just gets better and better!” Madge was speaking now. “The last few days? You’ve come up with all this in a few days? And you say that you haven’t even decided where you think you’re going to live – although I assume that you’re not seriously thinking of giving up your surgery and coming over here, David? And you say that you’ve thought it all through! I can’t believe what I’m hearing. If there was one of my children whom I thought I could rely on to be sensible … I think that the two of you must both have been out in the sun too long. The last few days!”

“We’ve known each other all our lives.” David was managing to hang on to his temper but only just, and he was squeezing Gretchen’s hand tightly. “How long did you and Dad know each other before you got engaged? Three months, something like that, wasn’t it? And as for where we’re going to live, we just haven’t made a definite decision yet; that’s all.”

Jem laughed harshly. “Well, you’ve really thought this through carefully, haven’t you? Where do you think you’re going to live? In Armishire, with everyone talking about you? Or here - do you think that Gottfried Mensch’ll get you a job at the Sonnalpe, David: is that it? Well, believe me - he won’t. I’ll see to that.”

“Do you honestly think that anyone whose opinion we’d be interested in would carry on the way you’re doing?” David snapped. “And, no; even if we do decide to live here I won’t be applying for a job at the San; and even if I did I certainly wouldn’t be looking to some sort of flaming jobs for the boys network to help me. Although Gottfried was very pleasant to me at the conference at the Schloss Wertheim last year and I’m sure I’d get plenty of helpful advice from him about practising medicine in Austria if I were to ask him. In fact, I think I’ll do that. Thanks for the suggestion!”

“Speaking of the Schloss Wertheim, you and Gretchen went to the ball there together last year, didn’t you?” Ailie hadn’t said anything until now, and everyone else in the room turned to look at her. “Auntie Biddy said that Gretchen was there and I originally assumed that she was there as an employee of the San – but she was there as your partner for the evening, wasn’t she? And that letter, David, the one you didn’t want me to see – that was from you, wasn’t it, Gretchen?”

She looked at Gretchen and then back at David. “I had started to wonder about you two, especially that evening at Wald Villa, but I thought I might have been imagining things. Quite gratifying to know that I wasn’t, really. And congratulations, both of you.” She looked at her parents defiantly, and then back at her brother and his fiancée. “Well, it’s high time that one of your relations said it: and I mean it. I’ll say it again. Congratulations. I hope that you’ll be very, very happy together.”

#374:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 8:31 am
    —
Well done Ailie! Laughing

And Jem is just getting nastier and nastier - what next? Are you going to write him out of your will? Evil or Very Mad


Thanks Alison.

#375:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 8:33 am
    —
Well said Ailie!

#376:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 8:34 am
    —
Oh well done Ailie; she's quite right - it is time that one of David's relations said that!

I definitely didn't mean to suggest that Jem's behaviour was defensible - and neither set of parents is coming out of this well at the moment - I was struck by the limitation of their outlook and wondering why that should be. As Pat said, they could well end up losing their children as a result of their attitudes.

#377:  Author: Rosy-JessLocation: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 9:13 am
    —
Aw. Go Ailie. She's a lovely girl.

#378:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 10:05 am
    —
Thanks Alison!

I always liked Ailie

#379:  Author: JayBLocation: SE England PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 10:08 am
    —
I think Jem is so used to being king of his own little world (since before David was born), he can't cope with having his authority and his worldview challenged. He suddenly finds he's powerless and anger is his response.

I think Madge might be more accepting once she's had time to think things over on her own and had a quiet talk with David. But right now she needs to stop Jem behaving so badly in front of his younger children.

Looking forward to seeing how all this is resolved, but can't help thinking that it's too late for Jem to change.

#380:  Author: ElbeeLocation: Surrey PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 11:50 am
    —
Well done Ailie, and Karen's family! Thanks Alison, this is full of tension!

#381:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 1:07 pm
    —
Parents behaving badly! In this day and age. Frankly, they are all being utterly and completely ridiculous.

Three cheers for Ailie, she's the only sensible one amongst the whole boiling of Russells. And good for Karen and Rudi, too. And Anneliese is a star.

Snobbery and reverse snobbery, ughh!

#382:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 2:16 pm
    —
I'm glad Ailie was happy for them and wasn't afraid to say so. The parents need a good shaking.

#383:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 2:42 pm
    —
So this is shaping up to be an elopement with Karen and her family and Ailie there. Could be interesting.

#384:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 3:07 pm
    —
Good for Ailie - she definitely stepped in 'where angels would fear to tread' there, didn't she?

As for both sets of parents - they really are so imbued with their lifelong values of rank and everything else that they can only see the negative aspects of a marriage between Gretchen and David, and their reactions show it only too clearly. And I can understand that, too, don't get me wrong. However I now think it's time for them all to stop frothing at the mouth, take some time for everyone's tempers to cool off and then to apply the Gilbertian decree that 'Quiet, calm deliberation disentangles every knot.' - It will be much better for everyone in the long run.

Thanks Alison

#385:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 3:09 pm
    —
What really annoys me is that they feel that they have the right, no, the duty, to interfere in their children's lives and forbid the marriage between two adults who know what they are doing, and who both have good careers.

#386:  Author: jenniferLocation: Taiwan PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 3:32 pm
    —
Let's see, Jem has insulted the virtue and good name of David's fiance, accused him of carrying on with the servant's daughter in his house and without his permission, simultaneous called her a gold digger and implied she'd be a bad wife if she kept working, and has now threatened to sabotage David's career to prevent them from marrying...


I can see the parents being shocked and hurt - this has come out of left field for them, and they've been given no chance to think about it and discuss it with their own child without the other and their family present. That said, Jem in particular is acting like a snob and a bully - Gretchen's not worthy of his son, so he'll use his power and influence to stop the marriage.

#387:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 4:18 pm
    —
I'm glad that Ailie's pleased for them, but I really hope Jem doesn't have a go at her for saying congratulations.

#388:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 5:10 pm
    —
Jem is certainly winning the nastiness award.Rolling Eyes

Glad to see Ailie speaking up!

Thank you, Alison.

#389:  Author: ibarhisLocation: Dunstable PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 5:15 pm
    —
I wonder where David will sleep tonight? Rudi's hotel?

And whether Kevin and Kester will say anything!

#390:  Author: Mrs RedbootsLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 5:51 pm
    —
I must admit, I'm very surprised at Jem and Madge. I would have thought that the dictates of their upbringing, to say nothing of common courtesy, would require them to accept the news with every appearance of delight in front of Gretchen and her relations, and to have kept their raging at David, if expressed to him at all, for a more private occasion!

Thanks, Alison.

#391:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 7:26 pm
    —
Indeed, Mrs. R, that would be the best way to go about it. In fact, Jem and Madge have overstepped the bounds of good behaviour.

I did somehow get the feeling that Marie and Andreas would be worried about keeping their jobs if they were in agreement about the marriage.

And did neither set of parents realise that you can't set boundaries for your adult children? Well, not in this case, anyway.

I get the feeling that Madge would be far happier if David had a loveless marriage with the Chester girl who was trotted out for him, rather than marry Gretchen for love.

#392:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 7:33 pm
    —
Just a thought - but exactly who did Madge have to ask about marrying Jem? She married him in the 1930's and yet was fully responsible for her own affairs. Did she first investigate Jem's background and family before deciding whether he was a good match?

#393:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 7:38 pm
    —
Perhaps he had to answer a hundred page questionnnaire!

Joking apart, isn't it a cheek for them to say what they have, given the circumstances of their marriage?

And, Madge went into her marriage with all sorts of drawbacks and baggage - Jo, Robin, the school, etc., and certainly she was not well off at the time.

#394:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 8:35 pm
    —
Maybe that's why it's upsetting her so much. People who have attained a higher social position can be the ones who guard it most jealously. Sort of like ex-smokers being the most zealous anti-smoking crusaders I suppose.

*echoes all the good things being said about Ailie*

Thanks Alison.

#395:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 9:33 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. I am disappointed in Marie and Andreas but I am pleased that Ailie spoke up for them.

#396:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 10:12 pm
    —
Yaaay! Ailie!

Thanks Alison, LOVING this...

#397:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 6:43 am
    —
I think Jem's just lost the plot: hopefully he will feel very embarrassed once he's had chance to calm down.

“Thank you,” David said quietly. “That means a lot: it means an awful lot.” Then he shook his head and smiled. “I can’t believe you’d guessed – how on earth …? But thank you: thank you for being pleased for us, and thank you for wishing us well.”

“David,” Kester said tentatively. “Er, and Gretchen as well. Congratulations from me too.”

“And me,” Kevin added. He glared at his father. “And I wish people’d stop being so horrible to you both.”

“Stay out of this, all three of you,” Jem snapped. “I don’t want to hear another word out of any of you. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Gretchen and I,” Jem mocked. “You should hear yourself: you sound ridiculous! And is what your sister just said correct? You went to the ball at the medical conference, at the von und zu Wertheims’ castle … you two, the two of you, together?”

“That’s exactly what we did. Just as friends at that time, as it so happens: but yes, we did. It’s a wonder that Daisy and Laurie and the Mensches and the Courvoisiers and everyone else who saw us together are still speaking to any of us, really, isn’t it? Oh – I forgot. Not everyone has the same ridiculous outlook on things as you seem to.”

He laughed bitterly. “You can’t stand it, can you? You live in your own little world, stuck in whichever decade or century you’re in; and you always have done. It’s the same with the way the School’s run. Sybil couldn’t wait to get out of there and into the real world. Nor could Con, nor Maeve; and I bet plenty of others’d say the same. And you just can’t stand it when one of us steps outside it, can you? Wanting to be in one branch of medicine rather than another you could just about take, but one of us being in love with and wanting to marry someone you wouldn’t have chosen for us – now that’s a step too far, isn’t it? You can’t handle it, and you certainly can’t handle the fact that you can’t stop it. And what’s really sad is that you’ve got Marie and Andreas stuck in there with you, so they can’t accept that Gretchen and I are a couple either. Well, you’re all just going to have to get used to it, because we’re getting married - whether you like it or not.”

Jem moved towards David angrily, and Madge hastened to restrain him. “No, Jem! That isn’t going to help. I don’t know what is: but this isn’t.”

“I think that maybe everyone should try to calm down,” Karen said, before anyone else could speak. She looked from Marie and Andreas to Jem and Madge to David and Gretchen, and back to Marie and Andreas. “Please. All of you. Before someone says or does something that they’re really going to regret. I know that you’re all upset but this is getting none of you anywhere. Perhaps no-one should say any more for a few minutes. Let me make you all a drink: just please, please calm down.”

“A drink? Is a cup of coffee going to make any of this any better? And how are any of us supposed to be calm with all this going on?” Marie shrilled. “I can’t believe that you’re putting us all through this, Gretchen. I thought that you’d turned into such a sensible girl – and now look what you’re doing!”

“And I can’t begin to say how disappointed I am in you, David,” Jem barked. “I don’t know what we did wrong with you: I really don’t. I could just about understand when you said that you didn’t want to take over the San; but this.”

Karen shook her head in despair. David saw her, and looked round the room. He was hanging on to his own temper by a thread, and Gretchen’s shoulders were heaving in anger. His father’s face was blazing with rage. His mother was glaring at his sister and brothers: Ailie was glaring back at her with equal ferocity, and Kevin and Kester both looked as if they were about to cry. Marie was looking at her oldest friend with outrage in her eyes, and Andreas was looking at Gretchen as if he barely recognised her. The Braun twins, looking frightened now, were huddling close to Rudi, who’d put one arm round both of them and the other round his wife.

For some bizarre reason he was reminded of an occasion when, as a prefect at Winchester, he’d come across a crowd of younger boys engaged in a free-for-all and had to wade into the middle of it to break up the fight. “All right, chaps,” he’d called. “Time out!” It had all been over some silly argument involving a cricket bat, he vaguely remembered. This was about his family and Gretchen’s, both of whom were being torn apart here in the kitchen at Die Blumen. But the principle was the same. Karen was right: this had to stop, at least until everyone had had chance to calm down, or something was going to be said or done that could never be taken back.

He took a deep breath. “I think we’d better leave,” he said. “Karen’s right. All this shouting is getting none of us anywhere. Don’t think that we’re running away because we’re not: we’ll be back and we won’t have changed our minds. But I think it would be best for all of us if we didn’t continue this conversation until we’ve all had chance to calm down. Gretchen?”

“Suits me,” she muttered. “I’m certainly not staying here any longer to be treated like this.” She looked at David’s parents and then at her own. “I don’t see any point in saying any more until everyone’s ready firstly to accept that David and I are getting married and secondly to stop being so downright unpleasant about it. I understand that this has been a big surprise for all of you, but there’s no excuse for some of what’s been said here today. Auntie Karen, Rudi, Anneliese, Alexander, Ailie, Kevin, Kester – thank you all very much for what you’ve said. The rest of you - David and I are getting married and I just hope that next time we see you you’ll all be ready to accept the idea, because sooner or later you’re going to have to. Goodbye.”

“I’ll see you all soon,” David promised his sister and brothers hastily. Then he took Gretchen’s hand again and the two of them went from the room and from the house, shutting the door firmly behind them.

#398:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 6:48 am
    —
So where are they going to go now???

And what will they all do?

Will the parents see sense?

I thought that they would take it better if both sets of parents were there, but it seemed to make it worse.

Maybe Karen and Rudi will help Marie see things better.

Maybe Ailie can help her mother, but they really see her still as a child.

Poor Gretchen and David, I don't think they thought it would so bad.

#399:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 6:55 am
    —
Yes, they got very close to saying the things that would not be forgiven there, didn't they? And Jem should be careful - attacking a man thirty years younger and just as angry? No wonder Madge restrained him.


Thanks Alison.

#400:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 7:14 am
    —
Jem came very close to saying and doing something that could never be forgiven there. I'm glad Madge restrained him - the start of a slightly different perspective on it for her, perhaps? And poor Marie and Andreas, stuck in there, hearing those things said and implied about their daughter, and probably feeling unable to defend her or say what they really feel, because it's their employer saying them.
I'm glad they've at least got Karen and Rudi, along with Ailie and the twins, backing them up.

I don't want to have to wait for the next installment. Thanks Alison!

#401:  Author: TanLocation: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 7:20 am
    —
Thank heavens for Karen. After her experiences she is quite empathic. She is also astute enough to realise that this was on the verge of becoming something that could not be forgiven.

And well done for those who had the courage and confidence to speak up, particularly Jem's other children.

#402:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 7:52 am
    —
oh eek!

#403:  Author: LottieLocation: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 7:55 am
    —
Phew!!! I think I can feel the heat from here! Well done Ailie and Kevin and Kester for sticking up for their brother. I hope Karen and Rudi can now pour some oil onto the very troubled waters at Die Blumen.

Thanks, Alison!

PS Do we really have to wait until tomorrow for some more?

#404:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:00 am
    —
At least this was stopped before the completedly unforgiveable was said and done. But how sad that this was how the news was received.

#405:  Author: Liz KLocation: Bedfordshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:10 am
    —
Oooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh, I've just let my breath out!!! Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes

What WILL happen next?

#406:  Author: ibarhisLocation: Dunstable PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:17 am
    —
Things have been said that can't be forgotten... How ever much he might agree that the marriage is unwise, I can't see Andreas forgiving Jem easily for what he said about Gretchen. Equally, it's one thing to accept a Master/Servant relationship, but to have it put quite so bluntly that you are a 2nd class citizen... I think Andreas is going to have to choose between his job and his self respect.

I imagine that Karen and Rudi will be very supportive of Andreas and Marie... I'm not sure who will support Jem and Madge, who seem to have gone out of their way to make themselves look unsympathetic!

#407:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:21 am
    —
I wonder where David will be staying. Probably best to avoid Gretchen's, even the spare room. But he probably doesn't want to stay somewhere connected to the Pfeiffens either. Perhaps another hotel?

I'm glad the Russell twins were also on David and Gretchen's side, although I don't think their parents will take much notice. Well done David for getting out before any more damage was done, although Gretchen sounds like she's going to take some calming down. Well done Madge for stopping Jem before he got to a point where there was no going back, but I'm still disappointed in her reaction.

Thanks Alison, waiting eagerly for the next installment.

#408:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:31 am
    —
It's going to take a long time for this to blow over. Too much has been said already and the fall-out will be'interesting'. Jem is a total control freak here, and seems to have infected Madge with the same ideas.

#409:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 12:14 pm
    —
Both Jem and Madge have spoken and behaved unforgivably, and so have Marie and Andreas. Karen is quite right right to intervene in this dreadful situation. How dare Jem behave in this way in front of those small twins? They must have been terrified.

And well done to Ailie, Kevin and Kester for speaking out.

#410:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:08 pm
    —
Yes, Jem really should have saved all that for a time when he had got David alone - though that might really have been nasty. I hope David and Grechen are able to forgive their parents, assuming that they are going to come around to accepting the marriage.

Thanks Alison, this is brilliant.

#411:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:00 pm
    —
If this is three years post series, that makes this when? Early 60s?

Thanks Alison, it's nice to see that the younger Russells know what's right and support their brother.

#412:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:37 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. I'm pleased that Kevin and Kester have also shown their support. I think it's a good idea that everyone is taking a break to calm down.

#413:  Author: RroseSelavyLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:46 pm
    —
*wibble*

Not sure how the Russell offspring managed to turn out so nice and well-adjusted! Thanks, Alison - I'm really on the edge of my seat with this one!

#414:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 4:20 pm
    —
I'm also wibbling! Thanks, Alison.

#415:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 4:56 pm
    —
Thanks Alison

#416:  Author: vicki_theterrorLocation: Derby PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 7:44 pm
    —
wow this is great. Have to say i don't agree with jem, madge, marie or andre. I hope they don't end up alienating david and gretchen

#417:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:38 pm
    —
Just caught up on about the last ten days worth of this - and still it ends with a cliff! Evil or Very Mad

How unpleasant Jem, Madge, Marie and Andreas have been.

*fingers crossed that the situation improves soon*

#418:  Author: VickLocation: Leeds, Yorkshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:55 pm
    —
Just caught up on the last few installments. Can't believe Jem is being so awful. Feel sorry for the young twins, who don't really understand.

Thanks Alison.

*Hanging on the cliff edge patiently*

#419:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:58 pm
    —
Deep breaths are needed all round!

I guess the fact that Ailie, Kevin and Kester are all able to be sensible shows that Jem and Madge really haven't been that awful to their children, and aren't as a rule obviously snobby, but if they don't get over this stupidity NOW they're going to lose their son. Confused

Thank you Alison

#420:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 11:22 pm
    —
"Time out" seems like a good idea. Hope the parents stop and think, soon. David wasn't terribly pleasant, here, either, though he has more excuse at the moment.

Thank you, Alison.

#421:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 11:27 pm
    —
Just caught up with a huge chunk of this and - wow! What century are these people living in??? And isn't it deeply scary that so many people really did think like that. So interesting to see the reactions from both sides, and that both sets of parents are equally horrified. Poor, poor David and Gretchen, that was really horrible for them. Perhaps it's as well they didn't tell anyone until they had thoroughly sorted things out in their own minds, think of the anguish it'd have caused them if they'd still been having their own doubts.
Thanks, Alison, truly gripping.

#422:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 6:46 am
    —
“Well, at least we’ve told them,” David said wryly as he and Gretchen walked away from Die Blumen. She didn’t answer and he looked at her anxiously. “Gretchen?” he said gently. “Are you all right?” He shook his head angrily. “My father had no right saying all the things he did: no right at all. I’ve never been ashamed of my family before but I am today. I’m so sorry, my love ”

She shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. It was only what we expected. And it wasn’t just your father, or even just your family: my mum and dad weren’t exactly very pleasant either, were they? And I bet they’d’ve said far worse if they hadn’t been bothered about offending your mum and dad. “ She shrugged again. “Your father … he’s just a bully. And I’ve put up with plenty of bullies in my time: if you thought that was bad then you should’ve tried being an Austrian pupil in a British school during the War. People say all sorts sometimes: you’ve just got to learn not got to let it get to you. Sticks and stones and all that.”

She lifted her head defiantly; but she was obviously very angry and very badly upset. David put his arm round her tense shoulders, and was relieved after a few moments to feel her relax and lean against him. “Oh David, why did they have to be like that?” she asked miserably. “All of them: all four of them … maybe we should just have gone off and got married and not told anyone till afterwards.”

“Then they’d just have said it all anyway,” he pointed out. “Anyway, Anneliese would never have forgiven us if we’d done her out of the chance to be a bridesmaid!” He smiled and so, reluctantly, did Gretchen. “That’s better,” he said. “Besides, we’re not sneaking off as if we’re doing something wrong. We’ll have the wedding here – the civil ceremony in Spartz or wherever it is we need to go, and then a religious ceremony at the church in Briesau. That’s what you’d like, I assume?”

Gretchen nodded and squeezed his hand gratefully. “I want all my family there, though,” she said a little tearfully. “And yours too. Despite everything that’s just been said. The last thing we want is for us getting married to split our families up.” Then she dragged her hand across her eyes and squared her shoulders. “Hey, getting upset isn’t going to help, is it? Maybe we’ll all do better once everyone’s had chance to calm down and get used to the idea. Come on - we can’t wander about aimlessly all evening: let’s go back to mine. I’ll make us both something to eat. It’ll be something to do. Anyway, I’m hungry. It’s been a long time since those cream cakes in Salzburg!”

“It seems like days ago.” David shook his head. He was feeling much calmer now that he was out of that heated atmosphere and was glad that Gretchen obviously was as well, and glad too that she was far too strong to let what had just been said grind her down. “What a carry-on!”

“You can say that again.” She smiled ruefully. “I wish I hadn’t lost my rag like that: are you quite sure you rather wouldn’t marry some demure young lady who’d as soon fly to the moon as dream of yelling and shouting like that?”

“Quite sure,” David said, with a grin. “So long as you’ll still have me everything that’s just gone on!” She kissed him and he put his arms round her and stroked her hair. “I didn’t exactly handle it brilliantly either, did I? Although given what was said I think we were both fairly restrained: I was sorely tempted to flatten my father.” He smiled. “I wish I had flattened him now.”

“I wish I’d flattened him!” Gretchen said. Then she smiled too. “Come on: let’s get going. At least things can’t get any worse. I hope!”

They made their way round the lake to Briesau, and back to Gretchen’s house. For a while they just sat on the settee together, exhausted with everything that had happened, but then they went into the kitchen where Gretchen set about making them a meal – “At least by marrying into the working-classes you’re getting someone who can do their own cooking: Mum started teaching me when I was just a kid,” she said drily - and David got them both a drink.

They were just about to eat when the doorbell rang.

#423:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:00 am
    —
Who can it be at the door? Karen and Rudi, or Ailie, to offer support? I don't imagine Jem's calmed down enough to see sense and apologise.
Thanks Alison, this is absolutely gripping.

#424:  Author: ElbeeLocation: Surrey PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:41 am
    —
oooooh, the suspense..... Laughing

#425:  Author: LottieLocation: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:43 am
    —
Alison H wrote:
"...At least things can’t get any worse. I hope!”

...........................

They were just about to eat when the doorbell rang.

I really hope it's not someone who's come to cause any further upset! There's been quite enough of that for one night!

Thanks, Alison! Very Happy

#426:  Author: ibarhisLocation: Dunstable PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 8:29 am
    —
Every day another moment of suspense....

#427:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 8:37 am
    —
Oooh I wonder who that is? Unlikely to be any of the Russells isn't it? Would they know where Gretchen lives?

#428:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 9:18 am
    —
Just had a lovely premonition of them living in a little house and having babies and the babies playing with Rudi and Karen's twins...

If I nag you incessantly Alison, will you write another sequel? Laughing

#429:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 9:22 am
    —
Lizzie wrote:
Just had a lovely premonition of them living in a little house and having babies and the babies playing with Rudi and Karen's twins...

If I nag you incessantly Alison, will you write another sequel? Laughing


I'll help with the nagging when it comes to it. But for now I really want to know whose at the door!

#430:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 9:36 am
    —
Thanks Alison. Who is it?!?!?

#431:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 9:44 am
    —
*wibbles*

I hope it's someone nice.

Thanks Alison.

#432:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 9:51 am
    —
Thanks, Alison. I wonder whom is at the door.

#433:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:36 pm
    —
I hope it's someone with either good news or something nice to say!

Thanks Alison.

#434:  Author: ArielLocation: Glorious Hither Green, London PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:43 pm
    —
I hope Gretchen's grandmother is ok... *frets*

#435:  Author: Mrs RedbootsLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:44 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison. Let's hope it's someone who wants to apologise at the door - heaven knows, there are a few people who need to!

#436:  Author: VickLocation: Leeds, Yorkshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:58 pm
    —
trumpet "There's somebody at the door... there's somebody at the door..."

I wonder who it is and hope it's someone who will be nice to them after all that's just happened Confused

Thanks Alison

#437:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:01 pm
    —
Thanks Alison. I hope it's Ailie or Karen though I'm expecting Anderas or Marie.

Poor David and Gretchen

#438:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:47 pm
    —
Really, all the inhabitants of drbable-land should be banned from saying anything as silly as "At least things can’t get any worse. I hope!”

Thank you Alison... I think Very Happy

#439:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:56 pm
    —
What a place to stop!

(but thank you for the installment)

#440:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 4:30 pm
    —
Well, thank you, but what a cliff.

#441:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 5:57 pm
    —
Thanks Alison - good place to stop. Wink

#442:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:44 pm
    —
No it isn't! I go on holiday tomorrow morning!

#443:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 8:16 pm
    —
Maybe Alison is playing with us and the person at the door knows nothing about what just happened at die Blumen?

More please!!

#444:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 10:27 pm
    —
*Screams silently in frustration*

Come back, Alison - or all will not be forgiven!

#445:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 6:48 am
    —
Hope this isn't too long for a single post, but I'm starting to feel as if I'll never get to the end of this Laughing !

“We could just ignore it.”

Gretchen shook her head. “It could be anyone: it might be important. I’d better answer it.” She stood up, then hesitated for a moment. David stood up as well, and the two of them walked to the door. Gretchen opened it, and found Ailie standing on the doorstep.

“I haven’t come to cause any trouble,” David’s sister said quickly. “I just thought that someone ought to go after you both, see if you were all right – well, as all right as you could be after all that - and I assumed that you’d be here. I’m really sorry about everything that’s just happened. And if you don’t want me here then I’ll understand: just say so and I’ll go.”

“No …it’s all right, come on in,” Gretchen said awkwardly. “And thank you, Ailie – thank you for standing up for us before, as well, and thanks for coming here now … oh! How did you know where I lived? Did Mum and Dad ask you to come over?” She looked at Ailie hopefully.

Ailie shook her head. “No. Sorry.” She smiled at Gretchen apologetically. “ Karen told me. I hope you don’t mind: she didn’t want to at first, but I managed to convince her. I think she’d’ve come after you herself, but she didn’t want to leave your parents. They’re both pretty worked up and she’s trying to calm them down. They seem glad that she’s there: hopefully she’ll be able to help.”

Gretchen heaved a huge sigh of relief at that. She’d never have forgiven herself if her mother and Karen, who’d been friends since their childhood, had fallen out over something involving her. She hoped that Rudi had taken the twins away from the heated atmosphere of Die Blumen, though: they’d looked distressed and she’d been worried about them. “Are Anneliese and Alexander all right?” she asked anxiously.

“I think so. Herr Braun’s taken them to the Kron Prinz Karl. He’s taken Kevin and Kester with him as well: he said that he’d get them all dinner there. He’s a nice man, isn’t he? I’m glad the boys are out of the way for a while, to be honest. They’re really upset: Kevin told Mum and Dad that if they didn’t say sorry to you and David then he was going to leave home and ask if he could come and live with you two instead, and Kester’s refusing to say a word to either of them.” She bit her lip, wishing that she’d stopped to think before adding that last sentence. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have told you that.”

David sighed and shook his head. “I shouldn’t have told them to stay. I should have told them to go and sit upstairs. Anneliese and Alexander too.”

“It wasn’t your fault.” Ailie touched his arm. “You weren’t to know that things were going to get so heated. Dad just lost it.”

“Are … are Sir James and Lady Russell taking it out on my mum and dad?” Gretchen asked fearfully. David put his arm round her.

“Oh, no,” Ailie exclaimed. “They aren’t, Gretchen: truly, they aren’t. I suppose it’s going to be a bit awkward … but, no, they aren’t doing that.”

Gretchen heaved another sigh of relief. “That’s something, at least. I suppose I can stand them saying things about me, but if I thought they were likely to give Mum and Dad their marching orders … and Sir James in particular was so angry …”

“I think it was the shock as much as anything else,” Ailie said. “He had no idea that the two of you were even in touch – none of us had – and you know what he’s like: as far as he’s concerned, he’s the head of the family and that means that he’s entitled to know everything that’s going on with any of us. He’ll probably expect any guy who ever shows any interest in me to ask for his formal permission to court me before we even go to the pictures together.”

“Like Reg did with Uncle Jack,” David said wryly. “I wonder what century this family’s living in, sometimes. Don’t they realise that Queen Victoria’s been dead for sixty years?”

“The stuff your father was coming out with was more eighteenth century than nineteenth century: it was like something out of a Georgian melodrama,” Gretchen muttered. “Accusing me of being a gold-digger, and just about stopping short of accusing me of being a … a tart. What sort of rubbish does he read? It’d almost have been funny if it hadn’t been so bloody offensive – sorry, Ailie, but the things he said’d be enough to make a saint swear. And he nearly hit David. However surprised he might have been, there was no excuse for any of that: I know he’s your father, but there wasn’t.”

“I know,” Ailie said uneasily. “And I’m not making excuses for him, or for Mum: honestly I’m not. But they look at things differently. They were brought up in a very different world – I sometimes think that Dad still lives in some sort of Edwardian world where everyone had their place – sorry, that sounded awful. Even Mum … British India … one of the most class-conscious societies there’s ever been ... sorry, that sounded awful as well, but do you see what I mean? And … well, even if it’d been me, or Sybil, maybe they wouldn’t have reacted quite like this; but you, David … I mean, they always had you down as the one who’d do exactly what they expected. You did well at school, you never caused any problems at home, you were good at sports, you became a doctor … until you said you weren’t taking over the San I think they always thought of you as the model son who’d always follow the path they’d got laid out for him.”

She shook her head again. “Sorry: I’m not really helping, am I? What they said was horrific. If it’s any consolation I think they do realise that, though, now that they’ve had chance to calm down a bit. Mum’s pretty upset, and I think Dad’s quite shocked at himself. He said … he said that he sounded like his own father did when Auntie Margot said that she was going to marry Stephen Venables, and that he’d always sworn that he was never going to let himself get like that.”

She stopped. She was badly upset herself: she’d seen plenty of family arguments in her time, especially when her parents had insisted that Sybil and Josette go to Australia with them when they hadn’t wanted to; but nothing quite this bad. Was there about to be a permanent rift in the family? Sybil would certainly side with David when she was told what had happened, and probably Josette would as well. What was going to happen to them all? But her parents really did seem to be starting to regret what they’d said, now that they were out of the white heat of the argument; and so maybe, just maybe, things could be put right. And she just wanted to try to help.

“It’d be quite understandable if you never wanted to see either of them again, but … well, given a bit more time, I think that they might come round … and if they apologise … and if you can forgive them …” She stopped again. “Sorry, it’s not really my place to say any of this, is it? But I think that what everyone needs now is time to calm down, and Mum and Dad and Marie and Andreas need a chance to think as well. And maybe then … well, maybe then everybody could try again.”

#446:  Author: ibarhisLocation: Dunstable PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 6:52 am
    —
Thank goodness for the voice of sanity...

#447:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 6:56 am
    —
Not too long at all, Alison. Keep it coming!

I'm glad it was Ailie who came after them.

#448:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 8:15 am
    —
Another good moment for Ailie. And it sounds like Jem and Madge might be a bit better about it all given time.

Thanks Alison.

#449:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 8:34 am
    —
Thanks Alison.

I hope Madge and Jem redeem themselves.

#450:  Author: LottieLocation: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 8:36 am
    —
AlisonH wrote:
Hope this isn't too long for a single post

Definitely not - as far as I'm concerned the longer the better! Laughing

Good for Ailie - that must have been difficult for her.

Thanks, Alison!

#451:  Author: VickLocation: Leeds, Yorkshire PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 11:05 am
    —
I'm glad it was Ailie, she seems to be the voice of reason in the family.

#452:  Author: PaulineSLocation: West Midlands PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 11:44 am
    —
Ailie's comment about the British in India approach puts Madge's reaction in context. I think we forget she spent her early, formative years in India during the early part of the twentieth century. The views expressed are those of her parents generation. As her parents died when she was young she did not have the opportunity to react against them in the more liberated twenties and thirties, so challenging the attitudes she had been brought up with.

Jem is an Edwardian in his approach, but at least he is remembering the problems Margot had with his parents so he can see that he may have made a mistake.

Marie and Andreas are demonstrating what is seen in many imigrants today, they hold fast to the traditions of their parents generation, rather than moving on as they would if they had stayed in their country. They are so afraid of lossing their cultural background they almost freeze it in time, causing problems for the next generation who want to move on. I saw it with a Polish friend in the sixties and it still occurs today, in people from many different parts of the world.

#453:  Author: Mrs RedbootsLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 1:14 pm
    —
Madge and Jem may have some excuse for their views, but there is simply no excuse for the appalling manners that both of them displayed! I am shocked at them, and thankful that Ailie feels able to act as go-between. I just hope David and Gretchen will be big enough to accept the apology that they are most definitely due.

Thanks, Alison!

#454:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 2:44 pm
    —
Well, thank goodness for Ailie, a voice of sanity in the whole horrible evening.

I still feel that understanding why Madge and Jem reacted as they did does not excuse them for it.

#455:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 2:47 pm
    —
Thanks, Alison.

#456:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 5:23 pm
    —
Well done Ailie - and pleased that Jem is feeling uncomfortable - I was wondering about the connection with his sister.


Thanks Alison.

#457:  Author: lindaLocation: Leeds PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 7:50 pm
    —
Thanks Alison.

I've just caught up with the last few posts as I've been away on holiday. What a terrible scene with the two sets of parents who seem to think they were still living in the nineteenth century. Jem was totally horrific, a real Victorian patriarch. I'm so pleased that Ailie, Kevin and Kester, plus Karen are on the side of David and Gretchen.

I can't wait for the next instalment.

#458:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 8:27 pm
    —
Ah Ailie, what a sweetie...

Thanks Alison!

#459:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 8:38 pm
    —
Glad to see that Madge and Jem are beginning to realise what they have done ... I just hope that Marie and Andreas are being as enlightened!!

#460:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 2:11 am
    —
Thank you, Alison -- and Ailie, for attempting peacemaking.
I do like the idea of Jem being appalled to realize he's reenacting his father's reaction.

#461:  Author: jenniferLocation: Taiwan PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 2:49 am
    —
PaulineS wrote:

Marie and Andreas are demonstrating what is seen in many imigrants today, they hold fast to the traditions of their parents generation, rather than moving on as they would if they had stayed in their country. They are so afraid of lossing their cultural background they almost freeze it in time, causing problems for the next generation who want to move on. I saw it with a Polish friend in the sixties and it still occurs today, in people from many different parts of the world.


That's an interesting point of view. I've seen that type of situation very often, where the standards of behaviour of the old country and new clash (particularly for teenage and young adult women), but hadn't thought of the time lag - Marie and Andreas aren't comparing 1960s Austria with 1960s England, they're comparing 1930s Austria with 1960s England.

When Madge married, she didn't have parents or older relatives in the picture, just Dick, who was her own age and in India, and Joey. Neither did Jem, his parents had been dead for a few years when he met Madge.

I wonder what Jem's parents response would have been to him marrying a British woman who had packed up and moved to Austria, started a school, and had guardianship of her younger sister - Madge Bettany was a very different woman than Lady Russell.

#462:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 6:47 am
    —
I don't like the sound of Jem's parents! OK, they were proved right in that Stephen Venables was obviously a bad lot, but it does sound as if they cut Margot off because she wouldn't listen to them, rather than giving her any sort of support Sad .

“Sorry,” she choked. “I don’t mean to interfere.”

“Hey!” David moved rapidly to her side and put his arm round her shoulders. “You’ve been wonderful. And rest assured that we certainly don’t want things left like this: that’s the last thing we want. But this …” He paused. Oh, what a nightmare. It wasn’t as if they hadn’t expected the reaction they’d got, even if they hadn’t anticipated that it’d be quite that bad … but, still, what a nightmare. And Ailie and Kevin and Kester caught up in the middle of it; and next it’d be Sybil and Josette and their husbands, and Gretchen’s sister and brothers and grandparents. “This is going to take a fair bit of sorting out,” he finished his sentence. A wonderfully typical English understatement, he thought wryly. “But we do want it sorted out. And, like you’ve just said, I think what we all need now is a chance to calm down and clear our heads.”

Ailie put her head on his shoulder tearfully, then stood up straight and hastily wiped her eyes, slightly embarrassed. The Russells weren’t a family overly given to outward shows of emotion – not in the normal course of events, anyway. David muttered something about a drink and she followed him and Gretchen into the kitchen. “Oh – and sorry again: have I interrupted you just as you were about to eat?” she asked apologetically, seeing a steaming dish on the worktop.

“You’re more than welcome to eat with us if you’d like,” Gretchen said. “It’s nothing very exciting, I’m afraid, but it’ll stretch to three. Neither of us are likely to want very much. We had a big meal earlier on: we went to Salzburg for the day. It was lovely …” Salzburg seemed so long ago, already.

“Er, well, if you really don’t mind.” Ailie smiled at her gratefully. “I’m quite hungry, as it so happens – and really I’d rather not go back to Die Blumen just yet anyway – give Mum and Dad and Marie and Andreas all a bit of space, as they say in the films! So long as I’m not intruding.”

“Honestly, it’s fine,” Gretchen assured her. “David, make yourself useful and lay the table, will you? The knives and forks are in the same drawer as the spoons – you’ll remember which one that is from earlier in the week.” She giggled. “And there are some table mats in the drawer underneath that one.”

David duly set the table, whilst Gretchen dished up the food; and Ailie smiled. “You look so … domesticated,” she said. “Oh …dear, I didn’t mean that how it sounded: I just meant that you look very … settled together. I had sort of guessed, you know, like I said. I saw the way you were looking at each other when we were all at Wald Villa - and I’m so glad that your grandma’s all right, Gretchen – that evening.”

She blushed: this wasn’t a subject that she was used to talking about and she was finding it awkward; but she wanted to let them know that she was happy for them, and she at least knew very well that this had nothing to do with money. “I mean … he’s my brother, so it’s kind of weird for me seeing anyone looking at him like that, but … well, I’m glad you do, Gretchen; and I’m glad that he looks at you that way as well … er, if that makes sense. He might act the bossy big brother sometimes but he’s very special to all of us, and I’m glad he’s found the right person. You will look after him, won’t you?” She laughed. “I sometimes think someone needs to!”

David stood up and hugged her; and then Gretchen did the same. “Thanks, Ailie,” David said. “For everything: you’ve been great. And I certainly think you’ve got a point about giving everyone at Die Blumen a bit of space: I’ll see if the Kron Prinz Karl can find me a bed for the night: I’m not sure that I’m ready to see Mum and Dad, Dad especially, again, just yet; and I certainly don’t want any more arguing in front of Kevin and Kester. I’ll see about it when we’ve finished eating.”

They finished their meal and cleared up, but before anyone could do anything else the doorbell rang again. Gretchen looked at David apprehensively. “Most evenings I don’t get anyone either ringing or knocking on the door,” she said, smiling in an attempt to conceal her nervousness. “The neighbours’ll be wondering what’s going on tonight.” She walked into the hallway. “Who is it?” she called.

“It’s me,” Karen called back. “I only wanted to see how you were. I’ve just come from Die Blumen now.”

#463:  Author: MonaLocation: Hertfordshire PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 7:08 am
    —
Hopefully Karen has some encouraging news from Die Blumen.
Thank you!

#464:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 7:31 am
    —
Ailie is being so very supportive, and saying exactly the right things, which is just what they needed after that sort of experience. And hopefully Karen will make them feel a bit better as well.

Thanks Alison.

#465:  Author: ElbeeLocation: Surrey PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 8:01 am
    —
Nicely said, Ailie, and I hope Karen is the bearer of good news rather than bad!

Thanks Alison, I'm so enjoying this Very Happy

#466:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 8:44 am
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Thanks Alison.

Ailie is a dear isn't she??

Fingers crossed Karen's bringing good news.

#467:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 8:48 am
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Hope Karen is coming bearing an olive branch from the Parents.

#468:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 8:48 am
    —
I loved Ailie's embarassment here, and she's trying desparately to not say the wrong thing.

Thanks Alison.

#469:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 10:04 am
    —
Loved the interaction between Ailie, David and Gretchen here. Looks like the three of them are a "family" already. And maybe Karen et al will be a part of that "family"?

Thanks Alison

#470:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 10:15 am
    —
Thanks, Alison. I'm glad that Ailie is being so supportive.

#471:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 11:22 am
    —
Thanks, Alison, it was great to see Ailie being so caring towards them and it's good of Karen to come to see them, as well. I'm sure that Karen will be able to talk some sense into Marie and Andreas.

#472:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 12:39 pm
    —
Let's hope that Karen brings a message which will help the 'course of true love' to run more smoothly than it's been allowed to do so far. And I love seeing Ailie's support for David and Gretchen so clearly shown, too.

#473:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 5:19 pm
    —
Ailie has grown into a lovely young woman - hope Karen has some good news - but think it might be more bad....


Thanks Alison.

#474:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 5:41 pm
    —
Ailie is worth her weight in gold! I really hope Karen is coming to convey many apologies and requests for the happy couple to return to their parents for a celebratory drink. Somehow, I don't think she is, though.

#475:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 8:07 pm
    —
Well done Ailie!! I hope Karen continues to be as positive!

Thanks Alison

#476:  Author: VickLocation: Leeds, Yorkshire PostPosted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 9:44 pm
    —
Good for Ailie! I hope Karen brings god news, however I fear not.

*Looks carefully over cliff edge*

#477:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 2:24 am
    —
Lovely scene with Ailie.

*also wonders about Karen*

As far as we know, she hasn't gone back to see how the parents are doing. Possibly she has a room for David? Or maybe the von und zu Wertheims could volunteer. Laughing

#478:  Author: jenniferLocation: Taiwan PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 5:31 am
    —
Thinking about it....

Madge: married an older doctor
Dick: married his boss's youngest daughter
Juliet: married a solicitor, brother of a school friend
Joey: married a doctor and much older family friend
Robin: became a nun
Daisy: married a doctor and gave up her career
Primula: married a solicitor
Peggy: married an naval officer and friend of the family
Bride: married the older broher of a school friend, a solicitor
Sybil: married a naval officer, the son of a doctor
Josette: married the older brother of a school friend, a solicitor
Len: married an older doctor and old family friend
Margot: became a nun

Everyone else in the family connection, with the exception of Margot Venables, married someone of the appropriate class and connection - solicitor, doctor or naval officer, in most cases met through family friends or school connections, or they went into the church. The ones who married promptly gave up their career plans for domesticity.

David is the first one in the family to buck the trend and marry someone who was not met through the right connections (daughter of the family servants), or of the right class (professional + private means), and with plans for them to both work after marriage - and that's paid work, not 'helping out at the hospital' or Madge's Lady Russell duties.

#479:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 6:53 am
    —
Thanks for the comments. This is nearly up to 25 pages, so I'll start a new thread after tomorrow.

Gretchen opened the door and let her godmother in. “Thanks for coming over,” she said. “I wanted to see you … I’m so sorry that I got you tangled up in all this. I’m sorry that Mum had a go at you, and I’m so, so sorry that the twins had to hear all that. But thank you for being there: I don’t know what we’d’ve done without you all.” Then her face crumpled. “Oh Auntie Karen, I never imagined that if I ever got engaged that it’d be like this. It should be such a happy day and instead everyone’s shouting at each other and saying all sorts and …”

She shook her head. “It wasn’t meant to be like this,” she said miserably. “It’s ironic, really. Mum and Dad’ve been dropping hints for years about wanting me to find a nice young man and settle down with him. And they both think the world of David: they always have done. They just can’t cope with the idea of him and me being together, just because of who our families are.” She laughed bitterly. “Or maybe it’s their jobs they’re worried about.”

“All right, calm down.” Karen put her hand on Gretchen’s shoulder, as they walked into the kitchen. She smiled at David and Ailie. “Be fair, Gretchen: I’m not saying that they don’t feel that this has put them in an awkward position; but their jobs really aren’t the main things on their minds at the moment, and you know that, liebchen. Don’t you?”

Gretchen nodded; and Karen, relieved, carried on speaking. “You ought to know that they’re very badly upset: they know that you must think that they’ve let you down, and they know that they didn’t handle things well. It was just such a shock to them. It was the last thing they were expecting: they had no idea that there was anything between you and David, and he – no offence intended, David – is the last man they’d ever have thought you’d get involved with.” She smiled sadly. “I think that when you moved back here one of the things they consoled themselves with was the hope that you’d meet a nice Tyrolean Catholic boy, and that they’d see you married in the church at Briesau where they got married themselves. And they feel that they’re losing you. First the exams, and the job – and now this.”

“The only way they’re going to “lose” me if they keep carrying on the way they just have been,” Gretchen said exasperatedly. “As for getting married in the church at Briesau, that’s exactly where we’re going to get married: we just never got given the chance to talk about things like that.” She shook her head again. “Are they … are they really upset, Auntie Karen? I wasn’t very nice to them, was I?”

“You weren’t, it has to be said – but then you did have good reason, and they accept that. And they’re very worried about you, you know. They’re not convinced that David’ll go through with this in the end, and they’re worried that you’re going to get hurt.”

“That’s ridiculous!” David exclaimed. “How could they possibly think that?”

I know that it’s ridiculous, and I’ve told them that it’s ridiculous – but, remember, things were very different when we were young. Even now – well, look at it from their point of view. The two of you might have grown up together, but the only relationship they’ve ever had with your parents is as workers – right back to when Andreas was your father’s manservant and Marie was the Chalet School cook. When you’re used to thinking of people in one way it’s difficult to think of them in another way: I know that. They’ve always been devoted to Sir James and Lady Russell, you know that – and they’ve both always thought a lot of you as well, David – but this is something else entirely. I don’t think that it’s all even sunk in yet. It was – well, like I said, it was the last thing that they ever expected. And they’re worried that, if the two of you do get married, that you’ll be unhappy, Gretchen; because it won’t be the way of life that you’re used to.”

“But it will,” Gretchen insisted. “What sort of life do they think we’re likely to lead, after all? Even most better-off people don’t have domestic staff in private homes these days; and it’s not as if I’ve not got used to living in my own house instead of someone else’s. And if they’re worried about religion then there’s no need to be: David’s said that he’ll … we’ve sorted all that out.” She shook her head miserably. “Oh, it’s all right, Auntie Karen. You don’t have to say it all again: I did know that they weren’t exactly going to be delighted when we told them. But – well, do you think that there’s any chance of them coming round? Because I can’t bear the thought of … of things staying like this, despite everything that was said. And everything that wasn’t said. Or are they hoping that we’ll change our minds?"

“I don’t think that they’re expecting you to change your minds, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I thought both they and the Russells are hoping that you might do,” Karen said honestly. “You did tell them that you’d made your minds up very quickly, after all: you need to try to convince all of them that you’re both very serious about this and that you have thought it all through properly. Oh, I know, you won’t feel that you should have to justify yourselves like that; but I do think that it’d help. I’ve told them straight out that they should have listened to what you had to say instead of just insisting that you were making a mistake; and they do know that.

“As for them coming round – well, they love you very much, liebchen, and when it comes to it they’ll accept this, because it’s what you want. You know they will, once they’ve had chance to get used to the idea. And I think that they might come to be pleased about it, if you can convince them that this really is going to make you happy. But it might be an idea to give them a while to calm down and let the news sink in properly before you do anything else. Wait until the morning, at least; and then I think you’ll find that they’ll be ready to apologise, and to listen.”

David, who’d moved to stand next to Gretchen and had put his arm round her, nodded. “That’s exactly what Ailie said. I think Gretchen and I’d both better steer clear of Die Blumen, at least until tomorrow. Actually, I was just about to go round to the Kron Prinz Karl later to see if they could put me up for the night: you wouldn’t happen to know if they’ve got any rooms free, would you?”

“I doubt it,” Karen said apologetically. “I think that they’re pretty full up: most places round the Tiernsee are at this time of year. Let me think … Der Goldener Apfel might have some rooms to spare: it’s not as popular as it used to be. Then again, that’s because it’s not as nice as it used to be! Or, if you’d rather, so long as you don’t mind getting yourself back from Mayrhofen tomorrow you’d be welcome to come back with us for the night.”

#480:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 7:04 am
    —
Well there is a point that it was a total surprise to them,
they did not give even a hint that there was something going on, or let them get used to it in any way, anyone would be shocked when their daughter got engaged without them knowing she was seeing someone (and D+G did know this was a delicate situation)

My parents did know that I was going out with a boy, but kept telling me that it probably was not serious since they were not familiar with the customs here, (we were newly arrived in Israel at the time) (and I said it was), and they had only met him once before we got engaged. (we went out for 7 weeks). So they were very very taken aback, even though he was generally acceptable to them.

#481:  Author: RosalinLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 7:42 am
    —
Glad Marie and Andreas might come round. And Gretchen's definintely the right choice for David. Nothing like a fiancee with relations in the hotel business when you're short of somewhere to stay Laughing

Thanks Alison.

#482:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 9:16 am
    —
Thanks Alison. A wee bit of good news to come hopefully.

#483:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 11:16 am
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This is looking a lot more positive and promising. Smile

#484:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 11:35 am
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That does sound a little more hopeful. Thanks Alison.

#485:  Author: Bride PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 11:50 am
    —
I am absolutely loving this story, and tomorrow I am going away for 10 days so I will really miss it!

I was in Pertisau with my mum and sister last week, it was gorgeous, the lake and the mountains were looking perfect, we went up the lake and back on the boat. We went through Mayrhofen and Zell-am-Ziller while on a coach trip to the Krimmler waterfalls. The guide was telling us about the Gauder Festival in Zell-am-Ziller and I kept imagining Gretchen, David et al while we were there!

Mind you, I think the fictional lake must be smaller than the real lake - people keep talking blithely about walking round it and it's a long walk! Even from Seespitz to Pertisau or Buchau it's a healthy walk, I'd rather take the bus or the boat!

#486:  Author: VickLocation: Leeds, Yorkshire PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 2:43 pm
    —
Starting to look more hopeful, at least on Gretchen's side.

Thanks Alison

#487:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 4:15 pm
    —
Some hope there, as everyone has said - now, what's going to happen next?


Thanks Alison.

#488:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 4:18 pm
    —
Things are looking up -- I think.
*waits impatiently for the next installment*

#489:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 10:35 pm
    —
It's difficult for the parents to realise how very different life is for the younger generation, I suppose - but I do wonder just how they think they're going to live!
Very interesting point about immigrants from PaulineS, that's exactly what's happening.

Am relieved to see the tension slackening and everyone calming down a bit. Keeping fingers tightly crossed now.

#490:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 6:48 am
    —
“Oh - that would be wonderful, if you’ve got room,” David said gratefully. “To be quite honest, I’d be glad to put some distance between myself and Die Blumen, at least until everything’s cooled down a bit. Are you sure it’d be all right?” Karen nodded and he smiled at her; but then he looked anxiously at Gretchen. She might be very feisty and very independent; but he knew that she was also very badly upset. “Would that be all right with you, my love?” he asked gently. “If you’d rather I was somewhere close at hand I could always try Der Goldener Apfel, or maybe one of the other places.”

Gretchen looked at Karen. “Could I … if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, could I come to Mayrhofen with you as well?” she asked in a small voice. “I’d just rather not be in the house on my own all night: I know it’s silly, but I just feel a bit …” She stopped, slightly tearful; and David pulled her close to him protectively.

“Well, I don’t see why not … yes, of course you can!” Karen said, trying to sound more cheerful than she felt. She hated seeing both Gretchen and Marie so upset, and she was concerned about her children as well: she and Rudi argued sometimes but the twins certainly weren’t used to hearing anything like they’d heard today. She pulled herself together and made herself think about the practicalities.

“Right,” she said briskly. “You’ll both be very welcome; but time’s getting on and we really don’t want to be too late back: the twins need to get to bed. Gretchen, you sort out whatever you need for overnight, and in the meantime I’ll go round to the Kron Prinz Karl. I assume that Rudi and the children – has Ailie told you that they’re all over there? – will have finished eating by now, so I’ll tell them all to come round here. Then, assuming that it’s all right with everyone, Rudi can take Kevin and Kester and Ailie back to Die Blumen in the car, and David can go with them to pack a few of his things. Or maybe it’d be best if Ailie or one of the boys brought some stuff out for him. Anneliese and Alexander and I’ll wait here - if that’s all right with you, Gretchen - and then Rudi and David can collect us all together when they get back from Buchau. Does that sound all right to everyone? Ailie, is that all right with you?”

Ailie nodded. “I was going to go back to Die Blumen soon anyway: I can’t stay away from the place indefinitely, I suppose. Thanks for dinner, Gretchen.”

“Thank you for being so supportive – you too, Auntie Karen: thank you both so much,” Gretchen said. “You’ve both been wonderful. And … and maybe once everyone’s had chance to calm down then things’ll look a bit better.” She laughed ironically. “Who knows, maybe we’ll even get chance to celebrate.” Then the tears came to her eyes again and she buried her head in David’s shoulder. “Sorry. I’m sorry. Just a bit emotional this evening, I suppose. It’s been quite a day, after all.”

“That it definitely has,” David agreed. “Right. Come on. Let’s get ourselves sorted out. And, remember – telling them all and hearing their initial reactions was always going to be difficult. Let’s try to think positively, and hope that from now on things can only get better.”

#491:  Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 7:45 am
    —
Poor Gretchen and poor David. Hope they get the break they need. And poor Ailie who is stuck in the middle of it all with her brother and parents. I hope their parents pull themselves together so David and Gretchen can enjoy being engaged and then married

#492:  Author: PaulineSLocation: West Midlands PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 10:12 am
    —
Gretchen needs to speak to her grandmother, she had a more sixties response to them than Gretchen's parents. I am sure if they could get her on their side they would find Marie and Andreas would be more accepting.

#493:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 11:00 am
    —
"Things can only get better"

1) That's very nineties and makes me think of Tony Blair.
2) Might that be something to file under "famous last words....?" I really hope not.

Karen really rocks in this, as does Gretchen's Grandmother.

#494:  Author: brieLocation: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 11:08 am
    —
Thanks Alison. Looking forward to more as always...

#495:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 4:08 pm
    —
Yes, it might be uncomfortable for Ailie when she gets back home, with Madge and Jem wanting to know where she's been. I hope they don't give her too much of a hard time.

Thanks Alison.

#496:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 7:01 pm
    —
Hope Ailie doesn't get too much grief from her parents. Poor Gretchen - this has really hit her hard, hasn't it?

THanks Alison.

#497:  Author: RobLocation: Currently in a rainstorm PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 7:13 pm
    —
*wonders what is happening at die Blumen*

I hope Madge, Jem, Marie and Andreas don't get the wrong idea when they hear that David and Gretchen spent the night in Mayrhofen

#498:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 7:58 pm
    —
I'm glad Gretchen and David have people like Karen and Ailie that they can depend on. I wish everyone else could be happy for them.

#499:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 5:13 am
    —
I hope this arrangement works out well for all of them.

#500:  Author: Liz KLocation: Bedfordshire PostPosted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 6:07 am
    —
Rob wrote:
*wonders what is happening at die Blumen*

I hope Madge, Jem, Marie and Andreas don't get the wrong idea when they hear that David and Gretchen spent the night in Mayrhofen


Bet they do, especially Jem. Rolling Eyes Crying or Very sad



The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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