Venturing Into The Big Wide World!
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

#1: Venturing Into The Big Wide World! Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 1:51 pm


I actually wrote most of this in 2003 but for various reasons did not post it. Having read certain things on the board the bunny started biting again. So here is a revised version for 2005.

Venturing Into The Big Wide World!

A young woman sat huddled in the corner of a train carriage. She looked out of the window but saw nothing. A grim faced man came to the carriage door.

‘Your trunk is safely in the van. It is booked through to Innsbruck so you don’t need to worry about it until you arrive there and as I am sure you are being met, someone will be able to help you with it when you arrive.’ Raising his hat to her he continued ‘Goodbye Mademoiselle, perhaps we will meet again someday.’

The young woman had such a large lump in her throat that she was unable to speak so she just waved a hand in reply.

The man turned and walked away down the platform towards the exit.

Left alone again, sobs racked the woman’s body. One or two latecomers looking for seats hurried passed as no one wanted to sit with such a misery.

With a hiss of steam and a clanking of carriages the train began slowly to pull out of the station. Leaving the city behind it began to travel through some beautiful countryside. The woman fumbled in her bag for a handkerchief to dry her eyes. She wanted to take a last look at the scenery as she knew that it would be the last time she ever saw it. Not finding a handkerchief she made good use of her jacket sleeve.

Looking at the scenery calmed her a little and her sobs ceased. As the forests and mountains flashed by she heard the man’s voice in her head saying over and over again in time to the train wheels on the track ‘Innsbruck, being met. Innsbruck, being met.’ After a while of this she began to panic and sob again. If only she could get off the train and run away people would still know what had happened but she would never have to face them. Should she get off at a station somewhere? Or not get on the next train but if she did that she would only have the clothes she stood up in and no money. How would she be able to earn any? The only thing she was any good at would alert those she did not want to face to her whereabouts or she would have to stay continually on the move. What should she do? The sensible thing was to go home, face the music and hope she would be forgiven in time. Could she? Should she? She had to, as she didn’t have much choice.

Darkness fell. She got out the picnic she had been provided with but the lump in her throat was still too big to allow her to eat, though she did manage a few sips of the coffee.

Putting the picnic basket to one side she got out her book but couldn’t concentrate on the printed word. She resumed her staring out into the darkness. After a while, exhausted by the experiences of the last few days and her sobbing, she began to doze.

Suddenly she heard voices and struggled to wake, slumping back in her corner as she realised she was still sitting, alone, in the train.

Choking back more sobs she again fell into an uneasy sleep, which was full of voices.

‘Oh I will miss thee.’ Said one voice sorrowfully.
‘Bring us a present,’ said another more childish voice.

‘You’re mean,’ said yet another. ‘Please don’t go away, we will miss you and your stories so much.’

‘Children don’t be pests, go to the nursery,’ said a grown up, well beloved voice. The children’s voices receded as they left the room. ‘Are you sure you really want to go? You can stay here you know I am sure we will be able to find more for you to do’

Then she heard yet another voice, her own voice saying confidently. ‘I am sure. It is what I really want to do. I will enjoy it I am sure. Now I had better get this packing finished or my trunk won’t be ready when it is time to go.’

 


#2:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 2:00 pm


Wow! I am very, very impressed. How intriguing! Who is it? Very Happy Very Happy Confused Question

 


#3:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 2:09 pm


We aren't going to be satisfied with this tiny bit Sue. More!!!!

 


#4:  Author: RachelLocation: West Coast of Scotland PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 2:12 pm


Fascinating start Susan - looking forward to much MUCH more!

 


#5:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 2:13 pm


Ditto. Very soon, please.

 


#6:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 2:16 pm


I don't know why, but I'm thinking Robin and her leaving to become a nun....

 


#7:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: North West England PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 2:17 pm


Ooooh! Interesting

what to ask..... Who, why, when, where?

please provide answers as soon as possible Sue!!

 


#8:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 2:55 pm


Kat wrote:
I don't know why, but I'm thinking Robin and her leaving to become a nun....


No definitley not Robin!

 


#9:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 2:57 pm


Probably way off the mark but - is it Thekla?

 


#10:  Author: pygmyLocation: glasgow PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 3:05 pm


Hmmm. Very intriguing. A staff member on her way to the School for the first time?

 


#11:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 3:15 pm


Is it... Jeanne de Lachenais!!! Question

(How dumb am I with Thekla suggestion? - I can't imagine her ever saying she would enjoy anywhere when she got there!)

Sue, please post otherwise I will be sat here all day shouting random names!! (and will be fired from job!)

 


#12:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 3:37 pm


Joining the guessers with no hope of being right - I hardly ever am.

May we have another clue, please?

 


#13:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 3:47 pm


I know who it is and when, and yes, the clues are there if you look, esp at the end!

I am so glad you decided to post this.

At long last. Laughing

 


#14:  Author: RachelLocation: West Coast of Scotland PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 3:55 pm


Carolyn P wrote:
I know who it is and when, and yes, the clues are there if you look, esp at the end!

I am so glad you decided to post this.

At long last. Laughing


Gloating Carolyn? Wink

For some reason the end of it made me think of an Oxenham, but no idea which and probably way off track!

Hope we get more of this today Sue!

 


#15:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 4:03 pm


Ooooh very intriguing and a lovely beginning Sue, thank you.

Im thinking it may be a teacher, who was possibly once a governess, but most likely Im totally wrong!!

 


#16:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 4:10 pm


I was thinking governess lines too...
but also have no idea!

 


#17:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 4:15 pm


Susan wrote:
Kat wrote:
I don't know why, but I'm thinking Robin and her leaving to become a nun....


No definitley not Robin!


Ah well, never mind!! Laughing

 


#18:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 4:29 pm


Dolly Edwards? She was supposed to be good at telling stories?

Never was very good at guessing! Embarassed

 


#19:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 4:49 pm


Oooh!!!
May we have some more please Sue?

 


#20:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 5:25 pm


*hooked*

May we have some more please Sue?

Liz

 


#21:  Author: Emma ALocation: The Soke of Peterborough PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 5:25 pm


The end sounds like Joey leaving Die Rosen for pastures new (the children's voices being Robin, Peggy and Rix), but the first part sounds unlike her...

Anyway, I'm intrigued. May we have more, please, Susan?

 


#22:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 7:44 pm


Also intrigued - Susan why have you been hiding this for the last two years?

 


#23:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 8:34 pm


I'm soo glad you decided to post this at last!
Laughing Laughing

 


#24:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon May 16, 2005 9:13 pm


*intrigued*

Ivy Norman?

 


#25:  Author: NinaLocation: Peterborough, UK PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 9:15 am


Originally thought it was someone going to the school.

Emma A wrote:
The end sounds like Joey leaving Die Rosen for pastures new (the children's voices being Robin, Peggy and Rix), but the first part sounds unlike her...


Having read it again, with attention to Carolyn's comments about the clues being at the end, that's more or less what I was thinking ...

Of course, there's an easy way to find out - *starts chanting*
Sue, please post some more Very Happy


Last edited by Nina on Tue May 17, 2005 9:15 am; edited 1 time in total

 


#26:  Author: AliceLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 9:15 am


Very curious but no suggestions. Looking forward to more.

 


#27:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 10:32 am


Well done Emma!

I didn't post because I wasn't sure about it and the rewrite has made it a lot longer.
Thanks to Carolyn and Sugar who have read some of this for their enouragement and downright nagging at times.



Even hearing those words in her dreams made her shudder violently and at that, she woke up. Her mouth felt horrible so she poured a cup of coffee from her flask. After sipping her coffee and putting her flask and uneaten food back in the basket she settled again in her corner. This time sleep wouldn’t come so she curled up in her corner wrapped in her travelling rug and gave herself up to the memories of the past few months.

‘Maybe if I sit quiet and think about it I’ll find out what I did that was so wrong and maybe they won’t be so cross with me. They did seem so happy for me when I left, though my sister did seem to have some doubts.’

Her memory took her back to that bright September morning standing with her sister waiting for her brother-in-law to come back from supervising the putting of her trunk in the guards van.

‘Jo are you absolutely certain this is what you want to do?’

Jo Bettany, for of course it was she, impatiently shrugged off her sister’s hand. ‘Of course it is what I want to do Madge. Stop fussing. I am nearly nineteen now and that’s grown up.’ Jo ended her speech with a pout and a flounce that made her sister really doubt what she was hearing.

‘As long as you are sure then that is fine,’ Madge said. ‘Please Jo, remember you are going there to work not to have fun with Elisaveta, or read all the books in the Palace library. There will be rules and times for doing your assigned duties.’

‘Just like school without the bells then,’ said Jo. ‘Elisaveta said I will be given time to write. I wonder if I shall ever be a published author? Imagine a published author and a Lady-in Waiting to the Crown Princess of Belsornia, how swish. Not what I ever expected to do with my life when we left England all those years ago.’

‘It’s not exactly what I envisioned for you either, I always saw you marrying a nice man and settling down with your family nearby so we could still see each other often. Don’t forget to send us copies of all that you write, Robin and the others love your stories but remember you won’t always have time to write when you want,’ said her sister.

‘Elisaveta said I would have time,’ Jo said with emphasis. ‘She is the boss so what she says goes. As for me marrying, can you really imagine me settling down with anyone and having kids? No way! I am much more suited to be the maiden aunt who writes regularly and visits now and again.’

The conversation ceased at this point with the arrival of her brother-in law.

‘That’s your trunk sorted Jo, it is booked straight through to Firato and as I know the Palace are sending someone to meet you they will help with it when you get there. Now come along and find your seat as there isn’t much time before the train leaves.’

He bustled them along the platform and stopped before an open carriage door.

‘Here you are old lady this is it. Don’t forget to give Doctor Tracy my letter when you first see him. Now say your goodbyes and take your seat before the train goes without you.’ Jem said. ‘Work hard Jo, play hard and above all enjoy yourself. Hope fully we will see you at Christmas.’ As he finished speaking he gave Jo a hug then stepped back so his wife could also hug her sister.

‘Joey-baba,’ Madge’s voice faltered. ‘Enjoy your new life, Give Elisaveta our love and we will see you soon.’

‘Goodbye Madge. Goodbye Jem.’ Jo said. ‘Don’t worry about me I’ll be fine. I will write tomorrow and let you know I have arrived safely. Give my Robin and the babies my love, I’ll write to them next week. See you soon goodbye.’

Jo climbed into the train as the guard blew his whistle and no sooner had Jem slammed the door than the train began to move. Jo waved from the window for as long as she could see the couple on the platform, then settled into her seat with a mind filled with happy thoughts of the new life just beginning.


Last edited by Susan on Tue May 17, 2005 10:40 am; edited 1 time in total

 


#28:  Author: MiaLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 10:35 am


Thank you, this looks absolutely fantastic - it will be so interesting to read about Jo in Belsornia! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 


#29:  Author: patmacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 10:49 am


Well my guesses were so far out they were laughable!

More please Susan. What happens next?

 


#30:  Author: MaryRLocation: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 11:04 am


What a brilliant idea for a fill-in. Lovely,Susan.

As patmac says, now what happens next?

 


#31:  Author: RosieLocation: Huntingdonshire/Bangor PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 11:19 am


My guess of it being Jo was correct, but I hadn't really thought out the details!
Thanks Susan, I really like this!

 


#32:  Author: RachelLocation: West Coast of Scotland PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 12:15 pm


Interesting - the first post suggests Joey leaving Belsornia in disgrace for something, but she isn't sure what herself!

Only one solution Sue - post some more please!

 


#33:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 12:30 pm


Have to agree with Rachel - post more soon please Sue!

 


#34:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 12:47 pm


motion thirded!

 


#35:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 1:08 pm


Slight problem - I have to rewrite the next part as my disk liked it so much it swallowed half of the next part. I will post when it is re-written.

 


#36:  Author: KatLocation: Swansea PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 1:09 pm


Shocked

Hope you can type it up soon!

 


#37:  Author: BookwormsarahLocation: Cambridge, UK PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 2:10 pm


Oo, intriguing. Methinks it wont all be jam and roses as Jo believes...and does this mean she'll be there when the War starts?

Was a bit concerned at first because it sounded a little like a drabble I'm trying to reconstruct after the Dreadful Affair of the Dying Computer, but has turned out to be completely different (phew).

Lots more please!

 


#38:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 3:27 pm


Hope the rewrite goes well Sue. Look forward to lots more of this.

 


#39:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 7:49 pm


This looks great Sue!!!


*looking forward to more!*

 


#40:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 8:29 pm


This looks fascinating

*adds to the pleas for more*

Liz

 


#41:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue May 17, 2005 9:08 pm


Thanks for the update Sue - it looks VERY interesting

 


#42:  Author: JosieLocation: London PostPosted: Wed May 18, 2005 12:18 am


This looks fab, Sue. Looking forward to the next nit when you have time to rewrite it (stupid technology for eating it!)

 


#43:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed May 18, 2005 4:18 am


Wow, I would never have guessed Joey or Belsornia. The last post sounds so like Jo in her won't-grow-up stage.

*looking forward to more*

 


#44:  Author: AliceLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed May 18, 2005 7:45 am


Joey in Belsornia, what a brilliant idea.

 


#45:  Author: RachelLocation: West Coast of Scotland PostPosted: Wed May 18, 2005 10:02 am


Hope you managed to get some more typed up Sue - really looking forward to finding out what is going on!!!

I confess - I'm nosy!

 


#46:  Author: JoeyLocation: Cambridge PostPosted: Wed May 18, 2005 10:40 am


This looks really interesting, Sue,

Hope you manage to get the next bit typed up soon!

 


#47:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Wed May 18, 2005 9:00 pm


Looking forward to seeing Jo in the palace
(I guessed Jo!)

 


#48:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu May 19, 2005 5:48 pm


Very intrigued as to what went wrong in Belsornia.

Thanks Sue.

 


#49:  Author: PadoLocation: Connecticut, USA PostPosted: Fri May 20, 2005 2:50 am


One more "more please" --- lovely!

 


#50:  Author: Sarah_G-GLocation: Sheffield (termtime), ? any other time! PostPosted: Fri May 20, 2005 11:38 am


This looks really interesting. Please post more, when you can!

 


#51:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Thu May 26, 2005 6:45 am


Just found this - looks great!

More pleeeeeeease???

 


#52:  Author: RuthYLocation: Anyone's guess PostPosted: Thu May 26, 2005 4:39 pm


Just read this it looks great

Another one of the "more soon please" group

Ruth

 


#53:  Author: JoWLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon May 30, 2005 4:59 pm


Perhaps Jo tried out some of her 'original' sandwich fillings on Elisaveta and the authorities thought she was trying to kill her.

 


#54:  Author: LadyGuinevereLocation: Leicester PostPosted: Mon May 30, 2005 6:10 pm


Excellent start - looking forward to more! Smile

 


#55:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 30, 2005 8:54 pm


I'd really like some more, too. Pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssseeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 




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