The CBB :: View topic - A reluctant CS Girl

#1: A reluctant CS Girl Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 4:40 pm

The elderly lawyer frowned at the insistent woman on the opposite side of the desk. She quite clearly meant to remain in his office until he had given her a definite answer, and he had further appointments that afternoon. He rearranged some papers before he spoke.

"You are sure that this..." he paused to consult a note "Chalet School is the correct place for your neice?"

" My cousin" she corrected firmly "And yes, I am sure. I would not be having this interview with you today if I was not sure."

"Quite so." he replied. "But why Switzerland? Don't you feel it's rather far away?"

"It will be a fresh start." she pointed out.

"She is a very unusual and difficult child. Perhaps at the branch in England she will settle better."

"She is as she is as a result of her upbringing. I am sure that under the influence of the Swiss Chalet School, far from anything she has known before, she will be able to make a fresh start among new friends. The school has an excellent record and I knew some of the teaching staff personally, many years ago."

"Very well," he consented at last "If her mother is agreed you may make arragements to send her at the beginning of next term, assuming there is a vacancy. We will see if this experiment will do any good."

"Thankyou." she replied. "I am sure I shall not be proven wrong."

Last edited by Eilidh on Mon Dec 19, 2005 4:00 pm; edited 32 times in total

#2: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 4:42 pm

*dances* New story, new story... Smile

Thank Eilidh! I'm aleady hooked.

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

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 4:46 pm

Another one to get hooked on... Wondering who the new girl's cousin is. Liz

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

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 5:03 pm

*Also wondering............................*

#5: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 5:05 pm

Another wonderer!

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

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 5:24 pm

Very curious! More soon please!

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

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 6:06 pm

*another curious one* May we have some more soon please!!!

#8: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 6:14 pm

yay! looks good! who is it?More Please!!!

#9: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 6:31 pm

Oooh, intriguing! Is it too early to chant?

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

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 7:14 pm

Oooo, I'm intrigued. Looking forward to more Eilidh.

#11: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 7:16 pm

This looks good. Am also wondering who the cousin is. Thanks Eilidh Very Happy

#12: Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 8:49 pm

Aren't we a curious lot?! Very Happy

I'm wondering too about who this could be - and would love some more soon please Eilidh!

#13: Author: Miriam, Location: Jerusalem, Israel

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 9:13 pm

THis sounds like the background to Ted coming to the school - cousin who was on the staff settling the matter with trustees, insistence on Switzerland, difficult girl, mother in the background etc. On the other hand, if there is a compltely differnt explanation coming up, I will have no objections whatsoever. Wink

Waiting to see...

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

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 9:20 pm

ooooh shiny Very Happy

more....?please....?*guesss wildly* maybe an ex-saint's daughter .... elaine gilling?

#15: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:33 pm

Well spotted, Miriam. Originally that was the start of Ted's background story, but I decided to do something different. Hope you all like it.

The small car pulled up in front of a large, isolated house. Switching on an inside light, the driver checked the address with a peice of paper she had in her handbag, and got out. Marching up the stairs, she pressed the bell and heard it ring somewhere in the depths of the house.

While waiting, she thought back to the day, almost two weeks ago, when she had first received the letter from a cousin who she had seen only a handful of time since their childhood. She knew that after the death of her husband, Maria James had become withdrawn and isolated from her friends, neighbours, and family.

Her son had attended boarding school, but a bad accident playing rugby had resulted in him being seriously injured, and, ultimatly, in his death five years previously. Maria had clung to her only daughter, refusing to send her to school, and having her educated at home with governesses.

It was about Anna that Maria had finally written to her cousin, and it was Anna who, her cousin was determined, would be on the train to Switzerland at the end of August.

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:34 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:37 pm

So who is the cousin then? Like the start of this. Laughing

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

Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:42 pm

well I can safely say I haven't a clue but I'm very intrigued

#18: Author: Pado, Location: Connecticut, USA

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 12:28 am

Wonderful! Can't wait to find out more...

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

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 10:40 am

Ohhh a mystery! Looking forward to finding out who the cousin is!

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

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:29 am

Intriguing....looking forward to finding out who the cousin is...

#21: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 1:49 pm

Quickly, she smoothed her iron grey hair and adjusted her glasses as she heard someone stuggling with the door, before, with a protesting creak, it was forced open. An elderly woman stood on the other side. Behind her a long dark hall stretched back into the house. A piano could be heard, someone was practicing scales. She wondered if it was Anna.

"Can I help you?" demanded the woman.

"I am here to see my cousin, Lady James. She set me a lettter asking me to come and see her today." The woman glared at her suspisiously. Obviously visitors were not a common occurace here, and nor, did it seem, were they welcome.

"Will you come in?" She asked, finally. "I'll see if Lady James will receive you. What name did you say?"

"Miss Pamela Slater." she stated firmly, stepping inside.

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:35 pm; edited 1 time in total

#22: Author: Lucy, Location: Leeds

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 2:08 pm

Clapping my hands in anticipation - can't wait for more!! Laughing

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

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 2:12 pm

Ah-ha! Slater! looking forward to meeting Anna...

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

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 2:47 pm

Oooh very interesting that it is Miss Slater!! Very Happy

I can't wait to meet Anna also!

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

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 5:53 pm

Excellent - didn't occur to me that Pam Slater could be the cousin. Thank you.

#26: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 8:53 pm

Pam Slater, what an interesting idea. This could prove to be very interesting. Very Happy

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

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 9:46 pm

OOoh, nice shiny new drabble. Thank you Eilidh. JackieJ

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

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 10:24 pm

Miss Slater??? well that I wouldn't have guessed! *looks around for more drabble*

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

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 10:26 pm

I never thought of Miss Slater Shocked

#30: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 1:34 am

Lovely new drabble. Thankyou. Looking forward to the next part.

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

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 2:11 am

This looks interesting! Hope we get another part soon.

#32: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 10:40 am

Oo, Miss Slater! Had forgotten all about her!

#33: Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire

Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:38 pm

Miss Slater! That never crossed my mind at all!! I'm really looking forward to more of this! Very Happy

#34: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 12:20 pm

Miss Slater was shown into a large room, which seemed to be used as a living area. Old photos of the family were scattered around. Upstairs, the piano continued to play scale after scale, all perfectly. After a few moments, a woman of about her own age entered.

"Pam!" she cried. "Thankyou for coming. I hope you did't have any problems finding us?"

"No." Pam replied shortly. "Lady Gellibrand gave me directions. She's an old pupil of mine and she keeps in touch from time to time."

"Yes," Maria said absently. "Dear Jesanne. She visits quite often. And now, Pam, what about my suggestion? Can you take Anna in your school?" Pam Slater took a deep breath. This was where she had anticipated problems.

"No." she replied firmly. Maria looked shocked.

"Then why are you here?" she demanded.

"Because you asked me to come." Pam replied. "And because I want to explain my reasons to you." Maria sat back, looking as if the reasons would be irrelevant.

"I am headmistress at a very large high school. If Anna was to go there, she would presumably have to live with me, and regardless of care taken, she would be labelled as 'The Head's Cousin' before her first week was out. From what I have heard of Anna from both yourself and Jesanne Gellibrand, that would be the worst thing possibe for her. I would like to make an alternative suggestion."

"Go on." her cousin said, not noticeably reconciled to her refusal. "Do you remember that during and after the war I taught at a private boarding school?" Maria's lips thinned. "They have since moved back to the alps - to the Bernese Oberland - and I think it would be the ideal place for someone like Anna."

"No." Maria was firm. "Not boarding school, and certainly not so far away. I won't have it!" her voice rose on the last words. Pam sighed.

"It would do her all the good in the world. She needs to be somewhere where she is normal!"

"She has never been away from me in her life."

"Maria, she has never been off this estate in her life!" Pam's voice had taken on an edge that all her pupils knew and feared. "She has never met anyone of her own age, let alone had a chance to make friends. She is fifteen years old! You can't keep her wrapped up in cotton wool her entire life."

"Something might happen to her." Maria murmered. "Like it happened to Mark."

"Something has happened to her, Maria, from what Jesanne has told me, and now all we can do is try to fix it. I assure you, they will take the greatest possible care of her at the school. A number of the staff members remain from my time and I therefore know them personally. The other trustees are agreed that this is the place for Anna. Will you let her try it?" Maria bowed her head, but when she looked up into Pam's face, her eyes were full of bitterness.

"Do I have a choice?"

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:37 pm; edited 1 time in total

#35: Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 12:29 pm

Ooh, what happened to Anna? And who is Mark? Very intriguing. Looking forward to the next update, Eilidh.

#36: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 12:33 pm

Just realised didn't give Anna's brother a name earlier. He is Mark. And he had a accident while away at school.

Last edited by Eilidh on Thu Jan 13, 2005 1:18 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 12:34 pm

A mystery! So is Mark Ann's father? Some accident and therefore Maria's been overprotective of her ever since?

#38: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 12:42 pm

Ooooh, mystery and intrigue, can't wait to find out more!

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

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 1:00 pm

Oooh I like mysteries!! Good for Pam for insisting, as Anna needs to have her own freedom. Poor Maria though

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

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 1:51 pm

I'm really looking forward to reading more of this!

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

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 4:00 pm

I would never have thought of Pam Slater either - but it's nice to see she's a successful Head. Thanks Eilidh. Liz

#42: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 5:16 pm

I hadn't thoguht of Pam Slater either, I hope Maria listens to her though. It sounds like poor Anna needs to get out a bit. Thanks Eilidh

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

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 7:39 pm

Thank you Eilidh, so has Anna been ill then? Poor girl, smothered with kindness because something happened to her brother.

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

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 9:02 pm

Gosh! Jesanne inherited a title as well as the Dragon House? One of those sensible ones that descends through the line, including females as well as males - what are they called, someone? Maria sounds a wee bit over-protective, and I'm very keen to see Anna's reaction to everything off the estate - imagine travelling all the way to the Oberland - hopefully Pam can take her, because I think travelling with the School might just send her over the edge!

#45: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Jan 13, 2005 11:55 pm

Thank you Eilidh. Hope Anna likes the CS.

#46: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 8:43 am

Time to meet Anna...

"I presume you'll wat to see Anna." Maria suddenly sounded very tired. "I would rather you told her than I did." Pam nodded, and Maria left the room to fetch her daughter. Pam amused herself while she was gone by looking at the many photographs scattered around the room. Pictures of Mark, holding the baby Anna, ten years younger that him, in his school uniform, with his father, and, in pride of place Maria and Peter on their wedding day. Pam felt suddenly sorry for her cousin. She was taking away the last remaining member of Marias family. Then she stiffened her resolve. Anna's life was being ruined.

The sound of footsteps in the hall made her turn. Maria came back in, accompanied by her daughter. Maria looked angry. Pam noticed that Anna was a small, very dark girl with a very calm, unconcerned air.

"Anna, this is your cousin Pam. Pam, this is Anna."

"Nice to meet you Anna." Pam smiled. Anna stared at her blankly. Maria looked angrier.

"Anna!" she exclaimed. This provoked only a slow turning of the head so that the expressionless eyes surveyed Maria instead of Pam, then Anna slowly sat down.

"Anna, Pam has something to tell you." Maria said. A very faint intrest entered Anna's eyes.

"Anna," Pam began, seeing that Anna could hear her, at least. "Your mother wrote to me and asked me to make some arrangements for your education. I have spoken to your trustees and have arranged for you to go to the Chalet School, in Switzerland. What do you think? It is a wonderful school, Lady Gellibrand attended it and was Head Girl there for a time." Anna gazed at her.

"No, I don't think so." she said. Her voice sounded far away. "I won't be going." Then, as her mother and cousin watched, she rose to her feet and left the room. After a short time, her piano excercises could be heard again.

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:43 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:40 am

Looking forward to how the CS copes with Anna!

#48: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 9:51 am

*echoes Cazx* Also wondering how Anna will cope with the CS Confused

Thanks Eilidh!

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

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 12:06 pm

Sophoife wrote:

Gosh! Jesanne inherited a title as well as the Dragon House? One of those sensible ones that descends through the line, including females as well as males - what are they called, someone?

the law of primogeniture is the rule you're after sophoife lovely update eilidh! and a VERY appropriate title

#50: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 12:33 pm

ohhh, i cant wait for the rest....sounds like there are going to b a lot of mysteries!

#51: Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 1:02 pm

Anna sounds as though she has been severely traumatised by something (her brother's death?) and music is her only lifeline. Poor girl. What will Pam do when faced with such apathy?

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

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 2:25 pm

Either that or she needs a long-delayed good spanking! Liz

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

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 3:49 pm

I thought she might be autistic, but that's probably nowhere near the mark. Thanks for the update Eilidh Smile

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

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 5:59 pm

francesn wrote:

the law of primogeniture is the rule you're after sophoife

Thanks Frances! Thanks Eilidh too - perhaps Anna's been so traumatised that she isn't allowing anything to impinge on her self-created safe world?

#55: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 8:25 pm

Looking intriguing! I'm definitely wanting to know what happened to MAkr, and how the CS will cope with Anna!

#56: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 8:26 pm

This is getting more and more interesting. I thought introducing Pam Slater was a good idea, and Anna looks as if she could be an intreguing character. *Looks forward to more*

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

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 8:40 pm

From what I remember Pam Slater has a bit of a temper - wonder how she'll deal with this. Shocked

#58: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2005 10:22 pm

francesn wrote:

Sophoife wrote:

Gosh! Jesanne inherited a title as well as the Dragon House? One of those sensible ones that descends through the line, including females as well as males - what are they called, someone?

the law of primogeniture is the rule you're after sophoife

Primogeniture has several different meanings. Most often people use it in the sense of “agnatic primogeniture,” in which the eldest son is first in line to inherit, then the other sons in order of birth, and daughters only after that – unless there is that even more sexist “Salic law,” which doesn’t allow succession through women at all. (Salic law is the variant Belsornia did away with in Princess, placing Elisaveta in the line of succession.) Another version of primogeniture, "cognatic primogeniture," is more inclusive: the first born inherits first, regardless of gender. *also glad to see Pam Slater as a success story* (dunno about Anna yet, but hoping for happy ending Smile

)

#59: Author: RroseSelavy, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2005 4:20 pm

Emily wrote:

I thought she might be autistic, but that's probably nowhere near the mark. Thanks for the update Eilidh Smile

Sophoife wrote:

Thanks Eilidh too - perhaps Anna's been so traumatised that she isn't allowing anything to impinge on her self-created safe world?

Hmm, I wondered about autism/Aspergers or some kind of post-traumatic inner world. Unless she's going to be a sociopath and Eilidh is planning a CS horror spree Wink

Lovely to see Miss Slater as a head! viking

#60: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 12:42 am

Poor Anna how much is from her own hiding away from the world and how much from her mother not encouraging her to meet people and go out into the world?

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

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:04 pm

Oh well that's OK then! <g> Anna will go because Pam and the other trustees say so, and Maria won't be able to stop it, but bet she chucks a fit of the vapours at least twice! Laughing

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

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:07 pm

Oooohh, interesting, soshe's only dull and lifeless when her mother is around? And it sounds as though she might want to go herself. Eilidh, it appears that you have characters that want to tell their own story -congratulations! Laughing

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

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:14 pm

ooooh i see..... *pokes maria* silly selfish woman

#64: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 8:48 pm

Pam returned to Maria's house next day, accompanied by Jesanne Gellibrand, who lived nearby, and whom she was staying with. Jesanne, who described herself as "the closest thing to a friend Maria has" had come to reason with the other woman, while Pam was determined to see some more of Anna.

"It will be better if I do it." Jesanne had said, over breakfast. "I know how it feels to be left on your own for most of the year, but I would never have stopped Nick or Lois from going away to school. Maria James is a thoroughly selfish woman." Pam agreed. Jesanne grinned suddenly, looking like a schoolgirl again "I will have fun telling her off!"

The twins, Nick and Lois (named for her ancestor and best friend) were Jesanne's children. She had reverted back to using her family name a few years after her husband had left her, and the twins also used it. She had done it to ensure that Dragon House and the family inheritance had remained with Gellibrands for at least another generation, as, like her ancestors before her, she was fiercely proud of both. Now they pulled up outside the house, and Pam, glancing up, caught sight of Anna at an upstairs window, watching them. The housekeeper answered the door again, looking, if possible, even less welcoming than she had the day before.

"Lady James can't see anyone. She's in bed ill." she said sullenly.

"Nonsense. She's no more ill that I am" Jesanne became the complete Lady Gellibrand. "I'm going to see her now. Tell Miss Anna to get her coat on and come out here to meet her cousin."

"Her ladyship says shes not to go anywhere, in case she wants her." Jesanne shook her head in exasperation, and pushed in, Pam following behind her.

"Anna!" she said, spying that young woman at the top of the stairs. "Get ready and go for a walk with your cousin. Show her the grounds. I'll see to your mother." Anna looked doubtful, but reappeared after a minute or two in her coat and shoes, while Jesanne began to mount the stairs, ready for a confrontation with Maria.

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:45 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 9:09 pm

Go, Jesanne!! Sounds very like the Jesanne we know from Lost Staircase, of whom we didn't see enough in the School itself! Mind you, I'd like to hear more about Jesanne's marriage...?

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

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 9:18 pm

i LOVE jesanne here! hope she gives maria a good ticking off

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

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 9:20 pm

Yay for Jesanne. It looks as if Anna does want to go to school I hope Pam and Jesanne will show her mother how important it is. Thank you Eilidh Very Happy

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

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 10:04 pm

Go Jesanne! What a selfish woman Anna is - has she even considered what her daughter will do once she's die? Lovely update - looking forward to Jesanne tearing a few strips off Anna.

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

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 10:28 pm

Looking forward to seeing more of the real Anna!

#70: Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire

Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2005 11:04 pm

Oooh very interesting! I do hope Jesanne can reason successfully with Maria - but even if she can't Anna will go to school anyway!!

#71: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 12:56 pm

Maria reminds me of Queen Victoria, all that moaning and mourning and hanging on to her children! Absolutely selfish!

#72: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 1:11 pm

Thanks Eilidh! Smile

I must read The Lost Staircase, Jesanne sounds great!

#73: Author: Emma A, Location: The Soke of Peterborough

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 6:41 pm

This is getting very intriguing - go Jesanne, and go Pam! Hope Anna will like the Chalet School.

#74: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 6:54 pm

interesting....very interesting!

#75: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 11:18 pm

Thank you Eilidh. Go Jesanne, looking forward to hearing her telling Maria off! Hope Anna and Pam enjoy there walk.

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

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 4:49 am

If Pam left the CS to go and be a head teacher somewhere else, why is she sending Anna to the CS?No doubt we will all find out soon (I hope)!

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

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 7:21 am

Miss Di, Pam said if she took Anna, then Anna would have to live with her (because she's the head of a day school) so all would know her a "the headmistress's neice", which wouldn't be good. Also, can't you just see Maria going & taking her away? In Switzerland, it will be harder for Maria to get to her. Looks like it will be good for Anna to be so gfar away from Mummy!

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

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 7:27 am

Mind you, it does show Pam having a not very high opinion of the common sense of (a) her pupils and (b) Anna. I mean, look at Tim Keith!* * gratuitous AF reference Smile

#79: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:10 pm

Anna looked accusingly at Pam as they walked down the front path together.

"Mummy's ill." she said. "You made her ill. She told me so. She's ill because you said I had to go away, and then she'll be left alone. I can't go if she's going to be ill." her lips trembled, and Pam was reminded of the fact that Anna was not a normal fifteen year old,but was, in fact, much younger than her years due to her unnaturally sheltered upbringing.

"Anna, listen to me." she said, slowly. "Your mother is prepared to sacrifice your life because she's scared to let you grow up. She's been under pressure from the lawyers for a while to send you to school, and eventually she wrote to me and asked me to make some arrangements. She wanted me to take you to live with me and attend the school where I am head, but I didn't think that would be good for you, so I arranged for you to go to Switzerland." Pam didn't mention that if Anna was to live with her she had expected Maria to arrive regularly to ensure her darling daughter was't changing too much from the child she was just now. In Switzerland, that wouldn't be possible.

"But I don't know any other girls my own age, I've never met any!" Anna protested. "I don't know how to talk to them or anything like that. Mummy said that they might teach me things that she didn't want me to know, and she wouldn't let me meet anyone."

"Didn't you ever meet Lois Gellibrand?" Pam demanded, wisely ignoring the second half of Anna's statement. She knew that Lois was not only the same age as Anna, but a pupil at the Chalet School where Anna was going. Anna shook her head, and they walked on in silence for a while. Pam was considering her next move, and Anna was trying to resign herself to the enormous changes in her life.

"Anna." Pam said suddenly, as they drew near the fornt door again. "Do you want to go to school? Honestly?" Anna gazed at one of the flower beds for a few moments, then silently nodded her head.

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:46 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:16 pm

Poor Anna. I hope Jesanne is suceeding talking Maria round. Thank you. JackieJ

#81: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 5:42 pm

I think Maria is a monster of selfishness, denying her daughter the chance of a proper life. It seems that her husband knew what a clinging vine she was, or he wouldn't have arranged that the trustees made the decisions about Anna. I hope Jesanne gives Maria a real going-over. Does she remind anyone else of Ted Grantley's mother?

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

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 6:47 pm

*hugs Anna* Poor kid!

#83: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 7:21 pm

Thanks Eilidh. Smile

#84: Author: pim, Location: Helmel Hampster

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 8:01 pm

Aww, good that Anna wants to go to school! poke

Maria into letting her go. Thanks Eilidh.

#85: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 8:58 pm

She hasn't even met Jesanne's daughter?? Boy is she in for a tough time when she does start school. I hope for her sake the CS still has the same traditions of looking after new girls.

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

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 9:02 pm

*pokes maria* of all the selfish things to do!!!!! poor anna's in for a tough time of it

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

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 9:06 pm

Poor Anna! I wonder if Jesanne's previously brought Lois over and had Maria refuse access to Anna? ...

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

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 10:23 pm

Thanks for the update, looking forward to seeing Jesanne's conversation with Maria.

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

Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 10:31 pm

All is now made clear. Embarassed

I wouldn't have wanted to got to the schools where my parents were principals - so I quite understand Pam's logic!Thanks Eilidh!

#90: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 12:10 am

Gld Pam got through to Anna. Hope Jesanne has success with Maria.

#91: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 12:43 am

Miss Di wrote:

I wouldn't have wanted to got to the schools where my parents were principals - so I quite understand Pam's logic!

My mum AND my dad taught at the school I was at. My dad retired the year before I started, but he was fondly remembered. As Hank. I don't know why. Confused

#92: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 1:01 am

This is interesting, I really hope that Pam and Jessanne manage to persuade Anna's mother that she needs to go to school. It will be interesting seeing Anna mixing with other girls, if she does manage to escape.

#93: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 1:59 am

more please Very Happy

This is really good...poor Anna though

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

Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 10:02 pm

Glad Anna wants to go to School - think her mother is really selfish. Thanks Eilidh.

#95: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 2:54 pm

As Pam and Jesane relaxed after dinner, Pam informed the younger woman of what Anna had said. Jesanne listened until she had finished, ad shook her head.

"Maria wouldn't listen to me at all." she said. "I tried every argument I could think of, but she's determined to ba a martyr. I really think she'll make herself ill when Anna leaves, especially if Anna tells her she want's to go. When are you taking her to London?"

"Friday." Pam replied. "The train leaves a week on Monday." Jesanne nodded.

"Yes...will Maria go with you, do you think?" Pam shrugged. "Depends if she comes round to the idea or not."

"She won't be, then." Jesanne said firmly. "How about the twins and I coming instead? I have things to get them for school, and if you don't have room for us then we could go to a hotel. That way Anna will get a chance to know Lois before they have to get on the train together. It might help if she feels she already has a friend of sorts before she goes to school." Pam looked thoughtful.

"Its an idea." she said. "I have room, because Lois can go in with Anna, and you can have the other big spare room, and there's a tiny one Nick can have." They were interrupted by the telephone bell, and, after a few seconds, an aged butler appeared to summon Jesanne.

"I'm coming, Totton." she smiled, following him out of the room. She was gone a while, and returned looking concerned. "That was Mrs Meadows, Maria's housekeeper." she said. "Maria is having hysterics. She'd been talking to Anna about school, and seemed to be fine, and then she suddenly said she felt worse, and they called the doctor, who heard the whole story from Mrs Meadows and Anna's maid, and ordered Anna out the house immediately. When she heard that Maria started the hysterics. He wants Anna out because Maria is insisting that if Anna wasn't going away she wouldn't be ill." She paused for breath, and Pam interrupted.

"Is she coming here?" Jesanne nodded. "The poor kid thinks it's her fault her mother's ill. I told them to send her here. The maid is packing her things, and then they're sending her off right away. She shoud be here shortly. The doctor is coming later." Pam looked angry.

"Maria James is an extremely selfish woman." she said. "She can't see anything but what she wants." Jesanne nodded.

"I agree." she replied. "But just now we need to look after Anna." As she said it a car was heard outside. The two women rose to their feet and went to the front door to welcome the guest. Standing outside was Anna, looking very small, young and scared, and with traces of recently dried tears on her cheeks.

"Welcome to Dragon House, Anna." Jesanne said, with a smile. "Come in."

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:48 pm; edited 1 time in total

#96: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 2:57 pm

I'm glad that Anna has escaped from her mother, but disappointed not to have had the scene between Jesanne and Maria. Just a thought, what trick will Maria try next?

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

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 3:41 pm

And do I sense similarities to the Joey we know and love in Maria?! Thanks Eilidh, this is great. I hope she gets on with Lois!

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

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 5:06 pm

*hugs Anna* Poor kid!! *heads over to slap Maria HARD!!*

#99: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 5:34 pm

Are you making up a 'Slap Maria' party, Vikki?

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

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:27 pm

Jennie wrote:

Are you making up a 'Slap Maria' party, Vikki?

And may I join? Horrible woman - so selfish that she would imprison her daughter just so that her own whi,ms can be satisfied. swear

#101: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:40 pm

Lesley wrote:

Jennie wrote:

Are you making up a 'Slap Maria' party, Vikki?

And may I join? Horrible woman - so selfish that she would imprison her daughter just so that her own whi,ms can be satisfied. swear

May I join too? Can't believe that she is so awful not to let her have friends.

#102: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 9:41 pm

The more the merrier, Lesley. Would you like to botrrow one of my newly invented slapping sticks? They come with all different kinds of smellies to hit the victim with.

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

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 10:41 pm

Can I put in an order for a slapping stick? Heaven knows I'd like to use one on Maria right now

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

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 10:45 pm

Poor Anna! *Joins the slapping party*

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

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 12:42 am

Poor Anna. Nasty Maria. (and no, she is nothing like Joey. Joey is perfect) Stands in line for a Maria slapping stick.

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

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 1:42 am

*arrives breathless at the first meeting of the 'slap Maria party', proudly bearing a box of half rotten kippers, gloves to handle them with, and gas masks for the smell.....*

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

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 11:05 am

Oh thank you Vikki - takes exceedingly smelly kipper and advances on Maria!

#108: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 4:15 pm

Vikki, the smelly kippers can be inserted into the framework of the slapping sticks. That way, you get more slaps per kipper!

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

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 7:16 pm

Excellent!!! See, we make a good team Jennie! Wink

#110: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 7:46 pm

Jennie wrote:

The more the merrier, Lesley. Would you like to botrrow one of my newly invented slapping sticks? They come with all different kinds of smellies to hit the victim with.

I could do with one of those for RL probs

#111: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 11:11 pm

Anna came in to the brightly lit hall nervously, glancing around as if she expected someone to jump out at her. Jesanne put an arm around her shoulders.

"Delighted to have you, Anna!" she said cheerfully. "Why don't I show you your room before we all have cocoa and biscuits before bed?" Anna stared up at her fearfully, then nodded. Pam came to her other side.

"We'll go and see your mother tomorrow, Anna, if the doctor says she's well enough." she smiled. "In the mean time, you can stay here, then at the weekend we'll go to London like we planned. You'll need to decide what sites you want to see." Anna smiled nervously, and they headed for the stairs. Before they reached them, though, there were crashes and bangs to be heard, before a figure appeared suddenly out of nowhere. A second figure launched itself at the first, and as a result both tumbled to the bottom of the stairs, to land in a tangled heap at Jesanne's feet. She glared down at them.

"Nick! Lois! What on earth do you think you're doing?" she demanded. The heap resolved itself into her twins, startlingly alike in colouring and expression. Both were 'dark' Gellibrands like herself, and neither seemed to have anything to say for themselves. Jesanne glared at them for a full minute, then continued.

"Anna, these are my children, Nick and Lois. This is Anna James. She'll be staying here for a bit, then she's going to school with Lois after the holidays. Nick, help with Anna's bag. Anna, I've had to put you in Lois's room, because I didn't have time to get anywhere else aired. It'll give you a chance to get to know each other before you start school." She, Pam and the twins had all started up the stairs as she said this, so none of them noticed the look of dread that appeared on Anna's face at the news.

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:50 pm; edited 1 time in total

#112: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 11:54 pm

Poor Anna....

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

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 7:22 am

She must be petrified - never having left the Estate before. Thanks Eilidh.

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

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 9:21 am

*hugs Anna* Poor thing must be so scared and worried about her mother.

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

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 9:58 am

Poor Anna, I hope she settles in soon!

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

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 12:50 pm

Poor Anna! But why is she so horrified at sharing a room with Lois?

#117: Author: Tiffany,

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 3:40 pm

Poor Anna! And poor Maria, too - yes, I'd like to slap her, but she must have had a tough time to make her what she is. It can't be nice having a child die. I guess Anna doesn't want to share with Lois just because it's all so new and strange and she's never spent time with anyone her own age... being plunged into sharing a room is a bit of a shock! Or is there a mmmmmmystery here?? How old are the Gellibrand twins, by the way?

#118: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 12:05 am

Poor little Anna she must be petrified. Thanks Eilidh.

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

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 2:39 pm

*hugs poor Anna* *puts in order for slapping stick* *wonders if a combined slapping and poking stick is available* Liz

#120: Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 3:07 pm

I had some how got all behind -so had lots of lovely posts to catch up thank you! I agree with Tiphany and think we might be being a bit harsh on Maria. Yes she does not come across well, but I think its more than just selfishness. At the least it seems like she has very severe agoraphobia.

#121: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 4:30 pm

I think she's being Widow of Windsor-ish, and just wants everything her own way.

#122: Author: champagnedrinker,

Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 10:23 pm

I can see why Anna would be worried about sharing a room with someone - if you aren't used to people of your own age (in fact, aren't used to strangers full stop), to have to share a room with someone Shocked

#123: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 1:50 pm

Anna followed Lois along a long corridor panelled with exquisitly patterened wood.

"This is the angel gallery." Lois said over her shoulder. "Isn't it beautiful?" Anna could only smile nervously in reply. She had never been with anyone else her own age before, and she had no idea what to say. Lois, as any of the Chalet School prefects could have told you, was unlikely to have any such problems.

"This is my room." Lois continued, turning into a huge bedroom. Anna stared, comparing it with her own little room at home. Of course, Dragon House was enormous, but it was much larger than her room and, unfortunatley, very much more untidy. Lois glanced around, then gathered up some clothes and shoved them away into her wardrobe.

"Sorry about the mess!" she said cheerfully, piling books onto a shelf. "Matey would never forgive me if she seen it. I have to be so tidy at school. But you don't know Matey, of course! You will, though. She's awful! Everyone's scared of her, even Miss Annersley! You're coming to the Chalet School with me, aren't you? What age are you? Will we unpack your things? You can have these drawers." She indicated two. "What age did you say you were?" Anna tried to pull herself together. Lois was obviously expecting a answer this time. She swallowed hard.

"Fifteen." She whispered.

"I'm fifteen the day we go back to school." Lois said, making a face. "We'll probably be in the same form. That'll be good. It's awful to go somewhere and not know anyone, isn't it?" Anna made no reply to this. Lois seized the case and swung it onto one of the beds, beginning to unpack it with speed.

"I'll look after you once we get to school." she continued. "Well, we will. There's me, and Cecily and Carlotta. 'Lotta's a bit older, but she missed a lot of school so shes with us. And I'm the youngest in the form and she's the oldest. Cecily's in the middle. When were you fifteen?" Anna made another effort. Lois' constant stream of information was bewildering her.

"Last month." she said softly. Lois grinned, and, unpacking finished, dropped on the bed beside her.

"You'll be next up from me, then." she said. "But you've never been to school before, have you? You might be in Upper IVa then. Depends what work you've done with your governesses. We're all in Inter V. It would be good if you could be with us. We need a fourth for when we croc on walks. Just now, one of us always has to walk with somone else. Oh!" as a bell rang somwhere. "Supper! Good, I'm famished. Lets go!"

And a bewildered Anna allowed herself to be towed from the room and downstairs, where Jesanne and Pam were waiting.

edited for spelling and grammer

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:01 pm; edited 2 times in total

#124: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 1:59 pm

wow, poor Anna - even I'm finding Lois very overwhelming so i can't imagine how she is feeling!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 2:05 pm

Poor Anna - I can see that Lois would be rather overwhelming...

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

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 2:07 pm

Lois does seem a tad overwhelming, doesn't she. But she may be as nervous as Anna and talking to cover that (I do that one) Hope Anna settles down though. JackieJ

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

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 2:33 pm

Anyone else reminded of when Joey met Shiena and the twins and talked *even on*

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

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 3:01 pm

Lois does seem a bit overwhelming, but very nice at the same time. Hope Anna manages to fit in some more answers soon!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 3:56 pm

Well, it's nice to see Lois welcoming and already admitting her into friendship with the other two (hope they get on with her ok!) but I hope she hasn't made Anna too terrified of Matey. Thanks Eilidh

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

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 4:54 pm

Lois seems nice, though I could see how Anna would be shy around her.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 8:01 pm

She's overwhelming, but it's better than neither of them having anything to say! *likes other people to talk lots* Liking this muchly, thanks for the update!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 8:06 pm

I get the feeling that Lois is a bit shy of Anna too, and is just talking to cover up her nervousness..... but I'm quite willing to be corrected. and quite soon, if that's alright Eilidh!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 10:56 pm

Also think Lois is a bit shy and talking from nervousness. Thanks.

#134: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 11:02 pm

As the two girls headed downstairs, the were joined by Nick, who gave them a friendy grin.

"She talked you deaf yet, Anna?" he asked. "She never shuts up. Had you noticed?" Anna, even more nervous with Nick than his sister, went red and mumbled somthing incomprehensible.

"Hurry up!" Jesanne called from the bottom of the stairs. "Your chocolate's getting cold!" As they reached the all there was a knock at the door and the doctor was admitted. He was a big, cheerful man who knew everyone in the area.

"Well, Anna, your mother in going to be fine."he smiled. "She's not ill. She might go away for a bit once you're safely at school, but we'll see about that then. You go with Lois now and have your supper while I have a word with Lady Gellibrand and Miss Slater." Anna obedienty followed Lois into the room where the light meal was waiting. Jesanne turned to the doctor.

"You're lying." He took a step back.

"Yes." he replied. "I am."

"So?" it was Pam who spoke.

"She got hysterical when she realised Anna was gone. Hunted all over the house for her. Then started yelling for her husband and her son. Got very angry when they didn't arrive. She seems to have forgotten...I gave her something to make her sleep. I'll see how she is tomorrow. But she may have to spend some time in a nursing home." Pam looked troubled.

"Should Anna go back. Would that help?" He shook his head.

"No. She's gone now and her mother is very angry with her as well as...confused. She blames Anna. She's completely forgotten it was her idea for Anna to go to school in the first place. Anna will be better going to Switzerland. Break the news to her gently about her mother before she goes, but I thought she'd had enough tonight." The two women nodded, and saw him out. As the door closed behind him there was a scream from one of the girls followed by a loud crash. The two women looked at each other and rushed towards the dining room.

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:02 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 11:06 pm

Argh! Tell us what happened please!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 11:17 pm

Whoops! Nice cliff.

#137: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 11:42 pm

A cliff!

Are Cecily and Carlotta Cecil Maynard and Carlotta von Ahlen? Or am I jumping to conclusions? (Can't even remember if those two are the right ages...)

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

Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 2:35 am

Eeek!!! *teeters on cliff edge!* I like Lois, although I can see why Anna feels overwhelmed!

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

Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 3:09 am

Dawn wrote:

Anyone else reminded of when Joey met Shiena and the twins and talked *even on*

Ohh yes. That very 'breezy' chattering, trying to put someone at ease at failing utterly.

#140: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 8:42 am

Oh dear, am feeling very sorry for Anna, she hasn't had an easy time, and she's sure to feel that she's to blame for her mother's breakdown too. And she has Lois to cope with, not to mention school.

#141: Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster

Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 12:27 pm

Poo Anna....good for Lois,she may be being a little overwhelming but she's certainly making a good effort to ne lovely and welcoming.

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

Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 1:18 pm

Eeek I cliff!!! I really like chatterbox Lois, thanks Eilidh Very Happy

#143: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 8:06 pm

I imagine that the CS could be scary if you didn't know anyone, its good she'll have a friend.

#144: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 11:37 pm

Thank you Eilidh. Poor Anna she must feel dreadful about her mother and b really confused. I also talk too much at times through nerves.

#145: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 3:44 pm

Poor Anna, things are bad enough without whatever the cliffs about to bring :(Thanks Eiledh

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

Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 3:59 pm

yikes!just when I though everything was ok!*pokes Maria* silly, hysterical woman

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

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 3:23 pm

That last line's very tantalising, Eilidh! Maria seems to have lost it a bit... Hope your week gets better and gives you time to write more - I'm really enjoying this!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 5:05 pm

Argh we're still on the cliff! Shocked

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

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 5:52 pm

i want to know whats happening, Eilidh! NOW *pouts*

#150: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 6:14 pm

See, francesn, now you know how we feel about Christine!! But I agree here too - de-cliff us, Eilidh, please!

#151: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 10:23 pm

What a clifff....please put us out of our misery soon. I can udnerstand how Anna must be feeling overwhelemed, but I think Lois is being very generous all the same, essentially already including Anna as one of her group of friends.

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

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 10:40 pm

I think Lois is behaving as she would to someone who had had a 'normal' upbringing - this is set at a time when not going to school but having governesses would not be as unusual as now. But Anna has never met anyone not vetted by her slightly strange mother so must be feeling completely & utterly overwhelmed.

#153: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 11:08 pm

There are two posts here because one seems to have been deleted in the move!

The doctor got into his car and paused before pulling away. He could see a difficult time coming up with Maria, who seemed convinced that her family was still alive and living in the house with her. He had got Anna out just in time to avoid her being seriously upset by her mothers behaviour.

He swung the car around and pulled out of the grounds. At least Anna's cousin seemed sensible enough. And if Jesanne Gellibrand was on the case as well... Jesanne would make sure everything went exactly the way she wanted it. It was a habit of hers.

Meanwhile, back in Dragon House...

ok, here it is. hope it was worth the wait.
Meanwhile, back at Dragon House, Jesanne and Pam had sprinted the length of the hall to the dining room. Jesanne wrenched the door open and they rushed inside.

"What's wrong?" she demanded, looking around the room. Nick was holding back two large alsatians, and Lois was seated on the sofa with her arma around Anna, who was very pale. The supper dishes were lying in a heap on the rug beside the overturned table. Lois spoke eagerly.

"It's ok, mum, the dogs came in and they jumped on Anna and she screamed and they knocked her over and she fell into the table and it fell over and everything got smashed then Nick grabbed the dogs and I got Anna and then you came in. But it was just the dogs cos we hadn't shut the far away door properly and somebody let them in but..." Jesanne's upraised hand stopped her daughter's flow of speech instantly.

"Are you alright, Anna? They won't hurt you, they just want to be friends. I forgot you weren't accustomed to dogs."

"It wasn't the dogs." Anna whispered."There was a face." Jesanne and Pam exchanged looks.

"Where, Anna?" her cousin asked.

"At the window." Anna replied.

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:18 pm; edited 2 times in total

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

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 11:57 pm

Oh, poor Anna - it's not her mother is it? Thanks for the update Eilidh.

#155: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 12:17 am

Thanks for this update, Eilidh - but if *that's* your idea of taking us off a cliff, I hope you won't keep us waiting too long for the next bit!!! Seriously, I'm really enjoying this!

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

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 10:38 am

I wonder who's face it was...

#157: Author: Guest,

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 10:57 am

okay okay but i don't leave you thinking that something dreadful has happened to christine - that's just your lurid imaginations glad to hear anna's okay though.... also very intrigued by the face

#158: Author: Mihiri, Location: surrey england

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 10:59 am

Thanks for the update. Really hope her mother isnt trying to find her

#159: Author: francesn as guest,

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 11:02 am

that guest was me...in case you hadn't guessed

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

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 11:33 am

Thanks Eilidh I hope Maria can get the help she needs. Was it her face, or someone else? Liz

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

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 1:28 pm

Yikes, mysterious faces. I too hope that it isn't Maria at the window, although if she's terrified of leaving the house herself I can't see how it can be. Confused

*confuzzled Confused

JackieJ

#162: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 1:02 am

Gosh whose face is it? Can't see it being Maria unless there is more going on than we know about! Thanks Eilidh.

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

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 4:10 pm

Gulp! Sounds like Lois saw the face too.

#164: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:01 pm

Not sure about this bit.
Pam and Jesanne exchanged glances. Then, as Jesanne hurried from the room, Pam moved towards Anna.

"Did you recognise the face, Anna?" she asked. Anna shook her head, and Pam could see that she had had enough. Between shock, nervousness and fright Anna was fit only for bed, and Pam turned to Lois.

"I think it's time you all went upstairs." she said. Lois looked sulky.

"I wanted to stay and see if it was a burglar." she said.

"Well, you can't." Pam was the complete headmistress. "Bed. Quietly!" as Lois opened her mouth to argue further. Grumbling, Lois trudged up the stairs, Anna and Nick following her. Jesanne entered by the further door.

"The staff are searching the grounds." she said. "There have been a lot of burglaries around here lately and I don't want to take any chances." Pam nodded.

"I thought at first..."she began.

"Maria?" Jesanne asked. Pam nodded.

"No." Jesanne said. "Maria won't leave her estate any more than she will let Anna leave. I really can't understand why she wanted to send her to your school! However. We should go and see if they've found anything." And she led the way out into the summer night.

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:05 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:07 pm

Why weren't you sure? It was fine - still want to know more though!..... Laughing

#166: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 12:06 am

That was great Eilidh. at least we know one person it wasn't!

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

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 9:52 am

Is it too soon to start a chant for more?

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

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:03 pm

Jesanne said

Quote:

I really can't understand why she wanted to send her to your school!

Sour grapes that she wasn't asked to arrange for Anna to go to the same school as Lois?

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

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:16 pm

Thanks EilidhStill wondering who it wasLiz

#170: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:23 pm

The following morning Lois woke early, as was her custom, and glanced across to the bed in the corner of the room where Anna was still asleep. Picking up her pillow, she threw it directly across the room and hit Anna hard. Startled, the other girl jumped up, shaking her hair out her eyes, and looked at Lois who was giggling quietly. She paused for a moment, then grabbed both Lois' pillow and her own and threw them both back across, managed to hit Lois twice, and uttered a soft cry of triumph. Lois gave a muffled cry as she tumbled backwards off her bed to land with a thump on the floor.

"Just as well there's no one underneath!" she grinned. "Can you ride, Anna?"

"Yes." Anna replied. "Mummy used to let me go out with one of the grooms before breakfast, as long as we stayed in the estate." Lois glossed over the last bit.

"Have you brought your things?" she asked. Anna shook her head.

"You can borrow some of mine then." Lois replied. "Come on. If we go now we should get in a good gallop before breakfast." Anna leapt out of bed and took the clothes Lois held out to her.

"Get changed quickly." the other girl urged. "The quicker we're out the longer we'll have." Anna raced of towards the bathroom, realising as she did that she had barely given a thought to the news about her mother since the previous night. Lois had chattered about school and burglars until they both fell asleep. This momentarily slowed her until the sound of hurrying feet in the passage spurred her back to action, and twenty minutes later saw both Anna and Lois galloping away from the house.

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:06 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:29 pm

i sense disaster the poor girl hasn't even got to the school yet!!! very intrigued.

#172: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:27 am

Glad Lois is keeping Anna's mind occupied. Hope they enjoy their ride without any disasters.

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

Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:38 am

Glad Anna was able to respond ok to the pillow! Thanks Eilidh Liz

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

Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 4:54 am

Excellent response from Anna - she could so easily have taken offence or been upset.

#175: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 5:33 pm

Sounds like Anna's a nice and sensibile girl despite all the stuff she's been through with her mother. Thanks Eilidh

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

Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 5:39 pm

I wonder what will happen on the ride...

#177: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 5:18 pm

The next week continued in a similar fashion. Anna was slowly losing her shyness with Lois, although nothing could convince her to behave the same way with Nick, who she refused to speak to. Jesanne had made enquiries, and discovered that the face they had seen at the window had belonged to a new stable boy who had been curious about what was going on inside.

Finally, a week from the day when Anna had arrived at Dragon House, she and the Gellibrands headed for London. Pam had gone a few days previously to make arrangements and to get Anna’s school things, but it had been decided to leave showing Anna London until the next holidays, when they thought she might take it in better. Nick was to leave for school that day, so Jesanne and Lois took him to the train station and waved him off.

The next day the girls were taken for their train. Lois was nearly dancing with excitement and Anna looked pale and frightened as the car drew up at the station, ad clutching their cases the girls scrambled out. Lois, momentarily forgetting about her new friend, plunged into the crowd, shrieking like a banshee.

“Win! WIN! Beth!” Anna heard, before Lois was swallowed up by a press of people. Her cousin came up behind her.

“Alright Anna.” she said. “We’ll go and find a mistress. I’m sure Lois will be back for you sooner or later.” Anna turned terrified eyes on her and Pam smiled.

“It won’t be that bad.” she said. “I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time once you’re settled in.” She led Anna over to where a young woman was ticking off names on a sheet.

“Hello. Are you new?” she asked. “I’m Miss Ferrars. And you are?” Anna took a deep breath.

“Anna James.” she replied in a voice barely above a whisper.

“OK.” Miss Ferrars replied. “Well, I’ll find someone to look after you…” she was interrupted by Lois, bursting through the crowds with a group of girls. Lois seized Anna joyfully.

“I wondered where you’d gone!” she exclaimed. “I’ll look after her Miss Ferrars, she came with me, Anna, these are Win Everett, Beth Black, Frances McDonald and Louise Williams. They’ll probably all be in our form. We need to go and get a carriage. Come on!” and she rushed off, dragging Anna behind her.

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:07 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 6:47 pm

Win's grown up! How cool! Thanks Eilidh.

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

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 7:13 pm

Poor Anna, travelling to school must be quite bewildering! Good to see an older Win though Very Happy

#180: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 7:33 pm

Which Maynard is this age?

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

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 8:06 pm

Off the top of my head (so probably wrong), I think Phil is nearest Win in age.

#182: Author: claire, Location: South Wales

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 8:53 pm

Win is about 5 in Wins the Trick (they mention school for her but that she is young enough still to be kept homeas they can't afford fees), she's obviously older than Cecil in the book and it's mentioned that Felicity is six

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

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 9:28 pm

Thank you, nice to see Anna losing her shyness with Lois.

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

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:06 pm

i love Lois!!!! and an older Win - brilliant!

#185: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:49 pm

Sorry if I've mixed up any ages. I though the fact that this is Inter V could cover most mistakes!

In the carriage the found several other members of what seemed to be Lois’ group. She introduced them at top speed.

“Anna James, everyone! Anna, Becca Hardy, Megan James, Melissa Laurie, and Cecil and Phil Maynard. What are you two doing here?” she finished, rounding on the last pair.

“We were staying with Auntie Madge.” the smaller of them replied. “We came over with Mamma and Papa when they brought Felicity, and then stayed on at Auntie Madge’s to go back with Ailie.”

“Why, where’s Felicity gone?” demanded Win. “She didn’t say anything to me about leaving.”

“She wrote to you.” Cecil replied. “It must have got lost. She got a last-minute audition to the Royal Ballet School, and she got in. Mamma and Papa were pleased, because otherwise, Miss Annersley had said she was to spend another year in Va. You know she’s never been really clever. Len, Margot and Phil are the clever girls in this family.” Win made a face.

“She’s at least got to Va!” she exclaimed. “I’m in Inter V again this year.”

“But you did miss two years when you were ill.” Lois pointed out. “And so did Lotta. And anyway, if this is Inter V this year then they go from you and Lotta, who are over sixteen, down to me, who only just fifteen today!” Anna noticed at this point that Cecil looked thoroughly annoyed.

“No they don’t.” Phil Maynard spoke up. “I’m there too, and I’m not fourteen yet.” At this point Cecil got up and stamped out, banging the door behind her.

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:10 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:56 pm

phil! cecil! sibling rivalry in a form!!!! looking forward to it....

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

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:18 pm

So Phil has the Maynard gift for super intelligence, despite early illness. Poor Cecil, she hasn't got anything special!

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

Posted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:39 pm

Poor Cecil. Thanks -intriguing.

#189: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 12:29 am

Glad Anna seems to be OK but fel very sorry for Cecil.

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

Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 12:02 pm

Nice to see Anna getting to know some of the girls Thanks Eilidh Liz

#191: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 5:31 pm

Poor Cecil, having your younger sister in your class would be horrible! Thanks Eildh

#192: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 8:18 pm

Cecil not being special ties in iwth other drabbles, I still feel sorry for her though.

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

Posted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 9:06 pm

Poor Cecil, it must be so hard to be the 'ordinary' one in the family. At least she's got something special in a certain other drabble. Thanks for this part Eilidh. JackieJ

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

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 3:49 pm

Yay! Another drabble I've managed to catch up with! (have managed to do lots of catching up this weekend - no-one's been on MSN to yibble at me!) I'm really enjoying this so far Eilidh!

#195: Author: Tiffany,

Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 9:18 pm

Ohhhhhh poor Cecil! and poor Phil - does she feel dreadful about it? At least Anna won't have to worry about being the centre of attention with that going on!

#196: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 4:59 pm

Can see a Maynard civil war breaking out here. Hope Anna doesn't get caught in the cross fire.

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

Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:20 pm

Uh-oh sibling rivalry! Poor Cecil!

#198: Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 10:53 pm

“What’s wrong with her?” Becca demanded, as Lois jumped up and rushed out after her friend, leaving Anna feeling suddenly panicky in a carriage full of strangers. Phil looked upset.

“She’s been like that since we got the letters from school telling us what forms we were going into.” she said. “She barely speaks to me any more. And Mamma and Papa were so proud because I got a double remove, and that made it worse.” Win nodded.

“Cecil feels like she’s stupid, being in the same form as her baby sister.” she decided. Phil looked shocked.

“But she isn’t!” she exclaimed. “She’s not very academic, but she’s a brilliant artist and musician, and there are her other gifts!” One of the other girls - Anna thought her name was Melissa - spoke up.

“But she never believes how good she is. I was going in for a music lesson after her one day last term, and Miss Williams wants her to sit for the Karl Anserl Scholarship next year.” Phil stared with her mouth open.

“Mel! She never said anything!”

“Because she wouldn’t do it.” Melissa replied. “She told Miss Williams that she wasn’t interested, and didn‘t want to sit for it.”

“But…but…the opportunity!” Phil gasped. “And she’s so good. We need to talk her into it.” The other girls looked doubtful.

“Maybe…” Win began, then cut off abruptly as the door opened and Lois shepherded in a rather red eyed Cecil, who threw herself down in a corner and began to read.

“So what about the lacrosse team, then?” Melissa demanded. “Think any of us have a chance?”

Three girls answered at once and they discussed games solidly for the next half hour. Anna, who had never played any games but tennis, soon became bored and occupied herself with staring at the slim, back-haired girl in the opposite corner. She took in everything from Cecil’s long fingered hands, musicians hands, Anna thought to herself, to the look of discontent on her face.

“I wonder what her other gifts are?” she thought to herself.

Last edited by Eilidh on Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:11 pm; edited 1 time in total

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

Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 12:34 am

Thanks Eilidh Liz *wondering along with Anna*

#200: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 12:36 am