A bouquet from where? (knowing how Augusta can find trouble.
)Good to see her back! Thank you, Abi.
| The CBB http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/ | |
| Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=8299 |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Sun Aug 22, 2010 11:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Given that I have about fifty thousand other writing commitments, I wasn't going to start posting this until I'd written a bit more, but then I thought, what the hey! So updates might be a little slow at times. Anyhow, for those who haven't met Augusta before, she is twelve and arrives at the Chalet School during that nice long gap during the war where time goes a bit kerflooey (which is fortunate, since timelines aren't my strong point). Casting sympathetic looks at their unfortunate crony, Kathie and Mollie trailed out of the form room. Augusta wrestled her desk into an upright position, leant on it to make sure it was steady, and fell over as it collapsed beneath her. Miss Edwards repressed a sigh. “You’d better hurry up, Augusta. Break ends in quarter of an hour.” For a moment she peered down at the jumble of Augusta’s possessions on the floor and made a motion as though to pick up a tattered textbook. Then she thought better of it and left the room in a hurry. Augusta picked the desk up and set it on its feet again, pummelling it a few times to ensure that it wouldn’t crumple again. She was picking up the paraphernalia that tended to accumulate at the back of her desk – pencil shavings, elastic bands, scraps of paper, some radish seeds and a hard-boiled egg – when the door opened again. Augusta ignored it and peered at the rolled up, blackened handkerchiefs she had just picked up. She shoved them into her pocket with a vague idea of putting them in her soiled linen bag. “Hallo,” said a voice, and heels tapped down the centre of the room. Augusta turned, with the intention of returning the greeting, but the words died on her lips. The person who entered the room was obviously a mistress, but not one Augusta had ever met before. She was petite, with curly blonde hair, blue eyes and a youthful, pretty face. Augusta blinked, swallowed once or twice and pulled herself together. “Good morning,” she said formally. She advanced on the new mistress, hand held out and a welcoming smile on her face. “My name’s Augusta Maria Fraser. I’m twelve years old and I’m a pupil here.” The woman looked amused, but shook Augusta’s hand. “I’m Miss Gray. I’m here to teach English for the rest of the term while Miss Anderson recovers from her illness. Aren’t you supposed to be having a break?” “Yes, but I knocked my desk over at the end of the lesson,” Augusta explained. Apparently feeling that Miss Gray needed further information, she went on. “I was showing Kathie how to dance a Highland Fling when Miss Edwards wasn’t looking, and I accidentally danced into the desk.” Miss Gray’s face froze for a second. “I see,” she said. “Well, you seem to have picked everything up, so why don’t you go off and join your friends?” Since it was the end of break by the time Augusta found her friends, Kathie and Mollie were not informed of the presence of the new mistress until after lessons. When they did hear, they displayed a highly satisfactory level of interest and excitement. “What’s she like?” demanded Mollie. “Oh, she looks all right,” said Augusta, who, in her mind’s eye, had already saved Miss Gray from a burglar, a spy and a pack of lions. “She’s teaching English, though, while Miss Anderson gets better from her op.” “English is first thing tomorrow morning. We’ll get to see what she’s like then,” said Mollie. “I think we should do something to welcome her,” said Augusta. “You know, make her feel at home here.” Kathie and Mollie looked at her warily. “What sort of thing?” said Kathie. “Oh, nothing big,” said Augusta. “Just a bunch of flowers, or some fruit. Or we could sing a song. We could even have a party. Maybe we could ask the Abbess if we could use the Hall and we could pool all our sweet rations, and you could play so that we could dance, Mollie, and we could play games.” Kathie and Mollie exchanged looks. It was Kathie who took the plunge. “Are you sure that’s a good idea, Gus?” The plan was growing on Augusta, her fertile mind already conjuring scenarios in which Miss Gray joined the party, dancing country dances enthusiastically and playing hide and seek and pin the tail on the donkey with gusto. “Yes, and we could buy her presents, too. You know, just little things that she could put in her room so it feels more homey.” “She’s probably already got things like that.” “Well, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind having a few more.” Mollie began to look faintly panic-stricken. The idea of organising and running a party on the scale that Augusta seemed to be imagining had never been her idea of fun. “I don’t think we’ve got time,” she said rather feebly. “Also,” said Kathie, with a sudden flash of inspiration, “don’t you think it might make the other mistresses jealous if we just throw a party for Miss Gray?” Augusta’s face fell. “I hadn’t thought of that,” she said. Then she brightened. “Maybe we should ask all the mistresses.” “No!” cried Mollie desperately. “How on earth would we organise a party that big?” “Anyway, we wouldn’t have enough sweets in our rations to go round all of them. They’d get about one each, and we couldn’t afford to buy gifts for all of them – or have time to make them. And the mistresses wouldn’t want to play things like hide and seek.” “I suppose we needn’t do gifts, then,” said Augusta. “It’s a shame about the food, though. It won’t be half such a fun party without it. And I suppose you’re right about the games, too.” “Maybe we should just say ‘welcome’ to Miss Gray when she comes in to teach us,” suggested Kathie. Augusta heaved a sigh as the dreams of Miss Gray beaming with happiness and gratitude at her welcoming party dwindled and died. “Well, I’m still going to get her a bouquet,” she said firmly. |
|
| Author: | Kathy_S [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 1:33 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress |
A bouquet from where? (knowing how Augusta can find trouble. )Good to see her back! Thank you, Abi. |
|
| Author: | Lesley [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 4:56 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress |
You just know it'a going to go wrong - so do Mollie and Kathie!  Good to see more of Augusta. |
|
| Author: | Cumbrian Rachel [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 8:13 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress |
It's great to see Augusta back.... and I would love to know why she has a hard boiled egg in her desk. |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 10:43 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress |
Yay! You started posting! Can't wait to read more (and how can so many writing commitments be a bad thing? )Thankyou! |
|
| Author: | Eilidh [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 11:59 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress |
Augusta! Thank you Abi! |
|
| Author: | cal562301 [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 12:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress |
Great start! Looking forward to more. You can't possibly have too many writing commitments to give us another drabble! 
|
|
| Author: | MaryR [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 1:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress |
Radish seeds and a hard boiled egg?  For the odd snack, presumably. Love the way the other two immediately begin to look wary before they even know the details. Thanks, Abi.
|
|
| Author: | janetbrown23 [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 1:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress |
Does Augusta have a crush on Miss Gray? Heaven forfend that a Chalet School girl should have such a thing. |
|
| Author: | Catherine [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 4:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress |
Great to see Augusta back. I feel very sorry for Miss Gray already ... and I dread to think of Matron's reaction if she finds those handkerchiefs! |
|
| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Tue Aug 24, 2010 2:34 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress |
Great to see Augusta again. Have a feeling Miss Gray will be able to cope with her |
|
| Author: | marni [ Tue Aug 24, 2010 4:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress |
Fantastic to see Augusta back again. Look forward to more when it comes. Thanks. |
|
| Author: | Elbee [ Sat Aug 28, 2010 9:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress |
I'm really pleased Augusta has returned! Thanks, Abi. |
|
| Author: | Joanne [ Sat Aug 28, 2010 9:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress |
Lovely to see Augusta again, I really enjoyed her stories. Thanks. |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Sun Aug 29, 2010 2:47 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress |
Thanks for all your comments. Obtaining the bouquet turned out to be more of a challenge than Augusta had anticipated. She refused to consider Mollie’s suggestion of purloining some flowers from the school garden, on the grounds that everyone saw them every day and therefore they were boring and secondly, that there were so few flowers in the garden now that it would be painfully obvious if someone had stolen them – particularly if she started handing out bouquets five minutes later. Her friends, however reluctantly, were forced to agree with this reasoning. “Well, you could pick some out of the hedgerow,” said Kathie hopefully. “Huh. Scrawny old wild flowers,” said Augusta. “I want proper flowers, in a proper bouquet. Something that looks as though it really means we welcome Miss Gray. And I need to get them before English tomorrow morning.” “But Gussie, that’s impossible,” said Kathie. There was a moment of terrible silence, during which Mollie stood in frozen horror and Kathie, realising what she had said, turned pale and clutched at the back of a chair for support, before hastily backtracking. “At least, not actually impossible. It’s just that it seems so – so pointless. I mean, why bother going on a huge quest to find flowers when you can just – oh, I don’t know, sing her a song or write her a poem, or something?” But it was too late. Her words had acted on Augusta as a red rag would to a bull. “No, I want to get her flowers. She looks like the kind of person who would like flowers. Mrs Edwards at the farm always has roses. As soon as supper’s over, I’ll go down and get them. Or, no, maybe it’d be better to go tomorrow morning. They’d be fresher and I wouldn’t get into trouble for not going to bed at the right time.” Since Kathie and Mollie were unable to dissuade her and Augusta left the school building almost before the sun was up, she managed to avoid anyone who might have got her into trouble. An hour later she was creeping cautiously up the drive, clutching a large bunch of roses tied together with shiny ribbon. “I’ve got them!” She waved the flowers triumphantly as she entered the dormitory. “Told you it’d be easy.” “What are those for?” said Claire, looking at them curiously. “The new mistress, Miss Gray. She’s teaching English for the rest of the term instead of Miss Anderson. I thought they’d make her feel welcome.” “Oh. Good idea.” Losing interest, Claire grabbed her sponge bag and dashed out to perform her morning ablutions. “Look here, you two,” said Augusta in low, urgent tones. “I overheard something while I was at the farm. There isn’t time now – I’ll tell you about it later.” And she vanished into her cubicle to make her bed. When the rest of the form entered the room, Augusta was sitting, arms folded, at her desk, an expression of sublime innocence on her face. “Gussie,” said Claire, frowning. “Why are all your books piled up underneath your desk?” “Couldn’t fit the flowers in with the books there too.” Claire blinked. “Well, couldn’t you have put the flowers somewhere else?” “No, because I want to whip them out suddenly. If I had them somewhere else she’d be able to see them beforehand, or else I’d have to go and fetch them out of the cupboard and that would just look ridiculous.” Before Claire could object further, footsteps could be heard approaching, and they all dived into their seats. A moment later Miss Annersley entered the room, followed by Miss Gray. The girls stood up, Augusta carefully so as not to send her books cascading to the floor. “You may sit,” said Miss Annersley, smiling around the class. “Now, girls, as you know, Miss Anderson will not be returning until the beginning of next term, when she should be feeling fit and ready to deal with you people.” A little laugh rippled round the room. “This is Miss Gray, who will be taking her place for the next three weeks, until the end of term. “ She paused, with a frown that looked very similar to Claire’s a few minutes before. “Augusta, why are your books under your desk?” Augusta contrived to look faintly surprised, as though she hadn’t noticed this. “My books? Oh,” light appeared to dawn on her face, “you mean my books. Well, my desk was rather untidy, you see.” “So you thought you would empty it?” hazarded the Head. “Yes. I mean, no. I wanted to put something else in there.” “And what was that?” said Miss Annersley, quashing a strong feeling that this could be an unwise question. Augusta looked vague. “It was supposed to be a surprise.” Miss Annersley merely looked at her for a long moment, and finally Augusta capitulated. Determined not to lose her moment of dramatic glory, she opened her desk, treated the Head and Miss Gray to a secretive smile, then lifted the roses out of her desk with a flourish and advanced up the room. “These are for you, Miss Gray. To say welcome, and we hope you feel at home here.” Miss Gray paused almost infinitesimally before stepping forward and taking the flowers. “Thank you very much, Augusta. I’m sure we’ll all get along well together.” Miss Annersley rallied her forces while wondering, at the back of her mind, why she had not anticipated such a bizarre development. “Well, I – er – I’ll leave you with the form, Miss Gray. Thank you, girls.” And she swept out of the room. |
|
| Author: | cal562301 [ Sun Aug 29, 2010 3:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 29/08) |
Love it, Abi. Thanks. This looks like it will be fun! |
|
| Author: | Lesley [ Sun Aug 29, 2010 4:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 29/08) |
That's right Hilda - get out quick, before you have to deal with Augusta! Love the word impossible being the stimulus to Augusts that she must do it.
|
|
| Author: | Catherine [ Sun Aug 29, 2010 4:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 29/08) |
Thanks Abi. I hope Miss Annersley doesn't think to inquire as to how Augusta came by the roses - as much for her own sake as Augusta's! I suspect that Kathie and Mollie are going to end up wishing Augusta had never gone to the farm! |
|
| Author: | MaryR [ Sun Aug 29, 2010 7:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 29/08) |
I suspect Hilda, being wise in her generation, as EBD would say, will keep well away from those roses, knowing Augusta as she does. Why question someone who is going to send you dizzy with her unanswerable *logic*? Thanks, Abi. |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Aug 29, 2010 7:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 29/08) |
I would certainly be avoiding the question like anything! Never ask anything you don't want to hear the answer to - so possibly never ask Augusta anything! Wondering what she overheard, though... Thanks for the update! |
|
| Author: | marni [ Sun Aug 29, 2010 7:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 29/08) |
Thanks for the update- always brings a smile! |
|
| Author: | Eilidh [ Mon Aug 30, 2010 11:52 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 29/08) |
Augusta on her usual form, I see! Thanks Abi.
|
|
| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Tue Aug 31, 2010 3:21 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 29/08) |
Miss Gray seems to be taking Augusta in her stride. Thanks Abi |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Sun Sep 05, 2010 7:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 29/08) |
It wasn’t until they were gardening with Miss Everett that afternoon that Augusta had a chance to talk to her friends about her news. Indeed, in the excitement of her sensational floral presentation that morning the incident had almost slipped her mind. It was Mollie who reminded her. “What was it you were talking about in the dormy earlier, Gussie?” she said. Augusta looked blank for a moment. “Oh, yes, I heard the Edwardses talking about it.” She lowered her voice to a dramatic whisper. “There are spies in the area!” Kathie and Mollie looked at her. “Spies?” said Kathie doubtfully. “Are you sure? I mean, you didn’t mishear something someone said, or something?” “Of course I didn’t,” said Augusta with dignity. “Mrs Edwards said had he found anything, and Mr Edwards said no and he thought Colonel Black was talking through his – hat.” She hastily edited Mr Edwards’ actual word. “And Mrs Edwards said she couldn’t see what spies would want around here anyway. So it must be true.” “You mean Colonel Black thinks it’s true,” said Kathie. “That doesn’t necessarily mean there actually are any spies.” “There weren’t any last time you thought there were,” Mollie pointed out. “Remember, when you thought it was Bill and the Abbess, and that Mrs Maynard was Hitler.” “Yes, but this time we know that there are actually spies. What we should do first is find out what they’re up to.” “But Gussie, shouldn’t we let Colonel Black and the police catch them?” Kathie was looking anxious again. “Certainly not.” Augusta looked horrified at the bare suggestion. “The police are useless. I thought everyone knew that. Surely you’ve read The Mystery of the Unravelled Knitting? Seven different policemen tried to solve the case before the detective came in and solved it for them.” “But that was a story,” said Kathie. “It wasn’t real.” This silenced Augusta for a moment and she stared at her friend, mouth slightly open and brows screwed up into a complicated pattern. Relief reared its head in Kathie’s heart. “Tell you what,” she said. “Let’s just concentrate on finishing our things for the Sale, shall we?” “I don’t understand,” said Augusta, now looking so gormless that Miss Everett, coming up to them at that moment, blinked once or twice and took an involuntary step backwards. “Augusta!” she exclaimed. “Whatever is the matter with your face?” Augusta, apparently not hearing this, still had her eyes fixed on her Kathie with an intensity that alarmed even that young lady, accustomed as she was to Augusta’s moods. “What do you mean, it wasn’t real?” she said. “What do you mean, what do you mean?” said Miss Everett, her own brows beginning to crease. “Well, stories aren’t real,” said Kathie. “Yes they are,” said Augusta. “No they aren’t,” said Mollie, eager to support Kathie. “Of course they are,” said Augusta. “No, they aren’t,” said Miss Everett, who wasn’t entirely sure what was being discussed but was fairly sure on this point. “Look, someone’s written about it, so it must be true. Anyway, it isn’t as though The Mystery of the Unravelled Knitting has an unlikely plot, like The Case of the Seventeen Missing Cupcakes.” She paused to deliver the final shot. “And there’s no fire without smoke, so there must be some truth in it. Anyhow, it’s true enough for us to know that the police are useless.” There was a pause after this, which was spent by her three auditors in ruminating over her words. Finally, Miss Everett spoke up. “Get on with your weeding, girls,” she said. |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Sep 05, 2010 8:01 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
| How is it that Augusta can twist even the most factual of facts? Thanks for the update, have a bad feeling about these spies!
|
|
| Author: | Lesley [ Sun Sep 05, 2010 8:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
Someone's written it so it must be true - of course - I thought everyone knew that? Thanks Abi |
|
| Author: | Nightwing [ Sun Sep 05, 2010 11:27 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
Only Augusta could possibly think that all stories were true! |
|
| Author: | rugbyliz [ Mon Sep 06, 2010 2:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
This is just wonderful...I do love Augusta!! |
|
| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Tue Sep 07, 2010 10:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
| Love Gussie's gormless face
|
|
| Author: | Miss Di [ Tue Sep 07, 2010 11:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
What do you mean stories aren't true? That would mean the Chalet School wasn't real
|
|
| Author: | april [ Thu Sep 09, 2010 7:41 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
Ow wow this is so much fun! Thank you! I look forward to the next bit! I used to have an aged friend (in his 90s when I was a nipper so of course practically medieval in my mind since 20 was old!) who believed things he saw on TV were real, including 'neighbours'. |
|
| Author: | charli [ Thu Sep 09, 2010 6:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
But I thought that 'Neighbours' is real? Thanks Abi, I'm enjoying Augusta! |
|
| Author: | jmc [ Sun Sep 12, 2010 5:57 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
Only just realised that there was new Augusta. Poor Mollie and Kathie. They know they are going to get caught up in her plans and that before it is all over they will get into trouble again. charli wrote: But I thought that 'Neighbours' is real? No wonder so many people have a strange view of Australia. Thanks Abi. |
|
| Author: | shesings [ Sun Sep 12, 2010 11:09 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
Just caught up with this! Wonderful Augusta - what a star! |
|
| Author: | Lesley [ Sun Sep 12, 2010 12:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
jmc wrote: charli wrote: But I thought that 'Neighbours' is real? No wonder so many people have a strange view of Australia. You mean it isn't?
|
|
| Author: | Miss Di [ Mon Sep 13, 2010 2:20 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
Sorry Lesley it couldn't be real. In Real Melbourne everybody wears black and it is cold and rainy. When there isn't a heatwave. |
|
| Author: | Helen P [ Mon Sep 13, 2010 1:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
I'm only just getting back into reading drabbles after several years, and haven't met Augusta before - but I like her a lot already! Thanks Abi, looking forward to reading more. |
|
| Author: | mohini [ Tue Sep 14, 2010 12:09 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
I will have to search for old stories of Augusta. Thanks Abi. |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Sep 18, 2010 7:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
I am disappointed to come back and find no more updates! What is the meaning of this? |
|
| Author: | Pado [ Sun Oct 03, 2010 2:59 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
Just found this and am eagerly looking forward to the next installment! |
|
| Author: | jayj [ Sun Oct 03, 2010 9:47 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
Quote: ...and that Mrs Maynard was Hitler.” Nearly fell over laughing at this! Poor Mollie and Kathie - it's got to be hard work being friends with Augusta... |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Thu Oct 14, 2010 9:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 05/09) |
jayj wrote: Quote: ...and that Mrs Maynard was Hitler.” Nearly fell over laughing at this! If you want the full story it's here! Thanks for all the comments. Sorry it's been so long... I knew it was a bad idea to start another drabble! Kathie and Mollie, who had been convinced that Augusta would pester Miss Gray to the point of insanity within a few days, were frankly astonished when the new mistress gave every appearance of actually enjoying Augusta’s company. In fact, Kathie began to suspect that Miss Gray gained a great deal of entertainment from Augusta, who would happily chatter about anything that came into her head for hours at a time. As Kathie was aware from her own experience, what came into Augusta’s head was not always what you might expect. It was a week after Miss Gray’s arrival that Mollie entered the common room and stood in front of Augusta, her hands on her hips. Augusta, who was practising origami, a skill in which she was convinced she was a great proficient, had her nose almost resting on the grubby piece of paper she was currently working on and, much to Mollie’s annoyance, failed to notice her presence. She slapped the table and Augusta jumped and gave a shriek. “Ow! My tongue! You great clodhopper, you almost made me bite it off! And, look, you’ve made me squash my origami vulture.” “Is that what it is?” said Mollie, momentarily distracted by the opportunity to insult her friend. “Looks more like a beetle without any legs to me.” “I haven’t quite got the hang of this one yet,” said Augusta with dignity. “Anyway, never mind that,” said Mollie, suddenly recalling the reason for her dramatic, though unnoticed, entrance. “I heard what you were telling Miss Gray after English this morning.” Augusta frowned. Then her face cleared. “Oh, you mean about the frogspawn?” “No! I don’t mean about the frogspawn. Why would I care about you telling her about frogspawn? You were telling her about the spies – I heard you.” Augusta looked faintly guilty. “Why shouldn’t I?” “I thought we were going to investigate it together.” Augusta’s look of guilt changed to innocent surprise, one of her favourite expressions. “You and Kathie didn’t believe me. I distinctly remember you saying it.” “What, and you thought Miss Gray might help you instead?” said Mollie with deep sarcasm. “She might. She seemed very interested.” “Yes, and did she seem interested in the frogspawn too?” “Of course. She likes nature.” “Huh,” said Mollie. “I think she must be mad. Fancy pretending to be interested in every single thing you say.” “You’re just jealous because she likes me,” said Augusta frostily. “She says I’m very intelligent and perceptive.” Mollie stared at her for a moment, then seemed to decide it wasn’t worth pursuing that line of enquiry. Tearing her mind away from the contemplation of what sort of person would find Augusta intelligent and perceptive, she returned to the question in hand. “Well, you’re not to tell her any more about it,” she said firmly. “You know we work together, Gussie. If you absolutely must hunt for more spies, I suppose Kathie and I will just have to help you. I can’t help feeling it’s a bad idea, though. Judging by past experience, I mean.” “Yes, but statistically, if it turned out so badly last time it ought to go specially well this time,” pointed out Augusta. “Anyway, it wasn’t my fault that we thought Bill and the Abbess were spies. They shouldn’t have acted like it.” Once again, Mollie decided that discretion was the better part of valour. “So what are we going to actually do?” she demanded hopefully. “See if we can find out any more,” said Augusta promptly. “We’ll have to ask people. Discreetly, of course,” she added with a warning look at Mollie. “Kathie can ask the Abbess, she likes her best. You can talk to Mrs Parry the shop; she knows everything about everyone. She probably even knows who the spy is.” Mollie looked doubtful. “Do you think so?” “No idea,” said Augusta, shrugging. “Ask her and see.” “And what are you going to do?” Augusta beamed. “I’m going to ask everyone.” |
|
| Author: | shazwales [ Thu Oct 14, 2010 9:47 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 14/10 - finally!) |
Thank you Abi,
|
|
| Author: | mohini [ Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:18 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 14/10 - finally!) |
Ya!!!! Augusta is back. Thanks Abi. How many stories of Augusta have you written? |
|
| Author: | JS [ Fri Oct 15, 2010 3:01 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 14/10 - finally!) |
Quote: “Yes, but statistically, if it turned out so badly last time it ought to go specially well this time,” pointed out Augusta Her logic makes my head hurt - it just sounds so reasonable. Thanks Abi 
|
|
| Author: | MaryR [ Fri Oct 15, 2010 3:14 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 14/10 - finally!) |
Quote: Tearing her mind away from the contemplation of what sort of person would find Augusta intelligent and perceptive, she returned to the question in hand.  Got it in one, Mollie! Don't listen to her!Glad to see origami was the fashion even back then. Vivien would have been pleased!  Thanks, Abi |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Oct 15, 2010 7:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 14/10 - finally!) |
Why am I ever so slightly suspicious about just why Augusta feels so liked at the moment? Hmm... Thankyou! |
|
| Author: | Kathy_S [ Fri Oct 15, 2010 10:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 14/10 - finally!) |
Suspicious character, that Miss Gray.... Thank you, Abi. |
|
| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Sat Oct 16, 2010 2:46 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 14/10 - finally!) |
Thank you Abi, really like this |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Sun Oct 17, 2010 10:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 14/10 - finally!) |
Thanks for all the comments. A week later, the entire school was aware that Augusta Fraser was hunting for spies. Again. The only people who had successfully avoided her were two people who were in the San with streaming colds and to whom Augusta had been refused access by Matron. “But Matron,” she had protested, outraged. “They could be spies. You could be putting England in danger by not letting me question them. What if they tell Hitler all our secrets and he wins the War because of it?” Matron looked at her for a moment with narrowed eyes, as though trying to decide whether or not she was joking. “Don’t be silly, Augusta,” she said at last. “Go back to your common room and stop accusing innocent thirteen year olds of being spies.” Augusta felt she had no choice but to depart, but she did so with a reproachful look at Matron that clearly stated that she felt that lady was being both unreasonable and foolhardy. Still, she told herself as she sadly retraced her steps, judging by the way the rest of the school had answered her comprehensive set of questions – carefully designed to flush out even the most calculating of spies – they probably weren’t the guilty ones. To her disappointment, Kathie and Mollie also had only failure to report. “Mrs Parry said she knew that there were supposed to be spies, because the girl who does Colonel Black’s garden is her niece, but she thinks he’s just trying to make himself sound more important and to cause trouble. I don’t think she likes him very much,” she added, considerably understating Mrs Parry’s reaction to her questioning, which had included numerous references to “that man” and a number of caustic comments on his intelligence, common sense and personal appearance. Augusta sighed. “Everyone seems to think that,” she said, shaking her head. “Why, Daisy even said didn’t I think I was sticking my nose in once too many times! Sometimes I think I’m the only person in the school who actually cares about doing good works.” “I think other people do, Gussie,” said Kathie, “only it’s not as – well, noticeable.” “Hmph,” said Augusta, with an uneasy feeling that Kathie didn’t mean this quite as a compliment. On the other hand, she supposed it didn’t really matter whether deeds were noticeable or not, so long as they were good. “Well, what happened with the Abbess, Kathie?” “I can’t believe you made me ask her,” said Kathie, who had taken nearly the entire week to pluck up her courage for the task Augusta had cheerfully loaded onto her. Since neither Augusta nor Mollie dignified her grumbling with a reply, mostly because they had heard the complaint at least sixty times already, she went on. “I asked her yesterday in her open office time whether she’d heard anything about any spies, and she said no, she hadn’t.” She paused and the other two stared at her, certain that there was more to the story. Kathie took a deep breath and went on. “So then I said that it was just that I’d heard that there were spies in the area and I was a bit worried, and that I thought she ought to know.” Seeing Augusta’s accusatory expression, she looked defensive. “Well, I had to say something. Anyway, it didn’t work, because she looked at me in that stern way she has, as though she’s looking right inside your head.” “What, at your brain?” said Augusta, looking startled. “Why would she want to do that? Brains look disgusting.” “Have you ever seen one?” said Mollie, also looking startled. “Yes, once, when my father –” “That isn’t what I meant,” said Kathie loudly, as Augusta showed all the signs of launching into the story of how she had once seen a brain. “I just meant she looks as though she’s – she’s reading your thoughts, or something.” Mollie shivered. “I know. Go on.” “Well, she looked like that, and then she said ‘Are you asking this for yourself, Kathie, or is it something to do with Augusta’?” Augusta’s eyes widened. “Don’t do that, Gussie,” said Kathie averting her gaze. “It makes your eyes look as though they’re about to fall out. And before you ask, I haven’t a clue how she knew it was to do with you. I couldn’t exactly say it wasn’t, so I said I’d heard it from you, but you’d heard it from Colonel Black, and I think she was about to ask me where you’d been talking to him, so I said quickly that we were worried and wanted to know if it was true, but she just said that even if it was we could trust in Colonel Black and his men to sort it out as quickly as they could.” “Hah!” said Augusta. “That jolly well proves it! She didn’t deny it, did she, Kathie?” “Well, not exactly, but it didn’t sound as though she thought there were any spies.” “Yes, but she never said there weren’t any, so I bet that means there are. Now all we have to do is find them.” |
|
| Author: | shazwales [ Sun Oct 17, 2010 10:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 18/10 - finally!) |
Thanks Abi,Augusta as always has her own original view of things.
|
|
| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Mon Oct 18, 2010 8:30 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 18/10) |
I just love Augusta's convoluted way of looking at things
|
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Oct 18, 2010 8:42 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 14/10 - finally!) |
Abi wrote: Augusta felt she had no choice but to depart, but she did so with a reproachful look at Matron that clearly stated that she felt that lady was being both unreasonable and foolhardy. What tells me that she is the one person in the school who could get away with such a scandalous thing?Thankyou! |
|
| Author: | rugbyliz [ Mon Oct 18, 2010 3:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 18/10) |
I am so glad to see more of Augusta! She is brilliant and this is my favourite drabble at the moment!! (Although i am enjoying several others!!) |
|
| Author: | janetbrown23 [ Mon Oct 18, 2010 4:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 18/10) |
I really think it is time I went and investigated the other Augusta drabbles but I am scared of being sucked into her world. Is it safe do you think? |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Oct 18, 2010 5:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 18/10) |
janetbrown23 wrote: Is it safe do you think? Not in the slightest - read at your peril! |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Sat Nov 13, 2010 1:27 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 18/10) |
Sorry about the very long gap between updates. They should be a bit more regular now that I've finished They'll Turn Me in Your Arms! Augusta, happily dripping blood all over Matron’s pristine room, debated in her mind whether she should call Matron’s attention to her presence or allow her to finish her telephone conversation first. It really depended, she supposed, on how important the call was. Having said that, she couldn’t really imagine that Matron would be very happy about the quantity of blood that was being scattered across the floor, walls, chairs and table. In the end she decided that she’d better find out whether it was a good idea to interrupt Matron or not. She crept over to the door, placed one finger on it – not from the hand that was bleeding, but the other one – and edged it open slightly. “I’ll try to wring it out of her,” said Matron with a small laugh. “She isn’t being very forthcoming about it, but we do need to know – and soon, or it’ll be no use.” Frowning, Augusta pressed her ear to the gap between door and wall in order to facilitate her eavesdropping. “Well, if anyone can get it out of her it’s me. And there’s always plan B, if this falls through. Anyhow, she’ll be here tomorrow, so I’ll do what I can... Yes, I know how important it is... I’ll see you soon.” Augusta hastily removed herself to the other side of the room, and when Matron left her office she was innocently leafing through a pile of paperwork that lady had carelessly left on the table. “What are you doing?” Matron demanded sharply. Augusta looked up. “Just passing the time,” she said brightly. “Did you have a nice conversation?” “It did the job.” Matron eyed her warily. Such innocent interest boded no good, she felt sure. “Did you talk about anything interesting?” But Matron had spotted the blood, which was still trickling gently from Augusta’s hand. “Augusta, why are you smearing blood all over my paperwork?” she demanded. Augusta looked injured. “Obviously I didn’t mean to get it on your papers,” she said. “But it’s coming out quite fast, and I sort of forgot about it.” “Well, come along through and I’ll do something about it. What on earth did you do?” “I tripped over in the lab and fell on Kathie’s beaker and broke it. It’s all right, though, she’d finished doing her experiment.” “Well, that’s a relief,” said Matron dryly, and extracted a bandage from her box. Augusta, suspecting sarcasm, peered at her for a moment, but didn’t comment. Ten minutes later, bearing her bandage like a war wound, she entered the form room at a run, excitement blazing in her face. It was, perhaps, unfortunate that she was almost late, since the accident had happened right at the end of the science lesson, and Miss Gray was already standing at the front of the class. Augusta skidded to a halt and flung her an enormous smile, receiving a resigned one in return from the mistress. “I’m so sorry I’m late,” she said, hurrying to her desk and almost overturning her chair as she sat on it. “I had to go Matey – Matron – and get my hand bandaged.” She waved the said portion of her anatomy in proof of this statement, but before she could continue with the story, Miss Gray interrupted. “It’s all right, Augusta. Kathie explained what happened. Sit down and get your books out, please.” The interruption to her narrative did not, however, prevent Augusta from running over her recent discovery in her mind, or from ordering it into the most dramatic account she could achieve from the facts. No sooner was the lesson – to which she had barely listened – over than she shoved her books back into her desk, preparatory to ushering Kathie and Mollie to a secluded corner. But, closing the desk, she turned to find Miss Gray standing just behind her. “Augusta,” she said, giving the smile that always made Augusta feel proud to know her. “You always seem to know what’s going on, and I’ve heard so many rumours that I simply must know what’s actually happening. Tell me, is it true that Miss Everett does some part time work at the military base down the road?” Augusta’s eyes grew so wide that Miss Gray could see the whites all round them. She averted her gaze. “Does she really?” “Well, that’s what I’ve heard – but it’s probably only gossip. I just thought you might know whether it was true or not.” Augusta beamed at her. “I’ll find out,” she promised. “I’ll definitely find out.” Miss Gray laughed at her enthusiasm. “It’s hardly a matter of life and death,” she said. “But by all means poke about if you want to. Only don’t broadcast it to all and sundry. Careless talk –” “Costs lives. I know.” Augusta gave her a final, radiant smile and departed in search of her cronies. She found them in the garden, sitting cross-legged in the sun. “What have you been doing?” said Mollie. “And how’s your hand.” “Fine,” said Augusta impatiently. “Listen, I’ve found out who the spy is. It’s Matey!” |
|
| Author: | Kathy_S [ Sat Nov 13, 2010 1:53 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 13/11) |
Why do I think Augusta may be mistaken? Hope she didn't lose too much blood.... Thank you, Abi. |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Nov 13, 2010 6:14 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 13/11) |
Why did that seem bizarrely sinister? Thankyou for a marvellous update!
|
|
| Author: | Emma A [ Sun Nov 14, 2010 2:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 13/11) |
Hmm, I think Augusta is looking in the wrong place (though Matey's conversation did sound sinister!). Thanks, Abi. |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Tue Nov 16, 2010 10:19 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 13/11) |
Thanks for the comments. It had taken her some time, but Augusta had finally managed to convince Kathie and Mollie that it really was the truth. After all, you couldn’t argue with a telephone conversation like that. It was obvious that Matron was up to something, and all the clues pointed to Miss Everett’s being the victim, especially now they knew she worked at the military base. They looked at one another seriously. “We have to do something about this,” said Kathie. “We could capture her,” said Mollie, casting a hopeful glance at Augusta. A brief light flared in that young lady’s eyes; then she bit her lip and shook her head. “No. She might get away; I should think she’s a lot stronger than she looks, and she might even have a gun.” “I suppose,” said Kathie doubtfully. “But what else can we do? Tell Colonel Black?” “I vote not!” Mollie looked horrified. “He’ll never believe it, you know what grown-ups are like.” “No, you’re probably right,” said Augusta. She thought for a moment, then took a deep breath of resolution and looked at her friends. “I’m going to tell the Abbess.” “What?” Kathie shrieked. “That’ll be even worse than telling Colonel Black!” “No it won’t. She’s actually more sensible than you’d think, considering she’s a Head Mistress.” “But she’ll never believe it’s Matey – they’ve been friends forever.” Augusta smiled. “Want to bet?” All the same, as she tapped on the study door that evening, she couldn’t help feeling a slight tinge of anxiety. What if Miss Annersley didn’t believe her? What if – just as the pleasant voice invited her into the room, the horrific thought struck her – what if the Abbess was in it too? For a moment she almost turned tail and ran away. But Kathie had questioned her closely, Augusta knew, and surely she would have realised if there had been anything wrong. She turned the handle and went in. Miss Annersley, who had been hoping for a quiet evening with her paperwork – useful, though not enthralling – saw who her visitor was and gave a small sigh, instantly giving up any idea of doing any constructive work in the next few hours. Even if Augusta came and went with relative speed, she would probably disrupt Miss Annersley’s thoughts for some time to come. It was one of the unfortunate side effects of having her as a pupil. “Well, Augusta,” she said with a smile. “What can I do for you today?” Augusta came forward and leant on the desk. “You know the spy?” she began. “I’ve found out that it’s Matron.” There was a beat of silence, which lengthened into a phrase, and then almost into an entire movement. Augusta stared at the Head, a hopeful look on her face, which, even after what felt like some minutes, did not fade. At last the Head spoke, in a voice that was light and calm, as though Augusta had merely postulated the theory that Matron liked eggs for her breakfast. “Perhaps you’d like to explain,” she said. Augusta related the conversation she had overheard. “And she said that it was someone who was coming in tomorrow, and then I heard about how Miss Everett works at the army base and she comes in tomorrow for our gardening lessons and I realised it must be her. Matey – I mean Matron – is going to catch her and torture her for information!” Miss Annersley sat back in her chair and looked at her small pupil. “I see,” she said eventually. “Do you – do you believe me?” said Augusta, a little taken aback by such quietness in the face of startling news. “Well, I’m not sure I’d quite go that far,” said the Head, with a small smile. She paused, trying to decide on the best way of saying, effectively, that since Augusta believed it so implicitly it would be better to nip the idea in the bud before it got out of hand. “But since you have evidently uncovered some – ahem – interesting evidence, I certainly think it would be wisest if we were to investigate.” Augusta beamed, imparted a few pearls of wisdom in case the Head required any tips on how best to conduct such an investigation, and departed, well pleased with herself, especially since she had persuaded Miss Annersley to convey the results of her questioning to Augusta when she had finished. As the door closed, Miss Annersley leant forward, resting her forehead on the pile of paperwork that lay before her on the desk. |
|
| Author: | Joanne [ Tue Nov 16, 2010 10:31 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 16/11) |
Love it! Did Hilda rest her head, or perhaps bang it?  Thanks. |
|
| Author: | Finn [ Tue Nov 16, 2010 11:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 16/11) |
Heeheehee *strangulated gurgle* Augusta cheers me up on dull days |
|
| Author: | Lesley [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 5:48 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 16/11) |
You know, after having to deal with Augusta during the early years of the war Hilda was probably quite pleased when that bus accident meant she was away for a year! Thanks Abi |
|
| Author: | shazwales [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 6:35 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 16/11) |
| Thanks Abi.
|
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 2:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 16/11) |
And just how will she question Matey I wonder? Thankyou!
|
|
| Author: | rugbyliz [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 5:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 16/11) |
Thanks for the update! |
|
| Author: | MaryR [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 5:40 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 16/11) |
Quote: "She’s actually more sensible than you’d think, considering she’s a Head Mistress.” I'm sure Hilda would be delighted with the compliment, given what she has just heard. Do we get to listen in on what she says to Matey?  Oh, and Matey's response! Thanks, Abi. Loved the line about the beat of silence which lengthened into a whole movement. 
|
|
| Author: | Nightwing [ Wed Nov 17, 2010 7:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 16/11) |
*gigglesnort* Oh Augusta, you do try so hard! Or perhaps it's just that you've very trying. (And how suspicious is the new teacher? Hmmmm...) |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Thu Nov 25, 2010 10:55 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 16/11) |
Thank you for the comments! And sorry (once again) that it's been so long... Augusta was pleased to find that the Headmistress had taken her words to heart, for barely a day passed before she was called to the library to hear an account of what had passed between Matron and the Headmistress. “I thought it best to investigate as soon as possible,” the Head explained gravely. “I spoke to Matron yesterday evening, and you will be glad to hear that, although she doesn’t feel that she can explain what she was talking about on the telephone when you overheard her, she assures us that it was for an excellent cause, and I am sure we’ll hear about it in due course.” Augusta stared at her. “She didn’t tell you?” she said. “She didn’t need to,” said Miss Annersley repressively. “I have known Matron for many years, Augusta, and if she were not telling the truth I would know it immediately.” “Are you sure?” said Augusta, not noticeably repressed. “I am certain.” It was quite obvious that the Head would never be persuaded that she could be deceived in Matron’s character and Augusta, who never bothered with a cause if she was convinced that it was dead, gave it up as a bad job. “I see,” she said, a chilly note creeping into her voice. “Well, in that case there’s no more for us to discuss.” Miss Annersley stared after her as she swept from the room, hardly daring to believe that Augusta had taken everything she had said at face value. Although she had not exactly lied, neither had she told the entire truth, and she certainly had no intention of letting Augusta know that the interview with Matron had not been as satisfactory as she had made it sound. It had begun well. Not wanting to appear to be taking Augusta too seriously, she had issued a casual invitation to Matron Lloyd to take coffee with her in the library. There was more than one topic that they needed to discuss, and it was not until some time later that she broached the subject. “Augusta tells me she overheard you having rather an odd telephone conversation earlier today,” she said, with a smile that suggested she was only mentioning the incident because of its entertaining nature. Or so she hoped. Matron raised her eyebrows. “Really?” she said, and sipped her coffee. Miss Annersley, feeling unexpectedly as though she had run into a stone wall, gathered her resources and made another foray. “Yes. Apparently she had cut her hand on some glass and didn’t like to interrupt you. I’m sure you remember the incident.” “I’m not likely to forget it for a while,” said Matron tartly. “She’s left a trail of blood over the floor, the walls, the chair and at least half of my paperwork. It looks as though there’s been a murder committed in there at the moment.” Momentarily diverted by this picture, Miss Annersley could not stop herself laughing, until it occurred to her that Matron had, once again, skilfully deflected her attack. A little annoyed, she sat up and put her question a little more directly. “So what were you talking about?” she said, draining her coffee cup and selecting a chocolate from the small box which she had been saving for a special occasion. “Oh, this and that.” Matron also leant over the box, thus making it impossible for her to meet the Head’s eyes. “It must have been something interesting to make Augusta think it was worth talking about.” Matron laughed. “Well, you know what Augusta is! She’s capable of making mountains where molehills don’t even exist. Surely you aren’t taking anything she says seriously?” “Of course not,” said Miss Annersley, also laughing. “I was just interested in what could have caused such excitement.” “Something and nothing, my dear,” said Matron. “Don’t worry; it’s all in a good cause.” And she firmly changed the subject. Hilda, remembering this conversation, sat for a while at the big desk. It was all very well to assure Augusta of her ability to detect concealment in Matron’s manner. The problem was what to do about it when she did. And Nell had been no use. She had merely laughed at Hilda’s imaginings and told her that she was as bad as Augusta for making mountains out of molehills. At least, she thought, she had managed to persuade Augusta that her investigations were not worth pursuing. Having that young lady involved would have made the situation almost unbearable. |
|
| Author: | jayj [ Thu Nov 25, 2010 11:37 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 25/11) |
Quite a performance there by Matey...and poor Miss A. I can imagine she'd do anything rather than let Augusta know she's got something right! |
|
| Author: | JS [ Fri Nov 26, 2010 8:58 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 25/11) |
Do we know what time of year this is? I have a suspicion about what Matey is up to Thanks Abi. |
|
| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Fri Nov 26, 2010 9:56 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 25/11) |
Thanks, have really enjoyed catching up with Augusta
|
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Nov 26, 2010 6:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 25/11) |
JS wrote: Do we know what time of year this is? I have a suspicion about what Matey is up to Thanks Abi. Ooh, share? Thankyou for the update, I love the picture of the conversation!
|
|
| Author: | MaryR [ Fri Nov 26, 2010 8:55 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 25/11) |
Thank you, Abi. Poor Hilda! |
|
| Author: | Lesley [ Fri Nov 26, 2010 10:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 25/11) |
Have an idea as to why Matey was less than forthcoming - don't think Hilda has persuaded Augusta though...
|
|
| Author: | Abi [ Sun Dec 05, 2010 12:07 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 25/11) |
Thanks for all the comments. “Matey’s managed to pull the wool over the Abbess’ eyes, all right,” said Augusta, gritting her teeth and looking determined. “We’ve got to do something about her before she puts us all in danger.” “Do you really think she would?” said Kathie doubtfully. “I mean, it’s Matron.” “If she’s prepared to torture Evvy for information, I should think she’s capable of practically anything.” “We’ll have to tell Colonel Black about it now. There’s nothing else we can do,” said Mollie. But even Augusta quailed at the prospect of laying the evidence before the Colonel, not so much because she was afraid of him as because she disliked having pompous adults laughing at her ideas. It was something that happened irritatingly often, and she had no desire to lay herself open to more mockery than she must. “I don’t think he’d believe us,” said Kathie. “He doesn’t think much of children.” “Silly old idiot,” said Augusta, wrinkling her nose in disgust. “Mind you, I don’t think much of him, either. Anyway, I think you’re right. There’s no point trying to tell him anything.” “But what else can we do?” said Mollie. “We can’t just let Matey carry on spying.” Augusta bit her lip. Mollie was right. They had a responsibility, as the only ones who knew about Matron’s true nature, to do something about it. And if the adults wouldn’t help out, they’d have to do it themselves. “I think the first thing we should do is make sure Matey can’t get Evvy on her own to torture her,” she said at last. “She said they needed to know soon or it wouldn’t be any use, and Evvy only comes in one day a week. She’ll do it tomorrow. One of us must be with Evvy, or watching her, all the time.” “But how?” said Kathie, sounding alarmed. “It’s all very well while we’re gardening with her, but what about all the rest of the time? We can’t just not go to lessons.” “Well, Matey can’t start torturing her in the middle of a lesson,” said Mollie. “People’d notice.” “Yes, and we can check during lessons to make sure she hasn’t hauled Evvy out of one to do it. We can pretend to need a drink or something and go and have a look. It’s during lunch and breaks that we’ll need to be careful. One of us has got to be there all the time so that we can head Matey off.” “Won’t that be awfully difficult, though?” “Oh, we can manage,” said Augusta, at her most optimistic. “You’re supposed to go to her for a dose in first break, aren’t you, Kathie? Well, you can pretend you’re doing that and go and guard Evvy instead.” “But Matey’ll be furious if I don’t go,” objected Kathie. Augusta looked at her sternly. “Obviously if you’d rather Evvy got tortured and the Germans bombed the school into rubble just because you’re scared of a little ticking-off, that’s fine,” she said. “Anyway, if Matey’s trying to get Evvy alone she won’t be waiting in her room for you, so she won’t know.” “I suppose so.” Kathie still looked doubtful and Augusta, intent on avoiding any argument, swept on. “You can take afternoon break, Mollie. Say you’re going to the library or something. And I’ll do lunch.” “You can’t miss lunch!” Mollie looked scandalised. “Huh. Watch me,” said Augusta. “If anyone spots I’m not there, you can say you think I’ve gone to find Matey. It isn’t as though you’ll be lying. And once lessons finish, we can all do it. She goes home before supper, usually.” Somewhat to Kathie and Mollie’s surprise, the plan went relatively smoothly. There was a moment of danger when Mollie, requesting to be excused from Miss Annersley’s scripture lesson, broke into a fit of nervous giggles, but she managed to turn them instead into a series of hacking coughs and escaped, wheezing, into the corridor, where she was able to speedily ascertain Miss Everett’s continuing presence with her class. Indeed, it was not until lessons had finished for the day and the trio of friends was hovering near the tool shed, where the innocent victim of Matron’s scheming was finishing off one or two odd jobs, that anything untoward occurred. It was Mollie who, with a sudden choking gasp, grabbed Augusta’s arm and hissed, “Matron!” Augusta looked at her blankly. “No, I’m Augusta, remember?” “Idiot. I mean she’s coming – look!” The small woman marched across the garden, her sensible, square-toed shoes crushing the grass, her stern face grim, every movement audible in her sharply starched skirts. The three girls retreated slightly, even Augusta a little intimidated. |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Dec 05, 2010 3:27 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 25/11) |
Abi wrote: “Matron!” Augusta looked at her blankly. “No, I’m Augusta, remember?” Fantastic! Thankyou for the update, but please don't leave us wondering for too long what Matey's up to!
|
|
| Author: | MaryR [ Sun Dec 05, 2010 7:37 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 5/12) |
*gulp* Augusta has a really uncanny knack of making her plans sound so reasonable that her friends give in, faute de mieux! Thanks, Abi |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Thu Jan 20, 2011 11:59 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 5/12) |
Sorry about the rather long pause since the last post. I somehow ended up with too many projects and a cold that made intelligent thought a challenge! The situation was desperate – any moment now, Matron could be torturing Miss Everett into betraying her country. With a tremendous effort, Augusta recovered herself. “You two get Evvy away,” she hissed. “I’ll distract Matey.” Kathie gripped her hand for a moment. “Be careful,” she whispered, and Augusta gave a quick nod before turning and walking forward. “Oh, Matron,” she said, just as that lady was about to address her colleague. “I’m so glad to see you – actually, I was thinking of coming to find you anyway. I think I might have the Lurgy.” Matron paused in mid-step. “The what?” she said. “The Lurgy. It’s a disease; you must have heard of it. My mother had it in the holidays and she practically died of it, and I think I might have caught it. It must be one of those illnesses that has a very long generation – no – um – gesticulation period.” Matron looked at her for a long moment, and Augusta was almost sure that she was trying to conceal her alarm at this news. Her mouth was twitching and there was an odd expression about her eyes. “A long gesticulation period,” she said. “Doubtless. I – Augusta, what sort of – er – Lurgy – was this?” “There are different sorts?” said Augusta, her eyes going wide. “I don’t know. The doctor was talking about how Mother was practically dying, and she kept saying, ‘oh, it’s just the Lurgy,’ and he said ‘yes, well Lurgies are like that.’” Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Kathie and Mollie steering Miss Everett away across the playing field. Unfortunately, Matron seemed to have noticed this too. “Wait here for a moment, please, Augusta,” she said, and made to hurry after the escapees. “No!” cried Augusta, seizing her sleeve desperately. Mollie looked around, then turned to speed Miss Everett on. “Wait – imagine if I have got the Lurgy. You’ll pass it on to Miss Everett and to everyone, and maybe they’ll all die, and then you’ll wish you’d listened to me.” “My dear Augusta, if you have the – Lurgy – Kathie and Mollie will probably have already given it to Miss Everett. Not to mention most of your classmates. Stick your tongue out.” Happily, Augusta obeyed, though she wished she had had time to consume some substance that would leave an unpleasant and Lurgy-like substance on her tongue. Matron put a hand to her forehead and tested her pulse. “Well, you look to me like the picture of health,” she said finally. “Come up to my room before supper and I’ll take your temperature. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a word with Miss Everett.” And before Augusta could do more than utter a feeble “but –” she was off, striding across the fields in the wake of Kathie, Mollie and their charge. Not knowing what else to do, Augusta trotted after her and was therefore a witness to the moment when Matron, coming within hailing distance, let loose a cry. “Miss Everett!” And Miss Everett turned and waited. “Sorry,” Matron went on. “I tried to speak to you just now, but I got waylaid by young Augusta.” She cast a glance at Kathie and Mollie, who were hopping about agitatedly on either side of Miss Everett. “Perhaps we should go on up to my room for a private chat.” She wheeled around and almost fell over Augusta, standing directly behind her. “What do you think you’re doing, child?” Augusta, Kathie and Mollie stood helplessly as they vanished into the distance. “Well, that’s torn it,” said Mollie at last. “No it hasn’t,” said Augusta. “Matey may think she’s won, but she doesn’t know yet what we can do. After all, we’ve jolly well got right on our side.” “Yes, but what can we do with it?” said Kathie. “Do? Why, attack Matey’s room and rescue Miss Everett, of course.” |
|
| Author: | Emma A [ Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:52 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/01) |
Yay! I do like Augusta's plans - and her word mangling - no wonder Matron was try to disguise a laugh! Thanks, Abi. |
|
| Author: | Cumbrian Rachel [ Fri Jan 21, 2011 2:14 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/01) |
Fantastic! I can't wait see them attack Matey's room.... |
|
| Author: | rugbyliz [ Fri Jan 21, 2011 7:33 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/01) |
So glad to see more of this!!! It is brilliant! You should get publish a book of Augusta stories!! I'd buy it!!! |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Jan 21, 2011 8:11 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/01) |
Matron wasn't the only one laughing then Oh fantastic!Thankyou! But please come back soon and tell us how the attack goes. |
|
| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Sun Jan 23, 2011 2:16 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/01) |
Thanks, really love Augusta |
|
| Author: | shazwales [ Sun Jan 23, 2011 4:47 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/01) |
Augustas imagination is wonderful,thanks
|
|
| Author: | jayj [ Sun Jan 23, 2011 10:33 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/01) |
Glad to see this back! Looking forward to seeing what disasters await them...
|
|
| Author: | Abi [ Fri Jan 28, 2011 11:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/01) |
Thanks for all the comments. The Sanatorium door slammed back against the wall. Kathie and Augusta jumped and clutched each other’s hands as Matron emerged and dashed off down the corridor. “I never thought she’d fall for it.” Kathie peered round the corner to ensure that Matron had really gone, and followed Augusta cautiously into the room. “She’s a Matron. She’s supposed to go and make sure people are all right if she hears them screaming the place down.” Augusta, having swept, whirlwind-like, through the office and the sick rooms, paused at the door, a look of faint puzzlement on her face. “Hurry up,” said Kathie. “Mollie’s stopped screaming and I don’t suppose she can hold Matey off for long.” “Kathie,” said Augusta. “What?” “Where’s Miss Everett?” “What?” “Miss Everett. She’s not here.” “But she must be.” Kathie hovered at the door, torn between the desire to go and look herself and terror at the idea of being caught by Matron. “I’ve looked everywhere. Either Matey’s already killed her and hidden the body, or she’s escaped.” “Or maybe she’s got a secret room where she tortures people,” said Kathie. “I can hear footsteps, Gussie. Quick!” “But shouldn’t we –?” “Come on!” Agonised, Kathie seized Augusta’s hand and dragged her out of the room. Seconds later, Matron rounded the corner and marched into her office, closing the door in what Augusta felt was a distinctly irritable manner. She looked at Kathie and found that Kathie was staring at her, her mouth still open in horror. “We’d better go and find Mollie,” she said. Mollie was waiting for them in their favourite corner of the garden, looking rather hot and bothered. “Did you get her? Where is she?” “Here, in my pocket,” said Augusta sarcastically. “She wasn’t there.” “What?” “Is that all you two can ever say? She’s either escaped, or she’s dead, or Matey’s locked her up somewhere else to torture her.” “I don’t think she can be dead,” said Mollie. “I mean, there wasn’t time for Matey to do it.” “It doesn’t take very long to kill someone.” “How do you know?” “I’ve read books,” said Augusta with dignity. “You can stab them, or strangle them, or drown them, or chop their heads off, or poison them – only that takes longer – or hit them on the head, or cut their throat, or throw them out of a window, or –” “Well, anyway,” said Kathie loudly. “She’d still have had to hide the body, and there isn’t really anywhere in the San. I think she’s hidden her away and she’s torturing her. It must be getting very urgent.” “But how are we supposed to find the torture chamber?” wailed Mollie. “Dear me,” said a pleasant voice from behind them. “You girls do have bloodthirsty imaginations.” “Huh,” said Mollie darkly. “I wish it was just imagination.” “You think someone’s torturing somebody?” Miss Gray frowned and sat down, cross-legged, beside them. “Are you sure this isn’t just a game?” “Yes, it is,” said Kathie. “Of course it’s not,” said Augusta indignantly, ignoring Kathie’s furious scowl. “We don’t play silly games like that.” “So what’s going on?” said Miss Gray. “It might be nothing,” said Kathie. “We haven’t really got any proof.” “I promise I won’t laugh at you,” said Miss Gray, smiling at her. “I know. But – well –” “Listen, Kathie,” said Miss Gray, leaning forward and looking determined, as though she’d come to a sudden decision. Augusta, Mollie and even Kathie leaned closer in to hear her. “You can trust me to listen to you seriously. You see, I already suspected that there might be something going on in the School.” “You did?” Augusta’s eyes widened, and even Kathie looked impressed. “The thing is, I’m not just here as a mistress. I was sent here by the Secret Service to investigate suspicious circumstances here. Augusta, I need to know if there’s anything you’re at all worried about.” “Yes, there is,” said Augusta instantly. “It’s Matron, you see.” |
|
| Author: | marni [ Fri Jan 28, 2011 11:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 28/01) |
Lovely to see Augusta back. She thinks in ways that its so hard to argue with. I wish that there had been characters as enjoyable and individual in the cannon. Thanks Abi. |
|
| Author: | Kathy_S [ Sat Jan 29, 2011 12:46 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 28/01) |
Thank you, Abi. *thinks Miss Gray sounds more sinister than Matey* |
|
| Author: | Lesley [ Sat Jan 29, 2011 8:18 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 28/01) |
Miss Grey sounds suspicious. |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Jan 29, 2011 7:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 28/01) |
Definitely something not quite right about all this, and it's not Matey... Thankyou! |
|
| Author: | chris84 [ Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:18 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 28/01) |
Augustas' logic is briliant, but think she's wrong to trust Miss Gray. Thank you Abi .
|
|
| Author: | Abi [ Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 28/01) |
Thanks for all the comments. “Matron?” Miss Gray looked surprised at this. “Yes. You know you were asking about Miss Everett doing gardening at the military base down the road?” “Of course; she was telling me all about it the other day.” “Well, Matron knows about it too, and we think she’s kidnapped Miss Everett – or maybe killed her – and is torturing her for information about it. I heard her making a phone call, you see, and she was talking about getting information out of Miss Everett and it being frightfully urgent.” “Matron?” said Miss Gray again. “Yes,” said Augusta. “She could be torturing Miss Everett right now, and we don’t know what to do about it.” “Oh, I can reassure you on that score,” said Miss Gray, seeming to recover a little from her shock. “I met Miss Everett as I was coming down the garden. She was just off home, so she’s safe for tonight at any rate.” “Thank goodness,” said Augusta. “It was getting to be an awful strain, having to keep watch on her all the time.” “But Matey’ll probably try again tomorrow,” said Kathie. “We don’t know how long she’s got before it’s too late.” Miss Gray seemed to hesitate. “Actually,” she said. “I can probably help you with that. Being part of the Secret Service I can easily get hold of information about anything important that might be happening soon – the sort of thing Matron Lloyd might be looking for.” “Yes, and then we can make sure we stop her,” said Augusta. “Exactly.” Miss Gray looked at Augusta. “Have you told anyone else about this?” “Not except the Abbess. Miss Annersley, I mean.” “You’ve told –? What did she say about it?” “She questioned Matron about the phone call, but Matron convinced her that it was all right, so she thinks it was just our imagination.” “Ah.” Miss Gray exhaled slowly. “Well, I’d rather you didn’t mention it to her or anyone else, if you don’t mind. We’re trying to keep all of this as low-key as possible – don’t want people to start panicking about spies and starting scares, do we?” “Gosh, no,” said Augusta. “We all have to help to keep morale up,” said Mollie. “Anyway, no-one’d believe us. That’s why we hadn’t told them already.” “But other than that, what can we do?” said Kathie, evidently still not entirely in favour of giving all the responsibility over to an adult. Miss Gray seemed to realise this. “There is one thing you three could do that would be tremendously helpful. You see, I need to concentrate my efforts more at the military base at the moment – we need to discover how it is that Miss Everett knows anything that might be of use to Matron. But Matron herself will need to be watched. I can’t do both. Would you three mind keeping an eye on her? Letting me know if she does anything suspicious – odd phone calls, being secretive in any way. Anything that might be connected. You’ve no idea how useful that would be, to me and to England. You never know, you might even get an award for it.” The three girls looked at one another, even Kathie now in accord with the others, carried away by the picture of themselves as heroines, fighting the enemy in their own small but important way, helping to save the lives of dozens – perhaps hundreds – of innocent people. Augusta spoke for all of them. “We’d love to help you, Miss Gray.” |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 29/01) |
Uh-oh! I sense real trouble! Eek!  Just to be safe! Thankyou! |
|
| Author: | Lesley [ Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:46 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 29/01) |
I don't trust Miss Grey - and I'm sure she's up to no good!
|
|
| Author: | jayj [ Sat Jan 29, 2011 10:14 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 29/01) |
Miss Gray is either very suspicious or barking mad. I'm hoping for barking mad, myself. Thanks! |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Sun Jan 30, 2011 10:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 29/01) |
Thanks for the comments. “Thank goodness it’s Saturday today,” said Augusta. “We don’t have to worry about getting out of lessons.” “Yes, but even so I don’t see how we’re going to manage to watch Matey all day,” said Mollie. “She’ll be fearfully mad. I mean, how would you like us hanging about spying on your every move for a whole day?” Augusta grinned. “Probably not at all. But don’t worry, we aren’t going to stalk her like we did Miss Everett. I’ve got a much better idea than that.” Kathie and Mollie exchanged glances. “It doesn’t involve hanging off the creeper outside her window, does it?” said Kathie. “Because I think someone might notice that.” “Don’t be silly,” said Augusta. “No, you two needn’t worry. I can do this all by myself.” “You – you don’t need us?” Mollie sounded a little put out. Augusta’s plans might be unusual, but they were generally fun. “I suppose you could hang around, and if it doesn’t work you can do the stalking thing,” Augusta conceded. “But I think it’s more or less foolproof.” After some time they agreed, but insisted on trailing in her wake when, shortly after breakfast, Augusta made her way to the Sanatorium. “You know,” she said, stopping outside the door. “Maybe one of you shouldn’t come, and then if she gets dangerous and something happens to the others, there’s still someone who can report it.” She looked hopefully from Kathie to Mollie, neither of whom would meet her eyes. “All right,” she said. “You can take shifts and swap every hour.” And before they could argue, she gave the door a hefty bang and strolled into the room. A moment later they heard Matron’s voice. “Augusta – what are you doing here? Is it your Lurgy again?” and Augusta’s reply, “Oh, hallo, Matron. No, I don’t think I’ve got the Lurgy; don’t worry.” “I’ll try not to,” said Matron. “To what do I owe the pleasure, then?” “I’ve decided I want to become a nurse.” There was a very long pause. Kathie and Mollie strained their ears, trying to discern whether or not they should dash immediately to Augusta’s rescue. Eventually, however, Matron replied, though her voice sounded oddly quiet. “A nurse?” “Yes. It sounds to me like a very useful thing to do. I thought you might be able to help me.” “Me?” “Well, you are a Matron,” said Augusta, beginning to wonder whether Matron was feeling quite well. Or whether she’d been drinking. Villains often did. “True,” Matron admitted. “So I thought I could spend a day or two with you. You know, learning about being one. I could help you with the first aid and things if you like; I’m quite good at it.” “First aid?” Matron’s voice grew higher in pitch. “I can tie bandages and do dressings, and I’m awfully good at mopping up blood. And we’ve just started learning about broken legs and things, so if anyone falls out of the window or something I can easily help.” “Fortunately,” said Matron, pulling herself together, “very few people have fallen out of windows since I’ve worked at the Chalet School. My dear Augusta, after your adventures in the science lab – and various other places – do you really think I have any intention of letting you loose with bandages and medicines?” Augusta’s face fell. “Are you sure?” she said. “I’m sure I could manage to give out a few aspirins, and those beastly – I mean, horrid – cough lozenges. Really, it wouldn’t be any trouble.” “Certainly not,” said Matron. “You won’t touch a single medical or first aid item, whatever else you do.” “Well, all right,” said Augusta. “I’m sure I can help you in all sorts of other ways, anyhow. Or even just watch.” “Watching will be quite sufficient,” said Matron firmly. “Oh, thank you,” said Augusta, beaming. “So, what do we do first?” |
|
| Author: | jmc [ Mon Jan 31, 2011 8:45 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 31/01) |
Feeling quite sorry for Matron here. Having Augusta tailing after her won't be easy for her but could be very funny for us. Thanks Abi |
|
| Author: | Myth Tree [ Mon Jan 31, 2011 8:49 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 31/01) |
“Well, you are a Matron,” said Augusta, beginning to wonder whether Matron was feeling quite well. Or whether she’d been drinking. Villains often did. *snigger* Thanks Abi |
|
| Author: | Catherine [ Mon Jan 31, 2011 10:01 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 31/01) |
Poor Matey Thanks Abi. |
|
| Author: | chris84 [ Mon Jan 31, 2011 4:29 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 31/01) |
Thanks Abi
|
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Jan 31, 2011 6:31 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 31/01) |
Why do I fear that this won't be Matey's least stressful day ever? Thankyou! |
|
| Author: | Joanne [ Mon Jan 31, 2011 8:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 31/01) |
Poor Matey - and it's not often one can say that! How long will she be able to take Augusta for?
|
|
| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Tue Feb 01, 2011 9:45 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 31/01) |
Thanks Abi I love Augusta
|
|
| Author: | Emma A [ Tue Feb 01, 2011 1:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 31/01) |
Oh, superb! Thanks, Abi. |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Tue Feb 01, 2011 11:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 31/01) |
Thanks for all the comments. Matron put her feet up on the staffroom table and took a large gulp of coffee. “What a day,” she murmured, eyes closed. “Has it been that bad?” said Dollie Edwards with deep sympathy. “I take it Beth and Gwensi weren’t your only patients, then?” said Gillian Linton. Matron opened her eyes a crack. “I could have coped,” she said, “with fifty patients.” “What went wrong?” said Dollie, looking at her with some alarm. Matron’s bad days were few and far between, but when they came, they were usually impressive. Matron shifted herself into a slightly more upright position and took another mouthful of coffee. “Augusta,” she said. There was a gentle chorus of ‘ohs’ and ‘ahs’, and many heads nodded sagely. “She didn’t cut herself open again, did she?” said Miss Wilson, who was sitting precariously on the arm of the settee. “That child is a menace to herself and society.” “She spent the entire day with me.” A silence fell upon the staffroom. “The – entire – day?” said Dollie at last. “But why?” said Rosalie Dene. “She – she asked if she could follow me for the day, so that she could learn about being a nurse.” “And you said yes?” said Rosalie, her voice vibrant with disbelief. Matron sighed. “I don’t really remember. I know I told her she wasn’t to touch any medicines or bandages, whatever else she did, and then – I suppose I must have agreed to it at some point.” “Poor you,” said Gillian. “Here, have one of these biscuits.” “Couldn’t you have got rid of her at lunch?” said Nell. “Tried that. She insisted that I sit with her at her table, and talked about her great-uncle’s malaria and all the injuries her cousin got from jumping out of the bedroom window because he thought he could fly.” There were a number of sniggers at this. “Was she – um – helpful? At all?” said Dollie with interest. Matron eyed her balefully. “Oh, she tried to be. At least, I suppose that’s what she was doing. She managed to break my table lamp and confused one of the maids into sending the Juniors’ clean laundry to the Staff rooms. As for Gwensi and Beth, Gillian, what on earth had they been doing?” “Oh, it wasn’t their fault. Several of the Juniors decided to have a tree-climbing competition and Gwensi and Beth happened to be strolling by when someone – Claire Danvers – got stuck. Gwensi climbed up to help her, Claire got herself free, fell down on top of Gwensi and they both fell on Beth.” “Well, why didn’t you send Claire to me, as well, then?” said Matron, sitting up. “Not hurt,” said Gillian. “But Gwensi looked as though she’d been dragged through a hedge backwards and I didn’t think Beth looked at her best after being dropped on from a great height by those two.” “Not at her best?” said Matron. “She’s going to have to wear a cast on her arm for the next month. And,” she added sourly. “Augusta insisted on going to the hospital with us, and spent the entire time gabbling to any doctors, nurses, receptionists or cleaners who would give her the time of day.” “It’s over now,” said Gillian, patting her arm. “Don’t worry, we won’t let her get you again.” * In the meantime, Augusta strolled into the dormitory, swinging her washbag in wide circles and narrowly avoiding smashing the window with it. “Well,” she announced to the dormitory at large, “I think that went rather well.” “Good,” said Kathie, drawing her into a corner. “Did Matey do anything suspicious?” “I don’t think so. She was rather grumpy at first, but I always feel a bit like that in the mornings, so I expect that’s all it was. But I was awfully useful to her, and helped with patching up Gwensi’s face while Matey was looking at Beth’s arm.” “Gosh,” said Mollie. “Maybe you should be a nurse, after all.” “I am thinking about it,” Augusta admitted. It was true that Matron had taken all her carefully applied bandages off Gwensi, who had complained that she could neither see nor breathe, but after all, you had to start practising sometime. “I think Matron was quite glad to have my help. She’ll probably want me again tomorrow.” She smiled happily and climbed into bed. |
|
| Author: | Kathy_S [ Wed Feb 02, 2011 3:04 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 01/02) |
Poor Matey!
|
|
| Author: | mohini [ Wed Feb 02, 2011 4:51 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 01/02) |
Love Augusta. Now I understand what CS people meant that "she is like a breath of fresh air. She drives the cobwebs away" Ya Augusta!! How many Augusta stories are there? |
|
| Author: | jmc [ Wed Feb 02, 2011 9:59 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 01/02) |
Matey didn't come off too badly. Is Augusta going to try and tail someone else now? Thanks Abi. |
|
| Author: | Emma A [ Wed Feb 02, 2011 1:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 01/02) |
I do like all the shocked sympathy from the rest of the staff for poor Matron. Thanks, Abi. |
|
| Author: | jayj [ Wed Feb 02, 2011 2:41 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 01/02) |
Abi wrote: "She’ll probably want me again tomorrow.” Looking forward to it!
|
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Feb 02, 2011 7:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 01/02) |
Oh, yes, I'm sure she will! Laid up with some horrific illness that leaves the patient asleep for at least twenty hours every day Thankyou! This is brilliant! |
|
| Author: | chris84 [ Thu Feb 03, 2011 4:33 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 01/02) |
Poor Matey. Thank you
|
|
| Author: | roversgirl [ Tue Feb 08, 2011 4:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 01/02) |
I've just found this and it's very enjoyable. Love Augusta's character. Thank you
|
|
| Author: | Abi [ Tue Feb 08, 2011 8:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 01/02) |
mohini wrote: How many Augusta stories are there? A worryingly large number.... The first Augusta episodes and Augusta and the Spies, and various others in the archives and further down St Agnes! Thanks for all the comments! On Sunday morning Augusta, trotting along happily at Kathie’s side, engaged in happy imaginings of Matron’s joy at her reappearance in the Sanatorium, found herself unexpectedly accompanied by Miss Gray. “I must say I’m impressed at the way you managed things yesterday,” she said. “I heard about it in the Staff Room in the evening.” Augusta beamed. “Actually, it was rather fun,” she said. “Especially when we had to take Beth to the hospital with her arm. There was an awfully nice doctor who told me all about a man who’d broken his leg in seven different places getting out of his car.” “Out of his car?” said Miss Gray, momentarily distracted by such an apparent impossibility. “Well, it wasn’t so much the getting out that was the problem,” said Augusta, “as the fact that his wife ran him over directly afterwards.” “Ah.” Miss Gray paused. Then she shook her head and went on. “”Well, I’ve heard back from my superiors, and it seems that the matter is even more urgent than we thought.” Kathie and Augusta gazed at her, mouths open and breath bated. “So, when?” prompted Augusta. “It seems that Matron’s made arrangements to meet her confederate and pass on all the secrets that she’s found out – tonight.” “Tonight?” said Kathie, with a gasp. “But she can’t have got the secrets,” said Augusta. “We’ve spent ages guarding Evvy and I didn’t let Matey out of my sight for a minute yesterday.” “But you heard Matron telling the person she was telephoning that she had a contingency plan, if she wasn’t able to get the information out of Miss Everett, didn’t you?” Augusta’s heart sank. “I forgot,” she said. “You mean she’s found out after all?” “I’m afraid so,” said Miss Gray kindly. “There’s really nothing you could have done to stop it. But you can help me tonight.” “Oh, yes,” said Augusta. “I’m sure we can catch Matron for you.” “No!” cried Miss Gray. One or two people looked round. “I mean, no,” she said, more quietly. “That – um – that really won’t be necessary. I’ll be there, taking care of all that, so that we can catch them in the act, with the evidence on them.” “But you said we could help.” “Yes. You see, as we’ll be at the meeting place –” “Where’s that?” “By the church.” Miss Gray stopped and bit her lip. “Anyway, that’s not important. We’ll be watching it. We’d like you three to watch Matron, and as soon as she leaves the School, we need you to telephone us and let us know.” There was a silence. “That’s all?” said Augusta. “It’s a very important task,” said Miss Gray, seeing her disappointment. “The thing is, although we know that the rendezvous is tonight, we don’t know what time they’ve arranged it for. We’re sure it’s late, so it will probably be after the rest of the staff go to bed, and it could be any time until when the maids get up. It’s a big job, and it’s an important one. Do you think you can do it?” “Yes,” said Augusta. “What if someone catches us?” said Kathie. “We’ll talk our way out of it,” said Augusta firmly. “We’d love to help you, Miss Gray.” “Thank you,” said Miss Gray. “I’m sure I don’t need to tell you not to talk about this to anyone.” As she moved away, Kathie looked at Augusta. “Do you really think it’s all right?” she said. “I mean, surely she could get someone else to watch Matey. Or just wait for her to turn up.” “Yes, but think how much easier if they know when she’s coming.” Augusta cast a sideways look at her friend. “And just think – we’ll be helping to catch a real live spy!” |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Feb 08, 2011 9:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 08/02) |
Ah, but will you really? I, personally, am just waiting for the description of Matey's face when she hears all of this! Thankyou! |
|
| Author: | roversgirl [ Tue Feb 08, 2011 9:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 08/02) |
This sounds like a recipe for disaster from what I've read of Augusta so far. Thanks
|
|
| Author: | Emma A [ Wed Feb 09, 2011 2:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 08/02) |
Feeling ever more dubious about Miss Gray here, and sure that Kathie has the right idea. Still, I very much look forward to seeing how Augusta can mess up Miss Gray's carefully laid plans, as I'm sure she will! Thanks, Abi. |
|
| Author: | chris84 [ Wed Feb 09, 2011 5:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 08/02) |
Still not sure that Augusta should trust Miss Gray. Thank you for the update.
|
|
| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Wed Feb 09, 2011 8:56 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 08/02) |
| Thanks, I'm wondering what Miss Gray is up to |
|
| Author: | JS [ Thu Feb 10, 2011 8:13 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 08/02) |
Beginning to think that my earlier thinks missed the mark - most intriguing.... Thanks Abi. |
|
| Author: | alicat [ Thu Feb 10, 2011 1:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 08/02) |
Abi thank you so much I have had a really bad week and am now crying with laughter. I love Augusta. I have this wonderful mental picture of her face........ 
|
|
| Author: | MaryR [ Thu Feb 10, 2011 5:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 08/02) |
Quote: “What if someone catches us?” said Kathie. “We’ll talk our way out of it,” said Augusta firmly. No one better than you at doing that, Augusta! You bombard people into helpless submission. Look what you did to Matey in the episode before! I chortled over that. Thanks, Abi. |
|
| Author: | Nightwing [ Thu Feb 10, 2011 8:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 08/02) |
Just caught up on this, Abi - as brilliant as ever! Looking forward to finding out the truth - since I suspect Augusta may be a little off target. |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Sat Feb 19, 2011 11:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 08/02) |
Thanks for all the comments. The halls and corridors of the School were silent, the dormitories still, the only movement the occasional flailing of a limb. After a long time, something moved at the end of a corridor a little way away from the dormitories. An arm was stretched, and then another. “I don’t think she’s going to do anything,” said Kathie in a whisper. “It’s not even midnight yet,” said Augusta. “Miss Gray said it could be any time during the night.” They sat in silence for some time. “What time is it now?” said Mollie. Augusta held her watch up towards the moonlight and squinted at its face. “Five past twelve.” Mollie sighed. “Maybe she’s gone to sleep,” said Kathie. “What?” “Well, it’s all dark and she hasn’t made any noise. Maybe she’s accidentally gone off to sleep.” Augusta began to feel slightly alarmed. Surely, after all their beautifully laid plans, Matron couldn’t just forget? “But she can’t have,” she said. There was another period of silence. “I’m going to check,” said Augusta. “What? No!” Mollie gasped and clutched at Augusta’s dressing gown sleeve. “You can’t! She might kill you or something.” “She can’t kill me if she’s asleep.” “No, but what if she isn’t?” “I’ll say I thought this was the way to my dorm. She’ll probably think I’m ill, or crazy, or something.” Before either of her friends could object, she had turned the handle of Matron’s room and ventured inside. A moment later she shot out again. “She’s not there!” she said shrilly. “What?” Kathie and Mollie struggled to their feet, staring at her. “She’s already gone.” Augusta waved her hand towards Matron’s deserted room. “She must be there by now, or nearly.” “She might not have left very long ago,” said Kathie. “We could still telephone.” “But we’ve been here at least half an hour, and the staff had all gone to bed by the time we arrived, and we’d have seen her if she’d come out of her room. She must have gone off to meet this man without even coming upstairs.” “Oh, my goodness,” said Mollie, sounding on the verge of tears. “She must have taken Miss Gray by surprise.” “She could even have attacked her,” said Augusta. “What can we do?” said Kathie, trying to stay calm. “Would there be any point in telephoning?” In the end they tried, using the telephone in Matron’s room. “Nothing,” said Augusta, putting the receiver down after her third attempt at calling the number Miss Gray had given her. She stared at her friends, the full horror of the situation beginning to dawn on her. “Could we call the police?” said Mollie. “If we could call the Secret Service people it might help,” said Kathie. “But I shouldn’t think the police’d know anything about it. They keep spies and things awfully secret.” Augusta raised her head. “There’s only one thing we can do,” she said with decision. “We’ll have to go down there ourselves and see what we can do.” Kathie, her face pale in the moonlight, looked terrified, her eyes wide and her mouth half open. “No,” she whispered. “We – we can’t, Gussie.” “We’ve got to,” said Augusta fiercely. “We’ve put Miss Gray in danger by not telling her Matron’s on her way, and she’s meeting some man as well, and he’s probably even more dangerous than she is, and if they see Miss Gray, who knows what they’ll do to her?” “But couldn’t we tell the Abbess or someone?” “We tried that, remember?” “Gussie’s right,” said Mollie in a quavering voice. “It’s our fault this has happened, and we have to try to sort it out.” Kathie nodded and swallowed. “All right.” “We’d better hurry,” said Augusta. |
|
| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Sun Feb 20, 2011 6:21 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 20/02) |
Oh no! Love the twists and turns, thanks Abi |
|
| Author: | jayj [ Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:12 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 20/02) |
Eeep! What are they going to find? Thanks Abi! |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Feb 20, 2011 4:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 20/02) |
*can only picture Matey secretly enjoying a bottle of gin in the staffroom after hours and about to be most surprised by them all trying to sneak out* Can't think why - especially in an Abi drabble Thankyou! |
|
| Author: | Jools [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 10:57 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 20/02) |
|
|
|
| Author: | Jools [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 10:57 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 20/02) |
|
|
|
| Author: | roversgirl [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 7:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 20/02) |
*wonders what on earth will happen next* thanks
|
|
| Author: | Abi [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 10:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 20/02) |
Thanks for the comments. This is the penultimate post... “I think we’re nearly there,” said Augusta in a whisper so quiet that it was almost inaudible. “Are you sure?” “Yes. This is the wall – the gate should be a little bit further on.” A moment later they had found it, clustering round it in relief. The walk, usually a brief and brisk trot from the School, had taken them nearly an hour as they fumbled about in the blackout with only Augusta’s torch, its batteries nearly flat, to aid them. “I don’t hear anything,” Kathie murmured, blinking in the blackness. “Should we go in?” “I think so,” said Augusta. “If Matey’s been and gone, she’s probably left the evidence – or the body – round here somewhere.” She pushed the gate open and gingerly entered the churchyard. “How are we supposed to see any evidence?” breathed Kathie in her ear. Augusta shrugged and moved forward, feeling her way along the wall at the side of the church. As she rounded the corner she stopped with a half-gasp and felt Kathie’s fingers tight on her arm. “Oh!” That was Mollie, just behind them. “Put that out.” A low murmur reached their ears – a woman’s voice. But a man’s, almost inaudible, said something, and the tiny red spot didn’t move. Augusta stood absolutely still, her heart thundering in her chest. It was all right. All was not lost. They were still here – they must have had an awful lot of information to exchange, and they were probably just finishing off. “Where’s Miss Gray?” said Kathie into her ear. Augusta turned round, and they huddled together, gaining comfort from each other’s presence. “Either she’s somewhere else, or they’ve found her and – dealt with her.” “What do we do?” said Mollie. Augusta bit her lip. “We’ve got to try to catch them ourselves,” she said. “You two can come at them from this side. I don’t think there are any graves just here, so we should be able to just run at them. I’ll go a bit further down and come from the other direction.” “I don’t know, Gussie,” quavered Mollie. She sounded close to tears, and Augusta clutched her hand reassuringly. “Take your coats off,” she whispered. “If we can throw them over their heads it should help. And pick up a stone or something; you might be able to hit them with it.” “I don’t know whether I can do it.” Mollie’s voice was higher-pitched than normal and her fingers gripped Augusta’s so tightly that it almost hurt. “You can,” said Augusta as fiercely as she could in her quietest whisper. “You’ve come this far, haven’t you? And it was you who said we had to do something about it. I know you’re brave, Mollie; I know you can do this.” Mollie gulped. “All right,” she said, and Augusta squeezed her hand. “Count to two hundred,” she said. “And then start. Go really, really slowly and quietly until you get close to them, or unless they spot us, and then just run at them and jump on them. They won’t be expecting it.” She turned and began to walk away from them, padding silently through the grass, counting until she reached two hundred. Then, knowing that Mollie and Kathie would be doing the same, she shrugged her coat off, bent to find a stone, and began to inch her way forward towards the tiny red light and the voices which, every now and again, drifted towards her. She was only a few feet away when the light of the cigarette shot towards the ground and vanished. Augusta stood still, her eyes fixed on the point where it had been. For a moment she almost turned and fled, but she pulled herself together, took a great, deep breath, and yelled. “Now!” As she raced forward, clutching her coat in front of her, she was aware of the other two doing the same. Someone swore in front of her and then a large, solid body crashed into her. Even as she found herself crushed, unable to breathe, underneath the man, the dogged, determined part of her brain was screaming at her. Don’t let him get away... don’t let him get away! The man was swearing again. She managed to get her arms round his neck and gripped her fingers together at the other side so that as he struggled to his feet he had to take her with him. He tried to push her away, then ripped at her hair, searching for her throat, and she wrapped her arms even more tightly around his neck and screamed and screamed. When she paused for breath she could hear Mollie doing the same not far away, but filling her lungs again, she realised that she couldn’t hear Kathie, and she knew for certain that Mollie had been right. Doing this had been a terrible, terrible mistake. |
|
| Author: | Nightwing [ Mon Feb 21, 2011 10:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/02) |
Abi that is such a mean cliffhanger!!! You'll have to give us the next part quickly to put us out of our misery... |
|
| Author: | jayj [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 9:20 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/02) |
EEEEPPPP!!! Come back and tell us what's going on! |
|
| Author: | jmc [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 9:42 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/02) |
Look forward to seeing what is actually happening as Abi wouldn't kill off anyone, would she? |
|
| Author: | marni [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 10:34 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/02) |
Please come back quickly to tell us more. Thanks Abi. You wouldn't kill her off would you?? |
|
| Author: | MaryR [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 3:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/02) |
Oh, that was wonderful, Abi. Augusta is just so quick-thinking, and then, once captured, clings on like grim death, even as she realises one final truth - this was not a good idea! But, as she always lands on her feet, I'm assuming it will turn out to have been a VERY good idea! Though I do wonder what you've done to Kathie....
|
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 6:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/02) |
Argh oh no! Come back come back come back! Now! *waves pointy thing was lent earlier threateningly* |
|
| Author: | roversgirl [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 7:27 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/02) |
That's a very mean cliffhanger! Please come back and let us know what happens! Thanks
|
|
| Author: | Abi [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 9:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/02) |
Thank you to everyone who's read and commented! The end of this particular adventure... “It was foolhardy in the extreme.” Augusta wrenched her drifting attention back to Colonel Black who was, she thought, finally winding up his speech. “I cannot imagine how you thought the three of you – three silly little girls – could catch a pair of dangerous spies. I want you to promise me never to do such a thing again.” Augusta smiled at him gently. There was, she felt, no need to mention just how glad she had been to hear his brusque voice the night before, barking out orders and arresting people left, right and centre. It wouldn’t do for him to get too big-headed. “We won’t do it again,” she said, and Kathie and Mollie nodded fervently on either side of her. “Hmph,” said the Colonel, scowling. “Well. Good.” Augusta waited until he had said a few words in private to Miss Annersley and taken his leave, allowing the Head to return to her pupils. She was, Augusta thought, looking rather harassed. “Why don’t you sit down, Miss Annersley?” she began. “Be quiet, Augusta,” said the Head, sitting down nevertheless. She eyed her small pupil severely. “What on earth did you think you were doing?” “Catching spies,” said Augusta. “I did gather that much, as a matter of fact. Why didn’t you come to me, if you thought Miss Gray was suspicious?” “You didn’t believe me when I thought Matron was. And, actually –” Augusta paused, leaning confidentially on the Head’s desk. “We thought it was Matron we were catching, not Miss Gray, so we knew no-one would believe us.” “I see.” Miss Annersley sighed inwardly. “But I’m afraid Matron, as I told you before, was completely innocent.” “I suppose she must have been,” agreed Augusta. “She was and is,” said the Head. “It seems that the telephone conversation you overheard was to do with – well, with a birthday present the staff were preparing for me. Miss Everett had obtained and was raising a rather rare tropical plant – they gave it to me this morning – and it seemed she was having some difficulty and couldn’t say whether it would be alive and ready to give as a gift.” “So Matron was talking about making Miss Everett say whether the plant would be ready to give to you?” said Augusta. “Not about torturing her for information about the military base? Well, I suppose that explains why she didn’t want to talk about it. But why wasn’t she in her room last night?” “One of the Middles had toothache.” Augusta blinked once or twice as she absorbed this information. “Oh. Well. Never mind, we still caught a spy.” “That’s true,” admitted the Head. “Miss Gray and her confederate were caught with overwhelming evidence on them, both of intelligence gathering and of sabotage plans. But that does not mean that you are to be congratulated. You could all have been killed last night.” Kathie nodded, her hand going to the large bump on her head, where Miss Gray had hit her with the very stone with which she’d planned to attack the spies. “I must admit,” said Augusta, “that I did wonder whether we were doing the right thing when that man was trying to strangle me and rip my hair out.” She couldn’t help feeling that the memory of those few horrible minutes, when she’d been screaming for help and no-one had come, would haunt her for quite a long time. “I’m glad you show some signs of sense,” said Miss Annersley, with a small smile. “Perhaps next time you’ll think the consequences through more thoroughly.” “Oh yes,” said Augusta fervently. “And I’ll probably take some more people, and maybe some rope or something to tie them up with. Or a gun might have worked, because then I could have threatened to shoot them if they moved.” “It was dark, Gussie,” said Mollie. “Well, next time it might be light. Of course, then we’d have had to –” “There will be no next time,” said Miss Annersley loudly. Augusta’s face fell. “My dear child, you just promised Colonel Black that you wouldn’t do this again.” “Yes, but we really only promised that we wouldn’t sneak out of the School at midnight and go to catch spies in the churchyard,” said Augusta, looking at her hopefully. “I daresay,” said the Head, unimpressed. “But you’ll promise me that you will never go off to catch spies again without having first consulted a responsible adult such as myself or another mistress.” Augusta considered this, then heaved a sigh. “I suppose you were bound to make us promise, really. All right, I won’t ever go off to catch spies again without having first consulted a responsible adult such as yourself or another mistress.” Miss Annersley looked at Kathie and Mollie, who made no demur but promised immediately. “Thank you, girls,” said the Head. “That’s a great weight off my mind. Now you’d better go in to lunch. The bell rang nearly five minutes ago.” “Yes, Miss Annersley,” said Augusta. “Only – aren’t you going to punish us?” “Do you think it would do any good?” Miss Annersley raised her brows at her small pupil. “It might teach us a lesson. You know, stop us from wanting to do it again.” “You’ve just promised me you won’t do that. Would a punishment make you any less likely to repeat the offence?” Augusta considered this point, her head on one side, then gave the Head a sheepish smile. “Probably not,” she admitted, and Miss Annersley smiled back at her. “Go to lunch, girls,” she said. As they disappeared, she rested her head in her hand and tried to think of some way in which she could even begin to explain this to the girls’ parents. Suddenly the door was flung back on its hinges, and she jumped. “Augusta!” “Sorry, Miss Annersley. I didn’t mean to make you jump. I just wanted to say – happy birthday!” And the door swung shut, this time closing with a gentle click. |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 10:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (updated 21/02) |
Abi wrote: Or a gun might have worked, because then I could have threatened to shoot them if they moved.” I'm glad that she followed her own advice in the end! Thankyou, that was a brilliant ending to a wonderful story! But pretty please can Augusta make a comeback soon?
|
|
| Author: | abbeybufo [ Tue Feb 22, 2011 10:54 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Thanks Abi
|
|
| Author: | marni [ Wed Feb 23, 2011 12:04 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Thanks Abi. That was great. Please can we have another story when you have the time. |
|
| Author: | roversgirl [ Wed Feb 23, 2011 4:50 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
That was fantastic - thanks
|
|
| Author: | janetbrown23 [ Wed Feb 23, 2011 8:03 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Thanks Abi
|
|
| Author: | JS [ Wed Feb 23, 2011 9:40 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
I was barking up the wrong tree - I thought Matron's conversations re Miss Everett were about getting the wherewithal for her famous jams! Thoroughly enjoyed this Abi - and impressed that Augusta felt able to wish Miss A a happy birthday after all that
|
|
| Author: | MaryR [ Wed Feb 23, 2011 2:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Oh, I just loved that conversation. Both Hilda and Augusta in top form, though Hilda must wonder how to successfully subdue Augusta's so-logical illogic - or vice versa.  As for the ending..... Thanks, Abi. |
|
| Author: | Catherine [ Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
I do love Augusta, Abi I wish you'd put all her stories into a book sometime.I loved her response to Miss Annersley saying she might think about the consequences more carefully next time! Bring her back soon and thank you for writing it. |
|
| Author: | Joanne [ Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Thank you Abi. Augusta was, as ever, a delight! I can't help seeing a number of loopholes in her promise to Miss A and I'm sure she will have many more adventures. I do hope we get to hear about them!
|
|
| Author: | Pingaware [ Wed Feb 23, 2011 5:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Thanks Abi! Followed this from the beginning and I'm still loving Augusta. Hope she returns soon!
|
|
| Author: | whitequeen [ Wed Feb 23, 2011 6:40 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
I've really enjoyed this story Love the way she repeated the promise word for word - as if she was going to go away and think what way she could do it and not be breaking the promise!
|
|
| Author: | rugbyliz [ Wed Feb 23, 2011 9:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Thanks for this....I have loved reading it! I do hope she returns soon!!! |
|
| Author: | Lesley [ Wed Feb 23, 2011 9:17 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Wonderful, wonderful Augusta!!! And ((((Hilda)))) - she needs it having to deal with Augusta Thanks Abi |
|
| Author: | jayj [ Wed Feb 23, 2011 11:14 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Great! Thanks, Abi! I love the bits where Augusta bosses Hilda around...looking forward to further adventures! |
|
| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Thu Feb 24, 2011 9:26 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Thanks I really loved that. (And thank goodness I missed that cliff!!) |
|
| Author: | jmc [ Thu Feb 24, 2011 10:35 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Thanks Abi. Augusta is so funny.
|
|
| Author: | Emma A [ Thu Feb 24, 2011 5:18 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
I'm glad I missed the cliff! That was an excellent ending, Abi - hilarious as ever. Thank-you. |
|
| Author: | Elbee [ Thu Mar 03, 2011 3:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Finally caught up on this. Thanks, Abi, Augusta's as brilliantly devious as ever! |
|
| Author: | chris84 [ Mon Mar 07, 2011 4:37 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Just caught up on this it was so funny love Augusta.
|
|
| Author: | Kathy_S [ Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:00 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
I'm sure Augusta will find a way around any promises. Thank you for another excellent adventure, and a belated happy birthday to Miss Annersley. (Possibly she's recovered from her headache by now. )
|
|
| Author: | mohini [ Wed Apr 27, 2011 10:53 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Augusta and the New Mistress (complete 22/02) |
Completed this today. I love Augusta. She ought to have book of her own. Thanks. it was lovely. |
|
| All times are UTC | |
| Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/ | |