Well, he announced his engagement to Mollie shortly afterwards
.
| The CBB http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/ | |
| Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (Completed 22nd Dec) http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=6959 |
|
| Author: | Secret Santa [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 6:33 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (Completed 22nd Dec) |
Part One: ‘Oh what a beautiful dress!’ I thought to myself. Joey needs to be careful with this one. A rather grown up sort of frock, made from fabric sent from my brother. Well it’s about time she started thinking a little more of her appearance. Not that we want to encourage vanity of course. “It’s beautiful!” Jo exclaimed, looking at the exquisite embroideries in darker shades of green, gold and dull pinks. The frock of soft dull green suited her, bringing a faint flush of colour to her cheeks and hiding the awkward angles of her frame. “Dick is such a dear to think of it!” As I helped the Robin into her new gown, my sister exclaimed “Look at all that embroidery on the hem, bags I never have to do such work!” Her embroidery has always left a little to be desired and I for one, would not like to supervise her in the careful attention to detail that must have been paid. The Robin’s ruby coloured dress had small holly leaves embellished at the hem. I laughed at the expression on Joey’s face and reassured her that no one was likely to ask her to undertake such a task until she could manage every-day sewing that looked presentable. The dresses had been made by dearest Mademoiselle and her small deft fingers had embroidered them too. As the girls finished preparing for the day ahead and I dressed in my dress (a jade colour, also new) I considered my brother and the thoughtful gift he had sent. Even though we were more fortunate than most, money for new dresses was still a luxury that I would not have been able to afford at this moment. I wondered about Dick’s Christmas day, all alone in India. ‘Don’t be silly,’ a voice spoke inside my head. ‘He isn’t exactly alone. He has friends, neighbours, and work colleagues around him. Not the same as family at any rate but better than no one.’ As we entered the Speisesaal my thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Frau Mensch and the girls, who looked like they had just stepped out of a fairy tale. Frieda and Bernhilda were wearing dresses of dark green and wore their flaxen hair in double braids. Their mother wore the full black skirt gown of the elder women with a soft, white lace kerchief knotted under the square cut neck and heavily embroidered apron of fine white linen. |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 6:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy |
What a lovely start - I do hope Madge is right and Dick had a lovely Christmas. Thankyou Santa! |
|
| Author: | JB [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 6:36 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy |
I think Dick will be having a good Christmas. Doesn't he get engaged to Mollie soon after this? |
|
| Author: | Alison H [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 10:56 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy |
Well, he announced his engagement to Mollie shortly afterwards .
|
|
| Author: | Sugar [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:03 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy |
ooh interesting and a lot of focus on clothes... wonder if that's signifant? |
|
| Author: | leahbelle [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 12:54 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy |
Lovely! Thanks, Santa. |
|
| Author: | shazwales [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 2:46 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy |
Thanks Santa,that was really lovely. |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 8:22 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy |
Lovely scene - thanks Santa! |
|
| Author: | Secret Santa [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 6:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy |
Part Two: “Froliche Weihnachtsfest” said Frieda, greeting my sister with a kiss. Joey’s face was a picture, not being used to this sentimentality, she found the ‘soppy rot’ of some of her European friends, quite trying at times. Still, it was Christmas and I was pleased to see her quickly recompose herself before drawing unwanted attention from our hosts. Behind the assembled ladies sat Herr Mensch and Gottfried, brother to Frieda and Bernhilda. Herr Mensch was polite and courteous, whilst his son seemed almost overwhelmed by all these new ladies. I gave him a reassuring smile, noticing that he too was dressed in the traditional style. After breakfast we were formally introduced to Die Grossmutter and the girl’s Aunt Luise. The older lady made some startling observations about my sister! A ‘modest bearing’ is not a term I would use to describe her! The old ladies’ heart truly belonged to the Robin, who reminded her of the baby Natalie who had been taken to paradise, nearly seventy years ago. The little girl settled down on a stool near old Frau Mensch and told of her mother’s fate. With the sparkle of tears in her eyes, the old lady stroked her head and thought of times past. What a comfort the Robin is, not just to myself, she touches all that she meets with her angelic looks and quiet temperament. What a contrast from others I could mention. Tales, steeped in folklore and mystery were told by die Grossmutter, listened to by all. Herr Mensch explained much of the history to my sister. She’s a regular sponge for that sort of thing! Before too long, Bernhilda was encouraged to play for us as we joined in with the carols Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht and Adeste Fideles. As we sang I was reminded of Christmases past. A family gathered around together, three children laughing and smiling. Long before the burden of adult responsibility for a small sister and a ward, not to mention the responsibility of looking after and educating other peoples’ children. How much had changed? Now at least we had security, the school was doing well, growing almost weekly. I had new people in my life. Comfort. Other people I could lean on or go to for advice. A year ago the future looked grim. Now there was a future for me and my family. |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 6:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (updated 8th Dec) |
That's lovely. I suppose Madge must have had to learn a huge amount in a very, very short space of time. Thank you, Lucy's Santa! |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 6:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy |
Secret Santa wrote: What a contrast from others I could mention.  Thankyou Santa!
|
|
| Author: | Alison H [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 8:54 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (updated 8th Dec) |
It was so lovely of the Mensches to invite them. Thank you, Santa - really enjoying this. |
|
| Author: | Chris S [ Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (updated 8th Dec) |
Thank you Santa, this was always one of my favourite scenes. |
|
| Author: | Lucy [ Fri Dec 11, 2009 5:02 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (updated 8th Dec) |
Thank you, thank you, thank you Secret Santa. Just logged on and found this. I love it!! Lucy 
|
|
| Author: | Secret Santa [ Tue Dec 15, 2009 6:40 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (updated 8th Dec) |
Part Three: I looked over to my little sister, the cause of so much worry and concern throughout her short life. I squeezed her hand gently and she turned to look at me, worried for a moment, before bursting into one of her grins. I stroked a stray lock of hair away from her brow and returned the smile. The Robin, catching my thoughtful look, gazed up at me in wonder and I cuddled her close to me. She snuggled in and I found her warmth comforting. I had told Herr Mensch of Joey’s talents and soon she was pressed upon to sing. She chose Martin Luther’s cradle hymn. The pureness of Joey’s voice was almost startling, and as I played for her I watched the effect of her golden tones on the assembled company, feeling proud of my little sister. I had hoped to take Joey to a service at one of the local hotels, but hopes were dashed due to the weather. Our kind hosts encouraged us to sing some of our English hymns, so that we wouldn’t feel too bereft. At the end of the song, after a moment of still silence, Frau Mensch left quickly to busy herself in the kitchen, supervising Gertlieb’s cooking of the goose. As she gathered her skirts I caught glimpse of what could have been a tear. Joey completed her performance by singing two more carols and before we thought to be hungry, lunch was served. After lunch, which was the most exquisite feast we’d ever tasted, and far surpassed Christmas Dinners in England, we rushed to don warm clothes, ready for the sleigh ride through Innsbruck. I attended to the Robin’s needs while my sister bedecked herself in four layers of clothing plus scarf, mittens and a woolen hat. She exclaimed rather loudly that she would be more cooked than the goose! Still I couldn’t face having another dreadful episode of illness, it’s so hard for her to have to remember, but she must look after herself, more than most. |
|
| Author: | shesings [ Tue Dec 15, 2009 6:56 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (updated 15th Dec) |
Beautiful, just beautiful! Thank you  !!!
|
|
| Author: | PaulineS [ Tue Dec 15, 2009 7:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (updated 15th Dec) |
Thank you lovely to see the scenes from Madge's view persective |
|
| Author: | shazwales [ Tue Dec 15, 2009 7:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (updated 15th Dec) |
Thank you that was lovely
|
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Dec 15, 2009 8:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (updated 15th Dec) |
I love these scenes - from any POV! Thankyou. |
|
| Author: | Lucy [ Wed Dec 16, 2009 11:19 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (updated 15th Dec) |
I'm feeling so Christmassy reading these scenes. Thank you Secret Santa! |
|
| Author: | Abi [ Thu Dec 17, 2009 10:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (updated 15th Dec) |
So warm and seasonal! Thank you, Lucy's Santa. |
|
| Author: | Secret Santa [ Tue Dec 22, 2009 8:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (updated 15th Dec) |
Part Four: We excitedly tucked ourselves into the sleigh and exclaimed in delight at the hot bricks, slipped under the blankets at our feet. Despite Joey’s protests, the poor kid was enveloped in yet more layers of clothing and off we went! I sat beside Frau Mensch, looking proudly at the four girls. Two unmistakably Austrian, one small dark maid and my own sister. Her health had improved in this climate, despite the worries I still tried to banish from my mind. She was far from the sickly, worn out mite we had brought from England those months ago. She chatted eagerly with Frieda and Bernhilda as we drove through the suburbs of the great city. The usually quiet streets were alive with the sound of bells and shouting voices; here and there bursts of songs rang out. The tall giants, topped with snow watched down on us that day, and as I looked up at the sky, I could see that more snow was on its way. “We dare not go far,” shouted Herr Mensch pointing at that same sky. “We must turn back soon.” I nodded in agreement. The view was awe inspiring and like nothing I’d seen before yet not precious enough to run the risk of being stuck in a blizzard. My sister caught my thoughtful expression and smiled at me to check I was fine. “Christmas-card land!” she uttered with delight. Before too long we had reached Wilten and there, Gottfried turned the horses towards the west to travel alongside the river. As we reached the Excercier Platz, the first sparkling flakes of snow tumbled to the already white ground. When we reached the bridge it was falling thickly and we were glad to reach the Mariahilfe suburb soon after. The younger girls were carried into the house quickly by the men and soon there was coffee to warm us from the drive. We laughed and talked, much to the frustration of the children who were eager to enter the Salon and see the beautiful tree that they had been prohibited from, all day. Finally the final drop of coffee was drunk and we were led into the Salon where the magnificent Christmas tree in all its shining glory took centre stage. The candles had been lit, glass toys hung and tinsel draped around. Parcel covered tables stood in a row, and within moments Frieda was puling Joey towards her table while Herr Mensch carried the Robin to hers. I received a new fountain pen, a new set of handkerchiefs with the most gorgeous lace embroidery as well as a much prized copy of Martin Pippin in the Apple Orchard. Its beautiful verses and well loved tales rejoiced my heart and before long, supper was over and I was carrying the Robin upstairs to bed. She was most in awe of the presents she received and hugged her new doll tightly to her. Joey followed swiftly to bed and it wasn’t long before I retired, dreaming of my first Christmas in Tyrol. THE END |
|
| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Dec 22, 2009 8:54 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (Completed 22nd Dec) |
That was a lovely drabble! Thankyou Santa. |
|
| Author: | Alison H [ Tue Dec 22, 2009 10:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (Completed 22nd Dec) |
Thank you Santa - it was lovely to see it from Madge's point of view. |
|
| Author: | PaulineS [ Tue Dec 22, 2009 10:47 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (Completed 22nd Dec) |
Thank you Santa |
|
| Author: | JS [ Wed Dec 23, 2009 1:11 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (Completed 22nd Dec) |
That was lovely, thank you Santa - I know you were sticking to canon, but I do wish we had found out what Dick's real presents were
|
|
| Author: | Kathy_S [ Wed Dec 23, 2009 2:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (Completed 22nd Dec) |
Thank you, Santa. Very Christmassy.
|
|
| Author: | Mrs Redboots [ Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (Completed 22nd Dec) |
Thank you, Santa! |
|
| Author: | aitchemelle [ Sat Dec 26, 2009 3:54 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (Completed 22nd Dec) |
Thank you Santa!! |
|
| Author: | Lucy [ Sat Dec 26, 2009 7:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Christmas in Innsbruck- For Lucy (Completed 22nd Dec) |
Thank you Santa. I hope you had a lovely Christmas
|
|
| All times are UTC | |
| Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/ | |