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The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=598
Author:  Carys [ Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:02 pm ]
Post subject:  The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
Have finally managed to write some more!
Part one is in the archives, hope everyone enjoys! And can be found here board/archive/files/sas_forgotten_maynard_at_the_cs_270406.htm


Jack and Joey were allowed to take Claire back home two days later. Cecy had begged her parents to let her have a couple of extra days off school so she could look after her baby sister and Jack and Joey dealing with the shock of what Phil and Geoff had done had surprisingly agreed. Phil, meanwhile, was staying with her sister Len. Jack had refused to have her at Freudesheim while Claire was recovering from the accident, he was very anxious about his youngest daughter who despite making great advances physically experienced nights filled with nightmares.
Hilda had decided not to tell Joey about her latest discovery regarding Phil’s behaviour until she saw her friend face to face. It was two days after Claire had returned to the Platz that Joey paid a visit to her friend.
“How’s Claire today?” Hilda asked as Joey once she was seating comfortably.
“She’s demanding to be out of bed.” Joey said attempting to smile. “But she woke up screaming again last night, she doesn’t remember why, so Jack won’t let her. He said maybe she can get up for a short time this afternoon.”
Hilda nodded, “Well let Claire know that everyone is thinking of her and we all want her to make a speedy recovery.”
“I will.” Joey smiled gratefully before saying, “Now Hilda I can tell that there is something bothering you, won’t you tell me. It will help me take my mind off Claire and all the troubles at home.”
Hilda frowned, what did ‘all the troubles at home’ mean? However she realised that Joey would tell her when she was ready so she reluctantly told her of Phil’s bullying of Annie Thomas.
“Phil has been bullying Annie Thomas.” Joey stated in complete shock. “I can’t believe it, though I should be able to… I just don’t understand where Jack and I went wrong with the second twins.”
“Is there something you want to tell me Jo?” Hilda asked sensing that there were more issues concerned with Phil than she was aware of.
Joey nodded and taking a deep breath she began, “It seems that Claire’s accident of two years ago was caused by Phil and Geoff. They had dared Claire to climb a tree, and then refused to help her down, it seems that they saw her fall and acted as if they knew nothing when we were all frantically searching for her.” Joey was crying she had convinced herself that she was a bad Mother.
“Oh Jo,” Hilda said gently, “I’m so sorry.”
“I just don’t know what to do with her, she doesn’t seem sorry for what she’s done. How will she ever learn the meaning of right and wrong?”
Hilda took a deep breath; there was something she needed to tell Joey. It would either solve the Maynards problems regarding Phil or it would make them ten times worse.
“Joey, myself and the other mistresses, except for Len, Nancy and Lydia as they were not here, had a meeting the other night on what to do about Phil’s bullying. I’m afraid to say that we agreed to expel her if she showed no sign of remorse for her treatment of Annie. Given what you have said about her attitude towards what happened with Claire I feel that remorse is unlikely to be displayed.”
“You want to expel Phil?” Joey questioned.
Hilda nodded, “I’m afraid so yes.”
Joey was silent for quite some time as she digested the news before finally saying, “You know maybe it will do her some good. I mean if she goes away to another school where there are no elder sisters to live up to, or where none of the mistresses know everything about her and her family… And also maybe the disgrace of being expelled may help her realise that she can’t get her own way all the time. I know Jack was considering sending her to the Glendower House branch of the school but thinking about it Phil needs a fresh start.” Joey paused before adding. “ I just hope she will use it wisely.”
Author:  KathrynW [ Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
Maybe it would be the best solution for Phil, she certainly can't stay as she is and I'm glad that Hilda et al are prepared to take strong action. Thank you, it's great to see this back :D

Kathryn
Author:  Fatima [ Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:30 pm ]
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Yes, maybe it'll be a wake-up call for her, and help her to change her ways. Thanks, Caz.
Author:  gwynne [ Thu Jun 08, 2006 8:26 pm ]
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yay! so pleased to read more of this.
Author:  Caty [ Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:30 am ]
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Another who's happy to see this back. Thanks Cazx.
Author:  LizB [ Fri Jun 09, 2006 11:05 am ]
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Great to see this back, Cazx :D

Hoping Phil will make the most of her new start
Author:  Caroline OSullivan [ Fri Jun 09, 2006 11:08 am ]
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Thank Cazx. Great to see this back.
I'm wondering what on earth Hilda will say to Phil. Hope Phil does take her chance of a new start.

I'm wondering if it's jealousy on Phil and Geoff's part that means they hate Claire so much. Very glad Joey and Jack know the truth.

Caroline
Author:  Chair [ Sat Jun 10, 2006 11:48 am ]
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Thanks, Cazx. I wonder how Phil will take the news.
Author:  Sarah_G-G [ Sat Jun 10, 2006 2:01 pm ]
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Thanks for continuing with this. I wonder what happened to make Phil and Geoff behave that way?
Author:  La Petite Em [ Sun Jun 11, 2006 8:03 pm ]
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I think Phil may blame all of this on Claire...
Thanks Cazx, great to see more! :D
Author:  Rosy-Jess [ Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hurrah - it's back. Fab!
Author:  Carys [ Tue Jun 20, 2006 2:16 pm ]
Post subject: 
When Hilda confronted Phil Maynard about her attitude towards Annie Thomas the next day she was proved right in her original belief that Phil would show no signs of remorse.
It can be stated that it was with sorrow that Hilda informed Phil that there was no longer a place for her at the Chalet School. It was only when this piece of information was divulged to her that Phil began to realise the full consequences of her actions.
“But if I can’t go to school here,” She stammered in disbelief, “Then where am I supposed to go to school?”
“That will be for your parents to decide.” Miss Annersley informed her. “Most probably they will find a school in England for you to board at.”
“Mamma and Auntie Madge would never agree to me being expelled!” Phil told Miss Annersley contemptuously as she quickly recovered from the shock she had received.
“They already know, and think that it is in your best interests for you to have a fresh start.”
Phil, for once, was left speechless. She could not believe that she, Phillippa Maynard, was going to be expelled from the school that her Aunt had established. Where was family solidarity when you needed it?
Miss Annersley seeing that Phil had been left with nothing more to say said, “I hope that in time Phillippa you will realise that this was for the best. Mrs Entwhistle is waiting for you outside, she will take you to pack your belongings before taking you to Freudesheim.”
Once outside the study Phil was met by her eldest sister who was looking very grim. Wordlessly Len took her sister to first her dormitory and then to her form room to help her pack her clothes and school work. In later years Phil would look back on that day and wonder which experience was worse, her encounter with Miss Annersley in the study or Len’s scornful silence.
While Phil spent the rest of the term at Freudesheim watching her parents try to find her a new school to attend, for the rest of the pupils at the Chalet School life continued as normal. True Cecy and Claire were troubled by Phil’s expulsion, Cecy especially wondered if she could have done something to prevent it, but once they became caught up in the various activities which dominated Chalet School life they quickly forgot about it. Annie Thomas flourished under the absence of Phil, many marvelled at the fact that she seemed like a completely different person, she was now lively and carefree rather than the silent timid creature she had been previously. Despite being in different forms Annie was now firm friends with Claire, Julia and the twins.
It was the twins who provided the next excitement of the term. On hearing of the train accident their mother, who had attended the Chalet School as Irma Ancockzy, had written to tell her daughters that she would be paying a long weekend visit to the Platz in order to reassure herself of her youngest daughter’s health. She had also written to say that she would take the twins and their friends out for the day if Miss Annersley would permit it. As Julia remarked when the twins told her the news, “It’s always nice to have something to look forward to!”
Author:  Ruth B [ Tue Jun 20, 2006 2:23 pm ]
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Glad Phil got her comeuppance!
Author:  Fatima [ Tue Jun 20, 2006 3:31 pm ]
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Yes, I'm glad she did, too! Especially with the 'You can't expel me' attitude! Thanks, Caz.
Author:  Róisín [ Tue Jun 20, 2006 3:36 pm ]
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Thanks Caz :D
Author:  LizB [ Tue Jun 20, 2006 4:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
Cazx wrote:
Where was family solidarity when you needed it?


Can't say she showed much sign of it in the past!

Thanks, Cazx
Author:  KathrynW [ Tue Jun 20, 2006 4:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Caz, Phil definitely got what she deserved and I only hope that a fresh start will help Phil.

Kathryn
Author:  Chair [ Tue Jun 20, 2006 5:24 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Caz. I wonder where Phil will be sent to at school and I'm glad that Annie is coming out of her shell.
Author:  Carys [ Mon Jul 10, 2006 3:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm not that happy with the style of writing in this piece but I really want to complete it so I hope people don't mind too much :?

Irma Von Rothenfels, nee Ancockzy, was sitting at the living room window of her good friend Biddy Courvoisier’s chalet; she was waiting for the arrival of Alixe and Heidi, together with Claire, Julia and Annie. Irma and Biddy had attended school together when it had been situated in the Tyrol. The war had resulted in them loosing touch and not hearing from each other for many years, but when Irma’s husband was offered a job in the Tyrol and their new home was revealed to be the original school building it was not long before Irma unexpectedly met Joey Maynard who in turn gave her Biddy’s address. The two friends had got back in touch and now their eldest daughters Lieserl and Marie were in the same form at the Chalet School and were also best friends.
“I see you’re waiting impatiently for Jo.” Biddy said with a smile. “She’ll be here with your girls soon enough you know.”
“I know.” Irma sighed as she turned away from the window, “I just want to see them.” She paused for a moment before saying, “Thanks for letting me have the girls here today, it means a lot.”
“Oh it’s nothing besides with Marie and Lieserl bringing their friends here tomorrow it wouldn’t have been fair to kick you and the twins out, especially as Alixe is my God-daughter.”
Irma laughed before asking, “What’s their new friend Annie Thomas like? From the twins letters it seems that they have adopted her.”
“I don’t really no her to be honest with you, she’s going to be a beauty when she’s older though you can’t really tell now of course, she’s got gorgeous deep red hair and green eyes. Though she’s also got lots of freckles, but she’ll grow out of them. All I know about her is that she’s quiet and studious, although since Claire has come back to school it seems she has come out of her shell a bit.”
Irma nodded just as Joey’s car pulled up outside the Chalet, the twins jumping out of the car and racing to the front door almost as soon as the car had stopped moving. Irma herself ran to the front door, and as she flung it open Alixe and Heidi excitedly hugged and kissed her exclaiming, “Mutti, Mutti, it is so nice to see you!”
Irma laughed and ruffled her daughter’s hair, “It is nice to see you to darlings.”
The girls were given tea, and the five girls talked easily with the three adults, Irma, Biddy and Joey, who laughed at the girl’s excitement. As the girls inevitably became sticky after eating various cream cakes and pastries they were sent to go and wash and tidy themselves up.
Irma turned to Joey once the girls were out of the room and asked seriously, “Is Claire quite alright after the accident Jo, she looks so pale to me.”
Joey’s face instantly was filled with worry, “She says she’s fine and Jack can’t find anything medically wrong with her but I’m not so sure. She was having nightmares during the first week after the crash but she says they have stopped now…”
“Her body is probably just needing time to recover from the shock.” Biddy said quickly knowing how her friend worried over Claire’s health. “She’ll soon be back to herself.”
“I’m sorry to have worried you Jo.” Irma said sincerely.
“It doesn’t matter.” Joey told her trying to smile, “As Biddy said she’ll be fine in no time.”
The re-emergence of the girls put a stop to the conversation regarding Claire’s health, as the twins rushed over to Irma and told her excitably, “Mutti, we have had an idea! Please say that you’ll agree to it.”
“Well I won’t do that until I know what it is.”
“Can Claire, Julia and Annie come out to stay with us in the summer please?” It was Heidi who asked the question.
“If their parents don’t mind then I don’t see why not.” Irma replied.
“Really!” Alixe squealed, “We want to show them where all the old legends from the school’s history occurred, obviously Claire’s seen it all before but Julia and Annie haven’t.”
The three adults laughed before Joey said, “There certainly are a lot of legends from the Tyrol years. Grizel putting Vaseline on the blackboards, the time snails were put on the horrible Matron’s window, Corney Flower getting kidnapped by the madman, the arrival of the Saints and that stupid ass Vera Smithers writing to Veta and upsetting her.” Turning to Biddy Joey grinned, “They can go to the shed where Margia Stevens, Elsie Carr and the rest of the Quintet decided to hide you when they adopted you, what a fright I got when I discovered you!”
“You got a shock! What about poor me?” Biddy exclaimed before continuing to remember as Jo had done, “There was the time Evvy Lannis blew up the chemistry lab as well, and remember haughty Thelka Von Stift and her strange friendship with Joyce Linton, the St Clare’s band too-how I laugh at that memory.”
“It certainly was hilarious,” Irma agreed smiling.
“Another funny incident was Betty Wynne-Davies and Elizabeth Arnett’s crew deciding to put on a play and practising on the roof at night,” Joey added, “how Lulu Redfield and I laughed when we discovered them! That was the same term that Anne Seymour set the school on fire and Hilary rescued my first book, and actually the Balbini twins creating havoc as the Mystic M also happened that term to. It certainly was a term of excitements, I wonder what ever happened to the Balbini twins, I haven’t heard from them since the war…”
Joey’s voice died away as she realised that many of the people she and Biddy had been discussing had not been heard of for many years, what had happened to all the missing Chalet School old girls?
Irma was also thinking along similar lines, that is she was until she noticed that Annie was looking puzzled and slightly upset. What had been said to have this affect on her? And then all of a sudden an idea flashed across Irma’s mind, and the closer she studied Annie the more sure she was that the idea was true.
Author:  macyrose [ Mon Jul 10, 2006 6:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm guessing that Annie is the daughter of one of the Old Girls mentioned. But which one?
Author:  Chair [ Mon Jul 10, 2006 7:38 pm ]
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Thanks, Caz. I'm now wondering whom Annie's mother is.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jul 10, 2006 8:42 pm ]
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How did I miss this this had started up again? - glad that Phil was expelled - she definitely deserved it.

As for Annie - well one name springs to mind - will PM guess so as not to spoil it.

Thanks -Caz.
Author:  KathrynW [ Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:05 pm ]
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Thank you Caz, I'm glad to see this back and I'm very intrigued about Annie...
Author:  brie [ Tue Jul 11, 2006 8:42 am ]
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Im now trying to think of every old girl with red hair and green eyes... hmmm... oh of course!!!!! i think i know!!

*getting all excitied, and dancing a mad jig*

please update soon!!
Author:  leahbelle [ Tue Jul 11, 2006 11:43 am ]
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Also intruiged about Annie and looking forward to learning more!
Author:  Rosy-Jess [ Tue Jul 11, 2006 4:32 pm ]
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Ooh how fine - this has returned!
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jul 11, 2006 4:50 pm ]
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:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I've just heard from Caz - I was right! :lol:
Author:  Elle [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 8:06 am ]
Post subject: 
Glad this is back.

Thanks very much.
Author:  Rosy-Jess [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 8:07 am ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I've just heard from Caz - I was right! :lol:


Gloating? Grrrr. *thinks she knows but isn't sure*
Author:  Elle [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 8:12 am ]
Post subject: 
Rosy-Jess wrote:
Lesley wrote:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I've just heard from Caz - I was right! :lol:


Gloating? Grrrr. *thinks she knows but isn't sure*



I have an idea... but I think it may be someone from one of the books I am not to familiar with so I am not going to make any guesses!
Author:  Carys [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
Well done to Lesley for guessing correctly! :D


Irma was unsure what to do, she guessed that neither Joey or Biddy realised who Annie’s mother was, surely they would have said something if they knew? As Irma wondered what she should do next Julia accidentally knocked a glass of orange juice over Annie, who had been paying no attention to the antics of her friend.
“I’m so sorry!” Julia apologised to both Annie and Biddy, “Mummy says I’m an awful klutz and I should not be allowed out to tea.”
“It’s fine Julia.” Biddy told her trying to hold back her laughter.
“Annie,” Irma said deciding that this would be a good opportunity to find out how Annie was feeling, “Do you want to come with me and I’ll see if I can get your dress cleaned up, orange stains if you leave it.”
Annie followed Irma in a rather dazed state, she was thinking of other things. Irma took Annie to the kitchen where she wet a cloth and proceeded to dab at the stain.
“Are you feeling ok Annie?” Irma asked after some time had passed.
“Sorry?” Annie stammered.
“Are you feeling ok?”
“Yes…” Annie answered unconvincingly.
Irma noticed this and said, “You know sometimes it’s better to share problems with others.”
Annie looked at the sympathetic brown eyes that were studying her face and thought that maybe the twins’ mother would be able to help. After all she had been at the school when it had been in the Tyrol. Taking a deep breath Annie said, “What was Elizabeth Arnett like?”
Irma’s suspicions were all but confirmed. “She was full of mischief,” She told Annie with a smile. “She and her friend Betty were always getting themselves into trouble with some madcap scheme or other. I always got the impression that she was clever to, how else she would have been able to think some of the stuff they got up to I don’t know.”
“I know hardly anything about her.” Annie replied as she turned her head away, wanting to hide her bright eyes.
“Mrs Courvoisier knew her better than I did,” Irma continued. “I believe they were quite friendly during their last few years at school together.”
“Do you think she would mind telling me about her sometime?”
“No I’m sure she wouldn’t.” Irma reassured her.
“You see,” Annie said feeling that she ought to explain herself, “She was my mother. But she died when I was three, I don’t even know how. Dad doesn’t like to talk about her he gets upset. I wish I knew more about her though, it doesn’t seem fair that I don’t.”
Irma hugged Annie and told her, “Well I’m sure that Mrs Courvoisier and Mrs Maynard will gladly tell you all they can about your Mother. You should tell your Father how you feel though Annie, I’m sure he does not mean for you to know so little about your Mother. He probably just isn’t sure how to bring her into a conversation. And you must remind him very much of her, you do look like her you know.”
“I do?” Annie questioned eagerly smiling for the first time; “I’ve only seen pictures of her when she’s grown up, none from when she was my age.”
“Yes you do look like her, especially when you smile.”
“Thank-you.” Annie told Irma shyly, “Thank-you for talking to me about my Mother and making her seem more real to me.”
“It’s nothing.” Irma told her lightly. “Now are you ok to go back into the lounge with the twins and Claire and Julia?”
Annie nodded and went back to join her friends, feeling happier than she had done previously. Irma was left standing in the kitchen feeling extremely thankful for the fact that despite her parents having died at a relatively early age she still had memories which she was able to treasure them by.
Author:  Fatima [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
Poor Annie. I hope she has a nice chat with Biddy.

Thanks Caz.
Author:  leahbelle [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 4:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
I do feel sorry for poor Annie. She needs to know about her mother. Thanks, Caxz.
Author:  brie [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 4:35 pm ]
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i feel very sorry for annie.. but i am also kindo of glad because it means i guessed the right character :oops:
Author:  KathrynW [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 4:45 pm ]
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That was such a lovely scene, thank you Caz! Irma dealt with Annie so sympathetically
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 4:58 pm ]
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Poor Annie - and poor Elizabeth - wonder how she died?

Thanks Caz.
Author:  Chair [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 7:03 pm ]
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Thanks, Caz. I am also wondering how she died. I had not guessed Annie's mother at all!
Author:  Elle [ Thu Jul 13, 2006 6:23 am ]
Post subject: 
brie wrote:
i feel very sorry for annie.. but i am also kindo of glad because it means i guessed the right character :oops:



Um... I was totally wrong. Barking up completely the wrong tree!
Author:  Carys [ Fri Jul 14, 2006 7:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
I am now currently trying to fight off the pb's who want me to write a drabble about Elizabeth after her time in the CS...

That evening Joey hosted a small dinner party in Irma’s honour. Attending were Biddy, Hilary Graves, who Biddy shared a Chalet with, Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson, as well as Irma and Joey of course. Irma had not told her friends of her chat with Annie, partly because she had not had time to and partly because she didn’t know if she should.
As the guests were tucking into their main course Miss Annersley, who ever since the business with Phil had kept a close eye on Annie asked “Did something happen with Annie today? She seemed very subdued when I saw her just now.”
Joey and Biddy exchanged puzzled glances before Biddy said, “No I don’t think anything happened apart from Julia spilling her drink all over her but with Julia as a friend she must be used to it by now!”
There was a ripple of laughter amongst the guests. Before Irma, feeling that maybe she ought to say something, spoke up, “Actually,” She began hesitantly, “Something did happen with Annie today.” She paused before continuing, “She found out her Mother went to the Chalet School.”
“Annie’s mother went to the Chalet School!” Joey exclaimed. “But who was she?”
“Hush Joey,” Hilda said holding up her hand, “I was wondering when this would happen.”
“You knew she was Elizabeth Arnett’s daughter?” Irma asked as Joey, Biddy and Hilary gasped in surprise.
“Yes, Annie’s been down for the Chalet School since she was six months old. But for so many years we heard nothing from or about Elizabeth that I supposed she had changed her mind and did not know how to say so… After all parents don’t like to be separated from their children these days. Then last Easter we had a letter from a James Thomas asking if we still had a place for his daughter Annie, of course I told him we had.”
“Did he say why he didn’t want Annie to know that Elizabeth came here?” Hilary asked curiously.
“He came to the school to drop Annie off last term and I had an interview with him where he said he would tell Annie about Elizabeth coming here when he thought the time was right, he got very uncomfortable when talking about Elizabeth. I gathered he has never fully recovered from her death.”
Bill who had also been present at the interview added, “He was such a sad looking man, his eyes were full of sorrow.”
“Did he say how Elizabeth died?” Biddy questioned quietly.
Hilda shook her head, “No, not exactly. He said it was sudden though.” Turning to Irma she asked, “How did Annie take the news?”
“She was upset, but she wanted to know more about her Mother. She said it hurt her Father to talk about her. I told her as much as I could, and I told her that Biddy and Joey knew her better than I so if she wanted to know more then she should go to them.”
“The poor girl,” Biddy said sombrely, “If she wants then I’ll tell her as much as I can about Elizabeth.”
“Thank-you Biddy.” Hilda said softly, “I’m sure that all who remember Elizabeth will gladly do the same. However we can’t do anything until Annie herself asks us for our memories of her Mother.”
Author:  KathrynW [ Fri Jul 14, 2006 7:40 pm ]
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Joey must not be happy that she's been kept out of the loop :wink:

Thanks Caz, I hope their memories are going to help Annie.
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Jul 14, 2006 7:47 pm ]
Post subject: 
Poor Annie - pleased they are all going to help her though.

Thanks Caz
Author:  leahbelle [ Sat Jul 15, 2006 1:15 pm ]
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Poor Annie. At least she has lots of people looking out for her.
Author:  Ruth B [ Mon Jul 17, 2006 2:57 pm ]
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Poor Annie! I was totally wrong, I thought she was Betty's daughter.
Author:  Chair [ Mon Jul 17, 2006 6:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Caz.
Author:  LizB [ Sat Jul 29, 2006 12:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
Cazx wrote:
I am now currently trying to fight off the pb's who want me to write a drabble about Elizabeth after her time in the CS...


*surreptitiously feeds the bunnies*

Thanks Cazx :D
Author:  Lyanne [ Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
“He came to the school to drop Annie off last term and I had an interview with him where he said he would tell Annie about Elizabeth coming here when he thought the time was right, he got very uncomfortable when talking about Elizabeth. I gathered he has never fully recovered from her death.”

I think he should have told Annie her mother went there & that's why (I presume) she's there - Annie must have been wondering why her father would send her so far away especially as they're (again, I presume) all each other have.
Author:  ravenseyes [ Tue Sep 19, 2006 4:38 am ]
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Is there going to be more of this ? PLEASE :D
Author:  aitchemelle [ Wed Sep 20, 2006 11:00 am ]
Post subject: 
Please let there be m ore! I have just read the whole thing from beginning to end (and my eyes have gone funny in the process!!) :oops:
Author:  Carys [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 8:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
Apologies if my CS History fails!

At that very moment Annie was telling her friends about the discovery she had made earlier. She had not intended to but when Claire asked her if she was feeling ok she found herself telling her friends about her Mother.
“So your Mother was at the Chalet School to!” Heidi exclaimed after Annie had finished her tale.
“Maybe she knew my Mother.” Julia said, “They must have been a similar age. Did Frau Von Rothenfels say who her friends were?”
“She said that she was friendly with Mrs Courvoisier in her last years at school, and didn’t your Mother,” She turned to Claire, “say she had a friend called Betty.” Annie had taken in every nook of information she had gained about her Mother that day.
“Yes,” Claire said shortly before adding, “But I don’t know if they would have been friendly in later life as I think Betty was later expelled. Only her, a Prussian girl who was at school when Mamma was Head Girl,” Claire sighed before adding sadly, “and now Phil have been expelled from the Chalet School. You’d be best asking Mamma about Betty and whether your Mother remained friendly with her at all.”
“Oh.” Annie said quietly, part of her was shocked to discover that one of her mother’s friends had been expelled.
“I know what we can do.” Alixe said trying to lighten the gloomy mood, which had suddenly fallen over the group of five, “Lets go and check the School Honour’s Boards to see if Annie’s mother is on any of them.”
“Yes lets!” Julia exclaimed, “I never thought of them.”
“I did not even know they existed.” Annie remarked as she followed her friends.
“They are something people tend to forget about.” Heidi acknowledged, “But they list all the Head Girl’s, Games Prefects, Editors of the Chaletian and anyone that won any scholarships or prizes.”
On reaching the Honour’s Board all five girls crowded around them excitedly before sensible Claire said, “If we all crowd around like this it will take double the time to find out anything, Annie and Julia should go at the front. Annie because it’s her who wants to find out about her Mother and Julia because she’s the tallest.”
The twins reluctantly moved away and stood to one side with Claire.
“What year did your Mother leave school?” Julia asked Annie.
“I don’t know, sometime in the early to mid forties I guess.”
“Ok my Mother was Head Girl just before the end of the war.” Julia pointed to the name Beth Chester on the Honour’s Board. “Then before her there was Mary Rosomon’s Mother Daisy Venables, then there was Jesanne Gellibrand, and before her was Elizabeth Arnett!” Julia turned to Annie and grinned. “Your Mother was Head Girl just like mine and Claire’s!”
Annie smiled, as she traced her mother’s name with her finger, “It’s so nice to know more about her, she must have been a wonderful person if she was Head Girl.”
A fresh voice now spoke up, “And she was a wonderful Head Girl, one of our best.”
The girls turned around to discover that Rosalie Dene had crept up upon them.
“Was she really?” Annie asked.
Rosalie nodded, “She was indeed. I’ll tell you about her soon but not now because you five should be getting ready for bed.”
The girls all hurriedly looked at their watches to discover that they should have started getting ready for bed ten minutes ago. “We didn’t realise the time.” Julia said quickly.
“Well go quick before you get into any trouble, go on scram!” Rosalie laughed as the girls ran out of the room.
Later tucked up in bed Annie took great pleasure in recollecting each fact she had learnt about her Mother that day. She was also able to look forward to learning more about her from people who had known her while she was at school.
Claire, on the other hand, was preparing herself for another night of bad dreams and interrupted sleep. Despite telling her parents otherwise her nights were still dominated by disturbing dreams and nightmares and Claire now dreaded going to sleep at night because of them.
Author:  kimothy [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 8:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
thanks its good to see an update of this!

im glad for annie

but poor claire :(
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 11:37 pm ]
Post subject:  The forgottened Maynard
Glad to see this back. I've been longing for an update
Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri Oct 27, 2006 1:06 am ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Cazx - poor Claire and her nightmares.
Author:  Fatima [ Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:31 am ]
Post subject: 
I'm pleased to see some more of this, thanks Caz.
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Oct 27, 2006 5:16 am ]
Post subject: 
Pleased for Annie - but poor Claire.

Had forgotten that Phil was expelled! :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:


Thanks Cazx - good to see more of this.
Author:  Ruth B [ Fri Oct 27, 2006 8:03 am ]
Post subject: 
Great to see this back. Thank you!!
Author:  Chair [ Fri Oct 27, 2006 8:28 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Caz. I'm feeling sorry for Claire.
Author:  LizB [ Sun Oct 29, 2006 12:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm glad Annie's learning more about her mother. Poor Claire :(

Thanks, Cazx
Author:  leahbelle [ Sun Oct 29, 2006 7:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
Great to see this back and good to know that Annie's able to learn more about her mother.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
Very glad to see another update on this
Author:  Carys [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 7:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
Marie Claire was scared. She was trapped on a burning train. Shattered glass covered the floor and the cold night’s air was full of shrieks and screams.
She was sitting on the floor, dazed and bruised but otherwise unharmed. Where was her Mamma though? Why wasn’t she at her side as she usually was?
Suddenly Marie Claire was picked up off the floor, the movement alarmed her and she began to whimper.
“Shush Baby.” Mamma said weakly. “Shush Mamma will look after you.”
Instantly Marie Claire was comforted, everything was going to be ok; Mamma was going to look after her.
Marie Claire huddled close to her Mamma, put her thumb in her mouth and closed her eyes. She noticed that it was getting hotter but it didn’t matter as long as Mamma was with her she would be looked after.
“Mon Dieu!” Mamma exclaimed after a few minutes, and she unsteadily got to her feet clutching Marie Claire close to her.
Marie Claire noticed that the compartment they were in had filled with smoke. She coughed and Mamma hurried over to the broken window. Somehow Mamma managed to open it wide enough to thrust Marie Claire out into the dark.
“Please someone, please help me, please take my baby.” Mamma’s pleas were getting fainter and fainter.
Standing a couple of feet away from Marie Claire was Phil who was steadfastly ignoring the calls for help. With a smirk at the helpless duo of Marie Claire and her Mamma, she turned away and walked into the darkness.
Marie Claire felt a wave of desperation over come her and opening her mouth wide she began to scream…
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
Is this a dream? Is Marie Claire remembering the train accident where her real mother died and transposing Phil's behaviour there?


Thanks Carys.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Jul 10, 2007 12:32 am ]
Post subject: 
Oh, the poor child, to dream like that.

Thanks Carys.
Author:  Carys [ Wed Jul 11, 2007 2:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
“Claire, Claire wake up Claire.” Annie said frantically shaking her friend.
Claire’s mutterings in her sleep had woken up all of her dormitory.
“I’m going to go and get Matey, only Annie and Alixe stay with Claire, the rest of you go back to your beds.” Lois Graves said decidedly before hurrying out of the room.
What’s the matter with her?” Alixe said worriedly.
“I think she must be having a nightmare.” Annie replied. “Come on Claire wake up.”
Claire did just that, her eyes opened but didn’t seem to focus on her friends, instead they filled with tears and speaking hurriedly in French she said, “Mamma, where’s Mamma? Where is she? I need to see her.”
Neither Annie or Alixe had seen Claire in such a state before, it was hard to tell what Claire was saying through her heavy sobs but Alixe heard enough to know her friend wanted her Mother.
“You’re at school Claire,” She told her friend gently, “Auntie Joey is at Freudesheim, she’s not here.”
But Claire looking blankly at her friend continued to sob.
The commotion being caused by Lavender soon resulted in girls in other dormitories being awoken. Cecy was one of these, never one to sit there and twiddle her thumbs she went to investigate the cause of the noise. Running into Matron Lloyd, with Lois, Cecy instinctively apologised it was never acceptable to be caught out of bed by Matron.
“I’m sorry Matron,” She said hurriedly. “I just wanted to see if there’s anything I can do to help.”
Matey’s gaze was softer than Cecy had expected. “Lois has told me that Claire has had a bad dream, you’d better come with us and see if you can calm her down.”
“Claire?” Cecy questioned her face full of worry.
They soon reached Lavender and Cecy rushed to Claire’s cubicle.
“It’s ok Baby,” She said holding out her arms. “Cecy’s here, everything will be ok.”
Claire threw herself into her sisters arms, and through sobs said “I’ve had the worst dream Cecy, the worst dream ever.”
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jul 11, 2007 5:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
Poor Claire - glad Cecy was there for her.


Thanks Carys.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:19 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hope Cecy can help her and they can find the cause of the dreams. She seems to mixing events
Sends Cecy and Claire (((hugs)))
Author:  MaryR [ Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
But isn't that what nightmares are - a mish mash of things that are all mixed up and frightening? :cry: Poor Claire. Clearly the accident has resurrected those deeply hidden memories.

Thanks, Carys
Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu Jul 12, 2007 11:43 am ]
Post subject: 
Oh how frightening and confusing for her.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:19 pm ]
Post subject: 
Glad to see more of this. Poor Claire :(
Author:  leahbelle [ Thu Jul 12, 2007 3:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
Poor Claire.
Author:  James [ Thu Aug 02, 2007 8:18 pm ]
Post subject: 
Wow... just read all of this (including the archived Part 1) and it's stunning, Carys! Marie-Claire is a wonderful character, and it's really nice to see Joey having problems with her younger children but coping with them sensibly.
Author:  Carys [ Thu Oct 04, 2007 9:12 pm ]
Post subject: 
Both Marie-Claire and Cecy slept in the San that night. Cecy insisted that she should be allowed to stay with her little sister and Matron was inclined to agree with her. Claire had continued to talk in French after her nightmare and it was unclear what exactly she had been dreaming about, however Matron did have her suspicions. Although she did not say anything to Cecy and Claire, Matron was extremely worried about the youngest Maynard’s nightmares.
“These past few weeks can’t have been easy for her,” She said to Miss Annersley once they had made sure the two girls were settled for the night. “The train accident at half term must have bought back a lot of memories for her. She has had to deal with knowing that it was her own brother and sister who were responsible for her accident two years ago and she knows that they have shown no remorse for their actions. And then well I wonder if tonight’s nightmare was triggered by the train crash that killed her real mother.”
“But Claire was just a baby when that happened.” Miss Annersley answered, “Surely she can’t remember anything about that accident.”
“I don’t know.” Matron replied, “It would have been such a traumatic event for her that it could have been stored in her brains subconscious all this time and the events of recent weeks have caused it to emerge once again. Or it could just be that as Claire is a very imaginative child, she may have imagined at some point how her mother died, maybe her imagination has infiltrated her dreams.”
Claire awoke first the next morning. She was immediately ashamed of her behaviour the night before. What would the others think of her? She dreaded being thought of as a crybaby. She sighed hoping that she would not be fussed over by Matron and her parents because of last night, she suspected that this would not be the case however.
Cecy had merely been dozing and on hearing Claire’s heavy sigh she rubbed her eyes and sat up in bed.
“How are you feeling Baby?” She asked with concern, she had been scared the previous night.
“Embarrassed.” Claire said honestly, “Why did I have to make such a fool of myself?”
“No one thinks you were a fool, baby. You had a nightmare, and a bad one by the look of it.”
“It was a horrible nightmare.” Claire said quietly not looking at her sister. “I dreamt of how Mama died.”
“But Mamma is alive and perfectly healthy, you have nothing to worry about…” But seeing the cloud that came over Claire’s face Cecy realised what her sister meant. “Oh you mean how your real mother died in the train crash.”
Claire nodded, “She’s not my real Mother though, Mamma is and Papa is my real Father. I don’t remember my parents; my Father was dead before I was born. I only remember Mamma and Papa and they are my real parents. They’ve given me everything and made me into who I am. I’ll always wish I had got the chance to know my real parents but only out of curiosity.” She paused, unsure if she was explaining herself properly. “The dream last night was as if I was a baby once more and trapped on that train, Mama was trying to pass me out through a window but the only person in sight refused to take me. Do you know who that was Cecy?”
Cecy’s eyes were bright and she moved to sit next to her sister, “No, who?”
“It was Phil. She refused to help me, just like she refused to help me when she and Geoff dared me to climb that tree.”
Cecy did not know what to say she could not say that it was just a dream and that it didn’t matter because it wouldn’t happen in real life because it had.
“Phil is…” Cecy searched for the right word, “I don’t know, not like the rest of us. The rest of us love you, and I’m sure Geoff does deep down to. He’s always been easily led by Phil. Think of how Erica and Mike always make such a fuss of you, and how Mamma is always so upset when you are ill, I know she says she doesn’t have favourites but I think you are her’s.”
“Well you are Papa’s then!” Claire retorted sniffing.
Cecy smiled, “Hmm maybe. Phil will see the error of her ways one day I’m sure. Don’t work yourself up over her Baby, she’s not worth making yourself ill over.”
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Oct 04, 2007 9:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lovely to see more of this - Phil seems to be unwell in this - a truly nasty child and very jealous.

Cecy and Marie-Claire have a lovely relationship though.


Thanks Carys.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Oct 05, 2007 10:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
Poor Claire. It must be heartbreaking knowing her sister and brother caused her so much pain.
Author:  leahbelle [ Sat Oct 06, 2007 2:19 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lovely to see this back :lol: .
Author:  Soph [ Sat Oct 06, 2007 3:02 pm ]
Post subject: 
really like this story, glad it is back!
Author:  Carys [ Sun Oct 07, 2007 3:01 pm ]
Post subject: 
I am ver ashamed that I have been writing this for about two years and still haven't finished it! However if things go to plan then it should be finished soon!


Hilda Annersley was sitting in her study answering her personal correspondence; she had been to church and hoped to have finished a letter to Nell Randolph before dinner. Therefore when the phone rang she was not best pleased.
“Hello Hilda,” Joey’s clear voice answered her hello.
“Joey, how are you?”
“Fine, thanks. I want to ask you a favour Hilda, can Cecy and Baby come home for the day today. Mike came home unexpectedly late last night and he wants to see them.”
“What a nice surprise!” Hilda said with a smile. “Well I was going to phone you about Claire this afternoon.”
“Why? What’s happened?” Joey asked, her voice already had a note of panic in it.
“It’s nothing to worry about.” Hilda quickly reassured her friend. “She had a bad dream last night, and woke up sobbing. But Gwyneth thinks that she’s got it out of her system now. Cecy stayed in the San with Claire last night and I think they had a long chat this morning about it. Gwyneth thinks that talking about it has helped Claire and that the dreams won’t bother her anymore.”
“Do you think she’s well enough to come and see Mike? I could send him over to the school.”
“No I think that if she comes to saw him then it’d take her mind off it, especially if we don’t tell them and leave it as a surprise.”
“Oh yes lets leave it as a surprise!” Joey’s said in delight, “Well send them over as soon as they are ready.”
Hilda agreed, and resigning herself to the fact that she’d have to complete her letter later went to find Cecy and Claire. She found them in Claire’s Common Room, where Cecy was helping her with a jigsaw puzzle.
“Hello girls.” Miss Annersley said with a smile, “How are you today?”
“I’m fine.” Claire said quickly, she hated being fussed over.
“I’m glad to hear it,” Miss Annersley answered, “Your Mother has just been on the phone requesting that you two go to Freudesheim for the day. So go and get yourselves ready.”
Cecy stood up to go but Claire stayed where she was, “I only saw Mamma yesterday, why does she want to see me again? It’s not because of last night is it?”
“No it’s not Claire.” Miss Annersley quickly reassured her, “Your Mother has a surprise for you two.”
“What?” Cecy asked eagerly.
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you now would it!” Miss Annersley laughed.
Cecy and Claire got ready in record time and were soon walking the short route to their home.
“What do you think the surprise is?” Claire asked.
“I don’t know, maybe someone has come to visit… wouldn’t it be nice if it was Con, Roger and the girls.”
“Oh I hope so!” Claire exclaimed in delight, “Alicia must have grown so much since we last saw her, and Con said in her last letter that Madeline was talking properly now.”
“I do hope it’s them,” Cecy sighed, “We’d better not get our hopes up though, if it’s someone else then we’ll only be disappointed.”
“Girls,” Joey’s voice called to them from the big French doors at the back of the house. “Come in out of the cold and see who’s here.”
Cecy and Claire hurried inside, “Where is the Surprise Mamma?” Claire demanded as she gave her Mother a kiss.
“It’s coming now.” Joey laughed, as she hugged and kissed Cecy. “Now Claire are you ok, Auntie Hilda told me about your dream.”
“I’m fine!” Claire answered impatiently as the door opened and Mike Maynard walked in.
Claire and Cecy both uttered shrieks of joy and ran to their brother. Embracing him Claire said, “This is a far better surprise than Con and her family would have been!”
Author:  Fatima [ Sun Oct 07, 2007 3:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm glad they were pleased to see Mike; after their conversation about Con I thought they'd be disappointed it was him.
Author:  leahbelle [ Sun Oct 07, 2007 7:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
Also glad they were so pleased to see Mike.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Oct 08, 2007 7:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
Am glad they're thrilled Mike has turned up though wonder what Con would say to the last comment
Author:  brie [ Tue Oct 09, 2007 2:16 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks. i really enjoyed catching up on this.
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
Nice to see the rest of the family all rally round - and it's only Phil that's the bad apple.


Thanks Carys.
Author:  Carys [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
Just a short update tonight I'm afraid.

Anna had somehow or other conjured up a Sunday lunch at a very short notice. The Maynard’s did not normally have a Sunday lunch, but Anna knowing that this was Mike’s favourite meal had, with Joey’s help, cooked one to celebrate his return home.
There was an emergency at the San so there was only Joey, Anna, Mike, Cecy, Claire and Phil who were there to eat it.
As with all of Anna’s cooking the meal was delicious and everyone enjoyed it. Mike was something of a comedian and he kept them all entertained with jokes and tales of Navy life. Even Phil looked less sullen than usual and she even asked Claire to pass her the gravy jug quite politely much to everyone else’s surprise.
“When do you two have to go back to school?” Mike asked Cecy and Claire once they had finished their dinner.
“Not for a few hours yet.” Cecy told him.
“Good.” Mike grinned, “How about us three go for a walk along the Platz?”
“Oh yes please!” Claire exclaimed. Spending time alone with Cecy and Mike was one of her favourite things, it made her feel so grown up!
“I’ll go and get my outdoor things, and then we can go.”
Mike quickly went upstairs to get his walking boots and winter coat. On his way back downstairs he bumped into Phil on the landing. Mike knew all about what had happened with the second twins and Claire and this had been part of the reason why he had applied for special leave.
“Can I come to Mike?” She asked.
Mike looked at her in surprise, Phil was usually most reluctant to do anything that Claire was also doing. “I don’t really think that it would be a good idea Phil.”
“Why not?” She asked sulkily.
“Because after all Baby’s been through in the last few weeks you are most probably the last person she wants to be with. You know Phil you were supposed to look out for her like Cecy and I have done, she’s your little sister and all you’ve done is cause her trouble. Why?” Phil was in Mike’s bad books as she was with every other member of her family.
“I… um… I” Phil stammered looking at the floor.
Mike’s scornful gaze softened slightly as he saw an expression on Phil’s face he had never witnessed before, could it be guilt?
“You and I will go on a walk of our own tomorrow.” He told her before going downstairs to see if Cecy and Claire were ready.
Author:  Sugar [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:01 pm ]
Post subject: 
I wonder if mike night be able to get to the bottom of Phil's problems!

Thanks Carys
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
If it is guilt then that could be a positive step. Pleased that Mike is so supprtive.


Thanks Carys.
Author:  Fatima [ Tue Oct 16, 2007 3:22 am ]
Post subject: 
I hope Mike can sort things out a bit with Phil. He's grown up very well!
Author:  brie [ Tue Oct 16, 2007 10:20 am ]
Post subject: 
thanks I'm really enjoying this, I hope this will prove a positive step for Phil.
Author:  KathrynW [ Tue Oct 16, 2007 10:48 am ]
Post subject: 
Mike is lovely in this! Thanks Carys :D
Author:  Carys [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 9:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
“Where are we going to walk to?” Claire asked eagerly as the three siblings left the warmth of the house.
“I thought we could walk along the motor road towards the San,” Mike told her. “I know it’s not the most exciting walk for us to go on but if the weather does suddenly turn then there’ll be plenty of places to shelter.”
“Do you think the weather is going to turn?” Cecy looked around anxiously; “Maybe we shouldn’t go for a walk just in case, Baby shouldn’t be out in snow.”
“Don’t listen to her Mike!” Claire exclaimed indignantly. “I’m perfectly fine, or would be if people didn’t fuss so.”
Mike laughed, “Oh I don’t think it’ll snow, I’m just being over cautious, and Baby I’m afraid you have inherited the title of the fragile Maynard whether you like it or not.”
“I don’t like it!” Claire pouted. “The only times I’ve been ill recently have all been due to accidents.”
“I know Baby, but come on now don’t look so cross you might get mistaken for Phil if you continue to look so grumpy.” Mike answered her jokingly.
“Only you could say that about Phil and get away with it.” Cecy said feelingly. “Every time I call her grumpy or sleepy or anything really she flies of the handle.”
“Yes well our sister is a puzzle of sorts.” Mike replied with a shrug.
“She’s more than a puzzle.” Claire exclaimed, “She’s a nightmare! I don’t understand how she is the way she is, none of the rest of us are like her even Geoff isn’t that bad…” Claire’s voice trailed off as she realised how vocal she had been. When her siblings usually talked about the complex character of Phil she normally kept quiet.
“She’s been beastly towards you hasn’t she Baby?” Mike asked softly.
Claire shrugged.
“She has.” Cecy answered for her little sister, “For nearly as long as I can remember she has been horrid to Claire. Why do you think she’s like that Mike?”
“I dunno…” Mike looked at Claire, “Do you want us to talk about this or shall we discuss something else?”
“No we can talk about it.” Claire answered. “You can give me tips on how to deal with her.”
“Well,” Mike continued, “I’ve always wondered if maybe Phil was jealous of you.”
“Jealous of me but why?” Claire asked in confusion.
“That makes sense you know.” Cecy nodded, “Think about it Baby, Phil had always been the youngest fragile Maynard before you arrived. When you came to us you were the youngest and then when you started to get ill after she had recovered from polio you also became the frail one. All the attention she got from being the youngest, sickly one vanished and you got it instead. And then there’s also the fact that you have always been prettier and more personable than Phil.”
“But I didn’t ask for people to pay me attention and her none.” Claire said.
“I know you didn’t Baby.” Mike quickly reassured her, “But look at it from Phil’s point of view. She’s seven or eight years old and whenever Mamma has visitors they always make a fuss of her first because she had been ill for so long. Then when you get ill she has to pay second fiddle to you, she gets jealous and jealously in a child is not a nice thing it warps the character of the child.”
“I just want us to be a normal family.” Claire sighed.
“We are a normal family!” Cecy told her quickly, “We’ve just got a silly sister who sooner or later will see just how horrible and unreasonable she has been.”
Mike pulled Claire into a hug, “I’m going to speak to Phil tomorrow and hopefully I’ll knock some sense into her.” Releasing her he said, “Now come on lets talk of something more cheerful!”
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 11:23 pm ]
Post subject: 
I love how they are able to reason out why Phil is behaving the way she is. Thanks for the update
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Oct 21, 2007 7:21 am ]
Post subject: 
Lovely conversation - but I do wonder if it's too late for Phil - after all I'm sure others have also noted her problems stem from jealousy? It's such a destructive emotion that she may not be salvageable.


Thanks Carys.
Author:  Carys [ Sat Feb 07, 2009 9:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 20/10Pg4
Just realised I had more of this typed up... Really need to finish this as there isn't much left for me to write.

Since Phil’s expulsion from the Chalet School Joey had insisted that her daughter would not let her education slide until she started a new school. Joey undertook to coach Phil in English, history and languages, while Jack in what little spare time he had ensured that Phil kept up with her maths and science lessons. Joey insisted that Phil worked the same hours as she had done in the Chalet School, and it might be said that in fact she worked longer hours as Phil found that under the watchful eyes of her parents there was little chance of being able to get away with pretending to work.
“Do you think Phil can be spared from her lessons for an hour and a half or so this morning, Mother?” Mike asked the day after his walk with Claire and Cecy. “I promised her I’d take her out for a walk.”
“Oh I don’t know Mike.” Joey sighed. “She is so far behind with her school work that I don’t want her to be distracted for the rest of the day, which will probably happen if I let her go outside.”
“Come on Mother let her come with me; I’ll make sure she works twice as hard this afternoon. Also I thought it would give you some time to get on with your new book.”
Joey considered this statement before saying, “Well I do want to finish the chapter I’m currently writing and I should be able to do that in an hour and a half when there is no Phil to supervise. My publisher has been very sympathetic and patient whilst waiting for this book, more so than most would, do you know it’s been over two years since my last book was published? But with Baby being so ill I couldn’t possibly write, I was making real headway with the new book when she went back to school but now what with having to tutor Phil my book is suffering…”
“Well let me take charge of Phil’s education today, you need to take some time off Mamma, you’re doing too much.”
“Oh you know me Mike, I like to keep busy!” Joey smiled as kissed her son on the cheek. “Very well I’ll take you up on your offer, and thank you for being so thoughtful towards your dear Mamma.”
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Feb 07, 2009 9:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 07/02
I can't find part one in the archives! :cry: I wanted to refresh my memory with it.

Never mind - good to see more of this and I love the relationship between Joey and Mike. Hope Mike can get to the bottom of Phil's behaviour.


Thanks Carys
Author:  Carys [ Sat Feb 07, 2009 9:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 07/02
Part 1 is there Lesley, it's under my old user name Cazx-sorry for causing confusion!
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 07/02
Thanks Carys - have just re-read it - Phil deserves everything she gets - leaving Claire there for five hours after she fell from the tree :evil:
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Feb 08, 2009 7:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 07/02
Hope Mike is able to get to the bottom of Phil's antagonism. I know the others are saying Geoff hasn't been as bad but nor has he really stood up to Phil either. Thanks for the update
Author:  shazwales [ Sun Jul 12, 2009 9:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 07/02
I like the grown up Mike in this,so used to thinking of him as a child;
thanks.
Author:  charlotta4th [ Fri Aug 21, 2009 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 07/02
Love the story, thanks!
I know it's a long time since the last bit but I'd love to see how it ends!

Charlotta4th :)
Author:  valerievengeance [ Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 07/02
So would I.

It's always nice to see the younger Maynards fleshed out a little, and it does seem realistic that among 9 (?) children plus all the wards and hangers-on, there would be at least one that rebelled against the continual expansion of the family and what they perceived as a smaller slice of the pie as a result.
Author:  Carys [ Tue Oct 20, 2009 7:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 07/02
Hopefully another update will follow shortly...


Phil was in the old Maynard nursery, which over the years had transformed into a den for the younger members of the family to spend time in during the holidays. The dolls houses’, train sets, and other toys had been replaced with comfortable chairs, a record player, and an extensive collection of the records and books which appealed to the younger Maynard’s. At the moment however the den had become Phil’s schoolroom and the only time she was allowed inside it was when she was to be studying, the fun aspect of the den was presently being denied to her as part of her punishment.
Phil was gathering her books together for her morning lessons with Joey when Mike stepped into the room.
“You’d better put those books away.” He told her without even bothering to say hello.
“Why?” Phil asked suspiciously. “Mamma is coming for my morning lessons in a moment.”
“I’ve given Mamma the day off.” Mike told his little sister firmly. “I’m going to be in charge of your lessons today. Now put your books away and put on your coat, hat and scarf-we’re going for a walk.”
Phil did not need telling twice, she quickly put her books back into the cupboard before rushing out of the room to put on her outdoor clothes.
Despite getting ready as quickly as she could Mike was already waiting for her at the front door.
“Sorry for taking so long.” She told him quickly.
“You were quicker than usual.” He answered wryly holding the door open for her. “Come on lets go.”
“Where are we going to go Mike?” Phil asked eagerly.
“I thought we’d walk through the pine trees.”
“Ok,” Phil answered with a small smile before adding, “Thanks for persuading Mamma to let me spend the day with you, I’ve been working so hard lately that I need a day off.”
Mike raised his eyebrows before saying, “Now listen to me Phil I did not persuade Mamma to give you the day off as a treat to you but as a treat for her. Have you noticed how she has aged during the last two years?”
Phil thought before saying, “Well I suppose she does look older than she used to, she has grey streaks in her hair now and lines on her face, and she never used to. But I just thought that was because she was getting old.”
“Well yes but people don’t normally age that quickly and suddenly, it is usually a lot more gradual.” Mike paused before adding, “What do you think has made her age like this when she used to look and act so young?”
“I suppose you’re going to blame me, just like the rest of them.” Phil muttered sulkily as she realised a day with Mike was not going to be as fun as she first thought.
“I’m not blaming you,” Mike said causing Phil to look at him hopefully before her face fell again as she heard his next words, “I know it’s you.”
“But….” Phil tried to speak but Mike held his hand up indicating her to stop.”
“No Phil I don’t want to hear any of your excuses, I am going to do the talking and you will only answer when I have a question for you-ok?”
“Yes ok then,” Phil said in a small voice.
“Mamma and Papa have always been worried about Baby’s health ever since she almost died when she caught pneumonia at five.”
“I didn’t know… sorry you said not to interrupt.” Phil’s voice sounded startled before it trailed off.
“What didn’t you know?” Mike asked curiously.
“That she almost died, Geoff and I were told she had a bad cold and that’s why we had to go away and stay with Aunt Winnie. We couldn’t understand why we had to be sent away when all that was wrong with her was a bad cold, and then when we were away from home for so long because of her we blamed her for it.”
“Well she did have a bad cold at first,” Mike told her, “but then it developed into pneumonia and there were a few days where we didn’t know if she would pull through or not. And then when Baby did begin to get better it was a slow process and it was felt best for you and Geoff to stay where you were until she was completely recovered.”
“Why weren’t we told though?” Phil asked.
“Probably because Mamma and Papa thought you were too young to understand or because they did not want you and Geoff to worry about Baby when there was nothing you could do. But surely you must have heard about this before now?”
Phil shrugged, “Maybe I tend not to pay much attention whenever she is being talked about.”
Mike shook his head in disbelief, “Now as I was saying, before Baby got pneumonia Mamma and Papa never worried about her health but after then was a different story, she seemed to catch every illness she possibly could and when you and Geoff caught them at the same time she was always more severely ill and took longer to recover than the pair of you. Did you realise this?”
“I don’t think so,” Phil said carefully, “but if I’d thought about it then I should have worked it out. Was that why everyone made more of a fuss about her being ill than they did of Geoff and me?”
“Yes, but just because more of a fuss was made of Baby does not mean we did not care and worry about you and Geoff, it was just Baby was in more danger than either of you.” Mike looked at Phil carefully, she seemed to be taking in all that he was saying, and looked more thoughtful than usual. “Anyway,” he continued, “Baby eventually outgrew her childhood delicacy and whilst she was not as strong as the rest of us she was perfectly healthy and Mamma ceased to worry about her as much as she previously had, that is until the day she came out here with you and Geoff and fell from the pines. You saw how worried Mamma was when she did not come back for tea that afternoon, she was imagining all sorts of horrible things having happened to Baby, I think the worry and upset of that afternoon aged her, we all saw how anxious she was, why didn’t you and Geoff say where Baby was and what had happened to her?” Mike’s voice was cold and harsh as he remembered how himself and Felix and discovered Marie-Claire’s almost lifeless body in forest.
“We were scared.” Phil answered quietly, “We didn’t mean for her to fall, we just wanted to frighten her, and then she fell. We went to help her but she was not moving and we did not want to move her in case we hurt her more. So we went back, we were going to get help but then we realised that if we told everyone how she had fallen then we would be blamed. We knew she would be quickly missed and that it would not take long to find her so we decided to say nothing and hope she would not remember what had happened, though now she has and everyone knows the truth and hates me and Geoff.”
“Phil you should have known that honesty is always the best policy, if you had told Mamma and Papa what had happened straight away then they would have been angry but not as angry as they are now when they know you purposefully left her. They don’t hate you Phil but they are very disappointed and upset with you and Geoff, as am I and I imagine all our other brothers and sisters. None of us can understand how you can show no remorse for your actions towards Baby or for why you hate her in the first place? Though that seems to be because her frail health warrants so much attention, is that right?”
“Yes I suppose,” Phil admitted, “and everyone always makes a fuss over her, calling her the baby of the family and telling Mamma and Papa that they are lucky to have a daughter like her. Bur I am the baby of the family really, she is not a proper Maynard, it should be me they are saying those things about and making a fuss over. And when we were younger, after the first time she was ill, you were always throwing her up into the air and catching her-you would never do that to me when I asked you to.”
Mike closed his eyes in frustration, just as he thought he was getting somewhere with Phil it seemed he had taking ten steps backwards. “This is the last time I am going to tell you this Phil but Baby is a Maynard, Mamma and Papa have legally adopted her-we are her family. I believe some of her father’s family are still alive in France but they never wanted her, they wanted to hide her away from the world in a convent because they were ashamed of her and Mamma and Papa loved her to much to let that happen to her. And as for everyone making a fuss of her well do you think that might have something to do with her personality, she is and always has been very bright and bubbly-just like Cecy, and you don’t have a problem with Cecy now do you? And finally your last point, the reason why I only threw Baby up into the air was because by the time Papa could trust me to actually catch one of you and not drop you she was the only one who was light enough to be thrown and caught. You were too big and heavy for me to have caught by that time Phil and there was no favouritism on my part.”
Mike’s scathing words had an effect on Phil that no other person had managed to achieve. She saw plainly how unjust she and Geoff had been to Marie-Claire and how she had hurt her whole family in the process. “I’ve been an utter beast to Marie-Claire haven’t I?” She said to Mike her eyes full of the remorse which she had never felt until now.
“Yes you have.” Mike told her honestly, believing her as for the first time in the conversation Phil had referred to Marie-Claire by her actual name and not she or her.
“How will I ever apologise?” Phil said more too her-self than to her brother.
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Oct 20, 2009 8:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 20/10/09
Pleased to see more of this. Hope you can give us another update soon.
Thanks Caeys
Author:  charli [ Tue Oct 20, 2009 8:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 20/10/09
Thanks i love this.
Looking forward to more
Author:  shazwales [ Wed Oct 21, 2009 5:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 20/10/09
Thank you Carys that was a lovely update.
Author:  Carys [ Wed Oct 21, 2009 4:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 20/10/09
Two updates in two days, I can't quite believe it :shock:

Joey had had a very productive morning, she had finished the chapter she had been writing and had started planning the outline of the next. As she helped Anna by setting the table for lunch she was softly humming to herself, an indication that she was in an extremely good mood.
“Mamma…” a small voice interrupted her thoughts. Turning around Joey saw Phil standing in the doorway to the dining room looking remorseful and for once unsure of herself.
“Yes Phil?” Joey asked softly wondering what Mike could have said to have had this effect on the usually sulky schoolgirl.
“I wanted to tell you,” Phil began hesitantly, “that I’m sorry for the way I’ve treated Marie-Claire, I was jealous of how much time you spent with her and how everyone made a fuss of her. Mike’s made me see though that that was because she was so ill, and I never realised or never let myself acknowledge just how frail she was. And I’m sorry for being so horrid, I truly am, it has not made me happy always focussing on the negativity of her receiving so much attention and praise and I know it hasn’t made you or Papa or Marie-Claire happy either. If I could change how I acted in the past then I would, I honestly would, please believe me Mamma.”
Joey’s eyes filled with tears, she had been hoping to hear Phil say these words for a long time but had recently come to believe she never would. “I believe you darling.” She said holding out her arms for Phil to come into them. As Phil rushed into her mothers arms Joey held her tightly and said, “You don’t know how happy it makes me to hear you say those words Phil.”
“I want to apologise to everyone I’ve hurt Mamma, Marie-Claire most of all but I don’t know how, what if she refuses to forgive me?”
“Baby wants this to end as much as everyone else Phil and she’ll forgive you I know.” Joey spoke firmly, she knew her tender hearted youngest daughter well enough to know this would be the truth.
After lunch when Phil had gone upstairs to complete the maths homework her father had set her the previous night Joey turned to Mike and said, “My dear boy I don’t know how to thank you, I was despairing that nobody would get through to Phil but you have-how on earth did you manage it?”
“I don’t know,” Mike began, “I had an idea yesterday that I might be the one to get through to her so today I took a risk and tried to, thankfully it paid off I couldn’t stand seeing Baby so hurt and confused or the effect it was having on you.”
Joey smiled, “Oh I’m stronger than I look Mike, but I must admit Phil’s behaviour over recent years has not been pleasant and then the revelations of a few weeks ago have just made things worse. I’m so pleased that you have got through to her and made her realise just how awful her behaviour has been and how unjust it was.”
“It was no problem Mamma; I just wanted the family to go back to normal and for us all to be happy. Where Phil leads Geoff will follow and I’m sure we won’t have any more problems with the second twins. I think the humiliation of being expelled is punishment enough for Phil, though of course Geoff will need punishing for his part in this business it would not be fair to let him get away with it.”
“Yes you are right there,” Joey acknowledged, “Your father has already written to him about the incident and he received an apologetic letter back, but Geoff will need further punishment, he can’t escape his actions.”
Later that evening as Joey tucked Phil up in bed, Phil turned to her mother and said, “You know Mamma I am glad to be starting a new school in January. I can be a new and better person there, and none of the girls will know about my past and how awful I have been.” She paused before adding, “I’ve been thinking as I want to be a better person maybe I should have a new name, a name that I could live up to. Would you mind if I was called Pippa from now on?”
Joey smiled ruefully to herself as another of her daughters asked to be called something other from the name she had called them. “If you think that it will help darling then you have my blessing, though I must warn you it will take those who already know you sometime to remember to call you Pippa and not Phil-do you remember how long it took us to remember to call Cecil Cecy?”
Phil giggled as she remembered Cecy’s refusal to answer any questions or summons addressed to Cecil, and how it taken various members of the family quite some time to become accustomed to using the new name. “I remember but I will still answer to Phil when I am with you and the rest of the family, it’ll be good for me to remember how bad Phil Maynard was if I am going to make Pippa Maynard good.”
Joey kissed Phil on the forehead and said, “I’m very proud of the progress you have made today and I want you to know that throughout everything that has happened your father and I have continued to love you. Now you’ve had a long day so why don’t you get a good nights sleep and we can talk more in the morning.”
“I love you to Mamma,” Phil said with a yawn, “Goodnight.”
Author:  shazwales [ Wed Oct 21, 2009 5:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 21/10/09
Carys that was really lovely,thanks.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Oct 22, 2009 12:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 21/10/09
Really glad Phil is on her way to redemption and Mike was able to get through to her. Thanks
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Oct 23, 2009 4:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 21/10/09
Pleased Mike was able to get through where no-one else could - he's grown into a really lovely adult.


Thanks Carys
Author:  roversgirl [ Sat Oct 24, 2009 6:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 21/10/09
thanks for the update!
Author:  Carys [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 4:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 21/10/09
The Chalet School’s Christmas play this year was being written by one of the schools greatest success stories, Con Maynard. The School knowing of how much work Con had on her plate what with looking after two small little girls and writing screenplays for the BBC were extremely pleased and grateful that she had found the time to write a Christmas play for her old school.
The play had been read to the school and parts allocated. Marie-Claire was happy with the small but important speaking part she had been given, she had been prepared for disappointment on account of having missed so much school. While Cecy had been lucky enough to have been cast as the lead in the play, something she was extremely excited about.
Rehearsals for the play were progressing well, and the mistresses and older girls were saying amongst themselves that they thought the play would be the best in recent years.
Mike had sneaked into the back of the school hall to watch his younger sisters rehearse for the play, and while he had found school plays in the past to be boring and full of bad acting he was pleasantly surprised by what he witnessed. As Cecy made her final speech and Miss Burrows announced that rehearsals for that night were over Mike broke into a round of applause.
“How long have you been watching us?” Cecy demanded as she jumped off the stage and marched over to him. “Our rehearsals are supposed to be secret!”
“Just ten minutes or so,” Mike told her easily, “you are very good you know.”
“If you say so,” Cecy answered still indignant that he had observed them when they were not ready for an audience.
Mike sensed this and wanting to smooth things over said, “You know my leave is up tomorrow so I’m not going to get to see the actual performance and I promise I won’t tell a soul about what I’ve seen.”
“Thanks.” Cecy told him with a smile her anger suddenly gone. “Have you come to say good-bye then?”
“I’ve come to take you and Baby home for the evening, Mamma has cleared it with Aunt Hilda, so why don’t you run along and fetch her and I’ll wait here for you.”
“We’re going to have to go and change into our outdoor things so why don’t you wait for us in the entrance hall; we’ll be there as soon as we can.” Cecy told him quickly before rushing off in search of Marie-Claire.
Joey, with Anna and Phil’s help, had been cooking for most of the afternoon. She wanted to have a special family dinner in order to say good-bye to Mike and thank him for what he had done for the family. Len and Reg had also been invited and under the pretence of needing Len’s advice for which outfit she should wear to the Christmas play Joey had filled her in on the developments with Phil.
When Mike arrived with Cecy and Claire they found that Phil was waiting for their arrival. Before even saying hello or allowing her sisters to take their coats and shoes off she said quickly “Claire, can I talk to you alone please?”
“Why?” Cecy demanded as she placed a protective arm around her sister.
“I have something I want to say to her.” Phil said unevenly, she was finding this very hard.
Claire looked at Phil carefully, something about her seemed different. “Yes I’ll speak to you.” She said slowly. “Let’s go to Papa’s study.”
The two exited the room leaving a baffled Cecy who turned to Mike for an explanation.
Claire sat down in Jack’s armchair and waited for Phil to speak.
“I just wanted to tell you Claire that I’m sorry for the way I have treated you and for everything I have done to you.” The words from Phil’s mouth rushed out in a torrent. “If I could change it then I could, Mike has made me realise how horrid I’ve been to you and for no reason apart from being jealous. I know nothing I do can make up to you for the way I’ve behaved but please forgive me and I promise I will be a much better person and a much nice sister.”
Claire, along with her brother Charles, was probably the most tender hearted of the Maynard brood and she believed everything in Phil’s speech to be true. She also recognised that not accepting Phil’s apology would just add to the awkwardness that was already there.
“I forgive you.” Claire told her softly holding out her hand for Phil to shake it and signify that all was well between them.
“Thank-you,” Phil told her shakily, “I mean everything I said Claire, believe me I did.”
“I do believe you.” Claire told her. “Now come on let’s go and find out when dinner is going to be ready-I don’t know about you but I am starving!”
Phil laughed and followed Claire out of the room, Joey encountering the pair in the hallway smiled-Phil had made amends and the Maynard family could be normal once more.
Author:  shazwales [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 6:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 04/11/09
Thank you Carys that was a lovely update.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 04/11/09
Thanks for the update. Pity Mike is going to miss the play.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 04/11/09
Pleased Phil was able to apologise. As for Mike - luckily it's not now or he'd have been arrested as a paedophile! :shock:


Thanks Carys
Author:  Carys [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 5:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Pt2. 04/11/09
I have finally finished this, and seeing as I started writing it in 2005 (I think) that is quite an achievement for me! Now I only have 2 unfinished drabbles on the board...

Thank-you to everyone who has stuck with this and continued to read and comment-it has meant a lot!

It was the night of the Christmas play and the hall used by the school for its productions was full. Jack and Joey were sitting as close to the front as they could get along with the authoress of the play, Con, and her husband Roger. Despite wishing the play to be a success for the sake of those of her sisters who had been involved in the production and acting of it Phil had declined to attend. She was too ashamed of her actions to be exposed to the entire community on the Platz and had begged her parents to allow her to stay at home and help Anna look after Con’s daughters. Jack and Joey readily agreed although they knew that Phil would one day have to socialise with the residents of the Platz.
Backstage was chaotic. Cecy was experiencing an uncharacteristic attack of nerves, much to the exasperation of Miss Burrows, while Daphne Bettany tried to calm the situation down by taking Cecy as far away from Miss Burrows as was possible and talking to her cousin calmly and rationally.
Marie-Claire and her friends meanwhile were wildly excited and were peeping out of the stage curtains to see who was in the audience.
“That’s my sister Con, who wrote the play.” Claire pointed out to Annie.
“Where are Alicia and Madeline?” Julia asked.
“At home silly!” Claire told her, “Nobody in their right mind would bring small children to a school play; they’d be bound to spoil it in some way.”
“You’ve seen out Mutti before,” Alixe said tugging Annie’s sleeve, “but that’s our Papa next to her.”
“I liked your Mother very much.” Annie told the twins as she followed their gaze. “She was very kind to me and…” Annie’s voice trailed off as she gave a little gasp.
“What is it Annie?” Heidi asked immediately.
“My Father’s here.” Annie said in surprise. “He’s sitting in the row in-front of your Mother. What is he doing here?”
“Which one is he?” Claire demanded almost poking her head out of the curtains before being pulled back by an irate Len.
“What are you five playing at?” Len said glaring at them. “Do you realise the whole audience can see you?”
“Sorry Len, I mean sorry Mrs Entwhistle.” Claire apologised, “We just want to see who was here.”
“Well go back to the waiting room where you were supposed to be, the play is going to start in a minute and we can’t have you lot still on stage.”
The antics of the five behind the curtain had not gone un-noticed by the audience. Joey and Con were both in fits of silent laughter having caught glimpses of the five girls pushing amongst themselves to get the best viewing position behind the curtains.
However both managed to quickly regain their composure once the lights were dimmed and the play began.
Despite her stage fright once she stepped onto the stage Cecy found that she knew exactly what to do and say and nobody who had not seen her before she went on stage would have guessed that she had suffered from a bad attack of nerves. Jack and Joey proudly witnessed their fifth daughter have the ability to have the audience in fits of laughter in one scene, and in tears the next, whilst both thought Claire performed her part well. Annie only had a small part but after seeing her Father in the audience she vowed to make him proud of her performance and consequently performed her part much better than she had in rehearsals.
“Well did we do your play justice?” Cecy demanded Con after the performance.
“Oh I think so,” Con chuckled, “I never realised you were such an actress, are you going to pursue it further? You’d be marvellous in the West End.”
Cecy wrinkled her nose, “No thank-you, I was so nervous before going on stage that I could not bear having to feel that as part of my career.”
“I’m sure you’d get used to stage fright.” Con told her sensibly. “Think about it at least, though of course it’s your life and if you are really against the idea then I understand.”
Annie meanwhile had sought out her Father.
“Dad, I did not know you were coming.” She greeted him with a hug. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I wanted it to be a surprise.” James Thomas smiled at his daughter.
“But why are you here?” Annie demanded before quickly adding, “Though I am pleased you are here of course.”
“Do I need any excuse other than I wanted to see my daughter in her schools Christmas play?”
“No, I suppose not.” Annie said with a giggle which warmed her father’s heart, he had noticed how withdrawn she had been the previous summer and shared none of her twin brother’s excitement of being at school. “Did you enjoy it?”
“Yes I did very much.” He paused, “You reminded me of your Mother, she would have been so proud of you if she was here.”
“She went to school here, didn’t she?” Annie said.
“Yes she did, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you and that you had to find out for yourself but talking about your mother is still very painful for me but I realise now that I should share my memories of her with you and Alexander, and allow you both to know what a remarkable woman she was and what an extraordinary life she led.”
“I’d like that a lot,” Annie replied as she gave her father another hug, “and I know Alexander would to.”
“Good. Now I have another surprise for you.” James told her.
“What is that?” Annie asked warily unused to this new side of her usually sombre father.
“Tomorrow you and I will fly to London and pick your brother up from school, you’ll get to be together again in less than twenty four hours.”
“Really!” Annie said with a shriek of joy, “Oh thank-you Daddy you don’t know how excited I am to hear that.”
“Yes really, now why don’t you introduce me to the friends you’ve been telling me about in your letters.”
The school coaches took the girls home once the last guests had departed, and Claire, Julia, Alixe, Heidi and Annie took the opportunity to have one final talk before the hectic last day of term which would see Annie leaving very early in the morning.
“Well it’s the end of another term.” Julia said with a sigh.
“It’s gone so quickly,” Claire replied, “I can’t imagine how, when I was ill the term seemed to stretch on forever and I’d be so jealous of you all being at school.”
“That’s because you were bored,” Heidi said sensibly, “but nothing at school is boring so that is why time goes so quickly here.”
“I wonder what next term will bring.” Alixe commented, “It has a lot to live up to.”
“Oh I’m sure we can think of something.” Annie said with a wicked grin which none of the others had ever witnessed. “After all we are Chalet School girls!”

The End!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 5:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
I don't think that I've commented on this before, but I've really enjoyed it, it's a wonderful story, with a brilliant ending. Thankyou!
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 5:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
That's a lovely ending - so pleased that Claire has settled in - and her friend Annie.

Thanks Carys
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 6:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
Thanks Carys. Pleased the play went well. i agree with you that Phil will have to face the Platz folk, but the school folk as well would have been too much to ask before she had started her new school.
Author:  shazwales [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
Thanks Carys i've really enjoyed reading this.
Author:  aitchemelle [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
About an hour and a bit ago I was going to make my dinner... that doesn't seem to have happened as I've read your drabble from beginning to end!
I really enjoyed what you wrote, especially the characterisations of the different Maynard siblings. Thank you :D
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
Thank you! I enjoyed this story.
Author:  Kathy_S [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 1:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
A fine ending! :D
Thank you, Carys.
Author:  shesings [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 1:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
Congratulations, Carys! this is a lovely drabble. :halo: :halo: :D :D
Author:  JB [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 3:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
Thanks, Carys. I've just read this through from the beginning. A great story with a really lovely (and seasonal) ending.
Author:  lexyjune [ Wed Nov 18, 2009 11:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
Thank you ,really enjoyed this.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 10:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
Thanks Carys, really enjoyed this
Author:  roversgirl [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 8:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
brilliant ending; thank you!
Author:  Chris S [ Thu Nov 26, 2009 3:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Forgotten Maynard at the Chalet School-Finished 15/11/09
Thank you Carys, a lovely story.
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