Congratulations on your first drabble!
I can't wait to read more
Thankyou.
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| Grizel's Treat (Updated 21/07/2010) http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=6565 |
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| Author: | Pingaware [ Wed Sep 09, 2009 8:41 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Grizel's Treat (Updated 21/07/2010) |
Set during the opening chapters of 'School At', before they reach the school. Hope you enjoy the first part of my first drabble! Name of Grizel's father is taken from LizB's drabble 'Unwanted', which is definitely worth a read. “Joey! Joey!” called Grizel Cochrane as she spotted her friend in the vast space of Victoria Station. Joey Bettany turned at the sound of her name, smiled happily, and walked over to her friend. “Hello old thing! Gosh, isn’t this exciting? We’re finally on our way!” “I know,” replied Grizel enthusiastically. “You can’t imagine how much I’ve wanted to already be travelling these past few weeks. It’s going to be topping, seeing so many new places.” “Most of them will be from a train carriage,” said Joey. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll still have seen them and they’ll still be new,” pointed out Grizel. “You’re right, I suppose. And anyhow, it’ll be topping even if we can’t visit the places. I love travelling.” A little way off, Henry Cochrane was greeting Joey’s elder sister, Madge, more demurely. “Good morning, Madge. I hope you haven’t been waiting a long time for us – we were rather delayed by an accident.” “Oh how dreadful! It didn’t involve your car, did it Henry?” Madge Bettany’s pretty face was a picture of concern. “Good heavens no! The road was simply closed by the police and we had to take a longer route. But you haven’t been waiting long?” Mr Cochrane inquired again. He was particular about punctuality, a trait which had served him well in his business career. “I’m glad to hear it wasn’t your car, Henry. These road accidents are so dreadful. No,” she continued, as she noticed his anxiousness regarding his question, “we haven’t been here longer than five minutes. Our uncle dropped us off only a few minutes ago.” |
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| Author: | Abi [ Wed Sep 09, 2009 8:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat |
Lovely to see Grizel so excited! Congratulations on your first drabble, Pinga! |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat |
Congratulations on your first drabble! I can't wait to read more Thankyou.
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| Author: | Alison H [ Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat |
Congratulations on your first drabble .
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| Author: | Liz K [ Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat |
Congratulations, sounds good, looking forward to more, thank you. 
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| Author: | Miss Di [ Thu Sep 10, 2009 3:20 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat |
A lovely beginning and I look forward to more. |
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| Author: | PaulineS [ Thu Sep 10, 2009 4:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat |
Well done on starting am interesting looking drabble. |
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| Author: | shazwales [ Thu Sep 10, 2009 5:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat |
Congratulations, looking forward to reading more of this. |
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| Author: | Pingaware [ Fri Sep 18, 2009 10:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat |
*Sorry it took so long for an update, first week of school's always awful. Unfortunately, I won't update this every few days, but I'll try every week at least.* Henry Cochrane looked around, interested. He was always keen to meet new people, in the hope that business relationships could be formed. "And is your uncle still here?" he inquired. "No. I'm afraid he had to leave as soon as he had wished us luck and said goodbye," Madge replied. "He supports the whole family on his job and can't afford to miss a day's pay." "Your uncle has a large family, then?" "Oh yes. Five children with a sixth on the way. Two girls and three boys." "Girls, you say. Could they perhaps be future pupils for your school?" Madge laughed her pretty laugh. "Goodness me no," she replied. "They couldn't afford the fees and wouldn't send them all the way to the Tyrol if they could. My aunt and uncle have always been very protective of their children. Besides, my uncle believes I am much too young to run a school, even a small one in Austria." "What nonsense," said Mr Cochrane briskly. "I'm sure that your school will be a success with you as an excellent headmistress. You have four pupils already without having actually set the school up in its premises. If that isn't the mark of imminent successes for you, then I don't know what is." Madge blushed slightly. "It's kind of you to say so Henry. But I must thank you for providing me with my first pupil. Grizel is such a lovely girl and will be a credit to our school." "Ah yes. About Grizel... I have a favour to ask of you, Madge," said Mr Cochrane. "As you'll be travelling through so many places which are new to Grizel, I'm sure she would love to explore them. Could you please stay with her in some of the places and visit the sights and so on? I am sure it would be good for her to see the sights and experience the culture of Europe. I'm afraid her life to this point has been rather devoid of such things. I have here a cheque which should be enough for three people to do as I have described. I am sure Joey's presence would make it even more enjoyable for Grizel, so please include her in the party." |
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| Author: | Abi [ Fri Sep 18, 2009 10:17 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat |
Madge seems more fond of Grizel than Mr Cochrane does. Thanks, Pinga! |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 7:18 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat |
I'd forgotten that MrC does that, but it's such a nice gesture - especially to include Madge and Joey, and be sensitive to the fact that they might not be able to afford it otherwise. Thankyou. |
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| Author: | PaulineS [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 8:03 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat |
Thanks for the update. |
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| Author: | Alison H [ Sat Sep 19, 2009 10:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat |
I think a lot of it was guilt, but it was still a nice gesture! |
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| Author: | Smile :) [ Wed Sep 23, 2009 3:31 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 18/9/09) |
Enjoying this  yes it was a kind gesture at least from a man who is later portrayed as very hard and not even generous to Grizel out of guilt.
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| Author: | Pingaware [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 11:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 18/9/09) |
When I said I would update weekly, this was actually a cunning translation of "I'll update when I remember and have written the next part". Here is the next part for the waiting mass. Hope you enjoy! Grizel and Joey were still happily chattering about the coming journey when Madge called to them. “Grizel! Your father has to go now and you must say goodbye to him before he leaves. I doubt you’ll see him for several months.” Inwardly, Grizel was scowling slightly at having to say goodbye in front of the Bettanys, for she had no wish to show more affection to her father than she truly had, but she went with good grace in order to please Miss Bettany. Henry Cochrane was also slightly annoyed. It had been a long time since he had shown real affection for his daughter in public - he found it difficult enough to express his emotions in private, and the thought of a demonstrative farewell did not fill him with joy. However, he felt it was expected in front of the Bettanys, and so he embraced his daughter, admittedly rather quickly. “Goodbye Grizel. I hope you enjoy school with Miss Bettany.” “Thank you Father. I’m sure I will,” replied Grizel as her father let go of her. “Well, I must be off. I have to be back in Devon by two this afternoon for a business meeting.” Mr Cochrane turned to go, but as it seemed to Grizel that he was leaving, he called over his shoulder, “Miss Bettany has a surprise for you Grizel. I hope you enjoy that as well.” Henry Cochrane reflected on the farewell in Victoria Station as he drove through the congested streets of London. He had not enjoyed it, not really having much feeling left for the daughter which reminded him too much of his previous wife. Affection for his daughter only seemed to open up old wounds left from Victoria’s death, and so he had shut her out. But he hoped that Grizel would enjoy the trips around Europe’s great cities. And most importantly, he hoped that his outward signs of affection would pass muster with Madge Bettany. Appearances were to him much more important than the reality – at least in the case of relationships. Grizel turned round excitedly as her father vanished through the station entrance. “What surprise have you got for me Miss Bettany?” she asked. “Well Grizel, your father thought it would be a good idea for you to experience some culture in Europe, and so he has given me some money to take you around the cities we shall travel through. Joey too of course,” Madge replied. “Oh, how simply wonderful of Father! I suppose that’s why he bought me the camera – so I could take lots of photos of the new places I’ll visit,” said Grizel matter-of-factly. “Have you got a new camera, Grizel? You didn’t tell me that.” Thus Joey, with a slightly reproachful tone in her voice. “Sorry Joey. I was so excited I simply forgot. Here it is.” So saying, she pulled it from her bag and showed it off to Madge and Joey. After a minute or two of inspecting the camera, Madge said, “We must find a luggage room to take care of our luggage. Our train won’t be going until nine in the evening, and so we have plenty of time to explore the city. I’m sure Mr Cochrane’s money will stretch to that.” “We’ll look round London as well? How simply wizard! This is going to be the best journey of my life,” said Grizel. |
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| Author: | Abi [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 12:09 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 31/10/09) |
Thanks pingaware. It's sad to see the lack of affection between Grizel and her father. |
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| Author: | Alison H [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:36 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 31/10/09) |
Sad to see how little affection there is between Grizel and Henry, but lovely to see Grizel enjoying herself. I love reading about Grizel's journey to Austria, and how exciting it is for when she arrives in all these places that are so different. So much more exciting than now when you land at an airport and all the signs are in English as well as the local language (OK, easier in terms of knowing where to go, but not very "exotic"!), most people are wearing the same sort of clothes as you are and there are adverts for McDonalds and Starbucks no matter which country you're in! |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:07 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 31/10/09) |
I agree that Grizel's journey is always lovely. It's sad to see how little her father cares, though. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:50 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 31/10/09) |
Mr Cochrane must take the blame for the lack of affection between himself and his daughter. The fact that she reminded him of his dead wife is no excuse - Grizel was first dumped on his Mother then, when he found another wife, dumped upon her. His only consideration is to 'appearance' not to his child's feelings.  Lovely to see how excited Grizel is about the trip. Thanks Pingaware |
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| Author: | shazwales [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 3:54 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 31/10/09) |
Thanks Pingaware am really enjoying this. |
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| Author: | Mrs Redboots [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 5:36 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 31/10/09) |
Have just caught up on this - thank you, it's lovely. |
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| Author: | Miss Di [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:37 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 31/10/09) |
Echoing Mrs Redboots, lovely to see Grizel so enthused! |
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| Author: | Kathy_S [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 3:22 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 31/10/09) |
Sounds like they'll have a splendid time. (even though, as usual, I'd like to poke Mr. Cochrane.) |
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| Author: | Pingaware [ Sat Jan 02, 2010 9:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 31/10/09) |
So, two whole months later, I reckon the time is right for me to do some improvised updating of my poor neglected drabble. Hope you enjoy! (This post is inspired by these postcards in the Sally Denny Library. Worth a read!) Dear Cookie, I promised to send you lots of postcards so here is my first one. I bet you weren't expecting one so early though! Father has been a dear and given Miss Bettany some money to take us around the cities we visit. And that included London! Before our train today, we got to visit places which I'd only ever heard of - Tower Bridge, Cleopatra's Needle, St. Paul's, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Nelson's Column. It was the most exciting day of my life, but it's only going to get better. I'm writing this on the boat to Paris. The sea's a bit rough, but I don't feel sick. It only reminds me of what's to come tomorrow. Bye now Cookie dear. I'll write again from Paris, Love Grizel P.S. I'm writing this with your fountain pen. It's wizard! |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Jan 02, 2010 9:47 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 02/01/2010) |
Good to see this back! Thanks for the update, that was lovely. |
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| Author: | shazwales [ Sat Jan 02, 2010 9:54 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 02/01/2010) |
What a lovely letter! thank you. |
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| Author: | Alison H [ Sat Jan 02, 2010 11:31 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 02/01/2010) |
Nice to see her enjoying herself. It's so exciting seeing famous sights .
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| Author: | Abi [ Sun Jan 03, 2010 12:02 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 02/01/2010) |
Glad to see more of Grizel's journey. It's lovely to see her so happy! Thanks Pingaware. |
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| Author: | PaulineS [ Sun Jan 03, 2010 5:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 02/01/2010) |
Good to see more of this. Pleased Grizel remembered Cook and said she using the pen Cook had given her. |
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| Author: | cal562301 [ Sun Jan 03, 2010 5:49 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 02/01/2010) |
Good to see more of this. Look forward to even more when you have time to write it!
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| Author: | Pingaware [ Fri Jul 16, 2010 5:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 02/01/2010) |
Only seven months since the last update. Barely any time at all...  Grizel lay in her narrow ship’s bunk, feeling just a little sorry for herself. Although she’d told Cook that she wasn’t feeling ill, she did feel just a little sick. Her groans woke Joey, who sat up suddenly, narrowly avoiding banging her head on the bunk’s low ceiling. In a hoarse whisper, she said, “Grizel old thing, are you alright? You sound dreadful, as if your stomach was churning about like sherbert fizzing in water.” “Oh, it’s not that bad Joey,” Grizel said. “I just feel a bit queasy. I’m not used to the sea like you are, you know.” “You mean you’ve never had a sea crossing to get to anywhere?” “No. Grandma couldn’t afford to take me on holiday, and Father only ever once took me to Wales.” “Gosh! This really is an adventure for you isn’t it?” “Yes it is. But tell me Joey, is the sea always this rough?” “Rough? But it’s a calm night!” Joey observed. “Really? This is a calm night? And I have a crossing like this, or worse, every time I want to go home? Oh, how simply awful – they’ll all be dreadful!” Grizel wailed. “Calm down old thing. You’ll soon get used to it. I have, after so many crossings. And I was much worse than you the first time I crossed the sea.” And Joey grinned as she thought of that first crossing which seemed so long ago – though it wasn’t, of course. “Girls!” Madge had been woken by their no longer particularly hushed voices. “Why are you awake? It’s past midnight. And Joey, you’re sitting up without the covers! It’s a cold night, and you’ll catch a chill if you’re not careful. Spare a thought for me and my worries,” she added reproachfully. “Sorry Madge. But Grizel isn’t feeling too wonderful, and I’ve just been trying to comfort her.” Madge relaxed, happy that it was nothing more serious. “Well, that was kind of you. But go back to sleep now Joey-Baba. I’ll keep Grizel company.” “Alright then Madge.” And Joey, being an agreeable young person, lay back down and snuggled up beneath her blankets. “Goodnight Madge.” “Goodnight Joey – again. And now,” said Madge as she turned towards her other charge, having settled her sister, “How do you feel Grizel?” “It’s only a little queasiness, Miss Bettany. I’ll be fine. You don’t have to stay up with me.” “Are you sure?” Madge was determined to be careful with her pupils right from the start. “I’m sure Miss Bettany. I can feel it getting a little better already. And I’m so tired, I feel like I’m going to fall asleep anyhow. Goodnight!” And Grizel suited her actions to her words and settled into a healing sleep, thinking of the kindness Miss Bettany always showed her – so at odds with the unkindness shown by her stepmother. “Sleep well Grizel,” was Madge Bettany’s reply as she too lay back down. But she gave cause for Grizel’s faith and made sure that she did not fall asleep until both of her charges were sleeping soundly. |
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| Author: | PaulineS [ Fri Jul 16, 2010 6:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 15/07/2010) |
Thanks for the update. |
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| Author: | Abi [ Fri Jul 16, 2010 10:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 15/07/2010) |
Poor Grizel - I hope she did get used to it! Glad to see this back.
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Jul 17, 2010 4:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 15/07/2010) |
It's so sad that she sees that as a kindness but so understandable - thankyou for the update, even if it did take a little while coming! 
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| Author: | Pingaware [ Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 15/07/2010) |
Doubt there'll be more than two posts after this one. So I promise to finish it this summer! Dear Cookie, It’s me again! I’ve had the most topping time in Paris, and we’ve seen ever so many wonderful sights. First, we went to the Madeleine, then the Champs-Elysées and the Invalides. And we saw an opera as well – ‘La Bohême’, it was called. I didn’t really understand much of it, but the music was awfully pretty – not like those horrid things my step-mother used to make me play. Then, the day after that, we – Grizel paused in the act of writing her postcard, and stared out of the window. According to Madge, they were now steaming through Switzerland, and Grizel watched with interest as the landscape sped past her window. It didn’t look particularly different to any they had so far travelled through on the continent (although Grizel thought she could see mountains rising out of the haze on the horizon), but she thrilled all the same at the sight of new towns, villages and people who were all so obviously un-British. ‘I do like it out here – and Miss Bettany is such a dear to have thought of asking for me to come. And I suppose Father’s kind too – it is his money paying for us to do all these wonderful things.’ And then, her reflective moment over, she settled down to finish her postcard. |
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| Author: | Abi [ Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:56 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 21/07/2010) |
It's so nice to see Grizel really enjoying herself. Thanks Pingaware.
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| Author: | JellySheep [ Thu Jul 22, 2010 8:45 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 21/07/2010) |
Great to see this back, and see Grizel being happy. |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Jul 22, 2010 10:02 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 21/07/2010) |
Nice to see that she realised about her father as well. Thankyou for the update! |
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| Author: | mohini [ Fri Jul 23, 2010 5:00 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 21/07/2010) |
Waiting for more. Thanks |
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| Author: | Elle [ Fri Jul 23, 2010 6:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 21/07/2010) |
Just found this and I am really enjoying it, thanks. I like the story being told from Grizel's perspective. |
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| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Sun Jul 25, 2010 10:29 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Grizel's Treat (Updated 21/07/2010) |
Thanks, I like seeing how Grizel found all the new places, going to school |
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