The CBB :: View topic - Guides at the Chalet School

#1: Guides at the Chalet School Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 2:37 pm

For any of you who are reading my CS & the Marlows (and any who started and were put off by what I could possibly decribe as anti-CS sentiments) this is nothing like it!

nicky

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I – The Family Four

“Joey! Joey, are you awake?” Madge Bettany put her head around the door of the yellow dormitory at the Chalet School and spoke in an undertone that would not carry as a whisper would.
“More than awake, old thing,” said an equally low voice behind her, and she turned to see her younger sister, in slippers and yellow dressing gown, black hair tousled like a golliwog’s, her face fresh and glowing from the sting of the icy mountain water in which she had just tubbed.
Madge smiled. “So I see. Grab your things and come and dress in my room – I don’t want to wake Juliet and the Robin. Then we’ll go out for a bit.”

Joey crept passed her into the room to gather up her clothes and then padded along the corridor to her sister’s pretty room. That lady left her to dress, returning just as she had finished, with a roll in each hand.
“I was just thinking how hungry I was,” Joey grinned, taking one and biting into it. “Okay, I’m ready.”
The sisters ran lightly down the stairs of the Chalet and let themselves out into the fresh morning air. Almost May it might be, but at that time of day it was always chilly, and Joey was glad of her blazer as they strolled down to the lake and along towards Seespitz. They walked in companionable silence for a few minutes, each drinking in the beauty of the scene around them.

The Tiernsee, where Madge Bettany had started the Chalet School a year before, is arguably one of Austria’s loveliest lakes. Ringed in by mountains, clear, still waters of the deepest blue, as yet unrippled by the lake steamers which carried passengers and supplies from Seespitz up to Tiernkirch at the very foot of the lake during the summer months. The air was glorious, and Madge had offered many prayers of thanks in the last year when she looked at the pointed face of her little sister and noted the change that year had wrought in her. Joey would always be pale, and when she was tired her eyes still seemed like saucers of ink against the whiteness of her face, but the sallow complexion had gone, and with it a weight from the elder Miss Bettany’s mind. The frail baby who had never known mother or father had fought against illness all her life, but in the last few months Madge had really begun to hope that all fear might be at an end.

And the school was flourishing too. They had begun with just three pupils, Joey, a friend of hers Grizel Cochrane, and a little French girl, the cousin of her partner in the venture they would begin their second year with almost fifty girls. Madge had never dreamed of such success.

The young headmistress was woken from her reverie at this point by a deep sigh from her companion.
“I wish the hols could go on forever!”
“Joey-Baba, why?” Madge raised her eyebrows, for her young sister was a gregarious soul who revelled in the company of the other girls.
“I thought you liked term-time.”
“Well, I do, of course,” Jo conceded. “Only I never get to see you in term-time! I hate having to remember you’re the headmistress and I can’t say things.”
The elder girl smiled. “I know. It is hard on you. But it is only in term-time. And you’d see a lot less of me if you were at school normally, you know.”
“Oh, I know! Still hate it though.” The Bettanys were not demonstrative as a rule, but those few words, and a quick squeeze of her hand conveyed to Madge just how much she meant to Joey, should she have had any doubts. She returned the squeeze.
“Poor old thing. Perhaps we can manage something at half-term, just you and me and the Robin. You wouldn’t mind her?”
“Course not. She’s like another sister.” Jo’s eyes softened as she thought of the fragile, motherless little girl who had been left in her sister’s care while her father went off to Russia. The Robin, or, to give her her proper name, Cecilia Marya Humphries, was just seven, the pet of the whole school, but Joey’s especial darling.

There was silence again for a moment, then Joey appeared to shake off her slight despondency at the thought of the new term ahead.
“Oh well, can’t be helped. Let’s make the most of the time we have left. What shall we do today?”
“What would you like to do?” Madge asked.
“Go for a long walk,” Joey said immediately. “We could walk round to Tiernkirch and have Mittagessen, then come back on the steamer. What I’d really like to do, you know, is walk all the way round the lake, just to say I’ve done it.”
Her sister laughed. “Oh no, my child. I’m not having you risking your neck. The path beyond Geisalm is ready to break away at any time it’s awfully narrow in places as it is. Herr Braun tells me there’s some talk of building another one higher up there have been one or two nasty accidents this year. Until they do that you’ll have to content yourself with going the other way round to Tiernkirch.”
“Oh well, I suppose it would be inconvenient if the path broke away while I was standing on it,” Jo agreed with a grin.
“Inconvenient? I should say so! Now, we should turn back or we’ll be late for Fruhstuck. Here come the others to see where we’ve got to.”

She waved her arm along the lakeside to where Juliet Carrick, a tall fair girl of sixteen, was strolling along, holding six year-old Robin firmly by the hand.
“Robinette!” Jo raced along the path and caught the little girl in her arms.
“You got up without me, Zoe,” the small maid said reproachfully. Joey kissed the dark curls.
“I’m sorry, Bubchen. But you were so fast asleep I didn’t want to wake you.” She set the little girl down, took her hand, and smiled at the fair girl.
“I suppose you dressed her, Juliet? Getting in practice for being a prefect?”
“Joey, you pig!” Juliet coloured. Taken in by Madge Bettany when her own parents had abandoned her the previous year, she was passionately grateful to the woman who could so easily have left her to fend for herself, and tried to repay that just a little by helping out wherever possible. Moreover, she was sensitive about her newly announced prefectship, unsure that she was worthy of it. Jo grinned at her.
“Thought you’d rise. Come on, I want my brekker!” She linked her arm through the elder girl’s and they headed back towards the Chalet, where Fruhstuck awaited them in the cosy Speisesaal.

Last edited by nickyj on Sun Feb 27, 2005 6:47 pm; edited 6 times in total

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

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 3:04 pm

Nice start Nicky - very much in character for Madge, Joey and co. Smile

#3: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 3:27 pm

Well it's a great start! Very much in the CS tradition, I can't wait to see more Very Happy

#4: Author: Charlotte, Location: home yey!

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 4:19 pm

oooh yes! lovely! more?????? please??????

#5: Guides at the CS Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 5:17 pm

Chapt I - part 2

“Where’s Maynie, Madge?” Joey asked presently, through a mouthful of roll and honey. Joey, Juliet and the Robin had spent the last weeks of the Easter holidays with Miss Maynard, the maths mistress, at her home in the New Forest, and she had returned from England with them two days ago.
“Gone into Innsbruck to do some last minute shopping,” Madge told her. “She had an early breakfast – she wanted to catch the first train down to Spartz. She’ll have Mittagessen there and bring the new mistresses back with her this evening”
“I’d forgotten the two new mistresses,” Joey mused. “What are they like, Madge? You’ve not told us much.”
“You’ll find out soon enough,” Madge told her. “Miss Carthew will be at Le Petit Chalet, so you won’t have too much to do with her, though she will take some of the English off of my hands. Now that we’ve grown so much the administration takes a lot of my time.”
“You’re not going to stop teaching altogether are you, Madame?” Juliet asked anxiously. “I love your literature classes!”
“Not altogether.” Madge smiled at her ward. “I shall keep the senior classes at any rate.”
“And Miss Wilson?” Joey asked. “I know she’s to teach science – can you imagine the possibilities for Evvy in chemistry? – but what’s she like?”
“Evadne will behave herself,” the headmistress said firmly. “As for what Miss Wilson is like, you will have to judge that for yourselves. She is a keen Guide, however, so you will see plenty of her outside of school as well as in.”
“She sounds a sport,” Joey mused. “I can’t wait to get started on Guides. Who do you think the patrol leaders will be? Almost everyone wants to join. And what about the juniors? Are they to have Brownies?”
“Enough questions!” Madge laughed. “I have no idea about patrol leaders – you will choose them from amongst yourselves. And you will hear all about our plans when the rest arrive. Now, Robin and Juliet, what would you like to do today? Joey has voted for a walk round to Tiernkirch.”
“Me, I would like that too,” said Robin, with one of the quaint turns of speech that reminded them that for the first years of her life she had spoken mainly French.
“I’ll carry you if you get tired,” suggested Juliet. “It sounds lovely, Madame.”
“I can walk so far,” Robin protested.
“Of course you can, darling.” Joey caressed the rosy face. “Madge, in a few weeks the flowers should be glorious. D’you think we could go right up to the head of the valley one Saturday? Frieda Mensch says it makes a glorious walk, and it’ll be warm enough for a picnic.”
“I think we might manage that,” Madge agreed. “Have you had enough to eat, all of you? Then ring the bell for Marie will you, Jo, and then all run off and get ready.”

The girls obeyed, and she herself waited only for the arrival of Marie Pfeiffen, who managed the kitchen, to tell her that, once the breakfast things were cleared, she could take a few hours off, as they would have Mittagessen at Tiernkirch and only return in time for Kaffee. Ten minutes later, therefore, the family four were once more on the broad path which led round the lake to Seespitz and thence across the water meadows at Buchau. It was an easy walk, manageable even by the littlest member of the party, although Madge kept a careful eye on her, refusing to let her run on ahead with Joey and Juliet as they raced back and forth admiring the wild flowers. This was Juliet’s first experience of the Tiernsee in the early springtime and the dignity of her sixteen years and prefectship were forgotten as she delighted in the beauty around her. Joey was exalted too the Bettanys had first come to Briesau at much the same time last year, but then it had all been so new that she had only admired the big picture. Now every detail caught her eye and sent her first into ecstasy and then, as she tired a little, into dreams.

“I am glad we’re back,” she sighed presently as the four of them rested at the Buchau landing stage, leaning on the railings and watching the steamer plough its way gradually up the lake towards Seehof. “Of course we had a jolly time in England, but this is home somehow. Aren’t you glad we came, Madge?”
Madge smiled down at the vivid face at her shoulder. “Very glad, Joey Baba. Now, shall we go on? Ready, Robin? Not too tired?” The baby shook her head until her black curls were as untidy as Joey’s straight locks.
“Me, I can walk all day.”

The path which ran along the eastern side of the lake was wide and level and, without hurrying, they reached Scholastika at the head of the lake in good time for Mittagessen. It was, Madge decreed, not warm enough yet to sit outside on the terrace of the hotel, so they made their way into the cosy Speisesaal, where maids in traditional Tyrolean dress brought them soup and then Tafelspitz mit Kartoffeln, a fried steak with melting roast potatoes. The exercise had sharpened their appetites and they made a good meal. Joey was all for going on to Tiernkirch once they had finished, but Madge, with an eye to the Robin, vetoed the idea.
“I don’t want her starting term tired out,” she said quietly. “You and Juliet may go out and wander for half an hour if you like, then we’ll take the steamer back to Briesau.” And with that much Joey had to be content.

The two girls spent a pleasant half-hour, taking a path across the meadows away from the lake, chattering as they went about the new term and, especially, Guides. Grizel Cochrane had inspired them all with enthusiasm the previous term with a collection of Guide stories provided by her father, and one and all were keen, though some of the younger continental girls were a little unsure as yet what it all meant. The time passed quickly, and Joey grimaced when her companion glanced at her watch and suggested that they should return.
“I did want to go on to Tiernkirch,” she sighed, with a wistful look at the two spires of Tiernkirch and Annakirchl, one almost hidden behind the other. “There’s never time in term to come this far.”
“Perhaps we can have a day out here one Saturday,” Juliet suggested. “Come on, Joey, do! Madame will worry if we’re late.”
“Oh well!” Joey pulled a face, but she knew the truth of the remark and she turned obediently. “Lead on Macduff.”

Madge and the Robin were waiting at the landing stage and the little white steamer was just leaving Seehof and forging its way towards them, leaving ripples in the clear blue waters. Five minutes later the four were safely on board and Joey’s grievance at not being allowed to walk on up the valley was forgotten as she leaned over the railings at the front of the boat, the wind ruffling her hair, as it steamed slowly back up the lake to Seehof again, Geisalm and finally Briesau.
“Hasn’t it been a glorious day?” Jo sighed contentedly as they reached the Chalet at last. “Will we have lots of expeditions this term, Madge? Frieda had heaps of topping ideas last term as to things we could do in the summer.”
“I think we might manage one or two,” the young headmistress smiled. “Though you’ll have Guides too, don’t forget. It’s going to be a very busy term.”
“Guides!” Joey sighed again. “When can we start, Madge? There’s heaps to arrange – patrols and emblems and so on. I’ve been reading Grizel’s books again and Maynie bought us a couple more for the library. I want to pitch right in and start now!” Madge laughed - it was so typical of her younger sister not to want to wait – and they went in to Kaffee.

“It’ll be horrid when you’re gone, Madge.” The Robin was tucked up in bed and Juliet reading her a fairy tale, so the two sisters were alone in the little sitting room. Joey had been quiet for nearly ten minutes, curled up on the floor with a book. Now she laid it down, rested her head on her sister’s knee, and spoke wistfully.
“Oh, Joey Baba! It won’t happen for a long while yet. Jem has to get the San up and running and I want to see the School well and truly settled. Even when we are married, I’ll be down often enough and you can come up for weekends.”
“Not the same.” Joey had done a lot of thinking while they were in England, and had been astonished to find just how much she did mind the idea of her sister’s marriage, even if it was to someone as nice as Dr Jem.
“Joey, do you really hate the idea all that much?” Madge looked down tenderly at the delicate face at her knee. “For if so we must put off the wedding until you are older.” Joey shook herself mentally, knowing she was being selfish.
“Of course I mind! But I want it for you too! Dr Jem is a dear, though not good enough for you, of course. I am happy for you. Only sometimes, I think about it and – well, it’s lonely.”
“I know.” The elder sister ruffled the younger’s dark hair. “Don’t fret about it, Joey. You’ll have me here for a while yet. Now, go and brush your hair, it’s nearly time for Abendessen. You might call in and tell Juliet.” Joey jumped to her feet and kissed her sister in an unusual display of emotion then raced off upstairs.

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

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 5:51 pm

Oh good! This is just what I always wanted too see! Thanks nicky! Very Happy

#7: Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 7:05 pm

Nicky this is great!! More please!!!

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

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 7:28 pm

Excellent again, Nicky. Very Happy

(Minor point - thought Miss Carthew taught History?)

#9: Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough

Posted: Sun Aug 01, 2004 7:41 pm

Nicky, this is great - so EBD! More please Very Happy

#10: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 8:29 am

A great start, Nicki, so very early CS.

#11: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 10:42 am

This is brilliant Nicky and so Chaletian with all the details etc Can't wait for our first glimpse of Nell ... *camps out*

#12: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 10:22 am

Lovely story Nicky. You bring the scenes to life as much as EBD and you have the characters so well. Looking forward to the next bit.

#13: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 3:35 pm

this is so EBDish that I keep thinking I've read it before in one of the early books but of course I haven't!!! Have you been to Achensee by any chance, Nicky? It's so evocative!

#14: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 9:03 pm

Lisa_T wrote:

Have you been to Achensee by any chance, Nicky? It's so evocative!

Yes, a few times. And fair chunks of this were actually written there. Here's some more

II – A New Term (part 1)

“Jo, would you run along to the Post with my letters? I want to get them off this morning.” Fruhstuck was over in less than an hour the first batch of girls would arrive and term would begin in earnest. Juliet and the Robin were upstairs helping the new Matron – a motherly woman who had been hailed by all three girls as an absolute dear – and Jo, too excited at the thought of seeing the others again to stay still, had begged for a more active job.
Now she nodded and held out her hand. “Can do,” she said easily. She took the letters, dashed upstairs for her blazer and swung out into the cool morning air, whistling as she went along the lake path to the big Hotel Post, which also served as the post office for the district. She mailed her sister’s letters then turned back towards the house. The next moment she was tearing along the path, past the Chalet. For coming along the path which led from Torteswald was a trio of schoolgirls.
“Gisela! And Bernhilda! You’re early!” Jo reached them speedily, her black hair even more tousled than usual by her wild flight. “Frieda, it’s good to see you!” She linked her arm with the youngest of the three, an attractive girl of the fair North German type, who was one of her particular chums and continued to chatter. “I wanted to call yesterday but Mad – my sister said Herr Braun told her you weren’t back.”
“Mamma wanted us spend a few last days in Innsbruck with die Grossmutter,” Frieda explained. “We came up last night.” Joey smiled at her.
“How is die Grossmutter, Frieda?”
“She is very old,” Frieda said quietly, “but we hope that she will be with us for much time yet. She sends you her love, and the Robin as well. Mamma says you must both come to Innsbruck for a weekend so that she may see you again.”
“We will all love to have you, Joey,” Bernhilda Mensch, seventeen and very like her younger sister although with, perhaps, more force of character in her face, said gently.
“I’d like that.” Jo’s eyes shone as she remembered the jolly time they had had with the Mensches at Christmas, and the dear old Frau Mensch who had seen in the Robin something of the little daughter she had lost more than sixty years ago.
Then she snapped out of her dream. “Anyway, do tell me why you’re here so early.”
“We thought that Madame might wish for some assistance on the first day,” Gisela Marani, head-girl of the Chalet School, explained. “We are not to be boarders this term, you know, so we had little to carry and no need to wait for the steamer.”
“I’d forgotten you four are to be day girls again. The Merciers too their parents are at the Kron Prinz Karl for the summer. All the same, we’ve new girls to fill in the gaps. My sister will be pleased to see you,” Jo assured Gisela. “Juliet and the Robin are helping Matron but I know there’s all the new stationery to be sorted out.”

They had been walking as they talked and reached the Chalet at this point. Madge had seen them from the window and came out into the hall to greet them. She was grateful indeed for the offer of help, for there was much to be done before the first boatload of girls arrived. Her head girl and Second Prefect were an asset indeed and quiet Frieda could be trusted to help them without needing supervision. Within ten minutes the Chalet was quiet as all became hard at work preparing for the new term.
“Here she is!” Joey practically danced up and down at the Briesau landing stage as the lazy white steamer pulled away from Buchau on the opposite side of the lake. Normally at this time of the morning, so early in the season, it was almost empty, but today a row of brown clad girls lined the railings, all leaning eagerly to catch a first glimpse of the school they loved. Mademoislle Lepattre, a plain, kindly Frenchwoman whom they all liked and Madge Bettany’s partner in the school, kept a careful eye on them, but most of the firebrands among her crew had had long journeys and were too tired for mischief. Margia Stevens was the leader of the younger Middles, and Grizel Cochrane had a reputation for doing wild things, although those in charge hoped a very new prefectship would steady her, but both had undertaken the long journey from England the day before, together with Margia’s younger sister Amy, in the care of Mr Stevens, author of ‘Glorious Prague’, who had business in Munich, and were exhausted from the night in the train. Evadne Lannis, the young American who was the school’s other real firebrand, had been spending the holidays in Vienna with her father and was busy enthusing about the sights she had seen to those of the other middles present.

Now Juliet laid a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “You’ll be in the lake in a minute, Joey! The steamer won’t be here any sooner for your jumping up and down, and do think of the impression on anyone who doesn’t know us.” That quieted the younger Miss Bettany she was ever conscious of the reputation of her sister’s school. But she jumped up and down inside still as the steamer drew nearer and she could make out the faces on the deck.
“Joey!” Simone Lecoutier, usually so quiet, was the first down the gangway as the steamer docked, flinging herself on her friend. “How I have missed thee! I thought we might meet in Paris and come together.”
“Madge wanted to get back.” Jo disentangled herself, always embarrassed by the French girl’s sentimentality. “Where’s Marie and Wanda?”
“Not here,” Evvy Lannis dropped her case on the path. “We saw them in Vienna a few days back, I guess they stayed until this morning. Poppa and Suzanne and I left two days ago – we’ve been staying in Innsbruck. Poppa had to be in Munich yesterday and had this mad idea something might happen if he left Suzie and I to travel from Vienna by ourselves.”
“Thought you might do something mad, more like,” Margia said calmly. “Gosh, I hate that journey! Any new girls, Joey?”
“A few,” Joey nodded. “We’ve got some day girls, and one boarder for us, Ilonka Barcokz, but she’s not coming till the later steamer. The rest are all juniors.”

“Girls, welcome back!” Miss Bettany met them at the front door as they streamed up the path. “Come on in. Grizel, welcome my dear. Margia, did you have a good journey? Simone, Renee, it’s good to see you again. And how was Vienna, Evvy?” She greeted each in turn and answered their eager questions about her own holidays. It was clear to any onlooker that the girls loved their young headmistress as they thronged around her. Finally, she shook her head. “Later. I want to have you all unpacked before the second steamer comes in. Our new Matron is upstairs to oversee your unpacking and Juliet, Gisela and Bernhilda will help her. Joey, will you take the little ones over to Le Petit Chalet please Miss Durrant is ready for them. Evvy, Margia, Paula, you are in the Yellow room again. Gertrud and Luigia, you’re in the Green.” Gertrud Steinbrucke, who had been in charge of the middles in the Yellow room the previous term, smiled with delight at being with her contemporaries. “Bianca, we’ve put you in the Blue room, and you too Simone.”

Simone looked tearful. The previous term she had been devastated at being sent across to Le Petit Chalet when there had been a shortage of room in the main school and thus being parted from her beloved Joey. She had known that this term a number of the girls would not be boarders and that, therefore, there would be room in Yellow where Joey slept. Madame and Mademoiselle had addressed the question while rearranging the dormitories and had decided that, out of fairness to Joey, the two should stay apart.
“Then I think that we should move Wanda to the Green room with the other Seniors,” Madge had said. “She was only in the Blue room because Frau von Eschenau asked that she could be with Marie while school was still very new to her. Marie is settled now, and I think it would be good for her to be with a bigger crowd. She could have Rosalie Dene’s bed in Yellow and Rosalie can share the Blue room with Bianca and Simone.” That decision, thought they were not to know it then, was to cause trouble later on that term, but for now Simone had no choice but to go upstairs with Bianca, hating the world rather badly.

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

Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 10:43 pm

Poor Simone! Lovely post nicky!

#16: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 8:12 am

This is pure canon, and looks like it will be filling some gaps and giving us insight into the bits we've missed - Grizel coping as a prefect etc ... And it looks as though Simone has the green-eyed monster again - more spats with respect to her beloved Jo? But where's Nell?!! *impatient* Nicky - this is seriously good - exactly the sort of thing GGB would embrace, I would guess ...

#17: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 1:47 pm

Nicky this is so good. I keep thinking I am reading a Tyrol book for the first time! You have all the characters to a T. Looking forward to reading about the spats between Jo and Simone - and all the antics of the rest,

#18: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 3:18 am

Thank you, Nicki! This fits so seamlessly with early EBD. Smile

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

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 3:44 pm

Oh, this is good!

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

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 4:21 pm

Loving it

Incidentally - they had a Yellow, a Blue and a Green dormitory - but what about Red? Confused

#21: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 8:53 pm

II - Part 2

“And what of you, my Jo? You have not yet told us of your holiday in England.” Simone the ever-faithful looked across at her amie-intime. It was mid-morning, and those of the girls who had come by the early steamer, and had already unpacked, along with those who, like the Mensches and Maranis were day girls, were gathered in their form rooms, exchanging holiday news. The rest of the school was expected before long, then Madame would address them and the term would begin. Jo Bettany, sitting on her desk in the Middle school form room, swinging her legs, frowned slightly at the proprietorial ‘my Jo’ but was not disposed to start an argument on the first day, however irritated she might be by the French girl’s possessiveness.

“Yes, go on, Joey, it’s nearly time for the bell” Margia urged. “Was Maynie’s jolly?”
“Topping!” Jo snapped herself out of her dream. “Maynie was a dear, she took us all over. And her brother came for a week – he’s a medical student, in his final year. I think he was a bit shy of us at first but he came out walking, and told us all sorts of gruesome stories about the hospital where he works. Oh, and Robin and I had the most awful fright one night! We were fast asleep, and suddenly there was this most awful screeching noise. Maynie’s brother had been telling us these stories of this chap who died and haunted the hospital, and I really thought it was him! Robin woke up and screamed, and Maynie and Juliet came running in thinking we must be being murdered at the very least!”

“What was it?” came a fresh voice from the doorway.
“Marie!” Joey jumped down from her perch and went to greet her friend. “Where did you come from? It’s too early for the steamer surely?”
“I did not come on the steamer.” Marie von Eschenau, a startlingly lovely girl of Joey’s own age, smiled. “Kurt was coming to Innsbruck, so he brought us in the auto.”
“From Vienna? Some drive!” Joey whistled.
“We have been in Salzburg, visiting Tante Marie, my godmother” Marie explained. “We left very early this morning. Madame has sent me to unpack my things, but I heard your voice and came to see who was here.” Marie’s English had improved by leaps and bounds in the past two terms and she was now as fluent as many of the Continental girls. Her English, certainly, put the German of most of her English friends to shame.
“I’ll give you a hand,” Jo offered. “You’ve got Rosalie’s bed in our dorm, they’ve moved her to the Blue room with Bianca and Simone. Is Wanda here?”
“Of course.” Marie picked up her case again. “I would be glad if you would help. Madame bade me hurry.”

“Joey Bettany!” Evadne said heatedly. “Don’t be such a mean! You were halfway through a story! What was the screeching you heard?”
“Sorry!” Jo turned back to her audience for a moment, then glanced at her watch. “Tell you later,” she said with a grin. Believe me, it was awful!” She shivered dramatically, then took Marie’s arm and went with her upstairs to the Green dormitory. The two hurried over Marie’s unpacking and had just closed the last drawer when the bell rang to call them down to the big schoolroom where their headmistress would welcome them back for the new term. And in the bustle that followed the other girls forgot the half-told story.

#22: Author: Angel, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 8:56 pm

Such a fantastic drabble I'm eagerly awaiting more.

#23: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 11:49 pm

I feel like I'm just reading another of the series rather than a drabble right now, filling in gaps with events that we know happened but you're drawing them all so beautifully. Thank you!

#24: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 12:36 am

Another wonderful story from my favourite part of the series. Thank you.

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

Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 10:31 am

More soon please! This is great Very Happy

#26: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 10:49 am

I can only agree that this is really catching the atmosphere of the early years in the Tyrol. I do hope lots more will be forthcoming soon.

#27: The Chalet School Guides Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 9:26 am

III – The New Science Mistress

Miss Bettany, very trim in a pink summer frock, stepped onto the dais in the big schoolroom where the fifty girls waited eagerly for her, very smart in the brown tunics and tussore tops which were the Chalet School uniform – the house was well heated and only very few wore their blazers. The fresh faces all turned to her and she smiled as them as she spoke in her musical voice.
“Welcome back to the Chalet School, girls, and a new term. A year ago we were a new school, and those of you here then helped to make it what it is today. All of you here now can continue to shape our customs and traditions even the newest and the youngest of you has the chance to make her mark on the future. An especial welcome to those of you who are here for the first time. We also welcome two new mistresses and our first Matron,” and she smiled round at the little group of her staff on the dais behind her. The eyes of the girls followed her with interest some of them had met the slim, jolly matron who had been on escort duty in Paris with Miss Durrant. “Matron Wilson will be responsible for both your health and the dormitory housekeeping – which does not mean that she will pick up after you!” fixing with her eye one or two of the middles who were notable sinners when it came to tidiness. She smiled again as two or three people went red, then went on. “Miss Carthew joins us as junior English mistress and will be second in command, so to speak, at Le Petit Chalet. Miss Wilson will take you for Science,” – the girls looked at one another for this was a new departure, if a very welcome one. “She also tells me that she was a keen Guide when she was at school, so I am sure will be able to give us a lot of assistance in starting our company.” The young headmistress caught the murmur of delight that ran around the room at this announcement and paused to let it die down before she continued. “Yes, I thought that would please you. A word of warning though, girls. I know that you are all very keen to begin Guides. I think that it is a splendid movement, and that you can each of you learn much from it. However, you are here to learn many things, and I do not want to hear of your schoolwork suffering.”

“When may we begin, Madame?” Grizel, one of the keenest in many ways, rose to her feet in the pause that followed.
“Today you must settle into your forms and see to books and stationery and so on,” Miss Bettany told them. “Also, those of you who came on the late steamer this morning must unpack. Tommorrow there will be classes in every subject to give you a taste of the term’s work and allow you to meet the new mistresses properly. The next day is Saturday I propose that all who wish to join meet in here at ten o’clock to make arrangements. That will give the day girls among you plenty of time to be with us.”
“Thank you, Madame,” Grizel said formally and sat down again.
“What about the Juniors, Madame?” It was Juliet who spoke, and at the front of the room a number of small people waited anxiously for the reply.
“They must come too,” Madge said swiftly, having discussed this with Miss Maynard the previous night. “We are to have Brownies as well, and they must have their say in how their Pack is run. We will all meet together, and then they shall have their own pow-wow with Miss Durrant, who has agreed to act as Brown Owl.” The little girls beamed at this they had been worried that they were to be left out, and although most of them had little idea of what it was all about, Amy Stevens had come across the Brownies at a short stay at an English school when her father was stationed in London, and the Robin had absorbed a certain amount from Joey’s chatter, so they were enthusiastic to be a part of it. Madge dismissed them then, to go to their form rooms, and they did so, once they were there breaking into lively chatter which, it is safe to say, revolved entirely around the new venture. The new term at the Chalet School had truly begun.

Helena Wilson stood on the little balcony of her room, looking out over the still, dark waters of the Tiernsee to the shadowy mountains beyond with eyes that were filled with longing. Shivering slightly in the cool evening air she thought back over the events of the previous weeks, wondering if, after all, she had done the right thing. When her sister had died a year ago and first one, then the other of her parents had followed within months, she had gone on with life mechanically, shutting out the friends who had tried to comfort her. When Cherry had gone, Nell had watched her parents lose the will to carry on, had carried that burden, wondering if she too should just give in. The kindness of her friends, her fiancé, seemed to smother her, to remind her every day anew of her grief, and finally she had felt only the need to get away from every reminder of those bitter months of watching the end come ever nearer. The advertisement in the Times for a Science mistress at an English school in the faraway Austrian Tyrol had seemed like a sign to the weary young woman. With the mass of grief hidden behind the brisk professional front she could always assume she had presented herself in London for the interview. Madge Bettany had liked her on sight, had wondered too what this girl’s story was, who said when questioned that she had no family, that to leave England would not be difficult, and yet whose eyes told a different tale. Two hours later Nell Wilson had left the agency office with an employment contract in her hand and the offer to start with the new term if it were possible. It had been possible. The headmistress at the school where she had been teaching since her graduation was understanding she had watched her young teacher lose weight and energy, although her enthusiasm for her classes had never failed, and let her go with her blessing.

And so three weeks later Nell had boarded the ferry at Dover, had not looked back as the white cliffs receded into the distance. She had been met from the Innsbruck train by Miss Maynard, only a year older than herself, and had taken to her as they chatted lightly over coffee and cakes before returning to the station to meet Miss Carthew from the train from Salzburg, where she had been taking a brief holiday with friends. Nell recognised in Mollie Carthew something of the girl she herself had been only a year ago, and she had been content to sit back and let the other two talk during the journey up to Spartz and then on the little mountain train up to Tiernsee. The first view of the lake had been breathtaking, but Nell was too weary from the journey to do more than murmur appreciatively. Then Madge Bettany had been hustling them into the warm, where a light supper of soup and rolls was waiting for them. The elder woman – although Nell judged her new headmistress to be no more than twenty-five or so – did not bother them with questions as they ate, and presently suggested bed.
“I know it’s early,” she had said to Nell gently, “but you look all in my dear. Miss Carthew, here is Miss Durrant, who is in charge of Le Petit Chalet. I think I told you that you would be over there with the Juniors. Why don’t you go across with her now you can unpack and she can show you the ropes. Then you won’t be too much at sea when the girls arrive in the morning. Goodnight, my dear.” She had waited until they had gone, then turned to the other woman with a warm smile. “I’ll show you where your room is. You don’t want to see anyone tonight, do you? I thought not. Did you sleep much in the train last night?”
Nell had shaken her head. “Not much, I’m afraid.”
“Come on then, my dear.” Madge, well aware that there was more than just a bad night in the train behind the utter weariness in her new mistress’s eyes, had shyly slipped an arm around her shoulder for a moment as they went upstairs. “This is your room. It’s small, but it has a lovely view of the lake.”

“It’s perfect. Thank you.” Miss Wilson looked around the small room appreciatively, with its bare floorboards, pine bed and dresser, thick white plumeau, and a vase of spring flowers scenting the air. Madge had bidden her goodnight and left, leaving Nell to unpack her bags, change for the night and sink thankfully into bed. That day had passed in a whirl of activity, during which she had sorted stationery and books, overseen unpacking and answered eager questions from the girls about Guides, but now the school at large was in bed and the house quiet. Nell had excused herself early, had gone to her room and changed for bed then, pulling her dressing gown closely around her, slipped out onto the balcony. It soothed her, somehow the majesty of the mountains, the quiet of the lake, the fresh air on her face, did a little to ease the bitter edge of grief. The kindness of her young headmistress and the warm friendliness of the other staff had helped too, and she began to feel that if she was to find peace again it would be here. But there was also a loneliness which threatened to overwhelm her as she realised how far from home she was. She was too tired to think further, however she closed the balcony door behind her, curled herself up under the plumeau and rapidly slept the sleep of the justly weary.

#28: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 9:30 pm

It's very strange to read about a young Miss wilson, nice to get some background but still slightly odd. Thank you nicky!

#29: Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 9:42 pm

This is wonderful, Nicky. It fits seamlessly in with the series.

#30: Author: Cath, Location: Coventry

Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 10:39 pm

Wow, I love this. It does seem as though it's a part of the series, and you've written the characters so well, especially Joey! Smile

#31: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2004 10:56 pm

I'm gonna cry! Poor Nell! Lovely, Nicky - thank you *g* Is there any more? *looks hopeful and ducks*

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

Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 5:32 am

Really feel for Nell there. Thanks for an excellent post.

#33: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 8:48 am

Wow -this is brilliant ... (((Nell))) And I am soooo intrigued by this mysterious fiance that you've sneaked in - please fill us in on that story as soon as possible and explain why she never marries ... ETA - I liked our first glimpse of Jack!!

#34: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 1:51 pm

AWW Poor Nell. So nice to hear about her background and beginning at the school. BTW isn't Miss Carthew's christian name May?

#35: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 10:11 am

IV - Work Begins

“I say, aren’t we a crowd this term!” Thus Joey Bettany, looking around the airy Speisesaal at Fruhstuck on the first full morning of term. It was a pleasant room, cool even in the height of summer. Long tables were set with china from the pottery at Tiernkirch, bearing flowers of an unidentified nature, interspersed with coloured glass tumblers, little glass dishes of jam and big baskets of brotchen, the whole effect being very un-English. The sixty or so girls who made up the Chalet School, bright and fresh in their brown tunics and shantung tops, were chattering like so many magpies and Madge Bettany, at the staff table, looked proudly at the happy faces.
“We should be able to get up quite a decent cricket team,” Grizel Cochrane, sitting next to her, mused. “D’you think any of the new girls play, Joey?”
“Couldn’t say,” Jo shrugged. “Shouldn’t have thought so – they’re all Continentals. You’ll have to teach them.” She turned then to answer a question from Margia Stevens, on her other side, and Grizel fell silent, making lists in her head as she ate absently. She was very proud of her position as cricket captain and was determined to field a decent team, just in case there should be the chance of a match someday.

“I wonder what Miss Wilson will be like.” Margia Stevens mused, when prayers were over and the twenty girls who made up the Middle School were gathered in the big schoolroom, eagerly awaiting the first lesson of the day.
“She seems jolly enough,” Joey observed. “And she knows heaps about Guides. Course, she might be quite different in class.”
“You mean like really mean?” Evvy, sitting on the lid of her desk, asked.
“Or very strict,” Rosalie suggested. “We had a science mistress at the High who…..”
“She’s coming!” Marie, who was nearest the door, interrupted.
“Guess we’re about to find out,” Evvy murmured, slipping down from her desk as the door opened and the rest of the form rose to their feet. She bade them sit and then regarded them for a moment, smiling at their eager faces.

She knew, for Madge had told her, that science was a new venture at the Chalet School. Hitherto they had studied mostly English subjects and languages, although Maths had been a necessity. Apart from the lack of anyone qualified to teach much beyond basic botany – a hobby of Miss Maynard’s – the English of many of the continental girls had been unsteady enough that they would have struggled badly in an area which had a language all of its own. So she had concentrated her efforts on improving that, and, equally, tackling the knowledge of German among the English, French and Italian girls. But now that they were established the headmistress meant the education offered by the School to be as comprehensive as that of an English High School. The girls had been thrilled with the idea and much had been the speculation over Fruhstuck as to the nature of the new class.
“I know a lot of you will have done some science at your previous schools.” Miss Wilson said. “Equally, I’m sure you have all done different things to different stages. If this were history, for example, or maths, I would set you a test and find out how much you knew that way. But science is so diverse it would be so long a test that it would take all day. So perhaps each of you could tell me, in a few brief sentences, what you have studied. Who will begin? Shall we start at the right hand side, at the back. Evadne, isn’t it?”

She found the answers as diverse as she had expected. Some, like Joey and Rosalie, who had been to a big English High School, had a fairly good grounding and Margia Stevens was not far behind them, having absorbed a great deal of general science information from her father, who had been determined that his daughters’ education should not suffer from their being constantly on the move. Others, like Simone and the Italian girls, had done some – mainly botany – and a good third of the class had not touched the subject. When the last girl – Ilonka Barcokz – had told shyly that she had studied both chemistry and botany at her high school in Budapest and sat down again, the young mistress rested her chin on the tips of her fingers and thought for a moment. She was, if the truth be known, slightly dismayed at the disparity of experience of the class, although she had expected them all to be at different levels, but she did not let that show as she addressed them briskly.
“Well, we have two double periods together a week this term and one single one. As most of you have done some botany I suggest we take one double period for that. Those of you who have never studied the subject formally may well find that you know a great deal in practical terms, where to find specimens and so forth, so you will be able to help each other. We might put in some botany walks as it is the summer term.”

She paused to watch the eager faces before her. Her classes at the High School had been keen, but the level of interest these girls showed was something new. She was too new to the school to realise just how keen the girls were on anything English.
“I propose to give the rest of the time to chemistry,” she went on. “I know that many of you have not gone very far with mathematics and you really need a good grounding in that subject to tackle physics. So we will let that go for now. Madame has kindly arranged for one of the sheds at the back of the building to be fixed up as a laboratory – yes, I thought that would please you,” as a murmur of excitement ran round the room. “You will learn a lot more from practical experiment than from textbooks. It also means that while you are all at such different stages you can work at your own speeds rather more than in the classroom.”
“Can we start straight away, Miss Wilson – the practical work I mean?” Simone Lecoutier asked, her usual shyness forgotten in her enthusiasm. She was of a scientific turn of mind and had just begun chemistry before leaving her Paris school. The mistress laughed.
“We will have one session in the classroom first, Simone, to make sure that everyone understands the basics of what we will be doing. But after that, yes, we shall begin straight away.
“Bully!” It was Evvy, of course. She was not particularly scientifically minded, but this sounded like fun.
“Yes, Evadne,” the mistress said with a smile. “Although you might find a more elegant word for it perhaps. One last thing, girls. Chemistry can be a great deal of fun, but practical work can be dangerous. I warn you here and now that I will expect instant and unquestioning obedience to my instructions in the laboratory, and any girl who misbehaves will not be allowed to continue.” She smiled at them again. “Now, our time is nearly up. Perhaps before our first class in Tuesday those of you who have done some practical chemistry would write me notes on some of the experiments you have carried out. For those of you who haven’t, I have prepared some introductory notes which I would like you to pass round and copy into your science notebooks. Vanna, if I give them to you will you do it first? Then perhaps you will pass them to the next girl and lend your own book to another?”
“Yes, Miss Wilson.” Vanna di Ricci, a quiet Italian girl, came to take the neatly written sheets and returned to her seat just as the bell rang. The mistress gathered her books, nodded and left them, knowing that they were aching to talk freely. There was no chance just then, however, for Mademoiselle arrived almost immediately.
“Bonjour, mes filles,” she addressed them, motioning that they should sit down. “Let us see how much you have remembered over your holiday.” Needless to say a good number of them had forgotten a certain amount during the short Easter break, but the kindly Frenchwoman contented herself with shaking her heads at them and bidding them revise the previous term’s work before sending them off to break.

In the dining hall, drinking their mid-morning milk accompanied, for those who wished, by Marie’s freshly baked biscuits, they were expected to be quiet, but once released into the garden the middles gathered eagerly to discuss the new mistress.
“Guess she’s all there!” Evvy said with a hint of regret.
“I’d say she is,” Margia agreed. “You heard what she said about mucking about in practical lessons. All the same, I like her. She’s awfully keen.”
“Wish she wasn’t awfully keen on botany though,” Joey grumbled. “I mean, I’m as keen as the next person on knowing what flowers are which and so forth – and there are some beautiful ones here, of course the walks will be topping. But all that dissecting and theory – ugh!”
“Might be some fun to be had there, though,” Evvy said with a grin. The bell for the end of break rang just then, so the girls could not press her for her meaning, but their curiosity was sparked and Evadne, who disliked botany as much as Jo did, spent much of the next period thinking of a way of livening up those classes.

Short classes in German grammar, mathematics and parsing followed Break for the middles, while the seniors had their first taste of the new science mistress and voted unanimously, to quote Grizel, that she was ‘an out and out sport’. Then came Mittagessen and the usual half hour rest, after which Middles and Seniors joined together for a short singing class with Plato, has Jo Bettany had naughtily nicknamed Mr Denny, the gentle singing master, who had a tendency to litter his classes with quotations from the great philosopher.
“I feel as though I have spent the day running from one class to another, Evvy!” Ilonka, whose English put the French and German of her American friend to shame, sighed, as she sank into a basket chair in the room at the back of the house that had been turned into a common room when the Juniors had been moved to Le Petit Chalet. “I thank you,” taking a bread twist from the basket offered by Frieda Mensch. “Is it always this way?”
“Nope, thank the Lord!” Evadne said irreverently. “First day they cram in everything possible so as to give us as much prep as they can for the weekend.”
“I think perhaps it is more that they may plan their lessons, Evvy,” Gisela, seated nearby, observed with a smile. The prefects were always in charge at this informal meal and the head girl found it safest to ensure that at least some of them were in the vicinity of the younger middles.
“Oh well, that too,” Evvy shrugged – she was not concerned with the mistresses’ point of view. “Fact is, look at the heap we’ve got. Last term to revise for both French and German, those notes for Miss Wilson, three problems from Maynie and now Plato wants us to look over those songs!”
“But we have until next Friday for that,” Frieda soothed. “And the rest is only revision of that which we have already done.”
“All very well for you!” Evvy retorted. “Sally” – by which epithet she referred to Mr Denny’s sister, Sarah – “was horribly sarky about the amount of German we’d forgotten. You don’t have that problem!”
“No, but I have all my parsing to revise,” sighed Frieda, for she, Marie, Carla, Sophie and Paula had an additional English class when the others were at German. Frieda, though she spoke fluently, was not quick at picking up grammar, and so her claim for sympathy was, Evvy agreed, equal to her own.
“All the same, I thought they’d ease off prep with the Guide meeting tomorrow,” she groaned.
“Some hope,” Joey, seated on the other side of Frieda and hitherto too busy eating to join in, said. “You heard my sister – Guides are not to interfere with work. Strikes me we’re not going to have a free moment this term. What does anyone think we’ll do at the meeting tomorrow?” and prep was forgotten as the talk switched onto the exciting topic of the first meeting of the Chalet School Guides.

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

Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 12:51 pm

Thank you Nicky - a lovely chapter.

#37: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 1:16 pm

This is truly lovely!!!

#38: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 1:20 pm

This is so lovely! It's wonderful to see how Nell reacts when she first joins. I always thought it a shame that, after we heard about her parents' and her sister's death, that EBD never explored it Sad

#39: Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 4:54 pm

Thanks Nicky. This is great to read!

#40: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 8:39 pm

I love reading about Miss Wilson's first class, I'd never thought quite how impossible science would be at first. Looking forward to seeing Miss Wilson's reaction to any prank by Joey or Evadne!

#41: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2004 9:23 pm

Very interesting first lesson, and really good to see Bill's feelings uopn joining the CS too. And it all fits in perfectly with the books.

#42: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2004 1:45 am

Definitely liking this drabble! (Bill was always my favorite mistress.) But poke

Joey & Evadne for their opinions on botany Evil or Very Mad

, and hopes their flower badges make them as interested as mine did.

#43: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 4:23 pm

V – The First Chalet Guide Company

“Who do you think will be the patrol leaders, Joey?” Thus Margia Stevens, sitting on one of the desks in the big schoolroom the next morning. Almost the whole school was gathered, boarders and day-girls, and the noise was indescribable. For the moment, however, those around Joey fell quiet, wanting to hear her views on this very important subject. Although she was not yet fourteen, Joey Bettany’s words carried weight with the girls, not simply, or even largely, because of her relationship to the headmistress, but through her own force of character. And where the new venture was concerned she was one of the few who had any real knowledge. Most of the continental girls were at sea with it, although they had avidly read all the stories they could find on the subject. Joey considered, head on one side.
“Gisela and Bernhilda and Wanda and Bette I should think. They’re the oldest. I’d think we’d need four patrols.”
“But not I, nor Bernhilda nor Wanda,” Gisela put in in her soft, pretty voice. “This is our last term, Joey. The patrol leaders must be those who will still be here to guide you next term.”
“But you’ll join, won’t you?” Grizel demanded, relieved in her heart at this pronouncement, for she longed to lead a patrol herself.
“We will, how do you say – help out,” Bernhilda told her. “That is, we will come to the meetings and take part in the activities. But that is all. A Guide should not be over sixteen, you know, Grizel.”
“Oh, I know,” Grizel said easily. “But Madame says that the people at headquarters say that since there aren’t enough older ones for Rangers and we’re so far from anywhere, everyone can be in one company.”
“All the same, it is our last term, Grizel,” Gisela repeated. “Now, here is Madame, so we shall soon hear all about it.”

The noise died down and was replaced by an expectant hush as the headmistress came into the room, followed by Miss Maynard, Miss Wilson and Miss Durrant Miss Wilson, the girls noted eagerly, wearing the Guide trefoil on her blouse. Miss Bettany smiled at the keen faces as she took the dais.
“That’s better! I would think they could hear you on the other side of the lake! Welcome, all of you, to the inaugural meeting of the First Chalet School Guide Company – and Brownie Pack,” with a glance at the little ones. “I know you’re all eager to get started, so first of all I’ll tell you a little about the Girl Guide movement, since many of you won’t have come across it before – although I know you’ve all been avidly reading the storybooks Grizel brought back with her last term. Then we’ll send the Brownies off with Miss Durrant and the rest of us will set about the business of choosing patrol leaders and so forth. Miss Durrant has agreed to be Brown Owl, Miss Maynard will be my lieutenant. And we are very lucky to have Miss Wilson’s experience of her own Guide days to draw upon,” and she turned to smile at her newest member of staff.

She waited until the girls had settled themselves comfortably and then told them of the great movement started by Robert Baden Powell for the young men who would one day lead the Empire. She told of young girls so angry that they were excluded from something which their brothers delighted in that they set up their own ‘Girl Scout’ patrols and aimed to do everything that their brothers did. Her audience listened enthralled as she talked of how Baden-Powell was so impressed by this determination that he formed a ‘sister movement’, the Girl Guides, of how the name came from a famous Indian regiment, known for its bravery and resourcefulness, and also from the courageous guides of the Swiss mountains. She went on to tell them of the promise that each Guide makes, to do their best to do their duty to God and to their country – this having been the solution suggested by headquarters for an international company such as this must be, where a promise to ‘do their duty to the King’ might mean less to some – and to keep the ten point law.” Here she paused, knowing that some of the younger girls might start to grow restless of simply listening, so keen were they to get started.
“Can any of you tell me some of the ten points of the law?” Grizel, in some ways one of the keenest to start, got to her feet.
“A Guide is loyal and can be trusted.”
“Yes, Grizel,” and her headmistress flashed her a smile. She had a feeling that Guides could be the making of what circumstances had made a hard character. “In many ways the most important point. Loyal not only to one’s country, but to the smaller community of school, friends, and to yourselves.”
Bernhilda spoke up next. “A Guide is obedient.”
“Especially important in a community such as ours,” the headmistress suggested. “Rules are there for your own good and your own protection, you know, so it’s silly not to obey.” She fixed her eye on her irrepressible young American pupil, who was pulling faces.
“Can you tell me the tenth point of the law, Evvy?” she asked with a smile. Evvy had the grace to blush as she rose to her feet.
“A Guide is self-controlled in all she thinks, says and does, Madame. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude.”
“I know,” and Madge kindly moved on.

The girls had mostly studied the book of Guiding for Girls which Grizel had brought with her the previous term, and filled in the other points of the law one by one, until Margia Stevens, the last, took her place after reminding them that a Guide makes good use of her time.
“I don’t need to tell you, of course, that this is purely voluntary,” the headmistress told them. “Any girl who does not wish to join need not. So, will all those in favour of forming the First Chalet School Guide Company please raise their hands.”
“I think that we all wish it, Madame,” Gisela, as head girl, spoke for them, as a perfect forest of hands was waved. In answer, the headmistress took a parcel from Miss Maynard, opened it, and took out a folded rectangle of cloth. She unfolded it and held it up to the girls, a blue flag with the gold Guide trefoil in its centre, and ‘First Chalet School Company’ worked in white underneath. A murmur ran around the room.
“Our company colours,” their Captain told them. “I believe it is more usual for the company itself to club together for them, but I thought that it would be nice to start with them, so this is my gift to you. Eigen has promised to make a flagpole on a stand for us, and the colours will fly wherever we meet. In England a company will normally have the Union Jack flying also, but we are in a rather different situation here, so I thought that I would leave it to you whether we have simply our company colours, or any others also.”
“We are an English school, Madame,” Grizel spoke up. “We should have the King’s colours.”
“Then we should jolly well have the Austrian flag too,” Joey said heatedly, as ever slightly irritated by what she termed the elder girl’s ‘so-called patriotism.’ “This is Austria.”
“I think that that would be very – how do you say – appropriate,” Gisela stepped in to keep the peace. “Could we not have both, Madame?”
“Guess there’s nothing wrong with the good old Stars and Stripes,” Evvy muttered. Then no less a person than shy Frieda stood up.
“Could we not have each of the flags of our countries?” she asked in her soft voice.
“All of them?” Joey demanded. “Coo! We’d need a castle to hang them in!”
“I do not mean for them to be large,” Frieda explained with dignity. “But could we not have the Union Jack and our flag, as Joey and Grizel suggest. And then some of us could make smaller flags for each of the countries that is ….”
“Represented?” Joey suggested. “Good scheme! Don’t you think, Madame?”
“I think that it is an excellent solution,” the headmistress agreed. “I will arrange for the Union Jack and the Austrian flag, and perhaps, Frieda, you would like to organise the making of the others. I am sure there are enough good needlewomen among you to manage, and Mademoiselle will help you in your sewing classes.” The young Innsbrucker smiled and nodded, although she coloured at the very public notice, and began to make notes on the blotter on her desk.

“What about uniforms, Madame?” Bette asked interestedly. Her imagination had been fired every bit as much as that of the English girls and she hoped secretly that she would be made a patrol leader.
“For those we must send to England,” Madge told them. “Each of you must give your measurements to Miss Maynard at the end of the meeting, and I will write at once. Until then you’ll have to make do with your tunics, I am afraid. I have brought back with me the trefoil badges and also half a dozen more copies of Guiding for Girls. I am afraid Grizel’s copy is rather worn around the edges already! Now, what is next? Patrol leaders, I think. There are twenty one of you, so I think that we should have four patrols. You don’t want more than six in one patrol.” She spoke more seriously. “I want you girls to chose your own leaders. I am sure that you will be much more willing to follow them that way. But you must choose the girls whom you believe will be the best Guides, the strongest leaders, not just your best friends. I am going to give you ten minutes to talk it over, then I want each of you to write four names on the papers Miss Maynard is passing around. Oh, and Gisela, Bernhilda and Wanda have asked that they not be nominated, as they will only be with the company for this one term.”

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

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 9:09 pm

Excellent, thanks Nicky.

#45: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 9:52 pm

*looking forward to MORE* Give the enthusiasm for forming a Guide company in Jo of, and their prominence in Princess, it's really odd that EBD never wrote this bit! Thanks for filling the gap....

#46: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 9:09 am

Fabulous again ... More please - I want to know who the four patrol leaders will be ... Grizel? Bette? Gertrude? Who else was around ...?

#47: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 1:16 pm

All of those three. Mary Burnett? Rosalie? Althougyh at this stage she hasn't really got the force of personality. Joey is too young, and the same goes for Frieda, Marie and Simone.

#48: Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire

Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 8:55 pm

This is lovely! Very Happy

Interested to see where this goes. Thank you Nicky (I'm a bit out of date as have only just caught up!)

#49: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2004 8:03 am

Lisa - having read Xan's drabble, I think it might be Juliet! Laughing

#50: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 1:05 pm

Thank you for some wonderful story Nickyj. Looking forward so much to seeing the Patrol Leaders elections and the rest of the early meetings.

#51: Chalet School Guides Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2004 1:58 pm

Hi guys I'm back!!! As some of you - those on GO - know I sprained my wrist rather badly a couple of weeks ago & typing has been a slow and painful process, hence no new story. To make up for lost time, a few instalments this weekend Nicky

------------------------------

V – The First Chalet Guide Company (Part ii)

She let them have their heads, withdrawing into a corner with her lieutenant and Miss Wilson, and ignoring the volume of noise that arose. When the ten minutes were up she retook her place on the dais and clapped her hands.
“Sit down, girls – quietly! Does everyone have a pencil?” The babel of noise was replaced by silence as the girls chewed the ends of their pencils and considered their choice. Their headmistress’s words had impressed on even the youngest and most heedless of the middles the solemnity of this task and one and all were determined to make the best possible choices. Once the last girl had put down her pencil Miss Maynard collected the papers and retired to the dais with Gisela to count the votes. The girls thronged around their young headmistress and Miss Wilson, asking eager questions of both as to activities, badge work and other exciting matters. The count did not take long the lieutenant rapped on the desk with her pencil and quiet fell immediately. Miss Bettany took the slip of paper her senior mistress held out and smiled as she ran her eyes down the results.
“I’m glad to see that the results are so clear,” she told them. “Four girls easily obtained more votes than any others. Our new patrol leaders, if they will come forward, are – “ and she paused teasingly, conscious of the wave of anticipation running across the room – “Bette Rincini, Gertrud Steinbrucke, Juliet Carrick and Grizel Cochrane.”

The girls broke into applause, much to the embarrassment of the four. Nobody was much surprised. Bette and Gertrud were steady girls who had been with the school from the beginning and Bette, it was widely thought, was likely to be the head girl when Gisela left. Juliet, after a bad start, had proved herself helpful and reliable on all occasions, and was emerging as a real leader and Grizel, although her sharp tongue made her unpopular at times, was renowned as an excellent organiser around whom things were rarely dull. The headmistress had not finished, however. She took a second slip of paper from Miss Maynard, and her face flushed ever so slightly with pleasure as she read it.
“Four other girls received more than six votes each and they will be our patrol seconds. They are Luigia di Ferrara, Marie von Eschenau, Frieda Mensch and Joey Bettany.” Luigia, a quiet Italian girl, flushed with pleasure and Frieda and Marie were not far behind her. None of them had had much opportunity to lead before and, having fairly humble opinions of their own standing in the school, were astounded at having been chosen. Joey was more noisily delighted. She had known that age, if nothing else, would debar her from the patrol leader position, but this was an honour that she had not even considered. Miss Joey liked to be in the centre of things. She only hoped that she would not be assigned to Grizel’s patrol.

Miss Bettany, however, although she trusted her girls to elect their leaders, felt that it would be wise to assign patrols herself. Her girls all got along very well together for the most part, but she was well aware of the little frictions which might, in the close confines of a patrol, lead to discontent. She and Miss Maynard had already divided the girls up roughly, having had a good idea as to who would be elected as leaders, and while the girls thronged around the chosen eight, they finalised their lists. The young headmistress clapped her hands for silence again and the girls turned, instantly obedient, wondering what was coming next.
“Patrols, girls,” she said. “Perhaps each of the patrol leaders would take a corner of the room, and I’ll divide you up.”
“Can’t we choose, Madame?” Evadne looked a little blue at this, sure that the powers that be would separate her from her chief friend and partner in crime. Miss Bettany laughed and shook her head, knowing very well what was in the small American’s mind.
“Ready? Bette, will you take Joey as your second? And with her, Margia, Simone and Ilonka.” She paused. “Oh, did I leave you out, Evvy? You too.” Evvy beamed from ear to ear as she joined Margia in the far corner of the room. Simone, who had looked ready to cry when her beloved Joey was announced as a patrol second without her, was smiling again at the fact that they were to be together in this, if they were parted in the dormitory. Frieda, with Bianca di Ferrara, Paula von Rothenfels and Sophie Hamel in tow, was relieved to find herself sent to Gertrud’s side, having feared her lot would be with Grizel. But the two mistresses were wiser than that. Frieda and Marie would be safe with Getrud and Juliet, and Luigia was a senior, Grizel’s equal, and hence best equipped to cope with her.

It seemed that one and all were content with their lot. Miss Bettany noted suddenly with a start that it was nearly lunchtime and called the meeting to order to close it.
“But we’ve hardly settled anything,” Joey protested. “Patrol emblems, for one thing.”
“They won’t go away, Joey,” Madge laughed. “Marie will have Mittagessen ready and the day girls are already late. You must run and get your things, girls – I will see you on Monday morning.”
“One last thing, Madame,” Grizel pleaded. “When shall we meet?”
“I suggest we have our regular meetings on Saturday mornings at ten,” Miss Bettany told them. “That will allow you boarders to do your practice and mending first. Of course, there is nothing to prevent you carrying on with your plans during the week. Next week we will discuss tenderfoot tests. Now, day girls, you really must run, or your mothers won’t let you come again. The rest of you, set the room straight please.”

The ten day girls ran off, Frieda bemoaning the fact that she alone among the PLs and seconds could not stay to make plans, although consoled by Miss Bettany’s assurance that she might come back in the afternoon if her mother was willing. Frieda was a placid soul, so she was content enough with this and went off happily enough, chattering nineteen to the dozen with the rest, and slightly surprised to find herself suddenly the centre of attention and a supposed authority. And since Frau Mensch, delighted to see her quiet younger daughter so animated about this new venture, gave her permission easily for an afternoon at school, all four patrols were able to give a good part of the rest of the day to making plans.

#52: Author: Dreaming Marianne, Location: Devon

Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2004 2:37 pm

Nicky this is lovely - but please don't forget the Marlow drabble! It was fantastic and it's falling behind on the threads!!!!

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

Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2004 2:47 pm

Thanks Nicky - so good to see the early days. (PS Hope your wrist is better.)

#54: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2004 3:27 pm

Great to see this one back, Nicky! Madge was very sensible allocating the Seconds to the PLs - although it would have been fun to see Joey & Grizel working together!! Very Happy

I love all the little touched in this ... "Miss Joey" liking to be in the centre of things ... Frau Mieders being pleased at Frieda's animation etc Definitely looking forward to more!

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

Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2004 3:45 pm

Aww Nicky this is lovely. But please could be have some more Marlows too? Hope your wrist is better! Very Happy

#56: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2004 4:21 pm

I'm glad your wrist is recovered enough for posting, Nicky! *looks forward to seeing what the patrols get up to*

#57: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2004 4:22 pm

Glad your wrist is better and to see the return of this.

#58: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2004 5:18 pm

Thank you Nicky, glad to hear your wrist is recovering.

#59: Guides at the Chalet School Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2004 7:49 pm

VI – Cricket

“When do you think Madame will let us be enrolled, Joey?” It was Saturday afternoon, a week after the first Guide meeting. The week had passed as the first of a term always does, with groans at how much they had forgotten over the holidays, with interest at being taught for the first time by the new mistresses, and, of course, in Guide talk. Concentration in class had not suffered, Miss Bettany having made it very clear that any girl who’s marks fell because of Guides would be forbidden meetings, but out of class the girls could talk of nothing else. Quiet Frieda, always very much a homebird, had been heard to wish vociferously that she did not have to be a daygirl in the summer, for it excluded her from some of the chatter, but the others were very good at filling her in on what had been said and since Frau Mensch had easily given permission for her free time to be spent at the Chalet she was content with her lot. It was she who spoke now, having raced back after a hasty Mittagessen. Joey, lying on her front on the grass and chewing thoughtfully on a stem of it, considered.
“Should have thought this term – the patrol leaders and seconds anyway. She said something about us being first. There’s heaps to learn.” The meeting that morning had been given over to discussion of the tenderfoot tests and most of the girls had been surprised at just how much they would have to do before they even really belonged to the company. Now Marie, ever conscientious, produced a sheaf of notes.
“I do not know how we are to fit all of this in, with lessons and cricket,” she bemoaned.

Miss Bettany, wise enough not to let Guides complete dominate, had informed them on the first full day that games periods during the week, including evening games practices, must continue, although she had conceded that, for the moment, as long as they were out of doors the girls might do as they pleased on Saturday afternoons. Grizel, who had been a keen cricketer at her old High School, had been appointed as informal captain the previous term, although she was not a prefect, and Miss Wilson, who had been a keen member of her own school team had offered to help. In the winter terms the girls were more often than not confined to the house for days on end and then they would do gym and folk dancing, with breaks for skating when the skies cleared and the ice held. But the summer term was really the only one where outdoor sports could be taken seriously, and even then, Grizel knew, the attraction of boating would distract some of the girls from the pitch. Hence the captain had called a meeting early and told what she expected of them all.
“Are you going to be serious about cricket?” Joey asked now, sitting up and regarding her friend with interest.
“But why not?” Marie asked seriously. “We are an English school, are we not?” with a gleam in her eye that suggested that the English sense of humour did not escape her.
“Well, yes,” Jo admitted. “But Grizel….” Marie laughed.
“I like it very much, Joey. I find that I can hit the ball quite well.” This was an understatement – at the preliminary game Grizel had arranged the previous evening the young Austrian, while knowing nothing of the rules, had dealt with balls bowled to her firmly and, amazing to say, earning words of praise from the cricket captain.
“You could be good as well, Jo, if you bothered to try.” Grizel, passing at that moment, observed, overhearing, before going on in search of Juliet with as message from Miss Maynard. Joey scowled.
“Who does she think she is,” she growled.
“All the same, Joey, you could be very good,” Frieda said soothingly. “I have watched, and although I do not know very much about the game I can see that you hit the ball the way Marie does. You have no fear of it.”
“Well, who’d be afraid of a silly ball,” was Joey’s answer, but she thought, nonetheless. Without being conceited, she knew that cricket would be something at which she could shine at least moderately. She loved tennis, but was honest enough to admit that she was erratic – on her day she was superb but on other days she would send the ball, more often than not, into the net.

Her objection to cricket lay solely with Grizel. They had known one another for a good many years and while they had always been friends they had sparred continuously, often over small things, such as their views of Napoleon Joey holding that he was a great hero, Grizel seeing him as a war criminal. Friends they might be, but there was little understanding between them, and Joey, more than the rest, found the arrogance which Grizel had developed in her position as captain hard to take. Grizel, it has to be said, was revelling in the position. She had been thrilled the previous term when Miss Bettany had appointed her, but the spring term had been largely wet and there had been few opportunities for practice. Bt the new term had brought plenty of clear days and evenings and the English girl had enjoyed her first taste of power, seeing the girls running to the pitch, because she wanted them to. Grizel was not sensitive enough to see the currents running below the surface, to see that many of the girls were there because Madge had told them they must. And so far Miss Joey had avoided cricket as far as she could.

The following Tuesday, however, brought the first formal games practice of the term. Boating, promised to them, had not yet started, since Madge was nervous of the sudden storms which sweep down into the valley in the summer, preferring to wait until a Saturday when they could go out soon after midday. Herr Braun had sent his men round to mark out the tennis courts properly for the summer and hence the middles were dispatched, en masse, to the cricket field. Grizel quickly organised her teams and sent them out into the field. It had been Madge’s intention that one of the other prefects should be there to keep an eye on her, but Miss Denny, knowing nothing of this, had suggested to Juliet that she come for an extra German coaching. Juliet, who knew that her written German was weak, although she could chatter fluently, had gone happily, hence the cricket captain was left to her own devices.

Her first trouble was with Simone who, being hit by a ball bowled at her, positively howled. However, it had been an accident, and Simone had a reputation for being a crybaby, so when Grizel ordered her off of the pitch no one commented. Even Joey, normally Simone’s greatest protector, however much they might squabble in private, knew that knocks happened, and that Simone was capable of crying at the slightest of them. The next ball, however, thrown carelessly by Sophie Hamel, caught Margia Stevens lightly on the wrist, and that was, as Joey commented later, the end of that. Margia stood for a moment and then, as if something had occurred to her, tossed down her bat and walked off of the pitch.
“Hey, Margia!” Grizel called from the sidelines. “Where d’you think you’re going?” Margia turned and looked at her.
“Somewhere safer.” The cricket captain’s look turned to pure scorn.
“Of course, if you’re afraid of a little knock, then you can go and ask Madame if you may go over to Le Petit Chalet and play with the juniors there,” she said scathingly. Margia Stevens was reckless and lawless in general, but it was neither of those qualities which made her answer now. It was the artist within her, that knew instinctively, the need to protect her hands and wrists from harm.
“I’m not afraid,” she flashed back. “Just I’ve got some common sense, that’s all. Anyhow, you can’t make me play – you’re not a prefect.” Grizel lost her temper thoroughly at that.
“I’ll thank you to remember that I happen to be games captain, Margia Stevens. So you can get back on this pitch right now.”
“Oh, that!” Margia tossed over her shoulder as she stalked off towards the Chalet. For a moment Grizel contemplated running after her and dragging her back, but she had not quite lost her head and instead swung her attention back to the game. But her temper still ran high and the cheerful atmosphere in which the practice had begun was gone. The rest of the middles, though hardly understanding Margia’s behaviour, were glad, it has to be said, to have seen someone put high handed Grizel in her place and affected, in general, a don’t care attitude which only served to irritate the games captain more. She had nothing good to say about their play that evening and even Marie, who had escaped criticism, breathed a sigh of relief when the final whistle blew and they were free to go.

#60: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2004 7:55 pm

Oh dear, I see a storm brewing over that!

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

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2004 8:02 pm

2 lots in 2 days, wonderful. I love the way you have captured Grizel in this, very true to the way EBD portrayed her.

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

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2004 8:57 pm

*sigh* I wish my Guides were as organised as the Chalet lot seem to be!

#63: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2004 9:15 pm

Thanks for those lovely long posts Nicki, I'm really enjoying this.

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

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2004 9:24 pm

Excellent characterisations - love Margia - very little was said about her music, yet it would obviously come first with her. Thanks Nicky.

Last edited by Lesley on Mon Sep 20, 2004 4:30 am; edited 1 time in total

#65: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sun Sep 19, 2004 9:30 pm

Thanks again, Nicky! *wonders how soon the fur will fly, and how it will affect Guides*

#66: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 8:43 am

Ructions! Excellent, Nicky - nice to see what really did happen when Grizel was Games Pree as EBD alludes to it but didn't give us much detail ... And good for Margia!

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

Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 11:24 am

Wonderful, thanks Nicky. Good to see this back - hope the wrist is better.Well done Margia - intersted to see what happens next!

#68: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 12:01 pm

Glad the wrist is better, looking forward to seeing a lot more of this Nicky! Thank you!

#69: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2004 2:38 pm

Glad you are on the mend Nicki. It is nice to see this back and to see more of the things that EBD missed out, thank you.

#70: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 8:16 pm

PS - finally new (albeit short) part of Marlows is up

VI – Cricket - part 2

Madge Bettany had been looking over some correspondence when there came a knock at the door and Margia appeared, looking very prim and proper. The headmistress sat up.
“Not on the cricket field, Margia? Would you like to tell me about it?” Margia did shyness was not one of her qualities and more, she was angry at having been accused of being afraid. Madge sat back in her chair. “I see. Tell me, Margia. Why did you refuse to play.” Now Margia flushed, but only momentarily.
“I couldn’t risk my wrists, Madame. Simone was hit and I suddenly thought. It doesn’t matter for the others, but….” At thirteen, Margia was unaware of her gifts, but the instinctiveness of the musician in her told her that she must protect her hands at whatever cost. Madge nodded.
“I see. Yes, Margia, you were right to stop. But you would have been more right to come to me in the beginning and say that you did no wish to play cricket for that reason. Grizel did not know that.” Margia blushed.
“I’m sorry, Madame.”
“You must go out to the pitch and apologise to Grizel for walking out on her, and for your rudeness in questioning her authority.” Madge said firmly. “Whatever your reasons I will not accept bad manners. You may then tell her that I have given you permission to spend your games hours in future either rowing or playing tennis. Off you go, dear.”

Hating the thought of apologising, Margia did not hurry her steps and arrived on the pitch just as the captain blew the final whistle. Grizel heard out the apology, which was sincere enough – Margia knew that she had behaved badly – and decided to be magnanimous.
“Pitch up next time ready to work and we’ll forget it,” she said briefly. Truth to tell she was feeling a little uneasy, knowing that her own behaviour had been undignified.
“Madame says I’m to be excused, cos of needing to look after my hands.” Margia told her calmly. “I’m only to do tennis or boating this term.”
“Well, I’m sure we don’t want any slackers!” Good resolutions went out the window again as Grizel, taking the younger girl’s calm confidence for cheek, went red with anger.
Margia flared up at that. “I’m not a slacker! I’ve told you why I can’t play. And I don’t want to be on your beastly team anyway!” and she flounced off, almost cannoning into Miss Bettany, who had been coming across the grass.
“Slang fine, please, Margia,” that lady said quietly, making a good guess at what had just passed and feeling it wise not to comment further.

When Margia had apologised and run off, slightly calmer, the headmistress turned to the older girl.
“What was that all about, Grizel?”
“Margia made some excuse…” Grizel dried up, knowing that she was being unfair. “I mean, she said she couldn’t play because she was worried about hurting her hands. And I lost my beastly temper and told her she was a slacker. I’m sorry, Madame – I was just disappointed. I’m sure she could be good.”
“But she can’t take the risk of an injury,” Madge reminded her. “Grizel, you have to be fair to the girls. Some of those who can play well may decide that they prefer tennis, or boating. If you try and bully them you will drive them away even further. You know, I overheard a few things when I passed the girls going back to the Chalet and I’m afraid you haven’t made a very good start with them.”
“I know,” Grizel sighed. “I was angry with Margia and I took it out on them.” Then, uncertainly, “I’m not really a bully, Madame, am I?”
“I don’t believe so,” Madge said gently. “But you have a little bit of power now and I don’t want that to go to your head. Just remember to bring your Guide spirit to practices and remember that the girls have a lot of other things to occupy their time. I want them to be keen, as much as you do, but there is more to school than cricket.”
“I’ll do my honest best, Madame.” Grizel fingered the little shield on her tunic as they went into the house, her face subdued.

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

Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 8:38 pm

Thank you Nicky, nice to see this re-appearing. Hopefully Grizel will start getting over the power going to her head soon, and I can't wait for more of the Guide meetings. JackieJ

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

Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 10:28 pm

Thank you - lovely characterisation of early Madge too.

#73: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 11:43 pm

Wonderful Nicky. REally brings back the atmosphere of the early books. Off to read Marlows now.

#74: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 8:28 am

Great scene and well done Madge for handling Grizel so well ...

#75: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 5:05 pm

Didn't Madge do well there?

#76: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 6:06 pm

Well done Madge! Hopefully Grizel will learn from it.

#77: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 10:05 pm

VII – Miss Wilson Makes Her Mark

Tuesday and Thursday mornings this term meant double science for the Middle school at the Chalet. The previous Tuesday they had spent a short while in the classroom and had then walked up the valley to collect certain botany specimens that the young mistress meant to use in their first practical lesson. The weather had been fine and the twenty girls had spent a glorious half hour hunting around and, it has to be said, having a good deal of fun in the process. They had come back with sufficient plants to keep, as Miss Wilson had observed drily, a school twice their size occupied for a term. But the mistress approved of their enthusiasm and accepted them all, choosing the best once class had been dismissed so as not to disappoint anyone. The next class had been given over to Chemistry, and, having spent the previous week on basic theory the girls had been allowed finally into the new laboratory. There they had been split into small groups and set to working simple experiments. Miss Wilson, warned by her colleagues as to who should be watched, had chosen the groups herself, outwardly on the basis of experience but making sure that the wilder middles were paired with the more reliable ones. Even the irrepressible Evvy, however, had been too keen on this new venture to give any trouble, although the results of her attempts at growing copper sulphate crystals had been conspicuous by their absence.
“I’m sure I did just as the rotten instructions said!” she had groused, but Miss Wilson had just smiled and suggested that the next time she might measure her chemicals a little more carefully.

The second Thursday of term brought their first practical botany lesson and they trooped off together to the big shed at the back of the house, for the same room was to be used for all practical sciences at present. They wore sensible brown overalls over their tunics to protect them and looked ready for work when the mistress came in. And if one or two of them were more giggly than usual Miss Wilson put it down to the excitement of a new subject and thought nothing more of it. She began by drawing up on the board a neat diagram of the inside of the plant which they were to investigate and the girls copied it, carefully for the most part, into their notebooks. Joey Bettany, who was not artistic, groaned over this and, when she was done, surveyed her attempts ruefully.
“I hope the thing doesn’t really look like that inside!” she sighed.
“See, here is mine,” Frieda, seated next to her at the long bench, offered. “If you look at this while we look at the specimens it will be easier.” Joey grinned.
“I’d say so!” she murmured, looking at her friend’s neat diagram. When she saw that everyone had finished, some more successfully than others, Miss Wilson took out the jar in which the plant specimens had been kept and handed them round.
“One between two girls,” she told them, keeping one back for herself. “Vanna, will you hand out these cutting boards, please, and Marie these scalpels – and for goodness sake, girls, be careful. They are very sharp and I have no wish for accidents.” When each pair were provided with cutting board, scalpel and specimen, the young mistress indicated on the diagram where she wished the cut to be made.
“Straight along the length of the stem,” she told them. “Try and do it in one smooth movement, that way you will cause the least damage.” She took up her own scalpel and, as the heads of the girls bent over their boards, made a smooth incision along the centre of her own specimen. The next moment she stood upright, her eyes flashing. Exclamations and then laughter from the girls told her that she was not the only one with unusual results. For the perfect specimen she had selected was, inside, an odd shade of blue.

#78: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 10:24 pm

Blue?? NOT one of the usual stem colors, she says, fresh from 3 hrs of botany lab. Genetically engineered plants in the wild? Shocked

Middles ransacking the stain cabinet for Guide colors? Evvy a bit (ahem) careless with that copper sulphate? *waits impatiently*

#79: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 11:34 pm

Thank you Nicky. Typical Chalet middles mayhem.

#80: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 8:08 am

Oooh - I am sooo looking forward to how Nell deals with this little outbreak ... Very Happy

*settling down in anticipation* I have a feeling some of the little lambs will shortly be rueing their actions!!

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

Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 10:20 am

Hmmm, I'd go with Kathy's last guess and plump on Evvy as the cause behind the mischief! V original! Look forward to seeing how Nell deals with it! Thanks Nicky!

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

Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 1:34 pm

Definatly original, and done by someone with a bit of a scientific bent as well, as I would bet that most of them wouldn't know how to do it! Razz

#83: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 3:26 pm

I'm thinking Evvy's behind this... :DLooking forward to the girls meeing Nell's sarcasm! Lovely to see Nell back in this as well, hopefully Mollie will be able to help her with her own troubles :(Thank you Nicky!!

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

Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 5:34 pm

*Sitting back with a Baileys in intense anticipation - first expression of Nell's sarcastic tongue - has cam-corder ready!! Laughing

#85: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 5:50 pm

Well, I'm waiting to find out how it was done! I never even realised that such a thing was possible until now! Going back a bit, I can soooo imagine Grizel being like that, and yes, Madge did do well.

#86: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 10:01 pm

VII - Miss Wilson Makes Her Mark Part 2

She thought for a moment then laid the scalpel down and, with an effort, for she had put a great deal of thought into this lesson and hated to see it spoiled, spoke calmly.
“Put your scalpels down, girls.” When they had obeyed to the last girl she went on coldly. “I see that someone among you has been babyish enough to interfere with your specimens. No, I do not want anyone to speak,” as a movement from one corner suggested that someone might be getting to her feet. “I suppose that some of you are really little more than babies and that, therefore, I must expect such behaviour. But,” and she let her gaze wander around the room, noting the faces that had gone red at this casual dismissal of their behaviour. “I expect, next Thursday morning, to find a box of perfect specimens on my desk ready for you to investigate. If not there will be no more practical classes this term.” She waited for a moment to let this sink in, ignoring the baleful glances that were cast towards certain of the form, and then spoke more briskly. “There can, of course, be no practical lesson this morning. Take off your overalls, girls, and take out your textbooks,” and she swung them into a drilling on the various forms on plant life and differences in their structure. When the bell rang for break she set them an amount of prep which stunned them and then ushered them out of the lab, locking the door behind her and leaving them to go and get their milk. They did so in silence, more or less, but once their glasses were empty and they were free to go out into the garden tongues ran freely.

“Evvy, you ass!” It was Joey, of course. Much as she had enjoyed the joke she had had plans for the prep time that evening which did not involve the huge amount of botany they had been set. “I s’pose it was you? What on earth did you use, anyhow?”
“School ink,” Margia said calmly. “We kept one of those syringes we used in chemistry and just pumped a little bit into each one. They were just sitting on that shelf in the form room, you know.”
“She took it awfully well, I guess,” Evadne mused. “Of course we’ll go and get the new specimens, and it was funny, admit it!” J
oey laughed. “Oh, I suppose it was. And we’ll all help, don’t worry. If you three go off by yourselves goodness knows what you’ll come back with.” They had to go in then to be ready for Mademoiselle and French dictee but the little incident had made it clear to the girls that, friendly though their new science mistress might be out of school, in lessons she was more than able to hold her own. They respected her whole-heartedly for it and her treatment of the whole affair as babyish in the extreme had stung the pride of the three perpetrators to the extent that they were models of good behaviour in her lessons for the remainder of the term.

The news of the Middles latest prank filtered through to the staff room, of course. Miss, Wilson, inexperienced as she was, knew that this was only harmless mischief and she shared the incident with Mollie Maynard that same evening. Mollie chuckled over the cheek of it, while wholeheartedly praising her colleague’s method of dealing with it.
“They’ll think twice before ragging you again,” she said wisely. “Making them feel like babies was the perfect solution. All the same, I’d loved to have seen your face – and theirs too.” And the two mistresses had dissolved into laughter for it had been original, if nothing else. Madge had come in at that moment with Mademoiselle and demanded to know the reason for the hilarity, and they too had laughed.
“They’re just testing the waters,” was all Madge said, but the incident and her newest mistress’s dealing with it had made up her mind and later that evening she drew Miss Wilson to one side.

“Nell, our Guide Company needs you,” she said bluntly. “I hesitated, while you were so new, to ask it either of you or of the girls, but what happened today makes it clear that they respect you. The girls are so keen that I feel we need another lieutenant. Will you join us formally?” Nell flushed with pleasure at her high school Guides had been a big part of her life and although they had not been in evidence at the high school that had been her first post she had always hoped, if she had stayed there, that she could have introduced them. To find them at the Chalet School had been a delight even to be involved informally in the formation of the new company. To be asked to join the company itself as lieutenant - for once words failed her. She managed to nod, however.
Madge smiled. “I hoped you would.” The younger woman found her tongue.
“I’d like nothing more, Madame. It is such a big thing, and has been such a help to me,” she finished more quietly. “If you think that I can do it.”
“The girls already love you because you are a Guide,” Madge reminded her. “And after today you will find that they respect you as well. And I would value your experience myself, very much. The Guide movement is very new to me – I was not a member in England, for while I was a girl the movement was very new, and there was Jo to look after. I will be glad of your counsel.”
“I’ll do all I can,” Nell promised, and went off to bed that night feeling that, at last, all might be well with her little world.

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

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 5:59 am

Thankyou Nicky, that's fab. It reads so well and EBDishly (hmmm - not sure about that word!).Looking forward with eager anticipation to MORE! please....

#88: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 8:25 am

Wonderful scene! Very Happy

Go Bill!! I think she reacted just right and certainly nipped it in the bud ... (band what a brilliant and simple joke - I would never have thought of something like that!! Laughing

) So pleased to see the other staff reassuring her she'd handled it just right and I like the way that Madge feels able to give her the position of Lieutenant now that she's proved she has the girls' respect ...

#89: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:25 am

Just knew it had to be Evvy and Margia. Glad to see Bill fully recognised in the Guides.

#90: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 12:03 pm

Yay!!! *bounce* Thank you!

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

Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 8:35 pm

Good for Nell! Are we going to see the infamous scene where Evvy lets slip her nickname? Laughing

#92: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2004 9:16 pm

VII – Miss Wilson Makes Her Mark part 3

The girls took the news with great enthusiasm. As far as Guides went they had already latched onto their new science mistress as being a fountain of knowledge and it seemed natural to them that she should be one of the company. She sent to England for her uniform immediately and also, although it was painful to do, wrote to the relations with who she had left those of her possessions which she had not wished to bring to Austria with her, at least until she knew that she was going to stay. Her aunt, delighting to feel that at last the niece who had been through so much was finding her feet somewhere, hunted through the many boxes with a will, with the result that a fortnight later an assortment of boxes and bundles were unloaded from the steamer at Briesau. Good Herr Braun and his satellites carried them up to the Chalet and at the end of afternoon school the new mistress had them carried into the big schoolroom and invited the Guides-to-be to help unpack them. She took possession of one small box herself, knowing it to hold her photographs and mementos of many meetings and camps, but let the girls loose on the rest, and the shrieks of excitement were enough to raise the whole valley.

Nell Wilson’s company had been a keen one, who had camped at every opportunity, and as a result many of the girls had owned their own tent, groundsheet and so on. Moreover, Nell had camped with her cousins in holidays and her parents had provided her with a big bell tent which would house five or six comfortably. Miss Bettany had made it clear to her fledgling company that camping would not be possible until they were more established and one at least of the Guiders had obtained a camping licence, but seeing all of the equipment for real sparked their imaginations, with, as will be seen, regrettable consequences in one instance. Cooking equipment, handbooks, and a number of homemade camp accessories came out of the bundles and the enthusiasm of the girls grew apace.

When all the packages and boxes were opened they gathered around the young mistress clamouring for stories connected with it all, but the bell for Kaffee rang at that moment, and they had to be contented with a promise that she would give the half hour before prep to stories and, if they wished, continue after Abendessen.
“But I shall not be here!” Frieda, whose confidence was growing each day with the new responsibilities she was taking on, said sadly.
“I’ll tell you every word tomorrow,” Joey promised, and with that the young Innsbrucker had to be content. She was finding that her position as a daygirl in the summer was not an enviable one, with so much going on, and determined that she would ask her parents to let her board at school all year once Bernhilda had left.

Madge had watched anxiously from a distance when the bundles had arrived, wondering if the memories of old days would be troublesome for her newest lieutenant, but whatever ghosts the past held were smothered by Miss Wilson’s enthusiasm for the Guide movement, and for the next few days the young mistress gave most of her free time to showing photographs and telling camp stories to an eager audience.

#93: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2004 10:32 pm

*might have known the dye traced back to Evvy* (didn't think of the school ink, though, nor yet a syringe....) It's wonderful seeing the enthusiasm for camping and the more exciting parts of guiding, especially from Nell. In Camp, for instance, she's too often just "the commandant" (horrible word, associated in my brain with Nazis and such).

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

Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2004 12:04 am

So glad this is helping Nell recover from her problems.

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

Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2004 11:42 am

This is so lovely! Glad Nell's settling in. Thanks Nicky.

#96: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 9:08 am

Excellent instalment and I'm pleased the whole guide thing seems to be keeping Nell focussed so she's not brooding on losing her family ...

Quote:

but seeing all of the equipment for real sparked their imaginations, with, as will be seen, regrettable consequences in one instance.

*intrigued* Who is going to get up to what?!!

#97: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 12:34 pm

Lovely episode. So glad the girls are helping Nell forget the nasty parts of her past. No wonder she became a favourite mistress so quickly, telling the so much about camps.

#98: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 7:43 pm

Lovely realistic episode.

#99: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 9:08 pm

VIII - A Worrying Time

“Do tell us some more, Miss Wilson!” Grizel urged. “It sounds thrilling!” It was Saturday afternoon, and the middles and seniors were relaxing in the garden at the Chalet, for it was really too hot for anything more energetic. Miss Wilson had once more been prevailed upon to tell tales of her Guide days and gradually more and more of the girls had drifted up to listen. Miss Bettany, coming out to see why they were all so quiet, had stayed too, glad to see the animated look on her newest mistress’s face. She worried about Nell Wilson, knew that despite her cheeriness she was not really happy. At present, however, the wistful look had gone from her eyes and she turned to the latest speaker and smiled.
“It was, Grizel. I was only thirteen and it was my first camp. My father was always keen on the stars and he encouraged me to study for my astronomer’s badge. Our patrol leader was keen too, and two of the other Guides, so one clear night, after camp fire, Captain took the four of us out to test us. I remember sitting on a rug on the grass at the top of a hill while each of us in turn pointed out a constellation.”
“Will you show us?” Grizel wanted to know. Miss Wilson nodded.
“I don’t see why not, Grizel. Perhaps next term, when the nights draw in and it is dark earlier, but not too cold.”
“Can we camp, Madame?” Margia too had been hanging on every word she was not keen on astronomy particularly but thrilled to the thought of sleeping under the stars.
Madge laughed. “One step at a time, Margia. Yes, someday I do hope to take you all to camp. But it won’t be until we have a lot more experience as Guides. How many of you could pitch a tent, or cook over a camp fire, or any of the other hundred and one things necessary?” Margia looked crestfallen.
“Couldn’t we just sleep out of doors, just once?” The headmistress shook her head at her.
“We have no equipment, for one thing.”
“Miss Wilson said they once slept just under the stars, Madame,” Evvy put in eagerly.
“We did have sleeping bags, Evvy, we didn’t just lie down on the grass!” the mistress corrected her laughingly.
“And you weren’t in the alps, either,” Madge said. “Even in summer it would be very cold. No, girls, I am afraid you will have to make do with being out of doors in the day time for now.”

Even irrepressible Evadne knew that this meant the subject was closed, so she joined in the pleadings of the rest for another Guide story and they settled down to hear about tracking games in the woods, something which Madge assured them they could try for themselves very soon.
“Here’s Herr Schneider with the post.” Joey, sitting at her sister’s feet, glanced across the grass to see the old postman coming up the path. “He’s late.”
“Run and get the mail will you, Joey?” She jumped up and dashed across the garden.
“Gruss Gott, Herr Schnieder. Much for us?” she demanded in German.

He smiled down at her. Everyone hereabouts had a soft spot for the Bettany girls, for the school not only generated a great deal of interest among them but also brought business – fifty girls had to be fed and Miss Bettany ordered everything that she could locally. In addition, many of the girls had plentiful pocket money to spend on small pieces of carving or lace to send home, and the Briesau people had reason to bless that day when Madge Bettany, in far off Devon, had decided that the answer to her problems was to start a school at Tiernsee. So now the postman handed over a thick bundle of letters and chattered amicably with her for a few minutes, ignoring his aching feet, answering questions about his wife and grown up daughters and grandchildren. Then he had to make for the steamer to deliver to the isolated Gasthaus at Gaisalm and Joey tore back to her sister. Miss Wilson and Guides were forgotten as she dropped back to the grass all eyes were on the headmistress.

The Chalet girls were all far too busy and loved their school too much to be homesick, but letters from home were not longed for any the less for that. Madge knew it, and she did not delay in sorting the pile, tossing her business ones aside and doling out the rest.
“Margia, somebody loves you. You too, Evvy. Miss Wilson,” she looked across and her smiled as she handed over the letter, wondering at the look of – what? – fear, almost, that flashed across the new mistress’s face, noting too that she merely glanced at it and then slipped it inside the book she was holding.

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

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 10:09 pm

OOOooohhhh! Mystery!!! What's Nell frightened about? Shocked

#101: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 10:18 pm

Patience Lesley dear!! Patience! :hiding: :hiding: :hiding:

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

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 10:25 pm

I'm not impatient, Pat, just being the first to ask the question. Smile

#103: Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire

Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2004 10:29 pm

Ooh! Unexpected small cliff! Shocked

This is great - just caught up on several installments and now waiting eagerly for more. Nice to be back in the Tyrol! Very Happy

#104: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 8:16 am

Very curious about Nell's letter ... and why she's so edgy about it ... And looking forward to an outbreak from the Middles - Evvy seems to be spoiling for an overnighter under the stars! (Bet they scare themselves silly!)

#105: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 11:54 am

Lovely new part! Can definitley see an unnofficial night under the stars coming up.

#106: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 4:02 pm

All sorts of lovely possibilities.

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

Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 4:18 pm

And less lovely ones too! More please Nicky!

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

Posted: Tue Sep 28, 2004 5:34 pm

I like the explanation of just why the Bettany girls were so popular - it makes complete sense, it just hadn't occurred to me before. Thanks Nicky!

#109: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 9:54 pm

VIII - A Worrying Time part 2

“Nothing for me then? Joey looked up at her sister in disappointment as that lady handed an envelope to a smiling Ilonka Barcokz and shuffled the rest into a pile. Madge shook her head.
“Not this time. Nothing from India either. Expecting something?” Joey shook her head.
“Only it is nice to get letters! Are those for the babies? Shall I take them?”
“If you wouldn’t mind. I must deal with this lot.” Madge got to her feet and went into the house to deal with the half dozen or so business envelopes, leaving her young sister to saunter across to Le Petit Chalet where the juniors were gathered around Miss Durrant in the shade of the trees, listening to a fairy story.
“Mail!” Jo cried gaily as she crossed the grass and threw herself down in their midst. “Ouf it’s hot!”
“It is indeed,” jolly Miss Durrant agreed. “Come on, Jo, who’s lucky today?” Recalled to the business in hand, Joey sat up properly.
“Only three for you people today – oh, and two for you, Miss Durrant,” tossing them over before turning back to the eager group of little girls. “Postcard for you, Maria and a postcard and a letter for Yvette.”
“Is that all?” Amy Stevens’ face fell.
“Fraid so. But I did happen to notice that Margia had a letter from Norway.”
“It’ll be for me too!” Amy jumped to her feet and tore across the grass, regardless of the heat, to where her sister was immersed in the longed for screed from their mother.

“Joey.” The Robin had crept over and now looked up at her beloved with tear-filled eyes. “Why does Papa not write to me any more?”
“Why, what do you mean?” Joey lapsed into the French that still came most easily to the school baby. “I know there was no letter today, but….”
“There has been nothing, but nothing, for so many weeks.” Robin’s baby voice broke. “Before he wrote every, but every week. Does he not love me any more?”
“Of course he does, my pet. I ‘spect he’s just been awfully busy, or…” Joey dried up, knowing that she was unconvincing. Captain Humphries was devoted to the little daughter who reminded him so much of the wife he had lost and wrote regularly.
“Why don’t you go and ask Madame, Joey?” Miss Durrant suggested. “She may have heard something.”
“Good scheme,” and Jo got to her feet, the little girl’s hand still in hers. “Come on Robinette.”

They found Madge in the study, still busy with her correspondence. She looked up at the two with a smile and set her pen aside.
“Tante Marguerite, why does Papa not write?” The baby ran across the room to her guardian and repeated the plea. Madge’s face grew grave she had noticed with increasing concern the absence of letters from Russia lately. At first she had put it down to the unreliable postal service from there, for in the past there had been gaps and then several letters had come together. But, casting her mind back, there had been nothing since halfway through the previous term, more than two months ago. Jo caught the look on her face and realised what she was thinking.
“Madge, you don’t think….” Madge shook her head at her, gathering the baby into her arms.
“Don’t cry, sweetheart. The mail from Russia can be very bad. That’s better,” as the little girl turned a watery smile on her. “Now, Robinette, you run back to Miss Durrant and tell her that you are to have Kaffee with Joey and me over here. Then come back and we’ll have a jolly time together.” Robin nodded and ran off, leaving Joey to fall back on her interrupted question.
“Madge, you don’t think that anything’s happened to Captain Humphries, do you?” Madge looked at her keenly. She had always taken Joey into her counsel, even as a very little girl, and knew that if she said nothing now the keen imagination would dream all kind of horrors.
“I hope not, Joey-Baba,” she said steadily. “But I am worried. The mail has never taken this long before. Of course it may just be that he is in some out of the way place at present. All the same, I think I shall ring up the Sonnalpe and ask Jem to cable various people he knows and see if they have heard anything. Now run and tidy yourself, Jo, and then we’ll do our best to take the Robin’s mind off of it.” During the hour that followed, when Kaffee and Kuchen was followed by a delightful new game of Joey’s invention, the little girl’s smiles returned and she trotted happily off to Le Petit Chalet. All the same, Jo, running across after the little ones’ bedtime with a message for Miss Durrant, peeped in on her and did not miss the tears still lingering on the dark lashes.

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

Posted: Wed Sep 29, 2004 10:01 pm

*wibbles* I'm glad I know that Captain Humphries doesn't die yet... ...doesn't stop me worrying though!

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

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 4:30 am

Awww, poor Robin. :crying:

#112: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 8:13 am

Oh, that's so sad ... and terribly worrying Poor Robin! Like Ann, I'm very glad we know he must be alive ...

#113: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 10:37 am

Poor little Robin. Nice episode of story always loved these early exchanges between Madge, Jo and Robin.

#114: Author: Guest,

Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 8:08 pm

VIII - A Worrying Time part 3

Jem Russell appeared at Fruhstuck the following morning, to the delight of the girls, who were very fond of him, despite the fact that he was soon to carry off their pretty young headmistress. He had come down to consult his future wife on various matters concerning the chalet they were building on the Sonnalpe, but grew grave when she voiced her new fears.
“Things have been more unsettled there of late,” he told her gently. “But Humphries is a sensible chap. Oh, I’ll cable round and see if I can get any news, though I think you’re worrying needlessly. All the same, I’ll be gladder than glad when September comes and he’s home for good to work at the San.” For the Robin’s father was giving up his far-off job in the summer and coming as secretary to the new San, so as to be near his only child. “Try and keep the baby from worrying.”

The Robin was a sunny little person as a rule, usually easily comforted, but she was devoted to her father and while she was both too busy and too carefully watched to be able to fret much during the day, in bed at night was a different matter and her appetite, never large, began to dwindle. Madge noticed it with concern, and on the day that Jem rang up to say that all of his enquiries had turned up negative, that Humphries had set off on a trip more than six weeks ago to an area of the country where communications were poor and was not yet back, but that no bad news had been heard either, she had the little girl’s things brought over from Le Petit Chalet and, when bedtime came, tucked the Robin up herself in her own pretty room.

The following afternoon, Joey Bettany, supposedly concentrating her mind on Miss Maynard’s latest set of mathematics problems, but in actual fact gazing out of the window, saw the young lad from the Post Hotel coming up the path, a green envelope in his hand, and almost upset her ink as a surge of fear shot through her.
“Joey! What on earth is the matter? Bring your book to me please and let me see how far you have got.” Jo had no choice but to obey, for Miss Maynard, jolly enough out of school, was a strict disciplinarian in it, but it is to be feared that she gained little from the mistress’s explanation of her mistakes, with the result that her next set of prep was returned lined right through. For the moment, however, as soon as class was over Miss Joey shot from the room, almost knocking over Ilonka on the way, and across to her sister’s study, bursting in unceremoniously.
“Joey!” Madge looked up, rightly angry.
“M’sorry.” Joey ran a hand through her golliwog mop. “But I saw the telegraph boy. Was it about Robin’s father?”
“Not about, Joey-Baba, from.” Joey looked puzzled for a moment, then her face cleared.
“He’s all right?” The elder girl laughed.
“Right as rain. Apparently there were some letters that never arrived, including one telling me that he would be away for a while. When he got back to Leningrad a friend told him that Jem had been making enquiries. That cable was to say that he was safe and well and might be back sooner than expected.
“Oh, Madge!” Joey rested her head on her sister’s shoulder. “How’s the Robin?”
“Very much relieved, naturally. She actually cried quite violently once it was all over but she’s asleep now.” Madge did not mention the fact that, fearing the reaction to the worry on the Robin’s baby system, Jem had sent her down something to help that sleep. “No, you mustn’t go up. I hope she’ll sleep till morning now and I shall keep her in bed tomorrow, she’s had a tiring few days. Now you must go back to whatever it is you are supposed to be doing.” And Joey went, feeling that a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, and was promptly embroiled in explaining to Miss Wilson, who had come to take their next class, just why she had not been at her desk for the start of it.

#115: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 8:11 pm

Sorry, that last message was me, obviously. Wretched computer didn't log me in somehow nicky

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

Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 8:43 pm

Thankyou Nicky. So glad to know Captain Humphries is ok - even though we knew he was anyway! I'm loving the EBDishness of this, it all reads so naturally.

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

Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2004 10:54 pm

Thanks Nicky - that was a lovely episode. Laughing

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

Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 12:41 am

Such is the power of this drabble that I lay awake last night trying to remember which book it was where Captain Humphries went missing (having got as far as Rivals on my read through) and didn't realise until this evening that it was from this not EBD

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

Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 9:06 am

Thanks Nicky, lovely. Would have loved to see Joey trying to explain to Miss Wilson where she'd been!

#120: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 11:01 am

Perfect - completely EBDesque Thank you!

#121: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 1:57 pm

Wonderful Nicky. This is so much part of the early series it really is so like EBD. Always glad to read about my most favourite part of the series.

#122: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 10:10 am

IX - Trouble for Jo

“How is she, Madge?” Joey tiptoed into her sister’s room early the next morning, still in her dressing gown, and bent over the big bed where the little girl lay sleeping, speaking in a low voice which would not carry as a whisper would. Madge, standing at the window looking out over the lake with troubled eyes, turned to face her younger sister.
“I don’t know, Joey. She’s been restless, although she’s quiet now. She has a little bit of a temperature. We’ll have a better idea when Jem’s seen her”
“You’ve sent for Dr Jem?” Joey was startled.
“First thing.” Madge fingered the pretty ring on her fourth finger, thinking for a moment of the handsome doctor whom she was to marry. “Try not to fret, Joey. She’s had a trying few days, probably she’s just tired out. Now, you must go and dress or you’ll be late for breakfast.”
“You must be worried, if you called Jem at the crack of dawn.” Jo ignored the second part of her sister’s sentence. “She does look flushed, doesn’t she,” with a glance at the dark lashes laying on cheeks that were more rosy than normal. “You don’t think there’s something really wrong, do you?” The elder girl laughed in spite of herself at her sister’s frightened face.
“No, Joey Baba. Only with her history it’s safest to make sure. She is only a baby, and though she’s always well these days she is a big responsibility. Now, I’m going to be the stern headmistress and send you off.”
“Can I come up after brekker and sit with her?” Jo pleaded. Her sister shook her head however.
“I want her to have her sleep out, and Jem will be here around ten. You can best help by going into school as usual. No arguments!” and she held up a hand to silence the protest she saw forming.
“You’ll call me the second you know anything?” Joey knew when she was defeated. “Even if it’s the middle of algebra?”
“Promise.” Madge kissed the dark golliwog locks and gave her a friendly push in the direction of the doorway. “See you later, baby.”

Joey went off to dress, with a last backward glance at her little adopted sister. It was not in her nature to be sentimental, as Simone could have told you, but the motherless Robin occupied a space very close to her heart. She merely played with her breakfast, oblivious to the chatter going on around her, and her lack of attention in the algebra lesson that followed prayers would have called down the wrath of the mistress in charge upon her on any other occasion. Miss Maynard, however, had been warned by the headmistress and left Joey to her own devices in a way that would have startled that young lady considerably had she been thinking clearly enough to see it did startle certain others among the middles, who wondered silently what exactly was wrong with Joey Bettany that morning. From her seat in the big schoolroom, Joey saw Dr Jem come up the path and it was all she could do not to jump to her feet and run to meet him. French followed algebra, but if her attention had wandered in the maths lesson it was non-existent now her mind was up in the big room where her sister slept.

Madge had told them the Robin’s history when she had first come to the Chalet two terms ago the mother who had died of the dreaded white man’s plague, brought on by her sufferings in the war. She had not mentioned then the danger that the little girl had inherited a tendency to the disease, but observant Jo had realised early on that that risk was why the authorities at the school fussed so much over her health. She was too healthy minded to dwell on the fact as a rule, but this sudden illness seemed to bring the danger much nearer. When the bell rang for break she brushed aside the questions of the others as to what was bothering her and raced upstairs, rules forgotten, bursting into her sister’s room without warning.
“What’s happening….”
“Joey! Quiet!” Jem spoke in an undertone but his voice rang with authority nevertheless. “I thought Madge told you to stay with the others until you were sent for.”
“Oh well.” Joey wriggled uncomfortably. She did not mind so much being scolded by her sister, but something in her resented Jem’s assumption that he could do the same. “M’sorry. How is she, Dr Jem?” Jem took her arm and drew her out into the passage, Madge following.
“Tired out, that’s all. I’ve given her a cooling mixture and told Madge to keep her quiet for a few days. I’ll come again tomorrow,” he went on, turning to the young headmistress, “but I don’t think there’s any real need to worry. Keep her in bed until then, will you, and keep the others away.” Madge nodded.
“Must you go?” He nodded. “I have to go down to Innsbruck to order some equipment. I’m meeting with a colleague and I’ll stay the night at the Europe and call in on my way back in the morning.”

He hurried away to Seespitz to catch his train, leaving Joey to turn anxiously to her sister.
“You’ve told me the truth? Honour bright?”
“Honour bright.” Madge nodded. “Now, the bell is about to go for the end of break so you must go. And do take that worried look off of your face or the others will be wondering what’s wrong.”
“I s’pect they are already,” Jo said with a grin. “I’m sure I made some awful howlers in algebra and Maynie didn’t say a word. I could see questions all over Margia’s face I know she wanted to corner me when the bell rang for break but I scooted off too fast.” Her sister laughed.
“Well, you’ve no excuse for inattention now. If you behave yourself between now and this afternoon – and that means no running upstairs – you can come and have Kaffee in my room with Robin. All right?” Joey beamed.
“You’re a dear!” and she ran off to the schoolroom, arriving just as the bell rang and thankfully, therefore, delaying the questions which she knew were on the lips of some. Simone was looking tearful – again!, Joey thought with irritation if the truth be told the French girl’s possessiveness was trying her patience more than ever this term – but had to go to her seat unsatisfied as Miss Wilson appeared just then.

#123: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 10:17 am

Thank you, nickyj! Love Joey being annoyed at Jem's assumption that he could tell her off - that always annoyed me in the books!!

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

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 1:33 pm

Excellent episode - such wonderful capturing of their characters.

#125: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 1:34 pm

Goody, another update, thank you! Very Happy

This captures them all so perfectly!

#126: Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 1:40 pm

Thanks Nicky. That was a lovely part.

#127: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 9:47 pm

Thanks Nicki, I know I'm being repetitive, but this is so EBDish.I can understand Jo being annoyed at Jem ticking her off, but on this occasion I think he was justified - if Robin had been really ill, then Jo running around shrieking at the top of her voice wouldn't have been helpful. I think any doctor concerned about his patient would have done the same.

#128: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 8:43 am

Lovely post - thank you!

#129: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 9:34 am

I love this story, it's so exactly like a real book. Smile

*sigh* I miss my books, they're almost all at home.

#130: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 3:01 pm

Lovely new part of the story echoes Ellie, yes it is so wonderfully EBDish. Hope to see some more soon.

#131: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 10:13 pm

IX - Trouble for Jo Part 2

“When can I get up, please, Tante Marguerite?” The Robin had managed a cup of milk and two of the fancy bread twists which they always had for Kaffee, and was looking more like herself as she sat up against her pillows, although her face was still unnaturally flushed.
“Well, not today, pet,” Madge said gently. “Dr Jem is coming to see you in the morning, and then you may, if he says so.”
“And I’ll play with you all day,” Joey promised her. “It’s Saturday, so there’s no school.”
“Will you finish your story?” Robin begged. “Please?” Jo nodded.
“And tell you a whole new one. I may, mayn’t I, Madge?”
“Your English!” Madge laughed. “Have you had enough to eat, Bubchen? Then I’m going to give you some more of Dr Jem’s drink and then you must go to sleep again like a good girl.” The baby swallowed the cooling draught obediently and then snuggled down under the plumeau again, her eyes closing almost before the other two left the room.

“I may stay with her tomorrow, though, Madge, mayn’t I?” Jo pleaded again when they had taken the dishes down to the kitchen and her sister had drawn her into her little study for a moment. “I wouldn’t excite her.”
“I know that,” Madge looked slightly troubled however. “But aren’t there patrol outings tomorrow? Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t Miss Maynard taking the Cock and the Poppy patrols round the lake to Tiernkirch on an all-day march? When we were at Scholastika before term started you were dying to go.” Joey looked conscience stricken.
“I know. I promised Simone to partner her. She’s been kind of funny this term. But she’ll understand I couldn’t help it. Not when it’s the Robin.” Madge was unconvinced. She had watched the French child’s behaviour carefully that term, and was not at all sure that she would understand. Simone was intensely jealous, could not bear to think of Joey having other friends, and, although she had never said as much, that young lady’s love for the Robin aroused feelings of deep resentment within her. All the same, the young headmistress knew that Joey would not enjoy the expedition were it forced on her knew, moreover, that Simone would, sooner or later, have to face the fact that she could not always come first. So she nodded. If she had known the trouble that would result from that decision she might have insisted that Joey honour her commitment to her patrol and the next few weeks would have been very different.

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

Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 10:46 pm

Oh dear!! Sounds very ominous and perfectly CS!

#133: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 3:26 am

*agrees with Lesley* Thanks, Nicky!

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

Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 9:56 am

Very ominous...*wibbles* Thanks Nicky.

#135: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 3:21 pm

Oh more fireworks from Simone to come - wonderful, this is so true to the early days of the school.

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

Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 9:00 pm

This is so good! Simone is not going to be happy....

Quote:

isn’t Miss Maynard taking the Cock and the Poppy patrols round the lake to Tiernkirch on an all-day march?

Am I the only person who read that and thought 'Poppycock!'? Was that deliberate, Nicky? Wink

#137: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 9:58 pm

Helen P wrote:

Quote:

isn’t Miss Maynard taking the Cock and the Poppy patrols round the lake to Tiernkirch on an all-day march?

Am I the only person who read that and thought 'Poppycock!'? Was that deliberate, Nicky? Wink

LOL. See, the poppies just dragged me straight back to Matey in Tensions... Shocked

Ellie for detroying my last vestige of Matey respect Wink

#138: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 10:00 pm

Oh dear!!! Hope Simone won't be too bad...

#139: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:39 am

This realy should be submitted as a fill-in ..... More, please!

#140: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 8:51 pm

X - A Quarrel

“Joey, where’ve you been hiding?” Margia looked up as the younger Miss Bettany came into the common room where, Kaffee over, the girls were disporting themselves quietly until prep.
“Having tea with my sister and the Robin,” Joey said, sinking into one of the big basket chairs.
“How is she, Joey?” Bette asked quietly.
“Much better, sitting up and managing a decent Kaffee, thank heavens,” Joey told them, stretching out and suddenly realising how tired she was. “What are you all up to?”
“We were talking,” Marie said. “Will you have a chocolate, Joey? Papa has sent them from Vienna.”
“Don’t mind if I do – I love Viennnese chocs.” Joey helped herself. “What were you talking about anyway?”

“The walk tomorrow,” Juliet, who was also there, told her. “I was telling them about our walk the day before term started and that you’d longed to go on further. That’s why when Miss Maynard asked where we’d like to go I thought of that. I wish I was coming” – for the Swallow and Cornflower patrols were to have a separate outing the following Saturday. Joey’s face had clouded.
“Decent of you, Ju,” she said briefly. The elder girl raised an eyebrow.
“What is it, Joey? I thought you would be keen.”
“I am, of course,” Joey said.
“Least, I would be if I was coming.” There was silence. Then Bette spoke.
“What do you mean, Joey? You are not coming?”
“Course she is,” Evvy cut in. “Stop ragging, Jo!”
“I’m not then.” Joey sat up straight.
“But my Joey! You have promised that you will walk with me! You must come.” It was Simone, of course.
“Why, Joey?” Juliet asked curiously.

“Because I’m going to stay and play with the Robin,” Joey told them all defiantly. “It’s been fearfully dull for the poor kiddy, alone up there, and now she’s well enough to have company I’m going to be it.”
“I could play with her, perhaps?” Marie, who was a Swallow and hence not part of the walk, offered. “Then you would not miss your walk.”
“You’re a dear, Marie, but no,” Joey said. “And I don’t mind fearfully about the walk, honestly.”
“Perhaps Madame will let you come with us, next Saturday,” Marie said with a smile. “I will ask her.”
“I’d like that,” Jo agreed. “Sorry, Simone, but I’m sure Frieda will partner you, and it’s only the first part we have to croc anyway.”
“I think that you are verree selfish!” Simone cried. “You have promised to walk with me, but no, you wish to stay with that child even though you say that she is no longer ill! You promise that you will be my amie intime but you love the Robin more than you love me and….”
“It’s you that are selfish!” Joey had been under a considerable strain, she was tired, and for once she lost her temper thoroughly. “The Robin’s been ill, and anyhow she’s just a baby. Oh, go on, cry! You always do! But I’m staying, and that’s that. I’m sick of your mooning around feeling ill-used whenever I dare to be friends with other people!”

“Girls! What is this?” Miss Maynard came into the room, drawn by the noise – Joey’s voice was almost a shout so angry was she.
“It is nothing, Miss Maynard,” Bette said, as Joey dried up suddenly and Marie, ever the diplomat, put herself between the mistress and the tearful Simone. Nobody wanted them to have someone sent to sit with them in their free time. “Just a disagreement, but it is over now. Truly.” The young mistress looked unconvinced but a glance at her watch told her that it was almost time for prep so she let it go.
“You had better make yourselves ready for prep,” she said briskly. “Joey, your hair is all on end. And the rest of you, put the chairs straight and then go along to the form room please, quietly.” She left them to it. Joey ran off to make herself tidy and by the time that she rejoined the others she was more like herself. She would not look at Simone, however, and it is to be feared that neither of them gained much benefit from the prep hour. In fact it is on record that both of them had every lesson returned the next week.

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

Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 9:24 pm

Knew it was coming - this reads so like the books it could be a missing one. Laughing

#142: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 11:53 pm

Oh dear! This reads exactly like the books - hopefully Jo and Simone will make it up in time. Simone may be jealous and a bit over-emotional, but no-one can deny that Joey asks for it at times! It's my personal opinion that she treats her horribly in some of the books poke

Joey

#143: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 12:14 am

They are both of them so unreasonable! And so EBDish.... Thank you, Nicky!

#144: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 7:49 am

Gem wrote:

Simone may be jealous and a bit over-emotional, but no-one can deny that Joey asks for it at times! It's my personal opinion that she treats her horribly in some of the books poke

Joey

I agree totally, but that's what fourteen year old girls are like to eachother at times, isn't it. Much as I love most of EBD's characters, they're overall a bit nice-as-pie to eachother

#145: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 8:02 pm

X - A Quarrel - part 2

After prep there was an hour of free time before Abendessen. In the winter this was mostly spent in the common room, chatting or reading, but now that the evenings were warm and light the girls preferred to be out of doors. They were free to wander the gardens and occasionally, with permission, the confines of Briesau. It was, at present, a popular time both for games and to catch up on Guide chatter, and talk about the progression each was making with her tenderfoot tests, perhaps practice for them. So in one corner of the gardens a group of eager younger Middles were gathered around Juliet Carrick, who had been practising such things in the holidays in readiness and who had undertaken to teach them their knots.

On the tennis courts marked out behind the Chalet Grizel Cochrane watched intently as Marie von Eschenau, Bette Rincini, Margia Stevens and Rosalie Dene fought out a set. Bette played a conscientious game and Rosalie was of the same ilk, although less adventurous, but Marie was very good, her slight figure sprinting easily to meet a serve and belying the force behind her returns and Margia, though erratic, also had the makings of a good player. At present Marie and Bette were ahead, but the Grizel, though not generally wise, knew better than to assume that the match was settled. For once Guides was not on her mind as she watched the fierce volleys, storing up comments and criticisms for afterwards.

Elsewhere, Joey, still feeling desperately worked up inside, had flung herself on the grass and was, to all appearances, studiously reading A Tale of Two Cities, though she turned the pages infrequently. The others, by tacit consent, left her alone. Few of them had seen her in a temper before and they had only a vague idea that she would be best left to work it out for herself. Of Simone, the original cause of all this trouble, there was no sign. They found afterwards that she had gone to Mademoiselle pleading headache and taken herself up to her cubicle and to bed.

In the staff room the five ladies who made up the staff of the Chalet School were enjoying a quiet hour, knowing that the prefects were keeping an eye on the girls. Mademoiselle was pouring out coffee, Miss Maynard was arguing amicably with Miss Denny, who was resident for a few days while her brother was in Innsbruck, about a book they had both read. Miss Wilson was curled up on the windowsill, a book on her knee, as she was wont to do in quiet moments, and Madge Bettany was watching her curiously. Nell Wilson appeared, she thought, to be settling in well, she was popular with the girls and clearly at ease with them. But off duty she rarely joined in the merry chatter of the rest of the staff.
“What are you reading, Nell?” she asked quietly, presently, drawing her chair closer to the window. The young mistress looked up, holding out her book for inspection. “Anne of Green Gables,” Madge said with a smile. “I love that, and I know the girls have been arguing over the copy I bought Joey.”
“Yes, what about the girls arguing?” Miss Maynard put in. “I walked in on the most awful humdinger between Joey and Simone earlier.”
“Your language!” Madge laughed. “Oh, I know what that was about. Jo is to stay home tomorrow to be company for Robin.”
“Well Simone is certainly not happy,” Mollie retorted. “And Joey is out there with a book, by herself.”
“Simone has gone to bed, la pauvre, with a headache.” Mademoiselle put in. “Although if it is as you say I cannot feel so for her.” The conversation turned thus onto the girls, but Madge did not cease to watch her newest mistress, saw her at first animated then drift back into a listless, staring into space, and determined to get to the bottom of it before the term was up.

“Joey, you will be friends with Simone again, won’t you?” Margia slipped into Joey’s cubicle in her pyjamas at bedtime, with her usual disregard for rules. “I know she can be an awful ass sometimes but it’s beastly when people are quarrelling.”
“She’s the one quarrelling.” It was not like Joey Bettany to hold a grudge but she had been through a lot in the past week and the French girl’s behaviour had pushed her over a limit she had not known she had.
“But could you not be the one to make up the quarrel?” It said something for Marie’s development over the past few weeks that she could act with almost the same cool disregard of rules as Margia, appearing through the cubicle curtains from the other side, brushing out the golden locks which swirled around her waist, prior to plaiting them for the night. “As Margia says, it is unpleasant for all. And also it is not how a Guide should act.” Joey coloured at this, knowing that her friend was in the right, but still too sore and angry and tired to agree outright.
“You’re breaking the rules, and that’s not Guidelike either!” she snapped back. “You’d better scram too, Margia. Goodnight,” and she jumped into bed, hair unbrushed, and pulled the covers up over her head, leaving Marie and Margia to exchange startled glances and retire back to their own little domains.

#146: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 8:39 pm

Joey Thank you Nicky!

#147: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:54 pm

I can just see Joey there! *love Nell's reading material!* (much nicer than Jo's) *impressed by Marie & Margia*

#148: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 4:16 pm

This is very EBDish. I love the way that you're developing the other characters, rounding them out.

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

Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 7:42 pm

That was lovely - and Simone would try the patience of a saint!

#150: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2004 8:10 pm

Poor Simone, she is dreadfully insecure and needy. But, she is told off for being sentimental about Jo, but no-one ever reproaches Jo for being sentimental about the Robin.

#151: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2004 8:00 am

XI - An Uncomfortable Time

Joey Bettany could not sleep. A glance at her watch with the aid of her torch told her that it was almost eleven o’clock, which meant that she had been tossing and turning for over two hours. Throwing rules to the wind, she slipped noiselessly out of bed, pulled on her dressing gown and slippers and went out onto the balcony, leaning on its rail and gazing out over the lake. The rain fell in sheets, rippling the dark lake that usually lay so still. Here and there the sleek masts of a few small sailing boats, the property of the tourists, rose, silhouetted in white against the dark waters. In the distance ahead, lights still shone in a few chalets where the slopes of the Barenbad and the mountains beyond Eben seemed almost to meet, black shapes against an almost black sky. To the left the slopes of the Sonnalpe were almost obscured by grey clouds, although the peaks showed black above them. Joey imagined her sister up there among those clouds, on the shelf where Dr Jem was building his sanatorium, and felt lonelier than ever. She had always loved the Tiernsee on a stormy night, seen mostly from the schoolroom in the winter but occasionally, as now, illicitly from the dormitory balcony. But tonight it failed to calm her jarred nerves. She watched the rain for a few minutes, almost silver against the darkness of the lake, illuminated slightly by the lights from the Kron Prinz Karl and the Post, breathing in the cool, pure air, then slipped back inside to toss and turn once more until falling into a restless sleep.

“Joey, you will be late!” Bette Rincini, prefect of the Yellow dormitory, leant over Joey Bettany and shook her hard. “Do get up!” Joey stirred, rubbed her eyes, then sat bolt upright, almost crashing her head into Bette’s chin as she did so.
“What time is it?”
“Nearly quarter to eight,” Evadne told her cheerfully, passing on her way back from the bathroom, clad in a gaudy red dressing gown with an equally gaudy yellow sponge bag hung round her neck. “You must have been dead to the world to sleep through the bell. Guess you’d better get up hadn’t you?”
“Evvy, go and get dressed!” Bette said. She turned back to the occupant of the bed, concern on her face. “Joey, are you ill? Shall I call for Matron?” She might well ask for one thing Joey was by nature an early riser, usually awake before the rising bell went, for another she looked paler than usual, as though she had not slept well. But Joey was already out of bed, reaching for her dressing gown.
“You might have woken me sooner!” she groused. “Now I’ll be late and in a row with Madame. You’re a pig, Bette!” Bette’s Italian temper flared.
“I thought you were up and having your bath,” she said with dignity. “You are generally gone almost before the bell stops ringing. And if you are so ungrateful then next time I will let you sleep until you are late for Fruhstuck.”

The cold bath – like many of them Joey loved the tingle of the icy mountain water on her skin and refused to take her baths chill-off – restored her partly to her senses and as she raced back to her cubicle to dress she had the grace to put her head around Bette’s curtains with a muttered
“Sorry, Bette”. But she was still very far from the happy-go-lucky Joey her schoolmates were used to and they left her to herself, even conscientious Marie fearing another snub.

At Fruhstuck, however, the girls of the Cock and Poppy patrols scarcely noticed Joey’s mood. For, although she had been in too much of a hurry to notice it the Tiernsee had woken to clouds so low that they almost swept the surface of the lake and rain falling steadily, obscuring everything beyond the lake shore. True there were often early morning rains which cleared to leave a fine day, and the girls were clinging to this hope, but the staff were reconciled to the fact that there was unlikely to be a walk that day. There was a false brightness to the chatter as the girls ran off upstairs to make their beds and look longingly from the windows. Only Joey, besides Simone, was silent, and if the truth were known she was starting to feel better. She knew it to be selfish but if the walk was off then surely Simone’s grievance would be over and things would be all right again. So there was at least one girl at the Chalet that morning who was not continually running to the nearest window to look hopefully for a sign of the sun.

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

Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2004 8:50 am

Another lovely post - and it's so good to be reminded that when Jo was a schoolgirl she was depicted as a normal one, faults and all! (Double post deleted, Nicky!)

#153: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2004 10:43 pm

You should definitely look into publication, you have EBD's style DOWN. Smile

#154: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2004 10:47 pm

Kate wrote:

You should definitely look into publication, you have EBD's style DOWN. Smile

I second that! (or third, or fourth or whatever number i am to say it!)Thanks for latest bit nicky. Very Happy

Feeling a little sorry for Joey even if she is being a brat. Simone's a nigthmare, and Jo seems to be missing Madge so much Sad

#155: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 9:34 am

Fantastic - loads of posts Very Happy

I love the way you're detailing the Joey/Simone issue - I always thought there was more to it than we hear from EBD and this is a wonderful insight into it

#156: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:06 pm

josie wrote:

Kate wrote:

You should definitely look into publication, you have EBD's style DOWN. Smile

I second that! (or third, or fourth or whatever number i am to say it!)

I'm really flattered how many people have said this. Unfortunately, as some of you know, it's a case of 'been there, done that, got the rejection slip'. C'est la vie!

josie wrote:

Jo seems to be missing Madge so much Sad

Actually Madge is still at the Chalet Joey's just thinking that she'll soon be gone. Does read rather as though she's at the Sonnalpe already though, I agree. I only point this out in case anyone gets confused next time she appears and is still Headmistress Smile

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

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 4:53 pm

This got rejected??!!! Oh... is that someone's marbles rolling past... Liz

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

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 5:30 pm

Can't understand why this would be rejected Nicky - but have you considered alternatives?

#159: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 6:22 pm

nickyj wrote:

My bad!

I probably misread along the way Can't understand how this got rejected either Confused

Think I might decide to consider it canon anyway. Very Happy

#160: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 10:03 pm

Lesley wrote:

Can't understand why this would be rejected Nicky - but have you considered alternatives?

Are there alternatives? Couldn't think of anyone but GGBP

#161: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 10:11 pm

Since you've all said such nice things and made me feel all warm & fluffy, here's a bit more

-----------------

XI - An Uncomfortable Time Part 2

It was a vain hope, however. When the girls were assembled in the big schoolroom for their usual Saturday morning mending, Miss Bettany came in to tell them that there would be no march that day. Instead they would have their meeting as usual, followed by an early Mittagessen, after which they could go on with their Guide work. After Kaffee Miss Durrant would come across from Le Petit Chalet and teach them some new dances. The gloomy faces brightened somewhat at this, for country dancing was normally kept for the winter months when they were often confined to the house for days on end and they prepared for their mending much more cheerfully. Besides, Madge had reminded them that a Guide is cheerful in all difficulties, which had made them a little ashamed of themselves and in any case they had been promised their march another day.

Usually Mademoiselle read aloud to them while they sewed but this morning she relented and allowed them to talk so long as they did so quietly. Juliet, sitting by Joey and keeping a close eye on that young lady’s work, an office which Bette, on her other side, was performing for Evadne who was as poor a needlewoman as Joey, chatted about Guides for a little while and then set down her needle.
“Joey, won’t you make it up with Simone? There’s nothing to quarrel about now that the walk’s off. Oh, I know she was in the wrong but she won’t make the first move. She’s not big enough. But won’t you be?” It was much the same as Marie and Margia had said the night before, but Joey’s mood was calmer and besides, Juliet was older, and a prefect, and Jo had a great deal of respect for her.
“Okay,” she mumbled through a mouthful of cotton. “I’ll try.”
“Oh, Joey!” Juliet set aside her stockings and seized the cotton which the younger girl was trying to break with her teeth. “Where are your scissors?”
“There somewhere,” and Joey indicated her untidy workbag. “Thought this’d be quicker.” Juliet exchanged resigned glances with Bette, who was unpicking an unsightly darn that Evadne had just made –
“Guess it filled the hole!” the young American muttered to Margia, on her other side – and offered her own scissors.

Thankfully the bell went soon after and the girls had to hurry to take their finished work up to their dormitories and then come back to clear the big schoolroom for the meeting.
“I say, Simone,” Joey caught the French girl’s arm and pulled her into the little cloakroom. “Let’s make it up, shall we? When the march does come off I’ll walk with you, honour bright.” But Simone’s temper was still high, she felt that she had been wronged and the little black dog was firmly installed on her shoulder, so she shook the hand off of her arm.
“You will have someone you prefer to walk with, I am sure,” she retorted in French. Joey had no intention of being snubbed again. Ignoring the little voice inside which told her to have one more try she stalked out of the cloakroom, determined that if anyone were to make up the quarrel now it would be Simone, not her. J

uliet, seeing the set of her face, gathered that all had not gone well, but there was no opportunity during the inspection, drill and games that followed for any private talk. And immediately Captain blew her whistle to dismiss them Joey ran off to change and then hurry along to her sister’s pretty room where she put all thoughts of the quarrel aside and had an enjoyable day, helping the Robin with a new jigsaw, reading to her and then finally, after Kaffee, curling up beside her bed and telling a fairy story until the small girl, still easily tired, fell asleep. When the even breathing of her audience told her that her story was being wasted, she lapsed into thought and Madge found her half an hour later staring out of the window with unseeing eyes. The elder sister knew what was wrong, knew too that it was too early for her to interfere. All her life Joey had been lucky in her friendships and it was good for her to find her own way in dealing with this difficulty. All the same, Madge determined to keep a close eye on her. For now she contented herself with smoothing the dark hair and sending Jo off to join the others in a riotous game of charades in the main schoolroom.

A subdued air hung over the older middles that week. Despite repeated urging from the others, Joey stood firm. The quarrel was Simone’s doing and she would not be the one to make the first move. Deep inside she knew that she was being ungenerous, and that made her unhappy in herself, snappy with the others and inattentive to the point where even placid Miss Denny lost patience and threatened to turn her out of the Italian class, to which she, Marie and Paula were admitted as a concession since all three knew some of the language already. That threat focused Miss Joey’s mind for the time being but once lessons were over she returned to her brooding. Joey’s black mood was infectious and before the week was up half of the middles were snapping at each other without even knowing why.

On the Friday Madge caught her sister’s arm at the end of Mittagessen and, holding her back, demanded to know why she had barely touched her meal. Joey had little to say for herself but the shadows under her eyes and a general weariness told their own story and she was packed off to bed for the afternoon. The headmistress had noticed the general air of irritability among the girls and decided to act. At Abendessen, therefore, she announced that the following afternoon there would be rambles for the whole school. “A long afternoon in the open air, with plenty of exercise, should shake the worst of the tempers out of them,” she commented to Mademoiselle.
“They can have Guides and practice as usual and then we’ll leave straight after Mittagessen and stay out until dusk.”

#162: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 10:26 pm

thanks nicky! Especially liked:

Quote:

Juliet exchanged resigned glances with Bette, who was unpicking an unsightly darn that Evadne had just made – “Guess it filled the hole!” the young American muttered to Margia, on her other side

This neatly sums up my attitude to all needlepoint! It took me a whole year to make my cookery apron at school Embarassed

#163: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 1:29 am

Quote:

Are there alternatives? Couldn't think of anyone but GGBP

Is Bettany Press a possibility? (I don't know their policies, myself.) I can't think why GGBP wouldn't want this one Confused

. Maybe they want to avoid books that overlap terms of other fill-ins, or something? Glad you're posting it here, though!

#164: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 1:35 am

Quote:

Absolute EBD, and Evvy to the last! Thank you nicky! Can't understand why GGBP were idiotic enough to reject this!! Shocked

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

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 7:20 am

nickyj wrote:

Lesley wrote:

Can't understand why this would be rejected Nicky - but have you considered alternatives?

Are there alternatives? Couldn't think of anyone but GGBP

You could try Bettany Press, but if they are not interested you could try publishing yourself - I'm sure you would have enough people on the board that would be interested in buying - I would!

#166: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:25 pm

I'm another who would buy it. I can't understand why GGB have turned this down- it's so perfect! ..in the meantime, you have a very appreciative audience so.... ...wasn't that a nice way of asking for more?! Very Happy

#167: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 8:33 am

*starts a publishing chant* Although I'm torn... if you publish, we might not get to read it for aaaages!! But that's pure selfishness. :laughing:

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

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 1:08 pm

joining in the publishing chant (is there a chanting smiley?) Liz

#169: Author: Ella, Location: Staffordshire

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 8:45 pm

*Echoing all the above* Superb - and very EBD :reading:

#170: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:43 pm

Lesley wrote:

if they are not interested you could try publishing yourself - I'm sure you would have enough people on the board that would be interested in buying - I would!

It's awfully kind of you all but I don't have the time or energy for a self-publishing exercise (and have heard a lot of horror stories about hidden costs and tatty results!). So I figure I'll go on with it here. Glad you're all enjoying it Some more....

--------------

XII -A Jolly Walk

“Where are we going, Gisela, do you know?” Joey looked across at the head girl as she joined them in the entrance hall of the Chalet. Gisela shook her head, but Miss Bettany, who had followed her, answered.
“I thought that we would walk up the valley towards the Tiern Pass. There is a Gasthaus at the Gern alm where one can get milk to have with our Kaffee.”
“Sounds topping,” Joey said. “Mad – Madame, Frieda says there’s another path that goes at least part of the way, along the side of the mountain, with a view down into the valley the whole way. It would be jollier than the valley path.” Madge looked interested.
“Is it safe, Frieda? I know some of the paths can be rough in places and I have no wish to bring one of you back with a sprained ankle or worse.”
“But yes, Madame,” Frieda, a much less shyer girl than had come back to school at the beginning of the term, nodded. “It is quite steep and narrow at first but for most of the way it is wide enough for two to walk together. Joey is right in that there is a very pretty view. And it would be cooler among the pines.”

That settled it for Madge. She had already wondered if a change of plan might be needed, for it was a hot afternoon and the path up the Briesau valley lies for the most part without any shadow. Under the pines they would be shielded from the worst of the sun.
“Very well, let us try that way,” she said with a smile. “Has everyone got everything? Alpenstocks? What’s that, Grizel? May you run and get your Kodak? Be quick then.” When Grizel had returned with the camera slung neatly over her shoulder, the headmistress ushered them out into the sunshine. “Croc while we’re on the lake front please, girls,” she told them. “Frieda, perhaps you and Joey would lead the way, since you know where we are going. Where does this path of yours begin?”
“It is at the very beginning of the lake path to Geisalm, Madame,” she said in her soft, pretty voice. “One can join it further along the valley also.”

The many visitors who throng to the Tiernsee in the summer months looked on with interest as the thirty odd girls - the juniors were, of necessity, having their own walk with Miss Maynard - filed out onto the lake path, very trig and smart in their walking kit of thick skirts, white short-sleeved sweaters and stout walking shoes. While they were in the village itself they walked in double file, but once they were well beyond the Kron Prinz Karl the headmistress gave the order to break ranks, warning them that they must not get ahead of the leaders, nor fall behind Miss Wilson, Gisela and Wanda who brought up the rear. She herself fell in with Bernhilda, Bette and Luigia di Ferrara, a quiet Italian senior, who were talking about a book they had all been reading, and which she herself had enjoyed in the past.

At the head of the party, Frieda and Joey had been joined by Marie and Paula and were discussing tennis with vigour. Simone, who had not spoken to her friend since the day they had argued, lagged behind as much as she could. She dared not walk alone, the rule being that at least two girls must be together, but she paid little or no attention to the merry chatter of the others. Madge noticed, of course, but she could hardly interfere in the girls’ friendships, and she had, secretly, some sympathy with Joey’s impatience with the French girl’s ways.

When they reached the point where the mountains come down almost to the lakeside, the leaders stopped to allow the rest to catch up.
“We go up there, Madame.” Frieda indicated a steep path climbing up through the trees.
“Are you sure, Frieda? It looks awfully narrow and difficult.”
“Really, it is not, Madame,” Bernhilda backed up her sister. “For perhaps ten minutes it is like that, but then it widens out and one goes up and down quite gently.”
Madge smiled at her second prefect. “Very well. Bernhilda, perhaps you and Bette would lead, then you can give a hand to any of the younger ones who need it.”

Bernhilda nodded and set off up the little path, using her alpenstock to steady herself, although there was no real danger of slipping with the ground so dry, especially to a girl accustomed all her life to the mountain paths. The rest followed, in single file, for the path was indeed very narrow here, with Miss Wilson, who was as agile as most of the Tyrolean girls, bringing up the rear. It was as Bernhilda had said. For ten minutes they climbed in silence, glad of their alpenstocks and needing all of their concentration to negotiate the tree roots and boulders which littered the path. It was not dangerous, even the new little city-bred Hungarian, Ilonka Barcokz, managing quite well, but it was certainly hard work. But then it levelled off and they found an easier, wider path underfoot, winding up and down, sometimes with a steeper path leading off above or below. It was deliciously cool under the shade of the pines and the girls chattered merrily as they went, occasionally moving aside to let another walker past. From time to time there was a break in the pines, where one of the old trees had fallen, toppling others in its wake and leaving a long swathe down to the valley, and the girls paused to admire the open views, first of Briesau and the lake, and then, as they moved further up the valley, the little hamlet of Lauterbach and the scattered farms which lay beyond it. At one point the path dipped down into a stony, dried up river, and the girls scrambled, hauling the younger middles up the other side with much goodwill. Then suddenly the path widened a great deal and they found themselves out of the woods and on a grassy alm.

“Surely we can’t be there already!” Joey exclaimed. The leaders had stopped, dropping down onto the grass in the sunshine, and she, Frieda and Marie joined them, fanning themselves with their hands after the exertion of the walk. Frieda laughed.
“Hardly, Joey! This is the Pletzachalm – the river is the Pletzach, you know.”
“I didn’t know.” Joey sat up, interested. “I never thought of it having a name. Is it still our river, the one that flows past the Kron Prinz Karl? It’s much wider here.”
Madge let them rest for ten minutes, then clapped her hands.
“Come on, girls. It’s a fair way on yet and we want to be there in time for Kaffee.” They set off again, at the same steady pace Bernhilda had set from the start, and covered the distance easily. The path lay more in the open at this end, so it was hot work and even the more seasoned walkers were glad when the valley opened out once more and the primitive herdsmen’s huts of the Gernalm lay before them. Behind them the valley twisted out of sight, ahead the mountains seemed to tower mightier than ever.
“We really are at the head of the valley!” Joey exclaimed, dropping her haversack to the ground and stretching out beside it. “Don’t the mountains look huge!”
“Guess they’re a lot closer up here,” Evadne commented, coming up just then and following suit. “Gee, I’m hot!”
“It is – I do not know how to say it – a strange atmosphere,” Marie put in. Her English had developed tremendously since she had come to the school the previous term but she still hesitated for words at times.
“Uncanny?” Margia suggested. “I wouldn’t like to be here alone at night, that’s for certain.” Imaginative Joey shivered at the thought and turned the conversation.
“Which way does the Pass go, Frieda?” Frieda sprang to her feet again. “I will show you. Come.”

“Girls! Where are you going?” Madge, chatting to Gisela as the last of the party came onto the alm, Miss Wilson still bringing up the rear, raised her voice.
“Frieda’s just going to show us where the Pass begins, Madame,” Joey told her.
“Do say we may?” The young headmistress smiled and nodded.
“But no one is to leave the alm. Understood?”
“I will go with them, Madame,” Gisela suggested. “Bernhilda and Bette can go with you to ask for the milk.”
“Thank you, Gisela,” Madge said gratefully. “I know that they will be safe with you.” It was not that she did not trust the girls to be sensible, but the little party which was heading across the grass consisted of some of the school’s more lively members, and she was taking no chances in the unfamiliar territory.

#171: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:46 pm

MORE STORY!!!!!!! Thank you!

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

Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 9:57 pm

Lovely! Thank you.

#173: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:22 am

Wonderful, Nicky! But I can feel that something is about to happen ... !! A thunderstorm? Simone running off? Hmmm .... Confused

#174: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:48 am

Have an ominous feeling about what Simone may choose to do to get back at Joey Confused

thanks Nicky!

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

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 12:25 pm

Thank you Nicky, wonderful. Am also wondering what is going to happen though...

#176: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 7:23 pm

Joey Bettany was in a world of her own. She had gone eagerly enough with Evvy and the others to look at the way up to the mighty Pass to Germany and had listened for a moment to the excited chatter as to the dangers that that path must hold. But she was still too much at odds with her world to want company and presently she slipped away.

Gisela saw her go but presumed that she was going to rejoin the others and, since it was a straight path, said nothing. Joey dawdled back down the path. For two pins she would have gone off by herself but she knew that her sister was trusting them to behave decently and, however heedless she might be at times, she would never deliberately betray that trust. So she went back towards the others until she reached a point where the path looked straight out over a steep drop to the river below. On the other side of the gully the granite walls rose steeply to the sky, their tops already glistening with snow.

The beauty calmed Jo's ruffled spirit and she lingered there until a sound behind her told her that she was no longer alone. Turning, she saw Simone coming towards her. Soothed, she was ready to have another try and she smiled and held out her hand.
"Simone, isn't it beautiful." An indesribable look crossed Simone's sallow face.
"Do you think I care for such views!" she said harshly, in a voice Joey barely recognised.
"The view from the Tour Eiffel, with the lights of the city gleaming below, that is beauty. This is just rock. And you... If you love it so much you shall join it!" and with a cry she leapt, sending Joey over the edge to the raging torrent below. She watched while Joey's cry was carried away on the air and then turned, deliberately, and made her way back to the rest.

#177: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 7:28 pm

EEEeeeeK! A cliff in the most literal sense!

#178: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 7:39 pm

Oh Uh. If we lost Joey, are we going to have all the evils of "Wonderful Life"?

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

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 7:52 pm

Wow, that was unexpected!!!! Evil Simone! Evil or Very Mad

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

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 7:53 pm

EEEEEEEEEEK!

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

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:18 pm

Good grief - I didn't see that one coming!! Hope that isn't the end of Joey - I really like her schoolgirl self!

#182: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:13 pm

*REALLY hoping there's a conveniently placed fir or precipice for Joey to fall on to*

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

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:17 pm

Ooh 'eck, didn't see that one coming! I never thought I'd say this, but Simone is really scary!

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

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:54 pm

*wibbles* Scary Simone *wibbles* I didn't think we'd have any literal cliffs Shocked

Please, is Joey okay? JackieJ

#185: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 10:58 pm

Simone!

Joey!

This can't be happening!

#186: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 11:11 pm

OH MY GOD... psycho Simone!!! But... Joey can't die.... right???!!!

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

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 8:00 am

Nicky!!!!! You can't leave it there....

#188: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 8:32 am

Is that for real? Is it a dream? If that's for real, that's perhaps the best cliff we've ever had because you'd totally sucked us in with the canon plot and style to date! (ETA - discounting a certain Ms Green's cliffs of course!! Rolling Eyes

) *g* Nicky - did you get any feedback from GGB on this particular episode?! Wink

#189: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 9:09 am

"It was a beautiful service, Madame," Gisela said soberly. Madge Bettany gave her head girl a faint smile of thanks, glad of Jem's strong arm about her shoulders. It was a fortnight since the fateful picnic where Joey had gone missing, just ten days since the dreadful day when Herr Braun had come to her in the Salon of the Chalet with the news that her sister's body had been found, washed down to the lake by the rising levels of the stream.

They hadn't let her see Joey, of course, Jem had done that. Just ten days, and to Madge it had seemed like ten years. Now Joey was sleeping peacefully in the little churchyard of the chapel behind the Kron Prinz Karl, resting forever in the village where they had been so happy. Jem had told Madge that they would never know exactly what had happened. Probably Joey had slipped and fallen.

Nobody had taken any notice of Simone's hysterical claims that it had been her fault they'd assumed that it was grief because she had refused to make friends. The French girl's breakdown had been inevitable and Mademoiselle had taken her home to Paris three days ago. Gisela, steady, dependable Gisela, had set aside her own grief and taken control of the other girls. She would never recover from the guilt she felt at having let Joey go off alone but her sense of duty was uppermost at the moment.

Madge looked at her now, seeing the strain on the sensitive face.
"It wasn't your fault," she said gently before she turned away. The school was closing, of course. Most of the younger girls had already gone, the elder ones had stayed on only for the funeral. Madge couldn't bear to carry on here, with the memories of Joey so clear in her mind. Every corner of the Chalet was haunted for her. Jem was talking about Switzerland. He could build his Sanatorium there and perhaps someday she would have the strength to start again.

#190: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 9:59 am

*g* suddenly the publishing rejection all makes sense!! Wink

VERY clever buiild up! Very Happy

But no more CS? Crying or Very sad

How can you?

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

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 10:25 am

Ah, suddenly can see why GGP rejected this - very clever Nicky - *Another 'sucker' here!* Wink

Evil Simone! Evil or Very Mad

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

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 10:27 am

This can't be..... please please please say that Joey's bumped her head and is hallucinating it all. Please *pleading smiley* JackieJ :pale:

#193: Author: Rachael,

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 11:15 am

Nicky!!!!!! I don't like this - you're not supposed to write all lovely, fluffy CS for chapter after chapter and then do this to us!! Shocked

Please, pretty please, please may we go back to the walk and make everything nice and safe and normal again - and Simone and Joey make up ... ? And don't forget, Madge has to find out what's up with Miss Wilson ... And ... And ... Sad

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

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 12:05 pm

This really is some shock...totally not what I expected after reading the start that was so 'normal' CS!You are certainly expert at putting us all where you want us aren't you!

#195: Author: nickyj, Location: Essex, England

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 1:06 pm

Rachael wrote:

Please, pretty please, please may we go back to the walk and make everything nice and safe and normal again

Oh, okay then! Confession time! I'm sorry girls, really!! The bit about Simone pushing Joey over the edge was a joke and then when people started believing it it was tooo much of a temptation to carry on! :worthy: :worthy: :worthy: :worthy: (nearest I can find to grovelling) Am I forgiven? There's lots more story to come really

-----------------------------------------

A Jolly Walk Part 2

“Coo! Am I glad we don’t have to go up there!” It was slangy Evadne of course. The little group of girls stood at the very far edge of the alm, where the mountains almost came down to join each other. Ahead a rough plank bridge crossed the mountain stream and on the other side they could just see a steep, rocky path leading up between the bases of the great peaks.
“Oh I don’t know,” Joey mused. “I’d like to have a shot at it. D’you think my sister would let us do it some Saturday, Frieda? We’d need a whole day.”
“But no!” Gentle Frieda was horrified. “The path is very steep in places to go up would be bad but to come down much worse. It is a pity, for Gottfried, my brother, has been many times, and he says that from up there one can see many miles, both along this valley and into the next. But it is not an easy climb. Madame would never consent.”
“Pity! Oh well!” Joey sighed resignedly and turned back to face the valley along which they had come. “It’s a topping place, Frieda.”
“We should join the others,” Gisela told them, glancing at her watch. “It is time for Kaffee, and there go Miss Bettany and Bernhilda and Bette with the milk.”
“Good! I’m starving!” and Margia and Evadne set off at a run, the others following almost as speedily.

The long afternoon in the clear mountain air had made them all hungry and they tucked into the sandwiches Marie Pfeiffen had packed up as though they had been starved for a week.
“What’s that little moke Simone doing?” Grizel demanded of her compeers as they settled themselves in a quiet group on the grass. Juliet glanced across to where the French child was sitting apart from the rest. She had little patience at times with the younger girl’s moods, but she was a kind-hearted girl, so she waved at her and called out.
“Simone! You can’t sit over there by yourself! Come and eat with us!” Juliet was a prefect, so Simone did not dare disobey, but she sat down at as much a distance as she could, only scowling when Bette filled her mug with the rich milk they had bought from the herdsmen. The elder girls could not help noticing the unhappy looks she cast at the group of middles, who were chatting gaily as they ate, and did their best to draw her into their conversation, but she was unresponsive and they eventually left her to it, turning their talk back to their own affairs.

Simone felt that never had a girl been as mistreated as she was. In the centre of the group of middles, Marie too had noticed the miserable looks cast their way, and had nudged Joey who sat next to her.
“Joey, won’t you make it up?” Joey’s delicate face hardened.
“That’s for her to do if she wants to,” she said stonily. The truth was that the situation hurt her badly she was not accustomed to holding a grudge and not old enough to understand why doing so made her feel uncomfortable. Frieda, true to her name’s meaning of ‘peace’ turned the conversation with a comment guaranteed to ignite her friend’s interest.
“There are many legends about this part of the valley, you know, Joey.” The smile came back to Jo’s face.
“Tell us one, Frieda.”
“Bernhilda knows them far better than I,” Frieda demurred.
“Okay,” Jo said easily.
“Bernie!”
“Joey, don’t shout,” her sister, sitting nearby with Miss Wilson, reproved. “We may have the place pretty much to ourselves but that’s no excuse for making a row.”
“Oh well, sorry and all that,” Jo told her. “But Frieda says Bernie knows some jolly legends about this part of the valley and I thought she could tell us one.” Madge looked across at her second prefect.
“If Bernhilda doesn’t mind, and everyone has had enough to eat, I think there is time for one story before we head back. Pack up your things, girls.”

They obeyed instantly, drawing into a circle around Bernhilda, who coloured slightly, but assented. The young headmistress got to her feet and came to join them.
“Come, Miss Wilson. The legends of this district are very fascinating and Bernhilda has been brought up on them of course – Frieda too, so it will be a treat.” She raised her voice.
“Simone! Don’t be silly! Come and sit beside me!” The little French girl, who had remained stubbornly where she was, had no choice but to obey, but she did it with a look that made Miss Bettany decide that she was going to have to have a talk with her when they were back at school. She knew Simone was unhappy, but she would not accept bad manners. She shelved it for a moment, however, and turned to the Austrian girl in the centre.
“What are you going to give us, Bernhilda?”

#196: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 1:16 pm

Oh, MUCH better! *relieved*

#197: Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 1:16 pm

I had a feeling it was a bit of a con ) - and with a piece as lovely as this, I'm definitely prepared to forgive you Smile

Ray *eager for more*

#198: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 1:21 pm

couldn't be more gullible if I tried! Glad it was all a con Very Happy

Now we've lots more shiny story to look forward too :jump:

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

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 1:40 pm

Note to self - Nicky J will obviously bear watching!!!!! Shocked

I had a feeling it was a wind up, until everyone else seemed to believe it!!!!

#200: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 2:22 pm