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Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete
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Author:  Squirrel [ Mon Aug 09, 2010 3:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete

I appear to have written this about a year ago and then done nothing with it... Please forgive any inconsistencies with the books as I don't have all of the books for the time covered - particularly the first one!

Before the Chalet School

Joey leant back on her several pillows, relaxing luxuriously as she gazed at the worried, loving faces which looked back on her. Those faces were her beloved older sister and brother, Dick perching on the side of her bed, and Madge standing right next to her. Further back, in one of the few chairs the room boasted, there was the slightly grumpy looking one of their uncle who always seemed at least slightly forbidding to Jo when she saw him.

A gurgle of laughter broke from her, from sheer excitement. It was here at last, even if she had to celebrate Christmas in bed. Unfortunately, the giggle was swiftly followed by the coughing fit, which overtook her if she ever did anything in the least bit energetic and the loving looks on the faces of her family turned to frowns of concern. Madge hurriedly brought her a glass of water, and urged her to sip at it, while Dick gently came round and raised her still further – slipping his tall lean frame in behind her to support and hold her up, in the hope that not lying quite so far back would ease her cough, and, eventually, it came under control again.

Madge then gave her a tender hug, as she lay back against her brother. “Do try not to laugh too much Joey-baba” she pleaded. “You know that it only makes your cough worse. And you really have been unwell this year.”

Jo merely frowned at her, before giving in, and nodding in agreement. Madge raised an eyebrow at her younger sister pointedly. “Alright Madge. I’ll try” She replied, still sounding rather breathless. Madge kissed her lightly on top of her head. “I know it’s difficult, but just do your best. That’s all I ask.”

It was at this point that Dick suddenly interrupted with “Alright, now it’s time for presents!” Joey only just avoided giggling again, as his chest rumbled against her back while he spoke.

“Dick!” Madge warned quietly, causing him to send her a repentant smile. They knew from long experience that Jo found this experience to give a similar sensation to being tickled, and he usually tried to avoid speaking whenever he was ‘propping’ her up in that fashion.

It was at that point their uncle broke in. “Good idea Richard” he stated gruffly “let Josephine rest now, and you, Margaret and I can go and get prepared.”

It hadn’t taken long for them to go and gather all they wanted in the room, and soon they were back, giving gifts of all kinds. Joey felt rather sad, as she hadn’t been well enough to do much in the line of purchasing gifts for her family. However, she had managed to create some small scrap books, and had done her best to use images that her three relatives would like looking at. Though she had grumbled to herself about the unsuitability of ‘scraps’ when making gifts for men. At which pronouncement Nanny shook her head, and told her that she had better do her best this year, and she may be able to do something else another time, before reminding her that if she grumbled she would probably end up in bed for longer.

On this day though, Jo wasn’t grumbling, and her kind relatives thanked her for her gifts. Jo herself was thrilled with the gifts she had been given – including the book she had been begging for since she had heard about it, Quentin Durward. Madge had been rather concerned that it might prove too much for Joey, but had eventually given in, on the stipulation that Jo didn’t try to read too much of it at a time – and didn’t start trying until after she was far better than she was currently. Until that point her older books would have to satisfy her.

Once the gift giving was complete Uncle Andrew stated that he was heading back to his own room – he was also quite unwell, and it was only due to the fact that Joey was under an injunction to remain in bed, while he was not, that the Christmas celebrations had taken place in her room that year.

As the family departed to let her rest, Joey lay back on her pillows again, wondering what changes the next few years would bring.

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Aug 09, 2010 4:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 9/8 p1

Thanks Squirrel. Always good to see a new drabble based on the early years.

Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Aug 09, 2010 5:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 9/8 p1

How sad for Joey. Thankyou.

Author:  MaryR [ Mon Aug 09, 2010 6:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 9/8 p1

What a lovely family scene you create, Squirrel, as they try so hard to make it a true Christmas for each other.

Thank you. I'm looking forward to seeing where you are going with this. :D

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 9/8 p1

As Mary R says, that is a lovely family scene, Squirrel and a very believable description of the state of Joey's health which in the end was one of the catalysts for the move to Austria. Sad that both her and her uncle's illness meant a subdued Christmas celebration, too. I will be looking forward to seeing the story unfold.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Aug 10, 2010 8:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 9/8 p1

Thanks Squirrel, I love new drabbles

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Aug 11, 2010 5:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 9/8 p1

Thanks Squirrel

Author:  MHE [ Wed Aug 11, 2010 6:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 9/8 p1

A lovely start Squirrel, I look forward to reading more.

Author:  Squirrel [ Thu Aug 12, 2010 12:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 9/8 p1

Thanks everyone... Next scene here - Fast forward a year.

Chapter two – reflections in Innsbruck

Joey lay back in her bed and looked around the room. There was Madge, sleeping peacefully in the bed next to her, and over on the other side of the room, the Robin also slept, in her cot. What changes the last year had brought, Jo thought. First of all, there was the loss of their uncle. He had been so unwell that Jo had rarely seen him from that Christmas day, although he had hung on a few months before eventually dying. Jo herself had got better as he had declined, though she had never regained the strength she had had before her first bad illness when she had been a babe of 4. Younger than the Robin herself was now.

Now, of course, Dick was stuck in India for the holidays – they had been so lucky to get him over the previous year, but the holidays had worked in well, though he had barely returned to India before he was required to head back to Britain to help with winding up their uncle’s affairs.

And Madge and Joey were in Austria! The very fact that they were no longer in England seemed almost miraculous to young Joey – it was beyond her comprehension. And she knew that she would already be very unwell again if they had remained in England. Yes, people had fussed over her, and no doubt would continue to do so – but she had been able to go out this year, had been able to enjoy the festivities. She couldn’t remember the last Christmas she hadn’t been confined to bed for the celebrations of the year. Usually, she was lucky if she was able to be up for her birthday at the end of November.

And here she was; she, Madge, and her beloved almost adopted sister, Robin, whom she had only met a few months previously for the very first time. It seemed so strange that she hadn’t known Robin since the latter had been born; she had just calmly walked in and taken residence in her heart.

Jo suddenly woke up from her thoughts, and shook her head sharply. She really shouldn’t give into such soppy sentimentality, however much she cared about Robinette. Her eyes glanced on the new dresses, hanging over the backs of the chairs for the moment, and the picture of herself that Madge had been given provided another dark shade on the corner of the bureau which sat next to the Robin’s cot.

It had been a good Christmas, a very good Christmas – one filled with friends, family and happy things – if an equally strange one. And a week or so’s time would see them all returning to the School. That thought brought with it a shiver, one of excitement. How on earth was it that Madge was running a school? And such a successful one at that. They had more pupils now than Jo could easily keep track of – far more than Madge had ever imagined when the proposal had first been suggested, Jo was sure. And already Madge had received one marriage proposal. Joey giggled at the thought of the letter that Madge had got from their friend, the Irish man from the train.

The noise roused Madge enough for her to look over at her sister, from half closed eyes. “Go to sleep Joey”! She murmured sleepily. So, with one more loving glance over her small family, and all the gifts that they had been given that day, and thoughts firmly centred now on the sleigh ride they had been on earlier that day, she turned over on her other side, and obediently closed her eyes again, to drift off into a dream of the beauty and wonder of the day they had just enjoyed.

Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Aug 12, 2010 1:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 12/8 p1

Aww that was lovely! I always love that chapter, and seeing Joey's thoughts here is perfect. Thankyou!

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu Aug 12, 2010 1:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 12/8 p1

What a difference a year makes!!! I love the way you have incorporated the elements from the first two Chalet School books and The Bettanys of Taverton High as you re-tell the events from Joey's viewpoint, especially her account of that first Christmas in Austria. I enjoyed the way her giggle roused Madge enough to tell her to go to sleep, too!!!

Thanks, Squirrel - I will be looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.

Author:  cal562301 [ Thu Aug 12, 2010 1:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 12/8 p1

Really enjoying this and looking forward to more. Thanks, Squirrel.

Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Aug 12, 2010 3:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 12/8 p1

Love the idea of Joey reviewing the very different Christmas's. thanks.

Author:  MaryR [ Thu Aug 12, 2010 4:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 12/8 p1

Another lovely and descriptive piece, Squirrel. You convey Joey's thought and feelings so beautifully. It must indeed have seemed like a dream to her that so much had happened so quickly and be so completely different from what she had known up until she was 12.

Thank you. :D

Author:  Abi [ Thu Aug 12, 2010 7:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 12/8 p1

That was a beautiful snapshot. Thanks, Squirrel.

Author:  Squirrel [ Mon Aug 16, 2010 5:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 12/8 p1

Not only Christmases I'm afraid, in fact it's just about to change slightly... This scene just inserted itself when I was looking at the story progression. On that score - if anyone has any requests for particular scenes for Jo to reflect upon, then feel free to ask... no promises that I'll be able to come up with them, but...

At the Chalet...

Joey was sitting on her bed, hands wrapped around her knees, thinking. It had been an extremely exciting term. All the business with that cross old cat Matron and the SSM had been difficult in its own right – especially given the way she took exception to Joey, Robin and Juliet being around before the start of term. It wasn’t their fault that they made their home at the school. Madge owned the place, therefore she lived there, and she was guardian to all three of them so they lived there as well. Joey didn’t think it took much working out, it was only sensible.

Though she was happiest when it was just her, Madge, and sometimes the Robin, Juliet was becoming far more of a sister to her as well. It was normal for them to think of themselves as a family living in a large home outside of term time. And Matron had had no right to interfere with their living arrangements. She had just arrived at the school, everyone else had been there for years, and it was only right that the girls help out with preparing for everyone to come back again.

But now things were changing, and Joey wasn’t quite sure what she thought about it. Madge was getting married to Dr Jem, and that was exciting. She did so hope that they would both be happy – they certainly seemed pleased with life. But it was going to mean so much change, and Joey didn’t particularly like change.

“Home” was going to be different again – in fact, if matron hadn’t been dismissed as she had made life at the school difficult for everyone concerned, and upset the Robin by locking her in her room when she’d done nothing wrong, she wouldn’t have needed to complain about the girls wanting to help around the house in the run up to term – because “home” was no longer going to be at the Chalet. Instead, ‘home’ was to be at the Sonnalpe.

There had also been a few exciting adventures that term – partly in relation to Matron – it had been fun sneaking down the ladder to put the snails on her window – and partly in relation to the new girl Elisaveta. Of course, being kidnapped wasn’t exactly fun for anyone, but going on a trek with Rufus to bring her back had been quite exciting. Similar to her adventure in locating Grizel – though the night out on the mountain and the return to the chalet was something Joey wouldn’t like to repeat in a hurry.

But then, terms at the school always did seem to bring excitement with them – she was sure she’d never forget how close Robin came to being swept away by the river in their first year at the Tiernsee. Joey had ended up plunging in at the side to help rescue her little ‘sister’, and as she had lost consciousness for a few moments once the terrible fear for The Robins life was over, Rufus had saved her from drowning instead.

Joey had later insisted that she was sure that it was the shock of both the risk to Robins life and the icy torrent of water which had soaked her to the skin, and which she had fought against to stand up in the entire time she was in there which was to blame for this, rather than the onset of ill health once again, but Madge and Jem had taken a lot of convincing, and had sent her to bed for a while just to be sure. “Given how unwell you’ve been in the past madam, I think you might understand our concern” Jem had retorted when she complained to him about this treatment.

“Far better to be cautious now my girl than to run the risk of developing a bad cold and having to watch for longer” he had then reminded her gently, and she had then submitted to the treatment fairly gracefully – she knew she’d caused a lot of concern in the past, and had no wish to worry Madge any more than she had done so already.

Joey resolutely turned from that memory with a shudder. The Robin was safe and sound, having had no more than a fright, and a few nasty nightmares to suffer for her experience – and as it was so close to the end of term the staff had decided that Joey and Robin could share a dorm, and Jo had been able to either rouse up and soothe her back to sleep herself, or fetch Madge to her if she felt it was warranted, and soon the experience had faded into the background for the little girl.

Now Joey was sitting up, wide awake when she should have been sleeping, worrying because things seemed to be intent on changing at an alarming rate, and this unsettled her. However, the clock downstairs chimed 11pm a few moments later and she soon realised that she really had no business being awake at that hour. “I’ll look all in when morning comes” she thought to herself “and then Madge will worry, and I can’t have that, not when it’s such a special day for her, and she’s going to be away for the next fortnight! I can’t have her going away for so long and worrying about me! Hai-yah” she yawned as she stretched out and then lay down in bed properly.

It took her a little while to drop off after this, but when she did it was in earnest, and she slept through until Robin woke up and came to ask about going to see Tante Marguerite, and content in the presence of this wonderful addition to her family she quickly pacified her with a story and then settled down to her thinking again until Madge joined her. The last thought she had before her sister came through and fetched her out for a wander was that Robin becoming part of her family had brought nothing but joy to her life, so maybe Jem becoming a more integral part of it would prove to be similar.

Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Aug 16, 2010 8:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 16/8 p1

How very reflective - of course Joey must have had doubts, but I think that Jem was a good thing in her life in the end.

Thankyou!

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Aug 16, 2010 9:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 16/8 p1

thanks for the update. A pre-wedding one, when Joey must have wondered how life was going to change this time. She had had several big changes one after a another so it is not surprising she is concerned about yet another.

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Aug 16, 2010 10:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 16/8 p1

Thanks: this is lovely.

Author:  MaryR [ Wed Aug 18, 2010 6:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 16/8 p1

How life has opened up for Joey - and now, perhaps, she's finding it a bit too open, as she has to accept someone new into her life, someone who could change how things are. How we all hate change and how it makes us reflect on the past, as Joey is doing.

Lovely, Squirrel, thank you. Nice to see how Joey views the things that have happened.

Author:  MHE [ Wed Aug 18, 2010 8:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 16/8 p1

That was a lovely piece Squirell, I could just see Joey in that piece as she lookback over the last few years on the eve of such an important day for Madge and her.

Thank you.

Author:  Squirrel [ Fri Aug 20, 2010 2:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 16/8 p1

Thank you all once again... Back on track, and back to Christmas time again, with a jump of a few years... Slightly longer scene this time

At the Sonnalpe

Jo sat at the table looking round the assembled family. Well, she called them a ‘family’ they were actually ‘family and visitors’ now. Christmas wasn’t long over and done with, a fairly quiet affair, with Madge, Jem, Robin, Stacie, and herself. The girls were all off visiting their own family members. Jo had been sorry that Juliet hadn’t been able to make it over for Christmas, but had felt fairly philosophical about this.

It was an incredibly different Christmas to the one two years previously, when she, Robin, and Grizel had ended up staying with Miss Maynard, as Madge had been the one who had caught cold, well Jo and the Robin had stayed for Christmas, with Grizel joining them after the festivities were over. Jo herself had managed to survive the experiment of a trip to England for the winter period without developing such a companion, and it was partly due to her health, and partly to do with the fact that she had only recently married James Russell, which had had Madge take Mollie up on the offer of a place for her two charges to go for their Christmas period. They had also managed to see something of Juliet while they were in England, and Joey had loved that experience.

The one just the year previously had also been fairly different. That year it had just been Jo, Juliet, the Robin, Uncle Ted, Madge, David and Jem – it had been a lovely, quiet, family affair – different to any other experience they had faced up until that point. Although the end of the holidays *had* rather been characterised by the scolding that Robin had received for throwing the water out of the window and ‘accidentally’ hitting Eigen – winter was Not a time for unexpected water baths. And the news that Eustacia, or Stacie as she was now known, would be joining the school had followed swiftly on the heels of this event.

Stacie... it had been very difficult for Joey to accept her as a temporary addition to the family, she had made herself so unpleasant and life so challenging for everyone she came across that it had taken a true effort of will power on Joeys part to forget the poor first impressions and see the lovely girl she was now becoming.

Joey would never be the same after feeling that terrible fear for the Robin’s life, though she could now admit that she had played her own part in the risk. And Stacie had more than paid for her behaviour, both in her physical pain, and in the way Joey had treated her.

Joey felt sure that one way or another she would always have some close contact with Stacie. It may never be the relationship she had with the Robin, or with Juliet, but Stacie was one of them now, and she was so glad to have shared Christmas with her. She was one of the family – and Joey had taken whatever chances presented themselves to her to assure her of this fact, given their history she felt it was important she do so.

Now they were yet another Christmas down, the school was bigger than ever, and it seemed like the Sonnalpe, or rather, Die Rosen, was going to be the resting home for many, many visitors – including Joyce and Gillian Linton, whose mother was extremely unwell in the now well established Sanatorium.

Jo looked at them all, Stacie on her low lying seat, resting her back as well she could while picking at her food. She still looked incredibly pale, though she was of fairly pale complexion as it was. Joyce with her head buried in her hands, upset over some small trifle, such as being unable to spend all day with her mother, who was too ill from the journey to receive many visitors yet. Gillian, the elder of the two, looking exhausted, but also stoic in her grief, with a little shame mixed in due to her younger sisters’ behaviour.

Then came her beloved sister Madge, whose time married to Jem had only increased her beauty, and her loving nature. Jo had feared in some ways that this big step would only separate them, especially given the distance they now lived from each other on a day to day basis. However, in some ways, the distance had only made them that much dearer to each other.

Something similar had happened with Robin, when she had ended up transferring to the Annexe at the start of the previous term. They were sorry for the amount of time they missed with each other, but the first meeting when they returned home again was always a great joy. Home was no longer the school. Jo was used to this now but it still sometimes seemed strange to her, home was at the Sonnalpe. But then, Joey grinned, for her home was where Madge lived, and for Madge, home was with Jem. As much of a shock as it had been at the time, and as much dread and anticipation as she’d faced it with, she was used to that fact now, and she wouldn’t change it for anything.

There was also someone else in the family party – one who was not at the table, but who was very much a part of the Christmas celebrations. Young David, who had been born roughly eighteen months previously, had been a most amusing sight as he toddled round, exploring everything. He had brought a joy into the party that might not have been expected without his presence – given the large variety of people present at the time. Though he had been just as fascinating the year previously, when he had done little other than examine the wrapping paper with interest.

This was not to exclude Peggy, and Rix who also formed part of the ‘family nursery’ of course. But they had both been so much older than David when they arrived. Jo feared that this Christmas had been hard for them, the first they had experienced away from their parents, and she, Robin and Madge had done their best to distract them, with varied results. Rix had pushed them away with a fierceness and determination, which had almost got him sent to bed, while Peggy had smiled and sweetly agreed to go and show the things she had been given to Stacie, to keep her from being lonely in her room all by herself.

Juliet was missing from the group, and Jo was sorry about this. However, she had been able to reason with herself that changes did happen, and she’d get more from spending time with Juliet in the lengthier summer holidays, even if Christmas was a time you longed to spend with your ‘own’ people, and Jo was more than aware that for Juliet, the people here at Die Rosen were the closest she had to that now.

It had been a most busy and exciting few years – and Joey, who had had to accept the position of Head Girl by this stage, was sure that the following years would continue in this pattern.

Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Aug 20, 2010 2:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 20/8 p2

What a perfect analysis of Die Rosen. Thankyou.

Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Aug 20, 2010 3:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 20/8 p2

Thanks as well Joey could not tell the future.

Quote:
It had been a most busy and exciting few years – and Joey, who had had to accept the position of Head Girl by this stage, was sure that the following years would continue in this pattern.


Thanks for the update.

Author:  MaryR [ Fri Aug 20, 2010 4:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 20/8 p2

How Jo's family has grown from the close-knit one of comprising just her, Madge and Dick. So many people now to know and to love, people who love her in return and will always now be part of her life, no matter how old she grows. But, in the final analysis, as she thinks about things, Madge still means home, wherever they are. She doesn't yet realise that one day very soon that will change - for now it is enough, and more than enough, and she can rest content.

Thank you, Squirrel.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Fri Aug 20, 2010 7:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 20/8 p2

A lovely analysis of how Joey's family has grown since those early days, and how generously the nuclear family has welcomed so many others thers into their circle. I specially liked that idea of having Peggy take her gifts to Stacie's room to show her, to prevent Stacie from feeling completely alone, even though she was not yet fit enough to be part of a crowd.

If we didn't know before, we can certainly see here how, for Joey, home is still where Madge is, wherever that may be. And it's good to see her looking forward taking up her role as head girl.

Thanks, Squirrel - it will be very interesting to see how this evolves.

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Aug 20, 2010 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 20/8 p2

Thanks Squirrel - there were so many people at Die Rosen and it's lovely to see them all as part of one family.

Author:  Abi [ Fri Aug 20, 2010 7:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 20/8 p2

That was a lovely snapshot. Thanks, Squirrel.

Author:  Squirrel [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 4:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 20/8 p2

OK... Not too certain about this bit, but I think it's just one of those parts which always will feel slightly 'off' to the person writing it. Be warned, it's darker than any other section posted so far - possibly pushing the bounds of the house (?), and it's probably one of the most defining moments of Jo's early life


On the run…

Jo wearily looked round the group of adults and girls who were all lying sleeping in the shelter of the rocks. Jack, her fiancé, she glanced at him with a sudden grin which was rather incongruous given the circumstances, was just to the right of her, careworn features showing his exhaustion. Gottfried, who held the lives of the whole party in his hands was next to him. He looked so young for all this responsibility – even if he was a husband and father. And he was so upset at this mad flight being so necessary. Jo had tried to comfort him on that score, but it didn’t make it any the less upsetting for him. Miss Wilson, with Robin curled up into her, was also sleeping, though her rest was rather more disturbed, the pain of her foot showing on her face, and stopping her from resting deeply.

She let her eyes linger on Robin... she was no longer a baby any more, though Joey knew that she’d always love her as a little sister. They had so hoped that she’d been missed, but her courageous actions in Spartz had made that impossible, and so she had had to escape as well. Jo breathed a prayer of protection over her, that God would keep her safe, even as she thanked him that young Daisy had been spared this. She also thanked him that Robin had been so willing to go to the aid of Herr Goldmann, though it had lead to the abrupt end of their safety in Tyrol, she didn’t think any of them could have been comfortable with themselves afterwards if they had just stood by and done nothing.

The other girls, Corney, Jeanne, Hilary, Maria, Lorenz and Evadne, all still school girls, and all so young to be fleeing from such an evil regime, were huddled together for warmth and comfort. Maria and Hilary were both at the end of their tethers – as she was herself Jo admitted in the private recesses of her own thoughts. Joey wasn’t too sure how well Jeanne was holding up, she was generally more reserved than the others, and somehow managed to mask her deeper emotions, but there was some sign of strain on her face as well, which was rather telling.

Corney and Evadne being that little bit younger and more exuberant and care free than the others were likely to cope better with this, though even they had looked rather shocked earlier on. Especially with the way that Miss Wilson’s deep chestnut coloured hair had somehow turned white during their walk through the caves. It was, in some ways, all a huge exciting joke and game to them – despite the frightening beginning with the way that Herr Goldman had been treated. That Mob… Jo shuddered as she remembered them. How could anyone be so vicious in their treatment of another person, especially someone as kind as Herr Goldmann?

This was the aspect that Joey was not used to. Running half-cocked up the hills in rescue attempts, yes! She had done so much of that in her younger days that such things were simply pleasant thrills to her, but this hatred of a people group who had done no wrong, this senseless dehumanising one part of God’s creation. Joey didn’t often speak about her faith, but it was dear to her, and the way that this small group of mad men were leading a country by the nose in a crusade against part of the human race was deeply shocking to her. This was the work of pure evil – Joey was convinced of that.

Here she stopped and shuddered. No, she couldn’t let herself think of this again. She had already lost far too many hours of sleep to her horror and regret. If only she could do something, if only this were not happening, if only they were all still safe and tucked up in their own beds with no fear for what might be coming in the future.

There was another ‘if only’ which came to her mind at this point. If only this sleeping out on the hillside were just a simple case of ‘hunt the Grizel’ or even ‘hunt the princess’ even though that had brought with it the added complication of a mad-man who might have been driven to do anything to them had he been pushed far enough, though the escape they had had from the Nazi’s who had cornered Jo, Jack and the Robin had brought a sniff of that kind of adventure to Jo!

She’d had to take firm control of her mounting excitement and use her wits again, in the same way that she had on her previous escapades, and had been so relieved that their dress and her grasp of Romani had given them a disguise for a short while anyway, she’d really missed Rufus at the time, but Jack’s presence had almost made up for it. He’d performed the same role anyway she thought, mentally apologising for comparing him to a dog, however noble that dog might be.

In general, however, this running away from a madman with a country of dedicated followers was just too much. Jo felt a slightly hysterical giggle break from her lips, the sound of which caused Jack to stir, though thankfully not carrying far enough to disturb Nell. As he shifted uncomfortably in his sleep, Jo felt something different tighten inside her.

That was one joy that this evil had brought with it. She didn’t believe she would have admitted, even to herself, how her feelings for Jack had been changing from that of a friend to something deeper, without a real intense need to have someone else to rely upon in the hard times, well, she smiled to herself, maybe to work alongside her, an equal partner, rather than someone to rely upon.

The day they had hidden the Peace League document had been just one of several catalysts for her moving on to both accept and admit what she was feeling, but even at that, there was ever so much more to it. Jo herself would be pushed to trace the steps it had taken for her to move from thinking of him as Jack-her-adopted-brother into Jack-the-man-I-want-to-marry.

And given everything else, she was still vaguely astonished that she did think of him in that way. She, who had been planning her life as ‘the charming maiden aunt/spinster-sister’ was actually agreeing to marry someone – and marry them happily…

There were some parts of her head which just couldn’t take it in. And yet, it had happened, and this dear man had become even more important to her since that point in time, though she would have said it was not possible for that to happen if asked before hand.

She was going to become this mans wife, and possibly even mother to his children, given time. That caused a different thrill – was she really ready to be a mother? However far in the future it might be, would she be ready? Still, she sighed in contentment, at least she would have Jack by her side, no matter what. He would help her with anything that she found truly beyond her and with the two of them together, they would face whatever might come.

Given the current circumstances, Joey vowed to herself that she would raise any children she might have to have a true understanding of the importance of all of humanity, that it was utterly wrong to see one section of society as invaluable, that each and every human being was of the utmost value regardless of faith, race or any other defining characteristic*. Each and every human being was part of God’s creation and that made them completely and utterly valuable and no one had the right to mistreat them. She would have brought her children up in that knowledge regardless, but this situation made it all the more important to her that she did so.

Being aware that she was already going to be unfit for much of the following days exertions, and starting to eventually feel relaxed in the knowledge that she was protected and safe despite all the difficulties, Jo firmly stopped her thoughts from travelling back onto the paths they had tread so many of the other nights, and avoided thinking about all the unimaginable horrors which could await them if they did not escape, and which so many others were already facing, and for once focussed her mind on what Jack meant to her, and their future together.

With that, she soon drifted off into a contented sleep, the only one of their trek which did not have her rousing from a half nightmare, and despite her tiredness, she felt comparatively fit the next day – more at peace than she had any day previously, and was thus more able to ease the burdens of the others.

The next few days would simply heighten her fear of being caught, and the anticipation of possible escape, but at least she had gained one days freedom. She knew that she wouldn’t come out of this experience unscathed, each and every one of them would be marked and matured by their experiences on this wild trek, but hopefully it would be a change for the better. Teaching them to care more about their fellow man, and exactly how important it was to stand up for your beliefs no matter what – the Robin had shown them that. That was the essence of the Peace League, and Joey was sure that it was going to prove vital to each and every girl who had signed it in the coming days.



*the feeling behind this sentiment first came from the song “when I needed a neighbour” by Sidney Carter and the line “and the creed and the colour and the name don’t matter”. However, as it wasn’t written until the mid 1960’s Joey couldn’t know of it at this point in time.

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 5:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 23/8 p2

thanks for a compassionate uodate

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 5:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 23/8 p2

This is a wonderfully reflective snapshot - so many things passing through Joey's mind that it's no wonder she found it hard to settle to sleep. You have described this seminal moment in her life really vividly; we've pretty much see her grow up before our eyes, and be ready to move on joyfully to face the future, once they are all in safety.

I have no idea whether this is pushing the bounds of St. Agnes drabbles or not, but I'm sure a mod will tell you if it should be moved.

Thanks, Squirrel - will look forward to the next snapshot.

Author:  MaryR [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 23/8 p2

So glad Jo didn't regret what Robin had done in defence of Herr Goldman. All over the world young people were going to come up against hatred, something they could never be prepared for - and what they did then would define how they thought of themselves afterwards. And girls younger than Jo were to face worse than this, including death itself, even some of her own school mates. How many of them spent time pondering the imponderables, as Jo does here? In the end, life is so fragile and we must live it as honestly as we can.

Sorry, Squirrel, got carried away there. :roll: This is so very true to life and I can see the Jo of the books, with her restless character, reflecting in this way as she tries to sleep, aware of just what danger they are all in.

Author:  charli [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 6:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 23/8 p2

Thank You Squirrel, that was exactly how I would picture Joey thinking.

Author:  cal562301 [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 7:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 23/8 p2

As others have said, I think this is a very realistic portrayal of how Joey might reflect on events.

Really enjoying this. Thanks, Squirrel.

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 7:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 23/8 p2

Thanks for the update: so much happened to Joey all at once and she must've had a lot of thinking to do.

Author:  robinette [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 7:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 23/8 p2

I have just found this Squirrel, and I love it!!

Its so interesting to see what Joey was thinking at various points.

Thank you :D

Author:  Abi [ Mon Aug 23, 2010 8:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 23/8 p2

That's just the sort of reflections I can imagine Joey having on that journey. It must have really forced a change in her. Thanks Squirrel!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Aug 24, 2010 2:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 23/8 p2

Thank you, am really loving these reflections of Joey

Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Aug 24, 2010 10:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 23/8 p2

That was exactly how I imagined it, it was like she was reaching out then to talk to me. Thankyou, this is so poignant and such brilliant writing.

Author:  Squirrel [ Thu Aug 26, 2010 12:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 23/8 p2

Seems that it's me again! Thank you one and all for your encouragement regarding my last post... I shall admit I was slightly nervous about it, and had read it until it just seemed flat to me, so...

Please forgive any inconsistancies (esp chronological details which am pretty sure are a bit 'out') with the actual text of Exile, both in relation to the stuff cut out of the Armada paperbacks and in any other details I may have made mistakes in in general...

This is the second last post I have written up, though there is possibility of more depending on how things work out and what people would like.



Guernsey 1 – the wife

Joey turned her head to the side to consider her now sleeping husband who was curled up just beside her. The events of the day had been so mentally and emotionally exhausting she wasn’t sure why she was still awake. At the same time, it had been such a big thing that there was another part of her which wasn’t surprised that she couldn’t settle for sleeping yet. How could she, she had just experienced one of the most important days of her life. Nothing would ever be the same again. Everything had changed! She was married!

In some ways she couldn’t really take it in. How on earth could she be wed already? She was still just a girl! In some ways the day had passed without her noticing it. She had been on a cloud of anticipation. The only one who really existed for her that day was Jack – who she hadn’t seen until they arrived at the church of course. In other ways, the events of the morning seemed so long ago. Were they even part of the same day? Jo was uncertain about that.

Yet, even in her joy, Joey was conscious of a feeling of the bittersweet. She had spent her last day as a resident of her sisters’ house. Now, aside from brief holidays, she had a home of her own to run. All of these things seemed scarily grown up from this side of things, even if Jack was going to be at her side. And already, though Jo didn’t really want to consider this yet, there were whisperings that Jack would need to join up, in the eventual case of war breaking out. While Jem would more than likely settle down to work, there wasn’t enough room for two more highly specialised doctors, and Jack was in just the right age band for him to be a prime target for this.

The thoughts about possible war coming took her thoughts quite naturally to their fleeing from Austria; those awful events had caused so much strain to her nerves. Joey loved her career as a writer, and the fact that its very nature meant it was possible for her to continue on, even though she had become a wife now, but the nature of her imaginative mind meant that extreme trauma’s of the kind that that was, especially when they were so long term, were enough to make her unwell.

If it wasn’t bad enough having to deal with all that actually did happen, the ‘what if’s’ were so clear to her, and sometimes she found it hard to draw the boundaries between what was reality, and the horrors her imagination presented her with. Almost every evening of that trip, her mind had presented her with alternative endings to each days trek – endings where the Nazi’s had caught them, and had then subjected them to brutal treatment in their zeal to find out any secrets that they might hold. Joey had only heard the briefest details about the way that ‘enemies’ of the Nazi state were dealt with, but it was enough for her imagination to bring up previously unthought-of horrors.

This all, linked with the extreme relief at the freedom, had caused Joey to collapse in a dead faint when they finally got to safety. She had been laid up in bed for a fairly lengthy time, while she recovered enough to move on. It had been a real relief to get back to Madge’s care, once they finally got safely into the UK. Though she had been grateful for the loving care that Jack and the others had shown her, she needed at that moment to be with the only mother figure she could remember. She still wasn’t completely free from the nightmares, and she knew that she might never be, but the care and the companionship of the only mother she remembered had been something she had needed at the time.

And now, she was leaving the safe arms of that mother behind, moving on to the place from which she could become a mother herself. That very thought seemed so aging to her – that she be a wife and a mother! No matter how often she thought about it, the thought seemed bizarre and unreal. She couldn’t be a wife and a mother! And yet, she was the former, she was a wife. People were going to start calling her ‘Mrs Maynard’ – even the thought made her feel very foolish.

At that thought, Jack stirred in his sleep, his arm subconsciously tightening round her, pulling her closer to him. Jo felt herself relax in his embrace and a feeling of tenderness welled up inside her. This was her man, he was her future now, the one she had vowed to love and care for until the end of her days. He was her protector, her shelter, and in return she would cherish him and look after him in every way possible. She would back him up and trust him to know what was right for them both – even if that occasionally meant playing devils’ advocate in their discussions. This marriage would be an equal partnership because that was important to both of them until that point, somewhere in the distant future when “death do us part.” But not for many many years yet Joey vowed – she wanted to be old enough for grand children, great grand children even, before either of them lost the other. Anything else was just unthinkable. God wouldn't let anything worse happen to them now surely, they had faced enough recently and He would protect them.

Joey didn’t know what the future might bring, but she knew that all would be well as long as she was by Jacks side. Because of that, Jo felt safe and secure in her world, despite all the uncertainties and changes. She would miss her time with Madge, and would no doubt face days when she longed for her life free from responsibilities again, but now it was the time to grow up.

Now it was time to start preparing for the inevitable day when she would have young ones of her own to bring up. She could only hope to be as good a mother to any children she might have as Madge had been for her. And Jack would help her in that aim – she already knew how much he loved children because of the number of times she had discovered him in the children’s nursery at Die Rosen, playing games with the older ones and comforting the younger ones, talking with and actually listening to them. Or out in the garden in the winter, organising games in the snow, and then encouraging her to join in with that special smile of his.

Now Joey couldn’t believe how obtuse she’d been to his interest in her as she grew up. Possibly though, she reflected, that was just as well, she hadn’t been ready for anything of the kind until she had discovered how much she needed him – and then she had become ready all at once.

Jack was such a wonderfully patient man, and she couldn’t have a better picture of that than in the way he had waited for her to be ready for a relationship of that kind. In one of their discussions he had told her he’d been willing to wait “as long as it took Joey. I loved you and was willing to wait forever if that had been what you needed, and if you had never looked on me that way then I’d have accepted that it just wasn’t to be.”

At that point Joey had shyly told him that she’d always pictured him becoming closer to Grizel and he had looked at her so blankly that she had had to laugh. “I think that Grizel finds friendship difficult Joey, and when she has a close relationship with anyone she struggles with jealousy – think of her upbringing, think about how neglected she was by her father and step mother for so long – and how they show her how little they care about her happiness.

“All we can do for her is to show her that your relationship with me makes no difference to how you feel about her, and that she is still one of your closest friends. Grizel is very fond of you, and worries that she’ll lose your friendship.

“Look at how jealous she finds herself of Robin, never mind anyone else. She needs to grow more in her relationships with friends before she’s ready for anything more than that.” Jack had explained to her gently. That evening had been the one in which they had started to really share with each other their thoughts and concerns for the future, and what the best way to handle those concerns might be.

It had been that discussion which had convinced her of just how good a father he would make; he seemed to understand people so well, no wonder so many of his patients seemed to adore him, both young and old. If she had ever had reason to doubt her choice of husband that evening had dismissed all her concerns completely, she could never do better than this beloved man.

With that thought, Jo gave him a lightening swift peck on the end of his nose, which was the closest bit of him to her, and then tucked her head down under his chin to coorie in and fall asleep against his chest to the steady beat of his heart.

Author:  Eilidh [ Thu Aug 26, 2010 1:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 26/8 p2

What a lovely long update - so nice to see Jo growing up and moving on the next phase of her life.

Thanks Squirrel!

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Aug 26, 2010 1:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 26/8 p2

Things changed so quickly for Joey: it's lovely to see how happy she is with Jack.

Author:  MaryR [ Thu Aug 26, 2010 4:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 26/8 p2

I don't know about Jack understanding people, Squirrel. It seems to me that you also understand what makes people tick and delve well beneath the surface.

This is so lovely. Like Joey, I hardly remember any of my own wedding day, floating above it all and really only seeing Ray. And I love the way she thinks up different scenarios for how each day of that trek might have ended - a true story-teller, living in her imagination! :D

Such tender, amusing and thoughtful remiscences. Thank you so much

Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Aug 26, 2010 4:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 26/8 p2

Thanks Squirrel.

Jack's understanding of Grizel is good and should help Joey in her future relationships with her.

Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Aug 26, 2010 6:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 26/8 p2

Call me a hormonal wreck, but that made me cry. She's so tender here, and we get such a touching, convincing portrayal of her and Jack's relationship.

Thankyou.

Author:  Abi [ Thu Aug 26, 2010 7:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 26/8 p2

It's nice to see Joey so happy with Jack, and being able to reflect on everything.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Fri Aug 27, 2010 9:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 26/8 p2

Another beautifully reflective piece - it's really satisfying to see Joey safely married and in her own home for the first time. I love the way she thinks over all that has happened, can appreciate that the time has come to move away from making her home with Madge to establishing her home with Jack, and is looking forward to being a wife, and eventually a mother. We don't often see Joey's deepest thoughts shown so clearly in this way in the books themselves, which makes her reflections here extra special.

Thanks, Squirrel.

Author:  Miss Di [ Mon Aug 30, 2010 3:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 26/8 p2

That was lovely. Brought a tear to my eye.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Aug 30, 2010 11:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 26/8 p2

Jack is lovely there. Thanks

Author:  Elbee [ Mon Aug 30, 2010 3:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 26/8 p2

It's very moving to hear Joey's deep thoughts and reflections on various points in her life.

Thanks, Squirrel.

Author:  Squirrel [ Thu Sep 02, 2010 6:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up. 26/8 p2

Sorry to take so long to update this - head just would Not click into gear when I wanted it to! Still, better late than not at all. It's extra long in this instance, so don't say I didn't warn you. In relation to Jack in particular, due to the various different things Jack appears to be doing, I have decided to write as if he signed up as a Naval doctor for the course of the war. I’m playing about with the order of things in relation to the books once again.

Oh, and this is the last section, so Enjoy!



Guernsey 2 – the mother


Three perfect little heads nestled against her. The love she felt for these precious little mites was so overwhelming, she could hardly believe it. One, Two, and Three – how much she delighted in the shocked, disbelieving expressions her various visitors employed when they heard her – as if the very fact that she had had triplets wasn’t shock enough by itself. Or so Madge had said as she attempted to scold her, despite the laughing eyes which accompanied this pronouncement.

Madge’s face had been a study, even though she had been warned before she visited. Peter Chester had simply laughed at her of course, but everyone else, including Nurse, sounded horrified the first time they heard her. Poor Nurse still seemed to ooze disapproval and righteous indignation whenever she heard Jo call her daughters “those dreadful numbers” - so much so that she practically grew bristles big enough to be almost visible. Everyone else had soon understood though – once they had persuaded Jo to be serious long enough to actually explain why she was sticking to the numbers - and accepted it as a temporary aberration. Nurse just couldn’t get past the fact that they were babies and “deserved a proper name!”

Suggesting the names Jane, Joan and Jean had also provided her with lots of amusement – what else could she do when confined to her bed? Especially as the one huge dark cloud on her personal horizon was the fact that Jack was not with her. He was with his ship on the Channel.

She was so grateful that they had been able to enjoy that first year together – it hadn’t been perfect, with the possibility of war coming, and knowing the evilness that was based just across the water, poised like a scorpion ready to lash out at its next prey. Like every new couple, it had taken them a while to adjust to the practicalities of living together, though they had quickly found out which things worked best for them and it had all eventually settled down into a peaceable pattern of life.

That first evening after the girls were born though she had turned over on her side once everyone had gone, and had wept for the fact that he was not with her to celebrate the birth of their daughters. In some ways she felt as if she had been on a rollercoaster of joy and sorrow. Thrilled by the chance to welcome three new lives into the world, she had been devastated that her husband was away somewhere on the water.

He should be with her. Not somewhere along the coast of France. She needed him, and where was he? He was fighting mad men on the English Channel, though Jo personally preferred the French name for it, La Manche (the sleeve)*; even if he was separated from the worst of the actual fighting due to his medical training – it was a relief to know that even though he was away from home, he was able to continue working in some branches of the job he loved. She knew that he was needed over there, and that he wouldn’t have been able to live with himself if he hadn’t gone, but it didn’t make it any easier to accept his absence now.

They had talked all of that out carefully before he had taken the decision to go, but her heart couldn’t help but ask why he had left her and their expected children alone, despite the fact she knew all the arguments and how much he had struggled with his conscience as he took the decision to sign up so quickly.

She had encouraged him to do so of course; it had seemed the only thing to do. But now, having experienced the cold reality of having given birth to their first children without his presence, it was all so much harder to cope with. That night she had cried herself to sleep.

That first year had also been quite an interesting one in terms of her relationship with Madge. Madge was her sister, and had always been responsible for her, her mother for as long as she could remember. But Jack was only a few years younger than Jem, and they were friends. Jo had decided from the start that she couldn’t rely on Madge in the same way as before, or go as often to her for advice. For Madge would likely go to Jem, and that might cause problems for her husband and his friend both on personal and professional levels.

It would be far better all round if she and Jack could get by without others having to interfere. In some ways, Madge would have to take her rightful place as Jo’s sister again, rather than acting as her mother as she had done for as long as Jo could remember. That change had taken time, and there had been a few rocky moments, but, with Jack helping her to deal with it as tactfully as possible, the change had taken place smoothly enough.

They had been granted a few months grace before reality intruded again. After such a long time in a busy household – never fewer than about 6 people in the family almost since the year they moved to Austria – Jo was lonely. Jack was out of the house most of the day, and Madge lived on the other side of the island. Very occasionally there were visitors, and Jo was making stunning progress on her book, but otherwise the hours were very empty – with no one but Anna, that wonderful helper, for company.

Jo hadn’t mentioned her loneliness, and the superfluity of the dreich (dreary) hours to anyone, not wanting to add to the burdens that everyone was already carrying, especially Jack who already had enough on his plate. She felt she needed to muddle through on her own.

She did wonder if she had managed to scandalize Anna with her attempts to help out with the housework, and cooking though – eventually she had been firmly ordered out of the kitchen and told to leave Anna’s cleaning products alone! The mending did take up a certain amount of her time; especially given the concentration she had to give to it if she wanted to avoid having to redo her work a few days down the line, but even that hated task didn’t satisfy her need to feel useful about the place.

Then one day about four months after Jo and Jack’s wedding, Madge had walked into the living room to find Daisy huddled behind the couch in tears. She had been so withdrawn since the news of her mothers’ death had come and they had all been worried about her. But on this occasion, it was because of a spat with one of the younger children.

Jo had been there at the time, and had been very much involved in the busy time which had then ensued, comforting Daisy, sending her off with Robin for a walk in the fresh air, and sorting out the rest of the children. It was at that point Madge had turned to her in despair, saying she hadn’t got a clue what to do about Daisy. Jo had leapt at the opportunity and suggested that the girl come and stay with her and Jack for a while. After a moment of stunned disbelief Madge had given her a gentle reminder that Jack might want to be involved in such a big decision.

Jo’s response to this had been to roll her eyes in exasperation, before agreeing that of course she would consult him before making any firm offer of long term housing for the girl, but that she hadn’t got much further than thinking of inviting her round for a few weeks holiday thus far. She admitted that it was possible the offer of a more permanent solution would come in time, but such wholesale changes would need to be discussed by all of them, as it would take time and consideration to make sure that it was the right thing to do.

“No point in moving Daisy, just to find she’s desperately unhappy about it and either feels shunted off, or abandoned, by her aunt and uncle after all,” she pointed out briskly. “We need to find out what we think the best way of helping Daisy feel happy about any changes is as well.”

Madge had looked at Jo in astonishment, once again reminded that her little sister wasn’t the impulsive schoolgirl she had been in the past any more. She paused for a few moments before casting her mind back to when she had married Jem. Even though she had been several years older than Jo was she had had to learn what it was like to run her own home while catering to the wishes of her husband, and Jo and Jack needed to work out their own relationship without Madge interfering – for all she knew Jack might want Jo to feel free to invite guests without feeling she needed to ask his opinion on the matter.

With that internal reminder she had apologised to Jo, and then went on to ask her if she was sure that she wanted the responsibility of having a grieving girl such as Daisy for a few weeks’ holiday, or longer.

It was at this point that Jo had eventually explained to Madge how bored and lonely she sometimes felt, and that how she needed to make her house more of a home, and not rely on others or have them find her a burden. “I’d never have suggested we take any of the girls away from you” she explained. “You are their closest relatives after all, but if you’re struggling a little with the number of young people about the place then why not let me, let us, help out? It would mean that I would have something to do and a little more company, while giving you a bit more time to spend with the others.

“What do you think Madge?” After that, Madge’s response had led to the two requesting that the men join them to talk over the possibilities once they were finished work at the new San.

The decision which had eventually been taken, after they had discussed the issue until they were certain that every possible concern had been taken into consideration, was that it would be better for the elder girls and Primula to go stay with Jo and Jack until further notice, with Madge and Jem continuing to contribute something towards their financial support.

Robin would move so she could be someone else to help Daisy when needed (or so Madge said). Jo was sure this was just an excuse to give her some more companionship during the day, but she accepted the argument and reasoned to herself that Robin would probably miss Daisy if they were separated in any case. She didn’t really think about whether or not Robin would prefer to stay with Jo and Jack to Madge and Jem – Robin had always stayed with Madge since she had first moved to the school, it was a foregone conclusion as far as Jo could see that her preference would have been to stay with them. Madge however, thought that much as Robin loved Jem and herself, her heart was really with Jo and Jack. Robin had missed Jo terribly since she had married and moved out of the house and she might feel very upset if Daisy went to stay with them and she wasn’t given the opportunity to go as well.

Primula would also go, as another part of Daisy’s family – all she had left of her earliest memories, her first family. As the girl told Jo a few nights into their stay with her, everyone else from her earlier life had died, and now she was frightened that Primula might be taken from her as well.

The move had soon been effected, and Joey had ended up easing the transition by suggesting that she make it a personal request to the girls for help. “If we call them into the room together and put it to them that I’m in need of some company and we were wondering if they would mind coming to stay with Jack and myself for a while on that basis it will probably go down better than if we put it to them on any other level.” She had reasoned.

There followed a little more discussion on the matter, during which Madge had made Jo admit to the men exactly how bored and lonely she sometimes got. Jack and Jem had been highly unimpressed at this news and Jo had had to endure them telling her exactly what they thought of her for keeping that snippet of information to herself so thoroughly. However, it was soon decided that her suggestion had merit, and the matter was put before the girls soon after. And if Jack had become even more tender and attentive than usual in his treatment of after her admission, then she certainly wasn’t going to object!

Jo and Jack had been as kind to the girls as possible, and the change in the atmosphere of their small home defied description – Jo’s favourite memories from before Jack left were always related to the evening times or summer weekends out in the open air, during which time she, Jack and the three girls would enjoy a rowdy dinner, joking and laughing with each other, before heading through to the ‘family room’ to sit quietly with various occupations – Primula playing quietly at the side, Daisy busy with a book, and Robin usually working on her embroidery, while Jo and Jack caught up a little, listened to the news on the radio, and Jack read the paper. Very occasionally, when Daisy still needed a few fidgets shaken out of her, they’d have some music on the gramophone and indulge in a few set dances for 4 or 5 people.

Jo had made a habit of spending some special time with each girl just before bed, and it was at this time she hoped she could make the biggest difference to each of the girls. She spent a little while with Primula first, her being the youngest. More often than not Primula simply enjoyed chatting about the day and talking about what they might do the following one.

On other occasions, however, she spilled out her confusion about why Daisy was so upset and whether it was wrong that Primula herself wasn’t as bothered as her sister. On those occasions Joey would do her best to provide comfort and remind her that Daisy remembered more of the time in Australia, and that she would naturally hurt in a different way to Primula, and that that was OK.

She also pointed out that Primula’s memories of her mother growing up were of a time when that lady was less than well and Primula had been used to receiving mothering from other adult figures from almost her earliest days, and all of this would impact on her feelings in relation to the loss of her mother. It took a little while, but Primula slowly came to see that her more accepting way of taking the loss of their mother was just as valid and acceptable as Daisy’s stronger grief. And to understand that Jo and everyone else would be there for her when she needed to talk about issues in relation to her mother whenever they might arise.

When she went to spend time with Daisy, once Primula was sound asleep in her own little bed, she had a far more purposeful air about her, though she never lost the gentle air that everyone had developed around the girl while she was so vulnerable. This was the time during which she hoped she would be able to help Daisy grow a little more accustomed to her loss, to realise that it was OK to have fun, that Mummy would have wanted her to do so, and that she wasn’t completely alone in the world despite the loss of her mother. Many different things had been covered in these chats, and a firm bond had grown up between Jo and Daisy during these exchanges.

Then they would both pray, and talk to Margot about the day. This was something Daisy had been doing every night since her mother had died. Jo was trying to make it into a much more positive thing for the almost heartbroken girl, since it had started off as nothing more than a litany about how much she missed her mother and wanted her back. Once their session ended, Jo tucked her young niece-in-law up in bed, leaving her alone for the night and moving on to share some special time with Robin.

Her time with Robin was different again. She really couldn’t think of herself as anything other than a sister or friend to Robin, even if she was still a schoolgirl. With Robin Jo experienced a chat of equals, where each girl shared some of the deepest things in their heart – Jo talking about her experiences of being a wife, and Robin telling about how life with Madge had changed, and how much she had missed Jo. Robin, it had turned out, had been as lonely as Jo had been. It was on hearing this that Jo had vowed that there would be a home for Robin with her and Jack for as long as she wanted it.

The late evening time, before they retired for the night, had been her time to spend with Jack, and now her longing for his company was somehow more desperate at this time of night when they would normally have talked about those things they didn’t wish to share with the girls quite yet, and had some special time alone with each other.

Jo loved having the girls with her – despite the fact it had caused her to miss out on some of that cherished time she and Jack had spent alone, building up their growing relationship – but the responsibility of looking after them and the general rowdiness resulting from someone with her zest for life mixing regularly with girls, meant that the girls were better off boarding at the school just at present.

They, or at least Robin and Daisy – Primula had moved back to stay with Madge as it was simply too far for her to cycle to school as the older girls did – would soon be coming back to brighten up the place – but Jo had to be up and about again first. Jo missed her time with Primula, but made sure that she had at least some catch up sessions with the girl on a weekly basis. Primula complained that it wasn’t the same, but agreed with Jo that it was better than nothing, and she’d just have to wait until her aunt was able to get a place closer to the school, or until she grew old enough to cycle as the others did.

As for Jack, she had heard from him only by letter for the last several months. He had gone off to join his shipmates just after the school had started up again. They had been sorry, but generally accepting of the fact, that it had had to happen before the arrival of their child, never suspecting that there would be three of them. The most amusing communication since had been the telegram a short while after they were born – where he had named them Maria, Eliza and Martha. He seemed to be just as keen on winding people up as she herself was.

Of course, they had yet to confirm their children’s real names – it was so hard to discuss such things when you were separated by water and by war, so it had taken forever to actually come to any conclusions as to names they both liked. But she thought they might almost have sorted out the worst of it now, even if she had needed to talk him out of that dreadful ‘Eliza’. It wasn’t a substitute for ‘Élise’ anyway, regardless of how often he might try to argue that it was!

‘Two’ shifted, murmuring in her sleep, drawing her Mamma’s attention to her again. “Are you all right sweetheart?” she asked, the love she felt for her tiny middle daughter sparkling in her eyes.

Shifting gently so as not to disturb her precious burden more than she could help, Jo moved them into their cot before turning over and snuggling down to try and get a little more sleep herself. Peter had told her that if she was ‘good’ today, she might get up for a little tomorrow. And having no use for being in bed at the best of times, she was planning on taking full advantage of that promise.

Just before she finally fell asleep Jo found her mind going to one of her other regrets, the important people from her teenage years who would never meet her daughters - those who were stuck in Austria under the Nazi regime, and those like their dear Mademoiselle Lepattre, who had died but a few short months before the girls were born. So many friends she would be unable to ever introduce her children to. Or not until they were a good bit older anyway. And many of them might have suffered horrendous things by that point as well... who knew how much they might have changed?

Mademoiselle had been so pleased to know that the school had restarted, and had been overjoyed when she was entrusted with the news that Jo was now expecting, something she had learned just a few short weeks before she died. Jo had been considering whether she might ask her to be godmother to her child, but that would never happen now. Maybe one day in the future, if she were to have another girl, she would name her after Mademoiselle – that was apparently where Jack’s insistence that ‘Eliza/Élise’ was such a good idea had come from.

Jo preferred ‘Thérèse’ to ‘Élise’ anyway, but she doubted she would ever win that argument as Jack detested the name – he had always called Mademoiselle by her second name, as had Madge when they first knew her. Of course, there was also Margot, Daisy and Primula’s mother, who had also been lost to them, though she had died before the babies were even expected. Maybe she could name one of these girls in memory of her. Maybe that would help Daisy in her time of deep sadness.

Jo’s eyes gleamed as she thought about the possibilities. Poor Daisy was still so sad and withdrawn so much of the time and she really needed something to help cheer her up, however little it might be. Could one of her daughters be named after Margot? It might just work in with what she and Jack had already discussed, making a mental note to add that to her latest letter to Jack she turned over and closed her eyes.

How times had changed. Now she was taking over Madge’s role as quasi-mother to both Robin and Daisy, instead of being mothered by her herself. And she had three baby girls dependent on her for everything. Regardless of her actual age, if she wasn’t ‘an adult’ already, she really better had ‘grow up’ now!

And with that thought, Jo dropped off into a deep sleep.

*info from Wikipedia!

Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Sep 02, 2010 7:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete

Thank you for this carefully crafted completion of Joey's reflections.

Author:  Chris [ Thu Sep 02, 2010 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete

Just read this all through and really enjoyed seeing Joey's perspectives on the different stages of her life. Thank you.

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Sep 02, 2010 8:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete

Thank you - that was lovely.

Author:  Abi [ Thu Sep 02, 2010 8:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete

That made fascinating reading - thank you Squirrel, I've really enjoyedd this!

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu Sep 02, 2010 9:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete

Thanks, Squirrel - I really enjoyed reading this. It was very satisfying to see how Joey the schoolgirl matured into Jo the woman with such understanding of other people - and to see how Madge reacted to the realisation that her little sister was, indeed 'all grown up'!

Author:  Lesley [ Fri Sep 03, 2010 5:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete

Thanks for that Squirrel - liked seeing Joey's thoughts mature as she she grew up.

Author:  Karoline [ Fri Sep 03, 2010 6:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete

Thank you, that was lovely

Author:  MaryR [ Fri Sep 03, 2010 3:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete

Jo's sadness at Jack not being there for the birth of their triplets must have been echoed throughout the land as the war continued and more and more men were called up. So many women coping all on their own, as Jo had to, but at least she had the very best of company to ease the pain while he was away. One can see how she developped her skills with the school girls by her gentle ways with Daisy, Primula and Robin, having a very different relationship with each of the three.

Lovely, Squirrel. Thank you. :D

Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Sep 03, 2010 6:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete

That was beautiful, such a poignant reflection but such obvious happiness there too. Thankyou for a wonderful drabble!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Sep 05, 2010 4:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete

Thanks, have really enjoyed this drabble. Am a little disappointed it's complete, (I would have loved to see more) but loved seeing Joey's thoughts on everything.

Author:  Miss Di [ Sun Sep 05, 2010 8:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete

I have also enjoyed seeing Joey grow up.

Author:  roversgirl [ Fri Oct 22, 2010 10:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete

Was lovely to see her growing up and helping others :-)

Author:  Pingaware [ Fri Oct 22, 2010 10:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Joey Reflects - Snapshots of Joey growing up.2/9 p3 Complete

Thanks so much for that Squirrel. I've really enjoyed reading it :)

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