The CBB
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Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=3076
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
This is written in response to the drabble challenge/suggestions and this has sort of leapt out at me. My apologies in advanced because although a lot will be written about Margot, I am going to be writing a bit about the first term at Carnbach as well. Hope no one minds too much :D

Margot gazed out her bedroom window, feeling absolutely miserable.
“Margot,” called her Mother, “its time to go.”
Margot stalked downstairs past her triplet sisters and out the door, refusing to say good-bye to either of them instead she remembered their conversation from the day before.

Len and Con gazed at Margot unhappily. “Margot it’s not our fault,” said Con nearly in tears.
Margot gazed back stonily, “you could have stayed at Carnbach with me. You don’t know what it’s like always being on your own,” she said flatly.
“You know Auntie Hilda said no,” reminded Len.
“Even if she hadn’t said no, neither of you would stay with me,” said Margot close to tears.
Len and Con looked at each other, while Margot’s bottom lip trembled. Margot’s heart hardened and she glowered at them both.
‘Traitors,’ she thought rebelliously. “Emmie at least agreed to stay,” she stormed. “Margot, I’m sorry, but I don’t want to live so far away,” said Con at last.
“You think I do,” choked Margot. “Neither of you got sent to the other side of the world for a whole year and now get sent off again. I know Mamma and Papa don’t love me and are just trying to get rid of me. Well I don’t care,” said Margot. “I don’t care if you or they want to be around me, but I’m not going to be a triplet any more with you. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“You’re not the only one sent off. Steve is going too, and you have to go to school somewhere,” put in Len.
“Well I don’t think that fair either, so there Len,” and Margot stalked off refusing to say anything more.

“Cheer up Margot,” said Joey to her recalcitrant daughter. “It’ll soon be Christmas and you and Steve will both be back. Just think you’ll be able to go ski-ing again.” Margot refused to look or speak to her Mother.
“Margot,” said Joey sternly, though her heart was breaking for her daughter, “you knew the deal. You had to do well in order to be put up into the next form but you did so badly in your exams, there was no way Miss Annersley could promote you.”
“But she made them too hard,” burst out Margot. “I led the form the whole term and I was good too. I didn’t even join in the midnight feast Primrose organised and still she wouldn’t promote me. She deliberately made my exams harder than everyone else in the form. She’s just mean and nasty and she doesn’t like me. I bet she did on purpose so I couldn’t stay in Switzerland with Len and Con. She likes them but she doesn’t like me.”
“Margot,” said Joey striving to keep her patience, “we’ve been through this. Miss Annersley does like you. You failed your exams. It’s no one’s fault but your own that you didn’t do well. She even checked your answers because you kept going on and on about it all and your answers were so disgraceful, she had no choice. She said you didn’t answer any of the questions properly at all.”
Margot scowled, ‘what was the point Mamma didn’t believe her. No one did. Her exams were too hard. Harder than anyone else’s were.’
Joey sighed. She could only hope that after a term at Carnbach Margot would have settled down and accepted the situation. She had tried with Hilda and Hilda had double checked all Margot’s exams and Hilda had said her papers were so badly answered, as if Margot hadn’t read the questions properly at all.
“I’m sorry Joey,” said Hilda, “but it wouldn’t be fair to any other pupil if I promote Margot after those exam results regardless of how well she did in the weekly form lists. I don’t know what she was thinking and it’s not like she was sick during them and I could excuse them that way.”
Hilda had also refused Emerence’s request that she be allowed to stay at Carnbach with her best friend and Margot’s request that at least her triplet sister’s stay with her. Joey was relieved Len and Con were to stay at the Swiss branch. It wasn’t fair on them to have to stay at Carnbach simply because Margot wasn’t going to the Swiss branch.
She waved good-bye to Steve, Margot and Jack, before sighing again and walking inside. Jack was driving Margot and Steve to meet Marie Von Weitherm’s in Basle. Joey longed to go but didn’t want to leave Anna to care for the rest of her children on her own. Marie would take her two along with her own two, Wolfram and Josefa and Wanda’s older three Keferl, Maria Ileana and Emmie to England. Wolfram was at his Father’s old school with his cousin Keferl. Keferl was in his final year at school. Maria Ileana was in Upper Fifth, Josefa in Upper Fourth and Emmie would be in Upper Third with Margot. Wanda didn’t want to send Emmie on her own to England and Maria Ileana agreed to stay at Carnbach with her younger sister. Josefa on the other hand wanted to stay at the same branch as her cousins and her best friend Gretchen Mensch
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:24 pm ]
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Poor Margot - although maybe she might do better schoolwise not always being compared to Len and Con?
Author:  Fatima [ Thu Jul 12, 2007 3:02 pm ]
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I feel so sorry for Margot here. Thanks, Fiona, this looks brilliant!
Author:  Willow [ Thu Jul 12, 2007 3:13 pm ]
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Oh dear, poor Margot! This looks really good! Thank you Fiona!
Author:  Rosalin [ Thu Jul 12, 2007 3:23 pm ]
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Poor Margot, I can see why she feels like her parents don't want her.

It will be interesting to see the Carnbach branch as well.

Thanks Fiona, I'll be looking out for this one.
Author:  Chelsea [ Thu Jul 12, 2007 3:50 pm ]
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Hmmm....I wonder if there is something to the exam thing.

A very promising start. Thanks.
Author:  leahbelle [ Thu Jul 12, 2007 3:57 pm ]
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Thanks, Fiona. Looking forward to reading more about Margot. Carnbach could be in for a tough term!
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Jul 12, 2007 5:06 pm ]
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But why should she have such a bee in her bonnet about her exams being different from everyone else's? :shock:

Thanks, Fiona
Author:  Chair [ Thu Jul 12, 2007 5:21 pm ]
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Thanks, Fiona. I'm definitely feeling sorry for Margot.
Author:  linda [ Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:56 pm ]
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This looks promising! Poor Margot, I wonder why she feels her exams were harder than everyone elses.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Joan the Dwarf [ Thu Jul 12, 2007 10:11 pm ]
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Of course the understandable thing would be to go all out to get herself expelled... :twisted:
Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri Jul 13, 2007 2:00 am ]
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She topped the form each week but failed her exams, and nobody wonders why?

This looks most intriguing - thank you Fiona
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Jul 13, 2007 5:28 am ]
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The exam thing is most intriguing - I can't see that the exams were different - but could she have some medical complaint that manifested in the exams?

Personally though I don't feel any of the triplets should have been allowed to go - they were well below the age cut-off.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Jul 13, 2007 5:47 am ]
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“Josefa,” called her Mother, “Have you everything packed yet?”
Josefa looked up from her suitcase. Her cousins Maria Ileana and Emmie grinned at her from their positions on her bed.
“Nearly finished,” shouted Josefa. “Can you toss over my socks Ria please? Thanks,” as Maria Ileana tossed the said socks over. Josefa tossed in the last couple of oddments and slammed the lid shut.
“There, that’s done, thank goodness,” she said sitting down with a sigh.
Maria Ileana gave a chuckle. “You were always a slap dash creature. Why on earth do you leave everything to the last minute the way that you do, I will never know.”
“Genius,” said Josefa smiling sweetly, “I’m so brilliant in everything else that I can’t help but be terrible at being organised. You should know that Ria.”
Maria Ileana laughed at her. Josefa was one of the most, easy going, nicest girls Maria Ileana knew and it was rare to see her ruffled by anything.
“So how do you think it’ll be at Carnbach?” asked Josefa, “Who’s staying in your form?”
Maria Ileana groaned. “Did you have to bring that up?” she asked.
Emmie raised her eyes, “she’s been talking of nothing else all holidays,” she said with a heartfelt sigh.
Maria Ileana made a face at her sister before saying, “All the ghastly girls are staying: Jennifer Penrose, Rosemary Wotton, the Wylie twins, Margaret Hart and Sylvia Curling.” She heaved a deep sigh. “At least Ruth Lamont is staying and she’s not too bad, but the rest,” and Maria Ileana threw up her arms in despair.
“Surely they’re not the only ones!” exclaimed Josefa in horror.
“Well most have moved with the school proper,” said Maria Ileana with a sigh, “Sybil, Blossom, Betsy, and all that gang.”
“Oh well at least there’s a good chance you might make form prefect,” said Josefa comfortingly.
“Like I wouldn’t any other way,” retorted Maria Ileana, throwing a cushion at her cousin, “thanks a lot Jo.”
“I didn’t mean it like that!” exclaimed Josefa.
“I know,” said Maria Ileana calming down a little, “but Jo you don’t know how hard it’ll be this term. I just hope we get some better new girls, at least Gretchen staying with you.”
Josefa nodded, “I know. There’s a few staying in our form, Anne and Angela Carter, Doris hill and even Cherry Christy is staying now. And Emmie won’t have any that are leaving.”
Ten year old Emmie had for the most part been sitting quietly listening to her elders talk. She smiled but didn’t say anything.
“That reminds me Em,” said Josefa, “Margot Maynard will be in your form. She didn’t get her remove and so she has to go to Carnbach and from what Mamma said she’s not terribly happy with it.”
“Who’s Margot?” asked Maria Ileana curiously, “that name sounds awfully familiar.” “She’s the daughter of one of Mamma’s closest friend at school,” explained Josefa, “her aunt started the school.”
“Oh I think I know who you’re talking about,” said Maria Ileana cautiously. “Isn’t she a triplet?”
Josefa nodded. “Dr Maynard is starting the San near the school in Switzerland and so long as Len, Con and Margot were in the fourth forms they were allowed to go to the Swiss school. The other two got their removes whereas Margot did so badly in her exams that she’s in Upper Third for another year.”
“Oh poor Margot,” said kind hearted Maria Ileana. “That would be awful for her.”
“I know,” nodded Josefa. “Margot according to Aunt Joey is the most brilliant of all the triplets, but she hates working steadily and because she doesn’t she's in a lower form to the other two,” ran down Josefa.
“How old is she?” asked Emmie interestedly.
“She’s eleven in November,” answered Josefa.
“But she’s in the right form for her age,” commented Maria Ileana incredulously.
“I know,” agreed Josefa. “I would hate to be with older girls. It’s not as much fun, but Mamma said she’s feeling pretty miserable being away from her sisters. You’ll keep an eye on her Em, won’t you?” Josefa asked her cousin anxiously. “Mamma asked me to but she’s a Junior Middle and I’m a Senior Middle.”
“I will,” promised Emmie. “What’s she like?”
“A lot of fun” started Josefa thoughtfully, “so long as she get’s her own way. I haven’t seen her since she was about six or seven and she’s spent the last two years in Canada, so she’s bound to have changed since then.”
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Jul 13, 2007 5:54 am ]
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Hmmm, not changed that much! Like the comment about her being the right age for her form.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fatima [ Fri Jul 13, 2007 6:28 am ]
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I wonder if Margot and Emmie will get on together. I hope Margot doesn't lead Emmie into too much trouble. Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Jul 13, 2007 6:55 am ]
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Lovely to see some of the "second generation" - they were sadly neglected in the books!
Author:  Elbee [ Fri Jul 13, 2007 8:13 am ]
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Poor Margot, but it will be interesting to hear about some familiar names who never went to Switzerland.

This is really good Fiona, looking forward to lots more! :D
Author:  Rosalin [ Fri Jul 13, 2007 10:29 am ]
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Thank you Fiona. It's nice to hear from Wanda and Marie's daughters.
Author:  Jennie [ Fri Jul 13, 2007 12:50 pm ]
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Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Fri Jul 13, 2007 2:19 pm ]
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Thank you, Fiona - I shall look forward to reading more of this.
Author:  Willow [ Fri Jul 13, 2007 3:01 pm ]
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Oh I do wonder if Margot and Emmie will be friends. Although it could be a bad influence on Emmie. Thanks Fiona, looking forward to more of this!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Jul 14, 2007 6:49 am ]
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She paused when there was a knock at the door. “Come in,” she called.
“All done?” asked Marie poking her head around the door.
Josefa nodded.
“Good,” said Marie, “and with time to spare. It must be a record,” she teased. Josefa made a face at her Mother, while Marie laughed.
“Would you take it downstairs please? Papa is packing the car. We’re heading off as soon as Ilonka wakes and that sounds like her now?”
“Can I get her Tante Marie?” asked Emmie eagerly.
“Of course you can my pet,” said Marie fondly.
Maria Ileana and Emmie’s younger sister Hildegard had died recently, at the age Ilonka was now and Emmie loved doing things for her cousin Ilonka.
“How are you, Maria Ileana?” asked her aunt quietly when the others had left.
Maria Ileana stood up and walked over to her aunt.
“I’m dreading it a little,” she admitted. “Most of the form are mainly the old Tanswick girls or people like Jennifer Penrose and her crowd.”
Marie hugged her oldest niece. “I’m sure you will be fine,” she said reassuringly. “Maybe some of them will grow up a little now or there might be some very nice new girls.”
“I hope so,” said Maria Ileana with a heartfelt sigh, “but I know Mamma would prefer us to be together especially with..” and Maria Ileana’s voice trailed off.
Marie nodded understandingly. She understood more than most. Joletta and Hildegard the two sisters born either side of Emmie had died young; Joletta as a baby and Hildegard as a toddler; Wanda had wanted to keep her daughters together and close to their cousins. Only the older half of the school was moving to Switzerland, which meant Emmie was too young to go; Maria Ileana knew how her Mother felt and realised she would be staying at Carnbach.
“Come on,” said Marie, “we need to get moving.”

Maria Ileana headed downstairs and outside with her Aunt. Eugen looked from the car with a grin.
“I think your brave taking on this lot,” he said teasingly.
“Don’t forget there’ll be Steve and Margot Maynard and Tessa de Bersac as well,” said Marie, “I’m sure I’ll be gray before this trip is out.”
“Well that’ll blend in with your golden mop easily enough,” teased Eugen.
Marie shook her head at her husband. “Eugen, we need to get going,” was all she said, “everyone in?”
“All packed bag and baggage,” replied Eugen easily enough.
They made it to Basle in good time and got everything settled in their carriage before Jack arrived with Marot and Steve. In fact Eugen and Marie were starting to get a little worried and were debating what they should do as the train was a Paris express through the night and they were meeting Andre in Paris with nine year old Tessa and couldn’t afford to miss this one.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jul 14, 2007 7:28 am ]
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How terrible - I knew that some of the children had died but it's very much swept under the carpet in the books. :cry:


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fatima [ Sat Jul 14, 2007 7:36 am ]
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I didn't realise that two of Wanda's daughters had died. :cry:

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  brie [ Sat Jul 14, 2007 10:08 am ]
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Thanks Fiona. This is great so far, and I like seeing what the Carnbach branch would be like.
Author:  Willow [ Sat Jul 14, 2007 11:26 am ]
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Thank you Fiona, this is very good and I'm looking forward to some more.
Author:  leahbelle [ Sat Jul 14, 2007 11:54 am ]
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I hadn't realised Wanda had lost children, either. thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Jul 14, 2007 1:00 pm ]
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My apologies I realised I wrote an EBDism already. :oops:
The two children that died were Joletta and Hildegard, not Hildegard and Olinda like I originally wrote. Have since changed it
Author:  Cath V-P [ Sat Jul 14, 2007 1:31 pm ]
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I think it's in Future that this mentioned, but we don't get any details.

Thanks Fiona, it's lovely to hear so much about Marie and Wanda's families.
Author:  MaryR [ Sat Jul 14, 2007 6:33 pm ]
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Lovely background to the story, Fiona. Thank you
Author:  Chair [ Sun Jul 15, 2007 5:42 pm ]
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Thanks, Fiona. It's great to find out more about Josefa, Maria Ileana and Emmie. I'm sorry about Wanda's children whom died.
Author:  Rob [ Sun Jul 15, 2007 8:10 pm ]
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Thanks Fiona!

This is really interesting ... can't wait to see the Carnbach Branch!
Author:  JustJen [ Mon Jul 16, 2007 10:12 pm ]
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Finally we get to see the Carnbach branch girls.
Poor Margot, being left behind again even if it is her fault..
Update soon Fiona!
Author:  Abi [ Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:31 pm ]
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This looks really interesting, Fiona. Hope Margot will make good!
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ Tue Jul 17, 2007 2:41 pm ]
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This is intriguing and now I'm really wondering about Margot.

Thanks, Fiona
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Jul 21, 2007 11:40 am ]
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Sorry about taking so long to update but University has started back with a vengence and I just haven't had the chance to post this. Hopefully this week will be a little better

“Sorry I’m so late,” gasped Jack when he arrived, “but I blew a tyre and was delayed in getting it changed.”
“At least you’re here now,” said Marie, her face relaxing. “But the train is about to leave so come along Margot, Steve, we’ve saved you some seats.”
“Good bye Margot, Steve old chap. Have a good term,” and Jack kissed both his kids good-bye. “Keep an eye on Steve, Margot please and have a good term.”
Margot mumbled a reply, wishing she was at home. All she wanted to do was cry, but the carriage was full of strange people and she wasn’t going to cry in front of them. “Margot,” said Josefa, “I’ve saved you a seat. It’s good to see you. I haven’t seen you for what is it four years or so. You remember Wolfram?”
“Yes,” said Margot unwillingly, “this is Steve.”
Steve sat next to Margot trying to hide behind his sister from all the eyes staring at him.
Josefa smiled affably, “these are my cousins Maria Ileana, Emmie and Kurt.
Marie sitting next to Steve hid a smile and decided to leave the children to it. Kurt the oldest of his family guessed a little of what Steve was feeling winked at him.
“Why don’t you join us men he said rather than sit with all those girls.”
“Of all the insults,” retorted Josefa, “well Steve, don’t let them boss you around too much.
“It’s only the girls that need to be bossed,” said Wolfram with a wink, “not other men.”
Steve was so charmed at being called one of the men that he forgot his shyness and joined the two older boys as they discussed the ins and outs of his school, both being old pupils there.

The four girls sat staring at each other not sure what to say. Margot just looked miserable and so the three girls decided to leave her alone until she felt a little more like talking.
“I wonder who will be Head Girl,” said Maria Ileana idly.
“Who is there?” asked Josefa with interest.
“Well there’s Gisel Mensch, Hilda Smith, Jane Thomas, Lorna Wills and Jean Downes in VIa for starters, and I think Gisel said Alison Grant, Janet Overton, Pamela and Eileen should all be in VIb. Who else is there? Said Maria Ileana thinking hard, “Valerie Arnott is going to Switzerland and I think she said Audrey Simpson and Rosalind Yolland have both left. Rosalind is starting Art School and Audrey is going to study to be a secretary.”
“Maybe Gisel will be,” said Emmie excitedly.
Maria Ileana shook her head, “I think she’s hoping to be Games Prefect. She’s the only one out of all them that is good at all Games. Oh well we’ll find out soon enough.”
The three girls chatted about school affairs trying to draw Margot into their conversations but Margot never said much and Maria Ileana felt sorry for her.
‘It must be awful being separated from the rest of your family like this,’ she thought. “You’ll be in Emmie’s form, Margot,” she out aloud, “and Jacquetta Mensch’s”
“Oh,” said Margot rousing herself with difficulty.
Emmie gazed at Margot with friendly interest. She was a silent girl on the whole and tended to see and hear things her elders had no idea she was aware of. She liked what she saw of Margot and like her warm hearted older sister she felt sorry for her.
“I wonder if we’ll get any rowing in this term,” she said suddenly.
“We may in the first few weeks,” said Maria Ileana consideringly. “It would be one up on the Swiss branch. They don’t get any of that and at least we get to ski in our holidays as well,” she went on impressively.
“And we have Guides and Brownies,” put in Josefa, “Vi Lucy was awfully browned off that they weren’t going to have guides this term.”
Margot started to cheer up a little at all this information and was starting to feel that perhaps the school at Carnbach wouldn’t be so bad.
“What about half term?” she asked, feeling miserable at the thought of missing out on the expeditions.
“Most go home,” explained Maria Ileana, “and the ones left usually go on expeditions. Summer term, no one really goes home. They all go on expeditions because they’re usually the best ones. The others aren’t so good because the weather is pretty awful.”
“You could come and stay with us at Tante Gisela’s,” invited Josefa. “She has all of us stay. If you want to that is.”
Margot nodded, close to tears. The girls open hearted acceptance and inclusion of her touched her.
“Thanks was all,” she said gruffly.
Marie who had been keeping an eye on all the chatter interrupted now.
“I think its getting late and it’s time for us all to get ready for bed,” she said firmly.
Marie an experienced traveller soon had them all settled.
“We’ll be meeting with Tante Simone and Onkle Andre when we get to Paris,” she said to Margot. “Tessa will be joining us there and travelling to England with us.”
Wolfram groaned quietly to himself. He had clashed with Tessa almost every time they met.
‘She is so soppy,’ he thought to himself. Josefa flashed him a sympathetic smile, knowing how he felt about her. Josefa was far more easy-going and had seen Tessa more regularly than her brother, and was more tolerant of her. Wolfram on the other hand had little time for her.
The group soon dropped off to sleep soothed by the rocking of the train as it sped to France.
Author:  Chris [ Sat Jul 21, 2007 11:59 am ]
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I think it's lovely how the other children are so sensitive to Margot's feelings.
Author:  brie [ Sat Jul 21, 2007 12:05 pm ]
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Thanks Fiona. I love seeing more of these children who got neglected so badly by EBD. I think Margot is going to turn out a lot better now...
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jul 21, 2007 2:51 pm ]
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Also good that margot is finding out some of the advantages of going to Carnbach - like Brownies/Guides and rowing.

Hope Tessa's not going to be as wet as her mother was when very young! :lol:


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  keren [ Sat Jul 21, 2007 8:04 pm ]
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Looks good,
Maybe Brownies will be good for her and keep her busy (and maybe she will have a better friend than Emerance)
Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:11 pm ]
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I liked the sensitivity of the girls in including Margot - and the boys with Steve. The English branch does have quite a few things going for it.

Thanks Fiona
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jul 21, 2007 11:54 pm ]
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Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Jul 22, 2007 9:02 am ]
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While the Continental girls were travelling to England Dollie Edwards the new Head at Carnbach was hard at work when the Senior Mistress Ivy Norman arrived.
“Ivy said Dollie throwing down her pen. “It’s lovely to see you. When did you get back?”
“Not that long ago but I thought I would unpack and get settled before seeing you, replied Ivy with a smile. “I knew once I did I wouldn’t have much of chance to get back to it.”
Dollie smiled, “Coffee or tea,” she offered.
“I would love coffee,” Ivy answered.
Dollie rang a bell and when Megan arrived asked for some Coffee to be sent to them. Megan bobbed a curtsey. “Yes ma’am,” she said.
“And some buns too, thanks Megan,” added Ivy. “I’m famished.”
Megan nodded and left and soon returned with the coffee and welsh cakes.
“This is gorgeous,” sighed Ivy biting into her cake.
You should feel privileged. Cook doesn’t often make these. Did you have good holidays?” Asked Dollie.
Ivy heaved a deep sigh, “yes I did,” she admitted, “after organising and getting things set up here it was a relief to have the last two weeks off.”

Ivy Norman stayed on at the school at the end of the previous term to get the school organised for the new term at Carnbach while Dollie had the first two weeks off before returning back. The two women worked together for another three weeks before Ivy left for her own holidays.

“Did you get all the new mistresses sorted?” Ivy asked.
Dollie smiled, eyes twinkling. “Yes,” she said, “and I finally found an Art Mistress two days ago. I must admit I was beginning to think we wouldn’t find anyone to replace Herr Laubach.”
“Who did you get?” asked Ivy with interest.
“A very old friend,” laughed Dollie, “a Mrs Anne Martin.”
Ivy’s eyebrows shot up. “Anne Martin,” she said perplexed, “but I don’t know anyone of that name.”
“She was Anne Seymour,” said Dollie, “surely you remember her.”
“Oh yes I do,” said Ivy emphatically, “she was Games Prefect after Joey and co left school, very good at Art if I recall. Whatever happened to her?”
“She went to Art school after she left and married a painter, Rob Martin,” said Dollie. They had two little girls, who are nine and eight, Laura and Sophie. Rob was killed during the War and poor Anne has been trying to cope on her own. Her parents and parent-in-law have helped out enormously but she wants to work now both girls are at school. Laura and Sophie will come here as pupils and Anne will teach the Senior and Middles Art while Olivia Davidson will continue teaching the Juniors Art and English. She’s thrilled to be back here.”
“Oh she’s definitely a find and I’m glad she’s returning,” agreed Ivy, “I always did like Anne Seymour. Where is she going to live, at school?”
Dollie shook her head, “no she has a cottage not far from here so she and the girls will walk to school each day.”
“I’m glad we’ve got at least one old girl,” mused Ivy. “I must say this term is going to be difficult. Most of our senior girls are all the old Tanswick ones or empty headed ones like Jennifer Penrose and her gang.”
“I know,” nodded Dollie. “Hilda and I discussed that before she left, but there’s not much we can do. We can’t stop girls from going to Switzerland just because it means there are no leaders here. I must admit I’m more thankful than I can say that at least VIa has some leaders in that form and VIb isn’t to bad either; its mainly the fifths who will be the problems.”
“Well, hopefully some of them will grow up a bit and take on more responsibility,” said Ivy devoutly.
“We can hope,” agreed Dollie, “which is partly why I’m so glad we managed to find so many old girls to fill in all the positions left opened by staff going to Switzerland.”
“Who else did you find?” then inquired Ivy.
“Monica Marillar will be our new Games Mistress, Joanna Linders is the new Singing Mistress and she’ll teach some piano as well.”
“Well both Monica and Joanna were very capable prefects when they were here, but I thought you employed a very nice girl-Dorothy Watson wasn’t it for Piano?” asked Ivy perplexed.
“Dorothy Watson was going to start, but she broke her wrist with a bicycle accident and won’t be able to start until January at the earliest,” said Dollie slowly.
“Oh no,” said Ivy with a cry, “so what will do? The parents won’t like the girls not being able to continue with their music lessons.”
Dollie’s eyes twinkled. “We do have a find,” she said demurely. “I can’t see any parent complaining about the mistress we do have filling in Dorothy’s place this term.”
“Who?” asked Ivy agog with curiosity.
“Margia Stevens,” said Dollie waiting for Ivy’s reaction
“Margia Stevens!” exclaimed Ivy Norman in surprise. “But, isn’t she a concert pianist?”
“She is, but Margia isn’t touring at the moment and when she heard we needed someone for a term or two she offered her services. She said she could do with a break from it all and Margia was a very capable prefect in her day so Madame agreed on the spot,” explained Dollie.
“Well I’m more thankful than I can say to have enough old girls returning like this,” said Ivy decidedly. “Who’s taking over Mademoiselle de Lachenais job?”
“A Lorna Carey,” answered Dollie. “Margery Alton recommended her; they went to school together and Lorna has been teaching at her old school while their language mistress was away ill or something of the sort but she’s returning so Lorna was looking for a new job. Miss Grace the Headmistress there was sorry to lose Lorna and couldn’t recommend her highly enough.”
“Well that’s a relief,” said Ivy sitting back in her chair. “When are they all arriving?”
“The staff meeting is tomorrow and most are arriving this evening. Margery is collecting Lorna Carey, Joanna Linders, Monica Marillar and Alison Goodley,” explained Dollie.
Ivy nodded, “It’ll be nice to have the new secretary start.”
“I know,” agreed Dollie with heartfelt tones, “and Margia is staying with Anne Martin at the moment. She’s agreed to live in rather than travel each day, but as she said she hasn’t seen Anne in years.”
“Well I better be off,” said Ivy standing up. “It’ll be lovely to catch up with everyone when they arrive.”
“It will be,” answered Dollie. “I’ll see you later at Abendessen.”
Author:  brie [ Sun Jul 22, 2007 9:36 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona. Glad to see all the old girls coming back, especially Margia :D

Poor Anne though :cry:
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Jul 22, 2007 9:45 am ]
Post subject: 
So good to see the school - and hear about projected problems - the move to Switzerland really did leave them denuded of capable seniors, didn't it?


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Elbee [ Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lovely to catch up on all the news of the old girls and it will be interesting seeing some of them as mistresses now!

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Jul 22, 2007 12:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
Nice to see all these people again - but poor Anne :cry: .
Author:  MaryR [ Sun Jul 22, 2007 2:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Fascinating. :D Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sun Jul 22, 2007 2:08 pm ]
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Fascinating to see another group of old girls coming 'out of the woodwork' so to speak and all so willing to become teachers at Carnbach. It will be very interesting to see how this develops.

Thanks, Fiona
Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Jul 22, 2007 2:35 pm ]
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Also glad to see more old girls reappearing - especially Margia. I'm looking foward to seeing how the fifth formers develop.

Thanks Fiona
Author:  Willow [ Sun Jul 22, 2007 2:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
It's so lovely to see this side of the school, as it was very focussed on Switzerland. It's nice to see all the old girls back too.

As everyone else said, poor Anne but it'll be good for her to work at the school to take her mind off things.

Thank you, Fiona.
Author:  macyrose [ Sun Jul 22, 2007 3:15 pm ]
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Nice to see Lorna Carey from the Lorna books appearing!
Author:  Sarah_G-G [ Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:47 pm ]
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Interesting to see this side of things for once. It's good to see more of girls and staff we don't end up hearing much about as well! I'm enjoying this.
Author:  Catherine [ Sun Jul 22, 2007 7:41 pm ]
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Thanks Fiona.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the term progresses - and hope that Margot will find her feet and be glad she is at Carnbach.
Author:  Kathy_S [ Mon Jul 23, 2007 2:30 pm ]
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Thank you, Fiona. Guides & rowing sound promising, and I'm especially happy to see Anne Seymour. (Sorry about her husband, though.) And Margia -- what a coup!
Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Jul 23, 2007 3:53 pm ]
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Thanks, Fiona. It will be lovely to catch up with Anne and Margia.
Author:  JustJen [ Tue Jul 24, 2007 5:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
All those old gilrs coming back to teach!
I hope Margot will be happy.
Author:  Tan [ Wed Jul 25, 2007 7:23 am ]
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Nice to see some familiar names - and how can the parents complain about the calibre of the piano teacher? :lol:
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Jul 25, 2007 11:41 am ]
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Margery Alton was waiting impatiently for the train to arrive. She hadn’t seen Lorna for ages.
‘I’m glad Lorna is getting in earlier than the rest,’ she thought. ‘At least it’ll give us a chance to catch up before I have to do the polite when the others arrive.’
The train tooted a warning whistle as it came thundering into the station. People piled out of carriages everywhere and Margery almost dancing with impatience, looked for her best friend from school.
“Margery,” said a small slight girl running up.
“Lorna!” exclaimed Margery and the two hugged each other. “Still as small as ever,” she said looking at her friend.
“I know,” said Lorna with a groan, “don’t remind me.”
“Come on,” said Margery eagerly, “lets collect your things and put them in the car, then we can have a good old natter until the others arrive.”
“How long have we got?” asked Lorna.
“Nearly an hour,” replied Margery looking at her watch. “Come on I’m simply longing for all the news.”
The pair moved off chatting nineteen to the dozen, while Lorna hunted out her ticket for the ticket collector and they hailed a porter to help them with her trunk.
“Well that’s done,” said Margery with a sigh of relief. “Come one there’s a nice little coffee shop over here.”
She dragged her friend off and soon had coffee and pastries set in front of them.

“Oh this is luscious,” sighed Lorna in relief. “I am so tired of travelling.”
“Mmhm it can be a bit of a trip,” said Margery, “especially coming across like you did and missing your train.”
“I know, but one of them was late and my connection had just left and so I was hanging around waiting for a bit,” explained Lorna.
“So how is everyone, come on Lorna, I want news,” said Margery a trifle impatiently. “Well Aunt Kath is so much better. She had a nasty case of pneumonia but Dr Russell said she’s much better. Kit taken her off to the seaside so she can get rid of the last of it and truly get well again,” said Lorna.
“I am glad,” said Margery with heartfelt relief. “It was decent of you to care for her at home when you finished your training.”
Kathleen Arnold, Lorna Carey’s Aunt had come down with a nasty bout of pleurisy-pneumonia two years previously and Lorna Carey, just finishing her teachers training had returned with her cousin Kit to help nurse her Aunt. After Auntie Kath had started making some headway, she insisted Lorna get a job teaching at her old school Wynyards. Miss Grace the Headmistress had welcomed her with open arms as Mademoiselle the language mistress needed to return to France as her Mother was seriously ill. She had finally died in the June and once all the odds and ends were tied up, Mademoiselle was able to return to school. Lorna was wondering what she was going to do for a job when she heard from her closest friend, Margery Alton, saying the Chalet School was dividing into two and the Carnbach branch needed a Language Mistress.

“So how is everyone,” repeated Margery.
“Good,” said Lorna smiling. “Kit has had another book published, an historical novel. I think it’s her best one yet. She’s thrilled with it. Rosemary is working in her settlement work and loves it. She’s working in an orphanage now and loves it.”
“Good on her,” said Margery with approval. “She would be good at that; and what about Marigold?”
Marigold Corbett had clashed with almost everyone at Wynyards. Notoriously lazy and hot tempered, she had had a tumultuous first term at Wynyards before finally having an accident while riding her bicycle. Nearly twelve months of not being able to walk had finally tamed the motherless girl who had been allowed to run wild for the first thirteen years of her life. Lorna had loathed her step sister with a passion, though she was fond enough of Marigold’s elder sister Rosemary.
Lorna grinned, “she’s doing her nurses training at St Ormond’s children’s Hospital and woe and betide any child who dares cross the line with her.”
“What!” exclaimed Margery, “I wouldn’t have thought she would have had the patience for it?”
“She is much better than she was,” said Lorna unperturbed, “and everything she went through with her accident did give her an appreciation for it. And as she says no child would get around her because she’s been there, done that already.”
Margery started to laugh, “I can see that she said feelingly.”
“Well she’s enjoying it and she was a huge help with Auntie Kath when she was so ill,” Lorna’s voice quivered at the memory. “She said she owes Auntie Kath everything after caring for her and putting up with her when she was injured. Kit and I couldn’t believe it but believe you me it helped.”

Lorna gave a sudden grin and changed the subject, “everyone sends their love. Miss Grace said I was to be sure and, remember, her to you and so does Miss McLeod.”
“I can’t imagine what it would be like working with all the old mistresses,” said Margery. “A lot of mistresses at the Chalet School are old girls but they’ve never said how they find it, just that they’re glad to be back. I just imagine working and being matey with someone like Miss Nash for instance.”
“Oh she wasn’t too bad, not a bit like what she was like with us in form. Oh, she never was my nearest or dearest,” Lorna put in hurriedly, “but she wasn’t too bad. Anyway isn’t it time we collected the others?”
Margery vented a squawk. “Oh gosh,” she said looking at her watch in horror, “the train we’re supposed to meet arrived five minutes ago. You settle the bill and meet me at the station.”
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jul 25, 2007 11:45 am ]
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I must try to get hold of the Lorna books!
Author:  Rosalin [ Wed Jul 25, 2007 5:25 pm ]
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Interesting to hear from the Lorna characters. I agree with Margery, it would be odd being in the staffroom with people who used to teach you, I'm surprised none of the Chalet Old Girls ever found this. I found it bad enough going back to help on a first aid course.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  brie [ Wed Jul 25, 2007 5:31 pm ]
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*echoing Alison*

Thanks Fiona
Author:  Willow [ Wed Jul 25, 2007 6:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona!

I'm enjoying this.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu Jul 26, 2007 5:29 am ]
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I enjoyed that catch-up - the Lornas are definitely two of my favourite EBDs. And I can see Marigold as a nurse.
Author:  keren [ Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:45 am ]
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I havent read the Lornas (is there a transcript), but seeing point of view of teachers is also interesting
Author:  Fatima [ Thu Jul 26, 2007 2:23 pm ]
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That was lovely, hearing all about Lorna and family. I really enjoyed those books and would definitely recommend them.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Sep 19, 2007 11:00 am ]
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Sorry about the delay. RL attacked with a vengance but is starting to slowly settle down again.

Lorna nodded while Margery shot off. Margery found the station full of people. Miss Edwards had told her all girls would be wearing navy blouses and Monica had brown hair and blue eyes while Joanna had fair hair with very dark eyebrows and Alison had brown curly hair and green eyes. She turned around looking for them and saw a fair haired girl in a navy blouse looking back at her.
“You must be Miss Linders,” she said. “I’m Margery Alton. Have you got all of your luggage?”
“Hullo,” said Joanna shyly, “it’s all here,” and she indicated a trolley with her baggage.
“I’ve met Alison Gridley and Monica Marillar on the train. They’re just collecting all there belongings from the van. I said I would keep an eye for you. Here they are,” she said swinging around as two girls joined Joanna.
“You must be Miss Alton,” said a jolly looking girl walking up with a very nervous, young looking girl. “I’m Monica Marillar and this is Alison Goodley.”
“Please call me Margery,” said Margery hurriedly, “it’s bad enough being called that at school let alone out of it.”
“Can do and I do know it’s a friendly school,” answered Monica promptly.
“You’re an old girl aren’t you?” asked Margery with interest.
Monica nodded, “Joanna and I both,” she said. “In fact Jo is an old girl from Tyrol days.”
“Really,” said Margery her face lighting with interest.
Joanna nodded. She was a quiet girl who didn’t say much.
“Come on, Lorna Carey has arrived already and she’s at the car.”
Margery introduced everyone and somehow crammed everything in before setting off. “I’m sorry it’s a bit of a squash but fortunately it’s a fairly short journey. So what do you all teach?” She asked with friendly interest.
“Singing and a little piano,” volunteered Joanna.
“I’m Games,” said Monica cheerfully, “and Alison is the school’s secretary. What about you Lorna?”
“Languages,” was Lorna’s brief reply. She was starting to feel the effects of the journey and was longing to be doing anything but travelling.
Monica gave a sympathetic grin and turned to Margery, “what about yourself?” She asked.
“Oh I teach the Kinders. I’m in charge of the whole Department,” she said this with a grin, knowing Lorna knew nothing about it.
“What?” said Lorna sitting bolt upright. “You never told me that.”
Margery grinned again. “I didn’t want to give you too many shocks in a row like that. Miss Phipps was in charge but now she’ll be in charge of all the Juniors now Miss Norman is Senior Mistress and Miss Edwards is Headmistress. Lorna and I went to school together in Wynyards,” she added by way of explanation.
Monica chuckled. “At least you won’t feel too overwhelmed by everyone. Teddy said when she offered me the job that most of the new staff were old girls. Alison isn’t so she’ll be the refreshing change.”
Alison gave a nervous smile. Lorna glanced at her. 'Alison looked like she should still be in school herself,' she thought, 'she looked so young.' She could well understand the friendly protectiveness Monica Marilliar showed her.
Monica, and Margery chatted easily with the other three making the odd remark now and then until she turned the car into the driveway.
“Here we are,” said Margery as they all tumbled out.
Author:  brie [ Wed Sep 19, 2007 12:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona. i'm really glad to see this back!
Author:  Elbee [ Wed Sep 19, 2007 3:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
I've been looking forward to more of this - thanks Fiona :D
Author:  Fatima [ Wed Sep 19, 2007 4:30 pm ]
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Yes, I'd missed this, too. Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Sep 19, 2007 5:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
Good to see more of this - thanks Fiona.
Author:  Rosalin [ Wed Sep 19, 2007 5:47 pm ]
Post subject: 
Nice to see this again, and to get some background on the new mistresses.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Lottie [ Thu Sep 20, 2007 2:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
I just found this, and caught up. It's great to see the Lorna connection. They're two of my favourite books, too.

Thanks, Fiona. :D
Author:  claireM [ Thu Sep 20, 2007 4:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
good to get some more of this, thanks.
Author:  Carys [ Fri Sep 21, 2007 11:46 am ]
Post subject: 
I've just found this, it's really good. :D
Author:  clair [ Fri Sep 21, 2007 3:26 pm ]
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Loving this, all the old girls plus the characters from the Lorna books - really wish EBD had written more of those!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 12:28 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for all the comments.

“Welcome to Carnbach,” said Miss Edwards with a welcoming smile. “I hope you will all be happy here. Lorna, Margery will show you where to go and tell you all about us. I’m sure the two of you have a lot to catch up on. I’ll have a chat with you later. Alison, I’ll show you to your quarters first. Your rooms are a part of the annexe I share with Ivy Norman the Senior Mistress. I’ll take you there as it’s on the way to your rooms Joanna and Monica.”

The four set off and Dollie showed Alison to her room before taking Joanna and Monica upstairs. Both rooms were next to each other and after pointing out their bathroom and asking if they knew there way back, Dollie left them to change and unpack. She hurried back to her Annexe to find Alison in the midst of unpacking her trunk.

“Alison,” she said with a smile, “how are you managing?”
Alison looked up. “All right,” she said with a nervous look.
I’ll let you settle in,” said Dollie with a warm smile, “I’ll be in my study, down the Hallway, so if you need anything please let me know.”

Alison nodded and Dollie returned to her study to finish off the last of the paperwork she was hoping to complete before the Staff meeting the next day.
Her paperwork completed, Dollie leaned back in her chair pondering her new secretary. Alison Goodley was only 17 and had finished her secretarial course two years earlier. A very bright student her parents had not been able to afford to keep her in school so Alison left at 14 and studied for her secretarial certificate. She had spent the last two years in an office but had somehow continued to study languages in her free time. Her previous employer had spoken highly of her and said she was very shy, but extremely hardworking. Dollie gave a sigh, for both she and Madame had been unsure whether Alison was a little too young for the position, especially as she was the same age as most the Sixth form, but her language skills were flawless which had impressed them both and to continue studying on top of working had left Dollie feeling breathless.

Work was soon finished and all the mistresses were unpacked and settled by teatime. Dollie observed everyone with a friendly eye as old friends caught up with each other. She was pleased to see Monica Marilliar’s protective friendliness towards Alison Goodley. She had wondered how Alison would fit in being so much younger than everyone else. She made a mental note to keep a close eye on her over the term. It wasn’t long however, before everyone decided to say goodnight and called it a day.
Author:  Fatima [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 4:10 am ]
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Poor Alison. I hope Dollie finds some way to help her; she does seem too young for the job, but perfectly suited to be a prefect!
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:27 am ]
Post subject: 
Wonder if Alison will find it difficult relating to the Sixth Formers in particular - especially as she is bound to feel some resentment that she isn't one of them.


Thanks Fiona
Author:  Elbee [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 1:04 pm ]
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Alison does sound very young and nervous, but hopefully she will turn up trumps, especially with Monica helping her :lol:

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Sep 23, 2007 2:34 pm ]
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Meanwhile, while everyone was settling in at Carnbach and girls were travelling to the school two old friends were finally catching up after many years of not having seen each other…
Anne sat back in her armchair looking at the fire. She was glad she had lit it. She loved sitting curled up in front of an open fire. She smiled at Margia.

“Well the girls seemed to like you,” she said. “They’re so nervous about starting a new school tomorrow.”
“They’re gorgeous girls,” said Margia heartily. “Amy’s girls Margaret and Cecilia are still too little really to do much with. Margaret’s only one and Cecilia is just a baby, but Amy is happy enough.”
Anne gave her friend a quick look. “You don’t regret it?” she asked curiously. Margia shook her head. “Not really no,” she said reflectively, “I love my piano and could never give to my husband and family what I give to that and well I just never found anyone I really wanted to spend the rest of my life with.”

Anne’s face shadowed briefly. “I’m sure you’re sick of that question,” she said softly. “I know I certainly am. I’ve lost count how many time people asked me when am I getting married again especially with the two girls. I think one old dear said my girls deserved a father and I should get married to anyone who would take on another mans babies.”
“People can be so tactless,” agreed Margia giving Anne a quick look
Anne noticed the look, “don’t worry,” she said, “I’m happy with my life and Rob is irreplaceable. His parents have been fantastic and they and my parents are happy I’m taking on this job; Mother always liked Madame. It’s lovely to see her after all these years.”

Margia laughed. “It is," she agreed, "I think the hardest thing I’ve found is calling them all by their first names. I ran into Charlie and Bonny Leslie in Australia and nearly collapsed when Charlie said I should call her Con and if I didn’t then she would call me Miss Stevens. It seemed almost sacrilegious to call her Con.”
Anne shouted with laughter at this. “Well we’ll have to get used to that with Ivy Norman and Dollie Edwards,” she said humourously.
“At least it not Bill or the Abbess,” said Margia with a mock shudder. “I never had as much to do with Ivy or Dollie as I did with Bill, Charlie or the Abbess.”

“We’ll survive,” said Anne laughing a little, “and I have to thank you. I now have the perfect person to blame when my girls are naughty.”
“What?” asked Margia confused.
“Didn’t you see the looks on their faces when you were talking about all the jokes you played when you were younger,” said Anne mischievously, “I know Laura was mentally planning how many of them she would repeat.”
Margia grinned. “Can I be there when Teddy pulls her up on it? I’d love to see her face when Laura says but Miss Stevens used to do it. She may need someone to pick up the pieces.”

“Well, you’ve made school a lot more entertaining for them,” said Anne ruefully. “I was always boringly good and the only thing I did was nearly burn down the school by forgetting to turn off the iron. I still have nightmares about that.”
“Idiot,” said Margia giving her a quick look. “I can’t believe you still worry about that. It was an accident.”
“I know, I don’t usually; it’s just all this reminiscing,” said Anne with a sigh, “but it wasn’t the SSM or the hairbrushes in a bed or chalk on piano keys and it’s just not as interesting to my girls as that,” finished Anne with a smile.
Margia laughed again. “We were horrors. I just hope there’s no one as bad as us at the school.”

“They’re probably worse,” teased Anne, “and Teddy will send them all to you to discipline to make up for all the gray hairs you’ve given her over the years.”
And the two went into fits of laughter at the thought.
Author:  Carys [ Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
It's lovely to see Margia and Anne again, and that was a very EBD conversation they just had!
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
That was a lovely conversation - Anne is very forgiving - can't she remember that, because she was rude to Joey and then managed to slip over trying to get water for her flowers she was prevented from being Head Girl?


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:33 pm ]
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Anne has had a difficult time, it's good to see her and Margia enjoying themselves reminiscing.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  brie [ Sun Sep 23, 2007 4:10 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona that was a lovely update.
Author:  Elbee [ Sun Sep 23, 2007 5:10 pm ]
Post subject: 
What a lovely evening reminiscing. I especially enjoyed the conversation about not daring to call the staff by their first name :lol:

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  MaryR [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 10:23 am ]
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Nice to see Dollie Edwards in Headmistress mode, and being so caring.
Must be difficult to have so many new mistresses at once - could make for an unsettled atmosphere at first. Hoping not! :lol:

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote:
That was a lovely conversation - Anne is very forgiving - can't she remember that, because she was rude to Joey and then managed to slip over trying to get water for her flowers she was prevented from being Head Girl?


I hadn't forgotton but they were talking more about the funny jokes etc that were played rather than that sort of stuff. On the other hand Anne was made Second Games Prefect at the beginning of New House because she was meant to be taking over that after Marie left and next term they say the whole thing about her becoming Head Girl. Conflicting info, I know. I always got the impression she and Madge had a good relationship but it will be interesting to see how she and Margot interact given she feels Joey expected to bowed and scraped to because of her position and Margot is complaining she can't go to the Swiss branch despite being under-12 :wink:

“How are they all?” asked Anne, changing the topic when the pair of them had finally calmed down, “Lonny and Elsie and the rest. I’ve only really kept in touch with Louise Redfield and Marie Von Eschenau.”
“Good,” said Margia smiling. “Elsie taught at Red Gables as a Games Mistress for a few years. She now married with two little girls and a baby boy. She’s supremely happy and busy. Ilonka is a professor at London University, lectures in Economics. I don’t think she’ll ever go back to Hungary, not now while the Communists are running the country. She’s happy enough. She’s married another professor and they have a little girl. She’s a serious bookish little thing and Lonny adores her. Evvy fiancé was killed during the war. She hasn’t really met anyone but tends to travel with her parents. Corney got married two years ago and has a little boy and is thrilled to bits with her son.”

“I’m sorry for Evvy,” said Anne softly, “at least I’ve got the girls. How’s she coping with it all?”
Margia stared into the fire, “She’s holding up, it’s lonely for her at times and she finds it hard cos like you said people think you should rush out and find someone else. I think its also hard because almost all her friends are married with children and she’s still alone. She doesn’t talk about it much.” Margia looked up. “She came along with me while I was touring Scandinavia. It was so much fun catching up on old times and sightseeing together. Anyway, how’s Louise?”
“Louise is married with a couple of children herself,” explained Anne, “we try to keep in touch and it tends to be mainly letters at Christmas. It’s hard being on opposite sides of the world and I doubt we’ll ever get the chance to see each other again.”
“It gets like that sometimes,” agreed Margia. You’ll never guess who Evvy and I bumped into while we were in Scandinavia.”
“Who?” asked Anne curiously.
“Thora Helgersen!” exclaimed Margia.
Anne’s eye’s lit up. “How is she?” she asked.
Margia’s eyes twinkled. “Good. Her two daughters Thyra and Signa go to school here, and it sounds like Signa is her sister Astrid all over and she’ll be in Sophie’s form. Upper IIa isn’t it.”
Anne started laughing and then groaned. “She’ll lead Sophie up the garden path then, with no help from you,” and Margia and Anne started laughing again.
Author:  Fatima [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:43 pm ]
Post subject: 
It's nice to catch up with all the old girls. Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 1:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Good to hear about the rest of the quintet. I'd have liked to hear more about Elsie, Ilonka and Margia after they left school. I'm glad they are settled and happy. Poor Evadne though. We know that she will find happiness in the end, but this period must have been hard for her.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  brie [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 1:48 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona. I'm really enjoying this.
Author:  Vick [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lovely, thanks Fiona.

Will be interesting to see how the Carnbach branch differs from the main school in Switzerland.
Author:  Loryat [ Tue Sep 25, 2007 7:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
Have just discovered this and I'm really enjoying it.
Author:  Carys [ Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:39 pm ]
Post subject: 
I really like reading this, and am looking forward to seeing how Margot copes.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Sep 26, 2007 4:01 am ]
Post subject: 
The next day saw Anne and Margia walk to the Chalet School with Laura and Sophie skipping on ahead.
“They’re just so excited they can’t sit still, said Anne shaking her head. “I hope they settle down soon.”
“They’ll soon get over it,” said Margia comfortingly. “What time are we meeting your Mother?”
“Soon,” said Anne with a sigh. “She said she would buy the last few things they need and take them out for afternoon tea as a treat. I only hope mum can wear them out.”
Margia chuckled she wasn’t sure who was more nervous about going to the Chalet School, Anne or her daughters! Margia on her part was thrilled to be catching up with so many old friends.
“Grandma’s here Mum, see you later,” and the two girls waved good-bye and then had to wait impatiently for Grandma to chat with Miss Stevens. Didn’t grownups do anything but talk!
“I better go Anne,” said Mrs Seymour with a smile, “before your daughter’s die of impatience. Good-bye Margia, it was lovely to see you again.”
“You too Mrs Seymour, I’m sure we’ll catch up again,” said Margia cheerfully.

The two girls hurried along and arrived at the school.
“Welcome,” said Dollie, “Cook has sent up some buns and tea and coffee, whichever you prefer.”
The girls moved over to the table to sit down after collecting their drinks when a graceful dark haired girl entered the room just as Margia looked up. She gave a half squawk, half gasp and leapt out of her chair and nearly strangled the girl.

This is my attempt at a cliffette! :wink: Thought I'd let you try an work out who it is. :lol: Thanks for all the comments. This is the last reunion and after the staff meeting I'll be getting back to Margot
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Sep 26, 2007 4:52 am ]
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Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Elbee [ Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:26 am ]
Post subject: 
Lovely cliffette, Fiona, I'm longing to know who the dark haired girl is :lol:
Author:  brie [ Wed Sep 26, 2007 9:33 am ]
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Thanks Fiona!

Good clifette- but don't leave us in suspense too long please!!!
Author:  Carys [ Wed Sep 26, 2007 9:50 am ]
Post subject: 
I wonder who it is? Please don't leave us in the dark for to long.
Author:  keren [ Wed Sep 26, 2007 11:49 am ]
Post subject: 
Fiona Mc wrote:
“

This is my attempt at a cliffette! :wink: Thought I'd let you try an work out who it is. :lol: Thanks for all the comments. This is the last reunion and after the staff meeting I'll be getting back to Margot



I don't have a problem with reunion, this is like "added value" fleshing the story out.
Author:  Rosalin [ Wed Sep 26, 2007 4:44 pm ]
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Can't think of anyone obvious.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  JustJen [ Wed Sep 26, 2007 6:20 pm ]
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Hmm so many people spring to mind!
Author:  MaryR [ Wed Sep 26, 2007 6:52 pm ]
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Clearly someone dear to Margia..... which leaves the field wide open! :lol:

Thanks, Fiona
Author:  Mel [ Wed Sep 26, 2007 10:40 pm ]
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Great to see so many forgotten old girls.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Sep 27, 2007 4:59 am ]
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Thanks for all the comments. I'm glad none of you mind me drabbling about the old girls, thats one thing I love reading about myself
“
Maria Marani, by all that is wonderful,” she said with a half laugh, half sob, “I never expected to see you here.”
Maria returned Margia’s hug. “Madame said the Chalet school needed another language mistress and asked if I would be interested. She persuaded Mama that it was a good idea and Gisela thought it would be too.”
Maria smile through her tears of joy, “its so lovely to see you again, Margia,” she said.
“I know I’m really in the clover,” bubbled Margia, “I just can’t believe you never told me,” she added swinging around to her Headmistress.
“I have to have some surprises,” twinkled Dollie.
Margia made a face at her and pulled Maria over to where she and Anne were sitting.
“What have you been up to all these years?” asked Margia still excited.
“I’ve been living with Gisela and Mama,” answered Maria quietly.
“Mama was so upset after Papa died that, she’s living with Gisela and then Gisela lost baby Florian. I stayed to help with Mama and the babies.”
“I heard about your father,” said Margia quietly touching Maria’s arm. “Corney wrote to me. I was so sorry to hear about it.”
“Thank you,” said Maria, her face grave, “I received you card, it was lovely of you.” She gave a small shrug. “Gisela thought I should do something more as much as…”
“She likes having you around,” supplied Margia with a smile.
Maria’s face lightened, “yes as much as that,” she agreed. “I didn’t want to be so far away from them and this is perfect. I’ll be teaching German and some Latin and a Miss Carey will be teaching French and the rest of Latin.”
“Well I’m glad you’re here,” said Margia warmly.
“So am I,” added Anne, “and you must meet my girls Laura and Sophie. Margia has them enthralled with all her old school stories. I have visions of what they’re going to get up to here.”
“Well that will give them a lot of scope,” smiled Maria.
“I wouldn’t start if I were you,” said Margia mock seriously, “I remember a certain group of girls who dressed as Red Indians in Obermangau.”
Maria collapsed. “I can’t believe you would bring that up now,” she complained, “its one of the few times I was actually naughty when you weren’t,” and the three girls giggled.
“I lost half my paintbox,” said Anne feelingly, “and I got asked why I didn’t take it with me, like I should have guess what you lot were going to do.”
Maria blushed at her words, and Anne just laughed and shook her head.
“Its all water under the bridge,” she said kindly, “and Margia dear, is determined to remind us of those days.”
The three chatted and reminisced about their schooldays while the rest of the mistresses drifted in the room.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Sep 27, 2007 5:07 am ]
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That's lovely - glad to see Marie again.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Elbee [ Thu Sep 27, 2007 8:10 am ]
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What a lovely surprise, thanks Fiona! The more about the old girls the better :D
Author:  Rosalin [ Thu Sep 27, 2007 9:37 am ]
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Good to see Maria, and she seems happy as well.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Carys [ Thu Sep 27, 2007 9:51 am ]
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Lovely to see Maria again! :D
Author:  Fatima [ Thu Sep 27, 2007 12:23 pm ]
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It's nice to see Maria again! Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Sep 27, 2007 2:24 pm ]
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Loving this!
Author:  leahbelle [ Thu Sep 27, 2007 4:09 pm ]
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Thanks, Fiona. :D
Author:  claireM [ Thu Sep 27, 2007 5:50 pm ]
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This is wonderful, thanks.
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Sep 27, 2007 6:59 pm ]
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How nice that Maria is also able to be part of the new venture.

Everyone is certainly getting all their old faux pas rubbed well in. And Margia seems to be making sure the youngsters all find out. :lol:

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Vick [ Thu Sep 27, 2007 8:58 pm ]
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Lovely, thanks Fiona.
Author:  JustJen [ Fri Sep 28, 2007 4:00 am ]
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What a lovely surprise to Maria again.
Thanks Fiona
Author:  brie [ Fri Sep 28, 2007 8:54 am ]
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Oh Maria! How lovely. I thought it might have been Ilonka, but i'm so glad it's Maria. I hope she gets a little happiness now.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Sep 29, 2007 12:07 pm ]
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My apologies is advance but this isn't much of a post mainly, its who teaches what and the forms. I have trawled the lists and worked out who would be in what form and which mistresses could potentially be at Carnbach. The first names that haven't been mentioned such as Miss Winter or Miss Robinson, I've made them up. Will post more soon.

Dollie sat at one end of the table watching the little groups form. All the old mistresses who stayed: Ivy Stephens, Caitlin Oldroyd, Kay Johnson, Sarah Winter and Joan Robinson tended to stay together, while Lorna Carey and Margery Alton were sitting with May Phipps. She looked thoughtful and she realised yet again of the challenges she faced at continuing the Chalet School here in England.

Miss Edwards rapped the table. “May I have your attention please,” she said with a smile. “I think this meeting needs to get under way.”
Everyone fell silent almost immediately as they were all curious as to what was going to happen that term.
“I would like to welcome you all here today she said and hope you will all be happy here. If anyone has any problems please don’t hesitate to come and see me or the Senior Mistress, Ivy Norman at any time.”
“Now we do have a lot to get through, so I think we’ll make a start. First thing is first, I think its important to all introduce ourselves and say who is teaching what. I’ll then let you all know which will be your form.”

“I’ll start, I’m Dollie Edwards, Headmistress and I teach Maths”
“I’m Ivy Norman, the Senior Mistress and I teach English.”
“Ivy Stephens, Geography,”
“Caitlin Oldroyd, English,”
“Kay Johnson, Maths”
“Sarah Winters, Handcrafts and Needlework,”
“Joan Robinson, History”
“Rhyll Everett, Gardening,”
“May Phipps, Kindergarten”
“Margery Alton, Kindergarten”
“Lorna Carey, French and Latin,”
“Samantha Kennedy, Science”
“Grace Matthews, History and Geography”
“Margia Stevens, Piano,”
“Anne Martin, Art,”
“Maria Marani, German and Latin,”
“Mabel Mason, Domestic Science,”
“Joanna Linders, Singing and Piano”
“Monica Marilliar, Games”
“Alison Goodley, the school secretary”

“Well, I think I should make you all go through and tell me everyone’s name again,” said Dollie with a smile. “I know some of you know at least some other and two or three of you are completely brand new to the school, I’m sure though you will soon feel like you’ve never taught anywhere else.”
However, I’m sure you would all like to know what form you will be teaching and after much discussion Ivy and I have decided the following:

VIa: Miss Edwards,
VIb: Samantha Kennedy,
Va: Lorna Carey,
Vb: Caitlin Oldroyd,
Upper IVa: Ivy Stephens,
Upper IVb: Maria Marani,
Lower IVa: Margia Stevens,
Lower IVb: Grace Matthews,
Upper IIIa: Ivy Norman,
Lower IIIa: Kay Johnson,
Lower IIIb: Mrs Martin,
IIa: Joanna Linders,
IIb: Joan Robinson,
Ia: May Phipps,
Kinders: Margery Alton.”

“I think that covers everyone. If there are any problems and anyone feels they would prefer a different age group then please let me know at some point today and we’ll try and accommodate you. We have tried though to ensure mistresses aren’t form mistress for any relative and I would have to say that has been hard for a couple of you.”
Dollie’s eyes twinkled at this point.
Author:  Elbee [ Sat Sep 29, 2007 12:32 pm ]
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It's actually very helpful to have a list like this so that we know who is where etc!

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Sep 29, 2007 12:48 pm ]
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It's lovely to see so many familiar names there.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Sep 29, 2007 4:08 pm ]
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Unusual having the Head with her own Form - even if it is the Prefects.

Very useful having a list of all.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:33 pm ]
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Yes, it's good to have all the names and forms in one place so we can refer back to it in case of confusion.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 7:35 am ]
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“Now, I think we need to address a few issues,” continued Dollie. “The first one is as many of you are aware Tanswick Chalet School closed two terms ago and many of their girls transferred here. They make up the bulk of our Senior forms namely VIb and Va. Many of them are finding it heavy going with their work so we’ve decided to break IVb and Va into sets. It will give the girls a chance to work in smaller groups and so hopefully a lot more groundwork can be covered and the girls make up their missed work more easily. A number of girls have been promoted as a result if they are the right age for the fifths but aren’t necessarily the right standard of work.”

“That sounds like a good idea,” said Monica Marilliar listening with interest. “That’s what we did at Braemar House. It certainly helps you pick up the ground work,” she said feelingly, knowing full well it had helped her with her Latin and Botany.

“How will it work with the girls who are up to standard?” asked Caitlin Oldroyd, with concern.

“There will be three sets,” explained Dollie. “Set A will be for those of VIb standard while Set B will be for those of Va standard and Set C is for those below both. We’ll mainly follow it for the main subjects like English, Maths, Science, History, Languages and Geography. I’m hoping that by the end of the year everyone will have reached the standard they should be at, if not be making good headway by the end of this term.”

“One good thing is the number of girls in each form,” commented Ivy Norman. “VIb only has 15 girls while Va has 16 girls, and so smaller classes means the girls get more one on one time with the mistresses.”

“And some of those girls need it,” said Ivy Stephen’s feelingly.

“They do,” said Dollie with a sigh. “It’s another reason why I would like to keep the forms small and that is I’m hoping we can exert greater influence on some these older girls to become more responsible. We have a lot more younger girls than we do older girls and most of our natural leaders in the senior forms have left for the Swiss branch and many that are left are not what you would say have character. Some of our quieter students will be taking on the leadership roles.”

“What about our Prefects?” asked Rhyll Everett abruptly.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 7:59 am ]
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I'd never thought of that before ... presumably most of the girls at Carnbach are 12 or under as a lot of the older ones'll've gone to Switzerland. A chance for Margot then?
Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 10:33 am ]
Post subject: 
It must have been hard looking for leaders at the top of the school that first term. I hadn't considered the problems that would have caused for the staff and pupils left behind.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 4:00 pm ]
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Interesting to read about the issues the Carnbach staff would have faced.
Author:  Fatima [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 4:06 pm ]
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I hadn't thought of any of that, either. I really wish EBD had written about the English branch, as it would have been so interesting.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 5:52 pm ]
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Of course EBD took most of the interesting girls with her as those were the ones she wanted to continue to write about! Cherry Christie stayed at Carnbach, didn't she? She'll be around the same age as Mary Lou's set.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Lyanne [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 5:58 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote:
Of course EBD took most of the interesting girls with her as those were the ones she wanted to continue to write about! Cherry Christie stayed at Carnbach, didn't she? She'll be around the same age as Mary Lou's set.


Thanks Fiona.


Why did Cherry stay? Hilda offered a scholarship, which wouldn't have been needed anyway.
Author:  JustJen [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 6:22 pm ]
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Quote:
Why did Cherry stay? Hilda offered a scholarship, which wouldn't have been needed anyway.


I've often wondered the same thing. Hopefully Fiaona will tell us why.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 8:44 pm ]
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I think EBD just forgot about Cherry! She'd fully recovered from polio by then, hadn't she? And IIRC her stepfather didn't overly object to the idea of her going when it was mentioned to him in Changes.

Maybe she just forgot about the Christys altogether! I think Dickie is only ever mentioned once again after The CS In The Oberland, and the friendship between the Christys and the Maynards just seemed to vanish into the ether :? .
Author:  brie [ Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:02 am ]
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Thanks Fiona. I'm really enjoying all of this.
Author:  MaryR [ Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:40 pm ]
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Dollie seems to have worked things out very well to get the best out of the remaining students. :wink:

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  claireM [ Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:45 pm ]
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Thanks Fiona, this is good and I always wanted to know what happened at
the other branch.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Oct 05, 2007 1:18 am ]
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“What about our Prefects?” asked Rhyll Everett abruptly.

Dollie and Ivy Norman looked at each other before Dollie continued not wanting to offend anyone and fully aware Maria Marani’s niece Gisel Mensch was in VIa.
“All the girls in VIa are hardworking, quiet students who have never had a leadership or Prefect’s role in the school,” she said slowly, “and will need as much encouragement with it as possible.”

“I know,” nodded Maria Marani. “Gisel and Natalie were discussing that with Gisela over the holidays. Gisel was worried about it. She thought there was a good chance she would be a prefect and wasn’t sure if she was really suited for the role.”

“Why?” asked Kay Johnson involuntarily. “Gisel is one of the kindest, most unselfish girls in the Sixth. She’s friendly with everyone and they all like her. She’s good at Cricket and I know she helped with coaching the younger girls last summer so the younger ones do know her and they all like her. She has endless patience,” at that point Kay started to run down before realising Dollie was smiling at her.

“So why does she have doubts?” asked Margia turning to Maria, “and what did Gisela say.”

“I don’t think Gisel realises that she’s held in such high regard, and she certainly doesn’t see herself the way you do,” said Maria looking at Kay. “A lot of what she does, in helping others, is very much part of who she is that she doesn’t think anything of it and with something like coaching Cricket, Gisel loves doing that, that she doesn’t think anything of it.”
“Gisela talked a little about what it was like as Head Girl, the first year of the school and how she didn’t feel that she was a leader as such, but she wanted to do well and she didn’t want to let Madame down.”
“But, she was so nervous about doing it. She wanted everyone to know they could talk to her if they needed someone so she tried to take an interest in everyone in the school not just her own age group and she said that helped. And she said that you had to be fair to everyone.”

Margia looked stunned. “She made it seem so easy,” she murmured. “She was probably our best Head Girl,” she said aloud.

“Why do you say that?” asked Anne, puzzled. “Everyone said Joey was the best Head Girl ever when I was at school.”

“She was in some ways,” said Margia thoughtfully, “but I never realised until after I left school just how much I looked up to Gisela, more so than any other Head Girl and how fair she was or how hard it would have been being the first Head Girl. She did set the standard and I know I compared all Head Girls after Gisela to her. She was the yard stick. Whoever is the Head Girl here will do the same for the Carnbach branch especially if as you say, the natural, forthcoming leaders have all left,” concluded Margia.

All the Mistresses could feel the weight of Margia’s words and no one wanted their branch of the school to fall on its face in its first term.

“So who will be our Head Girl, then?” asked Ivy Stephens quietly.

“We’ve decided on the following girls as prefects: Gisel Mensch, Amy West, Lorna Wills, Gwyneth Jones, Hilda Smith, Jane Thomas, Jean Downes, Lilias Robertson, Janet Lee; and our four Sub-Prefects will be Alison Grant, Barbara Gow, Joanna Reay, and Moira Damer. Our Head girl will be Gisel Mensch and the Games Prefect will be Lorna Wills,” said Dollie.

“Lorna Wills,” said Joan Robinson musingly, “then Hilda, Jane and Jean will all be helping her with the Games side of thing.”

“I know,” said Dollie Edwards, “those four do tend to stick like glue, but Gwyneth Jones will be the Second Games Prefect; she and Lorna compliment each other with Games and we made Lorna Games Prefect because she is very good at organising things, whereas Gwyn is a lot more relaxed with that sort of thing.”

A chuckle went around those in the group that knew Lorna of old; she was the most organised creature in the school
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Oct 05, 2007 2:35 am ]
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How apt that Gisela's daughter should be Head Girl


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Sugar [ Fri Oct 05, 2007 3:01 am ]
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Just read all of this. Really like seeing the Carnbach branch
Author:  Fatima [ Fri Oct 05, 2007 5:59 am ]
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Gisel sounds the perfect choice to be Head Girl. I'm sure she'll be as good as her mother.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Oct 05, 2007 6:46 am ]
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Hope people don't expect her to be a replica of her mother - who was definitely a much better Head than Joey - but sure she'll do a great job.
Author:  Elbee [ Fri Oct 05, 2007 8:11 am ]
Post subject: 
Gisel sounds just right for the role, and as Lesley says, it's very apt!

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Ruth B [ Fri Oct 05, 2007 8:53 am ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
“I don’t think Gisel realises that she’s held in such high regard, and she certainly doesn’t see herself the way you do,” said Maria looking at Kay. “A lot of what she does, in helping others, is very much part of who she is that she doesn’t think anything of it and with something like coaching Cricket, Gisel loves doing that, that she doesn’t think anything of it.”


That is just what makes her so right for the role!
Author:  Rosalin [ Fri Oct 05, 2007 9:44 am ]
Post subject: 
I agree with Margia that Gisela was probably the best Head Girl. It's very fitting that at least one of her daughters should be Head Girl, and the first Head Girl of Carnbach at that!

I hope things aren't too hard for the new prefects, especially as they are mostly quiet and unused to taking a leadership role. I suppose there's always Joanna to supply the talking!

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Carys [ Fri Oct 05, 2007 9:58 am ]
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It's lovely that Gisela's daughter is going to be Head Girl. :D
Author:  Jennie [ Fri Oct 05, 2007 12:00 pm ]
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And Gisela managed to be Head Girl without interfering too much. She was fair, firm and dignified.
Author:  MaryR [ Fri Oct 05, 2007 1:04 pm ]
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But perhaps we shouldn't compare Head Girls too much, for they all bring their own very differing strengths and weaknesses to the role and each one approaches it in her own unique way.

Gisel sounds a natural for the post, and seems to have a good set of prefects to assist.

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  brie [ Fri Oct 05, 2007 3:51 pm ]
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Thanks Fiona. This is all very interesting. I like Margia here, and I like the sound of Gisel too.
Author:  Lyanne [ Fri Oct 05, 2007 5:27 pm ]
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I blinked when I realsied Joanna's old enough to be a prefect - I see her as the little girl on the train still.
Author:  leahbelle [ Sat Oct 06, 2007 2:21 pm ]
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Gisel sounds like a good choice!
Author:  Liane [ Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:32 pm ]
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Just caught up on loads of this. I'm sure Gisel will make a fine Head Girl.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Oct 12, 2007 11:42 am ]
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“I take it everyone approves,” said Dollie, eyes twinkling and looking a little relieved. “Madame, Ivy and I discussed this at great length and it was the best list we could come up with. All the sub-prefects are in IVb with you Samantha, while all the prefects will be in VIa with myself as their form mistress.”
She gave a sigh. “I know it’s not usual the Headmistress to have a form but I did want to keep a closer eye on the prefects and be able to offer my support and any pearls of wisdom,” continued Dollie smilingly, saying the last a little tongue in check. The mistresses chuckled appreciating their Headmistresses’ humour.

“It does make sense,” agreed Caitlin Oldroyd who had worked with Dollie for years, “and you haven’t had as much to do with the older girls being here at Carnbach for all of last year while the upper school was on the island.”

Dollie nodded, “that is the other potential problem,” she said. “In some ways, it will feel like we do have a whole group of new pupils especially those I didn’t teach as juniors but it will give others a kind of a fresh start, with the mistresses at least anyway.”

“With that in mind however, we do need to let everyone know who has who in their form.” Dollie turned to Margery Alton.
“Margery you have the Kinders. They’re mostly day girls aged between five and seven. I think there will be the odd boarder, but most don’t like being parted from their children at such a young age. We do have two and they are Crystal and Natalie Carr and they’re seven.”

“Why on earth are we getting them so young?” asked Margery wide eyed.

“Their father has been posted to the Middle East and his wife has gone with him. Keep an eye on them because it is a big change for them. We have them in a dormitory with all the first formers who are boarding. Your form prefect is Kathleen Marlow.”

“Good,” said Margery, with relief. “Kathleen is a pretty sensible kid and friendly with everyone.”

“May,” said Dollie, “you have about fifteen girls in first form and about six boarders. You have half a dozen new girls. Gaynor Christy is your form prefect with Hilda Mensch as the second form prefect.”

“I’m sure they’ll be fine,” said May Phipps placidly.

Dollie eyes twinkled at Margery. “Margery we did listen to your recommendations.”

Margery pulled a face at her headmistress.

“Why Gaynor?” asked Lorna curiously.

“She’s the friendliest kid going around,” answered Margery promptly. “You could put Gaynor next to any new or shy child and they would soon know everyone in the form and be in the thick of everything. She just has a way of including everyone into her circle.”

“That will be a help if half the form are new,” said May thankfully. “It’s always good having a few girls who don’t know the meaning of the word shy and Hilda Mensch is just as happy go lucky so the two should work well together.”

“Well I’m glad you’re pleased,” said Dollie with a smile.
Author:  Carys [ Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:08 pm ]
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I do enjoy reading this!
Author:  JustJen [ Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:11 pm ]
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I completely forgot about young Gay. I think she'll be an excellent prefect
Author:  Jennie [ Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:13 pm ]
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It's great to see all this brought to life. We never got any Carnbach after the move.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:22 pm ]
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Nice to see the Christys being remembered!
Author:  Fatima [ Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:30 pm ]
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It's great to see Dollie being so capable. She's going to be a splendid head.
Author:  Rosalin [ Fri Oct 12, 2007 6:15 pm ]
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I was sorry we didn't see anything more of the young Christys so it's good to have Gaynor here. I like Dollie as head too.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:22 pm ]
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Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Sugar [ Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:28 pm ]
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Ohh great to see more of this
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Oct 14, 2007 10:12 am ]
Post subject: 
They worked there way up through the forms. Joan Robinson knew most of her form from the previous year, so Dollie moved quickly onto IIa with Joanna Linders.
“Joanna, your Form Prefect is Barbara Hewlett with Renata Van Buren as her second. Renata has a friend from Holland starting this term called Arda Peik. Other than Arda, Sophie Martin and Daisy Rose, you have all old girls. Barbara is a helpful, sensible thing so you shouldn’t have too many problems with your form.”

“Good,” smiled Joanna looking relieved. She felt nervous teaching for the first time.

“Kay, you have Lower IIIb with Dilys Edwards as Form Prefect and Janice Chester her second. I know you know your form so we’ll leave them. The only new girl you have is Laura Martin, and I’m sure Anne will tell you Laura is a model student,” said Dollie smiling at Laura’s mother, while Anne Martin made a face at her Headmistress. “Laura and Sophie have heard all about Margia’s schooldays,” said Anne feelingly, “so I wouldn’t be too surprised if they resurrect a few of the things she got up to.”

Margia only chuckled, “I’m sure Joanna will survive given what her sister Emmie got up to when I was prefect and I’m sure Kay has plenty of experience dealing with mischief.

It sounds like Laura will fit right in with Ailie and Janice and co, said Kay cheerfully, “I don’t mind mischief too much, so long as it’s just that, mischief.”

“Moving right along,” said Dollie firmly, “I don’t know about you but I do want to get this meeting over fairly soon.”

The three subsided and Dollie continued.

“Anne, Lower IIIa has Hannah Lewis as Form Prefect and Lesley Anderson is her second. Lower IIIa tends to be a quieter group.”

Anne nodded. “Thanks,” was all she said.

“Ivy Norman has Upper Third,” said Dollie starting to look slightly anxious. She took a deep breath before continuing. “Margot Maynard will be in that form.”

“Margot Maynard!” exclaimed Ivy Stephens, “but I thought her, Len and Con were going to Switzerland?”

Dollie and Ivy Norman exchanged looks. “Margot did badly in some of her exams, so much so she wasn’t promoted to Lower IV and as that is the lowest form in Switzerland, she isn’t allowed to go,” explained Dollie. “I do know Margot has taken it very badly.”

“Oh poor Margot,” said Caitlin Oldroyd compassionately. “First she was in Canada away from the other two and now she’s here on her own.”

“Yes, well,” said Dollie more briskly, “she knew her going depended on her promotion to the next form and so this is the consequence. She is also fully aware that she is here for the next year regardless of how well she does. Miss Annersley refuses to accept her unless she can prove she can do well for the next school year. Margot, of course, is understandably upset and is continually complaining the exams were too hard.”
Dollie looked at all the mistresses. “I hope we can make some allowances for her but please, don’t accept any bad behaviour.”

The other mistresses murmured their assent and conversation soon moved onto the Fourths.
Author:  brie [ Sun Oct 14, 2007 10:49 am ]
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Thanks Fiona. I'm enjoying this.
Author:  Elbee [ Sun Oct 14, 2007 10:53 am ]
Post subject: 
It's so lovely hearing about all these familiar names when they were much younger, before they were old enough to go to the Swiss branch.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Carys [ Sun Oct 14, 2007 11:05 am ]
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I hope we get to see lots of Ailie, Janice and Judy! :D
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Oct 14, 2007 11:06 am ]
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Poor Margot - and how strange that Caitlin Oldroyd can pick up on something that her mother did not. Margot will feel very isolated. I hope she can settle in to Carnbach without continually being told that she should keep up with her sisters and that it is a disgrace to be with others of her own age.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Oct 14, 2007 1:25 pm ]
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Yes, it must be very hard for Margot :( .
Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Oct 14, 2007 1:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
I hope Margot doesn't arrive to determined to hate it all. I think it could be very good for her, being in the correct form for her age, but she has to give it a chance. I can understand her feeling left behind though.

I'm really enjoying the chat between the mistresses, particularly those we've met before.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fatima [ Sun Oct 14, 2007 2:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
And it could be good to be away from endless unfavourable comparisons with Len and Con, too. I hope Margot makes friends and gets on well.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  MaryR [ Sun Oct 14, 2007 4:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
Nice to know Dollie has sympathy for Margot - even if she has told the staff not to be too lenient. And hasn't Dollie been thorough in her organisation? :lol:

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  petronella [ Sun Oct 14, 2007 9:23 pm ]
Post subject: 
Could it be that Margot was given the wrong exam paper by mistake ? in the days of not writing on the exam paper , this would have been possible and then her answers wouldn't have made any sense . This woud explain why she keeps on saying her exams were harder than everyone else's .
Author:  keren [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 11:10 am ]
Post subject: 
I think that this drabble can be on its way to becoming a proper CS fill in.

you are paying such attention to detail and telling us all those things that we really wanted to know about what happened there.

EBD did not close that branch of the CS, but she hardlly ever mentioned it again (apart from girls occaisionally coming out from there)
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 11:18 am ]
Post subject: 
“Margia, we’ve given you Lower IVa.” Dollie’s eyes twinkled; “we thought you would be the best to deal with this form as it has some of the naughtiest girls in it.”

Margia grimaced at her Headmistress. “I wasn’t that bad,” she said with a grin.

“You do have Prudence Dawbarn as well as half a dozen other girls who seem to think their aim in life is to get into mischief,” said Dollie

“At least Priscilla and Primrose are in Upper IVb,” said Ivy Stephens feelingly. “I believe Primrose’s Father said Miss Annersley should buy a cane and use it on her in her first term.”

“They’re not that bad,” asked Maria Marani alarmed for the said two girls were in her form.

“No-o,” said Ivy thoughtfully. “They still do mad things but they’re a little better now. Primrose came from the other Chalet School and basically they were allowed to what they liked when they liked. A whole group of them were wished on us when the school closed. I would have to say at least they’re honest and they’re no worse than a dozen other girls that I’ve taught here. But Patience Seawell and Peronelle Lewis are with Prudence and they’re just as bad. I’m just glad my form has started to grow up a little.”

“Who’s the form prefect?” asked Margia interestedly.

“Thyra Bjornessen and Stella Porter,” replied Dollie promptly. “Thyra has her head screwed on.”

“And she’s a natural leader and used to dealing with imps from her sister Signa,” observed Caitlin.

“And mine?” asked Maria quietly.

“Ruth Herbert and Rose Stewart is her second,” said Dollie. “Ruth’s older three sisters are in Switzerland but her parents don’t want to send her until she’s at least 14. Ruth a jolly, sensible kid, whereas Rose is more serious and sedate.”

“I won’t go through your form Ivy as you know them all except, Doris Hill, Marion Tovey and Anne Gordon have all been promoted. Doris topped her form with Mary Lou last term and Marion and Anne are certainly old enough to be promoted at nearly sixteen. They’re certainly too old for Upper IVa,” said Dollie

“Well I’m not sorry to be losing Marion,” said Ivy feelingly. “She always seems to have a chip on her shoulder.”

“You also still have Cherry Christy in your form,” said Dollie looking straight at Ivy.

“Why?” asked Ivy looking startled. “I always thought she was going to Switzerland with the others. Her polio hasn’t returned has it?”

Dollie shook her head. “No. Her mother Carey had a nasty accident over the holidays and although she’s going to recover, it will be a long haul. Cherry has point blank refused to go so far away while her mother is ill and Michel doesn’t have the heart to send her. Cherry was beside herself and is only just starting to recover from the shock of it all. I know they were extremely worried at one point that she wouldn’t make it. They know she is now but it was touch and go for awhile there.”

Oh, the poor thing!” exclaimed Ivy and although Maria Marani said nothing, the look in her eyes showed deep understanding and sympathy.

“Dickie is caring for Binkie, which is a load off Michel Christy’s mind, but watch Gaynor, May. She’s more confused by it all, than anything else.

May nodded and the conversation soon moved onto other things.

“Ivy, Josefa Von Weithern is your Form Prefect with Rosamund Williams as her second,” continued Dollie determined to wrap up the Staff Meeting before Kaffee und Kuchen. “Caitlin, yours is Clare Fenton with Judy O’Connor as her second. Lorna, you have Maria Von Gluck as Form Prefect and Leceline Prideaux is her second and Samantha you do have the four Sub Prefects as well as Gillian Moggeridge as Form Prefect. Lorna and Samantha nodded.”
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 11:32 am ]
Post subject: 
Thank you for explaining why Cherry never went to Switzerland!
Author:  Jennie [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 11:42 am ]
Post subject: 
I'd always thought the Christies were another of the forgotten families.
Author:  MaryR [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 11:49 am ]
Post subject: 
I think Cherry was always the sort pf person who would prefer to stay close to home, even if events hadn't decided it for her. She's such a lovely character and should be a force for good at Carnbach.

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:19 pm ]
Post subject: 
Good to see why Cherry Christie didn't go to Switzerland.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Carys [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:23 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona! :D
Author:  Sugar [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
there is soo much detail in this! Nice to know why Cherry didn't go to switzwerland as well.
Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 10:29 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm loving all this detail, and the snippets about the forgotten pupils.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Oct 17, 2007 3:33 am ]
Post subject: 
The good thing about being missing from the board for ages and ages is you get to read LOTS of drabble at a time. This is a lovely one Fiona, such attention to detail and Chalet School touches.

I look forward to more!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 5:08 am ]
Post subject: 
Sorry for the long post but there wasn't a really good place to divide it. Thanks for all the comments. I am really enjoying writing this

“Now,” continued Dollie briskly, “I don’t know if any of you have noticed but Matron Gould is missing.”

“I did wonder what you had done to the Matron,” chuckled Margia.

“Matron has a streaming head cold,” said Dollie, “and has quarantined herself until she’s over it. She should be back by the Friday after term starts. Ivy Norman has kindly offered to sort out the San and supervise the unpacking etcetera, but she will need a hand with it.”

“I can help,” offered Joanna Linders quickly. “And I will too,” added Caitlin.

“Thanks,” smiled Ivy at them both.

“How are the Art and Music rooms coming along?” inquired Dollie of Anne and Margia.

“Art’s done,” said Anne. “Laura and Soph have helped me get it finished and then they ‘helped’ Margia.”

“I’m finished,” put in Margia, “and I have the lesson and practice timetable sorted, so I can help anyone that needs it.”

“I could do with a hand,” said Monica looking up. “Most the Games things are sorted but I do have the Gym to go through.”

“Would anyone help out with Library?” asked Dollie. “We still have some of the Junior books to go through.”

“I can,” offered Lorna, “and so can I,” added Samantha. Dollie nodded. “Thank you,” was all she said.

“I think that’s everything so how about we all meet back in the Dinning Room for Abendessen in two hours.” The mistresses nodded and scattered laughing and talking.

Dollie led Samantha and Lorna to the Library. “This shouldn’t take long,” she said, “I’m glad I have you on your own as I would like to talk to you both about your forms.”

Lorna looked surprised while Samantha looked thoughtful, but neither girl said anything until the library books had been sorted.

“Now that that’s done,” said Dollie, “I would like to talk about your forms. Before I start though, Samantha do you prefer Samantha or do you have a short.”

“Its Sami,” said Samantha easily. “The only time I ever get Samantha is if I’m in trouble.”

“Well, Sami it is,” said Dollie with a smile.

“Now,” continued Dollie, “Lorna and Sami you both have difficult forms. A lot of the old Tanswick girls are in your forms and most of the old Chalet School girls in your form don’t have a lot of character.”

Lorna’s face gave away her thoughts clearly. She had no earthly use for slackers having been a born student. Hardworking and clever she had been the youngest in her form throughout her school career.

Dollie smiled at her sympathetically.

“Lorna, one of the reason’s we gave you this particular form is your old Headmistress, Miss Grace said you were extraordinarily hardworking and you and your friends made hard work the fashion in your form. She said you continued to inspire your pupils to work hard as a mistress.”

“You do have some potential leaders in your form namely Maria Ileana, Leceline, Marie LeCoudelec Di Vedin, Ruth Lamont, Anne Whitney and Armine Brown. They’re more or less hardworking and very friendly with everyone. You then also have Jennifer Penrose and her gang who tend to be easily led and try and get away with as much as possible. Jennifer has pulled up a lot in the past year and therefore so has the rest of her gang but they do tend to slack when they can get away with it and are empty headed girls on the whole. Watch Lara Wylie, her twin Zoe has pulled up completely and so her parents have allowed her to go the Swiss branch whereas Lara has been so lazy that they refused to consider it for her and of course she resents it. Ruth was meant to go if she did well in her exams and she did do well but her Aunt and Uncle died and her three cousins are being sent here. The Swiss branch was too expensive for all four. Ruth is pretty disappointed but is dealing with it pretty well.
We’re actually hoping you will be able to inspire them to work.”

Dollie took a deep breath, “there is one good thing and that is Jennifer and co tended to clash with a number of girls whom have all transferred to the Swiss branch. They do however, like Maria Ileana and the rest and don’t resent their leadership as much as they did Blossom Willoughby and Hilary Wilson.”

“I see,” murmured Lorna, wondering how on earth she would cope.

“It won’t be so bad,” said Dollie reassuringly, “I do think the girls need some friendly encouragement and with a new mistress they may see it as a fresh chance to improve. You don’t know them and so haven’t formed any judgements except by what I’ve said.”

“And is my form similar to Lorna’s?” asked Sami interestedly.

Dollie nodded, “except there is a difference. You do have a few girls who do try but their groundwork lets them down. At least half your form came from Tanswick, as did yours Lorna and they are the reason we decided to break the two forms into sets. With smaller classes, the girls will get the attention they need.”

“Anyway,” and Dollie stood up, “if there are any problems please let me know and I’ll do my best to help.”

Dollie left the two girls staring after her.

“Phew,” said Sami, “This is going to be more complicated than I thought.”

“I know,” nodded Lorna. “I must admit I don’t have time for slackers. In fact I always tended to be the youngest in my form, because I worked so hard,” she said shamefacedly. “I know most school girls tend to take life pretty easily at some point but I never did. I don’t know how I’m going to go with girls who don’t like to work. It’s all very well and good saying some will see us as a new person they can impress, but some won’t at all.”

“I know,” agreed Sami with a sigh. “I don’t know about you but I’m hoping for the best.”

All the mistresses worked hard and by Abendessen everything was ready for the term.
And more than one wondered how the first term at Carnbach would turn out.
Author:  Fatima [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 6:08 am ]
Post subject: 
I'm enjoying reading this, thanks Fiona.

I think Laura and Sami will be able to help and support each other as they deal with their forms.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 7:02 am ]
Post subject: 
This is lovely - it's great seeing people like Maria Ileana whom EBD never really wrote about, and I'm looking forward to seeing Lorna as a mistress.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 7:26 am ]
Post subject: 
Feel very sorry for Ruth Lamont, she did well in her exams but still has to stay in England because her three cousins are considered more important than her.


Thanks Fiona - this is really interesting.
Author:  Carys [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 10:30 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona, I like Lorna and Sami!
Author:  MaryR [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 10:53 am ]
Post subject: 
As I don't know Lorna, I can't say a great deal, but often Heads sound dire warnings at the beginning of term and then things go swimmingly. Let's hope this is the case here! :lol: Glad to see all the staff so willing to help each other out.

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 10:56 am ]
Post subject: 
Lesley said

Quote:
Feel very sorry for Ruth Lamont, she did well in her exams but still has to stay in England because her three cousins are considered more important than her.


Or that her parents have suddenly to pay for four girls rather than one and the cousins parents were not able to leave enough money to pay for their schooling, having died young.

Poor Ruth either way, hope she gets on with the cousins.
Author:  leahbelle [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 7:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Fiona :lol: .
Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 8:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yes, Margot, Lara and Ruth have all been left behind, but Lara and Margot could have done something about their situations. Interesting that Margot isn't the only girl who has been left behind while her twin/triplet went out to Switzerland. I wonder how they will all deal with it.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 7:41 am ]
Post subject: 
Meanwhile Gisel Mensch was sitting on the window seat listening to her older sister Natalie practicing. Natalie Mensch had finished at Welsen the previous term and was about to head off to the Royal College of Music when the new term started. Intensely musical, she had decided to train as a Piano mistress, though a small part of her hoped to become good enough to be a concert pianist and as a consequence worked hard on her music. Gisel wasn’t particularly musical though she did enjoy playing the flute like her father before her. Gottfried taught his daughter the beginnings and Plato a flautist himself had continued when Gisel started at school.

“Are you nearly finished?” Gisel asked her sister. “You do realise Maria Ileana and everyone have arrived.”

“What?” shrieked Natalie and the lid of the Piano closed with a bang. “Why didn’t you tell me and what are you doing still sitting there?”

Gisel chuckled, “Papa has just pulled into the driveway.”

“Gisel,” wailed Natalie.

Gisel chuckled again and leant out the window, waving madly to Maria Ileana and the others. Natalie joined her at the window.

“Have a good trip Maria Ileana,” she called down through the window, “Emilia, Josefa, it’s so good to see you and you Kurt and Wolfram.”

Gottfried shook his head at his daughters, “why don’t you come down?” he asked mildly, “instead of calling from the window.”

Gisel slammed the window shut and the two hurried outside along with their younger sisters Gretchen, and Jacquetta.

There was noisy chatter as everyone was talking all at once.

Quiet Gottfried shook his head again, while Marie just laughed. “Where is Gisela?” she asked.

“Mama’s inside with Toni and Hilda,” said Gretchen quietly. “Come on Jo,” and the two along with Emilia and Jacquetta disappeared.

“I’ll take you to Mama, Tante Marie,” said Natalie.

Gottfried nodded. “Marie, I will take your luggage to the rooms. The girls can show you where everyone is sleeping.”

“Thank you Gottfried,” said Marie with a smile and Gisel, Natalie, Maria Ileana and Marie walked inside talking and laughing, while the boys remained to help with Gottfried.

“Mama, Tante Marie is here,” called out Gisel.

“Marie,” said Gisela appearing through the drawing room doorway, “it’s so lovely to see you. Yes Toni,” she said to her son, “you may help Papa with the luggage and see Kurt and Wolfram.” Toni scampered off, while Gisela looked after him fondly. “He’s been so excited about having Wolfram and Kurt to stay even if it is only for the night.”

Marie smiled wearily. “It’s so nice not to be travelling,” she said, “though they have all been so good. Sir Jem met us at the station and Margot, Steven and Tessa are staying with them until school starts. It was lovely seeing him again.”

“I’m glad the children were good for you,” said Gisela. Would you like something to drink or eat?”

“That would be lovely, Gisela,” said Marie thankfully.

“Coming Maria Ileana,” asked Gisel and the three girls moved off to prepare a tray.

“Oh Gisela you don’t know how thankful I am to have arrived,” said Marie. “I know the children were good but it’s such a long journey.”

Gisela nodded understandingly. “You can have an early night tonight,” she said. “But how is Wanda and have you heard from Bernhilda and Kurt lately?”

Marie laughed softly. “I knew you would ask. I have a letter from Bernhilda with me to show you. They’re all doing well and Bernhilda thinks they will be in America for another two years at least but they should be returning after that.”

“Oh, how wonderful,” said Gisela glowing. Bernhilda and Wanda were her two closest friends, besides which Bernhilda was also her husband’s sister.

“I’ll let you read her letter,” said Marie generously handing it over. “Wanda said I may tell you but none of the girls know yet; they’re talking of sending Friedel to America to work with Kurt and then take over what he’s doing for the next three years after that. Wanda isn’t sure she wants to go but she said it would be wonderful seeing Kurt and Bernhilda again and going to America. She did enjoy it when we were there before the War, but the children don’t know and she doesn’t want to say anything until she knows that it is definitely going ahead.”

“It would be a wonderful opportunity for them all but oh it’s so far away,” said Gisela, some the glow dimming.

“I know,” said Marie. “I’ve never had Wanda live so far away from me before and…”

“I’m so sorry Marie, it will affect you more than me,” said Gisela sympathetically.

“Thank you, but I think you will feel it just as much as I do,” said Marie with a sigh, “but I think I’ll worry about it when it happens.”

Gisela’s quick ears heard the girl’s footsteps and she quickly changed the subject.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 7:55 am ]
Post subject: 
It's so lovely to see Gisela, Marie and Wanda's families: they were sadly neglected by EBD!
Author:  Elbee [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 8:15 am ]
Post subject: 
Yes, lovely to catch up on these families who started off so prominently in Tyrol and then seemed to almost disappear!

Thanks Fiona, this is all so good and I love all the details! :D
Author:  Carys [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 9:48 am ]
Post subject: 
I'm another who wishes there had been more about Gisela, Wanda, Bernhilda etc in the later books.
Author:  MaryR [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 12:19 pm ]
Post subject: 
Poor EBD - imagine how thick and heavy her books would have been if she had continued to include all the early girls, knowing how much we loved them!! :lol: :lol: Just think of all the wonderful leeway their absence gives the drabblers! :roll:

Thanks, Fiona - this is lovely.
Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 4:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
I've also got a soft spot for the first girls!
Author:  Fatima [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 4:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
They certainly have lovely families; it's great to hear about them all.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Oct 22, 2007 5:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
That was lovely - feel a bit sorry for Maria Ileana - so many syllables! :lol:


Thanks Fiona
Author:  Miss Di [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 2:38 am ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote:
That was lovely - feel a bit sorry for Maria Ileana - so many syllables!



Wonder how long until she aquires a 'short'?
I love seeing the staffroom coordination, thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 7:05 am ]
Post subject: 
Miss Di wrote:
Lesley wrote:
That was lovely - feel a bit sorry for Maria Ileana - so many syllables!



Wonder how long until she aquires a 'short'?


You should try typing the name out! Maria Ileana refuses to shorten her name and only Josefa can call her Ria and get away with it. :lol:

Here's a bit more but don't expect any more any time soon as RL has gone completely pear shape on me. Will start writing more in another couple of weeks

Gisel, Natalie and Maria Ileana didn’t stay long with the grown ups but soon moved upstairs to their bedroom.

“You’re in with us Maria Ileana,” said Gisel dropping onto her bed, “the boys are across the hall and Josefa and Emilia are in with Jacquetta and Gretchen. Tante Marie has her own room. It’s so nice to see you. How were the holidays?”

“Good,” said Maria Ileana with a sigh, “though I’m glad to be starting school again. We stayed with Tante Marie and Mama and Tante Marie showed us the old school and all around the Tiernsee. They even showed us Tante Gisela and Onkel Gottfried’s first home when they were married.”

Natalie and Gisel sat up at this. “Oh, I’ve always wanted to see it again,” said Natalie longingly.

“So have I,” agreed Gisel. “We’ll have to make a trip after we’ve finished school.”

“I know,” said Natalie. “I had always hoped we would go on a trip there when I was at Welsen for half term but they never seemed to think of it. Anyway,” she said changing the topic, “how do you feel about the changes to the school, Maria Ileana?”

“I don’t know,” said Maria Ileana slowly. “I’m glad a few of my friends are staying though I will miss some of the others and,” she continued with a wicked look at Gisel, “Emilia and Josefa have their hearts set on you being Head Girl.”

“Oh no,” said Gisel looking horrified at the thought, “couldn’t you think of someone better than me, I would hate to be all official and formal like a Head Girl should.”

Natalie gazed at her sister. “It wouldn’t be that bad-remember what Mama said.”

“I know,” said Gisel going red, “and I know I could be chosen but it is awfully up front centre and I much prefer to be back in the crowd with everyone else. As Head Girl I would always have to take the lead in everything especially this term when half the senior school has moved to Switzerland.”

“Yes, but it would be nice to have one of us be Head Girl like Mama and Tante Maria both were,” said Natalie. “I know I needed to start specialising with my Piano earlier than I expected but it would have been nice to be a Prefect like they were at least,” finished Natalie a little sadly, for although she had said little, she had always been disappointed she had never become a prefect.

“I know,” said Gisel with a sigh, knowing her sister’s thoughts on the subject. She said no more but changed the subject. “You’ll never guess Maria Ileana, who is joining the school as a mistress.”

“Who?” asked Maria Ileana eagerly.

“Tante Maria is. She’s teaching German and Latin. Mama and Gossmutter are thrilled,” said Gisel her words tumbling over each other in her excitement.

“Oh, that’s wonderful,” breathed Maria Ileana. “I wonder who she’ll be Form Mistress for.”

“I don’t know,” said Gisel, “but Mama did say we won’t have her as ours as it would be fair for her or us.”

“Then I doubt I’ll have her either for the same reason,” said Maria Ileana a little sadly for Maria Marani was popular amongst the younger generation of the Marani, Von Eschenau and Mensch clans.

“And Miss Margia Stevens will be teaching Piano,” added Natalie impressively.

“Margia who?” asked Maria Ileana blankly while Gisel laughed outright. “I’m afraid you’re the only one impressed by that, Nat,” said Gisel cheerfully, while Natalie pulled a face at them both.

“Come on Maria Ileana,” exclaimed Natalie. “She’s a world renowned concert pianist. I would love to have her teach me piano. Miss Cochrane was good but she certainly isn’t in the same class as Miss Stevens.”

“I hope she’s more patient than Miss Cochrane was,” murmured Maria Ileana devoutly to Gisel, while Gisel grinned.

“You will have to visit us at school, Nat and maybe, just maybe one of us will deign to introduce you,” Gisel said tantalisingly.

Her condescension left Natalie breathless and she threw a pillow at her sister. “You should respect your elders,” retorted Natalie.

“I will oh ancient one,” teased Gisel and the three girls collapsed laughing.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 8:01 am ]
Post subject: 
Maria Ileana's a very Romanian-sounding name for someone whose parents were from Vienna: I wonder why EBD chose it.

Thanks Fiona - it's lovely seeing all these members of the second generation together!
Author:  Ruth B [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 9:18 am ]
Post subject: 
Lovely to see the next generation of the Mensch/Marani/Von Eschenau clan.

Thanks for posting Fiona - especially after the night you've had.
Author:  Carys [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 9:48 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona that was a lovely scene! :D
Author:  Liz K [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:39 am ]
Post subject: 
Just spent the entire morning (in between work!) reading/catching up on this, what attention to detail, can't wait for the next instalment.
Author:  Jennie [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 12:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Fiona. I'd rather not wait for the next bit, but I do understand why life has gone pear-shaped for you.
Author:  bethany [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 12:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
I am really enjoying reading this and finally finding out what happened at Carnbach, thanks Fiona.
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 3:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lovely scene - feeling sorry for Natalie now.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fatima [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 3:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
Gisel is a really nice girl. I hope she has a good term.
Author:  leahbelle [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 4:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
I really enjoyed that scene. Thanks, Fiona. I hope that rl calms down soon.
Author:  MaryR [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 7:01 pm ]
Post subject: 
Poor Natalie, feeling sad at being overlooked. :cry:

Thanks, Fiona - and be gentle with yourself.
Author:  brie [ Wed Oct 24, 2007 9:29 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona this is really good.

Could we possibly have a family tree of the younger generation to refer too though. *keeps getting confused at who belongs to who*
Author:  Rosalin [ Thu Oct 25, 2007 10:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm also rather confused, I'm going to go and work the relationships out over the weekend. I expect that will involve me having to re-read this from the beginning. Shame :lol:

It is nice seeing all the old girls and their children like this. I'm almost glad EBD didn't write about them, as it means so many brilliant drabbles get written.

Thanks Fiona. I've just seen your post in St Hild's, hope you are feeling better now.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Oct 25, 2007 11:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thought I would be the kind CBB-er :wink: and tell you the families as I've roughly worked them out. They are in either Joey's Trunk or Anything Else or Formal Discussions. Here they are with the age they are in this book.
Gottfried and Gisela Mensch:
Natalie 18 (was 17 in Oberland)
Gisel 17 (was mentioned in Carola as being in the fifths along with Pat Collins)
Gretchen 13 (Was in Mary Lou's form in Three Go)
Jacquetta 11 (Purely from my own invention as I wanted her in Margot's form. It does mention that Gisela had 4 girls before Toni was born in Highland Twins)
Toni 8 (own invention)
Hilda 7 (own invention)

Wanda and Friedel Von Gluck
Kurt 17 (was roughly 2 when Maria Ileana was born)
Maria Ileana 15 turning 16 (was in the Thirds with Sybil and co in Three go. Was born in United about 6 months after Sybil)
Emilia Joanna 10 (born 9 months after Friedel returned from the Concentration Camp. Named for the sisters of the man who saved him)
Hildegard and Joletta both died
Olinda and Maurus 1-2 (Same age as Felix and Felicity in Future. I can't remember exactly the names)

Marie and Eugen
Wolfram 14 turning 15 (was two years older than Josefa Jo to the Rescue)
Josefa 13 (was in Mary Lou's form in Three go)
Ilonka 2 (was roughly Felicity and Felix's age or Kevin and Kester's age)

Its mainly been the older ones I've focused on so the younger ones are a bit hazy. Any that aren't backed up elsewhere I've said if I decided on their ages
Author:  Elbee [ Fri Oct 26, 2007 10:37 am ]
Post subject: 
That's really useful Fiona, thank you!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Nov 23, 2007 3:47 am ]
Post subject: 
Sorry it's been so long since the last post. University is finally over for the year and finally have time to update this, so should start posting more regularly.

Finally, the first day of school arrived and Monica Marilliar along with Ivy Norman went to meet a number of the girls at Armiford train station.

“Auntie Mon, Auntie Mon!” exclaimed a small seven year old girl who hurtled herself towards Monica. “Isn’t this so exciting? I get to go to your school with you.” Monica laughed outright and leaned down to hug her small cousin and god daughter.

Monica’s younger and favourite cousin Alixe MacNab had married soon after leaving school. Her husband Dr Ross Maxwell had joined Dr Marilliar’s medical practice and had fallen for quiet Alixe MacNab. The two had married quietly soon after and their joy was complete when Alixe gave birth to a baby girl whom she named Lucia Christine after her own mother and her Aunt Christine. The entire Marilliar family had been touched beyond words when Alixe had given her daughter her aunts’ name. Alixe and Ross lived close by to the practice and little Lucy was a favourite within the whole family.

“How are you scragamouche? Have you lost Mummy already?” asked Monica good humouredly. It was a source of constant amusement to her that Ross and Alixe were two of the quietest, shyest people she had ever met and their daughter was the most friendliest, noisiest child she had ever met, who never knew the meaning of the word shy.

“No,” said Lucy Maxwell dancing around with excitement. “She an’ Daddy are coming but they’re being slow and Mummy said I could run on ahead so long as I she could still see me.”

“And can she,” teased Monica.

“Of course Auntie Mon, cos there they are,” and Lucy pointed to her parents walking down the platform.

Monica smiled at Alixe. “I’ve never seen Luce so excited,” she said.

“I know,” said Alixe feelingly, “she’s so desperately wanted to come to the Chalet School for your first term and when we said she could she’s been like this ever since.”

“I’m sure she will settle down once school starts,” said Monica soothingly, “and I’ll keep an eye on her.”

Alixe smiled in relief at Monica, “I’m glad,” she said. “When she gets this excited she usually ends up crying or throwing a tantrum, or something in reaction to it all.”

“Auntie Mon,” queried Lucy pulling on her aunts arm, “where are the girls who will be in my form.”

“I’m not sure,” said Monica with a smile, “we are expecting a number of girls and I think there are two or three that will be in your form. They’ll be here soon I expect. How about you let Mummy find you a seat in that carriage?”

“Can I sit with you please?” asked Lucy eagerly, “please Auntie Mon.”

“If you want to,” laughed Monica, “but now we’re on the way to school you will need to remember to call me Miss Marilliar, all right.”

Lucy nodded mournfully. “I’ll try to remember,” she said and started dragging her mother off with her.

“Excuse me,” said a woman’s voice politely, “are you a mistress from the Chalet School?”

Monica turned to face the voice and nearly gasped aloud for there before her was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. “Yes it is,” she managed. “My name is Miss Marilliar and I’m the Games Mistress at the Chalet School.”

The woman smiled used to the reaction she got from her looks. “This is my daughter Jocelyn Erroll; she’s in the First Form.”

Monica smiled down at the little girl who smiled shyly up at the Mistress. “How do you do,” Jocelyn said clinging to her Mother.

“Hullo Jocelyn,” said Monica, “there’s another little girl, named Lucy who will be in your form. She’s on the carriage deciding where to sit. How would you like to join her?”

That would be wonderful said Mrs Erroll. “Now do I need to speak to the other Mistress as well, or..”

Monica shook her head wondering at the nervous look Mrs Erroll threw in Miss Norman’s direction.

“No,” was all she said and wondered at the look of relief that passed over the woman’s face.

“Well, I’ll say good bye now,” and the woman hugged her daughter good-bye. “Be good Jocelyn and have a good term. I’ll see you at half term.”

Jocelyn nodded starting to look upset at the thought of being separated from her mother.

Monica noticed this. “How would you like to come with me she said holding out her hand, I know of another girl who is dying to meet other girls in her form and she’s new just like you.” Jocelyn nodded, still looking a little upset and homesick.

“Aun-Miss Marilliar, I found a set,” greeted Lucy with a giggle at the slip.

Monica tried not to laugh. “Lucy, this is Jocelyn. She’s new like you and is in First Form with you.”

“Aren’t you so excited,” burst out Lucy. “My Mummy and all my Auntie’s went to this school. Did yours?”

Jocelyn nodded. “My Auntie was Head Girl,” she said.

“My Auntie was Games Prefect,” said Lucy importantly.

“And my mother was the very first Head Girl for the whole school,” said a new voice.

“This is Hilda Mensch,” said Monica, placing the girl next to Jocelyn. “She’s in first Form with the two of you.” Monica smothered a grin as Lucy chattered away, drawing the other two into her conversation.

The train is about to leave said Miss Norman slightly breathlessly. “All the girls have arrived, which is a relief. How are the others getting along,” she asked nodding to the three little first formers.

Monica smiled. “Comparing notes on who’s family has the most distinguished history,” she said with a grin. “I think they’re all getting along which is good.”

“Good,” said Ivy with relief. “Margot is looking like a thundercloud so I’ll keep an eye on her. I don’t want her exploding before we get to school. It’s the last thing we need.” Monica nodded and offered to make the rounds which Ivy Norman accepted gratefully
Author:  Miss Di [ Fri Nov 23, 2007 3:57 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona. I'm guessing that Mrs Erroll is Joyce? (going entirely on the nervous glances at Ivy Norman)
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Nov 23, 2007 6:20 am ]
Post subject: 
Joyce Linton's daughter! So will the First Form be entirely CS grandchildren then?

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Nov 23, 2007 7:20 am ]
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All these "grandchildren" are brilliant!
Author:  Fatima [ Fri Nov 23, 2007 7:31 am ]
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Yes, I love all these familiar names turning up with their children. I'd have liked Joyce to speak to Miss Norman, though!
Author:  Elbee [ Fri Nov 23, 2007 8:22 am ]
Post subject: 
Great to see more of this, especially with so many "grandchildren".

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Carys [ Fri Nov 23, 2007 11:07 am ]
Post subject: 
Lovely to see so many grandchildren!
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Nov 23, 2007 1:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
Glad this is back. Lke all the grandchildren too.

Hope Margot does not explode!
Author:  Jenefer [ Fri Nov 23, 2007 5:32 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona, am enjoying this.
Author:  claireM [ Sat Nov 24, 2007 5:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
glad this is back, once Margot settles down think she'll have a better time than her sisters.
Author:  brie [ Sun Nov 25, 2007 9:34 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona.

I'm really enjoying this!
Author:  Jennie [ Mon Nov 26, 2007 1:10 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is great with all the grandchildren. Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Jools [ Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:02 pm ]
Post subject: 
Really enjoying this- beautifully written. May we have some more please.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:53 am ]
Post subject: 
Ivy Norman kept a close eye on Margot and to her relief she allowed herself to be drawn into the conversations of the other girls on the train. It wasn’t until the train arrived at Swansea and met up with the rest of the girls that problems seem to start. Ivy almost missed it but she could hear Margot’s name being said almost like a ripple affect amongst the girls. Margot squirmed at the attention and glowered in response to all the stares. Ivy unfortunately had to leave her alone while she went through the list of girls with the other five mistresses. Almost as soon as she left Margot alone, the Dawbarn twins and Primrose Trevoase raced over to her.

“Margot, what are you doing here?” asked Prudence eagerly. “I thought you were going to the Swiss branch. Are Len and Con here as well?”

“No,” snapped Margot, her bottom lip out. “I didn’t pass my exams.”

“I’m sorry,” said Priscilla, “that’s bad luck.”

“It’s not fair,” said Margot.

“Why didn’t you work harder and then you could have gone?” Said Prudence, who could generally, be relied on, to say the wrong thing.

“I did,” exploded Margot. “I worked really hard but Miss Annersley made the exams too hard.”

“Why would she do that?” asked Primrose sceptically.

“And at least you had the chance to go to Switzerland,” put in Jacquetta who standing behind them with Emilia. “It’s not our fault you didn’t do well in your exams; at least you got the chance to go to Switzerland and you’re not even twelve. It’s not fair that no one else got that chance especially all the girls who live in Europe already. You don’t hear Emilia or Tessa de Bersac complaining.”

Margot scowled at this plain speaking from Jacquetta and the two girls eyed each other with dislike. Very few people realised how much Jacquetta had wanted her family to move to Switzerland.

Miss Norman looked around, she could hear raised voices and thought ‘oh no,’ when she saw Margot and Jacquetta look like they were both going to have a stand up fight.

“Miss Marilliar, Miss Oldroyd, please take over, I need to sort this out,” she murmured to the two mistresses she was working with. Miss Marilliar smiled at her sympathetically and Ivy hurried towards the girls and heard,

“Jacquetta Mensch!” exclaimed Gisel Mensch scandalised.

Ivy made a spilt second decision; this was not the time or place to be dealing with this.

“Gisel,” she said, “would you take all the fourth form girls to their coach please.”

“Yes Miss Norman,” said Gisel relieved not to have to deal with this in such a public place.

“Emilia, Jacquetta and Margot, it’s time to go to your coach, please,” said Miss Norman, “I will discuss this with you later.”

Miss Norman kept Jacquetta with her and sent Margot and Emilia on ahead. ‘It looked like having Margot at Carnbach was going to be harder than I thought,’ reflected poor Ivy.

The coaches made the final stage of the journey to Carnbach and the girls eagerly looked around them. No one from the third form and above had been to the school so there was bedlam for a few moments. Miss Norman notice Gisel pull Jacquetta to one side and say a few words to her. She looked at them thoughtfully and then turned her gaze to Margot who was staring stonily ahead of her. Following her instincts she walked through the throngs of girls laughing and talking with each other and saw Jacquetta leave her sister and join her friends looking somewhat happier.

“Miss Norman,” said Gisel nervously, when she saw the mistress approach, “Jacquetta is,” she began.

Miss Norman smiled at the would be Head Girl. “Gisel,” she said gently, “I think if I talk to Margot about her behaviour at Swansea, I can leave talking to your sister safely to you.”

Gisel looked at the mistress with gratitude and relief.

“My belief is Margot complaining about coming here is going to cause a few upsets and Jacquetta is the first she’s managed to upset. Am I right?” queried Miss Norman.

Gisel nodded ruefully.

“Then,” continued Miss Norman, “please pass onto Jacquetta I will overlook this incident, but I won’t do so again.”

“Yes Miss Norman, thank you,” said Gisel with some relief as a bell clanged and everyone stopped talking and looked towards the entrance of the school.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:59 am ]
Post subject: 
Jacquetta had a fair point!
Author:  MaryR [ Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:08 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lovely relationship developing there and Gisel is proving to be a thoughtful Head Girl. Margot is bound to hate all the surprised attention she's getting though, isn't she? And Middles are not noted for their tact! I do hope Ivy can soothe her ruffled feathers.

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
It's quite true that no one else under twelve even had the opportunity to try-out for Switzerland - Margot would be wise to keep quite about it. I do wonder about her continual belief that the exams were too hard - is there something in that?


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Carys [ Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for posting more of this Fiona!
Author:  Elbee [ Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm really enjoying this :D !

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:12 pm ]
Post subject: 
I have been puzzled about those exams for a while, did she have the wrong papers, eg for a different class, and who marked them
Author:  Fatima [ Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:17 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yes, I was wondering about the exams, too. It's suspicious that she keeps saying how hard they were.

Thanks Fiona, it's great to see this back.
Author:  Jennie [ Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:45 pm ]
Post subject: 
Perhaps she's convinced herself that she was treated unfairly, having expected that her surname was a passport to what she wanted.
Author:  leahbelle [ Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:12 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update, Fiona :lol: .
Author:  claireM [ Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:02 pm ]
Post subject: 
Poor Margot.

Thanks Fiona
Author:  JustJen [ Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:16 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hooray an update! Thanks Fiona!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Dec 20, 2007 4:51 am ]
Post subject: 
“Girls,” said Miss Edwards, “would everyone please fall into their form lines with the kinders at the front. We do have a few things to go through before we can let you all inside.” The girls soon stood in their rows and stared expectantly at their Headmistress.
“Firstly, I would like to welcome you to the new school for most of you here at Carnbach. I know you will all help to continue to uphold the traditions of the school. Your form mistresses are standing with you and will take each form to their new dormitories and show you where you need to go. We will have our full assembly later, however, I would like to see the following girls: Gisel Mensch, Lilian Roberts, Gwyneth Jones, Hilda Smith, Jane Thomas, Lorna Wills, Jean Downes, Janet Lee, Amy West, Joanna Reay, Alison Grant, Barbara Gow, and Moira Damer.”
The girls named looked at each other and most guessed what it meant, and more than one wondered who would be the new Head Girl. The girls soon marched off in their form lines, and soon a small group of girls were clustered around Miss Edwards.

Miss Edwards smiled and guessed what they were thinking. “Yes girls,” she said, “you will be our new prefects. Let’s go to my study and I will fill you in more.”

The girls followed Miss Edwards and were soon seated in a comfortable room. Miss Edwards smiled at them all.
“Gisel Mensch, Lilian Roberts, Gwyneth Jones, Hilda Smith, Jane Thomas, Lorna Wills, Jean Downes, Janet Lee, and Amy West are our full prefects, and Joanna Reay, Alison Grant, Barbara Gow, and Moira Damer you will be our sub prefects.”

The last four named looked at each other in delight, though Alison Grant looked anxious. She had come from the Tanswick Chalet School two terms ago and though had worked extremely hard, still found it difficult to keep up to the level she should be at. She wondered how she would be able to managed prefect duties on top of all her work.

“Who will be the Head Girl?” asked Joanna Reay, who was known throughout the entire school for inquisitiveness, “and Games Prefect.”

Miss Edwards smiled at the group. “Head Girl will be Gisel Mensch and the Second Prefect will be Amy West.”
The two girls beamed with pleasure.

“Congratulations,” said Janet generously. She was the oldest of the group being nearly a year older than everyone else, but poor health seem to hold her back, however, in the past year, she seemed to be making huge strides with her health and was finally outgrowing her childhood tendency to catch every germ and cold going around.

“Game prefect,” continued Miss Edwards, “is Lorna Wills, with Gwyneth Jones as her second.”

“Me!” exclaimed Lorna, “I thought Gwyneth or Gisel would have been Games Prefect, they’re both better at Games than I am.”

“Only at Hockey and Swimming,” put in Gwyneth, “and your heaps more organised than I am.”

“But you’re better at coaching the middles than I am,” murmured Lorna looking stunned,

“And you’re more patient with the juniors,” said Gisel with a grin. “The two of you seem to compliment each other perfectly. My only game is Cricket. I would useless with the rest.”

“And we want you as our Head Girl,” said Miss Edwards, eyes twinkling.

Lorna and Gwyneth looked at each other; neither had had much to do with the other. Gwyneth’s closest friend being Clem Barras whom had gone to Switzerland while Lorna had been all in all with her three closest friends Jean, Hilda and Jane, who were still with her at Carnbach. Miss Edwards wondered how the two girls would work together but knew the girls needed to work that out themselves.

“Now,” she said, “I think it’s time to show you the Prefect’s room and your studies and then I will show you where your dormitories are. You will each have a study to share with one other girl except Gisel and Lorna who will have a study each because of their position in the school. The girls looked at each other in delight. Miss Edwards swiftly led the way pausing briefly to point out the Prefects Room and where they studies were. She then led them up the stairwell to the next floor where the fifth and sixth formers who weren’t dormitory prefects slept.

“The prefects will all share together,” explained Miss Edwards. “There are six in each room. Now I will leave you to it.”
To Lorna’s relief, she and her friends were sharing with Joanna and Moira, while the rest were in the room next door.

“When are we having the Prefects meeting?” asked Joanna before they parted ways.

Gisel looked thoughtful. “Tomorrow after classes is probably best. We have assembly after Abendessen and then I think it’s early bed for most, so how about we say 4.30 in the prefects room and we can sort out duties and jobs everyone is to have. That suit?”

The rest chorused their agreement and they all turned to unpack their trunks by their beds. Gisel, sat on her bed. She knew Mamma and Natalie and probably Gretchen, Jacquetta and Hilda as well would all be pleased for her, but oh it was going to be a difficult term.

Janet stuck her head through the curtain. “Penny for them,” she said cheerfully.

Gisel forced a smile on her face. “It’s not worth that much,” she said ruefully. “I must admit I wasn’t expecting that,” she said. “I honestly thought Lorna or Hilda would be Head Girl.”

Janet shook her head, “you’re friendly with everyone and the middles like and respect you. You’ll do a good job. Not that Lorna and Hilda wouldn’t she added hurriedly.

“I guess,” said Gisel slowly, not really want to talk about it with Janet. She liked her but didn’t know her particularly well, and she wished for a moment her sister Natalie was there.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Dec 20, 2007 5:01 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona - the Prefects will take a little while to settle in but Janet seems to be a nice girl.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:58 am ]
Post subject: 
Janet sounds lovely, and I'm sure Gisel'll be fine once she's settled into the job.
Author:  leahbelle [ Thu Dec 20, 2007 5:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
I think Gisel will made a fine Head Girl once she's got used to the idea.

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
I loved that so natural conversation the prefects were having in front of their Headmistress - and Dollie's crack that Gisel couldn't be Games Prefect as they wanted her for Head Girl. :lol:

Wonder if Janet will turn out to be a good friend to Gisel, despite Gisel's hesitation here.

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Dec 22, 2007 11:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
All the girls at the school were unpacked well before assembly and more than one wanted to explore the school. Josefa and Gretchen were glad to be in the same dorm together, but both were surprised to see Cherry Christy in with them.

“Cherry Christy, what are you doing here!” exclaimed Josefa hurrying up to the girl.

Cherry looked up with a sad smile, “Mummy had an accident over the holidays she explained and I didn’t want to go so far from home with her in Hospital. Dickie is staying home this tem to help care for Blinkie.”

“I’m so sorry,” murmured kind hearted Josefa, while Gretchen smiled at her sympathetically. “That’s rotten luck,” and Josefa said tucking a companionable arm into hers.
“Do you have any idea who our dorm prefect is?” she asked.

“I’m afraid you’re stuck with me,” said Armine Brown smiling at the trio.

“Oh goody,” said Josefa giving a skip of joy.

“Hi Josefa, is Maria Ileana here or did she go to Switzerland?” asked Armine hiding a grin at Josefa’s antics.

“Ria’s here,” said Josefa, “Tante Wanda didn’t want to send Emmie here unless Ria was coming, so she’s here.”

Armine chuckled at Josefa’s use of Ria. Only Josefa could get away with shortening Maria Ileana’s name, anyone else got a polite but firm reply of, ‘my name is Maria Ileana,’ and then a polite and adamant refusal to answer if the shortened version of her name continued.

“Thanks,” was all she said, “I’ll catch up with her later. Now, where is Angela Carter, Rosamund Williams, Lydia Sackett, and Celia James?” Asked Armine, not noticing Josefa and Gretchen’s’ face’s drop at the mention of the last girl. No one like sharing a dorm with Celia James, as Vi Lucy once complained she cries at the drop of a hat and everyone thinks we’ve been bullying her. The four girls mentioned, came out of their cubicles.

“Hi girls,” said Armine smiling pleasantly, “my name is Armine Brown, and I’m you’re dorm prefect. If anyone has any problems, please let me know.”

Armine hurriedly unpacked her case and trunk which had been placed by her bed. She kept an ear for her lambs in case anyone was having any problems, but to her relief, everyone managed to get unpacked with the minimum of fuss and were soon sent to their common room before Abendessen.

Meanwhile, Maria Ileana was finding a very different problem with the First Form, who was all excitedly chattering like magpies and weren’t doing much unpacking, the worst culprits being Lucy Maxwell and Hilda Mensch. They seem to have a third girl drawn into their conversation, which Maria Ileana noticed, looked a little shy and nervous, called Jocelyn. Maria Ileana was kept busy with twin six-year olds called Natalie and Crystal Carr. She also had Clare Kynaston, Astrid Anderson and Gaynor Christy in her dorm and had one of the largest dorms with eight girls in it but no one despite the policy to separate sisters, wanted to separate the twin six year olds so both were allowed to be together for their first year at least.

“Now,” she said at last. “I think that’s your entire trunk done,” she said to the two girls. “How about you sit on the bed and I’ll check on the other girls.”

Natalie Carr, who was shyer than her sister, clutched Maria Ileana’s hand and looked at her beseechingly, “all right, if you want,” she said smiling at the little girl while concealing a sigh of her own.
Crystal stayed where she was gazing at the dorm with wide-eyed wonder, while clutching her teddy bear.

“Lucy and Hilda, you need to talk less and unpacked more,” Maria Ileana said firmly.

Both girls gazed wide eyed at her. “Isn’t this so exciting,” bubbled Lucy giving a little skip and nearly crashing into her trunk. Maria Ileana grabbed her to stop her from falling and opened her mouth to say something. She saw Lucy looking up looking a little scared and upset.

“Lucy,” she said gently, knowing the girl was so excited, she would be in tears by bedtime if she didn’t settle down. “This is Natalie Carr. She’s in Kindergarten this term and this is her very first time at school.”

“It’s mine too,” said Lucy, bubbling up with excitement, “but I’m in First form,” she added importantly.

“Well,” said Maria Ileana kneeling beside her, “Natalie is finished unpacking, so could she help you with yours please?” Lucy gazed at her unsure of what to say. “Natalie, how about you start helping Lucy for me please?” continued Maria Ileana. “Lucy,” she said in undertone when Natalie had walked over to Lucy’s trunk, “I think Natalie is really shy and it would be lovely if you could take her under your wing a little. And if she help’s you unpack then it would be a good way of getting to know each other. Would you do that for me, please?”

Lucy nodded, swelling with importance at the job she had been asked to do and started chattering to Natalie. Maria Ileana looked at them with a sigh and wondered how much faster Lucy would really be.

“That was lovely,” said a voice in her ear and Maria Ileana turned to see Miss Alton the Kindergarten Mistress standing there. “I’m sorry Maria Ileana, but I was held up next door. Who needs help the most?”

“The twins are unpacked and Natalie is helping Lucy unpack. I do need to check on Clare, Astrid, Gaynor, Jocelyn and Hilda,” replied Maria Ileana thinking through the girls in her dorm.

“How about I check on Clare Astrid and Gaynor, while you check on the others?” suggested Miss Alton, “now have you unpacked yourself?”

“I haven’t even started,” said Maria Ileana frankly.

“Then, you do yours,” said Miss Alton firmly, “I think you’ve done well to finish the twins.”

Maria Ileana, hurriedly unpacked to find most her dorm had finished. Astrid and Clare were quiet well behaved girls, who had finished long before the others, while both Jocelyn and Gaynor both seemed to be gazing wide eyed and confusedly at the others.

“Gaynor,” said Maria Ileana gently, “we need to get your trunk unpacked before Abendessen.”

Gaynor nodded and Maria Ileana wondered at the sad confused look in her eyes. She worked with Gaynor encouraging her to get her own things out of the trunk, while she checked the requirement list. “Well done,” Gaynor she said encouragingly.

Gaynor nodded, her bottom lip trembling.

“Is everything all right?” she queried kneeling beside the little girl, while Gaynor burst into tears. Maria Ileana gathered her into her arms and let her cry it out while Jocelyn who was in the bed next door looked like she was about cry in sympathy.
“It’s all right liebling,” she crooned.
“What’s that mean,” sniffed Gaynor valiantly trying to stop crying something which was foreign to her.

Maria Ileana smiled, “it’s German for darling or dear. I live in Austria so I speak German at home. Are you missing home?” she asked delicately.

Gaynor shook her head. “I miss Mummy, she’s in hospital, and I haven’t seen her for ages. They say I’m too little.”

Maria Ileana hugged the little girl to her, “we’ll have to write to her and tell her all about this. I’m sure she would love to know and is thinking about you right now. Now,” said Maria Ileana standing up and holding Gaynor by the hand, “I think it’s time to go to the common room before Abendessen, if that is all right Miss Alton?” asked Maria Ileana.

Miss Alton nodded, with a smile. “I will check on the girls next door,” she said, “but Abendessen will be another half an hour. Would you mind staying with them Maria Ileana please?”

Maria Ileana nodded, though part of her was feeling exhausted by the chattering six and seven year olds and she was longing to catch up with her friends.
“Girls you need to line up in a line, please.”

She march her dorm downstairs to the First form and Kindergarten Common room and was soon joined but the dorm prefect who was in charge of the rest of the first formers.

“Lesceline,” she said in delight looking at her best friend.

Lesceline laughed. “I’m glad you’re here. The girls are so excited.”

“Mine are too,” agreed Maria Ileana. “I hope they settle down soon, I’ve already had a few in tears or close to it. Perhaps we should read to them or play a quiet game to settle them down.”

Leceline sent Lisa Jones, a girl from her dorm to choose a book and Maria Ileana started reading. Many of the girls curled up close to their dormitory prefects and Maria Ileana soon had Natalie in her lap and Gaynor and Jocelyn on either side of her. All too soon the bell went for Abendessen and the girls quietly lined up to go to Abendessen. Lesceline smiled at her friend.

“Peace at last,” she said in an undertone.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Dec 23, 2007 12:29 am ]
Post subject: 
Feel sorry for the Dormitory Prefects - they've got their work cut out looking after a bunch of 6 and 7 year olds when they are only young themselves.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fatima [ Sun Dec 23, 2007 4:27 am ]
Post subject: 
But that was really well done; they're doing an excellent job so far.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:11 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Jenefer [ Sun Dec 23, 2007 10:06 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona, am enjoying this
Author:  leahbelle [ Sun Dec 23, 2007 6:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Fiona. This is a really interesting insight into the workings of the Carnbach branch.
Author:  Sugar [ Sun Dec 23, 2007 8:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona- just caught up on loads of this!
Author:  MaryR [ Mon Dec 24, 2007 11:22 am ]
Post subject: 
That last line said it all! :lol: Poor things are exhausted from all that baby-minding. But how very patient Gisel was!

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Rosalin [ Tue Jan 01, 2008 5:10 pm ]
Post subject: 
Maria Ileana did really well there. Presumably she has experience of lots of younger children at home, but even so it sounds like she'll have a challenging time ahead.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Elbee [ Tue Jan 01, 2008 10:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lovely long posts to read - thanks Fiona!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:48 am ]
Post subject: 
Abendessen was full of excited chatter as friends and acquaintances caught up with each other.

“I’ll let the little dears blow off steam so long as they’re not too noisy” murmured Miss Edwards to Miss Norman, “otherwise there could be trouble later.”

Miss Norman smiled at her friend. She gave Dollie a searching look. “Is everything all right?” she asked concerned.

Miss Edwards shook her head. “I’ll let you know later,” she said quietly.

Miss Norman nodded and turned to answer something her neighbour Miss Carey was saying to her.

Miss Edwards was lost in thought for a moment remembering the interview she had before Abendessen….

Alison Grant knocked on the Head’s study door.

“Come in,” said a pleasant voice.

“Miss Edwards may I see you for a moment?” she asked nervously.

“Certainly Alison,” said Miss Edwards smiling at the girl. “Is everything alright?”

Alison shook her head. “Miss Edwards,” she began desperately, “I don’t think I can be a Prefect. I know it’s a tremendous honour and all and I’m flattered you chose me to be one, but I’ve really struggled with my schoolwork since arriving here and I don’t think I can managed being a Prefect and be able to keep up with the rest of my form. I know I’m only a Sub Prefect but I’ll still need to take prep and I need every minute I have to get my own work done. I’m really sorry, but I don’t think I can manage both.”

“Alison,” broke in Miss Edwards quietly, while Alison fell silent and raised her troubled eyes to her Headmistress.

Miss Edwards gazed at the girl. ‘I wish I knew the older girls better, than I do she thought. ‘What on earth am I to do?’ But gazing at Alison’s face Miss Edwards knew Alison was genuinely concerned about her studies and Miss Edwards could remember clearly what Hilda Annersley had said about the girl. “Alison is a lovely girl who tries hard but her groundwork has always let her down. She does have a quiet steady influence on many of the old Tanswick girls.”

“Alison,” said Miss Edwards at last, “are you really sure you want to do this. Miss Annersley spoke highly of you.”

“I would hate to do a bad job or not be able to do so well at school. I really struggle to keep up with the others,” said Alison bravely.

“Alison, I will be explaining this to the rest of your form but we are planning a few changes,” and Miss Edwards went onto explain about the sets within Va and VIb the mistresses were planning on having. “The forms will be smaller so you have more attention from the mistresses and you will be placed according to ability. Would you reconsider seeing how you go this term and if you still feel the same way then you may step down as Sub Prefect and we will ask another girl to take your place.”

Alison looked down at her hands. All right,” she said with an inward sigh.

“Thank you, Alison,” said Miss Edwards with her own sigh of relief.

Miss Edwards rang the bell at the end of the meal and everyone stopped talking. “Girls, after Abendessen is over you may relax in your common rooms. Kindergarten and Juniors have half an hour before bedtime, while middles have until eight o’clock and Seniors until nine o’clock. The first assembly will take place tomorrow morning when all the day girls arrive. That is all, you may finish up girls.”
Author:  Carys [ Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:57 am ]
Post subject: 
Poor Alison it must have been difficult for her to sum up the courage to say that to Miss Edwards, I hope the prefect duties don't interfere too much with her work.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jan 02, 2008 12:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
It always annoyed me that EBD didn't have any characters called Alison (except Alison Rutherford who hardly featured)! And Enid Blyton just had the O'Sullivan twins' stupid annoying cousin.

Sorry for being completely irrelevant :lol: !
Author:  Fleury [ Wed Jan 02, 2008 2:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
i'm really enjoying this! it's fab. :D
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jan 02, 2008 7:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
Very brave of Alison to admit to that - I think having a trial term is a good idea.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
Gisel hurried after her sister Jacquetta, when her table had been cleared and the girls had left the Dinning Room. Jac, wait up please she called. Jacquetta stopped with a disconsolate look on her face.
“What is it?” she asked, raising a miserable face to her sister.

“Come with me for a sec, please Jac?” asked Gisel slowing down. Jac followed her sister to a small study.

“What room is this?” she asked looking around it with interest.

“The Head Girl’s study,” said Gisel, her lips twitching as she tried not to laugh at the stunned look on Jacquetta’s face.

“Are you Head Girl?” she asked eagerly.

“Afraid so,” said Gisel.

“That wonderful,” said Jacquetta hugging her older sister. “Thanks,” said Gisel gazing at her younger sister affectionately.

She and Natalie had always been close and as they grew older had developed an affinity with their younger sisters. Natalie was close with Gretchen a shy, quiet girl who was always inclined to worry about everyone and everything whereas Gisel understood stubborn and strong willed Jacquetta who had a strong sense of fairness and justice and was extraordinarily patient with her.

“You can’t tell anyone,” warned Gisel. “Miss Edwards will tell everyone at assembly tomorrow. I’ll tell Gretchen and Hilda myself later.”

“All right,” said Jacquetta, making herself comfortable in the small armchair in her sister’s room

Gisel sat on the chair opposite her sister. “How are you settling in?” she asked delicately. “Who’s in your dorm?”

“I’m next to Margot Maynard,” scowled Jacquetta. “At least Emilia is on the other side of me.”

“Jac,” said Gisel gently, “why don’t you like Margot?”

“She thinks she should be allowed to go to Switzerland,” burst out Jacquetta, “and its not fair. No one else was allowed to go unless they were twelve and lots of girls like Emilia should have been, cos Switzerland is closer than England but Margot, Len and Con all get special treatment and it’s not fair.”

Gisel looked at her sister sympathetically. She knew how much Jacquetta had wanted to move to Switzerland and to live closer to family and friends the Mensch’s had in Austria. Despite the school having originally been in Austria, the majority of girls had found learning German hard and most complained bitterly about having to learn the language. Gisel could remember hearing Natalie complain about a number of girls in her form at school namely Dickie Christy and how lonely it could be being the only native-German speaker whereas there was usually a few French speaking girls that stayed close together. Even where they lived there were still a few people in their local village who looked at them askance due the War, something Jacquetta found difficult to deal with at times especially as she had been born in England and knew what her family had suffered during the War; their grandfather Florian Marani had died in a Concentration Camp.

“I know,” she said with a sigh. She straightened up in her chair. “Jac, Margot was separated from her family for a year before the Maynard’s went to Canada and then when she finally comes home again, she separated again. She’s just finding that hard.”

“Then why was Dr Maynard asked to set up the San in Switzerland? Papa could have cos we’re originally from Europe and then the Maynard’s wouldn’t be separated from their children and we’d be closer to our family,” asked Jacquetta.

“I don’t know,” said Gisel with a sigh. “It would make sense, but who could ever understand grown ups.”

“It’s not fair,” said Jacquetta crossly, while Gisel shook herself.

“I know Jac,” she said gently, “but it has happened and Margot will be at this school for the next year and she’s hurting pretty badly about being away from her family again. I know you will be angry and think it’s not fair that she had that chance but, will you please try and not get into any arguments with her about it. Miss Norman said she will leave what happened in Swansea but she can’t do that if you do keep having fights with Margot about it. You don’t want a prefect or mistress sitting with you all the time, do you?”

Jac looked up at sister. A part of her felt sorry for Margot, just as a part of her was also angry with her.

“I’ll try,” she said with a half smile at her sister.

“Thanks, it’ll make my life as Head Girl a lot easier,” teased Gisel with a grin.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:31 pm ]
Post subject: 
I think Gisel will make a very good Head Girl. And can understand Jacquetta's resentment. Margot had better stop complaining quite so much if she wants to have any friends.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
Gisel is doing really well - and it's lovely to see all these "second generation" girls who were neglected by EBD!
Author:  Carys [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 11:04 am ]
Post subject: 
I predict that Gisel will make an excellent Head Girl.
I really enjoy reading this Fiona!
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 3:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
Was very impressed by Alison and do hope she can make a go of being a prefect - and Gisel is just lovely.

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Catherine [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 10:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona.

Gisel is certainly proving her worth. I hope Margot manages to settle and accept her lot.
Author:  leahbelle [ Fri Jan 04, 2008 4:55 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Fiona. I agree that Gisel will make an excellent Head Girl.
Author:  brie [ Wed Jan 09, 2008 11:32 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona.

I'm enjoying this
Author:  Chair [ Wed Jan 09, 2008 4:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Fiona. I have just caught up on this drabble and am enjoying it immensely.
Author:  Rosalin [ Thu Jan 10, 2008 5:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
Gisel seems to understand Jaquetta well, and Margot too. Seems like she's a good choice for Head Girl.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Jools [ Wed Jan 16, 2008 2:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is just so good Fiona. Do Jac and Margot become friends? Can't wait for the next instalment.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 2:18 am ]
Post subject: 
Sorry for taking so long with the updates. I've actually manged to write another 6-7,000 more words so I should be able to post the next few updates more regularly

Meanwhile, Miss Norman had caught up with Margot and was having a similar conversation with her.

“Margot,” she said gravely, “I know you feel it’s unfair that you have to come here, but a lot of other girls are finding it unfair that you even had the chance to go to Switzerland in the first place. Most accepted it because your family were going to be living next door to the school and the founder and owner of the school is your aunt. However, the more you keep complaining how unfair it is that you couldn’t go, the more you will alienate all the girls in form and it will be even more miserable for you if no one wants to be around someone constantly complaining about it.”

“But it’s so unfair the exam was too hard,” burst out Margot angrily.

Miss Norman held up her hand and spoke gently to her seeing that Margot was also close to tears as well and was only speaking as crossly as she was because she didn’t want to break down crying.

“Margot,” she said, “I’m not going to go through that again, but you need to understand we cannot tolerate any arguments like what happened at Swansea and the girls will lose patience fairly quickly if you are constantly complaining about it. It’s up to you, but you can either have a good year here and do well and make friends or you can be miserable.”

Margot unwillingly looked at Miss Norman’s face and saw that Miss Norman’s eyes were kind.

“All right I’ll try,” she said unevenly.

“Good,” said Miss Norman briskly, “and there are compensations,” she teased, “you do get to keep me as your Form Mistress,” and Miss Norman was pleased to see Margot’s mouth twitched into an unwilling smile.
“Margot how about you go wash your face and join the other girls. And Margot,” she added as Margot turned to go, “if you do feel like you’ll burst not talking about it all, my door is always open, you can talk to me you know.”

Margot nodded, “Thanks,” she said gruffly, a lump in her throat.

Miss Norman nodded and smiled at her and walked away hoping what she had said would be enough, but something in her heart was saying she hadn’t heard the last of this.

Miss Norman walked to the Staff Room and collapsed in an armchair. “Ouf I’m so tired,” she said.

Monica Marilliar smiled sympathetically at her. “Problems with Margot?” she asked.

Miss Norman sighed. “I talked to her about what happened at Swansea and Gisel was going to be talking to Jacquetta about so hopefully it will settle down but somehow I don’t think so.”

“What happened?” asked Miss Carey curiously.

“Margot and Jacquetta were having what nearly ended up being a stand up fight about Margot having to come here. Margot was complaining how unfair it was and Jacquetta’s response was that it was unfair she had the chance to go in the first place and the rest didn’t,” explained Ivy Norman.

“Oh no,” groaned Maria Marani who was listening.

Margia Stevens smiled sympathetically at her. “I wouldn’t worry about it; chances are by the end of term the two will be best friends,” said Margia easily.

“I don’t know,” said Maria slowly, “Jac can be pretty stubborn about things and once she made up her mind, it takes a lot for her to change it. In some ways she reminds me of Papa.”

“Well, I think it’s sorted out now,” said Miss Norman briskly,” and hopefully Margot will make friends here and settle down.”

“How are the rest of the forms settling in?” asked Miss Edwards changing the subject.

“Well, our lambs are all unpacked thanks to the dormitory prefects,” said Miss Phipps comfortably.

“And so are ours,” added Miss Stephens. “In fact I think most of the girls are finished. It’s amazing how quick they have all been and I think it helped having all the trunks in the rooms ready to go.”

“Well, I for one will be ready for bed,” said Ivy Norman with a sigh, “and it’s not even the first full day of the term.”

Everyone smiled. “I think it’s all the travelling we’ve done,” said Miss Kennedy. “It’s amazing how tiring it can be,” and the talk soon drifted to other things.
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:21 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona - I do wonder about that exam - was it so hard? Also find myself agreeing with the rest of the girls though - don't think the Maynard triplets should have been singled out in that way.
Author:  Ellen [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 9:27 am ]
Post subject: 
why don't they just go over the exam paper with her?

This is great

Thanks
Author:  Joyce [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 10:19 am ]
Post subject: 
Way back at the beginning Joey tells Margot that Hilda Annersley went over the answers because Margot complained so much that they were hard.

That in itself is special treatment cos I doubt any other girl simply by complaining about it would have the Head go over their exam. Like she doesn't have better things to do!

I think Hilda would have noticed if Margot had been given the wrong exam paper or something that obvious.

I think the truth of the matter is that Margot worked hard all term and then stupidly decided that that was enough and relaxed over the exams.

Deep down she knows this and her continual whining about how hard they were is because she doesn't want to face up to that.

Cheers,
Joyce
Author:  Elbee [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 10:31 am ]
Post subject: 
I thought Miss Norman was lovely there. I hope Margot takes the advice - but somehow I suspect it won't be easy for her!

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 10:45 am ]
Post subject: 
Margot really needs to accept that this is the situation and she needs to make the best of it.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Carys [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 10:52 am ]
Post subject: 
Maybe Margot did too much work for the exam and just burned out.

Great to see more of this Fiona.
Author:  Ellen [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 11:11 am ]
Post subject: 
Joyce wrote:
Way back at the beginning Joey tells Margot that Hilda Annersley went over the answers because Margot complained so much that they were hard.

That in itself is special treatment cos I doubt any other girl simply by complaining about it would have the Head go over their exam. Like she doesn't have better things to do!

I think Hilda would have noticed if Margot had been given the wrong exam paper or something that obvious.

I think the truth of the matter is that Margot worked hard all term and then stupidly decided that that was enough and relaxed over the exams.

Deep down she knows this and her continual whining about how hard they were is because she doesn't want to face up to that.

Cheers,
Joyce


I do wonder though, because it says it seemed as if she hadn't read the questions at all.
Author:  Joyce [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 11:40 am ]
Post subject: 
So there might be a twist that after Margot has settled down in the school, somehow it's discovered that she really was given the wrong exam, she sits the right one which she passes with flying colours and can go to Switzerland.

But she then decides that she likes Carnbach after all and stays till the end of term.

That would be very EBD! :D but I dunno. it just sounds too neat to wrap it up that way.

Lovely to see Joyce Linton's little girl. Jocelyn is mentioned as being very ill and looking after her changed Joyce for the better. But then she vanishes so it's nice to see that she did make it to the Chalet School after all.

Cheers,
Joyce
Author:  brie [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:34 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona.

Lovely, to see some more of this.
Author:  MaryR [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
How lovely and patient Ivy Norman is. At least she got a smile out of Margot, however unwillingly.

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Chair [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Fiona. I hope that things will settle down.
Author:  roversgirl [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
thanks very much for this. am really enjoying it :)
Author:  Angela [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
I love this story as well, it's great to meet up with old friends again.

I always thought it was rank favouritism that the Maynard girls went to Switzerland at such an early age when nobody else could. That started off all the silliness with them being in class with others so much older than they were, until they got into the upper sixth.
Author:  Shander [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 3:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
so lovely to see more of this. You've made my day!
Author:  Chelsea [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 3:31 pm ]
Post subject: 
I never understood the triplets and Switzerland. It is as if EBD wanted to be seen making an exception. She could have just said "no one under form whatever (I cannot remember the form right now)". Since the triplets were in an advanced form for their age, it would have just been them going anyway (or pretty much just them) from the under 12s and the school wouldn't have had to make an exception to the rule for them.

Lovely story and I'm with the "something is wrong with the exam" camp.
Author:  Fatima [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 3:48 pm ]
Post subject: 
Miss Norman was great there; it will be interesting to see what Margot says to her in future and if the subject of the exams comes up again.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 3:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
I didn't understand the point of the exception either. I can certainly understand the idea that parents of very young girls might not have wanted to send them abroad, but it was never made an issue of with people like Amy Stevens and Renee Lecoutier in the early years so why make an issue of it in the Swiss books and complicate matters with the triplets :roll: ?
Author:  JB [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Maybe it was less of an issue in Tyrol when the school was so much smaller with more flexible classes.

It is all over-complicated. Why have so much detail about age restrictions and then, within two terms, younger girls are accepted in the middle of the school year? Doesn't Ailie Russell go to Switzerland then?
Author:  claireM [ Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
Good to get more, thanks.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:19 pm ]
Post subject: 
Gisel woke early the next morning and started a little when she opened her eyes before remembering where she was. She snuggled back down in bed when she saw the time wasn’t even six o’clock, but soon realised she was too wide awake to go back to sleep. With a sigh she rolled over and stared up at the ceiling.
‘I wish I could get up,’ she thought and then gave an inward chuckle realising as a prefect she did have extra privileges and swung her legs around and hurriedly dressed.

“Gisel is that you?” asked a voice quietly. Gisel started.

“Jan?” she asked in a low voice, and Janet stuck her head through the curtains.

“Can’t sleep?” asked Janet.

Gisel shook her head. “I thought I would take a dekko around the gardens, she explained.

“Rather you than me,” said Janet with a grin.

Gisel grinned back and crept downstairs and out the door. She soon made her way to the cricket nets and pulling an old ball from her pocket she marked where the wickets should be and measured with her eyes the place where her balls needed to land. She started bowling and to her disgust her balls started flying in all directions but she managed to get her feelings under control and started bowling more accurately. An old friend of her mother’s Grizel Cochrane had taught her how to play cricket years ago. Miss Cochrane had taught music at the school for years and despite her sharp tongue both Natalie and Gisel had become fond of her. Miss Cochrane had told her the importance of bowling decently and Gisel had become one of the best cricketers in the whole school. In turn Gisel’s own generosity had meant she had passed a lot of that knowledge on to the younger girls, which meant she had gained the trust and liking of many if not all the younger girls.

‘I suppose being Head Girl won’t be too much different to coaching cricket,’ thought Gisel when she finally stopped. ‘I didn’t mind that too much and you have to take the lead and set the tone for the whole team. I know Elfie did for Games last year and Bride did as Head Girl. They didn’t do too badly. I’ll just have to make the best of it. And if worse comes to worse at least Tante Maria is around to talk to if I really get stuck.’

She stopped her musings and grinned at the thought. She stood up and started tossing the ball almost absentmindedly as she made her way back to the dorm.

The waking bell clanged just when she made it back to the dormitory and Gisel hurried to have her morning bath.
Author:  Carys [ Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona, I really like Gisel!
Author:  roversgirl [ Wed Jan 23, 2008 9:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thank you :) I really like her too and I like the way Grizel is portrayed - helping with the games and people becoming fond of her despite her sharpness!



--edited once because of my absymal typing!--
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jan 23, 2008 9:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
I like the way Grizel's portrayed too - she'd probably have been much less sharp if she'd been able to teach the subject of her choice instead of the subject of her dad's choice.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 2:36 am ]
Post subject: 
I've just done a massive catch-up read, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I especially like the way in which so many of the girls who remained very much in the background are given their own presence here. Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:28 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for all the comments and encouragement. I'm glad everyone likes it.

Josefa buried herself deeper under her bed clothes.

“It’s not time to get up yet is it,” she moaned, her voice muffled.

“Afraid so,” said Armine amused, “and you’re first on the list for a bath.

Josefa groaned. “I’ll swap with you, Gretchen, if you like?” she said hopefully. “That way I’ll get five more minutes.”

Armine laughed, “If you don’t get up I’ll yank the covers off,” she threatened, “or bring back a wet sponge.”

Josefa made a face at her and stumbled out of bed while Gretchen silently handed her, her sponge bag before returning to finish stripping her own bed.

“I don’t want to get up,” whined Celia. “It’s too early.”

“It’s time to,” said Armine briskly who in one night had realised Celia was a bit of a complainer and a whiner. She hadn’t failed to notice the looks the girls exchanged, when Celia complained bitterly the night before about the early bed time. Josefa on the other hand was good natured to the extreme so Armine could easily laugh off her dislike of early mornings. Armine turned away after she saw Celia get up with ill grace and start striping her bed. Armine checked her dorm one last time and hurried off for her own cold bath. She only hoped the girls would keep moving while she was gone. She returned to see Celia still dawdling, while the others were all in various stages of getting ready for the day with Gretchen being the quickest. She was waiting for her own bath time having completed everything else. She hurriedly dressed and then turned to Celia.

“Celia you need to keep moving if you want to be ready on time, said Armine.

“It’s too early,” whined Celia. “I don’t see why we should make our own beds. The maids should do it.”

“It’s the rule,” said Armine barely keeping her patience. “Now it’s time for your bath. You’re last with Gretchen.”

“It’s not fair I’m last!” complained Celia. “I don’t like being last.”

“Everyone takes there turn to go last,” explained Armine patiently. “Come on, you don’t want to be late for breakfast. And especially not on the first morning,” she added when Celia made no move.

Celia trudged off slowly after Gretchen. Armine hurried to finish the last of her own duties and was relieved to almost everyone was ready when the bell rang again. Celia was still putting on her shoes.

“Everyone line up,” she directed. “Celia, you need to hurry up,” she said kindly.

Celia burst into tears. “Stop being so mean to me,” she stormed.

Armine looked startled until she heard a calm voice say, “What’s going on here?”

Armine looked up to see Miss Stephens standing in the room. “Celia, you need to stop crying,” said Miss Stephens briskly. “Surely you’re too old to cry at the drop of a hat these days.”

Miss Stephens had taught Celia for the last two years and knew her ways. Now stand in line with the rest and girls start marching off. The girls did as they were told and Miss Stephens gently touched Armine’s arm intimating she wanted to talk to the girl. Armine waited with an inward sigh.

“Armine,” said Miss Stephens kindly, “Celia tends to cry at the drop of a hat so don’t worry about it too much. Keep going the way you are and you will be right. The girls themselves will sort her out.”

“Thanks Miss Stephens,” said Armine feeling relieved.

“Run along then” said Miss Stephens with a twinkle in her eyes. She was right. As soon as the girls reached their common room they turned as one onto Celia.

“What do you mean by starting to howl like that?” demanded Josefa. “Were you trying to get Armine into trouble with Miss Stephens.”

“She was being mean,” said Celia her bottom like trembling.

“She was not!” exclaimed Angela Carter. “All she did was, tell you to keep moving so we wouldn’t be late.”

“She was too,” said Celia the easy tears started to flow.

“For goodness sake don’t be such a waterspout,” said Rosamund turning in disgust. “Aren’t you too old to cry at the drop of a hat? We’re in Upper Fourth now, not Kindergarten.”

Celia’s tears dried up when she saw everyone looking at her in disgust; even her own friend Lydia Sackett and she turned and walked away.

“Where’s Doris?” asked Josefa looking around. “I thought she would be here.”

“She’s been promoted to Vb,” said Cherry gloomily. “She was top with Mary Lou last term and she was one of the oldest in the form so she’s been promoted.” Cherry gave a sudden grin. “I don’t think she’s too happy about it cos Anne Gordon and Marion Tovey have gone up too.”

“Thank goodness we don’t have them with us this term,” said Josefa fervently. “Anne’s not too bad but Marion…”

It was safe to say Marion Tovey hadn’t endeared herself to any of the girls in IVa in the two terms she had been at the Chalet School which was partially the reason Miss Annersley had recommended Miss Edwards promote her.

“She might stand a chance of making friends in another form,” said Miss Annersley. “I think after all the problems she caused in her first term have made such an impression on the girls, that although they’re polite and not actively rude, none of them are actually friends with her. She’s sinned too much against their code and she’s a good year older than most of them.”

Miss Edwards agreed reluctantly for Marion’s work was no where near at Fifth Form level which would mean intense coaching on the part of the Mistresses.

“Poor Doris though,” put in Anne Carter. “It’s hard lines being promoted with them and she’s on her own.” And the others agreed.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:59 am ]
Post subject: 
Nice to see Doris again too - I don't know why EBD decided to leave her behind!
Author:  roversgirl [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 11:29 am ]
Post subject: 
Thank you! :) Yes - nice to see Doris getting a role. I do feel slightly sorry for Marion - a bit like Joan really. also nice to see Celia James in full flow :lol:
Author:  brie [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 12:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 12:32 pm ]
Post subject: 
Good to see those EBD left behind and forgot.
Author:  Chair [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 12:43 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Fiona. It's nice to see Doris. I sympathise with Celia - I still struggle to get up in the mornings!
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 12:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
No easy life being a dorm prefect, is it? :lol:

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Angela [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
This story just gets better & better

:D :D :D
Author:  Elbee [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 4:19 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm so enjoying this, thanks Fiona.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 4:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thank you, Fiona!
Author:  leahbelle [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 5:02 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is great. Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Jenefer [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 5:45 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona This is great
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 9:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
Don't you want to shake Celia? And what a snob - 'the maids should do it' - hope she's well and truly sat upon.

Gisel is lovely though - and also liked seeing another side of Grizel.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 6:00 am ]
Post subject: 
“I’m exhausted,” said Maria Ileana dropping into her chair at the breakfast table.

“It’s not that bad,” said Lesceline laughingly.

“I wouldn’t be too sure about that,” said Maria Ileana darkly. “They kept chattering like magpies and wouldn’t get ready.”

“At least they didn’t start crying over nothing,” said Armine feelingly, still annoyed at Celia antics.

“No-o,” said Maria Ileana thoughtfully, “but if they don’t settle down they will be in tears by bedtime.”

“Hopefully that will be a mistresses problem,” said Lesceline soothingly.

“Don’t talk to me about dormitories,” said another voice.

“How bad is it, Jen?” asked Lesceline teasingly.

Jen Penrose made a face. “I don’t know whose idea it was to put me in charge of the Lower Third girls,” she said feelingly.

“Neither do we,” teased Di Vedin sitting across from her, “they’re likely in the nearest loony bin.”

“Thank you very much,” said Jen pulling a face and giving an unwilling smile at the chuckles that went around the table.

Two terms ago another school had joined forces with the Chalet School and despite difficulties between the two schools it did cause one unexpected benefit; many of the older girls whom had been against the government of the school had started to stand up and defend the school against the newcomers, who didn’t always agree with the traditions of the school. Jennifer Penrose and her coterie were one such group who had been pulled more firmly into the school.

“I’m just glad I wasn’t made Dormitory Prefect,” said Lara Wylie lazily.

“I think the Head would have more sense,” said Di scathingly.

Lara chuckled annoyingly.

“Where’s Zoe?” asked Armine curiously, “I haven’t seen her.”

“She wanted to go to Switzerland,” explained Lara, “and Dad said as she had been doing better with her school work, she could go.”

“You didn’t want to go?” asked someone else.

Lara shook her head. “I’ve no desire to travel,” she said frankly, “and most my friends are still here and I don’t particularly want to leave them.”

Lesceline nodded. “I can understand that, though you must miss Zoe.”

Lara nodded without saying anything for that had been a sore point between the twins when Zoe had decided she wanted to go to Switzerland and Lara decided she wanted to stay. Although neither girl had said much to the other, neither had liked the idea of separating. They had grown up side by side sharing the same group of friends throughout their school career, however, Zoe had started to grow away from their friends and Lara almost without realising it had resented Zoe for growing apart from her.

“I wonder who will be Head Girl this term?” asked Armine changing the subject. “Does anyone have any ideas?”
That certainly perked everyone on the table’s interest.

“I would say most of VIa will be Prefects,” said Jennifer consideringly. “We usually have at least twelve prefects and there is only nine in the form and can’t see how they could leave anyone out from being a prefect. Do you?”

Maria Ileana shook her head “And we still have over two hundred or so girls,” she answered, “so there is a good chance some of the girls in VIb will be prefects.”

“I wonder who they picked,” said Di scrutinising the girls on the table opposite her.

“Di!” exclaimed Lesceline, “you can’t stare at them like that.”

Di grinned with usual insouciance. “Joanna Reay would have to be one,” she said easily. “She’s slated for Games Prefect next year. “I don’t know who they’ll pick this year cos none of them are all-rounders.”

“Gisel, maybe?” said Lesceline doubtfully. “She’s good at cricket. Lorna Wills is the best at Tennis and Lacrosse.”

“And Gwynneth Jones is the best at Hockey and Swimming,” interjected Armine, whose own games were Cricket and Lacrosse.

Miss Edwards rang the small bell at her table. “Girls,” she said pleasantly, “you will be dismissed shortly to finish off your dormitory duties and then we will have our assembly. You have five minutes to finish off and then you’re dismissed.”

The chatter subsided to a dull roar. The girls soon finished breakfast and hurried through their dormitory duties. Armine didn’t have any further trouble with Celia though the girl looked sulky, which Armine ignored.
Author:  roversgirl [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 7:22 am ]
Post subject: 
thank you! :)
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:02 am ]
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Thanks Fiona :D .
Author:  claireM [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:56 am ]
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Lovely thankyou, nice to see Jennifer co and integrating into the school more.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:23 am ]
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How strange twins separating - wonder if that will be a cause for resentment?


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote:
How strange twins separating - wonder if that will be a cause for resentment?


Thanks Fiona.


I mainly did it because the Wylie twins are mentioned in The Wrong Chalet School but only Zoe is talked about later in Switzerland, so to fit there being twins I thought I would have one stay at Carnbach. I know my older twin brothers went to seperate high schools, by choice and thought it was conceivable Zoe and her twin (who is nameless in the book) may want to go to seperate branches of the school. So I have Zoe being more adventurous going to Switzerland and Lara more of a homebody and staying on with her friends
Author:  Angela [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 6:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
Wasn't it Zoe Wylie who in one book was given the weaving loom by an aunt as a present to her 'only niece' despite of course the previous mention of the Wylie twins?

She used to produce scarves for the Sales.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
Glad Jennifer and her crew has made good. thanks for the update.
Author:  MaryR [ Sun Jan 27, 2008 4:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lovely, Fiona. :D Thank you.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:32 am ]
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I didn't realise that Angela, that Zoe Wylie in Switzerland was described as the only niece! I guess its conceivable she's a completely different Wylie altogether. :lol: Anyway thanks for all the coments, here's some more.

Armine led her dormitory to the Hall and arrived at the same time as Maria Ileana did with her group.

“Now sit quietly,” she heard Maria Ileana instruct her group, “you don’t want to get in trouble with Miss Edwards for being to noisy on your first day.”

Armine hid a grin, which Maria Ileana saw as soon as she turned to join the other fifth formers.

“Will you stop laughing at me,” she said plaintively.

Armine’s grin broadened. “I can’t help it,” she said. “You have those girls eating out of the palm of your hand. Look at the way they all watch you.”

“Idiot,” said Maria Ileana.

“Now be careful, Maria Ileana,” said Armine mock seriously, “you don’t want to get into trouble on your first day.”

Maria Ileana laughed. “Yes teacher,” she said meekly.

The pair sat down and gossiped with friends. Miss Edwards entered with the rest of the mistresses wearing their MA gowns. She stood at the lectern, while the rest of the mistresses sat behind her.

Miss Edwards smiled down at the school though she did feel unaccountably nervous facing the entire school, not just the Juniors.
“I would like to welcome you all back to the Chalet School,” she said her voice ringing out.
“This is the first term of the Carnbach branch of the Chalet School. Our school may be divided but we will still remain the Chalet School and I am sure you will all help to maintain the standards and traditions of the Chalet School.”
“For many of you, you had to say good-bye temporarily to your friends as they have left to forge a new branch in Switzerland, however I’m sure you will remain in touch with them and that your friendship is stronger then the miles that separate you. It is always hard to say good bye to old friends but I am sure you will make new friendships with those of us of the Carnbach branch.”
“Having some of the school leave for Switzerland has meant we have lost a number of our old mistresses. We have fortunately had a number of new mistresses to replace them.”

Miss Edwards introduced each of the new mistresses and Gisel looked with interest at Miss Stevens the Piano Mistress.

‘If only Nat were here,’ she thought fleetingly. She saw her Tante Maria smile at small Hilda Mensch in the front row when she was introduced.

“Now, I would like to announce how prefects beginning with the Form Prefects,” announced Miss Edwards.
“Kindergarten is Kathleen Marlow,” said Miss Edwards flashing a smile at the tinnies in the front, while Kathleen walked proudly to the lectern.
“First Form is Gaynor Christy,” and Gaynor stumbled looking stunned to the front to collect her badge. Miss Edwards smiled at her reassuringly and pinned on her badge, while her older sister Cherry looked proudly at her, mouthing the words well done when Gaynor staring blindly out into the audience caught her eye. She ducked her head in embarrassment and scurried back to her seat. Maria Ileana smiled encouragingly at her and made a mental note to congratulate her after the assembly.
‘Gaynor could probably do with some encouragement,’ she thought compassionately.
“Form IIb is Lesley McDonald,” and Miss Edwards continued to read out the names. “Upper IIIa is Eloise Dafflon.”
Maria Ileana smiled proudly at her young cousin when Josefa’s name was read out for Upper IVa, though she was stunned when her own was read out for Va. She never expected to be Form Prefect. She smiled when she realised the loudest clapping came from where her dormitory sat and flashed them a warm smile despite her embarrassment.

“Now,” said Miss Edwards when she had read out the last Form prefects name and Gillian Moggeridge sat down again, looking slightly disappointed she hadn’t been made a school prefect but was a Form Prefect instead.
“It is time to read out the Prefects we have chosen. Will each of you please step forward when I read your name.
Moira Damer,
Jean Downes,
Barbara Gow,
Alison Grant,
Gwyneth Jones,
Janet Lee,
Joanna Reay,
Lilian Roberts,
Hilda Smith,
Jane Thomas,
Amy West,
Lorna Wills. Lorna will be our Game Prefect and finally
Gisel Mensch has been chosen to be our Head Girl.”
Gisel walked forward looking embarrassed at the cheering and clapping for she was more popular than she ever realised.

“Thank you Miss Edwards,” she murmured when she received her badge.

“I’m sure you will make us proud Gisel,” smiled Miss Edwards.

“Thank you everyone,” said Gisel bravely facing the school, “I will do my best.”
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:47 am ]
Post subject: 
Very interesting dynamics there.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:44 am ]
Post subject: 
Nice to see the Christy girls.
Author:  Elbee [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:44 am ]
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Lovely long post with lots of detail - perfect!

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  MaryR [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:37 pm ]
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Maria Elena is so loving, watching to see who might need a quiet word. And Dorothy Edwards does well despite her understandable nerves.

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lovely! thanks, Fiona.
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
thanks for such a detailed update.
Author:  brie [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 3:02 am ]
Post subject: 
Miss Edwards soon dismissed the girls after that.

“Congratulations Gisel, Tante Gisela and Onkle Gottfried will be so proud,” said Maria Ileana going up to her friend as the girls streamed out of the Hall, while Josefa bounded over.

“I’m so glad you’re Head girl,” she bubbled, giving Gisel a quick hug,

“So am I,” said Gretchen quietly, giving her sister a shy grin.

“Thanks,” said Gisel slightly ruefully. “I must admit I wasn’t quite expecting it and well done yourselves Jo and Maria Ileana for being Form Prefects.”

“Thank you,” said Maria Ileana smiling. “I can hardly believe it. Mama will be so pleased.”

“Gisel, I can’t believe you’re Head Girl,” shrieked Hilda Mensch running over to her older sister for although Gisel had managed to tell Jacquetta and Gretchen she would be Head Girl, she wasn’t able to tell Hilda as she had already been in bed.
“It’s so exciting.”

Gisel laughed at her enthusiasm. “It won’t be so exciting if you play up and I start giving you lines and things,” she teased.

“You wouldn’t be so mean,” said Hilda severely to her sister and Gisel laughed.

“Congratulations for making Form Prefect, Gaynor,” said Maria Ileana smiling down at the small girl.

“I wish I could tell Mummy,” said Gaynor starting to look tearful.

Maria Ileana knelt down. “I know,” she said kindly. “You can write to her and if you like I’ll write to her too and tell how lucky I am having you in my dormitory and what a big help you are.”

“Really,” said Gaynor starting to smile. “You’d really write to Mummy.”

Maria Ileana nodded, “Of course,” she said, giving the small girl a hug.

Gisel had to smile. Maria Ileana had a way with small girls. Most were attracted to her fairy tale looks-for she was the image of her Mother but she was so gentle and kind with them, that they soon became her devoted slaves.

“Isn’t it so exciting,” bubbled Lucy skipping beside them while clutching onto Jocelyn’s hand.

“It is,” said Gisel smiling at her bubbly enthusiasm. “Now Hilda, I think you and your friends,” and Gisel looked inquiringly at the two.

“This is Lucy and this is Jocelyn,” introduced Hilda hurriedly.

“Alright Lucy and Jocelyn, I think the four of you need to go to class, the bell is about to go, said Gisel.

Hilda squealed with horror and snatching Gaynor’s hand started to rush off, with Lucy and Jocelyn close behind, leaving Gisel and Maria Ileana smiling after them.


The first day went off with a swing. New books were given out with the usual warnings to be careful of them. Most girls loved the excitement of the first few days before the routine set in. All the mistresses set a short amount of homework for the girls to prepare for when classes started in earnest for the following Monday. Each of the mistresses eyed their pupils with curiosity, especially Lorna Carey Form Mistress of Va and Sami Kennedy Form Mistress of VIb. Both women kept their thoughts to themselves as they tried to assess their forms. Miss Kennedy kept a close eye on Alison Grant at Miss Edward’s request.

“Alison is nervous about being able to combine her studies with her Prefect duties,” explained Miss Edwards, “so I would appreciate it if you could keep an eye on her and give her any encouragement or help as she needs.”

Miss Kennedy acquiesced and so kept a friendly eye on her. She found on the whole most of the girls seemed interested in their school work though one or two notably Pamela Moreton and Eileen Smithers, frankly looked slightly scornful at the interest the others showed and Eileen didn’t even pretend to work. Miss Kennedy wondered why her parents sent the eighteen year old to school if she really wasn’t interested. She noticed Iris Drew and Sylvia Peacock were inclined to giggle, on the whole she thought her form wouldn’t be too bad. She only hoped Eileen and Pamela would start working harder when teaching began in real earnest.


“Well, it’s certainly been a busy day,” said Dollie Edwards to her long time friends Ivy Norman and May Phipps, when the three of them were relaxing in the Heads study. They had all taught at the school in Austria and had remained friends over the years.

“Well Margot settled down today,” said Ivy thankfully. “I was half expecting ructions today with her and Jacquetta, but Jacquetta seemed to be making a conscious effort to be nice to her and Margot was fairly quiet today though she still doesn’t look happy.”

“She’ll settle down,” said May comfortably. “It’s partly the shock of being separated again but she will soon make friends.”

“I hope so,” said Ivy looking worried.

“Stop worrying, Ivy,” advised May smiling, “there is nothing you can do about it until she gets upset again and hopefully her little playmates will sort out any complaints from her.”

“I hope so,” murmured Ivy not looking entirely convinced.

“You should try my form,” suggested May smiling as though at some joke. “I’ve never seen a group of girls so excited about being here.”

“What do you mean?” asked Dollie interested.

“Little Lucy Maxwell,” answered May, “was so excited that I think she had infected the rest of the form. She’s excited about being here, thinks it’s exciting Gaynor is Form Prefect, that her family had come here and she’s the first in the next generation to come, the list goes on.”

“Who’s her family?” asked Ivy curiously.

“Monica Marilliar is her cousin,” answered Dollie. Her mother Alixe MacNab and her two aunts Mollie and Vicky were all pupils here when we were at Armsford. Monica is actually their cousin. Alixe, Vicky and Mollie grew up in Kenya. Vicky and Alixe were sent to live with their Uncle-Monica’s father-for their education. Their parents died and the younger ones were all sent to join them. Lucy is Alixe’s oldest.”
Dollie gave a chuckle. “I remember Alixe was such a quiet, shy little thing. Lucy must take after her Aunt Mollie. Mollie MacNab was bubbly, friendly child too.”
Author:  Miss Di [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 3:11 am ]
Post subject: 
I am enjoying this Fiona - thank goodness Margot seems to have taken a chill pill at last. Thanks for the last few updates.
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 5:20 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona - will be interesting to see how they all settle down.
Author:  Sugar [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 7:38 am ]
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Thanks Fiona. Wonder how long it willbe before Ivy twigs about the young Jocelynn
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 7:48 am ]
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Hope Jocelyn is better behaved than Joyce was!
Author:  Chair [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 2:19 pm ]
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Thanks, Fiona. It's nice to see a lot of them so happy.
Author:  roversgirl [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 4:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
thank you very much :)
Author:  Carys [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 7:56 pm ]
Post subject: 
I've just caught up on loads of updates of this Fiona! Have muchly enjoyed reading it! :D
Author:  MaryR [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:35 pm ]
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That was lovely, Fiona. The elder girls are so caring and loving - and the little ones so bouncy and bubbly. I could see them and wanted to hug them. :oops:

Thank you.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Jan 30, 2008 7:10 am ]
Post subject: 
Just a small update as I'm about to head of night shift :lol:

Meanwhile, the prefects were having their first meeting and more than one of them were feeling conscious of their new position in the school. Gisel sat at the head of the table with Amy West as Second Prefect on her right and Lorna Wills as Games Prefect on her left.

“Welcome to the first Prefects meeting,” started Gisel nervously. “We don’t have any minutes to read from the last meeting as the book went to Switzerland. So I think the first order of business is to vote for jobs such as Library and hobbies and so on, unless anyone has a particular job they would really like to do?” inquired Gisel looking around.

Nobody said anything, for truth be told everyone was feeling a little shy and uncomfortable in their new positions.
“Gwyneth is Second Games Prefect so she out of the running for anything.”

Everyone had notebooks handy and voted fairly easily on the whole. Amy and Lorna acted as tellers and added up the votes.

“Well that went well,” said Amy thankfully. “Everyone seems fairly unanimous on who has what job. Here you are Gisel.”

“Thanks,” said Gisel taking the list. “All right,” she said, “Hilda your Library Prefect. You will need to ask someone from lower sixth to help you but you’re in charge of the whole library.”

“I’m glad,” said Hilda thankfully, “that’s right up my ally.”
She was a literary girl who loved to read and had felt slightly anxious she would be asked to take on Music as she was one of the few girls who took music in the sixth, but books had always been her first love.

Lorna smiled at her. “You did run a close second for Music Pre,” she said.

“It wouldn’t have been too bad,” said Hilda slowly, “especially as Miss Stevens is in charge of Music this year.”

Gisel grinned, “Natalie couldn’t stop talking about it ever since we found out Miss Stevens would be teaching here,” she said.

Moira Damer, the only other girl to learn music looked up. “I can’t believe they managed to get someone like her to teach us,” she said seriously. “Dad took me to one of her concerts last year and she’s amazing.”

“She went to school here,” explained Gisel. “She was one of the first pupils of the school. She was a friend of my Tante Maria’s and the new Art Mistress, Mrs Martin, while she was at school. I think Tante Maria said she was looking forward to take a break from playing.”

“Who was Mrs Martin?” asked Joanna Reay curiously.

“Anne Seymour I think,” answered Gisel with a knitted brow. “I think Tante Maria said she was Games Prefect the year after Mrs Maynard was Head Girl. I know she was at the school in Tirol anyway.”

Joanna nodded.

“Anyway, getting back to prefect duties, Moira,” continued Gisel, “your Music Prefect which means seeing to Miss Stevens and Fraulein Linders for Singing.”
Moira nodded pleased, she didn’t think she had a chance of getting that job and was thrilled to be so close to Margia Stevens the pianist. Although she wasn’t a brilliant pianist nonetheless she had a real love for music and played the piano reasonably well.
Author:  roversgirl [ Wed Jan 30, 2008 7:32 am ]
Post subject: 
thanks so much - how nice that margia's going to be there for a while :)
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jan 30, 2008 7:50 am ]
Post subject: 
Looking forward to seeing how all these people manage as teachers.
Author:  Elbee [ Wed Jan 30, 2008 8:35 am ]
Post subject: 
I just love all the references to old familiar names! It's as if I've gone back to peep at my own old school :D

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jan 30, 2008 8:55 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona - good to see so many familiar names.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Jan 30, 2008 11:20 am ]
Post subject: 
It will be good to catch up on mistresses and girls who dropped out of sight.
Hope the night shift went smoothly.
Author:  MaryR [ Wed Jan 30, 2008 2:39 pm ]
Post subject: 
Gisel seems to be adapting well to her duties.

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 7:07 am ]
Post subject: 
“Jane, you’re in charge of Stationary, which basically means making sure each form has enough supplies and dealing with anything extra that’s special,” explained Gisel. “Fortunately everyone has all their new supples today so it shouldn’t cause too many problems.”
“Can do,” nodded Jane. She was a methodical, organised creature who was academically inclined and relieved she wasn’t given hobbies or something creative. As she was wont to say mournfully to her friends, she didn’t have an artistic bone in her body.
“Magazine is Jeanie,” continued Gisel. Shy, quiet Jeanie Downes, was a favourite with everyone, who despite her quietness had a stubborn streak and would stand her ground simply by passively refusing to do anything else. She exerted a positive influence over the other girls simply by being the person she was. Every one found themselves being better people when they were around her, usually without realising it.
“Hobbies Prefect is Lilias Robertson,” continued Gisel. Lilias nodded. She was a quiet friendly girl and a favourite with everyone.

“Janet, you’re Art Pre.”
Janet breathed a gusty sigh of relief, “thank goodness I don’t have to deal with Herr Laubach,” she said. And everyone laughed
“Everyone’s hated that job because of him,” murmured Lilias to her neighbour Alison, while Alison nodded.
“I dreaded Art because of him,” she agreed.
Janet was a lonely girl, older than most of the others. She had spent a good portion of her school life in the San. As a result she had spent a lot of her free time sketching caricatures or drawing, it being the only activity she could do in bed, other than reading and as she said once, reading got very boring very quickly if that was all you were allowed to do. She had finally outgrown her childhood delicacy and was hoping to finally make some close friends instead of always feeling permanently on the outskirts of the groups of friends.

“Barbara Gow has the Juniors and Alison is Staff. That just means doing odd jobs for the staff and they’re usually pretty good about not taking up too much of your time Alison,” said Gisel looking over at the two Sub Prefects
“Good,” said Alison thankfully.
“What do you do as Junior Prefect?” asked Barbara curiously.
“I think its giving the mistresses a hand when they need it for the Kinders and Firsts. They usually have a mistress with them at all times, so you’ll be called if she needs a hand or if she needs relieving or things done if she can’t leave them. Anne Webster had the job last year and I think that’s all she did,” said Gisel trying to remember exactly what the job entailed.
“That doesn’t sound too hard then,” answered Barbara, “and most of the Juniors are pretty good at that age.”
Gisel started to grin. “I think the First Form is enamoured with Maria Ileana. She is their Dormitory Prefect and she has them eating out of her hand.”
“So if I get stuck then I call her,” asked Barbara with a chuckle. “Poor Maria Ileana; she always seems to have a gaggle of little girls following after her.”
“She does,” observed Jane Thomas, “or she has ever since I’ve known her.”
“I know Emilia and Jac and their crowd always did,” said Gisel, “but then Emilia adores Maria Ileana. Jac never follows me or Natalie in quite the same way.”
“Who can understand younger sisters,” said Lilias with a grin. “I know I never did that with my older sisters and they would have hated it too.”
“Maria Ileana doesn’t seem to mind,” said Gisel cheerfully. “Now have we said everyone?”

“Joanna hasn’t been given any particular job,” answered Amy.
“Poor you,” teased Gisel. “I guess that means you get to help everyone and be the general dogsbody.”
Joanna made a face at the Head Girl. “No thanks,” she retorted. “I’d rather know what I’m meant to be doing.”
“She could help me with hobbies,” said Lilias consideringly. “I can do needlework and all that sort of thing, whereas Jo can see to woodworking and fretwork and that kind of thing. Is that alright Jo?”
Joanna nodded. “Not a problem,” she said easily, “I like that idea better than Gisel’s.” “Good,” answered Gisel with a grin.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 7:47 am ]
Post subject: 
It's so good to see the other branch of the school - it just got totally ignored in the books.
Author:  brie [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 9:55 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona i'm really enjoying this
Author:  Carys [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 11:09 am ]
Post subject: 
All the prefects sound really nice!
Author:  Billie [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 11:16 am ]
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Seems a bit odd for the Art Prefect job not to be absolutely dreaded, but of course Herr Laubach can't be in two places at once.
Author:  roversgirl [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 11:29 am ]
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Thank you so much - am really enjoying this :)
Author:  Chair [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 1:56 pm ]
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Thanks, Fiona. It's nice to see the prefects together and I hope that Janet can make some close friends.
Author:  Jenefer [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 4:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Fiona I am enjoying this
Author:  MaryR [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 4:52 pm ]
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I'm with Joanna - it's horrid being general dogsbody. :lol: God for her for sticking up for herself. They all seem to get on well.

Thanks, Fiona
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 8:45 pm ]
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There's a real sense of teamwork here, isn't there?


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 11:40 am ]
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“Now it’s time to sort out Prep duties. We need to take Prep for Upper Second though to Upper Fourth, so that works out to be seven forms. There are thirteen of us so it does mean three of us will need to take Prep four times not three like the rest. I thought Lorna, Amy and I could do that,” said Gisel hesitantly.
“Is that really fair,” objected Janet, “the three of you will be busier than the rest of us; surely Jane, Jean, Lilias, Hilda, Gwyneth and I could share it between us.”
Gisel raised an eyebrow as the five other girls looked at each other.
“I don’t see why not,” said Lilias at last. “It means we take four preps every other week and we could make sure we have an easier form on the fourth night so we have a chance to get our own work done.”
The others nodded their agreement.
“All right then,” said Gisel amicably, “but if anyone has any problems with it please see me. I would hate for someone to be struggling to get their own work done.”
Everyone murmured their agreement as Gisel moved onto break duty and other jobs. “Well that’s everything I think,” said Gisel with a sigh when the finally had the roster to suit everyone.

“When are tryouts for the teams Lorna?” She asked turning to her.
Lorna glanced at Gwyneth sitting across from her next to Amy.
“We were thinking Saturday,” she said slowly. “We should have the list of what the game the girls want to play be it Lacrosse or Hockey or Netball and the younger girls will mainly be playing Netball or rounders.”
“Gwynnie and I decided she would be Hockey Captain and I would captain Lacrosse. We thought Joanna would be Netball Captain as she really is the best all rounder. What do you think Jo?” asked Lorna turning to Joanna.
Joanna nodded looking pleased. “I’d love to,” she said simply.
“What about the Seconds?” asked Gisel.
“I’m not sure,” replied Lorna. “I thought we could have try outs on Saturday and take it from there. Moira is the best Netballer after Joanna, so she will likely be Sub Prefect for Netball and step up if Joanna is playing Hockey, but I can’t decide between Sarah Lomax or Nesta Tudor for Lacrosse but Di Vedin is the best hockey player after Gwyn but she is only in Va and I wondered if that was quite fair to the other sixth formers?”
Gisel looked thoughtful.
“I can’t see why not broke in Lilian. The Sixth Forms aren’t very large so we don’t have as many to choose from and I don’t think the others are as keen. Gillian isn’t particularly athletic and Tennis is Susan Danglish’s game, Winifred can’t play sports because of her back and Iris, Sylvia, Eileen and Pamela are frankly not interested. You couldn’t rely on any of them.”
“Try it and see,” suggested Gisel. “Gwynnie is Hockey Prefect and it’ll be unusual is Di is left running the practice. Usually the second is only needed if the team prefect is away playing another sport and then they step into the breach otherwise they usually give the Prefect a hand.”
“True,” agreed Lorna. “I would really prefer to have her because she is good at Hockey and Games in general.”
“What about Nesta for Lacrosse, because Sarah is the best for Cricket after Gisel?” suggested Gwyneth. “Gisel may not really have the time to do that being Head Girl and even if she does it means she gets to have a break from being in charge but can still be there as a sounding board if Sarah needs to and then it means both Nesta and Sarah get a chance at taking on being Sub Prefect for that Game.
Lorna looked relieved. “That’s an idea,” she said.

The girls soon sorted out practice times to suit themselves and were glad to have everything done before the bell went for Abendessen
“Well that went well,” said Amy when she, Janet and Gisel were the only ones left behind.
“It did,” said Janet thoughtfully, “but did you notice Gwynnie was sitting opposite Lorna not next to her like she should have been, instead Lorna, Hilda, Jane and Jeanie were all sitting together.”
“What’s wrong with that?” asked Amy surprised. “Those four have always done everything together.”
“That could be a problem,” said Janet slowly. “Lorna needs to start working with Gwynnie not Hilda or Jane or Jeanie so much.”
Amy and Gisel looked at Janet quizzically.
“I don’t think it’ll be a problem,” declared Amy. “I can’t see Lorna causing any problems. I think you’re worrying over nothing.”
“You’re probably right,” said Janet relaxing, “I think everyone is feeling a bit nervous as we’re all new at this.”
“I still think there could be problems,” said Janet to Gisel after Amy left the room, “don’t you?”
“I don’t know,” said Gisel honestly, “do you really think Lorna will go to her friends over Gwynnie. She seemed to work with her today.”
Janet nodded. “I don’t think Lorna has a strong personality to manage some of those middles, whereas Gwynnie is popular with them and I think is Lorna is nervous or struggles with it she’ll turn to her friends not Gwyn.”
Gisel gazed at Janet, wishing she knew her better and wondering if Janet was worrying over nothing.
“None of us have ever done this before or been leaders in the school,” she said at last.
“I know,” agreed Janet, “but some of us can be when pushed and I don’t think or know if Lorna is that kind of person.”
Gisel looked at her thoughtfully, “I had no idea you were so far seeing as all that,” she observed.
Janet grinned. “I spent most of my years at school being sick and it’s hard to make close friends, when you’re always in the San, but it does mean you tend to watch people,” she said wistfully. “Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think so somehow.”
That wistful note touched Gisel and she linked arms with Janet.
“I guess it’ll be up to us to support her,” she said with a friendly grin which Janet returned and the subject was dropped for the time being
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 11:56 am ]
Post subject: 
Gisel is lovely.
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Good to see that Janet is trying to make friends and is awake to the interactions of the others.

Thank you
Author:  leahbelle [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:10 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  roversgirl [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:35 pm ]
Post subject: 
thank you :)
Author:  Elbee [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 4:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
Gisel seems very wise and I like Janet there too.

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 6:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona - Janet is very perceptive, isn't she?
Author:  Carys [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 8:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona, it seems that Janet is rivalling Jo in the perception stakes!
Author:  MaryR [ Sat Feb 02, 2008 8:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lovely interaction there, and Janet is very wise - which will help Gisel.

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Chair [ Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Fiona. I hope that Lorna and Gwynnie can work together.
Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Feb 04, 2008 7:10 pm ]
Post subject: 
Good to see how they're all getting started.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Feb 05, 2008 1:06 am ]
Post subject: 
Interesting to see the way in which they are all interacting, and just how perceptive Janet is. And that point about them never having been lin positions of leadership before is quite true - the girls who stayed at Carnbach do seem to have been less prominent, although clearly no less capable!
Author:  crystaltips [ Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:47 pm ]
Post subject: 
I discovered this site this evening & have just read all 19 pages here.
I am stunned, gobsmacked!
Fiona, this is fantastic. I can't begin to imagine how you do it but I hope that you continue soon. Thank you. :lol:
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:37 am ]
Post subject: 
Sorry it's been awhile. Not too sure about this next bit but here goes

Lorna woke early Saturday morning feeling nervous. Her thoughts travelled through all she hoped to get done that day. She and Gwyneth had the job of organising, with Miss Marilliar’s help, all the school teams. She knew she didn’t have to have it set in stone today but she also knew she wanted to have the bulk of it decided by the end of the day. It was a nerve wracking job and made even worse because Lorna was a quiet creature on the whole and preferred to stay in the background. She sighed. Part of her felt honoured to be given the position and an even bigger part of her felt overwhelmed by the job. She rolled over wishing the morning bell would ring so she could talk with her friends. She, Hilda, Jane and Jean had been friends from the word go when all four had been new girls back in Upper Third. They had always done everything together. None of them were particularly brilliant or shone at anything but that had never mattered to the girls. Lorna was stunned and not entirely happy when she had been chosen over Gwyneth to be Games Prefect. She had discussed this with her closest friends after the first Prefect’s meeting.

“I wish I was working with one of you,” said Lorna wistfully. “I like Gwyneth but it would be nicer, sharing the job with one of you three.”
“I know but at least Gwynnie’s pretty nice,” consoled Hilda Smith. “It could have been worse.”
“And you’ll do a good job,” added Jane Thomas. “You’re the best at Games and organising things.”
Lorna looked slightly troubled and nervous. “I actually have a few ideas,” she said slowly, “but I’m not sure what to do about it.”
“What?” asked Hilda interestedly.
“I was thinking about what Gisel and some of the others have said, about some of the girls finding it hard about not going to Switzerland,” explained Lorna slowly, “and I was wondering if there was something we could do with the Games side of things?”
“Like what?” asked Hilda again.
“Do you remember the House Cup they started up again with rowing a couple of years ago, when Jacynth Hardy was Head Girl,” questioned Lorna.
The other three nodded.
“I was wondering if we could have an inter-house competition with Lacrosse, Hockey and Netball,” explained Lorna. “Each House could have two or three teams, that compete with each other and whoever wins, wins points for their house. We could have a rounders team for the kids or even just a sports day for the babies so they’re involved.”
The three stared at Lorna in amazement.
“It’s probably a bad idea,” stammered Lorna, “just forget…”
“Lorna, that’s a smashing idea,” said Jeanie, the quietest one of the four.
“No slang,” teased Jane, “and you a prefect and all,” which made the four laugh, easing Lorna’s nervousness.
“Why don’t you talk to Miss Marilliar about it all?” said Hilda bubbling with enthusiasm.
Lorna started looking nervous again. “Do you think she’ll like it?” she asked hesitantly.
The four looked at each other, for Miss Marilliar was an unknown quantity and no one was sure what she would think of the idea.
“Why don’t you talk to Gwynnie about it all?” suggested Jeanie, speaking up again, “and you should at least discuss it with her as she is Second Games Prefect.”
Lorna went red. “I probably should have mentioned this to her in the first place,” she mumbled.
Jeanie shook her head. “I don’t think there is anything wrong with talking with your ideas with your friends but I do think you should discuss it with her before talking to a mistress, and you haven’t gone into a lot of details about it.”
Lorna’s face cleared. “I’ll do that now. Does anyone know where she’ll be?” asked Lorna.
“Prefect’s room probably,” suggested Jane. The four girls headed that way and found Gwynnie gossiping with Gisel, and Janet.
“May I interrupt for a moment?” asked Lorna slightly pink faced.
“Sure,” said Gwyneth easily looking up at her.
‘I really need to get over this nervousness of talking with people,’ thought Lorna and quickly explained her idea. “What do you think?” she queried hesitantly when she had finished.
“I think it’s a fabulous idea,” exclaimed Gwyneth, “what do you think Gisel?”
“I think it could work,” said Gisel thoughtfully, “any more bright ideas Lorna?” She asked teasingly.
Lorna gave a sigh of relief.
“How would you work it?” Gisel asked practically.
Lorna sat down and eagerly went through her ideas.
“Hang on a sec, we need to write this down,” said Gwyneth.
Jane got some paper for her and acted as secretary for them both as they both suggested ideas, and soon all the Prefects in the room were involved
“Well, I think that’s more organised,” said Lorna with relief. “Each house can have two Hockey Teams as girls start learning in Upper Third and one Lacrosse Team as they don’t start playing until Upper Fourth at least. Teams play each other at least once before playing in the finals where it becomes a knockout tournament depending on the ladder. Netball is going to have at least four teams as girls start learning in Lower Third but we’ll need to divide that into Senior and Junior divisions, otherwise the younger girls won’t get much of a chance to play.”
“Why don’t we do the same for hockey?” suggested someone.
Gwynnie and Lorna looked at each other. “It might be best,” said Lorna, “or we can make sure each team has some girls from each form in it.”
“What about the Kinders and Juniors?” asked Gisel, knowing her youngest sister Hilda would be disappointed she wasn’t a part of it all.
“I thought we could have a Rounders Tournament for the girls in Lower Third and younger,” said Lorna, “and a sports day with running races and things. That way they get to take part.”
“Hilda will love that” said Gisel approvingly, “and the gang of girls she seems to hang around with,” she added with a grin. “When are you planning on talking to Miss Marilliar about all this?”
Gwynnie and Lorna looked at each other. “It’s probably too late tonight said Lorna regretfully. How about we see her before school tomorrow? It would be nice if this could be organised by Saturday. We could have the houses meet after Guides and get some teams sorted out? What do you think? Or am I being too ambitious?”
“Let’s see what Miss Marilliar says and it will help us with sorting out school teams as well,” suggested Gwynnie. “Anyway I think it’s time for bed,” and the girls parted yawning.
The next morning Gwyneth and Lorna made their way to the Gym where Miss Marilliar was waiting for them.
“Well, girls,” said Miss Marilliar with a smile, “what can I do for you?” She was stunned when she heard their ideas. She looked at them thoughtfully. “It will certainly be a lot of work,” she said, “organising it all. Do you think there is enough interest from the girls themselves?”
“I think so,” said Lorna her voice faltering a little, “there’s only about five schools we get a chance to play and it gives the younger girls a chance to be in a team when they might not normally.”
Monica Marilliar thought for a moment. She knew she would have loved the idea when she was a pupil and wished she thought of it back then.
“Why not?” she said with a smile. “Miss Edwards will need the final say so and if you like I can discuss it with her and let you know by the end of the morning.”
The girls left after saying their thank yous
“Any luck,” demanded Hilda when the two girls returned to other, for by this time all the Prefects were aware of Lorna’s idea.
“She’s going to discuss it with Miss Edwards and then let us know,” said Lorna quietly before the girls filed into their first lesson of the day with Miss Carey, the new Language Mistress.
Author:  Elbee [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:59 am ]
Post subject: 
So pleased to see more of this :D . Well done, Lorna!

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
Good to see Lorna with new ideas.
Author:  leahbelle [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:57 pm ]
Post subject: 
Lorna has some good ideas. Thanks for the update. :D
Author:  roversgirl [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 3:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update and nice to see Lorna coming out of her shell :)
Author:  Jenefer [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 4:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Fiona for the update. Am looking forward to more soon
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
Nice to see more of this :D .
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
Pleased Lorna's ideas were accepted by all.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  MaryR [ Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
How nice to see all these girls developing in confidence now they have been brought to the fore by the mass exodus to Switzerland.

Thanks, Fiona..
Author:  Miss Di [ Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:20 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update, lovely to see Lorna's confidence growing.
Author:  Kathy_S [ Thu Mar 13, 2008 5:15 am ]
Post subject: 
Definitely a good scheme. :)

Thank you, Fiona.
Author:  brie [ Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:15 am ]
Post subject: 
thanks Fiona! sounds fun!
Author:  crystaltips [ Mon Mar 17, 2008 10:51 pm ]
Post subject: 
Oooh, goodie, an update! :D
Thanks Fiona
Author:  abbeybufo [ Fri Mar 21, 2008 10:21 am ]
Post subject: 
Missed the update when it first appeared [was away] but this looks good fun - will we get blow-by-blow [or perhaps ball-by-ball would be gentler :lol: ] accounts of the tournaments?
Thanks Fiona
Author:  Rosalin [ Tue Mar 25, 2008 12:11 am ]
Post subject: 
Good idea from Lorna, and nice to see how the prefects are supporting each other.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Ela [ Tue Apr 08, 2008 5:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Just read all 19 pages of this, Fiona - it's great to see how the English branch might have begun. Looking forward to more when you can...
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ Fri Jun 06, 2008 9:44 am ]
Post subject: 
If theres one good thing about being stuck in this morning waiting for an "our contractor will be there after 8.30" appointment it's that it gave me time to read all of this. Thanks Fiona.
Author:  kirstyb01 [ Sat Dec 06, 2008 8:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Update 11/3/08
:( I was so enjoying this. Wanted to see how Margot would get on and if her devil will reappear. Please can there be more!!!!!!!!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Dec 07, 2008 6:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Update 11/3/08
Have spent 3 weeks in India and managed to get quite a bit of it handwritten, so now am slowly getting it typed out so should be posting it more regularly for the next few weeks anyway. Sorry for the delay

Later that day, Miss Marilliar announced to the school the plan Lorna and Gwyneth had come up with, and so by breakfast on Saturday the excitement was reaching fever pitch. Gisel Mensch and Moira Damer were in charge of a table of girls mainly from Upper IVb and Lower IVa. Primrose Trevaose and her own coterie of friends were disgusted to discover they were on the same table as the Head Girl. Gisel had to bite back a giggle that was threatening to bubble out when she saw the look of horror on Primrose’s face when she realised she was not only sitting at the same table as Gisel but also sitting next to her.
“It’s not that bad,” said Gisel with a teasing grin. “I’m feeling more sorry for myself, than I am for you.”
Primrose gave an unwilling grin in response to the self deprecating tones Gisel used. After grace was said and the girls were seated, Gisel asked Primrose to help her start handing the food down the table. Primrose noticed her own group of friends were all sitting reasonably close together but all with easy listening distance of the Head Girl. Once everyone was served, Gisel amicably started a conversation about the inter-house competition which caught everyone’s attention and interest.
“I would love to play Hockey,” said Ruth Herbert wistfully.
“Not for me,” said Primrose emphatically. “I’ve always wanted to learn Lacrosse. I only wish they changed the rule about letting girls play before they’re 15.”
“So what will you play instead?” asked Priscilla interestedly.
“Netball, maybe,” answered Primrose.
“Gisel, what are you playing?” asked Lilias Hume joining in.
“Hockey,” answered Gisel and was soon embroiled in a discussion with a group of girls over the merits of Hockey versus Lacrosse, when she overheard an overheated conversation between Ruth and Primrose.
“Our house will win,” retorted Primrose, “we have Di Veddin and Joanna Reay in it.”
“What?” exclaimed Ruth incredulously, “do you think those two girls can make up for the rest of you?”
Gisel looked at the two girls, startled by the animosity between them. Unbeknownst to Gisel, both Ruth and Primrose were the respected leaders of their form; with Primrose leading the majority of the girls into mischief, earning her form the reputation of being the naughtiest form in the school, much to Ruth’s disgust. Ruth on the other hand led a small select group who tended to work hard in lessons and avoid the worst kinds of mischief Primrose and her crew got up to. Ruth, as Form Prefect always felt responsible for her form’s behaviour, and so the two girls were often at loggerhead. Gisel unaware of the undercurrents nevertheless decided to step in.
“I don’t think the Interhouse Cup won’t be decided anywhere else, but the playing fields,” she said mildly, “however, your form could win the Interform Cup.”
“How?” queried Rosemary Smith curiously. “I mean won’t that be won by one of the Senior Forms?”
“Not necessarily,” answered Gisel. “It does go on the number of wins each form has, and then there’s a knockout tournament at the end. However, there is a prize for the best Middle Form, as well as the best form, overall, so there’s a chance you could win that.”
“We could,” agreed Ruth thoughtfully, her argument with Primrose forgotten for the moment. “It will take some work, cos I think Upper IVa will have the same idea as us.”
“We could beat them easily,” said Primrose dismissively, while Ruth turned, eyes flashing, when Gisel noticing her irritation interrupted hastily,
“Well, I can’t see Josefa or Gretchen rolling over so easily,” she said with a grin to hide her unease at the constant bickering between Ruth and Primrose. “There’s no reason why you couldn’t do it if you work hard. You’re both fairly good at Games and I’m sure if you work together, you should be able to do it.”
She almost burst out laughing at the look on both girl faces that clearly said, ‘what work with her, I don’t think so.’

“I hope it’s not going to be like that every meal,” said Gisel looking distinctly harassed when breakfast was over.
“I hope not either, but you seemed to handle them well,” said Moira admiringly before strolling off to join the rest of her friends. Gisel was left standing there before turning to where she needed to go.
She was more shaken than she dare admit. ‘I can’t relate to Primrose and the others like I used to when I was coaching them in Cricket last summer. I wonder’-and Gisel knew-Head Girl. That title alone would mean Primrose and her group of friends would no longer see her the same way. She wasn’t Gisel Mensch, the Senior who coached them in Cricket, but rather Gisel Mensch, Head Girl, who had to keep them in line, was someone to rebel against. Even all the other Prefects will be looking at me to know what to do all the time. Gisel felt the loneliness of her position descend upon her and she felt the full weight of her responsibilities.
Author:  Karoline [ Sun Dec 07, 2008 10:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Finally Updated 7/12/08
Thanks for the update Fiona :)
Author:  leahbelle [ Sun Dec 07, 2008 12:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Finally Updated 7/12/08
Fantastic to see more of this!
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Dec 07, 2008 3:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Finally Updated 7/12/08
Pleased your time in India gave you time to write more of this. I hope it was a pleasent stay.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Dec 07, 2008 4:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Finally Updated 7/12/08
((((Gisel)))) It can be difficult to adjust to a change in status.


Thanks Fiona
Author:  MaryR [ Sun Dec 07, 2008 5:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Finally Updated 7/12/08
Poor Gisel - always hard to adjust to the loneliness of leadership. But she'll find a way to bring them all together and avoid trouble, I'm sure.

Thanks, Fiona. Welcome back. :D
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Dec 07, 2008 8:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Finally Updated 7/12/08
Good to see this back :D .
Author:  Elbee [ Sun Dec 07, 2008 10:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Finally Updated 7/12/08
Great to see more of this, Fiona. I'm glad your visit to India was so productive :D
Author:  shazwales [ Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Finally Updated 7/12/08
Thank you Fiona lovely to see this back.

More please :?:
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Finally Updated 7/12/08
“Gisel, may I talk to you for a moment please?” asked fresh voice coming up to the Head Girl. Gisel turned around,
“Maria Ileana!” she exclaimed, what’s up? “Is there a chance we could get together later; I need to talk to you about something?”
Gisel nodded, “How about in my study after Kaffee und Kuchen,” she said consideringly.
Maria Ileana nodded, “thanks Gisel,” she said.
“There’s no problems, are there,” probed Gisel.
Maria Ileana shook her head, “nothing too terrible; I just need your advise.”

The morning soon passed and those unfortunates who still had prep left, got through it hurriedly while everyone breathed a sigh of relief that it was too soon to have mending. Those in charge gave permission that once letters home were written, the girls could talk quietly. Maria Ileana scribbled her letter to her parents in her neat Italian writing and then remembering her promise to Gaynor Christy wrote a short letter to Mrs Christy, when she had finished, Maria Ileana left Lesceline in charge while she made her way to the First Form room to give the letter to Gaynor. The girls were seething with excitement; Miss Phipps along with Miss Alton were helping the girls to write their home letters.
“Maria Ileana!” exclaimed Lucy Maxwell leaping out of her seat and dragging Maria Ileana over to her desk.
“This is where I sit,” she said.
“Lucy you need to ask permission to leave your desk,” reprimanded Miss Phipps gently.
“Sorry,” apologised Lucy subduedly.
“What are you doing here?” asked Hilda Mensch looking up from her desk where she was making the finishing touches to a picture she was drawing for her mother.
“I came to drop off my letter for Gaynor’s mother. I thought Gaynor could pop it with her letter home,” explained Maria Ileana with a smile for Gaynor.
“Really,” said Gaynor looking up. “You really and truly wrote to Mummy?”
Maria Ileana nodded. “Really and truly,” she promised and she had her reward when Gaynor’s face shone.
“Will you write to my Mummy too?” asked Lucy excitedly, for she was never subdued for long.
“That depends Luce, have you done anything amazing, that I can write to your Mummy about,” teased Maria Ileana gently.
The form giggled, while Lucy stuck out her tongue at them. “Please Maria Ileana, would you.”
“Why don’t you write to Gaynor’s Mummy?” suggested Maria Ileana who had visions of writing to the parents of her entire dorm. “She’s sick in Hospital and I think she would love to hear from Gaynor’s friends.”
“Would she, Gaynor?” asked Lucy eagerly, turning to her friend.
“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” said Miss Phipps firmly.
“Could I do it too?” asked Jocelyn quietly.
“And me too,” added Freda Kendral.
“And me,” added half a dozen voices
“Anyone who wants to may,” said Miss Phipps giving permission, while Gaynor cheered up at the thought of her mother receiving so many cards from everyone.

Maria Ileana smiled and said good-bye leaving the girls busy with making cards. She returned to her form where she and the others became embroiled in sorting out sporting teams. Di Vedin, a shinning light of games was in charge of organising the teams for their form.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 6:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 19/12/08
Hope Mrs Christy's not too ill (or is this just when she had Gaynor's baby brother?). Lovely to see all these girls whom EBD seemed to forget about - thanks Fiona!
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 7:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 19/12/08
Maria Illeana is a very thoughtful girl, doesn't she?


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Elbee [ Fri Dec 19, 2008 8:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 19/12/08
What a lovely scene :D

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Jan 17, 2009 10:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 19/12/08
Meanwhile Clare Fenton and Judy O’Connor, the leading lights of Vb were busy organising their own form. Clare was a popular girl and a well liked Form Prefect. She and Judy had been the leaders of every form they were in. They had groaned inwardly, when they discovered Marion Tovey, an unpopular girl from the Fourth Form, had been promoted to their form. Marion, after an inauspicious start in her first term, having helped wreck Bride Bettany study, had managed to turn herself around and made strides in her school work. And although she was still no where up to the standards of the Fifth Form, Hilda Annersley and Dollie Edwards had decided Marion would be better being with girls closer to her own age. At 16 she was too old for the Fourth Form. Anne Gordon at nearly 16 was promoted for much the same reasons. Both girls were starting to settle in and make friends.

Doris on the other hand was a different story. She along with Mary Lou, Vi, Lesley, and Josette had led which ever form she was in. She was promoted to Vb, much to her disgust, after topping almost every list last term. Doris was part of a group of girls known as the gang and while most of them had gone to Switzerland, there were still Gwen Jones and Cherry Christy at Carnbach. She was disgusted to find herself promoted to the Fifth Form while Cherry and Gwen remained in Upper IVa. Homesick for her friends, Doris had kept to herself for the most part, or rather would have, had Judy let her. She and Judy had become friendly nearly two years earlier when they had spent Half Term at school when most of the school had gone home. Judy gave her a matey grin.
“What team would you like to be in?” she asked. “Most of us are pretty much sorted.”
“Hockey,” replied Doris positively. “I’m better at that than Lacrosse and I’m not too bad at Netball.”
“Modest aren’t you,” said Clare with a teasing grin.
Doris pulled a face but started feeling a little happier with the friendliness shown by both Judy and Clare. ‘Maybe Carnbach won’t be so bad,’ she thought.
“Do you know what I would like to do,” she said aloud. “I would love to win the Form Cup. I somehow can’t see the Sixth Form being much good in the competition, there aren’t enough girls good at games and the Fourths are too young. What do you think?”
The girls stopped what they were doing and looked at each other.
“I would love that,” said Clare Fenton frankly, “but it would mean everyone would have to practice hard for it. There’s three games, Netball, Lacrosse and Hockey and that’s a lot of Games to win.”
“And I could see Va would want it too,” put in Liz Gregory. “I know Di Veddin and that gang will be going all out for it and they’re not too bad at Games either.”
“And neither are Upper IVa,” realised Doris ruefully, “and I can’t see the Sixth just lying down and giving up either.”
“They won’t, but I would like to have a go,” said Marion Tovey surprisingly. All the girls stared, notably Doris Hill. She flushed but held their gazes. Marion was fully aware what her old form had thought of her, and her promotion into the Fifth had given her hope, that she could finally put her past behind her.
“I think we can,” said Maureen, coming to Marion’s rescue, “at least with one or two of them.”
The rest realised the sense of what she was saying.
“It would be nice if it were all three,” said Clare wistfully.
“But,” said Judy briskly, “If we do decide we want to win the Form Cup, then, I think we need to make the commitment. I would hate to go all out for it and then give up at the last post. Everyone will look down on us if we give up then. Is everyone up for it? Everyone who is raise you hand, and as one they all raised their hands.
“All right chaps, does anyone have any ideas how to go about doing it?”
“What if we decide who are in what teams; I know we’ll have to overlap, and some play two games but if we mainly focus on the sport we’re good at that should help,” suggested Liz Gregory.
“There’s something in that,” said Clare eagerly and the girls were so deeply involved in their discussion they didn’t hear their Form Mistress, Miss Oldroyd enter the room. “How’s it going?” she asked, amused at the industry, her form was showing.
“Good,” said Doris with shinning eyes. “We’re trying to win the Form Cup”

Miss Marilliar, Lorna, Gwyneth and Joanna worked hard, and the four were able to easily spot potential candidates for the all important school teams. As predicted by more than one girl, there were a number of Fifth Formers who would be making the school teams earlier than expected. Doris, Judy and Clare much to their delight were all chosen-Doris and Judy as Centre half and L) inner respectively and Clare as Goalie. Doris and Judy found they played well together. Whereas Di Veddin and Joanna Reay shone as the two best all round players in the school. Even Marion Tovey managed to make the netball team much to her secret delight. All in all, the school was a happy one when they trooped in for Abendessen later that night.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jan 17, 2009 12:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 17/1/09
Nice to see Marion being given a second chance. I hope the Fifth do win the cup.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jan 17, 2009 3:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 17/1/09
Good to read about Doris: I felt very sorry for her when most of the rest of the Gang went to Switzerland and she was left behind.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Jan 17, 2009 9:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 17/1/09
Marion is trying hard, hope she can make good, at least Doris, Judy and Claire are helping by listening to her and she has been chosen to represent the school in one of the teams.
Author:  MaryR [ Sun Jan 18, 2009 3:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 17/1/09
How nice for Doris to find something to get her teeth into and start to settle down. Their plans will be good for the form as a whole and also for the school itself.

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Jan 19, 2009 1:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 17/1/09
It's nice to see that Marion is trying hard and I hope the others can give her a second chance. Thanks!
Author:  Emma A [ Mon Jan 19, 2009 1:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 17/1/09
The Swiss branch may get the more exotic sports, but at least the Carnbach girls will get the chance to represent the school. Good for the Fifth - they seem to be knitting together well.

Thanks very much for the update, Fiona - this is very interesting.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Jan 19, 2009 2:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 17/1/09
“How did the team trials go?” asked Miss Edwards of Monica Marilliar that evening when the staffs were relaxing in the staff room.
“Alright I think,” said Monica consideringly. “I don’t know what we’re going to be doing about the school teams-only half the Senior girls seemed to be good enough to play.”
“Is it really that bad?” asked Ivy Stephens.
“I think the Prefects are all trying hard,” explained Monica,” but Lower Sixth is a bit of a washout, except for Joanna Reay who is head and shoulders above everyone else. Barbara Gow tries hard, but the rest aren’t frankly interested. I think we’ll be relying on the Fifths which isn’t really fair on them, but Di Veddin, Anne Whitney and Armine Brown seem to be good, as does Doris Hill, Judy o’Connor and Clare Fenton, so,” and Monica paused, “it won’t be too bad. I think some will make the First XI earlier than they thought.”
“Doris will be pleased about that,” remarked Ivy Stephens. “It will make up for not being able to go to Switzerland with her friends.”
“Not that much,” observed Caitlin Oldroyd. “I’m sure if she had her choice she would soon choose Switzerland.”
“She’ll settle down soon enough soon enough,” said Dollie Edwards tolerantly. “It hasn’t even been a week since the term started. How did the interhouse and form teams go?”
“You’ll have to ask the form mistresses, about them,” answered Monica, “though I will say there didn’t seem to be too many arguments.”
“You should have been in my form,” chuckled Margia. “I thought Ruth Herbert and Primrose Trevoase would come to blows over deciding teams.”
“The problem is both girls are the leaders in their form,” said Ivy Stephens thoughtfully,” and they tend to clash pretty regularly. Primrose heads the naughtiest group in the school whereas Ruth tends to lead the saner members of their form.”
“Did it get sorted out?” asked Maria wide-eyed, who had been quiet up to this point.
“Oh yes,” said Margia easily. “They’re now united in being the best form in the Middle School and they’re hoping to beat a Senior Form at something.”
“My form has decided that too,” remarked Caitlin Oldroyd. “Doris Hill suggested it and the rest leapt on the idea.”
A chuckle went around the room. “Time will see,” said Dollie amused. “I actually thought the Inter-house cup would be more popular. How did the Interhouse teams go?”
“Not too bad,” said Monica consideringly. “Lorna had the whole thing organised more or less and so everything ran like clockwork. Lilias Robertson is in charge of St Clare’s, Jane Thomas of St Scholastika, Barbara Gow of St Therese, and Hilda Smith of St Agnes. They pretty much organised the teams. There’s a Senior Lacrosse, Hockey and Netball team and a Middle Hockey and Netball team in each house. They have a Captain for each team and they along with their House Prefect choose the team. Not a bad idea of Lorna’s and it saves her some work and gives the younger girls a chance to lead. And they’re trying not to use the Form Prefects.”
“I wonder how Gretchen Mensch will go as the Captain of St Therese’s Netball team,” mused Ivy Stephens. “She’s such a quiet thing and she has people like Primrose and Rosemary Smith in her House and Celia who always cries over something.”
“She’ll manage,” said Ivy Norman thoughtfully. “She’s awfully fair and will give everyone a chance not just those who are good at the game. Lorna is in that house and she helped them out, while Barbara was dealing with the Seniors. She was excellent with the quieter ones. I’ve never seen Gretchen play so well and,” she added impressively, “she managed to get Celia James playing without complaining which is a minor miracle in itself.”
“I’ll say!” exclaimed Caitlin Oldroyd, she had had that young lady’s form when she was a Junior and knew her well.
“So Lorna is working out alright as Games Prefect, then?” asked the Headmistress meditatively.
“Oh yes,” said Monica easily. “All the prefects are nice and they were amazingly helpful with all the forms today.”
Author:  Emma A [ Mon Jan 19, 2009 4:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 19/1/09
Ooh, more update - thanks, Fiona. I'm enjoying this drabble very much. Nice to see how the staff are thinking, as well as the girls.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Jan 19, 2009 4:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 19/1/09
It's great seeing all these people who were left behind.
Author:  JB [ Mon Jan 19, 2009 6:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 19/1/09
"It's great seeing all these people who were left behind."

And the people EBD forgot - Gretchen Mensch, etc.
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Jan 19, 2009 8:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 19/1/09
Glad to see this update and will await future developments with interest. I particularly enjoyed the staffroom comments. And it will also be good to see how those who didn't go to Switzerland fare - I can see Glendower House becoming just as interesting a place to be as the Swiss Chalet School is.

Thanks, Fiona
Author:  Elbee [ Mon Jan 19, 2009 10:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 19/1/09
I'm really enjoying this, Fiona, many thanks :D
Author:  MaryR [ Tue Jan 20, 2009 3:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 19/1/09
Nce to know the staff are as keen as the girls when it comes to games and the team-trials.

Thanks, Fiona
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jan 20, 2009 7:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 19/1/09
Nice to see the Staff behind the scenes - wonder what they thought about the focus being on the CS in Switzerland?


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu Jan 22, 2009 12:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 19/1/09
I've just caught up with this, and am really enjoying it. It's so refreshing to get to know the people that EBD left by the wayside as it were!

Interesting to see that the Inter-form cup has really motivated a number of the forms to start working together, and it's good to see people like Marion Tovey starting to settle down.
Author:  Celia [ Fri Jan 23, 2009 12:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 19/1/09
I've just read right through this. It's great to catch up with all
those who didn't go to Switzerland.

Thank you Fiona, it's really interesting to see the girls and staff
settling in.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Jan 24, 2009 6:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 19/1/09
“So Lorna is working out alright as Games Prefect, then?” asked the Headmistress meditatively.
“Oh yes,” said Monica easily. “All the prefects are nice and they were amazingly helpful with all the forms today.”

“So is Maria Ileana,” added May Phipps. “She has an amazing influence over the girls in her dorm and they adore her. They made her promise she’d watch them on Sports Day.”
“Maria Ileana is lovely like that,” said Maria Marani quietly. “She’s her mother all over.”
“Well, she certainly cheered Gaynor up,” remarked May. “She wrote Mrs Christy, and then the next thing I know, all the girls wanted to write her too. I only hope she doesn’t mind receiving eighteen cards saying ‘Get well soon.’”
“I’m sure she’ll be touched,” said Margery Alton easily. “It’ll probably cheer her up.” “What’s so funny?” she asked as May started chuckling to herself.
“I was just remembering what Lucy Maxwell wrote: ‘Dear Gaynor’s Mummy, Get well soon so we can come to your home to play. Gaynor said that a pirate buried his treasure on your Island. We could help you look for it, love Lucy.”
The rest of the staff convulsed at this, while Monica clutched her head and groaned. “Only my god-daughter would write something like that,” she said.
“I’m sure Mrs Christy won’t mind,” consoled Margery Alton. “I think she’s used to weird and wonderful suggestions like that from Gaynor.”
“So it’s not true about the pirate’s treasure?” asked Joanna Linders wide-eyed.
Dollie Edwards paused, “this is between ourselves,” she said slowly, “for I don’t want the girls to get wind of it or we’ll have a number of them off to find buried treasure. One of the Christy’s ancestors was a pirate and he buried his treasure on the St Braivel’s Island. When Peggy Burnett jumped into an old well by mistake the Christy’s got out all their old maps and searched the area pretty thoroughly over the holidays and found buried treasure. It’s why they wanted their house back.”
“Are you serious?” asked Margia incredulously.
“Oh yes,” agreed Dollie smilingly, “though I didn’t realise Gaynor knew. I thought the Christy’s only told Dickie.”
“I think Dickie told Gaynor over the holidays to distract and cheer her up; with her Mother in hospital, Gaynor has been moping around the place. She’s now full of stories of buried treasure and now she and her friends are dying to hunt for some more,” said May thoughtfully
“I hope you squelched that idea!” exclaimed Dollie with justifiable alarm. “I could see a number of middles getting wind of such a story and going in search for buried treasure themselves.”
“Oh no, I explained to them that if they wanted to look for buried treasure, they could, but they had to have a grown up with them, and I also said it should be a form secret, as it’s a lot more fun that way,” explained May easily.
“They all promised faithfully they would do that and it appealed to them to keep in the form. I don’t think any of them want the older girls to come along and take over to quote Lucy.”
“Thank goodness for that,” said Dollie relieved.
“I’ll say agreed Maria with a shiver. “Hilda is in that form and I would hate for anything bad to happen to her because she went looking for buried treasure. I’ll never forget when Corney went looking for the salt mines, and Joey, Grizel and Rufus had to go looking for her.”
“Poor Corney,” said Margia soberly. “She said there was nothing more terrifying than to wake up with the madman bending over.”
“What story is that?” asked Sami Kennedy, while half the mistresses were looking on agog.
Margia looked around. “Oh, it all began when Marie Von Eschenau went to her sister’s betrothal party and Wanda’s fiancé Friedel talked with her about the possibility of salt mines in the district. She told the rest of us and we thought it might have been the place where the madman took the Robin when he kidnapped her. We thought it would be wonderful if it was cos it would help the district which was so poor. We talked to Friedel about it when he visited the school with Wanda and he thought it likely.”
“Corney Flower was new that term and an absolute horror so decided to find the caves herself first and then tell her father about them.”
“Corney Flower?” questioned Monica incredulously, “but she was Head Girl my first term here. Are you saying she was a pest of a middle. I don’t believe it.”
Margia grinned, “Oh Corney turned out alright like the rest of us,” she said lightly. “I know I was a bit of a pest myself. So are most people until the grow up a bit.” “Anyway, Corney turned out alright-mainly because of the saltmines and running into the madman, who tried to kidnap her as well; wanted her as his queen or some such rot.”
“Mademoiselle helped her as well,” added Maria softly. “She meant a lot to Corney.”
“She did too, but anyway,” said Margia refusing to be sidetracked for long, “it gave us all a scare when she disappeared and reformed Corney at the same time.”
“I’d rather be spared,” said Ivy Stephens fervently. “I can just imagine what some of those young demons like the Dawbarns, or Primrose, or even Rosemary Smith and that gang, would do if they got wind of the story of pirate’s treasure. I must say, I’m surprised at Dickie for telling Gaynor-mercy who on earth is that?”
Everyone turned to listen.
“Phone,” said Lorna Carey succinctly.
Alison the school secretary rose to go.
“No Alison,” said Dollie gently, “it’s your day off, I’ll go,” but Ivy Norman had beaten her to it and was heading into the nearby office, inwardly curious as to who would be calling at this time on a Saturday night.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jan 24, 2009 7:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 24/1/09
Lovely to see more of this - and to catch up on old School news - the new Mistresses will have to get used to this! Love the buried treasure aspect - very clever to get the form to keep it secret from everyone else! But what's this about a day off for the school Secretary? Surely Rosalie cannot approve? :lol:


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jan 24, 2009 7:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 24/1/09
Ooh, you've left us on a cliff there!

I've always wondered what on earth EBD had been reading to make her decide to bring pirates and buried treasure into a CS book :lol: !
Author:  JB [ Sat Jan 24, 2009 9:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 24/1/09
Great update. Love the mix of old and new staff.

Alison said:
Quote:
I've always wondered what on earth EBD had been reading to make her decide to bring pirates and buried treasure into a CS book !


I spent a lot of time trying to work out the layout of the school and grounds with its sunken gardens, games pitches, the shrubbery, etc .....
Author:  Kathy_S [ Sat Jan 24, 2009 3:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 24/1/09
Brilliant way to introduce the buried treasure. :lol:
Thank you, Fiona.
Author:  MaryR [ Sat Jan 24, 2009 5:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 24/1/09
I see the newer staff are going to be goggle-eyed for quite a while if they are regaled with all the tales of daring-do and all the scamps' activities over the years of the CS!

Thanks, Fiona
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sat Jan 24, 2009 6:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 24/1/09
I do love these staff room episodes, and the chance to tell the newer staff members about past school history, too.

Thanks Fiona.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Jan 24, 2009 9:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 24/1/09
Love the way May has persuaded Gaynor's clas to keep the secret.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Jan 25, 2009 6:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 24/1/09
“Dollie is that you,” came an agitated voice.
“Joey!” exclaimed Ivy, “what are you doing on the phone-it’s me Ivy Norman. What’s up?”
Joey gave a rueful sigh. “None of you are going to love me much but all of the children have come down with the measles.”
“Oh no!” said Ivy in heartfelt tones.
“Margot and Steve had both left before anyone broke out in spots, otherwise I would have kept them at home and quarantined the lot. I’ve finally managed to get onto Steve’s school and broke the news to them and they weren’t happy to say the least, mainly cos Steve’s been amongst the entire school.”
“So has Margot,” said Ivy with a groan.
“We had Guides today and everyone has been trying out for the school teams. Not only that but if she has got the infection then she would have passed it onto the girls she travelled here with and that means Tessa and Ailie, the Mensches, the Von Glucks, and the Von Weitherns are all likely to get it too and they’re scattered in all the forms across the school.”
“Really Joey, why didn’t you call earlier,” she said crossly.
“I’ve tried,” said Joey contritely, “but it has been almost impossible to book a call to England and tonight was the first chance I could get. I have written to both you and Steve’s school, in case that was quicker, but it doesn’t seem like either of you have received the letters.”
“How are the others?” asked Ivy calming down.
“All are down with it, except Felix and Felicity and I’ve kept them well out of it, thank goodness. Len and Con aren’t likely to make it back to school until Half Term at least.”
“Well, if anyone is likely to get it, then I hope they gets it earlier, rather than wait until the last day of quarantine,” said Ivy devoutly.
“So do I,” said Joey fervently, “the quarantine lasts a few weeks at least, though Jack did say, that if no one is ill in the next two, you should be alright.”
“The one blessing, if you can call it that,” continued Joey, “is Margot kept well away from the others, the last couple of weeks of the holidays. She was upset, poor mite, about having to go to Carnbach, so hopefully she didn’t pick up the infection.”
Joey’s tone changed, “How is she settling in, Ivy?”
Ivy could hear the concern and worry in Joey’s voice.
“It seems she’s settling in alright,” said Ivy cautiously. “She’s in my form again and seems to becoming friends with Emilia Von Gluck. Emilia is a nice child and is taking her under her wing a bit.”
“Good, I’m glad,” said Joey with relief. “I felt so terrible, she did so badly on her exam papers, that I nearly sent her to a Swiss school, to keep her close by. And the poor pet feels it worse; she feels like she’s missed out on so much, going to Canada with Madge, and now this. I’m sure she feels at times, we don’t love as much as the others, because she did get sent away. Even though it was the best thing for her health, and she was with Madge.
“Mmmhmm,” said Ivy, filled anew with sympathy for both Joey and Margot. “Margot will be fine once she settles in and I have told her if she needs to talk to someone, to come and talk with me.”
“Thanks Ivy,” said Joey, her relief palpable. “I’m really glad you’re her Form Mistress. Anyway, I must go, this is costing a small fortune. I’m sorry I couldn’t get onto you sooner.”
“Joey, it’s not your fault a line was down. Thanks for letting us know about the measles,” said Ivy and the pair hung up on each other.

“So who was it?” asked Dollie curiously, when Ivy returned to the Staffroom.
Ivy stood at the door, and saw all eyes were on her. “That was Joey Maynard and you’ll never guess what: Len, Con, Chas and Mike Maynard have come down with the measles and Margot may have it.”
At that everyone gave a collective groan.
“And she’s been amongst everyone in the schools,” said Matron Gould groaning. “Why on earth didn’t Joey ring earlier?”
“There was a phone line down, so she couldn’t get through,” explained Ivy. She did apologize and has written.”
“Well there’s not a lot we can do now. How long is quarantine, Matron?” Asked Dollie briskly.
“About six weeks or so,” said Matron considering.
“That means no going into town, no playing games against other schools, no visiting,” groaned Caitlin Oldroyd. “The girls won’t be happy.”
“They’ll survive,” said Matron briskly. “And that was all there was, left to say.

I almost forgot the Maynards got the measles at the beginning of Barbara, so tried to come up with a reason why the school found out so late. Sorry for the EBDism
Author:  Cath V-P [ Sun Jan 25, 2009 6:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 25/1/09
Goodness, yes, they had German measles, and Margot could have brought it with her. I can see why the staff might be annoyed, especially as it looks as if Jo has been negligent about telling them.

Good to see the old and new staff interacting so well.
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Jan 25, 2009 8:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 25/1/09
Hope Margot hasn't got it and passed it round the school!
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Jan 25, 2009 10:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 25/1/09
The only good thing - if the girls have German measles - it will mean protection when they are grown and having babies. The Staff, at least, will be aware of this - my Dad remembers a time when he was about ten being very popular with all the neighbourhood girls because he had German measles - their parents sent the girls round to play with him in the hopes that they would catch the illness too! :lol: This would have been around 1950 - same age as Triplets.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  MaryR [ Sun Jan 25, 2009 4:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 25/1/09
That's right, Lesley, they all wanted to play with me when I had it aged seven, around 1953. :lol:

But the poor staff, if Margot does develop it, and has passed it on! And poor Margot - she will be even more upset at being without her sisters and parents.

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Jan 26, 2009 11:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 25/1/09
Poor Margot! I hope she doesn't have it, but then all that enforced quarantine would be for nothing!
Author:  Celia [ Mon Jan 26, 2009 6:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 25/1/09
Thanks for another interesting post Fiona.
Good thing they've organised all those teams if they can't play
other schools for six weeks or so!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Jan 27, 2009 6:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 25/1/09
Meanwhile, Gisel and Maria Ileana were relaxing in the Head Girl’s study.
“I’m exhausted,” said Gisel flopping in an armchair.
“Do you want me to talk to you later?” asked Maria Ileana instantly getting to her feet.
“Not at all,” returned Gisel. “It’s nice to be able to here with you and not be the all wise, all knowing Head Girl.”
Maria Ileana gave a chuckle. “That must be hard for you,” she teased. “Is it really that bad?”
“Yes and no,” admitted Gisel. “I find I do have to keep order more, and everyone looks at me, as though I know what to do in all situations, and that what I say will always be right.”
“I wish Natalie could see you,” chuckled Maria Ileana again.
“I know,” said Gisel a little shame-facedly. She had teased Natalie about her well developed sense of responsibility endlessly over the years and knew Natalie would be amused by her predicament.
“Anyway,” she said changing the subject. “What is it you wanted to talk about?”
And Maria Ileana who was starting to relax sat upright again.
“What is it, Maria Ileana?” asked Gisel gently.
“I don’t want to get the girls into trouble,” began Maria Ileana awkwardly.
“Maria Ileana, it’s okay,” said Gisel realising with a sinking feeling that Maria Ileana was very aware of Gisel’s position as Head Girl.
“It’s not that,” said Maria Ileana reading Gisel’s thoughts. “It’s just Hilda is in my dorm.”
“...and you don’t want to get Hilda into trouble with me or put either of us in an awkward position if I have to be official,” finished Gisel with a relieved look, that she could relax with one of her oldest friends outside of school hours. “What’s the problem?”
“It seems so silly,” said Maria Ileana slowly, “but the girls in my dorm are so excited, especially Lucy, that it’s really hard to get them ready for Frustuck on time. They aren’t in any hurry to get ready as they’re too busy talking.”
“And you’re having a hard time being tough on them,” finished Gisel with a fleeting grin which Maria Ileana returned one of her own.
“What do I do? They’re not naughty or anything and I would hate for them to get into trouble or anything; they’re just so excited about being here. It’s all Lucy says and Natalie and Crystal Carr and Jocelyn and Gaynor all cling to me which makes it harder. I’m exhausted by Frustuck and I’m having a hard time getting everything done that needs to.”
“How about I come along in the mornings and give you a hand,” suggested Gisel. “I’ll ask Jeanie and Lilias to help too; they’re on first bathers and are early birds too, we could get ready early and then stroll along and give you a hand.”
“I’m sure having the Head Girl and two other prefects turn up might sober them a little and we could give you a hand with the slower ones.”
“Oh would you Gisel?” said Maria Ileana in relief. “That would be terrific.”

“Anyway Lilias, Jeanie,” finished Gisel, “I thought you and I could help Maria Ileana and Lesceline out on Monday. As Maria Ileana said, they do have their hands full with some of the shyer ones and some of them are so excited they distract the others and don’t get anything done.”
“I can imagine,” laughed Lilias, a quiet girl who nonetheless was full of quiet common sense. “I was helping Barbara Gow with the Kinders and First form this morning and there seemed to be a few like that. I can well imagine Lesceline and Maria Ileana struggling with it. And it’s better if we do it, Matey is sure to say something otherwise.”
Jeanie nodded, “It’s not fair to leave those two to manage on their own,” she said, “and I’m sure they soon settle down if we turn up. Why don’t you deal with Lesceline’s dorm Gisel,” she suggested, “it’s not fair to either you or Hilda otherwise.”
“That would be great, thanks,” said Gisel relieved

Early on Monday morning saw Lilias, Jeanie and Gisel walking quietly along the corridor when they heard a sudden yell coming from the bathrooms.....
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Jan 27, 2009 7:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
Lovely to see them working so well together.
Author:  Emma A [ Tue Jan 27, 2009 8:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
Oh good, more of this :D The prefects are working so well together - it's lovely to see. Wonder which girl is yelling in the bathroom!

Thanks, Fiona.
Author:  JB [ Tue Jan 27, 2009 10:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
Excellent. Another update.
Author:  LauraMcC [ Tue Jan 27, 2009 10:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
Thanks for the update. I, too, wonder who is yelling in the bathroom, and why!
Author:  leahbelle [ Tue Jan 27, 2009 1:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
The prefects make a good team. Thanks!
Author:  Jenefer [ Tue Jan 27, 2009 2:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
Thanks for the update. I am looking forward to the next installment
Author:  MaryR [ Tue Jan 27, 2009 2:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
Naughy of you, Fiona. :D What was the yell and why? And here the prefects were, coming to keep things calm..... :lol:
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Jan 27, 2009 6:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
Hope the prefects can get there before Matron, even if it is not Matey!

Thanks for the update.
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jan 27, 2009 6:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
Oh that's nice to see! :lol: Love how they're all being careful so Gisel doesn't have to confront Hilda.


Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Celia [ Tue Jan 27, 2009 7:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
Lovely to see Gisel make such a sensible suggestion ,and utilising
her friends. I'm sure they will help the younger girls calm down and get
on without anyone having to get cross.

Thanks Fiona
Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Jan 27, 2009 11:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
It's interesting to see how they are dealing with things as they occur, and the way in which the prefects are trying to work together.
Author:  brie [ Sun Feb 01, 2009 3:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
Thanks Fiona.

Just read all of this and its great to see all these girls growing up that we never did get to see from EBD.
Author:  RuthFL [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
brie wrote:
Thanks Fiona.

Just read all of this and its great to see all these girls growing up that we never did get to see from EBD.

will there be more? I've just read from the beginning....pretty please?
Author:  Jools [ Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
Joins Ruth in begging for more of this. It's very good and I'd love to know what happens to Margot and all the other characters!
Author:  shazwales [ Wed Mar 31, 2010 6:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
Thanks Fiona looking forward to some more,please??
Author:  marni [ Sun May 02, 2010 9:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
I have just discovered this and read this all through in one sitting -actually two as I had to stop last night to go to bed and just came down and continued it as soon as I woke up. It's really interesting to catch up on those people who stayed at Carnbach. I hope that you have the opportunity to continue it soon. Although it has a different universe with Margot staying at Carnbach - in all other ways I think it would be a great filler in for the series. Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Chair [ Mon Jun 14, 2010 5:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Margot Stays at Carnbach Updated 27/1/09
I have just reread this from the beginning and caught up and it is really brilliant. I hope you will be able to continue with it Fiona.
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