The CBB
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/

The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=6793
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:01 pm ]
Post subject:  The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
This has probably been done to death already, but I don't think we've had it recently; in any event, here's my take on it!

Chapter 1

“I do hope I can do this!” sighed Juliet Carrick, looking out of the window of the Salon at Die Rosen, the pretty chalet on the Sonnalpe where she made her home.

Grizel Cochrane, her friend and future colleague at the Chalet School Annexe agreed. “I’m scared, Ju – what if we make a total mess of it?”

“Of course you won’t make a mess,” exclaimed the third person in the room, Madge Russell, the owner and first headmistress of the Chalet School, which she had founded some five years earlier on the shores of the Tiernsee, far below. Now an Annexe was to be opened up on the Sonnalpe, where delicate girls could be educated close to the talented doctors who served at the great Sanatorium there, battling the white plague that took so many lives. Juliet and Grizel, both former Head Girls of the Chalet School, and now returned from further education, were to staff the Annexe, and term was due to open the next day.

“Why do you think you will make a mess?” continued Madge. “I was just as inexperienced as you are when I opened the school proper, but I managed very happily, and so will you! All the girls are going to be under 12, except for Marie-Pierre and Anne-Christine Bouvier, and they are only 12 and 13. It’s not as if you had any Middles to deal with. Anyway, I shall be there in the mornings, this term anyway, and you’ll be fine!”

“But weren’t you nervous when you first started, Madge” asked Grizel, with a reminiscent grin. She had been one of the first pupils of the Chalet School, and well remembered the first trip to the Tiernsee with the then Madge Bettany and her younger sister, Joey.

“You know I was, Grizel, and I do see that it’s normal for you to be, too. But then, I had you and Juliet to deal with.....”

The three young women laughed reminiscently. “But don’t you see, Madge,” explained Juliet, earnestly, “that just makes it harder. You had to deal with me and Grizel – and goodness knows, we were far from model pupils – and we only have babies. What if we can’t handle them?”

“Now, come on,” exclaimed Madge. “You were both excellent head girls in your day, more than capable of quashing the most hardened sinners. Of course you’ll be able to handle them!”
Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe
Nice to see this Mrs R, thank you :) - looking forward to more :D
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe
Good to see a new drabble From Mrs Redboots.
Author:  Nightwing [ Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe
Oh excellent! Looking forward to reading more :D
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe
Ooh, yay, a new drabble :D I can't wait to read more, thankyou!
Author:  janetbrown23 [ Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe
I've often wondered about the Annexe. Good to see a drabble about it. Thanks Mrs Redboots.
Author:  Abi [ Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe
It must have been fairly petrifying to take on a new thing like that - at least we know they made a success of it!

Thanks Mrs Redboots, this looks really interesting.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe
I can't remember reading a drabble about the Annexe before. Really looking forward to more of this :D .
Author:  charli [ Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe
This looks really good so far! Looking forward to more
Thank You
Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Oct 28, 2009 1:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe
There is going to be more I hope!
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Oct 28, 2009 5:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe
Funny to think they were only a little younger than Madge herself when they started out. Good to see this.

Thank you.
Author:  mohini [ Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe
Nice to see the drabble .
Waiting eagerly for more.
Author:  leahbelle [ Wed Oct 28, 2009 1:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe
Excellent. Eagerly awaiting more.
Author:  JB [ Wed Oct 28, 2009 1:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe
Excellent. A new drabble.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Wed Oct 28, 2009 2:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe
Thank you for such a warm welcome for this!

Juliet and Grizel appeared far from convinced, but at that moment the Robin and Joey came into the room, so they had, perforce, to change the conversation.

Cecilia Marya Humphries, universally known as the Robin, was nine years old, with a mop of curly dark hair and laughing eyes. She was tall for her age, but rather thin, and was to be a pupil at the Annexe, as she was rather frail and it was only a few weeks since the doctors had been able to confirm that she had not, as yet, succumbed to the dreadful disease that had cut short her Polish mother’s life. But with a regime of fresh air, lots of sleep and plenty of good, rich milk, the doctors were hopeful that she would outgrow her delicacy and become as strong as anybody else in due course. However, she was to stay at the Annexe until her growing years were over, and had been appointed one of the prefects there, along with her friends Amy Stephens and Signa Johansen, who were also accustomed to Chalet School ways.

Jo Bettany was now seventeen years old, and about to start her second term as Head Girl of the Chalet School. She was slightly built, with black eyes shining out of a pale pointed face, which looked the paler for the straight black hair that was still short, although she was beginning to think of growing it. Once nearly as frail as the Robin, she had largely outgrown this in the clear, life-giving air of the Tirol, although she had been very tired at the end of the previous term, and, unbeknown to her, Madge and her husband, James Russell, the Head of the Sanatorium, had discussed very seriously whether she should spend her final school year at the Annexe. However, Juliet and Grizel had flatly refused to consider the idea, given that she was so near to them in age, and counted them, as they counted her, among her closest friends. So Jo was looking forward to going down to Briesau, where the school was, the following morning.

“Hullo, girls,” exclaimed Madge. “Are the babies all in bed?” The nursery at the Sonnalpe consisted of her own small son, David, and her nephew and niece, Peggy and Rix Bettany, twins of three years old, who made their home with their aunt while their parents were in the harsh climate of India.

“Yes, and they’re waiting for you to go and say goodnight,” said Joey. “Rix was so funny, he really can’t understand why he is not allowed to go to school with us, and kept saying ‘But I’m a Big Boy now!’”

“Poor Rix,” said Madge, getting up to go to the nursery. “I’ll start him on his letters next week, I think, which will give him something fresh to think about! Robin, only ten minutes, dear, before you must go up to bed. I expect Joey will sing to you, as it’s the last evening, won’t you, Jo?”

“Yes, of course I will,” said Joey.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Oct 28, 2009 3:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 28 October 2009
I remember Jem suggesting sending Jo to the Annexe, but it never occurred to me awkward it would have been for Grizel and Juliet having to teach one of their friends, especially as she was so much older than most of the others. Jem and his bright ideas ... :roll:
Author:  JS [ Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 28 October 2009
Quote:
However, Juliet and Grizel had flatly refused to consider the idea, given that she was so near to them in age, and counted them, as they counted her, among her closest friends.


That would have been a nightmare for all concerned. Thanks for this - really looking forward to reading more.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Oct 28, 2009 7:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 28 October 2009
Alison H said
Quote:
I remember Jem suggesting sending Jo to the Annexe, but it never occurred to me awkward it would have been for Grizel and Juliet having to teach one of their friends, especially as she was so much older than most of the others. Jem and his bright ideas ...

I quite agree.
Glad Juliet and Grizel were able to stamp on the idea.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Oct 28, 2009 8:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 28 October 2009
I'm sure that Jem was only concerned for her health, but it would have been awkward had it been necessary.

Thanks for the update :)
Author:  Abi [ Wed Oct 28, 2009 8:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 28 October 2009
Yes, it would have been rather awkward, especially for Grizel, I should think.

Thanks Mrs R!
Author:  charli [ Wed Oct 28, 2009 11:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 28 October 2009
I completely agree it would be rather strange to be taught by someone so close to Jo's age and also so recently at school with her.
Thanks for the update , enjoying this as I was always interested in the Annexe.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 5:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 28 October 2009
Horrible situation for Joey to be in - had they insisted upon it. Even though it might have been for the best of reasons I think Jem and Madge would have been unneccesarily cruel to have forced Joey to attend the Annex. It may have caused her to have more health problems too - she looked upon the Chalet School as home.


Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 6:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 28 October 2009
Just found this. Thanks, have always wanted to read a drabble about the annexe
Author:  JB [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 9:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 28 October 2009
I too think it would have been cruel to send Joey to the Annexe. She was Head Girl of the Chalet and it would have been horrible for her to leave her friends and spend her time with girls who were so much younger. I should think she'd have fretted so much that it would have outweighed the health benefits.

And, as people have said, it would have been hard for Juliet and Grizel.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 1:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 28 October 2009
Yes, poor Joey - it would have been ghastly for her. I'm glad EBD decided not to send her there.

Chapter 2
The following morning, Juliet, Grizel and the Robin set off together to walk the short distance to the Annexe. Their big cases had been taken over and unpacked the previous day, so they just had their overnight cases.

“Please, Juliet, what time are the others arriving?” asked the Robin.

“Not until this afternoon,” said Juliet. “Most people are coming with the rest of the school on the train, only the Annexe people will stay on the train to Wiesing, and then come up the new coach road in a charabanc. So they should get here around sixteen, I think, and we’ve asked the Bouvier sisters to come then, too, as they don’t know about school so they can’t help us get ready the way you can!” She smiled down at the younger girl.

“I see, thank you Juliet – no, I mean, thank you Miss Carrick, as we’re past the half-way mark now,” said the Robin.

“You don’t need to say Miss Carrick until we’re actually at school,” said Juliet, with a smile.

“No, but you see that tree, it marks the half-way point between Die Rosen and the Annexe, so you are Juliet and Grizel – and Tante Guito – on that side of it, and Miss Carrick and Miss Cochrane and Madame on this side of it,” explained the Robin, rather earnestly.

“Good scheme, kiddo!” said Grizel, with a laugh, and Juliet agreed that it was.

The Annexe was not far from Die Rosen, and had been built the previous term for the purpose. The big chalet had room for forty girls and four or five mistresses, but for this term, at any rate, there were only to be 22 girls, and just the two mistresses, plus a cook and a couple of maids. There were three big classrooms on the ground floor, one of which doubled as a common-room, as well as a hall and a dining-room, and two music rooms, plus the kitchen area, with quarters for the domestic staff.

The upper floors contained the dormitories, the staff bedrooms and a pretty sitting-room for the staff, which Juliet and Grizel had spent a very pleasant couple of days decorating to their taste. Juliet, as headmistress, also had a small study.

The chalet was surrounded by a big verandah, with a matching balcony on the upper story, and it was hoped that the girls could spend a great deal of their time out there, until the cold weather came. The balcony was roofed over, and the girls would be sleeping out there as long as the good weather lasted, so the dormitories looked rather empty, with only chests and chairs in them. But Dr Jem said that the more the girls were in the open air, the better, and while it was mild, sleeping, and resting, on the balcony was the order of the day. Grizel and Juliet had also taken their beds on to the balcony, and could confirm that sleeping there was most refreshing.
Author:  JS [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 1:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
Quote:
“No, but you see that tree, it marks the half-way point between Die Rosen and the Annexe, so you are Juliet and Grizel – and Tante Guito – on that side of it, and Miss Carrick and Miss Cochrane and Madame on this side of it,” explained the Robin, rather earnestly.


Somehow that is just so sweet. Really enjoying this Mrs Redboots, thanks.
Author:  shazwales [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 1:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
Thanks for the update,really enjoying this!
Author:  Emma A [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 1:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
This is really interesting, Mrs Redboots - we never heard much about the Annexe really, so it's nice to read more about how it might have been.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 5:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
You know, I'd never thought about it before, but it must have been kind of awkward for Grizel - the only member of staff but for the 'Headmistress', who she had already seen take her place, somewhat, with Madge and Joey. Hmm.

Thankyou for such an interesting drabble!
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 7:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
Thank you for the regualr updates. It must be a big change for Robin as well.
Author:  Nightwing [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 7:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
It's nice to see Grizel and Robin getting along here - there are some quite bitter moments between them in the books around this time :(
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 10:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
Love the bit about the tree!
Author:  Kathy_S [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 10:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
Thank you, Mrs. Redboots. It sounds very pleasant so far! Of course if they keep them on the porch with snow on the blankets, I'll think otherwise, no matter how healthy it was supposed to be....

Robin's name boundary sounds logical to me. :lol:
Author:  Miss Di [ Fri Oct 30, 2009 2:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
I must say that sleeping on the balcony doesn't appeal at all.
Must go away and reread The plague and I.
Author:  jmc [ Fri Oct 30, 2009 6:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
I have always wanted to know more about the annexe. Robin was so sweet there and it was lovely to see Grizel being nice to her. Thanks
Author:  JB [ Fri Oct 30, 2009 8:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
Robin is lovely. I'm glad she had the chance to be a "big girl" at the Annexe instead of a baby at the school.
Author:  hac61 [ Fri Oct 30, 2009 11:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
Alison H wrote:
Love the bit about the tree!


Makes perfect sense to me.

I have a friend who is also my ecclesiastical leader. If he's in suit and tie I call him "President". If he's in slacks and a jumper I call him "Hugh".

Sensible kid, Robin.


hac
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Fri Oct 30, 2009 3:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
I must admit I rather do fancy sleeping on the balcony!

The day passed very quickly with the final arrangements and setting-up being made. Robin helped check the stationery cupboard, which was to be her responsibility when term started, and made sure she knew where everything was.

Then suddenly, it was four o’clock, or sixteen, in Middle European terms, and the big charabanc drew up outside the door, and an excited crowd of little girls climbed out. The two French girls, whose mother was seriously ill at the Sanatorium, also arrived from the hotel where they had been staying, and by quarter past sixteen, the school had assembled.

The first order of the day was a glass of milk and a bread twist for everybody, and when this had been taken, the girls were shown to their dormitories to unpack. The big trunks and cases had been sent in advance, and the girls who were accustomed to the régime at the Chalet knew exactly where everything should go, and were able to help those to whom everything was new.

At eighteen, everybody assembled downstairs, and the Catholics and Protestants separated for Prayers. As both Miss Carrick and Miss Cochrane were Protestant, it had been arranged that Frau Mensch, the wife of one of the doctors at the Sanatorium, and herself an Old Girl of the school, would take prayers for the Catholic girls, and also attend to their Scripture lessons. Miss Carrick attended to that duty for the Protestant girls.

Prayers over, the two halves of the school reassembled, and Miss Carrick welcomed them all to the Annexe. “This is a new venture for us, and while some of you know us already, for some of you it’s all new. I hope you will settle down very quickly, all of you, and enjoy your term.”

Supper, or Abendessen as it was called, followed, and then bed was the order of the day for everybody.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Oct 30, 2009 4:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 30 October 2009
:lol: How could milk not be the first order?

Thankyou!
Author:  cestina [ Fri Oct 30, 2009 4:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
Miss Di wrote:
I must say that sleeping on the balcony doesn't appeal at all.
Must go away and reread The plague and I.

Ooh I loved The Plague and I. I think the idea of sleeping on the balcony is great, as long as there are enough feather beds above and below my body......I seem to remember in The Plague and I everyone froze....
Author:  JS [ Fri Oct 30, 2009 4:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 30 October 2009
Funny to hear Gisela described as Frau Mensch but nice that she's involved - logical too. Was that your own inspiration Mrs Redboots? I don't remember it from the books.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 30 October 2009
What a lovely idea to involve Gisela.
Author:  Miss Di [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 5:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
cestina wrote:
......I seem to remember in The Plague and I everyone froze....



Exactly why I don't fancy sleeping on the balcony. Mind you ask me again in the middle of January and I may reconsider!
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 7:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 29 October 2009
Miss Di wrote:
cestina wrote:
......I seem to remember in The Plague and I everyone froze....



Exactly why I don't fancy sleeping on the balcony. Mind you ask me again in the middle of January and I may reconsider!



Ahh, don't think you'll have many takers in this hemisphere for that! :wink:



Managed to miss an update so have two to comment upon. I think the arrangements so far are excellent - and am curious to see how Juliet and Grizel divide up the lessons - after all, with just the two of them, they cannot just teach Maths and Music, can they?

Pleased Gisela was involved.

Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 2:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 30 October 2009
I started wondering who on earth would have taken Prayers for the Catholic girls, since both Juliet and Grizel are, as far as I know, Protestant - and Gisela seemed the obvious solution. So I've brought her in for Needlework as well, as ISTR she was rather better at it than either of the others in their Chalet days!

Chapter 3

Over the next few days, the Annexe began to settle into a routine. The rising bell rang at 6:45, and Frühstück was at 7:30. After Frühstück, if it was fine, they put on hats and coats and went out for a brisk walk. The Sonnalpe was fairly small, and the girls could walk right round in half an hour, and there was little variation, other than which way round they went. But Dr Jem had decreed that this walk must happen, if at all possible, and so it was taken every day. When they came back, they had Prayers, and then lessons until 12:30. Lunch, or Mittagessen, came next, followed by a long rest on their beds. At 2:30, they got up, and the afternoon was filled with games, painting, singing, handicrafts or folk-dancing, before Kaffee und Küchen at 4:00. The school still called it Kaffee und Küchen, although in practice, they drank warm milk, into which they might stir a little cocoa powder if they wished. Half an hour’s prep followed, and then they were free to play until Abendessen at 18:45 and by 20:00 everybody was tucked up in bed and, Grizel fervently hoped, asleep until the next morning.

The Robin soon settled down. She would have liked to have gone back to the main school, but had learnt not to fret for what couldn’t be helped, and she enjoyed the small amount of responsibility that being a prefect at the Annexe entailed. Peggy Burnett, Irma von Rothenfels and Amy Stephens were her closest friends and, together with Signa, they formed quite a power in the land.

Juliet and Grizel, or Miss Carrick and Miss Cochrane as their pupils called them – to their faces, at any rate – also settled down. Although neither of them was an experienced teacher, they found that, true to Madame’s prophecy, they had no trouble either in keeping order nor in maintaining their pupils’ interests. Juliet’s speciality was maths, and Grizel had studied music, which she taught efficiently, if rather joylessly, but her main love was the games and dancing that they all enjoyed in the afternoons. The other subjects they shared among themselves, and with Mrs Russell who came over every morning to help, although she had already told Juliet that she was not prepared to commit herself for longer than that term. Frau Mensch came in one afternoon a week to supervise their needlework, as well as taking prayers for the Catholic girls, and every Friday, one of the staff from the Chalet School proper came up to spend the weekend at the Annexe, giving either Juliet or Grizel a free weekend.

When possible, the Robin went home to Die Rosen at the weekends, since her father, who was Dr Jem’s secretary at the Sanatorium, liked to have her with him. He had had to leave her at the Chalet School for a year when she had been very little, and he had missed her badly, since she was the only reminder left to him of his pretty Polish wife. He would come and fetch her before Mittagessen on Saturday, and bring her back to the Annexe in time for Prayers on Monday mornings.

Saturday mornings at both branches of the Chalet School were devoted to mending and letter-writing. As the Robin lived so near, she had no home-letters to write, so was allowed to go and play once she had finished her mending. Marie-Pierre and Anne-Christine Bouvier were usually among the first to join her, as their mother was in the Sanatorium and they usually went to see her, when she was well enough, on a Saturday afternoon.
Author:  JB [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 3:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 31 October 2009
Glad Grizel has the opportunity to teach the things she enjoys.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 3:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 31 October 2009
It all seems to be very well thought out! Thankyou :D
Author:  Nightwing [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 7:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 31 October 2009
Lovely that Grizel could teach games at the Annexe, I wonder if that's party why she took the job - such a pity she lost that opportunity once the Annexe closed :(
Author:  Abi [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 8:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 31 October 2009
It sounds like a very happy place. Thanks Mrs Redboots!
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 10:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 31 October 2009
How lovely to see Grizel getting a chance to teach Games and dancing.

EBD seemed to have this thing that British girls couldn't sew properly :lol: , so I'm sure she'd've throroughly approved of them getting in someone local for that!
Author:  aitchemelle [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 11:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 31 October 2009
Lovely drabble Mrs R. I don't remember reading one about the Annexe before!

The idea of sleeping on a balcony really appeals to me... not at the moment though! I enjoy hearing about the details of day to day life - reminds me of "playing boarding schools" as a child, somehow!
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 31 October 2009
Now that does make a lot of sense - pleased for Grizel - such a pity that once the school moved it became too large for her to continue teaching Games.

Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 1:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 31 October 2009
I think I did too much telling and not enough showing in those first bits. At least we now have a bit of action!

On one Saturday fairly near the beginning of term, however, Marie-Pierre and Anne-Christine came into the common-room looking very subdued, and not far off tears. “But what, then, is wrong?” exclaimed the Robin, in the fluent French she had spoken from babyhood.

“There was a telephone message for us, saying that Maman isn’t very well today and we are not to go and see her!” explained Marie-Pierre, and Anne-Christine succumbed to the tears that had obviously been threatening.

More than one girl at the Chalet School had discovered before now that the Robin was a wonderful comforter when you were in trouble. She ran round to Anne-Christine and put an arm round her.

“Ma pauvre!” she exclaimed. “I am so sorry for you. Did they say what was wrong with your Maman?”

“I don’t think so,” said Marie-Pierre, “but really, I didn’t understand very well, only that she was not very well and we were not to go today. It was Miss Cochrane, and she was speaking in English.”

“Yes,” said the Robin, “She can talk very fast. But I will ask Dr Jem or whoever comes to fetch me later, and they will know, and be able to explain. And we can ask le bon Dieu to make your maman better, I think.”

“Yes, we could do that. Maybe we should go and say our rosary for her?” suggested Anne-Christine.

“Yes, let’s,” said the Robin. “I will join you and we will say it together, so that there are three of us, not just two. Come on!” And she led the way up to the big dormitory they shared.

Unfortunately, in her enthusiasm she had forgotten, and it’s doubtful whether Anne-Christine and Marie-Pierre had ever known, that the dormitories were strictly out of bounds during the day, except for rest hours. No sooner had they reached their cubicles and opened their drawers to find their rosaries, than Miss Cochrane, who was on duty that weekend, stormed in.
Author:  Liz K [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 1 November 2009
:shock: Oh dear! :shock:

Do go easy, Grizel, but I can't see it happening!
Author:  JB [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 1 November 2009
Oh Grizel. Please think before you charge in ....
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 1 November 2009
Do hope Grizel thinks before she says anything.


Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 1 November 2009
Sounds like Grizel's in a bad mood and might not be ready to listen to explanations.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 1 November 2009
Why can't I see Grizel being tactful about this? Especially given her attitude that we see to the Robin sometimes... What a cliff to leave us on!
Author:  Abi [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 1 November 2009
Oh dear, I hope Grizel won't be too hard on them - surely if she knows about the girls' mother she'll understand?

Thanks Mrs Redboots.
Author:  Miss Di [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 1 November 2009
Hope Grizel is kind and understanding. Not that I expect her to be, I am just hoping.
Author:  Kathy_S [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 3:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 1 November 2009
Oh, dear! Calm down, Grizel.

I would have thought dormitory rules would be more relaxed at the Annexe, with all of them needing more rest. And Robin is a prefect, after all -- isn't she?
Author:  jmc [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 6:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 1 November 2009
It would have been nice if Grizell could have explained what was wrong to the girls in French as she must have known that their English isn't very good. I hope she thinks before she opens her mouth.
Author:  JS [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 1 November 2009
Oh dear, I fear a harsh lesson for Grizel coming...Hope not, though.
Thanks Mrs Redboots.
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 1 November 2009
I have only just found this and am really enjoying it - it's great to see more of the Annexe life. Just hope that Grizel will indeed think before she opens her mouth on this occasion - she must know the Robin well enough to know she wouldn't deliberately flout the rules.

Thanks, Mrs. Redboots, I'm another eagerly looking for the next instalment.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 7:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 1 November 2009
“Please Griz – Miss Cochrane, sorry – we were just finding our rosaries so that we could pray for their mother, because she isn’t very well,” explained the Robin, in her earnestness nearly forgetting to use the formal title.

There was a certain hardness in Grizel Cochrane’s character that even her years at the Chalet School had done little to eradicate. She had no idea of being unkind to the Bouvier girls, or, indeed to the Robin, of whom she was very fond, but she found it difficult to grasp the idea of why they were there.

“Nevertheless, there’s no excuse for you to be up here at this time of day. Please take an order mark apiece, and go downstairs. Robin, I think I saw your father coming to fetch you, so please get your coat and hat.”

The three girls had to perforce go downstairs, but Robin pulled the two girls into the splashery and said, quietly, “Come and we’ll ask my papa if he knows how your maman is. And we can still pray – and while I’m at home I will think about where we can meet to say our rosaries together!”

Captain Humphries tried his best to be reassuring to Marie-Pierre and Anne-Christine, but the truth was that Madame Bouvier had taken a definite, but unexpected, turn for the worse the previous evening. Her doctors were hopeful that this was caused by nothing more serious than a cold in her head, and would pass, but for now, there was a slight but definite cause for concern for her, and they felt she would be better kept very quiet for a day or so.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 2 November 2009
Considering that Robin had explained why they were there I think Grizel might have been a little more sympathetic - perhaps a quick reprimand but no order mark would have been better. Hopefully she will have the chance to learn.


Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  Nightwing [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 7:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 2 November 2009
Grizel is a very new teacher, so it will probably take some time for her to know when to be strict and when not. Glad she didn't lose her temper at Robin's defense, though!
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 2 November 2009
Hope Juliet asks why Robin has an order mark and gets to the bottom of the problem.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 2 November 2009
Well, it could have gone worse - and when one is in a bad mood, it can be so hard to be objective!

Thanks for the update.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 2 November 2009
That could've been worse: at least she kept her cool.
Author:  Abi [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 11:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 2 November 2009
As everyone else has said, it could have been much worse. Hopefully Grizel will grow in understanding as she learns to care for the girls.

Thanks Mrs Redboots.
Author:  Liz K [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 5:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 2 November 2009
What a relief, that wasn't as bad as I thought it might be.
Author:  leahbelle [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 1:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 2 November 2009
I do think Grizel could have been more sympathetic, but it didn't turn out as bad as it could have. Am really enjoying learning more about the annexe.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 3 November 2009
Chapter 4

Unusually, the Robin couldn’t sleep. She had promised Anne-Christine and Marie-Pierre that she would think of a place where they could get together and say their Rosaries for Mme Bouvier, but she couldn’t think of anywhere. They were not allowed in the dormitories during the day, and she had a feeling that they would not be allowed in the splasheries for more than the necessary length of time, either. The common-rooms and form-rooms were always busy, and not everybody was Catholic, and you couldn’t ask Protestant girls to be quiet while the Catholic ones said the Rosary. If only Jo were here; she would know what to do. Or if only it had been Juliet on duty, not Grizel. Juliet might have been more sympathetic. So the Robin tossed and turned and fretted and grew hotter, and when she finally dropped off to sleep it was to nightmares of large rosaries chasing her round the Sonnalpe shouting “Pray me, pray me!”

It was not, therefore, too surprising that when she woke in the morning she had a high temperature and was inclined to be a bit “wandery”. Dr Jem Russell was on the spot, and administered a cooling mixture at once, but the Robin was a frail little mortal, and any illness could be serious for her.

“I think she is worrying about something,” he said to his wife. “I don’t know, can you try to find out what it is? I really don’t like this temperature, but she doesn’t seem to be unwell apart from that.”

Madge went in to see the Robin after breakfast, but found that she had drowsed off again. Madge fetched her embroidery and sat by the Robin’s bed, thankful that Joey was not visiting this weekend, and hoping devoutly that news of this setback could be kept from her. Jo adored the Robin, and was apt to fret very badly if she thought there was cause to worry. Madge herself was not worried yet, but she was concerned.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 3 November 2009
Poor Robin! I hope that Madge can help her find a solution to the problem.

Thankyou.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 4:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 3 November 2009
Poor Robin - the lack of privacy at the CS would have driven me up the wall :roll: .
Author:  shazwales [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 6:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 3 November 2009
Hope Madge can help them,the Annexe due to its size? sounds really claustrophobic to me.

Thanks for the update.
Author:  JB [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 6:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 3 November 2009
Poor Robin. It'll be a difficult for Madge to draw a line between helping and interfering with the Annexe.
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 3 November 2009
Hope Madge can help.


Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  Abi [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 3 November 2009
Poor Robin, she shouldn't be fretting herself ill over this - surely if she asked Juliet (or even Grizel, probably) they'd be able to find somewhere. After all, it isn't as though they want to do anything awful!

Thanks Mrs Redboots.
Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 2:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 3 November 2009
Alison H wrote:
Poor Robin - the lack of privacy at the CS would have driven me up the wall :roll: .


I quite agree Alison! As much as I like to imagine boarding school the realities would send me ga ga.
Author:  JS [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 3 November 2009
Thanks Mrs R - even though the image of large rosaries chasing one is rather disturbing....
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 2:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 3 November 2009
The lack of privacy at boarding-school was ghastly! Also, not being able to like one's own likes for fear of being thought odd. Unlike at day school, you can't escape bullies once lessons are over for the day.

About 10:00 the Robin suddenly started up in bed, crying out “But I promised, I promised!”

“What did you promise, mein vögelein?” asked Madge, hoping that the girl would come to herself and know her.

“To find a place, but there isn’t a place!” exclaimed the Robin, causing Madge to wonder whether the child was still delirious.

“Now, Robin,” she said, firmly but gently, “I can’t help you if you don’t tell me properly what the problem is. Sit up, dear, and have a drink of water, and then see if you can tell me.”

Thus urged, the Robin did as she was told, and finally managed to explain to Madge that the three girls were looking for a place to say their rosaries with intent for Madame Bouvier.

“But why didn’t you ask Miss Cochrane?” asked Madge. “I’m sure she would have found you somewhere to go.”

“Yes, but she was cross because we were in the dormitory when we shouldn’t have been, and she gave us an order mark and told us to go downstairs before we could ask.”

Madge sighed, inwardly. This was so typical of Grizel, yet she was on balance shaping up to become an excellent teacher. On the other hand, she didn’t always take time and trouble to put herself in other people’s shoes, so she would probably never be more than average as a house mistress. And it was certainly no part of Madge’s philosophy to disparage her before any of her pupils.

“Well, you shouldn’t have been in the dormitory just then, of course, so she had every right to be cross. But I’m sure something can be worked out; we’ll ask Juliet when she comes back from her weekend. In the meantime, we’ll get Oncle Jem to go and tell Marie-Pierre and Anne-Christine how their mother is. She’s going to be all right, but she has a cold this weekend, and the doctors want her kept quiet.

“As for you, missie, how about some milk, and then, perhaps, another little sleep?”

The Robin obediently drank her milk, and settled down to sleep. After her troubled night, she slept peacefully, and did not rouse up again until nearly time for Kaffee und Küchen. When she did rouse up, her temperature was down, and she looked herself again.

Nevertheless, Jem kept her in bed for another day, and at home for the rest of the week, so it wasn’t until the following Monday that she returned to school, heartened by the news that Madame Bouvier had been well enough for her daughters to visit her on the Saturday, and knowing that, if she wanted to say the rosary with Anne-Christine and Marie-Pierre, or with anyone else, for that matter, she could ask Juliet and a space would be found for them.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 2:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 4 November 2009
Oh dear, Madge is in an awkward position here.
Author:  JS [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 4 November 2009
Yes, thinking about it, Grizel wasn't an obvious choice for dealing with delicate girls :?
Author:  Lesley [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 4 November 2009
Difficult situation for Madge to deal with.


Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 4 November 2009
Agreeing that Madge must be in an awkward situation.

Thanks for the update.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 4 November 2009
Madge dealt with it well though. Hopefully it will cause her to realise that she needs a third member of staff on site, as it cannot be easy for either Grizel or Juliet to be left in sole charge when the other has a weekend away.
Author:  Abi [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 4 November 2009
Hopefully a quiet word with Grizel will do the trick. After all, it wasn't entirely her fault that Robin made herself ill over it, though she could and should have been more understanding.
Author:  jmc [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 4 November 2009
It is a pity that Grizel wasn't more sympathetic at the beginning but Robin should have tried to explain further what she was doing. I hope Madge can help not upset Grizel anymore.
Author:  leahbelle [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 4 November 2009
It was a rather strange choice to have someone as unsympathetic as Grizel working with delicate girls, but it would be a good opportunity for her to learn some patience and consideration.

Thanks for the update!
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 4 November 2009
Chapter 5

The Robin was greeted warmly on all sides when she returned to school. “Are you all right again?” “Comme tu nous a manquée!” “Du bist züruck! Toll!” and similar comments were flying from all sides, and Miss Carrick had to clap her hands sharply and remind them that, as it was a Monday morning, they should all be speaking French. She smiled at Robin, and welcomed her back among them.

The morning passed off peacefully. The weather was still very mild, so lessons took place on the verandah, the girls needing no more than a blazer on top of the tunics and shantung blouses that were the school uniform. After Mittagessen, the girls went upstairs, as was usual, and took off their tunics and blazers, and got into bed for the long rest that was considered an essential part of the régime.

It so happened that this was the part of the day that Amy Stephens disliked the most. She quite enjoyed being at the Annexe, although she missed her sister, Margia, who was at the main school, and was looking forward to seeing her when half-term came. And she had no objection to a short rest after lunch – at the Chalet proper, you were required to rest for half an hour, but you could read, or even talk quietly, if you wished. Both of these activities were forbidden at the Annexe, and you were supposed to sleep if you could. Robin usually slept, as did Signa, but Amy seldom could, and found she was very bored.

Amy rather enjoyed making up poems, some of which were significantly better than those of other girls her age, and very often she would pass the time thinking up a new verse, which she would then write down during Prep, but today, her Muse appeared to have abandoned her. She was bored, and wished she could read. Not that she had a book with her, in any event. She turned over, trying to see whether either Miss Carrick or Miss Cochrane were lying on their beds, as they sometimes did during the rest period. If they were, she had no hope of being able to read, even if she had a book. And yes, Miss Carrick was there. Why wasn’t her bed round the other side, like the Robin’s and Peggy’s?

If only she wasn’t Miss Carrick – when she was Juliet, you could talk to her, but when she was Miss Carrick, you couldn’t really. Amy had been at the school since its first term, and knew both Juliet and Grizel, who had also been at the school since the beginning, well. But when they were being Miss Carrick and Miss Cochrane, you couldn’t chat to them the way you could when they were Juliet and Grizel, and you couldn’t moan about having to rest.

Mind you, there was the time, that first term, that Juliet and Grizel had been supposed to be resting, but had gone off into Briesau or somewhere. Amy had never been told exactly what had happened that day, but the two of them had been in big trouble when they got back. Then something happened to Juliet’s parents, or something, and she had started to be good and kind, helping Amy with her bath – Amy had been very small then, and not good at managing by herself – and things like that. But Grizel had got into all kinds of trouble for vaselining the blackboards and then cheeking Madame about it, and then she’d gone up the Tiernjoch all by herself, even though she’d been told it was dangerous, and Joey had gone after her and they’d both been ill afterwards.

Amy didn’t want to be ill; on the other hand, she was bored with resting. Her first thought was to put the little plan that had come to her into immediate practice, but then common-sense took over. She had no watch, and no way of knowing how nearly it was time to get up. Tomorrow would do. She rolled over to think about it in more comfort, and caught Irma’s eye. Irma, too, was awake.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
I'm not surprised they were bored - being expected to have an afternoon sleep like a baby would seriously have got on my nerves!

Interesting point about Amy being able to remember Juliet and Grizel's misdeeds - never thought of that before, but of course they were both troublemakers in their day.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
Hm, a source of unexpected trouble there! The problem with bringing back old girls so soon?

Thankyou for an interesting update - can't wait to see what Amy has planned!
Author:  Liz K [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
Oh dear, what is Amy planning?
Author:  JS [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
Yes, quite hard for Grizel - or, indeed, Juliet, to be able to tell of those who recall their own misdemeanors....
Author:  shazwales [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
This is one thing that i've always found strange.A girl/pupil leaves the CS and pops up a couple of years later as a teacher and everyone is to forget any daft things in their own days.
Thanks Mrs Redboots.
Author:  JB [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
I'm glad that Amy has the energy to be naughty. Not to allow them to read is almost torture! :roll:
Author:  LauraMcC [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
Yes, I would certainly have been very bored, had I had to lie down with nothing to read! Looking forward to what Amy is going to do during the next day.
Author:  Nightwing [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
I can just imagine Amy getting up to mischief - she is Margia's sister, after all! Can't wait to find out what it is.
Author:  Abi [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
I'm not sure Juliet and Grizel will be too impressed with the excuse "you did it too"! Thanks Mrs Redboots!
Author:  Miss Di [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
But it serves them right for making the girls try to have a nana nap. What else are you going to do but think of misdeeds?
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
These girls are not babies, are they? I appreciate some of them are somewhat fragile but I cannot imagine even my 6 year old niece and nephew lying down for more than ten minutes in the middle of the day! :lol:
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
I don't think anybody - except perhaps Jem - fails to sympathise!

“I’m bored!” Amy mouthed at her.

“Me too,” Irma mouthed back.

“What time is it?” mouthed Amy, pointing at her wrist to show what she meant. Irma, she knew, had a watch. Irma stretched out her arm, so Amy could see that it was ten to two, or ten to fourteen as she thought of it. Nearly three-quarters of an hour until getting-up time. It was not to be borne!

Very slowly and quietly, Amy slipped off her bed on to the floor, careful not to let her head rise up above the level of the bed, in case Miss Carrick should see her, and crawled on hands and knees into the dormitory, where she grabbed her tunic and shoes and, still in her stockinged feet, tiptoed downstairs to the common-room. A noise behind her caused her to look round, and there was Irma, who had followed her. Stifling their giggles, the girls dressed quickly and, grabbing their books, curled up in the big armchairs to read.

It wasn’t until the bell rang that they realised the flaw in this plan – they were downstairs, not upstairs shaking out their plumeaux and remaking their beds. If their beds remained unmade, someone would be sure to notice, whereas if they ran upstairs to make them, someone might notice them coming upstairs.

It’s possible that if they had run straight upstairs, they would have got away with it, but “he who hesitates is lost”, as the saying goes, and, sure enough, they ran straight into Miss Carrick, who was coming to look for them.

“You naughty little girls!” she exclaimed. “Where have you been?”

Both girls were rendered tongue-tied, with vivid memories of Juliet as head-girl, never mind Miss Carrick as headmistress. After a few moments, she realised she wasn’t going to get an answer right then, and sent them off to make their beds and join the others, with orders to report to her study before Kaffee und Küchen.
Author:  Jane [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
This is a very interesting drabble and timely, in that I've just been having a re-read of the Tyrol books (following on from The Bettanys of Taverton High) . I know timescales are not EBD's strong point, but I found it hard to work out how Juliet could have fitted in a three-year degree or Grizel more than a year in Florence before coming back to the Annexe. Which would make Grizel, at least, extremely young to be teaching.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
I tie myself in knots with EBD's timescales :lol: .

Len said (before she got mixed up with Reg) that there was no way she was coming back to the CS to teach until everyone who'd been a pupil there whilst she'd been there had left!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 3:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
Ooh, was that a mini cliff? I can't wait to see how Juliet deals with this!

Thankyou :D
Author:  shazwales [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
This is great,thoroughly agree with all the comments regarding them being sent for an 'afternoon nap' like babies.
Trying to remember which book that Joey landed the new matron in it for stopping people reading when they woke up early? this seems to be another idea following that way.
Thanks for the update.
Author:  Abi [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 8:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
Awww, I hope Juliet will be a bit understanding! Anyway, her previous reputation seems to be going in her favour just at the moment!

Thanks Mrs Redboots.
Author:  jmc [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
Maybe Juliet will listen to the girls if they are able to tell her how difficult they find it going to sleep in the middle of the day.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 2:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 5 November 2009
There probably won't be an update tomorrow, I'm afraid, as I'm at a skating competition in Oxford all day.

Chapter 6

It was needlework that afternoon, and Gisela Mensch allowed them to talk quietly so long as they got on with their work.

“What are we going to say?” asked Amy, worriedly.

“We’ll tell her the truth, that we were bored. I don’t see what else we can say.”

“We’ll get into trouble!”

“I think we are already that,” commented Irma, wryly. “We shouldn’t have got out of bed. Still, I’m not sorry we did.”

“No, nor am I,” said Amy. “I was so bored! But will she listen if we say we were bored? She might have when she was Head Girl, but now she’s Headmistress?”

“Maybe we should take her to Robin’s half-way tree, so she can be Juliet again,” said Irma, thoughtfully, “but I do not know how we could get her to go there.”

At which point, Frau Mensch intervened, since neither girl was sewing. “What is the matter, girls? Why are you not getting on with your work?”

Amy and Irma looked at each other, and Amy finally decided to confide in Frau Mensch. After all, this was Gisela, the first Head Girl the school had ever had, and however much she might be married with a baby daughter, she was still smiling at them in the old way.

“We were naughty,” she said. “We were really bored during rest hours, so we got out of bed and went downstairs to read in the common-room.”

“And so you had your fun, and are not looking forward to paying for it?” asked Gisela, with a smile. “Really, Amy....”

“It’s not that – well, yes, it is of course, but only a bit. Only it’s that the rest hours are so very boring, because they go on so long, and we want to say this to Miss Carrick only it’s difficult. Because it sounds like we’re criticising and it sounds like we’re making excuses.” And Amy heaved a very deep sigh, and looked up at Gisela.

“I wouldn’t worry too much,” said Gisela, “because you know Miss Carrick is always very fair. Now you must get on with your work, please.”

The girls obeyed, but it is safe to say that they did very little embroidery that afternoon, and Amy found later that she had made such a muddle of the counted cross-stitch bookmark she was making that she had to unpick almost all of what she had done.

Juliet, meanwhile, had rung up Die Rosen.

“I don’t quite know what to do, Madge,” she explained. “Can I pick your brains?”

Madge laughed. “I’m quite sure,” she said cheerfully, “that Miss Annersley would point out that you certainly can, the question is, may you!”
Author:  JB [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 2:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 7 November 2009
Thanks for the update. Enjoy the skating. :)
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 3:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 7 November 2009
Glad that Juliet felt able to ask Madge for advice: it's not always easy to admit that you're not sure what to do.
Author:  LauraMcC [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 3:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 7 November 2009
It doesn't sound as if Juliet is going to be too hard on them, if she's asking Madge for advice. I wonder what Madge will say?

Thanks for the last couple of updates, Mrs Redboots.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 7 November 2009
Now is Juliet going to ask advice about Amy and Irma or about Robin? Pleased the former were able to speak with Gisela.


Thanks Mrs Redboots.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 7 November 2009
:lol: Loved the idea about the half way tree! Thankyou. Enjoy your competition.
Author:  shazwales [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 9:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 7 November 2009
Thanks for the update.
Author:  Abi [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 11:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 7 November 2009
It sounds like things might go in a positive direction here. Thanks Mrs Redboots!
Author:  jmc [ Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 7 November 2009
Things seem to be looking up here. Glad Juliet is able to ask Madge for advice. So many people might not for fear it wold make them seem incompetent.

Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  Kathy_S [ Sun Nov 08, 2009 3:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 7 November 2009
Thanks, Mrs. Redboots. It'll be interesting to see how things shake down as Juliet and Grizel become more accustomed to their positions. More comfortably, with any luck!
Author:  Miss Di [ Sun Nov 08, 2009 6:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 7 November 2009
Thanks for the updates and good luck at your skating comp!

Glad to see Juliet hasn't let being head go to her head and is asking Madge for advice.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Mon Nov 09, 2009 5:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 7 November 2009
We had a lovely, if very tiring, day yesterday, thank you!

“Yes, well, never mind that now,” said Juliet. “The point is, two of the girls – and never mind who, just now – got out of bed during their rest hours and went downstairs to read. That part of it, of course, I can and will deal with myself later on, but the trouble is, I rather think they were bored silly, and I’m inclined to sympathise. An hour and a half is an awful long time to just lie there if they can’t sleep, and many of them don’t sleep. And then they fidget and are restless, and I don’t think it does them very much good. Of course, some of them do need to sleep – the Robin, for one, and Signa is always fast asleep if I do the rounds, and one or two of the smaller ones.”

“Well,” said Madge, “Jem is convinced they do need the rest.”

“I think they do,” said Juliet, “but the trouble is, they’re not getting it. I want to let them read if they aren’t asleep after half an hour – lying down for half an hour is reasonable, I think. I’m a bit concerned, though, lest Jem think it’s a bad idea.”

“Hmmm,” Madge thought for a few minutes. “The thing is, you’re the Head, and being on the spot, you can see what is happening; on the other hand, you don’t want to go against your medical advisers, is that it?”

“Pretty much! I also don’t want to look as if I’m rewarding my two troublemakers, either, but I expect I can manage that.”

“They’re still sleeping out on the balconies, I take it?”

“Yes, it’s so mild still. I wonder when the weather will break – we’re well into October now, and yet it’s almost as warm as the summer.”

“Well, I should let them read if they really can’t sleep; only they must wrap a blanket around themselves, and be sure not to get cold. I’ll deal with Jem.”

“Thanks, Madge, I hoped you’d say that!”

When the bell rang, Amy and Irma tidied themselves quickly, and then presented themselves, quaking somewhat, at the study door. Juliet, every inch Miss Carrick the Headmistress, told them to come in.
Author:  shazwales [ Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 9 November 2009
Glad you enjoyed yesterday,thank you for another lovely update.
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Nov 09, 2009 8:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 9 November 2009
Loved Juliet in this. Pleased she is recognising some of them are not getting a rest through boredom.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Nov 09, 2009 9:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 9 November 2009
Well done Juliet! I just hope that she can deal faithfully with the two sinners.

Thanks for the update.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Nov 09, 2009 9:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 9 November 2009
Glad Madge is going to deal with Jem - I'm sure he meant well but he wasn't half bossy sometimes!
Author:  Abi [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 12:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 9 November 2009
Good for Madge; I'm glad she was able to reassure Juliet. Thanks Mrs Redboots!
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 9 November 2009
Pleased Juliet recognised the problem - and that Madge was able to reassure her.


Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  jmc [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 9 November 2009
Thanks for a lovely update. Very happy that Madge is going to stand her ground against Jem. I like seeing Julie in this as she was one character that I wished didn't disappear after they left Austria.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 1:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 9 November 2009
Thank you for your comments!

“And what, exactly, do you think you were doing this afternoon?” she enquired, icily.

“Please, we were bored,” quavered Irma, not actually far from tears.

“I see. So you decided that being bored was enough excuse to take the law into your own hands, and break a strict rule?”

Both girls looked at the floor. Then Amy, taking her courage in both hands, looked up. “Please, I’m sorry we broke the rules, but I’m honestly not sorry we did it. We were so very bored and restless, and we’re supposed to be resting, but you can’t rest when you get all fidgety.”

“So you think you know better than Dr Jem, do you?” enquired Juliet, icily, and Amy subsided.

The silence drew out for some time; finally, Juliet took pity on them.
“Look, I do see that you were bored and restless, but why didn’t you come and talk to me about it, instead of just rushing in and doing your own thing? Then we could have sorted something out, and you wouldn’t be in trouble.”

“I – I suppose we didn’t think,” muttered Irma.

“Then, isn’t it time you learnt to think, Irma? You are twelve years old now, not a baby any more.”

“But please,” said Amy, “it’s not easy now that you are our Headmistress; it’s not like it was when we were younger and you were Head Girl, or before then when you were a senior.”

Juliet hadn’t thought of that one, and was a little taken aback. “Does it feel like that? But Amy, I’m still me, you know. Just because you call me Miss Carrick now doesn’t really make me a different person, I promise you!”

Amy looked so dubious that Juliet was very hard put to it not to laugh. But she controlled herself with an effort, and continued: “Anyway, be that as it may, another time you must come and talk to me, not take matters into your own hands as you did. That was wrong, and I think that, because you got up half an hour earlier than you were supposed to, you must go to bed half an hour early for three nights – tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday. Do you think that’s fair?”

“Yes, Miss Carrick,” they both muttered. And then Irma’s conscience forced her to admit, “But actually it was nearly three-quarters of an hour. Ought we to go to bed three-quarters of an hour early?”

“No, half an hour will do – but I am pleased you were so honest about it. Good. That’s settled, then. And you don’t deserve it, but I think we can come to a compromise about the rest hours – you know what a compromise is, don’t you?”

“It’s a solution that nobody likes?” ventured Amy, with a sudden memory of something her journalist father had once said.

Juliet did laugh at that. “Hardly,” she said. “More likely a solution that everybody likes! I hope it will be in this case, anyway. What the rule is going to be is that you have to lie down quietly for half an hour, and go to sleep if you possibly can. But if you can’t, after half an hour you may sit up, wrap a blanket round you, and read for the remainder of the rest period.”

“That sounds good,” said Irma.

“It does, yes,” said Amy. “But please, I don’t have a watch yet, and I’m not the only one – how will we know when it’s half an hour?”

“Either Miss Cochrane or I will walk round when it’s time. I think you’ll find it will work out. Now, off you go and get your Kaffee, please.”
Author:  JB [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 1:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 10 November 2009
Aah. That was lovely. It's so good to see Amy and Irma as normal little girls and Juliet handled that beautifully.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 1:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 10 November 2009
That seemed to go well.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 3:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 10 November 2009
:lol: I love Amy's compromises! Thankyou.
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 7:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 10 November 2009
Thank you Juliet was good in her dealings with Amy and Irma, pleased they were honest and able to share their problems.
Author:  shazwales [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 10 November 2009
Thank you Juliet was very fair in the way she dealt with them.
Author:  Abi [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 10 November 2009
Loved Amy quoting her father :lol: . Glad Juliet was so nice with them - it will make them more likely to chat to her the next time something happens, instead of just taking matters into their own hands.

Thanks Mrs Redboots!
Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 10 November 2009
A very fair solution. Mind you, today I could have done with an hour and a half nana nap... Maybe naps could be restored for the over 30s?
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Wed Nov 11, 2009 3:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 10 November 2009
I shouldn't at all mind a nap each day, but then, I am not 12 years old!

Chapter 7

Juliet’s compromise worked well, and even after two days, it was obvious that the girls were benefiting from being able to read during their rest periods. Paradoxically, they looked more rested, rather than less.

The weather continued fine and hot, and the girls spent most of their time in the open air. “When the winter does come,” said Grizel, “It’s going to be really bad, don’t you think?”

“I shouldn’t be surprised,” said Juliet. “The berries have been wonderful, and that often denotes a hard winter.”

“I gather they’re stopping the train next week, though,” said Grizel. “Means whoever’s coming up on Friday is going to have to walk down to Spärtz, unless they come up the footpath, so it will take longer. Don’t know what will happen when the bad weather really comes.”

“I expect they’ll work something out. Meanwhile, what are we going to do with them over half-term?”

Half-term was rapidly approaching. It had been arranged that most of the Chalet School proper would come up to the Sonnalpe, as many of the girls had yet to see the Annexe, and not a few had sisters there. The Robin would be going to Die Rosen, to spend the time with her beloved Jo, but had begged to be allowed to stay at the Annexe until the others came, to help show them round. Excitement was building all round, and Juliet and Grizel knew that they must keep everybody occupied and working hard, or there would be tears before too long.

Fortunately, a message came from Die Rosen that Stacie Benson, the editor of the school magazine, The Chaletian, wanted the Annexe’s contributions as soon as possible. Stacie was living at Die Rosen as she was recovering from a bad accident two terms earlier. It had been hoped that she would come to the Annexe for a couple of hours or so each day, but she was at that irritating stage of recovery where she was fairly well as long as she didn’t try to do anything, but as soon as she did more than rest in her inclined chair, the pain in her back flared up again. So mornings at the Annexe had been very few and far between.

Madge and Juliet had discussed the possibility of the Annexe’s having its own magazine, but had decided that this probably wouldn’t work out, and it was agreed that they would have their own section in the main magazine, alongside the Senior, Junior and Middle sections. So the girls were set to writing stories, poems, legends, or anything that took their fancy. Everybody, from Amy down to little Margaret Browne, the youngest girl at the Annexe, worked very hard to produce something that they hoped Stacie would accept.

And Madame had told them, too, that they hoped the Annexe would be able to have their own stall at the Sale of Work to be held the next term, so everybody was busy making little things in their spare time – bookmarks, mostly, either fabric with embroidery or card with pretty pictures on them.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Nov 11, 2009 7:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 10 November 2009
Thanks for the update. I am pleased they are more rested with the new regieme
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Nov 11, 2009 8:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 11 November 2009
You mean everybody doesn't have a little siesta in the afternoons? :shock: :lol:

Thanks for the update! It's lovely to see them being properly included.
Author:  Abi [ Wed Nov 11, 2009 9:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 11 November 2009
Nice to see them all happy. Thanks Mrs Redboots.
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Nov 11, 2009 11:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 11 November 2009
I'd've been incredibly insulted at being expected to have a sleep in the afternoon when I was 12, or even 6, but these days I wouldn't mind it at all!
Author:  Miss Di [ Thu Nov 12, 2009 2:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 11 November 2009
I must be a nasty selfish person - because I would really resent spending my free time making useless stuff when there are still books I haven't read. And who pays for all the wool, card, scraps of material and so on?
Author:  shazwales [ Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 11 November 2009
Thanks for the update mrs Redboots.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 11 November 2009
Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  jmc [ Thu Nov 12, 2009 7:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 11 November 2009
Nice to see it all working out so well. Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Thu Nov 12, 2009 2:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 11 November 2009
Thank you for your nice comments.

The half-term Friday came at last. Miss Cochrane wasn’t in that morning – she had a music lesson with Herr Anserl at his home in Spärtz, something that only happened every few weeks since it took most of the day to get there and back. And, much as everybody adored “Vater Bär” when he wasn’t teaching, he was a very hard taskmaster when he was. Although she had profited enormously from her year in Florence, Miss Cochrane was not particularly musical, and knew that she made a better teacher than pupil.

As almost all the Chalet staff were coming up with the girls later that day, this left Miss Carrick on her own with 22 over-excited little girls. Sensibly, she avoided all pretence of formal work that morning, but gave them a “stand-up quiz”. The girls lined up in age order, from Marie-Pierre Bouvier down to little Margaret Browne, and answered questions on a random variety of topics, from mental arithmetic to translating words between different languages and encompassing most subjects in between. If you answered your question correctly, you changed places with the girl above you; if you got it wrong, you changed with the one below you. Everybody enjoyed this, especially as Miss Carrick was kind and didn’t insist on everybody speaking German – although almost all the questions were posed in that language.

After break, which she extended to half an hour from the usual 10 minutes, there was half an hour’s folk-dancing in the garden – the sun was shining and it was a very warm day - and then she gathered them together to read to them until Mittagessen. And, after their rest, the party from the Chalet arrived, comprising most of the Juniors and those older girls with sisters at the Annexe. Old friends greeted one another rapturously, new friends were introduced, and the noise level rose considerably. Miss Carrick shooed everybody out on the verandah, and gave formal permission to relax the language regulations as it was technically half-term. Amy Stephens, Irma von Rothenfels, Renée Lecoutier and Gredel Hamel were delighted to greet their older sisters, and bore them off to quiet corners to catch up on all the news from home.

After Kaffee, Miss Cochrane arrived back from her music-lesson, rather tired and not in the best of moods, and very soon after that Jo Bettany and a group of Senior girls arrived to pick up the Robin and to be shown round the Annexe, which many of them had not yet seen. Finally the party for Die Rosen left, and the visitors were taken to the hotel, where they were sleeping, and calm descended on the Annexe again.

But not for long. It had been a very hot day, improbably hot for the beginning of November, but with the sunset, the clouds had come up. And while everybody was in the big common-room, playing or reading before Abendessen, the storm broke with a resounding crash of thunder.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Nov 12, 2009 3:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 12 November 2009
Ooh, a thunder storm! How will the Annexe react, I wonder?

Thanks for the update :D
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Nov 12, 2009 3:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 12 November 2009
Those lakeside storms can be pretty dramatic - we got a spectacular one in Italy in July, luckily late in the evening whilst we were in the hotel. Hope none of the kids get stressed about it.
Author:  Abi [ Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 12 November 2009
Urgh, I hate thunder! Very glad I'm not there. Thanks Mrs Redboots.
Author:  Miss Di [ Fri Nov 13, 2009 2:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 12 November 2009
We had a cracker of a thunderstorm last night. I nearly hit the floor when it began it was so loud. So I understand and sympathise with anyone who is frightened by the banging!
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Nov 13, 2009 5:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 12 November 2009
Nice to see it all from the Annex's POV.


Thnks Mrs Redboots
Author:  Mair Cail [ Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 12 November 2009
I really am enjoying this. Thanks Mrs Redboots for your wonderful story.

I also hate thunder and lightening storms. Often I wish I could be like my dog and crawl under the furniture and hide-out while all that banging and crashing is going on.
Author:  LauraMcC [ Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 12 November 2009
i love thunderstorms, but I can see why the Annexe people might be frightened.

Thanks, Mrs Redboots, I'm really enjoying this.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Fri Nov 13, 2009 1:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 12 November 2009
I love thunderstorms, too, but my daughter still hates them, even though she pretends she doesn't!

Many of the more highly-strung girls jumped and shrieked, and Miss Carrick and Miss Cochrane were hard put to it to calm them, and remind them that there was nothing to fear. Finally, however, everybody was calm enough to sit out on the verandah and enjoy the spectacle that Nature was providing, although one or two still rather obviously hated it.

“I wonder whether we ought to bring the beds inside,” said Miss Carrick.

“Oh no, please not!” came one or two voices, while others said, “Oh, please let’s!”

“All right, let’s vote on it,” said Miss Carrick. “How many of you would like to sleep outside tonight – it will probably be the last night, as I think it is going to get too cold after this?”

Roughly half the girls wanted to sleep outside, storm or no storm, so Miss Carrick decided that they might do so, on condition they took an extra blanket with them and a coat, in case the temperature dropped in the night. Putting the other beds inside helped bridge the rest of the time until Abendessen, after which everybody gradually got themselves ready for bed.

The storm continued until the small hours of the morning, but drifted far enough away not to disturb people’s sleep. When Juliet woke up at 5:00 am, it was because she was cold. She sat up to pull her extra blanket up, and realised that the rain had turned to hail and that the temperature was hovering around freezing.

With a sigh, she heaved herself out of bed, and pulled on her coat and slippers.

“What is it, Ju?” came a sleepy voice from Grizel’s bed.

“Hail, and it’s really cold!” Juliet answered, using the very quiet voice that she had learnt carried far less than a whisper. “I’m going to see if they’re warm enough.”

“Ought we to push them indoors, do you think?”

“Yes, I think so. They’ll be all right if they aren’t too cold, but we don’t know how cold it’s going to get. Better safe than sorry, don’t you think.”

“I suppose so.” Grizel got out of bed, and pulled her coat round her. “What a life we do lead!”

Several of the girls were awake and feeling cold, and Juliet told them to get up, put their coats on, and help to push their beds in through the open French windows into the dormitories. The girls who slept through it were pushed in as they slept, and their extra blankets were unfolded and spread over them.

Juliet slipped downstairs once almost all the beds were in, and heated up mugs of hot milk for anybody who was awake, including herself and Grizel, and left a note to the domestic staff saying bells would not be rung the next morning, and would they please light the stoves in the downstairs rooms.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Nov 13, 2009 1:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 13 November 2009
I don't think I'd've wanted to sleep out in that weather!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Nov 13, 2009 2:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 13 November 2009
I would! Think of the fun.

My great-nan always said that thunder was God throwing the piano down the stairs which was why she always hid in the cupboard under the stairs, apparently.

Thanks for the update!
Author:  LauraMcC [ Fri Nov 13, 2009 4:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 13 November 2009
Was there rain with the thunder? Because that could have been quite uncomfortable. Otherwise it would have been all right. as long as you weren't near any solitary trees, or random bits of metal.

Thanks for the update.
Author:  Abi [ Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 13 November 2009
:shock: I would definitely have been one of the inside sleepers!
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 13 November 2009
Thanks for the updates. The girls who slept through the move will have a shock when they wake.
Author:  hac61 [ Sat Nov 14, 2009 1:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 13 November 2009
ChubbyMonkey wrote:
My great-nan always said that thunder was God throwing the piano down the stairs which was why she always hid in the cupboard under the stairs, apparently.


My Grandma always said it was God getting the coal delivered.


hac
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sat Nov 14, 2009 2:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 13 November 2009
Don't forget, they were sleeping under very deep verandahs to protect their beds from the elements. They wouldn't have got wet, unless the weather was being like it is in London today and raining totally horizontally!

Chapter 8

When they woke, quite late, in the morning, it was to a transformed world. The hail had become snow around 8:00 and outside could be seen nothing but a wild dervish dance of snowflakes. The wind was howling eerily round the house and the garden was already being buried under a mantle of snow.

Madame rang up from Die Rosen to say that the weather was far too wild for the Annexe people to join everybody else at the big chalet, as they had hoped, and they would have to amuse themselves as best they could.

Juliet sighed. “I suppose you’re right, but what on earth am I going to do with them? I’m going to have one or two very disappointed children.”

“I’m getting ours to play hide-and-seek, or perhaps billiards this morning, then this afternoon they can sing, and maybe tableaux in the evening. Andreas is bringing them up from the hotel, so we’ll be a crowd; I’m sending the Robin to the nursery for the morning, I think!”

“Tableaux might be fun, although I’m not sure whether my younger ones could manage them. We’ll see what we can do. I haven’t much in the way of a dressing-up box, though.”

“I suppose not; come to think of it, I haven’t, either. I’ll have to let them use bedspreads and things – I think I’ll tell them that as long as they leave the salon alone, they can use more-or-less what they like.”

“I wonder how creative ours will be.... hmmmm, I’ll have to have a think.”

Juliet rang off and went into the Speisesaal where everyone was lingering over a late Frühstück. She clapped her hands for silence: “I’m sorry girls, but the weather is just too bad for us to go out today. I know that’s really disappointing, but it can’t be helped. We’ll have some fun here, just us.”

“What shall we do, please?” asked Peggy Burnett as the chorus of groans subsided.

“Well, this morning we need to get the desks and chairs in from the verandah and get them set up properly in the form-rooms, and get the dormitories tidied and the beds in the right place. And then I thought this afternoon we might play some games, or, if you’d rather, we could do tableaux. They are going to do tableaux at Die Rosen this evening, I’m told.”

“Couldn’t we do charades?” asked Peggy

“Now that sounds like a very good idea. I wonder whether you can manage them by yourselves, or whether you will need Miss Cochrane and me to help?”

“Oh, I expect we can manage,” said Amy, still disappointed at not seeing her sister today, but quite glad not to have to go out in the snow. “If I take one team and Irma takes the other, that ought to work, yes?”

Miss Carrick agreed that this was a good idea, much to Miss Cochrane’s private relief. Although she had quite enjoyed charades during her time at the Chalet School, she knew she would find it difficult to help a team of small girls without doing it all for them.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Sat Nov 14, 2009 3:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 14 November 2009
This is a really lovely gentle story Mrs R - I'm enjoying it immensely :D
Author:  JS [ Sat Nov 14, 2009 3:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 14 November 2009
The last line sums up why Grizel isn't meant to teach, doesn't it? Mind you, I suspect I'd be the same :oops:

Thanks Mrs R.
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Nov 14, 2009 5:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 14 November 2009
Me too, JS - I'm afraid I haven't got enough patience!
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Nov 14, 2009 6:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 14 November 2009
Hm, yes, Grizel's reaction isn't that of the Perfect Chalet Mistress is it? Though very natural, I think - another not destined for teaching!

Thanks for the update.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Nov 14, 2009 7:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 14 November 2009
ChubbyMonkey wrote:
Hm, yes, Grizel's reaction isn't that of the Perfect Chalet Mistress is it? Though very natural, I think - another not destined for teaching.


Which is a pity, considering that she will be teaching for another 15 years! :wink: No wonder she was so bitter.

And poor Robin - relegated to the nursery.

Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  Abi [ Sat Nov 14, 2009 9:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 14 November 2009
Thanks Mrs Redboots, this is lovely.
Author:  Miss Di [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 12:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 14 November 2009
I'm another who would end up doing it all for them. Thanks Mrs Redboots, I am really enjoying your lovely gentle story.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 8:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 14 November 2009
Thanks, have really enjoyed the updates
Author:  jmc [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 14 November 2009
I like that Juliet let the girls have some choice in what they wanted to do. Feel sorry for Robin being sent to the nursery with the babies.
Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 1:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 14 November 2009
I must point out that it was EBD who sent the Robin to the nursery, not me!

After Frühstück was over, the girls helped “winter-proof” the Annexe, getting the beds into the correct places and, well wrapped up, bringing in the desks and chairs from the lower verandah into the form-rooms. The big beehive stoves were lit in the form-rooms and common-rooms, and the house became cosy and warm.

Amy and Irma chose their teams for the charades and each team went into a huddle in one of the form-rooms. By Kaffee und Kuchen both teams had decided what they were doing and had rehearsed and found props and costumes. Once the meal was over, they gathered in the largest form-room for the event.

Chapter 9

Irma’s team was the first to go. Their first scene showed a schoolroom, with the girls wearing their school uniform, and Anne-Christine, who was the tallest of them, dressed as the teacher (Juliet had kindly lent her gown for the occasion). Little Cécile Le Brun was showing the teacher an exercise book, and the teacher was shaking her head vigorously over it. That ended the scene, and make-shift curtains were drawn across while Amy’s team speculated loudly on what the word could be.

The second scene also showed the schoolroom, this time with Anne-Christine writing on the blackboard: “La laine, le leçon, la Lorraine, Limoges, la lumière, ” and similar words beginning with the letter L.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 2:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 15 November 2009
Well, I have no idea what it is! Can't wait to find out.

Thankyou.
Author:  JS [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 2:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 15 November 2009
Another completely in the dark....
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 2:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 15 November 2009
This is sweet. The lovely atmosphere of the Tyrol years never really came back in the later books.
Author:  Abi [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 5:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 15 November 2009
I've never been much good at guessing these things! But am enjoying this.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 6:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 15 November 2009
Another confused reader!

Thank you
Author:  aitchemelle [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 15 November 2009
Thank you Mrs Redboots! Really enjoying this so far :-)
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 3:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 16 November 2009
There was a longish gap before the final scene, which turned out to be a Nativity scene. People’s dressing-gowns had been commandeered for robes – a blue one for the Virgin, of course – and various large cloths for headgear. Margaret’s big baby doll represented the infant Jesus. The word “Noel” was quickly guessed, and everybody clapped.

Now it was Amy’s team’s turn, and they went off to get ready while Irma’s team dressed themselves and came to sit down.

“Creative lot, aren’t they?” said Miss Cochrane.

“Yes, I thought that was excellent. I wonder what Amy’s crew will think of.”

“Amy is really blossoming this term; it’s been good for her being up here and out of Margia’s shadow, don’t you think?”

“Yes, I agree. She’s working hard, too. But hush, here come the others.”
The mistresses congratulated Irma’s team on a great charade, and they all settled down to see what Amy’s team could produce.

In the first scene Inge Erickson, dressed in her winter-sports trousers and blazer, obviously meant to be a man sitting at the mistress’ desk, which had been turned sideways, pretending to write something and periodically breaking off to rub her hands together and shiver. The door opened and Amy came in, similarly clad. Inge looked up and asked something, to which the reply was an evident expression of disgust .

That was the end of that scene, and the audience found they had very little idea of what it was meant to represent. The second scene proved even more baffling. Three beds had been laid out on the floor – the girls had not been able to carry their own beds downstairs (“Thankfully!” said Juliet, afterwards) but pillows and plumeaux were laid out as beds. Renée Lecoutier, Laurenz Maïco and Signa Johanssen came in dressed in their nightclothes, and then Peggy Burnett came in on all fours, covered in her bedroom rug, and began chivvying the other three towards their beds and trying to shake up the plumeaux by taking them in her teeth.

Again, nobody could quite think what they were trying to do, and then suddenly Grizel Cochrane said “Oh, I’ve got it!” and laughed, but refused to give any hints to the others, who were all baffled, including Miss Carrick.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 3:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 16 November 2009
I'm glad Grizel's got it, because I haven't got a clue :lol: ! Looking forward to finding out the answers.
Author:  JB [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 3:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 16 November 2009
I'm also confused - but very much enjoying it.
Author:  Joanne [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 4:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 16 November 2009
I have been enjoying this drabble - nice to see what happened at the Annex. And I think I've got the charade - if the end bit is a reference to Peter Pan?

Many thanks.
Author:  Chelsea [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 4:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 16 November 2009
I *think* that I can get what each of the two bits is representing, but I'm not totally sure how they fit together to make one word.

Hmm.....

ETA - I think I have a guess. Probably very, very wrong though. We don't play charades the same way, so I'm not used to it.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 6:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 16 November 2009
I have an inkling, but I won't say so I shan't be embarrassed when I'm wrong!

Thanks for the update.
Author:  Mair Cail [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 16 November 2009
Thanks, Mrs Redboots, this is absolutely marvelous. I'm pretty sure I know the answer and I'm looking forward to the next update to see if I am right.
Author:  Nightwing [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 16 November 2009
Thoroughly enjoying this, Mrs R. - particularly the regular updates!
Author:  aitchemelle [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 16 November 2009
Thank you for the update! I thought I'd got it but now not so sure! Going to wait and see I think! :twisted:
Author:  Miss Di [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 2:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 16 November 2009
I have NO idea. I shall stick to playing on line scrabble.
Author:  jmc [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 16 November 2009
That was lovely thank you. I also think I may have the charade but I could also be wildly wrong.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 3:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 16 November 2009
So who guessed it right?

For the final scene, the girls had got back into their velveteen frocks and Amy had gone to the piano, where she accompanied the whole team in singing “Yes, we have no bananas!” Miss Cochrane snorted at the popular song, but was pleased that she had guessed right – the word, of course, was “Banana”.

“I don’t get it!” complained Margaret.

“Well, the first bit was ‘Bah’, Scrooge going ‘Bah, humbug!’ about Christmas. Haven’t you read A CHRISTMAS CAROL?” asked Amy.

“No, not yet, but Madame said we might read it in English Literature next.”

“Oh, then you wouldn’t know, but Scrooge is the old man and Bob Cratchit, his clerk, asks if he can go home early because it’s Christmas, and he says, ‘Christmas? Bah, humbug!’”

“So he’s not very nice?”

“No, not very,”

“And what was the Nana bit, then?”

“That was Nana from PETER PAN. She is a big dog, and is their nursemaid.”

"What, a real dog?"

"No, it's played by a person, so you have a person playing a dog, always. Don't ask me why.... but Daddy took Margia and me to see the play last time we were in London, it’s topping!"

“It is a lovely play,” agreed Miss Carrick. “And it was a very clever charade. Well done, Amy!”

“Oh, it wasn’t all me! The Robin thought of the Scrooge bit, and Peggy thought of the song!”

There were no prizes, but there was a special supper, with apfelstrudel and cream for pudding, and everybody went happily to bed.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 17 November 2009
Well, I'd almost guessed it! :lol:

Thanks; nice to be put out of my suspense.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 4:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 17 November 2009
I wish I had apple strudel and cream!
Author:  aitchemelle [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 5:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 17 November 2009
Fabulous! I was miles off!
Author:  Joanne [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 6:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 17 November 2009
I got it right! :D :D :D .

I think that is the first time I have ever guessed a charade from a book or play - I don't know how they think them up.

Looking forward to what happens next.
Author:  Abi [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 17 November 2009
Well, I had no idea, but if I had it wouldn't have been banana.

If that makes sense.

Thanks, Mrs Redboots :D .
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 17 November 2009
I got the Scrooge bit - but not Nana!


Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Nov 18, 2009 2:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 17 November 2009
I am just not clever at all. I had no inkling so enjoyed the explanation (and if you hadn't explained it I still wouldn't get it)
Author:  jmc [ Wed Nov 18, 2009 7:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 17 November 2009
I got it but I was helped by the fact that I saw the new Christmas Carol movie a couple of weeks ago and my niece had made me watch the broadway DVD of Peter Pan again with her on the weekend. Very clever though. Thanks Mrs Redboots.
Author:  LauraMcC [ Wed Nov 18, 2009 12:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 17 November 2009
I didn't get it at all, but then I'm usually hopeless with charades. Both charades were well thought out by the girls.

Thanks, Mrs Redboots.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Wed Nov 18, 2009 5:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 17 November 2009
This next chapter - well, the rest of the drabble, arguably - is, of course, mostly EBD; I've tried to rewrite it from the Annexe point of view, but not sure how successfully!

Chapter 10

The next morning the blizzard was still raging, and they were again confined to the house. As they could not go to Church, they sat quietly in the common-room and Miss Carrick read to them from the Lives of the Saints for a little while, and the rest of the day passed quietly as their Sundays normally did, finishing with hymn-singing before bed.

But on Monday morning the storm had blown itself out, and the day was fine and clear. Miss Carrick was called to the telephone during Frühstück and came back smiling.

“Girls!” she announced, in her clear voice, “that was Madame on the telephone, and she has invited us all to go to Die Rosen and have a snow-fight!”

Exclamations of joy rose from all sides, and Miss Carrick had to clap her hands again for quiet. After breakfast, the girls wrapped up well and put on coloured glasses – nobody wanted any cases of snow-blindness – and walked the short distance to Die Rosen. When they passed the half-way tree, Amy suddenly said, “Oh dear, I suppose as everybody is there, you are still Miss Carrick and Miss Cochrane, aren’t you?”

“No, I don’t think so,” said Miss Carrick. “After all, it is the holidays, and almost everybody knows us as Juliet and Grizel, so I don’t think it will matter. If Madame objects, though, you must be formal, of course, but I don’t think she will.”

"Well, how do we arrange things?" demanded Grizel of the assembled company once they had arrived at Die Rosen.

Miss Wilson, who had come up with the school from Briesau, explained that she and Juliet would pick sides, with Miss Stewart being Juliet’s second, and Grizel her own.

Meanwhile the Robin, Peggy, Inga, Laurenz, Gredel, Margaret and Cecile were sent off to the back garden to have a smaller snowfight with Peggy and Rix Bettany, supervised by Miss Leslie and Gisela Mensch. They were rather disappointed at first, but cheered up when they were told they could help get refreshments ready for the rest once they’d had enough.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Nov 18, 2009 5:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
Nothing is wrong with EBD! Though I can't wait to see your spin on it. Thankyou :)
Author:  aitchemelle [ Wed Nov 18, 2009 7:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
Thank you Mrs R! It's always hard when you are writing in parallel to a book! *Remembers Clem fondly*
Author:  LauraMcC [ Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
I love seeing the events from the other side, as it were. Thank you. :D
Author:  Abi [ Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
It's always fun to have a different POV - thanks Mrs Redboots.
Author:  shazwales [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
Thank you Mrs Redboots.
Author:  Miss Di [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
Obviously the girls are brainwashed. Play with the babies and as a reward you can make lunch for everyone else....

Seriously enjoying this Mrs Redboots!
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 6:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
Miss Di wrote:
Obviously the girls are brainwashed. Play with the babies and as a reward you can make lunch for everyone else....


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  jmc [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 6:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
I know which I would refer to be doing but I guess that as they were treated like babies it would not be often that they are able to help in the kitchen. Thanks Mrs Redboots
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
Also looking forward to reading about it from an Annexe viewpoint.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
Thanks for the comments. EBD did seem to think the Annexe people were toddlers, at times!

They had great fun, better, perhaps, than they had expected, but after half an hour Rix Bettany tripped over a hidden root and measured his length. Once the first shock was over, he was very brave, but was obviously developing a splendid black eye, and it was decided that this was probably enough for everybody. As people were beginning to get cold and tired, nobody was really sorry.

The girls retired to the kitchen and Peggy, Laurenz and the Robin had great fun making sandwiches – Miss Leslie cut the bread, and Frau Mensch sliced ham and cheese, while the girls assembled the result into sandwiches. The younger members of the party were filling platesful of the small cakes that Marie, the cook, had spent the morning baking, while trying to fend off Rix, who had recovered his equilibrium and thought he wanted a cake for his trouble!

Finally, the others had had enough, and came in. The Robin was asked to show the staff members to Madame’s bedroom to make themselves tidy, which she duly did, and then everybody sat down to enjoy their refreshments, the younger ones making themselves useful by passing plates and cups and so on.

After this, Amy, Renée Lecoutier, Marie-Pierre and Anne-Christine joined the rest on a walk to the end of the alm which they all thoroughly enjoyed. Down at the foot of the mountain lay the lake, coated with thin ice which turned it black in its rim of white snow. The villages and hamlets scattered about its shores had the appearance of toys dropped by the hands of giants. Round them rose the mountains, grander than ever in their winter garb with only the blackness of the pine forest on their winter slopes to contrast with the purity of the snow. Above, the sky lay grey and wintry, for the pale November sunshine of the morning had vanished shortly after midday, and the girls had no need of snow-glasses now.

And it was the same the whole way along the alm. Wonderful views opened out to them; and in the south, they could see the Zillerthal Alps, white beneath their crown of snow.

“You are lucky,” said Margia Stephens, Amy’s elder sister. “I suppose you get to see this view almost every day.”

“Not really,” said Amy. “Usually there isn’t time to come so far; we just walk round the San and back. Oh, we’ve come here fairly often, but usually only on Saturdays when there’s more time. I wish we could come every day!”

People went back to wherever they were staying for Kaffee und Kuchen at 16:00, and then everybody went back to Die Rosen for dancing and games. And the next day, the Chalet people went back down to Briesau, the Robin returned to the Annexe, and school started again.
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
Glad they enjoyed themselves.

EBD did seem to think they were toddlers sometimes, didn't she? Imagine being 12 and being sent off to play with pre-school age children like Rix and Peggy :roll: .
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
What an absolutely gorgeous description - I could smell the lake again as I read that, and see all the mountains.

Thankyou for such a picturesque update.
Author:  shazwales [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
Thank you really enjoyed that
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
Lovely description - thanks
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 3:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 18 November 2009
The description was pure EBD - I cut and pasted! Well, she did it far better than I can....

Chapter 11

The next couple of weeks passed quietly, with nothing startling happening, notwithstanding such minor mishaps as Cécile le Brun’s getting up for a drink of water in the middle of the night and totally forgetting she wasn’t now sleeping on the balcony and crashing into Margaret Browne’s bed, waking her entire dormitory. Lessons and playtimes passed off quietly, and everybody worked well.

But, unbeknownst to the girls, there was a fair amount of plotting and planning going on behind the scenes. It was already a tradition that each Christmas, the school put on a Nativity Play of some kind to entertain the villagers, and such parents, friends and Old Girls as cared to attend. Madge Russell had always written the play, and this year, rather more ambitiously, had contrived a Pageant. She was anxious that the Annexe continued to feel itself a part of the Chalet School, despite being several miles away as the crow flew, and even further by road, and she was keen that the Annexe girls took part in the Pageant. Quite apart from anything else, she wanted the Robin, arguably the prettiest of the younger children, to play the Spirit of Love, and several others were wanted to play baby angels, cherubim and so on. So Madame, the Annexe Staff, and Mademoiselle LePâttre, who was Headmistress of the Chalet, put their heads together and many and long were the telephone conversations between the three locations, and meetings at Die Rosen, until it was agreed that the Annexe should return to the main school, and be integrated with it, for the last fortnight of term.

This, of course, led to the vexed question of logistics. It was bitterly cold, although dry and clear, and the coach road was liable to be too slippery for charabancs. They couldn’t go by the mountain path, either, as, quite apart from the fact that it was really too far for most of the girls to walk, they would have their school supplies and their own personal belongings to transport, since they would be going home from Briesau, although those who lived at Die Rosen would, of course, be returning there. Juliet, however, was planning a trip to London to visit her fiancé, Donal o’Hara.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 4:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 20 November 2009
I could never work out how long it took to get between the main CS and the Sonnalpe!

All this talk of Christmas plays is making me feel very festive ... just wish we had the weather to go with it :D .
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 4:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 20 November 2009
Seconding the request for weather!

It is a huge problem of logistics, though EBD never seemed to pay much attention to something as trifling as them!
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 4:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 20 November 2009
Thank you I have just enjoyed the last three updates.
Author:  leahbelle [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 4:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 20 November 2009
Loved the latest updates. Thanks!
Author:  LauraMcC [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 4:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 20 November 2009
Thanks for the last couple of updates - I'm starting to feel very festive now!
Author:  Lesley [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 5:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 20 November 2009
Jem should have built his San and Die Rosen nearer to the School! :lol:


Thank you
Author:  Liz K [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 5:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 20 November 2009
Lesley wrote:
Jem should have built his San and Die Rosen nearer to the School! :lol:


Thank you


Makes me think of the American who wanted to know why Windsor Castle was built so close to Heathrow Airport!!!!!
Author:  JB [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 20 November 2009
Thanks for the update, Mrs Redboots.

Alison - I think the distance between the school and the Sonnalpe varies according to need. :wink:
Author:  Abi [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 20 November 2009
Lovely, thanks Mrs Redboots.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 10:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 20 November 2009
Thanks for all the updates. Am really enjoying this
Author:  jmc [ Sat Nov 21, 2009 7:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 20 November 2009
That was lovely. Thanks
Author:  shazwales [ Sat Nov 21, 2009 10:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 20 November 2009
Thanks really enjoying this. Now i've got to play 'hunt the Christmas decorations'
Author:  lizarfau [ Sat Nov 21, 2009 10:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 20 November 2009
I'm really enjoying this story - it has such a cosy feel about it. :D
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sat Nov 21, 2009 5:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 20 November 2009
Thank you all for your nice comments! I appreciate them. As far as I can tell, the Sonnalpe was 3-4 hours' walk from Briesau by the mountain-path, and a lot further by road, which makes sense to me.

While they were still working all this out, one phone call set Juliet and Grizel reminiscing about old times. During a science lesson, Evadne Lannis, who had been having a bad day, had contrived to blow up the entire laboratory, and then two days later, Thekla von Stift had set herself on fire during a party the girls had given for the Staff. Jo Bettany had distinguished herself by forgetting all that she had been taught about first-aid, and throwing an entire tub of water over the victim.

“I do wish I’d been there to see it,” said Grizel, reminiscently. “I don’t know this Thekla, of course, although from what Bill says she’s a right character. But Joey... oh dear, I should have loved to have seen her throwing the water.”

“And as for Evvy – there’s never a dull moment when she’s around. Do you remember when we went to Salzburg and the hotel caught fire?”

“That was scarcely Evvy’s fault, though! Just unfortunate that the hotel caught fire when we were there. That’s when I had my hair bobbed, of course – it had all burnt off. But it saved me from burning my face.”

“And that awful Frau Berlin getting stuck on the fire-escape! All the same,” said Juliet, suddenly becoming the complete Headmistress, “I am going to tell Madame that I can’t let the girls have science up here, not more than the Nature Study they already do. Not while I’m Head, anyway. I simply can’t take the responsibility!”

“Well, that mightn’t be for much longer,” laughed Grizel, looking at the big diamond ring Juliet sported on her left hand.

Juliet blushed. “No, Donal and I aren’t going to get married for at least another three years, you know that! All the same, roll on Christmas.”

Finally, it was agreed that the Annexe should be transported in mule-drawn sledges. They would go down the coach-road to Wiesing, then by train to Spärtz, where more sledges would meet them and take them up to Briesau. At the end of term, the Die Rosen party would go back the same way.

The girls were extremely excited when they learnt of these plans. To go to the main school again! To travel by mule-sledge! This was going to be an end-of-term to remember!
Author:  JB [ Sat Nov 21, 2009 5:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 21 November 2009
Thanks Mrs Redboots. This is a lovely drabble.
Author:  Abi [ Sat Nov 21, 2009 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 21 November 2009
I hadn't thought of Juliet and Grizel not having met Thekla, but I suppose they would only have heard of the whole affair. Loved all the reminiscing! Thanks.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Nov 21, 2009 7:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 21 November 2009
Thanks for the update :D I love Grizel's pointed look!
Author:  Alison H [ Sat Nov 21, 2009 8:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 21 November 2009
I always thought Juliet deserved someone better than wimpy Donal, but never mind! Going down to Briesau by sledge sounds very exciting :D .
Author:  shazwales [ Sat Nov 21, 2009 10:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 21 November 2009
Thanks for the update, the idea of going by sledge makes me feel cosy!
Author:  Miss Di [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 1:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 21 November 2009
Alison H wrote:
I always thought Juliet deserved someone better than wimpy Donal.


I always thought Juliet would have prefered Donal's sister.

Lovely reading about cold and snow as it is about 40 degrees outside!
Author:  jmc [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 3:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 21 November 2009
What a fun way to end the term! Wonder if Grizel was hoping to take over as head from Juliet.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, updated 21 November 2009
Again, EBD is responsible for Grizel's pointed look; I decided to omit her and Juliet's conversation re Joey's possible future, as it isn't really relevant to this drabble.

On the Saturday morning, they all piled into the sledges, and all of them enjoyed the trip in the clear, crisp air with the sleigh-bells ringing. They were in good time to catch the train at Wiesing for the short trip to Spärtz. At Spärtz, they were met by no less a person than Herr Anserl, who insisted they go to his house for Kaffee und Kuchen before heading up the mountain again. The girls all enjoyed the brief visit to his home, where his housekeeper had laid on delicious cakes and tarts for them. The Robin suggested that the mule-drivers, who were waiting patiently for them in the cold, ought to have some, and the others agreed, so they took a selection out to them before they set off again.

And then they were off, up the mountainside, getting more and more excited as they approached the end of their journey. The sledges could go no further than Seespitz, as the road was too narrow, so the mules were unhitched and loaded with baggage and the girls walked – or, in the case of the Robin, Renée Lecoutier and one or two others, ran on ahead. Juliet and Grizel decided that enforcing a proper crocodile would probably, for once, be more trouble than it was worth!

The Robin, breathless and over-excited, shamed herself by bursting into tears when she saw not only her beloved Chalet School but her even more beloved Joey waiting for her. The other “old girls” were not far behind, and, over the next few days, had a wonderful time settling back into their old forms. Those who had not been to school before found that working in a class setting was very different to working in the small groups that they were used to, but the others more than made up for this, and the prefects complained that prep was no longer a time of peace!

Afternoon lessons and other activities were suspended for the duration, and the time was devoted to rehearsals. Those who had no speaking or crowd parts were wanted to sing, or to be stage-hands, and everybody was involved, one way and another.

The dress rehearsal was not the greatest ever, but the local people who came to watch were not fussy, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff, however, were in despair but decided there was nothing more they could do, and made everybody forget about it for the evening and set them to dancing.

The performance next day, however, was very successful. Nobody dried, nobody forgot their places, everybody came in at the right moment and all the carols were sung to Mr Denny’s exacting standards.

Afterwards, Frieda Mensch’s father said what a good sermon the children had preached to them; his daughter commented that it was really Madame who had done so, they were just the repeaters of it.
"And now I know why we give gifts at Christmas," said the Robin. "It is because God gave us the greatest Gift first."

Two or three days later, Joey Bettany and Grizel Cochrane were sitting in Grizel’s bedroom one evening at Die Rosen, not long before bedtime.

“So tell me, Grizel, how do you like teaching?” asked Joey.

“About as much as you would, I dare say,” said Grizel, drily.

“It’s that bad?”Joey was concerned for her friend. “Are you really unhappy, Griselda – I’m sure my sister would understand – she knows not everybody wants to teach.”

“It’s a very great deal better than the alternative, which is going home to live with my father and stepmother. No, Joey, I’m not a born teacher, not like Juliet or your sister, but I can live with it, and I’ll never forget what I owe to you, to Madame and to the Chalet School. If I can give just a little of it back by teaching here for a few years, then I shall do so with all my heart.”
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 5:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Awww, what a lovely drabble! Thankyou Mrs Redboots!
Author:  JB [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 5:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
That was a beautiful drabble and a lovely ending there with Joey and Grizel. Thanks, Mrs Redboots.
Author:  Abi [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 5:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Nice to see Grizel looking at things like that - so often we see the negative side of her. Thanks Mrs Redboots!
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 6:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
This has been lovely and I'm only sorry to see it end.

Thank you :D .
Author:  Mair Cail [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 7:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
I just got caught up with the story and to my dismay you've finished it. :bawling: Oh dear, I was so enjoying it. Thanks, Mrs Redboots for such a lovely story.
Author:  Nightwing [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 7:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Thanks, Mrs Redboots - such a lovely, gentle story! I've enjoyed it immensely :D
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 7:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Poor Grizel, taking on teaching because the only alternative was going home. Still, at least she had the Chalet School.


Thanks Mrs Redboots - lovely drabble.
Author:  aitchemelle [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 8:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Thank you! What a lovely drabble that was :-) Lovely seeing a softer side to Grizel at the end there too. :halo:
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Thank you for a lovely view of the Annexe and its start.
Author:  Kathy_S [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Nice to see Grizel's attitude in a positive light!

Very EBD sort of ending (with plenty of space for the adventures of the next term, and the next term, and... :D)

Thank you, Mrs. Redboots.
Author:  Miss Di [ Mon Nov 23, 2009 3:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
A lovely drabble and a lovely ending. Thank you for giving us such pleasure.
Author:  jmc [ Mon Nov 23, 2009 7:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
It has been very interesting to see all the setting up of the annexe and hearing more about it. I have enjoyed this very much. Thanks Mrs Redboots.
Author:  shazwales [ Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Thank you Mrs Redboots, really enjoyed this drabble. :)
Author:  JS [ Mon Nov 23, 2009 9:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
This has been really lovely - I shall miss the joy of finding the frequent updates.
Author:  Sarah_G-G [ Mon Nov 23, 2009 2:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Echoes all the thank yous! :) That was a lovely drabble, very much in the spirit of those early Tyrol books. I shall miss looking for new updates.
Author:  Chris S [ Mon Nov 23, 2009 3:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Thank you - it was a lovely story and I'm rather sad to see that it has ended.
Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Nov 23, 2009 5:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
I've loved this drabble. Thank you!
Author:  Karoline [ Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Thank you, this was lovely
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Mon Nov 23, 2009 10:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Thank you, everybody. It was surprisingly difficult to write, given that it was shadowing the events in EXPLOITS, so I didn't have that much latitude in plotlines (which can, of course, be a help), but I'm glad I did it.
Author:  mohini [ Fri Nov 27, 2009 7:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Thanks Mrs Redboots.
Lovely story. Wish it did not have to end.
Author:  Elbee [ Fri Nov 27, 2009 3:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
I have just read this from the beginning and it is lovely! I've really enjoyed seeing things from the Annexe's point of view for a change.

Thank you, Mrs Redboots.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 7:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Thanks Mrs Redboots. This was lovely
Author:  Millie [ Thu May 06, 2010 9:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
I just read all of this last night and today Mrs Redboots; thanks for writing it, I really enjoyed it.
Author:  Chair [ Mon May 10, 2010 7:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
I have just finished reading this drabble and I really enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to write it, Mrs Redboots. I sympathised with Grizel and Juliet at times and it was nice to see things from the Annexe point of view.

As I read the drabble, it did occur to me it was maybe better that the prefects at the Annexe were allowed to have order marks. Otherwise, when they went down to the main school, they would have not had order marks if they had misbehaved.
Author:  roversgirl [ Fri Oct 29, 2010 8:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
Just found and read all of this in one go. Poor Grizel. I always felt very sorry for her. Thanks! :-)
Author:  ghoti [ Thu Nov 04, 2010 9:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Chalet School Annexe, completed 22 November 2009
That was lovely, thankyou. If the bunnies bite again, I'd love to read more :)
All times are UTC
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/